pages: CityCouncil/2018-05-15.pdf, 9
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CityCouncil | 2018-05-15 | 9 | that would benefit from CENIC are the ones that would help close the gap of income disparity; CENIC is an extraordinary opportunity for the type of businesses that the pilot program would attract, such as university related businesses which do not have access to research in biotech resource libraries; the pilot program is worth the gamble and makes Alameda unique; offering access to CENIC will attract R&D; he fully supports the recommendation. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated professional, well-paid tech jobs depend on their funding stream; a lot of companies are funded by venture capital; CENIC is an exciting opportunity to make Alameda Point what it is intended to be; she loves the opportunities that would be available for Alameda Unified School District and College of Alameda students; the City spends money on a lot of different projects and this one is worth pursuing; she hopes the Council will support the program. In response to Mayor Spencer's inquiry regarding free WiFi, the IT Director stated the project is not impacted by free WiFi, which staff will be researching. Vice Mayor Vella stated there are definitely positives to the pilot program; it is not her intent for General Fund money to be used; she is concerned the door was closed to other groups and organizations because an RFP process was not done; in general, it is a policy decision; she is prepared to support the program, but with a caveat that people who benefit should cover costs in coming years. Stated that she is retired from IT; urged Council to give very serious consideration to the project in light of the opportunities at Alameda Point: Karen Boutilier, Alameda. Councilmember Oddie concurred with his colleagues on the ends, but his issue is with the means; expressed concern over an RFP process not being done; stated the program is limited to for-profit R&D companies; he understands the importance of the program, but finds it problematic there is another no-bid contract, similar to the Gig Car Share pilot program, which had no Council input; there should have been a transparent and fair bidding process. Mayor Spencer concurred with Councilmember Oddie; stated it is important that such projects come to Council; she cannot help but think if CENIC is so important to the companies, they should have been able to come up with the funding instead of the City paying $200,000; it is critical to think about whether the program is where money should be spent; it is not a priority and may result in having to cut services; she is not able to support the program. Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of the recommendation to approve a two year pilot program. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft seconded the motion, which carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Ezzy Ashcraft, Matarrese Oddie and Vella - 4. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council May 15, 2018 9 | CityCouncil/2018-05-15.pdf |