pages: CityCouncil/2021-03-30.pdf, 15
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CityCouncil | 2021-03-30 | 15 | Councilmember Daysog stated that he really enjoys the new building at the College of Alameda; now is the time to start engaging. Councilmember Knox White inquired whether anyone has requested the matter be brought forth. Councilmember Daysog responded no one; stated that he would like the City Manager to use his professional expertise to sound out stakeholders. Councilmember Knox White stated the City has an active Transportation Program Plan that looks at how to encourage people to walk and bike within business districts; this matter likely belongs within the Transportation Program Plan; expressed concern about jumping another transportation and business improvement project to the top of the line when Council has already given much direction on similar projects; he will not be supporting the motion; he would not be against the business districts making a request or it coming out in process. Councilmember Daysog stated the points raised are valid; there are active Transportation Plans; however, the plans are transit related; the current matter is focused on other features, such as landscaping and light features; if stakeholders ask to move forward with the active transportation components faster, that is okay. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she likes the renovations done to Webster Street; she would like to see a list of Council priorities shown during Council Referrals; there is no point in setting priorities in order of importance if they are not going to be achieved by directing staff time and City resources towards the goals; matters do come along at times and should be addressed; however, it is difficult to know where this particular matter would fit into the priority list. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the Referral is appropriate and is exactly what Referrals are supposed to be; there appears to be an effort to discourage Referrals; Council has a process for Referrals; she plans to support the matter; Council can provide feedback; the matter does not appear to be extraordinary; she does not expect Commissions to be the only ones allowed to raise issues; Council is elected by the people; it is appropriate for a Councilmember to make a recommendation; Council is not dependent on Commissioners as the only ones to weigh-in on important issues. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft noted the report has listed the matter as important and urgent. Councilmember Knox White stated the matter is appropriate as a Referral; the Referral process is to see whether or not there are at least three votes to prioritize and expend staff time on the issue; the process had been developed specifically due to a prior Councilmember giving direction to staff outside of Council discussions; Council has done a lot of work to set priorities and has set Boards and Commissions in a direction to work on said priorities; Boards and Commissions collect community input to provide recommendations to Council; Council has the final say; he thinks there is enough going on and projects are having a hard enough time continuing to move forward due to staff being inundated; expressed support for deeming the matter not a priority, while not making a statement on whether or not the project is good; the project may come out of one of the Continued March 16, 2021 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 15 March 30, 2021 | CityCouncil/2021-03-30.pdf |