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1998-05-05 Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY - - MAY 5, 1998 - - 7:30 P.M. Mayor Appezzato convened the Regular Meeting at 7:40 p.m. Scout Troop #89 presented the Colors and led the Pledge Allegiance. Father Jeffrey Keyes, St. Barnabas Church gave the Invocation. of ROLL CALL - PRESENT: Councilmembers Daysog, DeWitt, Kerr, Lucas, and Mayor Appezzato - 5. ABSENT: None. AGENDA CHANGES None. PROCLAMATIONS AND SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY (98-202) Presentation of Certificate of Recognition Arnerich, Jr. for Hoop Shoot Accomplishments. Mayor Appezzato presented Certificate of Recognition Arnerich, Jr. (98-203) Special Presentation on submitting the Utility to the Voters. to Kenny to Kenny Users Tax Following the Finance Director's presentation on the Utility Users Tax [UUT], Vice Mayor DeWitt moved approval of the staff recommendation that the City Council direct the City Attorney to bring back the necessary resolutions to place a measure on the November, 1998 ballot submitting the Utility Users Tax increase to the voters for ratification and to support the UUT Ratification Information Program. Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Appezzato announced the following Consent Calendar Items were withdrawn for discussion: Report on Mayor's 4th of July Parade [Paragraph No. 98-205], Report regarding award of Contract to Muller & Caulfield Architects [Paragraph No. 98-217], Resolution of Appreciation to the Volunteers for the City of Alameda [Paragraph No. 98-220], and Introduction of Ordinance pertaining to Leaving Vehicles on a Street in Excess of 72 Hours [Paragraph No. 98-225]. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council May 5, 1998 Councilmember Lucas moved approval of the remainder of the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. [Items so approved are indicated by an asterisk preceding paragraph numbers.] ( *98 -204) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings held on April 21, 1998. Approved. (98 -205) Recommendation to authorize the 23rd Annual Mayor's 4th of July Parade. Gerhard Degemann, Alameda, inquired whether the new Webster Street location for the Fun Fair would cost the City. The Recreation Director responded that the Committee voted to move the Fun Fair due to decreased participation; moving said Fair close to the end of the Parade would be an enhancement; and there will not be any additional costs. Councilmember Lucas moved approval of staff recommendation. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. ( *98 -206) Recommendation to authorize calling for bids for Legal Advertising for Fiscal Year 1998 -99. Accepted. ( *98 -207) Recommendation to authorize Amendment to Administrative Budget for Homeownership Programs. Accepted. ( *98- 208) Recommendation to accept Quarterly Investment period ending March 31, 1998. Accepted. ( *98 -209) Recommendation to accept Quarterly Financial period ending March 31, 1998. Accepted. ( *98- 210) Recommendation to accept Quarterly Sales Tax period ending March 31, 1998 for Sales Transactions in Calendar Quarter of 1997. Accepted. ( *98 -211) Recommendation to set Hearing for Establishmen 99 Proposition 4 Limit for July 7, 1998. Accepted. ( *98 -212) Recommendation to authorize placement of Business License Fees on Property Tax Bills. Accepted. ( *98 -213) Recommendation to authorize the City Manager to execute Supplemental Agreement for Allocation and Payment of Closure and Post - Closure Maintenance Costs for Altamont Sanitary Landfill. the Report for Report for Report for the Fourth of -1998- Delinquent Regular Meeting Alameda City Council May 5, 1998 Accepted. ( *98 -214) Recommendation to accept work of Tennyson Electric for -I- 880 /23rd Avenue Offramp Improvements, No. P.W. 05- 97 -10. Accepted. ( *98 -215) Recommendation to authorize Allocation of Funds in the amount of $75,000 for Building 39 Upgrades, No. P.W. 11- 97 -25. Accepted. ( *98 -216) Recommendation to award Contract in the amount of $2,250,000 to Ranger Pipelines, Inc. for Infiltration and Inflow, Phase 6, Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project, No. P.W. 11- 97 -28. Accepted. (98 -217) Recommendation to authorize the Executive Director of Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority to award Contract in the amount of $128,837 to Muller & Caulfield Architects for Consultant Design Services for Renovation of Building 23, Alameda Point, No. P.W. 03- 98 -04. Vice Mayor DeWitt stated that he is in favor of the contract to improve Building 39; and inquired whether the services of Alameda businesses were considered. The Supervising Civil Engineer responded two Alameda firms submitted bids; the two Alameda firms did not present as comprehensive knowledge [as other bidders] of the scope of work in terms of: 1) environmental work required, 2) cost estimating, and 3) level of effort associated with architectural procedures; therefore, they [Alameda firms] were not deemed equal; and local firms will be sought on future proposals. Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the Alameda firms had been awarded other City Contracts, to which the Supervising Civil Engineer responded in the affirmative. Vice Mayor DeWitt moved approval of staff recommendation. Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. ( *98 -218) Recommendation to adopt Plans and Specifications and authorize calling for bids for Repair and Resurfacing of Certain Streets, Phase 19, No. P.W. 03- 98 -06. Accepted. ( *98 -219) Resolution No. 12982, "Supporting the Quiet Communities Act, S. 951 and H.R. 536." Adopted. (98 -220) Resolution No. 12983, "Resolution of Appreciation to the Volunteers for the City of Alameda." Adopted. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council May 5, 1998 Vice Mayor DeWitt stated Alameda is on track to accomplishing many of the goals of " America's Promise for Alliance for Youth" due to utilization of volunteers; volunteerism is heart of said program; at the Mayors' Conference a theme was presented - - "if not me, who ?; if not now, when ? "; and that he hopes Alamedans have a renewed emphasis on volunteerism. Mayor Appezzato stated the City will recognize all volunteers with a Recognition Tea on June llth; hopefully 320 volunteers will be present to be honored. Councilmember Kerr stated volunteers give over 30,000 hours on an annual basis which is an enormous asset to the City. Vice Mayor DeWitt moved adoption of the Resolution. Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. ( *98- 221) Resolution No. 12984, "Approving Salary Resolution for the Alameda Municipal Fire Management Association for the Period Commencing January 1, 1996 and Ending December 31, 1999. Adopted. ( *98 -222) Resolution No. 12985, "Providing for the Borrowing of Funds for Fiscal Year 1998 -1999 and the Issuance and Sale of 1998 Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes Therefor." Adopted. ( *98 -223) Resolution No. 12986, "Establishing Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Goals for Fiscal Year July 1, 1998, through June 30, 1999. Adopted. ( *98 -224) Introduction of Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 2057 N.S. an Ordinance of the City of Alameda Relating to the Financing of Industrial and Commercial Development Within Said City in the Interests of the Public Health, Safety and Welfare. Introduced. (98 -225) Introduction of Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Section 8-7.8 (Leaving Vehicles on a Street in Excess of Seventy -Two (72) Hours), of Section 8 -7 (Parking Prohibitions), Chapter VIII (Traffic and Motor Vehicles). Introduced. In response to Councilmember Kerr's inquiry, the Chief of Police stated the definition of the term "vehicle" includes both licensed and non- licensed trailers and boats. Councilmember Kerr oved introduction of the Ordinance. Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion, voice vote 5. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council May 5, 1998 hich carried by unanimous ( *98 -226) Introduction of Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Subsection 3 -62.6 (Exemptions) of Section 3 -62 (Improvement Tax), of Chapter III (Finance and Taxation) by Adding Subsection 3- 62.6(d) Pertaining to Assessment of Improvement Tax. Introduced. ( *98 -227) Ratified bills in the amount of $4,330,200.44. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS (98 -228) Ordinance No. 2758, "Approving and Authorizing Execution of an Amendment to Lease of Real Property Between City, as Lessor, and Alameda Swimming Pool Association [ASPA], as Lessee, for Swimming Pool Facilities at Lincoln and Franklin Parks. Finally passed. Raylene Dill, Alameda, presented and summarized slides of the ASPA's children programs. Ray deBlieck, Alameda, stated that he opposes Lease extension and the manner in which ASPA is run, but does not [oppose] the Association; APSA's FY 1996 -97 Financial Report consisted of a Profit and Loss Statement and listing of repair expenses; this is the latest year for which reports are available; said report shows a one -year operating loss of $16,000 in repair expenses of $116,000; analysis of report indicates actual loss to be $82,000, or $132,000 reducing available reserves by one of said amounts; City staff stated [ Profit and Loss] Statement is sufficient, however, said Statement does not provide an assessment of the Association's financial strength; an audit and production of a balance sheet listing all reserves, accounts of deposit, securities held and other assets of the Association is needed to determine ASPA's financial stability; ASPA claims a grant is needed, which has never been done before; if grant is, in actuality, a donation from an Association Member or Director which includes a condition that the Lease be extended, then someone is attempting to buy [Lease] extension; Association members requested a balance sheet from ASPA Treasurer in letters from as far back as 1989; [ASPA's] response to said letters was members do not need that information; ASPA has not demonstrated its financial strength; questioned if reserves run out, where ASPA will go for bail out; and requested Council to delay final passage at least six months to make APSA's financial picture clear. Chris deBlieck, Alameda, presented a petition which states: we the undersigned oppose the extension of the Lease of the ASPA by the City of Alameda until such time as the Association Bylaws are amended with the following changes: 1) all directors democratically elected by the membership, 2) limited terms for all members of the Board of Directors, and 3) a complete financial audit; summarized responses of those who signed the petition; stated if Council has Regular Meeting Alameda City Council May 5, 1998 concerns regarding how the organization is run, [Councilmembers] have the option to vote no; in the Lease under rules and regulations adopted by lessee [ASPA], it states: including rules governing the use of said swimming pools and facilities shall be subject to the approval of the City of Alameda prior to implementation thereof; voting no will give ASPA a chance to transform the organization into a democratic Association. Dr. Randall Miller Alameda, stated staff told him they recommended [Lease] extension for two reasons: 1) "the Association has taught many children to swim," which is true, and 2) "ASPA has operated at no cost to the City," which is not true; the Lease states the City shall not incur any expense from operating the pools; until recently, the City has been paying for the water; ASPA's Profit and Loss Statement reflects gas and electricity, however, said statement does not mention water; questioned whether fees will increase because ASPA will have to pay water bills; and whether the City pays for the Park [and Recreation Department] employee who empties trash cans; further stated that he has health and safety concerns; from past history, they [ASPA Board] know that the same County Health inspector will not appear at the next inspection; discrepancies have gone on for, weeks and even years before being corrected--some have never been corrected; two men most familiar with the pump room quit; both believed they were forced out; pool chemistries must be carefully monitored because people can get hurt if not monitored correctly; urged Council not to reward ASPA for mediocre performance and not extend Lease at this time; stated three years [remaining of current Lease] should be used to allow ASPA to clean up their act; [the City] should audit ASPA's performance; the organization [ASPA] should continue if it is run effectively. In response to Mayor Appezzato's inquiry regarding why people would sign a mediation agreement and now not agree to go forward [with Lease extension], Dr. Miller stated the four member representatives [opposed to Lease extension] felt pressured by City staff to sign; staff stated if you do not sign this [mediation agreement] you [members opposed to Lease extension] will have worked all this time for nothing; probably the main reason members [opposed to Lease extension] breached the mediation agreement was because a statement in [ASPA Board] Minutes implied member group [opposed Lease to extension] had confessed to vandalism and harassment; said statement was added and was not agreed to [as part of mediation agreement]; and ASPA has apologized for making said statement. Mayor Appezzato further inquired whether members [opposed to Lease extension] were willing to toss away other stuff [terms of mediation agreement] over one sentence for which ASPA apologized. Dr. Miller responded the member group [opposed to Lease extension] received nothing of substance [in mediation agreement] and desires Regular Meeting Alameda City Council May 5, 1998 basic changes in Bylaws. In response to Dr. Miller's comments, the Assistant City Manager stated there were three meetings: the first was 2-1/2 hours, the second was 3 hours, and the third was supposed to last 3 hours; at the end of the third meeting mediators separated the two groups; staff talked to members [opposed to Lease extension] expressing: 1) close [to reaching an agreement] why would not sign, 2) many concessions were made on both sides, 3) great job, and 4) [not signing] would constitute walking away from a great deal of progress; staff recommended signing, however, categorically denies there was pressure; both sides had done so well--staff was encouraging ratification of 10-1/2 hours of work. Helen Wonner, Alameda, stated Alligators [Swim Team] is owned by ASPA; another group taking over management of two pools could be more beneficial because Alligators would be put out of water [time in pools] and be eligible for more water [time in pools] at the two high school pools where Alligators are presently denied; gave a comparison of swimming facilities' yardage; stated [if Lease is not extended] losers would be over 600 families who pay minimal annual dues, thousands of Alameda children who are offered free lessons, and the City; questioned the number of signatures [on petition submitted by Chris deBlieck] which represent ASPA members; further stated ASPA is a private club run with assistance of many volunteers. Arnold Fong, Alameda, stated Ms. Dill's slides showed community involvement in pools which are operated by volunteers, Council may not be aware of the general membership's role in providing service to the community; the general membership has allowed pools to function by providing: volunteer pool maintenance, newsletters, [life] guards during summer family swim, youth who create need for the Association, and by soliciting new members; requested the City to require [ASPA] Board to establish better mechanisms for general membership to have input into policies which run pools; and that he hopes the groups can come together to keep and maintain the fellowship which ASPA brings to the community. Mayor Appezzato inquired whether Mr. Fong would support Lease extension if difficulties could be worked out, to which Mr. Fong responded that Lease extension is not the point; Council has the power to put into place a mechanism to allow the general membership to have input. In response to Councilmember Kerr's inquiry regarding one general membership meeting per year being sufficient, Mr. Fong stated even if there was one meeting [per year] in the past, the door was always open; general membership was listened to and concerns did not fall upon deaf ears; if the general membership were allowed to be more active, many would be more involved. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council May 5, 1998 Dorothy Karvasales, Alameda, stated the Board worked very hard for forty years, however, [current] Board is inflexible; many members have worked hard for number of years; listed various volunteers and service provided; stated general membership was caught in flare up between Alligators and Islanders; letters were written and there was no response received from ASPA Board; pools are not always filled; last year, special education children were given [pool] time from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. every day of the week and said group does not use the pool every day - -there are other examples; pools could be better managed. In response to Mayor Appezzato's inquiry regarding whether or not the community can be brought back together, Ms. Karvasales stated the issue became very personal with egos getting in the way; [resolution] can and should be reached with a little give and take on both sides; it is not necessary for everything to be etched in stone; there are many members not present who are effected. Mayor Appezzato commented that Council cannot legislate human emotions. Tina Ayer Woods, Alameda, stated the Bylaws were put together to provide consistency; membership dues are $175 per year per family; over 600 families are members -- speaking of 100 signatures [on petition submitted by Chris deBlieck] out of over 600 families, if this is going to be democratic, all members should have a vote tonight [regarding Lease extension]; children's friendships and families have split up because one individual was not rehired to coach children; if adults think how this has effected children, it can be brought back together; a small group [opposed to Lease extension] is creating a big havoc; that she speaks to People every day regarding benefits [of membership]; more people are in favor and are backing the Association than those who are in dissention [opposed to Lease extension]; and urged Council to extend the Lease. Jim Stonehouse, Esq., Alameda, stated ASPA had a problem with painting the pool last year which caused missed time; the Association sued the swimming, contractor and prevailed, however, judgement has not been collected; last year money did flow out which should not have been spent on a job done improperly; if the Bylaws are reviewed, vacancies on the Board are to be filled by the Board which is how the organization was begun; members are defined, however, they [members] do not have a vote; the membership changes and the Board provides a consistency to children of community; extension should be approved. Dave Sillers, Alameda, stated if it is not broken do not fix it; ASPA has been around for forty years; Alameda is an Island City and needs to teach all children the art and safety of swimming. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council May 5, 1998 Councilmember Lucas stated that she concurs with Mr. Sillers; Alameda Little Theater has been in existence for sixty years and relies on the stability of the Board- -some have been on Board for over 30 years; matter requires understanding of how non- profits work; that she admonishes ASPA Board to be aware that they need to work with the community; ASPA has proven it is able to provide volunteers and financial commitment; dissenters [opposed to Lease extension] do not offer financial alternative; [ASPA] should understand that they need to work with all interested swimmers. Councilmember Lucas moved Council support of the Ordinance, and extension of the Lease. Councilmember Daysog stated the question is whether the City Council should legislate good behavior among the non- profits the City deals with, at this point, there is no framework for Council to deal with the personality- and professional differences of the ASPA members; and recognizing differences that should heal, Council should move forward in setting up a protocol. Councilmember Daysog seconded Councilmember Lucas's motion. Under discussion, Vice Mayor DeWitt stated that he would vote in favor of extending the Lease; at the last Council Meeting, he requested the Association to communicate with the membership and try to work out the differences; if the Ordinance is passed, he will again request ASPA to work with its members in a way that is as democratic as possible. Councilmember Kerr stated the reason Council was listening to the issue is because the facilities are on public land, non- dissident members of the Association commented they had not been able to get any time scheduled to swim and sought life guard certification in order to acquire a key to swim; there are scheduling problems; the Association does have a very good history; recently, things seem to have come unglued; part of the Association's agreement with the City is to manage the pools, including handling the membership and solving problems; an elected -board form of government also works in non- profit organizations; there is no one form of government that works for such organizations; it is not necessary to renew the Lease this year; the Association has another three years; not renewing the Lease could encourage the Association to listen to the membership more; there is a deep rift, much anger and the problem cannot be solved in a couple of months; a solution could take a couple of years; the Lease is not up tonight, it has three years [more] to run. Mayor Appezzato stated that he does not know of an alternative; the Association has worked fairly well; there will always be some form of dissention; to not grant the Extension, [could result in] the loss of the Association and possible greater effects on the Regular Meeting Alameda City Council May 5, 1998 community; he will support the majority; there is no alternative, only greater frustration and dysfunction if Council does not go forward with the Association; and he will vote in support of the recommendation. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmember Daysog, DeWitt, Lucas, and Mayor Appezzato - 4. Noes: Councilmember Kerr - 1. (98-229) Ordinance No. 2759, "Authorizing the City Manager to Execute all Necessary Agreements and Documents for Assignment of Ground Lease to Ballena Isle Marina, a Limited Liability Company, of Real Property Held Under Lease By and Between the City of Alameda and Ballena Isle Marina, a Limited Partnership, and Almar, Ltd., General Partner." Finally passed. Councilmember Lucas moved final passage. Vice Mayor DeWitt seconded the motion. In response to Councilmember Kerr's comments regarding increasing the rent of the Lease, the City Attorney stated upon expiration of the Lease Council will have the opportunity to renegotiate a more favorable rent; terms of Lease cannot be changed. Mayor Appezzato summarized the history of the Lease with Ballena Isle Marina. In response the Councilmember Kerr's inquiry regarding withholding Lease assignment, the City Attorney read the section of the Lease agreement which states the request of any transfer to the City shall not be unreasonably withheld. Councilmember Kerr inquired if the City could request a lien against City-leased property, used as collateral, to be recorded in Alameda County. The City Attorney responded in the affirmative. In response to Mayor Appezzato, Councilmember Kerr explained that the request would provide a convenient way to research liens against the Lease. Councilmember Lucas expressed concern that Councilmember Kerr's suggestion would change the Lease's terms, to which the City Attorney stated Council could make a request. Councilmember Kerr stated the motion should include said request. Councilmember Lucas stated an investor in the City should not be burdened with unnecessary requests; it is a business decision for Regular Meeting Alameda City Council May 5, 1998 the creditor to record the Deed of Trust or liens; and all liens terminate when the Lease terminates. Councilmember Kerr stated that the property belongs to the people of Alameda, and it would be in their interest to have liens recorded at the County. Mayor Appezzato stated that the property belongs to the State, the property is in Trust to the citizens of Alameda; the responsibility of the people who lease the property is to pay the City $31,000 per year; if they do not pay the $31,000, the property is taken back; the fact that a lien is, or is not, recorded, does not have any effect on whether the $31,000 a year is, or is not, paid. Councilmember Daysog questioned whether said matter could be considered a normal order of business; e.g., a matter addressed by the City Manager or City Attorney; stated the degree of impact of the request was of concern; and perhaps the City Attorney and/or City Manager could independently pursue the matter. Councilmember Kerr noted the City Attorney advised the matter could not be included in the motion, however, Council could make a request. Councilmember Daysog stated the question is the implication of the request; the City Attorney is not in a position to advise on the economic ramifications, however, the City Attorney can advise on legal rights to ask the question. Councilmember Kerr stated the City Attorney is present to advise on the legal ramifications. Councilmember Lucas suggested an off agenda report on the benefits; stated if the report is valuable, it could be placed on the Agenda. Vice Mayor DeWitt stated that he was prepared to vote; a request now for a legal brief would not be wise -- economically or otherwise; if it is possible to ask the Ballena Isle group to have those [instruments] recorded, it could be done by separate motion; the City should not be burdened with a great deal of legal work in this matter; if the people [Ballena Isle Marina] agree, that is good; if they do not [agree], that is good too. Councilmember Kerr inquired whether the City Manager would be willing to ask them [Ballena Isle Marina] to agree to the request. The City Manager responded if the Council so desires, he would be more than happy to follow up on the matter. Councilmember Lucas stated Council needs to know the implications before voting on whether to make the request. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council May 5, 1998 Councilmember Daysog stated Council could formally request the City Manager to pursue the matter, or the City Manager could [independently] look into it; that his point is, Council move forward on the agenda item. Mayor Appezzato stated the requirement of the people who lease the property from the citizens of Alameda is to pay their rent on time; if they do not, the City can take legal action to reclaim the land which belongs to the people; anything else is basically immaterial; the rent is low, however, a former Council probably did what they thought was the right thing. Councilmember Kerr stated the situation was unusual because most tenants cannot borrow against the property of the landlord or property of the State; it is a very unusual situation; in this case, people can borrow using the Lease as collateral; there was a $5 Million loan in 1993; and, as far as she can tell, there is not a trace of any documentation of that Loan in Alameda County; the City does have this land in Trust, and it [request] would be a prudent thing to do. Mayor Appezzato stated a lease is collateral and can be used for loans. Councilmember Kerr stated, in response to Mayor Appezzato's comment, in some cases [a lease is collateral]; but, in most cases, it is not. Mayor Appezzato stated that if a bank wants to use the Lease [Ballena Isle Marina (BIM)] as collateral, it is perfectly legal. Councilmember Kerr responded that she did not state it was illegal for BIM to do it; she thought the people of Alameda's representatives should be as informed as possible; however, she does not have the votes to do it; hence, there is no point in discussing the matter further. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog, DeWitt, Lucas and President Appezzato - 4. Noes: Councilmember Kerr - 1. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA (Public Comment) None. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (Communications from Council) (98-230) Councilmember Daysog requested the City Manager to provide an off-agenda report on protocols or expectations the City of Alameda has in relationships with private non-profit [organizations]; said report should review how the City can create Regular Meeting Alameda City Council May 5, 1998 or improve protocols to provide an orderly way to address feelings and issues raised over the course of the past two weeks [by ASPA Lease extension]; other non - profit groups have split; a framework for dealing with non - profit [organizations] should be established. (98-231) Councilmember Daysog requested a Consent Calendar report regarding the stranded costs of the Bureau of Electricity; said report should address: what is it, how much is it, and how deregulation affects the City's ability to handle stranded costs; the City Manager's Office provided an informal report which should be clarified and placed on Consent Calendar. (98 -232) Councilmember Kerr requested an off- agenda report on regulations for renting recreation centers in the City's public parks; there seems to be some confusion; that we were told a certain Park recreation center is used for classes at night when, in fact, the neighborhood knows the center is always dark; a copy of the regulations for the rental of recreation centers should be provided to Council. (98 -233) Vice Mayor DeWitt stated that he and the Mayor attended the Mayors' Conference in Chicago on April 27, 1998 and presented Alameda's Community Assessment outlining basic needs and strategies used to bring about a better community for children and youth; said Conference was a success; and that he and the Mayor participated in the National kick -off of the March of Dimes Walk -a -thon and assisted an organization, known as Kaboom, with building a playground for young children in a depressed neighborhood of Chicago. (98 -234) Mayor Appezzato stated the Stand for Children Parade will be held on May 31, 1998; that he invited General, Colon Powell to lead said Parade; and year -round employment for youth in schools is beginning. JDJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Appezzato adjourned the meeting at 9:31 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Diane B.`Felsch, CMC City Clerk The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council May 5, 1998