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2021-06-15 Regular CC Minutes Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 2021 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY- -JUNE 15, 2021- -7:00 P.M. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 8:40 p.m. ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Herrera Spencer, Knox White, Vella, and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft – 5. [Note: The meeting was conducted via Zoom] Absent: None. AGENDA CHANGES None. PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (21-402) Proclamation Declaring the Month of June 2021 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month. (21-403) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft read a proclamation declaring June 19, 2021 as Juneteenth Day. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA (21-404) Paul Foreman, Alameda, discussed a petition on change.org urging the opposition of Senate Bills 9, 10, and 478, and Assembly Bill 1322; stated 272 Alamedans have signed the petition; outlined Senate Bill 9; stated Alameda is registered as a supporter of the bill, while 63 cities and the League of California Cities oppose the bill; outlined Senate Bills 10 and 478 and Assembly Bill 1322; urged Council oppose the bills. (21-405) Ella Halisky, Alameda, discussed cat de-clawing practices being animal cruelty and a petition to end the procedure; urged Alameda Municipal Code Section 7-91 be amended to add language stating: “No one can remove healthy tissue, especially with bone, from an animals paw except a licensed veterinarian. It shall not be allowed for the sake of convenience or handling of an animal. A licensed veterinarian can only perform the surgery for physical, therapeutic reasons such as a tumor, an uncon trollable infection, or non-healing trauma. ; The enforcement penalty is a fine of $1,000 for the first offense, $1,500 for the second and $2,500 for the third offense.” (21-406) Jay Garfinkle, Alameda, discussed challenging the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) numbers; stated the deadline for challenging RHNA numbers is July 9th; the Council and the Planning Board have not provided any challenge; Council has objected to challenging the RHNA numbers; the timing has been misleading; urged Council put money towards acquiring affordable housing locations; discussed Assembly Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 2021 2 Bill 1401 and Senate Bill 10. (21-407) Zac Bowling, Alameda, discussed Senate Bill 9 and the State budget for the Housing Accountability Act; stated Senate Bill 10 provisions do not count for Home Owners Associations; expressed support for Senate Bill 9; stated Assembly Bill 1401 removes mandatory parking minimums; the City needs to do its part within the State to help end the housing affordability crisis. (21-408) Josh Geyer, Alameda, expressed support for Senate Bills 9, 10, 478 and Assembly Bills 1322 and 1401; discussed vehicle carbon emissions in California and housing accessibility to transit; expressed support for mitigating carbon emissions by building housing in Alameda to allow people to get out of their cars and use transit. (21-409) Eve Gordon, Alameda, expressed support for new laws at the State level; discussed dividing, selling and developing her property; stated more housing and opportunities to become home owners should b e created; expressed concern about people clinging to the idea of keeping others out of the City; stated creating a community is the way forward. CONSENT CALENDAR Stated tenant eviction protections are unreasonable; expressed concern about renters having higher income: Lily. Expressed support for Council enacting local emergency protections; stated the actions have protected local residents from calamities; the COVID -19 emergency is nearing an end; however, there are virus variants; noted businesses have not gotten back to full staffing and many people are still on unemployment; discussed frozen unemployment payments; urged Council extend the protections for a longer period : Toni Grimm, Alameda Renters Coalition. Discussed questions submitted about the declaration of local emergency and COVID-19 vaccines; read information on bioethics and human rights by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO): Fey Adelstein, Alameda. Questioned funding the Alameda-Oakland Bicycle Pedestrian Bridge; stated the project lists 6,000 pedestrian and bicycle crossings per-day for the new bridge; roughly 100 people currently walk or bike the current access-way per day; inquired about the disaster recovery backup plan; stated the matter deserves more public scrutiny and discussion; stated the City has some of the lowest COVID -19 cases in the Bay Area; questioned when City Hall, Council meetings and the Permit Center would be open to the public: Jim Strehlow, Alameda. The Agreement with Lang, Hansen, Giroux & Kidane [paragraph no. 21-412], the legal notice contract [paragraph no. 21-414], the resolution for the Alameda-Oakland Bicycle- Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 2021 3 Pedestrian Bridge project grant [paragraph no. 21-417] and the resolution declaring a local emergency [paragraph no. 21-418] were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Councilmember Knox White moved approval of the remainder of the Consent Calendar. Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Ayes; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.] (*21-410) Minutes of the Special Meetings Held on May 8, 2021 May 11, 2021, and May 18, 2021, and the Regular Meeting Held on May 18, 2021 . Approved. (*21-411) Ratified bills in the amount of $6,001,199.84. (21-412) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Nine -Month Service Provider Agreement with Lang, Hansen, Giroux & Kidane, a California General Partnership, Substantially the Same as Exhibit 1, in an Amount Not to Exceed $90,000 for Legislative Advocacy/Governmental Relations Services Relating to the Surplus Land Act. In response to Councilmember Herrera Spencer’s inquiry, the City Manager stated the previous funding was for last fiscal year; the current funding is for the coming calendar year. Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired the previous approved amount, to which the City Manager responded $90,000. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated there have been changes to the Surplus Lands Act; Alameda Point is considered surplus land; the City is hiring a consultant to advocate that Alameda Point not be subject to the Surplus Lands Act; prope rties that are subject to the Surplus Lands Act prioritize the use for affordable housing; stated that she will be voting no on the matter; she would like to see more affordable housing at Alameda Point and throughout the City; it is okay to have Alameda Point be subject to the Surplus Lands Act; the City previously approved other properties at Alameda Point being subject to the Surplus Lands Act; expressed concern about continuing to spend money opposing the Surplus Lands Act. Councilmember Knox White moved approval of the staff recommendation. Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: No; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 4. Noes: 1. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 2021 4 (*21-413) Recommendation to Authorize the City Attorney to Execute a Three Year Agreement With the Option to Extend for Two Additional Years, with LWP Claims Solutions, Inc. for Professional Services as the Third Party Administrator (TPA) of the City of Alameda’s Self-Insured Workers’ Compensation Program in an Amount Not to Exceed $1,145,879 for Five Years, Plus Related Charges, and Authorize Budget Amendments for the Fiscal Years (FYs) 2021-22 and 2022-23 Biennial Operating Budget by Increasing the Workers’ Compensation Services Line Item by $25,000 for FY 2021-22 and $30,450 for FY 2022-23. Accepted. (21-414) Recommendation to Award a Contract for the Publication of Legal Notices for Fiscal Year 2021-22. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed concern about the Alameda Sun having higher rates across the board versus Alameda Journal; stated Council has favored awarding the contract to the Alameda Sun in previous years; she is not opposed to supporting local businesses; however, there is Council responsibility for expenditure of funds; there are grants for small businesses; the circulation of Alameda Journal is greater than Alameda Sun; the Alameda Sun has decreased circulation and increased online readership; she cannot support spending the money to get half the servi ce; should could support the Alameda Sun if the contract amount was reduced. Councilmember Daysog stated Council had the same discussion one year ago; he previously requested the circulation numbers; there has been challenge in seeing Alameda Sun increase circulation numbers; the decision is difficult; the difference in circulation is pronounced; legal notices have to get out to the public; the easy way out would be to split the difference with 50% going to Alameda Sun and 50% going to Alameda Journal; Council must make the difficult choice and render a service to the public; the Alameda Journal is delivered to his neighborhood once per week; he will join the Mayor in not supporting the award of contract to Alameda Sun. Councilmember Herrera Spencer moved approval of awarding the contract to the Alameda Sun. Councilmember Knox White seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Knox White stated that he understands the numbers are big; expressed concern about the numbers not telling who is reading; stated that his experience is people keeping up with City business read the Alameda Sun versus Alameda Journal; the figures are not perfect coming out of a difficult year of COVID -19. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the year of COVID-19 has been difficult for many locally- owned businesses; she is not aware whether the Alameda Sun has been able to avail itself of any State or City grants; she wants to support local businesses in appropriate ways. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 2021 5 Vice Mayor Vella expressed concern about the discrepancy in costs; stated the costs are rather large; questioned the potential alternative being proposed. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated if the rates had been the same, she would be happy to award the local business entity the contract; she cannot vote in good conscien ce to award the contract for twice as much and half the service to the Alameda Sun. Vice Mayor Vella inquired whether staff has inquired the reason for the large difference in overall costs even with lower circulation. The City Clerk responded since adjudication, the Alameda Sun has consistently been the higher bidder for the proposal; stated the rates submitted with the bid for Alameda Sun have always exceeded the Alameda Journal; noted the bid s are the same as the previous year with no increase or decrease. Vice Mayor Vella stated the comparison between the two companies is significant ; the Alameda Sun costs twice as much as Alameda Journal; expressed concern about a similar discussion occurring last year; stated that she is concerned about such a large difference in cost; the City is ultimately being asked to subsidize the local paper based on the cost; noted the cost may not be due to service being provided. The City Clerk stated Alameda Journal is part of a pool with legal ad serving multiple papers, whereas the Alameda Sun does not; there is a savings due to the Alameda Journal servicing more than one paper, versus the Alameda Sun being a standalone paper. Vice Mayor Vella stated that she is concerned the Alameda Sun is not printing as often during the pandemic; inquired whether lessened printing had impact on legal notices. The City Clerk responded in the negative; stated the Alameda Sun printed each week; noted the circulation number went down due to the pandemic. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated it is possible the cost are so high due to the City’s previous willingness to pay; if the costs were comparable, she would consider awarding the contract to the local paper; she does not support a cost which is twice the amount at a lower circulation; legal notices serve an important purpose. On the call for the question, the motion failed by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: No; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Vella: No; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: No. Ayes: 2. Noes: 3. Councilmember Daysog moved approval of awarding the contract to the Alameda Journal. Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 2021 6 Under discussion, Councilmember Vella expressed concern about the overall circulation numbers; stated Council has not received a response to the reason for lower circulation; noted circulation numbers have dropped in the last year. Councilmember Daysog stated that he would like to help the local publication; the discrepancies are too large. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: No; Knox White: No; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 3. Noes: 2. (*21-415) Resolution No. 15784, “Designating Consultants and Authorizing and Directing Actions Related to the Issuance of Special Tax Bonds for Community Facilities District No. 13-1 (Alameda Landing Public Improvements).” Adopted. (*21-416) Resolution No. 15785, “Approving Funding the Pavement Management Project Through the State of California’s Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account for Fiscal Year 2021-22.” Adopted. (21-417) Resolution No. 15786, “Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute Agreements to Accept and Allocate $1,555,000 in Grant Funds from the Alameda County Transportation Commission to Complete a Project Initiation Document for the Alameda-Oakland Bicycle-Pedestrian Bridge Project.” Adopted. Councilmember Daysog stated the City is going out for funds to look at the feasibility of the bike bridge; he has had concerns about the bike bridge for some time; Council previously discussed looking into Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC) funding for the study; the City has performed its own studies and posted information on the website; the cost of the bicycle-pedestrian bridge is enormous and as large as the improvements being made to the Posey Tube; the Posey Tube project is mostly for vehicles; expressed concern about the cost of the project being $200 million; stated the cost is too high for something which only benefits 5,000 to 6,000 users at most per day; 4,400 vehicles travel through the Posey Tube during peak commute hours; the cost does not make sense when converted to a cost -per-user basis; he cannot support the matter; it is time for Council to make the tough decision to say $200 million to serve 5,000 to 6,000 users per day is not enough; there is desire to transition away from vehicle based improvements to a more environmentally friendly option; the concern is valid; however, it must also be within the realm of reasonableness; the City will eventually make the transition from predominately gas -based vehicles to alternative and electric vehicles; he will not support the bicycle-pedestrian bridge over the estuary; the cost does not make sense. Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether the $1.5 million amount awarded ACTC grant monies could have been used on other projects; requested background on Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 2021 7 the funding; inquired the amount of City money for the project. The Senior Transportation Coordinator responded there is no City match requirement for the project; stated the City is receiving the full grant amount from ACTC; the mone y is in response to a letter submitted by Council in November 2020, which requested ACTC fund the project initiation and project study report for the bicycle-pedestrian bridge. Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether the City could have used the funding for other projects; requested clarification about Bay Area entities supporting the project as a regional benefit. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft requested clarification about the regional aspect of the project. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director stated the ACTC Board approved the funding as part of the Broadway-Jackson project; the money being used may only be used for the Broadway-Jackson project. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the matter is important; the project has an estimated cost of $200 million; inquired the current project cost estimate and the anticipated potential funding sources. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded the project is not a City of Alameda project; stated the project is regional; the funding for the project will come from regional, State and federal sources; the City of Alameda cannot afford to build a $200 million bridge; the effort will be long-term in order to help build bicycle and pedestrian improvement connections between the two cities; the region recognizes the need for the effort, which is the reason funding is being provided by the region; the City of Alameda is acting as the project sponsor. Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired the estimate for the annual operation costs; questioned whether regional monies will pay for the operating costs in the future. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded the bridge will be owned by the region; the City will not own the bridge and does not own any of the current estuary crossings; either Caltrans or the County own the current crossings. Councilmember Herrera Spencer requested clarification about whether the bridge will be available 24 hours per day, to which the Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she plans to support the project. Councilmember Daysog stated the $200 million cost is not the correct use of funding relative to the benefits. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 2021 8 Councilmember Knox White moved approval of the staff recommendation [including adoption of the resolution], with the caveat that the money being spent on the Oakland Alameda Access Project will not provide a benefit to the 40,000 people that travel through the Posey Tube; the funding will provide a new crossing which will provide significant beneficial time differences for the 5,000 to 6,000 users per day. Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: No; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 4. Noes: 1. (21-418) Adoption of Resolution Continuing the Declaration of the Existence of a Local Emergency in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Consistent with Government Code Section 8630(c). Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated staff submitted a letter to Council indicating 85.1% of Alamedans which are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine have received at least one vaccine; 71.4% of Alamedans are fully vaccinated; the numbers are expected to increase in the next week; the City has one of the lowest case rates in the country; stated hospital bed occupancy for Alameda Hospital is at 33.2%. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she would like to call the question on the matter; moved approval of calling the question in order to move forward in the agenda should the motion pass by majority. Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: No; Herrera Spencer: No; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 3. Noes: 2. Vice Mayor Vella moved approval of the staff recommendation [including adoption of the resolution]. Councilmember Knox White seconded the motion which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: No; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 4. Noes: 1. [Note: The motion to call the question/limit debate required a two -thirds vote to pass, so the matter was reopened following the resolutions of appointment (paragraph no. 21- 419]. 5-J. Ordinance No. 3301, “Approving a Second Amendment to the Lease with Greenway Golf Associates, Inc., a California Corporation, for Chuck Corica Golf Complex.” Finally passed. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 2021 9 (21-419) Resolution No. 15787, “Reappointing Kristin Furuichi Fong as a Member of the Social Service Human Relations Board.” Adopted; (21-419A) Resolution No. 15788, “Appointing Samantha Green as a Member of the Social Service Human Relations Board.” Adopted; (21-419B) Resolution No. 15789, “Appointing Scott Means as a Member of the Social Service Human Relations Board.” Adopted; and (21-419C) Resolution No. 15790, “Appointing Dianne Yamashiro-Omi as a Member of the Social Service Human Relations Board.” Adopted. Vice Mayor Vella moved adoption of the resolutions. Councilmember Knox White seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5. The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office. Ms. Furuichi Fong, Ms. Green, Mr. Means, and Ms. Yamashiro-Omi made brief comments. *** The City Clerk noted the procedural motion regarding the resolution declaring the emergency [paragraph no. 21-418] required four votes and therefore failed. *** *** Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft called a recess at 9:57 p.m. and reco nvened the meeting at 10:15 p.m. *** (21-420) The City Attorney stated that he recommends Council vote to reopen the previous matter [resolution declaring a local emergency] due to the procedural motion not passing. Councilmember Knox White moved approval of reopening the resolution declaring the emergency [paragraph no. 21-418]. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5. *** CONSENT CALENDAR CONTINUATION Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 2021 10 (21-420A) Resolution No. 15791, “Continuing the Declaration of the Existence of a Local Emergency in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Consistent with Government Code Section 8630(c).” Adopted. Councilmember Herrera Spencer read the proposed resolution terms; stated that she will not be supportive of continuing the state of emergency in the City; prior to COVID - 19, the State was under a state of emergency declaration due to a 2018 wildfire in Paradise; things will happen when the City decides to lift the state of emergency; due to cooperation from community members, the numbers of vaccinated people should increase; the matter will return to Council in 60 days; it is important for community members to be thinking about the appropriate time to lift the emergency declaration; the vaccination percentage will not reach 100%. Councilmember Daysog stated that he has previously asked the City Attorney’s office to compile bullet points on implications for renters and small landlords; the matter is important; as long as the state of emergency is in place, small landlords and renters are caught in certain policies put into place within the City; small landlords are suffering from the effects of the pandemic; expressed support for extending the public health emergency; stated impacts continue; stated the bullet points compiled by the City Attorney’s office indicate results of not extending the health emergency; concerns of renters and small landlords will weigh heavily when the matter returns in 60 days. Councilmember Knox White moved adoption of the resolution. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: No; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 4. Noes: 1. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS CONTINUATION (21-421) Recommendation to Approve the City of Alameda’s Investment Policy. The City Treasurer and Finance Director gave a brief presentation. Councilmember Herrera Spencer moved approval of the recommendation. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she agrees with streamlining the process going forward; Council received correspondence related to the social responsibility aspects of the policy. The City Treasurer stated the correspondence includes great suggestions about modifications to consider for the environmental and social governance part of the Investment Policy; he is open to the proposed ideas; recommended Council discuss the proposal and vet through outside managers to ensure implementation capabilities; stated Council can then develop a policy for annual reports; the priority this year was to Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 2021 11 ensure the Finance Department is able to accommodate the process; he is happy to receive recommendations for next year’s policy. Councilmember Knox White seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Knox White inquired whether the matter can return sometime in the fall to start the discussion about Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) scores and ensure Council can provide direction for next year. The City Treasurer responded in the affirmative; stated the process should begin in order to return with a finished product in time; the policy cannot be implemented overnight; great ideas have been proposed and implementation in the next round can be discussed. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for the correspondence as well as the matter returning for Council discussion in the fall. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5. (21-422) Recommendation to Accept Update on Progress To Date Addressing Police Reform and Racial Equity; Provide Direction on a Pilot Mental Health Response Program; and Consideration of a Draft Work Plan for the Remaining Topics. The Assistant City Manager gave a Power Point presentation. *** (21-423) Vice Mayor Vella moved approval of allowing additional time to complete the presentation. Councilmember Herrera Spencer seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5. *** The Assistant City Manager completed the Power Point presentation. Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the City is considering a no-bid process for the Felton Institute option; questioned the process for considering an open -bid. The City Manager responded the City spoke with several organizations; stated the Felton Institute has the desired type of alternative Police response; staff can submit a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in order to perform a pilot program and find organizations which have the capabilities. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 2021 12 *** (21-424) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated a motion is needed to consider remaining agenda items past 11:00 p.m.; she is not supportive of continu ing the meeting past 12:00 a.m. The City Clerk stated public hearings will need to be continued to a date and time certain. Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the Call for Review [paragraph no. 21-430] is able to be continued to another date. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft responded the matter needs to be heard by the first meeting in July; expressed support for continuing the matter to July 6th at 6:59 p.m. The City Clerk stated Council may continue the matter to a date and time specific; the timing for the Call for Review allows for the matter to be heard at the July 6 th Council Meeting. Councilmember Knox White expressed support for continuing the matter to 5:00 p.m. Councilmember Know White moved approval of continuing the Call for Review [paragraph no. 21-430] to 5:00 p.m. on July 6, 2021. Councilmember Herrera Spencer seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5. *** Stated the City needs to be thinking of its game plan for getting the Pol ice budget down over the next several years; resources need to be redistributed in order to take care of people rather than being exposed to violence: Josh Geyer, Transform Alameda. Discussed feedback from the pilot mental health response models; stated n one of the options stress and emphasize moving away from Police response to mental health; the goal may be insinuated by the two Fire Department options ; however, the goal is not specifically listed; the Felton Institute requires Alameda Police Department (APD) to respond; Council has discussed not having Police respond to mental health crisis calls for service; urged Council to consider whether the proposed programs align with Council direction from March 16th and whether the options proposed provide immed iate harm reduction: Savanna Cheer, Alameda. Urged Council to reject the Felton Institute proposal as-written; stated the proposal requires APD to respond and is directly contradictory to Council direction; it is important to select a pilot program which can be implemented quickly; the City cannot put off providing non-Police response to mental health crises; urged Council address how to Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 2021 13 direct 911 calls for service away from APD; stated that she is hopeful one of the Fire Department proposals can be structured to redirect Police responses; urged Council to act decisively in selecting a pilot program and direct the City Manager to begin as soon as possible: Lorin Laiacona Salem, Alameda. Stated the City needs to take responsibility for not making needed ch anges; Council is still debating what to do or which idea is best; a man died while a decision was waiting to be made; compassionate care for vulnerable neighbors is needed now; discussed correspondence; stated none of the proposals are ideal; expressed su pport for a temporary solution being implemented; stated Council could have and still can temporarily authorize the Alameda Fire Department (AFD) to answer calls for services; expressed concern about the Felton Institute options due to strong collaboration with law enforcement: Jenice Anderson, Alameda. Stated many people have been calling for non -Police mental health response programs since last July and a program is still not in -place; there is a pressing need for harm reduction; discussed the death of Mario Gonzalez; stated the Felton Institute requires tandem Police response; previous Council direction has been clear about not wanting Police response; urged Council to reject the Felton Institute proposal; expressed support for the first AFD option; stated the second AFD option is unwise due to limited funds; AFD does not have to be the sole solution to mental health crises calls : Carly Stadum-Liang, Alameda. Questioned how the proposals are consistent with actions taken May 8 th and with the community-led process; stated the proposals do not go far enough; discussed a letter submitted by the Unbundling Police Services Subcommittee; stated mental health response should include mental health professionals; mental health response should not include a Police Officer; the City should be working with the Alameda County regarding 5150 holds and expand the credentialing process to include people other than Police Officers: Erin Fraser, Alameda. Stated people have asked for no Police response ; however, the recommendations include Police response; she is unsure whether the result is due to lack of communication or understanding; mental health should not be met with Police response; mental health response should be met with mental health providers; the recommendations appear to add Police services and do not make sense : Melodye Montgomery, Alameda. Expressed support for budget changes which support mental health response : Sofia Coffin, Alameda High School. Stated the work plan for a Citizen Oversight Board was not included in the budget; additional funding for the work plan is necessary; urged Council to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to implement any unfunded priorities and to further bolster the pilot program and other Police reform efforts; stated there is a unique Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 2021 14 opportunity to fund one-time setup costs to jump start innovative approaches to community safety and support; changes may take time and adjustments can be made; the public is happy to work with staff to further define matters: Jacqueline Zipkin, Alameda. Stated the pilot programs do not sway away from Police response , which has been greatly stressed by the community; Police do not need to be responding to mental health crises; pilot programs need to be available 24 hours, 7 days a week; menta l health crises do not stop during nighttime periods or weekends; if the Fire First option had been in place, Mario Gonzalez may still be alive; urged Council not make a decision on the matter and have staff return with a better pilot program option , which does not include APD response; expressed support for the Fire First option : Vinny Camarillo, Alameda. Stated Police should not be responding to mental health calls; the community has made recommendations clear; mental health professionals should be responding to mental health emergencies for the health and safety of all; urged Council be bold: Seth Marbin, Alameda. Discussed not calling the Police and calling the Fire Department instead; stated multiple family members have had mental health crises; she has feared Officers responding to calls; Officers responding to calls with handcuffs needs to stop; mental health providers need to show up first and be available 24 hours, 7 days a week; urged Council to provide a response which is appropriate; stated the City should not trade safety for financial harm; urged Council look closely at response fees: Jennifer Rakowski, Alameda. Discussed Council meeting Rules of Order: Zac Bowling, Alameda. Stated Police should not be responding to mental health calls; Council would respond differently and quickly had incidents occurred with white people and Police; a non -Police response is needed; urged Council to reject the Felton Institute program option; stated Council is setting a pattern of decisions and recommend ations being ignored; harm needs to be prevented now; urged Council to listen to requests being made; stated funds are available through ARPA; change is needed now: Alexia Arocha, Alameda. Discussed her experience needing help with a mental health emerge ncy; stated Police have been professional; however, Police needed to be educated; noted the cost for the ambulance ride was roughly $2,500; stated Council needs to inform people about emergency costs: Janet Gibson, Alameda. Urged Council to vote for one of the first two options; stated perfect is the enemy of the good; the City cannot delay; improvements and changes can be made to the pilot program as it progresses; noted support for community crisis care responders : Laura Cutrona, Alameda. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 2021 15 Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft requested clarification of program details. The City Manager stated Council has instructed staff to have a pilot program in place by the summer; noted both proposed programs can be in place within 30 to 60 days once approved; stated both proposed programs will have to operate and grow through the year and are intended to have a non-Police response; County rules about clearing 911 calls; protocols will have to be developed and approved at the County level for matters such as 5150 holds; currently, only Police Officers can determine a 5150 hold; both programs can eventually evolve and have less Police response; the pilot program is moving the City towards an alternative; neither program states Police are required to respond; however, Police might have to respond depending on protocols; both programs can highlight abilities and alternatives; the two recommended programs are the most viable options found for the timeline and capacity desired. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft requested clarification about Police response and program details from the Felton Institute. Al Gilbert, Felton Institute, stated the Felton Institute is one of the largest and most successful mental health providers in the Bay Area operating over 60 programs in five Northern California counties; Felton Institute offers specialty programs including: providing mental health services for the deaf population and early psychosis and schizophrenia bipolar programs in five counties; the program has intensive case management; all 5150 holds in San Francisco are released to the Felton Institute mental health staff; outlined the list of justice service programs; stated all four programs deal with re-entry and keeping people out of the jail system; San Francisco Suicide Prevention merged with the Felton Institute two years ago; the Suicide Prevention program served over 50,000 people last year; the Felton Institute responds to all mental health and emergency crisis calls for people that are suicidal in San Francisco; the Felton Institute manages five emergency hotlines 24 hours, 7 days a week; the Felton Institute is best prepared to respond to mental health issues and provides Police and Fire Department training; the Felton Institute has over 30 mental health programs, eight of which are social justice programs. Curtis Penn, Felton Institute, stated the training in the Fire Department is uniquely different from providing mental health services; the work currently performed in San Francisco under the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program, helps train law enforcement around motivational interviewing, harm reduction modality, wellness recovery action plan, and thinking for change, in order to change the organizational culture of the Police Department; noted many Officers can be heavy-handed or punitive when dealing with individuals with mental health attributes; the Felton Institute LEAD program addresses the issue of providing organizational change to Police and allows a pre-booking process; the LEAD program diverts individuals to clinical case re -entry management and connects people to services to address immediate and long-term needs; the Felton Institute Felton Engagement Specialist Team (FEST) works with a Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 2021 16 healthy street operations center; stated the program helps homeless individuals who have been criminalized due to behavioral mental health; FEST works closely with law enforcement for the healthy street operations center initiative and provides motivational interviewing and harm reduction by giving people a social justice restorative justice lens; FEST goes out and operates proactively and reactively in the community, while engaging individuals where they are located and providing documentation when needed; mental health is extremely important; however, efforts from the Felton Institute do not stop at mental health; once a connection is made, mid -support and documentation is provided on a continuum level of care; outlined the supporting treatment and reducing recidivism program that works with citizens being discharged by connecting people with services around housing and mental health; stated the goal is to provide sustainable housing, connection to mental health services and working with medical clinicians in order to triage for the proper programs; mental health providers need to be first responders. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the model being proposed requires a Police Officer to go to a call. Mr. Gilbert responded in the negative; stated the programs in San Francisco and Alameda County do not require Police to be present; the Ci ty would decide who would go to 911 calls; the Felton Institute has hotlines it runs, which could receive any calls directly to respond to people in crisis; the program proposed is a 24 hour mental health service program, not a crisis response program; the programs are staffed with a majority of people of color, which is a majority of the people being served; the agency is extremely diverse; staff reflects the clients served. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the Felton Institute has a vehicle, to which Mr. Gilbert responded in the affirmative; stated two of the three agency vehicles are parked at the headquarters on Atlantic Avenue; an additional vehicle will be added and was included in the proposal. In response to Councilmember Knox White’s inquiry r egarding a crisis response program not being proposed, Mr. Gilbert stated the program is not only a model to respond when someone in crisis, but support provided will include people in the field working with landlords, store owners, Police, training and constantly working with people; the goal is to create more functionality, particularly around the homeless, mentally ill people and people with a drug addiction; people will not be served to remain in their current status; more functionality is needed; a mo vement system is needed to eliminate or reduce the number of homeless people in Alameda County and make sure people have access to mental health services. Councilmember Knox White inquired whether the Felton Institute is offering the same program somewhere else. Mr. Gilbert responded the approaches are new; stated the issues are everywhere; Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 2021 17 Oakland decided to go with the Fire Department due to social unrest and people not being satisfied with the options; the Felton Institute can provide the whole group of services; the Felton Institute already does all of the services, just not in a single program; outlined services and staff service providers. Councilmember Daysog provided a scenario of a woman yelling for 40 minutes at 1:15 a.m.; inquired how the Felton Institute would respond and interact with Police. Mr. Penn responded immediately building a rapport with the individual is important; stated information would be gathered; the goal is to immediately deescalate the situation; intake questions and an assessment would be done to create a plan of care with a clinician. Councilmember Daysog stated the scenario is 1:15 a.m. Mr. Penn stated the Felton Institute would have a clinician responding. Mr. Gilbert stated the Felton Institute is very data driven, stays in contact with all clients and has client profiles; the person would be directed to support services. Councilmember Daysog inquired what the Felton Institute would do if the Police also show up. Mr. Penn responded there are variables; everything is done on a case by case basis; law enforcement would be told: “We got it; the situations has been deescalated; the person is calm; law enforcement is no longer needed.” Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the third bullet point for Option 1 says that until the Fire Department gets 5150 certification, the Police will still have to come out. The City Manager responded the Fire Department is currently working with Alameda County regarding the 5150 requirement; stated if the programs started tomorrow morning, both would require the Police Department to respond to a 5150 call because in Alameda County, only a Police Officer can make the 5150 determination. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the Felton Institute is also working on the 5150 requirement, to which the City Manager responded the City would work towards it with either option; he does not know whether either option has a better chance; the Fire Department has had communication with Alameda County. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the Felton Institute is not able to handle 5150. Mr. Penn responded in the affirmative; stated the Felton Institute is working with individuals reentering from correctional facilities and meets with them prior to being in a situation where a 5150 is needed. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 2021 18 In response to Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft’s inquiry regarding San Francisco, Mr. Penn stated San Francisco law enforcement handles 5150 calls. Mr. Gilbert stated the Fire Department responds to situation requiring care. Vice Mayor Vella inquired how Dispatch and calls to the non-emergency line would work under the Fire Forward model; requested the Fire Department to address how the model would address Police involvement. The Interim Fire Chief responded the Fire Forward model is designed to respond without Police in most instances; stated in a instance where there could be potential for violence, the Police would be needed; many responses do not require Police; Fire is already a first responder; the Fire Department has its own Dispatch Center; 911 calls initially go through the Police Department Dispatch Center; calls for Fire response are transferred. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired who would make the determination about a non -violent, non-combative, behavioral health emergency for a client that does not need to be restrained or have a medical complaint. The Interim Fire Chief responded it is typically decided at the answer point; stated when a call comes in, the Police Dispatch would decide whether to transfer the call to the Fire Dispatch Center. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the Fire Department would not be involved in the decision since the Dispatch Center makes the determination, to which the Interim Fire Chief responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Herrera Spencer expressed appreciation; stated t hat she plans to support the first responders; the Fire Department already has relationships and is in the community all the time. Councilmember Herrera Spencer moved approval of supporting Option 1 [Fire Department Fire Forward Response Pilot]. Vice Mayor Vella stated that she has a question about calls to the non -emergency line that resulted in two high profile incidents; her frustration is Council has asked to know how the Dispatch process is going to be addressed; the City can move to Option 1 or 2, but she is very concerned about how Dispatch decisions will be made to ensure there is a non-Police response; outside of whatever selection is made, she is looking for something from the City Manager relative to addressing the overall process for dispatching. Councilmember Knox White seconded the motion. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 2021 19 Under discussion, the City Manager stated once an option is selected, the Police Chief would work with Dispatch to create a system how to move certain calls. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated Council gave dire ction on May 8th to begin immediate training for Dispatchers not to have mismatched responses as before; inquired whether the City Manager is waiting to do the training once an option is selected. The City Manager responded the agency needs to be select ed to allow Dispatch to move the response. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated it is moving the response, but it is also training. *** (21-425) Vice Mayor Vella moved approval of extending the meeting until 12:30 a.m.; stated that she would like to finish the item tonight. Councilmember Knox White seconded the motion. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated a motion was previously made about when the meeting would end. On the call for the question, the motion, which required four affirmative votes, failed by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: No; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: No. Ayes: 3. Noes: 2. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the item is important; Council should not rush to finish at 12:30 a.m.; she agrees with a previous speaker that some rules might need to be changed. *** The Police Chief outlined the process for calls coming into Dispatch. *** (21-426) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft moved approval of the matter being continued to a date certain, July 6, 2021; stated that she would commit to putting the item after the Wellness Center. The City Clerk stated the motion should include the 5:00 p.m. time and order does not need to be specified. Councilmember Herrera Spencer seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye. Ayes: 4. [Note: Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft did not record a vote.] *** Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 2021 20 Vice Mayor Vella stated there is a motion on the floor [approval of Option 1]. Vice Mayor Vella moved approval of calling the question. Councilmember Herrera Spencer seconded the motion, which failed by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: No; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: No; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: No. Ayes: 2. Noes: 3. (21-427) Recommendation to Receive Direction from City Council Regarding Uses for a Potential Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Grant Award. Not heard. (21-428) Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of Resolution Amending Master Fee Resolution No. 12191 to Add and Revise Fees. Not heard. (21-429) Public Hearing to Consider Collection of Delinquent Integrated Waste Management Accounts via Property Tax Bills. Not heard. (21-430) Public Hearing to Consider a Call for Review of the Historical Advisory Board’s Decision to Approve Certificate of Approval No. PLN20-0431 to Allow the Demolition of Two Main Buildings and Four Accessory Buildings at 620 Central Avenue (the “McKay Wellness Center Project”) and Adoption of Resolution Approving Certificate of Approval Application No. PLN20-0431 to Allow the Demolition of Two Main Buildings and Four Accessory Buildings at 620 Central Avenue (The “McKay Wellness Center” Project). Continued to July, 6, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS Not heard. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA Not heard. COUNCIL REFERRALS (21-431) Consider Adoption of Resolution Supporting the Goal of Reaching 100% Zero Emission Vehicle Sales in California by 2030. (Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft) Not heard. (21-432) Considering Having an Introduction and Update from the New Police Chief regarding Strategies to Address Crimes. (Councilmember Herrera Spencer) Not heard. (21-433) Considering Directing Staff to Provide an Update on License Plate Readers. (Councilmember Herrera Spencer) Not heard. (21-434) Consider Directing Staff to Publically Share Information on Parking Recreational Vehicles. (Councilmember Herrera Spencer) Not heard. (21-435) Consider Directing Staff to Address Representation for Below Market Rate Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 2021 21 Homeowners on Homeowner Association (HOA) Boards and with Property Management. (Councilmember Herrera Spencer) Not heard. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (21-436) Mayor’s Nominations for Appointment to the Historical Advisory Board, Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, Planning Board and Public Art Commission. Not heard. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 12:00 a.m. with items continued to July 6, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lara Weisiger City Clerk The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.