Loading...
1997-05-06 MinutesROLL CALL: i ca MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD- - - MAY 6, 1997 - - -7:05 P.M. PRESENT: Councilmembers Daysog, Kerr, Lucas, Vice Mayor DeWitt, and President Appezzato - 5 ABSENT: None. President Appezzato convened the Special Council Meeting at 7:05 p.m. and adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session to address the following: (97-223) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (54956.9) Name of Case: Murphy v. City of Alameda Following the Closed Session, President Appezzato announced that the City Council gave instructions to the City Attorney. There being no further business before the City Council, President Appezzato adjourned the Special Meeting. Respectfully submitted, /2(/ Diane B. Felsch, CMC City Clerk The Agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act. Minu=es of the Special City Council Meeting May 6, 1997 170 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY- - - - - - - MAY 6, 1997 7:30 P.M. Mayor Appezzato called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. Councilmember Lucas led the Pledge of Allegiance. Reverend Don Taylor gave the invocation. Roll Call - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Lucas, Kerr, Vice Mayor DeWitt and Mayor Appezzato - 5. Absent: None. PROCLAMATIONS AND SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY (97-224) Proclamation Declaring May 11 through May 17, 1997, Historic Preservation Week. Mayor Appezzato read the Proclamation and presented it to Robert DeCelle, Member of the Historical Advisory Board. (97-225) Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Presentation Recognizing 1) Gerry Meadows, Otis Elementary School student, for design of a Lead Prevention Program Poster, and 2) the Alameda Unified School District for its support. Mr. Schwarzberg, Director of the Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, presented Gerry Meadows with a plaque and medal in recognition of his outstanding design work. Mr. Schwarzberg presented a plaque to School Board Member Barbara Guenther in recognition of the School District's support. Former Councilman Arnerich addressed the City Council on the various merits of the Program. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Appezzato announced that certain items were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Councilmember Kerr moved approval of the remainder of the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. [Items so approved and/or accepted on the Consent Calendar are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number*] (*97-226) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting May 6, 1997 held on April 1, 1997. Approved. (*97-227) Report from City Clerk recommending Authorization Call for Bids for Legal Advertising for Fiscal Year 1997-98. Accepted. (*97-228) Report from Community Development Director recommending Authorization of an Agreement with Alameda County to Continue Participation in Alameda County HOME Consortium. Accepted. (*97-229) Status Report from Community Development Director regarding Windows on Art Program. Accepted. (*97-230) Report from Fire Chief regarding review of Police/Fire New Construction Impact Fee. Accepted. (*97-231) Report from Finance Director transmitting Investment Report for Quarter ending March 31, 1997. Accepted. (*97-232) Report from Finance Director transmitting Quarterly Sales Tax Report for Sales Transaction in the Fourth Calendar Quarter of 1996. Accepted. (*97-233) Report from Finance Director transmitting Financial Report for Quarter ending March 31, 1997. Accepted. (*97-234) Report from Public Works Director recommending adoption of Plans and Specifications and Calling for Bids for the Repair and Resurfacing of Certain Streets, Phase 18, No. P.W. 04-97-08. Accepted. (*97-235) Letter Supporting East Bay Regional Park District's (EBRPD) Request for Monies for Non-Motorized Transportation Set- Asides in Alameda County 1/2 Cent Sales Tax (Measure B Reauthorization). Accepted. (97-236) Report from Public Works Director on the History of the Electric Vehicle Corridor. (Councilmember Kerr) Mayor Appezzato announced that the matter was held over and would be heard at a later date. (97-237) Report from Public Works Director recommending Authorization to Issue a RFQ for Professional Real Estate Services to Sell the 10 Acre Parcel located at 1200 South Loop Road within the Harbor Bay Isle Business and Research Park. Neil Patrick Sweeney, Alameda, spoke in support of the staff recommendation. Vice Mayor DeWitt moved approval of the recommendation. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting May 6, 1997 Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. (97-238) Resolution No. 12869, "Naming Two Streets At Alameda Point." Adopted. Don Roberts, Alameda, stated that according to a memo dated April 25, Mayor Appezzato named a street at the Naval Air Station for Captain Dodge; that the Mayor has no power to name a street; the Council is, after the fact, waiving the requirements that an ordinary citizen would have to go through in order to get a street name approved; it is not the first time the Mayor has violated City laws: the three minute rule is consistently not enforced, and the past official position of the City Council regarding the Tubes to Alameda being seismically upgraded to the maximum level was undercut; the Council has aberrated their responsibilities under the City Charter and, by their silence, have handed those authorities to the Mayor--that is contra to what the citizens voted for when they passed the City Charter; and he urges the Council to not bail out the Mayor nor adopt the Resolution, and require the Mayor to go through the same process that any other citizen would have to go through to have a street named. Councilmember Lucas moved adoption of the Resolution. Vice Mayor DeWitt seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. Mayor Appezzato stated that he had announced to Council that his action was ceremonial; that Council's vote in support of the Resolution would approve said action; and if Council did not want to support it, they were free to withdraw it [Resolution]. Mayor Appezzato further stated that as for the other comments [by Don Roberts], he suggests Mr. Roberts take them to the Grand Jury and/or the District Attorney and address issue(s) in a Court of law. (*97-239) Resolution No. 12870, "Approving the Filing of an Application for the National Historic Preservation Fund Subgrant Program." Adopted. (*97-240) Resolution No. 12871, "Authorizing Agreement with Caltrans for Federal Aid Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program Funds for Preliminary Engineering, Construction Engineering, and Construction of Atlantic Avenue Corridor Improvements Project (CML-5014[010]). Adopted. (*97-241) Resolution No. 12872, "Authorizing Agreement with Caltrans for Federal Aid Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program Funds for Preliminary Engineering, Construction Engineering, and Construction of East End Signal Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting May 6, 1997 Coordination Project (CML-5014[011]). Adopted. (*97-242) Resolution No. 12873, "Authorizing Agreement with Caltrans for Surface Transportation Program, Hazard Elimination Safety Program Funds for Preliminary Engineering, Construction Engineering, and Construction of Traffic Signal Pedestrian Indication Improvement Program (STPLH-5014[012]). Adopted. (*97-243) Resolution No. 12874, "Urging Congress to Adopt Federal Industry Restructuring Legislation Eliminating Private Use Restrictions of Tax-Free Public Financing." Adopted. (*97-244) Resolution No. 12875, "Amending Master Fee Resolution No. 12191 Repealing Personnel Application Processing and Oral Exam Fee." Adopted. (*97-245) Resolution No. 12876, "Authorizing Amendment to the Alameda County Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program and the Amendment to the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement." Adopted. (*97-246) Written Communication from Susan Hammer, Mayor, City of San Jose, requesting urgent support for AB 95 (Sweeney) ACA 4 (Aguiar) and SB 880 (Craven). Accepted. (*97-247) Ratified Bills in the amount of $2,82 ,016.6 . Ratified. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS (97-248) Public Hearing to consider a Parcel Map Application, Map 7025, to divide a 13.6 acre site into two parcels of 11.4 and 2.2 acres respectively, in order to separate a parcel developed with professional football practice fields from a future office or roadway parcel, in the C-M/PD Commercial Manufacturing Zoning District/Planned Development Combining District, at 1180 and 1220 Harbor Bay Parkway. Applicant: Oakland Raiders. Resolution No. 12877, "Approving Parcel Map, PM-7025, for Property at 1180/1220 Harbor Bay Parkway, for Oakland Raiders." Adopted. Neil P. Sweeney, Alameda, stated that the City should help the Oakland Raiders as much as possible, and he suggested various modes of transportation to get people to the games. The Planning Director pointed out that the map will be changed to indicate a Maitland Drive extension public right-of-way and it will not show a 20-foot easement. Councilmember Lucas moved adoption of the Resolution and approval of the change as noted by the Planning Director. Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting May 6, 1997 174 voice vote - 5. (97-249) Public Hearing to consider an Appeal of the City Treasurer/Tax Administrator for payment of delinquent Transient Occupancy Taxes for property located at 2310 Lincoln Avenue, Linoaks Motel. Appellant: Mohammad A. Sheikh The Finance Director summarized the staff report. Mr. Johnston, Attorney representing Applicant, stated he would like the matter referred back to the administrator to negotiate a settlement; there have been mixed signals; the basis for the Appeal is that there are internal inconsistencies in the audit papers; and he summarized the inconsistencies. Vice Mayor DeWitt stated that he finds it difficult that Mr. Johnston has not been able to get his questions answered since December 10, 1996. Mr. Johnston stated that they had only a few days within which to file a notice of appeal to the City Council, and that was the extent of his participation in the matter. Mr. Jim Thompson, Municipal Resource Consultants, stated that he performed the transient occupancy tax reviews for the City in August, 1996; he explained the review process; stated that the matter is an issue of exemption errors; that the bulk of the under reporting is related to July, 1995 period; and he explained how the tax liability was calculated based upon a methodological error. In response to Councilmember Lucas's inquiry regarding Exhibit B, "Non-Room Rent Income," Mr. Thompson stated that the income could be refunds from an insurance company that flowed through a bank account or vending-machine revenue to the hotel; and in Exhibit B are taxes received as cash flow into the hotel that are not room rates. Mr. Johnston stated that he does not understand why the tax paid is identical with the non-income items deposited in the bank account. Mr. Thompson stated that the Linoaks Motel did not provide any schedule of additional income documented; that the only revenues that he can say for certain were non-room rent revenues, were those taxes which were paid. The Mayor closed the public portion of the Hearing. Councilmember Lucas stated that the Finance Director did a thorough job and moved that Council deny the Appeal. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting May 6, 1997 unanimous voice vote - 5. (97-250) Report from City Attorney/Risk Manager regarding Domestic Partner Benefits. (Councilmember Lucas) The Risk Manager summarized the staff report. Ms. Born stated that the only major change in the report is that she was unable to find a stand-alone medical plan that would be separate from the PERS Plan. Following Council discussion regarding various aspects of the matter, e.g. negotiations with bargaining units, other communities' Domestic Partner Benefit Plans, City's Health Plan and benefits, the Mayor invited the public to address the matter. The following persons addressed the City Council in favor of Domestic Partner Benefits: Barbara Guenther Dick Rudloff, City of Alameda Management and Confidential Employees Assn. Allan Shore Harry Hartman Gesine Lohr Robb Alongi Christine Allen Christie Look Danny Wan Morten Wellhaven Noel W. Folsom Sandra Lynton Lois Workman Juan Saavedra Mona Breed. The following persons spoke in opposition: Larry Rau Grace Pace Jim Carter Don Bergen Carolyn Asleson Veronica Acosta Kristi Koenen Monica Russell Bob Miller Joe Graham Len Grzanka Susan McCormack Don Taylor Lowell Holcomb Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting May 6, 1997 176 Ron Rebello Bruce Brothers Carol Knight Judy Hightower Ray Bolton Jim Hasak. Following public discussion, Councilmember Lucas stated that it was not fair to discriminate against minorities and moved to add Dental Benefits for Domestic Partners. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Kerr stated that Domestic Partner should be defined, not in terms of religious or moral beliefs, but in terms of what the financial commitment to one another is; she is not impressed with the Alameda Unified School District Agreement's [definition], and less impressed with AB 427, Section 22869; and before she will vote to commit City money, she wants a Contract of which she can approve and the definition of Domestic Partner. Councilmember Daysog stated that there does not seem to be a sudden stampede toward obtaining domestic partnership benefits, and there has not been any news regarding illegitimate domestic partnership benefits; and if there were [stampedes and/or illegitimate benefits], he is sure that City staff would monitor the situation closely. Vice Mayor DeWitt stated that he will not vote for something that only provides privileges to the gay community; the proposal would have to be for any single employee who wants a partnership; and the definition of domestic partnership should be clarified in that regard. The Risk Manager stated that the City of Berkeley's Domestic Partnership Affidavit lists 12 different items, including "that we affirm under penalty of perjury that the assertions in this Affidavit are true to best of our knowledge"; and that the document also states that another Affidavit must be signed if the relationship ceases, and that individuals must wait six months before completing another Affidavit. The City Attorney stated that the staff report was placed on the agenda at the request of Councilmember Lucas; that staff is seeking direction from the Council as to whether to pursue the particular items; if certain benefits are to be changed, the item would come back to Council because there are existing contracts with at least ten (10) existing bargaining units which would have to be amended; staff is seeking direction and guidance; if Council wants to provide Dental Benefits, staff would explore the matter, the matter would have to be negotiated with each of the bargaining units, and Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting May 6, 1997 1 7 the contract(s) brought to Council for approval; and that the various issues, e.g. definitions, would be resolved. The matter before Council is unusual: open labor negotiations; and normally, the matter would be in Closed Session. Vice Mayor DeWitt stated that employee benefit(s) is a standard negotiable item that is handled by labor unions. Mayor Appezzato stated Council will be sending the matter to the labor unions for negotiation. Councilmember Daysog stated that it all comes down to whether or not the City is going to acknowledge and affirm domestic partnerships; it is only when the matter of domestic partnerships is addressed that cost becomes an issue. Councilmember Kerr stated that the motion endorses dental benefits before the definition of domestic partnerships is known, and that bothers her; and that cost is an issue in heterosexual benefit negotiations as well. Councilmember Lucas stated that Council does need the City Attorney's definition of partnership; she does not want to impose additional requirements that are not included in any of the domestic partnership definitions that have been discussed, e.g. the School District; and she does not want to include any additional financial requirements that the other communities and entities do not have. The City Attorney stated that the matter is a current subject of Memorandum of Understandings with the bargaining units; Council could give direction to staff now, and then proceed with the more traditional process of meeting in Closed Session to discuss specific items to be offered to the Union(s); and, in that context, the definition to be offered could be discussed and instructions given to the labor negotiator. In response to Councilmember Kerr's inquiry regarding the motion before Council, the City Attorney responded that Council could move to provide general direction to staff: that Council intends to pursue Dental Benefits through traditional labor negotiations. Councilmember Lucas restated her motion: "to consider adding Dental Benefits for Domestic Partners." Councilmember Kerr inquired whether the motion is to ask the unions to consider [Dental Benefits for Domestic Partners], and it is not an endorsement by Council at this point. Councilmember Lucas stated that she certainly is endorsing it, but the details need to be worked out between the Unions and the City. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting May 6, 1997 178 Mayor Appezzato stated that the motion is exactly as stated in the recommendation ". . .consider the following. . ." Vice Mayor DeWitt stated that he will agree to that, because legally that is about the only way to proceed; the matter needs to be part of the process that was designed for labor negotiations; and Council cannot make a unilateral decision this evening. At the request of Mayor Appezzato, Councilmember Lucas again restated her motion: to consider adding Dental Benefits for Domestic Partners, and this consideration requires negotiation between the City and the Union." Mayor Appezzato stated that he presumes the Unions will come back and endorse adding Dental benefits, and he will state now that he will support it. On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. Councilmember Lucas moved to consider, in the same process, adding Domestic Partners to the City's Family Sick Leave and Funeral Leave. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Kerr stated that she is not promising to automatically endorse this matter when it comes back to Council; it will definitely be dependent upon the definition of Domestic Partner. On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. Councilmember Daysog stated that AB 427 would make domestic partnerships eligible under PERS; there are several options, one of which is to endorse AB 427; however, it is not wise to leave everything up to Sacramento because a lot of things change; he would like to move the following: "that the City Council endorse AB 427 and any subsequent amendments and modifications, but if AB 427 fails to pass or is vetoed by Governor Wilson, the City Council direct staff to report and make recommendations on an additional health insurance plan which incorporates domestic partner benefits for City employees." Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Kerr stated the definition of domestic partners under Sec. 22869 of AB 427 is even looser than the School District's definition, and she cannot support that. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting May 6, 1997 Vice Mayor DeWitt stated that the City of Alameda should not go on record as supporting AB 427, the City is going to be divided over the issue, and questioned why the Bill should be endorsed. Councilmember Daysog amended his motion as follows: should domestic partnerships within the next eighteen months not fall as an eligible activity under PERS, the City Council direct staff to report and make recommendations on any additional health insurance plans which incorporates domestic partnerships benefits for City employees. Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Lucas stated that Council would have to look at the numbers then, because it could be a higher cost item. Councilmember Kerr stated that she would hope Council would wait on the vote until it is known what will happen with PERS. 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. * * * Mayor Appezzato called a Recess at 10:57 p.m and reconvened the meeting at 11:07 p.m. * * * (97-251) Report from Community Development Director recommending Continued Participation in the Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. Mayor Appezzato announced that, at the request of Councilmember Kerr and Vice Mayor DeWitt, the matter would be placed on the next Council Meeting agenda. (97-252) Report from Community Development Director recommending adoption of Amendment to CDBG Consolidated Plan and FY 1996-97 Action Plan; FY 1997-98; and Authorization for execution of HUD documents, City Grant Modifications and Agreements and related documents. (continued from April 15, 1997 Council Meeting) * Report from President, Social Service Human Relations Board, regarding the CDBG Public Services Funding Recommendations. (continued from April 15, 1997 Council Meeting) Report from the Community Development Director regarding Impacts Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting May 6, 1997 18U of Reduced Funding for Housing Counseling Services. * Report from President, Social Service Human Relations Board, regarding Impacts of Reduced CDBG Funding for Housing Counseling Services. Following brief discussion on Attachments B and F, Vice Mayor DeWitt moved acceptance of the report and recommendation. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. (97-253) Report from Finance Director recommending authorization to place delinquent Business License Fees on Property Tax bills. (continued from March 18, 1997 Council Meeting) Following brief discussion, Vice the report and recommendation. Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. (97-254) Report from Public Works Director recommending authorization to execute a Consultant Agreement for Assistance in Securing Transportation Funding for Ferry and Base Re-Use Needs. In response to Councilmember Lucas's inquiry regarding contract, the Public Works Director stated that staff expects to report on the progress of the current contract with Mr. Stockwell at the next Council Meeting; there is a possibly for stop-gap funding from the Petroleum Violation Escrow Account; and that Mr. Stockwell is providing good service. In response to Councilmember Kerr's inquiry regarding the West End Ferry, Mr. Stockwell stated his charge is to find short-term and mid-term gap funding necessary for the East End ferry service, and at the same time he will be working on long-term funding for both services should Caltrans withdraw funds that have been provided thus far for the West End. Councilmember Daysog stated that it is critical to do information gathering now; analysts in Washington, D.C. informed him recently that cities will need to look for regional and local sources aggressively. Councilmember Kerr stated that ferry funding is an endangered species, and that the City will have to start lobbying a lot stronger because no one in the area seems to have any interest in it. Councilmember Lucas stated that there are quite a few communities Mayor DeWitt moved acceptance of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting May 6, 1997 on the water in the Bay Area, and the ferry service issue should be looked at jointly. Mr. Stockwell stated that is exactly what Stockwell and Associates is suppose to do: make ferry a household word in the ABAG/MTC world and Alameda Reauthorization for Measure B; and there is a possibility to pool equipment if it is not being used during peak period, and economies of scale can be made in regard to docking facilities, operational crew assignments, and use of the boats off peak. Mayor Appezzato stated that there is a lot of attention being paid by the County on ferry service, and perhaps there can be more emphasis from ABAG and the League of California Cities. Councilmember Lucas moved the recommendation. Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. (97-255) Resolution No. 12878, "Approving and Authorizing the Execution of Concessionaire Agreement Between the City of Alameda and Miraglia Enterprises, Inc, to Provide Operator Services for Operation of the Naval Air Station Officers Club, and Appropriation of Funds for Improvements to the Facility. Adopted. Mike Miraglia, Operator, stated that it is a family-owned business, and they look forward to returning to Alameda. Cheryl Miraglia, Operator, explained the types of services provided by Miraglia Enterprises (ME); stated that ME propose to operate the Officers Club as a banquet facility and conference center to be named the 0 Club and Conference Center at Alameda Point; they are committed to dedicating a significant monetary investment; believes there is a great need in the East Bay for a facility that can provide adequate space and exceptional food service for both corporate and social clientele; and ME will be privileged to be at the forefront with the City of Alameda in the renaissance of the Naval Air Station by being the selected operator. In response to the Mayor, C. Miraglia stated that a lunch or restaurant facility will be viable sometime in the future; that ME will not see a profit for a minimum of one and one-half to two years; and that ME will have to charge market prices. In response to Councilmember Lucas's inquiry regarding the Selection Committee, the Public Works Director responded that the Committee consisted of Mr. Rudloff and Mr. Framstead, Public Works Department; N. Bishop, Navy Transition Coordinator; Jim Carr, Community Development Recruiter; and Ed Levine, from the Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting May 6, 1997 182 Councilmember Lucas inquired what the City can do if the quality is not acceptable and patrons are not satisfied; stated that consumer surveys are useless; surveys should be community ones of community organizations who use catering facilities. The City Attorney responded that such a modification could be implemented into the agreement. Councilmember Lucas stated the survey should be limited to organizations that use banquet facilities. Mr. Miraglia stated that groups will have an opportunity to fill out a survey, and the surveys could either be sent to ME, Public Works, or the City Manager. Councilmember Lucas stated that the City Council will leave the matter to the City Attorney to resolve. Vice Mayor DeWitt stated that he has been requested to speak up for veterans' groups and inquire if there could be a discount given to the military and veterans at the Naval Base for recreation and the Officers Club. Cheryl Miraglia stated that there is a clause in the Agreement: during certain days there is a 60% discount on room rental rates for non-profit organizations; ME is interested in joining with the City to support certain fundraising events; and the City itself will have four days per year where it will pay no room rental fees and pay a discounted food rate; in addition, there can be one fundraising event per month with 20% discounted room rental and food, and ME and the City would share in the discount. In response to Councilmember Daysog's inquiry regarding coffee on weekend mornings, Cheryl Miraglia stated that there would be irregular hours based upon booked events. Councilmember Lucas moved adoption of the Resolution. Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. (97-256) Introduction of Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Subsection 8-22.16 (Abandonment of Vehicle Prohibited) of Section 8-22 (Abatement, Removal of Abandoned, Wrecked, Dismantled or Inoperative Vehicles), of Chapter VIII (Traffic and Motor Vehicles), Thereof, to Prohibit the Storage of Physically Operative But Unregistered Vehicles. (Councilmember Kerr) Introduced. Councilmember Kerr stated that she placed the item on the agenda because it was pointed out to her by constituents that remedies Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting May 6, 1997 were not available for unlicensed vehicles stored in neighborhoods, and she moved introduction of the ordinance. Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (97 -257) Don Bergen, Alameda, requested that the meeting be adjourned with a moment of silence to honor the soldiers who fought and gave up their lives on May 18, 1945. (97 -258) Don Bergen, Alameda, stated that there was an objection to Assemblyman Don Perata's voting to close an Assembly meeting in honor of deceased Rap Star Biggie Small, and it was expunged from the record. (97 -259) Neil P. Sweeney, Alameda, announced various local events, and discussed the People's Network. (97 -260) Mort Wellhaven, Alameda, stated that employee associations /unions have requested benefits for significant others [domestic partners] in the past, however, those requests disappeared maybe twice or three times. The Mayor requested staff to look into the matter. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (97 -261) Consideration of Mayor's nomination for appointment of a Tenant Member to the City Rent Review Advisory Committee. President Appezzato appointed Kendra Holloway. (97 -262) Mayor Appezzato stated that there are a number of individuals concerned about recycling fees going onto the property tax bill, and he requested staff to report back on whether the fees can be placed onto Bureau of Electricity billings. (97 -263) Mayor Appezzato stated that he is receiving a great deal of correspondence from soccer youth; staff should make an effort to talk to them; individuals are talking about sports complex at the Navy Station and adequate soccer fields; and there should be a meeting with the ARRA Soccer and Jack London Soccer to answer some of the concerns. (97 -264) Councilmember Kerr stated she wanted to express ire that TCI is cutting out all the interesting channels and raising rates. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting May 6, 1997 184 (97-265) Vice Mayor DeWitt suggested that the Officers Club be given alternate names for consideration. Mayor Appezzato responded that there has been an interest in naming the Officers Club after Marion Holt's father: Mulvaney; however, he has no problem looking at DeWitt's suggestion. The Public Works Director noted that the new concessionaire has proposed calling it the 0 Club and Conference Center at Alameda Point, however, staff will work with the concessionaire on whatever Council directs. The City Attorney suggested that the Agenda item be reopened for discussion. Council agreed not to reopen the matter at that time. Adjournment (97-265A) Mayor Appezzato adjourned the meeting at 12:03 a.m. and closed the meeting with a moment of silence in honor of the men and women who lost their lives in service during World War II. Respectfully submitted, Diane B. Felsch, CMC City Clerk The Agenda for this meeting was posted in advance in accordance with the Brown Act. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting May 6, 1997