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CityCouncil,2014-01-21,1,"MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- - -JANUARY 21, 2014- -7:00 P.M.
Mayor Gilmore convened the meeting at 7:11 p.m. Councilmember Tam led the Pledge
of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL -
Present:
Councilmembers Chen, Daysog, Ezzy Ashcraft, Tam
and Mayor Gilmore - 5.
Absent:
None.
AGENDA CHANGES
None.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY & ANNOUNCEMENTS
(14-014) Proclamation Declaring Historic Preservation Season 2014.
Mayor Gilmore read and presented the proclamation to Dennis Owens, Historical
Advisory Board; Chris Buckley, Alameda Architectural Preservation Society; and Queen
Victoria.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Gilmore announced that the License Agreement with the Alameda Soccer Club
[paragraph no. 14-018 and the resolution entering into an Agreement with Verde
Design [paragraph no. 14-019 were removed from the Consent Calendar for
discussion.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft moved approval of the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Tam seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
[Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph
number.]
(*14-015) Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting, the Special Joint City Council
and Successor Agency to the Community Improvement Commission Meeting and the
Regular City Council Meeting Held on December 17, 2013. Approved.
(*14-016) Ratified bills in the amount of $649,380.60.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
January 21, 2014",CityCouncil/2014-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2014-01-21,2,"(*14-017) Recommendation to Accept the Quarterly Report on Litigation and Liability
Claims Settlements Paid During the Period October to December 2013. Accepted.
(14-018) Recommendation to Approve a License Agreement with the Alameda Soccer
Club for the Use and Management of the Hornet Soccer Field for a Total of 5 Years.
Urged approval of the staff recommendation: Bill Shiber and Jon Pecson, Alameda
Soccer Club.
Councilmember Tam moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote
- 5.
(14-019) Resolution No. 14884, ""Entering Into an Agreement with Verde Design to
Provide Design Services for the Estuary Park Renovation, in an Amount Not to Exceed
$174,145."" Adopted.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated creating a field for special needs children has been
discussed and funds have been raised; that she does not want said use to fall by the
wayside; the Recreation Director confirmed the use is still moving forward although it
was not mentioned in the staff report.
Spoke on behalf of the special needs children in Alameda; stated a field is needed to
serve the group of kids: Roberta Rockwell, Alameda.
In response to Councilmember Tam's inquiry, the Recreation Director stated the field
would be used for special needs children; Alameda Little League has verbally confirmed
interest in participating in a challenger league, which has a different infield from a
Miracle League field; the current budget includes funding for a standard red dirt field,
not a synthetic infield; however, nothing prevents moving towards a synthetic infield in
the future.
Councilmember Tam inquired whether there could be a synthetic infield at the site or
another site, to which the Recreation Director responded in the affirmative; stated
funding needs to be identified for a rubberized infield; Estuary Park and other smaller
fields could be considered; noted rubberized fields are expensive.
In response to Councilmember Tam's inquiry regarding cost, the Recreation Director
stated that she does not have an exact cost estimate; a small rubberized playground
was recently built, which cost $40,000; her rough guess would be $100,000 to
$150,000.
Councilmember Daysog stated the decision tonight is to approve a contract with Verde
Design; staff went through a process to select Verde Design; read background
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
January 21, 2014",CityCouncil/2014-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2014-01-21,3,"information staff provided explaining why Verde Design was selected.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she received an e-mail from Jim Rockwell
indicating Verde Design created drawings when the Miracle League concept was first
being considered; Mr. Rockwell would be happy to share the drawings with the City;
staff should be directed to connect with Mr. and Mrs. Rockwell; the City should not
reinvent the wheel if work has already been done; Alameda Little League should work
with Mr. and Mrs. Rockwell, too.
Councilmember Tam moved adoption of the resolution to approve the consultant
agreement with Verde Design, with the proviso that the City received authorization from
the prior client [Mr. and Mr. Rockwell] who hired Verde Design to create a design for the
Miracle Field to collaborate and share said design with the City.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the motion includes providing direction to
have Mr. and Mrs. Rockwell involved in the planning with Alameda Little League.
Following Councilmember Tam's inquiry, Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft noted direction
could just be given to staff [and not included in the motion].
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote
- 5.
(*14-020) Ordinance No. 3084, ""Levying Special Taxes within the City of Alameda
Community Facilities District No. 13-1 (Alameda Landing Public Improvements).
""
Finally passed.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(14-021) Resolution No. 14885, ""Appointing John McCahan as a Member of the
Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.' Adopted.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft left the dais at 7:34 p.m. and returned at 7:35 p.m.
Councilmember Tam moved adoption of the resolution.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote -
4. [Absent: Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 1.]
The City Clerk administered the Oath and presented Mr. McCahan with a certificate of
appointment.
(14-022) Public Hearing to Consider Resolution No. 14886, ""Amending Master Fee
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
January 21, 2014",CityCouncil/2014-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2014-01-21,4,"Resolution 12191 to Add and Revise Recreation and Park Fees."" Adopted.
The Recreation Director gave a Power Point presentation.
In response to Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry about the youth services after school
program, the Recreation Director stated the sessions are 3 months.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft noted fees have not had to be raised too much since
marketing has resulted in greater participation.
Councilmember Daysog expressed his appreciation for the Recreation Director.
Councilmember Chen concurred with Councilmember Daysog's comments; stated the
fee structure is very affordable, especially for facility rentals; inquired whether Officer
Club rental fee has been raised recently.
The Recreation Director responded in the negative; stated facility rental fees have not
been raised in 5 to 6 years.
Councilmember Chen inquired whether the swim center fee is $15 per hour per group or
per person, to which the Recreation Director responded the $15 per hour fee is for a
youth organization to rent the swim center.
Councilmember Chen stated keeping the fees very affordable is important to many
residents.
Councilmember Tam concurred with the comments made; stated there is a balance
between the fees and the community's sensitivity to costs; inquired what challenges
prevented staff from starting the transitional kindergarten program last year.
The Recreation Director responded the challenges included not having enough time to
create a new program; stated the School District also distributed its program information
late.
In response to Councilmember Tam's inquiry regarding other community's experience
with the program, the Recreation Director stated the City's program differs from other
communities; the program is not on a school site; sites are spread throughout the City;
other communities have had an easier time implanting programs on school sites; that
she did not compare costs; the fee was based on the same hourly rate as the
kindergarten program fee and is higher because there are more hours.
Councilmember Tam inquired about the differences in fees compared to other cities,
such as the swim center fee.
The Recreation Director responded comparisons are difficult because every city offers
different services and develops fees in different ways; stated fee comparisons are used,
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
January 21, 2014",CityCouncil/2014-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2014-01-21,5,"but do not typically set fees; fees often end up quite different; San Ramon heavily
subsidizes its swim program and has very low cost recovery; Alameda has kept the
swim fee very low since the facilities are in poor condition; user groups have been told
the fee will increase when there is an improved, new facility.
Mayor Gilmore stated that she is happy staff is communicating with the swim
community; hopefully, the groups understand the fee will increase when there is an
improved facility; pools are very costly to build and maintain.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft moved adoption of the resolution amending Master Fee
Resolution 12191 to add and revise Recreation and Park fees.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote -
5.
(14-023) Summary: Consider Rezoning 2350 Harbor Bay Parkway to Permit
Restaurant, Office, or Mixed-use Office and Commercial Use at the Site and Find those
Uses to be Permissible under Harbor Bay Isle Development's Original Environmental
Impact Report (EIR).
Public Hearing to Consider Introduction of Ordinance Amending the Zoning Map for
2350 Harbor Bay Parkway from Open Space (O) to Commercial-Manufacturing with a
Planned Development Overlay (CM-PD) with Specific Conditions (Parcel 1 of Parcel
Map 2024, Assessor's Parcel Number 074-1362-005), and Find that the Project is
Consistent with the Original Harbor Bay Isle Development Environmental Impact
Report. Introduced.
The City Planner gave a brief presentation.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the Bay Area Conservation and Development
Commission (BCDC) amended its definition of restaurant to include office; read the
definition; suggested the clause outlining commercial uses be added to the ordinance;
stated offering waterfront amenities would be nice.
The City Planner stated the language could be added when the ordinance is brought
back for final passage.
Councilmember Chen stated that he supports the recommendation; noted the project
includes public access improvements, which might not come around for another 25
years, if the City does not move forward.
Mayor Gilmore stated the case is an example and cautionary tale of planning over a
long period of time; plans have to include a certain amount of flexibility and cannot be
too rigid.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
January 21, 2014",CityCouncil/2014-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2014-01-21,6,"The City Planner concurred; stated plans should establish a vision while recognizing
things change.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether future developments could require
completion of public access and amenities before the site is fully developed.
The City Planner responded in the affirmative; stated public infrastructure has to be
phased for large projects; stated Harbor Bay public improvements were in place before
most lots were built; the one acre site having a temporary path is odd.
Councilmember Daysog stated conditions are sufficient to ensure something nice will be
built.
Stated the applicant supports the staff recommendation and the additional language;
suggested that the ordinance language also be revised to reflect that the use was
included in the 1989 EIR addendum, not the original 1974 EIR; provided history on why
the trail was not completed; stated funds to complete the trail are set aside: Daniel
Reidy, Representing Applicant.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft moved introduction of the ordinance, with the two revisions to
the language: 1) visitor serving commercial uses; and 2) Mr. Reidy's changes about the
EIR; and approval of the finding that the project is consistent with the EIR.
Councilmember Tam seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
(14-024) Introduction of Ordinance Approving a Lease and Authorizing the City
Manager to Negotiate and Execute Amendments and Other Corresponding Documents
Necessary to Implement the Terms of a Lease with Proximo Distillers, LLC for Ten
Years with an Additional Ten Year Option in a Portion of Building 22 Located at 2505
Monarch Street at Alameda Point. Introduced.
The Economic Development Division Manager gave a brief presentation.
Robert Castle, Proximo, gave a brief presentation.
Mayor Gilmore thanked Mr. Castle for the presentation; stated that she is excited about
the opportunity.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired how many manufacturing jobs would be created, to
which Mr. Castle responded 8 to 10 full time positions with additional part time positions
as well.
In response to Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry regarding additional tasting room
staff, Mr. Castle stated around 15 employees would be hired; noted the number could
change.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
January 21, 2014",CityCouncil/2014-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2014-01-21,7,"Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired how much sales tax revenue would be generated, to
which Mr. Castle responded $1/2 million is anticipated.
In response to Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry, Mr. Caste stated wholesale
shipments would be around $9.5 to $10 million per year.
The City Manager noted the figures are wholesale; stated sales tax revenue is only
generated at the point of sale.
Councilmember Daysog stated the opportunity is exciting; stated the City might want to
contemplate a visitor serving strategy.
Councilmember Chen stated the company could be a catalyst for bringing traffic to
Alameda Point.
Councilmember Tam stated the company would bring national notoriety to Alameda;
inquired about major distributors.
Mr. Castle responded there is three tier system; stated Proximo has to sell to a
wholesaler and cannot sell directly to retailers; retailers sell approximately 60% to 80%
and the remaining amount is sold to on-premise accounts, such as bars and
restaurants.
Councilmember Daysog moved introduction of the ordinance.
Councilmember Chen seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
(14-025) The City Manager stated the City has a plan to reduce water use; more
information would be provided at the next Council meeting; outlined actions; noted
grass would turn brown.
Councilmember Chen inquired whether East Bay Municipal Utility District would be
implementing anything.
Councilmember Tam responded EBMUD has convened its drought management
committee; stated ideas would be presented to the EBMUD Board; customers are being
requested to look at voluntary conservation; rationing is not being done at this point;
EMBUD is already increasing rates the next few years and will not be charging
additional surcharges related to the drought; reservoirs are at 65% capacity and have
sufficient water to handle current use.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
January 21, 2014",CityCouncil/2014-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2014-01-21,8,"None.
COUNCIL REFERRALS
None.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(14-026) Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft announced that she and the Mayor participated in
the Beltline community work day; outlined activities.
(14-027) Mayor Gilmore announced that she attended a Bay Area Conservation and
Development Commission meeting last week; noted the Veterans facility at Alameda
Point was discussed.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Gilmore adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
January 21, 2014",CityCouncil/2014-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2014-01-21,9,"MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- - -JANUARY 21, 2014--6:00 P.M.
Mayor Gilmore convened the meeting at 6:01 p.m.
Roll Call -
Present:
Councilmembers Chen, Daysog, Ezzy Ashcraft, Tam and
Mayor Gilmore - 5.
Absent:
None.
The meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider:
(14-011) Conference with Legal Counsel; Workers' Compensation Claim (54956.95);
Claimant: Kevin Helms; Agency claimed against: City of Alameda
(14-012) Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation; Initiation of litigation
pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 54956.9; Number of cases: One (As Plaintiff City
Initiating Legal Action)
(14-013) Conference with Legal Counsel - Significant Exposure to Litigation; Significant
exposure to litigation pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 54956.9; Number of cases:
One (As Defendant City Exposure to Legal Action)
Following the Closed Session the meeting was reconvened and Mayor Gilmore
announced that regarding Workers' Compensation Claim, direction was given to staff;
regarding Anticipated Litigation, direction was given to staff; and regarding Significant
Exposure to Litigation, direction was given to staff.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Gilmore adjourned the meeting at 7:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.
Special Meeting
Alameda City Council
January 21, 2014",CityCouncil/2014-01-21.pdf