Title
Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting, Special Joint City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Improvement Commission Meeting, and Regular City Council Meeting Held on September 17, 2024. (City Clerk)
Body
UNAPPROVED
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- -SEPTEMBER 17, 2024- -6:00 P.M.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Herrera Spencer, Jensen, and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 4. [Note: Councilmember Jensen arrived at 6:05 p.m.]
Absent: Councilmember Vella - 1.
The meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider:
(24- ) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(a); Case Name: Lula Burton, et al. v. Will Tong, et al.; Court: Superior Court of the County of Alameda; Case Number: 22CV014934
(24- ) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(a); Case Name: City of Alameda v. Greenway Golf Associates, Inc.; Court: Alameda County Superior Court; Case No: 22CV011964
Following the Closed Session, the meeting was reconvened, and the City Clerk announced that regarding Burton, a lawsuit was filed by plaintiffs Lula Burton and Robert Preston against defendants the City of Alameda and Wellington Tong for a trip and fall incident on August 7, 2020; Ms. Burton claimed she suffered injuries after tripping on a raised portion of the sidewalk at 1373 Versailles Avenue; Plaintiffs brought a complaint alleging 1) Negligence, 2) Premises Liability, 3) Dangerous Condition of Public Property, and 4) Loss of Consortium, to avoid the expense and uncertainty of litigation, the City Council ratified/authorized the City Attorney to settle the matter, with no admission of liability by the City in an amount not to exceed $77,000 by unanimous voice vote - 4 [Absent: Councilmember Vella - 1]; and regarding Greenway, staff provided information with no action or vote taken by Council.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 6:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance
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MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION (SACIC)
TUESDAY- -SEPTEMBER 17, 2024- -6:59 P.M.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 7:07 p.m. Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers/Commissioners Daysog, Herrera Spencer, Jensen, Vella and Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft - 5. [Note: Councilmember/Commissioner Vella was present via teleconference from the Fairfield Inn and Suites Oklahoma City Yukon, 1520 Garth Brooks Boulevard, Yukon, Oklahoma 73099.]
Absent: None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers/Commissioners Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Jensen: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Ayes: 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.]
(*24- SACIC) Minutes of the Special Joint City Council and SACIC Meeting Held on June 18, 2024. Approved.
(*24- CC/24- SACIC) Recommendation to Accept the Investment Transactions Report and Annual Investment Report for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2024. Accepted.
AGENDA ITEM
(24- CC/24- SACIC) Resolution No. 16194, “Authorizing the City to Enter into a Loan Agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A. to Refund Prior Lease Revenue Bond Obligations Related to Alameda Point in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $7,200,000 and Authorizing City Officers (as Identified Herein) to Execute the Loan Agreement and Related Documents to Take Any Other Necessary Action to Effectuate the Loan.” Adopted.
The Controller gave a Power Point presentation.
Inquired whether the matter pertains to the lease revenue at Alameda Point; discussed Alameda Point lease revenue; questioned why the loan is not being paid off; expressed concern over business loans being provided when a balance is due; urged the loan be paid off with lease revenues: Shelby Sheehan.
In response to Councilmember/Commission Herrera Spencer’s inquiry related to the loan details, the Controller stated the bonds being paid off are originally from 1999 and were refinanced in 2003; staff has been unable to find the specific addresses for the bond but were able to reliably attain that the funds were used for infrastructure costs at Alameda Point.
The City Manager stated the reason the bonds have not yet been repaid is due to the low interest rate; the City has been able to use funds for other capital expenditures; instead of taking the remaining $10 million, the City is loaning funds to Rebuilding the Existing Supportive Housing at Alameda Point (RESHAP) affordable housing project; money is available in the event piers need additional work; spending remains flexible while the interest rate is favorable.
Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer moved adoption of the resolution.
Councilmember/Commissioner Vella seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Jensen: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 7:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk and Secretary, SACIC
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- -SEPTEMBER 17, 2024- -7:00 P.M.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 7:17 p.m.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Herrera Spencer, Jensen, Vella, and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 5. [Note: Councilmember Vella was present via teleconference from the Fairfield Inn and Suites Oklahoma City Yukon, 1520 Garth Brooks Boulevard, Yukon, Oklahoma 73099 and left the meeting at 11:56 p.m.]
Absent: None.
AGENDA CHANGES
None.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
(24- ) Proclamation Declaring September 2024 as Emergency Preparedness Month.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft read the proclamation.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer expressed support for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members; discussed her experience becoming a CERT member; stated it will take first responders time to arrive at emergencies; noted the training is free.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft urged current Councilmembers to take the updated CERT training course.
Councilmember Jensen expressed support for the proclamation; stated the City’s Strategic Plan includes and prioritizes community safety; discussed a recent 2.5 magnitude earthquake; urged residents to take advantage of the trainings listed on the City’s website.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
(24- ) Joann Guitarte, Chamber of Commerce and Food Bank, expressed concern over the lawsuit against the Alameda Food Bank (AFB); discussed her experience supplementing needs with the help of the AFB; expressed support for the AFB project and urged the lawsuit be dropped.
(24- ) Vickie Smith, Alameda, discussed her experience bringing people to the AFB; expressed concern over the lawsuit against the AFB; stated that she appreciates the growth of the AFB while homelessness has grown over time; noted the line for the AFB stretched outside Alameda Point during the pandemic.
(24- ) Tod Hickman stated that he supports the AFB; expressed concern over the AFB location; the AFB should be provided a choice location; he is not suing the AFB; instead, the lawsuit is against the City for violation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); the proposed AFB location is a historic parking lot; expressed support for the AFB using an alternate or existing building.
(24- ) Alysa Chadow, League of Women Voters, discussed disabled voter registration; provided phone numbers: Alameda League of Women Voters 415-580-2698 and Alameda County Registrar of Voters 510-272-6973 for assistance with voter registration.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft noted September 17, 2024 is national register to vote day.
(24- ) Gregor Cadman, Natel Energy, expressed appreciation for the Alameda Point community; stated Natel Energy is being subjected to a lawsuit brought by the same petitioners as the AFB; CEQA exemptions are normal and Alameda’s cases are below average; related lawsuits by individual petitioners are unordinary; expressed concern over the pattern.
(24- ) Ahmed Maakni, Alameda, expressed concern over the housing units being offered by Land Sea developer; stated the lottery from the prior year has not followed the requirements and guidelines set by the City; expressed concerns over transparency; urged Council to look into the development.
(24- ) Siobhan Kelly, Alameda, questioned the reason for the lawsuit; stated money used towards the lawsuit could instead be used to help move the AFB.
(24- ) Gabriel Duncan, Alameda Native History Project and AFB, discussed an upcoming acorn harvest event; stated the event aligns with the City’s goals to promote sustainability and environmental education; requested permission to harvest acorns from oak trees and funding for the event.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the date and time for the harvest event are missing; expressed support for additional information being provided.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Herrera Spencer requested the parking efficiency item [paragraph no. 24- ] be withdrawn from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
Councilmember Jensen stated the transportation improvement matters regarding Central Avenue [paragraph no. 24- ] and Lincoln Avenue/Marshall Way/Pacific Avenue [paragraph no. 24- ] relate to grant funds for the projects; the projects will tremendously improve public safety and the ability for children to reach nearby schools; the projects will result in large changes for the City; she is supportive of the project improvements; there will be a road diet on Central Avenue from Sherman Avenue to Main Street; expressed support for the projects moving forward and for the work being put forth by staff to develop a design to protect the community.
Expressed support for the rent reduction program at Mastick Senior Center; discussed the 2023 Community Needs Assessment; stated older adults have been identified as the fastest growing population experiencing homelessness; the rent reduction is needed to address the community needs: Samantha Green, Social Service Human Relations Board (SSHRB).
Discussed her experience assisting with drafting the rent reduction program staff report and attending an SSHRB meeting; stated the staff report was drafted with the hope of ensuring the security of a vulnerable individual as well as others in the future; urged Council to approve the program: Beatrice Wheeler, former City Intern.
Expressed support for Jean Sweeney Open Space Park remaining as open space; expressed concern over costly remediation for the space; stated that she does not recommend a pool; expressed concerns over the public art exemption at the AFB and the contract for Cerda Zein: Shelby Sheehan.
Expressed concern about the minutes and the AFB: Tod Hickman.
Stated the request for exemption for public art at the AFB is due to funding; the exemption is due to the desire of providing a nice space for people in need to utilize improved services and facilities: Teale Harden, Alameda Food Bank.
Expressed support for the Central Avenue and the Lincoln Avenue/Marshall Way/ Pacific Avenue projects: Cyndy Johnsen, BikeWalk Alameda.
Expressed concern over Proposition 5 and stated that it does not belong on the consent calendar; expressed concern over Senate Bill (SB) 2; stated expensive matters should be discussed openly; noted the appointments of Board and Commission members is routine and should be on the consent calendar: Jay Garfinkle, Alameda.
Expressed support for the senior rent relief program; stated the program is important from a social perspective; the related issue is disproportionately affecting seniors and other marginalized groups; urged the community continue to create solutions for housing: Scott Means, SSHRB.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she supports the request for the public art exemption; Council supports the AFB; there are many artists in the community; questioned whether any artists in the area could assist the AFB with beautification; recorded no votes on the Central Avenue project and the Proposition 5 resolution [paragraph no. 24- ].
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated public art at public buildings must go through the Public Art Commission (PAC); artists can work with the PAC and City staff; expressed support for the public art exemption for the AFB.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the art would not be public if the AFB decides to work with artists; the AFB would not have to go through the PAC.
Councilmember Jensen expressed support for the resolution regarding Proposition 3 [paragraph no 24- ]; stated the matter may seem unnecessary, however, the action is necessary even in Alameda; the initiative teaches elementary school children about all types of families.
Vice Mayor Daysog recorded a no vote on the Proposition 5 resolution.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft concurred with Councilmember Jensen’s comments; expressed support for Proposition 5.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she conducts weddings and has conducted many LGBTQ+ weddings; she offers her officiant services for free.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Jensen seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Jensen: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.]
(*24- ) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings Held on July 16, 2024. Approved.
(*24- ) Ratified bills in the amount of $11,397,119.42.
(*24- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Terminate the Contract for the City Aquatic Center with Blach Construction and Issue a Revised Request for Proposals/Request for Qualifications for the Design and Construction of the City Aquatic Center. Accepted.
(*24- ) Recommendation to Implement a Senior Rent Relief Program for Two Rental Units on the Mastick Senior Center Campus. Accepted.
(*24- ) Recommendation to Authorize Updates to the Existing Alameda Police Department Policy Manual to Conform to Best Practices and to Ratify Policies that Have Been Updated Pursuant to Legal Updates, Significant Liability Issues, and Imminent Safety. Accepted.
(*24- ) Recommendation to Approve an Exemption from the Public Art Requirement for the Alameda Food Bank. Accepted.
(*24- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a First Amendment Agreement with Cerda-Zein Real Estate for Maintenance of Four Emergency Supportive Housing Homes from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025 in an Amount of $198,000. Accepted.
(*24- ) Recommendation to Approve Relocating the Day Center and Safe Sheltering Program to Alameda Point Building 2, Wing 3 and Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Dialog Design LP for Architectural Services to Design the Space in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $168,815. Accepted.
(*24- ) Recommendation to Accept the Annual Report on the City’s Settlements for the Period of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, including 1) General Liability Claims and Litigation Settlements, 2) Workers’ Compensation Settlements, and 3) Personnel Settlements; and Related Closed Session Disclosure Report. Accepted.
(*24- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a First Amendment to Agreement with Rojas Flores Landscaping, Inc. to include Additional Services for Newly Landscaped Areas for a Total Five-Year Compensation Not-to-Exceed Amount of $1,277,726. Accepted.
(24- ) Summary Title: Approval of Three Agreements Related to the Central Avenue Safety Improvement Project for Construction, Design and Engineering/Inspection Services, and Adoption of Resolution Amending the Project Budget Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Bay Cities Paving & Grading, Inc., for Construction of the Central Avenue Safety Improvements Project, No. P.W.07-24-19, for a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $16,245,072, Including Contingency;
Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Fifth Amendment to the Agreement with CDM Smith to Complete the Plans for the Central Avenue Safety Improvement Project, Increasing Compensation by $200,000, Including Contingencies, for a Total Aggregate Compensation Not-to-Exceed $3,778,930. Accepted;
(24- A) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a First Amendment to the Agreement with CSG Consultants to Provide Construction Engineering and Inspection Services for the Central Avenue Safety Improvement Project, Increasing Compensation by $1,530,206, Including Contingencies, for a Total Aggregate Compensation Not-to-Exceed $2,280,206. Accepted; and
(24- B) Resolution No. 16195, “Amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Capital Budget by Reducing Revenue and Appropriations in Capital Improvement Program C11000 by $400,000, Reducing Revenue and Appropriations in Capital Improvement Program C33000 by $200,000, Reducing Revenue and Appropriations in Capital Improvement Program C62000 by $300,000, Reducing Revenue and Appropriations in Capital Improvement Program C66100 by $400,000, Allocating $207,855 in Measure BB-Paratransit Funds, and Increasing Revenue and Appropriations for Capital Improvement Program C65600 by $1,507,855.” 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- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute all Necessary Documents with the California Department of Transportation to Accept $375,000 in State Funding to Design the Lincoln Avenue/Marshall Way/Pacific Avenue Corridor Improvement Project Stormwater Improvements; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute a First Amendment with Parametrix, Inc. in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $627,000, Including Contingencies, to Provide Additional Technical Services Related to the Lincoln Avenue/Marshall Way/Pacific Avenue Corridor Improvement Project; and
(*24- A) Resolution No. 16196, “Amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Grants Fund (Fund 222) Budget Appropriation By $375,000 to Transfer Those Funds to the Capital Improvement Budget (Fund 310) for Capital Project C65700 (Lincoln Avenue/Marshall Way/Pacific Avenue Corridor Improvement Project).” Adopted.
(*24- ) Resolution No. 16197, “Authorizing the City Manager to Execute All Necessary Documents with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to Accept Grant Funds in the Amount of $480,070 for the Oakland-Alameda Estuary Waterway Study, and Amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Grants Fund (Fund 222) Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Budget Appropriating $480,070 from the Grants Fund (Fund 222) to the Oakland-Alameda Estuary Bridge Project in Capital Improvement Project C65900.” Adopted.
(*24- ) Resolution No. 16198, “Authorizing the Submission of an Application for Senate Bill 2 Funding from the State Department of Housing and Community Development Under the Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Program, Accepting PLHA Funding, and Allocating PLHA Funding. Adopted; and
(*24- A) Resolution No. 16199 “Amending the PLHA Five-Year Plan Grant Budget (G24010) to Increase 2022 Allocation Revenues and Expenditures in the Amount of $479,024.” Adopted; and
(*24- B) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute Related Documents, Agreements, and Modifications. Accepted.
(*24- ) Resolution No. 16200, “Supporting Proposition 3, the Right to Marry, and Repeal Proposition 8 Amendment on the November 5, 2024 Ballot.” Adopted.
(24- ) Resolution No. 16201, “Supporting Proposition 5, the Lower Supermajority Requirement to 55% for Local Bond Measures to Fund Housing and Public Infrastructure Amendment, on the November 5, 2024 Ballot.” Adopted.
Note: Since Councilmembers Daysog and Herrera Spencer recorded a no vote, the item carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Jensen, Vella and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 3. Noes: Councilmembers Daysog and Herrera Spencer - 2.
(*24- ) Resolution No. 16202, “Authorizing the City Manager to Execute All Necessary Documents with the Department of Homeland Security to Accept $876,633.45 in Grant Funds and Appropriate the Required Match of $87,663.35 from General Fund Residual Fund Balance to Train City of Alameda Firefighters to a Paramedic Certification Level, and Amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Fire Grants Fund (Fund 220) Operating Budget Increasing Appropriations by $876,663.45 and the Alameda Fire Department’s Fiscal Year 2024-25 General Fund Operating Budget Increasing Appropriations $87,663.35.” Adopted.
(*24- ) Ordinance No. 3377, “Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Lease for a Portion of Building 41 with DOER Marine Operations, Located at 650 West Tower Avenue, at Alameda Point, Alameda, California, for a Term of Eighteen Months with One Extension Option for Six Months.” Finally passed.
CONTINUED AGENDA ITEMS
None.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(24- ) Resolution No. 16203, “Appointing Lisa Martin to the Public Art Commission.” Adopted;
(24- A) Resolution No. 16204, “Appointing James Martin to the Public Art Commission.” Adopted;
(24- B) Resolution No. 16205, “Reappointing Michelle Buchholz to the Social Services Human Relations Board.” Adopted; and
(24- C) Resolution No. 16206, “Reappointing Bernard Wolf to the Social Services Human Relations Board.” Adopted.
Expressed concern about the appointments: Tod Hickman.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer moved adoption of the resolutions.
Vice Mayor Daysog seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed concern over aspersions made against Board and Commission members; stated that she supports and appreciates the work being done.
On the call for the question, the motion which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Jensen: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5.
The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office and presented a certificate of appointment to Mr. Martin.
Mr. Martin made brief comments.
(24- ) Recommendation to Approve the City Aquatic Center Design Concept with a 30-Meter Pool and Activity Pool and Provide Direction to Staff on Additional Design Features such as Lobby, Diving Well and Springboards, Community Room, Building Storage, and Electrification.
***
(24- ) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft requested a motion to allow an additional five minutes for the presentation.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer moved approval of allowing five additional minutes.
Councilmember Jensen seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Jensen: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5.
***
The Recreation and Parks Director gave a Power Point presentation.
***
(24- ) Councilmember Herrera Spencer moved approval of allowing an additional minute.
Councilmember Jensen seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Jensen: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5.
***
The Recreation and Parks Director completed the presentation.
Councilmember Jensen stated the matter is a long time coming and she is looking forward to the groundbreaking; inquired the reason behind a 50-meter and activity pool option not being presented.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded the 50-meter and activity pool solution explored by staff substantially exceeded the budget at $46 million; the amount was far beyond the allocated budget and therefore not presented.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether the supporters of the 30-meter and activity pool option are opposed to the 50-meter pool option or whether there is clear preference.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded discussions during workshops addressed both sides; stated the responses were in favor of creating space for people with disabilities enjoying water therapy; participation in a 50-meter pool is more difficult.
Councilmember Jensen inquired what types of aquatic activities permitted under Option 1 would be otherwise unavailable under Option 2 and vice versa.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded many senior and youth programs can be offered; stated the programs tend not to want to operate in water that is between 78 and 79 degrees; there is a need to have a pool with warmer water temperature to offer the programs; warmer water is helpful for youth swim lessons and teaching people safe access to water; the programs could still occur with a 50-meter pool, but the temperature would have to be increased; a 50-meter pool is not key for a wide range of temperature fluctuations; increasing the heat takes a lot of energy and time; staff is recommending an approach that will work for everybody; the project is an opportunity to have two facilities that will be able to support warmer water activity and also provide a cooler water temperature for competitive swimmers.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether there are any other aspects of a 50-meter pool which would not be conducive to either youth or senior swim activities.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded 50-meter pools have a recommended flip turn of 4-feet 6-inches, which makes offering water-walking activities more difficult; stated swim lessons can still be offered with blocks to elevate people out of the water; many kids can also be intimidated by large bodies of water.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether the blocks would be sufficient for the disabled patrons of the pool.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded some activities could be offered, however, the access and temperature can become a problem; the 50-meter pool would need pool chair lifts to lower people into the water; there would not be enough room to offer a zero-degree entry for easier access and handrails for those with mobility constraints.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether the activity pool is not anticipated to have chair lifts.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded only if required by law; the pool will have the ability to be accessible through a zero-degree entry; the center will have water wheelchairs and handrails so people can lower themselves into the water.
Councilmember Jensen inquired how the 30-meter and activity pool design is similar to the facility under construction as well as the Alameda High School (AHS) pool.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded Emma Hood is being designed as a 30-meter pool; stated the pool is being designed to go from quick entry to rapidly sloping and will support water polo; the slope continues deeper for an added diving feature; the design is similar; the slope will not be as drastic; the training pool at Emma Hood has four lanes, starts at 3-feet and goes to 3-foot 6-inches; the depth is great for the same level of programming and will still be able to operate at a warmer temperature; the pool will have stair-entry only.
In response to Councilmember Jensen’s inquiry related to Encinal High School (EHS), the Recreation and Parks Director stated EHS will be different; the small training pool at EHS is unique at 3-foot 6-inches in the middle and 2-foot 9-inches on either side; the pool is not great for doing stroke swimming; the larger pool is unique as well; the entrance has one and a half lanes ranging from 3-foot 6-inches and deeper; the area is maximized for lessons; the EHS training pool is also used due to the temperature being warmer.
Councilmember Jensen inquired how the operating hours for the aquatic center compare to the public access hours for non-student pool users at Emma Hood and EHS.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded during the swim and water polo seasons, the pubic has roughly 60 hours of access at EHS; stated when Emma Hood is up and running, the amount of time will be about the same; the aquatic center will almost double the availability.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether the public has access to Emma Hood and EHS at 5:30 a.m., to which the Recreation and Parks Director responded in the affirmative; stated the public has access between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to close.
Vice Mayor Daysog inquired the ways in which the absence of the diving and springboards will affect competitions; questioned whether there will be diving competitions as well as swimming competitions.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded the original proposal only included one diving board, so the City would not be hosting diving competitions; stated the City encouraged AUSD to install footings for two springboards at Emma Hood, which has been agreed to; AUSD will install one springboard upon the opening with a second to be installed when funds are available.
Vice Mayor Daysog requested confirmation that the aquatic center would not be able to allow for competitive diving.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded in the affirmative; stated there would not be competitive diving; the facility would introduce youth to diving off a diving board and provide recreational and entertainment activities.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether there are geotechnical issues with the soil causing negative and costly impacts regarding deep digging at the site.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded the overall solution for both pool options regarding soil, groundwater, and keeping the pool out of the ground table is key to try to encourage longevity as groundwater rises; stated digging five additional feet will cause challenges around dewatering and systems to accommodate the water as it comes up.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft discussed a recent visit to the City of Piedmont aquatic center; stated the project has different soil than Alameda and is in the hills with bedrock; diving boards need deep wells.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether the term springboard indicates a low or high diving board, to which the Recreation and Parks Director responded springboards are low and are 1-meter.
In response to Councilmember Herrera Spencer’s inquiry about a high dive, the Recreation and Parks Director stated a high dive is either a 3-meter board or a formal dive structure.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the diving well estimate is $100,000; inquired whether the cost includes related soil expenses.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded the soil must be taken care of in order to build a pool; stated the costs are additional and include excavation, foundation, and dewatering; $100,000 is the cost for accommodating one diving board.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer questioned whether the diving board being referenced is a low-dive height, to which the Recreation and Parks Director responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she attended project workshops; inquired the reason the City’s system of pools was not discussed.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded current offerings will be accommodated in the two AUSD pools; stated the aquatic center aims to add additional water space, not substitute programs; the primary focus of the workshops has been people need more access to water, not a shift in programs; the facility will greatly increase the amount of water space available for local swim teams, kids, and open community and family swim.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the City gave $7.5 million to AUSD; inquired why staff recommended giving AUSD $7.5 million when AUSD is separate from the City.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded the existing agreement with AUSD will continue more hours for community use; stated there are waitlists for swim lessons, camps, and open family swim time; there is not a desire to reduce the number of swim hours for anybody at any of the pools; the program will grow until all pools are full.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer expressed concern over surveys being administered without including photos of current and future offerings at AUSD; questioned whether the public knows what staff knows regarding the City and AUSD continuing to work together.
The Recreation and Parks Director stated staff clearly brought images and maps and communicated the information to community members during the second workshop; section drawings were shown of the pools to indicate depth; the information was released before the third survey; all information was publicly available and shared via the City’s website, email blasts and surveys linked to the information.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the first meeting included a vote on desired pool configuration; what is available at AUSD was not discussed; she could only vote once on the survey; inquired how the survey results are accurate.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded staff added a third workshop; stated staff reviewed information and issued another survey to ask the same question again; staff asked whether people would prefer a 30-meter or 50-meter pool after all information was shared; all members of the community were able to take the survey the same way as the first survey.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether the survey results are being grouped together, to which the Recreation and Parks Director responded in the affirmative; stated even throwing out the first survey results, the responses were 76% in favor.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired the results from the third survey.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded the third survey was 76% in favor of the two-pool solution.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer expressed support for staff sharing the results; inquired whether those wishing to swim in a 50-meter pool will have to drive hours both-ways at odd times.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded Walnut Creek is 20 miles away; stated Moraga, Pleasanton, Dublin, and San Ramon also all have 50-meter pools.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired the time estimate to drive from Alameda to Walnut Creek in traffic both ways; questioned why staff believes the recommendation is fair or justified.
The City Manager responded the matter is not related to staff’s thoughts of fairness; stated staff used a number of different data sources and came up with a professional recommendation; staff has used professional judgement in terms of programming costs and cost recovery; based on all the information gathered, a recommendation is being provided to Council.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired staff’s professional judgement on the time it takes to drive from Alameda to Walnut Creek for swimming at a 50-meter pool, to which the City Manager responded staff does not have that information.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated neither the Recreation and Parks Director nor the City Manager are subject matter experts on driving from Alameda to Walnut Creek and back; the information regarding survey votes is included in the staff report.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the City offers two regulation 18-hole golf courses and one 9-hole 3 par course; inquired the reason the City does not only offer a 9 hole course and expect people to drive a distance to play regulation size golf.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded that he was not with the City when the golf course was designed; stated the property is unique; not many places offer so much golf in one location; the facility is one of the largest in Northern California; most facilities are lucky to provide one 18-hole course and a driving range; his previous experience with courses includes many sites with only one 18-hole course, and one with a 9-hole executive course; land is at a premium, which is the reason many facilities are not able to provide expansive spaces.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether there are any benefits to the 50-meter pool.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded in the affirmative; stated there are fantastic benefits to having a 50-meter pool when there is enough funds available to support the project; a 50-meter pool would be a nice body of water for the City to have; staff explored many options to try to make the 50-meter pool project work.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether it is possible for swimmers to strengthen lungs and get the same body strength in a 30-meter pool as opposed to a 50-meter pool.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded a decent amount of training is available with a 30-meter pool.
Vice Mayor Daysog stated the cost for electrical is roughly $1.5 million; inquired whether the absence of electrical in either design scenario affects the ability for the pool to be used for competitions.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded changing the heating mechanism does not change the ability to offer competition.
Councilmember Jensen inquired what the staff recommendation would have been if money were not a barrier.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded if the City had all the money necessary, the 50-meter pool and activity pool are very good for ongoing economics for the operation of the facility; stated the startup costs are prohibitive in the current environment; cost studies performed show the difference in revenue; the aquatics program for the current year raised $596,000; the swim teams generated roughly $123,000; even with one pool at EHS, the amount raised is the most ever generated; the program operates at a 53% cost recovery; all funding is generated primarily using the smaller and larger pools at EHS; programs and camps equate to 19 swim sessions per day; swim lessons are full and are being pushed to the limit; the activity pool can be programmed all day long due to the demand.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether there is a reason the City cannot start with a 50-meter pool and then add the activity pool at some point when additional funds are available.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded the approach is possible; stated staff looked at scale for construction which indicates leaving significant space available between the proposed buildings and the pool in order to be able to accommodate construction expansion; the option is not impossible but would take up more room and have more impacts on Jean Sweeney Park.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether the City could eventually find additional funding in order to add the activity pool, to which the Recreation and Parks Director responded in the affirmative.
Discussed her experience as an Alameda swimmer; urged Council to approve the 50-meter pool design and find a way to finance the activity pool in the future if it is deemed necessary; stated the depth of a 50-meter pool is not a restriction to swim lessons and most reflects the needs of swimmers: Darrah Jones, Alameda.
Stated a 50-meter pool would be delightful; urged Council to select the 50-meter pool option: Maria Ducey, Alameda Aquatic Masters Swim Team.
Discussed the evolution of Alameda Backyard Growers (ABG) and the community garden; stated the 2016 approved plan included a community garden at Jean Sweeney Park; expressed concern over resident food insecurity and being unable to direct inquiries due to long waitlists: Liz Warmerdam, ABG.
Stated ABG has worked with the City for years on the community garden at Jean Sweeney Park; expressed support for the aquatic center, for swimming, and for the presentation; stated that she would like everyone to remember a community garden is needed: Marla Koss, ABG.
Expressed concern over Alameda not providing tennis courts for tennis and pickleball tournaments; questioned where the minority of people in force tonight favoring the 50-meter pool were for the three surveys; urged Council to respect the recommendation: Eric Robbins, Recreation and Parks Commission.
Expressed support for City aquatic programs; stated the use scenarios presented in the survey for the 50-meter pool are incomplete and contrary to her experience; expressed concern over the disconnect and misunderstanding between the survey responses and staff recommendation; stated the information being shared matters; the 50-meter pool is the most flexible: Caitlin Keen, Alameda.
Stated there has been a push by the City for the two-pool option; expressed concern over the underlying data; questioned the reasons behind the data results; stated that he would like to see the research behind the cost recovery and programming; the surveys feel underinformed; urged Council to wait to make a decision: Doug Keen, Alameda.
Expressed support for any configuration of pools and for electrification of the building; stated it is important for any configuration to be all electric due to Council policy; expressed support for a solar option: Ruth Abbe, Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda.
Stated that she does not have a strong preference between the two options; expressed concern over a large, free parking lot in open space; stated nearby parking lots are underutilized at peak times; urged the City to reduce the size of the parking lot, make the non-disabled parking spaces paid and separate from the aquatic center fee, and increase bike parking: Maria Piper, Alameda.
Stated that she has been to every meeting for the matter using her mobility aid; expressed concern over comparing City pools; stated neither existing pool is American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant; expressed support for the two pool solution; stated the activity pool would provide zero-entry; people with multiple sclerosis (MS) would prefer to swim in colder water; the majority of residents selected the two pool option due to not being competitive swimmers: Julie Lyons, Alameda.
Expressed support for the pool being used to host local swim meets; stated that she would prefer the 50-meter pool as opposed to the 30-meter pool: Sophia Ramirez, Alameda.
Questioned why the parking would be free when the goal is to maximize revenue and why a concession stand is not planned; expressed support for maximizing green space, not parking; urged parking for modern parent bicycles be considered; expressed concern over the night lighting; expressed support for the 50-meter pool: Alex Spehr, Alameda.
Expressed support for the 50-meter pool; stated it takes three hours round-trip to get from Alameda to Walnut Creek after school; young swimmers deserve a 50-meter pool; the survey results are from 8% of the population; requests were not pushed out to the community with enough effort and were written with bias: Jonathan Moore, Alameda Aquatic Masters.
Submitted pool schematics; stated due to the lack of available pool space, the Alameda Gators have to hold some swim practices at Mills or Chabot Colleges; limited lane space means that only 50% of youth interested in swimming or water polo can participate; expressed support for the 50-meter pool option; stated the 50-meter pool will complement, not duplicate, existing facilities: Drew Swartz, Recreation and Parks Commission.
Stated two options were presented; many people would have selected a third option of a 50-meter pool and activity pool if it had been available; the option was not made available due to budgeting; urged Council to step back and consider ways to fund a 50-meter pool and an activity pool with an enclosed community room aquatic center: Theresa Rude, Alameda.
Stated a 50-meter pool would differ from other Alameda pools and many other cities nearby; surveys should be voided since most presentations did not show 50-meters with a movable divider and did not include all facts; expressed concern over typos in the survey; urged Council to approve the 50-meter pool with moveable divider and diving depth area for the future: Jim Strehlow, Alameda.
Stated the proposal presented is good, but could be great; urged Council to hold off on approval of a 30-meter pool in favor of consideration for a 50-meter pool; expressed concern over the survey process; stated the benefits of a 50-meter pool were not delineated and existing pool uses have not yet been realized; urged the facility be all-electric: Ann McCormick, Alameda.
Expressed support for the 50-meter pool and for the aquatic facility providing year-round aquatics; stated Alameda has been committed to aquatics; the ongoing effort highlights a demand for high quality swimming facilities in the City; stated adding another 30-meter pool option would not significantly increase the aquatic capacity or programming options; it is crucial for the agreement between the City and AUSD to be honored: Amelia McDonald, Alameda Masters.
Expressed support for the development of a comprehensive aquatic center that meets both the needs of the current and future community; stated the aquatic center should have multiple pools offering a range of aquatic sports and recreational amenities benefitting everyone from competitive to casual swimmers; a 50-meter pool would support the community of competitive swimmers; urged additional funding be secured: Janet Weber, Alameda Aquatic Masters.
Urged Council to reconsider the recommendation and support the 50-meter pool option; stated the pool at Emma Hood used to be the best pool in town; Alameda is moving in a positive direction and a 50-meter pool should be built; the pool represents a once in a generation opportunity; the facility will be complimentary to existing pools; expressed concern over survey responses: Randy Rentcheler, Alameda.
Discussed the urban garden and land use plans; stated the location has a Master Plan; expressed concern over the CEQA exemption; stated the project has not been approved by the Historic Advisory Board (HAB); a new supplemental Environmental Impact Report (EIR) needs to be completed due to the change to the Master Plan: Shelby Sheehan.
Expressed concern over staff; stated staff needs to get up to speed on what has happened in the last 100 years; there is clear support for the 50-meter pool option; expressed concern over City surveys: Tod Hickman.
Urged Council to support the two-pool option; stated the existing pools are being used; expressed concern over privately owned pools in public parks and over the insinuation of bias in surveys; stated people understand survey responses: William Simpson
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Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft called a recess at 9:45 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 10:03 p.m.
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(24- ) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft suggested the pulled Consent Calendar item regarding parking efficiency [paragraph no. 24- ] be considered under Continued Items at the October 1, 2024 City Council meeting.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer moved approval of hearing the item on under Continued Items at the October 1, 2024 City Council meeting.
Councilmember Jensen seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Jensen: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5.
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Councilmember Vella stated that she swam competitively throughout her youth; she would travel for swim competitions and meets; all teams move around and visit other pools for competitions; building a 50-meter pool will not mean swimmers do not have to travel to other pools; expressed support for ambitious people wanting to train or have elite opportunities; stated the choice sometimes require driving further distances; discussed similar choices and approaches being made for competitive soccer; stated there is privilege in making the choice to travel for training opportunities; expressed concern over dismissiveness for children’s ability to take swimming lessons in larger pools; stated the average temperature in Walnut Creek or San Ramon is warmer than Alameda, which needs to be taken into account; her children took swim lessons at a 50-meter pool in a tropical place; little kids get cold fast and do not have a lot of body mass; there is more water in a 50-meter pool; children get cold waiting between swim lessons; expressed concern over dismissing community surveys; stated the City has engaged the community around the aquatic center for many years at this point; the input has not been taken lightly; the process has not been abrupt; those wanting additional funding for the aquatic center could have been part of the infrastructure bond matter discussion; Council is not making decisions in a silo and must be a fiduciary for the City; the City currently has $800 million in deferred maintenance; the infrastructure bond matter did not pass but could have raised additional dollars for the aquatic center; park funding, as well as new and aging infrastructure, was also included as part of the infrastructure bond matter; money is not something the City can print or create; the budget is limited; expressed support for the two pool option; stated the recommendation is the more responsible decision to make in light of not increasing the project funds; if the infrastructure bond matter had passed, the tenor and timeline for the current discussion would have likely been different; Council must consider current facility refurbishment needs and other costs associated with deferred maintenance, especially regarding emergency services and first responders; the City has aging fire stations and growing community needs.
Councilmember Jensen concurred with Councilmember Vella’s comments; stated her son learned to swim in Alameda as a child at Harbor Bay Club; she learned to swim at Lincoln pool; the City is on the right track with a public pool serving all Alameda residents; the project will double the programming capacity, which will serve some of the most vulnerable Alameda residents; expressed support for the presentation; stated the first workshop for the aquatic center included a presentation from the contractor with trends for California aquatic center designs, which is not 50-meter pools; Alameda will not be on the cutting edge in having a 50-meter pool; having two pools meets the needs of the community; learning to swim, as well as meeting the needs of seniors and other resident, is more easily done with a two-pool model; 50-meter pools exist in the East Bay but are not close; Oakland does not have a public 50-meter pool; the closest 50-meter pools are in Moraga and Walnut Creek; displayed an exhibit to indicate distances for each pool; stated that she has been a board member for Alameda Youth Basketball; competitive approaches to sports are typically paid clubs that require travel for out-of-town meets; discussed nearby 50-meter pool distances from Alameda; stated the travel is not impossible and does not seem to be burdensome to a child with strong athletic interests; many swimmers have commented advocated for a 50-meter pool; the nearby 50-meter pools are rarely used for competitions; pool competitions are not one of the strongest community needs; building a 50-meter pool would be a great expense; the two most recently designed pools are in Piedmont and at Emma Hood; both pools were built after a lengthy design process and input from the community; both locations considered 50-meter pools; smaller pools were installed as the best option; expressed support for the staff recommendation and the majority survey responses being in favor of the two-pool option.
Vice Mayor Daysog expressed support for the participation in the project workshops; stated the residents of Alameda win with either 30- or 50-meter pools; there is a question of whether something extra can be done with one option or the other; the scenario is a grey area; based on the comments provided by the residents of Alameda, the 50-meter pool seems to provide greater flexibility and has strong arguments in favor; a lot of the same programming for the 30-meter pool can be achieved with a 50-meter pool; once opened, Emma hood will bring another 30-meter pool online; the 50-meter pool option is once in a lifetime; now is the time for Council to strike while the iron is hot; a 50-meter pool seems to attract the types of competitions occurring in the valleys of Contra Costa County or Alameda County; having a 50-meter pool would greatly benefit Alameda, not only in terms of competition, but also for very young children; the same young children could grow into those who would perhaps want a 50-meter pool; the City of Alameda has a great tradition of swimmers and college leaders in swimming; he sees the 50-meter pool as something that accommodates the needs of the residents; the option is flexible enough to provide the services offered by a 30-meter pool; expressed support for the 50-meter pool option; stated the residents will win either way.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer expressed support for the community members that attended the workshops; stated the matter has not been presented fairly from the beginning; the presentation matters; the survey was not a scientific poll; she and her children did not perform club sports and grew up relatively poor; her children made use of the City’s amenities; discussed using a 50-meter pool growing up in Southern California; stated that she would compete with other children in various ways; kids growing up in Alameda do not have the same experience; a 50-meter pool provides a different experience; many people attending the community meetings have never had the opportunity to swim in a 50-meter pool and have only been able to use the facilities offered by the City; the opportunity is once in a lifetime for all kids; her parents could not have driven her to some other town for swimming; the goal should be to have the City offer flexible opportunities; the City supports green approaches; the greenest solution is offering services on-site; expressed support for the 50-meter pool option; stated the opportunity is amazing; there is nothing similar to swimming in a 50-meter pool; an Olympic sized pool is different; questioned the reason City should have three of the same pools; stated the City gave AUSD $7.5 million; AUSD wants to work with the City, which should continue; the City should look at a system and try to offer people the most opportunities; expressed concern over building the same pool and support for children having the opportunity to play college sports and possibly go to the Olympics; kids in Alameda can play 18-holes of golf at Corica Golf Course relatively inexpensively and competitively; swimmers need to be in a 50-meter pool daily to be competitive at a college level; bodies build differently when using a 50-meter pool; expressed support for Council supporting residents at every level.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she attended three of the workshops and made a number of site visits; she visited Mountain View and Menlo Park aquatic centers that have two pools and are all electric; she toured Piedmont’s aquatic center construction with two pools; expressed concern over the highest cost recovery being a criterion in deciding on one or two pools; stated the City needs more aquatic facilities; it is important to understand operation and maintenance costs; cost recovery can be looked at through programs and activity space; she will not weigh an option based on highest cost recovery; electrification is non-negotiable for the project; the option is not a design feature and should not be described as such; the option is consistent with the City’s Climate Action and Resiliency Plan (CARP), which is a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming and sea level rise; Alameda has its own municipal utility that generates 100% clean, green electricity; the aquatic center in Piedmont is fully electric; discussed a meeting of the Youth Power Climate Action Panel with Councilmember Jensen strongly supporting full electrification; stated the City cannot build a facility that will serve the community for decades to come that spews greenhouse gas emissions; expressed support for maximizing the amount of shared parking; stated staff has reached out to the Marina Village business park; she would like to push the envelope further and get more shared parking for climate reasons; expressed concern over adding more impervious surfaces; stated the aquatic center will be busiest on the weekends when the business park is not in use; the business park parking lot is not always full; it is likely that members of the business park will utilize the aquatic center as well; discussed the Menlo Park aquatic center parking model including parking sunshades with photovoltaic paneling; stated the aquatic center parking lot should have electric vehicle charging stations powered by the solar panels; expressed support for cost savings occurring with the diving well and spring boards; stated that she wishes she had a magic wand with an unlimited source of funds; there could have been more funds if an infrastructure bond measure was passed; the City does not have unlimited money; expressed concerns over attacks being made against the survey and City staff; stated the project is not duplicating pools since AUSD pools are not available at all times; there are under 200 Alameda Gators and under 100 Alameda Masters swimmers; there is a reason other cities are approving a two pool design option; the option to install one pool now and one later is costly and would be disruptive; the great swimmers that come from Alameda do so without the use of a 50-meter pool within the City; expressed support for the two pool option.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the infrastructure bond measure was for $150 million with over $800 million of deferred maintenance; the argument is a red herring.
The City Manager stated that in order to get to 100% schematic design, there appears to be support for direction of the two-pool option and electrification; staff will move forward and return with an updated funding plan with costs and schematic design.
Vice Mayor Daysog stated that he makes no apologies for not supporting the infrastructure bond measure; his concern was not having a project list for the over $100 million; expressed support for the residents knowing what projects would be funded with the bond measure monies; stated improvements made to AUSD facilities are typically spelled out; he does not believe the infrastructure bond matter applies to the aquatic center; one way or another, the residents of Alameda will win; he appreciates the project happening in the West End; the 50-meter pool is a superior choice for the project as it will provide the flexibility in providing the same as a 30-meter pool; the 50-meter pool will attract competitions; the history of great Alameda swimmers could be greater with the use of a 50-meter pool; Council may have its differences in 30- versus 50-meter pools but the community should ultimately come together at the groundbreaking.
Councilmember Jensen moved approval of the two-pool option, Option 1.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the motion includes the full electrification, to which Councilmember Jensen responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Vella seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: No; Herrera Spencer: No; Jensen: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 3. Noes: 2.
(24- ) Recommendation to Receive an Update on Neighborhood Greenways Implementation and Provide Direction on Removing Select Slow Streets Barricades in the Immediate Future.
The Senior Transportation Coordinator gave a Power Point presentation.
Councilmember Jensen inquired what has already been done for the slow street at Versailles Avenue between Otis Drive and Washington Street.
The Senior Transportation Coordinator responded a street repaving project was recently completed; stated the project spanned between Calhoun Street and San Jose Avenue; the segment of Versailles Avenue was paved; staff looked at the project as an opportunity to perform some early implementation of the neighborhood greenways; staff performed outreach to the community via mailings and a virtual community workshop; the proposal to installing two sets of speed cushions received support; staff is moving forward with implementation of speed cushions.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether other alternatives were reviewed in addition to the speed cushions.
The Senior Transportation Coordinator responded in the negative; stated staff believes the approach is the best treatment for the section; there is also an option of plastic cushions which are bolted into the ground for ease of removal.
Councilmember Jensen stated Pacific Avenue and Versailles Avenue are complete slow streets with barriers at protected intersections; inquired why San Jose Avenue was established as a slow street for about half the length up to San Antiono Avenue rather than from 9th Street to Oak Street.
The Senior Transportation Coordinator responded slow streets were implemented in phases; stated some extensions were created similar to Pacific Avenue; staff looked at the potential for extending other streets; staff found the program was not ready to continue expanding due to resources and the need for putting out more barricades; staff could not focus on expanding the entire network of slow streets; the future greenway would follow along the portion of San Antiono Street.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether the neighborhood greenway includes the block of San Jose Avenue that is closed each weekday for Saint Joseph school, to which the Senior Transportation Coordinator responded in the affirmative; stated the area on Chestnut Street is in the middle of the existing slow street.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated San Jose Avenue becomes Morton Street; inquired whether the references to San Jose Avenue are actually Morton Street, to which the Senior Transportation Coordinator responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired the reason the recent survey did not include a question regarding whether respondents want Pacific Avenue continued as a neighborhood greenway, to which the Senior Transportation Coordinator responded staff did not ask the question due to the Council adopted Active Transportation Plan (ATP), which determines the streets that would be neighborhood greenways.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated slow streets were created during COVID-19 as a means for people to get outside; COVID-19 has passed and people have had the opportunity to see whether or not the program is working; inquired the reason for not including the question of whether or not respondents find the project to be working.
The Senior Transportation Coordinator responded staff looked at the slow streets as being temporary; stated staff asked respondents about barricade removal and timing; staff then asked about how to implement neighborhood greenways; neighborhood greenways are in the ATP; if people want the neighborhood greenway removed, the action would be contrary to the ATP and would have to return to Council.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated plans are changed often; she would have thought staff would ask the questions regarding specific slow streets.
The Senior Transportation Coordinator stated slow streets and neighborhood greenways are very different; staff can ask whether a slow street is working, however, the neighborhood greenway is something more comprehensive.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether anyone has done work regarding the increase in accidents on the surrounding streets, to which the Senior Transportation Coordinator responded staff did not examine collisions on surrounding streets.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated traffic gets diverted from the slow streets; inquired the reason staff did not look into the surrounding streets.
The Senior Transportation Coordinator responded staff found the impacts to be minimal; stated evaluation was completed in 2021; staff did not reexamine the information; neighborhood greenway implementation anticipates monitoring traffic conditions on nearby parallel streets to see whether significant impacts arise.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated people worked from home during COVID-19; more people are currently back to work; inquired whether there has been a recent increase in car use.
The Senior Transportation Coordinator responded there is generally more driving; stated timing is different than pre-COVID-19; commute patterns have changed; more aggressive driving is happening.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated Versailles Avenue used to have a four-way stop due to prior accidents; traffic is now being diverted to Pearl Street which does not have a four-way stop; inquired whether there is a plan to add a four-way stop on Pearl Street; expressed concern over dangerous conditions; inquired whether staff will look at the diverted traffic and reduce the dangers of increased traffic on diverted streets, to which the Senior Transportation Coordinator responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired when the review will occur.
The Senior Transportation Coordinator responded as neighborhood greenways are implemented, staff will look at the impacts and address impacts as they occur.
Stated that he is familiar with the slow streets and is supportive; expressed concern over the one-way traffic on Pacific Avenue during daycare drop-off and pick-up hours; urged staff to perform due diligence on the plan and review impacts; expressed support for more permanent solutions: Drew Swartz, Alameda.
Expressed support for keeping the existing conditions and for keeping slow streets; stated the survey results indicate many people enjoy the slow streets, particularly Pacific Avenue; he sees kids play in the streets; expressed support for permanent solutions: Thushan Amarasiriwardena, Alameda.
Expressed support for neighborhood greenways; discussed biking in the Netherlands; stated Alameda has four-lane highways; expressed support for the City installing greenways that are visually queueing, for mini roundabouts, and for slow streets: Alex Spher, Alameda.
Discussed using San Jose Avenue and Pacific Avenue; expressed support for maintaining all barricades; stated that she would like the project to move into implementation of neighborhood greenways as soon as possible; the slow streets have provided safe corridors for walking and biking since the pandemic: Ashley Lorden, Alameda.
Expressed support for sticking with the original plan regarding barricades; stated the option best achieves the primary goal of the program; the option has been supported by the Transportation Commission and is consistent with the ATP and Council’s original direction; urged Council to consider greater resourcing for neighborhood greenways: Cyndy Johnsen, BikeWalk Alameda.
Stated the slow streets program was implemented during the pandemic; expressed concern over citizen input being diminished; stated the slow streets program was sold as experimental and something that would be dismantled after the pandemic; expressed concern over the project design; stated the design is unsafe: Jim Strehlow, Alameda.
Expressed concern over the program; stated there has been no improvement by having the barriers in place; the majority of people in Alameda do not ride bikes; converting Alameda to a bicycle haven makes no sense; expressed concern over the project survey; stated the barriers should be removed: Jay Garfinkle, Alameda.
Vice Mayor Daysog expressed support for the recommendation to maintain the slow streets until the neighborhood greenway project begins; stated the staff recommendation is to pare down some of the streets, however, he is comfortable keeping the configuration as-is; there is something to be said in turning some streets of Alameda into a cul-de-sac; the configuration provides a sense of safety and security for people walking and biking; his 84 year old mother enjoys walking from Santa Clara Avenue in the West End with her dog; the configuration provides a passivity; expressed support for slow streets; discussed cars entering slow streets at Santa Clara Avenue and 6th Street; stated a stop sign exists at intersections for some slow streets causing traffic to stop; the stop helps regulate how vehicles or pedestrians navigate the intersection; the slow streets are achieving the goal of making certain streets feel safe and more pedestrian friendly; expressed support for any tools that can be used to help slow traffic in Alameda; stated the slow streets help compliment Alameda’s history of desiring slow speeds; the positive impacts of the slow streets outweigh the negative; Council must weigh all sides of the matter and come to a decision rationally; Alameda benefits from the slow streets program.
Councilmember Jensen expressed support for community input and for neighborhood greenways; stated retaining the barriers is not the ideal solution, however, eliminating the barriers before the greenways are decided is also not a good idea; Pacific Avenue, San Jose Avenue and Morton Street provide an effective east-west strategy for bicyclists and pedestrians; Versailles Avenue will provide the same effect for north-south walking and biking; she will continue to advocate for additional north-south streets between Park Street, Grand Street, Webster Street, and Main Street to neighborhood greenways in the future.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer discussed googling “City of Alameda Vision Zero” to see traffic fatalities and injuries; stated 2016 data indicates 2 were killed and 10 were severely injured for a total of 12; 2017 had 11 total, 2018 had 12 total; in 2019, the City did well with 7 total due to the pandemic; 2020 totaled 9; 2021 totaled 13; 2022 was the highest with a total of 15; 2023 dropped to 9, including 3 deaths; it is important to look at each total separately, not together; expressed support for looking at the surrounding streets to find where the accidents are occurring compared to the slow streets or greenways; the feedback she has received from Pacific Avenue and Santa Clara Avenue is overall positive; the feedback received from Versailles Avenue is different; she lives near Versailles Avenue and sees traffic being diverted to Washington Street and Calhoun Street; stated Otis Drive gets backed up all the way to Bay Farm; expressed concern over navigation being difficult; stated Council must consider where traffic is being diverted to; some areas have been made more hazardous; discussed the Transportation Commission meeting addressing changes to Otis Drive by way of a road diet; stated the data indicated the traffic on Otis Drive is too high for a road diet; she agrees; traffic is being diverted to other streets in the area; expressed support for bifurcating the matter to separate Pacific Avenue and Santa Clara Avenue from Versailles Avenue; stated that she cannot support the Versailles Avenue configuration due to its danger; all streets cannot be treated the same since all are in different neighborhoods with different impacts.
Councilmember Vella stated Council requested staff to engage the community around creating and looking at the neighborhood greenway plan generally, as well as phasing; expressed support for the community outreach and feedback; stated the work is helpful and does not assume things are continuing as originally intended without engaging the community; expressed concern over removing the barricades before a plan is in place to make the project more permanent; stated things should stay in place and improve upon existing conditions; there appears to be a phased approach in creating the neighborhood greenways; more discussion of the overall design will be helpful to find desired features; the approach is a good start to find out uses and treatments; the project is outlined in several multi-year phases; the project should be implemented in a way that has thoughtful design for aesthetics and safety; expressed support for following the plan, for the phasing and for leaving the barricades as-is.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is a fan of the slow streets and uses them as a bike rider; expressed support for Pacific Avenue; stated there is choreography for oncoming traffic at a slow street; communicating with other drivers is needed; the barriers for the slow streets help to slow down traffic; expressed concern over the statement that the majority of Alamedans do not ride bikes; stated people do not have to ride bikes to benefit from the slow streets; pedestrians also benefit from the configuration; discussed a recent park ride event with Councilmember Jensen; stated that she met many kindergarten children riding their own bikes at the event; during a break in the ride, she spoke with families who provided thanks for the City’s efforts in making streets safer for bicyclists; the City needs to plan for the future; new residents are bicyclists; upcoming projects are accommodating more bike and cargo bike parking; expressed support for Versailles Avenue being a slow street; stated the barriers should be removed at the intersection of Versailles Street and Encinal Avenue at the four-way stop; it is difficult for the nearby hardware and pharmacy business to receive deliveries and patrons; expressed support for opening up Versailles Avenue from Central Avenue to Encinal Avenue; stated the intersection of Central Avenue and Versailles Avenue would be great for a roundabout when funding is available; Versailles Avenue should remain a slow street due to Edison School; the area of Versailles Avenue is vibrant and almost every storefront is open; questioned whether the stop sign near the hardware store could be a flashing sign due to drivers blowing through the intersection; stated there are flashing stop signs on Shoreline Drive at Grand Street; expressed support for the flashing stop sign option; inquired the reason behind project delays; stated Council approved neighborhood greenways; inquired whether additional staff is needed; stated the safety issues are important and Council receives significant information reports about vehicle and pedestrian or vehicle and bicycle collisions daily; inquired what staff needs from Council.
The City Manager responded the topic came up as part of the budget; stated the City was short on engineers last year; Public Works has found a way to recruit at a lower level and provide training; the City is now fully staffed and should able to get through more projects; the current staffing level seems correct and will continue to be evaluated; additional staff is not needed; additional funding might be needed for the intersection of Versailles Avenue and San Jose Avenue to accommodate more permanent improvements; the project budget will need to be revisited in order to implement other phases; staff will look at the budget options; if additional staff is deemed as necessary, staff will return to Council with the budget.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she favors the permanent solutions for aesthetic and safety reasons; expressed support for the San Francisco delineator options for signage; stated the information will educate the community; she supports the design; requested clarification about the temporary flex posts; expressed concern over spending money on temporary solutions, then again on permanent solutions versus spending once on permanent solutions; inquired whether the temporary flex posts are in fact temporary.
The Senior Transportation Coordinator responded the posts are plastic flex posts which are more of a quick-build type of device versus something concrete like a barrier; the flex posts are considered quick-build and temporary due to being easy to take out and cheap to install.
The City Manager stated staff likes the appearance of the flex posts; the Transportation Commission reviewed the idea and raised concerns over implementation delays; staff is providing the current recommendation based on feedback.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for considering the flex posts, for keeping the slow streets and consideration of the intersection of Versailles Avenue and Encinal Avenue.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she believes there have been changes to Edison Elementary School post-pandemic; inquired the changes made to the area.
The Senior Transportation Coordinator responded a couple years ago staff removed the barricades at Lincoln Avenue and Buena Vista Avenue; stated the barricade is on the opposite side of the street; there is one barricade on Versailles Avenue at Lincoln Avenue and on Versailles Avenue at Buena Vista Avenue.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired why the change occurred, to which the Senior Transportation Coordinator responded there was concern around the flow and movement of traffic near the school.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired the plan for working with the school and safety of having fewer barricades.
The Senior Transportation Coordinator responded staff’s plan is to work with schools and businesses along the neighborhood greenways as the improvements are being designed.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer expressed support for Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft’s comments related to businesses; stated the businesses have been severely hurt; it is unfortunate for businesses that were hit during COVID-19.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired how Councilmember Herrera Spencer would like to bifurcate the matter.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer responded that she would like to separate Versailles Avenue; stated that she does not support the change to Versailles Avenue.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer moved approval of bifurcating Versailles Avenue from Pacific Avenue and Santa Clara Avenue.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated Council can agree to take two votes without a motion; expressed support for Councilmember Herrera Spencer crafting a motion.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer expressed concern over making a motion that does not include the desires of other Councilmembers.
Vice Mayor Daysog moved approval of continuing with the slow streets program on all streets except for Versailles Avenue until the point in time that the neighborhood greenway project is complete.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft made a friendly amendment to the motion to include the San Francisco-style paddles where appropriate,
Vice Mayor Daysog accepted the friendly amendment to the motion.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated requested clarification about Pacific Avenue and San Jose Avenue.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the recommendation is to approve everything included in the staff recommendation.
The City Manager inquired whether the San Franscisco style paddles are to be included at all locations or will staff have discretion to decide where appropriate.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft responded locations where staff feels appropriate.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Jensen: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5.
Vice Mayor Daysog moved approval of continuing the slow street program on Versailles Avenue incorporating the changes referred to by Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft at Encinal Avenue and Central Avenue.
The City Manager inquired whether the motion includes pure removal of the program at the referenced intersection, to which Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Jensen seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: No; Jensen: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 4. Noes: 1.
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS REMOVED FOR DISCUSSION
(24- ) Recommendation to Approve Implementation of Various Parking Efficiency and Management Actions, including: (1) Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Five-Year Agreement with IPS Group, Inc., for the Purchase, Installation, Maintenance and Management of 20 New MS3 Parking Pay Stations; the Maintenance and Management of 820 Existing Single-Space Parking Meters; and a Park Smarter Mobile Payment Option in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $1,176,045; and (2) Receiving an Update on Setting a Parking Pricing Strategy for Ferry Terminals. Continued to October 1, 2024. Not heard. Continued to October 1, 2024.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
(24- ) The City Manager made an announcement about National Voter Registration Day, an upcoming Stargell Avenue community meeting about safety and transit improvements, the free Rhythmix Round World Festival, the annual autumn job fair, the rising tides year-long climate arts initiative, and Bandaloop performance at Building 25.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
(24- ) Katherine Casto, Alameda, stated that she was fed and supported by the AFB; expressed concern over the CEQA lawsuit creating problems for the AFB; questioned the purpose of the lawsuit.
(24- ) Josh Altieri, Alameda Housing Authority, provided updates on housing development, programs, services and partnerships.
COUNCIL REFERRALS
None.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(24- ) Vice Mayor Daysog discussed the City/AC Transit Interagency Liaison Committee (ILC) meeting he attended with Councilmember Jensen and the Coast Guard quarterly awards for enlisted and civilian personnel.
(24- ) Councilmember Jensen discussed the Chamber of Commerce women economic leadership forum; expressed support for women in technology; discussed participating in the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department family bike ride; stated that she attended the Youth Climate Action Panel; expressed support for Alameda youth’s efforts to eliminate carbon; stated that she plans to work with others to ensure efficient commercial refrigerators are available; noted the Oakland Alameda Access Project (OAAP) tube closures and AC Transit service were discussed at the City/AC Transit ILC meeting.
(24- ) Councilmember Herrera Spencer discussed recent Police activities, the Chamber of Commerce women economic leadership in technology, a dinner supporting law enforcement, a Latina empowerment training meeting, a youth in power meeting, recent meetings of the Recreation and Parks, Golf, and Transportation Commissions, volunteering at the legacy home tour, and a cars and coffins event.
(24- ) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft discussed the annual 9/11 memorial mass, observing a moment of silence at Fire Station 1 for those lost on 9/11, the Youth Power Climate Panel, and litigation brought against the AFB and Natel Energy; urged the proponents to dismiss the lawsuit.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 12:05 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.