2000-12-19 Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY - - DECEMBER 19, 2000 - - 7:30 P.M.
Mayor Appezzato convened the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:07
p.m.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, DeWitt, Johnson,
Kerr and Mayor Appezzato - 5.
Absent: None.
(00 -676) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings
of December 5, 2000. Approved.
Councilmember Kerr stated the fourth paragraph on page 11 of the
Minutes [related to Auto Repair Shops in the Webster Street
Business District] states: "Mayor Appezzato inquired whether the
Planning Director understood that Council's intent is to include
only Mr. Koka's property;" inquired whether said statement
reflected the intent of the majority of the Council.
Councilmember Johnson responded there was a long discussion on
which area to include; the statement was offered as direction to
staff, however, it was not the motion; the Planning Director
advised a description based on the number of feet [from the corner]
would be provided; requested Planning Director to respond.
The Planning Director responded that the video tape was reviewed to
capture the Council's intention and something legally defensible.
Councilmember Kerr stated that the intention of the majority of the
Council was to have Mr. Koka's lot only, no matter how described,
however, under final passage of the Ordinance approving the C -C
Zoning District [paragraph no. 00 -697], the area proposed is quite
different than solely Mr. Koka's lot; inquired whether the Minutes
state the Council's intent.
Councilmember Johnson responded there was discussion about
residences; to resolve the matter, Council limited the area to the
length of the [Koka] property.
Councilmember Kerr further inquired whether the area was being
limited to Mr. Koka's lot and not extending to other parcels.
Councilmember Johnson responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Kerr inquired whether the majority of Council agreed
other parcels were not included.
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Alameda City Council 1
December 19, 2000
Councilmember DeWitt stated the intent of the motion was a spot
zone for the Koka property.
Mayor Appezzato stated that he voted to put Mr. Koka's property
within the new zone.
Councilmember Kerr inquired whether the intent was to extend the
line further west, to which Councilmember Johnson responded in the
negative.
Councilmember DeWitt stated the [proposed] zoning [in the Ordinance
for Final Passage] on the property west of Mr. Koka's property is
not exactly what Council desired and should be changed - -west of Mr.
Koka's property should not be included.
Vice Mayor Daysog moved approval of the Minutes.
Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
Recess /Refreshments
Mayor Appezzato called a recess at 8:11 p.m. and called the Meeting
to order at 8:34 p.m.
REORGANIZATION OF COUNCIL
Installation
(00 -677) The Honorable Judge George E. McDonald administered the
Oaths of Office to:
Office of Citv Council
Al DeWitt
Barbara Kerr
Office of Citv Auditor
Kevin Kearney
Office of Citv Treasurer
Kevin Kennedy
Consideration of Appointment of Vice Mavor
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council 2
December 19, 2000
(00 -678) Vice Mayor Daysog moved that Council appoint
Councilmember Al DeWitt as Vice Mayor.
Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
Roll Call - New Citv Council
Present: Councilmembers Daysog, DeWitt, Johnson, Kerr and
Mayor Appezzato - 5.
Absent: None.
Comments by New Council
(00 -679) Vice Mayor DeWitt thanked his supporters, including
Charles Ward, Nick Cabral, Harry Cross, Richard Bartalini, Roy
Edwards, Mark Chandler, Don Dowdell, Georg Oliver, Diane Coler-
Dark, Darlene Banda, J.C. Shirriel and Charlie Tillman - -who are no
longer with us, Alice Andrate, Duke Campbell, Andy Rosinni, Roland
Chikitini from the Naval Air Station, Jim Owens, Joseph Wong,
Michael Wright and Al Wright, from Raintree Studios, Jay Casada,
and the Kofman family; pledged to provide honest and dedicated
service.
(00 -680) Councilmember Kerr thanked her supporters, including Bill
McCall and Jean Sweeney, her Campaign Co- Chairs, Charlie Tillman,
Jim Sweeney, and Diane Coler -Dark; stated her voting record is of
supporting the preservation of Alameda's older neighborhoods and
against development which would destroy said neighborhoods; quality
of life for existing residents is all - important.
AGENDA CHANGES
(00 -681) Mayor Appezzato stated staff is recommending that the
Resolution on the Fourth Amendment to the Measure B Funding
Agreement [paragraph no. 00 -689] be pulled from the agenda due to
significant changes by the Port of Oakland staff today; if the
issues are resolved, a Special Meeting will be called before
December 31, 2000; requested a motion to pull the matter.
Councilmember Johnson moved the matter be withdrawn.
Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Alameda City Council 3
December 19, 2000
(00 -682) Proclamation extending heartfelt thanks to Marilyn Ezzy
Ashcraft, Frank Matarrese and the members of Library 2000 for all
their efforts on behalf of Alameda's Library and community.
Mayor Appezzato read the Proclamation and presented it to Marilyn
Ezzy Ashcraft and Frank Matarrese.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Johnson moved approval 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.]
( *00 -683) Recommendation to accept the City of Alameda
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year Ended June
30, 2000; the Auditor's Report on Agreed Upon Procedures on
Compliance with Vehicle Code Section 40200.3 Parking Citation
Processing; the Agreed Upon Procedures Report on Compliance with
the Proposition 111 1999 -2000 Appropriations Limit Increment, and
the Independent Auditor's Report on Measure B Compliance.
Accepted.
( *00 -684) Recommendation to accept transmittal of Audit Report for
Pension Plans 1079 and 1082 for Period Ending June 30, 2000.
Accepted.
( *00 -685) Recommendation to accept Report on Local Law Enforcement
Block Grant Program. Accepted.
( *00 -686) Recommendation to approve modification of Agreement with
Northbay Ecumenical Homes and First Republic Bank for the Community
Assisted /Shared Appreciation (CASA) Homeownership Program,
extending the term of the Agreement. (In conjunction with Community
Improvement Commission Agenda Item) Accepted.
( *00 -687) Recommendation to accept the work of State Roofing
Systems, Inc., for the Officer's Club Roof Repair Project, No. P.W.
05- 00 -08. Accepted.
( *00 -688) Recommendation to accept the work of Tennyson Electric,
Inc., for Signal Installation at Atlantic Avenue /Challenger Drive
and Marina Village Parkway /Challenger Drive, No. P.W. 06- 99 -17.
Accepted.
(00 -689) Adoption of Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to
Execute the Fourth Amendment to the Measure B Funding Agreement by
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Alameda City Council 4
December 19, 2000
and between the City of Alameda, the Alameda County Transportation
Authority, the Port of Oakland, and the City of Oakland for the
Cross Airport Roadway Project. Withdrawn.
( *00 -690) Resolution No. 13296, "Delegating Authorization to
Execute Master Agreements, Program Supplemental Agreements, Fund
Exchange Agreements, Fund Transfer Agreements, and Amendments to
those Agreements with California Department of Transportation for
Federal or State Funded Transportation Projects to the City Manager
or His Designee." Adopted.
( *00 -691) Resolution No. 13297, "Authorizing Purchase of Six (6)
Vehicles Using the State of California, Department of General
Services, Procurement Division, Competitive Bid Award." Adopted.
( *00 -692) Resolution No. 13298, "Amending Master Fee Resolution No.
12191 by Increasing Various Chuck Corica Golf Complex Rates."
Adopted.
( *00 -693) Resolution No. 13299, "Approving and Consenting to an
Amendment to a Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement for the
California Pooled Investment Authority." Adopted.
( *00 -694) Ratified bills in the amount of $1,869,631.65.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(00 -695) Resolution No. 13300, "Commending Lewis Hurwitz for His
Fifteen Years of Service to the City of Alameda as the City
Treasurer." Adopted.
Vice Mayor DeWitt moved adoption of the Resolution.
Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
Mayor Appezzato read the resolution and a plaque, which he
presented to Mr. Hurwitz.
Mr. Hurwitz stated City staff makes the City work; thanked the City
Clerk, Finance Director, City Manager, and the rest of the City
staff for their support.
(00 -696) Transmittal of the Report on the Effect of the Proposed
Alameda Beltline Railroad Yard Open Space Ordinance; and
recommendation to consider options: 1) introduce Proposed
Ordinance, without alteration, or 2) place the Ordinance Petitioned
For on the November, 2002 Ballot.
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Alameda City Council 5
December 19, 2000
Councilmember Kerr recused herself.
Jean Sweeney, Initiative Petition Proponent, stated the Report on
the Effect of the Ordinance indicates the City would lose an
estimated $765,500 annually from 160 houses on the Beltline;
however, there is no accounting for the cost of services to said
housing area or the cost of losing open space; the Report does not
mention of the impact of additional traffic and diminution of air
quality; the Report [on the Effect of the proposed Ordinance] has a
chart [Attachment 1, Fact Sheet] which lists 5 parcels in the
Business and Waterfront Improvement Project (BWIP) that total 0.48
acres; the BWIP designates 4 acres for housing; 3.5 acres
designated within the West End Community Improvement Project
(WECIP) redevelopment boundaries are included in BWIP designated
housing; she previously inquired whether the City could do so
without going through the proper channels and was told the City
Council approved the General Plan in 1990, therefore it is legal;
further stated when Alameda Point is built out there will be only
2.3 acres of parks per 1000 people, which is under the General Plan
goal of 3- to 6 acres per thousand; further stated extending
Clement Street through the Beltline would create a 5 -way
intersection at Constitution Way and Atlantic Avenue; building more
roads to funnel traffic through an already impacted area does not
seem like a wise idea.
Len Grzanka, Alameda, inquired why Council is delaying voting on
the zoning matter; stated if it is on the ballot, the voters would
pass the initiative; the City has a good chance of enforcing the
Agreement made with the Beltline Railroad in the 1920's to purchase
the land at cost, plus the cost of improvements; if Council favors
something, costs are downplayed and benefits are magnified; when
staff and the elected officials do not want something, costs are
multiplied and benefits are downplayed; voters have indicated a
desire for open space; the cost should be viewed objectively; the
cost of the land is minimal and the benefits are dramatic,
especially if a transit corridor is needed between Alameda Point
and Fernside Boulevard; the area could be zoned open space, with an
easement preserved for a transportation corridor.
Richard Neveln, Alameda, stated keeping a transit corridor open is
important; open space is needed; the City often rezones property it
does not own; zoning is subject to change; the City Council should
vote to zone the area open space, which is what citizens want.
Sara Paulson, Alameda, stated support for open space.
Marie Raymond, Alameda, stated support for open space.
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Alameda City Council 6
December 19, 2000
Jenny Curtis, Alameda, stated support for open space.
Debra Arbuckle, Alameda, stated more than just the 100 of the
voters who signed the petition want a park; showed a video of the
Beltline property.
Jon Spangler, Alameda, urged Council to adopt the rezoning tonight;
stated the City Council should take an aggressive stance in favor
of preserving open space while litigation is resolved in court;
willful habitat destruction, which wipes out endangered species,
has occurred in Alameda County; permits have not been issued for
development.
Tim Englert, Alameda, stated having developers pay for a report
[Northern Waterfront Specific Plan] that effects them sounds like a
conflict of interest; the City is run by elected officials, who
zone land, not private corporations; the people have spoken in
favor of preserving open space; the City has the right to purchase
and zone land in the best interest of citizens; the developer does
not own the land; the City should preserve the land for future
generations.
William Bitting, Attorney, Alameda Belt Line, stated there are
compelling reasons not to adopt the ordinance tonight; there is
litigation over whether or not the City has a right to purchase the
property; if the Council passes the ordinance, there will be
eminent domain issues -- inverse condemnation; the issue of property
ownership, due to the 1924 Contract, should be resolved prior to
adding an additional issue to the case.
Mayor Appezzato stated that he received a telephone message from a
resident, Larry Haney, who is disturbed that there is a possibility
that Council can approve open space tonight; Mr. Haney thought the
issue would be placed on the ballot.
Vice Mayor DeWitt stated that he is satisfied with the Report [on
the Effect of the Proposed Ordinance]; people who signed the
petition asked that the matter be placed on the ballot; the
decision should be determined by the voters.
Councilmember Johnson stated it would be irresponsible for the City
Council to adopt the ordinance without allowing the residents of
Alameda to participate in the decision; there could be great
financial impact; everyone likes open space; read a portion of the
petition; stated voters signing the petition did not intend to have
the Council adopt an ordinance and desired the matter be placed on
the ballot for the people to decide; the measure should be placed
on the ballot as the petition states.
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December 19, 2000
Councilmember Daysog stated the property is worth fighting for,
however, Council has to make prudent decisions; the City has to
ensure it has the available resources and must wait for the outcome
of the litigation with the Beltline; that he met with
representatives from the Trust for Public Land, Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), and Rails to Trails, which are all
dedicated to open space; said agencies are interested in the issue,
but do not have a lot of money; the Brownfields EPA representative
indicated a Phase I Assessment should be completed for the land and
that his office should be willing to fund said study; transmitted
matter to the City Manager; further stated environmental Phase I
review is required if either open space is maintained or if there
is development.
Vice Mayor DeWitt moved that the ordinance petitioned for be placed
on the November, 2002 [General Municipal Election] ballot.
Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Mayor Appezzato stated no action will be taken to
develop the property until the people speak in November, 2002; the
litigation will determine whether the City will receive the land
for free or whether it will cost millions; if it will cost
millions, the City will have to find funding; passing the ordinance
without knowing the fiscal implications would be irresponsible; if
the land has to be purchased, the citizens of Alameda should decide
how to fund it.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the motion could be amended
to include submission of the Brownfields EPA Phase I study.
Mayor Appezzato concurred.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice
vote - 4. Abstentions: Councilmember Kerr - 1. [Note:
Councilmember Kerr recused herself, due to owning property within
300 feet of the property.]
Mayor Appezzato called a recess at 9:35 p.m. and reconvened the
Regular Meeting at 9:50 p.m.
(00 -697) Ordinance No. 2850, "Approving Zoning Text Amendment ZTA-
00-03, to Add a New Section 30 -4.9A to the Alameda Municipal Code
Establishing the C -C Zoning District and to Amend Sections 30 -2 and
30 -12.1, Definitions, in Connection with Establishment of the C -C
Zoning District within the Alameda Municipal Code." Finally
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Alameda City Council 8
December 19, 2000
passed.
Mayor Appezzato stated there has been a process to develop the
proposed ordinance; the entire community had an opportunity to be
involved; the Council is trying to satisfy the needs of the
community, especially the two Business Districts [Park Street and
Webster Street]; commended participants; further stated regarding
the issue of 100 -foot building heights on Park Street, the Park
Street Business Association (PSBR) agreed to lower the height
[limit] to 60 feet; currently, there is a 65 -foot building [on Park
Street].
Mary Jacak, Alameda, stated 60 feet sounds better than 100 feet,
however, the proposed 40 -foot height limit should remain.
Janelle Spatz, Alameda, stated the Planning Board's [height limit]
recommendation of 40 feet is sufficient.
Michelle Fredrick, Co- Chair, West Alameda Business Association
(WABA) Design Committee, stated the Design Committee requested a
review of zoning several years ago; staff members have created a
document which supports WABA's revitalization plans; urged Council
to reconsider the proposed exemption for the property at the
southwest corner of Pacific Avenue and Webster Street; stated
zoning regulations serve to provide clarity to developers, property
owners, business owners, and City staff; creating an exemption in
the document, which is looked to for clarity, sets up a potential
for controversy.
Jean Sweeney, Alameda, stated Council decided to spot zone the
corner of Webster Street and Pacific Avenue to accommodate car
repair; the College of Alameda segregated a part of the student
parking lot to store cars for the car repair school; all of the car
windows have been broken out; the cars have been vandalized and are
a nuisance; if the property owner [at the corner of Webster Street
and Pacific Avenue] is permitted to buy out parking requirements
[pay parking in lieu fees] and establish a car repair facility, it
could create a nuisance to the neighborhood.
James Sweeney, Alameda, stated things are finally happening on
Webster Street; the zoning should be passed as written by the
Planning Department; urged Council to support Webster Street.
Myra Lander, Alameda, stated that she objects to the development of
car repair on the southwest corner of Pacific Avenue and Webster
Street.
Chris Zimmerman, Elders Inn, requested Council to support WABA's
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December 19, 2000
position; stated the exempted lot [corner of Webster Street and
Park Street] should meet with WABA's requirements; property is hard
to find in Alameda and should be used judiciously; urged Council to
find a balance.
Michael Dugan, Elders Inn, stated the vision for Webster Street is
a commercially viable street more in -tune with the neighborhood's
needs; the proposed rezoning is a move in the right direction;
urged Council not to approve spot zoning to permit car - related uses
south of Pacific Avenue; stated without public input, Council
choose to include an exception to the concept that many people have
worked on for years; the zoning should be kept clear and the vision
should remain intact.
Jon Spangler, Alameda, stated Jenny Curtis had to leave, but wanted
to go on record as opposed to the spot zoning on Webster Street;
further stated Community Commercial Zoning is a great idea,
however, the exceptions made at the previous City Council meeting
are not the right thing to do; a 60 -foot height limitation is too
tall and does not agree with the 1991 General Plan; an increased
height limit would discourage historical preservation because
people might let properties go in order to sell their properties at
skyscraper prices; there should not be spot zoning on Webster
Street; the existing Planned Development and Use Permit processes
allow anyone to develop the right type of project without the
exceptions adopted at the previous Council Meeting; further stated
that he supports a parking structure [in the Park Street Business
District].
David Baker, Alameda, stated members of the Alameda Architectural
Preservation Society put a lot of effort into rewarding property
owners who develop Park Street in a historically significant
manner; there are no structures on Park Street over 50 feet; there
is no economic need for a structure over 50 feet; the General Plan
indicates the structural [height] limit should be 40 feet.
Richard Knight, Alameda, stated the visioning process, which
involved citizens, did not result in a suggestion that buildings
should be higher than 40 feet; giving developers the right to
higher buildings should not be done without getting something in
return, e.g. tower on City Hall or revitalization of the Alameda
Theater.
Judith Lynch, Alameda, stated the Masonic Building, which is 52
feet tall, is the tallest building on Park Street; showed pictures
of 100 -foot buildings in comparison with existing buildings on Park
Street; encouraged Council to consider a lower height limit, e.g.
40- or 50 feet.
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Alameda City Council 10
December 19, 2000
Georgia Madden, Co- Chair, WABA Design Committee, stated many people
would like the number of auto - repair businesses in the Webster
Street Business District limited; urged Council to reconsider the
zoning decision to allow the [auto] business on the southwest side
of Pacific Avenue and Webster Street.
Patty Ruppelt, Alameda, urged the City Council to consider the need
for a human - centered, rather than auto - centered business, on the
corner of Webster Street and Pacific Avenue; stated passing the
proposed zoning without exemptions shows respect to the dedicated
community effort to rejuvenate the neighborhood.
Christopher Buckley, Alameda Architectural Preservation Society,
stated the Preservation Society would accept a 50 -foot height
limit; provided examples of height limits in other cities: in
Oakland, on College Avenue and Piedmont Avenue, height limits are
35 feet; Walnut Creek has a 35 -foot height limit on Main Street,
with an additional 15 feet permitted with design review and a 10-
foot setback; University Avenue in Palo Alto has a height limit of
50 feet; San Rafael has a range of 30 feet to 54 feet, with
existing buildings as the determinant of the maximum height; Santa
Cruz, Pacific Avenue, height limit is 50 feet, with a higher limit
available by design review.
Robb Ratto, PSBR, stated the height limit has been set at 100 feet
since 1958; the General Plan was enacted in 1990 and the height
limit remained 100 feet; PSBR requested the height limit remain the
same [100 feet]; the PSBR Board agreed to the compromise reached at
the last Council Meeting; PSBR members have indicated the
compromise of 60 feet is acceptable; PSBR is concerned about future
development; urged Council to amend the zoning ordinance [building]
height limitation to 60 feet for buildings, excluding parking
structures.
Mayor Appezzato stated the Council is trying to accommodate PSBA's
wishes; inquired whether PSBR would agree to a 50 -foot height
limit.
Mr. Ratto stated PSBR is willing to accept a height limitation of
60 feet for buildings fronting Park Street from Encinal Avenue to
Lincoln Avenue.
Sam Koka, Alameda, stated Webster Street has not changed during the
last 20 years; on his property [at the corner of Webster Street and
Pacific Avenue], he would like to put a retail store in front [on
Webster Street] and a little [automobile] repair shop in the back,
not fronting Webster Street; there is a repair shop across the
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December 19, 2000
street.
Councilmember Daysog inquired the type of retail shop, e.g.
clothing, which would be placed on the corner.
Mr. Koka responded he would build a store for retail and the type
of business which would use the site would be decided after; stated
perhaps the City or WABA could work to attract a business, e.g. a
small coffee shop.
In response to Mr. Koka's inquiry about Councilmember Daysog not
returning his telephone calls, Councilmember Daysog stated after
meeting with Mr. Koka and his wife at Tilly's Restaurant, the
meaning of the conversation, which was transmitted from Mr. Koka's
attorney to the City Attorney, was substantially different.
Councilmember Kerr stated page 4 of the proposed ordinance Section
C [Uses Requiring Use Permits], Item (e) [Automobile Detail Shop]
states: "shall be further limited to the area north of the
centerline of Pacific Avenue east of Webster Street and north of a
line 85 feet south of Pacific Avenue west of Webster Street for
properties designated for commercial use in the General Plan;" said
statement does not reflect the decision of the majority of the City
Council at the last Council meeting; the Council limited the area
to the lot owned by Mr. Koka; the proposed ordinance provided to
Council this evening does not reflect the Council's decision.
Councilmember Johnson stated that at the previous Council Meeting
the motion [to introduce the Ordinance] was not limited to the
specific parcel; the map provided does include a lot further than
the corner lot [Koka property]; inquired whether the additional lot
included is the former parking lot for the Mexicali Rose.
The Planning Director stated in responding to Council's discussion,
staff is trying to provide something legally defensible; the City
is not supposed to do spot zoning; there is supposed to be a public
policy basis [for zoning]; the 85 feet includes the Koka property
and a portion of the parking lot at the former Mexicali Rose site;
automotive uses are subject to Use Permits.
The Planning Director further stated that she provided a legally
defensible way to accomplish Council's desire; a portion of an
adjacent property was included to concur with boundary line in the
General Plan.
Councilmember Kerr inquired whether car repair would be possible
adjacent to existing residences.
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December 19, 2000
The Planning Director responded in the affirmative; stated the use
[car repair] would be subject to a Use Permit.
Councilmember Johnson moved final passage of the ordinance
Approving Zoning Text Amendment ZTA 00 -03, to add a New Section 30-
4.9A to the Alameda Municipal Code establishing the C -C Zoning
District and to amend Section 30 -2 and 30 -12.1, Definitions, in
connection with the establishment of the C -C Zoning District within
the Alameda Municipal Code, with the following amendments: 1)
Section C (Uses Requiring Use Permits), Item (e) (Automobile Detail
Shop) be limited to the lot on the southwest corner of Webster
Street; 2) Section G (Development Regulations), Item 2 (Building
Height Limit) the height of structures on Park Street be reduced
from 100 feet to 60 feet.
Vice Mayor DeWitt stated that he wanted to allow spot zoning, which
is not legally defensible; the Planning Director has provided a
legal way of zoning the area; Council should go with what is legal;
the Webster Street Renaissance vision is protected; auto repair
uses are prohibited from fronting Webster Street; there can be a
pedestrian- oriented business fronting Webster Street with the auto -
repair permitted in the rear.
Vice Mayor DeWitt seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember Johnson stated her motion changed
the Planning Director's indication on the map to reflect Council's
discussion at the last Council Meeting [to include Koka property
only] .
Vice Mayor DeWitt inquired whether Councilmember Johnson did not
want 85 feet [north of a line 85 feet south of Pacific Avenue west
of Webster Street].
Councilmember Johnson responded it should be 85 feet minus the
extra lot area [Mexicali Rose parking lot]; stated the intention is
to permit auto - related use on the southwest corner of Webster
Street and Pacific Avenue.
Councilmember Kerr stated the area is being restricted to one lot,
which should not be legally indefensible because it is adjacent to
other properties zoned in the same manner, e.g. area south of
Pacific Avenue.
Councilmember Johnson stated it is not spot zoning; there are auto -
related uses across the street and on the corner of Lincoln Avenue
and Webster Street; there are auto - related uses around the area.
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December 19, 2000
The Planning Director stated by adding the language: "including an
area at the southwest corner of Webster Street and Pacific Avenue,
extending 85 feet south of Pacific Avenue and extending, e.g. 120
feet, to the west of Webster Street," the area will be defined
geographically; inquired whether Council would like to select a
different number of stories as part of reducing the height along
Park Street to 60 feet.
Councilmember Kerr stated the limit should be 5- stories.
Mayor Appezzato agreed 60 feet is probably 5- stories.
Councilmember Johnson inquired whether 6- stories would be possible.
The Planning Director responded the exemption for parking
structures was 6- stories, which is acceptable because parking
structures have a shallower distance [between stories]; stated 5-
stories might be more realistic for the 60 -foot height limit.
Mayor Appezzato inquired whether Councilmember Johnson agreed to
include 5- stories in her motion.
Councilmember Johnson responded in the affirmative.
Vice Mayor DeWitt seconded the amended motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember Daysog stated that he is in
agreement with everything except the auto use exception; inquired
whether Council could vote separately on said matter.
Mayor Appezzato responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Daysog further stated an auto - related use is planned
for the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Webster Street; inquired
whether the use would be permitted if the business was located away
from the edge of Webster Street.
The Planning Director inquired whether Councilmember Daysog was
referring to the property owned by Moti Koka, to which
Councilmember Daysog responded in the affirmative.
The Planning Director stated if the automotive use is to the rear
of the property, it would comply with the intent [of the Zoning
Ordinance] ; however, there are other issues involved, such as
access and design.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the project could be
completed if retail use fronted on Webster Street with auto use
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December 19, 2000
further down, to which the Planning Director responded in the
affirmative.
Councilmember Daysog further inquired whether under said scenario,
there could be two more auto - repair uses in the area.
The Planning Director responded there are a number of locations
within the area which could have automotive uses.
Councilmember Kerr stated "fronting on Webster Street" is
superfluous language because there is no minimum distance which a
business must be away from Webster Street; as long as the driveway
and street number are on a side street, voting for car repair could
allow the business to come up to the sidewalk of Webster Street.
Mayor Appezzato stated that he will support Mr. Koka; Mr. Koka
previously received approval from the Planning Board; the Planning
Board's decision was overturned by the Council.
Councilmember Kerr stated escrow closed [on the Koka property]
prior to approval from the Planning Board; the Planning Board
approved the line running down the center of Pacific Avenue; voting
for the Koka property overturns the unanimous decision of the
Planning Board.
Mayor Appezzato stated the City Council would first vote on Section
C [Uses Requiring a Use Permit], Item (e) [Auto Detail Shops].
On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following
voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers DeWitt, Johnson, and Mayor
Appezzato - 3. Noes: Councilmembers Daysog and Kerr - 2.
Mayor Appezzato requested a motion on the remainder of the
Ordinance.
Councilmember Daysog moved final passage of the Ordinance Approving
Zoning Text Amendment ZTA -00 -03 [except Section C, Item (e)].
Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
Councilmember Johnson clarified that the motion included revisions
[to the height limit along Park Street]: 60 feet and 5- stories.
(00 -698) Ordinance No. 2851, "Reclassifying and Rezoning Certain
Properties within the City of Alameda by Amending Zoning Ordinance
No. 1277, N.S., for Property Located within the Park Street and
Webster Street Business Districts." Finally passed.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council 15
December 19, 2000
Jon Spangler, Alameda, stated the City should move forward.
Councilmember Daysog moved final passage of the ordinance.
Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON- AGENDA
(00 -699) Michael John Torrey, Alameda, wished everyone a happy
holiday.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(00 -700) Councilmember Daysog stated some Bay Area cities, e.g.
Berkeley, have rules requiring gun purchasers to receive training;
suggested staff review the matter; stated Alameda might want to
consider implementing a similar rule.
(00 -701) Councilmember Kerr wished everyone the best for the
holidays.
(00 -702) Mayor Appezzato wished everyone a happy holiday, and a
happy and safe new year.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor
Appezzato adjourned the Regular Meeting at 11:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane B. Felsch, CMC
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown
Act.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council 16
December 19, 2000