pages: CityCouncil/2021-07-20.pdf, 26
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CityCouncil | 2021-07-20 | 26 | needs. (21-504) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated a motion is needed to consider remaining items; suggested hearing the Police Policies [paragraph no. 21-505], Public Art Ordinance [paragraph no. 21-508 and Sunshine Ordinance Amendments [paragraph no. 21-509 with ending by 12:00 a.m. Councilmember Knox White moved approval of the Mayor's suggestion. Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion, carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: No; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 4. Noes: 1. The City Manager recommended staff bring back a program which contains a combination of Options 1 and 2; stated Council's focus is on housing; Option 1 has a focus on matters such as broadband and infrastructure; the revenue loss can be used towards the housing portion; staff can narrow the broadband portion to include some of the elements discussed by Council. Councilmember Knox White stated that he is supportive of the wireless hotspots; expressed concern about the broadband project being placed ahead of the Smart City Master Plan; stated that he would like to know more about the project as opposed to putting in broadband with the hopes of connecting street traffic lights; the broadband option is not what he has in mind for a big and impactful project. Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether it is possible to obtain more information from staff related to the percentage of the population that does not have internet access; stated that she feels the matter is important and the need is great. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she would prefer Council pursue the matter in the manner recommended by the City Manager; she is mindful of Councilmember Knox White's concerns about getting too far from the Smart City Master Plan; there are other ways to fund the project, including a possible upcoming infrastructure bill. Councilmember Knox White stated that he has been part of weekly meetings over the summer with AUSD; the numbers are not huge; the matter is not going to be solved by infrastructure-specific projects; there are needs for one household connections from people as opposed to giant backbones of infrastructure; the matter has not moved forward due to AUSD handing out hotspots to families in need; the hotspot proposal builds on the AUSD program; as the City moves through the Smart City Master Plan, the City can plug in what is learned. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated seniors are also in need; noted many are not participating in the virtual meetings; questioned whether Mastick Senior Center can help Regular Meeting Alameda City Council July 20, 2021 19 | CityCouncil/2021-07-20.pdf |