pages: CityCouncil/2021-09-07.pdf, 37
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CityCouncil | 2021-09-07 | 37 | Protection Plan (PPP) funds. Urged Council reconsider the prior vote and award the contract for the publication of legal notices to the Alameda Sun; stated the Alameda Sun is locally-owned and operated and is a vital part of the community; outlined the Alameda spelling bee, which is sponsored by the Alameda Sun; stated the Alameda Sun is engaged and active within the City in ways which go beyond other publications; the Alameda Sun provides an outlet for City government and is the most important outlet for informing Alamedans about news; urged Council find other ways to financially support the Alameda Sun: Chuck Kapelke, Alameda. Councilmember Daysog expressed support for Council immediately considering reversing the previous decision. Councilmember Daysog moved approval of terminating the contract with the Alameda Journal and awarding the contract to the Alameda Sun and inviting the Alameda Sun to obtain other sources of funding described in the three bullet points of the staff report, with a cap of no more than an additional $19,200. Councilmember Herrera Spencer seconded the motion. Under discussion, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she does not think the City should terminate the contract with the Alameda Journal; Alameda Journal has a more extensive circulation, which is important in providing legal notices; she does not want to pit one small newspaper against another; expressed concern about any punitive stance towards any newspaper; stated that she thinks the City can provide some forms of financial assistance to the Alameda Sun, including ARPA funds; outlined funding received by Alameda Sun; stated the ability to apply for the City's COVID-19 relief or Alameda Strong funds was by lottery; the City has since expended the funds and will need to find other sources; expressed support for following the first bullet listed in the alternatives to keep the contract with the Alameda Journal and provide direction on funding to assist the Alameda Sun in any of the listed forms, including the General Fund, ARPA funds, placing ads for Restaurant Week and sponsoring a City section; stated the City Attorney's office, Public Information Officer and Recreation and Parks Department all offer informational pieces; she wants to see the City assist the Alameda Sun; the question remains of the amount to provide; the contract is not price specific; an estimate is provided based on publication average of $46,000 per year; the amount is not guaranteed. Councilmember Herrera Spencer expressed concern about the remaining meeting time; stated a motion is on the floor; the matter of terminating the contract with the Alameda Journal and awarding it to Alameda Sun is critical. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft outlined that she will be moving future pulled Consent Calendar items to the end of the agenda in the future. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council September 7, 2021 29 | CityCouncil/2021-09-07.pdf |