1995-05-16 Regular CC Minutes156
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MAY 16, 1995
The meeting convened at 7:40 p.m., with Mayor Appezzato presiding.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice Mayor Mannix. Reverend
Zuikei Taniguchi, Buddhist Temple of 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
(95-299) Proclamation Declaring the Week of May 21 - 27,
1995, as "National Law Enforcement Week."
President Appezzato read the Proclamation, presented same to the
Chief of Police, Burnham Matthews, and stated that the Alameda
Police Department was one of the finest in the East Bay Area and in
the State of California.
The Chief of Police accepted the Proclamation and thanked the Mayor
and City Councilmembers for said recognition.
CONSENT CALENDAR
President Appezzato announced that Item 5-K (Written Communication
from Treasurer, Alameda Coin Club, requesting approval to use the
City's insignia on one side of approximately 100 wooden rounds.)
had been withdrawn from the agenda; and that Consent Calendar Items
4-B (95-314) [Report from City Manager recommending support of
"American Cities Against Drugs" and "The Atlanta Resolution"), and
4-F (95-315) [Report from Public Works Director recommending award
of contract to Ageon Painting Company in the amount of $86,200 for
the Exterior Painting of Historic Alameda High School, No. P.W. 03-
95-06) were pulled for public discussion.
Vice Mayor Mannix moved approval of the remainder of the Consent
Calendar. Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk.
*95-300 Minutes of the Regular City Council Meetings of
April 18, and May 2, 1995, and Special City Council Meeting of May
2, 1995 (Closed Session). Approved.
Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council
May 16, 1995
157
*95 -301 Report from Public Works Director recommending
adoption of Plans and Specifications and Calling for Bids for
Drainage Improvements at the Chuck Corica Golf Complex, No. P.W.
12- 94 -21. Accepted.
*95 -302 Report from Public Works Director recommending
adoption of Plans and Specifications and Calling for Bids for
Renovations at the Chuck Corica Golf Complex, No. P.W. 01- 95 -02.
Accepted.
*95 -303 Report from Public Works Director recommending
acceptance of the work by Gelco Services, Inc. for Emergency
Sanitary Sewer Repair along South Shore Lagoon Seawall from Bay
Street to Ninth Street. Accepted.
*95 -304 Report from Public Works Director recommending
adoption of Plans and Specifications and Calling for Bids for
Interior Renovation of Historic Alameda High School - East Wing,
2250 Central Avenue, No. P.W. 05- 95 -11. Accepted.
*95 -305 Report from Finance Director transmitting Quarterly
Sales Tax Report for period ending March 31, 1995, for Sales
Transactions in the Fourth Calendar Quarter for 1994. Accepted.
*95 -306 Report from Finance Director transmitting Investment
Portfolio for period ending April 30, 1995. Accepted.
*95 -307 Report from Finance Director recommending the
setting of a Public Hearing for June 20, 1995, for consideration of
a resolution establishing Prop 4 Limit for FY 1995 -96. Accepted.
*95 -308 Resolution No. 12642 "Authorizing the City Manager
to Sign all Necessary Grant Documents on Behalf of the City of
Alameda and Committing Funds for Local Funding Match for the
Alameda City Hall Renovation, No. P.W. 10- 93 -14, Grant Project No.
SPS 3191." Adopted.
*95 -309 Resolution No. 12643 "Intention to Levy an Annual
Assessment on the Alameda Business Improvement Area of the City of
Alameda for FY 1995 -96, and Setting Public Hearing for June 6,
1995." Adopted.
*95 -310 Resolution No. 12644 "Providing for the Borrowing
of Funds for Fiscal Year 1995 -96 and the Issuance and Sale of 1995
Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes Therefor." Adopted.
*95 -311 Resolution No. 12645 "Designating Public Works
Director and City Manager to Act as Agents on Behalf of the City of
Alameda to the State in all Matters Pertaining to Natural Disaster
Assistance, FEMA- 1046 -DR." Adopted.
Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council
May 16, 1995
158
*95-312 Introduction of Ordinance "Amending the Alameda
Municipal Code by Repealing Section 23-4 (Weeds and Other
Deleterious Growths) in its Entirety and Replacing with Revised
Section 23-4 (Weeds, Rubbish and Rubbish Control) of Chapter XXIII
(Parks, Recreation Areas and Public Property)." Introduced.
*95-313 Bills, certified by the City Manager to be true and
correct, were ratified in the sum of $1,507,529.30. Ratified.
95-314 Report from City Manager recommending support of
"American Cities Against Drugs" and "The Alameda Resolution."
Vice Mayor Mannix read the following statement into the record:
"Before I vote on this item, I think it is necessary to make a few
comments on my position in order to eliminate any misunderstandings
on the part of the public or media on where I stand. First, I am
adamantly against the marketing and use of illegal drugs. I am all
too familiar with the negative consequences resulting from this
plague on our communities. However, there is nothing new in this
'Atlanta Resolution'. It is merely more of the so-called 'War on
Drugs' rhetoric which has proliferated throughout the last 25-30
years (and maybe longer). It is all very nice and designed to make
us all feel warm and tingly but it produces very little in the way
of results. Basically, it says we are all against drugs and should
do something about it. Well, I hope we are and do. While I am not
an advocate of legalization or decriminalization of drugs (I see
some inherent problems), this resolution states that the nation's
mayors reject ALL proposals to legalize or decriminalize them even
before there is a national debate on the subject. That seems a bit
closed minded to me. In this so-called 'War on Drugs' that some
other politicians declared we have done a great deal on the
propaganda end and have made some positive educational and
treatment inroads. We have, however, done very poorly in
generating the national will to defeat the enemy which is necessary
to effectively wage any type of war. We have had little in the way
of success in attacking the logistical base of drug trafficking.
We seldom take down any of the big money people (the suits) who
bankroll this illicit industry and who are well insulated by
distance, position, and political connections. Indeed, our own
government has occasionally winked an eye at the trade when it
serves some secret and magical government purpose. Personally, I
am philosophically opposed to these paper exercises which do little
more than raise peoples hopes that something is going to be done
when in all probability very little will change. I am adamantly
opposed to paper exercises that accomplish nothing while
enforcement efforts are unable to do little beyond attacking the
two-bit punks who are the regular grist of the enforcement effort
and are so quickly replaceable that the mill-wheel never misses a
turn. I am unequivocally opposed to the hypocrisy of senselessly
sacrificing our young men and women in law enforcement and
Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council
May 16, 1995
159
abandoning our poorer neighborhoods in a war that we have no
national will to win. I think this resolution is well intended and
worthy of consideration, however, I personally cannot support any
such naive rhetorical exercise until our Federal Government commits
itself to focusing our national will and energy to the effort. I
don't see that happening when many of the ideals expressed in this
resolution are currently on the table in the Senate and Congress to
be cut back or eliminated. I don't see it happening when our
entertainment industry continues to glorify drug use. I don't see
it happening when we continue to idolize public figures, movie
stars, and athletes who use drugs. I am particularly disturbed
when we see users of drugs elected to public office. When we can
decry these pariahs we will have made a start. These things
indicate to me that the nation will to defeat the culture of drug
use is virtually non-existent and that being the case I cannot
support anything that precludes any portion of a national debate on
all the facets of this issue and earnestly hope that we will see a
commitment of national will to wage more than rhetorical warfare on
this collective national shame."
Councilmember Lucas spoke in support of Vice Mayor Mannix's
position; stated that a national discussion on how to handle such
problems is needed; and that paper exercises lack effectiveness.
Councilman Arnerich spoke in support of Vice Mayor Mannix's
position; stated that increased efforts are needed against the war
on drugs; opposed participating in a paper exercise; and suggested
that Mayor Appezzato convey Vice Mayor Mannix's position to those
in attendance at the Mayor's Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
Mayor Appezzato spoke in support of the resolution; and stated that
he would not be in attendance at the Mayors' Conference.
Councilmember DeWitt spoke in support of Vice Mayor Mannix's
statement regarding efforts of individuals who should try to
prevent the use of drugs; stated that those who want to prevent
drug use have to go through paper exercises; and moved that the
City Council support "The Atlanta Resolution" and inform the Mayor
of Atlanta [host of the Mayors' Conference] of said support.
President Appezzato seconded the motion.
The motion failed by the following voice vote: Ayes:
Councilmember DeWitt and President Appezzato - 2. Noes:
Councilmembers Arnerich, Lucas and Mannix - 3. Absent: None.
Abstentions: None.
Vice Mayor Mannix requested that President Appezzato prepare and
transmit a letter to the Mayor of Atlanta [host of the Mayors
Conference], conveying the Council's position; and stated that the
resolution was satisfactory, as written, but not in principle.
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May 16, 1995
160
President Appezzato stated he would convey Council's position.
Councilmember Lucas so moved.
Councilman Arnerich seconded the motion.
The motion carried by the following voice vote: Ayes:
Councilmembers Arnerich, DeWitt, Lucas and Mannix - 4. Noes:
President Appezzato - 1.
95 -315 Report from Public Works Director recommending award
of contract to Ageon Painting Company in the amount of $86,200 for
the Exterior Painting of Historic Alameda High School, No. P.W. 03-
95-06.
President Appezzato stated that the report was pulled from the
Consent Calendar in order to receive confirmation that the contract
for exterior painting will not exceed said amount; and requested
that the City Manager respond.
The City Manager confirmed that exterior painting was included in
the contract's scope of work; that the project included stucco
repair and glazing work; that said repair and work was necessary
due to possible future leakage; and that staff expected said
company to complete entire project in accordance with stated cost.
Councilmember Lucas moved the staff recommendation. Councilman
Arnerich seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote
- 5.
AGENDA ITEMS
(95 -316) Report from Special Investigator, John T. Trumbo
and recommendations to City Council from the Planning Board
regarding 1574 Pacific Avenue.
President Appezzato requested that comments be given within the
specified three - minute time allotment; and that comments not be
repetitive.
Don Roberts, Alameda, stated that the following documents were
omitted from the City Council packet of May 16, 1995: a nine -page
document submitted at City Council's previous meeting; a three page
letter critical of the Trumbo report prepared by an attorney; a
response from City staff to Barbara Kerr's nine page letter; and a
report submitted to the Department of Community Development from a
lead abatement group in Alameda County. Mr. Roberts also stated
that in a packet prepared by Dona Hoard, Director of Community
Development, that Ms. Hoard informed that the material [report from
lead abatement group] was available for review at the City Clerk's
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May 16, 1995
181
Office; and spoke in opposition to discussing agenda items without
background information being provided to the public.
Councilman Arnerich stated that if the public had not received the
information that the Council was provided, and if the information
had not been made available for their review, then the public could
not be informed and expressed opposition in proceeding further.
President Appezzato clarified that the information provided to
Council was available to the public; that those items omitted from
the Council packet were documents submitted over a year's period of
time; and that those omitted items were provided to the public or
made available for public review in the City Clerk's Office.
Councilman Arnerich stated that some of the documents mentioned by
Mr. Roberts could be made available to the public; and that
informational issues should be forthcoming to the public.
Vice Mayor Mannix stated that this item should be discussed,
resolved and concluded; that a lack of communication has
contributed to miscommunication; and suggested that all relative
documents be submitted to the public to ensure that nothing is
being hidden from them.
Councilmember Lucas concurred with Vice Mayor Mannix's comments;
suggested that the Pacific Avenue group offer their preference with
regards to proceeding or laying the item over; and informed the
Council that said group's attorney was not available for tonight's
Council meeting.
Councilman Arnerich requested that the Pacific Avenue group be
consulted regarding their position in proceeding further.
President Appezzato stated that Mr. Roberts' comments were intended
for every citizen of the City to have access to public
documentation, not just the people from Pacific Avenue.
Councilman Arnerich stated that the costs of producing complete
packets for all interested persons from the public regarding said
matter would be exorbitant; and stated that all pertinent
information should be made available for public review in the City
Clerk's Office, and that each member of the public could determine
what was important to them and request appropriate copies xeroxed
at cost.
The City Attorney stated that the question being discussed was a
policy question and not a legal one; that the correspondence
regarding said matter was public record; that anyone was entitled
to review and/or purchase copies of said documentation; that if
Council desired to proceed, it may do so; that the memorandums
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May 16, 1995
162
written to the City Manager were not intended to be a part of the
agenda packet; that as a matter of policy, if the Council desired
to provide the public with all of the information they desired,
Council could lay the matter over until all relative information
was made available for public review.
Eve Roberson, Alameda, Save Pacific Avenue, stated that the group's
major concern was that the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy on
the property remain in effect until all of the problems are
resolved.
David Self, Attorney representing Mr. Tayag, addressed the City
Council.
Following discussion, the City Attorney stated that Mr. Self has
consented, on behalf of his client, for an extension of the
Certificate for perhaps 30 days, until Council can address matter
at their next meeting.
In response to Councilmember Lucas' inquiry, Ms. Roberson stated
that to the best of her knowledge, the Attorney for Save Pacific
Avenue would return from out of the Country the end of the month
and would then be available.
In response to President Appezzato's inquiry, Ms. Roberson stated
that she had been informed by members of the public that
information had not been made available to them; that the Save
Pacific Avenue group was concerned regarding said statement; and
that she believed that the Save Pacific Avenue group would be in
support of laying the matter over, but re-agendized at the earliest
possible time.
Councilman Arnerich moved that Item 5-A [Report from Special
Investigator, John T. Trumbo and recommendations to City Council
from the Planning Board regarding 1574 Pacific Avenue) be held over
to Tuesday, June 20, 1995, at 7:30 p.m. Councilmember Lucas
seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
(95-317) Report from City Manager estimating 1994 Staffing
and Related Costs for Boards, Commissions and Committees.
Earl Peacock, Alameda, stated that he had previously served on
committees; expressed frustration in obtaining requested
information; recommended that Council ensure requests for
information/studies be provided; and stated that the efficiency of
each board, commission and committee should be determined.
Don Bergen, Alameda, suggested that one-third of the boards,
commissions and committees be deleted; that one-third be voluntary;
and that one-third be retained and/or consolidated.
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May 16, 1995
163
In response to Councilman Arnerich's inquiry, the City Manager
stated that members of boards, commissions and committees were not
paid for their services.
Linda Larkin, Alameda, expressed concern for the boards,
commissions and committees' effectiveness; and spoke in support of
staffing and related costs.
Vice Mayor Mannix moved that the report be referred back to
appropriate staff involved with boards, commissions, and
committees; and also referred to the boards, commissions, and
committees for self-analysis; that a review on the viability of
each board, commission and committee be conducted; and staff report
back to Council with recommendations on which bodies can be either
deleted, consolidated, restructured, and/or limited in the number
of meetings held.
Discussion was held regarding staffing hours and related/actual
costs.
Councilmember DeWitt expressed concern that the impression was
being given that the volunteer board, commission and committee
members were paid, and reiterated that they were not; and thanked
those volunteers for their support and dedication.
President Appezzato stated that he would support the motion, and
suggested the following: consolidation of Youth Activity Network
Committee with Youth Counsel Committee; Rent Review Advisory
Committee under the Social Service Human Relations Board; fewer
Mastick Senior Center committees; and Rent Review Board going to
the Housing Commission.
Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion. The motion carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
(95-318) Status Report from Finance Director on Pension
Plans 1079 and 1082.
President Appezzato stated that he had attended his first meeting
as Chair of the Pension Board; that he was educated about Pension
Plans 1079 and 1082; that he requested the City Manager provide the
Council information regarding the impacts of said plans; and that
the matter was agendized to not only inform the Council, but the
public too.
At the request of President Appezzato, Finance Director, reviewed
the report.
Councilmember Lucas moved acceptance of the report. Councilman
Arnerich seconded the motion.
Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council
May 16, 1995
President Appezzato suggested that the motion be amended to direct
the City Manager to negotiate the impact of 1082 benefits.
At the request of Councilmember Lucas, the City Manager explained
said impacts.
In response to President Appezzato's proposed amendment to the
motion, Vice Mayor Mannix stated that the matter was a Meet and
Confer issue.
Following discussion, Councilmember Lucas' motion carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
Council recessed at 8:54 p.m. and reconvened at 9:12 p.m.
President Appezzato pulled Item 5-J out of order.
(95-319) Written Communication from Nancy J. Nadel, East Bay
Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Director, Ward 5, requesting
Council to urge the District's Board to not settle its case against
Contra Costa County and to protect water supplies for existing
customers and customers within EBMUD's current boundaries.
Nancy Nadel, Alameda, updated Council regarding actions taken
against Contra Costa County, and reported on EBMUD's boundaries.
In response to President Appezzato's inquiry, Ms. Nadel stated that
EBMUD was in support of the Council's efforts at the Naval Air
Station Base inasmuch as Council adhere to East Bay Conversion and
Reinvestment Commission's established environmental principles to
be used for criteria for development.
Councilmember DeWitt requested clarification regarding Ms. Nadel's
request for Council action.
President Appezzato stated that there was no suggested action as to
how Council should proceed, and that the matter was open for
discussion; and expressed concern in that the Court ruled in favor
of EBMUD, and preferred said matter remain in the court system.
In response to Councilman Arnerich's inquiry, Ms. Nadel discussed
rate reductions, and stated that the rates have decreased during
the past few years.
Don Roberts, Alameda, spoke in support of Ms. Nadel's
communication.
John Scott Graham, Alameda, spoke in partial support of Ms. Nadel's
communication; and suggested that a compromise be attempted.
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May 16, 1995
185
Neil Patrick Sweeney, Alameda, spoke in support of Ms. Nadel's
communication; and thanked Ms. Nadel for outstanding work.
Earl Peacock, Alameda, spoke in opposition to Ms. Nadel's
communication.
President Appezzato read from Ms. Nadel's communication and agreed
that the EIR was inadequate.
Councilmember Lucas commended Ms. Nadel's communication; stated
that she was opposed to urban sprawl; and that she was not
knowledgeable enough to vote on said matter and would abstain.
Councilman Arnerich moved that Council authorize a letter to be
prepared urging the District's Board not to settle its case against
Contra Costa County, and that a resolution be written for
consideration at the June 6, 1995, Council meeting.
Vice Mayor Mannix seconded the motion. The motion carried by the
following voice vote: Ayes: Arnerich, DeWitt, Mannix, and
President Appezzato - 4. Abstentions: Lucas - 1.
(95-320) Report from City Manager on 1995-96 Budget
Amendments.
At the request of President Appezzato, the City Manager reviewed
the staff report.
Following discussion, President Appezzato informed the Council that
the Senate had passed a 50% reduction in Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) monies; that the House had passed a 20%
reduction in said monies; and that if Congress adopts the
recommended 50% reduction, that would be an approximate $650,000
cut in CDBG funds to the City of Alameda next year.
President Appezzato requested the City Manager to investigate and
report back with recommendations regarding how the City should deal
with the loss of revenue because of leased vehicles vs. sale of
vehicles.
Councilman Arnerich moved approval of the recommendation that
Council direct preparation of a resolution appropriating funds for
departmental budgets for FY 1995-96 reflecting the modifications
discussed in report.
Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
(95-321) Report from Community Development Director
recommending continued participation in the Alameda County Lead
Poisoning Prevention Program.
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May 16, 1995
166
Don Roberts, Alameda, spoke in opposition to limited time given to
the City Council to make a decision regarding participation of said
program; suggested a minimum 60-day notice given to the City
Council for their decision-making process; and discussed costs and
taxes.
Daniel Nackerman, Alameda, spoke in support, and urged the City
Council to approve the program.
Barbara Kerr, Alameda, spoke in support of Mr. Roberts' comments;
expressed concern for accounting costs; and recommended that the
issue of costs be reviewed more closely.
Daniel Hodges, Alameda, spoke in support of the program.
Stephen Schwartzberg, Director of Alameda County's Lead Poison
Prevention Program, spoke in support of the program.
In response to Councilmember Lucas' inquiries, Mr. Schwartzberg
reviewed the hazards of lead poisoning; and gave an overview of
Alameda County's Lead Poison Prevention Program.
Councilman Arnerich stated that when the Council approved the
program three years ago, that he voted in opposition.
Councilmember Lucas stated that she, too, voted in opposition to
the program.
Councilman Arnerich stated that although he had some reservations
regarding the program, the program had merit.
In response to Councilmember DeWitt's inquiry, Mr. Schwartzberg
gave an overview of the benefits that taxpayers receive from the
program.
Diane Coler-Dark, Alameda, expressed concern regarding the limited
number of Alameda homes able to participate in program; spoke in
support of the upcoming Bond Issue for the library; requested that
the $10 fee assessed to homeowners for the program be removed and
applied to the library bond project.
In response to Councilmember Lucas' inquiry, the City Manager
reviewed the stipulations of the Agreement.
In response to President Appezzato's inquiry, the City Attorney
addressed procedures for re-entry into the Agreement.
Councilman Arnerich moved Council approve the Lead Abatement
Program for one year.
Councilmember DeWitt seconded the motion.
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May 16, 1995
167
Councilmember Lucas spoke in support of Ms. Coler-Dark's comments
and suggestion.
President Appezzato requested that staff prepare a written report
addressing Barbara Kerr's written communication listing questions
regarding the program; and that if the motion carried, that staff's
report be re-submitted at next year's deliberations.
President Appezzato stated that the $10 assessment fee for the
program had been inappropriately billed to many residents whose
homes were built after the cut-off date.
The motion carried by the following voice vote: Ayes:
Councilmembers Arnerich, DeWitt and Mannix - 3; Noes: Councilmember
Lucas and President Appezzato - 2.
Councilmember DeWitt stated that one of the reasons he voted to
extend the program was because he wanted the residents to know
about the program, and to avail themselves of it before it is no
longer available.
(95-322) Report from Community Development Director
recommending forbearance on foreclosure until June 30, 1995 on
loans to United Pilipinos of Alameda (UPA) for Concordia Street
property.
Don Roberts, Alameda, referred to last year's staff report;
requested Council rescind the open option offer; and urged Council
to begin foreclosure proceedings which would not be effective until
after the pay-off date that UPA has given.
Neil Patrick Sweeney, Alameda, referred to Janet Galera's letter;
and stated that the UPA's volunteers deserve 100% support by the
City.
Don Bergen, Alameda, addressed the Council; suggested that the UPA
support themselves by their own means, and that the $100,000 be
returned to the City's General Fund.
Janet Galera, President, United Pilipinos of Alameda, addressed the
Council and gave an overview of the UPA.
Jay de los Reyes, Alameda, Vice President, UPA, informed the City
Council of the UPA's progress to date regarding said loan, and made
clarifications.
Councilmember Lucas spoke in support of the UPA; stated that she
was offended by staff's report; and apologized to UPA.
Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council
May 16, 1995
168
Vice Mayor Mannix stated that the UPA had made great contributions;
that the UPA was owed a debt of gratitude; and spoke in support of
staff's recommendation.
Councilmember Lucas moved that the matter be re-agendized for the
June 20th Council meeting, and that a report be provided regarding
the status of the loan.
In response to Councilmember DeWitt's inquiry, Mr. de los Reyes
stated that the loan would be paid off this week.
Councilman Arnerich seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
Council recessed at 10:31 p.m and reconvened at 10:38 p.m.
(95-323) Report from Public Works Director recommending
award of contract in the amount of $875,882 to Gonsalves & Stronck
Construction Company, Inc. for the Hardball Facility at the College
of Alameda, No. P.W. 02-95-04.
Earl Peacock, Alameda, addressed the Council regarding the
contract's budget.
Allen Derr, Alameda, addressed the Council regarding Peralta
Community College District's role in the contract; and questioned
various aspects of the contract.
In response to Mr. Derr's inquiry, Assistant City Manager stated
that one access ramp would remain, that two were proposed; and that
there were 496 seats available, and that six were designated for
the handicapped.
Pat Bail, Alameda Babe Ruth Representative, addressed various
aspects of the contract, to include elements of design; and
commended staff for money dispersement.
Vice Mayor Mannix solicited Ms. Bail's ideas for corporate
sponsorship.
Ms. Bail stated that corporate sponsorship was a possibility.
Forrest Brewer, Alameda, stated that the City needed to be managed
more like a business; and spoke in opposition to expenditure.
John McCaskill, Alameda, spoke in opposition to award of contract;
stated that Council needed to watch the City's funds more closely;
and addressed the restrictions of utilizing AA money.
In response to Vice Mayor Mannix's inquiry, Assistant City Manager
stated that there would be an at-grade dugout; that there would be
Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council
May 16, 1995
1 13 9
conduit and wire as part of the project, but it would not initially
be lighted; that there was considerable parking at the College of
Alameda; that a shared-maintenance program, based upon use, would
be practiced, to include an initial range of $35,000; that one
staff person was currently assigned by the Peralta College District
to provide maintenance for the field; and that as soon as money
became available, that the City would produce a new CIP in the next
budget to add dressing rooms.
Vice Mayor Mannix thanked everyone who phoned and wrote to him
regarding this matter; and spoke in support of award of contract.
Vice Mayor Mannix moved approval.
Councilman Arnerich stated that the City was managed like a
business; and reviewed the City's business-minded positions.
In response to President Appezzato's inquiries, the City Manager
explained the Athletic Trust Fund, and sharing of tax increments.
The Director of Public Works stated that a tax increment of
approximately $200,000 was for a three-leg traffic signal, and that
an additional bus turnout might be a solution.
Councilman Arnerich seconded the motion which carried by the
following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Arnerich, Lucas, and
Mannix. Noes: President Appezzato and Councilmember DeWitt - 2.
(95-324) Report from Planning Director transmitting
recommendation from the Historical Advisory Board that the City of
Alameda apply for the 1995 Certified Local Government Grant
Application.
Dave Plummer, Historical Advisory Board, stated that the City of
Alameda would be competing for said grant as a Certified Local
Government; gave specifics of requirements; stated that the Board
had previously advocated that a Civic Center Study be conducted if
the City was awarded the grant; and spoke in support of the
recommendation.
Naomi Hatkin, Historical Advisory Board, addressed the Council and
explained benefits; and spoke in support of the recommendation.
In response to Councilmembers' inquiries, the City Manager
addressed in-kind and matched contributions.
Councilmember Lucas moved approval of the report and
recommendation.
Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council
May 16, 1995
170
Vice Mayor Mannix stated that the Historical Advisory Board is
doing a fine job for the City; however, he believed the
recommendation to be premature.
Councilmember DeWitt seconded the motion, which carried by the
following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Arnerich, DeWitt,
Lucas, and President Appezzato - 4. Noes: Vice Mayor Mannix - 1.
(95-325) Ordinance No. 2693. Final Passage of Ordinance
Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Lease Between Bernita
Leskowski and the City of Alameda for Real Property Located at 1701
Webster Street.
Earl Peacock, Alameda, withdrew to Allen Derr.
Allen Derr, Alameda, addressed the City Council in opposition to
said lease; and offered suggestions.
Ed Clark, Alameda, thanked the City Council and expressed
appreciation for the City Council's representation on the west end;
and spoke in support of lease.
Don Bergen, Alameda, addressed the City Council and spoke in
opposition of lease.
Niall Leahy, addressed the City Council and spoke in support of
lease.
Vice Mayor Mannix moved final passage of the Ordinance.
Councilmember DeWitt recommended that the City Manager lease any
extra office space available.
Arnerich second motion to adopt Ordinance. Ayes: Arnerich, DeWitt
and Mannix - 3; Noes: Lucas and President Appezzato - 2.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA (Public Comment)
(95-326) Mr. Allen Derr, Alameda, questioned the Utility
Users Tax exemption [from the 2% increase] for low-income persons
and seniors 62 years old and over.
The City Manager stated that it was currently set up to provide an
exemption for all people 62 and over, regardless of income.
Mr. Derr suggested that the waiver form for seniors include a
designation that would allow the money to go to an organization
like Mastick Senior Center or Senior Citizens, Inc.
(95-327) Allen Derr expressed disappointment in the lack of
support for the Atlanta Resolution, which was placed on the agenda
by the Mayor; and suggested that the Council support the Mayor.
Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council
May 16, 1995
(95 -328) Neil Sweeney, Alameda, announced that Supervisor
Chan would be available at Mastick Senior Center on Wednesday, May
17th; that on Saturday, May 20th, the Base Reuse Advisory Group
would be sponsoring Preserving the Legacy at the Naval Air Station;
and that the Port of Oakland was having Maritime Day also on
Saturday, May 20th. He also suggested that a member of the Base
Reuse Advise Group be invited to attend meetings to update the
community.
(95 -329) Don Bergen, Alameda, stated that he hopes the City
Clerk would give Ms. Calbreath, former Deputy City Clerk, his best
wishes; and that the Mayor give her a wish for happiness and health
on the part of the people.
5 -330) Earl Peacock, Alameda, stated that he supports the
position the Mayor took on the statement "American Cities Against
Drt-.Js . "
(95 -331) Kevin Kearney, City Auditor, stated that he had
problems with the cost to implement the Utility User's Tax
exemption available for low- income persons and seniors, and with
the identification of people for the program, e.g. City's authority
to request income tax statements; that he believes there needs to
be further study to actually determine how to implement exemption
and its cost; that as a businessman in Alameda, he has a problem
with businesses having to also implement the program; that as an
Alameda citizen, he does not think $3.00 a month is going to make
the difference for any of the groups that are going to be
represented under the rebate program; and suggested the Council
review the exemption more closely.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (Communications from Council)
(95 -332) Consideration of Mayor's nomination of appointment
to the Social Service Human Relations Board.
Mayor Appezzato nominated Rahim Aurang for appointment.
(95 -333) Councilman Arnerich referred the waiver process for
the Utility User's Tax exemption to staff for review.
(95 -334) Vice Mayor Mannix requested that staff report back
on the following: 1) a preliminary plan on how to bring the
Library back to full service upon completion of the ADA
Construction Projects; and 2) options for consideration on how to
achieve the five -day work week at City Hall again, whether on a
full- service level or a partial - service level based on scheduling.
Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council
May 16, 1995
ADJOURNMENT
(95-335) Mayor Appezzato adjourned the meeting at 11:58 p.m.,
in memory of Virginia Minor, mother of Woody Minor; and Jean Kraft,
a teacher in the Alameda Unified School District.
Respectfully submitted,
DIANE B. FELSCH, CMC
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in advance in accordance
with the Brown Act.
Regular Meeting, Alameda City Council
May 16, 1995