Resolution 15017CITY OF ALAMEDA RESOLUTION NO. 15017
COMMENDING JOHN A. RUSSO FOR HIS SERVICE TO
THE CITY OF ALAMEDA AS CITY MANAGER
WHEREAS, John A. Russo began his service to the City of Alameda on June 13,
2011; and
WHEREAS, John A. Russo came to Alameda during a time of disorganization,
inefficiency, and poor employee morale and through decisive action was able to create
a more efficient and responsive City Hall, building employee morale by providing a
consistent message of excellence and accountability; and
WHEREAS, under his leadership and based on his personal philosophy of
openness and transparency, John A. Russo facilitated the City's first ever Sunshine
Ordinance, which was adopted on November 1, 2011 and promotes transparency and
responsiveness in local government; and
WHEREAS, under John A. Russo's decisive and determined leadership, the City
made significant strides to put the former Naval Air Station (NAS), Alameda back into
productive reuse, including the no cost conveyance of 900 acres of former military
property; executed the NAS Alameda Tidelands Trust Exchange Agreement with the
State Lands Commission; approved of a zoning amendment, Master Infrastructure Plan,
Environmental Impact Report, Transportation Demand Management Plan, and
Waterfront Town Center Plan; and established an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement for
a first phase development of a 68-acre mixed use site; and
WHEREAS, through his collaborative approach, John A. Russo was instrumental
in working with the Public Safety labor groups whereby safety employees now
contribute more toward their pension and health care than any time in the past, leading
the way in Bay Area cities; and
WHEREAS, John A. Russo balanced the City's General Fund budget, while
increasing reserves, maintaining service levels, and creating a 22 year plan for repairing
and replacing all City sewers and roads; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure as City Manager, John A. Russo tirelessly
advocated for more parks, and played a critical role in identifying funding and support
for Estuary Park athletic fields, the Alameda Point Sports Complex, and the Jean
Sweeney Open Space Park, and protected the beloved Chuck Corica Golf Complex to
sustain it for future generations to enjoy; and
WHEREAS, John A. Russo focused on re-establishing a robust economic
development program, creating jobs and growing the City of Alameda's tax base in an
effort to fund essential City services; and
WHEREAS, John A. Russo was committed to providing the community with
professional, courteous and efficient service, oversaw the remodeled Permit Center and
launched the new Alameda at Your Service Program for commercial development
projects; and
WHEREAS, through his insightful directives as both the City Manager and a
Public Utility Boardmember, John A. Russo has made a major contribution to the
operation and future success of Alameda Municipal Power (AMP), and with his
innovative recommendations AMP has been able to accrue significant resources to
enhance its "green" program and efficiency customers; and
WHEREAS, John A. Russo has been a strong advocate for the City of Alameda
both locally and regionally, evidenced by the numerous grants the City has received
during his tenure, securing a seat on the Water Emergency Transportation Agency
(WETA) Board, and earmarking Alameda County Transportation Commission Measure
BB funds for Alameda's complex, but essential, transportation efforts; and
WHEREAS, John A. Russo never saw an In-N-Out Burger that he didn't like,
brought a refreshing sense of humor to the position of City Manager, serenaded the
office regularly in perfect pitch, and will be greatly missed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of
Alameda does hereby express its sincere appreciation for John A. Russo's years of
service to the Alameda community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Alameda does
hereby congratulate John A. Russo on his many accomplishments as City Manager and
wishes him well in his new position as City Manager of Riverside.
1, the undersigned, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and
regularly adopted and passed by the Council of the City of Alameda in a regular
meeting assembled on the 21st day of April, 2015, by the following vote to wit:
AYES: Councilmembers Daysog, Ezzy Ashcraft, Matarrese, Oddie
and Mayor Spencer — 5.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTENTIONS: None.
IN WITNESS, WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official
seal of said City this 22nd day of April, 2015.
a-417-,
Lara Weisiger, Citi,CIrk
City of Alameda
AP ROVED AS TO FORM
Jap4jt. Kern, City Attorney
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