1978-07-26 Special CC PUB MinutesSPECIAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
AND PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD WEDNESDAY JULY 26, 1978
Convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with President Corica presiding.
ROLL CALL: Council Present: Councilmen Beckam, Diament, Sherratt, Tillman, and
President Corica, (5). Absent: None. Public Utilities Board Present: Commissioners
Cecchettini, Durein, Eierman, Goss, and President Monsef, (5). Absent: None.
Receipt of the Notice and Agenda of this Special Meeting had been acknowledged by the
Councilmen and Commissioners and was on file. Purpose of the special session was for
presentation of the Bureau of Electricity's austerity report; explanation of the
lifeline rate; report on the status of the Solid Waste Project; consideration of the
1978-79 Budget, and action on the above, if desired.
Note: The proceedings of City Council meetings are taped in their entirety. Tapes
are on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
1. Bureau "austerity" report/Bureau dividend to City
There was a lengthy discussion on the various proposals contained in the austerity
report.
The possible closing of the collection office on Santa Clara Avenue was discussed. It
was suggested offices be set up in both the east and west ends of town and Bay Farm
Island where residents could pay all of their utility bills, in cash if desired.
In response to a question from Councilman Sherratt, Bureau of Electricity General Manager
Shepard said the budget cuts could be implemented within one month of their adoption.
There was a discussion on the possibility of using above-ground facilities for the main
trunk-feeder lines on the Harbor Bay Isle development. It was thought that no conflict
would exist with the agreement for furnishing underground lines to the development if
only the main lines were attached to poles. The savings and comparative safety between
underground and overground systems were discussed. It was the consensus of the Council
that an amendment to the Subdivision Ordinance be investigated.
On the subject of street lighting, there was discussion on the advisability of decreasing
lighting in the City and how this might be accomplished with the least adverse impact.
Councilman Beckam commented on the possible use of sodium vapor lights as more economical.
City Manager Goss noted the City Engineer was investigating the possibility of obtaining
Economic Development Act money to provide necessary funds to convert the City to sodium
vapor street lights.
The possibility of increasing the rate to the Naval Air Station in order to subsidize the
street lighting was discussed. General Manager Shepard explained the rationale behind
the rate structure, that is, the rate was determined by the actual amount it cost to
provide the power to the customer.
2. Explanation of lifeline rate.
General Manager Shepard explained the Bureau was in a position to provide the same
schedule as PG&E for domestic customers and still provide a lower rate to industrial
and commercial customers than provided by PG&E. He stated this could be
implemented as soon as they could manage the mechanics, which would probably take
about two months.
3. Status of Solid Waste Project.
General Manager Shepard reported on the various steps necessary to implement this
project. He noted long term contracts would be required to insure the minimum amount
of solid waste necessary to operate the plant.
4. Councilman Diament moved the Council advise the Public Utilities Board that they
concurred with the implementation of the lifeline rate, seconded by Councilman Tillman.
On the question, Commissioner Durein said he did not favor using the lifeline rate as
it was used by PG&E. He said he preferred a rate structure that was based on need
rather than usage of power.
Commissioner Eierman commented on a chart provided to the Council explaining the
life line rate.
Commissioner Cecchettini stated he did not feel their customers were too unhappy with
their electric bills. He suggested that rather than implement the lifeline rate at
this time that there might be other things they could do to help the City.
President Monsef suggested the Board might be able to come up with alternatives to
the lifeline rate.
Councilman Tillman requested further information from the Board regarding their position
on the Northern California Power Association, the Solid Waste project, and the use
of geothermal power.
Councilman Diament withdrew her motion with the concurrence of Councilman Tillman.
It was the consensus of the Council that the subject of the lifeline rate be placed on
the agenda of their next regular meeting of August 1, 1978'
5. Councilman Tillman moved the Council inform the Board they recommended savings
produced by implementation of the "austerity" program be turned over to the City,
seconded by Councilman Diament, and carried on the following roll call vote: Ayes:
Three. Noes: Councilmen Deckd0 and Sherratt, (2). Absent: NODe,
6. Consideration of the 1978-79 Budget.
City Manager Goss reviewed the main points of his Budget Memo No. 21 submitted to the
Council. He then listed additional appeals for funds: (1) City Pound; (2) Golf
Course vacancy; (3) development of software programming for utilizing the Bureau's
computer; (4) per diem expenses for employees' travel; (5) contingency fund for
Council and other travel; (6) increase in contingency fund; (7) part-time
positions; (8) vacant CETA Coordinator position.
There was a discussion on funding of the Fernside Extension project.
Councilman Tillman moved the design portion of the Fernside project be started,
seconded bY Councilman Diament.
MrS. Amey Stone, 1523 High Street, commented on the funding of the project and the
source of funds.
The motion carried on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Five, Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Councilman Sherratt moved approval of the recommendations in the City Budget
Memo No. 21. On suggestion from Councilman Beckam, Councilman Sherratt amended the
motion to include the other recommendations made, specifically to allow hiring of the
CETA Coordinator, seconded by Councilman Beckam.
On the question, Councilman Beckam asked the City Manager if it would be possible to
also rescind Resolution No. 8938 relating to the benefits for employees. Mr. Goss
replied that if the Bureau did return the savings from their "austerity" program to
the City, there would be adequate funds to cover these benefit costs.
There was also a discussion about funding an additional position for the Golf Course
maintenance crew. Mr. Lloyd Albright, 1812 Lincoln Avenue, Golf Commissioner, spoke in
favor. Assistant Director of Recreation and Parks Harrison reported on various aspects
of Recreation funding and perS0Dn8l. He also supported funding the additional
position at the Golf Course. He was asked to prepare a report on the part-time program.
On a call for the question, the motion carried on unanimous voice vote.
7. Councilman Diament moved the Council retire to executive session for discussion of
litigation matters, seconded by Councilman Tillman, and carried on unanimous voice
vote. At the conclusion of discussion, Councilman Sherratt moved the Council reconvene
in special session, seconded by Councilman Diament, and carried on unanimous voice VOt8,
8. Councilman Sherratt moved that his previous motion approving the recommendations
Of Budget Memo No. 21 be further amended to include that the City be
instructed through re-alignment of staff to fill the vacant spot at the Golf COUrSe,
The motion was seconded by Councilman Diament and carried on unanimous voice vote.
ADJOURNMENT:
9. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council ddiOUrDed
at 11:10 o'clock p.m.
'
R2SpeCtfully submitted,
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City Clerk