body,date,page,text,path
PensionBoard,2014-04-28,1,"GOVY
OF
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
PENSION BOARD OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD 4:30 P.M., APRIL 28, 2014
ALAMEDA CITY HALL
2263 SANTA CLARA AVENUE, ALAMEDA
CONFERENCE ROOM 391
1.
The meeting was called to order by Trustee, Interim Human Resources
Manager/Secretary to the Pension Board, Jill Kovacs at 4:36 p.m.
2.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Trustees: William Soderlund, Nancy Elzig, Jill Kovacs.
Absent: Marie Gilmore and Robert Follrath
Staff: Fred Marsh, Finance Director, Lelia Faapouli, Administrative Technician,
Human Resources.
3.
MINUTES:
The minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 27, 2014 was moved for approval
by Trustee Soderlund and seconded by Trustee Elzig. Passed 3-0
4.
AGENDA ITEMS:
4-A. Pension Payroll and Financial Reports - Quarter Ending March 31, 2014
and City of Alameda Police & Fire Pension Funds Financial Reports for the
Period Ending March 31, 2014 was presented by Fred Marsh, Finance Director.
The reports were moved for approval by Member Soderlund and seconded by
Member Elzig. Passed 3-0
5.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA (PUBLIC COMMENT)
There were no oral communications.",PensionBoard/2014-04-28.pdf
PensionBoard,2014-04-28,2,"City of Alameda
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the
Pension Board - Monday, April 28, 2014
Page 2
6.
PENSION BOARD COMMUNICATIONS (COMMUNICATIONS FROM BOARD)
Form 700 was received by Trustees Elzig and Soderlund. Board trustees were
reminded that Sunshine Training was also required. They were advised that
training would be conducted in the Council Chambers on 5/15/14 and 5/29/14 or
that they could take it online. Sunshine Training acknowledgement forms were
distributed via email.
The Pension Board was concerned about Pension Board Trustee Robert
Follrath, who has been absent from meetings due to health issues. The Board
wants Trustee Follrath to know he is in their thoughts and that they wish him
good health and that he would be able to attend future meetings.
7.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the board, the meeting was
adjourned at 4:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
if
Jill Kóvacs
Interim Human Resources Manager
and Secretary to the Pension Board",PensionBoard/2014-04-28.pdf
PlanningBoard,2014-04-28,1,"APPROVED MEETING MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY OF ALAMEDA PLANNING BOARD
MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2014
1. CONVENE:
7:05 p.m.
2. FLAG SALUTE:
3. ROLL CALL:
Present:
President Burton, Vice President Henneberry,
Board members Knox White, Köster, and Alvarez-Morroni, and
Tang. Board member Zuppan was late.
4. AGENDA CHANGES AND DISCUSSION:
Board member Alvarez-Morroni requested getting feedback from Board members that
were not on the Alameda Point Town Center subcommittee who are not present tonight.
She would also like to hear feedback on written communications.
President Burton motioned to move item 7.C. to first item on regular agenda.
Board member Alvarez-Morroni seconded.
Motion carried, 5-1-0 (Knox White opposed)
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Ms. Vicky Vargees, resident of Harbor Bay originally purchased her home in the area
because of the Harbor Bay Club as an amenity. They are still active members of the
Club. She is requesting for the site not be rezoned, and keep the facility where it is. Mr.
Cowan doesn't live in Alameda and doesn't understand the community, and there are no
benefits to moving the Club.
Mr. Doug deHaan commented on the dissolution of the Economic Development
Commission (EDC). It was the understanding that the PB would take on the roles or work
of the EDC. He asked staff why is the PB taking on the role of all issues the EDC once
had. He would like to see where those issues are being dealt with by either Boards or staff.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR:
6.A. Alameda Landing Residential Street Names
Board member Knox White motioned to pull the item from Consent.
Board member Knox White provided a handout with updated street names, and provided a
brief background and reviewed a couple of rules for names being street names. He would
like to see ""People of Note"", and examples used were Barbara Manning, Don Grant, Lewis
McCall, Houchian, BoHowl, George Miller, Nelly Takada, and Arushia. He requested
removing navy vessels from the list. The list he provided is equal to the number of streets
in the development.
Approved Regular Meeting Minutes
Page 1 of 10
April 28, 2014",PlanningBoard/2014-04-28.pdf
PlanningBoard,2014-04-28,2,"Vice President Henneberry agreed with Knox White and would like to see this come back
one more time. He suggested a couple other edits to remove generic names, and to add
Terry LaCroix.
Board member Alvarez-Morroni asked if streets could be alphabetized.
Board member Köster asked if things like patriot and freedom be removed from the list,
and thanked Knox White for the extra effort.
President Burton supported the suggested names and for this to move forward.
Board member Knox White motioned to accept the additional 16 names, and ask staff to
assign street names in alphabetical order.
Vice President Henneberry seconded.
Motion carried, 7-0
Board member Knox White reported he has many other names for street naming and will
submit that to staff in the near future.
7. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS:
7.C. Public Review of the Draft Alameda Point Waterfront Town Center Plan
(Plan)- No Action Will be Taken
Mr. Christopher Buckley, AAPS, commented on a letter he had also sent to the PB. He
provided an overhead, and reported the main complaint of the Plan is the height of the
buildings in front of the Hangers. This height limit should be lower. The in-fill portion of
the report is not clear as there seem to be something missing. They recommend that any
new buildings be subordinate to any existing structures. He would like for the sense and
time and place be preserved.
Board member Zuppan thanked everyone who worked on the Plan. She stated that she
would like to hear more on iconic new structures and new development being subordinate.
President Burton commented on the subordinate area being along the view area and on
the structures there currently. The iconic building being in the location of approaching the
waterfront is the focus.
Board member Zuppan asked that Mr., Buckley's comments be added.
Board member Köster asked if there was a way to do preliminary renderings of what the
approach to the waterway could possibly look like. He agreed with the height limits, and
is concerned with the water being accessible. He would like to see public slips in the
marina area. Specifically, a public dock for short term visiting sailors.
Approved Regular Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 10
April 28, 2014",PlanningBoard/2014-04-28.pdf
PlanningBoard,2014-04-28,3,"President Burton referred to the pages in the Plan for the boat launch and a small launch.
Board member Knox White asked about the Phasing chapter, he asked about the
highlighted pre-phase portion of the project.
Mr. Thomas reported this was added because that area of the town center still needs to be
cleaned.
Ms. Ott stated there should be a development schedule in place within the next year.
Mr. Thomas stated that staff is taking public comments until May 15, 2014, and
encouraged interested to submit their comments.
Board member Zuppan motioned to continue this item to the May 12, 2014 meeting.
Vice President Henneberry seconded.
Motion carried. 7-0
7.A.
Public Review of the Draft Housing Element (HE) for 2015-2023 - No Action
will be taken.
Mr. Andrew Thomas, City Planner, provided a briefing and reported on the timeline for
upcoming public hearings. The draft HE policy has been reorganized to make it easier to
follow. Many public comments and PB comments have been incorporated into the draft
HE. There will be improvements made to the background report per a letter received from
the State Dept. of Housing. Staff needs to look further into the raising rent issues and feels
this shouldn't be part of the HE at this time.
President Burton opened the public comment period.
Ms. Anne DeBardeleben, Alameda Association of Realtors (AAOR), requested the PB
move forward with the draft HE and not to address the rent stabilization issues. She
reported the Rent Review Advisory Committee (RRAC) within the City has been a
successful mechanism for rent disputes with a very high success rate.
Ms. Angie Watson-Hajjem, ECHO Housing, reported many people have been forced out of
Alameda by rent increases. ECHO cannot advocate for or against rent stabilization, but
she is a private citizen here in Alameda and can voice that she implores the Board to look
into the issue. She also stated that the RRAC does not have any teeth, and landlords don't
have to appear at meetings.
Ms. Catherine Johnson, resident, stated she had a 25% rent when she opened a daycare
in her home, five months later she had another increase, and was told in another few
months she would have another increase. She will not be able to sustain the rent
increases, and will lose her home and business, which will result on less child care for the
community. She asked that the City review Renewed Hope's proposal on rent
stabilization.
Approved Regular Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 10
April 28, 2014",PlanningBoard/2014-04-28.pdf
PlanningBoard,2014-04-28,4,"Mr. Jeffery Levin, East Bay Housing Organizations (EBHO), stated that EBHO is an
affordable housing organization and has worked with many cities on their HE's. He
thanked staff and the Board for the work put in. He asked for policies on prevention of
displacement, include policies to monitor and study a rent stabilization measure. Alameda
Point welcomes the commitment of 25% affordable housing and asked for studying the
incentives. He suggested an annual progress report should be a formal policy within the
HE.
Ms. Margorie Rocha, ECHO Housing, explained the agency's role with the City of
Alameda, mainly tenant / landlord disputes and many go to the RRAC. She advocates for
the tenants being displaced, as owners /landlords are not required to appear at the RRAC
meetings and some of the tenants have been in Alameda many years. She asked the City
to look at how to improve the policy for mediation.
Ms. Kelly Harp, City of Alameda Disability Commission, thanked the speakers. She stated
that the Commission has formed a working group to gather comments for the HE. She
reported the need for more senior housing as well as disabled accessible housing as there
is a continued need for barrier free housing. The accommodation ordinance has been
implemented. She asked that the Universal Design regulations be implemented into the
new HE, and asked for the PB to move this program through the process.
Mr. Bill Smith, Renewed Hope, commended staff for the draft HE, and was glad to see that
AP isn't part of the HE. Renewed Hope supports ECHO Housing, and the HE cannot be
supported without a rent element into the HE. There needs to be an assessment for the
current rental policy within the City, with a study of alternatives. He reported there is a
need for something to protect renters. He provided a letter sent to the PB, opposing the
HE.
Ms. Debra Arbuckle, resident, reported there is a big need for rental rights being protected
in the City. She stated if there isn't something in the HE, there is a good chance this issue
will not be taken care of.
Ms. Marilyn Schumaker, landlord, stated that her understanding is if there are comments
for rent stabilization in the HE, then the issue rolls up to the state level. The RRAC is a
City committee and perhaps the City can get behind the RRAC more. Rent stabilization is
not the answer.
Mr. Donald Hardiman, addressed the board and was heard by the RRAC. The rents in his
building went up 67%, and noticing for the increases were not done properly. Some of the
renters had a disabled child. This wasn't an isolated incident, and it appears new owners
can charge anything they want and get away with it. There is a distinction with large
developers and owners with a small number of units. This issue cannot be overlooked.
Ms. Louis Pryor, Renewed Hope, she stated that it is vital to include a policy for addressing
higher rents.
Approved Regular Meeting Minutes
Page 4 of 10
April 28, 2014",PlanningBoard/2014-04-28.pdf
PlanningBoard,2014-04-28,5,"President Burton closed the public comment period.
Mr. Thomas reported the City is not prepared to make a promise to the state that the City
wouldn't be able to keep. We don't want to be coming back to the PB and say we haven't
done the work as promised, i.e. Universal Design. There aren't enough resources for
things like tracking rents, gathering data, analyzing data, reporting data, etc. In terms of
control, the state doesn't control rents but there has been more legislation. Once a
program gets into the HE we are required to report annually on this program. The City
Council would oversee rent control, not the state.
Board member Alvarez-Morroni commended staff for the boiled down version.
Board member Tang commented on the housing crisis and there is a limited supply of
rental units. Building more affordable rentals could alleviate the problem, but landlords
cannot raise the rents suddenly after no increases for many years. Perhaps long term
goals with developers would be a good idea, increase supply.
Board member Zuppan stated that rent stabilization needs to be addressed, but having it in
the HE at this time may not be the way to go. Criticizing resources that are available isn't
the best use of time, and the RRAC is an affective body. The Universal Design seems
more critical to get this into the HE.
Mr. Thomas hopes to have the draft ordinance of Universal Design by end of 2014. All
developers have been talked to as a requirement for all projects.
Board member Zuppan commented on transportation around new developments. She
asked about new policy for this issue. She asked staff if there is more we can do. She
wanted to thank RRAC for their service.
Vice President Henneberry stated there isn't expertise in getting a rent stabilization policy
into the HE, but they can request for City Council to look into this. He suggested adding a
sentence in the HE under RRAC to include this comment.
Board member Knox White stated that he strongly supports and encourages a program to
address the issue of rent stabilizing, and a process for all parties to be at a table to talk
about the issue. He would also like to see a timeline for when this would be addressed.
He suggested changes to the Universal Design language (deadline). Creating transit
friendly neighborhoods and green building should include our housing stock be built to be
included. There is a 45 year old parking plan for residential. Housing and transit costs
should be monitored. He asked that all new landlords check a box stating they
understand a business license is required.
Board member Köster commented on the need for senior housing, secondary units and
could the quantified measure be included. He appreciated the pipeline document from the
Housing Authority. He agreed with the rent comments from the others.
Approved Regular Meeting Minutes
Page 5 of 10
April 28, 2014",PlanningBoard/2014-04-28.pdf
PlanningBoard,2014-04-28,6,"President Burton thanked all who spoke and staff for the work on the HE. He commented
on the annual review and could this be on the schedule. He commented that the rent
stabilization is an issue as half of the residents rent. He agreed this needed to be a very
thoughtful process starting with a community wide forum. He agreed with a sentence or
two being added to the RRAC process.
Board member Tang asked about turning residential areas to commercial property and
suggested if they aren't using the property for residential require them to build affordable in
another area of the city.
Mr. Thomas stated this will be back in early June 2014.
7.B. Public Workshop to Consider a Draft Master Plan (PLN14-0059) for the
Rehabilitation, Reuse, and Redevelopment of the Former Del Monte Warehouse Site
located at 1501 Buena Vista Avenue
Mr. Thomas provided a report on the project.
Mr. Michael O'Harra, Tim Lewis Communities, introduced his team. He provided an update
of the adaptive reuse to the project, and reviewed the Master Plan.
Ms. Paula Krugmeir, Architect, provided an update and presentation on the project.
Board member Köster asked about the parking spaces around the outside of the building.
Ms. Krugmeir there is one stall on site per unit, some more depending on size of unit. The
spaces on the street are public, on site are private.
Vice President Henneberry asked about the paseo entrance, which doors enter the
building.
Ms. Krugmeir stated this is a work in progress, which is why it looks unbalanced.
President Burton commented on the completion of Clement Street and how it connects
with other businesses. He asked about the cross Alameda Trail cutting through Jean
Sweeney Open Space.
Mr. Thomas reported on Clement Street extension the intersection at Sherman will be
completely redone, and brought forward where the edge of Windriver. The north side will
be
bike and walking trails. The Alameda Trail will cross the extension. This has been in
the works for the past ten years.
Board member Alvarez-Morroni asked for the timeline on getting this project completed.
Mr. Thomas stated building permits by Fall 2014. This is the first serious proposal for this
building in the past 12 years.
Approved Regular Meeting Minutes
Page 6 of 10
April 28, 2014",PlanningBoard/2014-04-28.pdf
PlanningBoard,2014-04-28,7,"Board member Köster asked for staff comments on the transit hub.
Mr. Thomas stated there is currently a shuttle from BART to Windriver. This project will pay
into that service, but staff is hopeful a private water service can be in place across the
estuary.
President Burton opened the public comment period.
Mr. Lester Cabral, resident, stated the project is too dense for the area and will affect the
neighborhood. He feels the building is too high, and doesn't want government controlled
parking. There should be two spaces per unit and additional visitor parking
Mr. Gabriel Wise, resident, spoke on the parking issues and green space. There should be
no un-coupled parking for the project. Financial burden cannot be placed on the residents
in the area. The open space is planned, but no green space in the area until Jean
Sweeney Open Space Park is completed. He suggested a contingency that timing
connect both projects be completed at the same time.
Ms. Alison Green, resident, stated that Littlejohn Park is busy on weekends but this is a
fine thing. She talked about comparing parking issues with SF and Berkeley, and there
are no services to the project. The retail space probably won't have medical care. The
housing numbers don't jive in the plan and the density numbers. Affordable housing
owners shouldn't have to pay to support services like a water taxi.
Ms. Deborah Arbuckle, resident, spoke on the density and effects on LittleJohn Park. The
project is too big and too dense and doesn't fit the neighborhood. There won't be enough
money to support the water service or shuttles.
Ms. Dorothy Freeman, resident, spoke on the density affecting Littlejohn Park, and the
project should help fund the non-funded project of Jean Sweeney Open Space Park
(JSOSP). She spoke on problems arising with visitors or owners of the project using the
parking lots at Windriver and JSOSP.
Mr. Nick Cabral, resident, spoke on the density and traffic in the area stating it is very loud
and disruptive. He stated it has been 40 years of talking about this project. Not
everyone will be pleased about the project. He wasn't to see a positive turnout for the
project. He praised staff and PB, they are trying to improve the neighborhood.
Mr. Frank Thorsberg, spoke on traffic and parking and doesn't want to pay a fee to park
in his neighborhood. He is concerned with the trucks in the area, and will the road change
be done in connection with the project being completed.
Mr. Christopher Buckley, AAPS, sent a letter and commented. He is pleased the project
is moving forward. He commented on the building height, and suggested story poles be
in place in the plan. He reported on the design changes, and materials, windows, doors
and stated the rhythm is off.
Approved Regular Meeting Minutes
Page 7 of 10
April 28, 2014",PlanningBoard/2014-04-28.pdf
PlanningBoard,2014-04-28,8,"Mr. William Smith, Renewed Hope commented on the use of multi-family overlay and
affordable housing are exciting. He commented as a resident on the parking being an
issue. Affordable housing people shouldn't have to pay for services especially if they
aren't using the services. The role of the vehicle is changing, youth don't want cars. He
stated density helps to expand on open space or green space.
Ms. Karen Bey, commented on being excited about the project and agrees the market is
right for the development. She was excited to see the list of public benefits. She asked
for the approval of the project. She commented on Tang's issue of demand and supply.
Mr. Doug deHaan, spoke on the need for the developer to pay for amenities and services
for the project. He commented on the high density in the area. He warned of examples
of the past, and the need for open spaces. Funding should be provided upfront from the
developers.
President Burton closed public comment.
Board member Köster reported on this is a great project. He would like to see more ideas
on the transit hub, and the retail side. He would like to know about the live/work units.
He commented on the paseo and had safety concerns connecting to the park. He is glad
to hear the development helping JSOSP, and commented on the area being underserved
by open space. He is concerned about noise traveling through the corridors. He agreed
with Mr. Buckley's comments, and likes option 2 for the opening. He stated the need for
natural light in bathrooms over walk in closets.
Board member Knox White asked about the street cross sections.
Mr. Thomas stated the Master Plan is to provide as much detail as possible.
Board member Knox White commented on planted medians in the road should be used as
bike lanes instead, on the north side of the road. He commented on the 'exclusive transit
street' detail. He commented on Entrance Road being three lanes. He would like to see
some changes to Buena Vista, perhaps strips of green space. He asked the number of
truck trips for Del Monte and the number seemed high (25). He spoke on language for
transit related streets. He wanted the plan to address sea level rise. He suggested an
open space in-lieu fee. He agreed to unbundle the parking. He liked the design.
Board member Alvarez-Morroni commented on residents paying for parking permits
instead of just being issued. She saw the developer give a thumbs-up for supporting the
JSOSP development. She thanked staff.
Board member Tang commented on the project being positive, and the issues of parking
and open space need to be addressed. Perhaps enhancing LittleJohn Park can be done,
and add some lighting. He asked where the divide is with Windriver with public land. He
suggested a weekend parking agreement.
Approved Regular Meeting Minutes
Page 8 of 10
April 28, 2014",PlanningBoard/2014-04-28.pdf
PlanningBoard,2014-04-28,9,"Board member Zuppan talked also on a shared parking agreement with Windriver for
weekend use. She is excited about the project, and is familiar with the area, parking and
traffic issues. She suggested Lincoln and Benton be a better pedestrian intersection.
Board member Köster motioned to continue meeting past 11:00 p.m.
Board member Alvarez-Morroni seconded.
Motioned carried, 5-2 (Knox White and Henneberry opposed)
Board member Zuppan commented on the waterfront with the truck route and no
landscaping on the waterfront. She asked about land ownership along the water.
Mr. Thomas explained where ""Clement Future"" is owned by Windriver. There needs to be
a conversation with Windriver to acquire land. This will be the slowest truck route in town.
Board member Zuppan suggested street signage for slowing traffic, and would like to see
more info in the next packet. She commented on LittleJohn being active and JSOSP is a
passive space and that should be addressed. She agreed with Knox White seeing sea
level rise being addressed. She stated there is currently a lack of parking in the area, and
suggested more community meetings. She agreed with AAPS comments on colors.
Vice President Henneberry stated all the comments he had have already been made. He
agreed with Mr. Buckley's comments and is in favor of the project.
President Burton reported on being pleased with the proposal. He commented on liking
how the streets will tie the project together. The breaking up of the mass with courtyards
will be successful, promenade will be good too. He agreed with Knox White and doesn't
like the strip of parking along Buena Vista, perhaps this can be looked at. He would like
to see better access for bicycles. The entrance road needs to be narrowed, and agree the
truck route dropping part of the right-of-way. He agreed the green median is useless. He
wants to see the cross Alameda Trail on the plans. He wants sea level rise to be on the
plan, and is pleased to have the developer help with the JSOSP plan. He liked the design
of old and new connecting, but stucco work should be reconsidered. The courts seem to
be too narrow for people looking across. The infill doors could be a little more fine scale
for the store fronts. He agreed with Zuppan for more community meetings.
8. MINUTES:
Minutes of the Regular meeting, March 10, 2014
Board member Knox White motioned to approve minutes as amended.
Board member Köster seconded.
Motion carried, 7-0
9. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS:
9.A. Future Agendas - Mr. Thomas reported on upcoming agenda items.
Approved Regular Meeting Minutes
Page 9 of 10
April 28, 2014",PlanningBoard/2014-04-28.pdf
PlanningBoard,2014-04-28,10,"9.B. Staff Communications - Zoning Administrator and Design Review Recent
Actions and Decisions - Mr. Thomas reported there were two approvals since the last
meeting.
10. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
11. BOARD COMMUNICATIONS:
11.A. Report from Alameda Point Town Center Ad-Hoc Sub-Committee - None
12. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None
13. ADJOURNMENT:
11:20 p.m.
Approved Regular Meeting Minutes
Page 10 of 10
April 28, 2014",PlanningBoard/2014-04-28.pdf