pages: CityCouncil/2022-04-19.pdf, 22
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CityCouncil | 2022-04-19 | 22 | ensure the City is well positioned to proactively maintain the infrastructure; if sea level rise projections fall short, the City will be in a better position to address the matter without having to go to 300 property owners; the approach becomes problematic for a number of reasons. In response to Councilmember Herrera Spencer's inquiry about reasons why the matter would become a problem, the Assistant City Manager stated getting 300 people to tax themselves will be a community discussion; the result will likely cause the City to use different funding sources to bail itself out; the CFD opportunity comes with the larger development area to help the sea wall against sea level rise. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she will not be supporting the matter; the matter is unconscionable; many people making the decision will not be present in 2053; she has concerns about the appropriateness; expressed concern about commercial builders focusing on making money; stated Council regularly goes back to the public on issues which are important; discussed school bond votes; stated the City rarely has taxes without a sunset; the report should be written clearly; Council is being asked to take the vote as opposed to waiting and asking property owners to vote in 2053; she has heard the ends justify the means; however, she believes the approach lends to not trusting voters of the time; she is not sure that the process is fair or appropriate; discussed her support for the 35 year bond; stated bonds are not typically indefinite; inquired the procedure if property owners need recourse to end the tax. Mr. Thimmig responded the property owners could petition for removal at any time under CFD 22-2 as long as bonds have not been issued; stated the decision would be solely up to Council whether or not to grant the petition. Councilmember Herrera Spencer discussed petitioning and voting against a hospital tax; stated there is some recourse for 2053; she will not be supporting the matter. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired the process for recourse in 2053. Mr. Thimmig responded Council could decide not to issue bonds and dissolve the CFD; stated there would be no obligation; Council could remove the bonds and keep the maintenance; the decision falls under the control of the Council, not the voting property owners. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired who would bear the cost of sea wall. Vice Mayor Vella stated Council has covered many similar matters; builders build homes and are in the business not to only make money, but to build needed structures, including infrastructure, which benefits all; the bonds and the money being asked for relates to infrastructure and ensuring the City is providing needed things; many inquiries have been previously answered; several Councilmembers have indicated support understanding the cost is needed to provide infrastructure and services; Council is trying to problem solve, rather than pretending issues do not exist; she would like to ensure the City is planning ahead and addressing issues; expressed support for the CFD. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated if a future Council decides to dissolve the CFD or not issue the bond, the threat being protected against does not go away; discussed the Housing Element; stated the CFD makes sense. Councilmember Daysog stated the crux of the question is whether or not the matter is an Regular Meeting Alameda City Council April 19, 2022 20 | CityCouncil/2022-04-19.pdf |