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CityCouncil,2011-02-01,1,"MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY--FEBRUARY - 1, 2011-- - -7:00 P.M.
Mayor Gilmore convened the meeting at 8:28 p.m.
ROLL CALL -
Present:
Councilmembers Bonta, deHaan, Tam and Mayor
Gilmore - 4.
Absent:
Councilmember Johnson - 1.
AGENDA CHANGES
None.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY & ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
(11-049) Michael John Torrey, Alameda, presented a plaque to Mayor Gilmore.
(11-050) Jenny Lee, Oakland, discussed problems with her use of the Library and
submitted information.
(11-051) Kathy Moehring, Alameda, discussed the West Alameda Business Association
cutting the Executive Director position.
(11-052) Adam Gillitt, Alameda, discussed correspondence received from the City
Attorney's office being posted to a blog.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Gilmore announced that the Bills [paragraph no. 11-054 and the Resolution
Opposing the Governor's Proposal [paragraph no. 11-059 were removed from the
Consent Calendar for discussion.
Councilmember deHaan moved approval of the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
Vice Mayor Bonta seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4.
[Absent: Councilmember Johnson - 1.] [Note: Mayor Gilmore abstained from voting on
the Minutes.] [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the
paragraph number.]
(*11-053) Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting Held on January 18, 2011.
Approved.
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February 1, 2011",CityCouncil/2011-02-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2011-02-01,2,"Mayor Gilmore abstained from voting on the Minutes.
(11-054) Ratified bills in the amount of $4,964,627.05.
The speaker withdrew his speaker slip.
Councilmember Tam moved approval of the bills.
Vice Mayor Bonta seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4.
[Absent: Councilmember Johnson - 1.]
(*11-055) Recommendation to Award a Contract in the Amount of $234,000 to
Columbia Electric, Authorize a Twenty Percent Contingency to Implement the
Woodstock to Webster Street Neighborhood Improvement Project, and Authorize the
Acting City Manager to Execute the Contract and Related Documents. Accepted.
(*11-056) Recommendation to Award a Contract in the Amount of $185,831, including
Contingencies, to Waterworks Engineers for the Preparation of Engineering Documents
for the Upgrade of the City of Alameda Sewer Pump Stations, Phase 3: Bay Farm
Island Pump Station Rehabilitation, No. P.W. 12-10-35. Accepted.
(*11-057) Resolution No. 14547, ""Appointing an Engineer and an Attorney for Island
City Landscaping and Lighting District 84-2. Adopted.
(*11-058) Resolution No. 14548, ""Appointing an Engineer and an Attorney for
Maintenance Assessment District 01-1 (Marina Cove)."" Adopted.
(11-059) Resolution No. 14549, ""Opposing the Governor's Proposal to Abolish
Redevelopment Agencies in California."" Adopted.
The Deputy City Manager - Development Services gave a brief presentation.
Councilmember Tam requested staff to address whether schools would benefit if
redevelopment funds were not preserved.
The Deputy City Manager - Development Services stated currently, funding is based
upon attendance; there is no direct relationship between property tax generated and
how much money schools receive.
Councilmember Tam stated the 2010 budget reflects that the State took $2 million; the
School District indicated it receives less money from the State; School Board Member
Mike McMahon stated the State would have given the School District less money if the
City gave the School District funding for the Woodstock Child Redevelopment Program.
The Acting City Manager stated the State would have withdrawn a proportionate
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CityCouncil,2011-02-01,3,"amount of funding to the School District if the City was able to give the School District
money for the Woodstock Child Redevelopment Program.
Speaker: Trish Herrera Spencer, Alameda; Gretchen Lipow, Alameda (submitted
handout); Robb Ratto, PSBA; and Ashley Jones, Alameda.
Mayor Gilmore requested that redevelopment information be posted on the City's
website.
Councilmember deHaan stated many funding streams and programs are in question at
this time; mandated programs are fighting against social programs; the City has
paramount projects moving forward; SunCal wanted $200 million for infrastructure to
come from bonding.
Councilmember Tam stated that she and the Acting City Manager attended a briefing
with Senator Loni Hancock and State Treasurer Bill Lockyer; the dire strait of the State's
budget was discussed; the State budget will be in a downward spiral without job
creation; the City is trying to position itself to attract the America's Cup, create
infrastructure, and be competitive for the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
project; pitting one major important cause against another is unfortunate; Council is very
supportive of the School District.
Councilmember Tam moved adoption of the resolution.
Vice Mayor Bonta seconded the motion, with the caveat to add language regarding the
State's budget difficulty and some expression of support for exploring appropriate ways
to resolve the issue.
Under discussion, Mayor Gilmore stated the Governor used redevelopment successfully
in Oakland; proposing such a drastic cut is a little disingenuous.
Councilmember deHaan stated the climate is not getting better; the City cannot afford to
lose the momentum.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent:
Councilmember Johnson - 1.]
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(11-060) Public Hearing to Consider Introduction of Ordinance Amending Sections 30-6,
30-36, and 30-37 of the Alameda Municipal Code to Improve the Design Review and
Sign Ordinance Provisions for the City of Alameda. Introduced.
The Planning Services Manager gave a brief presentation.
Speaker: Chris Buckley, Alameda Architectural Preservation Society (AAPS).
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February 1, 2011",CityCouncil/2011-02-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2011-02-01,4,"The Planning Services Manager responded the Building Official provides newspaper
articles; stated that he could co-write articles on things to consider when buying a home
and on architectural preservation; effectively communicating in another language is very
challenging.
Councilmember Tam stated ethnic media, such as the World Journal, would be happy
to translate the article in a different language.
The Planning Services Manager stated staff would look into the matter.
Vice Mayor Bonta stated posting handouts in different languages on the website would
be helpful; making the experience more pleasant, less time consuming, and simpler
would be good; staff should continue to find ways to improve the experience.
The Planning Services Manager stated staff is starting to provide one-page handouts.
Mayor Gilmore stated packets should be sent to large realty companies; staff should
talk to head brokers because realty companies often have agents who specialize in
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February 1, 2011",CityCouncil/2011-02-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2011-02-01,5,"older homes.
The Planning Services Manager stated the Community Development Department has a
Customer Service Improvement Committee that is in the loop and can help.
Councilmember Tam moved introduction of the ordinance, with changes suggested by
AAPS.
Councilmember deHaan seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote -
4. [Absent: Councilmember Johnson - 1.]
(11-061) Introduction of Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding
Section 3-7 at Article I, (Finance) of Chapter III (Finance and Taxation), Regulating
Holders of State Video Franchises. Introduced.
The Public Works Director gave a presentation.
Mayor Gilmore inquired whether funds could be used to upgrade the Chamber's audio
equipment, to which the Public Works Director responded staff is looking into the
matter.
The Acting City Manager stated the City Clerk's Office is putting forth a request to do
some significant audio/visual upgrades; band-aids are not working.
Councilmember Tam moved introduction of the ordinance.
Vice Mayor seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent:
Councilmember Johnson - 1.]
Vice Mayor deHaan stated AT&T is starting to provide Internet services.
The Acting City Manager stated staff has a conference call scheduled tomorrow with
AT&T to discuss broadcasting the public channel.
The Public Works Director stated the City has received its first franchise check from
AT&T in the amount of $200.
Councilmember deHaan stated Comcast has a local studio in Hayward; having AT&T
provide a local studio would be nice.
The Public Works Director stated the State issues franchises; providing a local studio is
no longer required.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
(11-062) Overview of SB 375, the Regional Sustainable Communities Strategy and the
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Alameda City Council
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February 1, 2011",CityCouncil/2011-02-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2011-02-01,6,"Opportunities for Involvement by the City of Alameda
The Planning Services Manager gave an overview of the regional process.
Councilmember Tam stated SB 375 has become a very controversial issue with the
League of California Cities; inquired how the City would meet regional goals and
obligations under the Sustainable Communities Strategy in light of the status of
Alameda Point; stated the City does not have a certified Housing Element.
The Planning Services Manager responded Alameda Point and regional planning efforts
are happening simultaneously; stated planning Alameda Point will be easier once the
State regional housing numbers come out; Alameda Landing is entitled; the Northern
Waterfront is more difficult to predict; Alameda Point is the big issue; all processes are
in the same timeframe.
Mayor Gilmore stated the City has always felt that the Association of Bay Area
Government's (ABAG's) obligated number has been disjointed; the new process allows
more input.
The Planning Services Manager concurred with Mayor Gilmore; stated Oakland
understands how housing in Alameda would affect its transportation system.
Mayor Gilmore inquired when the City's next Housing Element would be due, assuming
the process stays on schedule.
The Planning Services Manager responded that he is not sure; stated the current cycle
is
for 2007-2014; the City will not know its allocation until late 2012 or early 2013 and
cannot start the process without knowing said allocation.
Vice Mayor Bonta stated the City has a current allocation but does not have a certified
Housing Element; having a certified Housing Element should be a priority.
The Planning Services Manager stated the Planning Board has requested a status
report; a draft Housing Element has been prepared and has been sent to the State.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether ABAG came back with a modified position.
The Planning Services Manager responded the housing allocation for the current cycle
is approximately 2,000 units which is about as aggressive as the last cycle; stated the
number of units is not the tough issue; the issue is affordability; 1,000 of the 2,000 units
have to be affordable; the change between the 1993 Housing Element and the current
Housing Element is that the State assumes affordability would be possible with 30 units;
by nature, high density housing is affordable.
Councilmember deHaan stated 2,000 homes is not that aggressive considering the
Northern Waterfront, Alameda Point, and Alameda Landing.
Regular Meeting
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February 1, 2011",CityCouncil/2011-02-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2011-02-01,7,"The Deputy City Manager - Development Services stated the 2,000 units is for 2007-
2014.
The Planning Services Manager stated the City has always been able to show that it
has land; affordability is the issue.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether all County cities are seated and participating
in the new process, to that the Planning Services Manager responded in the affirmative.
(11-063) Presentation on Redevelopment Funding
The Deputy City Manager - Development Services gave a brief presentation.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
None.
COUNCIL REFERRALS
None.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(11-064) Consideration of Mayor's Nomination for Appointment to the Planning Board.
Mayor Gilmore nominated Charles Patrick Wallis for appointment to the Planning Board.
(11-065) Mayor Gilmore gave a report on her trip to Washington D.C. to attend the U.S.
Conference of Mayors.
(11-066) Councilmember Tam gave a report on the Environmental Quality Policy
Committee, the ABAG presentation on the 50th anniversary, the League of California
Cities East Bay Division meeting, and a briefing given by Senator Loni Hancock and
California Treasurer Bill Lockyer.
ADJOURNMENT
(11-067) There being no further business, Mayor Gilmore adjourned the meeting in
memory of former School Board Member Berresford Bingham at 10:23 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
Regular Meeting
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February 1, 2011",CityCouncil/2011-02-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2011-02-01,8,"The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act.
Regular Meeting
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February 1, 2011",CityCouncil/2011-02-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2011-02-01,9,"MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- - FEBRUARY 1, 2011 - -5:30 P.M.
Mayor Gilmore convened the meeting at 5:30 p.m.
Roll Call - Present:
Councilmembers Bonta, deHaan, Johnson, Tam and Mayor
Gilmore - 5.
Absent:
None.
Speakers: Domenick Weaver, Alameda Firefighters; Jeff Del Bono, Alameda City
Firefighters 689; and Lance Leibnitz, Alameda Police Department.
The meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider:
(11-043) Conference with Labor Negotiators; Agency negotiators: Joe Wiley, Craig Jory
and Human Resources Director; Employee organizations: Alameda City Employees
Association, Alameda Fire Managers Association, Alameda Police Managers
Association, Alameda Police Officers Association, Alameda Police Officers Non-Sworn,
International Association of Firefighters, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers,
and Management and Confidential Employees Association.
Following the Closed Session, the meeting was reconvened and Mayor Gilmore
announced that the Labor Negotiators discussed bargaining issues related to the
International Association of Fire Fighters and Council provided direction; Labor
Negotiators discussed bargaining issues related to the Alameda Police Officers
Association and Council provided direction.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Gilmore adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act.
Special Meeting
Alameda City Council
February 1, 2011",CityCouncil/2011-02-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2011-02-01,10,"MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL,
ALAMEDA REUSE AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (ARRA),
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION (CIC), AND HOUSING
AUTHORITY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS (HABOC) MEETING
TUESDAY- - - FEBRUARY 1, 2011- - -6:59 P.M.
Mayor/Chair Gilmore convened the meeting at 7:47 p.m. Commissioner Allen led the
Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL -
Present:
Commissioner Allen, Councilmembers / Board
Members/Commissioners Bonta, deHaan, Tam and
Mayor/Chair Gilmore - 5.
Absent:
Councilmember/Board
Member/Commissioner
-
Johnson - 1.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor/Chair Gilmore announced that the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Audited Financial
Statements [paragraph no. 11-046 CC/11-009 ARRA/11-006 CIC was removed from
the Consent Calendar for discussion.
Councilmember/Board Member/Commissioner deHaan moved approval of the
remainder of the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember/Board Member/Commissioner Tam seconded the motion, which carried
by unanimous voice vote - 5. [Note: Mayor/Chair Gilmore abstained from voting on the
Minutes.] [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the
paragraph number.]
(*11-044 CC/11-004 CIC/HABOC) Minutes of the Special Joint City Council, CIC and
Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Meeting Held on January 18, 2011.
Approved.
Mayor/Chair Gilmore abstained from voting on the Minutes.
(*11-045 CC/11-008 ARRA/11-005 CIC) Recommendation to Accept the Quarterly
Financial Report through September 30, 2010. Accepted.
(11-046 CC/11-009 ARRA/11-006 CIC) Recommendation to Accept the Fiscal Year
2009-2010 Audited Financial Statements and Compliance Reports. Accepted.
The Controller gave a brief presentation.
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council, Alameda Reuse
and Redevelopment Authority, Community
1
Improvement Commission, and Housing
Authority Board of Commissioners
February 1, 2011",CityCouncil/2011-02-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2011-02-01,11,"Speaker: Kevin Kearney, City Auditor.
Councilmember/Board Member/Commissioner Tam inquired how the City is paying
down the Other Post Employment Benefit (OPEB) liability.
The Controller responded the City is taking the ""pay as you go"" approach; stated Fiscal
Year 2009-2010 payments totaled approximately $2 million.
Councilmember/Board Member/Commissioner Tam stated the City has a significant
[General Fund] fund balance; inquired whether the fund balance could be used to pay
the OPEB liability.
The Controller responded the General Fund can be used for anything; stated the
unrestricted reserve is approximately $15 million which is approximately 20% of the
budget; Council might want to consider beefing up the set aside reserves in the Internal
Service Funds; the funds could be used to pay down some of the OPEB liability.
Mayor/Chair Gilmore stated the General Fund reserve balance has gone up because
maintenance projects have stopped; two years ago, the General Fund balance was $6
million; the balance has more than doubled in two years; questioned how the increase
happened in the middle of the worst depression since the 1930's; stated property
transfer tax and sales tax revenues have gone down; the Planning and Building
Department's salary savings should have been a net neutral.
The Controller responded that he would research [the reason for the increase in the
General Fund] and come back to Council.
Councilmember/Board Member/Commissioner deHaan inquired how deferred
maintenance is addressed in the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR);
stated deferred maintenance totals $79 million.
The Controller responded Governmental Accounting Standard Board 34 has changed
how financials are presented; stated cities need to perform a complete infrastructure
inventory; the City took an estimated cost approach to determine the useful life on
various types of infrastructure and assets; page 45 has a line for enterprise activity
related to ferry services, the Golf Course, and Sewer Fund; depreciation should be
funded at a bare minimum in order to keep operation levels the same.
Councilmember/Board Member/Commissioner deHaan stated the Fiscal Sustainability
Committee came up with a $79 million figure [for deferred maintenance]; that he does
not see the amount referenced in the report; inquired whether reporting is required.
The Controller responded depreciation could be reported in two ways: as an estimated
cost or modified approach.
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council, Alameda Reuse
and Redevelopment Authority, Community
2
Improvement Commission, and Housing
Authority Board of Commissioners
February 1, 2011",CityCouncil/2011-02-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2011-02-01,12,"Councilmember/Board Member/Commissioner deHaan stated that he does not see
anything reflected in the report.
The Controller stated depreciation is reflected in the budget.
The Acting City Manager stated the CAFR has to follow specific guidelines.
Mayor/Chair Gilmore stated the Internal Service Funds have been running $800,000 to
$1 million in the negative; questioned how the negative has been reduced to $200,000.
Councilmember/Board Member/Commissioner Tam stated that she is looking for clues
on why the General Fund doubled; the Charter requires Alameda Municipal Power
(AMP) to transfer excess earnings to the General Fund; AMP did not have excess
earnings in Fiscal Year 2009/2010 but still transferred $2.8 million.
The Acting City Manager stated the Public Utilities Board (PUB) has an interest in
supporting the City.
The Acting City Attorney stated the PUB has made the same transfer over the past
several years.
The Controller stated an $800,000 one-time catch up payment was made this year.
Councilmember/Board Member/Commissioner deHaan moved approval of the staff
recommendation.
Vice Mayor/Board Member/Commissioner Bonta seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent: Councilmember/Board Member/Commissioner
Johnson - 1.]
(*HABOC) Recommendation to Authorize the Acting Chief Executive Officer to
Negotiate and Execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Islander Motel Property
Located at 2428 Central Avenue. Accepted.
AGENDA ITEMS
(11-047 CC) Resolution No. 14545, ""Approving and Authorizing Execution of a Public
Improvements Reimbursement Agreement between the City of Alameda and
Community Improvement Commission for the Alameda Point Improvement Project
Area."" Adopted;
(11-007 CIC) Resolution No. 11-175, ""Approving and Authorizing Execution of a Public
Improvements Reimbursement Agreement between the City of Alameda and
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council, Alameda Reuse
and Redevelopment Authority, Community
3
Improvement Commission, and Housing
Authority Board of Commissioners
February 1, 2011",CityCouncil/2011-02-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2011-02-01,13,"Community Improvement Commission for the Alameda Point Improvement Project
Area."" Adopted;
(HABOC) Resolution No. 826, ""Approving and Authorizing Execution of an Affordable
Housing Reimbursement Agreement Between the Housing Authority and the
Community Improvement Commission for the Alameda Point Improvement Project
Area."" Adopted; and
(11-007A CIC) Resolution No. 11-176, ""Approving and Authorizing Execution of an
Affordable Housing Reimbursement Agreement Between the Housing Authority and the
Community Improvement Commission for the Alameda Point Improvement Project
Area."" Adopted.
The Deputy City Manager - Development Services submitted a handout and gave a
brief presentation.
Speaker: Robb Ratto, Park Street Business Association (PSBA).
Councilmember/Boaro Member/Commissioner Tam moved adoption of the resolutions;
stated the encumbrance of tax increment dollars is critical for the City to preserve the
ability to control the redevelopment of Alameda Point.
Vice Mayor/Board Member/Commissioner Bonta seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5. [Absent: Councilmember/Commissioner Johnson - 1.]
(11-048 CC) Resolution No. 14546, ""Approving and Authorizing Execution of a Public
Improvements Reimbursement Agreement between the City of Alameda and
Community Improvement Commission for the Business and Waterfront Improvement
Project/West End Community Improvement Project Areas."" Adopted;
(11-008 CIC) Resolution No. 11-177, ""Approving and Authorizing Execution of a Public
Improvements Reimbursement Agreement between the City of Alameda and
Community Improvement Commission for the Business and Waterfront Improvement
Project/West End Community Improvement Project Areas."" Adopted;
(HABOC) Resolution No. 827, ""Approving and Authorizing Execution of an Affordable
Housing Reimbursement Agreement Between the Housing Authority and the
Community Improvement Commission for the Business and Waterfront Improvement
Project/West End Community Improvement Project Areas."" Adopted; and
(11-008A CIC) Resolution No. 11-178, ""Approving and Authorizing Execution of an
Affordable Housing Reimbursement Agreement Between the Housing Authority and the
Community Improvement Commission for the Business and Waterfront Improvement
Project/West End Community Improvement Project Areas."" Adopted.
The Deputy City Manager - Development Services gave a brief presentation.
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council, Alameda Reuse
and Redevelopment Authority, Community
4
Improvement Commission, and Housing
Authority Board of Commissioners
February 1, 2011",CityCouncil/2011-02-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2011-02-01,14,"Speaker: Robb Ratto, PSBA.
Councilmember / Board Member / Commissioner deHaan moved adoption of the
resolutions.
Vice Mayor/Board Member/Commissioner Bonta seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5. [Absent: Councilmember/Board Member/Commissioner
Johnson - 1.] -
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor/Chair Gilmore adjourned the meeting at 8:27
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk
Secretary, CIC
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act.
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council, Alameda Reuse
and Redevelopment Authority, Community
5
Improvement Commission, and Housing
Authority Board of Commissioners
February 1, 2011",CityCouncil/2011-02-01.pdf