1999-11-16 Special and Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- -NOVEMBER 16, 1999- -7:20 P.M.
Mayor Appezzato convened the Special Meeting at 7:25 p.m.
Roll Call - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, DeWitt, Johnson,
Kerr and Mayor Appezzato - 5.
Absent: None.
The Special Meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider:
(99-565) Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation;
Initiation of litigation pursuant to subdivision (c) of
Section 54956.9; Number of Potential Cases: One.
Following the Closed Session, the Special Meeting was reconvened
and Mayor Appezzato announced that the City Council gave directions
to the City Attorney to initiate litigation.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Appezzato adjourned the
Special Meeting at 7:30 p.m.
ectfully submitted,
Di ne B. Felsch, CMC
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown
Act.
Special Meeting
Alameda City Council
November 16, 1999
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- -NOVEMBER 16, 1999- -7:30 P.M.
Mayor Appezzato convened the Regular Meeting at 7:45 p.m.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, DeWitt, Johnson,
Kerr and Mayor Appezzato - 5.
Absent: None.
AGENDA CHANGES
None.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
(99-566) Mayor Appezzato thanked Judy Blank, Chair of the "Gala
Concert for Music in Schools", Frederica Von Stade, internationally
known mezzo-soprano, Michael Morgan, Conductor, Oakland East and
Joe Leitz; requested the City Manager to draft a Resolution or
Proclamation thanking those instrumental in making the night
memorable; urged those not able to attend to watch the performance
on Channel 3.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Appezzato announced various items were removed from the
Consent Calender for discussion. [Paragraph Nos. 99-573, 99-574,
99-575, 99-576, 99-577, 99-578 and 99-579]
Councilmember Johnson moved approval of the remainder of the
Consent Calender.
Councilmember 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.]
(*99-567) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings
held on November 2, 1999. Approved.
(*99-568) Recommendation to approve modification of Agreement with
Northbay Ecumenical Homes and First Republic Bank for the Community
Assisted/Shared Appreciation (CASA) Homeownership Program.
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Alameda City Council
November 16, 1999
Accepted.
(*99-569) Recommendation to authorize the City Manager to amend
Consulting Contracts with Brady/LSA. Accepted.
(*99-570) Recommendation to accept Quarterly Investment Report for
period ending September 30, 1999. Accepted.
(*99-571) Recommendation to accept Quarterly Sales Tax Report for
Second Quarter of 1999. Accepted.
(*99-572) Recommendation to accept Quarterly Financial Report for
period ending September 30, 1999. Accepted.
(99-573) Recommendation to award Contract in the amount of
$202,430 to Golden Bear Arborists, Inc. for Pruning Trees within
the City of Alameda for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2000, No. P.W.
02-99-06.
Steven Gerstle, Alameda, stated since the City awarded its Tree
Trimming Contract to Reliable Tree Company, he solicited a bid for
his condominium from said company; after selecting Reliable Tree
Company to do his work, Reliable Tree backed out at the time work
was scheduled to begin; suggested when the City's contractors do
not perform, it should be publicized in the newspaper to assist
consumers in Alameda.
Councilmember DeWitt moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
(99-574) Recommendation to authorize installation of All-Way Stop
Controls at the intersection of Paru Street and San Antonio Avenue.
Vice Mayor Daysog submitted a letter to the City Clerk from the
Superintendent of Schools; thanked the Public Works Director, the
School District Superintendent Dennis Chaconas, and Dolores
Kelleher with Franklin School PTA for addressing all the schools
which need stop signs; stated without their hard work there would
not be a proposal to install stop signs.
Vice Mayor Daysog moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
(99-575) Recommendation to authorize installation of All-Way Stop
Controls at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Pearl Street.
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November 16, 1999
Vice Mayor Daysog stated his comments regarding controls at Paru
Street and San Antonio Avenue [paragraph no. 99-574] applied to
this item.
Vice Mayor Daysog moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
(99-576) Resolution No. 13157, "Approving Revised Part-Time
Classifications Salary Schedule Commencing December 5, 1999."
Adopted.
Councilmember Johnson stated playground activities have been
reduced because the City cannot hire Recreation Leaders; hopefully,
the [salary] increase will help; requested the Recreation Director
to report back in six months on the hiring problem; further stated
if necessary, the Recreation Leader job classification salary could
be reviewed again at that time.
Councilmember Johnson moved adoption of the Resolution.
Vice Mayor Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
(99-577) Resolution No. 13158, "Authorizing the City Manager to
Submit an Application to the Secretary of the United States
Department of the Interior for a Public Benefit Conveyance of Open
Space and Recreation Facilities Located at Alameda Naval Air
Station (Alameda Point) and to Take All Other Necessary Actions to
Obtain Said Real Property." Adopted.
Mayor Appezzato announced the matter was removed from the Consent
Calendar in error.
Councilmember DeWitt moved adoption of the Resolution.
Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
(99-578) Introduction of Ordinance Approving an Addendum to
Sublease Between Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority (ARRA)
and Bladium, Inc. and Accepting Assignment of Interest in Lease of
Building 40 at Alameda Point from ARRA, as Sublessor, and Granting
Option to Purchase Building 40 to Bladium, Inc., as Sublessee.
Introduced.
Pete Halberstadt, Bladium, Inc., stated the project was endorsed by
the Base Reuse Advisory Group (B.R.A.G.), the Planning Department
and Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority (ARRA); played a
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November 16, 1999
video tape of other Bladium, Inc facilities; stated the project
would be the largest conversion at Alameda Point to date; Bladium,
Inc. is accepting the lowest reimbursement rate for improvements
and would be paying the highest lease rate at Alameda Point; the
option to purchase is in accordance with the long -term Reuse Plan;
the hangar is within a historic district and viewed as a long -term
keeper; ARRA staff determined the present net value of the purchase
option is more favorable [economically] than the present net value
of the long -term lease revenue; the purchase option is a win -win
situation; the community supports the project; organizations such
as the Alameda Boys and Girls Club, Alameda Unified School
District, West Alameda Business Association, the Greater Alameda
Business Association, Park Street Business Association and private
businesses have expressed support.
Paula McCloskey, Chief Executive Officer, Chamber of Commerce,
stated the Chamber supports the project; Bladium, Inc. gave
business groups a tour; the company will be paying $500,000 in
rent, is family - oriented and geared toward youth, and will provide
new opportunities in area of tourism; the USS Hornet plans to work
with Bladium, Inc on tourism; the company will hire 75 -100
employees; the project is good for Alameda.
John Beery, Alameda, stated the project shows potential, would be
a good recreational activity for the community, and would draw
people from outside the community; that he is concerned about the
level playing field; generally, rent is established and tenants put
in improvements; giving rent credits may make it non - competitive
for others in the recreational business; a project is needed in the
area whether it is run by the private sector or by the Recreation
Department; the problem is the City is giving away too much; the
matter should be reviewed on a long -term basis as to whether
credits make financial sense.
Moira Fossum, President - elect, Chamber of Commerce, stated that she
is an Alameda resident and business owner; she toured the project
and was impressed that the owner is a local resident; Alameda has
fostered the perception of being non- business friendly; and the
Bladium, Inc. project is not receiving benefits different from
other businesses at Alameda Point.
Darryl Browman, Alameda, stated that he supports the project;
Bladium, Inc. will provide a jump start and give exposure to the
Base [Alameda Point]; children and adults will have a place to
recreate; other businesses, e.g. high -tech companies, will be
attracted to the area because there will be a place to recreate.
Vice Mayor Daysog inquired whether the City would be liable for the
tenant improvement if the project is not a success.
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ARRA Facilities Manager responded there is no obligation or
responsibility the City would assume.
Vice Mayor Daysog further inquired whether the responsibility would
fall on Bladium, Inc., to which the ARRA Facilities Manager
responded in the affirmative.
Vice Mayor Daysog questioned whether the City has a process to
ensure the $975,000 [rent reimbursement] covers the work being
done; e.g. [improvements] could cost $700,000.
ARRA Facilities Manager responded $975,000 is a maximum amount to
be reimbursed; stated the actual amount reimbursed is the cost of
the project determined through submittal of contractor invoices and
cancelled checks; the City is only responsible to reimburse for the
actual costs as determined by the scope of work which is clearly
defined by the Lease.
In response to Vice Mayor Daysog's inquiry on how the City ensures
the amount of money which is reimbursed equals the actual work cost
once the scope of work is clearly defined and the rebate amount
set, ARRA Facilities Manager stated the process is the submittal of
contractor invoices.
Vice Mayor Daysog inquired whether everyone rebated has met the
amount agreed upon in past projects, to which ARRA Facilities
Manager responded some projects have come in less than the
established maximum in the Lease.
Vice Mayor Daysog inquired the original estimate on Hangar 39 which
had the final cost of approximately $1.2 Million.
ARRA Facilities Manager responded $950,000 was the original amount,
which covered purely construction costs and was exclusive of
architect's fee, permit fee, and inspection costs; said costs are
covered under the $975,000 maximum with Bladium.
In response to Vice Mayor Daysog's inquiry regarding change orders,
ARRA Facilities Manager stated the City is guaranteeing up to
$975,000 and excess would be assumed by the tenant.
Councilmember Johnson inquired whether the City is loaning the
money for Code improvement upgrades, to which ARRA Facilities
Manager responded in the affirmative.
In response to Councilmember Johnson's inquiry whether the building
can be occupied without improvements, ARRA Facilities Manager
stated the building cannot be occupied without upgrades.
Councilmember Johnson inquired whether the building would be more
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November 16, 1999
valuable if Bladium moved out once upgrades are completed.
ARRA Facilities Manager responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Kerr stated $975,000 must be spent to bring the
building up to Code; the City could borrow the money from a bank or
private lender [to complete upgrades]; the tenant has agreed to
lend the money to the City; the City will be making payments on the
loan to bring the building up to Code; the arrangement is standard
for a landlord to bring a building up to Code to rent it.
Vice Mayor Daysog inquired why the sale of Alameda land requires
four affirmative votes.
The City Attorney responded the City Charter requires that any
property of the City which is sold or leased for a period of more
than one year requires four affirmative votes of the Council;
stated four votes are required because there is some expectation
that the property will go to the City from ARRA and potentially be
sold; the option to purchase would occur after the property is
transferred to the City.
Councilmember Johnson moved introduction of the Ordinance.
Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember DeWitt stated that he had some
concern about the option to purchase the property which is a
decision about long-term reuse of the Base [Alameda Point] before
the Reuse Plan is put into effect; after speaking with the Mayor,
City Manager and Assistant City Manager, he was informed that the
Council will be given an opportunity to review the options to deal
with the long-term reuse of the Base [Alameda Point], so that
buildings are not sold to whomever comes along; Council will be
reviewing options to put long-term Reuse Plan into place; Bladium,
Inc. is a good use for the City of Alameda.
Vice Mayor Daysog stated his concern is about being sure of the
costs which the City is being asked to assume; there are processes
in place to ensure City has a handle on costs.
Mayor Appezzato stated Alameda Point comprises one-third of the
Island; the City Council has been elected to lead and ensure
projects compliment the entire City when making a decision; Bladium
fits with the community.
On the call for the question, the motion which by unanimous voice
vote - 5.
(99-579) Ratified bills in the amount of $2,189,993.17.
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November 16, 1999
Councilmember Johnson stated the City needs to establish a list of
Alameda vendors for use by employees; efforts need to be made to
use Alameda businesses whenever possible.
The City Manager stated there will be a workshop as Councilmember
Johnson previously requested; staff will identify a vendor list
with whom the City purchases goods and services in Alameda; the
City continuously looks for opportunities to expand the list of
Alameda vendors.
Councilmember Johnson moved approval of bills for ratification.
Councilmember DeWitt seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(99-580) Mayor Appezzato requested Resolution commending Rufina
"Ping" Mejia for her dedication to students of Alameda [paragraph
no. 99-581] be addressed first.
(99-581) Resolution No. 13159, "Commending Rufina "Ping" Mejia for
Dedication to the Students of Alameda and Recognition for Receiving
the Auspicious Teacher of the Year Award for 1999." Adopted.
Councilmember DeWitt moved adoption of the Resolution.
Vice Mayor Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
Mayor Appezzato read the Resolution and presented it to Ms. Mejia.
(99-582) Recommendation to encourage broad participation in the
Community Social Service Needs Assessment Survey.
Ed Dankworth, President, Social Service Human Relations Board
[SSHRB], urged Council to support the Board's Community-wide Social
Service Needs Assessment Project; stated the first step is a
computer-assisted telephone survey of at least 400 randomly
selected Alameda households; the survey will take place on week
nights from November 29th through December 3rd between 5 P.m. and
9 p.m.; volunteers are needed to work two-hour shifts; after
problems are made clear by the survey, there will be a community
building workshop on how to address said problems; the Board
reports to Council; the SSHRB is charged with assessing and
reporting to Council Alameda's social service needs and the methods
for meeting those needs; results will be used to establish
priorities for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs
and to support grant applications; community participation is
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critical; the Board is asking Council to encourage broad
participation; the importance of the survey needs to be adequately
publicized.
Vice Mayor Daysog inquired whether questions will be personal and
if there will be confidentiality issues.
SSHRB President Dankworth stated all answers will be confidential;
names will not be sought and any names given will be held
confidential.
Councilmember Johnson inquired who developed the questions for the
survey, to which SSHRB President Dankworth responded City staff
member Corey Cook.
In response to Vice Mayor Daysog's inquiry regarding the date for
the workshop, SSHRB President Dankworth stated as soon as the
analysis of survey results is completed, the workshop will be held
and the date publicized.
Vice Mayor Daysog stated the workshop may be in February.
Councilmember DeWitt stated the purpose of the survey is to help
meet social service needs; that he believes the survey will improve
the quality of life for children and families in Alameda.
Councilmember DeWitt moved approval of staff recommendation.
Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
(99 -583) Recommendation to initiate preparation of a Specific Plan
for the Northern Waterfront and issue a Request for Proposals.
Mark Irons, Alameda Green Party, stated the Green Party is in favor
of a comprehensive plan for redeveloping the north waterfront and
believes the City should not issue new permits for development in
the area until the Plan is completed; that he is touched by the
history by the estuary which used to be connected to Lake Merritt;
a neighborhood association proposed a moratorium; Planning did not
agree with the moratorium, but gave assurances that Kaufman and
Broad would be consulted, it is reasonable to complete a Plan prior
to initiating work.
Jean Sweeney, Alameda, stated that she would like to be assured
that there will be at least one or two community representatives
involved with development of the Specific Plan.
Douglas Holmes, Buena Vista Avenue Neighbors (BVAN), stated that he
supports the Plan; a Plan which incorporates the whole City is
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needed; considering any type of project on the critical piece of
land is not advantageous; first, the Plan will have the input of
Planning Department and citizens; then, proposals which fit into
the Plan should be invited; people expressed support of Sun
Valley's presentation, however, the area is large and should not
consider proposals piece by piece; the City has a wonderful
opportunity to make Alameda special; Sun Valley and Kaufman and
Broad projects would be ordinary solutions to a complex problem; to
push the Specific Plan forward is prudent.
Mayor Appezzato inquired whether BVAN has a charter and bylaws, to
which Mr. Holmes responded in the negative.
In response to Mayor Appezzato's further inquiry regarding the
number of members, Mr. Holmes stated there are approximately fifty
active members who would attend meetings and 100 people signed a
petition in a period of two days.
Hugh Morgan, Alameda, stated that favors a moratorium before the
Specific Plan is completed; more attention should be given to the
peculiar mix of land uses which are prevalent on the northern
waterfront; there is a blend of urban and industrial; the
consultant should review uses in relation to the surrounding area;
an overlay of suburban land uses, such as the former drive-in site
and Marina Village should not be proposed; there should be more
focus on design guidelines; the Plan should focus on how the area
is integrated with the rest of the City.
Michael Valley, Sun Valley, stated that he would like to
participate in the Specific Plan; the Planning Board raised the
issue that there should be an ultimate outside timeline on the
production and approval of the Plan; suggested September or October
of next year be the deadline.
David Landau, Alameda, stated there has been public input regarding
density, crowding in schools, traffic, lack of open space, and land
use issues at public meetings; Kaufman and Broad and Sun Valley
have submitted proposals for the Weyerhauser and Belt Line
properties; inquired what use the Specific Plan would have if the
two major projects are underway; further stated public input seems
as though it is being swept aside in favor of moving forward; that
he supports the moratorium.
Mayor Appezzato stated there is no a moratorium; the projects have
not gone to the Planning Board or City Council; there will be many
Public Hearings.
Mr. Landau inquired whether proposals have been submitted, to which
the Mayor responded that he did not know.
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November 16, 1999
Mayor Appezzato further stated the hearings were to gather public
input; the process is beginning; private owners have rights to
present projects and sell land; whether the City agrees to
[proposed] uses is the reason for public hearings; there will be
time to look at the Specific Plan and uses as they come forward.
Suzan Kaplan, Alameda, stated that she lives adjacent to the
property under consideration and supports the Specific Plan; she
has watched changes over the past fifteen years; industry is
leaving the area; the Plan should look at an integrated whole; if
areas are developed before the Plan is adopted, the purpose of the
Plan is defeated; all the land should not be built or decided upon
until the Plan is in place; there has been piecemeal development in
the past; the area and the City have not benefitted from piecemeal
development; it is important to get an integrated Plan.
Councilmember Johnson requested the Planning Director to summarize
the public process.
The Planning Director stated a housing project application has been
filed by Kaufman and Broad; a meeting was held in the community;
the Planning Department is in discussions with Sun Valley about
concerns which can be taken into account when preparing plans;
Encinal Terminals controls the Del Monte building and is looking at
developing plans; preparing a Specific Plan for development without
having a sense of how landowners would like to use properties is
difficult; the opportunities to make the area better come from
change; landowners and residents in the immediate area and City-at-
large will be engaged in the Specific Plan public process, said
process will require the neighbors and owners to make exceptions if
the Plan will be successful; each [housing] development proposal
would require a legislative change; the Council will have to amend
the General Plan or rezone the land; if issues are premature or
not fully resolved, the Council does not have to rezone the
property or amend the General Plan; the Council has the ability to
set aside developments which are not ripe for consideration and is
not required to entertain proposals to change the land use policies
of the City; however, property owners can exercise rights in
accordance with rules [regarding existing uses].
Mayor Appezzato stated that he supports removing the railroad
tracks, getting the trucks off Buena Vista Avenue, and removing
containers; the City can ensure the uses never come back by
rezoning; if a rezoning is not acceptable to the community,
property owners have the right to remain industrial and use land as
it was used in the past.
In response to Councilmember DeWitt's inquiry on whether the
Specific Plan would take twelve months, the Planning Director
stated the Request for Proposals will include that the consultants
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6 1,
should try to provide the Plan within a twelve-month time frame.
Councilmember DeWitt further stated there could be a matter on the
November 2000 Ballot [Initiative Petition Measure] and inquired
whether a moratorium is needed.
The Planning Director stated Council can communicate that zoning
proposals will not be entertained; a moratorium is used when people
have zoning rights and the City has an obligation to allow uses
under current zoning; in this case, all the development proposals
seek to change the General Plan and rezone; legislative actions can
be delayed; Council can put in the record that proposals will not
be entertained until the Specific Plan is completed.
Councilmember Kerr stated that she is glad there will be a Northern
Waterfront Plan and an attempt at coherent planning; Clement Avenue
extension sparked discussions; everybody would like Clement Avenue
to go from Grand Street to Sherman Street; there is controversy
about expanding west of Sherman Street; the community needs to
assess traffic and neighborhood needs; alternative transportation,
other than bikes and footpaths, should be considered and studied,
e.g. golf carts or other access methods to transportation nodes;
the [original] use permit documentation of either Chipman or
Container Care approved a heavy industrial use and truck traffic
without mentioning adjacent residential uses; all adjacent
properties' needs should be considered and documented, e.g. Marina
Village office space, residential areas along southern boundary;
the group responsible for selecting the consultant should have
residential representation, as well as business organizations and
land owners; homeowners should be considered as strongly as other
property owners; the unique waterfront location offers an
opportunity for creative planning which very few cities enjoy;
Alameda should come up with a Plan which pleases business owners as
well as those that live around the property.
Councilmember Johnson moved approval of staff recommendation.
Councilmember DeWitt seconded the motion.
Councilmember Johnson stated anything which effects one part [of
the City] effects the entire City.
Mayor Appezzato outlined development projects and changes in
Alameda; stated Encinal Terminals is obsolete and cannot be used as
a shipping terminal; discussed industries which have left the
northern waterfront; stated property owners have a right to
continue to use the property; the property should be rezoned for
things the community wants, e.g. housing and high-tech business may
be the highest and best use for the community; the process is very
challenging; decisions made by Council in the past were considered
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November 16, 1999
best for the community.
Vice Mayor Daysog inquired whether greenways refer to grassy areas
next to roads in the Request for Proposals.
The Planning Director stated greenways are a specific policy of the
General Plan; park facilities and greenways are addressed
separately.
Vice Mayor Daysog stated there is panhandle in San Francisco which
is not specifically a park facility or a greenway; it is a large,
open grassy area; inquired whether parks and greenways could be
viewed in a broader sense.
The Planning Director responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Appezzato stated there are more Bay Trails and bicycle paths
in Alameda per square acre than any other city in the Bay Area; the
goal is to make the Bay Trail continue around the entire Island.
On the call for the question, the motion which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
* * *
Mayor Appezzato called a recess at 9:21 p.m. and reconvened the
Regular Meeting at 9:28 p.m.
***
(99-584) Introduction of Ordinance Approving and Authorizing an
Agreement Between the City of Alameda and the Alameda Unified
School District [AUSD] Exchanging Real Property Interests and Other
Consideration Between the Parties. Introduced.
The Deputy City Manager stated as a result of months of
negotiations with the School District, there is a comprehensive,
global proposed resolution for a variety of issues related to
property and development impact fees; outlined specific points of
agreement.
Mayor Appezzato stated Mastick is not being conveyed at no cost;
there is a trade of valuable property for Mastick; over the past
years there has been extensive negotiations with the School
District due to Base closure; negotiations have culminated over the
past six months.
Councilmember Johnson stated the issue arose because there is a
great need for classroom space, partially due to the reduced
classroom size; the City felt responsibility to assist schools; the
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City will pay $4.20 to AUSD for new development; the law only
requires $1.93 per square foot; $2.23 will be paid in addition to
the $1.93 required; eight acres in the Catellus area, twelve acres
on the Base [Alameda Point] and six and a half acres on the
Northern Waterfront area would be conveyed to the District; the
plan is very good for the School District and the City; high
quality schools benefit everyone; the City's Senior Center also
benefits the entire community.
Mayor Appezzato stated the City should acquire title to the Base
[Alameda Point] late next spring; Catellus is prepared to develop
200 acres and build 475 homes at the East Housing site; the City
and School District want to have an agreement for future
development; AUSD could have applied for Public Benefit Conveyance
(PBC) of the twenty acres at Alameda Point, however, only allows
the District to use the property for what it applies for under PBC;
by the City transferring title, the District will have a great deal
of flexibility to do what it desires with the land; the value of
the land being conveyed to the District is around $10 to $12
Million; State law requires $1.93 per square foot be paid in school
fees; if new developments continue throughout the City,
approximately $7 Million would be paid in school fees; the School
District agreed to transfer Mastick to the City; the City plans to
take down 600 homes in East Housing and maybe 200 more in West
Housing; heavy density will be spread over three areas: the
Weyerhauser site, the Belt Line property, and East Housing; the
total number of new homes will not exceed 850; homes cannot be
built on tidelands; the School District asked for six and a half
acres of tidelands at the northern waterfront for a school and will
take care of the transfer; however, if the State Lands Commission
does not approve the use of tidelands, the deal is still
consummated.
Jean Sweeney, Alameda, stated that she has been waiting for the
School District to transfer Mastick Senior Center to the City.
Randy Rentschler, Alameda, stated kids and schools matter to the
community; urged support of the deal; further stated schools should
be supported in the future.
Duke Campbell, President, Mastick Senior Center Advisory Board,
urged Council to approve transferring the title of Mastick to the
City; stated it is vital to the long-range planning of the Mastick
Senior Center.
Councilmember DeWitt moved introduction of the Ordinance.
Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember Kerr stated part of the Agreement
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is that the School District apply for Proposition 1A funds, which
were approved by the voters last November; inquired whether the
District submitted an application for said funds.
The City Manager stated AUSD hired a design firm to assess its
buildings and provide a financial base for the State application;
that he cannot confirm whether the application has been submitted;
the deadline might have been November 3, 1999, one year after the
election; that he will have staff confirm [whether an application
was filed].
The Deputy City Manager stated that he has not seen any paperwork;
however, during discussions, the District indicated it applied for
repair funds in May or June; there is a separate application for
expansion and he has not heard whether the District applied.
Councilmember Kerr stated fees the City will pay in excess of the
Sterling Act fees are based on how much money the District receives
from Proposition 1A; if AUSD is not applying for all funding, it
would not be in good faith.
The Deputy City Manager stated the District indicated its intention
was to apply for the maximum available funds as the Agreement
states; the status will be confirmed.
Councilmember Kerr stated the Reuse Plan included land for the
School District at the Base [Alameda Point]; the City has agreed to
an extra $2.20 in fees for residential construction at the Fleet
Industrial Supply Center; the land will be sold to Catellus by the
City and money [paid to AUSD] represents a reduction in land value
of about $2.5 Million; said amount is about the value of Mastick
Senior Center; if the City stopped there, the offer would be very
fair; the over six acres at the northern waterfront is
approximately an extra $4 Million of property being given to the
District; said property is valuable; housing cannot be built,
however one developer wanted to put up a parking lot and a marina;
the property is useful and valuable; tideland property can be used
for maritime purposes; the City is throwing in an extra $3- to $4
Million; the School District is still waffling; if the deal falls
through, the City will have the extra $2.5 Million in fees above
Sterling Act fees and the extra $3- to $4 Million from the sale of
tidelands trust land; said money could be used to purchase and
improve Mastick Senior Center; the seniors should not be held
hostage on a year-to-year lease; the City has been negotiating with
AUSD for several years.
Mayor Appezzato stated tidelands trust property cannot be sold; it
can be traded out which would cost a great deal of money;
additional land or money would be required to take the land out of
trust.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
November 16, 1999
304
Councilmember Kerr stated the land could be developed for marina
property and make money.
Mayor Appezzato stated the money would have to stay in the tideland
trust and could be used in the General Fund.
Vice Mayor Daysog stated the Agreement is a product of many years
of work; individuals from the Alameda Education Foundation (AEF),
League of Women Voters and people interested in school issues were
involved; Councilmember Johnson and Mayor Appezzato had to balance
the City's viewpoints with the School District's offer; the deal is
fair; that he hopes the School District will move forward; there
will be a need for more classrooms; finding land for a school in
the northern waterfront was difficult; everyone wins from seniors
to children.
Councilmember Johnson stated AEF, the PTA Council and other members
of the community met regularly with Mayor Appezzato, staff and her
to provide insight and perspective.
Mayor Appezzato stated anything done for the School District and
children is done for everyone; the Agreement will not require the
School District to go to the voters with a Bond Measure; the City
will not have to pay cash for Mastick Center.
Councilmember Kerr stated the deal is more than fair; it is
generous on the part of the City; the City does not have the
taxation power to fund the schools; there is separation in the City
Charter on who is to fund the schools; good schools are important
to the community, however, the offer is extremely generous.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice
vote - 5.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
None.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(99-585) Councilmember DeWitt announced the week of November 14th
- 20th is National Book Week; the Mayor visited Haight School and
read to young kids.
(99-586) Councilmember Kerr stated that she welcomes public input
and is always glad to see members of the public at the podium;
people are always welcome to come to the Meeting(s) and speak to
Council.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
November 16, 1999
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor
Appezzato adjourned the Regular Meeting at 10:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Di ne B. Fe
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown
Act.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
November 16, 1999