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2006-06-20 Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY- -JUNE 20, 2006- -7:30 P.M. Mayor Johnson convened the Regular Meeting at 7:43 p.m. The Alameda High School Baseball Team led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, deHaan, Gilmore, Matarrese, and Mayor Johnson - 5. Absent: None. AGENDA CHANGES (06 -306) Mayor Johnson announced that the Resolution Acknowledging City Attorney Carol Korade [paragraph no.06 -309] would be heard after Proclamations, Special Orders of the Day and Announcements. PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (06 -307) Presentation of Certificates to the Alameda High School Baseball Team members for winning the North Coast Section Championship on June 3, 2006. Mayor Johnson read the names of the Alameda High School Baseball Team members. Councilmember Matarrese congratulated the team; stated the team was rated number one in the East Bay at the end of the year. Mayor Johnson stated five of the team members have played together for ten years. Vice Mayor Gilmore stated she has watched a lot of the young men grow up through Alameda Little League and Babe Ruth; the players have become fine, young men; congratulated the team. Couch Ken Arnerich thanked Council; stated the team grade point average is 3.4. Mayor Johnson and Vice Mayor Gilmore presented the Baseball Team members with certificates. Mayor Johnson stated the City is proud of the team's efforts and accomplishments; she is impressed with the team's grade point Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 1 June 20, 2006 average; congratulated the team members and their families. Councilmember deHaan stated winning the championship was quite an accomplishment. (06 -308) Proclamation declaring June 2006 as Gay Pride Month. Mayor Johnson presented the original and alternate proclamation to Christine Allen, Maia Bradford, and Liz Ryan from Out on the Island. Maia Bradford, Liz Ryan and Christine Allen thanked the Council for the proclamation. Councilmember Daysog stated Alameda has come a long way; the work is difficult but progress can be made. Councilmember Matarrese requested that the Social Service Human Relations Board (SSHRB) review the City's flag policy. REGULAR AGENDA ITEM (06 -309) Resolution No. 13972, "Acknowledging City Attorney Carol Korade for Her Contributions to the City of Alameda." Adopted. Councilmember Daysog moved adoption of the resolution. Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. Mayor Johnson read the resolution; stated the Ms. Korade's service have been excellent. Councilmember deHaan stated the Ms. Korade is leaving the City in better shape; commended her for all her accomplishments. Councilmember Matarrese thanked the Ms. Korade; stated the she was constantly professional; wished her the very best. Vice Mayor Gilmore thanked Ms. Korade for boundless enthusiasm, energy, and creativity. Councilmember Daysog stated Ms. Korade has done so much for the City in a time of profound changes; she has been instrumental in Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 2 June 20, 2006 helping the City through dark times. Mayor Johnson presented a certificate of Special Recognition from Congressman Pete Start and a resolution from State Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, and the City seal. Ms. Korade thanked past and present Council for the opportunity to work in Alameda; stated the City has a great staff. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Johnson announced that the recommendation to authorize filing for a $2.3 million grant application [paragraph no. 06- 314] would be removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of the remainder of the Consent Calendar. Councilmember deHaan seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. [Note: Mayor Johnson abstained from voting on the June 6, 2006 regular meeting minutes (paragraph no. *06- 310)]. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.] ( *06 -310) Minutes of the Special City Council Meetings on May 30, 2006, May 31, 2006, and the Special and Regular City Council Meetings held on June 6, 2006. Approved. [Note: Mayor Johnson abstained from voting on the June 6, 2006 regular meeting minutes.] ( *06 -311) Ratified bills in the amount of $1,368,889.80. ( *06 -312) Recommendation to award Contract for Legal Advertising for Fiscal Year 2006 -07. Accepted. ( *06 -313) Recommendation to reject the sole bid, value engineering and re -bid revised bid documents for the construction of the Bayport Community Building. Accepted. (06 -314) Recommendation to authorize filing for a $2.3 million grant application to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to implement the Webster Renaissance Project, Phase II. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 3 June 20, 2006 Ed Clark, West Alameda Business Association (WABA) President thanked Council for project support; encouraged continued support. Councilmember deHaan expressed gratitude on how well the project turned out; stated a few more blocks need to be completed; that he supports the staff recommendation. Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of the staff recommendation. Vice Mayor Gilmore seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. ( *06 -315) Recommendation to accept the work of Republic Electric for the Crosswalk In- Pavement Lights (SR2S) to serve Donald Lum Elementary School, Haight Elementary School, Wood Middle School, and Chipman Middle School Project No. P.W. 01- 04 -01. Accepted. ( *06 -316) Recommendation to adopt Plans and Specifications and authorize Call for Bids for Modular Recreational Building and Site Improvements at Washington Park, No. P.W. 05- 06 -17. Accepted. ( *06 -317) Recommendation to accept the work of Zaccor Company for the Bay Farm Island Dike - Emergency Repair, No. P.W. 01 -06- 02. Accepted. ( *06 -318) Resolution No. 13973, "Approving an Agreement for Funding from the State of California Coastal Conservancy to Implement Spartina Eradication and Mitigation Measures." Adopted. ( *06 -319) Resolution No. 13974, "Authorizing the City Manager to Submit an Application for Measure B Paratransit Funding for Fiscal Year 2006 -07." Adopted. ( *06 -320) Resolution No. 13975, "Authorizing Grant of a Non - Exclusive Easement from the City of Alameda to Pacific Gas and Electric Company within Parcel 3 of Parcel Map No. 4497." Adopted. ( *06 -321) Resolution No. 13976, "Requesting and Authorizing the County of Alameda to Levy a Tax on All Real and Personal Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 4 June 20, 2006 Property in the City of Alameda as a Voter Approved Levy for the General Obligation Bonds Issued Pursuant to a General Election Held November 7, 2000." Adopted. ( *06 -322) Resolution No. 13977, "Establishing a Five -Day Workweek Alternative with Corresponding Salary for the Classification of Chief of Police." Adopted. Mayor Johnson called a recess Regular Meeting at 8:55 p.m. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS * ** at 8:30 p.m. and reconvened the * ** (06 -323) Public Hearing to consider Resolution No. 13978, "Approving Engineer's Report, Confirming Diagram and Assessment, and Ordering Levy of Assessments, Island City Landscaping and Lighting District 84 -2." Adopted. Mayor Johnson opened the public portion of the Hearing. There being no speakers, Mayor Johnson closed the public portion of the Hearing. Councilmember Matarrese requested that the weeds in the triangle median in Zone 4 between Tilden Way and Lincoln Avenue be addressed. The Public Works Coordinator stated the median strip is supposed to be maintained by Oil Changers; she will follow up on the matter. Councilmember Matarrese moved adoption of the Resolution. Vive Mayor Gilmore seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. (06 -324) Public Hearing to consider Resolution No. 13979, "Approving Engineer's Report, Confirming Diagram and Assessment, and Ordering Levy of Assessments, Maintenance Assessment District 01 -01 (Marina Cove)." Adopted. Mayor Johnson opened the public portion of the Hearing. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 5 June 20, 2006 There being no speakers, Mayor Johnson closed the public portion of the Hearing. Vice Mayor Gilmore moved adoption of the resolution. Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. (06 -325) Public Hearing to consider Resolution No. 13980, "Authorizing Collection of Delinquent Integrated Waste Management Accounts by Means of the Property Tax Bills." Adopted. Mayor Johnson opened the public portion of the Hearing. Opponents (Not in favor of resolution) : Mark Fielding, Alameda; Lou Bradas, Alameda; Jon Spangler, Alameda. Proponents (In favor of resolution): None. There being no further speakers, Mayor Johnson closed the public portion of the hearing. Vice Mayor Gilmore inquired how long the accounts have been delinquent; stated there seems to be a lag in time from when payment was due and notification. The Public Works Director responded ACI is required to give four formal, default notifications; stated Mr. Fielding received three notifications; he has not researched Mr. Bradas' claim; ACI might apply payment to the most delinquent account. Councilmember deHaan inquired whether people are receiving proper notification and whether issues are being resolved at the ACI level. The Public Works Director responded in the affirmative; stated delinquent accounts have decreased by 30% since last year; four formal notification letters were sent to any account that was in default after 45 days; the City also sent two letters. Councilmember deHaan inquired whether direction was given to contact the City instead of ACI. The Public Works Director responded contact information for both Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 6 June 20, 2006 ACI and the City were provided. Councilmember deHaan stated the City should not do ACI's work; the City should be the mediator as a last resort. The Public Works Director stated ACI has 20,000 accounts; seventeen of the fifty -nine delinquent accounts have been paid. Vice Mayor Gilmore stated the City required that ACI open and maintain a customer service branch in Alameda; she would be concerned if people are advised to contact Public Works. The Public Works Director stated the letter advises customers to contact Public Works regarding City requirements. Councilmember deHaan stated there were seventy -two delinquent accounts last year; inquired how many liens were removed. The Public Works Director responded thirty -four accounts went to lien. Mayor Johnson stated ACI should handle the issues to every extent possible; ACI should not be sending residents to Public Works to resolve accounts. Councilmember Matarrese suggested moving forward with the staff recommendation minus the two accounts brought to Council attention; stated Public Works should review the two cases; an update should be provided if there are deficiencies in the way that ACI is handling the matter; review of the process will be ongoing as long as there is a lien process. The Public Works Director stated a written communication was also received; inquired whether Councilmember Matarrese's direction would include said communication. Councilmember Matarrese responded in the affirmative. Mayor Johnson inquired what was the process for keeping track of an owner's address, to which the Public Works Director responded the address is obtained from the Assessor's Office. Mayor Johnson stated owners should be informed to notify the City if there is a change of address; notices might be missed otherwise; the City should not have to keep track of landlord Regular Meeting Alameda City Council % June 20, 2006 addresses. Councilmember deHaan inquired what was ACI's generated Contract revenue, to which the Public Works Director responded $12 million dollars. Councilmember deHaan stated he was concerned with the lien process; Public Works should not be involved with the process too early. Councilmember Matarrese moved adoption of the resolution with the exception of the three residents who communicated issues to Council and direction for Public Works to address the three cases on an individual basis. Vice Mayor Gilmore seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON- AGENDA (06 -326) Gretchen Lipow, Alameda (submitted handout), stated six to twenty -four story condominiums are planned for Oakland's Oak Street to Ninth Street project; traffic on Interstate 880 would be impacted; questioned why the impact has not been brought to public attention in Alameda; exempting Measure A at Alameda Point would increase density and change Alameda; Measure A does not interfere with the City's ability to develop housing at Alameda Point; the term "exemption" is vague; urged not placing an exemption on the ballot because the campaign would be heavily financed by developers who want to build condominiums on the other side of the estuary. (06 -327) Michael John Torrey, Alameda (submitted handout), discussed the National Rifleman's Association and gun laws. (06 -328) Jon Spangler, Alameda, commended Council and staff for making Alameda a great place to live; noted Police Captain Brock stopped a bike thief on Park Street while off duty. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (06 -329) Mayor Johnson stated she attended the Mayor's Conference in Las Vegas; the Conference was informative; she learned about significant nationwide issues in other cities. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 8 June 20, 2006 (06 -330) Written communication Cities requesting designation League's 2006 Annual Conference. from the League of California of Voting Delegate for the Councilmember Daysog stated that he would be happy to serve as the City's representative. Vice Mayor Gilmore noted that she could not serve as the alternate. Councilmember deHaan stated that he would serve as the alternate. Vice Mayor Gilmore moved approval of Councilmember Daysog serving as the City's delegate and Councilmember deHaan serving as the alternate. Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. (06 -331) Consideration of Mayor's nominations for appointment to the Civil Service Board, Commission on Disability Issues, Economic Development Commission, Historical Advisory Board, Housing and Building Code Hearing and Appeals Board, Housing Commission, Library Board, Planning Board, Public Utilities Board, Social Service Human Relations Board, and Transportation Commission. Mayor Johnson nominated: Roberto Rocha for reappointment to the Civil Service Board; Michael E. Soderberg for appointment to the Civil Service Board; DuWayne A. Crone and Paulina Kirola for appointment to the Commission on disability Issues; Judith A. Lynch for reappointment to the Historical Advisory Board - Community -at -Large Seat; Mark Irons for appointment to the Historical Advisory Board - Contractor Seat; Jeff Cambra for reappointment to the Housing and Building Code Hearing and Appeals Board; Harold J. Holmes for appointment to the Housing and Building Code Hearing and Appeals Board; Billie Trujiilo for reappointment to the Housing Commission; Karen A. Butter for reappointment to the Library Board; Anne Cook and Andrew J. Cunningham for reappointment to the Planning Board; Ann McCormick for reappointment to the Public Utilities Board - Engineer Seat; Michael J. Krueger and Robert L. McFarland for reappointment to the Transportation Commission. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 9 June 20, 2006 (06 -332) Councilmember deHaan stated Oakland's Ninth Street Project was discussed last November; the impacts would be the same as Alameda impacting Oakland Chinatown; Alameda should voice concerns regarding closing off transportation corridors; the Off Agenda Report on the matter should be shared with the public; Council needs to communicate with the general public; the Chamber of Commerce made a presentation on the matter. (06 -333) Councilmember deHaan stated the Alameda Development Corporation (ADC) controls some efforts with the Bayport Housing project; requested an Off Agenda Report on ADC's health and welfare and how the present individuals running ADC interface with the developer. Councilmember Daysog stated Council and staff would be vigilant in ironing out any wrinkles with the ADC. (06 -334) Mayor Johnson stated Disaster Preparedness was discussed at the Mayor's Conference; federal funding comes to the region, not to the City; requested a report on which agency the money goes to and how the money is distributed. (06 -335) Councilmember Daysog encouraged the public to attend the movie by Al Gore regarding the environment; stated the movie is very informative. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the Regular Meeting at 9:39 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 10 June 20, 2006