pages: CityCouncil/2021-09-07.pdf, 34
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CityCouncil | 2021-09-07 | 34 | Councilmember Herrera Spencer expressed support for the information related to savings and changes; stated that she supports the smart irrigation at $100,000, which pays for itself in a short amount of time; she has concerns over the $2.3 million budget request. Councilmember Daysog inquired the location of the 36,000 square feet of lawn being replaced at Washington Park. The Recreation and Parks Director responded the area is a smattering of smaller locations; stated the areas are landscaped areas not generally used by the public; small areas near the front by the park sign, on Central Avenue, lower Washington near the tennis courts and a mix of other decorative areas, which are mostly close to the street. Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the reason Lincoln and Franklin Parks are not included in the installation of rain sensitive smart irrigation clocks is due to already having the existing technology. The Recreation and Parks Director responded in the affirmative; stated any parks not listed for the rain sensitive clocks already have the clocks installed; staff has tried to install a couple clocks each year in various parks. Vice Mayor Vella stated that she wants to make sure any vote or discussion related to Washington Park occurs separately in order to allow for her recusal; she is happy to see the matter come forward; the City has gone through several droughts in her time as Councilmember; it is important for the City to do its part; expressed support for the City Hall proposal; stated there is an opportunity for the City to do its part and lead by example; the money is out there and the City has a lot it can do; she would like to ensure the City is taking on only things that it can handle and not over-exerting itself in order to meet the end-of-year deadline; the issue will be ongoing; she is sure funding will continue; expressed support. Councilmember Knox White inquired the reason for waiting on the matter until now; stated Council about the drought in March; the drought will be continuing; expressed support for performing significant long-term changes, such as swapping out lawns for drought tolerant gardens and for the life cycle recoup numbers; stated the City needs to save water; the earlier the City can perform the measures to do so, the better; City staff has their hands full with many matters; expressed support for a meaningful timeline and finding the funds to perform the proposed measures; stated the matter would be a good use for one-time funds; expressed support for doing as much as possible, as fast as possible without causing harm. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is in agreement with Councilmember Knox White and Vice Mayor Vella; the time is now; the matter did not come to Council sooner due to long agendas; she hopes the work put into identifying projects goes a long way in completing the EBMUD application; the City needs to do all it can; expressed support for the City Hall lawn conversion to drought friendly landscaping; stated the landscaping Regular Meeting Alameda City Council September 7, 2021 26 | CityCouncil/2021-09-07.pdf |