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2009-01-06 Special CIC MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY- - JANUARY 6, 2009- -7:31 P.M. Chair Johnson convened the Special Meeting at 8:08 p.m. ROLL CALL - Present: Commissioners deHaan, Gilmore, Matarrese, Tam and Chair Johnson - 5. Absent: None. ID /rr011000WN (09 -02) Minutes of the Special Joint City Council, Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority and CIC Meetings held on December 16, 2008. Approved. Commissioner deHaan moved approval of the minutes. Commissioner Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. AGENDA ITEM (09 -03) Recommendation to maintain the current facade of the northern elevation of the Civic Center parking garage and re- allocate funds to other redevelopment priorities, including improvement of the appearance of the Bill Chun Service Station. The Redevelopment Manager gave a brief presentation. Commissioner deHaan inquired how much of the planting area is within the City's jurisdiction. The Redevelopment Manager responded the entire area; stated the area is narrow; trees are not a viable option; the City would need to acquire some of Long's property to plant trees; Long's uses the area for delivery. Commissioner deHaan inquired whether drainage is an issue, to which the Redevelopment Manager responded in the negative. Commissioner deHaan inquired whether the Redevelopment Manager reviewed the letter from Jennifer Bowles. The Redevelopment Manager responded in the affirmative; stated Ms. Bowles expressed concerns regarding bamboo; the Architect noted a number of examples where bamboo has worked in the Bay Area. Special Meeting Community Improvement Commission 1 January 6, 2009 Commissioner deHaan stated bamboo is the least expensive option but requires maintenance. The Redevelopment Manager stated bamboo is very difficult to remove. Chair Johnson stated various options have been presented; inquired whether an option could be to reallocate the money to other facade programs, including the Chun property. The Redevelopment Manager responded the money could be reallocated to other CIC redevelopment priorities, including the Chun property. Chair Johnson stated fixing the Chun property is important because a lot of money has been spent in the area; the owners are committing to spend $200,000. The Redevelopment Manager stated the owners want to remediate before selling the site; plans include removing the chain link fence, repainting, and improving the interior; planters would be installed; the Park Street Business Association (PSBR) has agreed to maintain the planters. Chair Johnson inquired whether benches would be allowed. The Redevelopment Manager responded benches would be a liability during remediation. Commissioner Tam requested clarification on improvement costs for the Chun property. The Redevelopment Manager stated costs are approximately $75,000 to $110,000. Commissioner Tam inquired whether options include the northern facade landscaping and esthetic improvements to the Chun property, to which the Redevelopment Manager responded in the affirmative. Speakers: Christopher Buckley, Alameda (submitted letter); Richard Rutter, Alameda (submitted photo) ; and Robb Ratto, Park Street Business Association. Chair Johnson inquired whether staff is requesting funding re- allocation in general, not for specific projects. The Redevelopment Manager responded staff is requesting funding re- allocation for the Chun property; stated other funds would be allocated on an as- needed basis. Special Meeting Community Improvement Commission 2 January 6, 2009 Commissioner Matarrese moved approval of re- allocating funds for the Chun property and reprogramming remaining funds to projects that would provide an immediate return. Commissioner Gilmore seconded the motion. Under discussion, Commissioner deHaan stated that he supports planting vines. Commissioner Gilmore stated planting could always be an option in the future; moving an economic project forward is important. Commissioner deHaan stated planting would be an inexpensive option; the problem would be future maintenance. Chair Johnson inquired whether the facade grant program still has funding, to which the Redevelopment Manager responded in the negative. Chair Johnson inquired whether remaining the remaining funds could be used for the facade grant program. The Development Services Director responded the City had a couple of substantial facade improvement projects; stated that she would not advocate using the remaining money [for the facade program] because prevailing wages do not go very far; the program has been funded with loans that have been repaid and other revenue sources which are not restricted by prevailing wages. Commissioner Tam stated that she concurs with Commissioner deHaan; times are tight, but the funds have been contemplated and dedicated for theatre and garage improvements; a promise has been made; spending money on vegetation is a minimal cost; that she is grateful that the Chun property owners and staff reached an agreement; thanked PSBR for offering to provide planters and maintenance; that she is supportive of doing both [planting and Chun improvements]. Chair Johnson stated planting can be done later; no commitment has been made to the community; spending needs to be prioritized; high priority projects need to be addressed. Commissioner Matarrese stated planting options can be made in the future; adding Cyprus trees into the mix should come back for discussion. Commissioner Tam stated northern elevation improvements were value Special Meeting Community Improvement Commission 3 January 6, 2009 engineered out; improvements are expected; plants are functional and remove toxins; that she does not support the motion. Commissioner deHaan stated the strip needs covering; maintenance is an issue. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Commissioners Gilmore, Matarrese and Chair Johnson - 3. Noes: Commissioners deHaan and Tam - 2. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Johnson adjourned the Special Meeting at 8:37 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lara Weisiger Secretary, Community Improvement Commission The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act. Special Meeting Community Improvement Commission 4 January 6, 2009