Title
Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings Held on December 3, 2024. (City Clerk)
Body
UNAPPROVED
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- -DECEMBER 3, 2024- -5:15 P.M.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 5:16 p.m.
Roll Call - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Jensen, Vella and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 5. [Note: Councilmember Vella arrived at 5:24 p.m. and was present via teleconference from present via teleconference from Grand Traverse Village Blvd., Acme, MI 49610.]
Absent: Councilmember Herrera Spencer - 1.
The meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider:
(24- ) Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957); Positions Evaluated: City Manager - Jennifer Ott
Following the Closed Session, the meeting was reconvened and the Mayor announced that Council conducted the City Manager performance evaluation with one vote taken that carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye, Jensen: Aye, Vella: Aye, and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 4. [Absent: Councilmember Herrera Spencer - 1.]
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 6:50 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 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- -DECEMBER 3, 2024- -7:00 P.M.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 7:03 p.m. Councilmember Jensen led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Jensen, Vella, and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 4. [Note: Councilmember Vella arrived at 7:07 p.m. and was present via teleconference from Grand Traverse Village Blvd., Acme, MI 49610.]
Absent: Councilmember Herrera Spencer - 1.
AGENDA CHANGES
None.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
(24- ) Joshua Altieri, Housing Authority, announced the Housing Authority has opened a housing waitlist for a housing choice voucher program, as well as select-based voucher programs; applications and other resources can be found online.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Vice Mayor Daysog requested the resolution approving a Letter of Understanding [paragraph no. 24- ] be removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
Stated Operation Dignity has been awarded a contract to manage Dignity Village; they serve over 250 veterans and about 1,600 non-veterans per year: Laura Ross, Operation Dignity.
Expressed support for emergency supportive houses: stated that he has seen a lot of people come in with nothing and end up housed and employed, which has helped to enrich the community: Raj Scott, Village of Love.
Expressed gratitude for the emergency supportive housing staff and all they have done; stated staff has developed a strong relationship with clients and community partners: Joey Harrison, Village of Love.
Expressed concern about the way in which the Consent Calendar is handled: Jay Garfinkle, Alameda.
Councilmember Jensen commented on item agreement with Golden Bay Construction [paragraph no. 24- ]; discussed a recent bike accident on Mecartney Road; stated that she is happy to see the project commence; expressed support for the item and the Consent Calendar as a whole.
Vice Mayor Daysog moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Jensen seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Jensen: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 4. [Absent: Councilmember Herera Spencer - 1.] [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 November 6, 2024. Approved.
(*24- ) Ratified bills in the amount of $5,254,641.50.
(*24- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute Two Separate Three-Year Agreements, Each with Up to Two Optional Three-Year Extensions, with Kaiser Permanente Medical Group for Occupational Medical Services for a Total Aggregate Not-to-Exceed $780,000, and with Preferred Alliance, Inc., for Drug Testing Services in Conjunction with Services Provided by Kaiser Permanente Medical Group for a Total Aggregate Not-to-Exceed $120,000 (Total Expenditure of $900,000). Accepted.
(*24- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Third Amendment to the Agreement with Innovative Interfaces, Inc. to Provide a Mobile Application, Enhanced Online Public Access Catalog, Event Calendar, Online Room Reservations, and Digital Marketing Platform in the Amount of $70,000, for a Total Agreement Compensation Not-to-Exceed $950,968.17. Accepted.
(*24- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with David J. Powers and Associates, Inc. to Provide California Environmental Quality Act Environmental Review Consulting Services for the Alameda Aquatic Center and Ongoing Environmental Support for the City in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $200,000 through June 30, 2027, with the Option of Two One-Year Extensions, for a Total Five-Year Expenditure Not-to-Exceed $250,000. Accepted.
(*24- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Purchase Traffic Signal Controllers, Signal Cabinets, Video Detection Systems, Battery Backups, and Ancillary Equipment from Econolite Control Products, Inc. in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $326,135. Accepted.
(*24- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Golden Bay Construction, Inc., for the Mecartney Road Pedestrian Crossing Improvements Project, P.W. No. 07-24-20, in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $268,100, Including a 10% Contingency. Accepted.
(*24- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a No-Cost Second Amendment to the Agreement with Dudek for Development of the Urban Forest Plan, Extending the Term by One Year. 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. Accepted.
(*24- ) Recommendation to Accept the Annual Review of the Affordable Housing Unit Fee Requirements Consistent with Section 27-1 of the Alameda Municipal Code, Accept the Annual Affordable Housing Unit Fee Fund Activity Report, and Find that: 1) Unit/Fee Requirements Set Forth in Local Law Remain Reasonably Related to the Impacts of Development, and 2) the Affordable Housing Units, Programs and Activities Required by Local Law Remain Needed to Support the Production of Affordable Housing in the City of Alameda. Accepted.
(*24- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Three-and-a-Half-Year Agreement with Operation Dignity, Inc. to Provide Interim Supportive Housing and Property Management Services at Dignity Village in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $7,372,526, and Authorize the City Manager to Execute Documents, Agreements and Modifications with California Department of Housing and Community Development to Add Operation Dignity as a Homekey 2 Co-Grantee. Accepted; and
(*24- A) Resolution No. 16219, “Amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operating and Project Budget Appropriating $1,200,000 from General Fund Residual Fund Balance to Project G44010 Dignity Village Operations.” Adopted.
(*24- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Third Amendment to the Agreement with The Village Of Love Foundation for the Provision of Emergency Shelter Services for Alameda Households Experiencing Homelessness in Emergency Supportive Housing Homes by Increasing Total Compensation by $553,171.36 for a Total Not-To-Exceed $2,644,493.36, and Extend the Term of the Agreement through December 31, 2025. Accepted; and
(*24- A) Resolution No. 16220, “Amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 America Rescue Plan Act Fund (Fund 223) Operating Budget Appropriating $232,000 from Available Earned Interest to Project C99300 (American Rescue Plan 2021) Emergency Housing Alameda Point.” Adopted.
5-M. Resolution No. 16221, “Approving a Final Map and Authorizing Execution of a Subdivision Improvement Agreement for Tract 8711, The Foundry, Located at the Alameda Marina Site.” Adopted.
5-O. Resolution No. 16222, “Setting the 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Dates.” Adopted.
5-P. (24- ) Summary Title: Adopt Resolutions to Apply for Alameda County Transportation Commission Funding and Commit Any Needed Matching Funds for: 1) Doolittle Drive/State Route 61 and Bay Farm Island Project; 2) Oakland Alameda Water Shuttle Operations; 3) Neighborhood Greenway Crossings Safety and Connectivity Improvements Project; and 4) Willie Stargell Ave Safety and Transit Improvements Project
Resolution No. 16223, “Authorizing the Filing of an Application for Alameda County Transportation Commission Administered Funding for the Doolittle Drive/State Route 61 and Bay Farm Island Project and Committing Any Necessary Matching Funds and Stating Assurances to Complete the Project.” Adopted;
(*24- A) Resolution No. 16224, “Authorizing the Filing of an Application for Alameda County Transportation Commission Administered Funding for Oakland Alameda Water Shuttle Operations (Years 3 and 4) and Committing Any Necessary Matching Funds and Stating Assurances to Complete the Project.” Adopted;
(*24- B) Resolution No. 16225, “Authorizing the Filing of an Application for Alameda County Transportation Commission Administered Funding for the Neighborhood Greenway Crossings: Safety & Connectivity Improvements Project and Committing Any Necessary Matching Funds and Stating Assurances to Complete the Project.” Adopted; and
(*24- C) Resolution No. 16226, “Authorizing the Filing of an Application for Alameda County Transportation Commission Administered Funding for the Willie Stargell Ave Safety and Transit Improvements Project: Environmental and Design Phases and Committing Any Necessary Matching Funds and Stating Assurances to Complete the Project.” Adopted.
CONTINUED AGENDA ITEMS
None.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(24- ) Public Hearing to Consider Approving the Housing and Community Development Needs Statement for the Community Development Block Grant Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
Scott Means, Social Service Human Relations Board (SSHRB), gave a brief presentation.
Councilmember Vella expressed gratitude to the volunteer Board members; stated needs have grown astronomically; expressed concern about future federal funds and block grants; stated staff will have to do strategic planning to fill gaps and expanding needs moving forward; having a joint strategic planning committee may be helpful to align the strategic plan with the SSHRB in order to figure out how to get additional funds; so much of the structure of the programs is brought together, not only through funding, but also through volunteer organizations.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired what are the next steps in the process.
The Management Analyst responded the next step is Council approval; stated if approved, a notice of funding availability will be created for providers and released in January 2025; once applications are received, the SSHRB will review and score all public service provider applications using point-based ranking formula in February; once a score is received, the matter would return to Council in May with an action plan and a five-year consolidated plan.
Councilmember Vella expressed concern about the timing; stated that she would appreciate additional funding needs be flagged and reported to Council for applicants not selected, or applicants with funding gaps; this will be helpful for overall strategic planning.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether this aligns with the mid-year budget planning, to which the City Manager responded in the affirmative.
Vice Mayor Daysog thanked the SSHRB and staff for putting together the list of priorities; stated that he sees the priorities as a matrix, meaning it is possible for priorities to be interconnected; having three discreet, service-oriented priorities and three others relating to how the work is done may inspire churches to get involved; he looks forward to seeing who submits funding requests.
Councilmember Jensen commended the SSHRB for active participation that resulted in the priorities; stated the categories in the priorities are comprehensive; she expects the needs of the most vulnerable Alameda residents will be met; the 10,000 residents who are receiving services every year through the funding is a tremendous resource for Alameda.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed appreciation for the SSHRB; stated that she is constantly aware of the challenges of the Bay Area’s high cost-of-living; it is wonderful when the needs can be identified in order to fill the gaps.
Councilmember Jensen moved approval of the Housing and Community Development Needs Statement for the Community Development Block Grant Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
Councilmember Vella seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Jensen: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 4. [Absent: Councilmember Herera Spencer - 1.]
(24- ) Public Hearing to Consider Resolution No. 16227, “Amending Master Fee Resolution No. 12191 to Add and Revise Recreation and Park Fees for Calendar Year 2025.” Adopted.
The Recreation and Parks Director gave a Power Point presentation.
Councilmember Jensen stated the bocce court is used by the Alameda Italian Club on a weekly basis for 5 to 6 months a year; inquired whether the bocce fee change will affect the group, to which the Recreation and Parks Director responded in the negative; stated they will not be hosting parties and therefore it should not impact them at all.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether the lock-up fee is charged automatically as part of the agreement with the soccer clubs or if it is only charged when it is not locked up.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded it will only be charged if maintenance staff is needed; stated staff hopes to never charge the fee; it is to encourage users to follow the rules.
Councilmember Jensen stated there does not appear to have been increases to the court fees; inquired whether fee increases are only for tournaments.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded the increase is the second phase that was approved by Council last year; stated there are no other fees increased at the Alameda Point Gym.
Vice Mayor Daysog inquired whether there is a process by which parents of youth may call in if there is an economic hardships, to which the Recreation and Parks Director responded in the affirmative; stated there is a scholarship process; anyone may apply; about $20,000 per year is dedicated to scholarships; staff also receives donations that help as well since people sometimes wish to sponsor a child in a program; information can be found in the guidebook online.
Councilmember Vella expressed appreciation for the methodology staff used to try to cover costs, keep up facilities, and keep costs down on some of the most important programs; thanked staff for their work with the community to ensure needs are being met.
Councilmember Jensen stated the parks in Alameda are some of their greatest resources; youth organizations spend most of their revenue on field rentals and therefore, expect to have fields and courts in good shape; she appreciates the fact fees are being slightly raised to fund maintenance and upgrades of facilities.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated it makes her happy to see people enjoying the parks in the City; thanked staff for their hard work; stated the fee increases have been reasonable and are needed to keep the quality of the parks high.
Vice Mayor Daysog moved adoption of the resolution.
Councilmember Jensen seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Jensen: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 4. [Absent: Councilmember Herera Spencer - 1.]
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS REMOVED FOR DISCUSSION
(*24- ) Resolution No. 16228, “Approving Letter of Understanding between the City of Alameda and the Alameda Fire Chiefs Association to Clarify Retention/Longevity and Management Incentive Pay Memorandum Of Understanding Language for CalPERS Compensation Compliance.” Adopted.
Vice Mayor Daysog moved adoption of the resolution.
Councilmember Jensen seconded the motion.
Stated it was mentioned that this would have no financial impact; if instructions to CalPERS will be changed, presumably it will increase retirement payments; although it will not increase current salaries, it means more money will be paid by the City to CalPERS; requested clarification because saying there is no financial impact ignores the changes: Jay Garfinkle, Alameda.
In response to Vice Mayor Daysog’s inquiry, the Human Resources Director stated there is no financial impact because the City is already paying that money to CalPERS; stated the resolution clarifies intent and what staff have been doing; CalPERS reviewed the language, said it was not clear enough and asked for clarifying language.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Jensen: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 4. [Absent: Councilmember Herera Spencer - 1.]
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
(24- ) The City Manager stated a Sunshine Ordinance complaint was filed and a hearing will be held on December 18th at 5:30p.m. at City Hall; members of the public may attend in person or remotely; the City will be initiating bargaining on salaries, benefits, and terms of employment with: Alameda City Employees Association (ACEA), Alameda Police Management Association (APMA), Alameda Police Officers Association (APOA), Alameda Police Officers Association, Non-Sworn (PANS), Electric Utility Professionals of Alameda (EUPA), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and Management & Confidential Employees Association (MCEA); several churches have reopened winter warming shelter for unhoused folks and volunteers are needed; the City will be hosting a Winter Lights Celebration with live music, a tree lighting, hot cocoa, and an appearance from Santa Claus.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
None.
COUNCIL REFERRALS
None.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(24- ) Councilmember Vella wished Doug Biggs a happy retirement; stated that she looks forward to the entertainment and fun during the Winter Lights celebration.
(24- ) Vice Mayor Daysog stated that he was a guest speaker at the Fall Convention for Civic Leaders of America.
(24- ) Councilmember Vella gave remembrance to longtime Alameda resident, Lynne Dennis, who passed on December 2 after a 16-year battle with cancer; Ms. Dennis spent most of her career paving the way in the newspaper business in the East and South Bay as a copy editor and page designer; she was an active member of the Alameda community and will be missed.
(24- ) Councilmember Jensen stated the winter shelters are open to the public; expressed her appreciation to Christ Episcopal; discussed a tour of the wellness center.
(24- ) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft discussed attending the Christ Episcopal Church’s community Thanksgiving dinner; expressed appreciation to Semifreddi’s for donating 500 loaves of bread; stated warming shelters are now open every night until the end of March; encouraged residents to shop and dine local.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 8:14 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.