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1987-11-17 Regular CC Minutes64 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD - - - - - ° - - - TUESDAY - - - NOVEMBER 17, 1987 The meeting convened at 7 :30 p.m. (at the conclusion of the Closed Session to discuss the City of Alameda v. Todd Shipyard, California State Automobile Association v. City of Alameda, Williams v. City of Alameda, and a litigation matter, and the meeting of the Community Improvement Commission) with President Corica presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was given by Councilmember Monsef. Reverend Martell Twitchell gave the invocation. ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Camicia, Haugner, Monsef, Thomas, and President Corica - 5. Absent: None. MINUTES Councilmember Thomas requested that the City Manager review Paragraph 87 -792 of the minutes of November 3, 1987, and state whether or not the minutes reflected his comments. The City Manager stated his comments would best be reflected by the following: that basically he indicated that in fact she (Swanson] had filed bankruptcy and outlined the steps that we had taken to that point to ensure that the City was protected and that we anticipated that she would be withdrawing her bankruptcy subject to favorable negotiations with one of her debtors which is basically what we understood as of November 3rd. Councilmember Thomas made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of November 3, 1987, with that change, and the Special Council Meeting of November 9, 1987. Councilmember Camicia seconded the motion and it was carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Thomas requested removal of Items 1 -J regarding parking spaces on Park Street, south of Otis (See 87 -820), and 1 -K, regarding approval of Bills (See 87 -822), and Councilmember Monsef requested removal of Item 1 -F regarding a resolution concerning AC Transit (See 87 -817), from the Consent Calendar to the regular agenda. Councilmember Camicia made a motion to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of the above -noted items. Councilmember Haugner seconded the motion and it was carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS *87 -795 From Finance Director on City's Investment Portfolio as of October 31, 1987. Accepted. *87 -796 From Public Works Director recommending acceptance of work by Mountain Cascade, Inc. for Krusi Park Pump Station Bypass, P.W No. 9- 86 -34. Accepted. *87 -797 From Public Works Director on the acquisition of electrical transformer easements for Underground Utility District No. 8. Accepted. RESOLUTIONS *87 -798 Resolution No. 11344 "Authorizing City Manager to execute two personal service agreements for contract construction inspectors." Adopted. *87 -799 Resolution No. 11345 "Authorizing negotiation in the open market for equipment repair pursuant to Section 3 -15 of the City Charter." Adopted. *87 -800 Resolution No. 11346 "Authorizing execution of lump sum operating agreement with Security Pacific National Bank." Adopted. *87 -801 Resolution No. 11347 "Supporting an interim extension to the Clean Air Act." Adopted. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES *87 -802 Ordinance No. N.S. "Amending Title XVII of the Alameda Municipal Code to establish five additional official parking spaces on the south side of Lincoln Avenue." Introduced. RETURN TO REGULAR AGENDA WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 87 -803 From John Barni, Jr., Shaw & Lunt Realtors, 875 Island Drive, requesting Council's consideration of minimum standards of construction techniques and materials to be used in all new construction. Councilmember Camicia made a motion to accept the communication. Councilmember Monsef seconded the motion and it was carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. HEARINGS 87 -804 Hearing to determine the public need for the property at Oak Street and Central Avenue. The Public Works Director reviewed the background of the matter which is to reconsider eminent domain proceedings. 66 President Corica opened the public portion of the hearing, and stated, for clarity for the general public, that the subject is whether the condemnation proceedings should be dropped, so the the people in favor of dropping the condemnation proceedings would be voting yes; the people who are proponents would be against the condemnation proceedings. On the call for proponents, the following spoke: Fred Scullin, 1120 Chestnut Street. Peter Delanoy, 1624 Harrison Street, Oakland. Diane Coler -Dark, 2857 Jackson Street. Gerhard Degeman, 19 Sandpiper Place. On the call for opponents, the following spoke: John Scott Graham, 1728 Tregloan Court. Dave Plummer, 1401 High Street. Frank Lopez, 1401 Park Street, Park Street Business Association The public portion of the hearing was closed. Councilmember Haugner inquired what would happen if no action is taken by Council tonight. The City Attorney responded that the City has an agreement with the owner, the City has agreed to not take possession of the property even though it has the right to; the City has agreed to allow the owner to lease it for a one -year period, and in return the owner agreed that if the condemnation action were dismissed within that one -year period he would not ask for the costs that are normally attendant on the City dismissing a case once it has been filed. The decision to go ahead or not go ahead is to be made within the one -year period. Councilmember Haugner stated the agreement provides the City with some time, no one knows what the future holds, and she would be in favor of keeping the status quo for the twelve months. Councilmember Thomas stated the lot is already eighty percent parking and asked how many more spaces would be gained by elimination of the building, what it would cost, could the City buy another piece of property for a lesser amount per parking space, has anyone from the Library Board been notified of the item on the agenda so they could consider a need for it, and noted the cost of the 12 to 17 spaces would be $800,000. The City Clerk responded that the agenda had been transmitted to the Library Board members. President Corica stated that he was opposed to the condemnation at the beginning and still is, and since there is now a viable business which is a valuable addition, he would not like to see a waste of the City's money in Court if it is not necessary, and would like the condemnation proceedings abated. 67 Councilmember Thomas inquired how many parking spaces would be gained, to which the City Manager responded there would be about 10 or 15 additional spaces. Councilmember Camicia stated the need for parking has been noted for many years; additional parking is needed but this is not the place as there is a viable business present now. Councilmember Thomas noted that Item 1 -J which she pulled off the Consent Calendar is the elimination of ten parking spaces on Park Street, though near Otis, while purchase of ten spaces is considered at a cost of $800,000. Councilmember Camicia made a motion that the City abandon efforts to pursue condemnation proceedings. Councilmember Thomas seconded the motion and it carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Camicia, Thomas, Monsef, and President Corica - 4. Noes: Councilmember Haugner - 1. Absent: None. APPEALS 87 -805 Appeal of Planning Board's decision to approve Variance 87 -30. The property is located at 815 Paru Street and is zoned R -1, One Family Residence District. Applicant: Richard Burgess. Appellants: Roger and Bernice Lucero. (Continued from November 3rd Council Meeting.) The Planning Director explained the background of the matter is a request by the applicant to allow construction of a free standing garage accessory structure in the rear yard exceeding the 15 foot height limit. Ann Anderson, 704 Paru Street, stated she is a neighbor in favor of the Planning Board's decision to allow the addition, which will be an asset to the neighborhood. Mary Harris, 1330 Clinton Avenue, stated she has no objection to the addition; that spreading out further would take too much of their property, so it is better to go up to get extra space. Robert Bordner, 816 Paru Street, stated he is in favor of the addition because it will look good in the rear yard, will improve the neighborhood, and it cannot clearly be seen from the street. Richard Burgess, applicant, 816 Paru Street stated he is in favor of the Planning Board's decision. Bernice Lucero, appellant, 821 Paru Street, stated she has no objection to a one story playroom; square footage of Burgess lot allows for 656 square feet of playroom /sewing room and garage, and would leave forty percent yard open; the current plan is detrimental to her property as it would have a 20 1/2 foot long by 18 1/2 foot high wall, with gutters directly over her property causing water leakage and damage, would affect her property 68 value, and would not permit privacy in her yard and home; and requested reevaluation of the Planning Board decision. President Corica inquired of the Planning Director if it is supposed to be a one-story building, to which the Planning Director responded the plans are for a garage beneath and a multi-purpose room above, which in a sense is two stories; the ordinance allows a single story building up to 15 feet, the variance was needed to exceed that; and because it is an accessory building to the garage, it is allowed on the lot line. Councilmember Haugner noted that the Planning Board voted unanimously in favor of the variance and she would accept the Planning Board's investigation in the matter. Councilmember Thomas inquired of Mr. Burgess if there will be windows on the side of 821 Paru, to which he replied there are not, and the Code does not permit openings on the property line. Councilmember Monsef inquired if the issue came before the Planning Board as to whether the 18 foot structure would have an impact on the neighboring yard, to which the Planning Director replied it was the major issue discussed and the Board made it a condition of approval that there be no windows on the north or west side of the building adjacent to the property lines. Councilmember Camicia inquired if the Planning Director would address the concerns of Mrs. Lucero. The Planning Director stated the walls adjacent to the property lines would have no windows, and the front wall above the garage door opening, facing the street, does have windows in it. Councilmember Thomas inquired if the existing house has windows facing the neighboring property to which the Planning Director replied he believes it does. Councilmember Monsef stated the ordinance limits the height to 15 feet but the Planning Board gave a variance of three feet, the Planning Board overlooked the adverse affects on the neighboring lot, and he made a motion for the appeal and to reverse the decision of the Planning Board. Councilmember Haugner stated she believes it important that some neighbors spoke who believed the Burgess garage and playroom will be an asset to the neighborhood and that should be considered. President Corica stated he agreed with Councilmembers Monsef and Haugner to a certain extent, thinks the Planning Board considered all that has been discussed, but if a person has had privacy in the past and now by an action of the Planning Board will no longer have privacy, that is quite a loss. Councilmember Thomas inquired of Mr. Burgess how high his house is, if it has windows on the side facing the Lucero property and if the existing garage has windows facing that direction. Mr. Burgess stated the house is about 24 feet to the peak so the new structure is lower; there are windows facing the house; and there are windows in the garage that face the Lucero property. President Corica stated the Council is concerned about loss of privacy, if, however, the existing garage has windows on that side and the new structure will not, that makes a difference. Councilmember Monsef restated his motion that the Council uphold the appeal and reverse the decision of the Planning Board. The motion failed for lack of a second. Councilmember Camicia made a motion to uphold the decision of the Planning Board. Councilmember Haugner seconded the motion which was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Camicia, Haugner, Thomas and President Corica - 4. Noes: Councilmember Monsef - 1. Absent: None. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 87 -806 From Vice Mayor Thomas on the status of the need for a jail. Fred Scullin, 1120 Chestnut Street, stated he read Councilmember Thomas's report concerning availability of information from staff to Councilmembers and believes it is important that all Council be informed properly, in a timely manner, and equally about matters that concern the City. Councilmember Thomas stated the reason the report was on the agenda is because the Police Department on three separate occasions refused to provide information and informed her to acquire it through the City Manager's office; believes the information requested is authorized by the Charter and is public information; believes a Councilmember is entitled to a little more than the average person, otherwise her vote is meaningless; requested this report, got it, thanked the Police Chief for forwarding it to the City Manager and the City Manager for approving forwarding to her; Councilmember Thomas expressed concern regarding Council- appointed boards and commissions which approve items to go before the Council and subsequently require approval by the City Manager for forwarding to the Council. Councilmember Thomas questioned what kinds of board /commission and staff input Council may not be receiving. Thomas stated she is open to input from any City employee and citizen as she believes she is not receiving vital information; disapproves of "City Manager approval for forwarding to the Council" as Council is elected by the public to govern and do what voters want, not what a City Manager wants; and that is the reason for her report. Councilmember Haugner stated she believes she needs to apologize to the City of Alameda because she has allowed demagogic rhetoric to go on either by spoken word or in writing for over five months and has done nothing, and is sorry; there has never been any difficulty in getting information; she has talked to the City Manager and anyone can; she has never received any special treatment; she requests things and gets them. Councilmember Camicia stated he also believes this is an intolerable situation that has gone on far too long; Council has a preliminary report Councilmember Thomas requested from the Chief of Police, and at some point there will be a final report; the item before Council has nothing to do with the report but is just an opportunity to attack the staff; and he does not believe anyone gets elected to harangue staff but to get things accomplished. President Corica stated he would like to dispense with the situation; that first, he disagrees that a person must wait for information if there is a draft. He wants whatever is in writing whether draft or final; secondly, he shares Councilmember Thomas's concern about getting information that has to be more or less digested by the City Manager, which he believes is fine as it is the City Manager's prerogative before it is passed to Council, however he wishes to state for the third time publicly that he will not rely only on Department heads for the status of the departments but workers of the City at any level can call and talk to him or see him because under the Charter, for purposes of information, he has that right, and he wants employees to feel comfortable if they have a concern, an idea to make the department better or if something is wrong, to see him, as he wants to know. President Corica further stated that he knows all of Council works hard; they were voted in to have five different schools of thought on an item, the ideal situation would be to have five different ideas, five methods, where Council pools those ideas to come out for the benefit of the City of Alameda. Concerning a retreat, only Council would really know what will transpire and that to him is a violation of the Brown Act. Councilmember Monsef made a motion to accept the report. Councilmember Thomas seconded the motion and it was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Monsef, Thomas and President Corica - 3. Noes: Councilmembers Camicia and Haugner - 2. Absent: None. 87 -807 From Vice Mayor Thomas regarding Sally Swanson bankruptcy. Councilmember Thomas stated she put this on the agenda because of the severity of the situation; explained the background of the matter, that the City of Alameda entered into a $187_,000 contract with Sally Swanson & Associates a few months ago for architectural services for City Hall structure, Swanson filed bankruptcy, the information in the report is from the bankruptcy court and Dun & Bradstreet which says she has a slow record of payments, there have been public filings of lawsuits, judgments, abstracts of judgments, withholding and FICA tax liens by the IRS in the amount of $33,000 which is significant, etc.; there is one Satisfaction of Judgment, and some representations that payments have been worked out with some creditors; but she is afraid Swanson may not be able to perform on the long -term contract the City has with her; that the City cannot pay any money which is on the agenda as it must pay the Trustee in the bankruptcy court. The City Attorney noted it would be without due process as the City has received no notice from the bankruptcy court but that is moot because the City has received Notice of a Tax Levy from the IRS this afternoon. Councilmember Thomas stated she reviewed efforts staff made in verifying that Swanson was a legitimate and responsible bidder, finds no fault in anything staff did, it was a good job but something must be lacking in the procedures and it is the reason for the report, to look at internal procedures and see whether or not there is something else to do to avoid this situation in the future. Sally Swanson, Swanson Associates, 44 Page Street, San Francisco, stated she sent a letter reviewing the report, that she did not file a Chapter 7 but a Chapter 13, that she filed because she had difficulty negotiating with a lending institution, and as soon as she filed, the institution agreed to negotiate, and she will be withdrawing the filing; that she has only one judgment as she has made payment settlements with everybody else; produced names of clients with whom she now has contracts; stated the firm is doing very well, believes the work done thus far for the City is excellent, has met deadlines, regarding the IRS, has a payment plan and has made payments, was surprised about the Levy and will contact them tomorrow. President Corica inquired what the IRS payments are, to which Ms. Swanson stated the payments are $2500 per month, and they have been paying on time. The City Attorney inquired if the IRS had been given notice of the bankruptcy, to which Ms. Swanson's attorney replied they had. Following further discussion, the City Attorney commented that there are inconsistencies between what is in the bankruptcy petition and the letter submitted by Ms. Swanson. President Corica stated Council should wait until the entire matter is cleared up before proceeding with the contractual work, to which the City Manager responded he believed that should be done and had sent a memo to Council that there would be a report on the December 1, 1987, agenda, and President Corica commented that there was no assurance the matter would be cleared up by December 1st. Councilmember Camicia stated the subject should be closed; inquired of Ms. Swanson if she had been contacted by any Councilmember on the problem, to which she replied she had not; stated Council had subjected her to public ridicule without entire information, told her he was sorry about what had happened. Councilmember Thomas stated she too believes it was inappropriate to air the matter in public, that the staff had the information two meetings ago and had it been reviewed then, there might have been no need of tonight's review. President Corica stated when the Bankruptcy Judge decides everything is clear, then the contractual relationship may continue; that it seems the fairest, cleanest approach to the subject and entertained a motion to hold up all dealings with Swanson & Associates until the matter is cleared up. Councilmember Thomas so moved, and Councilmember Monsef seconded the motion. Councilmember Haugner stated she has worked with Ms. Swanson on the Committee for the restoration of the building; realizes there is a problem, however the real tragedy is dealing with demagogic rhetoric; believes she should have received the information from Councilmember Thomas earlier. The City Attorney made summary comments that the City has a legitimate contract with Swanson & Associates, that Swanson has performed well in the work that has been done; that Swanson has created an ambiguous situation on paper in dealing with the creditor, that bankruptcy items are ambiguous, that no one is disparaging Swanson's professional ability but the economic situation has created some ambiguity for the City and no one would like to see a situation where $40-50,000 work is done and if the firm cannot continue it would be difficult for another architect to take over the job and that money could be lost. The City Manager stated that all of the contractors Swanson & Associates is currently working with have reaffirmed the quality of work, currency of the efforts and have high regard for what Swanson is doing. President Corica stated that although that is true, the fact is that there is something pending in court and he wants everything cleared up before the City proceeds further. The motion was carried by unanimous vote - 5. 87-808 From Public Works Director recommending acceptance of the subdivision improvements and release of bonds for Tracts 4659, 5347, 5348, and 5349 (Heritage of Alameda, formerly Silva Farms). Councilmember Haugner made a motion to accept the report and recommendation. Councilmember Camicia seconded the motion and it was carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. 87-809 From Public Works Director on the status of the building permit problem at 1625 Willow Street. President Corica stated that a building appears to have been constructed in back of another building and the person has been contacted about it, as the City does not know if the person has a permit. The Public Works Director stated that a certified letter has been sent asking for provision of evidence of application for a permit, that the owner has not replied so it is assumed he will not do so, therefore, he will be requested to remove the improvements. Thomas Delmore, 2062 Pacific Avenue, stated he received the report from the Public Works Director and he believes it is a good and quick way to resolve the matter, and asked what the time frame is on the citation. The Public Works Director responded the property owners are required to proceed in ten days, or the citation will be issued, and after that it goes to the municipal court. Councilmember Monsef made a motion to accept the report. Councilmember Camicia seconded the motion and it was carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. 87 -810 From Public Works Director on the status of evening closure of Parking Lot W. President Corica noted that the Council has been dealing with Mrs. Ullner for many years and at the last Council meeting, it was decided to close the parking lot from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and there are a number of speakers present who disagree with the Council's action. Janet McAfee, 478 B Central, stated she is a resident of the West End, she favors keeping the parking lot open all night; police report reflects there are no major problems; and is concerned that a lot of people who park in the lot would be going through neighborhoods to park, and could create more problems. John A. Bang, 1551 St. Charles Street, stated he is a waiter at Tillie's Tempting Foods on the graveyard shift; talked to many customers and most park in the lot; if the lot is closed, parking would be taken from the residential area and that would not be good for the residents. Councilmember Monsef stated he has seen a lot of parking spaces on Webster Street and Santa Clara Avenue. Mr. Bang responded that most traffic is on weekends and there would need to be a lot of towing as people would not want to leave to move their cars from the lot. Richard Roth, 1533 Webster Street, stated he works nights at his store and there are more cars at night than during the day; it is difficult to find parking there; that parking is banned on the streets from 4:00 to 6:00 a.m. and if the lot is closed, there will be no place to park. Albert Lazo, 1500 Webster Street, stated he is against closing the parking lot, has a petition with hundreds of signatures, his parents own Tillie's and one of the reasons they bought it was because of the parking lot available, and losing it would cause them to lose business. Ed Clark, West Alameda Business Association, 1553 Webster Street, stated the merchants had a lengthy discussion and, given the complaints of the person next to the lot and the asset of the lot to Tillie's, believe that some kind of compromise should be made, perhaps closure on the night that Johnnie's Bar has Ladies' Night and study what problems might be caused by closure on the one night; stated if the lot is closed completely, there will be problems of neighborhood parking. Leo Steccati, 1510 Webster Street, states the source of the problem seems to be Mrs. Ullner, most of her complaints seem unfounded; police reports reflect that; suggests the City add more lights and allow the lot to be left open 24 hours. Patrick Vadnais, 709 Santa Clara Avenue, stated he owns Westinghouse Cleaners, which is thirty feet from the lot and fifty feet from the Ullner residence and is against closing the lot; has a petition on file which about 44 merchants have signed that they do not want the lot closed. Darlene Bang, 1551 St. Charles Street, stated she works at Tillie's and stated that if the lot is closed, it would take a lot of the business elsewhere and affect jobs, and also expressed concern regarding the danger of walking too great a distance to her car. Darlene Banda, P.O. Box 1039, stated she is a property owner in the West End, concurs with prior speakers and is most concerned about increasing neighborhood parking problems. Adolfo Lazo, 1541 Webster Street, stated he works at Tillie's; that if noise is a problem, maybe something could be worked out like sound proofing Mrs. Ullner's bedroom. President Corica stated it was a good idea but it has been proposed to her already and was not accepted. Councilmember Haugner stated she sympathizes with Mrs. Ullner but believes there must be the greatest good for the greatest number, believes in compromise and wonders if part of the lot could be closed, and added that the young woman who has to work late at night and walk to her car is a serious consideration. President Corica stated he understands the concern of compromise but believes closing part of the lot will not do. Councilmember Camicia stated perhaps Council made a mistake last time, believes it is a mistake to close the lot off, and made a motion to keep it open. Councilmember Haugner seconded the motion. Councilmember Thomas stated there is less parking at night, agreed with Councilmember Camicia that Council has made a mistake; noted that perhaps one reason for Council's former action was that Mrs. Ullner approached Council and the matter was discussed at several meetings, and the opposition was not present to oppose the closure. The motion was carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. 87 -811 From Police Chief on the status of the implementation of the Canine Program. Robert Shiells, Chief of Police, stated that the project has been delayed because in the summer time, when the project was requested by Council, the Police Department was down eight sworn personnel; it is currently down one, it takes about seven months from hiring until they are active as they must go through Police Academy and other training; and the other reason for delay is that the department is attempting to develop the Canine Program carefully so that when it is implemented it will be successful. Councilmember Monsef made a motion to accept the report. Councilmember Thomas seconded the motion and it was carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. RESOLUTIONS 87 -812 Resolution No. 11348 "Approving designation of post -top and pendant -style street lights as City Historical Monuments." Adopted. Woody Minor, 777 Taylor Avenue, #102, Chairman, Historical Advisory Commission, stated he is pleased to present the report and hopes the Council will look upon it favorably. Dave Plummer, 1401 High Street, Member, Historical Advisory Commission, stated the cost of the street lights is at a reasonable price; the street lights look very well; they perform well; are cost efficient with a savings to the City; the Bureau of Electricity is pleased with the performance and economy of the street lights; the Public Utilities Board stated in one of its meetings a short time ago, that after reviewing the performance of the street lights, they are not opposed to their becoming a City landmark; and Council has a rare opportunity to offer a gift to the future by making the street lights Landmark No. 20; and commented he has worked on the matter for six years. Robert DeCelle, Member, Historical Advisory Commission, showed pictures of the lights to the Council and audience. Councilmember Haugner stated she recognizes how much it means to those like Mr. Plummer who has worked on street lights but also to the people who drive and walk around the City, and made a motion to adopt the resolution. Councilmember Thomas seconded the motion, commenting that Mr. Plummer stated very well that this is a gift to the future; and the motion was carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. 87-813 Resolution No. 11349 "Authorizing the Public Works Director to negotiate in the open market for holiday decorations for West Alameda Business Association, Park Street Business Association, and Greater Alameda Business Association and appropriating $12,732. from General Fund Reserves to fund the Project." Adopted. Al Wright, 1205 Park Street, stated he has a business on Park Street, the Christmas decorations are a very good idea, believes it will help unify Park Street, lend a more festive atmosphere to the streets, and bring money into the City through tax revenues as it will keep more of the shoppers in town. Diane Coler-Dark, 2857 Jackson, Park Street Business Association, stated they are overwhelmed at the size of the project; it will provide a showcase of unified decorations throughout the entire town, it demonstrates the City's ongoing support of the historic business areas and they are very grateful. Frank Lopez, 1401 Park Street, Park Street Business Association stated the business associations feel this kind of coordinated project regarding the decorations will not only compliment the lights which the businesses have but will attract people to their business districts during the holiday season. Del Blaylock, 1903 Encinal, President, Greater Alameda Business Association, stated he believes this is a great idea for the City; they have about five stations involved and their people are really excited that the City is getting behind a program that would beautify their areas; these are quality decorations that will last a few years, will illuminate the streets, create a good atmosphere for the areas, and will give these independent merchants recognition and uplift they deserve. Ed Clark, 1553 Webster, West Alameda Business Association, stated the merchants on Webster Street, as well as Park Street, have spent considerable funds to place lights on the buildings, and it will be attractive particularly for the children; so that holiday decorations are a joint venture with the City. Councilmember Monsef stated that he believes decorating the business districts is a good idea, and moved the resolution be adopted. Councilmember Haugner seconded the motion, and it was carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. 87-814 Resolution No. 11350 "Opposing imposition of an increase in Federal gas tax." Adopted. Councilmember Monsef made a motion to adopt the resolution. Councilmember Haugner seconded the motion and it was carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. 87 -815 Resolution No. 11351 "Authorizing execution of agreement with Arthur Young for strategic planning services." Adopted. Fred Scullin, 1120 Chestnut Street, stated he believes the matter of policy of long range planning for the future is the job of Council not an outside agency; there is a Planning Department, a Mayor's Economic Development Committee, and a General Plan; the proposal states a steering committee will include one member of the Council, and wonders which member it will be as two are pro - development and two opposed; it will cost $115,000 plus staff time; and it will be developed from key community leaders, but he believes everyone should participate. President Corica stated an update of the General Plan is in process and that should be stressed now more than anything else; that in 1975 when there was a goal study, citizens almost filled the Alameda High School auditorium; believes the strategic plan should be done in- house, the City is capable of doing it, and he does not feel comfortable having a company come in to decide what is good for the City. Councilmember Monsef stated he believed there should be a plan for many years ahead, and does not believe the General Plan is a strategic plan; and the plan can be done professionally or if it can be done in- house, fine, but it must be done, and once established, can be changed from year to year if necessary; and urged it be done. Councilmember Haugner stated it is an exciting concept; and can benefit the City. Councilmember Camicia commended Mr. Monsef for introducing the idea; stated strategic planning will give the opportunity to look several years ahead; and moved adoption of the resolution. Councilmember Haugner seconded the motion. Councilmember Thomas stated she believes that strategic planning is a good concept, however, the City has the ability to make the survey, and there is already too much in the budget. The motion was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Camicia, Haugner, and Monsef - 3. Noes: Councilmember Thomas and President Corica - 2. Absent: None. 87 -816 Resolution No. "Authorizing contract to Connell Oldsmobile for purchase of City vehicle and authorizing execution thereof." Held over. The City Manager stated he has requested the resolution be carried over. Councilmember Camicia made a motion that the resolution be held over. Councilmember Monsef seconded the motion and it was carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. 87 -817 Resolution No. "Resolution in response to AC Transit Five -Year Plan Draft Fiscal Years 1988 -92." Councilmember Monsef stated that AC Transit has many problems right now and wonders if it is a time to do anything. The City Manager stated the plan contains provisions for reduction of service in Alameda and believes it would be good to go on record opposing that. Councilmember Monsef stated that by motion of Council, AC Transit should be advised that it is the position of Council that this City objects to reduction of service to Alameda. The City Manager stated the resolution is basically a suggestion of a radial system of service which the City's transportation department feels may be an enhancement to service; it is only the reduction of service to Alameda that is not acceptable. Councilmember Haugner requested there be a resolution drafted which only reflects opposition to reduction of service in Alameda. Councilmember Camicia seconded the motion and it was carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES 87 -818 Ordinance No. N.S. "Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by adding Articles 8, 9, 10, and 11 to Chapter 1 of Title IX and amending subsections of Article 1 and 2 of Chapter 5 of Title I thereof, relating to dangerous animals and providing for enforcement by infraction." Introduced. Pat Flood, 1636 Lincoln Avenue, stated she is supportive of the revised ordinance; and thanked Captain Colvin and others for their work on it. Nancy Stodder, 612 Haight Avenue, Bull Terrier Club of America, Barbary Coast Bull Terrier Club, expressed appreciation of the revision of the ordinance; stated it is a model of considered and rational legislation that is practicable and enforceable, and hopes other communities copy it. Councilmember Thomas thanked Captain Colvin, Captain Schmitz, Chief Sheills, Pat Flood, and the City Attorney for their efforts, and made a motion to introduce the ordinance. Councilmember Haugner seconded the motion and it was carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. 87 -819 Ordinance No. N.S. "Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by amending Section 1 -411 of Chapter 4 of Title I thereof, relating to penalties for violations of misdemeanors." Introduced. Councilmember Camicia made a motion to introduce the ordinance. Councilmember Monsef seconded the motion and it was carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. *87 -820 Ordinance No. N.S. "Amending Title XVII of the Alameda Municipal Code to establish parking removal on the west side of Park Street south of Otis Drive." Introduced. Councilmember Thomas stated that she was not sure it was consistent to remove parking from one area while searching for it in another area; and questioned if notice had been given the businesses across the street, to which the Public Works Director stated they had been noticed and had no objection. Councilmember Camicia made a motion to introduce the ordinance. Councilmember Haugner seconded the motion and it was carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. FINAL PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES 87 -821 Ordinance No. 2365 N.S. "Reclassifying and rezoning certain properties within the City of Alameda by amending Zoning Ordinance No. 1277, N.S.. Applicant: City of Alameda, R -87 -3, the property located at 3126 Fernside Boulevard." Adopted. Councilmember Camicia made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Councilmember Monsef seconded the motion and it was carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. BILLS *87 -822 A List of Claims for approval. Vice -Mayor Thomas stated she did not object to paying for the Assistant City Manager to attend but objected to the City paying for United Cable personnel travel expenses to a Conference in Anaheim, and inquired if there is a need for that. The City Manager explained that a City Ordinance provides for expenses associated with that trip, which includes all members of the Cable Oversight Committee. Councilmember Thomas moved approval of the Bills, certified by the City Manager as correct, in the amount of $1,877,834.06. Councilmember Monsef seconded the motion and it was carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. Councilmember Camicia noted KQED will have a booth at the conference. Councilmember Monsef commented the conference is educational and helpful to Councilmembers. NEW BUSINESS 87 -823 Councilmember Haugner clarified that Council retreats, as previously suggested by her, would be open to the public and in accordance with the Brown Act. 87 -824 Councilmember Monsef requested a report on the City's consultant, Mr. Floyd Hyde, at the next Council meeting. 87 -825 Councilmember Thomas inquired about the status of a report on the real property transfer tax, previously requested, and requested that reassessment of Harbor Bay Isle which should have been done in 1976, also be addressed. ADJOURNMENT President Corica adjourned the meeting in memory of Al Spadoni, former City Plumbing Inspector at 11:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, DIANE B. FELSCH City Clerk The agenda for this meeting was posted 72 hours in advance in accordance with the Brown Act.