Loading...
1993-03-02 Regular CC Minutes51 MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF THE ALAMEDA CITY COUNCIL MARCH 2. 1993 The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m., with President Withrow presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice Mayor Roth. Reverend Wilfred Hodgkin gave the invocation. ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Appezzato, Arnerich, Lucas, Roth and President Withrow - 5. Absent: None. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CLOSED SESSION ACTION 93-093 Mayor Withrow announced that, at the 6:30 p.m. Special Meeting, Council adjourned to Closed Session to consider: Labor Relations, pursuant to Subsection (a) of Government Code Section 54957.6 of the Brown Act: Mayor Withrow stated Council gave further instructions to the City's Negotiator. Mayor Withrow announced the Written Communication and related report regarding soccer and hardball facilities would be taken out of order. 93-094 Written Communication from President, Alameda Soccer Club, Inc., requesting consideration of one of the nine plans in the Club's Feasibility Study to include soccer fields with the planned baseball field at College of Alameda. Report from Assistant City Manager Transmitting Recreation Commission's Recommendation for a Class "A" Hardball Facility at the College of Alameda. Mayor Withrow stated if Council votes in favor of supporting the Recreation Commission [recommendation], he will make it a personal priority to develop two first-class soccer fields that will accommodate the under 19-age group; and will propose to the Council that a Mayor's Committee be established to review alternatives and to provide a recommendation with respect to the establishment of two soccer fields. The City Manager provided the background of the matter, noting the City' search for Class A hardball and soccer facilities' sites, and funding. In response to Councilmember Appezzato's inquiry concerning use of School District fields, the City Manager stated the District has authorized the use of some fields for practice purposes; the Soccer Club wants an international-size soccer facility which is larger. March 2, 1993 2 Responding to Councilmember Appezzato, the Assistant City Manager stated if a Class A Hardball Facility is built at the College and there are encroachments into the berm area, taking down a row of trees, possibly a smaller size soccer field can be put in; also, perhaps the football field in that location, or a football field closer to Webster Street, could be used. Councilman Arnerich noted school fields used for soccer; stated he believes it is possible to add a soccer field with the baseball facility provided an international soccer field is not installed. Joe Mariscal, President, Alameda Soccer Club, thanked the Mayor for his supportive statement, stated the Soccer Club's feasibility report produced nine feasible configurations to place a soccer field together with a baseball field in the College of Alameda space; the Club would like both a hardball facility and soccer field to meet the needs of the whole community. Paula Smith, Alameda, stated soccer is international sport, has high percentage of co-ed teams, is less expensive for participants and field maintenance; and would like facility shared with soccer. Don McCaskill, Alameda, stated College of Alameda site is best for both soccer and baseball. Gabriel Longoria, Alameda, stated the hardball field is needed and should be built; and with understanding soccer must not be forgotten. Barbara Guenther, Alameda, stated she is a Member of the Social Service Human Relations Board, and supports plan to include soccer fields in conjunction with planned baseball field. Derrick O'Neill, Vice-President, Alameda Soccer Club, stated feasibility study reflected soccer field could be included in baseball complex; logical conclusion is to build a good baseball complex, and a soccer field. Pat Bail, Alameda, President, Alameda Babe Ruth, stated if the City withdraws from the project, no guarantee exists that the College would continue to allow soccer usage of open areas; the land belongs to the College, the College wants a baseball field; the issue should not be clouded and an opportunity possibly ruined. Dann Carter, Alameda, requested all children be served and Council try to include a soccer field in the configuration of the final plans. Ted Christoffersen, Alameda Soccer Club, commented on interest in, and growth of, baseball and soccer; in 1994, the soccer World Cup quarter final game will be played at Stanford Stadium. Diane Bustos, Alameda Babe Ruth, urged Council stay with original plan, build baseball field with no compromises; and work to find March 2, 1993 soccer fields. Slater C. Veirs, Alameda Babe Ruth, read letter from Coach Jim Saunders, Encinal High School, expressing support of baseball field at College; and submitted letter. Ted S. Hall, Alameda, Assistant Varsity Coach, Encinal High School; Alameda Babe Ruth Board of Directors, urged support for Mayor Withrow's suggestion to find two soccer fields and a Class A Hardball facility at the College of Alameda. Don Peterson, Alameda Soccer Club, stated he favors baseball field; what is best for everyone must be done; commended Joe Mariscal and Council. Gregory Wirth, Alameda Soccer Club, stated building Class A baseball field is essential; fastest growing sport in Bay Area is adult hardball; by accommodating teams, revenue can be raised; the College facility is needed for Alameda baseball and soccer. Kristin E. Wirth, Alameda Soccer Club, stated she had deferred her time to Joe Mariscal. Neil P. Sweeney, Alameda, stated, to obtain vacant land for future, all military activities in Alameda can be relocated to Alameda Naval Air Station and abandoned military properties transferred to City. Frank Reed, Alameda, stated he would like Council to find a way to provide for both baseball and soccer. Don Sherratt, Alameda, stated neither soccer nor baseball should be shortchanged; Council should go ahead with hardball facility and go on record as supporting soccer; he hopes they have received letter from Bill Lietz whose viewpoints are valid concerning this matter. Vice Mayor Roth stated compromise is possible without compromising hardball facility; noted one of [Club's] feasibility plans that would fit; likes Mayor's idea of looking for soccer sites; supports baseball complex and requesting College spend money to convert track to a full-size field. The Assistant City Manager reviewed some of the Schemes in the Feasibility Study calling attention to dimensions. Councilman Arnerich stated the Mayor was on the right track stating Council will be looking for sites and soccer will be given top priority; the current issue is for the baseball complex only; and the College is insistent on only the baseball field at this time. The Assistant City Manager stated the College has a Joint Use Agreement with the City to go ahead with a Class A Hardball Facility; the minimum requirements would be 330 [foot field line], 385 [foot power alley] and 400. March 2, 1993 In response to Councilman Arnerich, the Assistant City Manager stated a soccer field could be put in but they [both fields] would be compromised. Councilmember Lucas stated if Council tries to put in both sports, the result would be a compromise unsatisfactory for either; the community goal has been to provide a first-class baseball field; Council has commitment to provide a first-class soccer facility; the Mayor's approach is the one that should be taken; and a solution can be reached in a reasonable time; should handle one sport at a time. Councilmember Appezzato stated he will support a Class A Hardball Facility, at the same time pursue a compromise with the College to include a soccer field either on the track, or, if they agree to remove trees and berms, adjacent to Hardball facility; however, if they do not agree to removal of trees and berms, he does not believe the Class A Hardball Facility can be sacrificed. Councilman Arnerich moved approval of a Class "A" Hardball Facility at the College of Alameda, with a proviso that top priority will be given to locating and funding soccer fields. Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion. Vice Mayor Roth questioned whether College would consider the track site if the City agreed to pay for clearing it. Councilman Arnerich stated he does not believe the College will go back on the proposal, and is adamant on providing only a Class "A" Hardball Facility at this time. Councilmember Appezzato agreed with Vice Mayor Roth that the City should not stop pursuing a Class A soccer field at the College, as long as it does not compromise the baseball facility. President Withrow stated the Mayor's Committee would be looking at all the sites. Councilmember Lucas stated Councilman Arnerich's motion does not exclude the possibility [of a soccer field], if the College wishes to go ahead. President Withrow suggested the wording of the motion, with respect to a soccer field, be strengthened to make it a firm priority and goal of Council, to find fields and money, for guidance to the Mayor's Committee. In response to Councilman Arnerich, the Assistant City Manager stated he feels comfortable stating that the first priority of College District Trustees is a Class A Hardball Facility, and he does not believe the motion precludes going back and talking to them about using a current or existing football field as a soccer field. March 2, 1993 The motion was carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. * * * Council recessed at 9:04 p.m. for ten minutes; upon reconvening, President Withrow announced the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District presentation would be taken out of order. 93-095 Presentation by Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District [AC Transit] on Plans for Introducing New Technologies.. John Woodbury, AC Transit, stated the District is reintroducing proven technologies; State and Federal Clean Air Acts have made it clear the conventional diesel busses cannot be used much longer; Federal Surface Transportation Act was reauthorized last year, changing funding of transportation, allowing flexibility of spending on highways or transit; based on that, AC Transit has looked at its major corridors, to find how to meet Clean Air Act, with cleaner busses, and encouraging more people to use public transit. A video presentation followed on plans for introducing new technologies. Mr. Woodbury commended the City of Alameda for its partnership in working with AC Transit to fund supplemental transit service within the City; stated the model has been expanded to other parts of the Transit's service area; the key element is that the Transit Agency and cities work together to determine the right land-use mix. In response to Vice Mayor Roth, Mr. Woodbury stated the technology for undergrounding power grid is experimental at this point, is not used by transit systems anywhere, realistically is not an option for the near future; the choice is between diesel busses known to cause health concerns versus overhead wire with aesthetic impact; and overhead wires need not be obtrusive. Councilmember Lucas stated she appreciates the suggestion of partnership with communities, also public transportation being provided to Airport; her concern is cooperation with the Ferry System, perhaps by light rail, and inquired when that could be expected. Mr. Woodbury replied that would depend upon location; in Oakland, numerous existing lines already terminate at Jack London Square, terminous of light rail would likely be at the Square; Alameda's West End ferry would be more difficult as it is somewhat isolated and ridership must be justified. Councilmember Appezzato commended Mr. Woodbury for his professionalism and President Withrow thanked Mr. Woodbury. 93-096 Report from the Public Works Director on Installation of Stop Signs at the Intersections of Northwood Drive/Southwood Drive, and Gibbons Drive, and Lincoln Avenue and Gibbons Drive. (Councilman Arnerich) March 2, 1993 Robert Blaisdell, Alameda, requested Council consider putting in stop signs to slow traffic on Gibbons Drive. Councilman Arnerich agreed cars speed through and stop signs should be tried; stated if stop signs are approved by Council, he would like two signs, on poles, at Gibbons Drive as entered from High Street and from Lincoln Avenue, which state "25 MPH strictly enforced." Councilmember Lucas agreed speeding is a problem; she does not see placing stop signs as the solution to problem in the neighborhood; and inquired of the Police Chief what can be done to decrease speeding. Police Chief Shielis stated if engineering efforts do not rectify a problem, enforcement must be relied upon; and the Police Department will need to re-prioritize resources to provide more enforcement in the area. In response to Vice Mayor Roth, the Public Works Director and Police Chief explained Critical Speed Traffic Data. Councilman Arnerich stated it is a different traffic situation in that area; and for $600.00, the City will not be looking at someone getting killed and a million dollar lawsuit. Councilmember Appezzato stated he concurred with Councilman Arnerich's position; and questioned if the City has ever looked at current stop signs to determine whether ineffective ones can be taken out. Mayor Withrow stated he, too, supports the proposal for stop signs; and that traffic slows down when there is a stop sign. Councilman Arnerich moved that Council adopt, and recommend, that a stop sign be placed at the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Gibbons Drive, easterly and westerly directions; and a stop sign at the corners, intersection, of Northwood and Southwood Drives; with proviso, a "25 mph strictly enforced" sign be put up as you enter the zone, to alert the public it is a residential area. Vice Mayor Roth seconded the motion. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Lucas moved approval of the Consent Calendar. Councilman Arnerich seconded the motion which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk. *93-097 Minutes of the Regular Council Meetings of February 2, March 2, 1993 7 and February 16, 1993, and Special Council Meeting of February 8, 1993. Approved. *93-098 Report from Public Works Director recommending Reduction of Bond and an Extension of Time of Three Years to March 21, 1996, in which to complete the Improvements for Tract 6198 (Harbor Bay Isle, Village V, Cantamar). Accepted. *93-099 Report from the Public Works Director on the Status of the Cross Airport Roadway Project. (Councilmember Lucas) *93-100 Report from Public Works Director recommending adoption of Plans and Specifications and Calling for Bids for Construction of ADA/Title 24 Accessibility Standards at Buena Vista Park and McKinley Park, No. P.W. 11-92-17. *93-101 Report from Public Works Director requesting Authorization for Amendment to Contract between the City of Alameda and Hallenbeck, Chamorro and Associates, Consulting Architectural Firm, for the Design to Comply with the American Disabilities Act (ADA)/Title 24 Accessibility Standards at Longfellow Park and Woodstock Park. *93-102 Resolution No. 12370 "Amending the Management and Confidential Employees Association Salary Resolution by Establishing the Salary for the New Position of Accounting Technician and Changing the Title of Public Works Maintenance Superintendent to Public Works Operation and Maintenance Manager." Adopted. *93-103 Ordinance No. , N.S. "Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Certain Sections of Chapter VIII (Traffic and Motor Vehicles) Thereof, Pertaining to Parking Enforcement Holidays and Chapter XII (Parking Lots and Parking Meters) Thereof, Pertaining to Parking for More Than Time Permitted in Parking Space." Introduced. *93-104 Filing - Affidavit of City Manager and Chief of Police pursuant to Section 17-11 of the Charter of the City of Alameda. Approved for filing. *93-105 Bills, certified by the City Manager to be true and correct, were ratified in the amount of $3,646,506.81. REGULAR AGENDA 93-106 Report from the Public Works Director on the Status of I- 880 Signage/Access Issues. Councilman Arnerich complimented Council, the Public Works Director and staff regarding placement of directional signs in Oakland; and noted the street across from Jenson Street in Oakland is East Eighth Street. March 2, 1993 Gerhard Degemann, Alameda, suggested Council recommend to the City of Oakland that East Eighth Street be renamed. Following Council discussion on Oakland's concern regarding mixing names of streets and cities on signs, the Public Works Director stated that he would appreciate Council's assistance in encouraging the Mayor of Oakland, and his staff, to work with Alameda on the matter. President Withrow stated he will have a formal meeting with the City of Oakland. Councilman Arnerich stated good progress has been made, and moved to accept the report and recommendation; Vice Mayor Roth seconded the motion which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. * * * * * President Withrow announced he would like Council to talk about the UCSF issue because changes have occurred in the last couple of days; stated Council has spoken out unanimously in support of bringing UCSF to the East Bay and City of Alameda; however, there have been a number of large items that have come up, major changes, and inquired [of the City Attorney] if Council could discuss the issue. The City Attorney stated it would be necessary to comply with Brown Act requirements; four Councilmembers would need to vote on the procedural issue; thereafter, Council can consider the substantive matter: either discuss the item or take action on it. Mayor Withrow reported the need to discuss the matter occurred within the last eight hours, therefore Brown Act requirements have been met; and stated the Chair will entertain a motion. Vice Mayor Roth moved that Council discuss recent developments. Councilmember Lucas stated she would like to discuss the agenda item [ordinance] first as she would like to take it off the agenda, and then consider other issues. Following comments concerning appropriate procedure, Councilmember Appezzato stated he will support a discussion [See NEW BUSINESS, Paragraph 93-120], however, will not support a decision tonight on a 3-2 vote. At the request of Councilmember Lucas, and at Mayor Withrow's direction, the Clerk read Agenda Item No. 7-C., Introduction of Ordinance: 93-107 Ordinance No. , N.S. "Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Article VI (The City of Alameda Improvement Procedure Code) to Chapter III (Finance and Taxation) Thereof, Providing for the City of Alameda Special Assessment Improvement Procedures Law, Including General Provisions and Definitions, March 2, 1993 9 Powers and Procedures for the Purpose of Providing Financing for Specified Purposes, and Certain Other Supplemental Provisions." In response to Vice Mayor Roth, the City Attorney reviewed the purpose of the ordinance, and procedure to be followed in forming an Assessment District, Councilmember Appezzato stated since there is still concern as to whether loan agreement will go forward, and since Alameda has yet to receive confirmation that other cities are willing to join this City in loaning money to Harbor Bay, it seems premature to hold hearings regarding a Special Assessment District to provide security for a loan. He further stated there is still some question as to the financial status of Harbor Bay, and since many citizens have voiced concern regarding the conditions of the loan, he moved that this item [ordinance] be continued until Council receives more information on which to make an informed decision. Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion. Following Vice Mayor Roth's comments regarding the multiple purposes for the ordinance, the City Attorney affirmed it is general enabling legislation which can be used for many purposes, e.g., railroads, light transit. The motion carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Appezzato, Lucas, Roth and President Withrow - 4. Noes: Councilman Arnerich - 1. Absent: None. 93-108 Ordinance No. 2625, N.S. "Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Subsection 30-21.2 (Administrative Variance), Subsection 30-21.4 (Administrative Use Permit), and Subsection 30- 25 (Appeals) of Article I (Zoning Districts and Regulations) and Subsection 30-36 (Design Review Procedures) of Article II (Structural Design Review Regulations), Chapter XXX (Development Regulations)." Adopted. Councilmember Lucas moved adoption of the ordinance. Vice Mayor Roth seconded the motion which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA 93-109 John Barni, Sr., Alameda, inquired when the traffic signal at Fernside Blvd. and Encinal Avenue will be connected; the Public Works Director responded in two weeks, weather permitting. 93-110 John Barni, Sr., Alameda, complained vehicles travel 50 or 60 mph in the vicinity of Fernside Blvd. and Encinal Avenue to East Shore Drive, and requested police patrol the area. 93-111 John Barni, Sr., Alameda, stated he takes exception to the manner in which the Chair treats the public [speakers]; and would like to be given the same consideration as those speakers who are allowed to address the Council after public portion of a March 2, 1993 hearing has been closed. 93-112 Bill Garvine, Alameda, thanked Council for the stop signs that surround Edison School; he has been concerned about the safety of the children during commute hour. 93-113 Councilman Arnerich stated he wished the School District would look at the fees charged to youth organizations wanting to use restroom facilities on weekends: fees between $25.00 - $75.00 per hour to open restrooms. Mr. Garvine stated he has discussed the matter on many occasions with Senior Staff; and often it depends on the spirit of the site administrator. NEW BUSINESS AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS 93-114 Appointment to the Finance Committee. (Councilmember Appezzato) Councilmember Appezzato appointed Mr. Noel Folsom to the Finance Committee. 93-115 Councilmember Appezzato stated Council should consider doing away with the Cable Oversight Committee, and place that function under the Public Utilities Board. 93-116 Councilmember Appezzato announced he will meet with the Sub-Committee of the Business and Waterfront Improvement Project [Joint Committee for Area Wide Strategy Plan] Thursday morning in Room 316, City Hall; that he was a member of the Committee when serving on the Planning Board; and he has been requested to participate during the transition. 93-117 Councilmember Appezzato stated on January 5th, by a three to two vote, Council approved raising garbage rates by three to ten percent; a week later, San Leandro City Council, unilaterally, voted to raise the fee it charges Oakland Scavenger [Waste Management] by 3,000% for the privilege of using Davis Street dump site; Oakland Scavenger may have been aware of increase in December; if so, why was not Alameda, so that all information would have been available to Council when voting on raising rates. Furthermore, it is his understanding that fee increase imposed by San Leandro will be passed on to Alameda citizens next year, and may be retroactive. Councilmember Appezzato requested a staff report, for a future Council meeting, that will inform Council and citizens just how much garbage rates will rise because of this singular action of San Leandro; and stated he is not pleased that Council did not have all the information when it was apparently available. Mayor Withrow stated an investigation of San Leandro's action determined it was legal, although matter is being challenged by March 2, 1993 four cities in Alameda County; the matter has been in the newspapers; Waste Management does not have a unilateral right to pass on increase. The City Attorney stated Councilmember Appezzato's and Mayor Withrow's issues can be brought back in the same staff report. 93-118 Councilmember Lucas stated Oakland has made it more difficult for individuals to obtain gun dealer licenses; as a result, there has been an increase in residential gun dealers in adjacent cities; and requested a staff report for the next Council Meeting on what the residential increase has been since May, 1992. 93-119 Councilman Arnerich remarked on situations which contribute to catastrophes; stated he would like the Fire Chief to have safety personnel check all public buildings owned and operated by the City of Alameda; and write letters to Alameda Unified School District, Alameda Hospital and Nursing Homes requesting them to inspect their premises. 93-120 Vice Mayor Roth made a motion that Council discuss recent developments of the UCSF ferry; Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion. [See paragraph immediately preceding Paragraph 93-107 ordinance regarding Special Assessment Improvement Procedures Law] Councilmember Appezzato stated he is willing to discuss the matter if Council can agree that no action will be taken this evening. Vice Mayor Roth stated he has no problem with that; noted a Special Meeting could be called, and having a discussion will indicate whether or not a Special Meeting will be necessary. Councilman Arnerich stated he does not want to discuss the matter unless it is agendized. The motion carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Appezzato, Lucas, Roth and President Withrow - 4. Noes: Councilman Arnerich - 1. Absent: None. President Withrow reviewed the background of the proposal to bring UCSF to the East Bay; noted the County Economic Development Advisory Board has not been able to encourage cities to put forth funds in lieu of words; Oakland has no problem providing the loan but would like it to be in conjunction with locating the University in Oakland; without the ferry connection, there would be no second campus in the East Bay according to the Vice Chancellor; and Council now has a short timeline in which to vote to support, or not support, UCSF coming to Alameda. Councilmember Appezzato suggested the matter be agendized; stated he still has a number of questions, and Council needs to take a look at specifics. Councilmember Lucas stated the issue is: can we assist in bringing March 2, 1993 2 the campus here by funding the ferry service; the Traffic Improvement Fund is an appropriate fund to assist commute or ferry service; noted Alameda has a history of supporting businesses and governmental institutions, e.g. giving land to Naval Air Station for $1.00 per year; she understands UCSF is willing to try [operation] on a one-year basis, and she is willing to commit City funds for a one-year trial program in the amount of $400,000 for a ferry loan; the security would have to be provided by Harbor Bay Isle Associates; and see if they accept; and that is her proposal to put on the agenda. Councilmember Appezzato added the subject of private investors can be addressed also when the matter is agendized. * * * * Vice Mayor Roth moved to continue the meeting past 11:00 p.m. Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. * * * * Councilman Arnerich stated he would like to have UCSF in Alameda, noted cities who were to participate have been pulling out or deferring action; the funding may not be paid back; and he cannot support proposal. President Withrow called a Special Council Meeting for Friday, March 5, 1993, at 6:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT 93-121 President Withrow adjourned the meeting in memory of Maynard "Bob" Gannon, a Member of the Golf Commission; and at the request of Councilman Arnerich, Bobby Max Adams, a local businessman and owner of Ole's Waffle Shop. Respectfully submitted, " Diane B. Felsch, CMC City Clerk The agenda for this meeting was posted 72 hours in advance. March 2, 1993