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2020-04-22 Continued 4-21 Regular CC MinutesContinued April 21, 2020 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council April 22, 2020 1 MINUTES OF THE CONTNUED APRIL 21 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY- - APRIL 22, 2020- -6:00 P.M. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 6:06 p.m. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft led the Pledge of Allegiance and made brief comments related to shelter in place orders. ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Knox White, Oddie, Vella, and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft – 5. [Note: The meeting was conducted via WebEx.] Absent: None. AGENDA CHANGES None. PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (20-245) Proclamation Declaring the Month of April as Autism Awareness Month 2020. [Informational only, not presented] (20-246) Proclamation Declaring the Week of April 19 to 25, 2020 as Alameda County Victims’ Rights Week. [Informational only, not presented] ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA The following public comment was read into the record: (20-247) Linda Asbury, Sandy Russell and Rachel Campos de Ivanov, West Alameda Business Association (WABA), expressed appreciation for City staff; stated support from the business association is available (20-248) Louis Liss, Eden Housing, discussed a senior housing project at Alameda Point; stated applications will be accepted Friday until 4:00pm; discussed funding and timing for the family housing project. (20-249) Jim Strehlow, Alameda, questioned when the Chuck Corica Golf Park will open. CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Oddie requested that support of the Resource Recovery Coalition [paragraph no. 20-255] be removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Councilmember Daysog requested the resolution for Island City Landscaping and Lighting District 84-2 [paragraph no. 20-256] and the ordinance Approving a Continued April 21, 2020 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council April 22, 2020 2 Development Agreement with Boatworks [paragraph no. 20-260] be removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Councilmember Daysog moved approval of the remainder of the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Vella seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Oddie: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayo r Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.] (*20-250) Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting, the Special Joint City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Improvemen t Commission Meetings and the Regular City Council Meeting Held on March 17, 2020. Approved. (*20-251) Ratified bills in the amount of $3,184,612.02. (*20-252) Recommendation to Accept the Work of St. Francis Electric for Streetlight Conduit Replacement Project, Gibbons and Southwood, P.W. No. 04-19-18. Accepted (*20-253) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute Five, Five -Year Agreements, in an Amount Not to Exceed $150,000 Each, Annually, to Advanced Mobility Group (AMG); Fehr and Peers; Iteris Inc.; Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.; and Parisi Transportation Consulting for On -Call Consulting Services for Transportation Planning and Engineering Services for Individual Total Cumulative Amounts Not to Exceed $750,000 Each and a Combined Total Cumulative Amount Not to Exceed $3,750,000. Accepted. (*20-254) Recommendation to Set June 16, 2020, for a Public Hearing to Consider Collection of Delinquent Integrated Waste Management Accounts Via Property Tax Bills. Accepted. (20-255) Recommendation to Support Resource Recovery Coalition of California’s Emergency Solid Waste Funding Proposal, which Provides Additional Support to Alameda County Industries in Response to Financial Impacts of the COVID -19 Pandemic. Councilmember Oddie expressed support for the item; inquired whether Councilmembers may sign on the letter should they wish; stated that he would like the opportunity to sign-on if possible. Councilmember Oddie moved approval of the staff recommendation, with the addition of allowing Councilmembers to attach their signatures to the letter. Councilmember Vella seconded the motion. Continued April 21, 2020 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council April 22, 2020 3 Under discussion, Councilmember Vella stated it would be helpful to send a message as a whole Council; expressed support for adding her signature. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Oddie: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5. (20-256) Resolution No. 15644, “Preliminarily Approving the Annual Report Declaring the City's Intention to Order the Levy and Collection of Assessments , Providing for Notice of Public Hearing on June 16, 2020 - Island City Landscaping and Lighting District 84-2 (Various Locations).” Adopted. Councilmember Daysog recused himself and left the meeting. Councilmember Oddie stated in the event of Councilmember recusal, he would like the item to be separated item to allow for partial support and unanimous decisions. Councilmember Oddie moved adoption of the resolution. Vice Mayor Knox White seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Absent; Knox White: Aye; Oddie: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 4, Absent: 1. (*20-257) Resolution No. 15645, Preliminarily Approving the Annual Report Declaring the City's Intention to Order the Levy, Collection of Assessments and Providing for Notice of Public Hearing on June 16, 2020 - Maintenance Assessment District 01-01 (Marina Cove).” Adopted. (*20-258) Resolution No. 15646, “Approving that the Pavement Management Project be Funded Through the State’s Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account for Fiscal Year 2020-21.” Adopted. (*20-259) Resolution No. 15647, “Authorizing the City Manager to Apply for and Receive up to Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000) in Local Government Planning Support Grant Program Funds.” Adopted. (20-260) Ordinance No. 3276, “Approving a Development Agreement By and Between the City of Alameda and Boatworks, LLC Governing the Boatworks Project for Real Property Located at 2229 to 2235 Clement Avenue.” Finally passed. Councilmember Daysog expressed his opposition to the item. Vice Mayor Knox White moved final passage of the ordinance. Councilmember Oddie seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: No; Knox White: Aye; Oddie: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Continued April 21, 2020 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council April 22, 2020 4 Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 4, Noes: 1. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS (20-261) Resolution No. 15648, “Establishing Policies on Street Width, Lane Width, Crosswalks and Bulb-Outs to Promote Safe, Livable Streets and Environmentally Sustainable Transportation Choices.” Adopted; and (20-261A) Recommendation to Provide Direction to Staff on Tools for Improving Safety at Intersections. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director gave a brief presentation. Councilmember Oddie inquired whether something has been done with beg buttons. The City Engineer responded that beg buttons are not specifically part of the agenda item. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft requested clarification on what a beg button is and if the topic is relevant to the agenda item. The Chief Assistant City Attorney responded the topic is relevant and staff can answer. The City Engineer stated a beg button is a pedestrian push button; at some intersections, a pedestrian is required to press the button in order for the walk symbol to activate; stated the first part of the agenda item looks at street components; staff will return to Council to address intersection access equity; staff is also looking into instances where pedestrians must press a button in order to safely cross. Councilmember Oddie inquired the pros and cons of pairs versus quads. The City Engineer responded for various reasons, a number of locations have a crosswalk on one side of the street; stated the instances cause pedestrians to walk across three sides of the road as opposed to walking straight across; there is a desire to have crossings as either pairs or quads; staff is soliciting Council input on the item; from a traffic safety standpoint, it is preferred to only locate on one leg versus all legs. The Senior Transportation Coordinator stated the item is a matter of visibility and of pedestrians having crosswalks striped as a quad; striping signifies to users that the street belongs to everyone for use. Councilmember Daysog stated that he has received correspondence expressing concern about on-street parking on Webster Street being listed as the lowest priority; inquired whether thought was given to the effects on small businesses from parking being low priority. Continued April 21, 2020 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council April 22, 2020 5 The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded the policy does not suggest the removal of on-street parking; stated the resolution is balancing unsafe situations for vulnerable users, such as pedestrians or children walking to school; the priority is going to be ensuring the locations are safe for the most vulnerable users; being able to provide for all needs would be ideal; discussed pedestrian safety issues on Webster Street; stated recent Council policy to implement daylighting sets the priority to allow more visibility; parking will not randomly be pulled off streets; parking will only be removed where needed to ensure other users are safe; staff will try to preserve as much on-street parking as possible; should the trade-off come down to parking spaces or saving a life, life will be chosen. Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the Transportation Element has not been updated since 2009; stated thought should be given to the changes being contemplated from within the context of the Transportation Element and General Plan and updating the General Plan as a whole. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded staff must ensure all documents are consistent, comprehensive and consider all issue s; stated staff is working simultaneously on multiple fronts; a complete re-write of the General Plan is on the City’s website; noted the Transportation Element is the final chapter being updated and will be updated within two weeks; stated an Active Transportation Plan and Vision Zero Plan and are also being worked on simultaneously; Council authorized the contract for the Active Transportation Plan; priority has been set; each opportunity to bring policies allows staff to check-in with Council and ensure the proper direction is being implemented; some policies will be implemented with the updated plans; staff is ready to take action with Council direction and authorization; the only delay in implementation is COVID-19. Councilmember Daysog stated there is a strong statement in the staff report correlating narrow streets to safety; inquired whether there has been academic research conducted to support the claim. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded that National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) set guidelines which are followed by cities around the country; NACTO has conducted a lot of research on the relationship between narrow roads and safety; stated the studies can be provided if desired. The Transportation Coordinator stated the standards that NACTO uses are based off Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) data and other academic resources; the studies are academically valid and are data driven. Public Comments Read Into Record: Stated that the business district prefers bicycling as the form of transportation; noted on- street parking is a critical element in preservation of local business; stated parking being identified as the lowest priority suggests local businesses are low priority; removing Continued April 21, 2020 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council April 22, 2020 6 parking would be a large hit to small businesses: Linda Asbury, W est Alameda Business Association (WABA). Expressed concern about the resolution language; noted the language outcome will likely push traffic away from the business districts; stated a study has not been conducted to show what each parking space lost equates to for a business; discussed return on investment: N. Echeverri, Alameda. Stated on-street parking is a critical element in preserving local businesses; urged Council and staff to openly discuss the topic with business associations; stated on- street parking should be a priority: J. Lucey, Alameda. Stated accidents happen; urged fault factors be determined; discussed travel lane widths; noted concerns from the Transportation Commission; expressed concern about there being no mention of safety for the evacuation of the Island; stated taking away parking spaces from businesses is the wrong priority: Jim Strehlow, Alameda. Expressed appreciation for staff; urged support of street safety: Susie Hufstader, Bike East Bay. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she has attended a few of the WABA board meetings; inquired whether the Planning, Building and Transportation Director has made a point to attend the board meetings to discuss these plans. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded that staff has met and discussed Vision Zero and specific plans with business associations and various groups; stated the item is an overall policy; the policy establishes what the City will do when a specific situation arises and needs must be assessed; the policy does not recommend taking out on-street parking in the business districts; any project within the business district involves the business associations; WABA has been involved in the Central Avenue project for years. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated outreach to the business associations has happened and continues to happen. Councilmember Vella stated the issue has been a priority for Council for some time; outreach has occurred; the return on investmen t of saving a life at the cost of removing a parking space is huge; noted the local farmer’s market brings a lot of foot traffic; stated the new Cross Alameda Trail is helping make Alameda streets safer; there is better visibility; there has been an increase in delivery and take-out orders within the business districts; proposed short-term parking zones will be made available; many people are walking or bicycling to pick-up food; there have been bike versus vehicle accidents; it makes sense to implement safety; expressed support for the item. Councilmember Daysog expressed concern about linking traffic safety issues to changes to the physical environment; stated one basic form of planning safety is Continued April 21, 2020 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council April 22, 2020 7 incorporating the 3-Es: Educating Engineering, and Enforcement; expressed concern about over-emphasizing engineering; stated the topic cannot be looked at solely from the engineering lens; the enforcement position must also be considered; outlined citations data based on traffic speed that he received from staff; stated speeding citations increase with more Officers; there is an over-emphasis on engineering; more enforcement is needed; 2,300 average speeding citations are issued with five or more Traffic Officers; questioned the reason the item is not being looked at in the context of the Transportation Element; expressed support for use of education, enforcement and engineering; Council must remember that Webster Street has lost a lot of parking due to bulb-outs and other updates; the item should be looked at holi stically; that he will not be supporting the item. Vice Mayor Knox White stated the environment and design of the environment is the number one thing to ensure safe streets; enforcement of behavior equates poorly designed streets; people are penalize d for acting in ways that have been encouraged; the proposal is not an attack on parking; that he will protect the safety of residents , which is consistent with planning efforts; there is a solid Transportation Element; expressed support for the item; question ed whether the slow streets pilot is a first step; expressed support for building networks while coming out of COVID -19; stated a number of cities are moving forward with intersection access; expressed support for turning pedestrian buttons off during COVID-19, which should not require Council action; expressed support for having all sidewalks painted for visibility and ; using stripes within crosswalks; stated staff should look at balancing safety; the City should be smart and data driven, without planning into inactivity related to speed; stated bollards can be ugly, but are effective; proposed a change to the final bullet to read: “separated bike lanes should be provided instead of unprotected standard bicycle lanes , unless not feasible;” stated the goal is to provide the highest level of safety and encouragement. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether Vice Mayor Knox White’s proposal is feasible. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Oddie stated that he defers to the City Engineer on the topic of pairs versus quads; the more crosswalk opportunities, the better; he defers to staff on the limited resources and where to prioritize; each accident causes a lot of clamoring; there is high priority around schools and parks; bollards are not ugly, they serve a purpose; the more that can be done to change behavior, the better; expressed support for the hierarchy; stated parking is not a low priority; life, especially children’s lives, are high priority; questioned whether one to two parking spaces have been removed from the Eastbound side of Central Avenue; expressed support for codifying the priorities; stated that he and Vice Mayor Knox White added the term “enactment” to a town hall previously held; the engineering side has been under emphasized; the City has previously not done enough engineering; expressed concern about enforcement being a human capital intensive activity; stated more is being asked of the Police Department with fewer resources; noted there has been concern for lack of traffic flow; stated a one to two minute delay is worth saving a life; there are things being done to abate Continued April 21, 2020 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council April 22, 2020 8 speeding; enforcement and engineering are both needed; pedestrian friendly changes should be made for businesses; streets are generally poorly designed; the sooner the City can fix bad engineering with good engineering, the better; expressed support for planning solutions. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the topic is very important; Alameda currently does have less traffic on the streets, but people are also driving faster; more people are out walking to get fresh air and exercise; noted that she is careful when crossing streets due to fast drivers; the item is important to address even under COVID-19; proposed staff go after as much grant funding as possible for projects; stated that she is surprised at the comments from the business associations; all factors must be considered; discussion Davis being a bicycle-friendly city; stated enforcement is important, but there is a limited number of staff; the workshop held by Vice Mayor Knox White and Councilmember Oddie was impressive and well-attended; the City must protect the safety and accessibility of streets for all; expressed support for gradual re-opening of the City when it is safe to do so; stated social distancing will extend over time; urged people to stay active; noted that she typically finds parking along Webster Street; inquired whether the inability to turn off beg buttons is related to equipment. The City Engineer responded in the affirmative; stated the City has a very old system; not all intersection controllers are able to be easily programmed to remove buttons; some intersections are programmed for audible pedestrian signals; there are signage items to update as well; there is a catalog of system updates. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft noted people should not touch pedestrian buttons with their hands; inquired the status of the Central Avenue project. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded the design is being refined with the consultants; stated the design refinements, including the final design for the portion going by Webster Street, will return for Council discussion in June, 2020; construction drawings will follow and actual construction will begin 2021 if all goes well; the funding is ready; the Clement Avenue project will begin nearer term and a bicycle- pedestrian project for Otis will begin ahead of Clement Avenue; Council has set up a series of projects to improve bicycle and pedestrian s afety; all projects have had an extensive public process. Councilmember Daysog noted that his views on the three E’s are not dated. Vice Mayor Knox White moved approval of the staff recommendation , with the modification of final bullet to read: “separated bike lanes should be provided instead of unprotected standard bicycle lanes unless not feasible.” Councilmember Vella seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: No; Knox White: Aye; Oddie: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 4, Noes: 1. Continued April 21, 2020 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council April 22, 2020 9 (20-262) Recommendation to Provide Direction on Potential Measures Amendin g the City Charter. Continued to May 5, 2020. (20-263) Introduction of Ordinance Amending Alameda Municipal Code Chapter 30 (Development Regulations) to Modify Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations to Implement and Comply with State Law and Make Other Administrative, Technical, and Clarifying Amendments pertaining to Appeals and Youth Centers Definition, as Recommended by the Planning Board. Introduced. The City Planner made a brief presentation. Councilmember Oddie inquired how many Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) have occurred in the last couple years. The City Planner responded since 2017, 32 ADUs have been constructed; stated the City has approved 120 applications. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the City has worked hard to promote building more affordable housing; the housing crisis in the State is not going away and is highlighted by mandates; people should not live unsheltered; the City needs more housing; the topic is complicated; noted San Mateo County provides a booklet related to ADUs; inquired whether Alameda has something similar. The City Planner responded a next step is to develop material and perform outreach. Vice Mayor Knox moved approval of the ordinance with the omission of Subsection J. Councilmember Oddie seconded the motion Under discussion, Councilmember Daysog stated that he has a larger concern related to Measure A not aligning with the City Charter; that h e will abstain on the item and come to a decision at a later date when the item returns. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director stated the ability for the City to pass local rules, regulations and laws is confined by limits imposed by the State; there are conflicts between State law and the City Charter related to housing issues; State law is clear that ADUs cannot be considered when deciding whether density limits have been violated. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the Governor has listed housing as a main priority; cities have been taken to court over the topic; inquired whether the motion included Section J, to which Vice Mayor Knox White responded in the affirmative. On the call for the question the motion carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Abstain; Knox White: Aye; Oddie: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Ma yor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 4. Abstention: 1. Continued April 21, 2020 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council April 22, 2020 10 (20-264) Introduction of Ordinance Amending Section 1 (Part) of Ordinance No. 3226 N.S. and Section 4-60.40 of the Alameda Municipal Code to Extend from July 1, 2020 to July 1, 2021, or to Another Date Determined by Council, the Increase in Minimum Wage within the City of Alameda to an Hourly Rate of Fifteen Dollars. Not heard. (20-265) Introduction of Ordinance Authorizing the City Manager, or Designee, to Execute a Twelve Month Amendment to the Lease with Pacific Pinball Museum, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, with the Option of Four One -Year Extensions, for Building 169, Suite 101 Located at 1680 Viking Street at Alamed a Point. Introduced. Councilmember Daysog stated that he would recuse himself and left the meeting. The Assistant Community Development Director gave a brief presentation. Councilmember Oddie moved approval of the staff recommendation. Vice Mayor Knox White seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Absent; Knox White: Aye; Oddie: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 4, Absent: 1. (20-266) Recommendation to Provide Direction to the City Attorney to Consent, Modify or Reject Law Firm Goldfarb Lipman’s Request to Waive Conflicts of Interest In Connection with Goldfarb’s Legal Representation of the City of Alameda and the Housing Authority of the City of Alameda. The Chief Assistant City Attorney gave a brief presentation. Councilmember Oddie inquired whether a similar waiver has been signed by the Housing Authority. The Chief Assistant City Attorney responded in the affirmative. The Community Development Director stated the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners approved the conflict waiver last week. Councilmember Daysog moved approval of the staff recommendation. Vice Mayor Knox White seconded the motion. Under discussion, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is satisfied with the procedures put in place. Councilmember Vella stated that she understands the ethical wall; noted there are many firms available; expressed concern about the waiver; stated that she does not believe anyone would act unethically; expressed concern about the same firm being Continued April 21, 2020 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council April 22, 2020 11 involved. The City Attorney inquired whether Councilmember Vella is proposing the City engage different counsel. Councilmember Vella responded in the affirmative; stated that she is not comfortable with the waiver and all parties involved; expressed support for engaging different Attorneys rather than Attorneys from the same firm. The City Attorney stated should Council decline the waiver, the Housing Authority will likely engage different counsel. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired the reason for the Housing Authority would engage different counsel. The City Attorney responded Goldfarb is providing limited services to the City; stated the services are ongoing; Goldfarb has provided services at Alameda Point for many years with valuable knowledge; the City does not have an immediate need for Goldfarb to provide specific work right away; the Housing Authority needs Goldfarb right away; denial of the waiver will likely result in Goldfarb not being hired by the Housing Authority. Councilmember Oddie stated that he is not willing to support the item, but could in the future; the City Manager is working on a referral that has taken lower priority; that he will abstain on the item rather than vote no. The City Manager stated the item is coming forward based on a mediation process; outlined the urgency; stated since Goldfarb is the Housing Authority’s main firm, there is a dilemma for the City. The Community Development Director stated Goldfarb is the General Counsel for the Housing Authority; the Attorney working with the City is different than the Attorney working with the Housing Authority; the Housing Authority has an ongoing, day-to-day relationship with Goldfarb as General Counsel; negotiations have begun related to the rent program and the contract with the Housing Authority and will come before Council in June; staff will also bring an amendment to the staffing services agreement with the Housing Authority; staff anticipates recommending the City bring the Community Development Block and Home program back to be administered by City staff; the two agreements are what brought the waiver request forward for Council consideration; the City will use in-house attorneys on both staffing services agreements; noted the work with Karen Tiedemann of Goldfarb is integral to the work at Site A as outside counsel to the City; City staff strongly values the relationship with Goldfarb and would like to maintain the relationships. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft questioned whether Councilmembers Oddie and Vella would be able to consider the waiver under certain circumstances. Continued April 21, 2020 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council April 22, 2020 12 Councilmember Vella expressed concern about a waiver causing questions or a cloud of uncertainty; stated that she would like everything to be done above board; noted the Housing Authority and the City were once one entity. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether any criteria could be added to allow the waiver to be considered; stated Goldfarb is a large firm; questioned whether the Attorneys work out of the same office. The Community Development Director responded both parties work out of the Oakland office. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated two Attorneys on opposite sides ethically would not discuss the item. Councilmember Oddie stated when delicate negotiations complete, he could consider the waiver; he would like to ensure all items are ironed out before he can support the item; his position is not a no forever, but he is not willing to support the waiver right now. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated it seems as though the stance is not supportive of having the Housing Authority using Goldfarb during negotiations; inquired the timeline to allow new Attorneys to be engaged. The City Attorney stated should Council not grant the waiver at the moment, the Housing Authority will engage special counsel without having to disengage its regular counsel. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the Housing Authority would have another firm available if needed. The City Attorney responded the issues could be brought up to another firm within a reasonable time. The Chief Assistant City Attorney stated there is time sensitivity related to the two agreements between the City and Housing Authority; the rent agreement will come before Council in June. The Community Development Director stated staff anticipates bringing the new contract for the rent program in June, as well as the amended staffing services agreement; the agreements are relatively straight-forward. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired when the Housing Authority Board will meet next. The Community Development Director responded the Board meets monthly; stated the meetings are typically held the second Wednesday of each month. Continued April 21, 2020 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council April 22, 2020 13 Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft questioned whether enough time would be given to prepare staff reports, to which the Community Development Director responded in the affirmative. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft announced Vice Mayor Knox White had to leave the meeting to address an urgent work matter and will return if possible; inquired the process for allowing the item to be continued. The Chief Assistant City Attorney responded the item can be continued for the moment and the next item can be taken in the meantime. (20-267) Introduction of Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Section 2-19 (Commission on Disability) to Change the Number of Members to Seven and Change the Name to the Commission on Persons with Disabilities. Introduced. The Public Information Officer gave a brief presentation. Councilmember Oddie moved introduction of the ordinance. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Knox White: Absent; Oddie: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 4, Absent: 1. CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS (20-268) The City Manager provided an update on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) trailers and safe parking; announced the Food Bank traffic control plan is being worked on and has been staffed by City employees. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA None. COUNCIL REFERRALS None. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (20-269) Councilmember Oddie expressed gratitude towards City staff; urged residents to reach out to Councilmembers; noted he and Councilmember Vella attended a town hall related to schools; stated that he will attend another town hall with Councilmember Vella to answer questions about small businesses looking for State assistance. (20-270) Councilmember Vella expressed gratitude towards City staff; stated the traffic mitigation for the Food Bank has improved ; two cars per minute are able to be helped; Continued April 21, 2020 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council April 22, 2020 14 announced Marshawn Lynch, a former Oakland Raider, donated thousands of masks to the Food Bank, Alameda Point Collaborative, and Alameda Meals on Wheels along with Jeremy Castro; announced a town hall will be held with Councilmember Oddie; noted prior town halls have had tremendous feedback; announced an upcoming Lead Abatement meeting. (20-271) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is pleased with the City’s response to COVID-19; stated the FEMA trailers look great; discussed activity bag distribution at the Head Start facility; stated Food Bank volunteers are doing great; announced an upcoming meeting with Congresswoman Barbara Lee; noted the Friends of the Park postponed the annual fundraising golf tournament; a new date has been set; donations of $10,000 will be made to the Food Bank and Alameda Meals on Wheels; announced she had Doctor Karen Tribble and Doctor Kel Jenks as guests for her COVID updates; stated resources for COVID-19 are available on acgov.org and the City’s website. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 8:55p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lara Weisiger City Clerk The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.