2003-04-02 ARRA MinutesAPPROVED
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ALAMEDA REUSE AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Wednesday, April 2, 2003
The meeting convened at 5:40 p.m. with Mayor Johnson presiding.
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Beverly Johnson, Mayor, City of Alameda
Tony Daysog, Boardmember, City of Alameda
Albert DeWitt, Boardmember, City of Alameda, Chair
Barbara Kerr, Boardmember, City of Alameda
Frank Matarrese, Boardmember, City of Alameda
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
There were no consent calendar items.
3. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
3-A. Progress report from the Executive Director on the Alameda Point Golf
Course/Resort Hotel Development (informational item only).
As outlined in the staff report, during the last several months, the focus has been on four major
tasks: (1) developing an integrated plan for the golf course, trails, and parks which responds to
input from citizens groups and BCDC while maintaining the essential features of a championship
course; (2) completing and circulating the project draft EIR; (3) advancing to the second phase of
the hotel developer selection process; and (4) obtaining permits from the Army Corps of
Engineers, BCDC, and the Regional Water Quality Control Board to import up to two million
cubic yards of dredge materials onto the site.
Ed Levine, golf course project manager, stated that there have been numerous community
workshops during the last year. The site plan has changed several times. The latest change
relocates the large park from the estuary point to the southwest corner of the property adjacent to
the wildlife refuge, with a smaller observation area at the point. The current design has been
endorsed by APAC, the Golf Commission, and Recreation & Parks Commission. It will be
reviewed by the BCDC Design Committee on April 7th (it will not be reviewed by the full BCDC
until after the EIR is certified). The draft EIR will be circulated in late April and presented to the
ARRA during the summer.
Kyle Phillips, the golf course designer, presented slides of the previous park and trail
configurations and the revised plan. The new design provides easier vehicular access and
spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay and skyline. Mr. Phillips showed simulated views
2-D
from fairways along the bay and estuary, as well as samples of how the runway areas would look
with burms and bunkers created from the dredging material.
Member DeWitt inquired about the type of foundation which would be under the golf course,
whether or not the runways would be removed, and how drainage would be designed. Mr.
Phillips said they would remove the runways and reseal them. They may be able to use some of
the concrete in the road and parking areas. Mr. Phillips said there would be less drainage issues
than there are at present because 90% of the area will be covered in turf.
Member Kerr commented that this plan looks like a good compromise between the golfers and
the public with plenty of scenic areas for each. She inquired about the quality of the dredge
spoils, especially those received from the repair of the Tubes. Mr. Levine said that Caltrans has
done thorough studies of the material, and there will be an onsite testing procedure to confirm the
quality. Only 50,000 cubic yards of material will come from this source, and it will be used to
build the dyke system that will contain the other dredging material. Ms. Kerr also inquired about
the waste pits where radioactive paint was dumped, and Mr. Levine stated that a wall would be
constructed to separate this area and prevent contamination.
Terry Bottomley, the landscape architect, reported that the revised plan has almost 17,000 feet of
trails, 8,300 feet of which is part of the Bay Trail system along the water’s edge. There are 20
acres of easement, trails and public park space. The trail will be nestled in dunes and natural
grasses, which will double as the rough area of the golf course. The inland portion is 260 feet
from the water’s edge, and elevation is up to 12 feet over the cart paths. The park includes an
open meadow, pavilion, and small parking lot. The observation area at the estuary entrance point
would include a small meadow, esplanade, benches and viewing areas. The golf course would be
graded up from the level of the parks so that views from the course would not be impaired by the
parks.
Member DeWitt expressed concern about trail users being hit by golf balls, but Mr. Bottomley
indicated that the trails are adjacent to the roads or beach and not “in the line of fire” of golfers.
Maurice Robinson, consultant to municipalities on hotel development, reported that an RFP is
being finalized and will be released in late April with responses due in early June. The four
finalists from the RFQ process are Hilton (2 teams), Marriott and Starwood/Sheraton. The RFP
states that the four responses will be narrowed down to two to select the finalist. The emphasis
will be on developing a four-star quality hotel with 250-300 rooms plus a conference center,
restaurants and spa. Mr. Levine pointed out that this RFP will concentrate on the financial
structure of the deal – particularly at-risk cash advances during predevelopment, subordination of
developer and hotel management fees to bond debt service, and developer equity investment –
rather than the design details. There will be an additional RFP later to select the design architect.
Member Kerr stressed the importance of a high-quality development for such an attractive site.
Members Daysog and Matarrese inquired about the selection process and requested that the
ARRA see all proposal packages before the field is narrowed to the two finalists. Mr. Levine
said that the RFP would be re-worded to accommodate this request. Mayor Johnson and all
ARRA members emphasized that this must be a high-quality project, and Mr. Robinson stated
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that the developers would be spending approximately $100,000 to put together their design
proposals. He estimates the entire project will cost $80-100 million.
Public Comment:
Bill Smith emphasized the importance of public access to the golf course area to increase
recreation and tourism in the City.
4. ORAL REPORTS
4-A. Oral report from APAC.
APAC member Alice Garvin reported that the APAC continues to meet monthly. They have
reviewed and approved the revised golf course parks and trails plan. They have also met with the
master developer, Alameda Point Community Partners, and receive regular reports from them.
4-B. Oral report from the Executive Director (non-discussion items).
None.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA (PUBLIC COMMENT)
(Any person may address the governing body in regard to any matter over which the
governing body has jurisdiction that is not on the agenda.)
Brian Schmeltz of Super-Moto Productions, Inc. requested the ARRA’s consideration of a
proposal to hold a motorcycle racing event in the runway area on Sunday, November 9th. He
expects the event to draw 10-15,000 fans who would likely bring additional revenue to the City
throughout the weekend. The event would require five days to set up and three days to take
down. He requested that his proposal be on the agenda next month.
Bill Smith stated that due to heightened security concerns nationwide, there needs to be an
emergency plan for Alameda Point.
6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE GOVERNING BODY
Member Daysog thanked all of the people who provided information about the golf course plans.
Member Matarrese requested copies of the minutes of the RAB meetings. City Manager Jim
Flint said that he would provide those in the future.
Member DeWitt requested further information about the dredging materials, and Mr. Flint said
he would provide an off-agenda report with a status update.
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7. ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED SESSION OF THE ARRA TO CONSIDER
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR:
7-A. Property: Alameda Naval Air Station
Negotiating parties: ARRA, Navy and Alameda Point Community Partners
Under negotiation: Price and Terms
The Mayor announced that no action was taken.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lucretia Akil
ARRA Secretary
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