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1998-02-03 Special and Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY- -FEBRUARY 3, 1998- -7:05 P.M. Mayor Appezzato convened the Special City Council meeting at 7:10 p.m. Roll Call - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, DeWitt, Kerr, Lucas, and Mayor Appezzato - 5. Absent: None. The Special Meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider: (98-56) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation, Name of Case: City of Alameda and Citizens League for Airport Safety and Serenity (CLASS) v. Port of Oakland, Board of Port Commissioners and Does I- XXV, inclusive. Following the Closed Session, the Special Meeting was reconvened and the Mayor announced that the City Council gave instructions to staff to place the Net Benefit Determination of the Cross Airport Roadway on the February 17, 1998 City Council Agenda. Adjournment There being no further business, Mayor Appezzato adjourned the Special Meeting at 7:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Diane B. Felsch, CMC City Clerk The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act. Special Meeting Alameda City Council February 3, 1998 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY- -FEBRUARY 3, 1998- -7:30 P.M. Mayor Appezzato convened the Regular Council Meeting at 8:45 p.m. Councilmember Daysog led the Pledge of Allegiance. Reverend Don Taylor, Central Baptist Church, gave the Invocation. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmembers Daysog, DeWitt, Kerr, Lucas and Mayor Appezzato - 5. ABSENT: None. AGENDA CHANGES None. PROCLAMATIONS AND SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY None. CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Kerr requested to pull the Recommendation to authorize installation of Stop Signs on Bay Street at Eagle Avenue [paragraph number (98-60)]. Mayor Appezzato stated said matter would be withdrawn from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Councilmember Lucas moved acceptance of the remainder of the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.] (*98-57) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings held on January 20, 1998, and the Special Joint City Council/Social Service Human Relations Board Meeting held on January 22, 1998. Approved. (*98-58) Recommendation to support Senate Bill 1405 (Burglar Bar Safety Bill). [Mayor Appezzato] Accepted. (*98-59) Recommendation to accept the Investment Report for the Quarter Ending December 31, 1997. Accepted. (98-60) Recommendation to authorize installation of Stop Signs on Regular Council Alameda City Council February 3, 1998 Bay Street at Eagle Avenue. [Held over from December 16, 1997] Councilmember Kerr stated the person who advocated bringing signs to that intersection is a tenant; the process is that property owners get notified of Hearings; tenants, if they are a matter of record and a proponent of action before the TAC, should also be notified; Eagle Avenue has a history of stop signs which are put there to slow traffic; TAC, without any other input, stated stop signs would be placed on Bay Street to facilitate faster traffic on Eagle Avenue, because that is State standard; there was a failure to look at the local history and also a lack of local input for the aforementioned reasons stated; in the future, when a proponent is a tenant, staff should notify them of Hearings; and that she will abstain from voting on matter before Council. Councilmember Lucas moved approval of staff recommendation. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog, DeWitt, Lucas and Mayor Appezzato - 4. Noes: None. Abstention(s): Councilmember Kerr - 1. (*98-61) Recommendation to award contract in the amount of $501,630 to Svala Construction for Upgrade Building 530A at Alameda Point (07-49-03698-530A), No. P.W. 11-97-29. Accepted. (*98-62) Recommendation to approve reactivation of Amnesty Program for determining the number of Legal Dwelling Units in a structure until July 31, 1998. Accepted. (*98-63) Resolution No. 12956, "Appointing Lynda Olson as a member of the Bay Area Library and Information System Lay Advisory Board." Adopted. (*98-64) Resolution No. 12957, "Amending Master Fee Resolution No. 12191 Establishing an Appeal Processing Fee for Appeal Before the Housing and Building Code Hearing and Appeals Board Relative to the Application and Interpretation of the Alameda Building Code, Alameda Plumbing Code, Alameda Mechanical Code, Alameda Electrical Code and Alameda Fire Code." Adopted. (*98-65) Ratified bills in the amount of $1,576,139.59 REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS (98-66) Public Hearing to consider cost for abatement of nuisance at 1310 Pacific Avenue; and (98-66A) Resolution No. 12958, "Confirming the Costs of Abatement on Property at 1310 Pacific Avenue, Alameda, California, and Imposing a Special Assessment on the Property." Adopted. Regular Council Alameda City Council February 3, 1998 38 Don Roberts, Alameda, gave an overview of the matter; stated that the humanitarian recommendation is Reimbursement Option No. 2 [of the Staff Report]; that if Option No. 2 is approved an interest rate of 6% or 7% should be considered; and questioned the costs for plumbing work and painting. H. L. Haun, Property Owner of 1310 Pacific Avenue, stated that he enlisted the help of Alameda County at one time, and had received a bid of about $2,800 for yard cleanup and 14 windows; he has not had an opportunity to look at what has been done [to the windows through abatement process] and would like to know why the cost is so terrifically high; the project [abatement process] was made into a "make work" project; stairway was under repair and did not require being rebuilt; that he cannot use his garage; there is water on the basement floor; there was foundation work done and water now seeps under said foundation; gas and water lines have been left down and when sheetrocked there will be a lump; that he cannot understand why PG&E moved the gas meter; the kitchen has been turned into a laundry room, although he requested that the laundry room be located on the ground floor level; there are three inches of water now on the floor of his house; due to his recent surgery, he would like the matter postponed for 30 days until he can get well and is able to think properly; above-maximum rates were charged for work on windows, plumbing, etcetera; that he wants the opportunity to review invoices for work done; he wants a conference with whomever was concerned [with the work]; plumbing was not replaced in the kitchen; he has not had a working stove since the project was started; the washtub is not plumbed properly; he does not understand why every gas pipe outside was taken down; and he would like a chance to physically and mentally feel better; and that he is under terrible stress and does not need more stress. Kevin Stapp, Livermore, California, grandson of Harold Haun, stated that he and his grandfather do not question that the work needed to be done to the house; that they question the dollar figure: specifically painting of the exterior for over $20,000; $11,000 for the windows, and $25,000 for plumbing; when the job was first started, Mr. Haun was told that he would have all three levels of the house completed; the main floor is the only floor done; said improvements were supposed to improve his [Mr. Haun] life and have not; Mr. Haun is living in the upstairs apartment, and has no gas or stove to cook with; the electricity and plumbing had worked; it was a matter of cleaning up the debris in the yard, painting the exterior and replacing some windows; and now they are here $125,000 later; that he agrees with his grandfather that the matter before Council must be postponed in order to take a closer look at the invoices, specifically the invoices from Pacific Northwest Painting Co. and the plumbers. Councilmember Lucas stated the building had been a problem for years; it was totally dilapidated; vagrants were in it; windows Regular Council Alameda City Council February 3, 1998 3S were broken; the building was a major fire hazard for the neighborhood; the building was a blight on the neighborhood; it is unfortunate the bill was higher than estimated; that she does not believe $120,000 was a high price to rehabilitate; major work had to be done; in the past, Mr. Haun had always requested, and was granted, delays; that she had reached the point where she was no longer tolerant and felt sorry for the neighbors that had to live with the blight; that she wished the family had stepped in earlier, and the City did not have to do it. Mr. Stapp responded that Mr. Haun has no family, other than himself that he knows of; insofar as the paint job, not all of the paint was scraped off; also, the paint on the new woodwork is cracking; as far as $20,000 for the paint job, that is his main concern. Councilmember Daysog inquired whether City staff reviewed the workmanship of each contractor, to which the Chief Building Inspector Steve Davis responded work was regularly monitored as it progressed; building permits were required for many phases of the work; building inspectors inspected for Code compliance; at the time work was completed, staff conducted a final walk through and was very satisfied with the workmanship; however, he heard some of the concerns voiced by Messrs. Haun and Stapp, and he wants to go back and look at those concerns; the work performed was under warranty and if there are any defects, staff can certainly have defects corrected. Councilmember Kerr inquired whether, subject to the pleasure of the City Manager, the Chief Building Inspector could be provided with a list of complaints by Mr. Stapp; if the work is under warranty, City cannot do anything unless there is a complaint; and if under warranty, defects can be corrected when necessary. The City Manager responded that staff would be happy to comply by working with the Hauns on said Project. In response to Councilmember Daysog, the Building Inspector stated that the matter could be addressed, if staff was invited over within the next couple of days. Councilmember Kerr clarified that her suggestion was not dependent upon the vote tonight; that said matter should be addressed in any case. Vice Mayor DeWitt inquired about the condition of the plumbing when inspected by staff, to which the Chief Building Inspector responded there were no operating toilets, the main plumbing stack serving the second- and third floors was broken and water, when toilets flushed, went onto the back sidewalk; and the entire plumbing system was restored: water and drainage. Regular Council Alameda City Council February 3, 1998 Gerhard Degemann, Alameda, stated Mr. Haun should get a fair shake and his house not taken away. Morten Wellhaven, Alameda, stated parents in the area were very afraid for their children, e.g. rodents; a lien would be a good approach; the building looks great now. Councilmember Kerr stated the City Attorney came up with a modified version of Option 2 which would allow: 1) Mr. Haun to remain in his house, and 2) payment to occur after his death or sale of the property, or satisfied through payment or foreclosure prior to the death of the Owner or sale of the property in the event the property is declared a public nuisance for new or additional violation of Codes; and the modified version is the most humane because it leaves Mr. Haun in peace for the rest of his life. Councilmember Lucas stated that she supported Councilmember Kerr's suggestion, and that the question now was the interest rate; staff proposes an interest rate of 10 %. Mayor Appezzato suggested a 6% interest rate. Councilmember Kerr moved the modified version of Option 2 with a 6% interest rate. Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion. Under discussion, Mayor Appezzato stated the health of Mr. Haun and the safety of the neighborhood was at stake; the property continued to deteriorate and was a fire hazard; the property, looks a great deal better; it could easily begin to deteriorate again, and that he hopes the grandson will help his grandfather with said property; it was a very difficult matter; and that he will support the motion. Councilmember Daysog questioned whether the Chief Building Inspector_ working with the owner [as discussed above] should be added as an amendment to the motion, to which Councilmember Kerr responded that the City Manager had agreed to address the matter. On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. (98 -67) Endorsement of the Alameda County Expenditure Plan for the continuation of the Measure B Sales Tax [Alameda County Transportation Authority]; and (98 -67A) Resolution No. 12959, "Approving Alameda County Transportation Authority Sales Tax Expenditure Plan." Adopted. Don Roberts, Alameda, stated Measure B was put before the voters as Regular Council Alameda City Council February 3, 1998 41 a temporary, 15-year, 1/2% increase in sales tax; promises that were made to the voters have not been kept; the Cross Airport Roadway has not been built; there are no guarantees that work which will benefit Alameda will be completed; interchanges for traffic to get to the [Posey] Tube have been blocked by CalTrans's temporary barriers; if Council requested CalTrans to remove said barriers, there might not be need to spend some [Measure B reauthorization] money. Allan Shore, Alameda, stated that he supports this Measure because it provides excellent support of AC Transit and Alameda; and encouraged Council to let AC Transit know everyone is watching, not only what they will do with the money in 2002, but what they do now. Mayor Appezzato introduced proponents of Expenditure Plan in attendance: Christine Monsen, Acting Executive Director, Alameda County Transportation Authority(ACTA); Linda Rhine, Nelsen/Nygaard; Zack Wasserman, Legal Counsel, ACTA; Jim Gleich, AC Transit; Bruce Mast, Mayor, City of Albany and Alice Creason, AC Transit Board of Directors. Ms. Monsen gave a presentation on the development of the Expenditure Plan, summarizing fund distribution, capital projects, reorganization of ACTA, and projects planned for the City of Alameda. Bill Smith, Alameda, commented on increased programs and funding for bicycles. Alice Creason, Member, AC Transit Board of Directors, encouraged Council support of said Measure. Jim Gleich, AC Transit, commented on the increased funding AC Transit would receive under the new Expenditure Plan. Councilmember Daysog requested the AC Transit representatives to guarantee that when the W-1 and W-2 are consolidated, the bus which travels from the East End to the West End toward San Francisco, be an articulated bus. Mr. Gleich responded that AC Transit is in the process of getting more articulated buses; and that he would pass Councilmember Daysog's request on to [AC Transit] staff. Bruce Mast, Mayor, City of Albany, stated the City of Albany endorsed reauthorization of the sales tax; and commented on the benefits of the Measure. Judge Chester Richard Bartalini, Alameda, stated that he has no intention of voting for this [Measure] unless the City gets the Regular Council Alameda City Ccuncil February 3, 1998 4 2 Cross Airport Roadway; encouraged Councilmembers to review the Annual Reports and recommendations of the Alameda Grand Jury for the last three or four years; and stated unless there are assurances that the Cross Airport Roadway will be completed, that he is voting no and encouraging everybody to vote no. Mayor Appezzato stated in two weeks on Council's agenda, there will be a vote to determine whether Council should go forward with the Cross Airport Roadway; in the General Plan, there is a requirement for Council to determine whether there is a net benefit to the community; if Council votes favorably for the net benefit, the Cross Airport Roadway will be built. Vice Mayor DeWitt moved approval of Alameda Transportation Authority's Expenditure Plan as transmitted and [adoption of Resolution]. Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion. Under discussion, Mayor Appezzato stated that he supports the motion; BART has proposed to change [Resolution] language [R. Zachary Wasserman, Wendel, Rosen, Black and Dean, submitted said proposal in a letter dated February 3, 1998]; however, [ACTA's plan] was approved by the forty members of the Development Plan Committee, the Steering Committee, the entire Congestion Management Agency, and ACTA; any changes should return to said Boards before being approved. Mayor Appezzato further commented on independent surveys which indicate Alameda residents and the rest of Alameda County will vote in support of said Measure. Vice Mayor DeWitt clarified that the motion was to support Alameda "County" Transportation Authority. Councilmember Kerr stated that she will support the motion; however, she does not approve of money being spent on the Warm Springs extension for BART. On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. The City Attorney requested clarification whether the original or revised Resolution was adopted. The Mayor responded the original Resolution was adopted. *** [Note: Mayor Appezzato left the dias at 9:53 p.m. and returned at 9:56 p.m.] * * * Regular Council Alameda City Council February 3, 1998 (98-68) Recommendation to approve use of Building #1 for City Offices at Alameda Point. Don Bergen, Alameda, stated the Community Development Department and Fire Department should remain in their current location; Council should phase out the Recycling Department; and Public Works should move to the building behind City Hall or the building across the street [from City Hall] that the City leases to the County for practically nothing. Councilmember Daysog stated access to City offices should focus on what is most convenient for residents; keeping departments in their current locations assists in the revitalization of Alameda; that he would like departments to remain in the historic core of the City. Bill Garvine, Alameda, stated the City Manager and Deputy City Manager met with him to address his concerns; and that he supports said proposal. Councilmember Kerr stated the [staff] recommendation answers issues raised at previous Council Meeting [December 16, 1997] and will save the City money; said money could be used to increase services; for example, recent storms have illustrated that the Public Works Department could use more staff; [relocation of departments] will bring people to recognize that Alameda Point is part of the City; and that she will support [staff] recommendation. Councilmember Lucas stated that she concurs with Councilmember Kerr and will support [staff] recommendation; major Public Works services, such as Central Permits, will remain at City Hall; Community Development should move as soon as possible. Councilmember Daysog stated the question is: does saving money make sense if it means making public services less convenient to get to? Mayor Appezzato stated AC Transit has bus services to Alameda Point; the Police Department [annex] will move to the Fire Station [at 635 Pacific Avenue]; Community Development will not be moved until a tenant has been found; Public Works Administration will move; permitting will remain in City Hall--those who deal with citizens will remain in the central part of the City; and [relocation of departments] is a good way to get a few more people out at Alameda Point to make it more active. The City Council, by consensus, approved the staff recommendation, by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers DeWitt, Kerr, Lucas and Mayor Appezzato - 4. Noes: Councilmember Daysog - 1. (98-69) Recommendation to accept status report on the Proposed Amendments to Article XII of the City Charter. Regular Ccuncil Alameda City Council February 3, 1998 Lance Russum, Member, Public Utilities Board (PUB), stated the Charter Amendments are designed to being the Bureau into the 21st Century; said section of the Charter has existed since 1937; history is revising itself with the deregulation of phone, gas and electricity services; the Telecommunications Act raises the question of how quickly the City can react to remain competitive for the benefit of the citizens of Alameda; the Charter amendment puts the City on a level playing field. Mayor Appezzato recognized other PUB members in attendance: Ken Hansen, Sebastian Baldassare, and Jim Flint. In response to Vice Mayor DeWitt's inquiry, Mr. Russum stated the Charter Amendments allow public utilities or business enterprises to be delegated to the PUB by the Council, by the citizens of Alameda, or mandated by law; said Amendments were formulated for the Council to determine what [businesses] can be done, to allow the City to act more quickly, and to give the City broad authority without restrictions other than law. Vice Mayor DeWitt stated wording of the Charter Amendments on types of businesses should be more specific; the public should know what business are being considered. Mayor Appezzato stated the language gives the Council flexibility; does not give the PUB license to enter any business without approval from Council. Councilmember Daysog inquired when this language must be approved. Mr. Russum responded the language must be submitted to the Registrar of Voters by March 6, 1998. Judge Chester Richard Bartalini, Alameda, inquired what happened to the litigation promised when the City Council authorized the expenditures that the PUB has already gotten into? The City Attorney stated that the City Council previously authorized a validation action which would validate an Opinion that the Telecommunications Act of 1996 preempted the Charter and allowed the City and the PUB to engage in telecommunications; that action has been filed and the time to respond to said action is February 17, 1998. Judge Bartalini further inquired whether it has been assigned to a particular [County] department. The City Attorney responded in the negative. Judge Bartalini stated [the City Attorney's] legal opinion says what the Bureau is presently engaging in is okay; a lawsuit has Regular Council Alameda City Council February 3, 1998 been filed to validate that Opinion--then what is the necessity of this [Charter] amendments? The City Attorney stated that she could answer the narrow aspect, but defer the bigger policy direction to the PUB; the Amendments were decided to overhaul the entire Article 12; that she understands amending Article 12-5 would clarify and actually do away with the necessity of getting a vote of the people for any possible utility in which the City Council would engage; the Opinion only applies to telecommunications; there are many other public utilities or businesses that the City Council may choose to get into in the future; for example gas, or other items; that she believes the PUB wanted to give the City Council discretion to assess the times and to determine, at that moment, whether or not it was appropriate for the PUB to engage in those businesses; that this particular prohibition was instituted as part of a 1937 Charter Amendment and is not present as a restriction in other cities. Judge Bartalini stated the Amendments make it no longer necessary to find out what the opinion of the voters of the City of Alameda is on a particular business enterprise that the PUB wants to expand; for instance, if they decide they want to get into gas service [or] they want to get into telephone service, they can do that without asking the permission of the voters of Alameda. The City Attorney stated it would no longer be necessary to obtain the required 2/3 vote. Judge Bartalini stated as the Charter now stands, there is nothing to prevent the PUB and the City Council from asking the citizens of this City if they [citizens] want to have them [PUB] furnish gas or telephone, is that correct? The City Attorney responded in the affirmative; and stated one concern of the Bureau was that a 2/3 vote of the citizens is required in order to engage in any public utility business. Bill Smith, Alameda, commented on mandated programs; and future available technology resources. Vice Mayor DeWitt stated the public has not had the opportunity to review the areas of the: Internet, Cable Television, and telephone; Council is asking the public to support Amendments which have not been explained; that he is in favor of the Carter Amendments and said Amendments should be passed by the voters; therefore, business enterprises should be explained to the public. The Mayor requested the Bureau [of Electricity] to explain its Plan to educate the public. Regular Council Alameda City Council February 3, 1998 Mr. Russum stated a Committee has been formed to educate the public; that he is Chair of said Committee; it will emphasize the importance of giving the City flexibility to operate various businesses; other cities are already operating said businesses; Committee will stress importance eliminating the need to have an election to enter into said businesses and create a level playing field. In response to Vice Mayor DeWitt's inquiry regarding surveys, Mr. Russum stated there is a survey in process; results of said survey should be finalized in ten days or less. Councilmember Daysog stated there is a connection between economic development of Telecommunications and the businesses the PUB can enter into; the [Charter] Amendments limit [the PUB] to the area of utility [businesses] with goal of keeping rates low. Councilmember Lucas stated the Bureau has used good judgement and done good research; it is necessary; if the City does not move forward it will lose the business; and moved staff recommendation. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Kerr stated that she does not support the change of Article 12-5; and will be voting no. Mayor Appezzato stated the Bureau has to be given the flexibility; it has to run like a business; the City must modernize or fail; if entering the communications business makes fiscal sense, the City must have the capability to do so; the City must find new ways to generate revenue: On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog, DeWitt, Lucas and Mayor Appezzato - 4. Noes: Councilmember Kerr - 1. (98-70) Ordinance No. 2752 N.S., "For a Contract of Sale from the City of Alameda to the Community Improvement Commission of the City of Alameda for the Real Property Generally Known as the Fleet Industrial Supply Center. Finally passed. Councilmember Lucas moved final passage. Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. (98-71) Ordinance No. 2753 N.S., "Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Article I (Uniform Codes Relating to Building Construction and Maintenance) of Chapter XIII (Building and Housing) by Adding New Subsections to Subsection 13-1.2 (Modifications, Amendments and Deletions to the Uniform Building Regular Council Alameda City Council February 3, 1998 47 Code). Finally passed. Councilmember Lucas moved final passage. Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA (Public Comment) (98-72) Don Bergen, Alameda, discussed the closure of hospitals for the mentally ill; stated former President Ronald Reagan instilled pride in America and that he wished Reagan was in office today. (98-73) Bill Smith, Alameda, discussed bicycle safety. (98-74) Judge Chester Richard Bartalini, Member, Housing Commission, inquired what the procedure would be to receive permission to hold Housing Commission meetings at other facilities [Independence Plaza Community Room]. The City Attorney advised Judge Bartalini to place the matter on the Housing Commission's Agenda before forwarding to Housing Authority Board of Commissioners [City Council]. (98-75) Judge Chester Richard Bartalini, Alameda, questioned the purpose of the mail slot located in the door of the Men's Room located on the third floor of City Hall. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (Communications from Council) (98-76) Councilmember Lucas stated staff should evaluate how the City can honor Board and Commission Members, e.g. City Pin for 5 years, 10 years. Mayor Appezzato suggested an annual recognition. (98-77) Councilmember Lucas requested a staff report on the damage caused by heavy rains, including what can be done in the future if rain persist. (98-78) Councilmember Daysog stated that President Clinton has initiated a dialogue on race; it is an attempt to have people talk about the diversity that constitutes the United States; that the City Manager should provide an update as to whether the City staff is engaging in that kind of conversation, including any recommendations as to how individuals on Council, or Council as a whole, could pursue said matter. He further stated that despite everyone's differences, there are more similarities than differences--even if [they are] of different color or orientation; and this being Black History Month, gives matter more urgency. Regular Council Alameda City Council February 3, 1999 (98 -79) Councilmember Kerr stated at the February 16, 1998 Council Meeting, Mr. Graham Claytor made several valuable suggestions on taking a better look at the cost effectiveness of the operation of the East End Ferry; that Vice Mayor DeWitt had requested a report on said matter which has not made the Status Tracking Report; Mr. Claytor's suggestions should be considered; and said suggestions were very much to the point. (98 -80) Councilmember Kerr stated that on three separate occasions last month she heard that the City did not provide any money for social services; that she would like to point out the City does provide the maximum that Housing Urban Development allows out of Block Grant Funds for social services. (98 -81) Councilmember Kerr announced that there is a bike rack next to the Oak Street door of City Hall. (98 -82) Vice Mayor DeWitt discussed flooding on Ninth Street along the Parrot Village area; that there is a slope from which water comes down; the condition has existed for a number of years, and this year is worse [than others]; a staff report should be provided on damages and flood areas; said report should include both short- and long term remedies; and after [review of] the report, a request may be made to place the matter on the Agenda. Councilmember Kerr noted that she had requested the issue to be placed on the agenda; an advantage of having the matter on an agenda is to raise people's consciousness of how the City spend its money for some very practical needs. (98 -83) Mayor Appezzato gave an overview of the U.S. Conference of Mayors he attended recently, and stated a benefit of the Conference is the mayors become a lobbying group for changes in policy and funding for the cities. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Appezzato adjourned the Regular Council Meeting at 10:53 p.m. Re eectfully submitted, Diane B. Felsch, CMC City Clerk The Agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act. Regular Council Alameda City Council February 3, 1998