2001-04-17 Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY - - APRIL 17, 2001 - - 7:30 P.M.
Mayor Appezzato convened the Regular Meeting at 7:33 p.m.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, DeWitt, Johnson,
Kerr and Mayor Appezzato - 5.
Absent: None.
AGENDA CHANGES
None.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
(01 -175) Presentation by Fire Chief Rod Buchanan and Emergency
Preparedness Officer Rick Zombeck regarding Earthquake Preparedness
Techniques for Citizens.
Fire Captain Rick Zombeck gave a Power Point presentation and
provided handouts on earthquake preparedness.
Mayor Appezzato requested that the presentation be given once a
year; requested staff to review whether the City of Alameda could
have its emergency telephone system programmed to register the
telephone number of callers with special needs; stated the City of
Oakland has said ability.
Captain Zombeck responded the matter can be reviewed; that he is
working with Red Cross to research San Francisco- and Oakland's
[telephone] systems; further stated April is earthquake
preparedness month, perhaps a presentation could be given every
year in April.
Councilmember Johnson suggested that the information on telephones
[handout entitled "Telephone Tips "] include that people should have
a corded telephone, since cordless phones do not operate during
power outages; suggested stickers be provided with the City's 7-
digit emergency telephone number and the radio station number of
Radio Alameda [1280 AM]; further suggested the City -wide emergency
plan be included as part of future presentations; stated people
should be familiar with where there will be emergency shelters and
where first aid will be available.
Mayor Appezzato noted there could be more than one presentation
each year to cover all of the issues.
Councilmember Daysog suggested the handouts provided be posted on
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April 17, 2001
the City's website.
Rick Freitas, Alameda, stated weeds are overgrown at 2001
Versailles Avenue, the former Exxon Gas Station; the Fire
Department should review the matter.
Mayor Appezzato requested the City Manager to review the matter and
determine whether Code Compliance should address the matter.
(01 -176) Mayor Appezzato stated there were a few unfortunate
incidents over the weekend; a car was vandalized in a parking lot,
which might have been a hate crime; also, on Easter Sunday, flyers
were thrown on the driveways of a number of homes, including his
home; he provided a copy of the circular to the Police Department,
City Attorney and City Manager; although the circulars were not
classified as a hate crime, they were hateful; the Council passed a
resolution that Alameda is a hate -free City; requested the City
Manager to convene the group [Hate and Intolerance Response Team]
to discuss the issues and make a public statement about hate
issues.
(01 -177) Proclamation declaring April 22, 2001 as Earth Day in the
City of Alameda.
Mayor Appezzato read the Proclamation and presented it to Esha
Nagel, Event Coordinator, and Morty Prisament, City Environmental
Services Administrative Management Analyst.
Mayor Appezzato inquired whether there would be bike valet parking,
at the Earth Day event, to which Ms. Nagel responded in the
affirmative.
Jon Spangler, Alameda, encouraged everyone to ride their bikes to
the Earth Day event at the College of Alameda.
(01 -178) Proclamation declaring the Month of April, 2001 as Fair
Housing Month in the City of Alameda.
Mayor Appezzato read the Proclamation and presented it to Mona
Breed of Sentinel Fair Housing.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Appezzato announced that the letter supporting Senate Bill 10
[paragraph no. 01 -180] and the Plans and Specifications and
authorize Calling for Bids for Pruning Trees [paragraph no. 01 -183]
were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
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Alameda City Council 2
April 17, 2001
Councilmember Johnson moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent: Councilmember Kerr - 1.]
[Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding
the paragraph number.]
( *01 -179) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings
held on April 3, 2001. Approved.
[Note: Councilmember Kerr abstained because she was absent from the
Regular Council Meeting on April 3, 2001.1
(01 -180) Recommendation to authorize the Mayor to send a letter
supporting Senate Bill 10 - Safe Routes to Schools Construction
Program.
Audrey Lord - Hausman, Pedestrian Friendly Alameda and Stand for
Children, urged the Council to endorse SB 10.
Councilmember Daysog stated volunteers are working with the City to
ensure all neighborhoods are safe.
Councilmember Daysog moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Vice Mayor Dewitt seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
( *01 -181) Recommendation to award Contract in the amount of
$297,702 to Textron Financial Corporation for the lease of one
hundred and fifty (150) electric golf carts, for rental use at the
Chuck Corica Golf Complex. Accepted.
( *01 -182) Recommendation to adopt Plans and Specifications and
authorize Calling for Bids for Fiscal Year 2001 -02 Repair of
Portland Cement Concrete Sidewalk, Curb, Gutter and Driveway, No.
P.W. 02- 01 -05. Accepted.
(01 -183) Recommendation to adopt Plans and Specifications and
authorize Calling for Bids for Pruning Trees within the City of
Alameda for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2002, No. P.W. 03 -01-
06.
Councilmember Johnson stated the Plans and Specifications include
pruning 2,100 City trees and 400 trees for Alameda Power & Telecom
(AP &T) ; 19,500 trees will be pruned in a five -year cycle; inquired
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April 17, 2001
whether all trees will be pruned during the five -year cycle.
The Deputy Public Works Director responded if funding is allocated
in future fiscal years, the tree program will be completed in a
five -year period.
Public Works Supervisor Rick Pavia stated the program includes
trees of all size; most mature trees are included.
Councilmember Johnson stated trees on Santa Clara Avenue and
Central Avenue were cut in a v -shape in the middle; inquired
whether there is something in place to ensure it [v -shape cutting]
does not occur in the future.
Mr. Pavia responded in the affirmative; stated it [v -shape cutting]
occurred four years ago; AP &T has agreed to be included on the
City's tree program to safeguard against v -shape pruning; the
current approach is to have trees grow around wires.
Councilmember Johnson moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
* * *
Mayor Appezzato called a recess at 8:17 p.m. and reconvened the
Regular Meeting at 8:24 p.m.
* * *
( *01 -184) Recommendation to adopt Plans and Specifications and
authorize Calling for Bids for Landscape Maintenance of Median
Strips and Special Areas for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2002,
No. P.W. 03- 01 -07. Accepted.
( *01 -185) Recommendation to adopt Plans and Specifications and
authorize Calling for Bids for Janitorial Services in Various City
Buildings located in Alameda, California for the Fiscal Year ending
June 30, 2002, No. P.W. 03- 01 -08. Accepted.
( *01 -186) Recommendation to allocate Gas Tax (Fund 214) Funds for
the Light Emitting Diode Traffic Signal Conversion Project and
Various Other Street Projects. Accepted.
( *01 -187) Introduction of Ordinance Approving and Authorizing the
Lease of Vacant Property at 2300 Alameda Avenue, 2304 Alameda
Avenue and 1224 Oak Street Leased by Thomson Properties (Lessor) to
the City of Alameda (Lessee) for a City Parking Lot. Introduced.
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April 17, 2001
( *01 -188) Ratified bills in the amount of $2,187,964.45.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(01 -189) Recommendation to adopt FY 2001 -02 Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) Action Plan; adopt Amendment No. 2 to FY 2000 -01
CDBG Action Plan; and authorize execution of Related Documents,
Modifications and Agreements; and
(01 -189A) Recommendation to approve FY 2001 -02 Community
Development Block Grant Public Services Funding Allocations.
[Social Service Human Relations Board]
Ed Dankworth, Social Service Human Relations Board (SSHRB), stated
the SSHRB recommends funding allocations be approved as presented;
people had an opportunity to request funding at the February SSHRB
meeting; the Board unanimously approved [funding] allocations.
Irene Arroyo, BANANAS Inc., stated during fiscal year 2000 -01,
BANANAS served 57 children by providing $150 in child care vouchers
for nine months; thanked Council for supporting child care
vouchers.
Councilmember Daysog requested staff to review how SB 993 affects
child care providers; stated rental housing counseling is CDBG
funded; there are potential problems brewing regarding rents at
Bridgeport Housing, formerly BV [Buena Vista] Housing; actions
might not be consistent with the agreement that was reached a year
ago; requested staff review the matter.
Councilmember Kerr stated the funding for the Multi - Cultural Center
is being handled by EBALDC [East Bay Asian Local Development
Corporation]; the last two times CDBG funding was addressed,
Council was informed the Multi - Cultural Center will handle the
money itself, rather than going through EBALDC; the matter is of
concern because EBALDC wanted to pay $4 Million for 70 acres of
Fleet Industrial Supply Center (FISC) property, which is worth $50
Million; EBALDC's approach did not include property rehabilitation
costs and included mis- information; inquired how long EBALDC will
handle funds.
Christine Harrison, Alameda Multi - Cultural Community Center Co-
Director, stated EBALDC was asked to continue serving as the
Center's fiscal agent because it has a great amount of experience
administering fiscal funds; the Multi - Cultural Center is a growing
organization and wants to complete funding documentation properly;
EBALDC administers funds and does not set policies; further stated
EBALDC did not submit a request to purchase the [FISC] housing,
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April 17, 2001
rather the information was distributed to explain what could be
done with the land.
Councilmember Kerr stated EBALDC put out a performa, which was
widely distributed and promoted in flyers; further stated $27,000
is allocated to begin planning a new heating and ventilation system
for Mastick Senior Center; inquired whether escrow has closed
[transferring Mastick from School District to City].
The Assistant City Manager, Community and Economic Development,
stated all of the necessary instructions have been filed by the
City and the School District.
Mayor Appezzato stated Mastick Senior Center will be transferred to
the City now that the lawsuit with Renewed Hope has been settled;
further stated the Council never had a legitimate interest to turn
over the FISC property to EBALDC; the property will be developed by
Catellus Development Corporation starting this summer; all
necessary actions have been taken and administrative details are
being finalized.
Councilmember Johnson moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember Daysog stated EBALDC fights on
behalf of communities that do not have a voice; EBALDC is a
credible organization and the Board consists of professionals who
manage major properties.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice
vote - 5.
(01 -190) Ordinance No. 2856, "Reclassifying and Rezoning Certain
Properties Within the City of Alameda by Amending Zoning Ordinance
No. 1277, N.S., for that Property Located at 616, 620 and 626 Buena
Vista Avenue." Finally passed.
Councilmember Johnson moved final passage of the Ordinance.
Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
(01 -191) Ordinance No. 2857, "Amending Ordinance No. 2559, as
Amended by Ordinance Nos. 2681, 2835, and 2844 and Approving and
Adopting the Amendment to the Community Improvement Plan for the
Business and Waterfront Improvement Project." Finally passed.
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April 17, 2001
Councilmember Johnson moved final passage of the Ordinance.
Vice Mayor Al DeWitt seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON- AGENDA
(01 -192) Rick Freitas, Alameda, stated that during the last
election, he was a Republican Precinct Captain in Precinct No.
302200; he wanted to inform the City Clerk about voter fraud; there
are two examples from his precinct: 1) the woman residing at 1727
Cambridge was registered as both a democrat and a republican and
voted twice; and 2) Mrs. Sheila Lobes of 2811 Windsor Drive passed
away November 3, 1998 and still voted; he contacted the Secretary
of State and the [Alameda County] Registrar of Voters regarding the
matter.
(01 -193) Jon Spangler, Alameda, suggested that there should be a
farmers' market on Park Street.
Mayor Appezzato stated the matter has been reviewed; one of the
challenges is merchants have agreements to sell at other cities'
farmers' markets.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(01 -194) Consideration of Mayor's nomination to the San Francisco
Bay Area Water Transit Authority Community Advisory Committee.
Mayor Appezzato stated that he would serve and select an alternate
for the San Francisco Bay Area Water Transit Authority Community
Advisory Committee.
Councilmember Johnson moved approval of the Mayor's nomination.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
(01 -195) Mayor Appezzato stated residents on Regent Street have
had difficulties; requested the City Manager to call the group and
set up a meeting with the Police Department or Code Enforcement.
The Assistant City Manager, Operations, stated that he spoke with
the Chief of Police; a meeting will be set up as soon as possible.
(01 -196) Councilmember Johnson requested the vacancy on the Public
Transit Committee be filled.
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April 17, 2001
The Deputy Public Works Director stated the appointment does not
require Council action; the Mayor can make an appointment.
(01 -197) Councilmember Johnson noted that the parking meters at
the tennis courts and dog exercise area [Washington Park] have been
removed.
(01 -198) Councilmember Johnson requested the City Attorney's
Office to review whether changes could be made to zoning
regulations for beach property to ensure that there is proper
oversight for utility boxes or structures.
(01 -199) Councilmember Daysog stated Mayor Appezzato requested
staff to review [Alameda County] Board of Education redistricting;
inquired whether Mayor Appezzato meant to include County Board of
Supervisors redistricting as well.
Mayor Appezzato responded in the affirmative; stated there will be
a Hearing in June for redistricting at the Board of Supervisors;
his concern is that the City of Alameda remain whole regardless of
how they redistrict; the City should not be split as is the case
with the County Board of Education.
(01 -200) Councilmember Daysog stated that he reviewed the Utility
Users Tax which has been collected since 1997; in the second
quarter of 2000, the City received only $10,000; traditionally, the
City receives $180,000; the City Attorney and City Manager reviewed
the matter; the PUC's [Public Utilities Commission's] decision is
understood, however, the possibility of recovering the $170,000
difference should be reviewed.
ADJOURNMENT
(01 -201) There being no further business, Mayor Appezzato
adjourned the Regular Meeting at 8:46 p.m. in memory of Willie
Stargell.
Respectfully Submitted,
Diane B. Felsch, CMC
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown
Act.
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April 17, 2001