pages: CityCouncil/2017-02-21.pdf, 9
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CityCouncil | 2017-02-21 | 9 | coordinated approach; other stakeholders are on board and staff wants to be careful not to stall again; Chinatown and Oakland support a basic plan; the project is not ready to be discussed publicly. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated she is familiar with the stakeholders; in the past, the plan never got buy-in; inquired whether it is a totally new plan, or new thinking. The Base Reuse Director responded the previous plan was beneficial to Oakland; over time, guidelines have changed and became more technical; having a plan that was reviewed in the past would be ideal; staff is working with Caltrans to overcome important issues; the new plan would focus on new solutions and be creative; the building blocks are being tweaked to meet technical hurdles. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated there is a reference to the continued work for Veteran's Administration (VA); the legislative update refers to efforts in Sacramento and Washington DC; inquired whether there may be some roadblocks with the VA. The Base Reuse Director responded there are no roadblocks; the VA is in the design phase; Congress mandates that the VA be turned over to other federal agencies; the project is moving forward; meetings with engineering and infrastructure are being called. In response to Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry, the Base Reuse Director stated funding is not entirely adequate; $80 million out of $220 million has been appropriated, which includes site preparation and offsite utilities; there has not been a lot of day to day contact; but staff is aware by activities; the City is trying to help broker some relationships and lend civil engineering support; she is not sure when everything will happen. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether revenue taxation is a statewide measure, to which the City Manager responded in the affirmative. In response to Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry regarding reducing the threshold, the City Manager stated bills have been going through the process, but have not been successful. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the City is looking for the State to help with Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) and CalPers. The Assistant City Manager responded the State modified the CalPers system; stated there has been some discussion to do similar reform for OPEB; there is nothing going on now, but the City would like to support any efforts. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether specific legislation addresses affordable housing, to which the City Manager responded in the negative; stated it is just general legislation. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 9 February 21, 2017 | CityCouncil/2017-02-21.pdf |