body,date,page,text,path
CityCouncil,2008-04-01,1,"MINUTES OF THE REGULAR OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY - -APRIL 1, 2008 - -7:30 P.M.
Mayor Johnson convened the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:48
p.m. Councilmember Matarrese 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
(08-129) - Proclamation declaring March 30 through April 5, 2008 as
Boys and Girls Club Week.
Mayor Johnson read and presented the proclamation to Executive
Director George Phillips; Board President Burney Matthews Program
Director Mark Morales; and 2008 Youth of the Year Jamara Caldwell.
Mr. Matthews stated this year is the Boys and Girls Club 58th
Anniversary in Alameda the new building will be at the former
Woodstock School site the new facility will be approximately
24,000 square feet; the $10 million capital funding campaign is
half way complete; thanked Council and the community for all of the
support.
Mayor Johnson stated that she is confident the project will move
forward quickly.
(08-130) Presentation by the School Board President on overview of
Alameda Unified School District budget issues.
Bill Schaff, School Board President, gave a brief overview.
Luz Cazares, Chief Financial Officer, gave a Power Point
presentation.
Mr. Schaff requested that Council endorse the proposed parcel tax
at the next Council meeting.
Mayor Johnson stated that a lot of the budget problems are due to
the State diverting local government money to other levels of
government ; every year students and teachers go back to school
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
April 1, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-04-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-04-01,2,"wondering which programs will be cut; she hopes that the School
District has strong support for the proposed measure in June.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether Council would be voting on
the matter at the next Council meeting.
The City Manager responded Council would be voting on the matter at
the first Council meeting in May.
Vice Mayor Tam inquired whether the resolution would be to support
and endorse Measure H, to which the City Manager responded in the
affirmative.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether the May Council Meeting
date was okay with Mr. Schaff, to which Mr. Schaff responded in the
affirmative.
(08-131) Presentation by the Secretary of the California Department
of Food and Agriculture and the Director of the Light Brown Apple
Moth Program on the Apple Moth.
A.G. Kawamura, Secretary of the California Department of Food and
Agriculture, gave a brief presentation.
Dr. Bob Dowell, Director of the Light Brown Apple Moth Program
(submitted handout) gave a Power Point presentation.
Opponents (Not in favor of aerial spraying to eradicate the Light
Brown Apple Moth) : Carolina Rogers, Alameda; Stuart Dodgshon,
Alameda; Chloe Ashley, Alameda; T'Hud Weber, Alameda, (submitted
petition) ; Simi Sikka, Fremont (submitted handout) ; Stanley
Schiffman, Alameda; Jane Kelley, Berkeley; Tom Kelley, Berkeley
Bernard Clark, Alameda Helen Kozoriz, stopthespray.org Michael
John Torrey, Alameda; Mary Jane Pryor, Alameda Victoria Ashley,
Alameda; Jim Hoffman, Alameda; Rebecca Hall-Crosby, Alameda Irma
Marin-Nolan, Alameda; Cathy Kordetzky; Daria Schwarzschild,
Alameda; Maria Morales, El Sobrante; Frank Egger; Constance Barker,
Environmental Health Network of California; Lynn Elliott-Harding,
Oakland.
Council requested that the matter be placed on a future Council
agenda for action.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember deHaan moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
Vice Mayor Tam seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
April 1, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-04-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-04-01,3,"voice vote - 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an
asterisk preceding the paragraph number. ]
(*08-132) - Minutes of the Special Joint City Council, Alameda Reuse
and Redevelopment Authority, and Community Improvement Commission
Meeting of March 5, 2008; the Special City Council Meeting held on
March 10, 2008; the Special Joint City Council and Public Utilities
Board; Special Joint City Council and Community Improvement
Commission; and Regular City Council Meetings held on March 18,
2008. Approved.
(
*08-133) - Ratified bills in the amount of $1,631,590.32.
( *08-134) Introduction of Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal
Code by Adding Section 3-53 (Claims) to Division VIII (Refunds and
Corrections) to Chapter III (Finance and Taxation) to Establish
Uniform Requirements and Procedures Applicable to the Presentation
and Processing of Claims for Money or Damages with the City of
Alameda That Are Not Currently Covered by State Law or Other
Provisions of the Alameda Municipal Code. Introduced.
( 08-135) - Ordinance No. 2978, ""Amending the Alameda Municipal Code
by Repealing Section 5-30 (Filming Activities) in Its Entirety, and
Replacing It with A Successor Section to Article II (Permits) of
Chapter V (Licenses and Permits) Making Changes to the Procedures,
Regulations and Related Fee Provisions for Filming Activities
Within the City of Alameda. Finally passed.
(*08-136) Ordinance No. 2979, ""Amending Various Sections of the
Alameda Municipal Code Contained in Article I, (Zoning Districts
and Regulations) Chapter XXX, (Development Regulations)
,
Pertaining to Retail and Commercial Uses. "" Finally passed.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(08-137) - Resolution No. 14191, ""Appointing Cecilia Cervantes as a
Member of the Public Art Commission. "" Adopted; and
(08-137A) Resolution No. 14192, ""Appointing Andrea M. Leal as a
Member of the Public Art Commission. "" Adopted.
Councilmember Matarrese moved adoption of the resolutions.
Vice Mayor Tam seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
The City Clerk administered the Oath and presented a certificate
to Ms. . Leal.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
April 1, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-04-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-04-01,4,"(08-138) Recommendation to discuss and finalize the City Council's
priorities for Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
Jan Perkins, Management Partners, gave a Power Point presentation.
Ms. Perkins sought Council consensus to add the eighth policy
objective [deliver high-quality services that improve and promote
the safety of the community].
Councilmember Matarrese inquired how the new objective differs from
the previous objective [continuously improve internal operations,
systems, and management practices in order to provide high-quality
customer service]
The City Manager stated continuously improving internal operations
is an effort to look at processes in every department; the
additional objective focuses on the safety of the community,
including Police, Fire and Code Enforcement.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the objective seems redundant; the
City already has high-quality public safety; there is always a need
for continual improvement regardless of the operation.
Vice Mayor Tam inquired whether the previous objective focuses on
customer service and the new objective focuses on public safety.
The City Manager responded in the affirmative; stated identifying a
focus on public safety is important.
Mayor Johnson stated the new objective should be clarified.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the intent to capture the broader
idea of public safety should be clarified.
Mayor Johnson suggested that the objective be revised to read
""health and safety.
Councilmember deHaan noted that the new objective is a catch all
for the health, safety and well being of the community.
Mayor Johnson stated ""well being"" should be added.
Vice Mayor Tam suggested the language be: ""health, safety and
welfare.
Ms. Perkins stated the objective would be revised to indicate the
intent is not just Police and Fire; inquired whether there is
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
April 1, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-04-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-04-01,5,"consensus on the new objective.
The Council responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Johnson requested that the policy objective that reads : ""Take
measures to improve and promote the community's economic health"" be
revised to include the City government's short-term and long-term
economic health.
Ms. Perkins inquired whether there is a consensus to add the
language proposed by the Mayor, to which the Council responded in
the affirmative.
Councilmember Matarrese stated that he wants to clarify that all
the projects are on-going before assigning priorities the Council
should be notified if something has to stop; the priorities are
dynamic and could change next week or next month; further stated
the budget could cause changes; inquired whether establishing the
priorities is a starting point.
The City Manager responded the process is dynamic; many work
programs span a number of years; reviewing the list and receiving
feedback will finalize the initial list.
Councilmember deHaan noted some departments do not have many tasks
or tasks that require a large amount of labor public safety only
has emergency preparedness; that he does not want functional
requirements displaced.
Mayor Johnson inquired why the limit should be ten priorities if
there are departments that are not overburdened with projects.
Ms. Perkins stated the effort is to distinguish between the work
program and the Council's top priorities so that the Council's
priorities are understood when internal adjustment of assignments
are necessary.
Mayor Johnson inquired why the priorities are not being reviewed by
department.
The City Manager responded the mechanism is to establish the
Citywide priorities.
Vice Mayor Tam inquired whether the Council would be informed if
resources for a project were reallocated; and whether a project
would be delayed, but not dropped, in said instance.
The City Manager responded in the affirmative; stated the Council
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
April 1, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-04-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-04-01,6,"would be informed if a project has to be delayed.
Vice Mayor Tam stated the local action plan spans departments,
while the telecom issue is just an Alameda Power & Telecom (AP&T)
issue; inquired whether one project might be delayed if staff is
shifted to another project.
The City Manager responded said example could occur; AP&T is
working on more than one project.
Vice Mayor Tam stated AP&T staff is needed to work on reducing the
carbon footprint inquired whether the same staff person might work
on the telecom issue and the formation of the local action plan and
whether said staff working on the telecom issue might delay the
formation of the plan.
The City Manager responded one could impact the other depending on
workload; stated moving forward with the local action plan does
require some of the same people [as the telecom issue]. having some
of the same people work on multiple projects has been incorporated
in the time estimates.
Councilmember Matarrese stated there are a variety of issues from
addressing the financial issue at AP&T to renovating Rittler Field,
and Lincoln and Krusi Parks; said items do not belong on the same
ranking sheet; getting a measuring mechanism for each item would be
a far more productive use of time; the department work plans are
excellent; some projects are interdisciplinary and can be separated
out; the next step should be to get Microsoft Project or some other
type of project tracking tool and assign due dates and resources;
Council would need to make decisions about priorities if resources
become impacted because more requests are added; finishing easily
taken care of projects, which might be of less importance, might
become important in order to get the project off the list.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether the list is composed of
items Council has directed staff to complete, to which Ms. Perkins
responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the presented workload should be
looked at objectively and resources should be allocated; there are
a finite number of projects; some projects might be five years out
because there are too many tasks for the current staff; said
information needs to presented to Council and Council can make
adjustments.
Ms. Perkins stated Councilmember Matarrese's description is exactly
how staff views their responsibilities to determine how to
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
April 1, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-04-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-04-01,7,"implement the direction provided by the City Council; the intent
tonight is to have Council conclude the discussion about the most
important priorities, provide perspective as policy makers and
expect staff to carry out the workload.
Mayor Johnson stated things need to be prioritized because there is
not enough staff for everything to be at the same level questioned
whether the top ten projects can be prioritized while at the same
time there is a work chart listing all of the items as suggested by
Councilmember Matarrese; stated there is a concern that projects
will drop off the list if not in the top ten.
Councilmember deHaan stated the priorities have been established;
the desire is not to lose the priorities; the priorities do not
equate to individual workloads ; some tasks might take two months
and are low staff resources; important tasks require high staff
resources and cross department lines.
Mayor Johnson stated the priorities should be looked at in an
organization chart structure to see which tasks go with which
departments.
Councilmember deHaan stated the Library has the long-range plan and
the facilities at Harbor Bay and West End, which should be worked
on; Development Services has Alameda Point, Coast Guard housing,
and a West End project, which are tougher tasks : AP&T's tasks to
reduce carbon footprint and address telecom and are heavy duty
items; Recreation and Parks has the Alameda Museum business plan
that should be cleared in two months.
Ms. Perkins suggested that Council go through the ranking and
continued the Power Point presentation.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the budget review and tracking task
[Item 18] and strengthen revenue task [Item 17] should be combined
into one task and ranked in the top ten given the current and
future budget situation.
Mayor Johnson stated another way to look at the list would be to
have the projects listed under the overall policy objectives; some
of the objectives might not be getting enough attention.
Councilmember Matarrese stated all of the projects would suffer and
slow down regardless of the prioritization if the City does not
have the revenue.
Vice Mayor Tam stated four Councilmembers ranked ""explore options
to generate revenue for City operations and/or infrastructure
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
April 1, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-04-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-04-01,8,"improvements"" as a top priority; suggested the priority be
consolidated [with budget review and tracking].
Councilmember deHaan stated Item 28 regarding GASB-45 is part of
the budget and could also be included [with budget review and
tracking], as well as review of the compensation system [Item 14].
Mayor Johnson stated that all the items fit into the third
overriding policy objective [improve and promote economic health] ;
requested that the policy objectives be numbered.
Councilmember deHaan stated the labor agreement with public service
should be included, too.
Ms. Perkins stated one suggestion is to combine some of closely
aligned projects, such as budget review [Item 18] and strengthening
revenues [Item 17].
Mayor Johnson stated said items are simply running the City and
should not be considered projects; there is not a start and finish.
The City Manager stated said activity is a priority.
Councilmember Matarrese stated there should be a way to accelerate
planning projects or recruitments that will generate revenue in
order to meet the policy objective.
Mayor Johnson stated perhaps the third policy objective [ improve
and promote economic health] should be the number-one overriding
policy and other policies be listed under it; everything needs to
be focused on and considered the long-term and short-term economic
health of the City.
Councilmember deHaan stated that he took said policy as applying to
all departments.
Ms. Perkins stated the policy objective could be placed first
because it is so important; the items being prioritized are
actions.
Mayor Johnson stated people will understand the sense of the
Council's priorities better if put in diagram form; suggested the
economic issue be a curve line with all other policies issues
underneath; stated everything that is done needs to consider the
City's long- and short-term economic health.
Councilmember Matarrese stated a certain level of service is
desired; the connection between the level of service and what it
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
April 1, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-04-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-04-01,9,"costs needs to be made; the steps needed to pay for the desired
level of service needs to be drawn out for everyone to understand
questioned what it costs to reach the goal of a safe and clean city
with good schools, libraries, parks and an efficient government
;
and how reaching the goals would be paid for.
Ms. Perkins stated Council is looking to establish a template to
look at the various objectives and projects.
Councilmember Matarrese stated Microsoft Project is a great tool;
hiring someone to create project diagrams would be worthwhile;
Microsoft Project includes the resources, timeline and key decision
points; there would be a nice graphic representation when decisions
need to be made due to constraints; Council can be presented with
choices; there is accountability because there would be a timeline;
if the timeline is slipping, Council could be informed and decide
whether or not to allow the delay from a policy standpoint.
The City Manager stated Councilmember Matarrese is describing
something very similar to the work plans.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the work plans are great documents
because they show what is happening and the status; having the
graphic makes it easier to make a decision when there is a problem.
The City Manager inquired whether Council is expressing interest in
ranking the policy objectives.
Mayor Johnson responded in the negative; stated the fiscal policy
should be the overriding, umbrella policy.
The City Manager stated everything else would be underneath said
policy.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the goal is to deliver a set of
services and know the cost.
Mayor Johnson stated fiscal impacts need to be considered when
anything is done.
Councilmember Gilmore stated Council had a realization that the
complete financial impacts were not always understood when
decisions were made in the past; Council wants to know the
financial impacts when decisions are made.
Ms. Perkins inquired whether Council wants the overarching value or
framework to be that the financial capacity of the City would be
evaluated in terms of any new objectives or projects.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
April 1, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-04-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-04-01,10,"Mayor Johnson responded in the negative stated anything new would
be evaluated in terms of how it would impact the long- and short-
term economic health of the City; Council wants to know how things
will be paid for currently and 20 years from now.
Vice Mayor Tam stated all staff reports include a section that
addresses fiscal impacts; Council would like a broader context of
understanding the short-term and long-term impacts; the budgeted
amount for a vehicle should not be the end of the story.
Mayor Johnson stated the long-term economic impact should be
considered every time the decision Council is making has an impact
on the City for twenty or more years.
Councilmember Matarrese stated it is all about risks and benefits;
the framework needs to include that Council always reviews the cost
today and the cost as long as something is projected to run; costs
need to be accounted for up front.
Mayor Johnson stated, for perspective, the Mayor of Vallejo told
her that if Vallejo has done anything good for other cities, they
have shown that bad things can happen.
Councilmember deHaan stated that he does not want to micromanage;
the big picture is to stay healthy and viable.
Vice Mayor Tam stated that she does not see the direction as an
attempt to micromanage; Council needs to have information to make a
good decision about the health, safety and welfare of the
community, needs to truly understand the long-term and short-term
trade offs, and needs to decide whether or not to accept the risk.
Ms. Perkins stated all projects would move forward unless there is
a reason and Council would be informed; the top nine priorities
have been identified and a tenth has been proposed.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the list is artificial; Item 9 is
the Housing Element, which has to be done anyway inquired whether
the Housing Element could be prioritized as Item 29 and would still
have to be completed.
Ms. Perkins responded in the affirmative; stated the intent of
priorities is for the staff to know what is most important to the
City Council; everything on the list will be finished unless there
is a resources problem.
The City Manager stated the Housing Element is something that the
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
April 1, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-04-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-04-01,11,"City is required to do and will require a lot of resourcesi the
Housing Element might not be completed because of the resources if
there is something else that Council is interested in staff doing.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the important thing is that Council
needs to be informed, and then Council can make a policy decision
about putting something before a mandated project.
The City Manager stated that is part of the processi the work plans
identify all the things that staff is working on.
Vice Mayor Tam and Mayor Johnson stated that they did not select
items required by law when setting the priorities because they knew
the items had to be completed.
The City Manager stated there are limited resources; staff is
sharing where resources are being applied and having Council
provide feedback on what it sees as priorities.
Councilmember deHaan stated that he has not seen tasks causing
major displacements some things, like the environmental issue,
have been refocused and brought up to a higher priority.
The City Manager stated staff had to evaluate other programs and
bring the matter to the top; other items might have been extended;
staff is informing Council of the projects underway, getting
feedback on priorities and developing a method for reporting back.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether staff is seeking a tenth
priority.
Ms. Perkins stated there are nine priority tasks and a tenth has
been proposed by Councilmember Matarrese.
Councilmember Matarrese stated every project is to be evaluated
against the budget standard; the same thing has to be said for the
City's environmental initiatives; every project and function of
every department should be evaluated against the recommendations on
how to protect the environment, whether it is the green building
ordinance or the vehicle use policy; this is not a whim, but is a
clear direction of the Council.
Mayor Johnson stated there needs to be a process to involve
community stakeholders in developing an economic sustainability
strategy that includes outreach to residents and businesses said
issue should be included with the GASB-45 and long-term and short-
term economic issues said item could be the tenth priority.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
April 1, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-04-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-04-01,12,"Ms. Perkins stated said proposal combines separate things that are
interrelated the items all require separate work efforts; priority
setting is an attempt to establish enough separation between items
to provide staff direction as to use of resources.
Mayor Johnson stated that she is not combining the items; she is
suggesting that the item become the tenth priority; how it would be
done and the structure would need to come back to Council: the task
would be to implement the overriding goal of short-term and long-
term financial feasibility; GASB-45 is something that the City has
to do.
Ms. Perkins inquired whether the suggestion is to move up Item 28
[GASB-45]. to which Mayor Johnson responded that it could be put
with the budget task [ Item 18].
Vice Mayor Tam inquired whether the suggestion is that GASB-45 is a
separate effort.
Mayor Johnson responded GASB-45 is not something the City has to
plan for or study; stated it is something that the City has to pay
for and costs money; not paying is like making interest only loans
on a mortgage; the State says a plan has to be adopted, but the
City actually has to pay.
Councilmember Gilmore stated it does have to be paid for, but
should be part of the budget.
Mayor Johnson stated the budget is only one or two years; these are
things that have to be paid for forever; further stated when
Council makes commitments they go well beyond the current budget
and the cost grows.
Ms. Perkins inquired whether Item 28 should become one of the top
priorities.
Mayor Johnson stated the item relates to community stakeholders
developing a long-term and short-term economic strategy; the two
could be combined.
Ms. Perkins inquired how broad Council would like to make the
priority because the items are really different work efforts.
Mayor Johnson responded GASB-45 states the City has made
commitments and has to tell everyone how the commitments will be
paid for the City might want to take it one step further and
actually pay.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
April 1, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-04-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-04-01,13,"Ms. Perkins suggested the City Manager address the work effort
involved with GABS-45. -
Councilmember Matarrese stated the work effort needs to be
allocated against the priority; staff would have to inform Council
of everything that needs to be done to meet the priority and make
sure post retirement and long-term obligations are sustainable.
Councilmember deHaan stated long-term impacts are being discussed;
the current mentality is to look at two years; there are things
other than GASB-45 with long range impacts; both the long-term and
short-tern have to be examined; the best guess for the out years
needs to be made; said issues will be discussed at the budget
hearings.
The City Manager stated that the Mayor is suggesting the number ten
priority be the economic sustainability strategy and GASB-45 is
just a part of said priority because it is part of the budget.
Mayor Johnson stated that is correct inquired whether the first
nine items are ranked in order.
The City Manager responded not necessarily.
Ms. Perkins stated the intent is to set the top ten priorities, not
focus on the order.
Councilmember deHaan stated extra tasks happen all the time, for
example the Brown Apple Moth; that he would not ask what needs to
be displaced to work on said item; priorities need to be addressed
when drastic things change.
Mayor Johnson stated Council always has the ability to change the
priorities that she is sure Council will do so.
The City Manager stated staff wants to ensure change is done in a
systematic way and that impacts are understood.
Mayor Johnson stated changing the priorities might mean setting
something aside; further stated that she hates to see Item 24, the
West Alameda Neighborhood improvement project, way down on the
list; inquired whether the item would be not be done since it is
Item 24.
The City Manager responded in the negative.
Councilmember Matarrese stated receiving updated work plans would
be helpful; some items might have been accomplished.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
April 1, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-04-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-04-01,14,"The City Manager stated a number of ways would be used to inform
Council about changes to the work plans.
Councilmember Matarrese stated whatever method is used should
indicate the starting point and current status to allow tracking.
Ms. Perkins summarized the discussion and completed her Power Point
presentation. The Management Partners report is hereto attached
and made part of the minutes by reference.
Bill Smith, Alameda, discussed finances.
* *
(08-139 - ) Vice Mayor Tam moved approval of continuing the meeting
past midnight.
Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
* * *
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
(08-140) Wu Lu, Human Rights Torch Relay; Michelle Midliff, Human
Rights Torch Relay; and Connie Wang, Falun Gong, (submitted
handout ) discussed the Human Rights Torch Relay and human right
violations in China.
(08-141) Bill Smith, Alameda, discussed economics.
COUNCIL REFERRALS
None.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(08-142) - Consideration of Mayor's nominations for appointment to
the Recreation and Park Commission.
Mayor Johnson nominated Lola W. Brown and Gina M. Mariani.
(08-143) Mayor Johnson stated that the City received the
California development Association award for the Bridgeside
redevelopment project.
(08-144) Councilmember deHaan congratulated Mayor Johnson on
appointment to the Water Emergency Transportation Authority; stated
the appointment is good for Alameda.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
April 1, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-04-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-04-01,15,"ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the
Regular City Council Meeting at 12:05 a.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
April 1, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-04-01.pdf
SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard,2008-04-01,1,"Social Service Human Relations Board
Minutes of the Special Meeting, Tuesday, April 1, 2008
1. CALL TO ORDER and ROLL CALL: President Wasko called the meeting to order at 7:41 p.m.
Present were President Wasko, Vice-President Chen, Members Nielsen, Franz, Villareal, and Soglin
along with staff members Jones and Wright. Member James arrived at 7:44 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The special meeting minutes from December 6, 2007 were approved.
M/S Franz, Villareal and unanimous.
3-A. REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PUBLIC SERVICES FUNDING ALLOCATIONS: President Wasko
explained that members Franz and Soglin will recuse themselves from this part of the meeting. Wasko
introduced Community Development Program Manager Terri Wright.
Wright presented the staff recommendation for FY 08-10 public service funding. She explained that this
meeting was the Board's public hearing regarding CDBG public service funding recommendations.
During this meeting, the Board should review the recommendation and provide their feedback to City
Council in the form of a letter. Two board members should be identified to represent the Board at the
City Council's April 15, 2008 public hearing regarding CDBG.
Wright referred the Board to the overview of funding recommendations that were included in the Board
packet. She provided a brief overview of the applicant pool and funding decisions. She explained that
two staff people were tasked with rating each proposal. Proposal scoring rubrics were included in the
packet. She further commented that the City received funding requests totaling approximately 2.5 times
more than what is available.
Wright explained that, in total, the City received 16 public service proposals. Three applicants were not
eligible for funding because they did not comply with CDBG guidelines. She explained that staff had
provided instruction regarding eligibility through a pre-proposal conference, and that the three ineligible
applicants did not attend the pre-proposal conference. Eight of the nine recommended applicants
currently receive CDBG funding. Wright explained that this program year has been very competitive in
the youth services category and that City staff will attempt to collaborate with those agencies not be
funded.
Wright reminded the Board that program income received by June 20, 2008 will slightly increase the
public service cap for program services. She anticipates $5,000 to $7,000 in addition funding for public
services. In the previous years, additional mid year allocations have been made to BANANAS, Inc.
child care voucher program and she recommends that the Board support this practice again because they
can quickly use that money to enroll additional families in their childcare voucher program.
Wright commented that CDBG funding continues to decline, and that a decrease in the number of home
sales and refinances has a significant adverse impact on program income. She mentioned that after the
2010 Census additional reductions in CDBG may occur and that pre-planning will need to occur to help
the City prepare for dwindling public service dollars.",SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard/2008-04-01.pdf
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Wright concluded her statements by stating that citywide budget cuts are affecting CDBG because staff
yet workloads are increasing and there is uncertainty about the future budget.
President Wasko recommended the Board hear public comment, ask questions, formulate letter from
Board.
Speakers:
Helen Tewolde, Alternatives In Action (AIA), FROSH student - Ms. Tewolde explained that she was a
student at AIA and a youth coach. She stated that AIA offers three different programs available HOME
project after school leadership program, BASE charter school, and a childcare center Home Sweet
Home. She stated that she would be the first student in her family person in her family to attend college
and that AIA is helping her prepare. She is very happy about the Board's funding recommendations as
they can benefit the program, and she is passionate about, the ""First to go to College"" goal.
Garyn W. Calvin, AIA, BASE Sr., Mr. Calvin stated he was a participant in the Stepping Stones
program at AIA, which is a bridge program for high school and College of Alameda students behind in
school credit. This program is helping him learn what he needs to know to go to college. This program
is ""What's Up.""
Jim Franz, American Red Cross - Alameda Service Center, Director, Mr. Franz first expressed that Paul
Russell from the Alameda Food Bank was unable to attend because he is on vacation. Through Jim, the
Food Bank expressed their appreciation for their recommendation. Mr. Franz stated the Red Cross
provides a very broad range of services for low-income folks in Alameda, including rental and utility
assistance for Alamedans, many on the brink of homelessness. They also provide disaster preparedness
and safety planning. He explained that in order to provide a safety net, it is critical all components are
funded and he encourages the continued support of safety net programs. He added that the Red Cross
sponsors the Alameda Services Collaborative lunches that happen quarterly.
Lisa Gross, Bay Area Community Services, Director, stated her program serves the mentally and
physically disabled, and that BACS welcomes anyone with psychological issues. Their clients are low-
income, many receive Medi-Cal and 21% have been homeless. BACS provides coaching,
collaboration, independence, help to avoid incarceration and offer employment opportunities. Ms. Gross
thanked the staff for their support.
Liz Nickels, Building Futures with Women and Children (BFWC), passed the floor to Liz Varela.
Liz Varela, Building Futures with Women and Children (BFWC) Program Director, stated the Midway
Shelter has been operating on the island for 17 years and originally started as a community project with
a previous Mayor. BFCW took over the shelter six years ago. They also operate two shelters in San
Leandro. She explained that there is a much higher level of community support and involvement in
Alameda. She explained that all dinners are cooked and delivered by Alameda residents. She further
explained that Alamedans are generous with time and donation to the shelter, and Midway staff and
clients feel and see the difference. She thanked the community and staff. She also thanked the staff for
support in rehabilitation of Midway's facility. Ms. Varela further stated the (BFWC) has been
expanding its mission to include an emphasis on ending homelessness and domestic violence. There",SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard/2008-04-01.pdf
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will be a change in case planning to support housing plans and she looks forward to supporting further
collaboration with other services here in Alameda.
Patricia Murillo, Alternatives in Action, Executive Director, stated she wanted to express thanks to the
staff. It has been eight years since the last time AIA was funded with CDBG. This year, AIA will
relocate to a new location at the Woodstock School campus and partner with AUSD. The new transition
center will open and be able to provide regional occupation programs for youth. CDBG funding will
support the job training programs that include ROP credits.
Genevieve Cross, Women's Initiative for Self-Employment (WISE) stated she is thrilled to be included
in the funding recommendations. WISE is in their 20th year of helping train women to be entrepreneurs',
with all training classes in English and Spanish. She further stated WISE has been established in other
cities and apply and receive CDBG funding for their cause. They have wait lists in five counties they
are located in. Thank you to staff.
Chen - How do people obtain these programs, do they walk-in or is there a referral system?
Wright - Each program or agency has their own process for in-take, some are referrals some are walk-
ins.
Franz - Some are given multiple referrals, it varies by agency.
Chen - Is there more demand than available services?
Wright - Yes.
Villareal - Are the services you are offering supplemental to school?
Murillo - Yes. This year I learned that there are very few academic programs available to students
during the summer. Alameda Unified and Oakland Unified are providing only remediation. We are the
only program during the summer that will allow students to work towards through future by providing
academic enrichment and college credit. There aren't any other programs on the island offering young
people the opportunity to do that. They are the only afterschool program that allows school credit that
she is aware of for grades 9 to 12.
Wasko- Do you need to be a student at BASE to participate in the program?
Murillo - During the summer program, we serve Encinal High students, Alameda High, BASE students
and Oakland Unified students in the 5-6 week intensives.
Villareal - Do you collaborate with the College of Alameda?
Murillo - Yes. Two of our classes currently are articulated with the Peraltas. They handle that
articulation process so that students can earn college credit.
Nielsen - So how many classes do you offer?",SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard/2008-04-01.pdf
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Murillo - Currently, we have two classes where young people can get vocational education credits. One
is through our sound studio and the second course is through HOME SWEET HOME early childhood
education course. We have other elective classes that aren't ROP classes where young people can get
general elective credit but its not really towards a certificate or ROP credit.
Nielsen - And you offer an internship component as well?
Murillo - Yes. We currently have an internship component now at BASE. In addition, what we were
hoping to do was expand that program so that young people who were part of HOME project who might
be at Encinal high school or other schools will be able to access an internship through the center. The
concept is a little like an internship library. Previously, the internship program has been primarily for
our seniors.
Nielsen - And how are you leveraging resources with the Boys and Girls Club?
Murillo - We're working with the Boys and Girls Club to find ways to link services. One of the things
the Boys and Girls club does really well is hooking youth ages 8-13. One of the things that is
challenging, I can speak on that because I was a Boys and Girls Club staff member for several years in
San Francisco, is continuing to connect high school aged youth to the Clubhouse unless there is a real
structured program with a clear link to career planning. We are currently working with the Boys and
Girls Club so that it can become a target internship site for some of our young people. The co-location
part is key.
Nielsen - So it sounds like the reduction is not going to impact quality of services?
Murillo - We had planned to do some academic support planning that we won't be able to do. We'll
increase our fundraising efforts in order to work towards implementing that.
Wasko - The Red Cross funding went from $61k to $41k, does that mean less people will be served?
Franz - No. We asked for less this year. The funding cuts were made at the staffing level because Craig
our case manager is retiring. More will be done by collaborating and working with case managers at
other agencies and training volunteers to do more. I'll also be focusing move time on Alameda by
reducing some of my broader Bay Area responsibilities.
James - Looking at the scores, there is only a very small point difference between two of the funded
programs and the Filipinos for Affirmative Action proposal. Why wasn't Filipinos for Affirmative
Action funded?
Wright - Lack of available funding is the primary reason. The most applicants were within the youth
development category. You also have to remember from a needs perspective that the safety net services
have always been identified as the highest needs in the community priority. While there have also been
strong support for youth development services and economic development services, its about finding
ways to balance all of these needs. For example, the Four Bridges Program represents the only program
funded for people with disabilities.",SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard/2008-04-01.pdf
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James - This is a follow up question. Are all currently funded grantees fulfilling their contractual
obligations?
Wright - Yes. We have high performers. We do monitoring every couple of years. Sometimes we find
administration issues. In the case of administration performance issues, CDBG regulations are very
clear that City staff should work with the grantee to improve those systems. Its technical assistance. If
anyone has a performance issue, we would work with the agency from a technical assistance standpoint
to solve that problem. In this competitive environment, if something is not working; it behooves them to
work with us. No one is close to getting me in trouble at all. We have some incredibly high performing
programs.
Nielsen - I have a question for Four Bridges, with the Mental Health Services Act, do you foresee an
increase in funding?
Gross - Yes. We hope SO. A group that is researching what works is visiting us. We hope to continue
that relationship, and we hope to get part of that project funded. But, while there is a lot of money out
there, it may be two to three years before it trickles down to programs.
Nielsen - In regard to Sentinel Fair Housing, what happened to the business license requirements for
owners of single unit rental properties? Currently, they do not need to obtain a business license because
of a loophole in the licensing requirements.
Wasko - This is not the purview of this Board.
Wright - Wasko is correct, but as a citizen you can talk to the Planning Board or this being a business
license function within the Finance Department. Wright offered to look into the issue further. There
might be many other reasons why it is not practical.
Wasko - This is an issue that's been on our written agendas for our joint meetings with City Council for
the last three years. It was identified as a way to get a list of single-unit landlords so that more of they
can be provided with fair housing training.
Wright - I'll work to see where the lines of communication lie.
Villareal - Regarding WISE, the requested funds was for $25k and the recommended funds is $40k?
Wright - -There is more flexibility because they are eligible for non-public service funds. I increased the
funding so that the agency could include starter grants so that they can purchase computers and other
technology that would be helpful in starting helping the women start their businesses.
Chen -Filipinos for Affirmative Action's scores were right on the line, but they got zero funding. Why
couldn't you use your discretion to provide them with funding?
Wright - -Unfortunately there is not enough money in the public service cap to fund everyone who
applies for funding. If I can I try to think outside of the box, I do. But they are a public service
program, and there is just not a place where I can be flexible on the public service cap.",SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard/2008-04-01.pdf
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Wasko - I have comments about the rider about giving any additional money resulting from program
income to BANANAS. I know Franz has said he'll be 'okay'. But, I know what's going on in the
housing market and with foreclosures, and I think we are going to see more people than we' ve ever seen
before seeking rental assistance. I want to keep the option open incase we have more need for rental
assistance.
Wright - I do think the market is changing. Staff can come back to the Board to see if the need is
greater in childcare or in rental assistance.
Villareal - If that mid year money can remain unrestricted, can it be applied to any of the programs
recommended for funding?
Wright - Well, I want to be able to maintain that the funding be provided -like rental assistance
or
childcare vouchers, rather than for operational support such as salary. When you establish an
operational service level, you generally try to maintain that service level so that you are not reducing
people's salaries. I wouldn't want to give an agency extra money and then yank it from them.
BANANAS and the rental assistance program have an opportunity to ramp up or ramp down based on
the amount of funding without impacting operational funding for staff.
Villareal - Some of the service providers have been funded for several years, and the need is clearly
there. At the same time, is there an expectation that their funding will continue on a regular basis or is
there ever any opportunity for new public service programs to be provided funding beyond one or two
new programs a year?
Wright - On a practical matter, once the program is established and then the funding tightens, it is very
difficult to establish new programs. These programs have constituents who value these programs and
they are doing a good job. They work well together.
Nielsen - I'm a little concerned that some of the agencies that did apply were off the mark with what the
requirements are. I'm wondering if there is anything to be done to cultivate these applicants?
Wright - It is not only money that we value as a resource. Partnerships are a resource, and staff will
contact with these applicants who are not funded to connect them to other sources and help them
understand how they can be more competitive.
Wasko - I want to echo and emphasize the Alameda part of this. I think as each of you spoke there was
a little Oakland in there. I also know how families start out here in Alameda and then because of
economics end up in Oakland, but money is intended exclusively for Alameda residents.
Wright - No. If service providers say they are serving Alameda residents and other communities, they
need to ""primarily' serve Alameda. However, they can serve some others. Homeless programs cannot
restrict their services to only Alamedans.
Wasko - Does the Women's Initiative for Self Employment (WISE) have wait lists that will migrate to
Alameda, or will you do a new recruitment for Alameda?",SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard/2008-04-01.pdf
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Wright - WISE will use the funding to serve Alamedans. There are already a number of Alamedans on
our waiting list. We will also advertise within Alameda.
Wasko - Do you (WISE) have a site location here in Alameda?
Cross - No, but when we have gone into other areas, we have partnered with other organizations to hold
our trainings there. It allows us to do cross referrals and limit travel time for our participants.
Chen - The CDBG process is very complex and we are lucky to have it here in Alameda.
James - I have a couple of comments and a recommendation. I should first state publicly that I am a
former employee of the Alameda Boys & Girls Club. I worked there for about four years. I was really
impressed with the youth who are hear tonight, and I think it speaks volumes about the youth and the
AIA program. As I suggested at the previous meaning, I think we really need to focus on youth
empowerment. I would have put that word, empowerment, in three or four times if I could have. With
that said, I want to talk about my first hand observations being an employee there and my observations
since leaving the West Alameda Teen Center (WATC). When I look at the information listed regarding
the programs they provide, it looks like fiction to me. Not only did I initiate a number of those
programs listed; they have not been there since I left. Students are calling me and myspacing me asking
if they can come to my house to record because the program no longer exists at the Boys and Girls Club.
Also there have always been concerns about the number of members and attendance. To see the
numbers listed it is very questionable to me. Anyways I' m going to save some of my comments for the
City Council. I recommend that of the $36,500 allocated to youth development, $19,000 goes to
Alternatives in Action considering that they will be unable to do the academic tutoring program because
they have received less than they requested. Additionally, I would recommend $3,000 for FAA, with
the remaining money $14,000 to the Alameda Boys and Girls Club.
Wright - Staff asked James prior to this meeting if he was comfortable being a former employee and
sitting on this side of the Board. You should know that staff have been evaluating this feedback that
we' ve received from James and are looking to see what it is we are seeing. You also need to understand
that the Boys and Girls Club is in a transition location, so they may not be performing at peak
performance.
Wasko - Being that the club is in a development state, transitioning, perhaps this is an opportunity for us
to at this time we divert funds for now?
Wright - If the Board would like to suggest that to the City Council that is fine, but staff will still
continue with its recommendation. Although performance issues have been brought up, we have not
fully demonstrated their validity-everyone gets a chance to meet their goals. They have met their goals
and to say they should not receive funding
Wasko - That is not what we are saying. If they are getting this much funding and their facility is not as
big as it was, and historically they have been receiving this much funding, than maybe we should look at
it proportionately to their services.
Villareal - James concern about emphasizing education and empowerment is a nationwide one, I
strongly believe that we need to promote tutoring and similar academic programs that help students of",SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard/2008-04-01.pdf
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color get ahead, earn college credit, and help them focus on the future. I'm a very strong advocate for
education. We need to help the underprivileged youth not getting their fair share with the processes
that currently exist.
Chen - I'd be more comfortable with James' comments about the Alameda Boys and Girls Club if there
was a representative from the agency here.
Wright - This meeting was rescheduled. Alameda Boys and Girls Club staff typically try to be present,
but there is a Council meeting tonight and that is where they are.
Wasko - There is also a concern that agencies that traditionally have received funding are relying on
funding because they were funded in the past.
Chen - So, should we accept staff recommendations or reject staff recommendation?
Wright - The Board is not able to ""reject' staff's recommendations, you may agree or disagree. The
Board's scope is to provide input, assess if funding levels are reasonable, and if activities are consistent
with priority needs.
Wasko - Your currently spending $36,500 between the 2 youth development programs. Could we just
split it down the middle? So, Boys and Girls Club is losing $2,000 and AIA is gaining $2,000.
Wright - -That's a possibility. It's too bad that George Phillips isn't here to let us know if he could make
it work with the reduced funding. For the most part the Board and City Council has supported what the
staff recommends. I do have a little concern that
Chen - I' 'm very uncomfortable with this. The Alameda Boys and Girls Club description says the
organization is an afterschool educational service. We aren't giving them the benefit of the doubt here.
I'm uncomfortable with changing the staff recommendation without at least giving the Boys and Girls
Club an opportunity to respond.
Wright - I'm willing to agree to have a conversation with the Alameda Boys and Girls Club regarding a
reduction in their funding.
Wasko - We hope all who have requested funds know how competitive it was. Staff should share the
scores. Maybe this as a wake-up call to those agencies that are continually funded that this is a highly
competitive process. Thank you to Franz in requesting less funding than in the past. If not for him, we
wouldn't be having this discussion.
Wasko - Are we as a Board prepared to move forward with making a statement?
Motion to fund both youth programs equally at $18,250, accept other funding recommendations as
written, and to apply any additional funding to either the Red Cross rental assistance program,
BANANAS child care voucher program, or some combination of the two. Staff will draft letter
regarding recommendations. Wasko will review and approve. Wasko and Villareal will represent the
Board at City Council meeting on April 15th. (M/S James, Chen) and unanimous.",SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard/2008-04-01.pdf
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Motion to approve action items only on the remaining agenda. (M/S Franz, Wasko) and unanimous.
3-B. AMENDING BYLAWS TO INCLUDE EXPLICIT PROCESS FOR AGENDA ITEMS:
Member Soglin asked for Board approval for the language to be included in the bylaws of the Board will
be, ""To place an item on the SSHRB agenda, Board members should contact the Board President or the
Board secretary. Items and pertinent information must be received prior to public noticing of the
agenda in order to ensure compliance with Brown Act regulations."" Motion to approve language (M/S
Wasko, Franz) and unanimous.
4. ADJOURNMENT: President Wasko adjourned the meeting at 9:57 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Melissa Jones
Secretary, Social Services Human Relations Board
MJ:sb
G:SSHRB\Packets/2008\April08\MinSpecial040108
F: SSHRB\2008\Agendas Packets",SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard/2008-04-01.pdf