1974-09-19 Special CC MinutesSPECIAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD THURSDAY - - - - - - - - - - -SEPTEMBER 19, 1974
The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. in the Council Chamber of the City Hall with
President La Croix presiding.
ROLL CALL:
The roll was called and Councilmen Beckam, Corica, Hurwitz, McCall and President La Croix, Jr',
(5) were noted present. Absent: None.
1. Receipt of the Notice and Agenda of this Special Meeting had been acknowledged by the Council-
men and was on file. The purpose of the session was for consideration of the proposed Capital
Improvement Program, 1974-76, action thereon if indicated, and consideration of appointments to
Boards and Commissions, and action thereon if appropriate.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
2. Consideration of proposed Capital Improvement Program, 1974-76.
City Manager Goss stated that for the past several months the City staff had been looking at the
possible updating of the Capital Outlay and Improvement Program. He noted the last formally
adopted Capital Improvement budget was prepared in 1985, and portions had been approved each year
as part of the operating budget. He said the program was still not completely implemented and
some projects were still left undone.
With the use of tabulations and slides, project on the screen for the visual information of all
Mr. Goss reviewed the major capital improvement projects completed by the City since 1965, totaling
an expenditure of approximately $1,500,000' These included the Main Fire Station, North Golf
Course reconstruction, Central Maintenance Garage, City Hall improvements in the Police Depart-
ment and Council Chamber, Animal Pound expansion, sanitary sewer replacements, Clinton Avenue
sewer, and improvements at Wcodstock, Washington, Krusi, Godfrey, Rittler, Longfellow and
Lincoln Parks.
Mr. Goss explained, item by item, and with the use of screen projections, the revised version of
the Capital Improvement Program, 1974-76, which had been submitted to the Council, and which had
been broken down into three categories, i.e., Part I - those projects already budgeted; Part II -
those projects potentially capable of being funded; and Part III - needed projects to be deferred
or to be financed from new funding sources. He said the City had started with $9,00O,000 worth of
projects and there were problems in developing the program, such as the uncertainty of receiving
State and Federal funds, inflation which had been boosting construction costs by 10 to 20 percent
per year, and changes in project feasibility. He stated the plan presented was not necessarily
hard and fast but would provide a framework upon which a program could begin, and he would
recommend it be updated once every six months.
Mr. Goss pointed out the sources of the City to fund capital improvements consisted of (1) Bond
Issues, which he would not recommend at this time because of high interest rates and the length
Of time involved, or (2) a pay-as-you-go program utilizing restricted moneys such as Parking
Meter Funds, Tidelands Trust Funds, funds from Federal and State agencies which are specified for
Certain uses, Revenue Sharing, and the Capital Outlay Fund.
Mr. Goss named the projects under Part I which had already been budgeted as Phases I and II of the
Lincoln Park Redevelopment, the replacement of the Scuth Golf Course Pump, and repair of the
Franklin Tennis Court, totaling $203,400.
The projects under Part II which were potentially capable of being funded included the Police
Station Headquarters (land acquisition and construction); Northside Park (acquisition and construc-
tion); Washington Park (construction of Area B, known as lower Washington Park); Bike Path con-
struction; Bike Path loop under the Bay Farm Island Bridge; redesign and reconstruction of Parking
Lots A, C and W; miscellaneous improvements at Franklin, McKinley, Washington, Lincoln, Woodstock
and Godfrey Parks; and paving of the Grand Street boat ramp parking lot; totaling $2,531,000.
The projects under Part III which were Deeded but would have to be deferred or financed from
some new funding source, a total outlay of approximately I395,000, were listed as the construction
of a Carpentry-PlUmbiO PdiOt Shop; reconstruction of the Court Street sewer through Krusi Park;
miscellaneous sewer projects, including the Storm Water Lift Station (High Street Sewer), and
Storm Sewer west of Fernside Boulevard; Phases III and IV of the Lincoln Park Reconstruction;
reconstruction of the Golf Course Driving Range and construction of a new Golf Cart building; re-
construction of the Franklin Park Tennis Court; and the Main Library Structural Evaluation Study.
Mr, Goss commented on items which had not been set out in any part of the program, namely, the
erosion along the South Shore Beach; 39 culvert projects which were needed; a more strenuous
enforcement of the Anima] Control regulations which would necessitate an enlargement of the Pound;
construction of a boat ramp at the rear of Encinal High School; construction of a recreation
facility on a two and one-half acre parcel of dedicated land at Fir and Holly on Bay Farm Island;
park land which would be available to the City for acquisition if there were any type of develop-
ment by Harbor Bay Isle Associates on Bay Farm Island; McKinley Park; Thompson Field; and a
cultural center.
Mr. Goss reported on funding sources and stated there had been a balance in the Capital Outlay
Fund, as of June 30, 1974, of $1,200,000. Authorized expenditures would total $203,400 minus a
$50,000 Federal Grant toward the completion of Phases I and II of Lincoln Park, leaving a projected
balance of $1,046,600.
The Revenue Sharing Fund had a balance, as of June 30, 1974, of 5815,458, expected 1974 -75 revenue
was $435,841, plus an estimated expected payment of interest of $45,000, making a total of
available funds of approximately $1,296,299. Of this $350,000 had been authorized by the Council
in support of Police Department operations for 1974 -75, and recommended capital improvement
projects consisting of the new Police Station headquarters and Northside Park in the estimated
amount of $825,000 would leave a balance of $121,299. Mr. Goss stated he was of the opinion
this amount should be set aside for additional Northside Park acquisitions as parcels became
available, and as an additional contingency for inflation.
The Tidelands Trust Fund showed a balance, as of September 10, 1974, of $519,443. This was
restricted money which could be utilized only for specific purposes related to use of water,
navigation, and areas which serve the perimeter of the City. The proposed capital expenditures
totaled $28,000, which would leave a projected balance of $490,443. He said the balance would
grow somewhat because the City had some of its tidelands under lease. However, he stated, this
money could evaporate very quickly if used for matching State bond money on the lower Washington
Park area in the neighborhood of $277,000; or using $500,000 for the beach erosion control
project; or putting $50,000+ into a boat ramp project.
The Park and Recreation Fund, consisting of money accumulated under the Land Dedication ordinance
and the dwelling unit tax, had a balance of S18,850 as of June 30, 1974. It was proposed that
$19,000 be expended for miscellaneous Park improvements which would leave a projected deficit
of $150.
The Parking Meter Fund, the balance June 30, 1974, being $34,303 with expected revenue of 550,000
during 1974 -75, would support $40,000 for Police and Parking Meter operations and a proposed
capital expenditure of $40,000 for the reconstruction of Lots A, C & W. This would leave a
projected balance of $4,303.
Mr. Goss stated a number of suggestions had been received for financing the Part III projects,
such as income tax, sales tax, property tax, utility users tax, business license tax, a sewer
service charge, property transfer tax, dwelling unit tax, a re- enactment of the old land dedica-
tion Ordinance No. 1627, New Series, with changes, and offered an explanation of each.
Mr. Goss said he would recommend adoption of a property transfer tax which would be an expansion
of the current documentary stamp tax, and a revision of the land dedication ordinance.
He suggested the Council adopt the basic framework for planning capital improvements, namely,
Parts I and II, and recommended that Part III be considered for inclusion to be funded from a
property transfer tax. Also, he recommended the dwelling unit tax and land dedication ordinance
be referred to the Acting City Attorney and himself for revision and submission to the Council
in the near future.
A ten - minute recess was called. Upon reconvening, the President recognized and thanked members
of the Planning, Library and Recreation Boards and department heads for their attendance at this
meeting.
President La Croix commented on the recen
of the Northside Park site and the acquis
for use as a Police Headquarters.
authorization given by the Council for the purchase
ion of the Post Office building on Central Avenue
Councilman Corica said he was of the opinion action should be taken as quickly as possible to
implement a property transfer tax in order that projects listed under Part III of the program
could be initiated.
Following discussion, Councilman Corica moved the City Manager and City Attorney be directed to
prepare an ordinance establishing a property transfer tax for consideration and introduction at
the next regular meeting of the City Council to be held October 1, 1974, and a public hearing be
held at that meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Hurwitz and carried on the following
roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
In this connection, Councilman Hurwitz requested the City Manager proceed to negotiate an agreement
with the County to collect the tax for the City. Mr. Goss indicated he would meet with County
representatives prior to the October 1 meeting and would make a report at that time.
Councilman Hurwitz moved the City Manager and Acting City Attorney be directed to submit for
Council consideration revised ordinances covering a Dwelling Unit Tax and Land Dedication, retaining
the basic forms of Ordinances No. 1688 and No. 1627, New Series, and to include the beneficial
improvements recommended by the Planning Board.
The motion was seconded by Councilman Corica. Councilman Beckam requested provision be made in
the appropriate ordinace to cover condominium conversions. On a call for the question, the motion
carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
President La Croix reported public hearings would be held on the two ordinances.
There followed a lengthy and detailed discussion of the projects listed in the report,
emphasis on those set out in Part III.
h particular
Councilman Hurwitz moved acceptance and approval of the proposed Capital Improvement Program as
presented by the City Manager. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall.
Councilman Beckam commented on the need of a Northside storm drain project and suggested the City
Manager investigate the possibility of obtaining Flood Control District money to be used for this
purpose.
On a call for the question, the motion carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five.
Noes: None. Absent: None.
3. Councilman McCall moved the Council retire to executive session for consideration and discussion
Of appointments to various City Boards and Commissions and matters relating to current and pending
litigation. The motion was seconded by Councilman Hurwitz and on roll call carried unanimously.
After a five minute recess, the Council reconvened in the Conference Room of the City Hall for its
deliberations. At the conclusion of discussion, it was determined no action would be taken at this
02eting. It was requested that the office of the Acting City Attorney prepare appropriate resolutions
to effect the appointments on which the Council had reached agreement, for action by the Council
at its next regular meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
4. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
,
City Clerk