2003-02-04 Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY - - FEBRUARY 4, 2003 - - 7:30 P.M.
Mayor Johnson convened the Regular Meeting at 7:43 p.m.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Matarrese, and
Mayor Johnson - 3.
Absent: Councilmembers DeWitt and Kerr - 2.
AGENDA CHANGES
(03 -033) Mayor Johnson announced that the Resolution Authorizing
Open Market Purchase of Thirty (30) Police Department Mobile Data
Terminals (MDT's) from DATA 911 [paragraph no. 03 -042] would be
held over to February 18,2003 as the item requires four affirmative
votes.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
(03 -034) Announcement by Fire Chief about testing of Alert and
Warning System.
The Fire Chief announced that on Wednesday, February 5, 2003 at
12:00 p.m., the City would start testing the Alert and Warning
Siren System and continue testing the first Wednesday of every
month; the purpose of the Siren System is to create a vehicle to
notify the community of important information regarding public
safety; the public can also tune in to 1280 AM, cable channel 15 or
Alameda's web page for information; the message is to "Shelter,
Shut and Listen;" the system will notify citizens of large
incidents, disasters, and earthquakes; the Alert and Warning System
is part of the overall Community Preparedness Strategy; five sirens
will be tested at the same time, two on Bay Farm and three on the
main island.
Mayor Johnson stated the community is well informed on the siren
testing.
(03 -035) Briefing by Library Director and Chair of the Library
Building Team.
The Library Director and Library Building Team gave a Power Point
Presentation.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether the Construction Manager Contract is
separate from the Construction Contract, to which the Library
Director responded in the affirmative.
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Mayor Johnson inquired whether Council could be provided the
architectural drawing, to which the Library Director responded in
the affirmative.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether the main entrance to the Library is
on Oak Street, to which the Library Director responded in the
affirmative.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether the main entrance is wheelchair
accessible, to which the Library Director responded in the
affirmative; further stated the main entrance would be clearly
marked and disabled parking would be provided at the front
entrance.
Vice Mayor Daysog stated the City is building something that
reflects the hi -tech, hi -touch sensitivity of our City; stated the
Library is designed by someone with a feel for the community;
thanked the Library Director and Library Building Team for the
presentation.
Councilmember Matarrese stated building the new library involves
the mixture of technical and public work; thanked staff, private
citizens, and volunteers on the Library Building Team; stated the
new library is being built with tax dollars; requested staff to
schedule regular briefings to monitor progress and remove
roadblocks.
Mayor Johnson stated briefings are scheduled for the first Council
meeting of every month.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Johnson announced that the recommendation to authorize the
City Manager to execute a Contract with Club One Pro Services, Inc.
for $99,715 to implement a Wellness /Fitness Program for the members
of the Alameda Fire Department [paragraph no.03 -037] was removed
from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of the remainder of the
Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 3. [Absent: Councilmembers DeWitt and Kerr -
2.]
[Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding
the paragraph number.]
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( *03 -036) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings
held on January 21, 2003 and the Special City Council Meeting held
on January 28, 2003. Approved.
(03 -037) Recommendation to authorize the City Manager to execute a
Contract with Club One Pro Services, Inc. for $99,715 to implement
a Wellness/ Fitness Program for the members of the Alameda Fire
Department. Accepted.
Vice Mayor Daysog inquired whether Club One Pro Services, Inc. is
located in downtown Oakland; and whether local organizations were
considered for the Contract.
The Fire Chief responded three local health agencies were solicited
for the Wellness /Fitness Program and all three agencies declined.
Vice Mayor Daysog stated Federal sources fund a majority of the
fitness program.
Mayor Johnson stated grant money funds seventy five percent of the
program.
Vice Mayor Daysog moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 3. [Absent: Councilmembers DeWitt and Kerr -
2.]
( *03 -038) Recommendation to award contract in the Amount of
$406,044 to Gallagher and Burke, Inc. for Repair and Resurfacing of
Certain Streets, Phase 23. P.W. No. 08- 02 -10. Accepted.
( *03 -039) Recommendation to adopt Plans and Specifications and
authorize Call for Bids for Alameda Point Water System Upgrades
Phase IA. Accepted.
( *03 -040) Resolution N
Employees Association
Salary for the Position
o. 13553, "Amending the Alameda City
(ACEA) Salary Schedule by Establishing a
of Marketing Assistant." Adopted.
( *03 -041) Resolution No. 13554, "Consenting to and Calling a Joint
Public Hearing on the Proposed Amendments to the Community
Improvement Plans for the Alameda Project, Business and Waterfront
and West End Community Improvement Projects and the Mitigated
Negative Declaration Relating Thereto." Adopted.
( *03 -042) Adoption of Resolution Authorizing Open Market Purchase
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of Thirty (30) Police Department Mobile Data Terminals (MDT's) from
DATA 911 Pursuant to Section 3 -15 of the City Charter. Held Over.
( *03 -043) Introduction of Ordinance Approving Necessary Easements
for Naval Air Station (NAS) Alameda Replacement Wastewater
Interceptor System Project. Introduced.
( *03 -044) Ratified bills in the amount of 1,465,302,89.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(03 -045) Public Hearing to consider a Call for Review of the
Historical Advisory Board's Decision to not include 1423 Morton
Street on the Historical Building Study List (CA02- 0015). The site
is located within the R -4, Neighborhood Residential Zoning
District. Applicant: David Baker /Architectural Preservation
Society.
(03 -345A) Resolution No. 13555, "Approving the request to Place
1423 Morton Street on the Historical Building Study List, CA02-
0015." Adopted.
The Project Planner and Supervising Planner gave a brief oral
report.
Mayor Johnson opened the Public Hearing.
Opponents (Opposed to Appeal):
Paula Friman, Alameda;
Donny Chu, Alameda;
George Ong, Alameda.
Proponents (In favor of Appeal):
Don Patterson, Alameda;
Craig Merrill, Alameda;
Randy Horton, Alameda;
David Baker, Alameda;
Scott Brady, Historical Advisory Board;
Betsy Mathieson, Alameda;
Ken Gutleben, Alameda;
Nancy Gordon, Alameda; (submitted a letter to Council)
Janet Gibson, Alameda;
Mary Jaca, Alameda;
Virginia Bergstrom, Alameda;
Christopher Buckley, Alameda Architectural Preservation Society
(submitted a letter to Council).
There being no further speakers, Mayor Johnson closed the public
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portion of the hearing.
Mayor Johnson stated that unless a structure is on the Historical
Building Study List, an over - the - counter demolition permit can be
obtained; the Historical Advisory Board (HAB) is reviewing the
matter for recommendations to Council; the question is whether 1423
Morton Street should be added to the Historical Building Study List
and be subject to the review process, not whether the structure
should be demolished; historic structures are very important in
Alameda; property owners should not be permitted to demolish a
property due to neglect; requested staff to review ordinances,
which deal with property maintenance and blight issues.
Vice Mayor Daysog stated that he concurs with Mayor Johnson
regarding over - the - counter demolition permits; requested that all
planning applications include the statement "all actions are
subject to appeal with final authority resting with Council;"
questioned whether 1423 Morton Street merits being placed on the
Historical Building Study List or whether the question was raised
too late; stated that he has concerns about Council setting a
dangerous precedence for historically significant properties if the
Appeal is rejected; stated that he supports the Appeal.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the process of acquiring an over -
the- counter demolition permit should be metered whether the
property is on the Historical Building Study List or not; stated he
has concerns about the lack of clarity on how to evaluate the
criteria for whether a property is historical or not; suggested
that the Historical Advisory Board and staff members be advised on
how to tighten up the criteria so that everyone is clear about what
properties qualify for the list; that he has concerns about the
notion that any property more than 50 years old should be
considered for the list; property owners maintaining blighted
conditions is a separate and distinct issue; suggested the
Municipal Code be enforced regarding neglected properties; stated
the City needs a good process that meters the demolition of
Victorian houses or structures; that he supports Mayor Johnson's
recommendations.
The City Attorney stated staff provided a resolution with
sufficient findings to approve the request and overturn the
decision of the Historical Advisory Board; further stated a vote of
three members is required to overturn a vote of any board.
Vice Mayor Daysog moved adoption of the resolution to approve the
request to place 1423 Morton Street on the Historical Building
Study List CA -02 -0015 with the following finding.
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Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 3. [Absent: Councilmembers DeWitt and Kerr
- 2.]
(03 -046) Public Hearing to consider an Amendment to the City of
Alameda General Plan for a new revised Housing Element (Housing
Element 2001 -2006) and an Initial Study with Mitigated Negative
Declaration pursuant to the Environmental Quality Act. Accepted
staff recommendation to refer the Housing Element back to the
Planning Board.
The Planning Manager gave a brief oral report.
Vice Mayor Daysog inquired how many houses are envisioned for site
twenty -one, to which the Planning Manager responded twenty -six
dwelling units could be constructed on that site.
In response to Vice Mayor Daysog's inquiry about the breakdown of
the twenty -six units, the Planning Manager stated the breakdown
would be two very low- income units, three moderate - income units,
and twenty -one above moderate - income units.
Vice Mayor Daysog inquired about site ten, to which the Planning
Manager responded currently there is no location for site ten,
further stated the City is working with AUSD to identify a location
for site ten.
Vice Mayor Daysog inquired about site eighteen, to which the
Planning Manager responded seventy -two units are envisioned of
which four would be very low- income units, seven moderate - income
units, and sixty -one above moderate - income units.
Mayor Johnson opened the Public Hearing.
Peggy Doherty, Renewed Hope Housing Advocates, stated Renewed Hope
is very involved in the Housing Element process; Renewed Hope held
a large public meeting to educate the public regarding the
implications and importance of the Housing Element; Renewed Hope
made six recommendations to the Planning Department for inclusion
in the Housing Element; one recommendation is to increase the
California Community Redevelopment Law tax increment for affordable
housing from 20% to 250; another recommendation is to raise the
amount of affordable housing outside of redevelopment areas to 100;
stated ideal citizens are being priced out of housing.
Joseph Woodard, Estuary Park Action Committee (EPAC), submitted a
letter to Council; urged Council to consider Estuary Park in the
new Housing Element; stated the Estuary Park area is an underused,
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polluted, industrial property zoned M -2; the area is an eye sore
housing small businesses, dilapidated warehousing, dredging, and a
large part is empty; the land is composed of three parcels owned
separately by Collins, Fox /Wright, and Dutra; the land is the last
opportunity for the City to build public access to the estuary in a
park setting on the east side of the island connecting Alameda to
the sister park Oakland is building on the opposite side; the 1991
master plan included the vision for Estuary Park; Estuary Park was
conceived as an enhancement to the living standard for all Alameda
citizens; EPAC prepared a complete report about the history and
possibilities for Estuary Park available on EPAC website; EPAC
submitted a petition in 2002 signed by over 300 residents
requesting the City develop a park along the estuary; requested
Council to develop Estuary Park.
Dorothy Freeman, EPAC, submitted a letter to Council; stated all
property owners in Alameda pay a portion of their property tax into
the Bay Trails Development Fund; the Bay Trail is planned to "ring"
the entire island of Alameda; Alameda and the estuary deserve to be
preserved for the entire Bay Area; Oakland is developing a trail
along the entire estuary; suggested adding a bicycle /pedestrian
ferry between the two parks; visitors to City parks add to the
economy; that she envisions Oak Street becoming a one -way one -lane
street with a walking path to Estuary Park with an open air theatre
in the park; the 1991 general plan had that vision.
Donna Wood, Renewed Hope, stated the Housing Element should be
structured to make housing available to people of different
economic levels; Renewed Hope's recommendations address concerns of
all residents; one recommendation calls for a study of the impact
of Charter Amendment 26 (Measure A) to consider impacts on business
opportunities, traffic, transportation, potential open space, and
site planning and design; the study would also provide a rigorous
and detailed analysis of the financial burden that Article 26
requires the City to overcome in order to achieve affordable
housing goals; the study can help to determine how Measure A might
be modified in ways that would provide adequate housing
opportunities without destroying the historic homes of the
community; encouraged Council to accept the staff recommendation to
return the Housing Element to the Planning Board with a
recommendation that the Board work collaboratively with other
concerned groups.
William Smith, Sierra Club, stated that he concurs with the
recommendation to return the draft Housing Element to the Planning
Board for further consideration of the States' comments; stated the
Sierra Club, Renewed Hope, churches, and Alameda Businesses support
new investment in housing and businesses within the community; a
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Renewed Hope recommendation suggests that the City adopt an
ordinance for granting density bonuses.
Laura Thomas, Renewed Hope, stated another Renewed Hope
recommendation suggests that a policy for housing developments
outside of the redevelopment areas require 150 of new units be
affordable housing with 6% at very low- income and 9% at moderate -
income; the policy would announce the City's commitment to
providing housing for citizens at every opportunity.
Austin Tam, Renewed Hope, stated affordable housing needs to be
addressed; the need for affordable housing is greater in difficult
economic times; the average person cannot afford to live in Alameda
due to increasing rents.
Kevin Reilly, Alameda, stated increasing rents forced his family
out of Alameda; urged Council to return the Draft Housing Element
to Planning Board for further study; suggested working with
community organizations to improve the Housing Element to meet
State law.
Bill Smith, Alameda, discussed housing issues.
Lynette Lee, Renewed Hope, stated that she works for a non - profit
that has built over 800 units of affordable housing in other
cities; Alameda has a history of residents with different income
levels; Alameda is in danger of losing residents because housing
prices are so high; urged Council to consider the six
recommendations made by Renewed Hope Housing Advocates.
Eve Bach, ARC Ecology /Renewed Hope, stated ARC Ecology provides
technical assistance to low- income communities that are confronting
the issues of closed military base redevelopment; Renewed Hope's
six recommendations are designed to deal with the dilemma that the
City faces; the Housing Element identifies the ban on multifamily
housing as a constraint on housing; the Housing Element does not
identify the requirement of 2000 square feet of lot area per unit
as a constraint; Renewed Hope put together a list of things that
are within Council's power; Renewed Hope recommends updating the
housing impact fees; urged Council to return the Housing Element to
the Planning Board and give the Board direction.
Michael Yoshi, Renewed Hope, stated Renewed Hope's vision is that
of a community that takes care of it's citizens and provides the
kind of vision for housing that would keep people in the community
and value them as human beings; the challenge is to be able to
bring different parts of the community together and carve out a
vision; that he hopes the Housing Element becomes a visionary
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document for the community into the future.
There being no further speakers, Mayor Johnson closed the public
portion of the hearing.
Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of the staff recommendation
to return the Draft Housing Element to the Planning Board for
further consideration and recommendations.
Mayor Johnson requested staff to forward the public comments to the
Planning Board.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 3. [Absent: Councilmembers DeWitt and Kerr -
2.]
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON- AGENDA
(03 -047) Bill Smith, Alameda, discussed services in the City of
Alameda.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(03 -048) Consideration of Mayor's nominations (2) for appointment
to the Social Service Human Relations Board. [Partial terms
expiring June 30, 2003 and June 30, 2004]
Mayor Johnson nominated Steven R. Currie for appointment to the
Social Services Human Relations Board. [Remaining nomination to be
announced February 18, 2003]
(03 -049) Councilmember Matarrese requested consideration of a
process for linking the Housing Element, Northern Waterfront
Specific Plan, and the Alameda Point General Plan Amendment into
the General Plan update be placed on a future agenda for Council
discussion; suggested there be a more transparent process similar
to the Development Strategic Task Force; stated a Task Force could
be used to arrive at a new version of the General Plan.
(03 -050) Vice Mayor Daysog announced that Councilmember Matarrese
would be taking his place on the Joint School Board -City Council
Committee; suggested the Joint Committee discuss implementing a
"school rate" on City facilities, such as the 0' Club, rented for
school functions.
(03 -051) Mayor Johnson announced that she would serve as the
liaison and Councilmember Matarrese as the alternate on the Alameda
County Waste Management Authority and Alameda County Congestion
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Management Agency; announced that she would serve as the liaison
and Councilmember DeWitt as the alternate on the Association of Bay
Area Governments; Vice Mayor Daysog would serve as the liaison on
the Airport Operations Committee and an alternate would be
announced at a later date; that she would serve on the Alameda
County Airport Land Use Committee and the alternate would be
announced at a later date.
(03 -052) Mayor Johnson requested that the City of Alameda
Transportation Commission nominate the three appointments to the
Citizens Advisory Committee of the Alameda County Transportation
Improvement Authority.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the
Regular Meeting at 10:18 p.m. in memory of the astronauts of the
Columbia.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The Agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown
Act.
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