pages: CityCouncil/2014-07-01.pdf, 17
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2014-07-01 | 17 | Stated Council would be responsible for any litigation costs that occur from the initiative: former Councilmember Karin Lucas, Friends of Crown Beach. Stated Neptune Point does not need to be housing to meet the Housing Element target: Jim Smallman, Alameda. Stated that he opposes the companion measure; which would bring a lot of opposition from the environmental community: William Smith, Alameda. Stated that he supports the initiative; the compelling need for a companion measure should be clearly explained to the voters: Harry Reppert, Alameda. Mayor Gilmore stated Council has received briefings from the City Attorney in closed session on the matter; Council understands the initiative, the companion measure and the ramifications of each; addressed the last speaker, stated the necessity for a companion measure is the City may be forced to pay to defend a lawsuit or a judgment in a lawsuit; Alameda is already struggling to find money for existing parks, paying for another park is not in budget; the fiscal responsibility measure ensures the City's General Fund is protected. Councilmember Daysog stated the issue is important; if Council adopts the initiative with a companion measure, and the City is sued, the Council would not just raise taxes, but would decide to reprogram General Fund dollars because it is the will of the people; that he supports adopting the initiative tonight. Councilmember Chen concurred with Councilmember Daysog; stated that he is in favor of adopting the initiative, without any alternation or modification; that he has reservations about a companion measure. Councilmember Tam concurred with Councilmembers Daysog and Chen regarding the initiative; stated Council should adopt the initiative; after eight years on the Council, she has learned the best way to be silenced is to be sued as it becomes difficult for the Council to explain preferences and views; concurred with speakers that a companion measure does not grant any more authority to the Council that it does not already have; however, the ordinance lets the public know Council's intent and accountability in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft concurred with Councilmember Tam; stated adopting the open space initiative with a companion measure is prudent; inquired whether Council should consider any more specific language to protect the City's interests. The City Attorney responded in the affirmative; stated the companion measure does allow an avenue for potential actions for Council, including, but not limited to, stay or suspension of the initiative. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 16 July 1, 2014 | CityCouncil/2014-07-01.pdf |