pages: CityCouncil/2020-02-04.pdf, 15
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CityCouncil | 2020-02-04 | 15 | particular items; discussed his first meeting addressing the Del Monte project; stated discussions have yielded decisions that are different from agenda titles and caution should be taken; stated the change in housing units for the Del Monte project was a worse violation than the change in the cannabis item; expressed support for a safeguard being put in place and for providing direction to staff and the OGC to develop a replacement that meets the needs discussed by Council. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft quoted the adage: "bad facts make bad law;" stated that she recalls the item which generated Ms. Chen's complaint; Council must follow the law and respect the authority that has been delegated; the order to cure remedy is adequate and sufficient; the OGC should come up with something that incorporates Council's suggestions; stated the City Attorney's office takes great pride in doing good legal work in advising the City and its boards and commissions; all are capable of making mistakes true to human nature; the particular item has been heavily scrutinized; the harm in leaving null and void as-is, allows someone to apply the provision to a law that someone does not like; Councilmembers were elected into positions; those elected must have thick skin, a sense of humor and a backbone; all Councilmembers come from different backgrounds and disagree at times, but also work hard for those represented; quoted former President Barak Obama; stated that she wished more people would serve on boards and commissions as a stepping stone to elected office; there is great representative government in the City; expressed support for all recommended amendments; stated that she would entertain a further remedy to ensure the intent of null and void is honored; expressed concern about the Commission stating that it would not support any similar amendment; stated that she expects boards and commissions to work cooperatively and collaboratively with the City Attorney's office and vice versa; additional guidelines should be taken seriously for those that have a complaint; any order to cure should be taken seriously and not buried under the rug. Councilmember Vella stated a task force has been suggested, similar to the original Sunshine Task Force, as well as the item returning to the OGC for input, options and recommendations; there should be a process for holding meetings on regular dates; stated a quick turnaround may not always be possible; a clause should be in place to expedite reagendizing. Vice Mayor Knox White inquired whether staff is proposing language. The City Attorney responded staff has drafted language to address Council comments; stated the item should return to the Commission or Council as soon as practical; the amendment requires the originating body to make a decision based on the OGC recommendation, which may involve agreeing or disagreeing and curing; the amendment provides that the City would take all necessary actions, to the extent authorized by law, to maintain the status quo. Councilmember Oddie expressed concern for maintaining status quo; expressed support for regularly scheduled OGC meetings; stated the OGC is the best body to come up with alternate ideas to effectively enforce violations; inquired whether the Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 13 February 4, 2020 | CityCouncil/2020-02-04.pdf |