pages: CityCouncil/2020-04-21.pdf, 4
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2020-04-21 | 4 | hearing; expressed support for a Zoom meeting, which allows speakers to be heard rather than having comments read, and for having the meetings well publicized ahead of time for as full and robust of a discussion as possible; stated packing the Council Chambers with people will not happen for a while. Councilmember Vella seconded the motion. Under discussion, Council member stated these are uncertain times; expressed support for tabling the item at least until the shelter in place order has been lifted; stated the primary focus of most people are on day-to-day items, not Council discussions related to initiatives; the November election is still unclear; expressed concern for bringing certain Charter changes to the election in November based on current voting access conditions; stated a number of bills and legislation being worked on; decisions should not be made in the middle of the night; expressed concern that essential workers will not being able to comment or participate at a special or regular meeting and about staff bandwidth and workload; expressed support for one special meeting to be agendized earlier in the day to allow participation; expressed support for tabling the item until the shelter in place has been lifted. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the same avenues to submit comments will be allowed at the special meetings, people can e-mail or text; those that want to show up in person can have access on devices; expressed support for two special meetings; stated the topics are fairly meaty and can be time-consuming. Councilmember Vella stated there are people working long hours that are not thinking about items aside from providing essential work and cannot respond in way that they would normally be able to; expressed concern about people not having the time or capacity to dig through recommendations; stated the conversation should be robust; all items should be considered should be in front of all Councilmembers and constituents. Councilmember Oddie expressed support for Councilmember Vella's comments; stated many people are worried about their health, jobs, and family; stated it is a bad look for Council to have this discussion when people are preoccupied; Measure A and Charter Section 7-3 are not part of the current agenda item; the idea of a City prosecutor has come up this year. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that not all items have originated from the Grand Jury report; some items have come from evaluating the Charter, finding deficiencies and wanting to make improvements; these are exceptional times; an election is occurring in November. Councilmember Oddie stated the Charter discussion should happen at a later date. Vice Mayor Knox White stated all items were brought to Council, including a couple being brought by Councilmember Vella; the City prosecutor item was based on direction provided by a unanimous Council vote last September; expressed support for a way to Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 2 April 21, 2020 | CityCouncil/2020-04-21.pdf |