1979-05-29 Special Joint CC MinutesJOINT SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND
BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY MAY 29, 1879
Convened at 7:00 o'clock p.m. with City Council President Corica and Board of Education
President Hargraves presiding.
ROLL CALL: Council: Present: Councilmen Diament, Sherratt, Stone, Tillman, and
Pr8Sident'CUricD, (5). Absent: NOD8, Board of Education: Present: Members Borden,
Cummins, Hanna, Kurlinski, and President Hargraves, (5). Absent: None.
Also present: City Manager Goss, City Attorney Stroud, City Engineer Hanna, Superin-
tendent of Schools Kline and Assistant Superintendent of Schools Tudor.
Receipt of the Notice and Agenda of this Special Meeting had been acknowledged by
the Councilmen and Board Members and was on file. Purpose of the special session
was for a discussion of surplus school facilities, historic Alameda High School, Bay
Farm Island Bridge, and Fernside Extension right-of-way, and action thereon, 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.
/79-365 Surplus School Facilities: President Hargraves reported that due to declining
enrollments their Surplus Schools Facilities Committee had been working on this
project and it was felt that by late summer 1870, the Board would be in a position
to determine whether or not it would be feasible to close one or two schools one year
after the decision.
At his request, Superintendent Kline noted the Committee had been charged to (1)
determine the decline or the enrollment factor throughout the forthcoming year;
(2) establish a priority list for uses of such surplus facilities; and (3) have those
particular uses the subject of public hearings throughout the District. He stated
the Committee had been meeting since October, 1978, and had given the Board a progress
report during the past month at which time the Board had requested a priority list
established thus far and they were to come back to the Board on June 12, 1979, with
an indication where in the city there might be some surplus schools. He stated at
the present time there were approximately 9,000 students enrolled in grades K through
12, not taking into account adult education and pre-school education; that statistics
indicated a decline in enrollment to approximately 7,000 by 1983, Mr. Kline explained
the uses for which presently vacant school rooms were being utilized, i.e., media
centers, libraries, meeting rooms, etc.
Councilman Diament noted the Council had previously declared an interest in using a
portion of Washington School for a Senior Citizens Center, and questioned whether
the District was in a position at this time to indicate if this was a possibility.
Mr. Kline stated the use asked for by the city was primarily the center downstairs
floor area incorporating the auditorium, kitchen, office rooms and one or two other
rooms including a shop. He explained these areas constituted the heart of the school,
and in their discussions they had indicated unofficially that they could not compatibly
Operate the school with seniors using that facility. However, he said, they had
since reached the point where they could say they would not be able to give up the
area requested for a senior center. He explained that the shop area and former home
economics area would be available for such use, however there would be approximately
350 students attending school and this might not be a compatible use.
In answer to a question as to whether or not he foresaw any surplus school sites in
the future, Mr. Kline replied their studies indicated that the center part of
Alameda, the area from Webster Street to Park Street, would have about 800 middle
school students two years hence in grades 6-8. He reported this area contained
Washington, Haight and Wood Schools and it was his opinion one of these schools would
be subject to marginal portions for closing within the next two years.
Councilman Tillman suggested the possibility in the future of incorporating the
existing Branch Library into Washington School, enabling the sale of the Branch Library
building and the use of the proceeds toward the building of a new Main Library.
79-366 President Corica called a short recess and welcomed Governor Paul Calvo of
Guam and members of his family, who were visiting Alameda and were in the audience.
He presented each with an Honorary Citizen Certificate.
^79-367 The Council and Board of Education returned to their discussion of Surplus
School Facilities.
Concerning a Senior Center, President Hargraves asked when the city would estimate,
timewise, to have the Center in Operation. He questioned, if the Board should decide
to close a school by the end of June, 1980, would that be sufficient time; if not,
they would have to work from the basis of surplus classrooms possibly at the same
school they would eventually, with a year's notice to the community, make SUrplU3.
Mrs. Borden noted it would be a year from September, 1979, before the Board would be
able to make a deterthination on the closure of any 5choOl. As far as available space
for an expanded library,-Senior Center, museum, or other use, she pointed out there
was current vacant space in the existing non-conforming east wing of the Alameda High
School building.
Councilman DiameDt stated in her opinion senior citizens did not relate well to
children of school age. She said her interest in the Washington School location for
a Senior Center was because it was readily accessible and was close to stores, trans-
portation and the Branch Library.
There followed a discussion of available funding for a Senior Center and the possibi-
lity of leasing a site from the School District. Councilman Tillman suggested a
lease at an annual fee of $7.00. President Hargraves stated he would be interested
in leasing any site which became available for a city purpose at a reasonable square
foot payment, not $1.00, to cover maintenance, insurance and utility costs.
Councilman Stone said she would be interest in having staff develop figures to which
the Board would be receptive.
Councilman Sherratt noted it was unknown what would be available until the report
of the Surplus School Facilities Committee had been received, and questioned whether
the Council would be willing to wait a year or proceed with negotiations to use the
Veterans Memorial Building. He stated he believed this could be obtained on a $1.00
per year lease basis.
Mrs. Borden asked for an indication from the Council as to their interest in a parti-
cular site and whether they would be willing to wait until something else became
available at a later date.
President Corica stated the Council would go on record as preferring the Washington
School location for a Senior Citizen Center.
Mrs. Hanna asked if the Council would be interested in Longfellow School on a lease
basis at a fair market value, e.g., ,35(t per square foot. Mrs. Borden suggested the
Council also consider Mastick or Haight Schools in the event they became available.
Councilman Sherratt stated that from what he had heard at this meeting, it might be
best to proceed with negotiations for the Veterans Memorial Building. Councilman
Tillman concurred. Councilman Diament questioned whether the county would lease
the building for $1.0O a year, and the cost of 0ainteDaDc8,
Councilman Tillman noted the Council had already reviewed some 15 possible sites
for a Senior Center. He suggested they select a site and move on it.
Councilman Stone noted, in her opinion, the Council could not wait on a surplus school
Site not yet determined and not yet sure whether it would even be declared for a
Senior Citizen Center. She suggested that in the meantime the Council look into the
use of the Veterans Memorial Building, and also discuss the use of a portion of the
historic Alameda High School under the next agenda item.
President Hargraves said that if the Council was seeking a response from the county
OD the Veterans Building at $1.00 per year plus maintenance, he would appreciate it
if the Council would also approach the Board on a specific location of their choice
and ask for the same sort of terms, which were the best terms they were able to get
from the county, and give them an opportunity to respond.
Councilman Tillman requested that the City Manager direct a letter to the'C0uDtv
Board of Supervisors concerning availability of the Veterans Memorial Building and
on what terms the county would be willing to lease it to the city for use as a
Senior Citizen Center. He referred to a recent lease between the county and the
City of Pleasanton wherein the lease amount was $1,0O per year. The Council concurred,
- 79-368 Historic Alameda High School: On request, Assistant Superintendent Tudor
explained the Board of Education had accepted a proposal from staff to provide for
the moving of District offices as of September, 1979, to historic Alameda High School.
He reviewed the present plans for placement of the various offices within the building.
He stated that most of the first floor with the exception of the East Wing was planned
to be used by District office staff, and the move should be completed at the close
of the calendar year. He said they had no plans at this time to locate anyone above
the first floor, and the second and third floors and East Wing, plus the auditorium,
would be available for other purposes.
Mrs. Borden commented it had been her understanding the Adult Education Program
Utilized portions of the second floor. Mr. Tudor stated this Program could be moved
to other quarters, dependent on the desires of Principal Reilly and the demand for
space.
President Hargraves asked if the Council anticipated any uses whatsoever included in
their planning for the remaining space.
President Corica stated there was a possibility of the Library being able to utilize
the entire East Wing, however he thought the Library Board had previously ruled
against this, but were willing to look at the site again.
Councilman Stone stated she did not recall the Library Board going on record as
either favoring or opposing the suggested use. She questioned whether the Board of
education had any funds with which to finance a feasibility study for any portion
Of the High School for use as a Senior Citizen Center or Library, Mr. Tudor reported
their funds were extremely limited.
After brief discussion, Councilman Sherratt suggested the Library Board take another
look at the available portions of the building to find out if it was feasible or
Usable for their purposes without spending any money on studies. President Corica
concurred.
On question, President Hargraves reported the School District had clear title to the
land on which the historic Alameda High School was situate, however there was a lien
on the building for the state loan which was being paid off over a five-year period.
He stated the Board would entertain a partial use of the building for the Library.
Councilman Stone questioned remodeling costs, whether a portion of the building be
used for a Library or Senior Citizen Center. Mrs. Hanna remarked that in addition
there would be the problem of inadequate street parking in the area. Mrs. Borden
suggested funding might be available through the Carnegie Institute or Ford Foundation.
Councilman Sherratt suggested remodeling costs be financed through a sale of the
existing Library building.
79-369 Bay Farm Island Bridge: Mrs. Borden asked that the Board and Council join
together by one letter presented by the Mayor to CALTRANS to point out the severity
of the crossing of the Bay Farm Island Bridge.
Councilman Sherratt then offered the foregoing as a motion, seconded by Councilman
Diament, carried by unanimous vote of the City Council.
President Hargraves reported this would be the last year the Board would be able to
authorize funding for busing of students across the Bridge.
President Corica noted Assemblyman Harris had been apprized of the hazardous pedestrian
conditions existing on the Bridge and Congressman Lockyear had offered his assistance.
He Said he would inform them of the Board's and Council's unanimous consensus that
this was an emergency situation and something should be done as soon as possible.
79-370 Fern5ide Extension Right-Of-Way: President Corica reported every effort was
being made to proceed as rapidly as possible on this project. He noted it would be
necessary to negotiate with the School District, among others, to acquire needed
properties to accomplish the right-of-way.
President Hargraves pointed out that when the School District had surplus lands, it
took about 16 months to finalize disposition of the prOpertv.
On request, City Engineer Hanna, utilizing a posted map of the area, described
properties owned by the District and other property nwners. He suggested the city
acquire the District property when it was put out for bid by local public agencies;
that by that time the Board should have an appraisal of its value.
Assistant Superintendent Tudor commented that once the Board gave staff direction to
proceed, it would be necessary to have a survey of the properties in order to provide
legal descriptions for the purpose of preparing resolutions to take the first step
in getting an appraisal and establishing fair market valUe3.
Following discussion concerning the status of Leandro Street, the possibility of
condemnation proceedings, and legal procedures, it was the consensus of the Council
and Board to pursue the matter with their respective staffs.
President Corica opened the meeting for comments from the audience.
Mr. John Barni, Jr., representing Mr. Paul Wood, owner of adjoining property to the
proposed Fernside Extension, questioned the city's intent with regard to the future
of Leandro Street.
Mr. Joseph Sullivan, 3221 Liberty Avenue, suggested the Council and Board each
designate subcommittees to develop information on the items covered at this meeting
and make recommendations. President Corica stated he would prefer additional joint
meetings.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 o'clock p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
City Clerk