pages: CityCouncil/2022-04-05.pdf, 11
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CityCouncil | 2022-04-05 | 11 | Councilmember Knox White stated that he is still confused and will not be supporting the motion. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: No; Vella: No; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 3. Noes: 2. Councilmember Knox White stated bringing back the legislation for discussion is of no interest to him; expressed support for the etching program; stated the program does not need Council approval. Councilmember Knox White moved approval of Council directing staff to develop a program and return with a budget request as part of the mid-cycle budget process to provide support and substantially ensure that people in Alameda have access to cages. Councilmember Knox White stated that there are a multitude of ways for this to be accomplished; he would like to see a substantial budget request for the City to provide cages to enough people to ensure there is an impact. Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Daysog stated residents are asking Council to enforce laws and crack down on those that are stealing catalytic converters as well as those that are buying and selling stolen units; he does not believe residents are asking Council for a handout to cover the costs of stolen units; stolen units are not the responsibility of City Hall; the City cannot cover the cost of all stolen catalytic converters; covering the cost for a few people does not seem fair; covering the cost does not seem like a good use of City funds. Vice Mayor Vella stated that she views the matter as subsidizing a crime prevention measure similar to ALPRs; the cages are a preventative tool; discretion is being given to allow Police Department staff to look into different possibilities; she did not support the previous motion based on her position relative to legislation about being tough on crime; expressed support for the etching program proposal. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed concern about the proposed subsidy; questioned whether the subsidy will be an administrative nightmare; inquired who will administer the program and who would be eligible for the cages; stated there is a lot to be done with City funding; inquired whether the motion includes direction for the program or whether staff will return with information. Councilmember Knox White responded Council is directing staff to provide and fund a program; staff is capable of figuring out how to implement the program and return to Council with costs and considerations; some residents feel strongly about locking up offenders; however, most residents want crime to stop and catalytic converters to stop being stolen; Council can spend money after the crime or can spend money ahead of time in a preventative manner with better outcomes; Council can consider the matter further if staff returns with administrative issues. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the conventional wisdom around catalytic converter thefts is to approach it from different angles; expressed support for making the theft less attractive as well as the units not being valuable; questioned whether the motion is to have staff return to Council 10 | CityCouncil/2022-04-05.pdf |