body,date,page,text,path
PensionBoard,2016-01-25,1,"OF
the
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
PENSION BOARD OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD 4:30 P.M., JANUARY 25, 2016
ALAMEDA CITY HALL
2263 SANTA CLARA AVENUE, ALAMEDA
CONFERENCE ROOM 391
1.
The meeting was called to order by Interim Human Resources Director, Susan
Gonzales at 4:32 p.m.
2.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Trustees: Bruce Edwards, William Soderlund, Nancy Elzig, Absent:
Trish Herrera Spencer
Staff: Nancy Bronstein, Human Resources Director; Susan Gonzales, Interim
Human Resources Director; Geoffrey Buchheim, Financial Services Manager;
Sharlene Shikhmuradova, Administrative Technician - Human Resources; and
Nafisah Ali, Administrative Technician - Human Resources.
3.
MINUTES:
The minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 26, 2015 was moved for approval
by Member Edwards and seconded by Member Soderlund. Passed 3-0.
4.
AGENDA ITEMS:
4-A. Pension Payroll and Financial Reports - Quarter Ending December 31,
2015 and City of Alameda Police & Fire Pension Funds Financial Reports for the
Period Ending December 31, 2015.
Financial Services Manager, Geoffrey Buchheim summarized the quarterly, fiscal
year totals, as well as the general expenditures, and total cash in the fund.
Member Soderlund inquired why there was excess revenue in the report and
appeared to be growing from the previous report. Financial Services Manager,
Geoffrey Buchheim explained it could be due to the Pension Funds not being",PensionBoard/2016-01-25.pdf
PensionBoard,2016-01-25,2,"City of Alameda
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the
Pension Board - Monday, January 25, 2016
Page 2
adjusted to compensate for the recent death of pensioners. He further noted that
any revenue going into excess revenue is available towards the City's
contributions for the Pension Funds. There may be less transferred from the
general fund so as long as they keep available and cover the City's obligation.
Member Soderlund asked if the Pensioners in Plan 1082 get a raise or cost
adjustment due to the cost of living. Financial Services Manager, Geoffrey
Buchheim responded that he did not know. Member Soderlund mentioned that
with PERS, there is a 2% adjustment, depending on the 1082 contract at the
time. Interim Human Resources Director, Susan Gonzales also mentioned that
she understood that PERS caps to a maximum of 2% with some provisions of
adjustment, but is not familiar with the 1082 Pension Plan. Financial Services
Manager, Geoffrey Buchheim stated he will look into it for the next meeting.
Member Soderlund noted there are adjustment differences at the time from what
PERS offered 1082 members with the option to transfer over, and the members
who remained on the 1082 plan did not receive adjustments compared to what
PERS offered at the time.
Member Soderlund moved to accept the financial statement. Member Elzig
seconded. Passed 3-0
4-B. Memo regarding the death of 1079 Pensioner - Gloria Haley (widow of
Police Sergeant Ernest L. Haley) deceased 11/03/2015, and Yolanda McArthur
(widow of Police Sergeant William McArthur) deceased 12/16/2015, was
accepted with regret by Member Edwards and seconded by Member Soderlund.
Passed 3-0.
Member Elzig asked if condolence letters were sent from the Mayor. Interim
Human Resources Director, Susan Gonzales confirmed that letters were sent.
5.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA (PUBLIC COMMENT):
There was no communication from the public.
6.
PENSION BOARD COMMUNICATIONS (COMMUNICATIONS FROM BOARD):
Interim Human Resources Director, Susan Gonzales introduced Nancy Bronstein
as the new Human Resources Director. She also announced Human Resources
Manager, Jill Kovacs and Human Resources Administrative Technician, Lia
Faapouli, retired. Nafisah Ali was introduced as the new Administrative
Technician.
Member Soderlund asked if the City was aware of the passing of former Police
Sergeant, George Gardiner. Interim Human Resources Director, Susan Gonzales",PensionBoard/2016-01-25.pdf
PensionBoard,2016-01-25,3,"City of Alameda
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the
Pension Board - Monday, January 25, 2016
Page 3
confirmed that Executive Assistant, Michelle Koka from the City Manager's office
sent out an email to all staff.
Human Resources Director, Nancy Bronstein asked if the 1079 plan was the
earlier plan, in which member Soderlund confirmed the 1082 plan replaced the
1079 plan. Member Edwards also noted the 1079 stopped in 1953. Human
Resources Director, Nancy Bronstein understood that those in 1079 retired
before the option of switching to PERS and those in 1082 are those who opted
not to switch over. Both members, Edwards and Soderlund, confirmed that this
information was correct. Member Soderlund explained that initially no money was
put into the 1079 plan, then eventually 2% was put in, and then by 1953 4% was
put in. Member Soderlund further explained this plan was financially
cumbersome for the City and was eventually removed because members in 1079
retired at half pay, but received the same salary for the position they were in full
time and their spouses also received the same amount.
7.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no additional items to come before the board, the meeting was
adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
nar 12
Nancy Bronstein
Human Resources Director",PensionBoard/2016-01-25.pdf
PlanningBoard,2016-01-25,1,"APPROVED MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY OF ALAMEDA PLANNING BOARD
MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016
1. CONVENE
President Knox White called meeting to order at 7:00pm.
2. FLAG SALUTE
Board Member Henneberry led the flag salute.
3. ROLL CALL
Present: President Knox White, Board Members Burton, Henneberry, Köster, Mitchell,
Sullivan. Absent: Board Member Zuppan.
4. AGENDA CHANGES AND DISCUSSION
*None*
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
*None*
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
*None*
7. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
7-A 2016-2498
PLN15-0522 - Mark Pelzner - 3273 Thompson Avenue. A public hearing
to consider a use permit to allow a woodworking home occupation in
approximately 77-square-feet of the ancillary space of an existing
detached two-car garage. The items made on the site will be sold online
so the business will not have any customers on site. No changes are
proposed to the garage and the two existing parking spaces will remain.
The property is located within an R-1, One-Family Residence Zoning
District. The project is categorically exempt from California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 -
Existing Facilities.
Staff Member Barrera gave a presentation on the item. The staff report and presentation
are available at:
os://alameda.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2550392&GUID=1E58BB3E-
7BB3-4ABA-A962-213E2CBD6639&FullText=1
Approved Minutes
Page 1 of 9
January 25, 2016
Planning Board",PlanningBoard/2016-01-25.pdf
PlanningBoard,2016-01-25,2,"President Knox White open the public hearing.
Mark Pelzner, the applicant, said he has been planning and preparing for this for years
and has tried to allay any concerns his business might create. He says he has made
improvements to the garage/shop area to mitigate sound concerns.
Board Member Sullivan asked how much time the applicant spent using power tools VS.
quieter activities such as sanding and staining.
Mr. Pelzner said he uses a mix and aspires to do fine woodworking and it is hard to give
a percentage. He said he now plans to work behind closed doors where in the past he
worked in the open which created more noise.
President Knox White closed the public hearing.
Board Member Sullivan made a motion to approve the permit with the stipulation that
business hours are confined to Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Board
Member Henneberry seconded the motion. The motion passed 6-0.
7-B 2016-2499
Planning Board Workshop on Alameda Point Site A Design Review for
Block 10 Commercial Urban Park
Staff Member Thomas introduced the item. The staff report and attachments can be
found at:
https://alameda.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2550393&GUID=AAA69D5D-
55A4-479B-8052-C52567A404EE&FullText=1
Pam White from Madison-Marquette gave a presentation about their approach to the
retail development.
Board Member Köster asked if a retail study had been done for the area.
Ms. White said that this site does not lend itself to traditional retail studies and they are
looking for something unique.
Hans Baldauf, project architect, gave a presentation on the design of Block 10.
Board Member Sullivan asked about their familiarity with the survival of above ground
plantings in windy areas.
Approved Minutes
Page 2 of 9
January 25, 2016
Planning Board",PlanningBoard/2016-01-25.pdf
PlanningBoard,2016-01-25,3,"Ms. White said they have been working with their landscape architect and were
considering heritage olives.
Board Member Sullivan said she hopes they consider having plantings with interest
through the different seasons.
Board Member Mitchell asked if the site would have a greywater system.
Ms. White said they are looking at their options, including rainwater catchment and
greywater systems.
Board Member Burton asked how deliveries would be made to the distillery building.
Mr. Baldauf said they were preserving the space of West Seaplane which could be used
for off hours deliveries.
President Knox White asked about the space behind building 67 and what was planned
there.
Mr. Baldauf said they were mandated to preserve a certain amount of open space and
that it could be a long range space to expand the retail space.
President Knox White asked about D Street running between Blocks 10 and 11.
Mr. Baldauf said they believe the street is important to connect Appezzato to the parking
behind Block 11.
Ms. White said they envisioned it as a shared one way street. She said they spoke with
Public Works and the Fire Department and always assumed at least some emergency
access, but that the street was too narrow for two way traffic.
President Knox White asked about the trash enclosures for building 112 and whether we
are turning our backs to the street and discouraging people from being there.
Mr. Baldauf said the sliced off facade would create visual interest but they were trying to
bring people into the interior of the site.
Board Member Köster asked if the use and location of the shipping containers was the
best use or if there were other ideas for their positioning and for programming some of
the large open spaces.
Approved Minutes
Page 3 of 9
January 25, 2016
Planning Board",PlanningBoard/2016-01-25.pdf
PlanningBoard,2016-01-25,4,"Mr. Baldauf said the containers were used to introduce a different scalar element while
breaking up large blank surfaces on the original building walls.
There were no public speakers.
Board Member Burton said he wondered whether the Distillery building was in the right
position along the street. He said he does not understand the fascination with the
remnant structure and what was special about it that made it worth saving. He said it will
be important to make sure that the building still addresses the street and is not overly
biased to the interior courtyard. He said the West Seaplane Shops building could work
very well. He said building 112 needs more development. He said Building 67 is starting
to seem like more of a background building and not a centerpiece. He wondered how the
butterfly roof on the Distillery building would look at night. He said he was concerned
about wind exposure for people on the second floor patio.
Board Member Mitchell said he liked where the design is going.
Board Member Henneberry said it was a nice blend of respecting the history of the base
and looking to the future. He said he liked the shipping containers and is glad they are
back.
Board Member Köster said he agreed with much of what Board Member Burton said. He
said the space might be a good venue for some of the Phase Zero programming. He
said he liked the Distillery building and West Seaplane Shops.
Board Member Henneberry said we needed to keep children of different physical abilities
in mind when designing the playground area.
President Knox White said he liked the direction of the architecture. He said he was
surprised we have opened up D Street. He said that will be the street that everyone uses
to access the parking. He said the goal should be to turn the cars off earlier. He said we
need to understand that pedestrians will naturally follow the train tracks and we need to
plan accordingly. He said he worries that the spaces will be so large and open and
difficult to program. He said opening D Street will create a barrier that separates people
from the Waterfront park and not invite people to move back and forth.
No action was taken.
7-C 2016-2502
Planning Board Workshop on Encinal Terminals
Approved Minutes
Page 4 of 9
January 25, 2016
Planning Board",PlanningBoard/2016-01-25.pdf
PlanningBoard,2016-01-25,5,"Staff Member Thomas introduced the item. The staff report and attachments can be
found at
ttps://alameda.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2550394&GUID=CE7C66DF-
1473-4975-A380-B8D99AFAEFC5&FullText=1
Mike O'Hara from Tim Lewis Communities gave a presentation on their development
process and outlined the tradeoffs of different potential plan options at the site.
Board Member Köster asked about where the retail for the site was planned, whether
close to the Del Monte edge or out closer to the water.
Mr. O'Hara said that depending on the densities, the retail could be concentrated more
in one area or the other and that the plan chosen will dictate their choices.
Board Member Mitchell asked about the distances (shoreline widths) involved in the
perimeter land swap.
Mr. O'Hara said it was an estimate and could vary. He guessed it was around 150 feet
on the western edge.
Board Member Mitchell asked how many units were included in the previous traffic
studies.
Staff Member Thomas said the traffic study was done in 2008. He said that all these
projects contribute to the commute hour traffic problems. He said that is why every
project would require the payment of transit funds to help mitigate the traffic impacts.
President Knox White asked how this project impacts plans to extend Clement through
the Pennzoil parcel.
Staff Member Thomas said that he envisioned that the completion of that section would
be tied to the development of the Encinal Terminals site.
President Knox White opened the public hearing.
Elizabeth Tuckwell said she participated in the workshops in November and December.
She said a number of people had concerns about the tidelands swap. She said some
people felt that BCDC would require the perimeter to be preserved anyway and the
tidelands swap would short change Alameda. She said there were also concerns about
the number of units and with parking constraints and building heights.
Approved Minutes
Page 5 of 9
January 25, 2016
Planning Board",PlanningBoard/2016-01-25.pdf
PlanningBoard,2016-01-25,6,"Alison Greene said Alameda needs to leverage our position with the parcel swap to get
more out of this project. She suggested middle class rental housing be negotiated as
part of the swap.
Karen Bey said water transit should be a priority for this project. She said she liked the
smaller footprint with taller buildings.
Jay Ingram said that the community meetings have not been supported by the City and
were not well attended. He said a common sentiment was to see how the Del Monte
project works out before moving forward with Encinal Terminals. He said he wanted to
keep building heights to 2-3 stories.
Helen Sause said this project would help address our housing shortage in Alameda. She
said it would provide a unique mixed-use neighborhood for Alameda. She said that many
new jobs, revenues and investment would return to the City from the project.
President Knox White closed the public hearing.
Board Member Henneberry asked for more information on the tidelands swap and what
BCDC would require anyway if no swap is done.
Staff Member Thomas explained the history of the planning process that anticipated the
potential swap. He said BCDC's jurisdiction is the first 100 feet and evaluates each
property on a case by case basis.
Board Member Sullivan asked about what number of units had to be required for the
site.
Staff Member Thomas discussed housing element obligations and the tradeoffs between
the number of units required to potentially fund various public improvements and
amenities.
President Knox White asked whether the City would ever approve a plan with no swap
that does not restore the wharf.
Staff Member Thomas said he did not anticipate that ever happening.
Board Member Mitchell said he felt like we were missing the BCDC expectations before
knowing how to leverage the swap for the best interests of the City.
Approved Minutes
Page 6 of 9
January 25, 2016
Planning Board",PlanningBoard/2016-01-25.pdf
PlanningBoard,2016-01-25,7,"Staff Member Thomas said he sees it more from a desire to design the best project and
then use the swap to make that happen.
Board Member Burton said he will be looking for excellent water access options. He
says the retail focus should be along Clement to compliment the Del Monte retail space
and be neighborhood serving. He said waterfront dining out at the end of the site could
work. He said we should consider small, incubator sized office spaces for the site. He
said he was supportive of building higher to preserve open space and increase
amenities. He said doing the swap makes sense to make the best plan with the most
benefit for the City.
Board Member Köster said he thinks the swap makes sense. He said that there are
many taller buildings along the Northern Waterfront that are significantly taller than the
average 2-3 stories we often think of in Alameda.
Board Member Henneberry said we need to make the best swap possible. He said the
higher the density, the more open space we get and he supports that. He said we should
look at office space uses.
Board Member Köster said he would like to see a place for people to temporarily tie up
their larger boats while visiting the site. He referenced the Intra-Coastal Waterway in
Florida as an example.
Board Member Mitchell said he is in favor of the swap and wants to get the best deal we
can for it. He said he is concerned about traffic and that if factors into the total number of
units he would like to see.
Board Member Sullivan said this is an exciting project. She says including docks for sail
boats to cruise in would make it a destination. She said she would like to recognize our
schooner heritage at the site.
President Knox White said he thinks the focus should be along the Alaska Basin and out
at the point. He said we should consider using some of the tidelands adjacent to the
marina to support that use where it makes sense. He said it could be a good place for
some of the displaced users from a potential Alameda Marina development. He agreed
with Ms. Greene that we need to focus on more modest sized units, 1100-1200 square
feet, because we are not building enough of that. He said the unit number needs to be
juxtaposed with the costs of the community benefits so the tradeoffs are clear. He said
he would like to see more commercial space. He said he worries that the large open
spaces will be difficult to program and expensive to maintain. He said he supports trying
Approved Minutes
Page 7 of 9
January 25, 2016
Planning Board",PlanningBoard/2016-01-25.pdf
PlanningBoard,2016-01-25,8,"to centralize the parking. He said he wants to keep the main vehicular access along the
Fortmann Marina side and not put a road separating the Alaska Basin from the project.
8. MINUTES
8-A 2016-2505
Draft Meeting Minutes - July 27, 2015
Board Member Burton corrected an item regarding retail space on Park St. He said that
he wanted it to be one space and the cafe to be expanded.
President Knox White called for a vote to approve the minutes with Board Member
Burton's correction regarding the retail space on Park St.. The minutes were approved 4-
0-2 (Mitchell and Sullivan were not in attendance for the 7/27/15 meeting.)
8-B 2016-2506
Draft Meeting Minutes - November 9, 2015
President Knox White asked that the motions be better captured by pasting in the Board
Actions from the resolutions.
Board Member Sullivan pointed out a typo assigning the wrong pronoun to her comment
on page 5.
President Knox White called for a vote to approve the minutes with Board Member
Sullivan's correction to page 5. The minutes were approved 6-0.
9. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
9-A 2016-2503
Zoning Administrator and Design Review Recent Actions and Decisions
Staff Member Thomas said they approved several use permits at Alameda Point and
some minor design reviews.
9-B 2016-2504
Future Public Meetings and Upcoming Community Development
Department Projects
Staff Member Thomas said Bank of Marin and a rezoning request would be coming for
the 2/8/16 meeting. He said the three Alameda Point items would be coming 2/22/16.
10. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
*None*
11. BOARD COMMUNICATIONS
11-A 2016-2439
Approved Minutes
Page 8 of 9
January 25, 2016
Planning Board",PlanningBoard/2016-01-25.pdf
PlanningBoard,2016-01-25,9,"Report from the Alameda Point Site A - Ad-Hoc Sub-Committee
Staff Member Thomas said the Alameda Point items would be coming in sets of three.
First would be Block 11, 8 and the Waterfront Park. After that would be Blocks 6, 7 and
10.
11-B 2016-2440
Report from the Boatworks - Ad-Hoc Sub-Committee
President Knox White said the developer is finalizing an application and would hopefully
come before the full board as soon as possible rather than going to the subcommittee.
12. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
*None*
13. ADJOURNMENT
President Knox White adjourned the meeting at 10:49pm.
Approved Minutes
Page 9 of 9
January 25, 2016
Planning Board",PlanningBoard/2016-01-25.pdf