Loading...
1997-06-03 MinutesSPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY- -JUNE 3, 1997- - -7:05 P.M. Mayor Appezzato called the meeting was convened at 7:05 p.m. ROLL CALL - PRESENT: ABSENT: 2 Councilmembers Daysog, Kerr, Lucas, Vice Mayor DeWitt and President Appezzato - 5. None. The special meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider: (97-292) Conference with Labor Negotiator; Agency Negotiator: Personnel Director; Employee Organizations: Alameda City Employees Association, Alameda Fire Managers Assoc., Alameda Management and Confidential Employees Assoc., Alameda Police Managers Assoc., Alameda Police Officers Assoc., International Assoc. of Firefighters, Local #689, International Brotherhood of Electric Workers, Local #1245, United Public Employees Assoc. #790; Unrepresented Employees (Bureau of Electricity) Management, Supervisors, Professionals and Technicians; Housing Authority Miscellaneous Employees, and Housing Authority Unrepresented Managers, Confidential. Following the Closed Session, the Special Meeting was reconvened and the Mayor announced that the City Council gave instructions to the City's negotiators to negotiate domestic partner benefits with bargaining groups of the City of Alameda. There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Appezzato adjourned the meeting. Respectfully submitted, D ANE B. FELSCH, CMC City Clerk The public notice for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act. Special Meeting Alameda City Council June 3, 1997 SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AND COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION TUESDAY - - -JUNE 3, 1997- -7:30 P.M. President Appezzato announced that the meeting as canceled and rescheduled for June 16, 1997. Minutes of the Special Joint City Council, Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and Community Improvement Commission Meeting June 3, 1997 Respectfully submitted, Diane B. Felsch, CMC City Clerk Secretary, Community Improvement Commission 205 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY - - -JUNE 3, 1997- - -7:30 P.M. Mayor Appezzato convened the meeting at 7:45 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Lucas. Reverend Weller gave the Invocation. ROLL CALL: CONSENT CALENDAR PRESENT: Councilmembers Daysog, Kerr, Lucas, Vice Mayor DeWitt, and Mayor Appezzato - 5. ABSENT: None. Mayor Appezzato announced that certain agenda items were withdrawn from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Councilmember Lucas moved approval of the remainder of the Consent Calendar. [Items so approved are indicated by an asterisk * preceding paragraph numbers.] Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. (*97-293) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings held May 6, 1997. Approved. (97-294) Report from Community Development Director recommending acceptance of the Webster Street Retail Action Plan Report. Councilmember Daysog stated that he heartily endorses a multi- cultural-type environment for the Webster Street area. Councilmember Lucas noted that the Keyser-Martsen report states non-chain tenants should be targeted, if possible, and commented that high-income housing should be provided in the West End to increase diversity. Councilmember Daysog stated that he supports Councilmember Lucas's position on high- to middle-class income housing, espcially for the East Housing area at the former Naval Air Station [Alameda Point]. Councilmember Daysog also stated that he believes Webster Street can accommodate both chain and independent tenants. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 3, 1997 Councilmember Kerr stated that she does not believe Marina Village is wiping out Webster Street, and it should be supported as well as Webster Street; and that sign enforcement on Webster Street should be given attention and addressed by City staff. Mayor Appezzato stated that the Staff Report indicates there were facade improvements on seven (7) properties in the West End. Councilmember Lucas moved that Council approve the staff recommendation. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. (*97-295) Report from Public Works Director recommending adoption of Plans, Specifications and Estimates (PS&E) and authorization to call for bids for Park Street Signal Coordination Project, Phase 2. Accepted. (97-296) Report from the Public Works Director recommending that Council authorize the Mayor to send a letter to the California Public Utilities Commission supporting action on the Blue and Gold Fleet partial buy out of Red and White Fleet. Neil Patrick Sweeney, Alameda, stated that ferry transportation is important regionally, and suggested that a bullet train be located at the Oakland Army Base. Councilmember Lucas moved Council approval of the staff recommendation. Vice Mayor DeWitt seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Kerr stated that the East End ferry service was originally a deal between the people buying houses there and the developer; somehow it has become our ferry service; some of the things people were going to do to help increase the East End ferry service was 1) remove the gate from the parking lot to provide easier access to the ferry, and 2) market the East End ferry to San Leandro and other cities to increase ridership; and she urged such things be done before the City takes any further action, or, at least, in conjunction with the City's action, to preserve the service. In response to Councilmember Kerr's comments, the Public Works Director stated that the developer filed an application to remove the gate to the parking lot; insofar as ferry marketing, there have not been major efforts, however, everything possible will be done to keep the Project moving forward; and the proposal before Council benefits both ferry services. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 3, 1997 In response to Councilmember Kerr's inquiry regarding the N.B. Dolphin Ferry, the Public Works Director stated that the City does not plan to purchase said ferry, although if funding becomes available, it could be negotiated. Mayor Appezzato stated that Council unanimously supported the East End ferry at little expense, with the exception of Consultant costs, and that Council agreed to seek State and federal funding to operate the ferry. On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. (97-297) Report from the Public Works Director recommending that the Council create a citizen committee to develop a program to encourage voluntary legalization of undocumented construction work and to extend the City's current Amnesty Program for determining the number of legal dwelling units in a structure through December 31, 1997. Gary McAfee, Alameda, commented on contractors working without permits. Mayor Appezzato stated that he pulled this item from the Consent Calendar to announce the names of the individuals who volunteered to serve on the Citizen Committee: Linda Larkin, Linda Soulage, Mark Hanna, Mark Wolmack, John Abrate, Ginger Schuler, and Alice Wheeless. Councilmember Lucas moved Council acceptance of the Staff Report. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Kerr stated it is not only rental units which have undocumented work, and she wants to know that the private sector is addressed as well. On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. (97-298) Resolution No. 12884, "Endorsing the Reauthorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA)." Adopted. Councilmember Kerr stated that she pulled this item from the Consent Calendar in order to address the letter to Commissioner Gregor Conlon previously discussed, and moved adoption of the resolution. Vice Mayor DeWitt seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 3, 1997 208 (*97-299) Ratified bills in the amount of $1,447,014.52. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS (97-300) Public Hearing to Consider Placement of Residential Recycling Fees on Property Tax and Tabulation of Majority Protest Ballots, and Resolution Approving Residential Recycling Fees and Ordering Levy and Collection by the County of Alameda Upon the Property Tax Rolls. Resolution not adopted. Mayor Appezzato requested the City Attorney to summarize Proposition 218 and the purpose of the Protest Hearing. The City Attorney summarized Proposition 218 which was approved by the voters in November, 1996, and discussed process and procedure. The Public Works Director explained the mandates on recycling levied by the State of California and the County. Mayor Appezzato stated the implementation of financial policies within a community must be approved by the voters from hereon. The Mayor read the following statement: "Over the last forty-five days residential property owners have been afforded an opportunity to file a protest ballot with the City Clerk; protest ballots will continue to be accepted up and until the close of the public comment portion of the public hearing. Should any member of the public wish to withdraw their earlier protest, they may do so at anytime prior to the close of the public comment period. The City has retained the services of NBS Government Finance Group to count the ballots in order to assure the impartiality of the protest. The ballots are now in control of the NBS Government Finance Group at the front of the room, and they will be counted in full view of the public at the completion of the public comment portion of the public hearing." Mayor Appezzato opened the public portion of the Hearing. On the call for opponents, the following persons spoke: Jean M. Love, Alameda William M. McCall, Sr., Alameda Toby C. Berger, Alameda Beverly Williams, Alameda Richard Roth, Alameda Conroy Kenneth, Alameda Marty Frates, Alameda Gayle Winterbauer Don L. Dostal, Alameda Betty Stanley, Alameda Doris Chow, Alameda Charles Thoss, Alameda Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 3, 1997 Clarence M. Kennedy, Alameda P. Deschnev, Alameda Angelo Ghigliazza, Alameda M.J. Dunlap, Alameda Andrew McCormack, Alameda Susan McCormack, Alameda Margaret Roberts, Alameda John Barni, Jr., Alameda Eve Roverson, Alameda Darlene Banda, Alameda Leslye Robey, Alameda Jay Levine, Alameda C. Adair Roberts, Alameda Nancy Meadows, Alameda Monica Russell, Alameda Joe Russell, Alameda Meredith Howard, Alameda Don Roberts, Alameda. On the call for proponents, the following person spoke: Allen Derr, Alameda. * * * Mayor Appezzato closed the public portion of the Hearing, and requested the City Clerk to have the protest ballots counted. * * * Council recessed at 10:32 p.m. while the ballots were being counted, and reconvened at 11:22 p.m. * * * The protest ballots were counted by the NBS Government Financial Group, and reported a count of 3,635 protest ballots. Councilmember Daysog stated that he does have some qualms regarding the process; the deepest qualm is regarding the attachment of a lien; no one should be at risk of losing their home because they did not pay their recycling fee; and he cannot support placing the fee on the property tax rolls. The Mayor inquired if Councilmember Daysog was suggesting that the matter be sent back to Committee for review of direct billing and the contract process. Councilmember Daysog responded that he would support Council sending the matter back to the Recycling Committee. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 3, 1997 2i0 Councilmember Lucas stated perhaps the matter should be returned to the Committee, and brought back to the Council with the Committee's recommendation and exact increase of cost [for direct billing]. The City Attorney stated that the protest tonight technically failed; however, the City Council does have the option of not imposing the fee on the Property Tax bill; the Council has the discretion to reconsider any prior decision; if Council determines to choose direct billing, that action may be accomplished by a vote of the Council. Vice Mayor DeWitt stated that there are a number of people who believe in placing the fee on the Property Tax bill, however, he will go with direct billing. The Mayor stated that it is the first time the City has had to deal with Proposition 218; staff has done the best it can; there are other cities dealing with it; and the Courts will have decide whether they are right or wrong. Councilmember Kerr stated that a true ballot has a yes and a no on it; she was concerned when she received her protest form in the mail: the only return address was the Public Works Department - Alameda, nothing on the envelope stated that the contents included a ballot and the matter would affect property taxes, and there were no rebuttal arguments included in the material; she was led to believe it was going to be a secret ballot, and it was not; both sides must be given an opportunity to express their opinions; and she never wants to see this happen again as a method of determining what goes on the property tax bills. Mayor Appezzato stated that he hears the majority wants to send the matter back to Committee to look at direct billing, pricing, and review of the Contract. Vice Mayor DeWitt stated that he definitely did not want another election on the matter. Councilmember Lucas stated that she agrees that direct billing must be reviewed; she is concerned about long-term postponement, and suggested the Committee inform Council on how long a recommendation would take. Chair Ruth Abbe stated that the Committee would have to renegotiate with San Leandro Recycling to have direct billing included in the Contract, which would take two- to four weeks. Mayor Appezzato stated that the Committee should hold public hearings so everyone can be heard and voice their opinions. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 3, 1997 211 Councilmember Lucas moved that the matter return to Council as soon as possible after the Committee has a recommendation. Vice Mayor DeWitt seconded the motion, which carried unanimously by voice vote - 5. * * * The Council recessed at 11:34 p. m and reconvened at 11:35 p.m. * * * (97-301) Public Hearing to Consider Resolution No. 12885, "Confirming the Business Improvement Area Report for FY 1997-98 and Levying an Annual Assessment on the Alameda Business Improvement Area of the City of Alameda for Fiscal Year 1997-98." Adopted. Vice Mayor DeWitt moved adoption of the Resolution. Councilmember Lucas second the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. (97-302) Status Report from Community Development Director on Auto Row. [This item was held over.] (97-303) Report from Personnel Director recommending approval of Contract for City Medical Services. Vice Mayor DeWitt moved approval of the staff recommendation. Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. (97-304) Report from the Public Works Director recommending the naming of a facility at Alameda Point as "The O'Club and Conference Center at Alameda Point." Gerhard Degemann, Alameda, expressed support for the recommendation. Mayor Appezzato suggested that staff work with Marion Holt on finding a suitable building to name in remembrance of her father, John J. Mulvaney. Vice Mayor DeWitt moved approval of the staff recommendation. Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. (97-305) Report from Public Works Director on history and policy of Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 3, 1997 212 the Electric Vehicle Corridor. (Councilmember Kerr) Councilmember Kerr stated it is time to look at the Corridor; any width of easement that is determined on Atlantic Avenue will affect any connection that follows the old Atlantic Avenue; in the General Pan there is a proposal for an electric light rail system running down Webster Street, Encinal Avenue, Park Street, across the Bay Farm Island Bridge to Bay Farm Island; there should be coordination between the Electric Vehicle proposals being proposed by the Consultant to the Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority, and other plans; and moved that the City Council send the matter to the Planning Board with any recommendations that are included by Councilmembers. Mayor Appezzato stated a light rail system might be exorbitant, but an electric vehicle corridor sounds like a good idea. Councilmember Kerr stated that the whole system needs to be reviewed at a study level initiated by the Planning Board, and moved that the matter be sent to the Board. Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion Under discussion, Vice Mayor DeWitt stated that he is interested in eliminating a portion along Atlantic Avenue. Councilmember Kerr stated that many communities, particularly retirement communities, have golf cart paths; the easements allow two-way traffic which is easy for senior citizens; and if paths are connected with the ferry terminal, there would be less parking requirements. Mayor Appezzato stated that the Planning Board should also address the financial implications. On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (97-306) Councilmember Kerr announced that Sunday, June 7th, is the area-wide Community Garden Day and stated the Alameda Community Garden is holding an open house from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (97-307) Councilmember Kerr requested that the matter of homeownership goals be placed back on the agenda. (97-308) Councilmember Lucas requested the City Manager to review the advantages of a City Employee Community Walk. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 3, 1997 (97-309) Mayor Appezzato requested staff to publicly announce that the City is looking for individuals interested in serving on the Mayor's Ad Hoc Task Force on Homeownerhip, including renters, property owners and those with financial backgrounds. Adjournment There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Appezzato adjourned the meeting at 11:55 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 June 3, 1997