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1995-03-01 ARRA Minutes MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ALAMEDA REUSE AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Wednesday, March 1, 1995 5:30 p.m. The meeting convened at 5:40 p.m. with Chair Ralph Appezzato presiding. I. ROLL CALL: Present: Mayor Ralph Appezzato, City of Alameda; Alternate Tony Daysog for Councilman "Lil"Arnerich, City of Alameda; Mayor Ellen Corbett, City of San Leandro; Councilmember Albert DeWitt, City of Alameda; Mark Friedman, Alternate for Wilma Chan, Alameda County Board of Supervisors, District 3; Vice-Mayor Charles Mannix, City of Alameda; Roberta Brooks, Alternate for Vice-Chair Sandré Swanson, District Director, 9th Congressional District; Ex-officio Member Lee Perez, Chair, Alameda Base Reuse Advisory Group; Ex-officio Alternate Barbara Rasmussen, Alameda Unified School District. Absent: Councilmember Karin Lucas, City of Alameda; Mayor Elihu Harris, City of Oakland. A. Approval of Minutes - Joint Work Session Between Alameda City Council and Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority, February 1, 1995. Vice-Mayor Mannix moved to approve the minutes of the Joint Work Session of February 1, 1995. The motion was seconded by Mayor Corbett and carried by a unanimous voice vote. B. Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting of February 1, 1995. Mark Friedman moved to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 1, 1995. The motion was seconded Vice-Mayor Mannix and carried by a unanimous voice vote. C. Approval of Minutes - Special Meeting of February 1, 1995. Mayor Corbett stated that, in reference to the letter to President Clinton, she had requested at the last meeting that Mayor Harris be involved in the writing and signing of the letter and that the minutes should be corrected to reflect this involvement. Mayor Appezzato stated that all of the Reuse Authority Members were sent copies of the letter to the President and added that he would contact Mayor Harris of Oakland regarding any suggested changes before mailing the letter. Mayor Corbett moved for approval of the corrected minutes. The motion was seconded by Mark Friedman and carried by a unanimous voice vote. II. AGENDA ITEMS: A. Report from the Interim Executive Director Recommending the Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority Request that Caltrans and the California Transportation Commission Authorize a One Year Extension on the City of Alameda Grant for Purchase of the SPRR Property East of Main Street between Atlantic Avenue and Singleton Avenue for Park Services. Paul Tuttle, ARRA Reuse Planner reported on the request of Caltrans and the California Transportation Commission to authorize a one year extension for the City of Alameda Grant. He reported that the grant will expire on June 5, 1995, and that this request will allow the MTC (Metropolitan Transportation Commission) and Caltrans to extend the grant. He added that the BRAG unanimously recommended the request for an extension at a recent meeting. Mark Friedman moved and Mayor Corbett seconded a motion to support the recommendation of staff. The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote. B. Report from the Interim Executive Director Recommending that the Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority Designate Individuals to Implement a Plan to Distribute Surplus NADEP Computers. Interim Executive Director Dave Louk reported on the future distribution of surplus NADEP computers by referring to the President's Executive Order #12021 which states that excess computers should be made available to public, primary schools and secondary schools, at no cost. NADEP has taken this order and currently has approximately 500 "286" computers available for the schools in the ARRA communities. This includes some printers, and NADEP is currently negotiating with the software companies enabling them to include the software with the computers. NADEP will also provide technicians to help install the computers. In order that an equitable manner be found to distribute the computers, Mr. Louk recommended that each Authority Member designate individuals from each area to form a committee and Mr. Louk requested each Member of the Authority make a designation to the committee. Mark Friedman moved and Mayor Corbett seconded a motion to accept the recommendation of staff and form a committee to determine distribution of computers. The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote. Mr. Louk indicated that the ARRA office would be contacting each Authority Member regarding their designation for the committee. 2 Roberta Brooks stated that, for the record, the committee should explore the possibility that the distribution of the computers may not be limited to schools. Mark Friedman requested, in addition, that a copy of the Executive Order be available for the committee and Authority Members so that it can be interpreted in terms of allowable distribution. He also suggested that the committee meet before the next ARRA meeting so that the recommendation of the committee can be acted on and the distribution of computers can begin as soon as possible. Chair Appezzato stated that the representative for the committee for the City of Alameda would be the Alameda Unified School District, and received unanimous consensus by all Alameda City Council Members. Speakers: Cathryne K. Allan representing the Deaf Counseling Advocacy Referral Agency requested that her agency be considered as a recipient of computers. C. Report from the Planning Director Regarding Preservation of Artifacts at the Naval Air Station Alameda Recommending that the Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority (ARRA) Request the Navy to Designate a Building for Archiving of Artifacts and that the ARRA Designate Barbara Baack and Marilyn York as Coordinators of the Community Based Group to Assist in the Identification and Inventory of Artifacts. City of Alameda Planning Director Colette Meunier gave a report regarding historic preservation as a follow-up to the previous ARRA meeting where the Authority expressed concern about the conservation of artifacts such as photographs, commemorative plaques, and other items which capture and convey the history of NAS Alameda. These concerns were regarding artifacts being removed from the site. Master Chief Norma Bishop, Assistant Base Closure Officer for Alameda Naval Air Station (NAS), gave a presentation on the program the Navy has for conserving artifacts. She stated that the reason she was present was to assure the Authority that the Navy has a great deal of interest in identifying, collecting, and preserving all of the cultural and historic resources on the NAS Alameda, and are anxious to research the issue further and perhaps identify other historic resources that exist in the community. She distributed a package to the Members which explains a joint program on behalf of the Naval Aviation Depot (NADEP) and the NAS. She reported that the goal of the program "Preserving the Legacy" is to honor the station's uniformed and civilian members, and to celebrate the partnership that has existed between the air station and the community for over fifty years. She added that Captain Dodge and Captain Heilman were very adamant about the Navy doing the utmost to preserve these resources and that the community be given the opportunity to make use of them if that is their desire. 3 She emphasized that the Navy is very anxious to conserve, preserve and protect the historical buildings of significance. She reported that last week, Elizabeth Johnson from the Western Regional Office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, visited NAS Alameda and viewed some of the buildings, looked at the proposed program and was very pleased with the results. Ms. Johnson is a resource the Navy plans to use in the future. Also, the Naval Historical Center and the Navy Director for Cultural Resources Preservation are actively being involved in this process currently. In reference to the buildings, an agreement is ready to be signed with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHIPO) in an effort to ensure that the buildings are preserved to an extent that is significant. In reference to artifacts, there are basically two types of disposition. The first is if a command or activity is being decommissioned or disestablished in which case, those artifacts will be identified and cataloged. This inventory will be sent to the Naval Historic Center and they will make note of the significant artifacts and will determine whether they are something that should be shipped back to Washington. However, because of the large number of base closures, the Naval Historic Center has no desire to pack and store all of these artifacts where they lose their historic significance. If the community is interested in establishing a museum, it is something that the community must determine and work through the Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority. The Navy will be willing to offer any assistance in finding resources and additional information for the community. If a museum is established, the Navy Historical Center is more than willing to make a loan of the artifacts and memorabilia to such a museum if it meets Navy criteria, which means non-profit, tax-exempt. The second type of disposition is more an activity of relocating. If an activity is relocating, they have every right to take the artifacts which have significance to their tradition and history. (i.e., fallen crew members) and they have significant meaning, emotional value and/or tradition for the squadron. Part of the steps being taken is to encourage those activities to look at the context in which events happened and to make duplicates of any plaques, artifacts, photographs, etc., and if at all possible, leave them with the Navy to catalog and perhaps make available to the community later down the road. Vice-Mayor Mannix complemented Master Chief Bishop on her presentation and asked if the historic district was growing. She stated no, that the map was a result of a 1992 survey of architectural resources, and within that district, there are seventy-seven buildings which are considered contributing. Not all of these buildings, and probably the majority of them, are not historically significant in and of themselves. Last month she spoke to the Historic Preservation Advisory Board of Alameda and discussed demolition of several of the temporary buildings which have long out-lived their usefulness. This will have no impact on the main entrance, i.e., when you come through the Main Visitor's Gate and you look down the green toward Building 1, and you see Building 2, the BEQ, the Chapel, the Theater, and the Medical Center. This "vista" is what the Navy is anxious to conserve, and also anxious to let the community know exactly what those buildings are, what their significance is, 4 and to include the community in any decisions which are made in regard to disposition of buildings. Tony Daysog stated that Norma had emphasized that if the community is interested in establishing a museum, then the Navy would work with the community to place some of the artifacts in a museum. He asked whether it was possible if, on a temporary basis, after the Navy has identified some of the artifacts, whether it was possible to house some of the artifacts off-base or perhaps even on a permanent basis? Master Chief Bishop responded by stating that the Navy is going to identify, collect and preserve them, and then going to set up a space within one of their buildings that will be part of the consolidation plan. A space will always be available for these artifacts. It will probably be appropriate to display some of them there - the Navy does not want to pack them all away. As to loaning them off-station, she stated that she did not feel that was possible unless the museum meets the criteria of the Naval Historic Center. Councilmember DeWitt asked whether the representatives being appointed would be permitted to work with her and her military committees which would be doing the work. Master Chief Bishop stated that part of the program outlined is that the Navy plans on forming a volunteer staff. The Navy has a survey team from the Historic Center coming to the base on March 27, 1995. On March 10, 1995, volunteer applications will be made available on station, at building 90, and at the main library in Alameda, so that the Navy can receive the applications, find out who is interested, and to also gather information from people who may have artifacts, photographs of their own, etc., so that they can find out where these artifacts are, who has them, and what their significance is to the community and the Navy. The Navy would like the ability to select and screen volunteer staff members and to appoint a coordinator simply for security reasons, would be advisable, giving the Navy some kind of control to prevent artifacts from disappearing once they have been identified. The Navy was so concerned about the plaque for the terminal point of the transcontinental railroad that they had it removed for cleaning and are considering making a duplicate and putting it outside of Building 1 in a much safer location. She stated that the representatives being appointed that night could serve on the volunteer staff and help coordinate the activities of the volunteers. Chair Appezzato complemented Master Chief Bishop and Colette Menuier for the fine report which eliminated many misconceptions and fears of the public. Master Chief Bishop stated that she had met both Marilyn York and Barbara Baack on previous occasions, and stated that both of them would be commendable members of the volunteer staff. She added that they had a wealth of information about the Naval Air Station and about the partnership that existed with the community. 5 A motion was made by Mark Friedman to accept the recommendation of staff. The motion was seconded by Mayor Corbett and passed by a unanimous voice vote. III. ORAL REPORTS A. Oral Report from Chair Appezzato Regarding the Letter to President Clinton Regarding Consideration of the Development of a Federal Loan Program to be Utilized for the Implementation of the NAS Alameda Final Community Reuse Plan. Chair Appezzato stated that before the Members was a draft copy of a letter to President Clinton asking for financial help, the letter being drafted with the assistance of Don Parker, and is being offered for comments from the Members. There had already been suggestions given to him which will be included in the letter. Mark Friedman stated that the sentiment expressed in the letter was excellent, the context excellent and well presented, but felt that it needed to be tightened up as it was redundant in several spots and should be shorter. Chair Appezzato stated that he would attempt to shorten it, and then go forward. Mayor Corbett stated again that she hoped the letter could also include why the need for a federal loan guarantee is so crucial, and the concern regarding the toxic cleanup. She added that she had faxed the letter to San Leandro's lobbyist in Washington, D.C., and would like to include comments from the lobbyist as well. Vice-Mayor Mannix asked what time frame the letter would be edited, signed and mailed. Mayor Appezzato stated that he hoped to have the letter done in the next day or so, wait for the comments from the Washington representative and go forward. B. Oral Report from the Interim Executive Director Updating the Reuse Authority on Consultant Activity - Phase III Interim Reuse Strategy. Paul Tuttle, Reuse Planner reported that the consultant was now in the process of finalizing the Phase III - Interim Reuse Strategy which will be out for public review on March 15, 1995. The BRAG will be reviewing the report at a public meeting on March 25, 1995, Saturday, at a community workshop, being held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Naval Air Station Officer's Club. Once reviewed, the BRAG will have an additional meeting the following week to finalize their comments and forward them to the ARRA for the meeting on April 5, 1995. According to the contract with the consultant, the Reuse Authority is to have two meetings to review this interim strategy, the first public hearing should be a joint meeting between the City Council and the ARRA as previously done so that the presentation does not have to be done twice. The second meeting will be a special meeting to finalize the ARRA comments and adopt the 6 strategy if a second meeting is needed for Member input and this date has been left open in order to ask for Member input as to which date is most appropriate. The first meeting will include the presentation, taking of testimony from the community, and the second meeting will be to allow time for the staff and the consultant to respond to any comments which the ARRA feels is necessary, and then finalizing the strategy and adopting it. Mr. Tuttle stated that the ARRA and the consultant were shooting for holding the meeting on April 19 and that the ARRA Members could vote on this meeting date at their April 5 meeting. Tony Daysog asked Mr. Tuttle what the consultant was thinking about regarding the examples of CALSTART and AEG and do they suggest that there is a demand for properties at the base, that existing properties have reuse potential, and as he understands it, the BRAG has voted that we need to pursue a marketing effort to determine the demand for base properties and the BRAG will continue to discuss this subject of marketing. One of the questions that the BRAG are grappling with now is, should the BRAG be pursuing a marketing effort immediately or should they wait until the consultant's final report is done. He asked what the consultant's thinking was on this subject. Mr. Tuttle stated that marketing effort is part of the Phase III report and the consultant is strongly recommending that the ARRA pursue this immediately. The ARRA staff does respond to any requests currently, but the ARRA does not have the funding or staff available to actually do the outreach and marketing. One of the problems being faced by the ARRA staff is that OEA and EDA do not fund direct marketing efforts. It would be very helpful to have the funds to hire someone with the expertise to do the marketing, which will be a part of the consultant's report as well. C. Oral Report from the Interim Executive Director Updating the Reuse Authority on NAS Alameda Sewer Force Main Improvements. Mr. Paul Tuttle stated that he had received a phone call the previous day from the Corps of Engineers which have been processing the permit for enlarging the sewer line across the estuary. They stated that a letter of approval will be forthcoming this week approving the Corps of Engineers permit which opens up the doors so that the Port of Oakland's permit can be processed and finalizing of the BCDC permit. He added that it was good news. The ARRA is still waiting to hear from OEA who is trying to expedite funds for this project. OEA stated that they are working very diligently with the staff in Washington D.C. to direct the money to the Corps of Engineers directly for the improvements . Good news, but still a lot of work to go. Chair Appezzato stated that in terms of priorities, the sewer line should be the Number 1 priority for the redevelopment and reuse of the base. D. Oral Report from the Interim Executive Director Updating the Reuse Authority on Homeless Assistance Act/Homeless Issues. 7 Interim Executive Director Dave Louk stated that the ARRA had received a letter from NAVFAC, Washington, D.C. on the homeless process. The letter states that after direction from the Secretary of Defense, the whole base will be put under the new Homeless Assistance Act rather than NADEP under the old McKinney process and NAS under the new Act. Because the new Act screens needs, not buildings, that this should not hold up interim leasing or any capitol improvements that go into buildings. It is important for the federal government to begin screening this property in the Federal Register as soon as possible if the ARRA is going to meet the Community Reuse Plan schedule. He added that the ARRA Homeless Consultant has been hired, Bay Area Economics (BAE). BAE also works with the EDAW team. Negotiations with the Homeless Collaborative on the Standards of Reasonableness have begun as far as the housing and the commercial spaces and what the needs are. There has been a tremendous amount of cooperation with the Homeless Collaborative. Speakers: Mr. Bill Smith, representing the Bases Commercialization Bureau, stated that the companies who want to come in and provide jobs for the homeless, such as Rubicon, are very good at what they do. E. Oral Report from Chairman of the Alameda Base Reuse Advisory Group (BRAG) Updating the Reuse Authority on BRAG Activities. Mr. Lee Perez, Chair of the BRAG, stated that Doug deHaan would be giving part of his report. He stated that the BRAG has met with the EDAW team, and he congratulated the ARRA staff and the consultant on establishing a very positive working relationship regarding the report that the ARRA will be hearing in April. The openness of the EDAW staff and the frankness of the BRAG will go towards carrying out the intent for which the BRAG was established. Overall, the thing which impressed the BRAG was the tremendous amount of work which has to be done, the timelines are extremely short, and there is absolutely no time for dilly-dallying. The BRAG, under the leadership of Diane Lichtenstein, are working very hard along with the EDAW team and the staff for the next public forum to be held on March 25, 1995. At the same time, the BRAG is looking at themselves as to how they can reposition themselves so that they can work a little faster along with staff and EDAW to be able to give the kind of support they feel is needed. There are some areas which have extreme concern particularly in the area of interim use and marketing. As a citizen advisory group do not know all of the intricacies, but are concerned that everything possible will be done. Doug deHaan stated that the BRAG has concerns regarding interim leasing and whether specific items such as interim leasing, will be in place in time for interests such as AEG and CALSTART, other proposals need to be looked at, and marketing needs to be looked at (with funding not available from OEA). 8 What the BRAG and ARRA need to do, is to look at and regenerate some of the marketing efforts which the BRAG has been a proponent of in the past, and make a bridge to allow this to be a seamless transition. Speakers: Bill Smith, representing the Base Commercialization Bureau, stated that the Authority should consider marketing through the Internet; and other ideas for marketing of the base. F. Oral Report from the Interim Executive Director Regarding the Status of the Recruitment of an Executive Director. Interim Executive Director Dave Louk reported that he had met with Bill Norton, the Alameda City Manager, and he stated the City has gathered some additional names, has been discussing the recruitment with people in Washington, D.C., and hopes to have an announcement within the next two to three weeks. G. Oral Report from the Interim Executive Director Updating the Reuse Authority on Reuse Authority Staff Activities. Interim Executive Director Dave Louk reported on the following staff activities: The BART Engineering and Operating Committee recommended that AEG be given the BART contract, and the item will then go to the BART Board at their next meeting with no problems anticipated, and AEG expected to receive the notice to proceed no later than the end of March; CALSTART submitted a formal proposal last week which has been distributed to the BRAG and is waiting for funding to get started; a letter sent to EFA West regarding interim use proposals and the possibility of CALSTART moving into facilities by May 15, 1995; a special meeting of the ARRA to review the CALSTART proposal. Alternate Roberta Brooks stated that a special meeting to review the CALSTART proposal is very important at this time. Mr. Louk stated that a special meeting will be called before the next regular meeting to review the CALSTART proposal, and that Members would be directly notified of the date and time of the meeting. H. Oral Report from the Interim Executive Director Regarding Next Agenda for Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority. Interim Executive Director Dave Louk stated that at the next regular meeting there will be a report asking for the Reuse Authority Members to estimate the value of their time in order to utilize the time for the ARRA Matching Grant. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS V. COMMUNICATIONS FROM GOVERNING BODY VI. ADJOURNMENT 9 The meeting was adjourned by Chair Appezzato at 7:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Brydon Secretary 10