pages: CityCouncil/2021-06-15.pdf, 14
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CityCouncil | 2021-06-15 | 14 | Vice Mayor Vella expressed concern about the discrepancy in costs; stated the costs are rather large; questioned the potential alternative being proposed. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated if the rates had been the same, she would be happy to award the local business entity the contract; she cannot vote in good conscience to award the contract for twice as much and half the service to the Alameda Sun. Vice Mayor Vella inquired whether staff has inquired the reason for the large difference in overall costs even with lower circulation. The City Clerk responded since adjudication, the Alameda Sun has consistently been the higher bidder for the proposal; stated the rates submitted with the bid for Alameda Sun have always exceeded the Alameda Journal; noted the bids are the same as the previous year with no increase or decrease. Vice Mayor Vella stated the comparison between the two companies is significant; the Alameda Sun costs twice as much as Alameda Journal; expressed concern about a similar discussion occurring last year; stated that she is concerned about such a large difference in cost; the City is ultimately being asked to subsidize the local paper based on the cost; noted the cost may not be due to service being provided. The City Clerk stated Alameda Journal is part of a pool with legal ad serving multiple papers, whereas the Alameda Sun does not; there is a savings due to the Alameda Journal servicing more than one paper, versus the Alameda Sun being a standalone paper. Vice Mayor Vella stated that she is concerned the Alameda Sun is not printing as often during the pandemic; inquired whether lessened printing had impact on legal notices. The City Clerk responded in the negative; stated the Alameda Sun printed each week; noted the circulation number went down due to the pandemic. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated it is possible the cost are so high due to the City's previous willingness to pay; if the costs were comparable, she would consider awarding the contract to the local paper; she does not support a cost which is twice the amount at a lower circulation; legal notices serve an important purpose. On the call for the question, the motion failed by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: No; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Vella: No; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: No. Ayes: 2. Noes: 3. Councilmember Daysog moved approval of awarding the contract to the Alameda Journal. Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 2021 5 | CityCouncil/2021-06-15.pdf |