pages: CityCouncil/2021-06-15.pdf, 8
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CityCouncil | 2021-06-15 | 8 | Vice Mayor/Commissioner Vella moved adoption of the resolutions. Councilmember/Commissioner Knox White seconded the motion. Under discussion, Vice Mayor/Commissioner Vella stated that she would like to clarify the Recreation and Parks Director work with the Recreation and Park Commission, understanding that there is already an effort underway to involve and have community- led discussion regarding DePave Park; there is potential for additional allocation to the CIP if it is recommended through the discussion process. Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer stated the budget is comprehensive; expressed support for the community input; stated budget concerns have been addressed in the public comments; the budget is reflective of the City's priorities; there have been many compromises on the proposed budget; she will not be supporting the budget; she is not on the same page after the pandemic; funding mental health is important; she would have liked the Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) and Alameda Family Services requests to be fully funded; she advocated for more funding towards the Recreation and Parks Department; mental and physical health have been compromised in the past 12 to 15 months; she expects to see more side effects moving forward; expressed support for $250,000 for DePave Park planning; stated there are not sufficient funds in the Recreation and Parks Department budget; expressed concern about the Fire Department Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant positions being transferred to the General Fund; outlined the funding; stated reserves are being depleted; stated Council should spend more time looking at pension contributions; a significant amount goes towards employees, benefits, pensions and unfunded pension liabilities; it would be more appropriate to use deficit spending towards mental and physical health and recreation, including DePave Park; DePave Park is a priority; she thinks Council will come up with a way to fund the project; if Council is serious about climate action, it is appropriate to fund DePave Park; the Recreation and Parks Director has previously applied for a grant for DePave Park; stated the previous attempt was denied; the grant is critical; she does not expect the grant to be successful until the City dedicates funding; she would have liked to have seen scholarships for Recreation and Parks activities; there is a greater demand for scholarships; the City is using reserves, which should be spent on community members, including Library and ambulatory services; discussed ambulance services; stated Council should look at the ambulance expenditures. Councilmember/Commissioner Knox White stated staff has done a good job of coalescing everything into an agreed upon budget. Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft requested clarification on fully funding the mental health services request from AUSD and Alameda Family Services. The City Manager stated the City has allocated $125,000. Special Joint Meeting Alameda City Council and Successor Agency 6 to the Community Improvement Commission June 15, 2021 | CityCouncil/2021-06-15.pdf |