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CityCouncil,2011-03-01,1,"MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- - MARCH 1, 2011--7:00 - P.M.
Mayor Gilmore convened the meeting at 7:45 p.m. Vice Mayor Bonta led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
ROLL CALL -
Present:
Councilmembers Bonta, deHaan, Johnson, Tam and
Mayor Gilmore - 5.
Absent:
None.
AGENDA CHANGES
None.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY & ANNOUNCEMENTS
(11-098) Proclamation Declaring March 1 through March 31, 2011, as the Period for the
Annual ""Across the Pages: an Alameda Community Reads"" Program.
Mayor Gilmore read and presented the Proclamation to the Library Director.
(11-099) Proclamation Proclaiming March through June 2011 as Historic Preservation
Season.
Mayor Gilmore read and presented the Proclamation to Judith Lynch, Historical
Advisory Board (submitted a handout); Nancy Hird, Alameda Architectural Preservation
Society (AAPS); and Robbie Dileo, Alameda Historical Museum.
(11-100) Presentation of 100 Best Communities for Young People Award Plaques to the
City Council and Youth Collaborative Representatives.
The Economic Development Administrative Specialist presented plaques to the Council
and Youth Collaborative Representatives.
(11-101) Presentation on the East Bay Regional Park District's (EBRPD) New Tidewater
Boating Center.
Doug Siden and Anne Kassebaum from EBRPD gave a Power Point presentation.
In response to Councilmember Johnson's inquiry about launching boats, Ms.
Kassebaun stated non-motorized boats could be launched at the facility.
Mayor Gilmore stated the facility is an exciting opportunity for everyone in the area.
Speaker: Miriam Schiffman, Alameda.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
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CityCouncil,2011-03-01,2,"(11-102) Philip Tribuzio, Alameda, discussed Alameda Point.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Gilmore announced that Final Passage of the Ordinance [paragraph no. 11-109
was removed from the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Tam moved approval of the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
Vice Mayor Bonta seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
[Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph
number.]
(*11-103) Minutes of the Special Joint City Council and Alameda Reuse and
Redevelopment Authority Meeting and the Regular City Council Meeting held on
February 15, 2011. Approved.
(*11-104) Ratified bills in the amount of $1,386,536.65.
(*11-105) Recommendation to Accept the Quarterly Sales Tax Report for the Period
Ending September 30, 2010. Accepted.
(*11-106) Recommendation to Accept the Work of Gallagher and Burk, Inc., for the
Buena Vista Avenue Street Rehabilitation Project, No. P.W. 02-09-05. Accepted.
(*11-107) Recommendation to Accept the Work of Gallagher and Burk, Inc., for the
Repair and Resurfacing of Certain Streets, Phase 29, No. P.W. 02-09-06. Accepted.
(*11-108) Recommendation to Accept the Work of Suarez & Munoz Construction, Inc.
for the Webster Street/Wilver ""Willie"" Stargell Avenue Intersection Project - Landscape
and Irrigation Improvements, No. P.W. 06-09-18. Accepted.
(11-109) Ordinance No. 3027, ""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."" Finally passed.
Speaker: Christopher Buckley, AAPS.
In response to Mr. Buckley's comments, the Planning Services Manager stated the
Design Review Guidelines would be cleaned up to be consistent with the ordinance
being adopted within 30 days; Community Development is undertaking two big
initiatives: 1) review of the Historic Preservation Ordinance, and 2) a comprehensive
update of the Design Review Manuals; both will take time and resources; drafts should
be done in a year; currently, buildings older than 1942 are deemed historic; the date has
been a concern, which will be tackled in the Historic Preservation Ordinance.
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March 1, 2011",CityCouncil/2011-03-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2011-03-01,3,"Councilmember Tam moved final passage of the ordinance.
Vice Mayor Bonta seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(11-110) Resolution No. 14553, ""Increasing Civil Penalties for Parking Violations of the
Municipal Code and the California Vehicle Code.' Adopted.
The City Controller gave a brief presentation.
Speaker: Robb Ratto, Park Street Business Association (PSBA) (submitted a handout).
Councilmember Johnson inquired whether tickets could be issued for parking on front
and side yards since it is private property, to which Police Sergeant Deutsche
responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Johnson stated the Police Department memo explaining heavy vehicles
was confusing and should be cleaned up.
The Acting City Manager stated staff intends to clean up the memo to eliminate any
confusion.
Councilmember Tam stated that she thought the memo indicated there is no distinction
between heavy and commercial vehicles.
Mayor Gilmore concurred; stated one word should be used if there is no distinction.
The Acting City Manager noted Code changes might be required.
Councilmember deHaan stated that he is concerned about pickup trucks with
commercial license plates.
Mayor Gilmore inquired whether the State Vehicle Code has a definition of commercial,
to which Sergeant Deutsche responded in the affirmative; stated the State Vehicle Code
definition is any vehicle with a commercial plate, including from taxis up to semi trucks.
Councilmember Tam inquired whether heavy vehicles are always commercial vehicles,
to which Sergeant Deutsche responded in the affirmative; stated Municipal Code
Section 8-7.9 defines heavy commercial vehicles as more than two axles, a combination
of six feet high and eight feet wide, and includes tow trucks, dump trucks, moving vans,
tractors, pole trucks, and pipe dollies.
Councilmember deHaan stated more than two axles is a worthwhile definition that
eliminates pickup trucks.
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March 1, 2011",CityCouncil/2011-03-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2011-03-01,4,"aggressively last summer; the 15-foot limit encroaches into parking spaces in the Park
Street and Webster Street Business Districts; that he worked with Public Works to have
red curbs painted; the Fire Department calls the Police Department several times a year
to report cars parked directly in front of fire hydrants.
Councilmember Johnson stated marking off 15 feet for fire hydrants is a problem in
congested neighborhoods with difficult parking; inquired whether red curbed areas could
be required, instead of 15 feet, or whether 15 feet is an absolute requirement.
Sergeant Deutsche responded 15 feet is a State requirement; the Police Department
uses discretion; the Fire Department only needs four to five feet.
Mayor Johnson suggested said amount be marked red.
Sergeant Deutsche stated that he is working with Public Works to address the issue.
Councilmember Tam stated that she would like the fine brought down to $75 for parking
at fire hydrants.
Mayor Gilmore stated certain intersections do not have red curbs; large automobiles
that park at corners block visibility, which can be a hazard; said areas need to be
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
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CityCouncil,2011-03-01,5,"painted red.
In response to Councilmember deHaan's inquiry about regulations prohibiting large
vehicles from parking at corners, Sergeant Deutsche responded that he is not aware of
any.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether the first five violations generate most of the
revenue, to which the Controller responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Gilmore summarized the consensus is to change the $40 to $38, charge $75 for
loading zone, and drop the fire hydrant amount to $75.
Vice Mayor Bonta moved adopted of the resolution [with said revisions].
Councilmember Tam seconded the motion.
Councilmember Johnson inquired whether direction could be given to staff regarding
painting curbs red near fire hydrants.
The Acting City Manager stated staff is already doing so.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
Councilmember deHaan requested clarification on regulations governing parking at
corners.
* *
Vice Mayor Bonta left the dais at 8:49 p.m. and returned at 8:50 p.m.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
(11-111) Green Thumbs, Green Minds Seed & Garden Tool Library
The Library Specialist gave a Power Point presentation.
Councilmember Johnson stated that she likes the idea of the tool library, which should
be expanded; Oakland and Berkeley both have tool lending libraries; further stated
there is a movement to have trees which produce something edible in public
landscaping; said idea should be reviewed.
Speaker: Melanie Wartenberg, Wedge Neighborhood Association.
Councilmember deHaan stated t victory gardens have been discussed; inquired
whether Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda has been tasked with reviewing
the matter.
Regular Meeting
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March 1, 2011",CityCouncil/2011-03-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2011-03-01,6,"Mayor Gilmore responded looking for areas for urban farming has been done in
conjunction with the urban greening grant.
The Deputy City Manager - Development Services stated the City received a $250,000
grant to put together an urban greening plan, which includes components for a park
master plan and an urban farm and garden plan; the plan would identify potential sites
for urban farms and gardens.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether the opportunity [mentioned by Ms.
Wartenberg] at the East End [former Island High site] could be reviewed.
The Deputy City Manager - Development Services responded the site or other East
End locations could be reviewed.
Mayor Gilmore inquired whether the School District Surplus Committee has come up
with a recommendation for the site.
Ms. Wartenberg responded that she was on the Committee; stated the Committee
recommendation was that the property is surplus.
In response to Mayor Gilmore's inquiry whether there is a recommendation regarding
usage, Ms. Wartenberg stated the School District has to abide by a procedural order
when offering the property, beginning with Recreation and Parks; the Committee
deferred to following the Education Code and did not make a particular
recommendation; the Committee's report stated which parties came to assert desire for
the property.
Councilmember Tam stated the School District has carved out areas for community
gardens; City parkland adjacent to schools present good opportunities, especially on the
East End.
The Deputy City Manager - Development Services stated said areas would be
reviewed; stakeholder interviews would be conducted; the School District is a major
stakeholder.
Councilmember deHaan stated the gardens within schools are for educating the
students; inquired whether community gardens are being discussed.
The Deputy City Manager - Development Services responded the plan is
comprehensive, would not just look at community gardens, and would look at urban
farming opportunities, including with schools.
In response to Councilmember deHaan's inquiry regarding Alameda Point, the Deputy
City Manager - Development Services stated the Alameda Point Collaborative (APC)
has Ploughshare Nursery, an urban farm, and a community garden; the City would learn
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CityCouncil,2011-03-01,7,"from APC's experiences.
Councilmember Johnson inquired whether the School District sells or transfers the land,
to which the Acting City Manager responded that she believes the land is sold.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
None.
COUNCIL REFERRALS
None.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(11-112) Vice Mayor Bonta announced that he attended a new councilmember training
put on by the League of California Cities in January.
(11-113) Councilmember deHaan stated there was a recent dedication at Mastick
Senior Center.
Councilmember Tam stated approximately $250,000 in funding for the renovations
came from the Advisory Board.
Mayor Gilmore stated the ribbon cutting was well attended; Home and Garden
Television (HGTV) also gave a charitable donation as a result of filming in town;
outlined the improvements.
Councilmember deHaan suggested that a letter of appreciation be sent to HGTV and
the Senior Center Advisory Board.
(11-114) Councilmember deHaan requested an update on the status of the golf course.
The Acting City Manager stated staff intended to have a special meeting on February
16th; a week before, she received information about the financing mechanism to make
renovations; the mechanism is not going to work; that she is waiting for Kemper to
provide information on alternate sources of funding before coming back to Council.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Gilmore adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
7
March 1, 2011",CityCouncil/2011-03-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2011-03-01,8,"MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- - MARCH 1, 2011--7:01 P.M.
Mayor Gilmore convened the meeting at 9:16 p.m.
ROLL CALL -
Present:
Councilmembers Bonta, deHaan, Johnson, Tam and
Mayor Gilmore - 5.
Absent:
None.
AGENDA ITEM
(11-115) Discuss and Appoint the Community Stakeholders to Serve on a City Manager
Interview Panel.
The Human Resources Director gave a brief presentation.
Mayor Gilmore noted the staff report lists the five community groups proposed by the
subcommittee [Margie Sherratt, Board of Education; Jordan Battani, Alameda Hospital
Board; Dr. Jannett Jackson, College of Alameda; Doug Biggs, Alameda Point
Collaborative; and Jeff Cambra, Chamber of Commerce/WABA].
Councilmember Johnson stated that she has received questions regarding the Alameda
Business Alliance (ABA); requested clarification about said organization.
Vice Mayor Bonta responded Mr. Cambra, the ABA representative, serves on the West
Alameda Business Association (WABA) Board and Chamber of Commerce Board; the
ABA was an ad hoc business group pulled together to discuss the School Parcel Tax;
Mr. Cambra worked with members of the business community to find an acceptable tax
structure.
Councilmember Johnson inquired whether someone just representing the business
community was considered.
Mayor Gilmore responded Mr. Cambra was chosen because he is also on the Chamber
Board and WABA Board; the subcommittee was thinking one person would be wearing
different business hats.
Councilmember deHaan stated his concern is ABA is not an official body.
Vice Mayor Bonta stated the list could read Chamber of Commerce/WABA.
Councilmember deHaan stated using said listing makes more sense.
Mayor Gilmore stated the title could be changed; called for Councilmembers to provide
the name of a representative.
Special Meeting
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March 1, 2011",CityCouncil/2011-03-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2011-03-01,9,"Councilmember deHaan selected Jane Sullwold.
Councilmember Tam selected Kate Quick.
Vice Mayor Bonta selected Carl Chan.
Councilmember Johnson selected Robb Ratto.
Mayor Gilmore selected Brad Shook.
Councilmember deHaan noted WABA would have two representatives [Mr. Cambra and
Mr. Shook].
Mayor Gilmore stated that she selected Mr. Shook as a business person/Chief
Executive Officer type.
Vice Mayor Bonta moved approval of appointing the five members listed in the staff
report and the members selected by each Councilmember.
Mayor Gilmore listed the names of the person selected by each Councilmember: Jane
Sullwold, Kate Quick, Carl Chan, Robb Ratto, and Brad Shook.
Councilmember Johnson inquired whether the list includes someone from the real
estate community; and questioned if not, should another spot should be added.
Vice Mayor Bonta responded Mr. Chan is a realtor.
Councilmember deHaan seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote -
5.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Gilmore adjourned the meeting at 9:24 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
2
March 1, 2011",CityCouncil/2011-03-01.pdf
CityCouncil,2011-03-01,10,"SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL, COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT
COMMISSION (CIC), AND HOUSING AUTHORITY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS (HABOC) MEETING
TUESDAY--MARC 1, 2011-6:00 - P.M.
Mayor Gilmore convened the meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call -
Present:
Councilmembers/Commissioners
Bonta,
deHaan,
Johnson, Tam and Mayor/Chair Gilmore - 5.
Absent:
Commissioner Allen - 1.
The meeting was adjournment to Closed Session to consider:
(11-096 CC/11-013 CIC/HABOC) Conference with Real Property Negotiators; Property:
2428 Central Avenue (Islander Motel); Negotiating parties: Housing Authority and Stahl-
Wooldridge Construction; under negotiation: Price and terms
(11-097 CC) Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation; Significant
exposure to litigation pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 54956.9; Number of cases:
One
Following the closed session, the meeting was reconvened and Mayor/Chair Gilmore
announced that regarding Real Property, the legislative bodies gave direction to staff;
and regarding Anticipated Litigation, Council provided direction to the attorneys.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor/Chair Gilmore adjourned the meeting at 7:40
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, Community
Improvement Commission and Housing
Authority Board of Commissioners
March 1, 2011",CityCouncil/2011-03-01.pdf