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2021-12-07 Regular CC Minutes616 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council December 7, 2021 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY- -DECEMBER 7, 2021- -7:00 P.M. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 7:37 p.m. ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Herrera Spencer, Knox White, Vella, and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft – 5. [Note: Vice Mayor Vella left the meeting at 10:56 p.m. The meeting was conducted via Zoom.] Absent: None. AGENDA CHANGES (21-782) Councilmember Herrera Spencer moved approval of hearing the License Plate Readers item [paragraph no. 21-818] as the first regular item. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which failed by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Ayes; Knox White: No; Vella: No; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: No. Ayes: 2. Noes: 3. (21-783) Councilmember Daysog moved approval of hearing the referral regarding parking recreational vehicle [paragraph no. 21-819] before the first regular item. Councilmember Herrera Spencer seconded the motion, which failed by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Ayes; Knox White: No; Vella: No; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: No. Ayes: 2. Noes: 3. PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (21-784) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft read a proclamation honoring Peter Hegarty. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA (21-785) Beth Kenny, Alameda, expressed her appreciation for the Alameda Community Assessment Response and Engagement (CARE) Team starting before the end of the year; stated not much has been heard about other recommendations, such as a Community Police Accountability Commission; if the Commission is going to be in the Charter, there is limited time before the General Election; suggested an update on Subcommittee recommendations. (21-786) Fey A, Alameda, discussed COVID drugs, data that she submitted, and treatments. (21-787) Marlese Ramirez, discussed data regarding injuries from the vaccine. (21-788) Jay Garfinkle, Alameda, discussed Senate Bill (SB) 9; expressed concern about SB 9 decreasing the ambiance and quality of life in Alameda; over Council meetings not starting on time. (21-789) Jill Staten, Alameda, inquired when meetings will be opened up; expressed concerns about Zoom. 617 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council December 7, 2021 (21-790) Michael Kellett stated emphasis should be on treatment instead of the vaccine; health should be the focus; expressed concern about children being vaccinated. CONSENT CALENDAR Expressed concern about an issue with the livestreaming link at the last meeting and the livestream being 30 seconds slower than Zoom; suggested opening the Library community room and holding meetings in person: Jim Strehlow, Alameda. In response to Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft’s request, the City Clerk outlined the ways to participate and watch meetings. In response to Councilmember Knox White’s inquiry, the City Clerk stated Mr. Strehlow was referencing the November 30th meeting; a new piece of equipment was installed and there was a caching issue; the matter has been resolved. Councilmember Herrera Spencer requested the teleconference findings [paragraph no. 21-800] be removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Councilmember Daysog requested the salary schedule resolution [paragraph no. 21-802] be 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.] (*21-792) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings Held on November 2, 2021. Approved. (*21-793) Ratified bills in the amount of $3,100,557.30. (*21-794) Recommendation to Accept and File Various Community Facilities Districts (CFD) Reports for Fiscal Year (FY) Ending June 30, 2021, including: CFD No. 03-1 (Bayport Municipal Services District); CFD No. 13-1 (Alameda Landing Public Improvements); CFD No. 13-2 (Alameda Landing Municipal Services District); CFD District No. 14-1 (Marina Cove II); and CFD No. 17-1 (Alameda Point Public Services District). Accepted. (*21-795) Recommendation to Accept the Development Impact Fee and Fleet Industrial Supply Center (FISC)/Catellus Traffic Fee Report. Accepted. (*21-796) Recommendation to Accept the 2013 Local Library Bond Measure Annual Report. Accepted. (*21-797) Recommendation to Accept the Police and Fire Construction Impact Fee Annual Report. Accepted. 618 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council December 7, 2021 (*21-798) Recommendation to Accept the Biennial Report for the Public Art Fund as Required by the Public Art Ordinance. Accepted. (*21-799) Recommendation to Accept the Annual Review of the City of Alameda’s Affordable Housing Unit Fee Requirements Consistent with Section 27-1 of the Alameda Municipal Code; Accept the Annual Affordable Housing Unit Fee Fund Activity Report; and Find that: 1) Unit/Fee Requirements Set Forth in Local Law Remain Reasonably Related to the Impacts of Development, and 2) the Affordable Housing Units, Programs and Activities Required by Local Law Remains Needed to Support the Production of Affordable Housing in the City. Accepted. (21-800) Recommendation to Approve Findings to Allow City Meetings to be Conducted via Teleconference. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated other agencies have started meeting in person; inquired the criteria from the State or if opening meetings up is at the discretion of the Council. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated a number of bodies she serves on are waiting until the year is over and will do an assessment with hopes of going back to in person or hybrid meetings; the Omicron and Delta variants have thrown a little bit of a wrench into the works. The City Clerk responded there are not thresholds the City has to meet in order to reopen; stated the City has to meet thresholds in order to continue teleconferencing; the City Council has to make findings every 30 days in order to suspend Brown Act requirements and allow members to meet in other locations without disclosing the location and opening the location to the public. The City Attorney stated the State law is permissive of remote meetings until 2024; the Council needs to make two findings: the State of Emergency established by the Governor remains in effect, which is true, and State or local officials continue to recommend measures to promote social distancing or meeting in person will present risk to attendees; the findings allow the Council to continue to meet remotely. The City Manager stated the City Council asked staff to bring back information after the first of the year as the situation is evaluated. 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. (*21-801) Resolution No. 15843, “Summarily Vacate an Excess Portion of Mosley Avenue Between Bette Street and Lakehurst Circle in the City of Alameda (North Housing), Under Streets and Highways Code, Sections 8330, et seq.” Adopted. (21-802) Resolution No. 15844, “Amending the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1245 Salary Schedule Effective January 2, 2022 to Implement Compensation Changes.” Adopted. Councilmember Daysog stated that he does not like salary surveys and will be voting no. 619 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council December 7, 2021 Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether the Public Utilities Board has already approved the recommendation and whether funding will come from Alameda Municipal Power (AMP), not the General Fund. The City Manager responded the increases are paid through AMP revenues; stated the increase was previously negotiated; the market rate adjustment is part of the 2019 agreement. The Human Resources Director stated the City Manager is correct; funding is paid by AMP and was part of the 2019 negotiations. In response to Councilmember Herrera Spencer’s inquiry, the Human Resources Director stated the amount is $90,000 for the remainder of this fiscal year covering 28 positions; noted some positions are not filled or are under-filled. Councilmember Herrera Spencer moved adoption of the resolution. Councilmember Knox White 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. (21-803) Resolution No. 15845, “Amending the Capital Budget by Increasing Appropriations in the Library Improvements Capital Project in Fund 310 by $253,000 for the Bay Farm Island Library Drainage Project, Energy Efficient Lighting Upgrades, Replacing Water Fountains with Water Bottle Fill Stations, Maintenance of the Main Library Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System and Other Facilities Upgrades.” Adopted. CONTINUED AGENDA ITEMS (21-804) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager, or Designee, to: 1) Execute an Agreement with Terris Barnes Walters Boigon Heath Lester, Inc. (TBWBH) in an Amount Not to Exceed $132,000 for Strategic Support, Research, Ballot Measure Development, Informational Outreach and Other Steps Necessary to Prepare a Potential Revenue Measure for the November 2022 Ballot; and Execute an Agreement with Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3) in an Amount Not to Exceed $37,000 for Survey Development, Implementation, and Associated Analysis Related to a Potential Revenue Measure for the November 2022 Ballot; and (21-804 A) Resolution No. 15846, “Amending the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget by Increasing Appropriations in the City Manager’s Office by $169,000 to Enter into Agreements with Terris Barnes Walters Boigon Heath Lester, Inc. (TBWBH) and Fairbank, Maslin, Metz & Associates (FM3) for Services Related to a Potential Revenue Measure for the November 2022 Ballot.” Adopted. Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired the types of measures being considered. The Assistant City Manager responded decisions have not been made; stated the item authorizes staff to work with two consultants to start to explore options. In response to Councilmember Herrera Spencer’s further inquiry, the Assistant City Manager stated the staff report includes options of a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) related to hotels, a 620 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council December 7, 2021 cannabis tax, an infrastructure bond, a business license tax, an affordable housing bond and there may be others, such as a Utility Users Tax (UUT). Councilmember Knox White moved approval of the staff recommendation [including adoption of the resolution]; expressed frustration about staff being asked to repeat information in the staff report. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Daysog stated that he agrees with exploring the options; he is not in favor of any, but leans favorable to hotel tax and possibly the cannabis tax. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether Council should express favoritism of specific options since the item is about engaging consultants. The City Attorney responded the item before Council is a contract; Council could direct the contractor to only study specific ballot measures, rather than preferences of specific ballot measures. Councilmember Daysog stated that he is open to the analysis and would love to have an analysis of the hotel tax and cannabis tax. On the call for the question, the motion 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. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft noted one of the consultants assisted with the Library bond measure. (21-805) Public Hearing to Consider Resolution No.15847, “Amending Master Fee Resolution No. 12191 to Add and Revise Recreation and Park Fees for Calendar Year 2022.” Adopted. The Recreation and Parks Director gave a Power Point presentation. In response to Councilmember Herrera Spencer’s inquiry regarding development of the fees, the Recreation and Parks Director stated staff develops the fees based on comparisons; the matter goes to the Recreation and Parks Commission for discussion; user groups are informed of any fee increase; the Commission unanimously approved the fees. Councilmember Daysog moved adoption of the resolution. 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. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft acknowledged the Department’s work. The Recreation and Parks Director recognized staff working on the front line. (21-806) Recommendation that City Council, Boards and Commissions Annually Review Meeting Schedules for Possible Conflicts that Inhibit Maximum Public Participation. 621 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council December 7, 2021 The Development Manager gave a brief presentation. Councilmember Knox White moved approval of the staff recommendation. Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether the motion is to have Council, Boards and Commissions survey themselves before meetings are scheduled for the following year to determine the best dates, to which Councilmember Knox White responded in the affirmative. 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 City Clerk noted the report regarding 2022 Council meeting dates would be published in two days and she would try to obtain input from Councilmembers. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS (21-807) Resolution No. 15848, “Adopting the Vision Zero Action Plan.” Adopted; and (21-807 A) Resolution No. 15849, “Make Significant Safety Improvements to Alameda Streets in 2022 and Beyond to End Fatalities and Serious Injuries.” Adopted. The Senior Transportation Coordinator gave a Power Point presentation. Urged Council to support the recommendation; expressed support for a systems approach focusing on design; stated concrete actions are needed; outlined changes; stated BikeWalk Alameda looks forward to collaborating with the City to help; more staff is needed to ensure the City gets to Vision Zero by 2035; urged the City to purchase smaller vehicles: Cyndy Johnsen, BikeWalk Alameda. Discussed a safe streets rally and ride in memory of the four people killed by drivers in Alameda; urged Council to adopt the Plan and ensure sufficient funding and staffing to get the actions implemented; stated delay means death: Denyse Trepanier, BikeWalk Alameda. Stated the School District is a community partner involved with the Plan; expressed support for the Plan and appreciation for the City’s work to improve safety around schools; urged Plan adoption and implementation: Susan Davis, Alameda Unified School District. Stated that she supports the objective of increasing the safety; a lot of changes are proposed; there does not seem to be a process to evaluate the changes; suggested adding low tech improvements like pruning trees near stop signs and repairing potholes; expressed support for education and communication: Jill Staten, Alameda. Expressed her support and appreciation for the Plan; acknowledged grief; stated the Plan lays out concrete actions and adds layers of protection; encouraged taking advantage of funding and momentum: Susie Hufstader, Alameda. Stated Council knows the right thing to do; expressed support for Vision Zero; stated 2035 is still 13 years; the sooner the better: Melodye Montgomery, Alameda. 622 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council December 7, 2021 Urged the issue be on the forefront with future City Councils through to 2035 to ensure funding and support; stated traffic safety around schools is important; stated those who have lost their lives is a tragedy the City cannot afford anymore: Bill Garvine, Alameda. Expressed concern about statistics not representing reality; discussed accidents and safety measures; stated most people think increased traffic enforcement is desirable: Jim Strehlow, Alameda. Expressed support for the program; stated moving forward is essential; nothing will guarantee zero deaths, but systemic changes can reduce the probabilty: Bill Pai, Alameda. Expressed concern about drivers looking at cellphones and support for ticketing the drivers; urged enforcement: Michael Devine, Alameda. Councilmember Daysog inquired the methodology that resulted in Goal 4.14 of 15 to 20 Miles Per Hour (MPH) speeds around schools. The Senior Transportation Coordinator responded the item is in the medium term section to be achieved in 3 to 5 years, rather than the short term of 1 to 2 years; stated there are a number of items to be accomplished in the short term period that were high priority; the lower speed limits around schools will take staff time to complete engineering and speed studies; Council could instruct staff to make move up the priority, but there would be an opportunity cost; staff thinks changing the infrastructure around the schools is probably more effective than making new speed limits. Councilmember Daysog stated the Plan is well balanced between engineering, education and enforcement; discussed traffic enforcement data; a recent change in State law allows cities to use video, which should be taken into consideration; discussed traffic fatalities and showed a slide; expressed appreciation for looking at all enforcement and engineering options; stated that he supports the recommendation. Councilmember Knox White moved approval of the staff recommendation [including adoption of the resolutions]. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Knox White stated the Plan is fabulous; regarding Actions 1.3 and 3.1, messaging should focus on actions that cause harm, not self-protection; the City has the data now and can identify where the hard is coming from and where to direct the majority of communications; communication does not change behavior; it helps people understand increased enforcement around speeding and redesigning streets; sharing the road is not an actionable statement; people need to be asked to do specific things, which requires talking about actions that are causing harm; spending $200,000 on education annually is a lot of money; only $10,000 to $15,000 should be spent on what people should do to protect themselves; the Plan should direct the City to focus on actions that result in harm; 15 and 20 MPH was discussed two years ago and COVID got in the way; one resolution encourages using money for additional staff resources; he hopes one of the first things done is to identify slower speed school zones; kids are even more vulnerable; discussed fatality rates of pedestrians hit differing speeds. 623 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council December 7, 2021 Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the two resolutions need to be voted on separately, to which the City Clerk responded the two resolutions can be approved in one motion or bifurcated. In response to Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft’s inquiry, Councilmember Knox White stated his intention was adoption of both resolutions, which is the staff recommendation. Councilmember Daysog concurred. Vice Mayor Vella discussed fatalities; stated a lot of thought has gone into the Plan, which she looks forward to supporting; resources should be used to enact things faster; expressed support for the process and focusing on inclusivity; stated the City was waiting for State law to allow for the safer school zones, which thankfully passed. In response to Councilmember Herrera Spencer’s inquiry regarding use of speed bumps or lumps, the Senior Transportation Coordinator stated they are included in using the federal highway administration crash reduction factors; a few actions include specific interventions, such as roundabouts and lighting. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the response confirms speed bumps are not specified in the Plan; she thinks speed bumps should be considered because they actually slow down traffic; she does not like being dependent upon cameras and ticketing to slow traffic; expressed concern about reducing lanes causing traffic backups; inquired whether changes being made are being evaluated; expressed concern about eliminating left turn lanes; reviewed Councilmember Daysog’s slide regarding fatalities; inquired whether changes have created a trend of increased deaths. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded staff evaluates pre and post change; stated statistics for Shoreline shows the street became safer as a result of changes. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated there was recently a death on Shoreline. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director stated the statistics indicate it is performing better. In response to Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft’s request for an explanation, the Planning, Building and Transportation Director stated the information is based on the number of collisions over time. Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether voting for the Plan means there would be more intersections like Otis Drive and Grand Street and more reductions of lanes, to which the Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded in the affirmative; stated Council is voting to take actions to reduce speeds, which reduces the probability of death; road diets are proven to reduce collisions. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she supports slowing down, but not stopping; discussed areas with long lines of stopped cars; inquired whether staff tries to balance and prevent slowing and going 5 MPH. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the intersection at Grand Street and Otis Drive has a 624 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council December 7, 2021 center left turn lane. The Deputy Public Works Director responded there is a left turn lane on Grand Street at Otis Drive in both directions. In response to Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft’s further inquiry, the Deputy Public Works Director stated there is not a right turn lane on Otis Drive; there is a through lane and left turn. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the left turn lane is short and backs up preventing people from being able to go straight; people cannot turn right on red unless they are the first car; cars enter the bike lane to turn right; signage should be improved; based on the data, she has concerns about deaths increasing. Jessica Zdeb, Toole Design, stated what the City is seeing is unfortunately a national trend; at the end of October, a US Department of Transportation (DOT) press release indicated 2021 is on track to be the worst year of crashes in a very long time; the trend was going down until a spike in 2020, which will be exceeded in 2021; there are not clear answers about why the trend has changed in the last two years; every report indicates speed as the main thing causing traffic deaths and serious injuries; staff has been doing a diligent job studying before and after changes are made and should continue; data is really important to the planning effort. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the same types of changes are being made in cities throughout the Country; she cannot support the recommendation and believes some of the changes are contributing to the deaths. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated passing this is very important; there are things the community can do to make improve safety; provided an example of a car running a red light; expressed support for video cameras; discussed the fatalities; the City needs to reduce speeds and the number of cars on the roadways. Councilmember Knox White inquired whether Councilmember Daysog understood his comments clarifying the communications were included in the motion when he seconded the motion. Councilmember Daysog responded in the affirmative. On the call for the question, the motion 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. (21-808) Resolution No. 15850, “Establishing Policies on Signalized Intersection Access Equity to Promote Safe, Livable Streets, and Environmentally Sustainable Transportation Choices.” Adopted. The Public Works Director gave a Power Point presentation. *** (21-809) Councilmember Knox White moved approval of allowing an additional two minutes for the presentation. 625 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council December 7, 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. *** The Public Works Director completed the presentation. In response to Councilmember Herrera Spencer’s inquiry regarding the presentation slide, the Public Works Director stated the person should be inside the crosswalk. Councilmember Knox White inquired whether the resolution prioritizes intersections would be prioritized for people who are elderly and disabled. The Public Works Director outlined the provision in the resolution. Outlined timing issues crossing at Tilden Way and Broadway to try to take the bus; she takes her car due to missing the bus; discussed emissions: Alana Stoltzfuz, Alameda. Outlined her experience having to access sidewalk push buttons while cycling around Alameda; expressed support for the policy; urged pedestrian and cyclists have easy access to parks without having to hit buttons unnecessarily: Katherine Van Dusen, Alameda. Stated the fundamental question is how much burden should be placed on people outside of cars wanting to use the streets; equitable cycle time does not capture the full burden on pedestrians; outlined issues for pedestrians; suggested implementing the tools in all intersections, not just in business districts; expressed concern about inconsistencies; inquired about the implementation timeline and cost: Denyse Trepanier, BikeWalk Alameda. Expressed concern about inconsistency and signals operating differently from 10 am to 7 pm; stating having signals operate consistently throughout the day is helpful; separation in space and time are fundamental for safety; discussed yielding issues; urged targeting the most dangerous intersections: Susie Hufstader, Alameda. Councilmember Knox White stated that he has recommended amendments; he wants to make sure the resolution term “near schools” means any intersection which qualifies for yellow paint; noted that the current term is unclear, and consistency is needed to get out of the history of individualizing intersections; stated that he is excited to have a standard policy; the use of the term “intersection access equity“ is not to create equal minutes to cross through intersections and was meant to address the specific issue of how easy it is to degrade the ease in walking across the street as a pedestrian in order to put more traffic through intersections; Council is now making decisions based on aggregate time lost across and intersection and only 8 to 10 seconds for a driver versus 20 to 60 seconds for a pedestrian; the impact on the encouraged mode of walking, is setting up hurdles at all intersections by confusion through non-standard implementation and by setting up a situation where pedestrians are met with having to wait for traffic to pass; expressed support for amending the time in the CC zones to 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. which addresses some of the comments heard; noted commuters typically travel between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. in commercial districts; stated that he is unsure why the City would wait to make it easier to cross the street until commute times are over; due to encouraging walking in commercial districts, the lights should not only be in the CC zone but also within one half mile of CC zones and within one quarter mile of parks; he would like clarity added should an 626 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council December 7, 2021 exemption happen that data will show the problem and not anecdotal; Council needs to identify a problem and that other options have been considered; expressed concern for minimum recalls; stated that he would like to propose having a maximum, minimum recall to ensure pedestrians are not inconvenienced; stated the maximum minimum should be in place during business hours; noted lights have been staying red for pedestrians and green for cars for 20 to 30 seconds; stated the lights should not be shortened at the other end; should the City give a Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) of 7 seconds, it makes sense to give cars 7 seconds at the end however, the idea of chopping things off at the end, providing pedestrians less time to walk through commercial districts; adding the amendments will address comments provided by speakers Trepanier and Huffstader. The Public Works Director stated the school zones are defined as having a 600 foot buffer are typically painted yellow crossings. In response to Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft’s inquiry, the Public Works Director stated that she understands the recommendation to add additional intersections one half mile approaching the commercial districts and one quarter mile from all City parks. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether amending the CC zones from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. is understood, to which the Public Works Director responded in the affirmative; noted the decisions are policy driven and the staff recommendation is to balance the need to serve transit signal priority which causes trade-off in maximizing transit signal priority; Council may provide direction to staff to adjust the hours. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether any of the proposed recommendations have been posed in the Interagency Liaison Committee (ILC) for either Councilmembers Daysog or Knox White. Councilmember Knox White responded that ILC has not met since the proposal has been put together; noted an article on beg buttons had been published recently with extensive quotes from the Alameda County (AC) Transit Director; the quotes included problems with blind implementation of transit improvements related to big buttons along corridors; ILC is aware of the issue, and the decision will be policy based; the delays are calculated in seconds, not minutes. Councilmember Daysog stated AC Transit has mentioned concerns about things that slow down the time for busses as they go through major commercial areas; he is unsure whether the reference made was for proposed pedestrian safety features; expressed support for the staff recommendation and for proposed recommendations made by Councilmember Knox White; questioned whether staff feels as though they can make professional judgements to the implications of the proposed recommendations; stated there have been many proposed changes; expressed support for taking time to evaluate the changes; stated page 9 of the presentation showed emission levels; inquired the baseline used for the increase measurements. The Public Works Director responded the number represents a delta; stated the number is a change between the recall, the proposed operations; the signal is providing a walk signal regardless of whether a pedestrian is present; the action leads to an unnecessary length of time; the proposed timing is demand based and a walk signal will only activate should the button be pressed; the amount shown is the difference between the two approaches. 627 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council December 7, 2021 Councilmember Daysog inquired the denominator for the calculation. Ryan Dole, Kimley Horn and Associates, responded the tables in the staff report show the totals; the report shows peak hour times which generally have the most traffic; the totals show the hours of delay over one year during weekdays; discussed demand based options versus recall options; stated staff has chosen a variety of intersections and congestion; there is an overall sway in delay which can be caused by volume. Councilmember Herrera Spencer expressed support for the report and analysis; stated that she appreciates the details related to emissions, delays, impacts, unnecessary wait times and a balanced approach; she supports the matter as-is; questioned the impacts for the proposed recommendations made by Councilmember Knox White; expressed support for input from staff on the time change to CC zones. The Public Works Director stated the recommended changes should be prefaced by an understanding of policy decisions being made; the timing is a policy decision and the recommendation of distances from schools and parks will impact a number of additional signalized intersections across the island; the matters are of policy decision and will put the discussion in the realm of intersection delays; the timing for Park and Webster Street originally set a pedestrian volume of 25 pedestrians per hour; staff will go out an collect data when the limit is reached and set timing based on volume; staff has received feedback and amended the proposal to include the time frame of 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; another approach could be to go back to the volume amount of 25 pedestrians per hour with the time frame to be determined following the meeting. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she understands Councilmember Knox White’s recommended time frame to include commute hours with a high amount of pedestrians however, the recommendation does not seem to correlate to the criteria. The Public Works Director stated that she does not know of many pedestrians in the morning; the morning typically brings buses which are trying to get on and off the island; until the City goes into recall at 10:00 a.m. staff is trying to optimize or maximize the use of transit signal priority; should Council chose the recall operation starting at 7:00 a.m. staff will diminish the ability to do transit signal priority in the morning. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated one of the concerns is for the people riding buses; expressed support for encouraging people to ride buses; she supports the staff recommendation as-is; discussed red lights for pedestrians; noted many times pedestrians enter the crosswalk late; stated the timing could be based off late crosswalk entry. The Public Works Director stated the function called “rest and walk” involves an extended pedestrian phase until the green light for the vehicle terminates; the Park Street and Encinal Avenue intersection signal is being used as an example; noted the signal is in total recall and should be in “rest and walk” when the signals are coordinated; the experience of the pedestrian signal being exterminated short means that the signal is not in “rest and walk;” the signal has been fixed at the Park Street and Encinal Avenue intersection; inquired whether the assessment is correct. Mr. Dole responded in the affirmative; stated a setting exists which allows the pedestrian phase to continue to stay in walk until an opposing movement occurs on a side street is detected; once 628 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council December 7, 2021 the opposing movement occurs, a flashing “do not walk” phase will begin; fine tuning must be done on the corridor; staff has been working though the fine tuning under special settings including recall when vehicles are detected; pedestrian phases might be skipped when a signal resets to a main or side street based on recalling to the vehicle phase; complicated programming is being worked through with technicians. Councilmember Herrera Spencer expressed support for keeping the staff recommendation without any proposed additions; stated that she is able to make a motion should there not be one on the table. Councilmember Knox White stated that he is not interested in supporting the recommendation; noted a motion has not yet been made for the matter. Councilmember Herrera Spencer moved approval of the staff recommendation [including adoption of related resolution.] Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion. Under discussion, Vice Mayor Vella stated Oakland has a 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. timing; she does not understand why Alameda would not try to do the same in order to assist commuters and reduce congestion; shifting the time will make a difference and help more people comfortably use alternative modes of transportation to commute; the impacts for Oakland were not as originally anticipated; the recommendation is worth exploring and the matter is a policy decision; expressed support for the timing change; stated that she hopes Council provides consideration for certain areas; Council is encouraging people to walk to and from business districts; some of the worst intersections for pedestrians waiting at beg buttons are within a few blocks of the business districts and commercial centers; many times beg buttons are a distance from the crossing; discussed one of the worst intersections being near Washington Park; expressed support for streamlining the process, extending the zones throughout the island, and for safe time to cross intersections Vice Mayor Vella proposed a friendly amendment to consider shifting the time and extending zones; stated there are policy decisions worth making. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is generally supportive of approving with or without amendments; it is important to move the matter forward; her one consideration is whether or not the City has checked in with Alameda County (AC) Transit; she appreciates that the City of Oakland has similar timing to the proposed recommendation; noted Alameda and Oakland are different in many ways; noted that AC Transit has mentioned the challenge in public transit meeting every ferry arrival and departure; it is important for buses to arrive on time and arrange for passengers to board the ferry; expressed concern over unintended consequences; there is a lot to recommend in policy changes however, Council should check in with the City’s transit partner due to impacts to schedules; she is open to hear ways to address the concerns. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she would consider leaving the staff recommendation as-is and have the matter return in six months; after the six months’ time, staff can have more input related to ways the program can be altered; the approval allows the City to move forward in the meantime, allowing for input from AC Transit on potential impacts. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether six months’ time is enough to return to Council with 629 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council December 7, 2021 statistically relevant information; whether there are ways the City might be able to check-in with AC Transit. The Public Works Director responded staff interacts with AC Transit frequently; AC Transit’s general request is for more transit signal priority; the decision is ultimately one for the local jurisdiction; increases to the zones, and more intersections placed in recall will cause an increase in intersection delay for transit; the trade-off will need to be considered; staff’s recommendation balances in terms of location and space; adjustments to the policy is a decision to be made by Council; noted the data presented in the staff report should be used to guide the policy and decision making process. Councilmember Knox White inquired whether Councilmember Herrera Spencer is willing to amend her motion to change the time to 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., that the City expand the CC zoning to within one quarter mile of a park and CC zoning, and to ask staff to look at the maximum, minimum recall on lights that are not currently on recall to allow for a maximum amount of time pedestrians have to wait when a button is pressed, and return to Council in the future with a proposal. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether staff will return with only the delay time, to which Councilmember Knox White responded in the affirmative. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the other recommendations are proposed as being incorporated with the current motion, to which Councilmember Knox White responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the yellow zone is 600 feet as opposed to the one quarter mile being recommended; requested clarification for the distance from staff; expressed support for looking at the 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. timing and the 600 foot distance; stated the timing and distance are a good compromise between the recommendations from Councilmember Knox White and staff. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated Council can request all details be brought back in six months’ time to review functions, hear from transit partners and receive studies on various intersections. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the approach is her preference. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the recommendations provided by Councilmember Knox White can be incorporated allowing for staff to return in six months. Councilmember Herrera Spencer responded the one quarter mile is too far a distance; expressed support for a 600 foot distance; stated that she is happy to try the 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. timeline; it is important to hear from transit partners; expressed concern over slowing down too much; stated that she would like more data provided from staff; her preference is to accommodate the areas however, using the current 600 foot distance from schools. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated one quarter mile is 1,320 feet; the proposed recommendation is to almost double the current distance amount. The Public Works Director stated Council may propose a pedestrian based distance instead of a blanket distance; staff’s general recommendation is that the operation be implemented when 630 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council December 7, 2021 pedestrian volume warrants; when pedestrian volume does not warrant the distance, the increase in delay at the intersection of serving the walk signal during every signal, may not be a balanced approach; discussed a distance from a park when the intersections have 25 pedestrians per hour volume; stated staff can assess which intersections have 25 pedestrians per hour near parks and implement the operation where needed. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the operation can be implemented during school hours for the recommended distance from schools. The Public Works Director responded it is possible; stated staff will need to develop an approach to how the times are determined and when pedestrians are present; staff will be able to have operations on at a certain set time to have signalized intersections revert to demand based, outside of the determined hours. Councilmember Knox White stated staff will have to commit to going out to 88 intersections and count pedestrians twice per year to ensure proper adjustments. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she is happy to support the Public Works Director’s recommendation as a friendly amendment, and have the matter return in six months’ time with input from AC Transit partners and staff. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether there is staff capacity to implement the pedestrian volume count. The Public Works Director responded the approach for the volume count would be to perform the count once over a certain period of time to determine which intersections are in and which are not; staff can implement changes as they arise; staff does not have the resources to commit an annual or twice annual pedestrian count. In response to Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft’s inquiry, the Public Works Director stated staff can change as-needed; a pedestrian threshold can be set however, a one per year pedestrian count does seem to be resource-intensive at this point for the purpose. *** (21-810) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft moved approval of allowing an additional one minute for Councilmembers. Vice Mayor Vella 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. *** Councilmember Knox White stated the current proposal has the highest level of inconsistency and will result in a degradation of the pedestrian and bike environment in Alameda; he cannot support the current proposal; the goal of the matter is to stop moving toward making the task of crossing an intersection more difficult as a pedestrian; Council is creating more difficulty in the confusion of not knowing when to push a button and having to wait longer; he will support something which will move the City toward conditions from a few years prior rather than moving toward conditions taking a long time to walk across town or being unsure of whether to use a push button or not. 631 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council December 7, 2021 Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired the current motion on the table. The City Clerk responded the last amendment made to the motion was to accept the recommendation from the Public Works Director to measure. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the recommendation from the Public Works Director is staff comments; inquired the last amended motion from Councilmember Herrera Spencer. The City Clerk responded the motion included staff’s recommendation as-is and have staff come back in six months’ time; noted Councilmember Herrera Spencer approved accepting the Public Works Director’s comments as an amendment to the motion. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she is approving the Public Works Directors’ last comments as well as returning to Council in six months’ time. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. time frame and the one quarter mile distance from school zones is included in the motion. Councilmember Herrera Spencer responded that her understanding of the comments provided by the Public Works Director, recommended looking at the timing being pedestrian based; the area covers an expansive portion of the island and timing should be pedestrian based; expressed support for the timing being pedestrian based with a return to Council in six months’ time for discussion. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that her inclination is not to support the iteration; noted Council does want to encourage people to walk and do so safely; she is afraid of taking an approach which waits until pedestrian volume reaches 25 per hour, the City is not providing the incentives for pedestrians to get out there and feel safe doing so; she is struggling with the potential impacts to AC Transit; the City needs to keep commuters and people that do not have cars and rely on the bus to be able to get where they need by having buses run on-time. Councilmember Knox White moved approval of the staff recommendation [including adoption of the resolution] with amendments to the time in CC zones to 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., a 600 foot distance from schools and parks, transit priority when buses drive by, the signal can shorten or hold the lights using smart corridors installed, and a request for staff to come back within the next year with a proposal for how the City will address times when auto-recall is not occurring. Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion. Under discussion, The Public Works Director stated staff’s understanding is a trade-off between operations giving a walk signal every cycle and being able to give transit signal priority; the transit signal priority does not trump or override the walk signal; should a walk signal be given, there is less time to steal from the phases that are not being used in order to extend the green for the bus; the result is a zero sum game; the more time given to pedestrians, the less time is able to be given to extend for transit signal priority. Mr. Dole stated traditional transit priority for buses borrows time; should the time be unused, the time is borrowed; the signal does not act similar to an emergency vehicle preemption with override; some override preemptions will change the operations; the transit priority operations being discussed will only borrow time that is unused; one of the concerns with recall is the a 632 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council December 7, 2021 balance between life of cycle and allocating time to people; sometimes there is not a lot of flex or spare time within the cycles; when no demand is being allocated to a phase, the time cannot be stolen and given to something else. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether transit can borrow time from the lack of demand due to no pedestrian waiting. Mr. Dole responded in the affirmative; stated the intent of transit priority is to borrow time; when a program is on recall, the signal will serve no matter what; the signal will serve the whole time because pedestrian timings cannot be violated or truncated; should a phase start, the whole phase has to run the entire allocated time; staff understands the concern of inconsistency; staff is trying to balance while using a system which senses when people will be present and is looking at new technologies which uses video detection for pedestrians as a more passive form of approach; noted the technology is not reliable and video sensing does not always work well at night or when visibility is low. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft outlined the motion on the floor; stated it sounds like the priority signal will not work with the rest of the proposal at this time. The Senior Engineer inquired whether the 600 foot distance from parks will be time-based as well; noted the proposal for school zones is set to recall during the dismissal times. Councilmember Knox White responded in the affirmative; stated that he has the distance listed under the commercial corridors with the time frame of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. when parks are used. *** (21-811) Vice Mayor Vella moved approval of allowing an additional 30 seconds. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft 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. *** Councilmember Knox White stated that he will amend the motion to have staff talk to AC Transit, and should AC Transit be upset, the policy can be held and brought back with proposed recommendations, allowing AC Transit the chance to decline. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the change is in addition to the time frame of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., to which Councilmember Knox White responded in the affirmative. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated should AC Transit have a problem with the program, staff can bring the matter back to Council. The Public Works Director inquired what information staff is to bring back within one year. Councilmember Knox White responded the maximum, minimum recall proposal for when things are not on recall; stated the maximum wait time for a pedestrian when the light is not on recall. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is more comfortable with staff checking in with AC Transit. 633 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council December 7, 2021 Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether a six month follow-up is being included for staff to report on how the program is working at all hours; expressed support for follow-up from staff due to deviation from the proposed hours and distances. Vice Mayor Vella stated the follow-up will be addressed by having staff perform a check-in with AC Transit; she understood the six month check-in to occur whether AC Transit had issues with bus headways; should staff go to AC Transit, Council will receive feedback. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated one year’s time for a check-in will provide a more realistic idea for the program; implemented changes take time and getting used to; expressed support for a one year check-in. The Public Works Director stated staff will have to change the signal timing following the meeting and the effort is not typically quick; the one year check-in will be sufficient. Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the intent is to call AC Transit and schedule a meeting about the proposed program or to implement the policy and provide a check-in one year later. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she understands the motion to have staff talk to AC Transit, should AC Transit have a significant problem with the proposal, staff can return to Council. Councilmember Knox White concurred with Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft; stated there is strong interest in a full report after one year; amended the motion to include staff returning with a report on how the program is working. Vice Mayor Vella seconded the amendment to the motion. 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. *** (21-812) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated a vote is needed to consider new agenda items past 11:00 p.m.; stated that she does not support hearing the license plate reader [paragraph no 21-__] matter. Councilmember Knox White moved approval of continuing the meeting until midnight hearing the slow streets [paragraph no 21-__] and agreement with Kittelson [paragraph no 21-__] matters; recommended the license plate reader matter be continued to the Continued Agenda Items section as 6-A for the December 21st meeting; stated should there be time, Council Referrals can be heard. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is not inclined to hearing Council Referrals at midnight. Councilmember Herrera Spencer seconded the motion, which failed by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Vella: No; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: No. Ayes: 3. Noes: 2. Councilmember Herrera Spencer moved approval of the slow streets, the agreement with Kittelson and the license plate reader matters to the December 21st meeting under the 634 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council December 7, 2021 Continued Agenda Items section. Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the current meeting will end and the remaining items will be heard at the following meeting, to which Councilmember Herrera Spencer responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion. Under discussion, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the motion requires three or four affirmative votes. The City Clerk responded three affirmative votes are needed to continue matters. 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. *** *** Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft called a recess 10:56 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 11:13 p.m. *** (21-813) Recommendation to Approve a One-Year Extension of the Slow Streets Program through December 2022. Continued to December 21, 2021. (21-814) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Second Amendment to the Agreement with Kittelson & Associates to Increase Compensation by $270,906, for a Total Aggregate Compensation Not to Exceed $345,876 to Continue Providing Technical Services Related to Roundabouts. Continued to December 21, 2021. (21-815) Recommendation to Provide Direction to Staff Regarding the Installation and Use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR), including Fixed and Mobile Equipment on Alameda Police Department Vehicles. Continued to December 21, 2021. CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS (21-816) The City Manager announced that the City will begin bargaining with its five miscellaneous groups including Alameda City Employees Association (ACEA), Management Confidential Employees Association (MCEA), Alameda Police Officers Association for non- sworn personnel (APOA), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and Electric Utility Professionals of Alameda (EUPA); discussed the closure of Sherman Street/Atlantic Avenue between Buena Vista Avenue and Wind River Road until December 30th due to construction and detour information is posted; provided updates on Alameda Community Assessment Response and Engagement (CARE) team which can be reached at (510) 337- 8340; discussed a report coming to Council on December 21st related to the Racial Equity and Political Reform actions taken by City Council; stated an application for Project HomeKey has been submitted, staff will be notified after the first of the year of funding availability. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA 635 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council December 7, 2021 (21-817) Jim Strehlow, Alameda, stated that he experienced confusion with the multiple motions, counter-motions, amendments and staff confusion; the meeting schedule is unclear. COUNCIL REFERRALS (21-818) Considering Directing Staff to Provide an Update on License Plate Readers. (Councilmember Herrera Spencer) Not heard. (21-819) Consider Directing Staff to Publicly Share Information on Parking Recreational Vehicles. (Councilmember Herrera Spencer) Not heard. (21-820) Consider Directing Staff to Address Representation for Below Market Rate Homeowners on Homeowner Association (HOA) Boards and with Property Management. (Councilmember Herrera Spencer) Not heard. (21-821) Consider Directing Staff to Support Removal of the US Navy Constraints Limiting Housing Development at Alameda Point. (Councilmember Herrera Spencer and Councilmember Daysog) Not heard. (21-822) Consider Directing Staff to Address Identifying New Areas at Alameda Point to Develop a Number of Housing Units Above the Originally-Agreed Upon Numbers of the 2023- 2031 Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). (Councilmember Daysog) Not heard. (21-823) Consider Directing Staff to Move Jean Sweeney Park Fencing. (Councilmembers Herrera Spencer and Daysog) Not heard. (21-824) Consider Reviewing and Updating the Previous City Council’s Priorities at a Regular City Council Meeting. (Councilmember Herrera Spencer) Not heard. (21-825) Consider Having the City Council Address the Zoning of the Harbor Bay Club. (Councilmember Herrera Spencer) Not heard. (21-826) Consider Having the City Council Review Recreation and Parks Department Community Events. (Councilmember Herrera Spencer) Not heard. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (21-827) Councilmember Knox White discussed AC Transit’s review and changes to the ferry bus schedule and route. (21-828) Councilmember Herrera Spencer discussed a menorah and tree lighting at South Shore Shopping Center; announced an event at Starbucks put on by the Chamber of Commerce which hosted the new Fire and Police Chief; stated that she has recently been a victim of assault in town. (21-829) Councilmember Daysog discussed roll call voting. (21-830) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft announced a memorial bike ride which stopped at places involving pedestrian or cyclist traffic deaths; discussed one menorah lighting at South Shore Shopping Center and another at Rittler Park; stated that she read a proclamation for Pearl 636 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council December 7, 2021 Harbor Remembrance Day at Coast Guard Island Alameda; urged those that are eligible to get their vaccination and booster shots. ADJOURNMENT (21-831) There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 11:29 p.m. in memory of Peter Hegarty. Respectfully submitted, Lara Weisiger City Clerk The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.