pages: CityCouncil/2014-07-01.pdf, 14
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2014-07-01 | 14 | Councilmember Chen stated that he supports the plan; suggested creating a funding reserve by setting aside a portion lease revenues from Building 25; stated the reserve could be used to hire a consultant to create a plan for wetlands and see whether or not wetlands are feasible; he would like to add language giving Council and staff time to reevaluate Building 25 after the park is funded and language which directs staff to work with the community to come up with funding sources for the park; in terms of prioritizing, Alameda has over 20 parks, he would like to see the wetlands. Mayor Gilmore inquired whether existing language allows Council to reevaluate the existence of Building 25 at any time, to which the Chief Operating Officer - Alameda Point responded in the affirmative. In response to Mayor Gilmore's inquiry regarding lease revenues, the Chief Operating Officer - Alameda Point stated the fund balance is tight and Alameda needs a long term sustainable budget approach. Mayor Gilmore inquired whether there is room in the budget to sequester a portion of lease revenues. The Chief Operating Officer responded staff does not recommend creating a reserve fund; the budget is already tight; there is no need to hire a consultant as cost estimates have already been done and a consultant's scope of work could be accommodated by staff; creating a reserve fund may set a precedent and will impact the budget. Councilmember Daysog stated the language does not need to be as prescriptive as he originally stated and could be included in the financing strategy; the language could be open ended and just indicate that the creation of wetlands should be investigated. The Chief Operating Officer - Alameda Point concurred with Councilmember Daysog; stated including language regarding wetlands creation in the financing strategy is a great idea; enhancing existing wetlands is preferred over creating new wetlands, which involves an onerous permitting process; that she is happy to work cooperatively with the community to find funding sources. Councilmember Tam stated flexibility and accountability for future Councils is important; her department at East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD) manages wetlands mitigation banks; finding buyers is difficult since habitats take a lot of initial funding; designation of the land as wildlife refuge is an option. The Chief Operating Officer - Alameda Point suggested including language in the conceptual financing strategy that staff will explore creative funding opportunities, including wetland mitigation banks, potential designation as national wildlife refuge and other opportunistic and creative strategies. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 13 July 1, 2014 | CityCouncil/2014-07-01.pdf |