body,date,page,text,path
CityCouncil,2015-06-02,1,"MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- -JUNE 2, P.M.
Mayor Spencer convened the meeting at 6:01 p.m.
Roll Call - Present:
Councilmembers Daysog, Ezzy Ashcraft, Matarrese, Oddie
and Mayor Spencer - 5.
[Note: Councilmember Daysog arrived at 6:28 p.m.]
Absent:
None.
The meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider:
(15-356) Conference with Real Property Negotiators (54956.8); Property: 707 West
Tower Avenue (Building 9 at Alameda Point) and 651 West Tower Avenue (Building 91
at Alameda Point); Negotiator: Nanette Mocanu, Assistant Community Development
Director Negotiating party: Ridge Capital, Inc. and SRMErnst Development Partners;
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
(15-357) Conference with Labor Negotiators (54957.6); City Negotiator: Stephanie
Garrabrant-Sierra; Employee Organizations: Electric Utility Professional Association of
Alameda (EUPA) and Alameda Municipal Power Unrepresented Management
Employees (AMPU); Under Negotiation: Salaries and terms of employment
Following the Closed Session the meeting was reconvened and Mayor Spencer
announced that regarding Labor, direction was given to staff.
***
Mayor Spencer called a recess at 7:07 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 12:03 a.m.
***
Following the Closed Session the meeting was reconvened and Mayor Spencer
announced that regarding Real Property, direction was given to staff.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Spencer adjourned the meeting at 12:32 a.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
June 2, 2015",CityCouncil/2015-06-02.pdf
CityCouncil,2015-06-02,2,"MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL
AND THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION (SACIC) MEETING
TUESDAY--JUNE - P.M.
Mayor/Chair Spencer convened the meeting at 9:07 p.m.
Roll Call -
Present:
Councilmembers/Agency Members Daysog, Ezzy
Ashcraft, Matarrese, Oddie and Mayor/Chair Spencer
-5. -
Absent:
None.
Oral Communications
None.
Consent Calendar
Agency Member Oddie moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
Agency Member Ezzy Ashcraft seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice
vote - 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the
paragraph number.]
(*15-009) Minutes of the Successor Agency to the Community Improvement
Commission (SACIC) Meeting Held on March 17, 2015; and the Special Joint City
Council and SACIC Meeting Held on April 7, 2015. Approved.
Agenda Items
(15-377) Resolution No. 15048, ""Approving and Adopting the City of Alameda
Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Years (FY) 2015-16 and 2016-17.' Adopted;
and
(15-010) Resolution No. 15-03, ""Approving and Adopting the Successor Agency to the
Community Improvement Commission Budget for FY 2015-16 and 2016-17.'
Adopted.
The Interim City Manager stated revised pages were provide on Other Post-
Employment Benefits (OPEB) and made brief comments.
The Finance Director gave a Power Point presentation and responded to questions.
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council and Successor Agency to
the Community Improvement Commission
June 2, 2015",CityCouncil/2015-06-02.pdf
CityCouncil,2015-06-02,3,"Mayor Spencer inquired whether the annual operating results for the coming year is
$1.2 million positive, but $5.2 million deficit after five years.
The Finance Director responded the City has been prudent in forecasting moving
forward; stated; deficits are attributed to increases in retirement contributions that
cannot be easily changed; the City is working with bargaining groups on long term
solutions for Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB); structural deficit issues have to
be reviewed and corrected; anytime budget forecasts go further out in years, it is best to
assume where the economy will go based on what is known now; staff is doing its best
to estimate; the budget is conservative and there are a multitude of items that need to
be addressed.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated one-time large transfer funds are referenced;
inquired what the plan is moving forward.
The Interim City Manager responded a portion of the transfer tax is one-time;
eliminating the transfer tax from the Balance Revenue Index (BRI) was discussed and
needs to be negotiated with bargaining units.
Vice Mayor Matarrese inquired whether one-time fund transfers have been used to
balance revenue in budget, to which the Interim City Manager responded in the
affirmative.
Vice Mayor Matarrese stated there are no other outstanding loans; solutions for fixing
structural problems needs discussion; budgeting is not exact and projections are
variable; the City has the benefit of history to make projections tighter; that he would like
checkpoints after the first year to address the gap.
The Finance Director stated the loan repayment from Alameda Municipal Power (AMP)
is $2.2 million; there was a swap of revenue: AMP prepaid a portion of its franchise with
an advance, which is already in the General Fund; AMP will repay the $2.2 million in full
in FY15-16 instead of trying to eliminate it; the net increase one-time money is $1.2
million added to the fund balance in FY15-16; Council agreed to use the fund balance
toward FY16-17.
The Interim City Manager stated staff met with an attorney who specializes in utility
users tax to determine an estimate of what is being left on the table; the five year
projections show the need to continue belt tightening; continuing to be frugal and
making adjustments would help fiscal sustainability.
Councilmember Daysog stated the chart is helpful; when comparing annual expenditure
increases to conservative revenue estimates, the annual rate of change almost doubles;
staff is being conservative; the chart shows the structural deficit in summary form; he
questioned what happened to the programs being considered to decrease fund balance
from 30% to 20%.
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council and the Successor Agency to
the Community Improvement Commission
June 2, 2015",CityCouncil/2015-06-02.pdf
CityCouncil,2015-06-02,4,"In response to Councilmember Oddie's inquiry regarding PERS smoothing, the Finance
Director stated the PERS Chief Actuary does not expect rates to go down.
Councilmember Oddie stated increases in expenses are expected to level off in five
years.
The Finance Director stated PERS is trying to address liabilities; the City cannot control
whether PERS will revise assumptions; the City will have to contribute what PERS
requires; PERS is just one component; there is a combination of factors to review,
focusing on one is not prudent.
Councilmember Oddie stated PERS is the main root of the annual operating result
deficit; the City should focus on ways to be more efficient in controlling costs moving
forward.
In response to Mayor Spencer's inquiry, the Finance Director stated a deficit reduction
is not anticipated because operating expenses are locked in; some components of
salaries and benefits could be controlled; other ideas regarding contracts may come up
in five years.
The Finance Director continued the presentation.
In response to Mayor Spencer inquiry, the Library Director stated $100,000 represents
adding hours on Wednesdays to offer more programming and class visits; $40,000 is to
extend hours, and $60,000 goes toward the materials budget.
In response to Councilmember Daysog's inquiry, the Finance Director stated the County
grant is for additional limited term Fire Department positions; elimination of the
ambulance is not on the list for FY16-17.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether costs are rolled into the five year projections,
to which the Finance Director responded in the affirmative.
In response to Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry, the Fire Chief stated the
Community Paramedicine Pilot Program grant funds are for two years; once funds run
out, the program will be dissolved if no other funding is found; lots of people could
benefit from the program, including Alameda Hospital.
Councilmember Oddie stated pilot programs are not continued if they do not work.
In response to Mayor Spencer's inquiry, the Interim City Manager stated filling positions
saves overtime costs.
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council and Successor Agency to
the Community Improvement Commission
June 2, 2015",CityCouncil/2015-06-02.pdf
CityCouncil,2015-06-02,5,"The Finance Director concurred with the Interim City Manager; stated Fire Department
vacancies are reviewed to determine realistic timeframes to fill the positions; estimated
vacancy savings would be based on hire dates; estimates are based on known
vacancies.
Mayor Spencer inquired whether the budget addresses overtime of public safety.
The Interim City Manager responded the Fire Department's SAFER Grant expired;
positions were no longer funded and were filled with overtime; the Fire Department
submitted a grant application for a $500,000 SAFER Grant which will reduce overtime.
Mayor Spencer inquired whether staffing levels will be reviewed as part of the budget, to
which the Interim City Manager responded it would be the Council's decision to review
staffing levels.
Mayor Spencer inquired whether the staffing level issue is in the parking lot of items, to
which the Interim City Manager responded in the negative; stated the issue could be
added to the parking lot.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated the problem for the budget and for personnel is
that overtime increased; there needs to be a balance so personnel is not stretched; new
members could be added, but there is a lot to be considered in addition to salary and
new employment benefits.
In response to Councilmember Oddie's inquiry, the Interim City Manager stated the
SAFER Grant funds two years.
The Interim City Manager noted overtime will never be eliminated 100%.
Mayor Spencer stated Council and staff should be looking at everything.
Vice Mayor Matarrese inquired what would happen if the City does not get the SAFER
Grant; stated a plan is needed for when the grant expires; suggested reviewing other
cities' models like Sunnyvale and Rohnert Park.
The Finance Director responded the current budget does not assume the City will get
the SAFER Grant which is $2.2 million over two years.
The Finance Director continued the presentation.
Mayor Spencer inquired whether the Emergency Water Supply (EWS) could fall under
Community Improvement Projects (CIP), to which the Public Works Director responded
in the negative; stated EWS falls under the Fire Department budget and is a parking lot
issue.
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council and the Successor Agency to
the Community Improvement Commission
June 2, 2015",CityCouncil/2015-06-02.pdf
CityCouncil,2015-06-02,6,"Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft noted the Fire Department has a fire boat which is
capable of pumping water from bay.
The Interim City Manager stated the Fire Department does not have water tanks;
training for use of the fire boat is being done; water from the fire boat cannot reach the
entire town; an alternate system needs to be researched and brought back.
In response to Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry, the Fire Chief stated alternate
systems could be researched and a report would be brought back in four months.
The Interim City Manager stated parking lot issues could be discussed after the budget.
***
(15-378) Mayor Spencer stated a motion is needed to consider the remaining agenda
item adoption of the appropriations limit [paragraph no. 15-380].
Vice Mayor Matarrese moved approval [of considering the remaining item].
Councilmember Oddie seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote -
5.
***
Councilmember Daysog stated West Enders feel shortchanged in CIP items; pavement
and new streets being well distributed across town should be made part of the
discussion.
Councilmember Oddie noted Bay Farm Island is not on the budget map.
The Finance Director continued the presentation.
In response to Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry regarding State legislation, the
Chief Operating Officer - Alameda Point stated the City has a State lobbyist identifying
ways to improve bills and find financing tools for Alameda Point's $600 million
infrastructure.
Vice Mayor Matarrese stated the State infrastructure bills are impractical for Alameda.
The Chief Operating Officer - Alameda Point stated mitigating the impacts to the
General Fund reduces ability to fund infrastructure through a special tax.
Mayor Spencer inquired whether Council is being asked to approve the budget without
addressing the parking lot issues, to which the Interim City Manager responded in the
affirmative; stated parking lot issues are reserves that do not affect the budget and can
be addressed any time.
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council and Successor Agency to
the Community Improvement Commission
June 2, 2015",CityCouncil/2015-06-02.pdf
CityCouncil,2015-06-02,7,"Mayor Spencer stated the budget could be affected if additional cuts are made to fund
parking lot items.
The Interim City Manager stated cuts was were already discussed; there will be no
additional cuts; the parking lot is a laundry list.
Mayor Spencer stated the part time employee issue has not been discussed and cannot
be funded with reserves.
The Interim City Manager stated staff is not prepared to discuss the part time employee
issue at this time.
Mayor Spencer stated that she has been waiting to have the conversation on part time
employees for a long time; there may be other items in the parking lot that would be
considered ongoing.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated staff needs time to address the part time
employee issue; the parking lot issues are not part of the two-year budget; that she
would like to have a priority setting workshop to address parking lot issues after the
budget and the August recess; she is content to know the items are still on the parking
lot.
In response to Mayor Spencer's inquiry, the Interim City Manager stated parking lot
items include: Alameda Point buildings, PERS smoothing, OPEB trust for current
employees, part time employees, abandoned estuary vessels, and public safety issues;
the items are not listed with any priority.
Vice Mayor Matarrese stated the parking lot items were not voted on.
The Interim City Manager stated Councilmembers raised parking lot items and she
made note of them.
Vice Mayor Matarrese stated the list could be agendized for public discussion; acting on
items tonight would be inappropriate; that he would advocate restricting the General
Fund balance on some of the items; there is no inordinate risk of failing to operate the
City.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the participatory process would
continue to be done in the future, to which the Interim City Manager responded in the
affirmative; stated there is better participation when the show is taken on the road.
Expressed support for the proposed budget: Robb Ratto, Park Street Business
Association.
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council and the Successor Agency to
the Community Improvement Commission
June 2, 2015",CityCouncil/2015-06-02.pdf
CityCouncil,2015-06-02,8,"Councilmember Daysog stated that he is happy with the budget process and the
assumptions are reasonable.
In response to Councilmember Oddie's inquiry, Vice Mayor Matarrese stated he is
proposing a 20% restriction on the fund balance.
Mayor Spencer inquired whether the money could be set aside in another fund, to which
the Interim City Manager responded in the negative; stated any amount above the 20%
reserve would become restricted, which means staff would have to come back to
Council for approval to spend it.
The Finance Director stated $3 million was restricted for a specific purpose; any amount
above 20% has to be specifically restricted; staff is not ready to say where funds would
be applied.
***
(15-379) Mayor Spencer stated a motion is needed to continue the meeting past 11:00
p.m.
Vice Mayor Matarrese moved approval [of continuing the meeting].
Councilmember Oddie seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote -
5.
Councilmember Oddie stated that he wants to be clear on what can be done today,
including the mechanics.
Vice Mayor Matarrese stated that he would like to have Council consider restricting
anything above 20% to be used for capital needs which have been deferred, or to fund
other capital assets, such as salt water pumps and non-operational expenditures.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated the issues are all worthy to consider, but not
tonight; that she would like input from staff; she cannot vote on something so specific
without information.
Councilmember Daysog stated the whole point of the budget process is to identify and
budget CIP needs; questioned why an account would be created that specifies where to
park or spend money; the budget process already in place deals with current needs and
long term unfunded needs.
Mayor Spencer stated that she cannot support a budget where parking lot items would
be neglected unless it is a CIP item.
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council and Successor Agency to
the Community Improvement Commission
June 2, 2015",CityCouncil/2015-06-02.pdf
CityCouncil,2015-06-02,9,"The Interim City Manager stated spending reserve money on one-time issues is just
best practice.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated tonight is not the time to decide the parking lot
issue; suggested bringing the items back since they have not come before the Council
or the public.
The Interim City Manager concurred with Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft; stated there
are other ways to fund the parking lot issues; using the General Funds is not
recommended; finding the best use of funds would be evaluated and brought back to
Council.
Vice Mayor Matarrese stated not using reserves for operations over and above 20% is
the point; he would like to cut revenues gathered from one-time events, and apply funds
on a priority basis; specifics could be discussed once items are separated.
Councilmember Oddie concurred with Vice Mayor Matarrese; stated anything over 20%
or 25% should be set aside for discussion at a later meeting.
Councilmember Daysog stated the straightest line approach is to develop a strategy on
how to treat unfunded capital; once the strategy is known, details can be discussed; the
process is backwards now.
Mayor Spencer stated that she cannot support the process if items on the parking lot
could not be discussed.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated Council is not making any decision one way or the
other; discussions will take place at later date with agendized items; staff needs
breathing room; she does not expect the item to come back before August; inquired
what would be a realistic time frame and format.
The Interim City Manager responded staff could do a more thorough job if a report could
be brought back in September.
Mayor Spencer stated it sounds like Council is being asked to set aside a certain
amount for certain things like one-time expenses.
Councilmember Oddie stated that he is open to developing a strategy as suggested by
Councilmember Daysog; staff should have until September; Council could come up with
a number tonight, then give staff direction.
In response to Mayor Spencer's inquiry, the Interim City Manager stated the current
Council policy is 25%; all Council is doing tonight is giving direction.
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council and the Successor Agency to
the Community Improvement Commission
June 2, 2015",CityCouncil/2015-06-02.pdf
CityCouncil,2015-06-02,10,"Mayor Spencer stated Council is being asked to approve a budget; deciding the
percentage does not need to be done at this point.
The Interim City Manager stated setting reserves at a certain level is good practice;
tonight Council is being asked to do two things: 1) approve the budget as proposed, and
2) give staff direction to come back with a plan on spending the amount above the 25%
reserves.
Mayor Spencer stated she thought all the parking lot items would be addressed then
Council would decide how to proceed.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated the parking lot items will be addressed, just not
tonight; suggested sticking with the 25% reserve policy; stated Council will address all
items of concern; having full discussion is prudent and responsible.
The Interim City Manager stated the same budget exercise was done in November with
the prior Council; the process is a proven method separate and aside from the budget.
Councilmember Daysog moved approval of the staff recommendation [adoption of the
City Council resolution].
Councilmember Member Oddie seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember Oddie stated issues discussed were important,
including deferred maintenance and restoring some of the cuts made during the
recession; the budget reflects his values and those of the City; growth in public safety
was due to PERS smoothing and needs to be addressed long-term; the budget overall
has strong values including no cuts to public safety; he is honored to cast a vote in his
first budget approval.
Mayor Spencer stated approval of the budget is a step in the right direction for serving
the City at large and corrects departments that have been left behind.
Vice Mayor Matarrese stated he intends to support the budget but would like to address
an inflated General Fund reserve; there have been years of deferred maintenance and
he would like to evaluate allocating one-time funds to that purpose; that he is looking
forward to more discussion.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
Vice Mayor Matarrese moved approval of directing the Interim City Manager to provide
a strategy that involves allocating the excess of 25% of the current General Fund
balance to items that fall under non-operations activities.
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council and Successor Agency to
the Community Improvement Commission
June 2, 2015",CityCouncil/2015-06-02.pdf
CityCouncil,2015-06-02,11,"Councilmember Daysog stated the mechanics will be ironed out by City staff, but are
still unknown; rather than chasing money and figuring out how to spend it, a strategy to
address needs and wants is more appropriate; the issue is too substantive to not have a
detailed discussion.
Councilmember Oddie stated allowing the surplus to absorb operating deficits is not an
appropriate use; Council should set a policy at 25% and use the excess to address
important issues; Council and staff should develop a strategy to identify options; the
25% should be the amount at the end of FY16-17.
Vice Mayor Matarrese stated the fund balance is already being chipped away; he is
prepared to support the budget because the delta is so small and projections are so
conservative; at the end of the year, the City will be in better shape than the projections;
new development will add to the property tax roll and transfer tax; the margin of error
could be worked with.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Mayor Spencer requested clarification on Vice Mayor Matarrese's
motion; stated she would not be able to support a restriction.
Councilmember Daysog stated that he would vote no because the whole point of the
month-long budgeting process was to identify the long-term unfunded capital needs,
which are already known; to suddenly say a policy needs to be created to begin to
address projects does not make sense; understanding the needs and bending
accordingly is the straightforward approach.
Vice Mayor Matarrese modified the motion to approve directing the Interim City
Manager to provide a strategy that involves allocating the excess of 25% of the current
General Fund balance at the end of FY 15-16.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft seconded the motion.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following voice vote: Ayes:
Councilmembers Ezzy Ashcraft, Matarrese and Oddie - 3. Noes: Councilmember
Daysog and Mayor Spencer - 2.
Agency Member Matarrese moved adoption of the SACIC resolution.
Agency Member Ezzy Ashcraft seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Chair Spencer requested clarification on approving the SACIC
resolution.
The Finance Director stated the Council is acting as the governing body of the SACIC
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council and the Successor Agency to
the Community Improvement Commission
June 2, 2015",CityCouncil/2015-06-02.pdf
CityCouncil,2015-06-02,12,"approving the SACIC budget.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
(15-380CC) Public Hearing to Establish the Proposition 4 (Appropriations) Limit for
Fiscal Year (FY) 2015-16; and
(15-380A CC) Resolution No. 15049, ""Establishing the Appropriations Limit for FY 2015-
16."" Adopted.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft moved adoption of the resolution.
Councilmember Oddie seconded the motion.
Under discussion, the Finance Director gave a brief presentation.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor/Chair Spencer adjourned the meeting at 11:58
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk
Secretary, SACIC
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council and Successor Agency to
the Community Improvement Commission
June 2, 2015",CityCouncil/2015-06-02.pdf
CityCouncil,2015-06-02,13,"282
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- - -JUNE 2, 2015- - -7:00 P.M.
Mayor Spencer convened the meeting at 7:11 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL -
Present:
Councilmembers Daysog, Ezzy Ashcraft, Matarrese,
Oddie and Mayor Spencer - 5.
[Note: Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft arrived at 7:13 p.m.]
Absent:
None.
AGENDA CHANGES
None.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
(15-358) Proclamation Declaring May 30 through June 7, 2015 as Alameda Elks' Bike
Safety Week.
Mayor Spencer read and presented the Proclamation to Dean Seaquist with the
Alameda Elks.
Mr. Seaquist made brief comments.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
(15-359) Gretchen Lipow, Alameda, submitted information; urged providing Senior
Housing at Alameda Point, which generates less traffic; expressed concern over
CalTrans' seismic standards.
(15-360) Jim Heggar, Alameda, expressed concern over lighting.
Mayor Spencer requested staff to review issue; stated the project might not have had
permits.
(15-361) Michael John Torrey, Alameda, announced the upcoming Relay for Life Event
and Armature Radio Club Field Day Event.
(15-362) Ken Peterson, Alameda, expressed concern over juvenile justifications be
used at Council meetings.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
June 2, 2015",CityCouncil/2015-06-02.pdf
CityCouncil,2015-06-02,14,"283
Vice Mayor Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote -
5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph
number.]
(*15-363) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meeting Held on May 5,
2015; and the Special City Council Meeting Held on May 6, 2015. Approved.
(*15-364) Ratified bills in the amount of $1,771,504.10.
(*15-365) Recommendation to Approve the Agreement between the Housing Authority
and the City of Alameda to Provide Housing Services for the City and Additional
Policing Services for the Housing Authority and Authorize the Interim City Manager to
Execute the Agreement. Accepted.
(*15-366) Resolution No. 15048, ""Amending the Alameda Municipal Power
Unrepresented Management Employees (AMPU) Salary Schedule by Revising the
Salary Ranges for the Classifications of Assistant General Manager - Administration,
Assistant General Manager - Energy Resources Planning, Assistant General Manager -
Customer Resources, and Assistant General Manager - Engineering & Operations.""
Adopted.
(*15-367) Ordinance No. 3126, ""Revising the City's Sewer Service Charge."" Finally
passed.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(15-368) Recommendation to Receive Update on City's Water Reduction Plan.
***
Councilmember Daysog left the dais at 7:27 p.m. and returned at 7:29 p.m.
***
The Management Analyst and Doug Linney, East Bay Municipal Utility District
(EBMUD), gave a Power Point presentation.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether businesses receive recognition for
outstanding improvement in water use reduction.
Mr. Linney responded EBMUD has a program for businesses that discover new ways to
save water, and notices are sent to customers for outstanding efforts.
In response to Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry regarding Lincoln Avenue work,
Mr. Linney stated Alameda's main water main runs down Lincoln Avenue; replacement
of 60 to 70 year-old pipes on Lincoln Avenue is important to provide greater assurance
for reliable water supply in a disaster.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
June 2, 2015",CityCouncil/2015-06-02.pdf
CityCouncil,2015-06-02,15,"284
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the emergency water supply would be
drinking water or to fight fires, to which Mr. Linney responded both drinking water and to
fight fires.
In response to Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry, Mr. Linney stated purple pipes
are separate pipes with recycled water which is filtered and cleaned; purple pipe water
can be used for landscaping but is not potable.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether purple pipes will be added to newer
development.
Mr. Linney responded there are no details yet but a master plan could spread the use of
recycled water through the District; purple pipes could be used for the landscaping
portion of new development.
Councilmember Oddie stated that he is encouraged by Alameda citizens' progress of
cutting 14% of water usage; receiving citizen emails to help the fight and be prepared is
important; 50% water use is environmental; consumers can make the difference by
being vigilant.
Mr. Linney concurred with Councilmember Oddie; stated water is not just for residents,
it is also for animals, fish, wildlife and to conserve for the future.
In response to Mayor Spencer's inquiry, the Management Analyst stated the 25% water
savings has then been translated by EBMUD to 20% of the 2013 baseline; Alameda has
achieved the goal and will continue going forward.
In response to Mayor Spencer's inquiry, Mr. Linney stated the overall savings goal is
divided by District depending on performance; EBMUD has a 20% goal.
Mayor Spencer inquired whether there will there be an increase in cost for the same
amount of water.
Mr. Linney responded the EBMUD is in the process of adjusting conservation rates to
purchase additional water supply and to make up for 80% of the cost to replace and
repair pipes.
Mayor Spencer requested an estimate of the rate increase and the effective date.
Mr. Linney responded the rate increases will start at the end of July, depending when
meters are built.
Sherrie Hong, EBMUD, noted an 8% rate increase is scheduled for July 1st. there will be
a drought surcharge of 25% on volume.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
June 2, 2015",CityCouncil/2015-06-02.pdf
CityCouncil,2015-06-02,16,"285
In response to Mayor Spencer's inquiry regarding the rate increase impact on the
budget, the Interim City Manager stated staff received advanced notice and the 25%
increase is in the budget.
In response to Mayor Spencer's inquiry, Mr. Linney stated EBMUD did a past-bills
comparison during the last drought cycle; a comparison will not be done this drought
cycle; the more people save, the less they will be impacted.
(15-369) Recommendation to Authorize the Interim City Manager to Negotiate and
Execute a Five Year Agreement with Taser International for the Acquisition, Support
and Maintenance of 80 Body Worn Digital Video Cameras and a Digital Evidence
Management System and Appropriate $424,752.61 from the Police Departments' Fiscal
Year (FY) 2014-15 Budget to Finance the Acquisition.
The Police Chief gave a brief presentation.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated the agreement should not have come to Council
without a draft use policy; a full blown forum is not necessary, but the body camera
issue is a high profile item; the Council and public want to know what the City is
acquiring and how the equipment will be used; the City of San Leandro purchased the
same type of equipment and had a use policy; the City of San Jose is simultaneously
developing their policy; she appreciates the Police Chief's offer to bring the use policy
back to Council, but does not want to put the cart before the horse; she understands the
grant money process and does not want to disadvantage the department, but in order to
have her vote, a draft policy needs to come back to Council before the end of the Fiscal
Year and before cameras are used in the field.
Vice Mayor Matarrese stated the policy should include the use of the camera and
access to the data the camera collects; that he would like assurance in writing that the
data is stored and protected and Taser International can prove the data is protected.
The Police Chief stated the data belongs to the City; Taser is simply holding it; data
would be deleted on the City's schedule based on the retention policy.
Vice Mayor Matarrese inquired whether the use policy would include the Freedom of
Information or Public Records Act rules, to which the Police Chief responded in the
affirmative.
In response to Councilmember Oddie's inquiry, Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated
she would prefer not to deploy the equipment until a use policy is brought before the
Council by the end of the Fiscal Year.
Councilmember Oddie stated it is an issue of civil rights; that he is sympathetic to the
timeline to develop policy; there is nationwide debate and policy makers know what is
going on; Assembly Bill (AB) 66 would create Statewide standards; keeping the public
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safe and protecting the Police Department is important; that he supports the item and
will vote to move it forward today.
Councilmember Daysog stated Alameda is a safe City because of effective law
enforcement; the equipment is practical; that he supports the Police Chief's position that
Alameda needs the equipment to protect citizens and the department.
In response to Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry, the Police Chief stated Alameda
will get new cameras if a better camera is available in the 5 year period and if cameras
break, they will be replaced.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft noted Evidence.com cloud based storage is a subsidiary;
stated that she hopes the parameters of what can be done with the data is included in
the agreement.
The Police Chief stated there is no possibility that the City's data would be given or
disclosed to anyone; the City owns the data and the storage security is military grade;
there have not been any data breaches countrywide.
In response to Mayor Spencer's inquiry, the Police Chief stated the use policy will be
submitted for Council acceptance when it is ready; the policy could be put on the City
website for the public to view; there are no plans to have public meetings similar to the
License Plate Readers (LPRs).
Mayor Spencer stated that she would like to have an informal process and give the
public an opportunity to discuss the issue.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated the item could come back as a regular agenda
item instead of on the consent calendar to allow Council and public input.
Councilmember Daysog stated that he supports what the Police Chief thinks is best.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated the body cameras are an important purchase; the
LPRs were different in that there was a lot of concern of infringement of civil liberties
since the LPRs are non-discriminating; the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) were
skeptical of LPRs but support body cameras; that she supports a robust discussion but
questioned why the discussion could not happen at a Council meeting.
Mayor Spencer stated if Councilmembers are not interested in holding a public forum,
she would reach out to other community organizations like Alameda Citizens Taskforce
(ACT) to hold a public forum in the library; inquired whether the Police Chief would be
interested in addressing the public.
Councilmember Oddie stated that he leaves it to the Police Chief's discretion on how he
wants to proceed.
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Mayor Spencer commended the Police Chief and officers for attending a County event
to improve relations of police and community members; stated that she fully supports
funding the item, but that she does want to work on policy.
The Police Chief stated having control of the data does not make people feel better
about how the data is managed; nothing is hidden; trying to balance privacy and
technology, and still instill confidence in the public is a hard conversation.
Mayor Spencer inquired whether review is built into the policy, to which the Police Chief
responded in the affirmative; stated the LPR policy follows federal and State law; any
policy changes would be made to reflect current law.
Mayor Spencer inquired whether the Council has ability to review the policy, to which
the Police Chief responded in the affirmative; stated former Councilmember Chen
requested additional internal policy review for the LPRs; assured Council a similar
provision would be included in the use policy on the body cameras.
Stated that she questioned the automatic license plate readers, which are indiscriminate
and track people's movement; body cameras differ and do not require as much
attention; there should be public disclosure of being filmed and some oversight: Carol
Gottstein, Alameda.
Councilmember Oddie moved approval of the staff recommendation to authorize the
Interim City Manager to negotiate and execute a Five Year Agreement with Taser
International for the acquisition, support and maintenance of 80 body worn digital video
cameras and a digital evidence management system and appropriate $424,752.61 from
the Police Departments' FY 2014-15 budget to finance the acquisition, with the caveat
that it not be deployed until Council reviews the policy before the last meeting in July.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Mayor Spencer inquired whether Council approves or just reviews
the policy.
The Interim City Manager responded typically the Police Chief develops the policy for
review by the Council.
Mayor Spencer stated that she would like Council to approve the policy.
The City Attorney stated the policy is operational and the Police Chief has control of his
department; Council does not manage or operate the Police Department.
Vice Mayor Matarrese inquired whether the Council could vote to not approve the
contract if they do not like the policy, to which the City Attorney responded in the
affirmative.
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On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
(15-370) The Interim City Manager discussed the City's progress in meeting regional
housing requirements; stated Alameda scored second to last for the period 2007
through 2014; clarified the requirements for an Engineer to approve plans for City
projects, including the Shoreline cycle track; discussed Public Works staff qualifications.
Councilmember Daysog commended the Public Works Director for his work on the Main
Library.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the Interim City Manager would clarify
the wireless telecommunications facility report [addressed on May 19].
The Interim City Manager stated the Radio Frequency (RF) study for 1777 Shoreline
Drive was included in the Engineer's report, which was included in the staff report.
Councilmember Daysog stated the report was 350 pages which included two RF studies
for 1801 Shoreline Drive; it was reasonable for him to think the second RF study was
the RF study for 1777 Shoreline Drive.
Councilmember Oddie commended the Public Works Director.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft expressed concern over personal attacks; urged
decorum.
COUNCIL REFERRALS
None.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(15-371) Councilmember Oddie announced that he attended a Stopwaste.org meeting
and would be asking the Council for a position on the plastic bag ban.
(15-372) Councilmember Daysog announced that he attend the League of California
Cities Easy Bay Division meeting with Mayor Spencer and Councilmember Ezzy
Ashcraft at which the City's Community Development Director gave a presentation.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated the Community Development Director gave the
Walnut Creek Community Development Director a tour of Harbor Bay Business Park to
help the renovation process of their old business park.
(15-373) Vice Mayor Matarrese stated a delegation from Dumaguete, Philippines would
be hosted this weekend.
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(15-374) Consideration of Mayor's Nominations to the Civil Service Board, Commission
on Disabilities, Golf Commission, Library Board, Planning Board, Public Art
Commission, Public Utilities Board, Recreation and Park Commission, Social Service
Human Relations Board, and Transportation Commission; and Mayor's Appointment to
the Rent Review Advisory Committee.
Stated that hopes to continue serving on the Transportation Commission: Chris Miley,
Alameda.
Mayor Spencer made brief comments on the candidates and process; nominated Jan
Brandt and Cookie Robles-Wong for appointment to the Civil Service Board; Edward
Downing and Ronald Carlson for appointment to the Golf Commission; and Karin Lucas
for appointment to the Rent Review Advisory Committee.
The City Clerk clarified that the Rent Review Advisory Committee appointment would
not return to Council.
Mayor Spencer stated members of the public could continue submitting applications.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for Mr. Miley and encouraged
diversity.
Councilmember Oddie expressed support for Mr. Miley and urged he be reappointed.
Mayor Spencer stated the City has a diverse pool of applicants and that she is working
with staff and the community; she welcomes more board and commission applications.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
(15-375) Linda Weinstock, discussed the drought and water saving measures that
should be implemented in new development and urged implementation of rebates.
Mayor Spencer inquired whether staff could look into the matter.
The Interim City Manager stated EBMUD has rebates.
(15-376) Ken Peterson, Alameda expressed his appreciation for the Police and Fire
budget presentations; discussed the amount of money spent on public safety; stated
Joe Ernst gave a presentation to the Alameda Citizens Task Force; discussed energy
efficiency and clean energy.
ADJOURNMENT
(15-377) Councilmember Oddie requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of
School Board member Neil Tam; made brief comments.
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Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft made brief comments to honor Mr. Tam.
Councilmember Daysog extended his condolences to the family and made brief
comments.
Vice Mayor Matarrese stated it is fitting to adjourn the meeting in Mr. Tam's memory.
Mayor Spencer stated she was honored to serve with Neil Tam on the School Board.
There being no further business, Mayor Spencer adjourned the meeting in memory of
Mr. Tam at 9:06 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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