2004-03-02 CIC MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY- -MARCH 2, 2004- -7:25 P.M.
Chair Johnson convened the special meeting at 7:57 p.m.
Commissioner Daysog led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call - Present: Commissioners Daysog, Gilmore, Kerr,
Matarrese and Chair Johnson – 5.
Absent: None.
Agenda Item
(04-012) Recommendation to send letters in support of FY 2005
Department of Defense Appropriation Bill for a $1.5 million line
item for the development of Advancing California’s Emerging
Technologies’ (ACET’s) 35,000 square foot Bio-technology Incubator
to be located at the Fleet Industrial Supply Center site.
Commissioner Kerr stated that if the grant is not received, ACET
would need an additional $½ million in funding; inquired who would
provide the additional subsidy to ACET.
Dr. Sam Doctors, ACET, responded the Economic Development
Administration (EDA) regional office would provide funding in its
next budget.
Commissioner Daysog inquired whether the City should be aware of
key actions that might be necessary other than sending the
requested letters.
Dr. Doctors responded if the City could allow use of its lobbying
firm, ACET would be willing to pay the incremental costs; follow up
in Washington D.C. is helpful; thanked City staff for placing the
matter on the agenda quickly to meet a Washington D.C. timeline;
submitted ACET’s design drawings.
Commissioner Kerr stated the letter quotes statistics on graduate
companies; that she does not have personal knowledge or
documentation on the statistics; therefore, she would request that
her name be removed from the letters.
Chair Johnson inquired whether she should sign the letter as the
Chair, rather than all CIC members.
The Executive Director inquired whether Dr. Doctors would prefer to
have the Chair sign the letter.
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March 2, 2004
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Dr. Doctors responded additional members signing would strengthen
the letter; further stated the statistics are a result of careful
evaluations.
Chair Johnson requested that staff be provided with the backup
information for the statistics; suggested that the vote authorize
sending the letter and Dr. Doctors determining who should sign the
letters.
Commissioner Matarrese suggested the letter be signed pending
backup documentation for the statistics.
Commissioner Kerr stated that she has requested backup
documentation for seven years and has not received it.
Chair Johnson stated if the staff recommendation is passed by three
votes, she could sign the letter indicating that the City supports
the funding.
Dr. Doctors stated ACET would be willing to provide backup
documentation.
Commissioner Daysog stated Alameda is fortunate to have biotech
companies and is a leader in the biotech industry; ACET is
important for the economic development of not only Alameda, but the
region; ACET has graduated companies, like Guava Technologies, that
have become successful; noted that the City of Oakland tried to
lure ACET to relocate to Oakland.
Commissioner Daysog moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Commissioner Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by the
following voice vote: Ayes: Commissioners Daysog, Gilmore,
Matarrese and Chair Johnson – 4. Noes: Commissioner Kerr – 1.
Chair Johnson stated the motion was to approve sending a letter;
Dr. Doctors would decide whether to have only her or all CIC
members in favor sign the letter.
Dr. Doctors stated that he would communicate with the Executive
Director regarding signatures; noted groundbreaking is set for June
4, just preceding a biotech expo in San Francisco.
Commissioner Daysog stated the City’s lobbyist is very busy;
however, suggested the lobbyist be mindful of issues pertinent to
ACET.
The Executive Director stated if the Commission supports said
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March 2, 2004
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suggestion, staff would follow up.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Chair Johnson adjourned the
special meeting at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
Secretary, Community Improvement
Commission
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown
Act.
Special Meeting Community Improvement Commission
March 2, 2004
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