pages: CityCouncil/2021-09-21.pdf, 24
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CityCouncil | 2021-09-21 | 24 | moving forward with the motion; moving forward with the pilot program is important; she was not on Council when the process began; she agrees with the community that it is past due; expressed support for first responders being present in times of crisis and for AFS and AFD joining as Alameda's team; stated AFS has been serving the City since 1969; the community has been supporting AFS for over 50 years; AFS has a presence in the community; no other provider knows and serves Alameda better than AFS; expressed support for the pilot program; stated the City has a head start; other cities are trying to figure out similar programs; the program might need more money at some point; the City can look at using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the program; mental health needs have increased due to COVID-19; time is of the essence. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated Vice Mayor Vella made recommendations; inquired whether the recommendations are included within the motion as direction to the City Manager. Councilmember Herrera Spencer responded in the negative; stated that she does not want to back-pedal on the matter; expressed support for moving forward; stated that she articulated the matter would come back in one-year for re-evaluation; the Council should not get into the weeds; she is happy to consider friendly amendments to the motion. Councilmember Knox White stated that the program will be one and a half year into the duration before needed data is available to decide whether or not to continue with the program as-designed; it has taken four months to get to the point of having a program recommendation put before Council for consideration and negotiation; the matter will be back in front of Council within three months to begin the discussion for year two. Councilmember Knox White seconded the motion with amendment; to include the option to extend; stated if the program is proceeding poorly, Council can stop the program; the option to extend provides Council the option not to continue; Council will cause a lot of work without much benefit in having the matter return after one year. Under discussion, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated there is a clause stating that the agreement may be mutually extended up to one year at the sole discretion of the City Manager; inquired whether the matter should come back to Council. Councilmember Knox White responded that he would like to give the authority to the City Manager. Councilmember Herrera Spencer accepted the friendly amendment to the motion. Councilmember Knox White expressed concern about stepping into the administrative realm in writing the contract; outlined the Mali Watkins incident; stated there has been a commitment to the community from the City Manager about being a leader in how the City responds to calls for service within one year; Council is being provided with a contract from City staff and AFS which encompasses that commitment; he would like Council to move forward; the program is a pilot and is iterative; recommended the Regular Meeting Alameda City Council September 21, 2021 20 | CityCouncil/2021-09-21.pdf |