2000-10-17 Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY - - OCTOBER 17, 2000 - - 7:30 P.M.
Mayor Appezzato convened the Regular Meeting at 7:50 p.m.
Councilmember DeWitt led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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
(00 -576) Presentation of Certificate of Service to former Public
Utilities Board Member Mark Hanna.
Mayor Appezzato presented the Certificate of Service to Mr. Hanna.
(00 -577) Presentation of new Online Alameda Community Calendar.
The Acting Information Technology Director gave a demonstration on
the Community Calendar.
(00 -578) Announcement of the Alameda Free Library 123rd Birthday
and Volunteer Appreciation Open House Monday, October 23, 2000.
Archie Waterbury, former Library Board Member, and Karen Butter,
Library Board Member, announced the upcoming celebration.
(00 -579) The City Clerk announced that due to the Tuesday, November
7, General Municipal Election, the November 7, 2000 Regular Council
Meeting would be adjourned to Wednesday, November 8, 2000.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Appezzato announced that the Rent Review Advisory Committee's
recommendation [Paragraph No. 00 -581] was removed from the Consent
Calendar for discussion.
Councilmember Johnson moved approval of the remainder of the
Consent Calendar.
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Alameda City Council 1
October 17, 2000
Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an
asterisk preceding the paragraph number.]
( *00 -580) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings
held on October 3, 2000. Approved.
(00 -581) Recommendation to authorize the Mayor to send letters to
Rental Housing Owners: 1) encouraging fair and equitable rent
increase decisions; 2) commending participation in the Housing
Choice Voucher Program; and 3) commending cooperation with the Rent
Review Advisory Committee.
Allan Shore, Alameda, inquired whether letters could include
reference to Housing Forum recommendations; stated property owners
should be encouraged to comment on said issues; everyone's input
should be sought to find housing solutions.
Councilmember Kerr moved acceptance of the staff recommendation.
Vice Mayor Daysog seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember DeWitt stated the letter will make
an impact and try to keep rents down.
Vice Mayor Daysog stated the Rent Review Advisory Committee (RRAC)
stands up on behalf of renters; noted the Committee tackled
escalating rents at the Bridgeport /Harbor Island Apartments.
Councilmember Kerr stated the RRAC has achieved an over 95% success
rate in mediating rents between landlords and tenants.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice
vote - 5.
( *00 -582) Recommendation to authorize execution of a Lead -Based
Paint Hazard Reduction Grant Agreement with Alameda County Lead
Poisoning Prevention Program in the amount of $44,000. Accepted.
( *00 -583) Recommendation to award Contract in the amount of
$2,464,600 to West Coast Contractors, Inc., for Buildings 11 and
400A, Phase 2 Shell Improvements Project, No. P.W. 08- 00 -11.
Accepted.
( *00 -584) Recommendation to adopt Plans and Specifications and
authorize Call for Bids for Annual Mechanical Repairs for City
Buildings, No. P.W. 09- 00 -14. Accepted.
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Alameda City Council 2
October 17, 2000
( *00 -585) Resolution No. 13281, "Authorizing the City Manager to
Execute an Open Market
City Charter for Jackson
05- 00 -10." Adopted.
Contract Pursuant to Section 3 -15 of the
Park Renovation Project Phase 1, No. P.W.
( *00 -586) Introduction of Ordinance Approving and Authorizing the
Sale of a Portion of Market Street Recently Vacated North of
Madison Avenue. Introduced.
( *00 -587) Ratified bills in the amount $2,506,935.07.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(00 -588) Resolution No. 13282, "Appointing Frank Matarrese as a
Member of the City Planning Board." Adopted.
Councilmember Johnson moved adoption of the Resolution.
Vice Mayor Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office and presented Mr.
Matarrese with a certificate of Appointment.
(00 -589) Public Hearing to consider a General Plan Amendment, GPA-
99-04, to change the designation of the site from Medium Density
Residential to Business Park; a Housing Element Amendment which
would change Table 7 -1 in the Housing Element to relocate the 156
dwelling units, which could be constructed at Marina Village, to a
site at 1801 Hibbard Street (Buena Vista /Hibbard Industrial Area) ;
a Master Plan Amendment to permit the construction of an
approximately 143,000 square foot, four -story office building with
associated parking and landscaping on a 4.04 acre portion of Parcel
B at 1200 Marina Village Parkway (Shipways site); development of
approximately 2.4 acres of the site as public open space and
shoreline access; and recommendation to certify the Final
Environmental Impact Report for the Project. Applicant: Alameda
Real Estate Investments;
(00 -589A) Resolution No. 13283, "Certifying the Final Environmental
Impact Report and Making Findings Concerning Mitigation Measures,
Adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, Making
Findings Regarding Alternatives and Adopting a Statement of
Overriding Considerations in Accordance with the California
Environmental Quality Act for the Shipways Office Development
Project. (State Clearinghouse #2000022074)" Adopted;
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October 17, 2000
(00 -589B) Resolution No. 13284, "Approving General Plan Amendment,
GPA- 99 -04, General Plan Amendments to: A) Change the Land Use
Designation on the General Plan Diagram from "Medium Density
Residential" to "Business Park" for an Approximately 5.6 Acre
Portion of the Area Identified as Parcel B on the Marina Village
Property; and B) Amend the Housing Element on Three Separate Pages,
by Substituting the Identification of Marina Village as an Area
Where 156 Dwelling Units could be Developed, with Identification of
the Approximately 20.5 Acre Buena Vista Avenue /Hibbard Street
Industrial Area." Adopted; and
(00 -589C) Introduction of Ordinance Approving MPA -99 -04 Amendment
to the Master Plan for Alameda Marina Village. Introduced.
Mayor Appezzato opened the public portion of the Hearing.
Proponents:
Don Parker, Applicant;
Ken Kay, Applicant;
Stephen Fee, Architect for Applicant; and
Moira Fossum, Chamber of Commerce.
Opponents:
Jon Spangler, Alameda;
Julian Frederick, Alameda Transit Advocates;
Peggy Doherty, Alameda;
Michael Krueger, Alameda Transit Advocates;
Jean Sweeney, Alameda;
Jim Sweeney, Alameda;
Steven Gerstle, Alameda;
William Smith, Alameda;
Allan Shore, Alameda; and
Morgan Woollett, Marina Village Homeowners' Association.
Neutral:
Richard Neveln, Alameda; and
Mark Irons, Alameda.
There being no further speakers, Mayor Appezzato closed the Public
Hearing.
Following Stephen Fee's comments, Mayor Appezzato requested the
developer to work with staff and the Homeowners' Association to
review placing a planter or fountain at Independence Drive and
Marina Village Parkway to add beauty and mitigate traffic.
Following Michael Krueger's comments, Vice Mayor Daysog requested
the Public Transit Committee to review AC Transit Routes 12 and 42.
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October 17, 2000
Vice Mayor Daysog stated transportation concerns are valid; there
have been discussions about a transit system and funding, however,
habits about cars need to change; funding and systems will not make
a difference unless mindsets change; further stated transit should
be created along with development; development is necessary to
provide the density required for public transit; the Public Transit
Committee can address the Marina Village bus route problem; the
office building will keep businesses, which are expanding, in
Alameda; opening the waterfront takes advantage of the estuary;
there are transit mitigations which lay the groundwork for looking
at transportation systematically, e.g. shuttles connecting to
BART; people must be encouraged to use public transit.
Vice Mayor Daysog moved approval of the staff recommendation
[adoption of Resolution Nos. 13283 and 13284 and introduction of
ordinance].
Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember Johnson stated the site has been
abandoned for 20 years; the project will complete public access to
the waterfront; there will be a better jobs /housing balance; the
City has made a serious commitment to public transit; Alameda
residents should not have to commute out of town to work;
encouraged those interested in transit to attend Public Transit
Committee meetings.
Councilmember Kerr stated the area was originally designated for
housing and was later changed to office space; when the new motel
[Extended Stay] was approved, a requirement changed the site back
to housing; the City does not have the streets to handle traffic
created by project; traffic backs up from Sherman Street and Buena
Vista Avenue to the tube; Wind River is not completed; the
residences at Marina Cove have not been included; Tinker Avenue
extension will place traffic onto Marina Village Parkway;
southbound traffic will end up on Sherman Street; until the City
addresses traffic congestion and has a plan for Clement Avenue
extension, she will not support more development.
Councilmember DeWitt stated that he supports the project; the City
should be proud of Marina Village; art was built into the project;
the project will cause traffic, however, development provides funds
to solve traffic problems, e.g. create streets, fund bus services;
the City needs an economic base to provide services.
Mayor Appezzato stated every city in the country has traffic
congestion during the commute hour; there are 12,000 less jobs in
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October 17, 2000
Alameda than when the Base was operating; traffic is not as bad as
when the Base was open; basic services the City provides must be
paid for; issues raised are valid and will be dealt with by
Council; if there is no development, there will not be enough
revenue to pave roads, trim trees and maintain parks.
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.
(00 -590) Public Hearing on Housing and Community Development Needs
and FY 1999 -2000 Performance Review.
Mayor Appezzato opened the public portion of the Hearing.
The following speakers addressed the Council:
Michael Wilson, Four Bridges;
Lisa Elfand, Four Bridges;
Chris Novosel, Four Bridges;
Paula McCloskey, Chamber of Commerce;
William Smith, Alameda; and
Irene Arroyo, BANANAS, Inc.
There being no further speakers, Mayor Appezzato closed the public
portion of the Hearing.
Councilmember Johnson moved acceptance of the Report.
Councilmember Johnson requested Ms. McCloskey to clarify her
request.
Paula McCloskey, Chamber of Commerce, stated there should be
funding for an incubator which would provide office space and
counseling for start -up businesses; individuals interested in
establishing new businesses would receive an orientation to
understand whether they have capital and backing to establish the
business; the Chamber would inform individuals of business licenses
and permits needed, which would save City staff time; businesses
should have a place to get start -up assistance.
Councilmember Johnson inquired whether funding for said program
could be accommodated.
The Development Review Manager responded micro - enterprise
activities are eligible to receive Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) funds when they serve moderate- and low- income people;
last year, Council approved a set aside of $25,000 for micro -
enterprise loans; staff is looking for money to provide the
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technical assistance Ms. McCloskey suggested.
Councilmember Johnson stated technical support is important to give
start -up businesses a chance of success.
Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Vice Mayor Daysog stated the CDBG program
benefits low- income households; in Alameda, a family of four
earning between $50,000 to $54,000 is considered low- income.
Mayor Appezzato stated the City receives $1.3 Million in CDBG
funds, which is never enough to do everything the community needs.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice
vote - 5.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON- AGENDA
(00 -591) Madlyn Murphy, Alameda, stated 90,000 people lived in
Alameda in the 1940's and there were no parking and transit
problems; people should walk; Edison school is surrounded by cars;
cars should be addressed in conjunction with housing; inquired
whether the City would consider charging residents a fee for owning
more than two cars; stated the number of cars a person can own and
operate should be limited.
(00 -592) Ed Murphy, Alameda, stated Hadi Monsef [former
Councilmember] spoke under Oral Communications at the last Council
Meeting [October 3, 2000]; several speakers requested an open
debate on the issues raised in the Housing Forum relative to City
Charter Article 26; Mr. Monsef urged Council not to call for such a
debate because it would be divisive; limitation of debate in a free
society does not seem appropriate unless there is an emergency or
dire consequence; further stated that he would like to know how
each member feels about holding such discussions.
(00 -593) William Smith, Alameda, stated the Housing Forum
recommendations should be discussed; in 1990, the Guyton Lawsuit
settlement was a result of City Charter restrictions on multi-
family housing and because the Housing Element was not approved;
the City had to stop issuing building permits; the Housing Element
will expire at the end of 2001; a similar lawsuit could be brought
against the City at said time; multi - family housing has benefits
such as: 1) AC Transit reviews housing and density when routing bus
lines; 2) provides additional living opportunities for people who
are not mobile; and 3) provides an urban lifestyle; further stated
Alameda is changing from suburban to urban.
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October 17, 2000
(00 -594) Heather Heppner, Alameda, noted several articles in the
newspaper addressed housing issues; that she participated in the
Housing Forum; the Forum concluded in late June and there has not
been any action; urged discussion of matter.
(00 -595) Jean Sweeney, Alameda, stated the City has a lot of
housing and infill; if housing, bridges and a freeway are
constructed and open space is not protected, everyone will be
choking on pollution.
(00 -596) Richard Neveln, Alameda, stated public transit should be
more convenient, quicker and less expensive than driving cars; in
winter, during rain storms, people will not use public transit
unless there are sheltered walkways and convenient pick -up /drop -off
locations; suggested CLASS [Citizens League for Airport Safety and
Serenity] focus on buses; further stated buses follow federal noise
guidelines; the City of Alameda should discuss a noise ordinance
establishing regulations for public transit vehicles or even all
vehicles; said regulations would create safety and serenity in the
evening hours and lift objections to bus lines through City
neighborhoods.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(00 -597) Request for affordable housing fee adjustment based on
inflation, "Nexus Study" and /or comparison of fees in other cities;
and direction to the City Attorney to work with the City Manager on
these items. [Vice Mayor Daysog]
Vice Mayor Daysog read his request; stated the City sees the
connection between commercial development and affordable housing.
(00 -598) Councilmember Johnson announced the Office of the City
Clerk is a polling place from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday
through Friday until November 3, 2000; suggested signs posted
indicate that the polling place is open now.
The City Clerk announced that expanded voting would also be
available at the Registrar of Voters Saturday and Sunday October 28
and 29, and November 4 and 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Councilmember Johnson encouraged use of the touchscreen voting
system; further inquired whether voters who are not residents of
the City of Alameda could vote at the City Clerk's Office.
The City Clerk responded any registered voter within the County of
Alameda could do so.
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October 17, 2000
(00 -599) Councilmember Kerr stated nothing in Alameda is discussed
more than Measure A [1973]; anyone in the City can get signatures
[on an Initiative Petition] and place the matter on the ballot;
there is not a lock box on Measure A; the regular political process
is available for those who wish to change the City Charter.
(00 -600) Councilmember DeWitt announced that the Housing Authority
would hold a class for property owners on how to rent property as
Section 8; stated the first class would be Wednesday.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Appezzato adjourned the
Regular Meeting at 11:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane B. Felsch, CMC
City Clerk
Agenda for meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act.
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October 17, 2000