1990-02-06 MinutesSPECIAL MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
FEBRUARY 6, 1990
The special meeting was convened at 7:08 p.m. with President
Corica presiding.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Arnerich, Thomas, Withrow, and President
Corica - 4.
Absent: Councilmember Camicia - 1.
90-070 President Corica adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session
to consider:
1082 Pension Improvement Committee pursuant to Subsection (a) of
Government Code Section 54957.6 of the Brown Act.
[President Corica announced during the Regular Meeting of the City
Council which convened at 7:30 p.m., regarding the Closed Session,
that Council discussed the matter and took no action.]
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council,
President Corica adjourned the meeting at 7:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
DIANE B. FELSCH, CMC
City Clerk
The agenda for the meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown
Act.
February 6, 1990
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
FEBRUARY 6, 1990
The meeting convened at 7:36 p.m. (following the Alameda Sewer
Improvement Financing Corporation annual meeting) with President
Corica presiding. The pledge of allegiance was led by
Councilmember Thomas. Reverend Doug Henderson gave the invocation.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Arnerich, Camicia, Thomas,
Withrow, and President Corica - 5.
Absent: None.
MINUTES
Councilman Arnerich moved approval of the minutes of the Regular
Council Meeting of January 16, 1990, and Special Council Meeting of
January 16, 1990. Councilmember Withrow seconded the motion which
was carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
90-071 Proclamation designating the week of February 11 - 17, 1990,
as Vocational Education Week.
Mayor Corica read the proclamation and presented it to Connie King,
Alameda Unified School District.
90-072 Mayor Corica reported on the United States Conference of
Mayors in Washington, D.C., noting he contacted the offices of
Senators Pete Wilson, Alan Cranston, Congressmen Fortney (Pete)
Stark, Ronald Dellums, and Norman Mineta regarding the possible
closure of the Naval Air Station; Secretary of Transportation Sam
Skinner, regarding ferry system funding, Under-Secretary of the
Navy Daniel Howard to request the carrier, U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln,
be brought to Alameda by April 1, 1990, for inclusion in the
census. He then requested citizens write to legislators and
representatives in Washington, D.C., to request the Alameda Naval
Air Station be removed from the proposed closure list.
Announcement by Mayor of Closed Session action(s), if any.
Mayor Corica announced the following action taken at the Special
Meeting held at 7:00 p.m., prior to the Regular Meeting:
90-073 Council adjourned to Closed Session to consider 1082 Pension
Improvement Committee pursuant to Subsection (a) of Government Code
Section 54957.6 of the Brown Act; discussed the matter and took no
action.
February 6, 1990
CONSENT CALENDAR
At the request of Christopher Buckley, Alameda, Agenda Item No.
1 -A, report from City Manager recommending administrative
restructuring (90 -091) was removed from the Consent Calendar and
placed on the regular agenda. Councilmember Thomas stated she
would vote no on Agenda Item No. 1 -K, Bills ( *90 -083).
Councilmember Camicia moved approval of the remainder of the
Consent Calendar. Councilmember Withrow seconded the motion which
was carried by unanimous voice vote - 5 [with the exception of one
No vote by Councilmember Thomas on Agenda Item 1 -K, Bills,
( *90 -083)]
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
*90 -074 From Public Works Director recommending acceptance of work
by Andes Construction, Inc., for Alameda Marina Village lift
station improvements and electrical undergrounding, Assessment
District 84 -3, No. P.W. 10- 88 -17. Accepted.
*90 -075 From Finance Director regarding Data Processing Disaster
Recovery Plan. Accepted.
RESOLUTIONS
*90 -076 Resolution No. 11927 "Awarding contract to T. J. Lynch
Construction for the demolition and replacement of Alameda
Municipal Golf Course restrooms." Adopted.
*90 -077 Resolution No. 11928 "Ordering vacation of certain
easements and portions of easements within the Alameda Marina
Village Development." Adopted.
*90 -078 Resolution No. 11929 "Ordering the vacation of portions of
a public access /open space easement located within Lot 2, Tract
6096 (Alameda Marina Village Pacific Marina). Adopted.
*90 -079 Resolution No. 11930 "Designating the Public Works
Director, the City Manager and the Fire Chief to act as agents on
behalf of the City of Alameda to the State in all matters
pertaining to natural disaster assistance." Adopted.
FINAL PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES
*90 -080 Ordinance No. 2472, N.S. "Amending Title XIII of the
Alameda Municipal Code pertaining to business licenses by deleting
the authority to refund fees paid when the business is declared
illegal and by amending the sections requiring delivery trucks to
pay the fee." Adopted.
*90 -081 Ordinance No. 2473, N.S. "Amending the Alameda Municipal
Code by adding Chapter 9 to Title II of the Alameda Municipal Code
February 6, 1990
to provide informal bidding procedures under the Uniform Public
Construction Cost Accounting Act (Section 22000, et seq. of the
Public Contract Code) and to allow similar procedures for purchase
of goods/supplies." Adopted.
*90-082 Ordinance No. 2474( N.S. "Amending Title XVII, Article 4,
Section 17-242 of the Alameda Municipal Code to prohibit left turns
on Park Street at Blanding Avenue." Adopted.
BILLS
*90-083 A List of Claims, certified by the City Manager as correct,
was ratified in the amount of $1,775,663.39.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
90-084 From Clayton Guyton, 457 Buena Vista, #302, requesting
Martin Luther King's birthday become a City holiday.
Mr. Guyton requested Council look beyond financial consideration,
and look on the humane side, of making Martin Luther King's
birthday a holiday.
Lois Francis, 1012 Grand Street, stated Alameda should stand behind
the goals of Martin Luther King and present a progressive approach
to inter-racial relationships.
Councilmember Camicia stated in addition to approving staff's
recommendation he would like a policy made, that it is important to
Council that Martin Luther King's birthday become a holiday.
A brief Council discussion ensued concerning the possibility of
referring the matter to meet and confer sessions, and possibly
substituting Martin Luther King holiday in lieu of another
established City holiday.
In response to Councilman Arnerich's questions, the Personnel
Director confirmed the number of paid City employee holidays total
twelve, including a floating holiday which can be used for personal
reasons; City staff is allowed approximately two hours to attend
services on Martin Luther King Day; and, the cost of a holiday for
employees is approximately $112,000.
Councilmember Camicia moved Council's support for recognizing Rev.
Martin Luther King's birthday as a City holiday; and authorization
that staff offer bargaining units an opportunity to trade an
existing City holiday e.g., Admission Day, for Martin Luther King's
birthday. Councilmember Withrow seconded the motion which was
carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
HEARINGS
90-085 Consideration of proposed 1990 garbage rates.
President Corica stated he would abstain regarding this item
February 6; 1990
17) 7
because a family member works for Oakland Scavenger.
President Corica explained the procedure of the hearing.
The City Manager reviewed the background of the matter.
On the call for proponents, there were none.
John Barni, Jr., 875 Island Drive, commented on a disparity in
garbage collection service between the Main Island and Harbor Bay
Isle.
On the call for opponents, the following persons spoke:
John Barni, Sr., 1380 East Shore Drive, commented rates will be too
exorbitant if raised to $20.00 for two cans.
President Corica closed the public portion of the hearing.
Councilmember Withrow commented it is incumbent upon Council to do
something now in order to achieve the 50% decrease in municipal
garbage by the year 2000, which is the direction provided by the
State.
The City Manager noted if there is a shortfall in revenue one year,
it is to be made up.
Councilmember Withrow suggested inclusion of language in a revenue
document that there there shall be no disparity in service or
charges between the Main Island and Bay Farm Island,
David MacDonald, Executive Vice-President for Oakland Scavenger
Company, stated some persons elect to place the garbage at the
curb; Oakland Scavenger provides backyard service; will provide
the service for the gentleman who spoke; and does not distinguish
one portion of the City as curbside and one as backyard.
In response to Councilman Arnerich's inquiry concerning projected
use of 20-gallon cans, Mr. MacDonald stated cities of Fremont,
Newark and Union City have recently introduced the mini-can concept
and at this point there is not enough experience with that concept
to predict extent of usage.
Councilmember Withrow moved approval of adoption of Option No. 2
which includes rates of $4.00 on a 20-gallon can, $8.00 on a
32-gallon can, and $10.00 on the second 32-gallon can; and which
would come close to generating necessary revenue.
Councilmember Thomas stated she is not happy with the work or the
criteria used by the Joint Refuse Rate Review Committee; believes
a study needs to be done to determine if the rate increase is fair;
the amount of money needed to implement a recycling program should
be determined; a fee structure should be generated to implement the
program; a recycling program should be on-line; and until such
time; she does not believe there should be a rate increase.
February 6, 1990
C%0
0 0
The City Manager commented the Recycling Committee is working on a
Request For Proposal which should come to Council in a month or so.
Councilman Arnerich clarified the longer an increase of rates is
delayed, the higher the rates must go, in order to meet the
increase necessary this year.
Councilmember Thomas stated she believes 16% is a large increase
particularly for seniors on fixed income; noted recycling must be
accomplished, and requested the City Attorney within a month or so,
look at the franchise agreement and determine what ways the City's
ordinances could be amended to stop future escalation of fees.
Councilman Arnerich noted under Option No. 1, the 20-gallon can
for senior citizens is still $4.00, the final total reflects
$60,000 in revenue; and he believes that is a reasonable figure
with which to work.
Councilmember Withrow commented Option No. 2, implies there will
be less garbage, because the difference between the rates for the
first and second cans would motivate people to remain with one can;
and his rationale in opting for Option No. 2 is to start now with
a "bite" in the program to head toward 1995 when there should be a
25% reduction in garbage, pursuant to direction by the State.
Councilmember Camicia stated Option No. 2 makes sense if curbside
recycling was established as it would then encourage persons to
recycle; Option No. 1 is good now because it would allow the City
to put some money into the start-up of the recycling program, and
perhaps Option No. 2 will be appropriate when the matter is
revisited in the future.
Councilmember Withrow commented a large number of residents are
recycling, there are avenues for recycling, and Council should
provide a means for citizens to gain further financial feedback by
pursuing recycling that is available now.
Councilmember Withrow's motion for Option No. 2 failed as there was
no second.
Councilman Arnerich moved adoption of Option No. 1 as recommended
by the Finance Committee, which gives the people of 1 and 2 garbage
cans a $1.00 break per month and allows the City to generate
revenues of $60,000 a year to be earmarked for the recycling
programs that will be taking effect in the near future.
Councilmember Camicia seconded the motion.
In response to Councilmember Thomas's inquiry regarding a
commercial surcharge, the Finance Director replied all the options
carry the proposed surcharge.
The motion was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes:
Councilmembers Arnerich, Camicia, and Withrow - 3. Noes:
Councilmember Thomas - 1. Absent: None. Abstentions: President
February 6, 1990
9
Corica - 1. [Due to family member's employment by Oakland
Scavenger]
Councilmember Thomas stated, until such time as there is a rate
which includes the full amount for recycling, she will not approve
a rate increase for waste management.
Councilmember Camicia moved the related ordinance be taken out of
order; Councilman Arnerich seconded the motion which was carried
by unanimous voice vote - 5.
90-086 Ordinance No. N.S. "Amending the Alameda Municipal
Code by amending Section 15-6210 thereof relating to rates for
collection of garbage and refuse and prescribing method of
collection." Introduced.
Councilmember Camicia moved introduction of the ordinance.
Councilman Arnerich seconded the motion which was carried by the
following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Arnerich, Camicia, and
Withrow - 3. Noes: Councilmember Thomas - 1. Absent: None.
Abstentions: President Corica - 1. [Due to family member's
employment by Oakland Scavenger]
90-087 Consideration of Zoning Text Amendment, ZA-89-2, and a
Proposed Negative Declaration to add a floor-area-ratio component,
and associated definitions, to the residential zoning district bulk
entitlement sections of the Zoning Ordinance, and to the maximum
height allowed within the R-5 and R-6 Zoning Districts. Applicant:
City of Alameda.
Written Communications:
* From John Barni, Jr., Alameda, opposing Zoning Amendment
to limit square footage of residential properties within
residential zones.
President Corica explained the procedure of the hearing.
The Acting Planning Director reviewed the background of the matter.
The public portion of the hearing was opened.
On the call for proponents, the following persons spoke:
Christopher Buckley, 1017 San Antonio Avenue, suggested Council
further review the floor-area-ratio component; proposed a number
of alternatives; and proposed mapping in advance instead of on
case-by-case basis.
Ronald Marzolf, 1354 Grove Street, suggested a trigger when floor
area reaches 50% at which time a design review could take place.
Dee Prado, 1137 Bay Street, encouraged Council or Planning Board to
meet with representatives, such as property owners, architects,
etc., to procure more information and effect a compromise, and
February 6, 1990
suggested a committee to assist in information-gathering.
Ken Hans Gutleben, 3021 Thompson, stated the ordinance is unfair to
homeowners who have been planning for years to improve their homes;
suggested Council strengthen design review and leave ordinance
alone.
John J. Barni, Jr., 875 Island Drive, stated criteria used was
inaccurate; does not believe height limit should be changed in R-6
zone; suggested wording that every permit for home addition or a
new home should be compatible to existing neighborhood today or is
subject to review by Planning Department.
Don Patterson, 1256 Sherman Street, Alameda Board of Realtors, read
letter from the Board opposing the proposed ordinance; addressed
the affect of the ordinance on affordable housing; stated the
answer to ensuring design compatibility is design review in
residential districts.
President Corica closed the public portion of the hearing.
Councilmember Withrow stated much more information is needed before
he would be comfortable voting on the subject; likes suggestion of
Ms. Prado that committee be formed to provide data; proposed City
staff provide structured impact analysis for Council, and moved the
ordinance be tabled for a period of two months until the additional
information could be produced.
President Corica expressed concern that there could be a
reoccurrence of problems similar to the Yorkshire Street incident,
if applications are received during the two month interim.
Councilmember Camicia suggested the Planning Board place the matter
on its next agenda, so the matter could be expedited and returned
to Council at the February 20th or March 6th Council Meeting.
Councilman Arnerich remarked he is not comfortable with the
recommendation presented to Council, does not want to move hastily;
endorsed tabling and returning matter to Planning Board, appointing
committee as suggested by Ms. Prado; and added that the current
proposal restricts the ability of young couples to buy small homes
and make additions on them.
President Corica, commented, in lieu of committees, perhaps all
persons who are concerned could attend the Planning Board meeting
and voice their concern.
Councilmember Camicia seconded the motion which was carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
90-088 Consideration of Housing and Community Development needs in
Alameda.
President Corica explained the procedure of the hearing.
February 6, 1990
41
The Community Development Director reviewed the background of the
matter, noting the hearing is to obtain citizens' comments on
housing and community needs.
The public portion of the hearing was opened.
The following persons addressed needs:
Sue Olmsted, 1117 Holly, Volunteers of America, gave status report
on the winter shelter program, and requested the program be
considered for future funding.
Jane Hanson, 110 Brunswick, Case Manager, Midway Center, Volunteers
of America, noted shelter is a transitional shelter and described
assistance provided to the homeless.
Councilmember Arnerich requested weekly progress reports on the
Alameda Midway Homeless Winter Program.
Fred Scullin, Lincoln Avenue, stated the number of people who apply
for the shelter is a good indication of the need which exists;
noted areas in the City where homeless people are living on the
streets.
Jo-Ellen Spencer-Perry, Bananas, Inc., Child Care Information and
Referral Service, 6501 Telegraph, Oakland, described program which
pays for child care of low-income Alameda residents, and submitted
statistical information to Council.
Virginia Krutilek, 921 Broadway, Alameda Homeless Network,
described needs; suggested perhaps City could help the programs by
finding someone who could write grant applications to possible
alternate funding sources; another need is for a more permanent
shelter.
Phyllis Marshall, 2855 Jackson Street, Social Service Human
Relations Board, stated help is needed to find alternate funding
for the homeless; and expressed a personal concern for funding for
mental health.
Ashley Jones, 1040 Fair Oaks, Member, Advisory Board, Four Bridges,
stated the program is under-staffed; is a vital and important
program; and requested consideration of funding.
Jon Schiller, Executive Director, Xanthos, and Alameda Family
Services, urged some provision be made for counseling, mental
health and child abuse services for the homeless.
President Corica closed the public portion of the hearing.
President Corica expressed appreciation for the input, noted the
funds are limited, but concerns will be considered.
Councilmember Thomas expressed concern for children in the center
and inquired if there is a specific program for them, to which Ms.
February 6, 1990
if 4
Hanson responded there are specific programs for the children,
including enrollment in public schools, counseling through Xanthos,
and free medical service through the Naval Air Station.
Councilmember Thomas commented a program for a six-month or
one-year follow-up would be helpful.
President Corica closed the hearing, and thanked those who
participated.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
90-089 From Finance Committee on financing capital projects.
Paul Breitkopf, 1823 San Jose Avenue, supported funding citizen
survey, believes upgrading the Carnegie Building and City Hall
renovation should be given priority, and the Alameda Historical
Society should receive help to acquire a permanent location.
Gertrude Woods, 1247 Sherman Street, stated she believes the public
in a survey would say "no" to a bond issue; and until required
funds for certain projects are specified, a public opinion survey
is superfluous.
Robert Vaughn, P.O. Box 1054, Alameda, suggested money be spent on
library improvements by leasing one centrally located library
facility while the main and branch libraries are renovated; it
would cost less in the long run; and in the meantime, library
books could be inventoried and culled.
Judy Pollard, 920 Grand Street, stated she fully endorses a plan
for an objective poll to find out the will of the people.
Susan Correa, Alameda, Alameda Victorian Preservation Society,
stated the Society supports the idea of a poll to investigate the
feasibility of a bond issue as outlined by the Finance Committee;
would like items addressed individually rather than lumped together
as a single $20,000,000 bond issue, in order to gauge the public's
interest on each point.
Robert DeCelle, Chairman, Historical Advisory Board, submitted
Board action adopted February 1, 1990 to Council; the Board, when
originally making the motion that it wanted a bond issue prepared,
was thinking of the Carnegie Building and City Hall; it would seem
better to stay with only these two items which are currently part
of the City's goals; if Council has a survey, and the Board
believes Council should have a survey, then the Board would like to
have those items, as transmitted to Council in May, 1989, listed so
that people can make more complete decisions regarding the Carnegie
Building and its use.
Lois Francis, 1012 Grand Street, stated, without information from a
survey, the City can be left to pursue courses of action
unsupported by the voters; proceeding without polling the voters
concerning how much they are willing to spend on the Carnegie
February 6, 1990
Building for a library, does a disservice to the community.
Loretta Graziano Breuning, 2055 San Jose Avenue, expressed support
for the poll, and for distinguishing which are the real choices and
which are essentials, e.g., the seismic upgrading of City Hall and
the Carnegie Building, and supports the idea of placing before the
voters the choice of building a permanent home for the museum.
Greg Beattie, 1023 Morton Street, President, Alameda Historical
Museum, noted the Museum has been informed that it must move out
within the year; currently the Museum has no room to display all
of its collections, and he believes a survey is important.
David Plummer, 1401 High Street, spoke in favor of a poll but
stated it should be broken down to explore all possibilities; if
the public is given the option of eliminating the Linoaks library
site from the issue and therefore cutting the bond issue amount
down, there would be a good chance for a bond passage.
Councilmember Thomas stated she does not believe the proposed
$16,000 survey would be a valid use of the money, until there is a
defined project, cost of the project, and more unity, because,
otherwise, the bond issue will not pass.
Councilmember Camicia, stated a poll would be useful for a range of
reasons but is virtually worthless if Council is not united behind
a plan or vision, and he does not have the impression that will
happen before the June election, therefore he believes it to be a
mistake to spend $16,000 on a poll when Council is unlikely to
support whatever the bond issue is and campaign energetically for
passage.
Councilman Arnerich requested the City Manager comment on funding
without a bond issue.
The City Manager responded the projects listed by the Finance
Committee is a partial list of needs, there are needs for the City
to upgrade its buildings, e.g., the Police Building needs a new
jail; City Hall is currently being designed for upgrading
structurally, etc.; the cost of projects is not yet known, but
there are a variety of funding methods, e.g. Mello Roos funds,
grants; need to do assessment, come back with viable alternatives
and if no other means than bonding, then a public opinion research
poll would be necessary before going out for bonding.
Councilmember Withrow commented that bond issues are only one
alternative and agreed at this point in time, it is necessary to
have more information which a survey might provide; but before
being in a position to develop a survey that would identify the
alternatives, it would be necessary to do a lot more homework and
for that reason, he would move 1) Council charge the Finance
Committee to pursue some of the alternative sources of funding that
the City Manager discussed, develop ideas and report back with
recommendations to the Council.
February 6, 1990
Councilmember Thomas seconded the motion which was carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
90-090 From Fire Chief regarding status of Police/Fire Construction
Impact Fee.
Councilmember Camicia moved acceptance of the report.
Councilmember Thomas seconded the motion which was carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
90-091 From City Manager recommending administrative restructuring.
Christopher Buckley, commented on the restructuring, stated he
believes the Planning Director's position is one of the most
important in the City and that person should report to the City
Manager.
The City Manager replied the report indicates that when the
Planning Director position is filled, the matter will be assessed
and will be brought back before Council.
Councilmember Camicia moved acceptance. Councilmember Thomas
seconded the motion which was carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
RESOLUTIONS
90-092 Resolution No. 11931 "Supporting AB 2023 concerning
operation of coin-operated vending machines containing harmful
(sexually explicit) materials." (Councilmember Camicia)
Councilmember Camicia stated Assemblyman Gil Ferguson has
introduced this Bill before, and if the resolution is passed by
Council, the resolution should be sent to Kathryn Perry, aide to
Assemblyman Ferguson; the Senate Judiciary, Senator Bill Lockyer,
Chairman; the Senate Rules Committee, Senator David Roberti,
Chairman.
Councilmember Thomas suggested regulation of newspaper racks, e.g.,
uniform newsracks, recycling receptacles, fees to provide
receptacles, etc., to which the City Attorney responded she would
review the related ordinance and provide maximum restrictions.
Councilman Arnerich suggested perhaps there could be replacement of
newsracks that would be more aesthetically pleasing.
Councilmember Camicia moved adoption of the resolution.
Councilmember Withrow seconded the motion which was carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
90-093 Resolution No. 11932 "Authorizing City Manager to execute
purchase and sale contract, commercial lease, Title Company escrow
instructions, Acknowledgment of Bill of Sale and related documents
for purchase and lease of Linoaks Motel." Adopted.
John Scott Graham, 1728 Tregloan Court, stated the resolution is
February 6, 1990
overdue, and commented on the lack of a quiet reading area in the
library.
Councilmember Camicia moved adoption of the resolution.
Councilmember Thomas seconded the motion which was carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
90-094 Resolution No. 11933 "Supporting continuation of existing
military facilities in the Bay Area and recognizing their
importance to the economic vitality of the region." Adopted.
John Scott Graham, 1728 Tregloan Court, favors the base but stated
there should be a retraining program for federal employees in case
the base is closed.
Loretta Graziano Bruening, 2055 San Jose Avenue, stated military
bases do not meet national security needs; in the short run
closure will be a problem; the nation can be reconstructed.
Councilmember Withrow moved adoption of the resolution.
Councilmember Thomas seconded the motion which was carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
Councilmember Camicia stated there is cooperative interaction with
the base, but if the Port of Oakland uses the area, he is concerned
that Alameda will change because of the ships that will dock, and
the freight and heavy traffic through the City.
President Corica expanded on the changes and problems of traffic
that would occur; and further discussed the difficulty of taking
care of the 5000 families which depend upon income from the base;
and the importance of protecting the base.
Councilmember Camicia requested staff address ways in which the
City can obstruct the Port of Oakland, and others, from acquiring
the Naval Air Station property in the event of base closure.
President Corica commented when closure was proposed in about 1980,
the Naval Air Station upon his suggestion, renewed its lease on the
154 acres situated around the deep water area for an additional 25
years, and he believes Port of Oakland would therefore have
difficulty procuring the area; the City should continue to support
the base, and keep it from closure.
Councilman Arnerich commented on the height of buildings, heaviness
of traffic and other impact on the City of Alameda that would occur
if the Port of Oakland and other developers replace the Naval Air
Station.
Councilmember Thomas commented on the long-term unemployment of
blue-collar workers and other problems that would occur upon base
closure, and believes there should be thorough evaluation of the
issue.
President Corica stated he is not eager to share a lobbyist, the
February 6, 1990
County and Oakland have lobbyists, he does not see why Council
should be paying them to help Alameda as he is not sure they can do
much more than Council can do; the City also has a legislative
analyst, the Management Analyst, who can keep on top of the matter;
the City has the cooperation of Naval Air Station personnel who
receive information before lobbyists do, and our legislators have
all stated they are going to protect Alameda.
Councilmember Withrow stated hiring a professional who knows
Washington, D.C. and its political environment and activity, would
be in the best interest of the City; does not believe the base
complexes in the area are competitive, and therefore there is a
common interest and a lobbyist hired by the City, Oakland, and the
County could identify and convey local interest to Washington
decision-makers; believes City must do whatever it can on this
issue, and that a lobbyist is needed.
President Corica stated he believes a Mayor of any City can open
doors faster than any lobbyist, noting the quick action through his
conversation with the Secretary of Transportation regarding ferry
system funding.
Councilmember Camicia stated before issue of lobbyist is addressed,
Council must address strategy to pursue, and requested staff
prepare a detailed strategy which identifies all the hurdles and
how to cross them.
President Corica stated Council should campaign concerning base
closure.
Councilman Arnerich commented the staff recommendations are to
explore and pursue what can be done; it is not binding.
Councilmember Withrow moved to approve the resolution.
Councilmember Thomas seconded the motion which was carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
Councilmember Camicia moved to continue the meeting past 11:00
p.m., Councilmember Withrow seconded the motion which was approved
by consensus of Council.
Councilmember Withrow moved to accommodate staff's recommendations
2 through 6: 2) authorize staff to immediately solicit proposals
from research firms to study base closure impacts; 3) authorize
staff to apply for federal Advanced Planning Grants for which the
City may be eligible and for any State funding (if available); 4)
authorize staff to initiate discussions with the City of Oakland
and Alameda County for the purpose of proposing a joint study and a
cost sharing arrangement; 5) consider establishing a Citizen Task
Force composed of citizens from Alameda, Oakland and the County as
wellas business and labor leaders, local employee groups at the
affected military installation, Navy Leaguers and others, as would
be appropriate and 6) encourage the formation of a Regional Task
Force to study and focus on region-wide issues associated with base
closures; Councilmember Camicia seconded the motion.
February 6, 1990
President Corica stated he would vote No because he believes the
activity will be time-consuming and will stall Council and keep
Council from acting.
Councilmember Camicia requested Councilmember Withrow include a
seventh recommendation calling for a Special Meeting to brainstorm
campaign strategies. Councilmember Withrow agreed to add the
seventh recommendation.
President Corica requested each Councilmember write what each one
believes will be effective in the campaign to remove the Naval Air
Station from the list of base closures.
Councilman Arnerich stated he would support that request.
Councilmember Thomas stated more study is appropriate but does not
believe formalizing it in this manner is appropriate.
The motion was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes:
Councilmembers Arnerich, Camicia, Withrow - 3. Noes:
Councilmember Thomas and President Corica - 2. Absent: None.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES
90-095 Ordinance No. , N.S. "Amending Chapter I, Title XI
(Zoning) of the Municipal Code relating to floor area, maximum
number of stories and height and building coverage." Tabled. (See
Paragraph 90-087 for explanation.)
90-096 Ordinance No. , N.S. "Amending Title II, Chapter 1,
Article 1, Sections 2-111, and 2-116 of the Alameda Municipal Code
pertaining to Council Meetings to allow the Regular Meeting to
commence at 7:00 p.m. to hold a Closed Session, and pertaining to
Order of Business of City Council Meetings, and deleting Section
2-114 pertaining to Other Meetings. Introduced.
Councilmember Camicia moved introduction. Councilmember Withrow
seconded the motion which was carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
90-097 At the request of Councilmember Withrow, the Public Works
Director commented on the status of the ferry system, who noted the
ridership is up slightly; and funding applied for by the City has
been approved.
NEW BUSINESS
90-098 Councilmember Camicia requested that a staff member attend
the Airport Master Plan Meeting on February 15th at the
MetroCenter, as he is unable to be present.
90-099 Councilmember Camicia requested staff to investigate a
complaint regarding Chronicle newspaper personnel creating
February 6, 1990
disturbances, e.g., speeding and noise, at 5:30 a.m. in the
morning on Clement Avenue near Elm Street.
90-100 Councilmember Camicia requested assistance in locating
housing below $400.00 for a retired person confined to a
wheelchair.
90-101 Consideration of appointment to Mayor's Committee for the
Handicapped.
President Corica appointed Robert Elkins to the Committee.
Councilmember Withrow moved approval of the appointment.
Councilman Arnerich seconded the motion which was carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
President Corica appointed Addrienne Grimes to the Committee.
Councilman Arnerich moved approval of the appointment.
Councilmember Withrow seconded the motion which was carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
President Corica appointed Daniel Long to the Committee.
Councilman Arnerich moved approval of the appointment.
Councilmember Withrow seconded the motion which was carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
President Corica appointed Cecilia Massey to the Committee.
Councilman Arnerich moved approval of the appointment.
Councilmember Withrow seconded the motion which was carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
ADJOURNMENT
President Corica adjourned the meeting at 11:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/'
DIANE B. FELSCH, CMG
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted 72 hours in advance in
accordance with the Brown Act.
February 6, 1990