body,date,page,text,path
CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities,2010-03-22,1,"APPROVED
COMMISSION ON DISABILITY ISSUES
MEETING MINUTES OF
March 22, 2010
TIME
The meeting convened at 6:38 P.M.
PRESENT
Chair Krongold, Vice-Chair Tam, Commissioners Lord-Hausman, Fort, Kirola,
Moore and Warren.
ABSENT:
None.
MINUTES
The February 22, 2010 minutes were approved with corrections.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS/NON-AGENDA (PUBLIC COMMENT)
1.
Commissioner Lord-Hausman introduced Mr. John Knox-White, former member of the
Transportation Commission, and requested that he provide an overview on changes to various
AC-Transit bus routes and the effects it will have on Alameda.
Mr. Knox-White stated that AC Transit is cutting its overall services by nine percent. The
biggest change for Alameda is Line 19, which runs down Buena Vista Avenue, is ending
because of low rider-ship and it is a quarter-mile from Line 51. AC Transit determined that most
people could walk the several blocks to the Line 51. AC Transit conducted an analysis, which
included feedback from the West End community, regarding compliance with Title VI involving
impacts to low-income communities. An additional change, Line 31 will now run to Alameda
Point instead of Line 63.
Commissioner Kirola asked if Line 63, which connects to the Fruitvale BART Station, would
end. Mr. Knox-White responded yes it would, however, Line 0 will run down Fruitvale to High
Street, but the schedule would be irregular.
Mr. Knox-White further stated that Line 51 will cut off at Rockridge which will allow buses to
run more frequently in Alameda. Line 51 would also travel to Fruitvale BART station.
Commissioner Lord-Hausman stated that a member from PAPCO expressed concern over Line
19 being cancelled and Public Works Department is reviewing the new fixed shuttle route.
Chair Krongold asked when do all of these changes take affect to which Mr. Knox-White
responded next Sunday, March 28th
Mr. Knox-White stated that Line 50 would no longer go to the airport so the new Line 21 will
cut off at the shopping center on Bay Farm Island.
Commissioner Kirola asked if the Line O bus would stay the same to which Mr. Knox-White",CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities/2010-03-22.pdf
CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities,2010-03-22,2,"Commission on Disability Issues
March 22, 2010
Page 2 of 4
responded yes.
Commissioner Fort asked about the rationale for eliminating certain stops along Lines 50 and 21.
Mr. Knox-White responded no rationale was provided for why AC Transit is eliminating certain
stops.
Chair Krongold thanked Mr. Knox-White for attending the meeting and providing the
Commission with the latest information regarding AC Transit route changes.
4.
NEW BUSINESS
4-A.
Annual Statements of Economic Interest Form 700 (Secretary Akil)
Secretary Akil distributed the Annual Statement of Economic Interest Form 700, which was
completed by all of the Commissioner's present. Secretary Akil will forward the completed
forms to the City Clerk's Office.
4-B. ADA Transition Plan Update (Secretary Akil)
Secretary Akil gave a presentation on the July 2008 adopted ADA Transition Plan update
and provided information concerning on-going and upcoming ADA project-related work in
the City. Secretary Akil also confirmed that the budget for ADA improvements has been cut
heavily, in light of the downturn of the economy, however, Capital Improvement Projects
(CIP) are budgeted annually, but on a smaller scale.
Commissioner Lord-Hausman asked if the ADA button at the main Fire Station on Park
Street had been fixed, to which Secretary Akil responded she did not know, but assured the
Commission that she will follow up with AFD staff for affirmative correction.
Chair Krongold asked how projects are prioritized in both volumes of the ADA Update.
Secretary Akil responded that the consultant, Sally Swanson Architects, recommended a list
of projects based on highest priority. Commissioner Lord-Hausman stated that Public Works
prioritizes projects, such as sidewalks, as high priority.
5.
OLD BUSINESS
5-A.
Transition Information Faire - College of Alameda (Chair Krongold)
Chair Krongold stated that the Commission would participate in the College of Alameda's
Transition Information Faire. Commissioner Kirola will start the event at 9:30 A.M. Chair
Krongold will cover from 11:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. and Commissioner Warren will be there
from 1:00 - 3:00 P.M. The Chair distributed registration forms for the Faire.
5-B.
CDI Vision Planning (Chair Krongold)
G:\Lucretia)CommDisability\Minutes)2010\Minutes_Mar 222010.doc",CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities/2010-03-22.pdf
CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities,2010-03-22,3,"Commission on Disability Issues
March 22, 2010
Page 3 of 4
Chair Krongold asked if the CDI had any further input regarding this year's planning.
Commissioner Lord-Hausman stated that she and Vice-Chair Tam will meet up with ESL
students and families to follow up with the Social Service Human Relations Board (SSHRB)
and Alameda Family Literacy as previously indicated.
Chair Krongold asked Commissioner Warren if she had any follow up information regarding
contacting the First Lady of the State, Maria Shriver. Commissioner Warren responded that
Ms. Shriver is the Chair Person of the ""We"" and is interested in working with those with
intellectual disabilities. The Commission would have to have an event, such as a celebration
of the 20-year anniversary of the ADA in order for Ms. Shriver to attend.
Commissioner Moore suggested that Comissioner Warren check with Safeway regarding
their disability event, which garnered the presence of Ms. Shriver. Commissioner Lord-
Hausman stated that Safeway has a foundation and suggested that Commissioner Warren
follow up with their foundation as well.
5-C.
Alameda Multicultural Community Center (Chair Krongold)
Chair Krongold stated that the Commission has two upcoming film events and a sub-
committee has been formed to assist in coordinating those events.
Commissioner Lord-Hausman stated she, Vice-Chair Tam and Ms. Holder met regarding the
films, press release and flier, which has already been sent out to the press and will be
distributed to all those listed on the Alameda Multicultural Center's distribution list. There
will be a panel discussion following the film; Commissioner Warren and Anne Steiner will
be on the panel. Chair Krongold will be the moderator of the panel. The event will be held
from 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. on Friday, April 16th with Q&A following the film.
Commissioner Moore stated the second film event is Saturday, April 24th and will show
a
film, ""Autism: The Musical. There will be a discussion panel following the movie. Both
the School District and Regional Center will participate and distribute fliers. Starbucks will
donate refreshments and Commissioner Moore stated that she is the moderator.
Commissioner Moore also distributed a draft color flier, which the Commission supports.
6.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
6-A.
Secretary Akil read correspondences from BART, regarding participation in transit decision-
making and Mastick Senior Center, regarding Paratransit services in the City.
7.
ANNOUCEMENTS
7-A. Commissioner Moore spoke about transitioning her son from public school to home-school
:\Lucretia)CommDisability\Minutes\2010\Minutes_Mar 222010.doc",CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities/2010-03-22.pdf
CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities,2010-03-22,4,"Commission on Disability Issues
March 22, 2010
Page 4 of 4
due to his autism. He attended the Autism Treatment Center of America. She stated that she
will follow up with individual members of the Commission for input, ideas and suggestions,
to which the Commission was supportive.
7-B.
Commissioner Lord-Hausman stated that she and Vice-Chair Tam attended a meeting of the
Youth Collaborative, which is submitting an application for the ""100 Best Communities of
the Nation."" Commissioner Lord-Hausman pointed out that between the CDI Fair, Film
Festivals among other various activities that the CDI has either sponsored or participated in
represents one aspect of why the Collaborative is doing the application. The website is
americaspromise.org
8.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. The next scheduled meeting is Monday, April 26, 2010
at 6:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Lucretia Akil
Board Secretary
G:\Lucretia)CommDisability\Minutes\2010\Minutes_Mar 222010.d0c",CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities/2010-03-22.pdf
PlanningBoard,2010-03-22,1,"APPROVED
MEETING MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY OF ALAMEDA PLANNING BOARD
MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2010
1.
CONVENE:
7:09 p.m.
2.
FLAG SALUTE:
Board Member Cunningham
3.
ROLL CALL:
Present: President Ezzy Ashcraft, Vice-President Autorino,
Board members Cook, Cunningham, Kohlstrand, and Lynch
Absent: Board Member Zuppan
4.
MINUTES:
Minutes from the meeting of February 22, 2010
Approved 5-1 (Kohlstrand abstained)
Minutes from the meeting of March 8, 2010
Approved 4-2 (Cook & Lynch abstained)
5.
AGENDA CHANGES AND DISCUSSION:
None.
6.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS:
Written Report
6-A
Future Agendas
Staff presented an overview of future Planning Board hearings.
President Ezzy Ashcraft asked why the Transportation Thresholds of Significance item is
being continued to a future meeting and not a certain date.
The Planning Services Manager stated that the item is still being worked on in coordination
with the Public Works Department. He stated that there will be a specific date by the next
meeting.
6-B
Zoning Administrator Report
Staff noted the Zoning Administrator meeting of March 2, 2010 was canceled due to a lack
of items.
Draft Meeting Minutes March 22, 2010
Page 1 of 5",PlanningBoard/2010-03-22.pdf
PlanningBoard,2010-03-22,2,"Oral Report
A.
Alameda Point Update
Staff reported that the City of Alameda is still working with SunCal who has
submitted a revised alternate development application
B.
Boatworks Update and Draft Environmental Impact Report
Staff reported that the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the project located at
Clement Avenue and Oak Street has just been released. There will be a public
hearing at the Regular Planning Board meeting on April 26, 2010 to discuss the
project.
7.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
None
8.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
8-A Density Bonus Ordinance - Applicant - City of Alameda. Proposed caps
and limits on concessions and/or incentives for Density Bonus Projects on sitesina
residential zone district or a site with a general plan land use
designation
of
residential. Staff is requesting a continuance of this item to the
Regular
Planning Meeting of April 12, 2010.
8-B Transportation Thresholds of Significance - Applicant - City of Alameda.
The Planning Board will hold a hearing to consider an amendment to the City of
Alameda thresholds of significance for use in the environmental review process for
new projects subject to the California Environmental Quality Act. Staff is
requesting a continuance of this item.
Approved 6-0
9.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS:
9-A
Civic Center Vision. A presentation of preliminary concepts for the Civic Center
area of Alameda. This item is informational only. No action is required. The
presentation is available for public review on the City of Alameda web site at
www.ci.alameda.ca.us
The Planning Services Manager presented the project.
Board member Cook stated that the concept is very interesting although she had
questions about the process.
The Planning Services Manager responded that the process is different because the
conceptual plan has been developed to help elicit input from the community.
Board member Cook asked if there were going to be any community workshops or
Planning Board workshops concerning the plan.
Draft Meeting Minutes March 22, 2010
Page 2 of 5",PlanningBoard/2010-03-22.pdf
PlanningBoard,2010-03-22,3,"The Planning Services Manager stated that there would be workshops but believes
having an idea of what could work in the Civic Center area will allow for a more
comprehensive discussion.
Board member Lynch stated that he thinks the plan is fantastic and enjoyed the
style of the presentation. He asked if the cost for the project has been investigated.
The Planning Services Manager responded that the only building that has had any
cost examination is the Carnegie.
Keith McCoy of Urban Community Partners, a Real Estate consulting firm, stated
that he worked on the project and worked with a very small budget and tight
timeline. They took into consideration the existing assets that the City of Alameda
already has and built around that.
Board member Cunningham asked what the City Council's reaction to the plan was.
The Planning Services Manager stated that their reaction was very positive and the
main concern is ""what's next"" and ""how do we get it done?""
President Ezzy Ashcraft stated that see loves the ideas for the Civic Center. She is
concerned that the Webster Street Business District desperately needs the City's
attention and feels that it should be a bigger priority at this time.
Board member Lynch agrees that this type of presentation would be beneficial for
the Webster Street corridor and it would be helpful to begin generating interest and
that would allow this district to become a civic priority as well. He suggested that the
Community Development Department keep that in mind as a future possibility.
President Ezzy Ashcraft opened the public comment period.
Richard Rutter of the Alameda Architectural Preservation Society passed out
information to the Planning Board members. He spoke in favor of the plan and
added some suggestions.
David Baker commented that he is concerned with the idea of three and four story
buildings along Oak Street and Santa Clara Avenue. He feels that the large
buildings would over shadow the historic buildings in the Civic Center area. He
suggested that a pedestrian mall be added between Lincoln Avenue and Santa
Clara Avenue along Oak Street.
Dorothy Freeman voiced her concern about the cost to complete the plan and the
additional traffic businesses and housing would bring. She mentioned other
potential projects that are being considered in the area that would also contribute to
the traffic congestion.
Draft Meeting Minutes March 22, 2010
Page 3 of 5",PlanningBoard/2010-03-22.pdf
PlanningBoard,2010-03-22,4,"Kathy Moering of the West Alameda Business Association stated that she was
surprised that all of this effort has gone into this plan and no consideration has been
given to the Webster Street Business District. She feels that the Webster Street
area has been neglected while the Park Street area has been receiving all of the
City's attention.
Corinne Lambden stated that she is very impressed by the design. She is
concerned with the size of the proposal for the CVS site on the corner of Santa
Clara Avenue and Oak Street.
Christopher Buckley of the Alameda Architectural Preservation Society stated that
he is please to see the preservation of the gas station and the Towata Flowers
buildings. He is concerned with the proposal for the CVS site and believes it needs
more setbacks from the street to preserve the view of the Carnegie Building.
Karen Bay spoke in favor of the project and the fact that there is not a developer in
charge of the vision and it is being prepared prior to involving a developer. She
believes that the west end needs attention but believes that this project could be a
model for the redevelopment of Webster Street.
Nancy Hurd of the Alameda Architectural Preservation Society stated that she is
also concerned with the corner of Oak Street and Santa Clara Avenue. She doesn't
understand why Alameda feels like it needs to be a big city, it is attractive for its
small town feel. She believes that the charm is being removed from the downtown
area.
President Ezzy Ashcraft closed the public comment period.
Board member Kohlstrand stated that she thinks the plan is wonderful although she
is frustrated that there has been very little input from the Community and the
Planning Board and feels that needs to take place prior to any action being
taken on this plan. She likes the design and the use of the under utilized parking
lots. She agrees that there should be attention given to the Webster Street area.
Board member Cunningham stated that he feels that the plan raises questions, but
thinks it is a great start.
Board member Cook agrees with all of the previous comments on the plan. She
feels it is important for everyone to be aware of what the process is going to be and
referenced the Downtown Vision done in 2000. She mentioned that the previous
plan focused around a civic gathering place were the City could hold civic
celebrations and she would like to see that concept retained in the new plan. She
feels that any idea to hide the side of the parking garage is a good idea. She
also mentioned the idea of ""wrapped parking lots"" which has the parking on the
inside of the site with retail wrapped around the perimeter.
Board member Kohlstrand mentioned that in Portland, Oregon the street level
parking lots have street vendors located at the edges of the lots.
Draft Meeting Minutes March 22, 2010
Page 4 of 5",PlanningBoard/2010-03-22.pdf
PlanningBoard,2010-03-22,5,"President Ezzy Ashcraft asked if the plan needs to wait until CVS is willing to move
and if they have shown any interest in moving.
The Planning Services Manager stated that they are not fond of with the location
and would prefer to be on Park Street.
President Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she has always found lot C, between Central
Avenue and Alameda Avenue, to be problematic and not pedestrian friendly. She
also asked that a pedestrian crossing directly outside of the theater be considered.
She agreed with the other Board members that the Community needs to be involved
in the planning of the Civic Center. She asked staff what the next steps are for the
project.
The Planning Services Manager reported that there will be a forthcoming ""Vision
Book"" to accompany the drawings which will have written information and a project
schedule.
Board member Cunningham stated the he does believe that having the drawings
will inspire good input from the Community.
Board member Kohlstrand stated that there needs to be a balancing of the process
between the public and the City.
Board member Cook believes that the process needs to be more transparent to
allow the public to understand the plan and process more fully.
10.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
None.
11.
BOARD COMMUNICATIONS:
None.
12.
ADJOURNMENT: 9:55 p.m.
Draft Meeting Minutes March 22, 2010
Page 5 of 5",PlanningBoard/2010-03-22.pdf