body,date,page,text,path
CityCouncil,2020-01-21,1,"MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- - -JANUARY 21, 2020- 5:15 P.M.
Acting Mayor Knox White convened the meeting at 5:15 p.m.
Roll Call - Present:
Councilmembers Daysog, Knox White, Oddie, Vella and
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 5.
[Note: Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft was present via teleconference from The
Capital Hilton, 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036.]
Absent:
None.
Consent Calendar
Councilmember Oddie moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Vella seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote:
Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Oddie: Aye; Vella: Aye; Knox White: Aye and Chair
Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes - 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an
asterisk preceding the paragraph number.]
(*20-029) Recommendation to Approve Eric Levitt, City Manager, Lisa Maxwell,
Assistant City Attorney, Debbie Potter, Community Development Director, and Nanette
Mocanu, Assistant Community Development Director, as Real Property Negotiators for
the Potential Lease of Building 169 at 1680 Viking. Accepted.
Closed Session
The meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider:
(20-030) Conference with Real Property Negotiators (Pursuant to Government Code
Section 54956.8); Property: Building 169, approximately 43,355 rentable square feet,
located at 1680 Viking Street on Alameda Point; City Negotiators: Eric Levitt, City
Manager, Lisa Maxwell, Assistant City Attorney, Debbie Potter, Community
Development Director, and Nanette Mocanu, Assistant Community Development
Director; Negotiating Parties: City of Alameda and Pacific Pinball Museum; Under
Negotiations: Price and terms
(20-031) Conference with Legal Counsel - Workers' Compensation Claim (Pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.95); Claimant: Brian Clark; Agency Claimed Against:
City of Alameda
(20-032) Conference with Legal Counsel - Workers' Compensation Claim (Pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.95); Claimant: Joseph Couch; Agency Claimed
Against: City of Alameda
Special Meeting
Alameda City Council
January 21, 2020
1",CityCouncil/2020-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2020-01-21,2,"(20-033) Conference with Legal Counsel - Workers' Compensation Claim (Pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.95); Claimant: Robin Haines; Agency Claimed
Against: City of Alameda
(20-034) Conference with Legal Counsel - Workers' Compensation Claim (Pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.95); Claimant: Jill Ottaviano; Agency Claimed
Against: City of Alameda
(20-035) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Pursuant to Government
Code Section 54956.9); Case Name: Boatworks V City of Alameda, et al.; Court:
Superior Court of the State of California, County of Alameda; Case Numbers:
RG16823346, RG16841240 RG19041531. Not heard.
Following the Closed Session, the meeting was reconvened and the City Clerk
announced that regarding Real Property, staff provided information and Council
provided direction with no vote taken; regarding Clark, the case involves a workers'
compensation claim by Applicant Brian Clark, a former Police Officer who joined the
City on August 14, 2012; the Applicant sustained injuries during a Police response on
September 25, 2017; the Applicant had total temporary psychiatric disability from the
date of the incident, September 25, 2017, and retired via industrial disability retirement
on July 20, 2019; the Council voted unanimously, via roll call vote, to authorize the City
Attorney to settle the pending workers' compensation claim in an amount not to exceed
$73,344.17; regarding Couch, he case involves a workers' compensation claim by
Applicant Joseph Couch, a former Police Officer who joined the City on September 23,
2014; the Applicant's injury occurred on April 18, 2015 at the UCSF Benioff Children's
Hospital, where the Officer was involved with a combative subject; the Applicant was
unable to ever return to full duty and retired via industrial disability retirement on
September 17, 2017; the Council voted unanimously, via roll call vote, to authorize the
City Attorney to settle the pending workers' compensation claim in an amount not to
exceed $32,249.50; regarding Haines, the case involves a workers' compensation claim
by Applicant Robin Haines, a former Firefighter who joined the City on August 3, 1998;
the Applicant's injury occurred on May 24, 2016 while responding to a significant house
fire and was in full personal protective equipment while coming down from the first story
roof; the Applicant was unable to return to full duty and retired on December 16, 2016
via industrial disability retirement; the Council voted unanimously, via roll call vote, to
authorize the City Attorney to settle the pending workers' compensation claim in an
amount not to exceed $62,770.78; and regarding Ottaviano, the case involves a
workers' compensation claim by Applicant Jill Ottaviano, a former Police Officer who
joined the City on May 23, 1997; the Applicant's injury occurred on October 8, 2014
when she sustained a cumulative injury after 17 years of service performing customary
Police duties and wearing a duty belt/vest; the Applicant was unable to return to full duty
and retired via industrial disability retirement on March 31, 2019; the Council voted
unanimously, via roll call vote, to authorize the City Attorney to settle the pending
workers' compensation claim in an amount not to exceed $63,177.75.
Special Meeting
Alameda City Council
January 21, 2020
2",CityCouncil/2020-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2020-01-21,3,"Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 5:57
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, 2020
3",CityCouncil/2020-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2020-01-21,4,"MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION (SACIC)
TUESDAY--JANUARY 21, 2020- 6:59 P.M.
Acting Chair Knox White convened the meeting at 7:01 p.m. Commissioner Vella led
the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL -
Present:
Commissioners Daysog, Knox White, Oddie, Vella
and Chair Ezzy Ashcraft - 5.
[Note: Chair Ezzy Ashcraft was present via teleconference from
The Capital Hilton, 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036.]
Absent:
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Chair Ezzy Ashcraft requested the parcel sale [paragraph no. 20-0041 be removed from
the Consent Calendar for discussion.
Chair Ezzy Ashcraft moved approval of the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
Commissioner Oddie seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote:
Commissioner Daysog: Aye; Oddie: Aye; Vella: Aye; Knox White: Aye and Chair Ezzy
Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes - 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk
preceding the paragraph number.]
(*20-001 SACIC) Minutes of the Special Joint City Council and Successor Agency to the
Community Improvement Commission Meeting Held on November 19, 2019. Approved.
(*20-002 SACIC) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Submit the
Recognized Obligations Payment Schedule (ROPS) and Administrative Budget for the
Period from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 to the Countywide Oversight Board.
Accepted.
(*20-003 SACIC) Recommendation to Consent to an Assignment and Assumption of
Affordable Housing Agreement at Independence Plaza (703 Atlantic Avenue) to
Alameda Affordable Housing Corporation and Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate
and Execute all Necessary Documents. Accepted.
(20-004 SACIC) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a
Purchase and Sale Agreement with Branagh Land, Inc., a California Corporation, for a
Net Sales Price of $1,000,000 for the 0.82 Acre Vacant Parcel at 2350 Fifth Street.
Special Meeting
Successor Agency to the Community
Improvement Commission
January 21, 2020
1",CityCouncil/2020-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2020-01-21,5,"Chair Ezzy Ashcraft expressed concern about the housing crisis; stated there should be
more focus on affordable housing; the League of California Cities has identified housing
and homelessness as among its top five priorities; expressed support for more creative
solutions to add more affordable housing within the project footprint or elsewhere in
Alameda.
The Community Development Director gave a brief presentation.
Commissioner Daysog inquired whether the 2012 housing overlay is included.
The Community Development Director responded in the negative; stated the project
does not have a Multi-family (MF) overlay; the property is a remnant parcel from the
Bayport/Alameda Landing project and does not have any underlying zoning; the
prospective purchaser will have to work through the entitlement process; a zoning
amendment will occur, with final approve by Council; the Successor Agency is acting in
a proprietary capacity as the property owner.
Commissioner Daysog questioned whether there is exception to the MF overlay.
The Community Development Director responded there is a density bonus provision;
stated a concession waiver will obligate the purchaser to provide more affordable
housing.
Commissioner Oddie inquired whether there could be a future decision to not build
housing on the proposed project property.
The Community Development Director responded the purchase and sale agreement
specifies a residential use.
Commissioner Oddie inquired the percentage of affordable housing for the proposed
project.
The Community Development Director responded a 20-unit project at 15% affordable
housing would have 3% inclusionary; stated a 22-unit project would have 3.3%
inclusionary, which is rounded down when less than 0.5%, and rounded up when more
than 0.5%; 25% inclusionary yields 5 affordable units on a 20-unit project and 6
affordable units on a 22-unit project; the project is very small.
Commissioner Oddie stated the guiding policy should be to provide as much affordable
housing when possible.
Acting Chair Knox White stated office use was previously proposed; inquired whether
the sale proceeds can be used for a mid-cycle budget adjustment to provide more
homes in an alternate location.
Special Meeting
Successor Agency to the
Community Improvement Commission
January 21, 2019
2",CityCouncil/2020-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2020-01-21,6,"The City Attorney responded brief direction may be given that the proceeds should be
considered for affordable housing; stated the details should be left for a future,
agendized meeting.
Acting Chair Knox White inquired whether the Housing Authority has received
communication related to guidance in achieving the highest sale price possible.
The Community Development Director responded the Housing Authority had the
opportunity to purchase the property when it was listed; stated the Housing Authority did
not indicate interest in the property; the Housing Authority may indicate future interest
related to the affordable housing component of the project.
Chair Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether Branagh would be willing to consider a higher
percentage of affordable housing units.
Commissioner Vella inquired whether the desire is to have the proceeds of the project
be spent on affordable housing in some way or, as an alternative, have staff negotiate a
higher percentage of affordable housing within the proposed project.
Chair Ezzy Ashcraft responded a higher affordable housing percentage would not be in
lieu of the proceeds; inquired whether more affordable housing units could be planned;
expressed support for entertaining creative solutions to have more affordable housing
units.
Commissioner Daysog stated few parcels are available for affordable housing; inquired
whether the City owns the property.
The Community Development Director responded the property is owned by the
Successor Agency; stated the Successor Agency cannot donate the land.
Commissioner Daysog expressed support for the creation of a subcommittee to work
with staff and Branagh; stated time should be spent evaluating options for the parcel;
inquired whether the density bonus is effective within the context of the housing overlay;
expressed concern for not being consistent with Measure A.
Commissioner Oddie noted escrow can take up to 15 months to complete; stated a
hearing will be held in order to address spending the sale proceeds; 3 units of
affordable housing is not enough.
The Community Development Director stated the challenge is the small size of the
property.
Commissioner Oddie stated that he would prefer 5 or 8 affordable housing units.
Special Meeting
Successor Agency to the Community
Improvement Commission
January 21, 2020
3",CityCouncil/2020-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2020-01-21,7,"The Community Development Director stated that is possible; there are trade-offs which
include funding organizations such as Rebuilding the Existing Supportive Housing at
Alameda Point (RESHAP) or adding 3 to 4 more units to the proposed project.
Chair Ezzy Ashcraft stated the property would have a size exception; questioned
whether the City is well-positioned to form a subcommittee; stated staff can return to
Council for decisions; there are a range of possible options.
Commissioner Vella inquired the about the impacts of a delay; stated there is a housing
shortage; expressed support for as much affordable housing as possible.
The Community Development Director responded a the purchase and sale agreement
includes a 90-day due diligence process; stated the City will know within 3 months
whether Branagh will move forward with the entitlement process; Branagh is interested
in evaluating a range of proposals.
The City Attorney stated the developer has a 90-day due diligence period; the City does
not; should the Successor Agency approve the agreement, the developer has discretion
to proceed.
The Community Development Director stated the Successor Agency could provide
direction to revise the purchase and sale agreement.
The City Attorney stated the purchase and sale agreement may be modified to allow for
a 90-day cancellation period for both sides.
Acting Chair Knox White expressed support for the modification.
Lisa Vilhauer, Branagh Land Inc., stated the modification provision will need to be
authorized by the owners prior to acceptance; the 90-day due diligence period is
thorough and in-depth; level of affordability is considered; expressed support for
meeting with Successor Agency Members and staff.
Acting Chair Knox White stated affordable housing has been planned for over a year;
expressed support for moving the project forward; stated the Housing Authority is
finding funding for the North Housing project; market based affordable housing units
need funding; expressed concern about delays.
The Community Development Director stated the project can happen quicker than an
affordable housing project due to many different funds and competitive rounds; the
scale of the project, as well as constraints, are important factors; there is a narrow path
forward; the project will not yield many affordable housing units.
Special Meeting
Successor Agency to the
Community Improvement Commission
January 21, 2019
4",CityCouncil/2020-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2020-01-21,8,"Commissioner Oddie inquired whether Branagh could complete due diligence in 60
days and not start or pay a deposit for 30 days; stated the City could use the 30 days for
a subcommittee and staff to look into possibilities, causing little to no delay.
The City Manager stated the decision should either be delayed for 30 to 60 days to
explore the different ideas proposed or the project agreement should be approved with
the intent to set aside the revenue for affordable housing.
Commissioner Daysog expressed support for delaying the project and allowing
a
subcommittee of Chair Ezzy Ashcraft and Commissioner Oddie to work with staff on
vetting different responses; stated the subcommittee can report back to Council on
findings; the options allows the process to be Council-driven; the delay does not allow
for a Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process; Chair
Ezzy Ashcraft and Commissioner Vella have been involved in housing issues; this is an
opportunity to continue involvement.
Commissioner Daysog moved approval of delaying approval for 30-days with a report
back from the subcommittee, working with staff and Branagh, to return for
consideration.
Chair Ezzy Ashcraft seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Commissioner Vella stated many people are currently unhoused;
expressed concern for a delay in the project causing a delay in the availability of 3
affordable housing units; stated there is a bigger picture in looking at surplus lands that
could be used for affordable housing; expressed concern for over politicizing a small
parcel with the capacity for a finite number of units; stated $300,000 will not provide for
the construction of one affordable housing unit; the cost of affordable housing is high;
expressed support for the subcommittee investigating the broader topic of the impact of
surplus housing land and returning with an inventory of parcels which have the ability to
add to the affordable housing stock; stated that she supports approving the project
agreement with the intent to set aside revenue for affordable housing, with the addition
of a robust conversation related to looking at other parcels; stated recent developments
have allowed for affordable housing projects; expressed concern for undermining the
current project.
Acting Chair Knox White inquired whether the Successor Agency could move forward
with the decision and also appoint a subcommittee to work with the developer during the
90-day due diligence period to outline the broader topic of affordable housing stock.
The City Attorney responded that he is unclear what the subcommittee would be
attempting in the 90-day period; stated should the project be approved, the project will
move forward with the developer performing due diligence; the City has no further
diligence to perform.
Special Meeting
Successor Agency to the Community
Improvement Commission
January 21, 2020
5",CityCouncil/2020-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2020-01-21,9,"Acting Chair Knox White stated the developer will return for zoning; part of the
developer's due diligence could be to understand what the City is looking for in relation
to the use of the project.
The City Attorney stated the zoning decision is quasi-judicial; noted the regular process
of having the full Council hear the quasi-judicial action should be followed.
Chair Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for Commissioner Daysog's proposal; stated a
30-day delay is not significant to the greater scheme of the project; the delay allows the
ability to look at options which could include looking at the process to get more
affordable housing; the delay is reasonable; expressed support for a 30-day hiatus for a
subcommittee to return.
Commissioner Oddie inquired whether the item requires 3 or 4 votes, to which the
Community Development Director responded 3 votes.
Commissioner Oddie inquired the duration of the proposed delay, to which the City
Manager responded 60-days.
The Community Development Director stated the delay would be a minimum of 60 days.
Commissioner Oddie stated that he would like more than 3 affordable housing units.
The Community Development Director noted the request; stated a representative from
Branagh is present as well.
Acting Chair Knox White stated the path to more affordable housing is unclear; noted
the City can ask the Housing Authority to assist in finding funding affordable housing;
expressed concern for delaying an additional 60 days when the outcome is unclear.
Chair Ezzy Ashcraft stated the Housing Authority is not the only developer of affordable
housing.
Commissioner Oddie stated that he would like more information about how many units
the project will be and how many of those units will be affordable; questioned whether
the project would lack approval with 20 units total and 3 affordable units.
Commissioner Daysog stated a 60-day delay is not required; expressed support for a
30-day delay to work out details and negotiate trade-offs.
The Community Development Director stated staff can work out details, but a staff
report would be due at the end of the 30-day delay causing another 30-day delay.
Special Meeting
Successor Agency to the
Community Improvement Commission
January 21, 2019
6",CityCouncil/2020-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2020-01-21,10,"Commissioner Oddie outlined a hypothetical scenario with Branagh only committing to
15% affordable housing; questioned the effectiveness of delaying; expressed support
for 3-units of affordable housing; stated that he would prefer more affordable units.
Commissioner Vella stated the delay could add additional costs; all Councilmembers
need to review the impact of the surplus land act to see what lands are available for
affordable housing; more affordable housing is a Council goal; the project is not going to
benefit from a 60-day delay; another opportunity might exist to allow for additional
affordable housing units; expressed support for using resources to allow for more
solutions.
Acting Chair Knox White inquired whether substitute motions are allowed.
The City Attorney responded there are currently no substitute motions on the table;
stated the Successor Agency may call the question on the current motion.
Commissioner Daysog revised his motion to alter the 30-day delay to 60-days.
On the call for the question, the motion failed by the following voice vote:
Commissioners Daysog: Aye; Oddie: No; Vella: No; Knox White: No and Chair Ezzy
Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes - 2. Noes - 3.
Commissioner Oddie moved approval of the item, with creating a subcommittee of Chair
Ezzy Ashcraft and Commissioner Vella to talk about the overall affordable housing plan.
Acting Chair Knox White inquired whether the motion includes direction for the use of
proceeds.
Commissioner Oddie responded the distribution of proceeds should return to Council
when received.
Commissioner Vella questioned whether staff would identify proceeds and return to
Council.
Acting Chair Knox White inquired whether the motion could be amended to add ideas
for more affordable housing.
Commissioner Oddie responded in the affirmative.
Commissioner Vella seconded the motion.
***
(20-005) Commissioner Oddie moved approval of giving Chair Ezzy Ashcraft an
additional three minutes.
Special Meeting
Successor Agency to the Community
Improvement Commission
January 21, 2020
7",CityCouncil/2020-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2020-01-21,11,"Commissioner Vella seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote:
Commissioners Daysog: Aye; Oddie: Aye; Vella: Aye; Knox White: Aye and Chair Ezzy
Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes - 5.
Chair Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she would like to indicate the intention to use the proceeds
toward achieving a well-articulated desire to add more affordable units.
Acting Chair Knox White noted the intention is indicated in the motion.
Commissioner Oddie concurred.
Commissioner Daysog inquired whether there will still be a subcommittee that will focus on
the global issue.
Commissioner Vella responded in the affirmative.
Commissioner Daysog expressed support for the motion; expressed concern for Measure
A.
Acting Chair Knox White stated the topic is related to a State density bonus, which Council
does not control.
Commissioner Oddie inquired whether the Successor Agency would defer to Chair Ezzy
Ashcraft for subcommittee appointment, to which Acting Chair Knox White responded in the
affirmative.
Commissioner Vella stated that she would be happy to serve on the subcommittee with
Chair Ezzy Ashcraft.
Chair Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the decision must be made.
The City Attorney responded since the item is not agendized, the decision can be
announced upon Chair Ezzy Ashcraft's return.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following roll call vote: Commissioners
Daysog: Aye; Oddie: Aye; Vella: Aye; Knox White: Aye and Chair Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes
- 5.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Acting Chair Knox White adjourned the meeting at 7:58
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Special Meeting
Successor Agency to the
Community Improvement Commission
January 21, 2019
8",CityCouncil/2020-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2020-01-21,12,"Successor Agency to the Community
Improvement Commission
January 21, 2020
9",CityCouncil/2020-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2020-01-21,13,"MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- - JANUARY 21, 2020--7:0 P.M.
Acting Mayor Knox White convened the meeting at 7:58 p.m.
ROLL CALL -
Present:
Councilmembers Daysog, Knox White, Oddie, Vella,
and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 5.
[Note: Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft was present via teleconference from
The Capital Hilton, 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036.]
Absent:
None.
AGENDA CHANGES
None.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
(20-036) Proclamation Declaring January 21, 2020 as Janet Magleby Day in the City of
Alameda.
Acting Mayor Knox White read the proclamation and presented it to Ms. Magleby.
Ms. Magleby made brief comments.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
(20-037) Maria Gallo, Alameda, discussed traffic calming in the Fernside neighborhood.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Oddie moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote:
Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Oddie: Aye; Vella: Aye; Knox White: Aye and Chair
Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes - 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an
asterisk preceding the paragraph number.]
(*20-038) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings Held on December
17, 2019 and the Special City Council Meeting Held on December 18, 2019. Approved.
(*20-039) Ratified bills in the amount of $3,626,023.47.
(*20-040) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
January 21, 2020
1",CityCouncil/2020-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2020-01-21,14,"with Tetra Tech, Inc. for Post Construction Project Closeout and Second Amendments
to Agreements with BKF Engineers and Park Engineering, for the Cross Alameda Trail
(Main Street to Constitution Way) Project, in a Cumulative Amount Not to Exceed
$145,633. Accepted.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(20-041) Recommendation to Accept the Alameda Free Library Strategic Plan, 2020-
2025.
The Library Director made brief comments.
Ruth Metz, Ruth Metz Associates, gave a Power Point presentation.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether there will be expansion of the West End
branch library.
The Library Director responded the property is land-locked and the surrounding
properties are privately owned; stated the walls cannot be pushed outward; the West
End branch library was renovated in 2010; a larger library presence is needed as
Alameda Point develops; the goal is to establish a library branch at Alameda Point;
noted the West End branch could be repurposed into something else or become the
new seed and tool library; the building can always be found useful by the library
program; physical expansion of the building is not possible.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether expansion of operation hours and activities
would be possible.
The Library Director responded in the affirmative; stated there is no way to install sound
barriers within the building; many programs are hosted after-hours as to not disturb
patrons wishing to participate in quiet activities; a goal is to increase operating hours at
all three library branches; increasing hours will return during the budget process due to
expansion of staffing needs.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated library use continues to grow and expand; the library has
remained relevant during changing times.
Acting Mayor Knox White inquired whether the tracking of visits only includes web visits
or visits to the reference desk, to which the Library Director responded all web visits.
Acting Mayor Knox White stated moving the library catalog to Alameda Point at a larger
building could yield a different structure for the West End branch.
The Library Director stated there is the possibility to move the West End branch to
Alameda Point; there is the possibility to build a brand new branch; in order to establish
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
January 21, 2020
2",CityCouncil/2020-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2020-01-21,15,"a
presence, outreach is possible in the form of something similar to Amazon lockers for
book rentals.
Acting Mayor Knox White noted Alameda Point Collaborative (APC) has a similar
vending machine; expressed concern for the Bay Farm Island branch library which has
not grown or expanded in thirty years and does not have plans to grow.
The Library Director stated the branch is very small; expansion possibilities were
reviewed in 2008; residents desired expansion of the branch; the branch expansion
would be negotiated with Recreation and Parks Department; it is possible to expand the
property footprint.
Discussed the Friends of the Alameda Free Library working with the City, community
and Alameda Library to realize the vision and mission to raise funding and support
programs: Karen Butter, Friends of the Alameda Free Library.
Councilmember Oddie inquired how the strategic plan document will be used going
forward; stated the budget is coming in the near future; expressed concern for the
strategic plan not being utilized.
The Library Director responded development would not occur overnight; stated a
current needs assessment should be completed; as the plan moves forward, the needs
assessment will be completed; a potential savings account would be created for capital
projects specific to the library; as the budget approaches, expansion of hours will be
discussed; a short form of the strategic plan exists that will be used for talking points;
the short form will be available on the library website to showcase current updates.
Councilmember Oddie stated the strategic plan needs to be placed on the list of
potential community impacts for development; noted the library budget asks have been
minimal; urged the library program to ask for needed funding; expressed support for the
seed lending library; stated that he receives many compliments when he wears an
Alameda library shirt.
Councilmember Daysog stated the West End library is a jewel with potential; the main
branch is also a beautiful building.
The Library Director stated the West End building is very nice, but many people do not
go inside; the library program would like to expand services, but needs the operating
hours to do so.
Councilmember Vella stated libraries enable parents and caregivers to give children the
ability to grow and develop; many families are unable to have a robust library at home;
public libraries allow access for all families; expressed support for an increase in hours
to be included in the budget proposal especially for satellite branches like the West End;
stated the West End branch is very accessible; libraries are places where many kids
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
January 21, 2020
3",CityCouncil/2020-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2020-01-21,16,"make friends; people go to libraries for a sense of community and a shared love of
reading; there is something magical about seeing kids get excited about reading; many
community members use access to computers and other amenities at the library;
expressed support for the savings account and the tool share option.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for the plan; stated the library is similar to a
book club for young ones; the library is a place to connect and build community;
expressed support for the library program and for extending hours.
Acting Mayor Knox White stated the library is a fantastic place; libraries help children as
well as the unhoused; noted the library does experience challenges; questioned the
next steps for the strategic plan; expressed support for upcoming planning documents;
expressed support for communicating updates to the library program.
Councilmember Daysog moved approval of accepting the Strategic Plan.
Councilmember Vella seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote:
Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Oddie: Aye; Vella: Aye; Knox White: Aye and Chair
Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes - 5.
(20-042) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a 60-Year Lease
Agreement with the Alameda Unified School District for a City Aquatic Center at the
Existing Swim Center Site at Alameda High School; and
(20-042 A) Resolution No. 15630, ""Approving a Real Property Lease Agreement with
the Alameda Unified School District."" Adopted.
The Recreation and Parks Director gave a brief presentation, including outlining terms
in the final lease.
Councilmember Daysog expressed appreciation for the subcommittee; stated the
community will be excited for the aquatic center; expressed support for the item.
Councilmember Oddie stated although there are two separate entities, the goal of
working together to find funding for operations and maintenance should remain.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated communication is key; the aquatic center is an exciting
project; work should begin as soon as possible; expressed support for moving forward.
Acting Mayor Knox White stated agreement language has been left flexible to anticipate
working together; expressed support for the item.
Councilmember Daysog moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Vella seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote:
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
January 21, 2020
4",CityCouncil/2020-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2020-01-21,17,"Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Oddie: Aye; Vella: Aye; Knox White: Aye and Chair
Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes - 5.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
(20-043) The City Manager announced January 26th is the last day to input data on the
City's interactive walking and biking map and Centro Legal is providing regular drop-in
hours at Mastick Senior Center.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
None.
COUNCIL REFERRALS
None.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(20-044) Councilmember Daysog made an announcement about a Noise Forum
meeting and an update from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
(20-045) Councilmember Oddie made an announcement regarding an upcoming
Stopwaste meeting and Alameda's Restaurant Week.
(20-046) Councilmember Vella announced that she would be attending a Lead
Abatement and a League of California Cities Housing Policy meeting.
(20-047) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft announced that she is in Washington DC to attend the
Mayors Conference; in addition, she would also be meeting with Veterans Association,
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Senator Feinstein's and
Assemblymember Lee's offices.
(20-048) Acting Mayor Knox White made an announcement regarding the Inter Agency
Liaison Committee meeting with AC Transit, a Martin Luther King event held at City Hall
and a Planning Board meeting to discuss Measure A.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Acting Mayor Knox White adjourned the meeting at
8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
January 21, 2020
5",CityCouncil/2020-01-21.pdf
CityCouncil,2020-01-21,18,"Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
January 21, 2020
6",CityCouncil/2020-01-21.pdf