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CityCouncil,2008-10-02,1,"MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY- - -OCTOBER 2, 2008- - -6:00 P.M.
Mayor Johnson convened the Special Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Vice Mayor
Tam led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL -
Present : Councilmembers
deHaan,
Gilmore,
Matarrese, Tam, and Mayor Johnson - 5.
Absent :
None.
AGENDA ITEM
(08 - 410 ) Recommendation to approve Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) regarding the formation and implementation of Sister City
Relations between Alameda, California, the United States of America
and Jiangyin, the People's Republic of China.
Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Councilmember deHaan seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
Mayor Johnson introduced Alameda County Supervisor Alice Lai-
Bitker.
Ms. Lai-Bitker expressed her sincere congratulations to Jiangyin
and Alameda for the formation of the Sister City relationship;
stated that she looks forward to many wonderful exchanges between
the two cities; thanked committee members and Social Services Human
Relations Board (SSHRB) for all the hard work.
Stewart Chen, SSHRB, introduced Mayor Wang Xinan and the delegation
from Jiangyin.
Mayor Johnson welcomed Mayor Xinan and the delegation; stated today
is an important day for Jiangyin and Alameda; that she hopes the
delegation enjoyed the tours; Jiangyin and Alameda face some of the
same problems that she hopes both cities can learn how to deal
with common problems and issues and that successes can be shared
also; thanked the Chinese government and people of China for the
great 2008 Olympic games; stated the Chinese athletes performed
very well and set many standards in various events; that she hopes
that mutual visits will occur in the future; today, Alameda and
Jiangyin join a great international tradition; cities have formed
Sister City relationships as a way to empower citizen diplomats to
build good will and understanding across borders; local
governments, businesses, and citizen volunteers form relationships
across cultures to enhance the social, educational, and business
Special Meeting
Alameda City Council
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October 2, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-10-02.pdf
CityCouncil,2008-10-02,2,"partnerships that promote good will; the newly formed Sister City
relationship will be a long-term partnership between the two great
communities; signing the Agreement will formalize intentions to
promote good will and positive partnerships common interests are
celebrated and residents are encourage to build the understanding
and good will that can lead to lasting peace in the world.
Deputy Consul General Wu Wenxiang expressed warm congratulations
for the formation of Sister City relations between Jiangyin and
Alameda; stated Jiangyin looks forward to future cooperation and
exchanges; that he hopes the relationship will bear fruit in the
time to come.
Mayor Xinan stated that he is privileged to come to Alameda to sign
the Agreement establishing the City Sister relationship between
Jiangyin and Alameda; the friendship between the two cities has
entered a new stage; cooperation and friendship will be expanded in
the fields of culture, education, as well as government; Jiangyin
is economically developed and industrially modernized; United
States investors have invested in Jiangyin; Jiangyin's local
entrepreneurs are investing in the United States; cooperation
between the two cities will be very successful; Alameda has a
highly sufficient government; Jiangyin can learn a lot from
Alameda: he hopes that the relationship between Jiangyin and
Alameda will be everlasting; extended an invitation to everyone to
visit Jiangyin.
Cynthia Wasko, SSHRB, read a statement from Governor
Schwarzenegger; thanked Mr. Chen for all of his work.
Francisco Hsieh, 12th Assembly District, read a statement from
Assemblywoman Fiona Ma.
Mayor Johnson and Mayor Xinan signed the MOU.
Mayor Xinan presented the Council with Chinese-Asian artwork
symbolizing friendship between Jiangyin and Alameda.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the
Special Meeting at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lana Stoker
Acting City Clerk
Agenda for meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act.
Special Meeting
Alameda City Council
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October 2, 2008",CityCouncil/2008-10-02.pdf
HistoricalAdvisoryBoard,2008-10-02,1,"MINUTES OF HISTORICAL ADVISORY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING OF THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2008
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
2263 SANTA CLARA AVENUE - 7:00 PM
CONVENE: 7:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT:
Acting Chair Miller, Board Members lrons and Lynch
ABSENT:
None
STAFF PRESENT: Jon Biggs, Planning Services Manager/Secretary to the
Historical Advisory Board; Andrew Thomas, Planning
Services Manager; Doug Vu, Planner III; Tony Ebster,
Permit Technician I/Recording Secretary
MINUTES:
Minutes from the meeting of August 7, 2008
Motion (Lynch)/Second (Miller) to approve the minutes with
changes
Ayes: 3; Noes: 0; Absent: 0
Motion Carries
Ms. Barbara Kerr addressed the board expressing concern that the minutes were
not complete because they did not contain the added conditions of approval for the
Del Monte restoration project that were created at the Historical Advisory Board
meeting of September 4, 2008. She wanted to see the conditions added in the
minutes for the record and wanted to verify that the conditions were entered in
exactly as they were stated at the September 4, 2008 Historical Advisory Board
meeting.
AGENDA CHANGES AND DISCUSSIONS:
None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Ms. Barbara Kerr addressed the board regarding the transportation element and the
Alameda Point Plan. She is concerned that the proposals will not address the potential
transportation problems.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION:
None
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS:
1
Minutes of October 2, 2008
Regular Historical Advisory Board Meeting",HistoricalAdvisoryBoard/2008-10-02.pdf
HistoricalAdvisoryBoard,2008-10-02,2,"(7-A) Certificate of Approval - PLN08-0035 - 1150 Bay Street. The applicant requests
a Certificate of Approval to alter more than thirty percent (30%) of the value of a
historically designated residential building for the purpose of remodeling a previous
addition and adding a front porch. (DV)
(Continued from the meeting of September 4, 2008.)
Mr. Doug Vu presented the staff report.
Mr. Craig Coombs addressed the board. He reiterated the discussion from the
Historical Advisory Board meeting of September 4, 2008 and that the design adheres to
the Secretary of Interior's Guidelines. He also reminded the board that the project is
going to restore the structure and its historical elements.
Mr. Robert Mackenson addressed the board. He gave a brief history of his experience
and stated that the design is in line with the requirements of the Secretary of the
Interior's Guidelines. He pointed out several features in the neighborhood, such as the
setbacks and the landscaping, and suggested the design of the front porch will not
protrude excessively into the front yard setback relative to the other houses in the
neighborhood.
Mr. Christopher Buckley addressed the board. He felt that this item has gone on too
long and recommended that the board make a decision. He thinks that the board
should either approve the project without the front porch or deny the project.
Mr. Jerry Wilkins addressed the board. He stated that this project should be approved
because it will benefit the neighborhood and the City. He also pointed out that the
proposed work follows the guidelines and requirements of the City of Alameda and the
Secretary of the Interior.
Ms. Linda McKenna addressed the board. She mentioned some of the other projects
she has worked on and stated that this project will restore the house to its original
design and will be beneficial for the neighborhood. She also stated that it follows the
guidelines and requirements.
Ms. Dee Keltner addressed the board. She reviewed the plans with the applicants and
wondered why the owners have not attended any of these meetings. She thinks the
renovation is wonderful except for the front porch. She expressed concern regarding its
setback and feels that it will take away from the neighborhood if approved. She is also
concerned with the precedent that will be set if the porch is approved. She asked that
future foliage be limited in height, width and depth to minimize the protrusion into the
setback.
Mr. Josiah Lewis addressed the board and noted his support of the remodel.
Ms. Patricia Emerson addressed the board. She spoke to the remodel and how it will
preserve the building and increase the usability of the structure. She mentioned how
difficult it has become to navigate the historic preservation process. Some people sell
2
Minutes of October 2, 2008
Regular Historical Advisory Board Meeting",HistoricalAdvisoryBoard/2008-10-02.pdf
HistoricalAdvisoryBoard,2008-10-02,3,"their homes instead of rehabilitating a structure or they do work without permits. She
asked that the board approve the project.
Mr. Eric Jackson addressed the board. He stated that the remodel will improve the
structure, which ultimately helps the neighborhood. He also said that the rehabilitation
will improve the house structurally and will prolong its useful life.
The meeting was adjourned and reconvened in Council Chambers.
The public comment was closed.
Board Member Lynch had questions for Mr. Mackenson. She asked about the
difference between a terrace and a porch.
Mr. Mackenson replied by saying that the porch will be very narrow. Porches provide
covering and trellises are more open allowing more sunlight to come into the area and
structure. He also spoke to some of the windows and doors and that they were altered
in a way that isn't in character with the structure. He pointed out that French doors are
very common in modern remodels and the doors will be in character with the windows
and house.
Board Member Lynch feels that they have been struggling with this project but she
understands it better. She is inclined to change her mind regarding the project.
Board Member lrons pointed out that the building in the Architecture and Historic guide
is similar to the project, which makes him feel more comfortable with the project.
Mr. Biggs clarified that staff's recommendation is to approve the project after reviewing
and discussing the revised plans and drawings.
Acting Chair Miller likes the project except for the porch. He feels that the project still
doesn't address some of the issues and still doesn't meet some of the standards and
requirements. He is concerned with the proposed setback of the porch and its visual
impact. He still objects to the porch and he feels that it goes way beyond restoration
and is more of a modification to the house.
Motion (Irons) / Second (Lynch) to approve the Certificate of Approval with conditions.
Ayes: 2; Noes: 1
Motion Carries
(7-B). Review and Comment on SunCal's Preliminary Development Concept for
Alameda Point.
Mr. Andrew Thomas gave a brief summary of the Alameda Point Development Concept
and introduced Mr. Phil Tagami and Mr. Pat Kelliher.
Mr. Christopher Buckley addressed the board. He asked if all three board members
need to be present to provide comments. He submitted pictures to the board consisting
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Minutes of October 2, 2008
Regular Historical Advisory Board Meeting",HistoricalAdvisoryBoard/2008-10-02.pdf
HistoricalAdvisoryBoard,2008-10-02,4,"of a map and photos of some of the structures in the historic district of the former Navy
base. He wished to thank SunCal for preserving some of the structures that were
originally slated for demolition.
Ms. Birgitt Evans addressed the board. She stated that the goal of the Alameda
Architectural Preservation Society is to preserve enough of Alameda Point for future
generations to be able to get an idea of Alameda's history.
Mr. Richard Rutter addressed the board. He is worried that some of the historic
buildings are unoccupied and are being neglected. He also expressed concern with
vandalism issues.
Ms. Elizabeth Krase addressed the board. She reminded the Board that the former
naval air station is an historic place. She pointed out several buildings and how
significant they are from an historical perspective. She also wants enough of the former
base to be preserved to show how significant the City of Alameda's role was in World
War II.
Mr. Bill Smith addressed the board. He talked about various reuses and other
possibilities for Alameda Point. He would like to see more businesses invest in the
former naval station.
Ms. Patty Jacobs addressed the board representing the Greater Alameda Business
Association. She wanted to make sure that the Neptune Beach Museum would
continue to have use of the building they are currently in.
The public comment was closed.
Board Member Lynch commented on Ms. Krase's point regarding some of the
structures that were not on the list for preservation.
Mr. Phil Tagami replied by saying that they might not agree on all the buildings that
should be kept for reuse or preservation. However, they need to do what is best for the
overall project and instead of considering each individual building, they need to keep the
whole project moving forward on schedule so that it stays economically feasible.
Mr. Tagami and Mr. Kelliher gave a PowerPoint presentation of their preliminary
concept plan for Alameda Point. The presentation addressed several aspects of the
development, such as housing, open space, future businesses, potential retail, jobs,
transportation and historic preservation. They also talked about environmental hazards
such as asbestos, mold and lead with regard to the demolition and preservation
process.
The Board thanked Mr. Thomas, Mr. Tagami, and Mr. Kelliher for their presentation and
answering questions of the Board Members.
BOARD COMMUNICATIONS:
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Minutes of October 2, 2008
Regular Historical Advisory Board Meeting",HistoricalAdvisoryBoard/2008-10-02.pdf
HistoricalAdvisoryBoard,2008-10-02,5,"Acting Chair Miller asked about Measure X on the upcoming ballot and where it came
from.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS:
Mr. Biggs reminded the board of the streetlight replacement project and that it would be
scheduled for consideration at a future meeting.
Acting Chair Miller asked if there had been any applicants for appointment to the
Historical Advisory Board.
ADJOURNMENT: 9:34 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Jon Biggs
Planning Services Manager/Secretary, Historical Advisory Board
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Minutes of October 2, 2008
Regular Historical Advisory Board Meeting",HistoricalAdvisoryBoard/2008-10-02.pdf