pages: CityCouncil/2010-07-27.pdf, 28
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CityCouncil | 2010-07-27 | 28 | Councilmember Tam stated the Subcommittee process eight months; the Subcommittee consulted with all departments; the issues [proposed tonight] did not come up; the proposed amendments have not gone through a fully transparent process and with a meaningful opportunity for public input; that she has not had a full briefing on the implications of the Seal Beach issue [noted by Mr. Weaver]. The City Attorney stated that she could provide a briefing; in addition, Mr. Wiley, the City's Labor Attorney, is also here to provide input. Councilmember Gilmore stated that she appreciates the City Attorney's foresight in having Labor Counsel available for a briefing, which does not solve her biggest issue; the Subcommittee went through an exhaustive process to the point of polling different departments to see if anything else should be added; that she does not think the issue should be taken lightly; the public needs to have the opportunity to ask questions and be educated; amending the Charter should not be rushed; 2008 was the first time that the Charter was amended; amending the Charter without having the same process the first time around is not good public policy. The Interim City Manager stated that she addressed the proposed Public Utilities Board (PUB) amendment in the past. Councilmember Matarrese stated that he would like to see the proposed PUB amendment go forward because of the inherent conflict of interest; people have time to discuss the issue between now and November; the PUB item is the simplest one. Councilmember Tam stated that she disagrees that the PUB issue is simple. Councilmember Gilmore inquired why the City Manager was put on the PUB; further inquired why the City Manager would be a PUB member if not a voting member. The Interim City Manager responded the Alameda Municipal Power General Manager thought that having the City Manager be an ex-officio would be helpful; stated that she is not aware of any instance where the City Manager has voted; the Charter is a living, breathing document; the opportunity to amend the Charter only comes around every couple of years unless a special election is called, which would be pricey. Councilmember Gilmore inquired how long staff has been working on the amendments. The City Attorney responded some of the proposed amendments have been in the works for over a year; stated the language has not sprung up overnight; the language is a product of concerted staff effort; unfortunately, the Charter Subcommittee declined to meet this year; the General Election would be the cheapest opportunity to do any Charter amendments; the proposed amendments have been brought forth Special Joint Meeting Alameda City Council, Alameda Reuse 28 and Redevelopment Authority, and Community Improvement Commission July 27, 2010 | CityCouncil/2010-07-27.pdf |