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CityCouncil,2007-03-06,1,"MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY - -MARCH 6, 2007- -7:30 P.M.
Mayor Johnson convened the Regular City Council meeting at 7:38
p.m. Councilmember deHaan led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL - Present : Councilmembers
deHaan,
Gilmore,
Matarrese, Tam and Mayor Johnson - 5.
Absent :
None
AGENDA CHANGES
None.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
(07-102) Proclamation declaring the week of March 18-24, 2007 as
Friends of the Alameda Free Library Appreciation.
Mayor Johnson read and presented the proclamation to Molly Skeen,
Friends of the Alameda Free Library President and Karen Butter,
Library Board President.
(07-103) - Mayor Johnson announced that a Joint City Council and
School Board Meeting would be held on March 15, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
at Ruby Bridges Elementary School; stated the meeting will focus on
discussing cooperative programs and joint efforts.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
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 ]
( * 07-104 - Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings
held on February 20, 2007 Approved.
( *07-105) Ratified bills in the amount of $5,535,381.13.
( *07-106) Recommendation to accept the work of AJW Construction for
Installation of Rubberized Sidewalk, No. P.W. 02-06-05. Accepted.
(*07-107) Resolution No. 14074, ""Ordering Vacation of a Portion of
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
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CityCouncil,2007-03-06,2,"a Power and Public Utility Easement and a Power, Public Utility and
East Bay Municipal Utility District Easement within Parcels 5 and 6
of Parcel Map 4013, Filed Map Book 138, at Page 5 and 6, Alameda
County Official Records. Adopted.
( *07-108) Resolution No. 14075, ""Approving Final Map, Authorizing
Execution of Subdivision Improvement Agreement and Accepting
Easements for Tract 7846 (626 Buena Vista Avenue). "" Adopted.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(07-109) - Resolution No. 14076, ""Appointing Bill R. Delaney as a
Member of the Golf Commission. "" Adopted.
Councilmember Matarrese moved adoption of the resolution.
Vice Mayor Tam seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office and presented Mr.
Delaney with a certificate of appointment.
(07-110) Consideration of the Establishment of a Youth Advisory
Commission.
The Recreation and Parks Director gave a brief presentation.
Mayor Johnson thanked staff and the Youth Collaborative for working
on the matter.
Freshta Esmat, Home Project, encouraged formation of a Youth
Commission; suggested the Commission report to the City Council;
stated adequate resources are necessary; the Commission should meet
monthly.
Jane Sperling Wise, Home Project Director, encouraged formation of
a Youth Commission; stated the Commission needs to have a dedicated
staff member.
Cesar Pujolia Martinez, Home Project, encouraged formation of a
Youth Commission; stated that the Commission should meet at least
once a month.
Mayor Johnson stated the City has never established a formal way
for youth to have a voice in the community; the Council should
provide comments on the Commission structure; then, staff and the
Youth Collaborative can work on the issue and bring it back; seven
members might not be enough to get a good representation of youth,
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CityCouncil,2007-03-06,3,"but the Commission should not be huge the group should probably
meet once a month; the ordinance sets the minimum amount of
meetings and the Commission could decide to hold additional
meetings as needed; the focus should not appear to be just a youth
recreation commission; the Commission should address broader
issues; whether the Commission reports to the Recreation and Parks
Commission or City Council directly, there should not appear to be
a narrow focus of recreation and sports for youth in Alameda.
ouncilmember Matarrese stated the Commission should report to the
City Council; transportation is an issue beyond recreation,
particularly with young drivers and bus riders; the Commission
should address congestion around schools; that he would like a
representative from each high school; the number of Commissioners
should be reasonable; the number of seats should be seven, nine or
eleven; a two-year term would help cycle people through; the seats
should be limited to high school age students.
Mayor Johnson stated that there should be eleven members; the
number of members could be changed if needed; concurred that there
should be one representative from each high school; members should
be selected from among the list of other groups represented, not
necessarily one representative from each group having a Youth
Commission will be a benefit to the community; the youth in Alameda
are thoughtful and dedicated.
Councilmember deHaan stated that he concurs with the direction to
have two-year terms. the larger number sets up needed continuity;
representatives from the five high schools is all important;
inquired whether or not the Alameda Youth Committee was active.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded the Committee was
fairly active but was more of a program advisory group that held
events and did not address policy and Citywide issues.
Councilmember deHaan stated the City is stepping into a policy type
Commission; concurred with the idea of having the Commission report
to the Council.
Mayor Johnson stated that she would like the Commission to address
jobs, especially summer jobs, for youth in Alameda.
Councilmember deHaan stated issues, such as recreation,
transportation and social, would provide the Youth Commission an
opportunity to interface with other boards and commissions
Vice Mayor Tam stated that she is supportive of the formation of
the Commission; allowing the youth to participate more closely in
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CityCouncil,2007-03-06,4,"government should be empowering there should be an expansive range
to create synergies between high school and college students; in
addition to representatives from each high school, there should be
a good geographic representation throughout the City.
Mayor Johnson requested that the ordinance include the requirement
that the Commission members be Alameda residents.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired when the ordinance would return to
Council, to which the Recreation and Parks Director responded
forty-five - days.
(07-111) Consideration of an Appeal of the Transportation
Commission's decision to install new bus stops on Otis Drive at
Pond Isle, and approve staff's recommendation to install bus stops
at Otis Drive and Sandcreek Way, and Otis Drive and Willow Street.
The Program Specialist II gave a brief Power Point presentation.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether the 63 travels down
Whitehall Road and Willow Street to get to Otis Drive, to which the
Program Specialist II responded in the affirmative.
Vice Mayor Tam stated many bus stops on Otis Drive do not have
painted crosswalks; requested an explanation of the requirement to
install crosswalks.
The Program Specialist II responded the crosswalk would be required
at Pond Isle as the result of litigation involving a transit
entity; new stops are required to have painted crosswalks; previous
stops were grandfathered and do not require crosswalks.
Vice Mayor Tam inquired whether buses stop if riders are not
waiting at stops, to which the Program Specialist II responded in
the negative.
Councilmember deHaan inquired how often the bus actually needs to
stop west of Grand Street.
The Program Specialist II responded ridership data is available,
not the number of times buses stop; provided data.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether it is fair to say that the
buses do not stop 80% of the time, to which the Program Specialist
II responded that he could not provide the percentage, but
certainly the bus does not stop a significant number of times.
Councilmember deHaan stated the stop is not mandatory; the bus
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CityCouncil,2007-03-06,5,"moves through inquired whether the location of the 50 - line bus
stop on Otis Drive is at the intersection of Willow Street.
The Program Specialist II responded the stop is east of Willow
Street.
Councilmember deHaan stated if the 63-line stops at Willow Street,
there would be two bus stops servicing different needs within a
close area; requested ridership data for the 50-line at said stop.
The Program Specialist II responded that he did not have said
information.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether the characteristics would be
similar since both are servicing the hospital and shopping area, to
which the Program Specialist II responded similar land uses are
served, however the destinations differ.
Mayor Johnson requested the Police Department to comment on current
safety issues.
Traffic Officer Rodrigue stated the safety concerns have been met
due to Public Works installing in-ground lights, bollards and new
signs and markings at the crosswalk; the crossing guards have been
instructed to keep children from crossing until after the bus stops
and passes.
Councilmember Gilmore inquired the distance between the bus stop
and crosswalk, to which Officer Rodrigue responded approximately
120 feet.
Councilmember Gilmore inquired whether the cars would have to look
around the bus to see people at the crosswalk and whether the
crosswalk would be before the bus stop in the other direction.
Officer Rodrigue responded the bus stops would be before the
crosswalks in both directions.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether the issues that prompted the Police
Department to send a letter to AC Transit no longer exist and
whether the Police Department is satisfied with returning the bus
stop to the prior location.
Officer Rodrigue responded in the affirmative.
Vice Mayor Tam inquired whether there is a history of accidents
with children involved under the prior configuration.
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CityCouncil,2007-03-06,6,"Officer Rodrigue responded only two accidents have occurred in the
corridor from January 2005 to present.
Vice Mayor Tam inquired whether the accidents involved buses, to
which Officer Rodrigue responded in the negative.
Councilmember Gilmore requested Officer Rodrigue to detail the new
Crossing Guard training.
Officer Rodrigue responded the Crossing Guards have been instructed
to review bus status prior to stepping into the crosswalk.
Councilmember Gilmore inquired whether the Crossing Guards have
been instructed to hold the children back when they see the bus
coming, to which Officer Rodrigue responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether the Police Officers have
been monitoring the area since improvements have been made as part
of routine traffic patrol.
Officer Rodrigue responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether the Police Officers have
observed that the mitigations are effective, to which Officer
Rodrigue responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether the Police Officers have
observed the Crossing Guards stopping the bus at the crosswalk as
it travels past.
Officer Rodrigue responded that he has not observed buses stopping
for the crosswalk; however, the Crossing Guards stop the buses
passing through just like other vehicles.
Mayor Johnson opened the Public Hearing.
Opponents (Opposed to bus stops) : Geoffrey Kline, Appellant; Mina
Katoozian, Alameda; Maggy Menendez, Alameda; Pat Owens, Alameda;
George S. Wales, Alameda; Patty Rose, Alameda; Peter Muzio,
Alameda; Liz Cleves (submitted photos and paperwork), Alameda;
Diane Voss, Alameda: Kevin Dong, Alameda; Barbara Nemer, Alameda;
Dan Pereira, Alameda; Jack Boeger, Alameda; Michael John Torrey,
Alameda; David Howard, Alameda Bill Beltz, Alameda; Davina Vick,
Alameda; Cheri Galan, Alameda; and Claudia Davison, Alameda.
Proponents (In favor of bus stops) : Laura Thomas, Alameda; Susan
Decker, Alameda Transit Advocates; and Jon Spangler, Alameda
Transit Advocates.
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CityCouncil,2007-03-06,7,"There being no further speakers, Mayor Johnson closed the public
portion of the Hearing.
In response to Mayor Johnson's request, Cesar Pujol, AC Traffic
Engineer, provided a brief presentation.
Councilmember Gilmore inquired whether Willow Street is wide enough
for two buses to turn at the same time.
Mr. Pujol responded the bus stop would need to be on Otis Drive
because a left turn could not be made; stated it is always easier
for a bus to stop before making a right turn rather than turn and
stop afterwards.
Councilmember deHaan stated Shoreline Drive is used for the Express
W going to San Francisco inquired whether Shoreline Drive ever had
other bus service and might have a higher ridership.
Sean Diest Lorgion, AC Transit Transportation Planner, responded
Shoreline Drive had bus service at one time; stated buses were
rerouted during the 2003 service cuts; the bus schedule has
approximately 50 minutes of running time; higher costs are incurred
with higher running time.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether ridership or running time is
more important; stated Shoreline Drive is adjacent to a higher
density area.
Mr. Lorgion responded another bus would be needed if more time was
added to a route; stated a different part of the route could be
cut.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired why the bus would not stop after
the crosswalk on Sandcreek Way.
The Program Specialist II responded sufficient space is not
available in the westbound direction; stated the eastbound
direction has a loading zone.
Councilmember Gilmore inquired what would be the distance between
the crosswalk and bus stop on the opposite side of the street from
Lum School.
The Program Specialist II responded he did not have the
measurement; stated the distance would be less than the other side.
Councilmember Gilmore inquired whether the Lum School Principal
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CityCouncil,2007-03-06,8,"provided any input.
The Public Works Director responded the school did not want to
state a preference.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether crosswalk changes had been made when
the Transportation Commission addressed the matter.
The Public Works Director responded some improvement were made ;
stated the triangular striping was not done; the Police Department
viewed the area differently because of the eastbound changes for
drop offs and pick ups at Lum School.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether the drop off and pick up changes
were made after the matter was presented to the Transportation
Commission.
The Program Specialist II responded the changes were implemented in
August; stated the matter was brought to the Transportation
Commission in May and again in September or October; the Police
Department reassessed the matter and indicated that the changes
made a sufficient difference.
Vice Mayor Tam inquired how a bus driver would determine whether a
person was waiting for a bus rather than waiting to cross or pick
up a child.
Mr. Pujol responded there would be an off set between the bus stop
pole and the crosswalk.
Vice Mayor Tam inquired whether buses stopped frequently at
Sandcreek Way before, to which Mr. Pujol responded in the negative.
Councilmember deHaan stated that he walks in the area twice a week;
efforts have been made to improve safety; crossing the street is
still a chore; he prefers to cross at Grand Street or Willow
Street; having a marked crosswalk at Pond Isle would provide a
false sense of security; ridership is encouraged; inquired why the
Express W goes down Shoreline Drive if Otis Drive has high
ridership; stated the 63-line goes down Otis Drive because of run
time; something is missing in the equation; all options should be
reviewed; he cannot support adding additional stops.
Councilmember Matarrese stated that he cannot see placing the bus
stop at Sandcreek Way and Otis Drive; he is not worried about bus
drivers; car drivers have been the cause of accidents involving
children; he would be in favor of the Pond Isle bus stop except for
the question of whether Pond Isle is the right place for a bus
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CityCouncil,2007-03-06,9,"stop; he recommends that the matter go back to the Transportation
Commission to review Otis Drive alternatives other than Pond Isle
or Sandcreek Way and rerouting the 63-line back down to Shoreline
Drive as the preferred alternative.
Councilmember Gilmore stated that she is not in favor of putting a
bus stop at Pond Isle because it might not be the correct way to
route the bus; a major distraction would occur by putting a bus
stop with a crosswalk at Pond Isle because people look ahead to the
Lum School crosswalk; the City has a Transit Plan that encourages
ridership; the City demanded that a Transit Plan be in place for
the Alameda Point and Alameda Landing development on day one the
number one complaint is traffic and congestion which can be reduced
by having more conveniently located public transit; the City has to
be proactive in working on the Transit Plan; she is not ready to
recommend putting bus stops on Otis Drive tonight; the City needs
to work with AC Transit; the process is not driven by citizen
requests.
Councilmember Matarrese concurred with Councilmember Gilmore;
stated traffic congestion is the number one complaint; buses are
the best way to eliminate the continual use of single occupancy
vehicles; tonight is not the night to decide on bus stop locations
too many questions are unanswered; he does not want a bus stop at
Sandcreek Way and Otis Drive; he recommends that the matter go back
to the Transportation Commission and staff work with AC Transit on
finding an alternative stop on Otis Drive or a reroute that would
help pick up ridership as well as mitigate the issue that has
occurred between Sandcreek Way and Willow Street and Whitehall
Place.
Mayor Johnson stated cars are a hazard around schools, not bus
drivers; traffic is a big concern; traffic problems are not solved
by taking out bus stops; concurred that options need to be
reviewed; people will complain regardless of where bus stops are
placed; the matter should go back to the Transportation Commission.
Vice Mayor Tam stated transit options will be necessary as the
Alameda Towne Centre is developed; she advocates having a bus stop
as close to Alameda Hospital as possible; sufficient information is
not available to distinguish whether the bus stop should be at
Sandcreek Way or Pond Isle; she leans toward having the bus stop at
Pond Isle because a safety buffer is needed between the pedestrian
crossing; she would like to receive more information regarding the
frequency of bus stops and the necessity of routes.
Councilmember deHaan stated the Whitehall Place walkway is no more
than three feet wide and is inadequate; pedestrians walk in the
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CityCouncil,2007-03-06,10,"roadway to get to the Alameda Towne Centre; requested staff to work
on rectifying the Whitehall Place walkway with the Alameda Towne
Centre developer ; concurred with Vice Mayor Tam regarding having a
bus stop close to Alameda Hospital.
Councilmember Matarrese moved that the matter be sent back to staff
with review by the Transportation Commission to look at
alternatives to the Sandcreek Way bus stop and possible rerouting
of the 63-line to Shoreline Drive.
Mayor Johnson suggested including other alternatives developed by
staff.
Councilmember Matarrese amended his motion to include other
alternatives that may be developed by staff in concert with AC
Transit.
Councilmember deHaan seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember deHaan stated increased ridership
is important; people need to have the opportunity to use the bus
service to the utmost.
ouncilmember Gilmore stated information has been requested on the
number of riders and how many times the bus stops.
Councilmember Matarrese stated said information would part of the
technical discussion.
Councilmember Gilmore stated direction should be given to complete
said technical discussion.
Councilmember Matarrese concurred with Councilmember Gilmore.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice
vote - 5.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
(07-112 - ) Ed Gersich, Alameda, discussed the need for a bus stop at
the USS Hornet.
Mayor Johnson inquired what is the closest stop to the USS Hornet,
to which Mr. Gersich responded the Ferry Terminal.
Mayor Johnson stated bus service was a lot closer before.
Mr. Gersich stated the USS Hornet had bus service before the [AC
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CityCouncil,2007-03-06,11,"Transit ] 2003 budget cuts.
(07-113) Bill Smith, Alameda, discussed the environment.
(07-114) Jon Spangler, Alameda, stated many people are unaware
that the Farmers' Market is open again.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(07-115) Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether updates would be
provided on the Climate Protection Task Force; further inquired
whether the Committee would provide recommendations on control or
elimination of styrofoam containers in the City.
The City Manager responded staff would provide an update on the
work plan; styrofoam was to be added to the work plan.
Councilmember Matarrese requested that styrofoam containers be
addressed as a priority; stated other cities have ordinances.
(07-116) Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether the Arts
Commission would be involved in Cultural Art Center discussions.
The City Manager responded the matter would be addressed at the
next Arts Commission Meeting.
(07-117) Councilmember Matarrese stated communications were
received from Asuchio, El Salvador a translated report will be
provided to the City Clerk for distribution to Council.
(07-118) - Vice Mayor Tam thanked staff for the Off Agenda Report on
the library; stated the Library Construction and Renovation Bond,
SB 156, was introduced in the State Senate recently; the $4 billion
bond measure is expected to go on the primary ballot in 2008;
inquired whether Council could take a supportive position on the
bill.
The City Manager responded an update would be provided on where the
issue stands in the process.
Councilmember deHaan stated a joint committee was established eight
months ago between Councils of Alameda and Oakland to discuss build
out and how impacts on each other; major build out is occurring in
Oakland; inquired whether the committee has met.
Councilmember Matarrese responded in the negative.
Councilmember deHaan requested that the Planning Department provide
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CityCouncil,2007-03-06,12,"an update on Oakland's upcoming projects.
(07 7-119 - ) Councilmember deHaan stated the City adopted a resolution
in 1996 stating that the City would prepare for an electric vehicle
model City program; a commitment was made and needs to be pursued
further.
ADJOURNMEN'T
There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the
Regular Meeting at 10:10 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
12
March 6, 2007",CityCouncil/2007-03-06.pdf
CityCouncil,2007-03-06,13,"MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY - -MARCH 6, 2007 -5:45 p.m.
Mayor Johnson convened the Special Meeting at 5:55 p.m.
ROLL CALL - Present : Councilmembers
deHaan,
Gilmore,
Matarrese, Tam, and Mayor Johnson - 5.
Absent :
None.
The Special Meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider :
(07-099) Workers' Compensation Claim (54956.95) ; Claimant:
Jeremiah Harrison; Agency Claimed Against : City of Alameda.
(07-100) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation
(54953.9 ) ; Name of Case: Codino V. City of Alameda.
(07-101) Conference with Labor Negotiators Agency Negotiators
Craig Jory and Human Resources Director Employee Organizations :
All Bargaining Units.
Following the Closed Session, the Special Meeting was reconvened
and Mayor Johnson announced that regarding Workers' Compensation
Claim, Council heard the presentation and recommendation of staff
and gave direction to staff; regarding Existing Litigation, Council
heard the presentation and recommendation of staff and gave
direction to staff; regarding Labor, Council heard the
presentations of staff and the Labor Negotiator and gave direction
to the Labor Negotiator.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the
Special Meeting at 7:30 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
March 6, 2007",CityCouncil/2007-03-06.pdf