2024-05-21 Special CC SACIC Minutes MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION (SACIC)
TUESDAY- - MAY 21, 2024- -6:59 P.M.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 7:11 p.m. Councilmember/Commissioner
Jensen led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers/Commissioners Daysog, Herrera
Spencer, Jensen, Vella and Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft —
5. [Note: Councilmember/Commissioner Vella arrived at
7:05 p.m. and was present via teleconference from 191
Dorrance Street, Providence, RI 029003.]
Absent: None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice
vote — 4. [Absent: Councilmember/Commissioner Vella — 1.] [Items so enacted or adopted are
indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.]
(*24-300 CC/24-007 SACIC) Minutes of the Special Joint City Council and Successor Agency to
the Community Improvement Commission Meeting Held on April 16, 2024. Approved.
(*24-301 CC/24-008 SACIC) Recommendation to Accept the Investment Transactions Report
for the Quarter Ending March 31, 2024. Accepted.
AGENDA ITEM
(24-302 CC) Resolution No.16164, "Appointing Jason Kim as a Member of the Transportation
Commission." Adopted.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer moved adoption of the resolution.
Vice Mayor Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote:
Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Jensen: Aye; Vella: Aye and Mayor Ezzy
Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5.
The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office and presented a certificate of appointment to Mr.
Kim.
Mr. Kim made brief comments.
(24-303 CC/24-009 SACIC) Recommendation to Accept the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Audited
Financial Statements and Compliance Reports.
The Finance Director gave a Power Point presentation.
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The City Auditor made a brief presentation.
In response to Vice Mayor/Vice Chair Daysog's inquiry related to residual fund balance policy,
the Finance Director stated the economic uncertainty is higher.
Vice Mayor/Vice Chair Daysog stated City Hall is doing its best to manage funds well thanks to
staff.
Read a policy on socially responsible investments by California State University Sacramento;
urged Council to consider the policy in future audits and investments; expressed support for
Council divesting City funds from genocide: Cam, Alameda Friends and Family for a Ceasefire.
Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen inquired whether the City's accounting staff is feeling
supported; noted the report does not include any increases to accounting staff; expressed
support for the City bringing the report in-house; requested clarification about staffing concerns
raised by the City Auditor.
The Financial Services Manager responded that she has been with the City four years and
barely made it out of the first year due to workload and management; stated was not been
supported; the past couple of years, a lot has changed; the Finance Department has busy
schedules; the work is never-ending but staff now feel supported; new technology is being
brought to ensure jobs are being made easier.
Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen requested clarification from the City Manager regarding
Finance Department staffing.
The City Manager stated there was a request for a potential Finance Department position; the
budget is tight; staff is waiting until the two-year budget cycle; hirings are typically kept to the
two-year budget process due to planning efforts; she has instructed staff to place staffing
requests into the two-year budget cycle; the additional staffing requests will likely be brought to
Council in the future.
Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen noted that she is inquiring about staff due to comments
and concerns raised by the City Auditor; expressed support for the recommendation for
additional staff; stated having as much staff as possible is helpful, however, there are
constraints.
Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Vice Mayor/Commissioner Daysog seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Vice Mayor/Vice Chair Daysog stated there is good information in the Annual
Comprehensive Financial Report; roughly $2 million over what was anticipated was collected;
inquired whether staff has an idea about what is driving the increase and whether the amount
might be due to the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rate increase.
The Finance Director responded in the affirmative; stated some of the increase is due to TOT;
some of the increase is also due to property taxes and the residual redevelopment agency; the
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mid-cycle budget includes a honed forecasting with upticks.
Vice Mayor/Vice Chair Daysog stated property tax revenues at the end of the last Fiscal Year
were almost $2.5 million above the budgeted amount; inquired whether anything specific drove
the increase or was the increase due to the previous response and fine tuning the forecasting.
The Finance Director responded a lot has to do with fine tuning the forecasting; stated the City
switched financial systems and is getting better at using the data in the existing financial
system.
Councilmember/Commissioner Vella expressed support for the report and for staff working
above and beyond.
In response to Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer's inquiries related to the City
sending weapons or funding to the Middle East or supporting Israel, the Finance Director stated
there is nothing in the audited financial statements which states the City is sending money to the
Middle East.
Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer further inquired whether the City is sending
money to the federal government for the uses previously mentioned, to which the Finance
Director responded the information is not found in the financial statements.
Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer stated a sign shown during public comment
was not associated with the topic; requested clarification about the comments and sign.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft stated the explanation is due to the First Amendment.
Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer stated the comment is out of order since
members of the public are only able to comment on the related topic matter.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft stated Council is aware of the First Amendment and she will defer to
staff for further explanation.
The City Attorney stated speakers are allowed to speak in the same way Councilmembers are
allowed to ask questions on the matter's topic; the speaker likely wanted to understand whether
or not dollars are being spent in such a way; many time speakers are not well-informed on the
topic of finances; the comments were related to the matter.
Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer inquired whether the City has allocated any
funding to Israel, to which the Finance Director responded in the negative.
Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer stated that is important to clarify where the City
is and is not spending money.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by roll call vote:
Councilmembers/Commissioners Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Jensen: Aye; Vella: Aye
and Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5.
(24-304 CC/24-010 SACIC) Budget Workshop for Fiscal Year 2024-25 Proposed Mid-Cycle
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Budget Update to Provide Direction on Funding Changes that Will Be Incorporated into Midcycle
Budget Adoption Materials for City Council Consideration on June 18, 2024.
***
(24-305) Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft suggested the presentation time be increased to 15
minutes.
Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen moved approval of allowing 15 minutes.
Vice Mayor/Commissioner Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call
vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Jensen: Aye; Vella: Aye and
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5.
***
The Finance Director gave a Power Point presentation.
***
(24-306) Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft suggested an additional 5 minutes be allotted for the
presentation.
Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer moved approval of allowing 5 additional
minutes to the presentation.
Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll
call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Jensen: Aye; Vella: Aye and
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5.
***
The Finance Director completed the presentation.
Vice Mayor/Vice Chair Daysog inquired the amount typically set aside by the City for CaIPERS.
The Finance Director responded the City sets aside money and provides an additional payment;
stated that she can provide the number to Council.
Vice Mayor/Vice Chair Daysog stated the amount is a $3 million payment on top of the normal
cost; Council adopted a revised policy regarding excess reserve payments; inquired whether the
$3 million additional payment directly relates to the formula adopted and if not, inquired the
amount that would have been contributed as a result of the policy.
The Finance Director responded the amount which would have been contributed as a result of
the policy would have been zero; stated staff is proposing an additional $3 million be set aside,
absent the policy.
Vice Mayor/Vice Chair Daysog stated that he previously expressed concern over the
consistency of the policy; stated that he has received correspondence from a resident outlining
concern over street safety projects being on-hold; inquired whether the matter is related to a
capital improvement project (CIP) and what kind of spending the City plans for street safety
projects.
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The Public Works Director responded the City fell behind due to staffing challenges post-
pandemic; there were challenges in finding and hiring engineers; staff is currently back on track
and have hired four engineers in the last eight months; many projects have since gone into
construction, such as the Clement Avenue Safety Improvements and signal upgrades along the
Cross-Alameda Trail; Lincoln Avenue and Walnut Street improvements and the highway safety
improvement projects have come before Council in the past six to eight months for construction
contract awards; staff has been assigned to key projects. such as Grand Street and Central
Avenue; the City is waiting on outside agencies, such as CalTrans, to approve the projects in
order to continue; the mid-cycle recommendation presented includes Public Works is asking for
a total of $500,000; $250,000 comes from General Fund and the rest is from gas tax and the
Development Improvement Fund (DIF); the amount will be deposited into the City's street safety
CIP account; the intent of the funds is to ensure adequate construction dollars to move forward
on fatal crash locations; three rapid flashing beacons are to be installed on Mecartney Road, as
well as improvements to Lincoln Avenue and Ninth Street; daylighting corridors for high injury
areas, as well as high visibility crosswalks, are also planned; Public Works is getting back on
track and will take time while Engineers begin; the recommendation ensures a smooth transition
into delivering on many projects.
Vice Mayor/Vice Chair Daysog expressed support for the Clement Avenue and Encinal Avenue
projects; inquired whether staff envisions going out to bid for any other similar projects.
The Public Works Director responded in the affirmative; stated staff anticipates going out to bid
in the fall for Grand Street from Shoreline Drive to Otis Drive and the Central Avenue safety
improvement project; staff anticipates CalTrans will release the project very soon and Council
will consider a construction contract to consider in the fall.
Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen stated that she understands the challenges related to
staffing; discussed positions recently added to the budget; inquired whether Public Works has
sufficient staffing for all pending projects.
The Public Works Director responded in the affirmative; stated a couple of vacancies exist and
recruitment is an ongoing process.
Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen stated some of the projects use outside funding;
expressed support for the street safety CIP partially using the General Fund along with other
ancillary funds; stated that she supports the street safety CIP's primary focus of daylighting;
requested clarification about the status of other previously approved bicycle-pedestrian projects,
the neighborhood greenways that are part of the Transportation Plan with Vision Zero, and Safe
Routes to Schools (SRTS); stated some of the infrastructure for SRTS has been completed but
not much; requested clarification on the status.
The Public Works Director stated a new engineer has been assigned to SRTS; the next project
includes eight locations; staff is moving through the design process; the project is already
funded by Measure BB; the project will begin construction as soon as the design is complete;
construction is anticipated for 2025.
The City Manager stated the project is a separate CIP in addition to the street safety CIP; the
$500,000 being requested is in addition to the $250,000.
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The Public Works Director stated the amounts are part of the two-year budget adopted by
Council in June 2023; the street safety CIP had $250,000 approved for 2024-2025; the
$500,000 request brings the 2024-2025 total to $750,000.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the amount it the total needed for the SRTS project
as outlined.
The Public Works Director responded SRTS is a completely separate project; the project was
previously funded with $600,000 of Measure BB funds; the money has already been approved
in the capital budget; the funding is currently sufficient through construction.
Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen inquired whether there is sufficient staffing for
negotiations, construction, and project completion by 2025.
The Public Works Director responded in the negative; stated the project will begin construction
by 2025.
Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen expressed support for the timeline; urged the project be
prioritized; stated the hurdles of funding and staffing have been crossed; requested clarification
about the status of neighborhood greenways.
The Planning, Building, and Transportation Director stated the project is under a separate CIP,
the Active Transportation CIP, with roughly $600,000 planned for use this year; staff has three
bids from design company consultants to assist with converting existing slow streets with A-
frame barricades to neighborhood greenways; part of the process includes collecting data and
working with consultants to evaluate the best ways to implement neighborhood greenway; traffic
circles, speed humps, and types of materials will be considered; staff expects to provide cost
estimates and request allocations as part of every budget; the process is part of the 2030 slow
street backbone network; completing the neighborhood greenways will complete the network.
Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen inquired whether there is sufficient staff and funding in
the Active Transportation CIP's neighborhood greenway project.
The Planning, Building, and Transportation Director responded in the affirmative; stated the
projects are complicated; the plan is to begin construction this year on at least one
neighborhood greenway conversion; staff intends to research grants in the fall; staff has
identified at least two grants to pursue and help subsidize construction.
The City Manager stated the neighborhood greenways network is large and crosses the City;
staff does not believe the current $600,000 in funding will be sufficient to complete everything,
but does not want to request additional funding until the related costs are better understood;
$600,000 is enough to begin the project; staff can return at mid-year or the two-year budget
process and ask for additional funding once there is a better handle on phasing; the
neighborhood greenways project is a little different from other projects due to changing
neighborhood streets; the project will require concerted outreach and effort to ensure people
understand the changes being made; staff would like to move fast, but also wants to perform
outreach regarding the changes; staff has been reallocated to prioritize focusing on the project.
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Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen stated the expectations and initial scheduling may have
been ambitious; expressed support for the reset, staffing, and funding for the project; stated that
she appreciates the Vision Zero sites.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is often asked about slow streets and neighborhood
greenways; inquired what can be done in the interim; expressed concern over the projects being
part of the 2030 backbone infrastructure plan; inquired about communication.
The City Manager responded staff is looking to take down the slow street barricades in the
interim; stated originally, barricades were to be left up until greenway implementation; staff has
fallen behind on the project and is trying to catch up; the delay has caused staff to take down
the barricades; staff is not currently recommending the approach, but is considering it; staff is
also looking to quick-build solutions, however, the options are not as attractive as the
permanent solutions which cost more; the issue is complex and staff is looking at ways to phase
the projects and move faster to remove the barricades in the meantime.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft inquired how and when the communication will begin with neighbors;
stated there are many ways to communicate.
The Planning, Building, and Transportation Director responded the first step is to select a
consultant; stated staff will likely choose a street similar to Pacific Avenue to kickstart the
project; staff will need to understand the magnitude of improvement types; once a concept is in
place, staff will begin neighborhood outreach; the implementation might vary for different
streets; there will be discussions related to traffic calming for each situation.
The City Manager stated there are ways to communicate with neighbors upfront via survey or
similar outreach that is not street-specific; should Council wish for staff to communicate sooner
rather than later, staff can find a way to perform outreach upfront; the communication will
provide expectations, but details will not be available yet.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for the City providing information and outreach;
stated it is good to hear from neighbors and understand concerns as a first step; staff can
gather information from residents living the experience.
Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer inquired whether the outreach to neighbors
includes only those living on Pacific Avenue or those on the cross-streets as well.
The Planning, Building, and Transportation Director responded the goal is to reach out to the
community, not just the residents or property owners on the street; stated the streets are public
and other users are present; the changes will impact the adjacent residents most; hearing
feedback from others will not hurt; staff does not plan to limit the outreach at this time.
Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer inquired the timeline for completing the roads
of Monarch Street and West Tower Avenue as well as adding lights to the area.
The Public Works Director inquired whether Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer's
inquiry relates to the proposed permanent improvements or the temporary asphalt curbs.
Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer expressed support for not installing the
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temporary asphalt curbs; stated that she would prefer an the lighting is updated.
The Public Works Director stated the City is finishing paving following the installation of the
water main; the installation will occur over the next four weeks; staff will have the environmental
design measures or temporary asphalt curbs to calm traffic and deter unsanctioned car events
at Alameda Point; staff is also designing backbone infrastructure improvements and hopes to
have the improvements in construction by 2026; there currently is lighting on Monarch Street
and there is little lighting on West Tower Avenue; during the temporary asphalt curbs phase,
staff will look into installing additional solar lighting.
In response to Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer's further inquiry related to
signage, the Base Reuse and Economic Development Director stated the wayfinding signage
planned has been installed; Spirits Alley signage has been added to sign posts; staff has put up
more professional Spirits Alley signage at the end of Pan Am Way as well; staff has completed
all intended signage work.
Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer stated the lettering is too small and the
lettering is not visible; expressed support for staff viewing the signage at night; inquired what is
being done Citywide for potholes.
The Public Works Director responded there is already $300,000 in the 2023-2024 CIP; stated
potholes are a continuing process; when the $300,000 is refreshed in 2024-2025, staff will
mobilize again and fill potholes.
Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer inquired whether the issue is related to not
having funding or sufficient staff; requested clarification about how potholes form.
The Public Works Director responded the process is regular and ongoing; stated any city with
paving has to deal with potholes; staff approaches potholes with two methods, a contractual
service of $300,000 providing a one-time mobilization and the City's streets and maintenance
division; filling potholes is one of many things performed by the maintenance division; staff tries
their best to stay on top of potholes; the City has a See Click Fix program for users to submit
pothole fix requests.
Stated the social justice team and shelter operating partner at Christ Church and Episcopal
Community Services are grateful for the City's continued support; last season, funds helped
serve over 60 individuals; she anticipates the continued need for nighttime reprieve and would
support the expansion into daytime services with Village of Love: Alisa Rasera, Alameda
Warming Shelter.
Expressed support for the increase in funding for the Alameda Warming Shelter: Akesa Fakava,
Twin Towers United Methodist Church, Alameda Warming Shelter.
Expressed support for the street safety funding and neighborhood greenway projects: Alex
Spehr, Alameda.
Councilmember/Commissioner Vella expressed support for the warming shelter funding and
related work; stated the service is necessary and the partnership is appreciated; it would be
helpful for the City to have a future, separate, discussion on neighborhood greenways now that
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the project is fully staffed; the process for neighborhood greenways matters; the City needs to
ensure the process and design are reflective of all goals, versus only ensuring the project
happens quickly; expressed support for the project happening sooner rather than later; stated
the process will need to play out and staff will need to be as inclusive as possible while also
allowing for the best design to occur; it would be helpful to have a separate agenda item return
to Council to begin a more robust and thorough discussion; the discussion has begun and a
future agenda item will help provide a better understanding of the overall timeline; the City has
done a good job of trying to pay down the outstanding liabilities; she supports the huge return
on investment with the City making additional payments; the payments are partially why the City
is at a place of good fiscal health; expressed support for staff's approach and better
understanding to ensure the City is making additional payments to avoid fiscal issues
experienced by other neighboring cities.
In response to Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen's inquiry related to the City's fees to
Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) for Encinal access, the Recreation and Parks Director
stated an Encinal Pool project has been created with AUSD in order to gain daytime access; the
joint use agreement for the Encinal Pool did not allow access during daytime hours, Monday
through Friday due to the facility lacking security; staff initiated a project in agreement with
AUSD to cover the cost of improving the security features to allow daytime access since Encinal
Pool will be the only operating municipal pool in the summer while Emma Hood is being
constructed; the cost for the project was roughly $75,000.
Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen stated nothing is included in the budget to address the
Emma Hood pool construction; the City is partnering with AUSD to help support programs
displaced during construction; inquired how the costs will be addressed.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded the costs are already addressed within the
current operating budget; stated AUSD will be paying fees to utilize City fields and courts in
order to accommodate usage.
Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen stated that she would like to receive a brief summary of
the improvements and services changes related to the upgrade of the Administrative Services
Coordinator to the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator.
The Public Works Director stated the department has optimized its administrative staff to be
able to repurpose a position to be dedicated towards ADA; an ADA transition plan will be
presented at the second meeting in June; it details the prior year's evaluation of facilities and
proposes a road map of improving accessibility; the position will primarily be involved in
implementing the plan and will increase accessibility awareness throughout the City.
Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen expressed support for the position being included in the
budget; stated that she supports the new turnout gear for the Alameda Fire Department (AFD);
there are issues with the current chemicals within fire gear; inquired whether the new gear is
enough or whether the City should be spending more to protect Firefighters.
The Fire Chief responded older turnout gear has been identified to contain per- and
polyfluoroalkyl (pfas) substances in the vapor barrier; stated the vapor barrier is what keeps
moisture from getting into the suits; older gear models allowed the pfas layer to touch the skin
and new models have an encapsulated vapor barrier so that there is no contact with the skin;
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the industry is working feverishly to come up with pfas free protective gear, however, the gear is
years away; the proposed $250,000 is to replace the remaining approximately 60 sets of turnout
gear that do not have the encapsulated vapor barrier; all members of the Department will have
the best possible gear available to protect from thermal impact during fires and against pfas.
Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen expressed support for the proposed budget.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft requested clarification about whether the amount of funding for AFD
is sufficient.
The Fire Chief stated the amount is sufficient; the equipment is not at the highest level to protect
Firefighters; the amount will replace all remaining pieces of equipment to allow the best level for
all.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for the equipment needs of AFD; stated public
safety staff put their lives on the line at work and the City does not want to add to the hazardous
situation with the supplied gear being worn.
Vice Mayor/Vice Chair Daysog expressed support for Alameda residents and businesses;
stated property and sales taxes and fees paid allow the City to be in the situation of relative
abundance; expressed support for City staff for always being frugal; stated the result of frugality
has allowed the City to experience impressive fund balances; the goal is to have a policy of 25%
in fund balance; the prior year yielded a fund balance of roughly $24 million; with the residual
fund balance of $35 million, the total unassigned fund balance is almost $60 million; while the
balance is something to celebrate, Council and the City must always be careful of the economic
headwinds that the community and Country are in; things can change; as the City ramps up its
Police force and spend dollars on the workforce, the amounts will cut into the gap between
revenues and expenditures; the gap has allowed the City to enjoy the present fund balance; the
City must continue to be vigilant regarding expenditures; expressed support for the attention
paid to the transportation matters previously discussed; stated that he would like the funding for
different elements of Jean Sweeny Park to be considered; Alameda is doing great in its fiscal
position and other cities' budgets are not as healthy; Alameda is an Island and must be careful
in how City Hall is conducted.
Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen stated the budget report was prepared prior to the recent
point-in-time count event; inquired whether the $50,000 budget request for the warming shelter
is sufficient considering potential additional needs and the increase in unhoused individuals in
Alameda.
The City Manager responded additional expenditures have been presented to increase
homeless prevention and outreach; staff can provide shelter, but staff is also working to prevent
people from becoming homeless; the approach is effective and keeping people housed less
expensive; $185,000 has been added to the budget for related purposes; a presentation slide
references the day use center and safe parking locations; the program not only relates to
relocating, it adds shelter beds and safe parking spaces for increased capacity; staff is not
recommending anything additional at this time; staff needs to better understand the numbers
and perform research; staff will return with an item in the fall to provide an update on progress
being made on efforts regarding homelessness; staff can decide whether to request additional
funding at the midyear budget; staff is currently confident in the proposed recommendation.
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Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen expressed support for funding the day center and safe
parking programs.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft discussed a farm-to-table luncheon at Alameda Point Collaborative;
stated a report on the Wellness Center construction was provided at the event; the Wellness
Center will provide 100 spaces for frail, elderly, homeless residents.
Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen stated the City has a fund balance and there are needs
in the community; she is appreciative of staff's work to maintain accurate funding projections for
revenues and expenses; the City can look forward to funding programs for the most vulnerable
population.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she understands and supports the references made to
economic headwinds being faced and the potential financial uncertainty; expressed support for
the budget recommendations; requested staff to share plans for the new Village of Love day
center and safe parking.
The City Manager stated the program will be located at Building 2 at Alameda Point, also known
as the Bachelor's Enlisted Quarters; the program is within the footprint of the Rebuilding the
Existing Supportive Housing at Alameda Point (RESHAP) project and will be moving towards
construction in a couple of weeks; the space is not in the direct footprint of the first phase, but
will be surrounded by construction and demolition; staff is actively working to upgrade the wing
of Building 2 near the field; significant upgrades must be made; the upgrades will allow the City
to expand the number of beds, parking spaces and provide a longer term solution which does
not require an additional move.
Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer stated $15 million has been allocated for the
swimming pool; she attended a recent meeting about the two-pool design; inquired the plan
based on community support for an Olympic sized pool.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded the approximate cost to-date between the two-
pool solution and the single pool solution for the 50-meter option are about the same and are
within about one million dollars in price of each other; as the project is designed, the price will
become more solidified and staff can determine the true cost comparison; the current
conservative estimate for both options is $30 to $31 million.
Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer stated there is a requirement to not have adults
mixing with students during school hours; expressed support for the security solution and the
ADA position in Public Works; stated accessibility is often left behind; designating an ADA to
oversee improvements is appreciated; expressed concern over AFD staff being exposed to
carcinogens; requested clarification about funding identified as not received.
The Finance Director stated interest rates have increased which has caused the housing market
to slow; the City has lost anticipated revenues in residential and commercial real estate and
TOT markets; interest rates have also hit auto sales which are likely to recover quickly; the
City's transaction and use tax has slowed down largely due to interest rates; staff is seeing that
automobile dealerships are self-financing and deals are available; the result has been an
approximate $500,000 downgrade in use tax.
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Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer inquired how the resulting financials are being
built-in and what is being done to anticipate the future.
The Finance Director responded the current economic time is interesting; stated forecasting is
built into the revenues and will be monitored; the City has good consultants for sales and
property tax; it is anticipated economic recovery will take a couple of years; the Measure F
transaction use tax will recover by the end of the next fiscal year.
Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer stated that she hopes the economy becomes
stronger; inquired whether there is a status update on the improvements being made to the
Civic Center parking garage; stated there are ongoing concerns related to parking in the
structure.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft requested an update also be provided for the elevator within the
parking garage.
The Public Works Director stated Council has approved $1 million for improvements to the Civic
Center parking garage; the improvements were approved as part of the 2023-2024 budget;
since the time of approval, staff has procured the services of and been working with an
architectural firm; the goal is to have the project bid by this coming summer with construction
beginning in the fall; the improvements will primarily include an ability to close the facility at night
and restrict access to the upper floors; elevator continuity issues has been due to vandalism;
there is hope that the safety improvements will improve the elevator continuity of service;
additional lighting and painting will also be included in the improvements in order to appear
more inviting and safe; staff has recently installed some temporary fencing restricting access to
the upper and bottom floors in order to prevent the establishment of encampments and loitering;
the lighting in the stairwells has been improved as well.
Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer stated safety for the parking garage is critical;
expressed concern over the issues occurring and vandalism related to the elevator; stated the
City has a difficult time keeping up with the vandalism; urged issues be reported.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft inquired the current status of the elevator in the parking garage, to
which the Public Works Director responded the elevator is operational.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft stated the elevator is an ADA issue and will likely be addressed by
the ADA Coordinator; requested clarification that work on the parking garage will begin in the
summer.
The Public Works Director responded the plan is to have a final design drawings by summer
and the project will go out for bid; the goal is to have Council approve construction in
September.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she would like to understand the end date for the
improvements.
The Public Works Director stated construction will likely start in October or November and will
last about four to five months; the project is not anticipated to be complete this calendar year.
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Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft concurred with comments; expressed support for staff's work on the
matter; stated staff is working for the City to be fiscally conservative and the approach is
appreciated; there is temptation to spend funding on projects; the City has been prudent and
has financial reserves; there is funding for fire inspections; discussed the aquatic center project
at Jean Sweeney Park; stated Alameda is an older city with older housing stock; a number of
homes appear to be fire hazards; AFD is allowed to inspect commercial buildings and multi-
family properties; single family residences need to be reported to Code Enforcement; expressed
support for staff returning to Council with ways to be proactive about residential fire hazards;
discussed the property transfer tax estimate being lower; questioned when the revenue
becomes excess; stated the report includes a recommendation to Council for developing a
policy for excess transfer tax revenues and allowable expenditures; inquired the steps needed
to address the matter as a Council agenda item.
The Finance Director responded staff is working on a comprehensive budget policy for Council
to discuss; stated that she would like to bring something forth regarding real estate transfer tax;
her previous employer had a policy that helped define excess real estate transfer tax and its
uses, which allowed for a smoothing equation over one-time and ongoing revenues; the policy
process is prudent for Charter cities.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for the matter returning to Council; inquired
whether Council needs to provide a motion to approve the mid-cycle budget update.
The City Manager responded the agenda item is a work session and she has not heard any
changes to the proposed budget; stated there were no proposed changes to the additional uses
for residual fund balance and other items, which staff will include in the proposed budget.
In response to Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer's inquiry related to the Friends
of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS), the City Manager stated staff will bring back a resolution
allocating additional funds to help close a deficit from FAAS; the amount will be a payment to
FAAS to help cover some shortfalls in this fiscal year; the matter will be retroactive.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft outlined the Council alternatives for the workshop as listed in the
staff report.
The City Manager expressed support for City staff's work on the matter; stated the process is
important.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft called a recess at 8:59 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 9:17 p.m. and
Councilmember Vella returned at 9:32 p.m.
(24-307 CC) Public Hearing to Consider Resolution No. 16165, "Amend Master Fee Resolution
No. 12191 to Revise the Fee Schedules for the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department,
Planning, Building and Transportation Department, Public Works Department, Finance
Department, and the Fire Department." Adopted.
The Planning, Building and Transportation Director gave a Power Point presentation.
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Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether there is a redline version of the master fee
schedule exhibits.
The Planning, Building, and Transportation Director responded staff could produce one,
however, the entire fee schedule was reorganization makes it difficult to show a redline; stated
many fees have been deleted and new fees added; staff has moved sections and fees around.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the report indicates Alameda Recreation and Parks
Department (ARPD) is increasing swimming fees; inquired how the change in fees would be
messy to show.
The Recreation and Parks Director stated the fees being raised for semi-private and private
swim lessons through ARPD are increasing about 20%; the increase is roughly $12 for private
and $9 for semi-private swim lessons per session; semi-private lessons are defined as one to
three individuals versus single; private lessons take the longest amount of time; group swim
lessons have not been modified and are still priced at the lowest amount of$6 per lesson.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether there have been changes to field costs.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded the fees are typically raised in November or
December of the prior year; stated the field allocations start at the beginning of the year; staff
brough the fees last November and December; the current process is an attempt to maximize
the Encinal Swim Center by offering 19 sessions of swim lessons per day during an eight-week
period; the staff costs in order to cover the fees for the budget required an increase in the semi-
private and private swim lessons.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer further inquired about the possibility of having a redline
document and why it was not presented.
The City Manager responded the Planning, Building, and Transportation Director provided a
response; stated sometimes a redline document is very different and would not be productive to
produce.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the swim lesson fees remained unchanged for
three years.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded swim lesson and pool rental fees have remained
consistent; stated the fees were not raised as part of the last fee increase in November and
December.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired the procedure for false alarm appeals.
The Fire Chief responded people can contact Fire Administration for false alarm billing inquiries.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether there is a phone number for appeals, to
which the Fire Chief responded the number is listed on the City's website.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether there is an email listed, to which the Fire
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Chief responded in the negative; stated the AFD phone number is listed as well as a general
department email which is checked daily; when residents receive an invoice, billing contact
information is included when residents receive an invoice.
Vice Mayor Daysog discussed an ambulance fee of$2,500 from 2017; stated insurance paid for
most of the fee; ambulance fees are currently roughly $3,600; the comparison of $2,500 to
$3,600 seems to be a steep increase for individuals without insurance; inquired the process in
place for those with no insurance or have low to very low income.
The Fire Chief responded the ambulance and transport service fees is at the direction of the
County; Alameda County decides the fees based on the private, contracted transport provider,
Falck Ambulance; the algorithm provides the allowable billing; agencies with transport have the
ability to adopt the same fee; the City has a revamped hardship policy as directed by Council
several years ago; the policy is more user-friendly and is tied to Federal poverty guidelines; if
someone receives a bill and has a financial hardship, the billing company can be contacted and
a payment plan is set up or the person is referred to AFD for a financial hardship application;
determinations are made based on the poverty scale; the policy can be applied to any portion of
the billing.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated residents should be grateful that Alameda has its own ambulance
transport services; discussed a recent Alameda County Mayor's Conference meeting
presentation; stated cities under other transport systems are dealing with problems and delays;
Alameda is well-served by AFD's transport.
Councilmember Jensen stated the City chose to freeze ARPD fees for two years; some of the
athletic facilities fees were raised in 2023.
The Recreation and Parks Director stated there has been a focus on fees that solely benefit
individuals, not groups or the larger general public; staff focused fee increases incrementally on
privatizing space and groups using space; ARPD has kept fees at or below market rate.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether the Alameda Point Gym and athletic field fee are
increasing.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded the only fees currently being increased are the
semi-private and private swim lessons; the normal fee schedule will be brought before Council
in November; no other ARPD fees are being increased in the proposed recommendation.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for staff's work on the report; stated the report is
thoughtfully laid out; services do not pay for themselves and the City strives to provide high-
level services.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer moved adoption of the resolution.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated significant changes to billing are being made in the
Planning Department; inquired whether users receive a survey.
The Planning, Building, and Transportation Director responded in the affirmative; stated part of
the permit system includes sending automated communications to applicants; once a permit is
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issued, a survey is sent.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether the results are presented to Council.
The Planning, Building, and Transportation Director responded staff can present the results to
Council; stated staff tracks the feedback; questions pertain to customer service, turnaround
times, and are mostly process-related.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether survey recipients have a section for
feedback on new fee structures.
The Planning, Building, and Transportation Director responded staff has been messaging permit
applicants and developers about fee increases; stated most applicants expected the fees to
increase due to the lack of increases during the pandemic.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer expressed support for a question being included in the survey
related to the increase.
The Planning, Building, and Transportation Director noted questions can also be added at
various points throughout the permitting process.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft discussed users from other jurisdictions and cities trying to use the
Alameda plan check process due to service and turnaround time.
Councilmember Vella seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Vice Mayor Daysog stated that he will support the fee schedule as
recommended; noted the ambulance fee schedule increase of almost 55% is set at the County
level; stated a hardship process is available; expressed support for the City Manager providing
Council with data regarding those taking advantage of the hardship process; stated the fee
increase is significant for uninsured individuals.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers
Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Jensen: Aye; Vella: Aye and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye.
Ayes: 5.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk
Secretary, SACIC
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.
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