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CityCouncil,2005-02-15,1,"MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY - -FEBRUARY 15, 2005- -7:30 P.M.
Mayor Johnson convened the Regular Meeting at 7:37 p.m.
Councilmember deHaan led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL -
Present : Councilmembers Daysog, deHaan, Gilmore,
Matarrese and Mayor Johnson - 5. [Note:
Mayor Johnson left the meeting at 9:02
p.m. to travel on City business. ]
Absent :
None.
AGENDA CHANGES
None.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
(05-072) Proclamation supporting the Navy League's efforts to
designate the City of Alameda as an official ""Coast Guard City. ""
Mayor Johnson read the proclamation and presented it to Hadi Monsef
and Barbara Price representing the Alameda Council of the Navy
League. Ms. Price presented a book on the history of the Coast
Guard to the Mayor and City on behalf of Coast Guard Admiral
Breckenridge.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of the Consent Calendar with
a correction to the February 1, 2005 regular meeting minutes.
Councilmember deHaan seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
[ Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding
the paragraph number . ]
( *05-073) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings
held on February 1, 2005. Approved.
Councilmember Matarrese requested that the February 1 regular
meeting minutes adjourn time be corrected to indicate a.m. instead
of p.m.
( *05-074) - Ratified bills in the amount of $2,200,868.59.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
1
February 15, 2005",CityCouncil/2005-02-15.pdf
CityCouncil,2005-02-15,2,"(*05-075) Recommendation to accept the Quarterly Sales Tax Report
for the second calendar quarter of 2004. Accepted.
( *05-076) Resolution No. 13815, ""Appointing an Engineer and an
Attorney for Island City Landscaping and Lighting District 84-2. ""
Adopted.
(*05-077) Resolution No. 13816, ""Appointing an Engineer and an
Attorney for Maintenance Assessment District 01-01 (Marina Cove) .
Adopted.
(*05-078) Resolution No. 13817, ""Amending the International
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Salary Schedule by
Establishing a Salary Range for the Position of Inventory Control
Clerk. "" Adopted.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(05-079) Resolution No. 13818, ""Appointing Dennis J. Hanna as a
Member of the Social Service Human Relations Board.' Adopted.
Councilmember Matarrese moved adoption of the resolution.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office and presented Mr.
Hanna with a Certificate of Appointment.
(05 -080 - ) Introduction of Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal
Code to Increase the Composition of the Golf Commission from Five
to Seven Members by Amending Subsections 2-9.1 (Commission Created;
Composition), 2-9.2 (Membership; Appointment; Removal) and 2-9.3
(Voting) of Section 2-9 (City Golf Commission). Introduced.
Mayor Johnson stated that she suggested the membership increase
because there is a lot of upcoming activity at the golf course,
including the new clubhouse; having two more members would help
with the workload; the Golf Commission Chair supports the idea.
The Interim City Manager stated the golf course has become a large
operation; the golf budget is over $5 million; there will be major
changes at the golf course that require financial overview in the
next few years.
Councilmember deHaan stated the Transportation Commission was
lowered from nine to seven members; the Recreation and Park
Commission has five members; inquired whether the membership of the
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
2
February 15, 2005",CityCouncil/2005-02-15.pdf
CityCouncil,2005-02-15,3,"Recreation and Park Commission should be reviewed.
Mayor Johnson stated the matter could be reviewed; commissions are
established by ordinance and Council has flexibility to make
changes boards established by Charter would be difficult to
change.
Councilmember deHaan stated having seven members provides
flexibility to bring people with different expertise aboard.
Mayor Johnson concurred the matter should be reviewed.
Vice Mayor Gilmore moved introduction of the ordinance.
Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
(05-081) Recommendation to award Contract in the amount of
$2,110,000, including contingencies to Ghilotti Brothers, Inc. for
Park Street Streetscape and Town Center Project, Phase I, No. P. W.
10-02-13, and authorize the allocation of additional funds from the
Merged Areas Bond Issuance of 2003.
Robb Ratto, Park Street Business Association (PSBA). stated the new
streetlights will look like 1927 streetlights on the outside, but
are state-of-the-art inside; hopefully, a later phase to complete
Alameda Avenue will happen quickly; urged Council to approve the
Contract.
Mayor Johnson stated that she is pleased with how well the Webster
Street Streetscape project is going; that she has not received any
complaints.
Councilmember deHaan stated the City decided to replace the entire
sidewalk on Webster Street; inquired how the decision was made
regarding Park Street.
The Public Works Director responded the entire sidewalk on Park
Street is not being replaced due to cost and basements extending
into the public right of way; stated replacing the Park Street
sidewalks would require roofs to be built above basements, which
would be very expensive; PSBA agrees with the approach.
Councilmember Daysog moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Vice Mayor Gilmore seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
3
February 15, 2005",CityCouncil/2005-02-15.pdf
CityCouncil,2005-02-15,4,"money by the end of March; the City can deposit the money and begin
earning interest to mitigate the reduction.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the City would sell bonds inquired
how the liability would be covered.
The Interim City Manager responded there would be no liability to
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
4
February 15, 2005",CityCouncil/2005-02-15.pdf
CityCouncil,2005-02-15,5,"the City because the bondholders would demand insurance to cover
any State default; Covenants and Conditions of the bond will state
the bondholders recourse is not to any cities involved, but to the
State.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether a default on the bonds would have no
impact on the cities, to which the City Manager responded in the
affirmative.
Vice Mayor Gilmore congratulated staff for the creative solution to
deal with the budget deficit for the current year and next year.
Mayor Johnson noted that Assemblywoman Chan thought the idea was
very interesting and a good strategy.
Councilmember Matarrese moved adoption of the resolution.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
( (05-083) Recommendation to accept budget adjustments to revenue
and appropriations.
The Interim City Manager gave an overview of the budget
adjustments.
Mayor Johnson inquired why there is a cost to be part of the
Alameda County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system.
The Interim City Manager responded the cost is for providing
emergency medical coordination.
The Deputy Fire Chief stated the County provides quality assurance
overview; every city in the County pays a fee to the County EMS,
which is the medical authority responsible for administering
licenses, classes, and protocol the fee is for overhead and
quality assurance.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether the City reviews the County EMS
budget, to which the Deputy Fire Chief responded the City receives
a copy of the budget.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether every city pays $500,000, to which
the Interim City Manager responded the fee charged is per parcel.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether the City has to pay for training, to
which the Deputy Fire Chief responded in the affirmative.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
5
February 15, 2005",CityCouncil/2005-02-15.pdf
CityCouncil,2005-02-15,6,"Mayor Johnson inquired whether the County sets policy.
The Deputy Fire Chief responded in the affirmative; stated the
County reviews compliance with protocols and licensing.
Mayor Johnson stated the City should review the County's budget to
determine why it is so expensive to be part of the system.
The Interim City Manager stated staff could provide a report with
more detailed information and obtain a copy of the budget.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether the City provides more assistance in
mutual aid outside Alameda or whether Alameda receives more mutual
aid assistance from outside agencies.
The Deputy Fire Chief responded the County requires the City to
enter into a mutual aid Contract to have American Medical Response
(AMR) provide backup AMR comes into town to backup Alameda and
Alameda provides backup for AMR; the amount of assistance provided
and received is probably about even; yesterday, paramedics were in
Oakland nine times because the trauma center was on bypass; often
times it goes the other way; if paramedics are at a fire scene, AMR
takes all medical calls; noted when Alameda was ramping up the
Advanced Life Support (ALS) system, the City was receiving money
back from the County contract.
Mayor Johnson stated the amount that the City can charge for
ambulance service is set by the County contract the City should
charge as much as insurance companies pay, which is often higher
than the cap set by the County the City should review the rates
charged for ambulance services and request the flexibility to
charge more to recover service costs from users.
The Deputy Fire Chief stated that the County sets the maximum
charge for transport and equipment used; the City is allowed to
charge a little more since Alameda is unique and citizens do not
pay a paramedic assessment; however, historically the City has not
charged more and only charges a prevailing rate.
The Interim City Manager continued reviewing budget adjustments.
In response to Councilmember Daysog's inquiry whether an increased
permit fee could be charged for providing premium service since
there is such a high demand, the Interim City Manager stated there
is an expedited permit fee and some developers have paid for an
outside contract service that the City administers.
The Interim City Manager continued his review.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
6
February 15, 2005",CityCouncil/2005-02-15.pdf
CityCouncil,2005-02-15,7,"Counci lmember Daysog inquired whether neighborhood park directors
would remain, to which the Interim City Manager responded in the
affirmative.
The Interim City Manager completed his review; stated the total
reduction in department budgets is $2,770,363; added to reductions
in non-departmental areas, the total reduction is $6,295,983 the
budget expenditure cuts and decreased revenues have no impact on
the General Fund reserves for the fiscal year.
Mayor Johnson stated there was a $1.2 million deficit in December;
inquired how the deficit has reached $4.8 million.
The Finance Director responded the budget adopted July 20 had
expenditures exceeding revenues by $1.6 million; revenues decreased
another $2 million because the 911 fee and Payment In Lieu of Taxes
(PILOT) Return on Investment (ROI) were not adopted by the Council,
resulting in a $3.2 million deficit; Council actions to appropriate
funds for the City Manager recruitment, Interim City Manager,
Chinatown agreement, and other activities had an approximately
$256,000 impact.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether hiring additional
Firefighters would have an impact on overtime.
The Interim City Manager responded that the five Firefighters would
start the academy March 15; there would be a cost of $322,000 in
salaries for the five Firefighters in the academyi there will not
be a net benefit for the current fiscal year.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether there would be an impact in
future years, to which the Interim City Manager responded in the
affirmative.
Councilmember deHaan inquired the amount of the reserve that was
required to be set aside.
The Interim City Manager responded there is a $2,453,743 set aside
for accrued vacation and $1,444,000 for post employment health; the
total accrued liability is about $3.5 million of the reserves.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether the general reserves are about $10
million.
The Interim City Manager responded that after removing the $3.5
million required in set aside and removing loans to other funds,
the amount remaining is $8.9 million; if action is not taken, the
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
7
February 15, 2005",CityCouncil/2005-02-15.pdf
CityCouncil,2005-02-15,8,"reserves could be used in 2 years; the federal and State
governments have deficits other cities are making staff
reductions, doing furloughs and closing City Hall one day per
month; Alameda's financial problems are not unique the problem is
due to the State taking property taxes and the large increase in
the PERS contribution for retirements; since CalPERS investments
have not done well in the last few years, contributions have to be
raised significantly.
Kevin Kennedy, City Treasurer, stated significant cuts are being
made without cutting services that citizens find vital; there has
been a dramatic shift in the State's economy ; the budget has to be
brought in line with economic realities; the City might face
equally or more difficult choices in the next budget the City
needs to focus on core services; the ten-year budget forecast will
be integral in forming the next budget the reserves do not allow
the City to postpone dealing with the situation.
Councilmember deHaan stated Department Heads would have to
implement budget changes the budget would evolve over the next
four or five years; the City needs to be prepared.
Councilmember Matarrese stated additional police dispatchers were
needed; inquired whether the positions are being filled to prevent
overtime and short staffing issues.
The Interim City Manager responded that he authorized filling two
positions in dispatch; one or two more people might be hired, but
he is holding off until he is convinced additional staff is
absolutely required.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether the open positions in
police and fire constitute a reduction in public safety out in the
streets.
The Interim City Manager responded that positions cannot be reduced
in a department without recognizing that there will be an impact;
both the Fire Chief and Police Chief have made a concerted effort
to have the least amount of impact to the citizens, such as a delay
in processing abandoned vehicles; when the City does not backfill
following officer promotions, there will be an impact.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the public should hear about the
impacts; there will be ramifications to service; five Firefighters
would be hired instead of eleven; inquired whether other vacancies
are projected in the Fire Department.
The Interim City Manager responded only eleven vacancies are known.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
8
February 15, 2005",CityCouncil/2005-02-15.pdf
CityCouncil,2005-02-15,9,"9
February 15, 2005",CityCouncil/2005-02-15.pdf
CityCouncil,2005-02-15,10,"Councilmember Matarrese stated that he is reluctant that the City
has to take these stepsi requested that staff monitor service
levels: if damage is being done and appropriations are needed,
information should be brought to Council before the situation is an
emergency the City is starting to nick away at the meat of its
services; that he does not differentiate between hard and soft
priorities; Council has laid out priorities the park and library
services are intangibles that prevent the need for additional
police officers in some cases; the situation should be monitored to
ensure the City is not putting itself into an unrecoverable hole.
Acting Mayor Gilmore complimented staff for the clarity and brevity
of the report; commended the Alameda Journal for top coverage of
the issue; stated citizens need to be aware; Council is making the
best decision given the resources available; the City needs to
continue to get out the word because sooner or later the average
citizen will be impacted.
Councilmember Matarrese requested that the Council consider
direction to review terminating the police boat water services;
stated upwards of 3,500 berths are occupied by boats that pay
property taxes; that he assumes the fire boat is in jeopardy as
well; that he would like to have options to help find an
alternative funding source, whether it be a surcharge per slip or
some other service levy that can be presented to the public; the
matter should be brought back to the Council.
Councilmember Daysog requested a report on the ARRA $2.5 million
budget for public safety; stated that he understands the one-time
expenditure will end June 30; in addition to the $1. 4 million hole
in the City's budget, there will be a $2.5 million hole in the ARRA
budget next year; that he understands the Interim City Manager is
reviewing alternatives.
The Interim City Manager stated staff is very concerned about the
ARRA budget; that he has discussed the matter with the Development
Services Director; steps are being taken to pare down the ARRA
budget as much as possible, as soon as possible; the current ARRA
budget cannot be sustained; one or two months into the next fiscal
year, keeping the operation going will be problematic.
Councilmember Daysog stated problems in the ARRA budget could seep
into to General Fund budget.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether there would be a review of
the ARRA budget shortly, to which the Interim City Manager
responded in the affirmative.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
10
February 15, 2005",CityCouncil/2005-02-15.pdf
CityCouncil,2005-02-15,11,"ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
(05-084) - Michael John Torrey, Alameda, noted a Calgrant workshop
would be held February 22 and a community meeting would be held
February 23 to discuss extraordinary maintenance projects around
the West End.
(05-085) Robb Ratto, Park Street Business Association, encouraged
residents and workers in Alameda to shop in Alameda stated sales
tax revenues need to increase.
(05-086) Reginald James, West Alameda Teen Club, invited everyone
to attend the West Alameda Teen Club black history basketball event
February 24 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Chipman Middle School.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(05-087) Acting Mayor Gilmore stated an Association of Bay Area
Governments meeting on April 28 in San Francisco is about Casinos
on the Bay Area Landscape; suggested that a Councilmember attend
the meeting or staff attend, if a Councilmember cannot, to listen
to the discussion.
(05-088 ) Councilmember Daysog stated the last representative to
the League of California Cities was Barbara Kerr; that he has been
involved in the East Bay Division employer subcommittee; that he
would be willing to be the City's representative.
Acting Mayor Gilmore stated the matter would have to be placed on a
future agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Acting Mayor Gilmore adjourned the
Regular Meeting at 9:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown
Act.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
11
February 15, 2005",CityCouncil/2005-02-15.pdf
CityCouncil,2005-02-15,12,"MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY - -FEBRUARY 15, 2005- -6:10 P.M.
Acting Mayor/Chair Gilmore convened the Special Joint Meeting at
6:20 p.m.
Roll Call - Present : Councilmember/Commissioners
Daysog,
deHaan, Matarrese, and Acting Mayor/Chair
Gilmore - 4.
Absent :
Mayor/Chair Johnson - 1.
The Special Meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider :
(05-070CC/05-007CIC Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing
Litigation Name of cases Alameda Belt Line V. City of Alameda,
Alameda Belt Line V. City of Alameda, and City of Alameda V.
Alameda Belt Line.
Prior to the Regular City Council Meeting, Mayor/Chair Johnson
announced that a briefing was given by the City Attorney's office.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Acting Mayor/Chair Gilmore
adjourned the Special Joint Meeting at 6:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk
Secretary, Community Improvement
Commission
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown
Act.
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council and
Community Improvement Commission
February 15, 2005",CityCouncil/2005-02-15.pdf
CityCouncil,2005-02-15,13,"MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY - -FEBRUARY 15, 2005- -6:30 P.M.
Acting Mayor Gilmore convened the meeting at 6:45 p.m.
Roll Call - Present : Councilmembers Daysog, deHaan, Matarrese
and Acting Mayor Gilmore - 4.
Absent :
Mayor Johnson - 1.
The Special Meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider:
(05-071) Conference with Labor Negotiator; Agency Negotiators:
Human Resources Director and Craig Jory Employee Organizations:
Management and Confidential Employees Association, International
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and Police Association Non-
Sworn.
Prior to the Regular City Council Meeting, Mayor Johnson announced
that the Council obtained a briefing and instructions were given to
Labor Negotiators.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Acting Mayor Gilmore adjourned the
meeting at 7:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown
Act.
Special Meeting
Alameda City Council
February 15, 2005",CityCouncil/2005-02-15.pdf