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2001-08-07 Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY - - AUGUST 7, 2001 - - 7:30 P.M. Mayor Appezzato convened the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:32 p.m. Vice Mayor DeWitt led the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Don Taylor, Central Baptist Church, gave the Invocation. ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, DeWitt, Johnson, Kerr and Mayor Appezzato - 5. Absent: None. AGENDA CHANGES None. PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (01 -409) Announcement of Clean and Green Boaters' Kits Promotion. The Public Works Waste Management Specialist presented the Mayor and Councilmembers with Boaters' Kits. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Appezzato announced that the recommendation to authorize the Mayor to send a letter to the California Public Utilities Commission [paragraph no. 01- 411] and the recommendation to adopt Amendment No. 1 to FY 2001 -02 Community Development Block Grant Action Plan [paragraph no. 01 -4121 were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Councilmember Johnson moved approval of the remainder of the consent calendar. Vice Mayor DeWitt seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number] ( *01 -410) Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held on July 17, 2001. Approved. (01 -411) Recommendation to authorize the Mayor to send a letter to the California Public Utilities Commission requesting that any future orders to rebate revenues to customers consider the impacts of such actions on local governments. Regular Meeting 1 Alameda City Council August 7, 2001 Councilmember Kerr stated Councilmember Daysog raised good points; shortly, the League of California Cities (LCC) will start a grassroots campaign; [LCC] representatives will work with cities in a more direct fashion; to be more effective and put more muscle into the ideas, Councilmember Daysog's points should be raised with the LCC. Mayor Appezzato stated cities joining together as a lobbying force has a greater impact on the State. Councilmember Johnson inquired whether Councilmember Kerr recommends that the City Council go through the League's grassroots process. Councilmember Kerr responded that Council should put as much muscle as possible into its ideas; the LCC grassroots will put bulk behind the City's desires in Sacramento. Councilmember Kerr moved approval of the staff recommendation. Mayor Appezzato suggested that there be a policy to have similar letters go through Councilmember Kerr and the League in the future; inquired whether Councilmember Kerr would agree to said policy. Councilmember Kerr responded that she would be happy to do the work. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Daysog stated that he reviewed the Utility Users Tax (UUT) received on a quarterly basis since 1997; during the second quarter of 2000, there was a significant drop; after investigation, the Finance Director learned that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) granted a rebate as a result of overcharges by the gas provider; the message to the PUC is to remember that small cities, such as Alameda, depend upon the UUT. Mayor Appezzato stated other State mandates include taking back license fees and ERAF [Educational Revenue Augmentation Funds]; representatives in Sacramento will pay more attention to all of the cities in the State operating from the grassroots level, than one letter from Alameda; there are almost 20 different letters which could be sent to the State on different issues; operating in combination with all of the cities in the State will have a greater impact. Vice Mayor DeWitt inquired whether the Mayor would send a letter or Regular Meeting 2 Alameda City Council August 7, 2001 whether the matter would go through the LCC. Mayor Appezzato stated that the policy should be that he signs letters, however, matters should be brought to Council through Councilmember Kerr and the LCC. On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. (01 -412) Recommendation to adopt Amendment No. 1 to FY 2001 -02 Community Development Block Grant Action Plan to include Washington Park Restroom Construction and Alameda Family Literacy Portable Acquisition, and to authorize negotiation and execution of Grant Agreements and /or Modifications and Related Documents. Councilmember Kerr stated [CDBG funding] changes are at the expense of an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) project to provide access to the second floor of City Hall West; people's access to government is of primary importance. Councilmember Kerr moved that the CDBG funding not be modified [that the staff recommendation not be approved]. Councilmember Johnson inquired whether improvements to Washington Park would make restrooms ADA accessible. The Community Development Manager stated there are portable restrooms which are ADA accessible; however, permanent restrooms are not ADA accessible. Councilmember Johnson inquired where the portable restrooms are located, to which the Community Development Manager responded the restrooms are located in the park office portable unit adjacent to the ballfield. The Community Development Manager further stated funds will remain for design of the elevator in Building 1; design work will not be completed in time to meet [construction] expenditures for this fiscal year; staff will establish a cost estimate for the next [CDBG] funding cycle. Councilmember Johnson inquired whether staff would not be able to complete construction of the [Building 11 elevator project during this budget cycle, to which the Community Development Manager responded in the affirmative. The Community Development Manager stated funds for elevator design are in the Capital Improvement Budget for the Fiscal Year 2001 -02. Regular Meeting 3 Alameda City Council August 7, 2001 The City Manager stated the City Hall West elevator is a high priority for staff. Mayor Appezzato stated Washington Park can move forward now and the City Hall West elevator cannot. The Community Development Manager stated construction can begin at Washington Park; cost estimates need to be completed prior to funding Building 1 elevator construction. Councilmember Kerr stated funding has a way of disappearing; due to delays, funding for Jackson Park improvements had to be protected year after year. Councilmember Daysog stated funding will be set aside for the Even Start Reading Program to allow Alameda Unified School District to purchase a site for children in the West End; that he supports the staff recommendation. Mayor Appezzato stated funds could be taken from the General Fund reserve [for Building 1 elevator construction]; however, the design is not ready yet; when staff is ready to begin construction, the Council can address funding. The Community Development Manager stated staff will review other reprogramming [of funds] throughout the year; if [Building 1 elevator] design work is completed, the funding can be addressed. THE MOTION FAILED DUE TO LACK OF A SECOND. Councilmember Johnson moved approval of the staff recommendation. Vice Mayor DeWitt seconded the motion. Under discussion, Vice Mayor DeWitt stated Washington Park has been in need of proper restroom facilities for a number of years. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog, DeWitt, Johnson and Mayor Appezzato - 4. Noes: Councilmember Kerr - 1. ( *01 -413) Recommendation to accept the work of Valley Crest for the Earl Fry Golf Course Irrigation System Project, No. P.W. 03- 00 -07. Accepted. ( *01 -414) Recommendation to accept Quarterly Sales Tax Report for Period Ending June 30, 2001 for Sales Transactions in the First Calendar Quarter. Accepted. Regular Meeting 4 Alameda City Council August 7, 2001 ( *01 -415) Recommendation to accept Quarterly Investment Portfolio for Period Ending June 30, 2001. Accepted. ( *01 -416) Resolution No. 13376, "(1) Confirming a Letter Agreement Amending Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Alameda and Alameda Management and Confidential Employees Association; (2) Confirming a Letter Agreement Amending Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Alameda and the Alameda Fire Management Association; and (3) Adopting a Salary Schedule for Specified Unrepresented Employees in Executive Management Positions." Adopted. ( *01 -417) Ratified bills in the amount of $3,712,154.70. PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (01 -418) Mayor Appezzato announced that the Metropolitan Transportation Commission approved an approximately $900,000 grant for the Webster Renaissance Project; the City will provide a match of half the funds; $1.4 Million will be spent to beautify the West End; further stated that the City of Alameda has been selected to participate in the Mayor's Institute on City Design; at no cost to the City of Alameda, the Institute on City Design will come to Alameda, conduct a City survey and demographics study and provide ideas on how to develop different portions of Alameda; examples of projects include a new or revitalized public park or residential district, design of a new civic building, e.g. library, downtown revitalization, and redesign of a major thoroughfare, waterfront redevelopment, or entrance corridor; the Institute will come to Alameda in September; in October, design challenges will be presented to a group of mayors, architects, designers, and others to come up with a solution; the Councilmembers will be invited to meet with [Institute] representatives on September 11; a great deal of time will be spent with business leaders to review Webster Street, Park Street, Fruitvale or other sites; one or two sites will be selected; there will be an intensive design study of a blighted area in the community; results will be presented after the process has been completed; requested the Assistant City Manager, Operations to provide a brief presentation on what to expect at the August 21 or September 4 Council Meeting. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS (01 -419) Resolution No. 13377, "Appointing Stewart G. Chen as a Member of the Social Service Human Relations Board." Adopted. Councilmember Johnson moved adoption of the Resolution. Regular Meeting 5 Alameda City Council August 7, 2001 Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. The Acting City Clerk administered the Oath of Office and presented Mr. Chen with a Certificate of Appointment. (01 -420) Public Hearing to consider an Appeal of the Planning Board's Finding that the project is incomplete for filing and that additional information must be submitted for a proposed Commercial Office Complex to replace an existing Retail Commercial Complex at the Bridgeside Shopping Center; and adoption of related Resolution. The property is located at 2523 Blanding Avenue within the C -2 /PD Central Business District /Planned Development Combining Zoning District. Applicant /Appellant: Eric Starr on behalf of Carl Pines /IRES California. Held over to September 4, 2001. (01 -421) Consideration of recommendation to retain an Arts Advisor to promote Community Arts. The Recreation and Park Director stated Alameda residents of all ages can benefit from art programs; retaining an Arts Advisor will assist with meeting the Economic Strategic Plan's goal to create recreational and activity opportunities for residents, local businesses and tourists; an Alameda resident, Lisa Piatetsky, created a non - profit local Arts Council; the Arts Council's objective is to create and promote art programs; the Arts Council's programs could be expanded to create a comprehensive arts program for the community; the [Arts Advisor] work program includes: 1) creating a Citywide Arts Directory, 2) sponsoring programs, such as Art in the Parks, 3) creating a calendar, 4) developing public art, 5) expanding art in education and 6) developing fund raising and grant opportunities for the arts; the cost of the consultant agreement is $15,000, which will be funded from the City Manager's contingency budget; staff recommends that the City Council conceptually approve the request to retain an Arts Advisor. Mayor Appezzato stated that he will support the staff recommendation; the City Council endorses most art projects, e.g. Historical Museum and Alameda Civic Light Opera; the City spends approximately $100,000 on the arts, which is not much money. Lisa Piatetsky, Alameda City Arts Council, stated Alameda has a welcoming arts community; there should be focus on developing cultural aspects of the community; activities, such as theatrical performance, music, dance and art exhibits, provide recreational activities for residents; that she serves on the Alameda County Arts Commission, which has many programs and activities; Alameda Regular Meeting 6 Alameda City Council August 7, 2001 should participate in the County Arts Commission's activities; over the past year, she has developed the Alameda City Arts Council; an extensive program has been created to serve all artists and enthusiasts, from musicians to performing artists, e.g. poets, dancers, film makers; urged Council to support the arts. Mayor Appezzato stated the City has funded the Historical Museum and Civic Light Opera; an Alameda student won Congresswoman Barbara Lee's art contest and the painting hung in Congress for a year; high schools participate in said contest every year; the Museum also has an art contest; the Architectural Preservation Society should be involved with the Arts Council; the City has the oldest continuously operating City Hall west of the Mississippi; City Hall had a tower which a group is trying to rebuild; architecture should be part of the Arts Council's charge; the Alameda Photographic Society hangs pictures in City Hall; the Art Council should review other public buildings in the City where art can be displayed. In response to Councilmember Johnson's inquiry regarding Alameda City Arts Council's programs and projects, Ms. Piatetsky stated the Council's programs will be carried out independent of the City's contract with an Arts Advisor; it would be mutually beneficial to work in cooperation with the City. Councilmember Johnson inquired as to the role of the Alameda City Arts Council. The City Manager responded the City will contract with the Arts Council, which will carry out community activities on behalf of the City; rather than working independently, the City is connecting with work that has been accomplished [by the Arts Council]. Ms. Piatetsky stated funding will go to the Arts Council's program development; all of the Arts Council's Board Members are residents of Alameda. Councilmember Johnson inquired whether the membership of the Arts Council represented a broad -base of arts, to which Ms. Piatetsky responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Johnson stated the Alameda Education Foundation raises money to support music programs in schools. Ms. Piatetsky stated there are groups, e.g. Alameda Women Artists, which serve a purpose; the Arts Advisor will become a resource for existing groups, provide information on grant opportunities and have programs on non - profit formation and to teach artists how to become professionals; the Arts Council wants to be inclusive; in Regular Meeting 7 Alameda City Council August 7, 2001 the future, the Arts Council hopes to provide grants to artists and art groups. Councilmember Johnson stated the Arts Advisor will be charged with seeking grants; the City of Alameda is lacking public art and might be able to get money for public art; the Arts Advisor should focus on obtaining grants for public art. Ms. Piatetsky stated a member of the Arts Council is an expert in said field; finding funding will be one of the groups larger activities. The Recreation and Park Director stated the Recreation Activity Guide, which is published by the City three times a year, does not touch upon arts very much; an Arts Advisor will provide linkage to the community. Vice Mayor DeWitt inquired whether poets would be involved. Ms. Piatetsky responded in the affirmative; stated any poets interested in serving on the [Arts Council] Board should contact her. Mayor Appezzato suggested Ms. Piatetsky contact the community band and the great, local musician Frederica von Stade. Roberta Babcock, Alameda City Arts Council and City of Oakland Public Art Administrator; applauded Council for considering the development of a program supporting arts in Alameda; stated the potential for an ordinance requiring a percent [of developer funds] for public art would be wonderful; arts enhance the lives of residents and bring visitors to the City; the Arts Council can work to develop a directory of local artists, create a website and sponsor art events; the [Arts] Council could be instrumental in fund raising and assisting groups with acquiring grants; work can be done with schools to enrich and diversify programs; urged Council to fund the Arts Advisor and approve an ordinance to set aside a percent [of new development money] for art. Mayor Appezzato suggested that the Arts Council work with Catellus on the development of the Fleet Industrial Supply Center and East Housing, and work with the selected Alameda Point Master Developer on the potential for public art in developments. Councilmember Johnson inquired whether there is grant money available for public art or education programs. Ms. Babcock responded in the affirmative; stated the Gunk Foundation has $500,000 available in grants for public art; Regular Meeting 8 Alameda City Council August 7, 2001 matching funds make it easier to receive grants. Mayor Appezzato stated the National Endowment for the Arts has grants, which the City should pursue. Dr. Susan Kuner, Alameda City Arts Council, stated when she lived in Nashville, she organized a group of non - profits to apply for grants; the Arts Council will develop programs and events which attract wide and diverse audiences; thanked the City Council for its support. Larry Wilson, Alameda, stated Kaufman Auditorium is home for the performing arts; the Carnegie Building should be home for the visual arts; there could be local exhibits as well as regional and national traveling shows [in the Carnegie Building]; said events would draw people from throughout the Bay Area. Elizabeth Zackheim, Alameda, stated cities, such as Hayward and San Leandro, have received money from the Alameda County Arts Commission, which has money for art programs; art groups should be educated on how to submit requests for funding; art programs have been cut in schools across the State; there should be programs for children; the Alameda County Arts Commission receives a percentage of money from new development; urged Council to support the Arts Council. Councilmember Kerr stated Lisa Piatetsky has the talent and knowledge to put on art events, such as Art in the Park; many people are not aware of Alameda artists' talent level; there should be greater education and interaction with the arts; the Arts Council will obtain grants or assist people with pursuing grants. Councilmember Kerr moved approval of the staff recommendation to retain an Arts Advisor. Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Daysog stated the Arts Council will be like a Chamber of Commerce for the arts. Vice Mayor DeWitt stated that he received a phone call from Mr. Groom, who would like to donate a sculpture for Alameda Point; now, people like Mr. Groom can be directed to the Arts Council; requested an update on the status of the selection of a Poet Laureate; stated if there is a Poet Laureate, the person should serve on the Arts Council; requested the City Manager to review an Ordinance which would provide a percentage of funds from [new] development be set aside for art programs. Regular Meeting 9 Alameda City Council August 7, 2001 On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON- AGENDA (01 -422) Jon Spangler, Bike Alameda, stated a report [on the Alameda Point Master Developer] was completed on Friday [August 3]; said report contained a letter from the HOME Project supporting Catellus. Mayor Appezzato stated Master Developer selection would be addressed on Thursday [August 9 at the Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority Meeting]. Mr. Spangler stated the Long Range Transit Plan was the basis for the [Master Developer] proposals; the Long Range Transit Plan can be completed with any Master Developer which is chosen; points were awarded to a developer on the basis of a multi -modal hub; Alameda Point Community Property recommends up to 1,800 parking spaces; from a trip reduction standpoint, a more diversified, less intensive transit hub is more preferable. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (01 -423) Councilmember Kerr requested that the procedure, by which City Committees are selected, be placed on a City Council agenda; stated that she is referring to Ad Hoc Committees, rather than the Planning Board or any permanent, standing Committees; for example, the Housing Committee had a large expansion of membership; the City approved the Transit Committee, however, there was an expansion beyond what was approved; that she has heard concerns about the Committee selection process; the Council should address the matter. The City Manager inquired whether Councilmember Kerr was addressing Council appointed Committees, rather than teams appointed by the City Manager. Councilmember Kerr responded the Council needs to express its opinion on how Committees are selected; there should be a general discussion. Mayor Appezzato noted the Council endorses the Mayor's appointments. (01 -424) Councilmember Kerr stated AC Transit is changing its routes; the Public Transit Committee (PTC) report has not come to Council for approval; a local advocacy group put off AC Transit Regular Meeting 10 Alameda City Council August 7, 2001 rerouting the old bus, which wandered around downtown Oakland before going to San Francisco; the City should take an official position on the PTC Report. Councilmember Johnson noted the PTC will meet on August 30 and should be forwarding a recommendation to Council at said time. (01 -425) Councilmember Daysog requested a report or spreadsheet on the status of streets and sidewalks in Alameda, including how the City grades streets and sidewalks. (01 -426) Councilmember Johnson stated there has been activity on the library facility issue; suggested that the Library Director provide a report at an upcoming Council meeting. The City Manager responded a brief presentation could be given at a Council meeting. Councilmember Johnson stated the public should be aware of what is going on with the library. (01 -427) Consideration of Mayor's nominations (2) for appointment to the Social Service Human Relations Board. [Partial terms expiring June 30, 20031 Mayor Appezzato nominated Floyd Hibbits and Patricia A. Simmons for appointment to the Social Service Human Relations Board. (01 -428) Consideration of Mayor's appointments to the Mayor's Committee on Disability Issues. Mayor Appezzato appointed Roxanne Black, Charles Bunker, Ed Cooney, Adrienne Longley -Cook, Debra Paschke and Ethel Simon to the Mayor's Committee on Disability Issues. (01 -429) Mayor Appezzato stated Sunset Magazine had a three page article titled, "Alameda, Here We Come, This Island City is Suddenly Hot, but It Still Holds on to Its Small Town Charm;" suggested citizens read the article. (01 -430) Mayor Appezzato stated that he received a letter from a citizen on Otis Drive requesting the street be rebuilt from Broadway to Park Street; requested the City Manager to meet with the citizen to advise him of the process followed to complete major Capital Improvement Projects; stated the City does not have a great deal of money; the City has to prioritize projects; projects, such as rebuilding the sewer system and under - grounding electrical lines, must be completed; the process should be explained to the Regular Meeting 1 1 Alameda City Council August 7, 2001 citizen. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Appezzato adjourned the Regular Meeting at 8:56 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Lara Weisiger Acting City Clerk The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act. Regular Meeting 12 Alameda City Council August 7, 2001