2001-11-06 Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY - - NOVEMBER 6, 2001 - - 7:30 P.M.
Mayor Appezzato convened the Regular Meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Councilmember Kerr led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Johnson, Kerr and
Mayor Appezzato - 4.
Absent: Vice Mayor DeWitt - 1.
AGENDA CHANGES
None.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
(01 -568) Announcement of the 50th Anniversary of the First
Transcontinental Customer - Dialed Direct Call between Alameda,
California and Englewood, New Jersey on November 10, 1951. [Mayor
Appezzato]
Jason Bezis, U.C. Berkeley law student, outlined his research on
the historic telephone call.
Mayor Appezzato noted former Mayor Chuck Corica spoke to the Mayor
of Englewood on the 25th Anniversary of the first transcontinental
customer - dialed direct telephone call; displayed the telephone used
for said call; announced that he recently spoke to the Mayor of
Englewood.
(01 -569) Proclamation declaring November 6, 2001 as Alameda Junior
Golf Club Day.
Mayor Appezzato read the Proclamation and presented it to Norma
Arnerich.
Norma Arnerich gave a slide show on Junior Golf activities.
Lil Arnerich, former Councilmember, stated it is important to have
positive youth activities.
(01 -570) Presentation by the Development Services Director and
Alameda Power & Telecom (AP &T) Marketing Manager regarding the
Energy -Based Marketing Campaign.
The Development Services Director and AP &T Marketing Manager gave a
Power Point presentation on the energy -based marketing campaign.
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November 6, 2001
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Appezzato announced that the recommendation to reject Bid for
the Express II Ferry Vessel Conversion Project [paragraph no. 572],
the award of Contract for Phase I Architectural Services for Main
Library [paragraph no. 577], the Resolution Acknowledging East Bay
Municipal Utility District for [paragraph no. 578], the Ordinance
Amending Alameda Municipal Code Subsection 8 -7.9 [paragraph no.
580] and the Ordinance Authorizing Conveyance of Certain Contingent
Interests in Alameda Beltline Railroad Easements [paragraph no.
581] were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
Councilmember Johnson moved approval of the remainder of the
Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent: Vice Mayor DeWitt - 1.1
[Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding
the paragraph number.]
( *01 -571) Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting held on
October 15, 2001 and the Regular City Council Meeting held on
October 16, 2001. Approved.
(01 -572) Recommendation to reject Bid for the Express II Ferry
Vessel Conversion Project, No. P.W. 08 -01 -22 and authorize Open
Market Negotiations.
Councilmember Kerr noted staff is working with the Metropolitan
Transportation Commission (MTC) to reallocate bridge toll funds;
inquired whether funds would be taken from other capital ferry
projects [for Express II ferry vessel conversion].
The Deputy Public Works Director responded other capital projects
include: 1) a terminal shelter at the East End Ferry on Harbor Bay;
2) refurbishment upgrades for the Encinal, including re-
propulsioning and re- engining; and 3) electronic ticketing.
Councilmember Kerr inquired whether other capital projects can
afford to be delayed.
The Deputy Public Works Director responded staff is requesting MTC
to review [delaying] the electronic ticketing and the terminal
shelter projects; staff is not requesting funds for the Encinal
refurbishment to be reprogrammed.
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November 6, 2001
Councilmember Johnson moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent: Vice Mayor DeWitt - 1.1
( *01 -573) Recommendation to approve Contract Amendment, resulting
in a total contract amount of $143,500 to Hilton, Frankopf &
Hobson, LLC, for Technical Assistance in Development and Review of
Performance Based Solid Waste /Recycling /Disposal Franchise
Agreement. Accepted.
( *01 -574) Recommendation to accept Quarterly Sales Tax Report for
Second Quarter of 2001. Accepted.
( *01 -575) Recommendation to accept Quarterly Financial Report for
Period Ending September 30, 2001. Accepted.
( *01 -576) Recommendation to accept Quarterly Investment Report for
Period Ending September 30, 2001. Accepted.
(01 -577) Recommendation to award Contract for Phase I
Architectural Services for Main Library to Thomas Hacker and
Associates.
Terri Brohard, Library Board and Library Building Team, stated
members of the Library Building Team conducted the process to
solicit, evaluate and interview architects for the main library
project; introduced Library Building Team members; stated the
architect selection process began by inviting 80 firms across the
country to submit Statements of Qualification in June, 2001; 17
firms responded, of which eight firms were selected to submit
Requests For Proposals; four firms were selected for final
interviews; the Library Building Team and Library Board recommend
the selection of Thomas Hacker and Associates; Thomas Hacker and
Associates is experienced in the public input process; urged
Council to move approval of the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Johnson stated this [architect selection] is an
important step in moving forward with the construction of the new
library.
Councilmember Johnson moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent: Vice Mayor DeWitt - 1.1
(01 -578) Resolution No. 13409, "Acknowledging East Bay Municipal
Utility District for 50 Years of Providing Wastewater Services."
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Alameda City Council 3
November 6, 2001
Adopted.
Councilmember Daysog moved adoption of the Resolution.
Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent: Vice Mayor DeWitt - 1.]
Mayor Appezzato read the Resolution and presented it to Doug
Linney, Alameda's elected representative on the East Bay Municipal
Utility District (EDMUD) Board.
Mr. Linney stated voters created a Special District to address 30
major sewers releasing untreated sewage directly into the San
Francisco Bay in 1944; operations began in 1951; secondary
treatment facilities were added in the 1970's; EBMUD continually
upgrades it facilities and works to protect the Bay.
( *01 -579) Resolution No. 13410, "Providing for Additional Temporary
Fully Paid Military Leave of Absence and Continuation of Benefits
for City Employees Called to Active Duty with the Armed Forces."
Adopted.
(01 -580) Introduction of Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal
Code by Amending Subsection 8 -7.9 (Heavy Commercial Vehicles) of
the Chapter VII (Traffic and Motor Vehicles) to Restrict Parking of
Heavy Commercial Vehicles Along Frontage of City Parks.
Introduced.
Councilmember Daysog stated there is a huge concentration of trucks
at Woodstock School along Atlantic Avenue; requested staff to
review the matter.
Councilmember Daysog moved introduction of the Ordinance.
Councilmember Kerr stated currently, parking is restricted in
residential areas during the daytime, but allowed near parks; many
trucks were parking around Littlejohn Park; people wishing to use
the park could not find parking.
In response to Councilmember Kerr's inquiry regarding records in
the City Engineer's office detailing the limits of prohibitions,
the Public Works Director stated limits will be established when
each individual park is reviewed; typically, limits will be the
intersections of the park.
Councilmember Kerr inquired whether Littlejohn Park limits would be
Sherman Street to Benton Avenue, to which the Public Works Director
responded in the affirmative.
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November 6, 2001
Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Mayor Appezzato stated phone calls have been made
regarding big trucks parking in other areas of the City, e.g.
Central Avenue; the matter should be monitored; the City should not
be used for overnight [truck] parking; requested staff to review
whether the ordinance should be expanded to include other areas of
the City.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice
vote - 4. [Absent: Vice Mayor DeWitt - 1.1
(01 -581) Introduction of Ordinance Authorizing Conveyance by
Quitclaim Deed of Certain Contingent Interests in Alameda Beltline
Railroad Easements to KB Homes. Introduced.
Michael Krueger, Alameda Transit Advocates, stated planning should
try to preserve street right -of -way for future transit expansion;
the rail right -of -way was not on the street and could have served
as a corridor for light rail; another corridor should be
designated.
Peter Lenhardt, Alameda, stated the City should not give up any
right -of -way which could be used for transit to private interests;
getting back a right -of -way is always more difficult; there should
be an alternative right -of -way.
The Planning Director stated the right -of -way was considered as
part of the KB Homes subdivision; the Beltline has easements for
railway purposes; the City is involved because it initiated action
to take over the railway; title companies ensure anyone with a
claim extinguishes interest; the City does not have an easement
currently; the KB subdivision includes a multi -modal transportation
corridor along Clement Avenue to provide for alternative
transportation.
Councilmember Kerr inquired how many easements are being
considered.
The Planning Director responded there are two [easements]; both
belong to the Beltline; one is a floating easement.
Councilmember Kerr inquired how much the City would receive for the
Quitclaim Deed.
The Planning Director responded $1.00; the City could only use the
easement for conducting a railway; the Beltline is also
relinquishing the property for basically no cost.
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Alameda City Council
November 6, 2001
5
Councilmember Kerr inquired whether the Quitclaim is to Encinal
Real Estate.
The Planning Director responded in the affirmative; stated portions
of the property are being transferred from Encinal Real Estate to
KB Homes.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether Encinal Real Estate could
sell the easement to KB Homes for an exorbitant amount, to which
the Planning Director responded in the negative; stated the
purchase and sale agreements are already in place.
Councilmember Kerr inquired whether the City could get more than
$1.00 for the Quitclaim Deed.
Mayor Appezzato inquired whether the City was following normal
procedure.
The Assistant City Attorney responded the Quitclaim does not
indicate the City has ownership or interest in the property;
without warranting the condition of title, a Quitclaim gives the
entity whatever interest the City has, which could be no interest
or a valuable interest; $1.00 is not an unreasonable amount.
Councilmember Johnson inquired whether the City's interest is
contingent, to which the Assistant City Attorney responded the
City's interest is only contingent.
Councilmember Johnson inquired whether the City's contingent
interest in a railway easement is not of value.
The Assistant City Attorney responded in the affirmative; stated a
contingent interest might or might not ripen; even if it does
ripen, the City can only use it [easement] to operate a railroad.
The City Manager stated the City does not have anything to sell;
therefore, the nominal amount of $1.00 is appropriate.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether Encinal Real Estate will pay
the City $1.00 and whether the amount which Encinal Real Estate
will charge KB Homes has been set.
The Assistant City Attorney responded Encinal Real Estate will pay
the City $1.00; Encinal Real Estate would not possess any greater
interest than the City; if the City does not find the interest
worth more than $1.00, Encinal Real Estate would have a difficult
time convincing anyone the interest is worth more.
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November 6, 2001
Councilmember Johnson suggested KB Homes be added to the Quitclaim
Deed to ensure there is no problem with the transaction between
Encinal Real Estate and KB Homes.
The Planning Director stated all of the property KB Homes is
proceeding to develop has been purchased from Encinal Real Estate;
the sales contract requires that the property be delivered free and
clear; in response to concerns about Encinal Real Estate charging
an additional price, Encinal Real Estate is perfecting what it has
contracted to deliver.
Councilmember Johnson stated staff should ensure there is not going
to be a problem with the transaction between Encinal Real Estate
and KB Homes; the Quitclaim might be acceptable as presented.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the City knows the contract
amount between KB Homes and Encinal Real Estate for the portion the
City is Quitclaiming.
The Planning Director responded there is not a separate contract;
the action must be completed as part of the contract which covers
the overall purchase.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether there is anything to legally
preclude Encinal Real Estate from charging above $1.00, to which
the Assistant City Attorney responded that he matter would be
covered in the real estate contract between Encinal Real Estate and
KB Homes.
Councilmember Kerr stated sale of the Chipman Warehouse property
has not gone through; KB Homes does not have any real estate
interest in half of the right -of -way; the right -of -way is being
given to Encinal Real Estate; Encinal Real Estate plans to develop
the Chipman Warehouse site.
Councilmember Daysog stated the transaction with Encinal Real
Estate and KB Homes leverages the 20% set aside and the increased
amount of developer fees for the schools; the City should move
forward.
Councilmember Daysog moved introduction of the Ordinance.
Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion.
Under discussion, the City Manager stated Councilmember Johnson's
comments [directing staff to ensure that there is not a problem
with the transaction between Encinal Real Estate and KB Homes]
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November 6, 2001
would be incorporated into the motion; and the City Attorney's
Office would follow through.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following
voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog, Johnson and Mayor
Appezzato - 3. Noes: Councilmember Kerr - 1. [Absent: Vice Mayor
DeWitt - 1.]
( *01 -582) Ratified Bills in the amount of $2,225,654.51.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(01 -583) Recommendation to accept the City of Alameda's Long -Range
Transit Plan.
Mayor Appezzato thanked Vice Mayor DeWitt and Councilmember Johnson
for serving on the Public Transit Committee.
Councilmember Johnson recognized the Public Transit Committee
members and the Deputy Public Works Director.
Pamela Nishiyama, Clement Avenue Neighborhood Association, stated
that she opposes any electric rail system going down Clement
Avenue.
K.C. Rosenberg, Clement Avenue Neighborhood Association, stated the
2500 block of Clement Avenue is 75% residential; the Long -Range
Transit Plan was not revised to delete the rail; if the Long -Range
Plan is adopted, the rail could be approved on Clement Avenue; her
bedroom is 10 feet from where there could be a rail running 24-
hours a day; the proposal indicated the rail would be quiet, which
does not seem possible 10 feet from her bedroom; urged the Council
not to move forward until the Clement Avenue matter was addressed;
stated neighbors spoke at many meetings and recommend that the rail
be detoured to Blanding Avenue, which is solely commercial; that
she was not given notice about the meeting tonight; urged Council
to revise the language to exclude [light rail on] the 2500 block of
Clement Avenue.
Steven Gerstle, Public Transit Committee (PTC), urged Council to
move forward with the Plan with a sense of urgency; stated the
transportation situation in the Bay Area and Alameda will not get
better without hard work; the Plan has phases; urged Council to
move forward with Phase 1, which includes increasing bus service on
the line 50 to every 15 minutes; stated AC Transit would like the
City to bring transit stops up to standard and include bus
shelters; the City needs to show its concern for transit by funding
programs for better bus stops and shelters; the City is in
competition with other cities for AC Transit's services.
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Alameda City Council 8
November 6, 2001
Golda Mason, PTC and Alameda Transit Advocates, urged Council to
accept the proposal and begin implementation of Phase 1 as soon as
possible.
Councilmember Johnson noted the Mayor will present certificates to
members of the PTC at a future Council meeting.
Richard Neveln, PTC, stated the Plan is a work in progress; express
and commuter buses to San Francisco should be reviewed; 600 of bus
riders travel south; line 50 was improved and weekend service was
reestablished; shelters need to be improved to make people want to
use bus transit, rather than cars; the City should expand its
influence with AC Transit and the Metropolitan Transportation
Commission.
John Huetter, PTC and West Alameda Business Association, urged
Council and staff to implement the Plan; stated transportation
agencies, other governmental entities and funding agencies should
be aware of the Plan, which can be integrated into regional
planning.
Jon Spangler, Bike Alameda, stated Long -Range Transit Plan is key
to the continued economic vitality of Alameda; the Transportation
Commission should have authority to oversee implementation of the
Plan; AC Transit provided considerable input and asked Alameda to
bring bus stops up to standards; aggressive implementation of the
less - expensive, available technology, e.g. electric buses, will
improve transit's attractiveness in Alameda without disrupting
neighborhood; long -range capital improvements, e.g. light rail, are
far off and require research; without a change in Measure A [1973],
transit oriented developments, which could take advantage of the
Transit Plan, will be impossible in Alameda; the City should review
revising Measure A for new development for at least Alameda Point.
Michael Krueger, Alameda Transit Advocates, stated light rail
alignment was included in the Transit Plan for purpose of a study;
adopting the Transit Plan does not mean tracks will be laid down
Clement Avenue; another possible alignment was down Lincoln Avenue;
light rail can be done in a way conducive to neighborhoods; e.g.
Portland uses lighter, quieter vehicles; the basics, such as bus
stops and schedules, need to be fixed now.
Neil Garcia - Sinclair, CyberTran, stated the Transit Plan is not an
implementation plan for a specific light rail project; CyberTran
reviewed Clement Avenue; light rail could be moved over to Blanding
Avenue to avoid the residential community on Clement Avenue.
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November 6, 2001
Bill Smith, Alameda, discussed light rail.
Greg Schiffer, AC Transit, stated AC Transit supports all the
recommendations which the PTC presented to Council and looks
forward to implementation.
Councilmember Johnson stated the language in the Transit Plan is
broad enough to address concerns regarding light rail; other
alignments could be considered.
Councilmember Johnson moved acceptance of the Long Range Transit
Plan as presented.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember Kerr inquired whether anything in
the Plan recommends eliminating Measure A [1973].
Councilmember Johnson responded Measure A was never part of the
PTC's discussion; nothing in the Long Range Transit Plan has to do
with Measure A.
The Deputy Public Works Director stated the Plan does not make a
recommendation suggesting any changes to Measure A; the Plan does
refer to certain modes of transit which require a higher level of
land use than others; however, the Plan does not suggest adopting
of said modes; the Plan indicates the mode must match what is
approved in the General Plan.
Councilmember Johnson stated nothing in the Transit Plan
specifically addresses Measure A.
Councilmember Kerr stated there is a recommendation to extend the
main bus line, currently the 51, to Bayfair Mall; Bayfair Mall has
a BART station; Alameda buses go to BART; inquired the rationale
for extending the bus route to San Leandro; stated the 51 bus line
is burdened by delays and heavy traffic in other areas, e.g.
Berkeley Marina and Oakland; inquired whether sending the bus to
San Leandro will cause delays or whether it was suggested to
increase service.
Councilmember Johnson stated the issue of bus routing is highly
technical; routes are inter - related.
The Deputy Public Works Director stated origin destination studies
indicated there was a large employment draw from Alameda to said
area [San Leandro]; line 6, currently line 12, is scheduled to be
extended to Fruitvale BART station; congestion was addressed;
revision is recommended for the most congested area in Berkeley;
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Alameda City Council 10
November 6, 2001
the route will be taken off of College Avenue and moved to Shattuck
Avenue to reduce congestion; if delays and congestion remain
issues, there are alternate suggestions, e.g. truncating roads to
have overlap at Oakland BART station.
Councilmember Johnson stated there will be an on -going liaison
committee between the City and AC Transit; bus route and service
issues always come up; the Transportation Commission and liaison
committee can address said issues.
Councilmember Kerr stated the bus line from Broadway to Telegraph
Avenue has been rerouted, which means the bus will no longer stop
at Kaiser Hospital; inquired whether the route could be revised to
travel to West MacArthur and then over to Telegraph Avenue; stated
the City could have up to 20,000 people switch to Kaiser; the
Transit Committee did not have said information; inquired whether
the possibility could be included.
Mayor Appezzato noted staff could work with AC Transit to review
the matter.
Councilmember Johnson stated the PTC tried to ensure nothing in the
Plan is set in stone forever; there will always be changing
circumstances; on -going adjustments will need to be made; further
stated that after the Transportation Commission is established,
there should be period reports to Council to address issues.
Councilmember Kerr stated the Plan recommends that the City
investigate additional transit -only cross - estuary capacity,
specifically tubes, bus barges or ferry; other transit capacity
should be added; e.g., an aerial tram is being studied; further
stated the Plan discussed moving the existing Alameda /Oakland Ferry
to the other side of the former Naval Air Station; however, said
move would lengthen commuters travel time to San Francisco; if a
ferry can be supported after Alameda Point is developed, a ferry
could be added from the Sea Plane Lagoon to San Francisco; current
use of the narrow water way to serve Alameda and Oakland is an
efficient way to run the ferry; a letter from AC Transit cites a
queue - jumper; requested an explanation of a queue - jumper.
AC Transit Representative Greg Schiffer stated a queue - jumper
occurs at traffic signals and allows buses to go around a queue,
which is a line of cars backed up against the traffic signal; by
providing a lane, e.g. right -turn lane, buses can get around
traffic congestion.
Councilmember Kerr stated that she supports the enthusiasm for
improving bus shelters.
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November 6, 2001
Councilmember Johnson stated the PTC recommends that the bus
shelter issue move forward as soon as possible; AC Transit has a
possible program, or the City could independently establish a
program, to fund bus shelters.
Councilmember Daysog stated that he depends upon public transit;
the Plan is an important first step; it is time to implement the
Plan.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice
vote - 4. [Absent: Vice Mayor DeWitt - 1.1
(01 -584) Recommendation to transition the Public Transit Committee
by: 1) appointing two Councilmembers to AC Transit Board
Subcommittee; 2) endorsing communication with all citizens and
community advisory groups; 3) endorsing the formation of a
Transportation Commission and directing the City Manager, in
conjunction with the City Attorney, to develop ordinances
identifying the Commission's duties and dissolving the
Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC); 4) directing formation of
an internal Transportation Technical Team to carry out duties of
the TAC not ascribed to the Transportation Commission; and 5)
authorizing an additional 0.5 Senior Typist Clerk position to
Public Works and appropriating $58,500 using Measure B monies to
fund the position. Accepted.
Golda Mason, Alameda Transit Advocates, stated two Councilmembers
should be appointed to AC Transit's subcommittee; to allow input,
citizens advisory groups should be informed of different projects;
the Transportation Commission should be formed similar to the
Public Transit Committee (PTC) and should be run by the citizens,
rather than staff; the Commission should be composed of citizens
interested in the subject [transportation].
Councilmember Johnson noted the Transportation Commission will be
composed of citizens.
Frank Matarrese, Alameda, stated the formation of a Transportation
Commission invests the City in the [Long -Range Transit] Plan;
transportation and transit issues will be of increasing concern as
development at Alameda Point is completed; the Economic Development
Strategic Plan recommended such a commission be formed.
Jon Spangler, Bike Alameda, stated the Transportation Commission
should have comprehensive responsibility for: 1) transportation
policy issues; 2) implementation of all transportation plans,
including the Bike Plan, Long -Range Transit Plan, and future plans
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November 6, 2001
which could be adopted, e.g. a Pedestrian Plan; 3) operational
aspects of transportation management; 4) hearing appeals of staff
decisions on stop signs, red zones, and bus stops; a majority of
the Commission's members should regularly use one or more modes of
alternative transportation; Bike Alameda proposes mode -based
representation; members should represent cycling, transit,
pedestrian, and automotive transportation modes; there should also
be representatives from Alameda's business community, schools,
seniors, disabled and at- large.
Julian Frederick, Alameda Transit Advocates, stated the public
demanded transportation improvement several years back; Council
acted swiftly; the Public Transit Committee did great work; the
Transportation Commission's members should have first -hand
knowledge of what is at stake; the Transportation Commission will
be instrumental in making the Transit Plan alive and workable.
Peter Lenhardt, Alameda, encouraged a modal -based format for
selecting Transportation Commission representatives to ensure
citizens' faith in the Commission's decisions and to ensure the
Commission's responsibilities will be carried out in a manner which
is representative of the citizenry.
Lucy Gigli, Bike Alameda, stated there is a recommendation to
endorse implementation of communications with citizens and
community advisory groups; web and e -mail technology should be used
to get more citizens involved; citizens could sign up for topics of
interest, e.g. transportation or housing issues; as issues are on
various agendas, people could be notified via e -mail; said action
would broaden government outreach.
Bill Smith, Alameda, discussed bus services.
Councilmember Johnson stated specific membership of the
Transportation Commission and communication with community advisory
groups were addressed by the Public Transit Committee (PTC); all
ideas were given serious consideration; the PTC decided that the
City should not give preference to particular community groups;
further stated items can be appealed from the Transportation
Technical Team to the Transportation Commission; after the
Commission and Technical Team are operating, the matter of appeals
can be reviewed and adjustments can be made, if necessary; the PTC
separated out staff issues and placed policy issues with the
Transportation Commission.
Councilmember Johnson moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Mayor Appezzato inquired whether Vice Mayor DeWitt concurs with the
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November 6, 2001
recommendation.
Councilmember Johnson responded in the affirmative; stated the PTC
vote was unanimous; the PTC is anxious to see two years of work
move forward.
Mayor Appezzato stated the matter can be brought back if changes
are needed; City Boards and Commissions members are mostly at-
large; some Boards have one member with specific expertise.
Councilmember Johnson inquired whether the Planning Board requested
to review the specific formation of the Transportation Commission.
The City Manager responded in the affirmative; stated prior to
adoption of an Ordinance creating the Transportation Commission,
the Planning Board would like to review the matter and provide
feedback.
Councilmember Johnson noted that she did not object to said
request.
Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember Kerr stated that she endorses the
general concept of at -large membership; requested the Information
Technology (IT) Department to review how the City communicates with
different residents; stated self - government is a do- it- yourself
process which is worth the time and effort; possibly the IT
Department can come up with a way to communicate with residents on
specific issues; however, Planning Board and City Council agendas
are on -line currently; inquired whether other Board and Commission
agendas are on -line.
The Assistant City Manager, Operations responded that he would
provide said information.
Councilmember Daysog stated the members of the Transportation
Commission will work closely with members of community advisory
groups; there are opportunities to institutionalize the
relationship between community advisory groups and the
Transportation Commission; the Commission's membership should be
diverse to bring new ideas; details must be implemented; the
Transportation Commission will be judged by whether it increases
the number of people using public transit.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice
vote - 4. [Absent: Vice Mayor DeWitt - 1.1
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November 6, 2001
(01 -585) Final Passage of Ordinance No. 2865, "Reclassifying and
Rezoning Certain Properties Within the City of Alameda by Amending
Zoning Ordinance No. 1277, N.S., from R -2 (Two- Family Residence)
Zoning District to R -2 (PD) (Two- Family Residence /Planned
Development Combining) Zoning District, for that Property Located
at 3203, 3205 and 3207 Fernside Boulevard." Finally passed.
Councilmember Kerr moved final passage of the Ordinance.
Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent: Vice Mayor DeWitt - 1.]
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON- AGENDA
(01 -586) James Haas, Alameda, stated the residents of Sandalwood
Isle sent a letter to the Council regarding street conditions; last
weekend, AP &T laid the cable for the new telecommunications system;
the narrow trench collapsed; Public Works had to fill two areas and
install metal plates to protect the street; the street was not
constructed properly; there are less than two inches of asphalt
over loose sand; the street has many cracks and huge pot holes, and
has been patched many times; the center is depressed and manholes
are sticking up; patching does not make sense; the street has not
been resurfaced for forty years.
Mayor Appezzato stated that he visited the street; he was going to
raise the issue tonight; the petition was forwarded to the City
Manager; he also spoke with AP &T; he requested City staff and AP &T
to review conditions and respond to neighbors; AP &T has visited the
site.
The City Manager stated Councilmember Daysog requested a report on
street conditions; staff has prepared the report and will forward
it to Council; after Council receives the report, staff can follow
up with a presentation.
Mayor Appezzato stated the report should include how the City goes
about resurfacing, including the plan and budget.
Councilmember Daysog stated more and more residents are concerned
about the quality of streets; that he requested the report to
ensure resurfacing is approached on a systematic basis.
Councilmember Johnson stated there should be a public presentation
after the report is finalized; there are more complaints from
residents about street issues; a presentation would educate the
public.
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November 6, 2001
Mayor Appezzato stated it is important to ensure the citizens
understand the plan for dealing with neighborhoods street -by-
street.
The City Manager stated there are 131 miles of streets in the 12.3
square mile City; the cost to reconstruct one mile is approximately
$1 Million.
Mayor Appezzato noted if the voters had not passed Measure B
Reauthorization last year, the City would not have funds for
[resurfacing] streets.
(01 -587) Philip Garcia, Encinal High School Junior Reserve
Officer's Training Corp. (JROTC), stated JROTC cares about the
futures of its cadets; JROTC informs students about college
requirements and scholarships; provided examples of successful
JROTC graduates; urged Council to support the JROTC program [which
is facing Alameda Unified School District funding cuts].
Mayor Appezzato stated that he personally supports the ROTC
program; if the ballot measure passes today, the School District
might reconsider [cuts].
(01 -588) Tali Benz, Encinal High School Junior Reserve Officer's
Training Corp., requested Council's support for saving the JROTC
program; stated Dr. Nashino and the School Board decided to cut one
of the army instructors from the Encinal High School Program; JROTC
has been a part of the community since 1923; after 78 years of
service, the School Board should not eliminate the program;
outlined JROTC cadets volunteer activities; stated JROTC prepares
its participants for life beyond the classroom and encourages
participants to attend college; if Measure A passes, the JROTC
program will still be threatened due to budgetary constraints; the
JROTC program was considered for elimination in 1993 and cadets
requested that the City Council write a letter to the School Board
urging the Board to reconsider cutting an Army instructor from the
ROTC program; that she is requesting the same tonight.
(01 -589) Bill Smith, Alameda, discussed transit issues.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(01 -590) Councilmember Kerr stated the Request for Business
Proposals (RFBP) designated boundaries which corresponded to Navy
planning areas, e.g. Al and A2; the General Plan Amendment for
Alameda Point has a different map and the Housing Element map
boundaries differs from said map; reading the latest draft of the
Housing Element, one cannot determine how it corresponds to the
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council 16
November 6, 2001
planning areas which were used in the RFBP and where extra housing
will go; also, the Housing Element list of available land areas
does not correspond to the maps; e.g., area 29 at Alameda Point is
listed as the civic core, however, the map indicates the area is
east of the sea plane lagoon, rather than north of the sea plane
lagoon; suggested staff review making planning boundaries the same
in all three documents.
(01 -591) Councilmember Kerr noted the absentee ballot returns for
Measure A indicated it was passing.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Appezzato adjourned the
Regular Meeting at 10:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown
Act.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council 17
November 6, 2001