pages: CityCouncil/2013-03-05.pdf, 3
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CityCouncil | 2013-03-05 | 3 | Mayor Gilmore inquired whether the transaction could go forward whether or not the City of Alameda agrees with proceeding. George Schlossberg, Outside Counsel, responded in the affirmative; stated property held by the United States (U.S.) is available for federal missions; the City negotiated a road map in 2000, which allows the City to acquire and develop surplus property; last year, there was a boundary change and the City agreed to absorb the submerged land, which was originally planned to go to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USF&WS); when USF&WS dropped out, the Navy was looking for a way to satisfy its obligations and the City agreed to accept the land, which will be part of the next conveyance; the action tonight is part of the on-going boundary adjustments. Mayor Gilmore stated that as the owners of the land, the U.S. is entitled to decide what happens with the land; the U.S. could decide to transfer custody to another federal entity, such as the VA, or could decide to transfer the land to the City; inquired whether the City does not have a say in the custodial change from one federal agency to another federal agency. Mr. Schlossberg responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Tam stated the Council has received letters expressing concern about public outreach and participation; requested staff to explain when the change was contemplated and the extent of the public outreach; stated the City received a notice about the project from the VA about two meetings which would be held on March 14th on the USS Hornet; issues have been raised about accessibility for the disabled, particularly disabled veterans; inquired whether there is any opportunity to provide City facilities, which might be more accessible. The Chief Operating Officer - Alameda Point responded the project has been underway for over two years; the Biological Opinion released in August 2012 addresses the modified VA project; the matter has been in the news and there has been public discussion; tonight is the first public hearing before the City Council in open session; USF&WS has done outreach to environmental organizations; the decision to hold the meetings on the USS Hornet was made by the Navy and VA; the City discussed using the O'Club; stated the VA could explain why the USS Hornet was selected. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she hopes the Navy and VA would reconsider holding the meetings on the USS Hornet; the meetings should be as publically accessible as possible. Larry Jaynes and Richard Crowe, VA, gave a brief presentation and showed Power Point slides. Mayor Gilmore inquired whether Mr. Crowe operated the USS Hornet lift, to which Mr. Crowe responded that he watched the lift being operated; stated a lift operator would be present at the meetings. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 3 March 5, 2013 | CityCouncil/2013-03-05.pdf |