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2015-03-17 Regular CC Minutes MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY- -MARCH 17, 2015- -7:00 P.M. Mayor Spencer convened the meeting at 7:13 p.m. ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Ezzy Ashcraft, Matarrese, Oddie and Mayor Spencer – 5. Absent: None. AGENDA CHANGES (15-180) Mayor Spencer announced that the Site A Update \[paragraph no. 15-193\] was withdrawn from the agenda by staff. Councilmember Oddie stated Council should be informed sooner if an agenda item is pulled. The City Manager stated the decision to pull the item was made at 5:00 p.m. based on meetings held with the development team today. PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (15-181) Mayor Spencer read the Season of Non Violence daily reading on disarmament. (15-182) Proclamation Declaring the Week of March 22 through March 29, 2015 as Boys and Girls Club Week. Mayor Spencer read the proclamation and presented it to Marc Morales. (15-183) Proclamation Declaring the Month of March as American Red Cross Month. Mayor Spencer read the proclamation and presented it to members of Alameda’s Red Cross Leadership Council. Harry Hartman, Leadership Council, made brief comments. (15-184) Presentation on the Alameda Sister City Association Dumaguete, Philippines Sister City Plan. Karen Fong and Cynthia Bonta, Alameda Sister City Association (ASCA), gave a Power Point presentation. Councilmember Daysog thanked Ms. Bonta and Ms. Fong for the presentation; stated that he looks forward to the sister city plan. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 17, 2015 Councilmember Oddie stated Filipino Americans are the largest Asian Pacific Island group in California; having a Filipino sister city is a good thing to commemorate heritage of Filipino Americans in Alameda. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she appreciates the students in the audience for coming. Mayor Spencer suggested efforts be made to find another community within Sweden since there is no active relationship. Ms. Fong stated the ASCA is a small organization but definitely wants to reestablish communication with Sweden; invited community members to join the ASCA. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA (15-185) Jim Hager, Alameda, discussed outdoor lighting; suggested the City address outdoor lighting design, such as keeping lighting under two stories; gave the Council a book: The End of Night. CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Oddie moved approval of the Consent Calendar. Vice Mayor Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote – 5. \[Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.\] (*15-186) Minutes of the Special Joint City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Improvement Commission Meeting and the Regular City Council Meeting Held on February 17, 2015. Approved. (*15-187) Ratified bills in the amount of $ $3,124,693.45. (*15-188) Resolution No. 15009, “Amending the Electric Utility Professionals of Alameda (EUPA) Salary Schedule Establishing the Classifications of Utility Information Technology Manager, Utility Information Technology Business Analyst, Utility Database Analyst, Utility Geographic Information Systems Analyst, and Computer Service Technician Alameda Municipal Power.” Adopted. (*15-189) Ordinance No. 3121, “Amending Alameda Municipal Power Code Chapter XIX, Section 19 4 (Underground Utility Districts) to Approve the Redesigned Underground Utility District Policy.” Finally passed. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 17, 2015 (15-190) Update on the Process Regarding Impact of Rising Rents in Alameda. The Community Development Director gave a brief presentation. In response to Councilmember Daysog’s inquiry, the Community Development Director stated the community group facilitator, Jeff Cambra, will present proposed changes to th the Rent Review Advisory Committee (RRAC) on April 6. In response to Councilmember Daysog’s inquiry, Mr. Cambra stated the proposal from the Alameda Renters Coalition (ARC) is going forward with some landlord support; the process started as a collaborative process with two stakeholders: housing providers and tenants; the City is a third stakeholder; enforcement and funding issues were not addressed in the community process; discussion points brought to Council were conceptual; viewing actual language ahead of time to work out small details would be helpful; the ARC has 540 members; crisis situations are identified prior to RRAC hearings with some issues being resolved before reaching the RRAC; Council has ultimate decision to accept the ARC proposal. Councilmember Oddie stated that he is concerned about adding more time to the process; inquired what Council would get in 30 days that it does not have today. The Community Development Director responded ARC thought it would beneficial to have the proposal vetted prior to coming to Council; stated staff has been following the process outlined in January and has been working on the draft ordinance to present recommendations in May. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft concurred with Councilmember Oddie; stated renters could provide input at the public meetings; the process began under a prior Council. Mayor Spencer stated that she would be amenable to following Mr. Cambra’s recommendation since no one present is in opposition. Mr. Cambra stated the 30-day extension did not go before the ARC as an official request; he does not want to misrepresent ARC’s intentions. Mayor Spencer stated Ms. Hockabout has been very effective in representing the ARC and would interpret that she would defer to Mr. Cambra’s recommendation since she is not present. Mr. Cambra stated under the task force proposal, the recommendation was to come back in May or early June; ARC has moved faster than initially anticipated and came before the Council in January. Mayor Spencer stated that she attended the last RRAC meeting and commended the RRAC on resolving landlord/tenant issues; rent control would not address every tenant issue. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 17, 2015 The City Attorney stated rent control is not the issue tonight; the issue is strengthening the RRAC committee; the sentiment is that the RRAC is not enough; rent issues are so egregious; concurred with Mayor Spencer that adopting rent control is difficult and limited in its application and how it is enforced. Mayor Spencer stated that she supports strengthening the RRAC as the best solution to support all the tenants in the City. In response to Vice Mayor Matarrese’s inquiry, the Community Development Director th stated staff committed to publishing the recommendations for the May 5 meeting. Vice Mayor Matarrese inquired whether or not the 30-day extension would extend th beyond the May 5 meeting, to which the Community Development Director responded the logistics could require more time. th Mr. Cambra stated ARC will not be able to go before the RRAC until April 5. In response to Councilmember Daysog’s inquiry, Mr. Cambra stated ARC cannot do enforcement; ARC views City staff as a partner and stakeholder to do enforcement and to deal with funding issues. Councilmember Oddie stated ARC’s original goal was to put together principles for Council review; only Council can give direction to staff; strengthening the RRAC is already being dragged out; if the ARC cannot decide, it is the job of the Council to decide. Mayor Spencer stated that she is concerned about Council doing enforcement; the Council depends on the landlords, tenants and RRAC to solve rent problems; the Council cannot get involved; the RRAC encourages landlords and tenants to work together; that she supports the process. Councilmember Oddie concurred with Mayor Spencer that the RRAC is a valuable asset; stated Council is not trying to take away the RRAC’s power, and is just trying to strengthen the process which is beneficial to the community; the community voice and analysis is the responsibility of the City Council; an extra layer of bureaucracy is being added which is not necessary. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft concurred with Councilmember Oddie; stated that she does not want to further delay giving the RRAC more teeth; she is ready to call for the vote; she did not receive any emails from the public regarding the issue. Angela Hockabout, ARC, stated that she is fully confident in process put forward by Mr. Cambra, which is invaluable and allows the opportunity to hear landlord and tenant concerns; there is more cooperation and willingness. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 17, 2015 Councilmember Daysog stated that he has not heard a strong argument about why the process cannot happen in time frame agreed to in January; on the other side, there is no harm in extending the process; Council has to deal with several issues; at the end of day, what matters is there is a substantive decision that makes sense; Council is always delaying important issues. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft encouraged the group to continue having landlords and tenants to work together. In response to Vice Mayor Matarrese’s inquiry, the City Attorney stated the Municipal Code would be changed by ordinance; the City Attorney’s office has been drafting proposed revisions. Vice Mayor Matarrese moved approval of sticking with current time period, with the understanding that the groups will continue to meet, and that there are two additional weeks between the first and second reading of the ordinance to adjust, tweak and receive additional input. Councilmember Oddie seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft clarified that Vice Mayor Mattarese’s motion is staying with staff proposal. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog, Ezzy Ashcraft, Matarrese, and Oddie – 4. Noes: Mayor Spencer – 1. Mayor Spencer announced there is a vacancy on the RRAC with applications due to the nd City Clerk by April 2. (15-191) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Alameda and the Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) regarding the Construction of a Replacement Seal Haul Out at Alameda Point; and (15-191 A) Ordinance No. 3122, “Approving a Lease and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Documents Necessary to Implement the Terms of a 60 Year Lease Agreement and Approve a Temporary Right of Entry Permit with Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) for 0.73 Acres of Undeveloped Upland Real Property and 3.4 Acres of Submerged Lands Located along West Hornet and Ferry Point Streets at Alameda Point.” Finally passed. The Economic Development Division Manager gave a brief presentation. Councilmember Oddie clarified that the lease is for a maintenance facility, not a ferry terminal. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 17, 2015 Vice Mayor Matarrese inquired which part of the planning process would address use permits regarding construction and operating noise. The Economic Development Division Manager responded construction and operating noise were addressed in the mitigated negative declaration. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated WETA and the Transportation Commission are considering a range of solutions for parking at the Main Street and Harbor Bay ferry terminals. Mayor Spencer inquired whether four votes are required to approve the lease, to which the City Attorney responded in the affirmative. In response to Mayor Spencer’s inquiry, the City Attorney stated two separate actions items are being voted on tonight; the first is to consider approval of the MOU related to the haul out which requires three votes; the second item to finally pass the ordinance approving the lease which requires four votes. Mayor Spencer inquired whether the location of the haul out requires three or four votes. The City Attorney responded the location does not have to come back to the Council, it is included in the MOU; WETA is working on the location. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether consultants would be included in the process regarding the haul out. The Economic Development Division Manager responded in the affirmative; stated staff wants to do the process right. Mayor Spencer inquired whether approval of the MOU tonight means that the item will not come back to the Council and the public can communicate directly with staff on the issue, to which the City Attorney responded in the affirmative. Mayor Spencer inquired whether the design of the building determined by the Planning Board would come back to Council for approval, to which the Economic Development Division Manager responded only if there is an appeal of the Planning Board decision. Mayor Spencer inquired how many votes are required to approve the design of the building, to which the City Attorney responded three votes are required. Councilmember Daysog stated Planning Board appeals are costly; sometimes Councilmembers request an appeal. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 17, 2015 In response to Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft’s inquiry, the Economic Development Division Manager stated the lease documents specifically address fuel storage units. In response to Councilmember Oddie’s inquiry, the Economic Development Division Manager stated the property is zoned as maritime/open space with limited uses; the project is one of the uses permitted. The Chief Operating Officer – Alameda Point clarified the zoning is an Enterprise Zoning District; there is open space adjacent to enterprise park which is for maritime businesses; the Enterprise 4 District is within State lands and the project is exactly the type of use consistent with the zoning. Mayor Spencer inquired whether the building and ferries would fall within the Enterprise Zone. The Chief Operating Officer – Alameda Point responded part of the piers is in the water; the zoning for the building is within the open space district; the fueling station would be in Enterprise 4. Mayor Spencer inquired what are the differences in enforcement of an MOU versus a lease. The City Attorney responded the MOU provides that WETA would be required to put $100,000 into an escrow account and be committed to getting permits to complete the project by a deadline; if the City feels WETA failed to meet the deadline, the City can “self-help” to complete the project and utilize the $100,000 to enforce obligations; the lease is a property right; ultimately the Council can terminate the lease, get the property back, and pursue any remedies. Mayor Spencer inquired what if the City’s completion of the project by “self-help” takes more than $100,000. The Economic Development Division Manager responded the MOU does not have language regarding costing more than $100,000; staff could negotiate the issue; if the City is self-helping, that means WETA is not meeting their obligations; however, WETA is committed to making the project work. In response to Mayor Spencer’s inquiry, the Economic Development Division Manager stated finding a logical location for the haul out is first on the list. The City Attorney clarified that WETA cannot begin construction without doing the haul out. Nina Reynolds, WETA, made a brief presentation. Expressed support of the project which is a good investment for Alameda: Ray Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 17, 2015 Shipway, Master Mates and Pilots. Stated that he contacted the Marine Mammal Center for seal haul out information; urged support of the project: Mark Klein, Alameda. Stated the project is a good example of cooperative project management; urged moving the project forward: Andy Slivka, Alameda Resident, Carpenters Union, and Building Trades Council. Expressed excitement for project which is good for business; urged approval of the lease and MOU: Michael McDonough, Alameda Chamber of Commerce. Expressed support for the project; stated there would be mutual benefit through regional partnership: Alex Knox, Office of the City of Richmond Mayor. Urged approval of the lease and MOU: Preston Dula on behalf of Marcel Parizal, Carpenters Union. Stated the project is critical to the expansion of the regional transit system; urged Council to approve the lease and MOU: Chadrick Smalley, City of Richmond. Stated there are lots of maritime focused programs in Alameda; that she is excited to add WETA project; urged support of the project: Leslie Cameron, Bay Ship and Yacht. Encouraged the Council to approve the project which would reduce traffic congestion: Kari Thompson, Alameda Expressed strong support for the WETA project; stated minimizing negative environmental impacts is important: Phil Holt, Alameda. Urged Council to review sections 2.4 and 3.1 of the MOU; stated that she supports the project: Irene Dieter, Sierra Club. Expressed support for the project; stated failing to execute the haul out is not an option: Richard Bangert, Alameda. Stated that she appreciates new union jobs at Alameda Point; the MOU language needs improvement; recommended the public continue to be part of the process; stated that she supports the project: Rachel Campos de Ivana, Alameda. Expressed concerns about the seal haul out and whether the public feels the property is worth preserving: Travis Wilson, Alameda. Expressed support for the WETA project; stated that he honors environmental concerns: Bobby Winston, Bay Crossings and Alameda Residents. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 17, 2015 Stated that she is in favor of the project, but is concerned that the lease agreement bypassed the Planning Board process: Therese Hall, Alameda. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she thinks the process has been collaborative; there is never enough money to complete projects such as the Bay Trail and parks; Alameda Point has some robust leases but bringing federal and State funding for the project is exciting; Alameda is an island, water transit needs to be supported; Council always needs to take competing efforts into consideration; that she is prepared to support the project. Councilmember Oddie stated the project is exciting and would help take advantage of being an island; the maritime commercial use is perfect; having a Project Labor Agreement is important; that he is glad it is a win-win situation. Vice Mayor Matarrese stated time is of the essence to select a site; Council’s judgment on the lease is based on all interests for preserving the community and the eco system; the project would bring jobs to Alameda Point which is a key priority; that he is prepared to move forward. Councilmember Daysog stated the project is important given the magnitude of jobs, the regional transit network, and how Alameda Point will move forward with a built and natural environment; Council deals with a lot of issues and is tasked with evaluating threats and risks of projects, as well as opportunities; the right mitigation is needed; staff has put together a proposal all should embrace; the project moves Alameda forward economically and environmentally; staff and Council are willing to listen and modify accordingly; unknowns are a valid question, but is there a framework in place to address unknowns; Council has done due diligence to deal with whatever situations arise. Mayor Spencer stated that she appreciates the project and the work that has been done to date; she is concerned that Council has not done due diligence in reaching out to the community; meetings held in San Francisco are not advertised; she has questions regarding the impact the operations will have on the ecosystem; the property is City land; when a private developer owns the land, the Council has less input. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft moved approval of the MOU. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion. Under discussion, Vice Mayor Matarrese proposed a friendly amendment for Council to receive reports on the status of site location so progress could be tracked. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she does not think the request needs to be an amendment to the MOU. Vice Mayor Matarrese stated adding the report could be part of the motion. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 17, 2015 Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated Council could give staff direction. In response to Vice Mayor Matarrese’s inquiry on what is timely, the City Manager stated staff could provide a report every two months. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog, Ezzy Ashcraft, Matarrese, and Oddie – 4. Noes: Mayor Spencer – 1. Vice Mayor moved approval to direct the City Manager to execute the lease. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft clarified the motion is final passage of the ordinance to approve the lease. Councilmember Oddie seconded the motion. Under discussion, the City Attorney stated Vice Mayor Matarrese’s motion is enacting the ordinance. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog, Ezzy Ashcraft, Matarrese, and Oddie – 4. Noes: Mayor Spencer – 1. (15-192) Introduction of Ordinance Approving a Lease and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Documents Necessary to Implement the Terms of a 24 Month Lease with Advanced Roofing Services, a California Corporation, for Building 612 located at 1450 Viking Street at Alameda Point. Introduced. *** Mayor Spencer called a recess at 10:06 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 10:13 p.m. *** The Economic Development Division Manager gave a brief presentation. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft moved introduction of the ordinance. Vice Mayor Matarrese seconded the motion. Under discussion, Vice Mayor Matarrese requested future leases include the number of employees. In response to Mayor Spencer’s inquiry, the Economic Development Division Manager stated a two year lease allows flexibility. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 17, 2015 On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote – 5. (15-193) Status Report on Site A Development at Alameda Point, including Presentation of Updated Development Plan, Approach to Transportation, and Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA). Not heard. (15-194) Recommendation to Approve the Operating and Capital Budget Calendar for Fiscal Years 2015-16 and 2016-17. The Assistant City Manager gave a brief presentation. *** (15-195) Mayor Spencer stated a motion is needed to consider the remaining items: recruitment process for new City Manager \[paragraph no. 15- \] and consider re- establishing the Economic Development Commission \[paragraph no. 15- \]. Vice Mayor Matarrese moved approval \[of considering the remaining items\]. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote – 5. *** The Assistant City Manager continued her presentation. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is concerned about the schedule to discuss Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) and Public Employee Retirement System (PERS); inquired whether an hour for the open house is necessary. Councilmember Daysog stated the OPEB/PERS discussion warrants a devoted workshop. Vice Mayor Matarrese proposed adopting the schedule as written; with OPEB/PERS being moved to one of the special meetings as a priority, and the time needed for OPEB/PERS be taken from the individual departments. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated April 7th might be early. th The Assistant City Manager stated OPEB/PERS could be discussed on April 7. th Vice Mayor Matarrese stated he objects to April 7 because it is a regular meeting. Councilmember Oddie suggested having a special meeting on OPEB/PERS in addition to the ones scheduled. In response to Mayor Spencer’s inquiry, the City Clerk stated the proposed start time for the special budget meetings is 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 17, 2015 Mayor Spencer stated that she would prefer the special meetings start at 6:00 p.m. if possible. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated sometimes special closed sessions are scheduled. The City Manager urged council to have a special meeting for OPEB/PERS. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft concurred with the City Manager; suggested the open house and department presentations be consolidated into one meeting. th The City Manager suggested devoting two hours for OPEB/PERS on April 7; and deferring introduction of the preliminary budget, the discussion of one time revenues th advancement loans and transfers and general fund reserves to the April 16 Special meeting. In response to Mayor Spencer, the Assistant City Manager stated the department presentations will discuss changes; staff will give a broad overview; then, individual nd departments will present information; final compilation will be presented on June 2. Mayor Spencer inquired whether the department presentations could include information on past budget cuts, to which the Assistant City Manager responded in the affirmative. nd Mayor Spencer requested allowing time for the public to comment on June 2. nd The Assistant City Manager stated community members could comment on June 2 when all the information is provided. Vice Mayor Matarrese moved approval of having the OPEB/PERS discussion on April thth 7 and defer other budget items to a Special Meeting on April 16, and consider a start time of 6:00 p.m. for the special meetings. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft seconded the motion. Under discussion, Mayor Spencer requested the motion be amended to include direction that budget items be heard earlier on the agenda. Vice Mayor Matarrese agreed to amend the motion. On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote – 5. (15-196) Recommendation to Direct Staff to Establish a Process for Recruitment of a New City Manager. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 17, 2015 The Administrative Services Director gave a brief presentation. Councilmember Daysog stated City Manager selection has been done by the Council in the past, not by recruitment service. In response to Councilmember Daysog’s inquiry, the Administrative Services Director stated it is not typical to put out a bid for recruitment services; all firms charge the same and the cost is not great enough to require a bid process; a formal bidding process would extend the timeline for two months. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated the City Manager position is a major recruitment; that she supports following the staff recommendation. Councilmember Oddie stated the City Manager recruitment is the most important decision Council will make and he does not want to rush the process; Alameda has a lot of challenges; he is worried that Alameda will get a cookie cutter City Manager because that is what the search firms find; he likes the idea of interviewing potential search firms to see if they understand Alameda’s culture. The Administrative Services Director stated if Human Resources recommends a search firm, the next step would be to return to Council for guidance on what to look for in candidates; the firm would communicate with Council in open session; their job is to heed to the wishes of the Council; a bid process may not get a response due to the nature of the public process. Vice Mayor Matarrese inquired whether a search firm was used to hire a Finance Director, to which the Administrative Services Director responded in the affirmative. Vice Mayor Matarrese inquired whether a search firm was used to hire an Assistant City Manager, to which the Administrative Services Director responded in the negative; stated the major challenge is outreach; the executive search firms have a database for City Managers; the firms have the networking capabilities and have candidates on line. Councilmember Daysog inquired whether community members could work with the search firms and have input in the selection process, to which the Administrative Services Director responded in the affirmative; stated community members could be included on an interview panel to do an initial screening of the most qualified candidates. *** (15-197) Mayor Spencer stated a motion is needed to continue the meeting past 11:00 p.m. Councilmember Oddie moved approval \[of continuing the meeting\]. Vice Mayor Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote – Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 17, 2015 5. *** Mayor Spencer concurred with Councilmember Oddie; stated selecting the City Manager is an important decision that she would prefer be done internally. The Administrative Services Director stated as an alternative, the firm could do the outreach and Council could review everything the firm receives; City staff does not have the capacity to do outreach. Mayor Spencer stated outreach could be done on social media; that she would like the Council to select who to interview, instead of the search firm. Councilmember Oddie stated he would like to meet and talk with the firm that would be doing the search; if that does not work out, Council could select another search firm, do the process internally, or have a firm do a minimum amount of work; that he is uncomfortable with just selecting a firm and then not hearing back for a couple of months. The Administrative Services Director stated the process would be contracting with a search firm and the firm would immediately come back to engage in discussions with Council on candidate profile. Councilmember Oddie stated the weight of the responsibility is heavy and he wants to do it right. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated staff does not have the wherewithal to do the search; relying on social media for outreach would sell the City short; there are competent firms out there; Council has the opportunity to find out what the potential is to do what is best for the City. Councilmember Daysog stated staff has outlined a process; a firm is needed because of their professional capabilities to attract the right set of candidates; there would be flexibility in how the firm engages with Council and the community once the City starts working with the firm. Vice Mayor Matarrese stated the Council should have the opportunity to vet all applicants; Council establishing parameters for what is wanted is important; that he does not think a $20,000 firm is needed; Human Resources does not have the capacity to do the search; he is adamant that the firm does not screen the applicants for the Council; screening should be done by the Council or a subcommittee. Mayor Spencer stated that she would like to meet with more than one firm; brochures are not necessary; Council should see applications; she would not support a subcommittee. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 17, 2015 Councilmember Oddie stated a search firm was not used last time and Alameda got lucky; that he would like to hear from the firms and see what they have to offer before making a commitment to use a firm. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated she thinks there is more than one good firm out there; the Administrative Services Director is extremely capable; Council could consider more than one firm if done timely. The Administrative Services Director proposed asking two or three firms to come before Council and talk about their experience; most search firms are based in Sacramento and want to be compensated for their time. In response to Councilmember Ashcraft’s inquiry, the Administrative Services Director stated she would like general direction from the Council on how to proceed. The Assistant City Manager stated that she is concerned about excluding good firms by limiting the pool to local firms. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft clarified that Council has agreed to go with an outside search firm; contacting a few firms is a good first step; more information will be known once Council hears back from the firms. Councilmember Oddie concurred; stated that he does not want to close off any doors on how the selection is done. Mayor Spencer stated all are in agreement that the Council wants to be involved in the selection process. CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS (15-198) The City Manager announced that he will begin negotiations with the four public safety bargaining units: Police Managers Association, the System Fire Chiefs Association, the Alameda Police Officers Association, and the International Association of Fire Fighters. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA None. COUNCIL REFERRALS (15-199) Consider Re-establishing an Economic Development Commission (EDC) for the City of Alameda. (Vice Mayor Matarrese) Vice Mayor Matarrese made brief comments on his referral. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 17, 2015 Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated Council should consider waiting until the Assistant City Manager Position, which was the liaison to the Boards and Commissions, is filled; inquired which tasks and objectives staff is already pursuing. Vice Mayor Matarrese responded the EDC could analyze the upcoming Alameda Point projects as part of a strategic plan; the theater and parking garage were executed as part of the 2000 Strategic Plan; executing a strategic plan is the kind of practice he would like to emulate using tools available today. Councilmember Oddie inquired how façade grants are done. The Community Development Director stated the department is proposing to relaunch the façade improvement program in the next two-year budget cycle and will access boomerang funds to bring the program back. Councilmember Oddie inquired whether the new EDC would be responsible for façade improvements. Vice Mayor Matarrese stated successful programs can be put on the table of the Commission for Park and Webster Streets; there is a synergy with staff and a body to help with intermediate work. In response to Councilmember Oddie’s inquiry, Vice Mayor Matarrese stated pursuing a fiber loop at Alameda Point is a key economic development question which raises value to land that the City owns. Councilmember Oddie stated the EDC’s impressive list of tasks and projects merits moving forward. Councilmember Daysog stated that he is not sure the Mayor’s Economic Development Committee was given enough time to do tasks. Vice Mayor Matarrese inquired whether the task force was seated or met, to which the Community Development Director responded in the negative; stated the Council adopted an ordinance to disband the EDC in October 2013; the Council voted to look to a different format to undertake the same type of economic development activities outlined by the Vice Mayor via a Mayor’s task force for economic development, a structure more flexible and nimble; staff is recommending continuing to work with the th task force structure; a presentation on April 7 will give more information to move forward with a strategy that reflects the best practice for undertaking economic development. Mayor Spencer inquired how staff proposes to address tasks if the Mayor’s Economic Development Committee is continued. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 17, 2015 The Community Development Director responded issues include a combination of high level policies where analysis and input is needed to advise Council, and more operational issues which would not need to go to Council; staff is proposing to update the 2008 Economic Development Strategic Plan as part of the budget. Mayor Spencer stated that she would like to give the Mayor’s Economic Development Committee a chance; leveraging staff time is important. Councilmember Daysog stated many cities have EDCs; value is added to a Mayor’s Economic Development Committee; a select group would be positioning economic development implementation; a commission has a role in planning. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated Vice Mayor Matarrese has proposed interesting th ideas; it would make sense to hear the April 7 presentation; there might be overlap with a traditional EDC and the Mayor’s Economic Development Committee; inquired th whether there is action attached to the report on April 7, to which the Community Development Director responded in the negative; stated staff will do a power point presentation for information only. In response to Mayor Spencer’s inquiry, the City Attorney stated staff could revise the th item to allow action be taken on April 7. Councilmember Oddie requested staff include analysis in the presentation. Mayor Spencer requested including discussion of pros, cons, and recommendations from staff. The Community Development Director stated slides could be added to the presentation to address the issues. Vice Mayor Matarrese stated the item should be made actionable. The City Attorney stated staff can do so; that she was trying not to overtask staff. The Community Development Director stated staff will provide information and allow direction to be given. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (15-200) Councilmember Daysog recommended the Community Development Director to close the loop on the matter raised by Jim Hager. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Spencer adjourned the meeting at 11:52 p.m. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 17, 2015 Respectfully submitted, Lara Weisiger City Clerk The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 17, 2015