body,date,page,text,path
CityCouncil,2008-08-05,1,"MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- - -AUGUST 5, 2008- - -7:30 P.M.
Mayor Johnson convened the Regular Meeting at 7:38 p.m.
Councilmember deHaan led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL -
Present : louncilmembers deHaan, Matarrese, Tam and
Mayor Johnson - 4.
Absent :
Councilmember Gilmore - 1.
AGENDA CHANGES
None.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
(08-321) - Presentation by East Bay Municipal Utility District
(
EBMUD ) Representative Doug Linney regarding drought.
Doug Linney, EBMUD Ward 5 Representative, discussed the current
water shortage.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether Homeowner Associations are on board
with water conservations measures.
Mr. Linney responded all Associations have been encouraged to get
in contact with EBMUD because they have better opportunities to
save more water.
Councilmember deHaan stated recycled water from the Davis plant is
used at the Golf Course; inquired when landscaping grade recycled
water would be available.
Mr. Linney responded there are plans for recycled water to go to
Alameda Point, but he is not aware of plans to go to the Golf
Course; that he has asked staff to look into the complaints about
the water causing some salinity; staff ensures him that they are
working on the matter and the issue can be solved without bringing
in water from the other plant.
Vice Mayor Tam stated EBMUD requested Public Works staff to cease
using fire hydrants for street sweeping purposes, which is an
essential service to meet water quality requirements; inquired
whether there is a way to allow Public Works to get recycled water
at the Golf Course instead of having the trucks get water near the
Bay Bridge; further inquired whether an interim measure could be
put in place until the matter is resolved.
Mr. Linney responded that he would be happy to work with the City
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
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August 5, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-08-05.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-08-05,2,"and EMBUD to find a solution.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether EBMUD would be providing a
scorecard on whether the City is meeting a goal similar to waste
and electricity savings.
Mr. Linney responded the idea is interesting and he would look into
the matter.
Mayor Johnson stated there are questions about whether recycled
water can be used on the City's par 3 course; Council was informed
that the proximity to residential areas prohibits the use of
recycled water; people have heard different answers.
Mr. Linney stated that he would get an answer.
Councilmember deHaan noted an adjacent playing field could use
recycled water, too.
Vice Mayor Tam stated the City Manager contacted EBMUD recycling
staff and learned that the quality of water would require an extra
level of treatment that currently does not exist; the proximity to
residential homes requires potable water to be used for public
health reasons.
Mr. Linney stated it might be possible to make improvements.
Mayor Johnson stated golfers need to be informed of the correct
answer.
(08-322) - Presentation by the Library Foundation regarding public
art at the new Main Library.
Luzanne Engh, Alameda Free Library Foundation President, gave a
Power Point presentation.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
Vice Mayor Tam seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 4. [Absent Councilmember Gilmore - 1. ] [ Items so
enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the
paragraph number. . ]
( *08-323) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings
held on July 1, 2008; and the Special City Council Meeting, Special
Joint City Council and Public Utilities Board Meeting, and Regular
City Council Meeting held on July 15, 2008. Approved.
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CityCouncil,2008-08-05,3,"(*08-324) Ratified bills in the amount of $9,112.893.30
(*08-325) Recommendation to award Contract in the amount of
$511,680, including contingencies, to Golden Bay Construction, Inc.
for repair of Portland cement concrete sidewalk, curb, gutter,
driveway, and minor street patching, Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Phase
9, No. P.W. 05-08-13. Accepted.
( *08-326) Recommendation to award Contract in the amount of
$211,543, including contingencies, to D&D Pipelines, Inc. for
Woodstock storm drain improvements, No. P.W. 06-08-18. Accepted.
(*08-327) Recommendation to adopt Plans and Specifications and
authorize Call for Bids for pruning of City trees for Fiscal Year
ending June 30, 2009, No. P.W. 07-08-20. Accepted.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(08-328) - Resolution No. 14254, ""Appointing Leslie Krongold as a
Member of the Commission on Disability Issues. Adopted; and
(08-328A) Resolution No. 14255, ""Appointing Donna Milgram as a
Member of the Economic Development Commission (Community-at-Large
Seat) "" Adopted.
Councilmember Matarrese moved adoption of the resolutions.
Councilmember deHaan seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent : Councilmember Gilmore - 1. ]
The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office and presented Ms.
Krongold and Ms. Milgram with certificates of appointment.
(08-329) Public Hearing to consider an appeal of the Planning
Board's denial of a variance and Major Design Review to build first
and second-story covered decks at the rear of an existing four-unit
apartment building located at 2243 Santa Clara Avenue within the R-
6, Hotel Residential Zoning District; and
(08-329A) Resolution No. 14256, ""Overturning the Planning Board's
Decision to Deny Major Design Review and Variance (PLN07-0020) -
Allowing the Construction of a Two-Story Covered Deck Located Seven
Feet and Three Inches from the Rear Property Line at 2243 Santa
Clara Avenue. Adopted.
The Planning Services Manager gave a brief presentation.
Mayor Johnson opened the Public Hearing.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
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August 5, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-08-05.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-08-05,4,"Proponent : Ed Hirshberg, Appellant.
There being no further speakers, Mayor Johnson closed the public
portion of the Hearing.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether decks are required now, to which the
Appellant responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether the proposed decks conform to the
new code.
The Appellant responded the size of the back yard is not quite in
conformance and current code would require a deck for all four
units.
Councilmember deHaan inquired how tenants access the yard
currently.
The Appellant responded tenants walk through the Elk's property;
the yard is not used very much; the decks would improve access.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether tenants in the other two
units would be able to use the remaining portion of the yard, to
which the Appellant responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether the privilege has been
extended to other properties, to which the Planning Services
Manager responded that he is aware of one other instance, a single-
family dwelling with an unusually shaped lot.
Mayor Johnson inquired about the nature of the opposition to the
decks.
The Planning Services Manager responded the Planning Board was
concerned about future uses anticipated for the adjacent area.
In response to Mayor Johnson's inquiry about whether the adjacent
property use would occur, the Planning Services Manager stated
staff believes so, but nothing has been submitted.
Vice Mayor Tam inquired how the decks would infringe upon the
neighbors.
The Planning Services Manager stated the noise created from the
adjacent building might disturb people using the decks.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether the same noise issue would
apply with use of the backyard as it is now, to which the Planning
Regular Meeting
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August 5, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-08-05.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-08-05,5,"Services Manager responded staff came to the same conclusion.
Mayor Johnson read the findings stated the project is positive for
the tenants there are currently no negatives for the neighbor ;
inquired why staff recommended approval of the variance.
The Planning Services Manager responded the project site would be
brought more into compliance with the zoning code; stated the
common area would be reduced, but would still have 300 square feet
of open space.
In response to louncilmember deHaan's inquiry regarding the lot
line, the Appellant stated seven feet three inches would be
remaining.
Vice Mayor Tam moved adoption of the resolution to uphold the
Appeal and grant the variance.
Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion which carried by the
following voice vote: Ayes : Councilmembers Matarrese, Tam and Mayor
Johnson - 3. Noes: Councilmember deHaan - 1.
[ Absent :
Councilmember Gilmore - 1.]
Councilmember deHaan stated that he does not support the motion
because the small strip left is totally inadequate.
08-330) Recommendation to adopt the Alameda Free Library Strategic
Plan, 2009-2014, and authorize staff to begin Neighborhood Library
Short Term Improvements.
Ruth Metz, Ruth Metz Associates, and Kathy Page, Page & Morris LLC,
gave a Power Point presentation.
Vice Mayor Tam stated the final document and process should be used
as a model for other City facilities and assets; inquired whether
or not the $2.5 million set aside is sufficient for the extreme
makeover.
The Library Director responded the $2.5 million would be used for
the building work and interior remodeling; stated the library
support groups have pledged to pay for new furnishings.
Vice Mayor Tam stated the main library is one of the City's first
LEED certified buildings; inquired whether the seal from the Green
Building Counsel would be hung at the library.
The Library Director responded staff hopes to obtain the seal;
stated the certification process is moving forward.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
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August 5, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-08-05.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-08-05,6,"Mayor Johnson requested that the Council be provided updates on the
status of certification; stated the matter should be wrapped up and
finalized.
In response to Councilmembe: Matarrese's inquiry regarding the
timeline, the Library Director stated the Request for Proposals
(RFP) process should take four months.
Councilmember Matarrese noted that the library service is not free;
stated the survey indicated that people value the service and are
willing to pay for it; requested that the information on the LEED
certification include the estimated certification date.
Councilmember deHaan stated $16 million would be needed in the
future; hopefully, $2.5 million would cover costs including the
electrical and heating systems; inquired whether there would be
State level grants.
The Library Director responded the Strategic Plan puts the City in
a better position than most should there be a State construction
bond.
Ms. Page stated that her calculations are that less than half of
the funding would be needed for the makeover; the infrastructure
and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements are the big
unknowns; another city had to install sprinkler systems, which
added costs; encouraged Council to go forward with an RFP as
quickly as possible.
Proponents Honora Murphy, Alameda; Karen Butter, Library Board
Member ; Luzanne Engh, Alameda Free Library Foundation.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether a prioritized list has been prepared
in the event the $2.5 million is not sufficient, to which the
Library Director responded not enough is known about the structural
and system issues.
Mayor Johnson suggested that the staff recommendation be modified
to include language about beginning to develop a plan that would
come back to Council for review; stated the Council would need to
set priorities.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the City should not over invest in
the West End library building since it is not the future West End
library; the plan for what would be executed to meet the short term
goal should come back to Council i that he would like an analysis of
funding streams, with the ability to extend Measure O being among
Regular Meeting
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August 5, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-08-05.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-08-05,7,"the options.
Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of adopting the Alameda Free
Library Strategic Plan and authorizing staff to initiate working on
short-term improvements to the neighborhood libraries and bring the
[implementation] plan back to Council for authorization to start.
Vice Mayor Tam seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Vice Mayor Tam stated there is no deadline for
use of Measure O money.
Councilmember Matarrese stated Measure O has a finite period of
time; more revenue could be generated if the City asks for an
extension from the voters.
Vice Mayor Tam inquired whether the RFP process would help generate
estimates and establish various improvements that Council would
review and prioritize, to which the Library Director responded in
the affirmative.
Mayor Johnson inquired what would be asked in the RFP, such as
interior or structural work.
Ms. Page responded the list of short-term recommendations would be
used as the basis for the RFP; stated the City could pick and
choose the items.
The Library Director responded the RFP would be for an
architectural firm with structural engineering, some historical
preservation and interior space planning experience in libraries.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether the RFP would include interior and
structural improvements.
Ms. Page responded the short-term goals involve very little
structural changes.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether the electrical and HVAC system are
included in the short term goals, to which Ms. Page responded in
the affirmative; stated said items are mechanical systems.
The Library Director stated the shell of the buildings would not
change.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether priorities would be set before going
out with the RFP .
Regular Meeting
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August 5, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-08-05.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-08-05,8,"Ms. Page responded priorities should be set after costs are
submitted.
Councilmember deHaan requested that the motion be restated.
Councilmember Matarrese restated the motion to adopt the Strategic
Plan, authorize staff to go forward with the RFP and bring it back
to Council.
Vice Mayor Tam stated that her second stands.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice
vote - 4. [Absent Councilmember Gilmore - 1.]
(08-331) - Resolution No. 14257, ""Opposing Fiscally Irresponsible
State Budget Decisions That Would Divert Local Government,
Redevelopment, and Transportation Funds. Adopted.
The Deputy City Manager gave a brief presentation.
Mayor Johnson stated that she does not like the term ""borrow"".
inquired whether the resolution could be amended to ""divert"".
The Deputy City Manager responded in the affirmative.
Opponents Gretchen Lipow, Alameda; David Howard, Action Alameda.
Following Ms. Lipow's comments, Councilmember deHaan inquired
whether the City is not addressing Assembly Bill 1781, to which the
Deputy City Manager responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether the language could also include
opposition to taking funds from school districts.
The Deputy City Manager responded the Council is on record asking
the State not to take school district resources.
Councilmember Matarrese moved adoption of the resolution, with the
revised language to replace ""borrow"" with ""divert"".
Councilmember deHaan seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote -4. [Absent : Councilmember Gilmore - 1.
]
(08-332) Resolution No 14258, ""Providing, as Official City
Reference Documents, the Alameda County Residential Green Building
Guidelines for New Home Construction, Home Remodeling, and
Multifamily Residential Development ; the U.S. Green Building
Council's LEED Rating Systems for New Commercial Construction and
Regular Meeting
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August 5, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-08-05.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-08-05,9,"Remodeling; and Bay-Friendly Landscape Guidelines, and Recommending
Their Use in the City of Alameda. "" Adopted.
The Supervising Planner gave a brief presentation.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired when the municipal code would be
changed to make green building requirements mandatory.
The Supervising Planner responded the requirements have been
adopted for municipal projects; stated the Chief Building Official
is reviewing the State green building code to determine if the City
can adopt it early; otherwise, the City might follow Alameda
County's checklist process; the matter should come to Council
before the end of the year.
Councilmember Matarrese stated that he would like to ensure there
is a due date for when binding code changes would be implemented;
that he would like the changes to be adopted fairly soon; the
climate would not get any better the longer the City waits; there
were comments at Peet's LEED gold certification award ceremony that
meeting the requirements did not contribute that much cost and was
not that difficult to do; the City should be more aggressive; there
should be a target date for adopting binding code changes.
Mayor Johnson stated the matter is especially important for new
construction; perhaps existing buildings and remodeling could be
separate from new construction; the City should be able to move
forward with new construction on a shorter timeframe any new
construction in Alameda should be subject to the new ordinance.
Councilmember Matarrese stated there are LEED items that need to be
done out of necessity now, such as diverting renovation or site
clearing materials from landfill and using renewed and reused
materials. there is a distinction between new construction and
renovation; binding, not optional, code provisions need to be put
in place.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether there are new requirements
that move toward LEED compliance.
The Supervising Planner responded in the affirmative; stated the
City has a debris ordinance that requires 50% diversion; the goal
amount was increased to 75%; the landscape ordinance includes water
conservation measures; that she does not have the schedule for
bringing items forward.
Councilmember Matarrese stated setting target dates is very
important; then, priority decisions can be made about how to use
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August 5, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-08-05.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-08-05,10,"resources to meet the dates.
Councilmember deHaan stated the matter is coming to Council: the
ICLEI committee [Climate Protection Task Force] would be coming to
Council with recommendations that would get the City to that point
[adoption of binding green requirements) ; inquired when the ICLEI
report would come to Council.
The Supervising Planner responded the ICLEI report was folded into
the City's Local Action Plan.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the effort he is discussing is
adoption of codes that were recommended by the ICLEI committee.
The Supervising Planner stated one of the priorities in the Local
Action Plan is the sustainable design and green building standards,
which Planning is working on.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether there are model ordinances; stated
priority should be given to adopting regulations for new home
construction, new multi-family residential development and new
commercial construction; any new construction should be built with
the new standards remodels and landscaping can be dealt with
later; brand new construction should be built to the [green
building] standards.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the matter is fairly urgent because
there is potential for new commercial and residential construction
in the foreseeable future; requirements should be locked down
sooner to have builders adjust accordingly.
Councilmember deHaan stated Planning is going through the exercise
to bring something forward.
Councilmember Matarrese stated that he wants a date.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether the matter is being considered by
the Building Official or Planning Board.
The Supervising Planner responded the Building Official is looking
at the Building Standards adopted [by the State] on July 17; stated
the standards are voluntary at the State level. the City would be
making the regulations mandatory Building Codes do not go to the
Planning Board; mandatory checklists added to the Zoning Ordinance
would go to the Planning Board.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether StopWaste has model ordinances.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
10
August 5, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-08-05.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-08-05,11,"The Supervising Planner responded in the negative; stated StopWaste
does not have anything mandatory, but has the voluntary standards
that are being considered tonight.
Mayor Johnson inquired how the State code and StopWaste's model of
voluntary guidelines differ.
The Supervising Planner responded the State code looks at building
efficiency; stated currently, Title 24 requires certain energy
standards to be met; the new regulations increase Title 24; LEED
and Build It Green are checklist approaches that look at the entire
site, including landscaping and transit as well as construction;
15% above Title 24 is one requirement, however, the approach is
more holistic.
Mayor Johnson stated the Council could set a timeframe for a report
back from the Building Official.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the report should include an
estimated date for implementation.
Mayor Johnson inquired what timeframe should be set.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the Building Official should have a
month to conduct a review; the review should tell Council the
differences between the State's standards and the City's standards
and the target date for going from optional to mandatory.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether the direction is the motion.
Councilmember Matarrese responded the direction is the motion along
with adoption of the resolution.
Mayor Johnson stated the direction should include prioritizing new
construction.
Councilmember Matarrese agreed to include said direction in the
motion.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether a month is adequate time.
The Acting City Manager responded a month is an adequate amount of
time for the Building Official to inform Council how long the full
review would take; stated the full review might be completed in a
month.
Councilmember Matarrese stated Council should be informed if there
is difference.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
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August 5, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-08-05.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-08-05,12,"Councilmember deHaan seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent: Councilmember Gilmore - 1. ]
Councilmember deHaan noted that drought resistant landscaping at
Haight School is outstanding.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
None.
COUNCIL REFERRALS
None.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(08-333) Consideration of Mayor's nomination for appointment to the
Transportation Commission.
Mayor Johnson nominated Jane. Q. Lee.
(08-334) Mayor Johnson requested that the Fire and Police
Departments provide a report describing the type of calls they
respond to which are outside their scope and recommendations for
appropriate fees; said report should be presented under Council
Referrals at the next City Council meeting stated the Fire
Department responds to calls for elevator problems within
commercial buildings and people locked out of their houses; she is
surprised that fees for such calls were not included when revenue
enhancing recommendations were made.
(08-335) Councilmember Matarrese stated that he and Vice Mayor Tam
participated in a structured bicycle ride around the City on
Saturday; the event was presented by Bike Alameda.
( 08 - 336) Mayor Johnson stated that Alameda could be getting three
or four new Coast Guard cuttersi current cutters are forty years
old.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the
Regular Meeting at 10:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
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August 5, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-08-05.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-08-05,13,"Agenda for meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
13
August 5, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-08-05.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-08-05,14,"MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION (CIC) MEETING
TUESDAY- -AUGUST 5, 2008- - -7:25 P. M.
Mayor/Chair Johnson convened the Special Joint Meeting at 10:08
p.m.
ROLL CALL -
Present : Councilmembers/Commissioners
deHaan,
Matarrese, Tam, and Mayor/Chair Johnson -
5.
Absent :
Councilmember/Commissioner Gilmore - 1.
MINUTES
(08-41 - CIC) Minutes of the Special Community Improvement Commission
Meeting held on July 15, 2008. Approved.
Vice Mayor/Commissioner Tam moved approval of the minutes.
Councilmember/Commissioner deHaan seconded the motion, which
carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. [ Absent Councilmember/
Commissioner Gilmore - 1. ]
AGENDA ITEM
(08-319CC/08-42CIC) Recommendation to approve Affordable Housing
Agreement with Warmington Homes for the Grand Marina Project.
The Development Services Director gave a presentation.
louncilmember/Commissioner Matarrese inquired whether the City has
an Affordable Housing Agreement with Warmington, to which the
Development Services Director responded in the negative.
Councilmember/Commissioner Matarrese inquired whether Warming has
committed to building 10 units at Grand Marina.
The Development Services Director stated the Agreement is being
considered tonight and has to be approved before Warmington can
pull building permits.
The Development Services Director continued her presentation.
Mayor/Chair Johnson stated tonight the Council/Commission is
considering an Agreement that would allow a project at Island High
as an option; inquired what public input opportunities would exist
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council and
Community Improvement Commission
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August 5, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-08-05.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-08-05,15,"should the Agreement move forward.
The Development Services Director responded Warmington would
respond to community input, follow the normal process, and work
toward a project that the School Board and Planning Board would be
comfortable with; if Warmington does not build on the site, the
CIC, working with School District, would go through the same public
processi if the Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) and the CIC
do the project, there would be less opportunity to construct
moderate income units on the site because both the CIC and AUSD
money and tax credits support low and very low income, but not
moderate units; the Guyton Agreement restricts both AUSD's housing
dollars and most of the CIC's housing dollars.
Mayor/Chair Johnson inquired whether approval of a project is not
before the Council/Commission tonight, but that the Agreement,
which does not give any entitlements to any particular project, is
being considered.
The Development Services Director responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember/Commissioner deHaan stated the City had an Agreement
with Warmington for Veteran's housing; inquired how many units were
constructed.
The Development Services Director responded the 39 units at
Operation Dignity were part of the Catellus project.
louncilmember/Commissioner deHaan inquired how much money Catellus
put into the project.
The Development Services Director responded Catellus was not
obligated to money into the project; stated the project was an
obligation of the CIC under the Development Agreement.
Councilmember/Commissioner deHaan inquired where the funding came
from.
The Development Services Director responded the deal was leveraged
with Multifamily Housing Program (MHP) funds and tax credits
stated about 20% of the equity contribution came from the CIC; the
CIC removed the units and was obligated to replace the units under
the law; the entire transaction assigned certain costs to the
public; Catellus loaned funds to the CIC.
Councilmember/Commissioner deHaan inquired how much Warmington
would invest in the project.
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council and
Community Improvement Commission
2
August 5, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-08-05.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-08-05,16,"The Development Services Director responded the amount would depend
on the number of units; stated an appraisal was done in the last
six months lump sum lease payments, which total approximately $1
million, would be paid by Warmington; there would be a [funding]
gap depending on the number of units.
Councilmember/Commissioner deHaan inquired whether the houses that
would be constructed would be market rate if the [affordable]
houses are moved out of the development, to which the Development
Services Director responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember/Commissioner deHaan inquired whether the money that
the developer would make [off of additional market rate houses)
would be a wash with the money that would go into the Island High
site.
The Development Services Director responded it would depend upon
the number of units; stated the more units that are put on the
Island High site, the less cost per unit.
Councilmember/Commissioner deHaan inquired what percentage set
aside would have to be for sale and what percentage would have
to
be rental units, to which the Development Services Director
responded specific percentages of for sale units and rental units
are not required.
louncilmember/Commissioner Matarrese inquired whether the decision
tonight is not how many units or how much units would cost, rather
the Council/Commission is simply deciding whether all 10 units
would be at the project site, whether the developer could consider
other sites for five units and whether nine units would be required
if five units are off site.
The Development Services Director responded in the affirmative;
stated if the units are constructed at the Island High site, there
is an outside limit of 36 units.
Councilmember/Commissioner Matarrese inquired where the number [36
units] came from.
The Development Services Director responded the number uses the
Guyton exception to get as many units as possible. stated a Measure
A compliant project would be between 16 and 18 units.
louncilmember/Commissioner Matarrese stated Warmington needs to
have an Affordable Housing Agreement for the Grand Marina project
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council and
Community Improvement Commission
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August 5, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-08-05.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-08-05,17,"to go forward: inquired whether the Agreement would not have to
include language about where the off site units would be placed.
The Development Services Director responded the Planning Board
acknowledged that if Island High, which was previously identified
in the Housing Element, was the off site location, it would be an
okay location because it meets other requirements.
Councilmember/Commissioner Matarrese inquired whether the nine
units could be built at Island High without going up to the maximum
number of units, to which the Development Services Director
responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember/Commissioner Matarrese inquired whether Warmington
would simply be concerned with building nine units somewhere other
than the Grand Marina site, to which the Development Services
Director responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember/Commissioner Matarrese inquired whether the City
could authorize the Affordable Housing Agreement to either require
ten units on site or allow five units off site as long as four
additional units would be constructed.
The Development Services Director responded said explanation stops
short of allowing future credit for additional units; stated if
additional units are not going to be constructed, the [Island High]
site should be retained by the CIC and AUSD for construction of 16
to 18 units.
Councilmember Matarrese stated that he is trying to separate out
what happens with the off site units; the developer needs to know
whether five or ten units would be on site [Grand Marina] in order
to get the project started; the City is requiring nine units if
five units are moved off site; questioned why the Agreement could
not stop there to get the project going; then, the Island High site
or any other site would go through the routine, normal planning
processi 36 units is an absurd number for the [Island High] site;
the site could carry multiple family units; teachers and School
District employees would have first shot at the units; a project
should not be predicated on putting as many units as possible on
the site, which is not the City's approach; the City's approach has
always been to develop a quality product, such as Shinsei Gardens
and the Breakers; that he would like to cut the Agreement down to
what is needed to get the Grand Marina project started; then, the
process could work for the Island High site or any site where the
units might end up.
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CityCouncil,2008-08-05,18,"Mayor/Chair Johnson stated that the normal process would be
followed whatever site is selected.
The Development Services Director stated the Agreement would have
to be amended to give Warmington credit if additional units are
constructed.
Councilmember/Commissioner Matarrese stated the credit question is
within the envelope; the Agreement should address the number of
units; where the [off site) units would end up is another matter.
Mayor/Chair Johnson stated Councilmember Matarrese is not saying
the Agreement should stop at nine units, rather the matter should
be left up to the future process; the Developer could raise the
issue once a site is selected; the [off site] location is not
needed to move the Grand Marina project forward.
The Development Services Director stated the Agreement would have
to be amended if the Developer came back to get credit for a
project over nine units.
Mayor/Chail Johnson stated the Agreement would not have to be
amended; there could be a separate Agreement to give credit towards
a different project.
Councilmember/Commissioner deHaan stated the City is going though
the Coast Guard housing process which will be no less than 284
houses that could easily be in the affordable range; inquired
whether said houses could be included.
The Development Services Director responded that she has no idea
what said number would be; stated providing accommodations to
formerly homeless people is a federal government requirement; it is
a whole different product type and is a federal disposition
process.
The Acting City Manager responded the site is a homeless site, not
an affordable housing site under the McKinney Act.
Councilmember/Commissioner deHaan inquired whether none of the
units could be used [for affordable housing], to which the Acting
City Manager responded not for inclusionary needs, but there are
other sites that potentially could be used.
Louncilmember/Commissioner deHaan stated other developers would ask
to move units off site if the Agreement is approved the additional
units would land somewhere.
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CityCouncil,2008-08-05,19,"Spencer, Alameda.
(08-320 CC/08-4 CIC) Following Gerry Torres's comments,
Councilmember/Commission Matarrese moved approval of continuing the
meeting past midnight.
Councilmember/Commissioner deHaan seconded the motion, which
carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. Absent : Councilmember
/
Commissioner Gilmore - 1. ]
There being no further speakers, Mayor/Chair Johnson closed the
public comment period.
Councilmember/Commissioner deHaan stated the City set a 60%
homeownership goal; the recommendation tonight is out of character;
the Planning Board and Economic Development Commission (EDC) have
always wanted to have a balanced community; that he would support
keeping the inclusionary housing within the development.
Councilmember/Commissioner Matarrese stated there are two goals: 1)
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CityCouncil,2008-08-05,20,"provide affordable housing homeownership opportunities, which would
be accomplished by including ten units at the Grand Marina
development; 2) allowing the Island High site to be developed into
affordable housing for teachers and AUSD employees, which is a
worthwhile project that needs to be included in the North of
Lincoln Street plan; there needs to be a discussion about the most
effective way to provide affordable housing, which might include
condominium conversions; that he would like the Island High project
to be separate and follow its own processi that he would like to
move the Warmington project forward.
louncilmember/Commissioner Matarrese moved approval of adopting an
Affordable Housing Agreement which includes the ten units on site
as inclusionary as was defined in the site plan.
Vice Mayor/Commissioner Tam inquired whether the motion is that all
affordable and moderate units remain on the [Grand Marina] site, to
which Councilmember/Commissioner Matarrese responded in the
affirmative.
Vice Mayor/Commissioner Tam seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Vice Mayor/Commissioner Tam stated one
neighborhood's requirements should not be shifted to another
neighborhood; other developers would begin to make the same request
if the City started allowing affordable unit to be built off site;
State MHP funds are available for rental units; inquired whether
the Warmington project could subsidize five rental units on the
Grand Marina site without using MHP funds.
The Development Services Director responded that she could not
unequivocally state that the funds could not be used; stated the
parameters to qualify for MHP funds are that there be an on-site
manager and that the project meets certain conditions
competitively, the projects have to rank against other projects
across the State; nobody has seen success with small projects;
other requirements with MHP funds and tax credits are amenities,
such as community centers and computers.
Vice Mayor/Commissioner Tam inquired whether the Developer could
turn units into rentals to meet the low-income requirement even
without access to MHP funds.
The Development Services Director stated the inclusionary ordinance
allows it (construction of rental units] ; that she does not know
whether or not the developer would manage five units.
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CityCouncil,2008-08-05,21,"Councilmember/Commissioner Matarrese stated the City still
maintains the goal of increasing homeownership the School District
surplused Island High to create very affordable rental units as a
tool for recruiting teachers and employees; there is opportunity to
do a lot of great things, such as meeting green standards and
creating a transit village; dropping the highest number of units
on
the community, rather than talking about what should be there, is
not in the context of what the School District and City have talked
about for years.
Mayor/Chair Johnson stated that she agrees that the Council needs
to visit the issue of the best way to provide affordable housing
separately; the Economic Development Commission should review the
issue and make recommendation: to Council.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice
vote - 4. [Absent Councilmember/Commissioner Gilmore - 1. ]
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor/Chair Johnson adjourned the
Special Joint Meeting at 12:20 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown
Act.
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