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1995-04-04 Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE ALAMEDA CITY COUNCIL APRIL 4, 1995 The meeting convened at 7:50 p.m. with President Appezzato presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice Mayor Mannix. Reverend Clark Flesher, First Baptist Church, Alameda, gave the invocation. ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Arnerich, DeWitt, Lucas, Mannix and President Appezzato - 5. Absent: None. PROCLAMATIONS AND SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY 95-193 Presentation of Certificate of Service to Clarence R. Kline, former Member of the Pension Board. Mayor Appezzato read the proclamation and presented same to Clarence Kline. 95-194 Proclamation Declaring April, 1995, as Earthquake Preparedness Month. Mayor Appezzato read the proclamation. CONSENT CALENDAR The following were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion: reports 95-199 regarding Mayor's 4th of July Parade Committee, 95-200 on ABC License Review, 95-201 regarding Vehicle Abatement, 95-202 on Recycling Statistics for 1994, 95-203 concerning award of contract for Lincoln Park Playground Improvements, 95-204 on CDBG-Funded Rental Rehabilitation Program Guidelines, and resolution 95-205, concerning Island City Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District 84-2. Councilmember Lucas moved approval of the remainder of the Consent Calendar, and Councilmember DeWitt seconded the motion which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk. *95-195 Minutes of Regular Council Meetings of March 7, and March 21, 1995, and the Special Council Meeting (Closed Session) of March 21, 1995. Approved. *95-196 Report from Fire Chief regarding California's Public Utilities Commission's Investigation of PG&E Incident (6-month upgrade). Accepted. Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council April 4, 1995 *95-197 Report from Public Works Director recommending adoption of plans and specifications and calling for bids for exterior rehabilitation of Historic Alameda High School - East Wing, 2250 Central Avenue, No. P.W. 03-95-06. Accepted. *95-198 Bills, certified by the City Manager to be true and correct, were ratified in the sum of $1,236,088.31. Ratified. 95-199 Report from Chair, Mayor's 4th of July Parade Committee recommending approval to conduct the 1995 parade. Councilmember Lucas moved the recommendation; Vice Mayor Mannix seconded the motion. Motion carried by unanimous vote -5. 95-200 Report from Chief of Police regarding ABC License Review. Councilmember Lucas stated that she would like to make everyone aware that the Planning Department may need to be involved because the Code requires Use Permits for certain liquor licenses. Councilmember Lucas moved approval of the report and recommendation; Councilman Arnerich seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember DeWitt inquired whether the procedure will allow the City Council to be involved in the decision-making process. The City Manager responded that ABC is asking Council to determine whether they wish to review and be the point of contact for liquor applications, or delegate responsibility to another department. Councilmember Lucas stated that there are two ordinances which require Use Permits for a new liquor license: one for a new liquor store on, or in the vicinity of, Webster Street, and one for a bar without food service; in both instances, public hearings and publication in the newspaper are required under the Use Permit process; and Council is notified. Councilman Arnerich noted that the matter would come to the Council's attention should anyone apply for a liquor license in a school, church, or residential area. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. 95-201 Report from Chief of Police regarding Vehicle Abatement. Donald Kelleher, Alameda, stated that he objects to reducing fine [bail amount] for vehicles stored on the street. Mayor Appezzato explained that the fines are too high for the offense, and therefore the Court has been dismissing cases. Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council April 4, 1995 In response to Councilman Arnerich, the Chief of Police stated that the City is making it a more reasonable fine so that the County Commissioner will impose it. Vice Mayor Mannix moved acceptance of report and recommendation. Councilmember DeWitt seconded the mption, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. 95-202 Report from Public Works Director regarding Recycling Statistics for 1994. Councilman Arnerich complimented the citizens for meeting the 25% State goal. Councilman Arnerich moved acceptance of the report. Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. 95-203 Report from Public Works Director recommending award of contract to J. H. Fitzmaurice, Inc. for Lincoln Park Playground Improvements for the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department, No. P.W. 11-94-19. Mr. Michael Hellmann, Chair, Mayor's Committee for the Disabled, inquired whether accessibility from High Street and to the play areas can be improved. The City Manager responded that staff will review the plans and accessibility issues with Mr. Hellmann. Councilman Arnerich moved acceptance of the project and directed the City Manager and staff meet with Mr. Hellmann regarding his concerns. Vice Mayor Mannix seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. 95-204 Report from Community Development Director recommending adoption of CDBG-Funded Rental Rehabilitation Program Guidelines. Barbara Kerr, Alameda, requested the City Council not to single out the low-income neighborhoods for subsidized rental housing and eliminate the City's last supply of affordable housing for sale; and stated more home ownership is needed on the northside, not less. Councilmember Lucas requested the Community Development Director to speak on rehabilitation program for low-income home owners. The Community Development Director stated that the Department currently operates a single-family ownership rehabilitation program funded through the state; the purpose of this [rental rehabilitation] program is to conserve existing rental units that Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council April 4, 1995 G are currently occupied by low- and moderate-income people; and the second paragraph of Section B of the Attachments states 'properties to be assisted through the Program shall be selected on a city-wide basis.' Councilmember Lucas stated that she shares Ms. Kerr's concerns regarding home ownership for low- and moderate-income families; she is encouraged that the Community Development Department is working on programs like Habitat; and increasing home ownership is certainly a worthwhile goal. President Appezzato stated that he agrees and the City should work towards that end. In response to inquiry from Councilmember DeWitt, the Community Development Director stated that the $76,200., previously budgeted money, will not take care of a large number of units; it is the first time that the City has operated program with CDBG funds; and the use of the initial funding will test the guidelines before more money is requested and budgeted for the program. Councilmember Lucas moved approval, and Councilmember DeWitt seconded the motion. Motion carried by a unanimous voice vote - 5. 95-205 Resolution No. 12628 "Appointing an Engineer and an Attorney for Island City Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District 84-2." Adopted. President Appezzato stated that he requested this item be pulled from the Consent Calendar because he cannot support fees of $1000 budgeted for a contract law firm at this time. At the request of Councilmember DeWitt, the City Attorney explained the $1,000. is a figure that the General Fund can bill for actual costs, and there could be some potential actual costs that exceed the $1,000., in addition to staff time for drafting resolutions, documents, approving district maps, etc. President Appezzato stated that he approves the $1,000. for expenses of the City Attorney's Office, but not for any payment of outside attorneys. Councilmember DeWitt moved "the recommendation, before Council, to appoint an engineer and an attorney for the City Landscaping District, with [a modification that] no funds be awarded to an outside attorney." Councilman Arnerich seconded the motion. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. REGULAR AGENDA 95-206 Report from Chair, Cable Television Advisory Committee, Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council April 4, 1995 transmitting response to comments on the Committee's 1993 -1994 Annual Report and Resubmittal of 1993 -94 Annual Report for acceptance. Don Roberts, Alameda, commented that the report states TCI Cable is in compliance with the Franchise Agreement; however, the attachments to the report indicate the opposite; and requested the City Council to reject the report and return it to the Chair to change the statement 'TCI has met the terms of the Franchise Agreement' to 'TCI has met most, but not all, requirements of its Franchise Agreement.' Councilman Arnerich stated Council should not accept the report; a meeting should be held with the appropriate people to discuss Mr. Roberts' concerns; and matter referred back to staff for further clarification. The City Manager stated the report shows there are minor discrepancies; it is up to the Council to determine compliance; and noted Councilman Arnerich suggests the parties meet to discuss the issues and staff report back. Councilmember Lucas stated that Council has to rely on City committees they have appointed; the Committee has looked at the matter for a second time and have attempted to respond to Mr. Robert's questions; and under the City Charter, Council relies on their committee(s). Councilman Arnerich stated perhaps the best way to resolve matter is to have TCI Cable, Mr. Roberts, and the Chair meet to discuss issues. In response to President Appezzato, the City Manager stated that he believes Council can find substantial compliance. Mr. Roberts stated that his suggestion was that the recommendation line of Mr. Waldear's letter be changed to read that TCI Cable has met most, but not all, the Franchise requirements. Vice Mayor Mannix stated that he believes there is a level of validity to what Mr. Roberts states; and without invalidating what a Committee does, Council can request that this come back and reflect where compliance has been met and is lacking. President Appezzato suggested that Council entertain a motion accepting the report, finding TCI Cable has met most items [commitments], and directing Committee to continue to look at items not fully met and report back [to Council] in their next scheduled report. Councilman Arnerich stated that he cannot accept the report; there Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council April4, 1995 11 I are a lot of questions that need to be answered; matter should be sent back to the Assistant City Manager to meet with TCI and Mr. Roberts to resolve issues; and matter brought back to Council for final approval. President Appezzato stated he believes what Mr. Roberts is saying is that the recommendation implies all commitments have been met, and the final few words [of the recommendation] are the concern. Councilmember DeWitt stated he would vote on reviewing the wording of the recommendation. Councilman Arnerich stated he is recommending [moving] that the matter be referred back for resolution, and that Council can put the matter to rest when it returns. Councilmember DeWitt stated that he will second the motion for review of the recommendation. Under discussion, Vice Mayor Mannix stated that he does not want to give the impression there is a great deal of criticism of the Chair's report; and the only issue is the verbiage of the final recommendation. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. 95-207 From Chair, Recreation Commission, transmitting Commission's policy on recommending naming and renaming of recreational facilities and component parts thereof, and Naming the Lincoln Park Bocce Ball Courts. (Councilmember Lucas) Morris Dragna, Italian American League, provided background on the matter, and urged the City Council to name the Lincoln Park Bocce Ball Courts after John Ratto. Gail Wetzork, Chair, Recreation Commission, stated that the Commission is very strong on its position; John Ratto is a very worthy person, however, the guidelines are such that the naming of the courts should not be done. Mayor Appezzato thanked the Commission for its efforts, and inquired what the votes were concerning the matter. Chair Wetzork responded, if he recalls correctly, the vote on the bocce ball courts [not to name a component within a park after an individual] was 3 to 2, and the vote on the guidelines was unanimous. Toby Chavez, Recreation Commissioner, requested the City Council to support the Commission's recommendation. Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council April 4, 1995 Councilmember Lucas stated that she understands the Recreation Commission's policy and agrees with it; on the other hand, as a community we are very fortunate to have such outstanding volunteers like Mr. Ratto who was responsible for Alameda having a first-class facility; and she would like to thank Mr. Ratto for his contribution. Councilmember Lucas moved that the Lincoln Park bocce ball courts be named after John Ratto. Councilmember DeWitt seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember DeWitt stated that Chair Wetzork explained the situation to him, and he appreciated it very much; he [DeWitt] is seconding the motion this evening, as he understands there is no cost to the City; and he believes that the City Council must be responsible enough to vote no in areas where there is not an outstanding contribution. Councilman Arnerich provided the history of the bocce ball courts; stated the question is, what is the role of the Commission; and he would like to honor John Ratto, but must uphold the decision of the Commission. Vice Mayor Mannix stated that he is sorry that the issue could not have been resolved more simply, John Ratto did a fine job, and he believes he [Ratto] deserves to be recognized and honored; however, unless Council completely disagrees with a commission one hundred percent, Council owes it to the commission to back them; and he will support the Recreation Commission's recommendation. President Appezzato responded that Council is not violating a City policy; as for the commissions, they are advisory only; final decisions rest with elected representatives of the people; the item [before Council] will not cost the City any money; and he will support renaming the bocce ball courts after John Ratto. President Appezzato called for the question. Councilman Arnerich stated that he would like the Recreation Commission to follow through on nominating Mr. Ratto to the California Park and Recreation Society of District 3 for a volunteer service award. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers DeWitt, Lucas and President Appezzato - 3. Nayes: Councilman Arnerich and Vice Mayor Mannix - 2. Absent: None. 95-208 Report from Chair, Historical Advisory Board [HAB], encouraging the City Council to proceed with preparation of a Civic Center Master Plan. Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council April 4, 1995 Robert DeCelle, HAB Member, expressed support for recommendation. Reverend Wilfred Hodgkin, Alameda, stated that he believes the Planning Board and citizens have the expertise and skills to prepare plan. Elizebeth Rogers, Alameda, stated the idea of a civic center is an excellent one; encourages Council to consider Linoaks and Times Star building for possible expansion; and if City wants to preserve the Library building and City Hall, it would be useful to consider whether they currently serve the purposes of the City or should be used for other purposes. Diane Coler-Dark, Alameda, stated the City does not need a Civic Center Plan at this time, but needs to identify where the library and certain parking will be. Councilmember Lucas thanked the Historical Advisory Board for bringing the matter to Council's attention; the General Plan has outlined the importance of the imposing red brick City Hall, the Carnegie Building, and the Elks Club which form the nucleus of the Civic Center; agrees with Reverend Hodgkin to draw on volunteers who can come up with a plan; and maybe Council can ask for a staff report on available talent without hiring a consultant. Councilmember DeWitt stated that he is opposed to spending further funds at this time; likes the idea of perhaps having architects or persons who would be willing to help develop a vision for a Civic Center concept; studies are needed on the Webster Street area and he will be coming back to request items be placed on the agenda for ways to improve the Webster Street business district. Vice Mayor Mannix stated that he believes [recommendation] is a good idea, but cannot support a $75,000 to $90,000 outlay for a consultant. Councilman Arnerich stated that he cannot support another study; believes Planning staff and citizens, who are architecturally minded, can develop a plan; and perhaps if bids come in excessively high on City Hall, City Hall can be demolished and the Elks Club purchased to accommodate a one-story building for a City Hall, and a Library; and a three-story parking garage all on one lot. President Appezzato complimented the Historical Advisory Board and Chair; stated he supports Civic Center Specific Plan in concept, but cannot support cost of a study after recommending a tax increase to the citizens; and requested the City Manager to ask the Historical Advisory Board to come up with some volunteers, including Reverend Hodgkin, to advise the City Council. Councilmember Lucas moved acceptance of report without funding; and Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council April 4, 1995 directed staff to investigate whether they [staff] can handle the Specific Plan together with volunteer efforts. Councilman Arnerich seconded the motion. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. 95-209 Report from City Manager concerning granting an additional designated period for two years additional service credit. Councilmember DeWitt stated that it appears providing employees with additional time to their service and allowing them to retire early, saves money; and he favors proposal. Councilman Arnerich stated proposal is a very creative way of financing; and up to $250,000. can be saved at some point in time if five or six employees left under this plan. Vice Mayor Mannix moved acceptance of the recommendation. Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion. President Appezzato stated that he believes there are enough safeguards in place to insure the City saves money if Council grants the additional two-year service credit. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. 95-210 Report from Assistant City Manager discussing the process for placing the library issue on the ballot and recommending a date for public discussion to make a final determination of the main library site. President Appezzato announced that the City Council is only taking public comment this evening, and the decision which will be made is how to proceed on the issue. Honora Murphy, President, Friends of the Library, proposed to the City Council that they express a commitment to placing on the ballot in November, 1996 a solid choice for the residents of Alameda; stated that there are two alternatives that exist at this time, and citizens who support each one; citizens meet on common ground in advocating the preservation of the Carnegie building and separate on the purpose the building: a Carnegie Library Historical Museum or appendage to a new library; Friends of the Library is planning a year long project to educate the community on the need for expanded library facilities; Friends of the Library will be happy to meet with Council; she knows Council shares the desire to build a first-class facility for Alameda; and public discussion in two weeks is much too short for an issue of this importance. In response to inquiry from Councilman Arnerich, Ms. Murphy stated Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council April 4, 1995 that six months would be a reasonable time to bring the matter back to the City Council. Councilman Arnerich stated that the November, 1996 election will have a higher voter turnout and cost less than a special election. President Appezzato stated that he is committed to putting the ballot initiative forward on a new library; his personal preference at this time is the Carnegie, expanded, with a new facility gutted and rehabilitated; however, it [viewpoint] is not set in concrete; he ran for Mayor on the rehabilitation of the Carnegie and will stand by that, unless there is a compelling reason for him to change his personal viewpoint. President Appezzato further stated that, in his viewpoint, Council needs to pick one site and get the entire community behind it; determine the cost of the site and take the issue to the vote of the people; and inquired of the City Attorney whether two library sites on the ballot would confuse the voters. In response to President Appezzato, the City Attorney stated that ballot measures are limited to seventy-five words and limited to either a yes or no; believes the Mayor has identified the difficulty [placing two sites on the ballot], and assumes that the measure being proposed is advisory. President Appezzato questioned why one would want an advisory measure, to which the City Attorney responded that Council could make a decision based on input versus a decision of the people; and she will bring back options and address matter specifically, in terms of election law and requirements. President Appezzato stated Council can discuss whether measure will be advisory or binding within the next few months, but at this point in time he would like a binding vote. Councilmember Lucas stated that she agrees Alameda needs a new facility, whether the Carnegie or the Linoaks; the present facility is inadequate; she gets the feeling the consensus is that the November, 1996 Election should be aimed for because of cost factors and preparation time; and she would like staff to inform Council which date the Council has to vote to put measure on the ballot. The City Attorney responded approximately early August, 1996. In response to comments by Councilmember Lucas and President Appezzato concerning time frames, the City Manager stated that there is a great deal of information on the issue, e.g. Library Feasibility Study and cost data; Council needs time to educate the community and hold hearings; the selection site is Council's basic issue and suggests issue come back in at least 30 days and not more Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council April 4, 1995 than 60 days; and Council could probably be ready to place it on the ballot in June or July, 1996. President Appezzato stated that he believes the stumbling block will be the site and public hearings should begin in 30 days. Councilmember DeWitt stated that he is looking at educating the public first; disseminating information through the Friends of the Library, Library Board, Historical Advisory Board, and civic organizations; and Council holding strategy session(s) at a later date. President Appezzato stated that he has no difficulty with the matter coming back in thirty days for public discussion. Councilman Arnerich stated he believes going out for bond approval in November, 1996 is appropriate; [library] site selection is a City Council decision; and the Linoaks site is his preference. Councilman Arnerich requested Engineering, in the next 30 days, to provide cost of demolishing the Linoaks and asphalting the lot. President Appezzato stated he agrees that the City Council should make the site selection after public input; believes discussion should start in 30 days and Council make site selection in the next 30 to 60 days to allow a year to educate the public. Vice Mayor Mannix moved that Council select November, 1996 for the election date, and that Council open public hearings in 30 days. Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Lucas requested staff to develop a calendar to meet the November, 1996 election. Councilmember DeWitt requested that information on the sites be made available to the public; stated Council needs to provide what the public wants in order to move forward; and suggested a survey be conducted to involve everyone in the decision. President Appezzato stated, for clarification, that his preference is the Carnegie site; his mind is not made up; however, he needs the public to know exactly where he is coming from; he ran on that issue and needs to tell them [citizens] where he stands on the matter. Councilman Arnerich stated that is how he feels about his position on the Linoaks. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote - 5. Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council April 4, 1995 4 95-211 Report from Planning Director regarding Planning Board's recommendations concerning: a) a fee waiver request for Silversword Jewelers for a sign variance, 1411 Park Street, and b) a fee waiver request for Appeal by R.G. Anderson on behalf of Promontory Pointe Homeowners Association of the approval of the Headlands Planned Development Amendment. Mr. R.G. Anderson, Promontory Pointe Homeowners' Association, stated that he and a boardmember originally filed the Appeal and paid the filing fee; the Planning Board's decision was appealed because they believed that the Board was granting special favors to a special interest group; the fee was paid out of the pockets of all the Promontory homeowners and the issue has nothing to do with them; and since the City Council overturned the Planning Board's decision, the Council should reimburse the Homeowners' Association. Councilmember Lucas stated that she would like to first speak on the Silversword variance request; there will most likely be a new sign ordinance making it possible for Silversword to keep their current signage; there would be a duplication of fees; the ordinance provides for an exemption when successive applications are involved; and moved support of the Planning Board's recommendation that the fee be waived. Councilmember DeWitt seconded the motion. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. Councilmember Lucas stated neither a duplication exemption nor a low-income applicant is being discussed regarding Mr. Anderson's fee waiver request; she believes the fee is part of the process, e.g. staff reports; and none of the exemptions permitted apply. Councilmember DeWitt stated that the request for fee waiver does comply with requirements in the regulation: a) fee waiver is in the public interest and b) applicant or appellant is unable to afford such fees. Councilmember Lucas stated that she believes the Appeal was of most interest to the immediate neighbors, rather than to people farther removed; and takes issue with the public interest concern. Councilman Arnerich stated he believes that Doric received many concessions from the Planning Board that were not due them, and Promontory homeowners are deserving of a waiver. Councilmember DeWitt stated the efforts of the Promontory homeowners will result in a more aesthetic development and will benefit the public in general. In response to inquiry from Councilmember DeWitt, Mr. Anderson stated the Homeowners' Association deserves to be reimbursed Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council April 4, 1995 -fe because there was a wrong being done to everyone who was living in a two-story house in Harbor Bay; that was the reason for the Appeal; and they were right and did a public service. Vice Mayor Mannix moved that the Promontory Homeowners' Association receive the refund that they are seeking. President Appezzato stated that Mr. Anderson and the Association should be reimbursed for the cost of the Appeal; they did the community a service. Councilman Arnerich seconded the motion. The motion carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Arnerich, DeWitt, Mannix and President Appezzato - 4. Noes: Councilmember Lucas - 1. Absent: None. 95-212 Report from Community Development Director regarding Execution of a Lease Agreement between Bernita Leskowski, as Lessor, and the City of Alameda, as Lessee, for creation of a West End Annex at 1701 Webster Street and 651-653 Pacific Avenue. Allen Derr, Alameda, stated, for the record, that he is opposed to the lease for 1701 Webster Street and the adjacent property on Pacific Avenue; and recommended that a new City Hall be built to accommodate all City Departments at one location. Niall Leahy, Alameda, Webster Street businessman, stated that locating a City Annex on Webster Street makes economic sense and will help with the revitalization of Alameda. Ed Clark, Alameda, stated the Council's decision to move the Park and Recreation Department and the Community Development Department to 1701 Webster Street is an issue of commitment, integrity, and support for the West End and Alameda in general. Shirley Nelson, President, West Alameda Business Assn., stated she was present to encourage approval of the proposed placement of the Recreation and Parks Department and the Community Development Department on Webster Street, along with the Police Department sub- station, and Finance Department outlet. Frank Stern, Oakland, Real Estate Business Advisor for Ms. Leskowski, reviewed Council's policy guidelines to staff in December, 1994, and discussed various financial and upgrade aspects of the lease. Leticia Espinoza, owner of Mexicali Rose Restaurant, Alameda, stated the City of Alameda needs to support the merchants on Webster Street by locating City Hall [annex] at 1701 Webster Street. Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council April 4, 1995 Diane Coler-Dark, Economic Development Commission Member, stated the Commission encourages the City's presence on Webster Street. Councilmember Lucas reviewed Council's commitments to Webster Street over the years; stated she wants to make further commitments to the Webster Street area, but in a different approach; suggested City look for a building to purchase on Webster Street, and then make improvements. Councilman Arnerich reviewed background of City Hall relocation matter; stated that he will consider Councilmember Lucas's recommendation to purchase a building; suggested the Recreation Department be relocated into the Alameda County Health Building on Santa Clara Avenue; if that building is not available, he will recommend Recreation Department move into the East Wing of the Historic Alameda High School until City offices move back into permanent facilities; and supports locating Community Development Department, Police Annex, and Finance station on Webster Street. Vice Mayor Mannix inquired if this plan was implemented could the Recreation Department's budget absorb the cost without impacting programs. In response to Vice Mayor Mannix's inquiry, the City Manager stated the Recreation budget can absorb it, but there will be an impact; there are not any additional funds to pay additional rent; we would be looking at about $30,000. per year coming out of the Recreation Department budget; and would have to make adjustments in personnel. Vice Mayor Mannix inquired whether an effort had been made to look at properties for sale. The City Manager responded the result was usually either property was not available for sale or money could not be raised at that time. Councilman Arnerich noted City Manager stated approximately $30,000 per year would come out of Recreation Department Budget, if we ask the County to vacate the premises, aside from providing office improvements and paying monthly utilities, the City would not be out anything as it would be in its own building. The City Manager commented necessary improvements to the building must be determined, including ADA standards. Councilmember DeWitt stated he understands Community Development Block Grant [CDBG] funds will pay a significant amount of cost [of West Annex] on Webster Street; it appears if Recreation and Parks Department does not move to Webster Street, City would not have a financial problem. Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council April 4, 1995 The City Manager stated the additional $64,000 would not be necessary, because that amount is to cover the additional work to accommodate the offices. Responding to Councilmember DeWitt, the City Manager replied the lease for the Health Center Building expires in July, 1996. Councilmember DeWitt commented he presumes Recreation and Parks Department, if it does not go to Webster Street, would go to the Historic Alameda High School; and the City Manager replied that would probably occur, and remarked that the only other option would be to ask the County to move out early. Councilmember DeWitt stated he is in favor of staff recommendation and have the departments, other than Recreation, move to Webster Street; and would be willing to vote for that. Counclilman Arnerich stated, to follow up on City Manager's comments, he believes the County Health Building is occupied only eight or nine hours a week and is in violation of lease; and he would like County told that City would like to buy them out of the lease, perhaps should contact Supervisor Wilma Chan to assist; City should look at alternative ways of financing building and whether there is a building available; and he will be looking toward three or four departments on Webster Street. Councilmember Lucas agreed County does not use building full time, however, it does provide some important health services; and City may have to make some accommodations. Vice Mayor Mannix stated he is inclined to support recommendation; is concerned if the wrong message is sent to that district by sending only Community Development and Police Departments, and is concerned about impact on Recreation Department budget. President Appezzato stated that due to impending Federal, State and County cuts, extremely difficult economic times, and recent proposal to raise taxes, he cannot justify recommendation; and will vote no based upon fiscal responsibility. Vice Mayor Mannix moved the recommendation [to direct staff to prepare final lease agreement and ordinance authorizing the execution of lease agreement with Bernita Leskowski, for creation of a West End Annex at 1701 Webster Street and 651-653 Pacific Avenue]. Councilman Arnerich stated he will support the motion except for Recreation locating on Webster Street. Councilmember Lucas stated she will not support the motion; the City cannot afford it; she would prefer to buy a building; and Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council April 4, 1995 therefore will not support the staff recommendation. Councilman Arnerich stated he would support purchasing a building and questioned if there is a building available. Councilmember Lucas stated staff can be requested to do that. Councilmember DeWitt seconded the motion with an amendment to not move Recreation Department to Webster Street which would provide a savings of $64,300 for renovation and $27,000 in rent. Vice Mayor Mannix stated his motion is to include the Recreation and Parks Department on Webster Street. [Failed due to lack of a second.] The City Manager stated Councilmember DeWitt's is a substitute motion. The City Manager stated that Council could make a motion to develop a lease; staff could also start looking to see whether a building is for sale and bring that back as well. Councilman Arnerich stated that he would like to look into the purchase of a building, which would be a permanent fixture on Webster Street; if the motion can be amended to include that, with exception of Recreation Department, he can support it. Councilmember Lucas stated that Council has [before them] Councilmember DeWitt's substitute motion. Councilmember DeWitt stated that his substitute motion is that Council accept the recommendation, [however] without the Park and Recreation Department moving to the Webster Street location; and direct the City Manager to look into purchasing a building, as well as proceeding with the lease process. Vice Mayor Mannix seconded the substitute motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Lucas stated that she cannot vote for the lease; concern is that Council may give Mrs. Leskowski the wrong impression that a lease is feasible; and questioned whether her supporting the motion tonight would commit her to voting for final approval of the lease agreement. The City Attorney responded the binding vote will be on final passage of ordinance. The motion carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Arnerich, DeWitt, Lucas, and Mannix - 4. Noes: President Appezzato - 1. Absent - None. Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council April 4, 1995 95-213 Written Communication from Director, Alameda Adult School, Alameda Unified School District, requesting City Council adopt a resolution urging Senators Feinstein and Boxer to preserve the Summer Youth Employment and Training Program (SYETP). (Mayor Appezzato) Council by consensus authorized the Mayor to send a letter of support. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA (Public Comment) 95-214 Neil Patrick Sweeney, Alameda, questioned why BRAG does not report to the City Council; encouraged City employees and citizens to attend first-time homebuyers seminars; stated that a young man at JavaRama is asking everyone to help the City locate an area for youth activities; and reported on the Base Reuse Advisory Group's March 25th forum. 95-215 Don Roberts, Alameda, requested a status report on Pacific Shops, Inc. lease, and noted it expires next month. President Appezzato advised Mr. Roberts that a staff report was prepared last week, and he is welcome to a copy. 95-216 Gerhard Degemann, Alameda, requested the City Council to adjourn the Council Meeting in memory of Joseph Sullivan and Bob Metzner, former owner of the Alameda Hobby and Craft Shop. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (Communications from Council) 95-217 Appointments to the Mayor's Committee for the Disabled. Mayor appointed the following persons to serve on the Committee: Charles Bunker, Fred Davis, Beatrice Haw, Christopher Idle, Velora Kahn, and Ethel Simon. 95-218 Consideration of a Councilmember volunteer to serve as an alternate delegate to the Association of Bay Area Governments. Following brief discussion, the Mayor requested that the matter be re-agendized for the next Council Meeting, and include appointment of the primary delegate also. 95-219 Councilmember Lucas stated that she would like a staff report on whether the Rent Review Advisory Committee should be disbanded or the responsibility of Sentinel Housing transferred to the Committee. 95-220 Councilman Arnerich stated that the City Manager provided him with a drawing of the bicycle bridge across the San Leandro Bay; citizens are concerned about the openings in the bracing and Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council April 4, 1995 the safety of children; perhaps there should be a metal fabric covering the openings; and requested drawings and information be provided to the City Council. 95-221 Vice Mayor Mannix stated that he has requested the City Manager to review boards and commissions, including activities and costs. ADJOURNMENT 95-222 The meeting was adjourned at 12:10 a.m., in memory of Joseph Sullivan and Bob Metzner, former owner of the Alameda Hobby and Craft Shop. Respectfully submitted, a/Za DIANE B. FE City Clerk SCH, CMC The agenda for this meeting was posted 72 hours in advance. Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council April 4, 1995