File #: 2025-4686   
Type: Consent Calendar Item
Body: City Council
On agenda: 1/21/2025
Title: Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings Held on December 17, 2024. (City Clerk)

Title

 

Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings Held on December 17, 2024.  (City Clerk)

 

Body

 

UNAPPROVED

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY- -DECEMBER 17, 2024- -5:00 P.M.

 

Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 5:06 p.m.

 

Roll Call -                      Present:                     Councilmembers Daysog, Herrera Spencer, Jensen, Vella and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 5. [Note: Councilmember Jensen arrived at 5:11 p.m., Councilmember Herrera Spencer left the meeting at 5:14 p.m. and returned at 5:16 p.m., and Councilmember Vella arrived at 5:20 p.m.]

 

Absent:  None.

 

Public Comment

 

Estella Villagrana, Building 43 Winery, stated that this is her last attempt to save her business, 43 Winery, which is in danger of being shut down due to what Tod Hickman is doing personally; she met with City staff last week and sent a letter which she urges the Council to read; she hopes to get the same support from the City as Project Burger.

 

Tod Hickman, Building 43 Winery, stated it is shameful the way that the City has treated Ms. Villagrana and tried to get at him and his personal hobby of filing California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) lawsuits; he loves the environment and historic districts, particularly military bases; Building 43 Winery is Ms. Villagrana’s business; the business is not his; the Mayor has harassed Ms. Villagrana publicly in a crusade to try and shut down Building 43 and told the public to do hundreds of one-star yelp reviews; the City Attorney failed to rein in the Mayor and committed fraud representing the people of the State of California and issuing inspection warrants; what Council has done is scandalous and illegal.

 

The meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider:

 

(24-    ) Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957); Positions Evaluated: City Attorney - Yibin Shen

 

(24-    ) Conference with Legal Counsel - Potential Litigation; Potential Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 554956.9, Subsection (d)(4) Number of Cases: One (As Plaintiff - City Initiating Legal Action); Potential Defendant: Steeltown Winery LLC dba Building 43 Winery

 

Following the Closed Session, the meeting was reconvened and the Mayor announced that regarding the Performance Evaluation, the City Council approved the evaluation process by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog, Jensen, Vella, and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 4; Noes: Councilmember Herrera Spencer - 1; and the City Clerk announced that regarding Potential Initiation of Litigation, staff provided information and Council provided direction by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog, Jensen, Vella, and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 4; Noes: Councilmember Herrera Spencer - 1.

 

Adjournment

 

There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 6:03 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Lara Weisiger, City Clerk

 

The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.

****************************************************************************************************

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY- -DECEMBER 17, 2024- -6:15 P.M.

 

Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 6:20 p.m.  Councilmember Jensen led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Herrera Spencer, Jensen, Vella, and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 5.

 

Absent: None.

 

CONSENT CALENDAR

 

The City Clerk announced the resolution approving a final map [paragraph no. 24-   ] was withdrawn by staff and would return at a later date.

 

Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft requested the agreement with Lincoln Property Company [paragraph no. 24-   ] be withdrawn from the Consent Calendar for discussion.

 

Expressed concern about the election, Tidelands Trust funds and California Environmental Quality Act findings: Tod Hickman.

 

Expressed concern about the building demolition: Shelby Sheehan.

 

Councilmember Herrera Spencer recorded a no vote on the declaration of unsafe building at 2450 Saratoga Street [paragraph no. 24-   ], amendment to the agreement with ELS [paragraph no. 24-   ], and the resolution approving the Fire Memorandums of Understanding [paragraph no. 24-   ].

 

Councilmember Vella moved approval of the Consent Calendar.

 

Councilmember Jensen seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.]

 

(*24-    ) Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting, the Joint City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Improvement Commission Meeting and the Regular City Council Meeting. Approved.

 

(*24-    ) Ratified bills in the amount of $4,159,199.46

 

(*24-    ) Recommendation to Accept the Police and Fire Construction Impact Fee Annual Report. Accepted. 

 

(*24-    ) Recommendation to Accept the 2013 Local Library Bond Measure Annual Report. Accepted. 

 

(*24-    ) Recommendation to Accept and File Various Community Facilities Districts (CFD) Reports for Fiscal Year (FY) Ending June 30, 2024, including: CFD No. 03-1 (Bayport Municipal Services District); CFD No. 13-1 (Alameda Landing Public Improvements); CFD No. 13-2 (Alameda Landing Municipal Services District); CFD District No. 14-1 (Marina Cove II); CFD No. 17-1 (Alameda Point Public Services District); and CFD No. 22-1 (Alameda Marina).  Accepted.

 

(24-    ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Lincoln Property Company for Management of the City’s Real-Property Asset Portfolio, Including City-Owned or Controlled Commercial and Residential Property at Alameda Point and Other Select Locations Throughout Alameda for an Initial Term of Two Years for a Total Not-to-Exceed Cost of $3,462,138 Plus Commission, with Two Options for Two-Year Renewals for a Total Possible Duration of Six Years And a Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $11,436,037 Plus Commission. 

 

Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she cannot support the item as it is currently constituted with paying over $11 million over a six year period for a property management company, which is about $1.8 million per year; the indemnification agreement is basically handing indemnification back to the City; she is concerned the property management company wants to be limited to liability to the maximum of available insurance proceeds or the maximum insurance proceeds that would have been available; making the City kicks in and provides the coverage; the City should not just kick in and provide the remainder of the coverage for negligent acts caused or allowed to happen by the property management company; the City is also supposed to provide primary defense in court; there are too many unknowns, including what it could cost the City; the most she could approve is a six-month contract to allow the City to go back out to bid; the agreement is too financially risky for the City.

 

The Base Reuse and Economic Development Director gave a brief presentation. 

 

In response to Councimember Jensen’s inquiry, the City Attorney stated that he has shared communications from the City’s insurer with the Council outlining general concerns and not wanting to take on the liability; the City’s insurer has not committed to insure the City in the excess layer; the skepticism could be viewed as concern that the dollars may ultimately impact the agency.

 

Councimember Jensen inquired how it would play out for the City if the limited liability agreement with the property management company is approved and there is an act of negligence, violence, or any intentional act that is the subject of a lawsuit for $10 million dollars. 

 

The City Attorney responded there is going to be a difference between intentional and reckless acts versus negligent acts; Lincoln Propety Company (LPC) is taking liability for intentional and reckless acts; however, liability is limited to LPC’s insurance maximum, which is somewhere between $1 to 2 million; anything above that, such as $10 million, $8 to 9 million would be the responsibility of the City and, potentially, California Joint Powers Risk Management Authority (CJPRMA).

 

Councimember Jensen inquired if CJPRMA agrees to provide the insurance and the City has to pay $8 million for an act that is not in any way the fault of the City, what would likely be the outcome, to which the City Attorney responded the City’s insurance premiums would likely increase.

 

In response to Councimember Jensen’s inquiry regarding what the property management company does, the Base Reuse and Economic Development Director stated LPC is the current property manager for all City owned real property not being used as a City facility; LPC administers all property management functions, such as calculating and collecting rent, providing monthly financial reports, handling all tenant communications, managing the City's licensing program, initiating repairs and maintenance at the City’s direction, collecting estimates with the City authorizing and executing the contracts; LPC also manages private security and landscaping and minor repairs at the former Base.

 

In response to Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft’s inquiry regarding landscaping services, the Base Reuse and Economic Development Director stated there are separate contracts for all services.

 

The City Manager stated given the terms that are being negotiated, the City does not take the contract lightly; Alameda Point is a large asset that is very complex and very different than most public land holdings in the State and privately managed properties, such as a shopping center, mall, or office building; Alameda Point does not fit the box of a typical property management scenario; the City has identified and corroborated with other private property managers; when companies like LPC act as an agent of a property owner, it calls on the owner's insurance first because it is acting as the agent; the model is not the model for how the City manages property; Alameda Point is a very different asset than any other public land owned by a city; very few other cities have the scale of complexity of Alameda Point, which does not fall in the typical box of the City’s insurance way to do a contract; the City is stuck in the middle, trying to negotiate with two parties that are being forced to look at a contract that does not fit in typical ways of doing business; staff has been trying to negotiate with both parties to try to limit the City's liability; the deal is the best that the City can get, including covering gross negligence and willful misconduct, which is really important; not having a property manager for Alameda Point is of greater risk to the City than moving forward with the contract; there are financial contingencies in the Base Reuse fund in the event there are lawsuits or other issues to try to insulate the General Fund from any impacts; the City is getting squeezed by two parties that are not quite sure what to do with Alameda Point.

 

Councimember Jensen stated that she appreciates the work of the Base Reuse and Economic Development Director and staff, as well as the uniqueness of the asset; to the extent that it is unique, there is no model; the City is a public agency, she tends to agree with Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft’s point that perhaps the work should be done in house; the City has to react to issues that come up through the property manager; it has become very apparent that the City will be taking on substantial liability if the contract is approved.

 

Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the hypothetical amount of $10 million is significantly low; she appreciates the scenario, however, as a City, there is significantly more exposure; she agrees with the concerns that have been raised; inquired what is so unique about the Base that makes it not fit into any box.

 

The City Manager responded Alameda Point has large spaces and numerous buildings are vacant; most of the buildings that are leased have insurance from the tenants; the large vacant buildings are difficult to secure and manage; securing the buildings would also be costly; she is fine with exploring the idea of bringing the services in-house; she cautions it will take time to create job descriptions and figure out how to phase it in the budget; the recommendation would be to enter into the contract; then, staff could come back with an update in several months with a plan for how the service might be brought it in-house and get further direction at that point.

 

Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether the large vacant buildings will be sold, have tenants, or be left indefinitely; to which the City Manager responded staff would follow the disposition strategy the Council has given direction on.

 

Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she thinks the City should move forward with trying to sell as much as possible at Alameda Point; $1.9 million is actually a very small part of what the City's real costs are of managing Alameda Point properties.

 

The Base Reuse and Economic Development Director stated the City has a separate residential property management contract with Cerda-Zein, which is smaller scale than the commercial side.

 

In response to Councilmember Herrera Spencer’s inquiry, the Base Reuse and Economic Development Director stated the City’s brokers, Cushman and Wakefield, get a 5% commission on sales and leases.

 

The City Manager stated the City generates between $15 to $17 million annually in revenue from the Base with about two million square feet of commercial space; it is a significant land holding that generates significant revenue annually.

 

Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the City needs to move forward with trying to sell or occupy the buildings to reduce the cost.

 

The City Attorney advised Councilmember Herrera Spencer to limit the conversation to the issue; direction on whether to sell or lease property may be outside of the agenda.

 

Stated that he agrees with the Mayor; expressed support for getting rid of River Rock and concern about the Tidelands Trust: Tod Hickman.

 

***

Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft left the meeting at 6:50 p.m. and returned at 6:52 p.m.

***

 

Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether the City is confident that the source of funds is separate from any Thailand's trust money.

 

The City Manager responded the City is confident about the source of funds; stated the revenues from buildings within the Thailand Trust are put into a separate account.

 

In response to Councilmember Herrera Spencer’s inquiry as to what happens if the contract is not approved tonight, the City Manager stated if the direction is to enter into a contract and come back with a plan for trying to bring services in house within 3 months, staff could have a conversation and spend time creating a plan; she would need to consult with the Human Resources department regarding job descriptions and the timeline; the preferred direction would be to come back and terminating the contract without a timeline; direction on how quickly it could be brought in-house would be the ideal recommendation.

 

Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated even a six-month contract would still have exposure for the City.

 

The City Manager stated the City would have more exposure if the contract is not entered into; the City cannot manage the Base and would have no one to manage it; all RFPS would stop, including for housing; staff would have to work on all real estate transactions, in which case the City would have an even greater liability.

 

Councilmember Herrera Spencer requested a legal opinion regarding the liability, to which the City Attorney responded from an insurance perspective, everything done internally will be covered by CJPRMA; stated there is a significant self-insurance deductible, which is between $750,000 and $1 million; anything in excess will be insured by CJPRMA.

 

The Base Reuse and Economic Development Director stated Lincoln Property Company currently has five full-time staff, plus two part-time staff, to do the property management for the City; it is a very extensive job; current City staff could not do the job.

 

Vice Mayor Vella stated it is clear that more thought needs to go into the long term; an overview and a visit to the Base and prioritization over next steps for Alameda Point could come back when the new Council reconvenes at some point; in the short term and hearing the City Manager about the need for something to happen, she is happy to support something on the shorter side.

 

Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated more time is better than less; there has been great improvement in the insurance indemnification agreement just since the staff report was published, because the City Attorney and staff all kept working; if the agreement gets to a reasonable point that does not put so much burden on the City, she would accept it; she would like to see a two-pronged approach with a six-month contract to give the City the time to keep negotiating, but also be preparing an RFP to see if the City can get another firm and also looking at the steps needed to bring the process in-house; she cannot agree to a two-year contract at this point in time.

 

Vice Mayor Daysog stated that he believes the City is better served by having a private entity assist the City in managing the commercial and some of the residential properties at Alameda Point; private companies are a lot more nimble and have experience dealing with tenants; however, Alameda has to guard against having the liability hoisted on the City; he wonders whether there are other entities that might not have the same practice as LPC.

 

In response to Vice Mayor Daysog’s inquiry regarding Clear Blue Commercial, the Base Reuse and Economic Development Director stated the issue was not addressed with Clear Blue Commercial; research showed it is standard for the landowner to accept primary responsibility for simple negligence; staff is open to finding more information regarding gross negligence and willful misconduct.

 

Vice Mayor Daysog stated that he shares the concerns raised by the City Manager regarding managing the property; the City does not have the same capacity as the private sector; the wiser course of action is to punt for a six to eight month period, figure out if there is an interim approach, and, if necessary, come back to LPC with a long term contract after research is done; maybe the City can devise some kind of instrument to self-insure even more than what is being paid to guard against situations where someone might be asking for $15 to $20 million.

 

The City Manager stated if the direction is going to be six months, staff wants to be able to disclose the total contract amount; the contract is $3.5 million for 2 years, so a six-month contract would be $875,000; she would ask for some wiggle room for a total amount not to exceed $1.2 million just in case there is a big repair or something else happens.

 

Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated if the City is going to pay that amount of money, there has to be a balance; she has faith in staff to keep hammering these folks or the City will find another property management company; eventually the Council would like to take the service in-house; noted there is a new Council coming.

 

Vice Mayor Daysog moved approval of a contract for a period of six months in an amount not to exceed $1.2 million, and during that time period staff would continue to negotiate an indemnification agreement, possibly preparing an RFP for another property management company, and ultimately looking at the steps to take the process in-house.

 

Councilmember Herrera Spencer seconded the motion.

 

Under discussion, the City Attorney addressed the form of contract.

 

On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.

 

(*24-    ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a One-Year Agreement with Bay Ship & Yacht Company in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $110,600, with the Option of Two One-Year Extensions, for a Total Three-Year Expenditure Not-to-Exceed $303,800, for Port Management Services for Piers1 through 3 at Alameda Point.  Accepted.

 

(24-    ) Recommendation to Authorize the Continued Action to Address Declaration of Unsafe Building and Notice to Vacate, Case Number X24-0470, for the City-Owned Building Located at 2450 Saratoga Street, Alameda, California.

 

Note: Since Councilmember Herrera Spencer recorded a no vote, the item carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog, Jensen, Vella and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 4.  Noes: Councilmember Herrera Spencer - 1.

 

(*24-    ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Accept the Work of Ranger Pipelines, Inc. for Cyclic Sewer Replacement Project, Phase 19, No. PW 02-22-18.  Accepted.

 

(*24-    ) Recommendation to Authorize the General Manager to Execute the Transmission Owner Rate Case Program Agreement between The Northern California Power Agency and Alameda Municipal Power.  Accepted.

 

(24-    ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Amendment to an Agreement with ELS Architects, Inc. in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $1,009,434, for City Aquatic Center Preliminary/Conceptual Design Services, Including Design Development, through July 1, 2025, for a Total Compensation Amount Not-to-Exceed $1,513,121.50. 

 

Note: Since Councilmember Herrera Spencer recorded a no vote, the item carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog, Jensen, Vella and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 4.  Noes: Councilmember Herrera Spencer - 1.

 

(*24-    ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with ELock Technologies LLC for Electronic, Shared-Use Public Bicycle Locker Maintenance and Services for Five Years for a Total Amount Not-to-Exceed $90,000.  Accepted.

 

(*24-    ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Two-Year Agreement with RRM Design Group to Prepare a City Facilities Plan in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $497,462. Accepted; and

 

(*24-                     A) Resolution No. 16229, “Amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operating Budget Appropriating $500,000 of Earned Interest from Project C99300 to the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Non-Departmental Operating Budget.” Adopted.

 

(*24-    ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute and Modify All Documents Deemed Necessary and Appropriate to Submit an Application to Round 3, and Future Rounds, of the Prohousing Incentive Program to the California Department of Housing and Community Development.  Accepted; and

 

(*24-                     A) Resolution No. 16230, “Authorizing the City Manager to Apply for, Accept, and Appropriate Prohousing Incentive Program Grant Funds for the Day Center Relocation Project and the Linnet Corner Supportive Services.” Adopted; and

 

(*24-                     B) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Provide Funding from the Prohousing Incentive Program to the Alameda Housing Authority (AHA) in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $250,000 for the Provision of Supportive Services in the Linnet Corner Permanent Supportive Housing.  Accepted. 

 

(*24-    ) Resolution No. 16231, “Declaring Canvass of Returns and Results of the Consolidated General Municipal Election Held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.”  Adopted.

 

(*24-    ) Resolution No. 16232, “Approving the Records Retention Schedule.” Adopted.

 

(24-    ) Adoption of Resolution Approving a Final Map and Accepting the Dedications and Easements for Tract 8696, West Midway Large Lot. Not heard.

 

(*24-    ) Resolution No. 16233, “Amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 American Rescue Plan Act Fund (Fund 223) Operating Budget Appropriating $87,113 from Available Earned Interest to Project C99300 (American Rescue Plan 2021) Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot Program and Reducing the Appropriation of ARPA Funds by $87,113.”  Adopted.

 

(*24-    ) Resolution No. 16234, “Receiving and Filing the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Development Impact Fee (DIF) Report and Five-Year Report, Containing Both Development Impact Fees and Fees Otherwise Subject to Development Agreements, and Making Certain Findings as Required by Government Code Sections 66000 et seq.”  Adopted.

 

(24-    ) Resolution No. 16235, “Approving Workforce Changes and Amendments to the Memorandums of Understanding between the City of Alameda and the Alameda Fire Chiefs Association and the City of Alameda and the International Association of Firefighters, Local 689 in Support of the Fire Department Reorganization.”  Adopted.

 

Note: Since Councilmember Herrera Spencer recorded a no vote, the item carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog, Jensen, Vella and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 4.  Noes: Councilmember Herrera Spencer - 1.

 

(*24-    ) Resolution No. 16236, “Amending Fiscal Year 2024-25 General Fund (Fund 100) and Golf Fund (Fund 250) Operating Budgets Appropriating $800,000 from General Fund Residual Fund Balance to Golf Fund for Expenses for Ongoing Litigation Against Greenway Golf Associates, Inc.”  Adopted.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 7:06 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Lara Weisiger, City Clerk

 

The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.

****************************************************************************************************

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY- -DECEMBER 17, 2024- -7:00 P.M.

 

Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 7:06 p.m. 

 

ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Herrera Spencer, Jensen, Vella, and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 5.

 

Absent: None.

 

RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDING SERVICE AND FAREWELL COMMENTS

 

(24-                     A) Resolution No. 16237, “Recognizing Trish Herrera Spencer’s Four Years of Service on the Alameda City Council.” Adopted; and

 

(24-                     A) Resolution No. 16238, “Recognizing Malia Vella’s Eight Years of Service on the Alameda City Council.” Adopted.

 

Expressed her appreciation to Councilmember Vella for her eight years of service, especially in support of renters and efforts leading to the passage of rent laws: Toni Grimm, Alameda.

 

Thanked Councilmember Herrera Spencer for her service and made brief comments regarding sanctuary cities: Brian Kennedy, Alameda.

 

Thanked Councilmember Herrera Spencer for her service and commented on public funds: Tod Hickman.

 

Commended Councilmembers Herrera Spencer and Vella, not only as colleagues, but as friends; stated that he appreciates their service and everything they have done for the residents of Alameda, including issues such as the straw ban, cannabis ordinance, homelessness and working with the Fire Prevention Bureau: former Councilmember Jim Oddie, Alameda.

 

Thanked Councilmember Herrera Spencer for her commitment to the betterment of the community and expressed appreciation for her generosity, service, and continued support in protecting Alameda and keeping the City safe: Briana Wing, Alameda.

 

Expressed a special thank you to Councilmember Vella for eight years of service on Council; stated Councilmember Vella’s consistent support for safer, greener streets has been greatly appreciated: Cyndy Johnsen, BikeWalk Alameda.

 

Expressed appreciation to Councilmember Herrera Spencer for her independence and hard work, and for standing up on her own for what she felt was right: Kevin Kearney, City Auditor.

 

Expressed her gratitude for her sister and for all she has done in the past eight years, approaching this job with so much care and passion: Michi Vella, Alameda.

 

Councilmember Jensen moved adoption of the resolutions.

 

Vice Mayor Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.

 

Vice Mayor Daysog read the resolution recognizing Councilmember Herrera Spencer. 

 

Councilmember Jensen, Vice Mayor Daysog, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft, Councilmember Vella and Councilmember Herrera Spencer made brief comments.

 

Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft read the resolution recognizing Councilmember Vella.

 

Councilmember Vella and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft made brief comments.

 

***

Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft called a recess at 7:59 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:00 p.m.

***

 

INSTALLATION

 

(24-   ) The Honorable Judge Noël Wise administered the Oath of Office to Michele Pryor, Gregory Boller, Kevin Kearney, and Kevin Kennedy.

 

ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Boller, Daysog, Jensen, Pryor and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 5.

 

Absent: None.

 

CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF VICE MAYOR

 

(24-   ) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft made brief comments.

 

Councilmember Daysog moved approval of appointing Councilmember Pryor as Vice Mayor.

 

Councilmember Boller seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.

 

COMMENTS BY NEW COUNCIL

 

(24-   ) Vice Mayor Pryor and Councilmember Boller made brief comments.

 

AGENDA CHANGES

 

None.

 

PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

None.

 

ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA

 

(24-   ) Steven Gortler, Alameda, expressed concern about storm damage to the shoreline at Bay Farm; urged Council to have Public Works investigate and prepare a damage report.

 

(24-   ) Tod Hickman stated that he is excited about the new Councilmembers and hopeful they will be able to do great things for the City.

 

(24-   ) Evan Gomez-Shwartz, Democratic Club, stated the Council will be lucky to be working with Councilmember Boller and Vice Mayor Pryor; thanked them both for their knowledge and willingness to learn.

 

(24-   ) Austin Tam, Alameda, congratulated Councilmember Boller and Vice Mayor Pryor; stated their wins are a win for renters, immigrants, teachers, LGBT, people with disabilities and children with special needs; thanked them for the change that is coming.

 

CONSENT CALENDAR

 

None.

 

REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS

 

None.

 

CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS

 

(24-  )  The City Manager announced staff will be assessing the storm damage on the Bay Farm shoreline; thanked maintenance staff for all the efforts to prepare for the storm and its aftermath; stated the City is hosting a virtual meeting at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow to talk about the draft Climate Action Resilience and Hazard Mitigation plan; wished everyone a Happy Holidays and stated that she is looking forward to 2025.

 

ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA

 

None.

 

COUNCIL REFERRALS

 

None.

 

COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS

 

(24-  )  Councilmember Daysog stated that the Holiday tree lighting ceremony was a joyous event with Councilmember Vella’s children doing the countdown and lighting up the tree; thanked all the residents who came out; gave a hearty congratulations to both Vice Mayor Pryor and Councilmember Boller. 

 

(24-  )  Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft wished everyone a happy holiday; announced upcoming Menorah lighting events at Washington Park and at South Shore Center; wished everyone a Happy New Year.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 8:39 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Lara Weisiger, City Clerk

 

The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.