pages: CityCouncil/2010-04-20.pdf, 14
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CityCouncil | 2010-04-20 | 14 | The Planning Services Manager stated language would be clarified in the ordinance, guidelines, and window replacement handout. Councilmember Gilmore stated windows should have a special section; the age of the house is important; a window guide should include pictures to show what is appropriate and what is not. The Planning Services Manager inquired whether the window guideline should be brought back at the final passage. Councilmember Gilmore responded if possible; stated the Planning Board spends an incredible amount of time with applicants and neighbors discussing windows. Mayor Johnson stated that she recalls a man wanting to put a new faucet in the kitchen and a building inspector told the man that aluminum sliders needed to be removed; the aluminum sliders were there before the man bought the house; the Chief Building Official told her that aluminum sliders were a health and safety issue; people are going to run into the same problem if a proper process is not in place. The Interim City Manager stated things are not written very clearly; the message is clear that the ordinance needs to be narrowly constructed. Mayor Johnson stated having unclear language makes things unpredictable for the public; that she hopes the requirement for electrical upgrades when replacing countertops has been changed. The Interim City Manager stated staff is running into conflicts between the Building Code and Fire Code; the issue is being reviewed. Councilmember Matarrese stated everyone agrees that aluminum sliders are bad; requiring outlets every so often to encourage use of electrical appliances may not be the right thing to do in today's world; the ordinance is not set in stone; a good amount of prescription is needed; there is room for discretion; everything goes back to training with the attitude that improvements are being made and not telling people what to do. Vice Mayor deHaan stated the industry has been able to solve the problems with aluminum sliders. Councilmember Matarrese stated plastic sliding has been resolved also. Councilmember Gilmore stated most residents first and only contact with City Hall is when they want to do something to their house; getting the same answer when the same question is asked is important; the City needs to project a business friendly, responsive approach. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 14 April 20, 2010 | CityCouncil/2010-04-20.pdf |