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CityCouncil,2013-05-28,1,"MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY-MAY - 28, 2013- 7:00 P.M.
Mayor Gilmore convened the meeting at 7:03 p.m. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft led the
Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL -
Present:
Councilmembers Chen, Daysog, Ezzy Ashcraft, Tam
and Mayor Gilmore - 5.
Absent:
None.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
None.
AGENDA ITEMS
(13-265) Adoption of Resolution Approving and Adopting the Operating and Capital
Budget For Fiscal Years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015. Not adopted.
The Assistant City Manager and Controller gave a Power Point presentation and
responded to Council questions.
*
Councilmember Daysog left the dais at 7:53 p.m. and returned at 7:54 p.m.
Councilmember Chen left the dais at 8:11 p.m. and returned at 8:13 p.m.
Councilmember Daysog thanked staff; discussed Other Post-Employment Benefits
(OPEB) costs; inquired how OPEB would be addressed.
The Controller responded the matter would not be resolved overnight and staff would be
presenting ideas to the Council in the future.
Councilmember Daysog stated the costs should be considered as part of the current
budget decision.
Councilmember Tam commended staff for listening to the community and prioritizing
accordingly; stated public safety services have been maintained; noted the City is still
funding services, such as the animal shelter, jail services and the Museum, which are
nice to have programs that are above the core services.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft commended staff; inquired about ranking for Capital
Improvement Projects (CIP).
The Assistant City Manager responded Departments rank the proposed projects based
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CityCouncil,2013-05-28,2,"on criteria.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the criteria allow items to have the same
ranking, to which the Public Works Director responded in the affirmative; stated the
maximum score is 100; noted funds are not always budgeted for the highest ranked
projects.
The City Treasurer gave a Power Point presentation.
Mayor Gilmore noted Measure C polling indicated that the community is not concerned
about deferred maintenance; stated that she looks forward to upcoming OPEB
discussions; other cities are amazed that Alameda employees are paying part of the
Employer's share; the City has made progress and is not kicking the can down the road.
Stated residents value recreation; the capital projects in the budget are reasonable;
having money for the design phase of the Jean Sweeney Park is very exciting; people
want to serve by volunteering; $200,000 in funding can be leveraged: Jim Sweeney,
Jean Sweeney Open Space Park Committee.
Outlined the benefits of parks; stated park funding should be increased and urged
support of funding the Jean Sweeney Park: Dorothy Freeman, Jean Sweeney Open
Space Park Committee.
Expressed support for not getting further advances from Alameda Municipal Power
(AMP) and reducing Recreation and Park Department cuts; urged greater public safety
cuts; discussed AMP transfers: Jane Sullwold, Alameda.
Stated fiscal issues studied in the past have been highlighted; federal, State and local
issues could impact the City, such as Measure B funding; expressed concern over
Police vehicle purchases and the lack of deferred maintenance funding, revolving funds,
and performance measures: former Councilmember Doug deHaan, Alameda.
Expressed support of funding Beltline remediation: Aaron Thies, Alameda.
Suggested additional meetings be held; stated public input will be needed to solve the
City's budget problems: Gretchen Lipow, Alameda Citizens Task Force.
Expressed concern over Recreation and Park Department budget cuts; urged future
funding for Estuary Park: Pat Bail, Alameda.
In response to Councilmember Tam's request, the AMP General Manager gave a brief
presentation on AMP's transfers to the City and AMP's financial condition.
The City Manager noted AMP would pay fees if it were a private utility.
The AMP General Manager provided further information on AMP's budget.
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CityCouncil,2013-05-28,3,"Mayor Gilmore noted that the Public Utilities Board (PUB) is responsible for AMP's
budget.
The AMP General Manager stated the City Charter gives the PUB control over AMP's
budget and rates.
Councilmember Daysog stated the PUB has been conservative in setting fiscal targets
and fund transfers to as required by the Charter.
Councilmember Tam stated the City is considering refinancing; inquired at what point
the City's outstanding liabilities would be factored into the bond rating.
The Assistant City Manager responded the liabilities have already impacted the rating;
stated a recent letter indicated the City's rating is AA rather than AAA due to the Other
Post Employment Benefit (OPEB) liability; noted many surrounding cities have a similar
rating.
The Controller stated the City's full disclosure in the budget helps the rating.
Councilmember Daysog stated that he would like the City to find a way to reduce the
$60,000 Recreation Department cut; suggested funds be used from the Council budget.
The Assistant City Manager addressed the Council budget; noted the Recreation
Department cuts were reduced since prior budget presentations; inquired whether
Councilmember Daysog is suggesting no cuts be made.
Councilmember Daysog responded that he would prefer no cuts be made; stated that
he would like staff to review the matter, but understands staff might not be able to find
any way to not make cuts.
Councilmember Tam left the dais at 10:07 p.m. and returned at 10:09 p.m.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft requested an explanation of increases in the City Attorney's
budget.
The Controller stated operational expenses previously reported under the Internal
Service Fund (ISF) were moved under the City Attorney's budget because the expenses
should not have been under an ISF; explained other City Attorney increases.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the budget includes expenses for outside
counsel, to which the City Attorney responded in the affirmative; stated outside counsel
expenses are under the department budget as well as under some other line items.
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CityCouncil,2013-05-28,4,"In response to Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry regarding the Recreation Department
budget changes, the Controller stated three Recreation programs are charged to the
General Fund: park maintenance, the hardball facility and the swim center, which have
some School District reimbursements; all other programs generate fees and are under
the Recreation special fund; administration charges assist with all programs and were
also moved under the Recreation special fund.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired about the Mastick Senior Center, to which the
Controller responded Mastick is also now completely fee based.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether $15 million for construction of a sports field
and swim center should be considered an annual deferred cost.
The Controller responded the unfunded CIP list was created for a five year period to
represent unfunded annual maintenance items as well as unfunded one time projects.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired about funding the Alameda Point Gymnasium and
Pool versus funding the other two pools.
The Recreation Director responded the City is working with the School District on short
and long term solutions to address pools, which is the immediate focus; stated the
Alameda Point project has been on the list for quite a while and would focus on the
gym; the pool cannot be rehabilitated.
The Assistant City Manager and Public Works Director provided a brief explanation of
the CIP list and criteria process.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated everyone should understand the projects would be
addressed farther down the road; however, she does not believe the City Hall clock
tower project should be included; urged that reconfiguring the Central Avenue and
Webster Street crosswalk be a priority.
The Public Works Director stated crosswalk improvements have been funded as part of
the Webster Street Smart Corridor Project; design work is commencing.
In response to Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry about Alameda Point Officer's Club
renovations, the Chief Operating Officer - Alameda Point stated the building is a
contributing structure and would remain a community center in the foreseeable future.
(13-266) Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft moved approval of addressing the Public Hearings
[paragraph nos. 13-267 and 13-269 after 10:30 p.m.
Councilmember Chen seconded the motion, which carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Chen, Daysog, Ezzy Ashcraft and Mayor Gilmore - 4. Noes:
Councilmember Tam - 1.
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CityCouncil,2013-05-28,5,"Councilmember Chen stated the budget clearly identifies future issues that have to be
dealt with, which will allow Council, the public and staff to come up with solutions; the
City should stay focused on striving to have the sales tax reach average.
Mayor Gilmore noted the budget would return to Council on June 11th.
Mayor Gilmore called a recess at 10:27 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 10:37 p.m.
*
(13-267) Public Hearing to Consider Resolution No. 14813, ""Amending Master Fee
Resolution No. 12191 to Increase Citywide Parking Meter Rates."" Adopted.
The Assistant City Manager gave a brief presentation.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether he would need to recuse himself since there
are parking meters in front of his house, to which the City Attorney responded in the
negative.
Mayor Gilmore expressed support for the staff report recommendation to improve
signage.
Councilmember Chen stated that he supports all increases, except for Lots A and C,
which seem too great.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft suggested that staff review evening parking rates for the
parking garage and Park Street area; noted the theater contract provision regarding
parking rates could be revisited.
Reviewed the Park Street Business Association (PSBA) suggestions which were
outlined in the staff report; noted Lots A and C are prime parking; urged signage be
improved: Robb Ratto, PSBA.
*
(13-268) Councilmember Chen moved approval of continuing the meeting past 11:00
p.m.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft seconded the motion, which carried by the following voice
vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Chen, Daysog, Ezzy Ashcraft and Mayor Gilmore - 4.
Noes: Councilmember Tam - 1.
Mayor Gilmore noted rapid turnover is desirable for Lots A and C.
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CityCouncil,2013-05-28,6,"Councilmember Tam moved approval of the staff recommendation; outlined her
questions which staff addressed prior to the meeting.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote
- 5.
(13-269) Public Hearing to Consider Resolution No. 14814, ""Amending Master Fee
Resolution No. 12191 to Revise the Civil Penalties for Parking Violations of the
Alameda Municipal Code and California Vehicle Code."" Adopted.
The Police Captain gave a brief presentation.
In response to Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry regarding reducing disabled parking
fines, the Police Captain stated the recommendation is to bring the fine down since it is
above the average.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she would like the fine to remain the same.
Councilmember Chen inquired about enforcement, to which the Police Captain
responded Parking Technicians and Police Officers can issue citations.
In response to Councilmember Chen's inquiry regarding training, the Police Captain
stated meter enforcement is understaffed; two more part time positions would be added;
outlined training.
Councilmember Daysog agreed that the City needs more Parking Technicians.
Stated the PSBA Board would like current rates maintained; expressed support of hiring
additional Parking Technicians; urged not lowering the fee for parking in disabled or
yellow and white zones: Robb Ratto, PSBA.
Urged the fine not be lowered for parking in disabled spots; raised questions about
various disabled parking locations: Carol Gottstein, Alameda.
Councilmember Tam inquired whether some South Shore enforcement is done by
volunteers, to which the Police Chief responded in the affirmative.
In response to Councilmember Tam's inquiry regarding conflicting Municipal Code and
Vehicle Code provisions, the Police Captain stated the Municipal Code section is not
enforceable and the fine has been eliminated.
Councilmember Tam stated that she would advocate keeping the disabled parking fine
at $335.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she would like to keep the current fine for parking
in a disabled space and yellow and white zones.
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CityCouncil,2013-05-28,7,"Councilmember Tam suggested that the abandoned vehicle violation also not be
changed.
In response to Councilmember Chen's inquiry regarding smoking in or near vehicles,
Mayor Gilmore stated smoking enforcement is complaint driven.
The Police Chief noted signage is very important to inform people of the City's smoking
regulations.
Councilmember Tam moved adoption of the resolution with amendment to keep the fine
for disabled parking at $335, the abandoned vehicle fine at $271, and the fine for yellow
and white zone parking at $75.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote
- 5.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
(13-270) The City Manager announced deeds transferring Alameda Point would be
signed on June 4th; stated pinball machines can be played for free in the lobby of City
Hall during lunch time; recognized the meeting would be the Police Chief's last.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(13-271) Mayor Gilmore thanked the Police Chief for his years of service.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Gilmore adjourned the meeting at 11:26 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.
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CityCouncil,2013-05-28,8,"MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- - MAY 28, 2013- -6:00 P.M.
Mayor Gilmore convened the meeting at 6:03 p.m.
Roll Call - Present:
Councilmembers Chen, Daysog, Ezzy Ashcraft, Tam and
Mayor Gilmore - 5.
[Note: Councilmember Chen arrived at 6:05 p.m.]
Absent:
None.
The meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider:
(13-264) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (54956.9); Name of Case:
Robert Zack, Bernice Jolliff, The Estate of Raymond Zack VS. City of Alameda, County
of Alameda, and DOES 1 through 50, inclusive; Superior Court of California, Alameda
County Case No. RG12632015
Following the Closed Session the meeting was reconvened and Mayor Gilmore
announced that direction was given to staff.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Gilmore adjourned the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.
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May 28, 2013",CityCouncil/2013-05-28.pdf