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1999-01-05 Special and Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY- - JANUARY 5, 1999- -6 :50 P.M. Mayor Appezzato convened the Special Meeting at 6:55 p. Roll Call - Present: Absent: Councilmembers Daysog, DeWitt, Johnson and Mayor ,Appezzato - 4. Councilmember Kerr - 1. The Special Meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider: (99 -01) Conference with Labor Negotiator; Agency Negotiator: Human Resources Director and Austris Rungis; Employee Organizations: International Association of Firefighters, Local #689 - IAFF; United Public Employees Association #790 (Police Technicians) - SEIU. Following the Closed Session, the Special Meeting was reconvened and the Mayor announced no action was taken. Adjournment There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Appezzato adjourned the Special Meeting at 7:15 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Diane B. Felsch, CMC City Clerk The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with Act Special Meeting Alameda City Council January 5, 1999 he Brown 2 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY- - JANUARY 5, 1999- -7:30 P.M. Mayor Appezzato convened the Regular Meeting at 7:47 p.m. Councilmember Johnson led the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Don Taylor, Central Baptist Church gave the Invocation. ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, DeWitt, Johnson, and Mayor Appezzato - 4. Absent: Councilmember Kerr - 1. AGENDA CHANGES None. PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE None. OUNCEMENTS Mayor Appezzato announced authorization for the Mayor to attend the American Public Power Winter Rally [paragraph no. 99 -02] and the Ordinance amending Chapter XIII of the Alameda Municipal Code [paragraph no. 99 -15] were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Vice Mayor Daysog moved approval of the remainder of the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. Absent: Councilmember Kerr - 1. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.] ( *99 -02) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings held on December 15, 1998. Approved. (Q9 -03) Recommendation to authorize she Mayor to attend he American Public Power Winter Rally in Washington, D.C., February 7- 10, 1999. Councilmember DeWitt commented on the Mayor's plans for the conference. Mayor Appezzato stated the Northern California Power Association [NCPA] invited all Mayors with a City -run public utility to attend Regular Meeting Alameda City Council January 5, 1999 the Annual Conference and NCPA will cover expenses. Councilmember DeWitt moved approval of the staff recommendation. Vice Mayor Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. Absent: Councilmember Kerr - 1. ( *99 -04) Recommendation to authorize the Alameda Unified School District to use the City Council Chambers on the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of each month for the purpose of conducting their regular Board Meetings. Accepted. ( *99 -05) Recommendation to authorize execution of modification Agreement with American Red Cross Alameda Service Center. Accepted. ( *99 -06) Recommendation to extend Agreement with Northbay Ecumenical Homes and First Republic Bank for the Community Assisted /Shared Appreciation (CASA) Homeownership Program. Accepted. ( *99 -07) Recommendation to authorize continuation of the Commercial Recruitment Program. Accepted. ( *99 -08) Recommendation to authorize Commercial Recruiter to attend the International Council of Shopping Centers Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Accepted. ( *99 -09) Recommendation to accept Report on Satellite Parking Policy in the Park Street Historic Area. Accepted. ( *99 -10) Recommendation to accept the work of St. Francis Electric for Park Street and Blanding Avenue Signal Project, No. P.W. 11-97 - 21. Accepted. ( *99 -11) Recommendation to accept the work of Ranger Pipelines, Inc. for Infiltration and Inflow, Phase 6, No. P.W. 11- 97 -28. Accepted. ( *99 -12) Recommendation to accept the work of Svala Construction for Upgrades to Building 530 at Alameda Point, No. P.W. 11- 97 -29. Accepted. ( *99 -13) Recommendation to accept the work of Buestad Construction for Building 1 Upgrades, No P.W. 03-98-05. Accepted. ( *99 -14) Ordinance Approving and Authorizing the Sale of City - Owned Property East of 3274 Fillmore Street to Brian Pak Wai Yip and Kitty Chui Yip. Introduced. (99 -15) Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Regular Meeting Alameda City Council January 5, 1999 4 Chapter XIII (Building and Housing) by Repealing Article I (Building Regulations) in Its Entirety and by Repealing Section 13- 10 ( Unsafe, Dangerous and Substandard Buildings; Nuisances; Summary Abatement) in Its Entirety and Adding a New Article I (Uniform Codes Relating to Building, Housing and Technical Codes) to Adopt the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Administrative Code, the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Building Code, the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Code for Building Conservation, the 1996 Edition of the National Electric Code, the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code, the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Mechanical Code, the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Housing Code, and the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, and Approving Certain Amendments Thereto; and by Amending Chapter XV (Fire Prevention) by Repealing Section 15-2 (Fire Zones) in Its Entirety and by Adopting the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Fire Code and Approving Certain Amendments Thereto. Introduced; and (99 -15A) Introduction of Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding a New Section 13 -9 (Notices and Orders of the Building Official) to Chapter XIII (Building and Housing). Introduced. Susan McCormack, Alameda, stated an amendment in [City's] Building Code sets a one -year life on permits; the California Uniform Building Code states as long as regular inspections are completed every 180 days and work is in progress, the job can continue; the one year limit burdens those restoring older homes who cannot complete jobs during the one year period; suggested the fee be reduced if a project is not adversely affecting neighbors. In response to Ms. McCormack's concern, the Chief Building Official stated in 1995, a one -year maximum time limit on permits was adopted as a tool to encourage the completion of projects; said limit is effective, however, other enforcement tools could be used; staff has been able to resolve concerns raised by individuals regarding the time limit. Mayor Appezzato stated that he understands Ms. McCormack's concern, however, there are many complaints from neighbors regarding unfinished projects. Councilmember Johnson inquired whether there is a process for extension other than repaying fees, to which the Chief Building Official responded if a project is not completed within one year, a new permit must be purchased and the fee is based on the amount of work completed; if a project is 90% complete, the fee would be approximately 10% of the original permit fee. Councilmember DeWitt moved introduction of the Ordinances. In response to Mayor Appezzato's inquiry regarding informing Regular Meeting Alameda City Council January 5, 1999 residents of the time limit, the Chief Building Official stated when a permit is issued, the expiration date is written on the inspection card; in the tenth month of a project, a notice is mailed out informing the resident they have two months to complete the project or purchase an extension permit.; Councilmember Johnson inquired whether permits can be issued in phases for large projects, to which the Chief Building Official responded at the time of issuance, staff suggests permits be issued in phases. In response to Mayor Appezzato's inquiry regarding complaints, the Chief Building Official stated that he has had five inquiries; those who are not pleased can appeal the matter to the Housing and Building Code Hearing and Appeals Board to receive a six month extension. Vice Mayor Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. Absent: Councilmember Kerr 1. ( *99 -16) Ratified bills in the amount of $2,564,663.76. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS (99 -17) Resolution No. 13078, "Commending Karin Lucas for Twelve Years of Service to the City of Alameda as Vice Mayor and Councilmember." Adopted. Mayor Appezzato read the Resolution. Councilmember DeWitt moved adoption of the Resolution. Vice Mayor Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote 4. Absent: Councilmember Kerr 1. (99 -18) Public Hearing to consider General Plan Amendment, GPA- 97 -2, to redesignate 2809 Encinal Avenue from Neighborhood Commercial to Medium Density Residential on the General Plan Diagram, and Rezoning, R -97 -5, to rezone the property from C -1, Neighborhood Commercial to R -2, Two- Family Residence Zoning District. Applicant: Lynn Nelson; (99 -18A) Resolution No. 13079, - "Amending the Alameda General Plan Diagram for 2809 Encinal Avenue from Neighborhood Commercial to Medium Density Residential." Adopted; and (99 -18B) Ordinance Reclassifying and Rezoning Certain Properties within the City of Alameda by Amending Zoning Ordinance No. 1277, N.S., for that Property Located at 2809 Encinal Avenue. Introduced. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council January 5, 1999 Public Speaker Susan McCormack, Alameda. There being no further speakers, Mayor Appezzato closed the public portion of the Hearing. Councilmember Johnson stated that she voted on said matter as a Planning Board member and the City Attorney informed her that she is not restricted from voting on the matter tonight; moved adoption of the Resolution and introduction of the Ordinance. Vice Mayor Daysog seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember DeWitt inquired whether design would be reviewed by the Planning Board or staff, to which the Planning Director responded the Planning Board considered design review and gave preliminary approval with the condition that staff work with the applicant on the quality of the exterior material, window detail, etc. On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. Absent: Councilmember Kerr - 1. (99 -19) Recommendation to approve State Facilities Plan and Loan for Infiltration and Inflow, Phase 7 Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project, No. P.W. 11- 98 -27; (99 -19A) Resolution No. 13080, "Authorizing the Public Works Director to Sign and File For, on Behalf of the City, a Financial Application for a Loan from the State Water Resources Control Board, and Dedicate a Source of Revenue for the Repayment of the Loan for Infiltration and Inflow, Phase 7, Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project, No. P.W. 11- 98 -27." Adopted; and (99 -19B) Resolution No. 13081, "Finding Adequate Environmental Documentation for Phase 7, Infiltration /Inflow Correction Program." Adopted. Councilmember DeWitt moved adoption of the Resolutions. Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote 4. Absent: Councilmember Kerr - 1. (99 -20) Resolution No. 13082, "Amending Master Fee Resolution No. 12191 by Increasing Various Chuck Corica Golf Complex Rates." Adopted. The Golf General Manager stated during the last three months the Golf Commission has reviewed the matter of fees at meetings and work sessions; the Commission decided to increase rates and change Regular Meeting Alameda City Council January 5, 1999 policies to fund Capital Improvement Projects (CIP); listed various CIPs. Councilmember DeWitt stated that he has received phone calls and letters in regard to raising rates; requested the Golf General Manager to explain ways seniors are subsidized. The Golf General Manager stated the operation cost per round is $16; a monthly pass for seniors is $60; most monthly pass holders play approximately 10 rounds which means seniors with monthly passes are only paying $10 per round; higher fees charged to non- residents subsidizes seniors with monthly passes. In response to Councilmember Johnson's inquiry regarding junior fees, the Golf General Manager stated juniors can play for $1.00 on the Mif Albright Course on the weekends. Councilmember Johnson further inquired whether the Golf Commission considered charging a reduced rate for juniors on the larger courses during the weekend, to which the Golf General Manager stated Friday, Saturday and Sunday are peak times and the Commission decided it was hard to offer any type of discounted rounds on said days; the Golf Course is prided as an inexpensive place to play. In` response to Mayor Appezzato's request to review the junior golf program, Norma Arnerich stated Alameda's junior program is one of the best in the country; juniors are offered free equipment and free lessons on Saturdays; there are tournaments throughout the summer; a junior golf office was established at the golf complex; that she received a number of complaints regarding limiting the $1 fee for juniors; if the City allowed juniors to play for $1 on Fridays and weekends, the City would lose approximately $10,000; the Golf Course is doing its share for youth in the City. Mayor Appezzato inquired whether other golf courses charge $1 for juniors, to which Ms. Arnerich responded that she was not aware of any; she also stated the Golf General Manager wrote to golf courses in the area to suggest they implement lower fees for youngsters and did not receive any response. Mayor Appezzato invited Golf Commission Members to address the Council. Rick Stone, Golf Commissioner, stated Junior Golf is an excellent program; [financial] help is needed to make [capital] improvements. Ed Trevethan, Chair, stated the Commission worked to establish proposed rates; a total of seven public meetings were held on said matter, including three work sessions; money is needed for capital improvements. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council January 5, 1999 Fred Leitz, Golf Commissioner, stated many hours were spent trying to establish rates. Tony Corica, Vice Chair, stated the Commission reviewed changes carefully and the proposed rates are still the best rates [available]. Joe Williams, Alameda, stated that he is an honorary member of the Alameda Golf Club, a member of the Alameda Commuters Golf Committee, an officer and member of the Alameda Junior Golf Club, and a member of the East Bay Junior Golf Tournament Committee; reduced range cards for juniors were discontinued after the driving range improvements; since one year ago, juniors no longer play for $1 on weekends and holidays; the Junior Golf Club was established 10 years ago; highlighted Junior Golf Club programs which were established to attract kids to play golf; questioned whether juniors are being actively encouraged to play golf when they cannot play for reduced rates on weekends; stated the golf course is a great bargain. In response to Mayor Appezzato's inquiry whether adult fees should be raised to accommodate juniors, Mr. Williams stated yes, if it is necessary. Walther Weiland, Alameda, stated that he had petitions to submit with approximately 100 signatures of monthly cardholders; currently, monthly cardholders pay $70 for a monthly pass to play Monday through Friday, the proposal limits cardholders to play Monday through Thursday; therefore, cardholders would have to pay $19 for each Friday, essentially doubling fees, many do not want a $4,6 Million Club House and would prefer to play for a reasonable fee. Mayor Appezzato inquired whether many golfers can play every Friday, to which Mr. Weiland responded many seniors with monthly passes play every Friday. Edmond Lee, Alameda, stated over the past three years rates have gone from 114 to $20 which is an increase of 42%; inquired whether an audit had been performed. Bert Morgan, Alameda, stated that he is an annual cardholder; there are 9 weekday holidays this year; not allowing cardholders to use passes on Fridays essentially creates 52 more holidays; reducing the contents of a package without increasing price is an old marketing trick; last year the Golf Commission stated it costs $12 per round to operate the course; this year said cost has risen to $16 per round. Paul Merritt, Alameda, inquired whether the City would keep senior citizens out of parks, tennis courts and Mastick Senior Center on Regular Meeting Alameda City Council January 5, 1999 Fridays and weekends; stated that is what is being done to seniors on the golf course. Gerhard Degemann, Alameda, stated last year, 250,000 played at the golf course; suggested a plaque listing and Golf Commission be hung at the golf complex. Fred Leitz, Golf Commission Member, stated Fridays are day; only 8% of residents use the Golf Course; the relies on non - residents for revenue; the Golf Course competitive Course in the world. rounds were the Council the busiest golf course is the most Mike Burkard, Alameda, stated that he has two children who play golf; everyone believes the junior golf program is excellent; inquired why the program is being changed if it is excellent; suggested raising fee to $5 for juniors; stated two years ago, discounted range rates were taken away from juniors. Dr. Paul Dodd, Alameda, stated fee increases are outrageous; the yearly pass should be reinstated; taking away Fridays on monthly passes will severely impact golfers. Councilmember DeWitt inquired whether the Golf Commission arrived at computations regarding Friday, to which the Golf General Manager stated Friday is the busiest day, during peak season, 460 golfers play on Friday, while on the weekend, there might be 380 [golfers]; since Friday is such a busy day, the Golf Commission agreed it would benefit the complex to rearrange play days for monthly ticketholders and seniors; juniors can still play for $1 on Fridays and weekends on the par three Mif Albright course. Vice Mayor Daysog stated if monthly ticket holders' costs are calculated based on the number of days someone can play, eliminating Fridays raises the cost from $3.50 to $4.30 per day; elimination of Fridays was a prudent decision of Commission and staff; juniors are being treated fairly; that he hopes Council will move forward with recommendation. Councilmember Johnson stated it is reasonable to allow juniors to play after twilight and on the Mif Albright course for $1 on Fridays and weekends; junior lessons are excellent; members of the Golf Commission have given the matter serious consideration and do not take fee increases lightly. Following discussion regarding Alameda's rates being the best value in the Bay Area and other municipal courses' rates, Mayor Appezzato requested the Golf General Manager to provide Council with list /information on three or four comparable municipal golf courses. The Golf General Manager commented on the problems associated with Regular Meeting Alameda City Council January 5, 1999 the City of San Leandro leasing out their course to American Golf. Councilmember DeWitt requested the Golf General Manager to respond to concerns regarding whether 'improvements, e.g. cart paths, are needed. The Golf General Manager stated cart paths are needed for the Earl Fry North Course; the complex would deteriorate without funding to increase infrastructure; listed examples of other improvements needed. Mayor Appezzato stated four years ago, there were one to two complaints per day regarding the golf complex; it was a terrible problem; changes were controversial; in the last year, there have not been any complaints except regarding fees and juniors; there has been tremendous improvement in the management, operation and condition of the golf complex; thanked those serving on the Golf Commission. Councilmember DeWitt moved adoption of the Resolution. Vice Mayor Daysog seconded the motion. Under discussion, Mayor Appezzato stated unless there were major reasons to go against the Golf Commission, he would support their decision. On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. Absent: Councilmember Kerr - 1. (99 -21) Resolution No. 13083, "Approving Matters and Agreements Relating to the Issuance and Sale of Revenue Bonds by the Alameda Public Financing Authority to Refinance 1997 Revenue Bonds (Marina Village Assessment District Bond Refinancing)." Adopted. Councilmember DeWitt moved adoption of the Resolution. Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote 4. Absent: Councilmember Kerr - 1. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON - AGENDA (99 -22) Richard Neveln, Alameda, commented on the history of Christmas and Naval history in Alameda. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (99 -23) Consideration of Mayor's appointment of one tenant member to the Rent Review Advisory Committee. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council January 5, 1999 Mayor Appezzato appointed Alvaro DeLegarra as a tenant member of the Rent Review Advisory Committee. (99-24) Consideration of Mayor's appointment to the Mayor's Committee for the Disabled. Mayor Appezzato appointed Nicky Hancock as a member of the Mayor's Committee for the Disabled. ADJOURNMENT (99-25) There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Appezzato adjourned the Regular Meeting at 9:25 p.m. in memory and honor of Jean Sharp, M.D., former City physician, and William Johnson, Councilmember Beverly Johnson's father-in-law. Respectfully submit ed, Di ne B. Felsch, CMC City Clerk The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council January 5, 1999