2003-05-29 Special CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY- -MAY 29, 2003- -6:00 P.M.
Mayor Johnson convened the Special Meeting at 6:11 p.m.
Roll Call - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, DeWitt, Kerr,
Matarrese and Mayor Johnson - 5.
Absent: None.
enda Item
(03 -243) A Special Budget and Operations study session was held.
Doug deHaan, Alameda, stated that he is concerned about the four
day work week; stakeholders indicate how well the City serves the
citizens of Alameda; the straight four day work week would be
counterproductive without the services of Public Works and
Planning; an employee that works five days per week works 235 days
per year while someone working four days per week only works 195
days; having only the lower echelon working on Fridays is not very
productive; the four day work week does not work well and only
served as a way to balance the budget back in the early 1990's.
Jean Sweeney, Alameda, stated that she supports [only opening City
Hall for] the four -day week; City Hall is not fully staffed Monday
or Friday, which is frustrating.
The City Manager gave a brief overview of the budget situation and
explained that tonight each Department Head would outline how 20
budget reductions would impact his /her department.
Councilmember DeWitt stated the City Council's budget should also
be cut by 20.
The Chief of Police provided a handout on the Police Department
Budget.
In response to Mayor Johnson inquiry regarding the locations where
non - warranted crossing guards would be eliminated, the Chief of
Police indicated that he would provide Council information on the
specific intersections.
Councilmember Kerr requested a report on the police activity in
[Alameda Point] Sector 5 [the Alameda Collaborative] and at the
Harbor Island Apartments; stated the City should pursue holding
property managers responsible, perhaps financially, for poor
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management causing a disproportionate number of police calls;
requested that the financial contributions that the City provides
to the Alameda Unified School District be reviewed.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether the City could require Harbor Island
Apartments to hire quality, adequate private security to address
the problems associated with the large apartment complex to reduce
the need for police services.
The City Manager stated staff would follow up and provide a
comprehensive report addressing all the issues raised, including
legal, law enforcement and other sociological implications; the
matter could be placed on agenda for further discussion.
Vice Mayor Daysog stated police services should return to the level
which residents deserves; the appropriate level might be 111
officers; requested a report on the cost of increasing to 111
officers and potential ways to pay for the increase, including
phased implementation and use of the general fund reserves.
The Council expressed concern over eliminating the Disaster
Preparedness Officer in the Fire Department.
The City Manager stated staff would provide a report addressing
both police and fire services.
Councilmember Kerr requested that the report include the impact on
the many volunteers that receive direction from the Disaster
Preparedness Officer.
Councilmember Matarrese requested a report on the possible windfall
due to the high gasoline prices during the past several months.
Councilmember DeWitt suggested using reserves rather than cutting
recreation programs.
Councilmember Matarrese requested an evaluation of paying for
recreation and library services out of the general fund reserve;
stated there should be a balance between cutting quality of life
services and the benefit of having money in the reserves.
Councilmember Kerr requested information to provide to Senator
Perata on the Dunn Bill, which proposed to re- regulate the electric
industry.
The City Manager stated staff would review and report back to
Council on changing City Hall business hours to Monday though
Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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Mayor Johnson noted holidays would cause City Hall to only be open
three days per week.
Vice Mayor Daysog submitted documents on the general fund reserve;
requested a policy be established on how to deal with the general
fund reserve; stated the policy should include a recommended
percentage for the general fund reserve and propose conditions for
using reserves.
Councilmember Kerr agreed that a policy should be developed on the
general fund reserve.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the
Special Meeting at 9:26 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown
Act.
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May 29, 2003