body,date,page,text,path
CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities,2009-02-23,1,"APPROVED
COMMISSION ON DISABILITY ISSUES
MEETING MINUTES OF
February 23, 2009
TIME
The meeting convened at 7:12 P.M.
PRESENT
Chair Lord-Hausman, Commissioners Berger, Longley-Cook, Kirola, and Krongold.
ABSENT
Vice-Chair Moore, Commissioners Fort and Kreitz
MINUTES
The January 26, 2009 minutes were approved with corrections to agenda item one under Old
Business.
Chair Lord-Hausman introduced Darrell Handy, Risk Management for the City of Alameda who
attended on behalf of Board Secretary Akil.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
There were no written communications.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Presentation by Design Community & Environment Consulting (Leslie Wilson,
Consultant):
Discussion of accessibility issues regarding transportation in Alameda.
Leslie Wilson, Planner with Design Community & Environment (DCE) a Berkeley-based
consulting firm, gave a presentation regarding a Community Based Transportation Plan (CBTP)
for the City of Alameda. The plan is a grass roots effort to use community input to identify
transportation problems, identify solutions, and collect information that can be put into a plan.
The firm has also spent time with senior citizens, low-income groups and youth groups for input.
Ms. Wilson requested that the Commissioners complete a survey regarding the proposed plan.
Chair Lord-Hausman asked how the program began to which Ms. Wilson responded that the
Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) funded Community Based Transportation
Plans for several cities in the Bay Area. DCE completed a CBTP for Oakland, Berkeley and
Rosemont and now Alameda. DCE is working with various transportation agencies as well as
conducting most of the outreach and compiling data for inclusion into the plan. This effort will
ensure more funding to prioritize problems and get solutions. Ms. Wilson said that if you live on
the main Island, it would be nice to know places where you live, places that you go, places that
you or somebody that has disabilities would have issues getting to, and she will complete the
map.
Ms. Wilson provided a map of the City and asked Commissioners to identify problems regarding",CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities/2009-02-23.pdf
CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities,2009-02-23,2,"Commission on Disability Issues
February 23,
2009 Minutes
Page 2 of 5
problem areas and accessibility issues for individuals with disabilities.
Chair Lord-Hausman clarified that it is anything that would get in the way of accessibility to
which Ms. Wilson responded sidewalks, access to a bus, a shelter at a bus stop and streets that
are poorly lit or dark.
Chair Lord-Hausman responded anything that would get in the way of accessibility at any level
to which Ms. Wilson replied yes and the survey includes discussion of general transportation,
destinations, as well as rating experience on AC Transit, the ferry, BART, Paratransit, sidewalks
and bicycle routes.
Commissioner Longley-Cook stated that there is no access to 9th Street from Portola which dead-
ends. To which Ms. Wilson stated that when completing the survey, the more precise that you
can be in talking about the intersections or the bus routes that you have a problem with, the more
helpful it would for the plan.
The Commission identified several problem areas, including Webster, entrance to the Tube,
College of Alameda, Ralph Appezzato Parkway, Central, traveling East on Clement along the
lane that comes right through the railroad tracks at Clement and Park. The Commission also
pointed out that the railroad tracks make walking and bicycling difficult, and there are many
unused railroad tracks in Alameda.
Ms. Wilson requested that the Commission discuss AC Transit Services for people with
disabilities, including getting on and off buses.
The Commission pointed out that you have to climb up very high steps to get onto a bus and if
you are a senior or have any type of disability that is very difficult to do. There are individuals
who believe that bus drivers do not want to stop and deal with a person in a wheelchair and just
drive by. Buses have a very narrow isle and they barely can hold able people, so if you are semi-
disabled, it can be troubling. The Commission indicated it is important for people to understand
that there are invisible disabilities and that bus drivers need better training, including sensitivity
training for those individuals. There also needs to be adequate bus shelters, with seats easy to
manage, spaces for wheelchairs and even a GPS so they can they can track how far away a bus
will be and announce every approaching street, which can be helpful. Also, streets need to be
well-lit around residential neighborhoods.
Chair Lord-Hausman stated that she would like to see the Lincoln and Park Street intersection
redesigned at some point, because there are a lot of people that turn left there and it is a wide
intersection. An elderly or disabled person walks more slowly and people that turn left there are
so busy trying to make their left turn that they are not paying attention to pedestrians in the
crosswalk. That area is getting busier because of the library, lots of retail, service shops as well
as increased traffic coming into the City off the Fruitvale and Park Street Bridges.
Darrell Handy, City of Alameda Risk Manager, stated that he was previously Risk Manager for
AC Transit. One of the reasons why drivers are reluctant to stop for wheelchairs is that their
G:\Lucretia)CommDisability\Minutes)2009\Minutes_Final_Feb 23 2009.doc",CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities/2009-02-23.pdf
CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities,2009-02-23,3,"Commission on Disability Issues
February 23,
2009 Minutes
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bosses and the time schedules never allow them enough time, and they get disciplined if they are
late. The system is such that by doing what is right and what they would like to do conflicts for
fear that they may lose their job. AC Transit is very strict about keeping the timetables.
Commissioner Longley-Cook discussed the frequency of buses at Alameda Point to which Chair
Lord-Hausman stated that there is a lot of low income housing there and only one bus. This is
difficult on the weekend and that has been identified as a major problem for the disabled
veterans and low-income families. There is also going to be a lot more housing soon, and one
bus route is inadequate.
Commissioner Longley-Cook pointed out that there are drainage and water flow problems near
the tube and the Mariner Square Athletic Club.
Ms. Wilson asked the Commission to identify, as a resident or as a person speaking on behalf of
people with disabilities, what would be three major priorities of improvement, or problems or
areas that need work.
The Commission identified AC Transit sensitivity training, changes to AC Transit including the
distance between bus stops; intersection design and pedestrian safety issues.
Chair Lord-Hausman asked Ms. Wilson if she is aware that the City has a Youth Advisory
Commission to which Ms. Wilson responded, yes and confirmed that DCE met with them a
couple of weeks ago. They completed a plan with the Transportation Commission, which
highlighted congestion in High School.
Ms. Wilson thanked the Commission for their input and stated they are hoping to complete the
plan by late spring.
Chair Lord-Hausman thanked Ms. Wilson on behalf of the Commission.
OLD BUSINESS
1.
Special Need-Special Services Resource Fair (Commissioners Krongold/Kreitz):
Discuss Special Need-Special Services Resource Fair.
Commissioner Krongold gave an update on the work group meeting and provided specific
highlights from that meeting, including the date planned for October 24 at the Officer's Club,
confirmed partnerships with Mastick Senior Center, Alameda Hospital, CERT, and American
Red Cross. The majority of the work group meeting was spent brainstorming a list of service
organizations for profit providers that could be donors or sponsors for the event. Commissioner
Krongold stated she created an Excel spreadsheet that was emailed to everybody in the work
group and would provide copies to the Commission for next month's meeting.
Chair Lord-Hausman stated that a Resource Fair Overview has been sent to Board Secretary
Lucretia Akil for review by City staff and we are waiting for approval.
uucretia)CommDisability\Minutes(2009\Minutes_Final_Feb 23 2009.doc",CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities/2009-02-23.pdf
CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities,2009-02-23,4,"Commission on Disability Issues
February 23,
2009 Minutes
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Chair Lord-Hausman commended Commissioner Krongold for all of the work that she has done
on the Resource Fair, adding that it is moving ahead really well. The main challenge is the
location, as there has to be a balance between space, central location and accessibility. There is
no other central location that has the kind of accessibility and space that the O'Club offers. The
Commission will have to do a really good job of publicity.
Commissioner Berger asked about a school location to which Commissioner Krongold replied
parking would be an issue on a Saturday.
Chair Lord-Hausman stated there would be additional issues, including janitorial service, and
whether or not AUSD would be willing to donate that. The Special Olympics uses the Alameda
High School gym a lot, although Encinal High School has more parking, which can be discussed
at a later date. The O'Club also has tables and chairs.
Commissioner Krongold stated that Ms. Cheryl Fenner Brown, who teaches at Serendipity Yoga,
is trained to work with people with disabilities and will offer a chair yoga class at the Fair, which
will take place in a separate space from the tables due to the layout of the O' Club.
Chair Lord-Hausman said that everyone is invited to attend the March 9th group to which
Commissioner Krongold confirmed that it will be in the library at 6:30 P.M., in Room A, the
Community Room right near the Café.
2. Commission Disability Internet Webpage (Chair Lord-Hausman/Secretary Akil):
Update regarding the addition of an accessibility page onto the City's website.
Chair Lord-Hausman stated that she received the Internet webpage sample based on the
meeting with the City's IT staff and consultant and it looked pretty good. There has been no
recent follow up but the project is moving along.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
There was no staff communications.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS/NON-AGENDA ITEMS
1.
Commissioner Longley-Cook attended the Transportation Commission meeting and stated
that there is going to be a discussion regarding the 51-bus route. No other action was taken.
2.
Chair Lord-Hausman stated the City has just finalized the Bicycle Plan Task Force, which
Commissioner Kreitz has been a member. During that time, there were no scheduled
meetings, until the two meetings scheduled in March that will include working on the Bicycle
Master Plan. Commissioner Kreitz has also tendered her resignation due to heavy schedule
with work and a number of different things going on for her. She will no longer be on that
task force. Chair Lord-Hausman stated that she does not know how strongly the Commission
feels that there should be someone on the task force and asked if anyone would like to be? If
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CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities,2009-02-23,5,"Commission on Disability Issues
February 23,
2009 Minutes
Page 5 of 5
there is not a representative, the Commission will continue to get notifications from them and
should something be of interest, someone from the CDI can go attend or communicate in
writing.
Commissioner Longley-Cook stated that they do report to the Transportation Commission as
part of their meeting with the Bike Task Force.
Chair Lord-Hausman stated that everyone should be aware of people with disabilities on
bicycles.
3.
Chair Lord-Hausman received notice that the Miracle League is having a walk-run fundraiser
on Saturday March 21st called ""St. Paddy's Day Dash."" It is a three-mile fun run-walk along
the Alameda Beach and all proceeds go to the Alameda Miracle League. It starts at 9:00
A.M and they may like to have volunteers. The web site is Alamedadmiracle.org
4.
Chair Lord-Hausman stated that she had discussed the Resource Fair with an able-bodied
individual walker in her 70s, who indicated that she would like a psychologist to be included
in the fair resources, where an individual can talk to that person about how to talk to
someone with a disability in a sensitive manner. Commissioner Krongold responded that it
sounds like sensitivity training to which Chair Lord-Hausman stated that we would definitely
look for an appropriate person.
Chair Lord-Hausman also stated that she informed a few individuals that there are some
openings on the Commission as there is a need for more people. Some people might shy
away because they may not have a disability or feel right about serving on the CDI, which is
not the case. Individuals with sensitivity or openness are the type of people the CDI is
looking for. Chair Lord-Hausman stated that the name of the Commission might be off-
putting and suggested a name change to ""Commission on Disability Access."" Although, the
City may not be responsive to the name change and suggested discussion on this item for
another meeting date.
5.
Chair Lord-Hausman stated that there is a wonderful article in the NY Times on Universal
Design that specifically discusses changing the word disability to difference.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. The next scheduled meeting is Monday, March 23, 2009 at
7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lucretia A. Akil, Commission Secretary
G:\Lucretia)CommDisability\Minutes\2009\Minutes_Final_Feb 2",CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities/2009-02-23.pdf
PlanningBoard,2009-02-23,1,"MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PLANNING BOARD MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2009
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
2263 SANTA CLARA AVENUE - 7:00 PM
President Kohlstrand called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
FLAG SALUTE:
Board Member Cunningham
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT:
President Kohlstrand, Vice-President Ezzy Ashcraft
Board members, Cunningham, Cook, and Lynch were
present upon roll call.
ABSENT:
Board members Autorino and McNamara.
STAFF PRESENT:
Andrew
Thomas,
Planning
Services
Manager/Secretary to the Planning Board; Laura
Ajello Planner, Nancy McPeak, Executive
Assistant/Recording Secretary
MINUTES:
Minutes from the meeting of December 8, 2008
Continued to the meeting of March 9, 2009
Minutes from the meeting of January 12, 2009
Motion to Approve as Amended: APPROVED as
Amended 5-0-2.
5.
AGENDA CHANGES AND DISCUSSION:
NONE
6.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS:
Written Report
6-A. Future Agendas
Staff provided an update on upcoming Planning Board agenda items.
6-B Zoning Administrator Report
The Zoning Administrator meeting of January 20, 2009 was canceled.
7.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Page 1 of 4",PlanningBoard/2009-02-23.pdf
PlanningBoard,2009-02-23,2,"Anyone may address the Board on a topic not on the agenda under this item by
submitting a speaker's information slip, subject to the 5-minute time limit.
NONE
8.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Consent Calendar items are considered routine and will be enacted, approved or
adopted by one motion unless a request for removal for discussion or
explanation is received from the Planning Board or a member of the public by
submitting a speaker slip for that item.
8-A. Development Plan - DP07-0003 - Stargell Avenue Extension Master
Landscape Plan. The City of Alameda requests Development Plan approval for
a landscape master plan for the public right-of-way along the proposed Willie
Stargell Avenue extension to Webster Street. (DV) Staff is requesting a
continuance of this item to a future meeting date.
Motion to continue item: APPROVED for continuance 5-0-2.
9.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS:
9-A
Major Design Review - PLN08-0644 - 312 Sunset Road. The applicants
request Major Design Review approval for a 1,100 square foot second story
addition, a 41 square foot ground floor addition and new covered front porch to
the existing 1,255 square foot residence. The ground floor addition is located at
the interior side of the L- shaped building. The second story will be set back 37
feet from the front property line. A clay tile roof is proposed and the proposed
building will be approximately 22 feet in height. (LA)
Staff presented a Power Point presentation outlining the project.
The public hearing was opened.
Robert Pennell of Jarvis Architects, the architect for the project spoke in favor of the
project. He stated that the planned staircase window will be moved up to the second
story to be in line with the other windows.
Vice President Ezzy Ashcraft asked it the other two windows were going to be opaque
to help with the privacy issue.
Mr. Pennell stated that the windows, which are in the bedrooms, were going to be clear
and not opaque although they would have curtains.
Vice President Ezzy Ashcraft asked if there is an upper deck planned for off of the
bedrooms in the rear.
Mr. Pennell stated that there are not any decks planned.
Page 2 of 4",PlanningBoard/2009-02-23.pdf
PlanningBoard,2009-02-23,3,"The public hearing was closed for Board discussion.
Vice President Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she walked around the neighborhood and
although the proposed design is a departure from the current architectural style of the
neighborhood an addition that is done well can be an asset to the area. She feels that
the design is very attractive. Vice President Ezzy Ashcraft would like to see more
consideration given to the neighbors privacy concerns, possibly frosted glass in the
windows.
Board member Cunningham stated that he has no problem with the project and that it
meets the levels of the law. He does not want to see a precedence set to require
anyone putting an addition on a home be required to put frosted glass in the bedrooms.
He stated that from an architectural point of view the project is a good addition to the
neighborhood.
Board member Cook stated that she is comfortable with the addition and is glad to see
the back staircase window raised to the second story. She also feels that the
neighborhood will see a lot of additions to the existing homes in the future. She stated
to not allow the project would be effectively down zoning the neighborhood.
Board member Lynch complimented staff on the comprehensive report. He does not
have any issues with the design and is surprised that more homes in the neighborhood
have not been remodeled. He stated that the project is good for the neighborhood and
the City and thanked the homeowner for bringing the board a project of value.
Board member Cook stated that she was very pleased with the shade study done on
the project and found it very easy to read. The Board agreed that the shade studies
and staff reports for future projects should be as clear and easy to read as these
documents.
Vice President Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she likes the idea of a tile roof from a fire
safety standpoint.
President Kohlstrand stated that she also agrees that it is a good design and a welcome
modification to the neighborhood. She complimented staff on the through presentation.
She is concerned with the number of neighbors that wrote in to object the project. She
stated that the whole area was developed at the same time and it is the last street in the
area to be upgraded.
Board member Cunningham warned that any requirement for trees in the rear yard
could cause shade issues with an adjacent property.
Mr. Pennell stated that it is important to have the two parties get together and agree on
the landscaping that is to be used for screening. He stated that getting the neighbors to
work together is the solution.
Page 3 of 4",PlanningBoard/2009-02-23.pdf
PlanningBoard,2009-02-23,4,"President Kohlstrand stated that in terms of conditions there needs to be one regarding
the landscaping along the rear property line and one for moving the stairwell window to
the second story. She also stated that there has been no decision to require opaque or
frosted windows in the second story bedrooms.
Vice President Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she would like to see the Planners on such
additions to not just look at the project but look at the adjacent homes and respect
everyone's need for privacy.
Board member Lynch suggested that the property owner and the neighbor work out the
landscaping plans themselves and agree on such plans.
President Kohlstrand stated that the conditions for approval are that the rear stairwell
window be moved to the second story and that a discussion take place between the
property owner and the adjacent rear property owner regarding the screening.
Motion was made by Board member Cook to approve the project with the
aforementioned conditions and seconded by Board member Lynch.
The motion passed with the following voice vote - Ayes: 5; Noes: 0; Absent: 2; Abstain:
O.
10.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
None.
11.
BOARD COMMUNICATIONS
Board members may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement or
make a brief report on his or her activities. In addition, the Board may provide a referral
to staff or other resources for factual information, request staff to report back to the body
at a subsequent meeting concerning a City matter or, through the chair, direct staff to
place a request to agendize a matter of business on a future agenda.
Vice President Ezzy Ashcraft suggested that the Board members turn in their packet
envelopes at the meetings to be reused for future packets.
12. ADJOURNMENT:
7:56 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrew Thomas, Secretary
City Planning Board
This meeting was audio and video taped.
Page 4 of 4",PlanningBoard/2009-02-23.pdf