2002-05-21 Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY - - MAY 21, 2002 - - 7:30 P.M.
Mayor Appezzato convened the Regular Meeting at 7:27 p.m.
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
(02 -207) Presentation on Power Supply Alternatives and
Recommendations for Reliability in the 21St Century.
Alameda Power & Telecom General Manager stated due to California's
energy crisis, Advanced Energy Strategies was contracted to develop
a plan for power supply alternatives and recommendations for
reliability.
Dr. Dean Tibbs, Advanced Energy Strategies, gave a brief Power
Point presentation on power supply alternatives.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether implementation would include
all plans noted in the presentation.
Dr. Tibbs responded the recommended option is Municipal Solid Waste
(MSW) Gasification Plant; a second option is a combined power
plant; the third is distributed generation which would be gradually
integrated.
Councilmember Daysog inquired how distributed generation would be
financially planned, to which Dr. Tibbs responded financial
planning would be addressed during the Public Utility Board's
strategic planning cycle.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the Western Area Power
Administration (WAPA) power supply would decline in 2006 -07, to
which Dr. Tibbs responded contract changes and restructuring of
WAPA and PG &E agreements would make energy no longer available.
Councilmember Kerr inquired whether there are only three Pyrolosis
Plants in operation in the world, to which Dr. Tibbs responded in
the affirmative.
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May 21, 2002
Councilmember Kerr stated down -wind locations should be considered
when planning the location of combustion power generators.
Dr. Tibbs responded a permitting and review process would take
place when a project is started [which includes prevailing winds] .
Councilmember Kerr inquired whether there would be a savings for
massive installation of solar generation, to which Dr. Tibbs
responded there is no economy of scale for commercial solar
generation.
Councilmember Kerr stated solar generation should be considered for
Alamedans.
Councilmember Johnson stated care should be used when types of
power are decided upon; inquired whether geothermal could be re-
injected again to increase power production.
Dr. Tibbs responded Northern California Power Agency (NCPA) is
aggressively managing the steam field.
Councilmember Johnson inquired about the types of garbage that
would be used in the gasification of MSW, to which Dr. Tibbs
responded any garbage or recyclables that contain a hydrocarbon.
Councilmember Johnson inquired whether the Combined Cycle Power
Plant uses all natural gas, to which Dr. Tibbs responded in the
affirmative.
Councilmember Johnson inquired about the effect of fluctuation in
gas prices, to which Dr. Tibbs responded if there are concerns
regarding the volatility in the gas market a long -term gas purchase
contract would be secured.
Councilmember Johnson requested Dr. Tibbs to comment on the grid
system, to which Mr. Tibbs responded locating generation on a site
nearby or on Alameda is being analyzed.
(02 -208) Presentation on the Pedestrian Safety Program.
Sergeant Swatman, of the Traffic Division, gave a brief Power Point
presentation on the Pedestrian Safety Program.
Councilmember Johnson inquired whether half of the pedestrian
accidents were due to pedestrian negligence, to which Sergeant
Swatman responded pedestrians were at fault in eight of the forty -
nine accidents last year.
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May 21, 2002
Councilmember Johnson inquired whether the accidents were in the
business district, to which Sergeant Swatman responded the
accidents happened all over town.
Councilmember Johnson stated a pedestrian safety outreach program
was needed.
Councilmember Johnson inquired whether a signal timing system for
left hand turns could provide safety for pedestrians, to which the
Public Works Director responded an exclusive left turn feature does
not allow pedestrians to cross; further stated the City of
Oakland's "scramble" signal creates confusion.
Councilmember Daysog congratulated the Alameda Police Department
for their enforcement work.
Vice Mayor DeWitt stated signs on Otis Drive should be used
throughout the City.
Mayor Appezzato inquired whether accidents occurred during commute
hours, to which Sergeant Swatman responded accidents happened
during all hours of the day.
(02 -209) Proclamation Declaring June 1 through June 9, 2002 as
Affordable Housing Week in the City of Alameda.
Mayor Appezzato read the proclamation and presented it to Peggy
Doherty, East Bay Housing Organization.
Ms. Doherty invited Council to participate in the events during the
week; stated the housing crisis is not over.
(02 -210) Councilmember Kerr stated a new coalition, called LOCAL
[Leave Our Community Assets Local], was formed; the coalition
consists of over 150 agencies throughout the State and was formed
to address State budget cuts; one way the State will balance the
budget is on the backs of local government; a long list [of cuts]
was compiled by the League of California Cities; that she would
provide said list to Council; the list includes reducing
reimbursements for State mandates and taking future tax increment
funds from redevelopment districts as part of the ERAF [Educational
Revenue Augmentation Fund] shift; redevelopment district tax
increment is used to repay bonds and is a chief funding mechanism
for affordable housing; however, housing allocations are not being
reduced; requested staff to provide a report on the problems the
City will face as a result of State budget cuts.
CONSENT CALENDAR
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May 21, 2002
Mayor Appezzato announced that recommendation to accept Quarterly
Investment Report [paragraph no. 02 -212], and the Resolution
Appointing Marc A. Lambert as a Member of the Bay Area Library and
Information System Advisory Board [paragraph no. 02 -220] were
removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
Councilmember Daysog moved approval of the remainder of the Consent
Calendar.
Vice Mayor DeWitt seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
( *02 -211) Minutes of the Special Joint City Council and Social
Service Human Relations Board Meeting held on April 25, 2002, the
Special Joint City council and Planning Board Meeting held on April
30, 2002, the Special Joint City Council and Alameda Reuse and
Redevelopment Authority Meeting held on May 1, 2002, and the
Special and Regular City Council Meetings held on May 7, 2002.
Approved.
(02 -212) Recommendation to accept Quarterly Investment Report for
the period ending March 31, 2002 and approve appropriation for
Investment Management Services.
Kevin Kennedy, City Treasurer, stated investment management
services specialize in managing money for public institutions and
agencies; there should be high return with low risk.
Councilmember Johnson inquired about the rate of return, to which
the City Treasurer responded the rate of return depends on how the
portfolio changes.
The City Manager stated investment management services will be
fine - tuning the City's ability to generate investment yield.
By consensus, the motion carried by a unanimous voice vote - 5.
( *02 -213) Recommendation to award Contract in the amount of
$681,432 to Kvichak Marine Industries for Express II Conversion
Project, No. P.W. 08- 01 -22. Accepted.
( *02 -214) Recommendation to authorize the installation of Stop
Controls at Chestnut Street and Clinton Avenue and Lafayette Street
and Clinton Avenue to establish right -of -way. Accepted.
( *02 -215) Resolution No. 13449, "Authorizing the City Manager to
Secure and Implement Alameda County Transportation Improvement
Authority Measure B Paratransit Funding for Fiscal Year 2002 -03."
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May 21, 2002
Adopted.
( *02 -216) Resolution No. 13450, "Authorizing the City Manager to
Submit a One Year Grant Application for the Used Oil Recycling
Block Grant Funds (FY 2002 -03, Cycle 8) to the California
Integrated Waste Management Board and Execute All Necessary
Applications, Contracts, Payment Requests, Agreements and
Amendments." Adopted.
( *02 -217) Resolution No. 13451, "Authorizing Application for Fiscal
Year 2002 -03 Bicycle Transportation Account Funds." Adopted.
( *02 -218) Resolution No. 13452, "Intention to Levy an Annual
Assessment on the Alameda Business Improvement Area of the City of
Alameda for FY 2002 -03 and to Set a Public Hearing Date of June 4,
2002." Adopted.
( *02 -219) Resolution No. 13453, "Authorizing the City Manager to
Apply for United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
Supportive Housing Programs Funding." Adopted.
(02 -220) Resolution No. 13454, "Appointing Marc A. Lambert as a
Member of the Bay Area Library and Information System (BALIS)
Advisory Board." Adopted.
Vice Mayor DeWitt acknowledged the spirit of volunteerism; further
acknowledged former BALIS volunteer Linda Olsen for her community
work.
Vice Mayor DeWitt moved adoption of the resolution.
Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
( *02 -221) Ratified bills in the amount of $2,648,027.67.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(02 -222) Public Hearing to consider a request for approval of
Initial Study IS- 01 -01, for a Mitigated Negative Declaration under
the California Environmental Quality Act, and a General Plan
Amendment, GPA- 01 -02, to add Tinker Avenue as a Major Street from
Main Street to Webster Street to Figure 4 -1, Street and Transit
System, of the Alameda General Plan;
(02 -222A) Resolution No. 13455, "Adopting a Mitigated Negative
Declaration, IS- 01 -01, for General Plan Amendment GPA- 01 -02, (State
Clearinghouse #2001062021)." Adopted; and
(02 -222B) Resolution No. 13456, "Adopting General Plan Amendment,
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May 21, 2002
GPA- 01-02, to Add Tinker Avenue
to Webster Street to Figure 4 -1,
Alameda General Plan." Adopted.
as a Major Street from Main Street
Street and Transit System, of the
The Planning Manager provided a brief background on the addition of
Tinker Avenue as a major roadway.
Mayor Appezzato opened the Public Hearing.
Proponents:
Richard East, U.S. Coast
John Knox White, Alameda
John Beery, Alameda;
Jon Spangler, Alameda.
Guard;
Transportation Coalition;
Councilmember Kerr requested Bike Alameda provide education on
bicycle safety.
Councilmember Daysog moved adoption of the resolutions.
Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember Johnson thanked staff and residents
who worked on the project.
Councilmember Kerr stated specific language regarding the first
story noise levels [for Coast Guard Housing] is needed to ensure a
livable use; existing language is vague.
The Planning Manager responded the Negative Declaration
acknowledges potential noise impacts; a noise study will indicate
whether sound walls are needed to shield the recreation areas and
first floors.
Councilmember Kerr stated the report reads a sound wall might
protect the first story; stated the report should read: "the first
story windows would be glazed if a sound wall is not installed and
interior noise on the ground floor will be within residential noise
standards."
Councilmember Daysog requested Council move forward with the staff
recommendation; noted changes can be made in the future.
Councilmember Kerr requested language be revised to reflect that
noise levels on the ground floor interior will be no higher than
noise levels on the second story.
The Planning Manager stated the City standard is an interior noise
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level of 45 dBA /CNEL; the mitigation monitoring program commits the
City to work with the Coast Guard to retrofit residences which are
impacted by noise; if a noise wall is not installed, windows will
be glazed; staff will work with the Coast Guard as we complete a
more detailed study of noise levels.
Councilmember Kerr inquired why second story noise mitigation is
specific but first story noise mitigation is not specific, to which
the Planning Manager responded a sound wall could not mitigate
second story noise levels.
Mayor Appezzato stated either a sound wall or glazing would be on
the first story.
Councilmember Johnson inquired whether noise levels would meet the
City standard, to which the Planning Manager responded in the
affirmative.
Councilmember Kerr inquired whether specific language regarding 45
decibels (dBA) is in language for the first story, to which the
Planning Manager responded in the affirmative and stated the
specific language is in the Initial Study and the Negative
Declaration, and also in the Mitigation Monitoring Program.
Councilmember Kerr stated the Planning Board brought up the issue
and requested that Council make a determination; requested that the
motion be amended by adding that noise on the first floor will be
below 45 decibels.
Councilmember Johnson stated that said language is in the report.
Councilmember Kerr stated that said language is not what Council is
voting on.
Vice Mayor DeWitt stated mitigations should be governed by the
noise study and City regulations.
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.
(02 -223) Resolution No. 13457, "Approving Submittal of an
Application for State Matching Funds from the California Reading
and Literacy Improvement and Public Library Construction and
Renovation Bond Act of 2000." Adopted; and
(02 -223A) Resolution No 13458, "Approving Addendum to the Final
Environmental Impact Report for the New Alameda Free Library (State
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May 21, 2002
Clearinghouse #90030601)."
The Library Director gave a brief oral report to Council.
Dr. Alan Mitchell, Library Board, urged Council to adopt the
resolution.
Honora Murphy, Library Building Team, commended members of the
Library Building Team for their hard work.
Councilmember Johnson moved adoption of the resolutions.
Vice Mayor DeWitt seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember Kerr noted that the State budget is
reducing funding for public library foundations by $11.8 million;
library foundations are seeking local funding.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice
vote.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON- AGENDA
(02 -224) David Rich, Alameda, stated improvements are needed at
Alameda beach; submitted postcards of Alameda Beach to Council.
Mayor Appezzato requested the City Manager to contact East Bay
Regional Parks District regarding the matter.
(02 -225) Richard Neveln, Alameda, stated the flag at City Hall is
not properly lighted at night; requested proper lighting by
Memorial Day.
(02 -226) Corey Redding, Mary Andrade, and Roxanne LeBlanc,
American Cancer Society, invited Council to attend the 7th Annual
Relay for Life Celebration Saturday June 8, 2002 through Sunday
June 9, 2002 at Encinal High School; submitted information to
Council.
(02 -227) Jean Sweeney, Alameda, stated East Bay Regional Park
District is replacing non - native plants along the beach.
(02 -228) John Spangler, Alameda, expressed his appreciation for
the City Manager's contribution to the San Francisco Aids
Foundation.
(02 -229) Genevieve Chesler, Alameda, noted her concerns about
teenage driver and pedestrian safety, and pedestrian sauntering.
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COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(02 -230) Councilmember Daysog stated Census 2000 Summary data is
available on the Internet.
(02 -231) Councilmember Kerr stated an upcoming Special Association
of Bay Area Governments Meeting in Richmond would cover Principles
to Smart Growth; the defiscalization of land use would also be
covered at the meeting.
(02 -232) Councilmember Johnson requested staff to review if there
are adequate bike racks on the beach.
(02 -233) Councilmember Daysog stated Alameda might benefit from
defiscalization of land use; suggested Council remain open to
defiscalization of land use.
Councilmember Kerr noted Oakland is the only City supporting
defiscalization of land use.
(02 -234) Vice Mayor DeWitt requested Jim Sweeney, American Legion,
to address Council regarding Memorial Day Services.
Jim Sweeney invited Council to attend the American Legion Post 647
Annual Memorial Day Service at Veterans Memorial Park on Monday May
27, 2002.
(02 -235) Mayor Appezzato stated the Port of Oakland requested
Council to review a list of names for the Cross Airport Roadway;
requested the matter be placed on the next Council agenda under
council Communications; stated that he does not oppose naming the
road after developer Ron Cowan.
ADJOURNMENT
(02 -236) There being no further business, Mayor Appezzato
adjourned the Regular Meeting at 9:35 p.m. in memory of Kathy
Baker, Alameda Journal photographer.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown
Act.
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May 21, 2002