Title
Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings Held on February 4, 2025 and the Special City Council Meeting Held on February 8, 2025. (City Clerk)
Body
UNAPPROVED
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- -FEBRUARY 4, 2025- -5:30 P.M.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 5:30 p.m.
Roll Call - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Boller, Jensen, Pryor and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 5. [Note: Councilmember Jensen arrived at 5:36 p.m.]
Absent: None.
The meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider:
(25- ) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation; Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a); Case Name: City of Alameda v. Greenway Golf Associates, Inc.; Court: Alameda County Superior Court; Case No: 22CV011964
(25- ) Conference with Legal Counsel - Potential Litigation; Potential Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 554956.9, Subsection (d)(4); Number of Cases: One (As Plaintiff - City Initiating Legal Action); Potential Defendant: Port of Oakland
Following the Closed Session, the meeting was reconvened and the City Clerk announced that regarding the Existing Litigation, staff provided information and the City Council provided direction with no vote taken; and regarding Potential Litigation, staff provided information and no vote was taken.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 7:07 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- -FEBRUARY 4, 2025- -7:00 P.M.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 7:07 p.m. Councilmember Daysog led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Boller, Daysog, Jensen, Pryor, and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 5.
Absent: None.
AGENDA CHANGES
None.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
(25- ) Proclamation Declaring February 2025 as Black History Month.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft read the proclamation.
Stated there is no African American Councilmember or member of the public to read or accept the proclamation; the proclamation does not mention the struggle African Americans have faced in the City: Gabriel Duncan, Alameda Native History Month.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
(25- ) Shalom Bruhn, Alameda, submitted a letter and signatures; urged Council to take action to affirm the City’s Sanctuary City status.
(25- ) Gerald Bryant, Alameda, expressed concern about the civility in town going down.
(25- ) Estela Villagrana expressed concern about the treatments she has received as a business owner in Alameda.
(25- ) Jennifer Rakowski, Alameda, thanked public officials, school officials, and staff at different City departments for affirming the City’s Sanctuary City status and for the work being done to protect residents.
(25- ) Brian Kennedy, Alameda, expressed support for the President.
(25- ) Former Mayor and Councilmember Trish Spencer, Alameda, discussed the way people are being treated in Alameda and Building 43.
(25- ) Gabriel Duncan, Alameda Native History Project, thanked the Recreation and Parks Department for hosting the Alameda Native History Project’s Acorns events; encouraged residents to attend.
(25- ) Tod Hickman discussed an incident in which his partner experienced racism; discussed racism in Alameda.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Stated the Bills [paragraph no. *25- ] do not have optical character recognition, which makes it difficult for people with sight difficulties to review the document; stated the Alameda Museum does not properly represent the history of all Alamedans; suggested the City move historical records to a different site where items will not be in danger of flooding and will be available to the public for viewing: Gabriel Duncan, Alameda Native History Project.
Stated Building 114 [paragraph no. *25- ] and the Lincoln Avenue/Marshall Way/Pacific Avenue Corridor Improvement Project funding [paragraph no. *25- ] are in violation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA): Tod Hickman.
Expressed support for the Bay Farm Island Dike project [paragraph no. *25- ]; thanked Council for moving ahead with adaptation plans in previous months: Paul Beusterien, Alameda.
Vice Mayor Pryor stated that she is glad to see construction that will improve Lincoln Avenue, as there have been accidents in the past; expressed support for the language in the City Attorney workforce changes [paragraph no. *25- ].
Councilmember Daysog expressed support for the Lincoln Avenue/Marshall Way/Pacific Avenue project; discussed an incident from his youth when a friend was involved in a car accident.
The City Manager stated the Lincoln Avenue/Marshall Way/Pacific Avenue project is receiving federal funding; the agreement has not yet been signed; there is a risk it will not move forward due to possible federal funding freezes.
Councilmember Jensen moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
Vice Mayor Pryor seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.]
(*25- ) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings Held on January 7, 2025. Approved.
(*25- ) Ratified bills in the amount of $8,401,966.37.
(*25- ) 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 Building 114, 2450 Saratoga Street, Alameda, California. Accepted.
(*25- ) Recommendation to Accept the Work of McGuire and Hester, Inc for High Priority Shoreline Rock Slope Repairs on the Bay Farm Island Dike and Terminate Emergency Action to Repair Bay Farm Island Dike. Accepted.
(*25- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a First Amendment with CMG Landscape Architecture for up to $75,000, Including Contingencies, for a Total Contract Amount Not-To-Exceed $2,842,000, to Provide Additional Technical Services Related to the Sea Level Rise Adaptation Projects. Accepted.
(*25- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Necessary Documents with the United States Department of Transportation to Accept $16,000,000 in Federal Funding to Design and Construct the Lincoln Avenue/Marshall Way/Pacific Avenue Corridor Improvement Project; and
(*25- A) Resolution No. 16242, “Amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Grants Fund (Fund 222) and Capital Improvement Budgets Appropriations By $16,000,000 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.
(*25- ) Resolution No. 16243, “Approving Workforce Changes in the City Attorney’s Office and Amending the Management and Confidential Employees Association and the Executive Management Employees Salary Schedules Effective February 9, 2025.” Adopted.
CONTINUED AGENDA ITEMS
None.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(25- ) Resolution No. 16244, “Appointing Joshua Bevan as a Member of the Historical Advisory Board.” Adopted; and
(25- A) Resolution No. 16245, “Appointing Arthur Brito as a Member of the Historical Advisory Board.” Adopted.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft made brief comments.
Expressed support for the appointees; discussed CEQA: Tod Hickman.
Stated that he spoke to the Historical Advisory Board; discussed shell mounds on the Island, CEQA and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act: Gabriel Duncan, Alameda Native History Project.
Councilmember Boller moved adoption of the resolutions.
Councilmember Jensen seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office and Mr. Bevan and Mr. Brito made brief comments.
(25- ) Recommendation to Accept an Informational Report on Updates of the Alameda Police Department.
***
(25- ) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft suggested 20 minutes be allowed for the presentation.
Vice Mayor Pryor moved approval of allowing 20 minutes.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
***
The Police Lieutenant and Police Chief gave a Power Point presentation.
Vice Mayor Pryor inquired how community meetings are communicated to residents, as well as where and how often they happen.
The Police Chief responded information can be found on the website; stated residents can enter their address to identify their Beat.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether domestic violence is following a downward trend, similar to other areas.
The Police Chief responded a majority of the crimes against persons, which are all considered assaults, are domestic violence; stated the Alameda Police Department (APD) has partnerships with community-based organizations and would like to have a holistic approach for victims of domestic violence.
Councilmember Jensen stated the City has a unique partnership in which APD and the City Attorney prosecute crimes, including some domestic violence crimes; inquired whether prosecuting the crimes is behind reductions.
The Police Chief responded Alameda is the only city in Northern California with a City Attorney’s Office that prosecutes misdemeanor cases; stated the resource has been exemplary for APD, residents, businesses, and visitors; the City has had a 30% reduction in crime incidents; APD has moved around shifts to address peak crime times.
Councilmember Jensen stated there has been about a 50% reduction in vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle collisions in the past two years.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the staff report mentions a downward trend in crime in 2024 except for the months of February and March; inquired what happened during those months.
The Police Chief responded as crime moves and adjusts, APD has to do the same; stated he cannot identify what specifically occurred during those months; crime during those months was up slightly; the report identifies consistent crime drops throughout the entire year, with the exception of February and March.
Thanked APD for ensuring the public is safe; stated that he would have liked to see demographic data; discussed a protest affirming the City’s Sanctuary City status: Amos White, Alameda.
Stated that she previously participated in the Police Reform and Racial Equity oversight committee; she would have liked to see data on use of force, which continues to climb significantly; urged Council to focus on use of force, as it previously led to Citywide protests and lawsuits: Jennifer Rakowski, Alameda.
Thanked APD; stated that she appreciates publication of the monthly crime report; there has been an increase in animal cruelty over the past year; encouraged staff to look at data for arson, burglaries, and assault: former Mayor and Councilmember Trish Spencer, Alameda.
Stated half of the City is doing a great job, including APD; discussed previous encounters with APD, in which APD were very professional: Tod Hickman.
Encouraged the City to improve the ability to add bollards or something similar to deter criminals from driving cars into storefronts: Alex Spehr, Alameda.
Expressed concern about Police action outside of City limits, specifically the usage of the armed emergency response vehicle in surrounding cities: Marilyn Rothman, Alameda.
Councilmember Daysog thanked APD for keeping residents safe; stated data shows reform has been working; expressed appreciation for APD working with the CARE Team to handle non-violent emergency calls for persons experiencing a mental health crisis; encouraged residents to regularly check the APD website for monthly Police Auditor reports.
Councilmember Boller stated the Police Chief’s efforts and practices are leading the agency in a positive direction; using data and intelligence is very important, especially with the current, but hopefully short-lived, trend of crimes in Alameda businesses; he is hopeful that being fully staffed will allow more things to be done to bring the community and Police together to make Alameda even safer.
Councilmember Jensen stated that she has occasionally attended Beat meetings and encourages residents to do the same; inquired what type of information is shared during the meetings.
The Police Chief responded the Crime Analyst prepares data specific to the neighborhood; stated the Commander in charge of the area holds a Beat meeting and provides an overview of the drivers of crime in the particular neighborhood, as well as how can residents make it more difficult for someone to commit a crime; APD’s goal is to bring cohesiveness within the community and make people aware of what resources are available; noted APD will be starting a bicycle patrol team soon.
In response to Councilmember Jensen’s inquiry regarding the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, the Police Chief responded the Alameda Fire Department (AFD) takes the lead on that program however, APD serves as a support.
Councilmember Jensen stated crime should continue to be addressed; expressed appreciation for patrol being up to speed; noted Officers should ticket people parked in bike lanes.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed appreciation for the recruitment efforts; noted Sacramento patrol vehicles have a QR code that directs people to the website to apply to serve; requested clarification about when to call 911 versus the non-emergency number.
The Police Chief responded 911 is for an in-progress emergency where safety is immediately at risk; the non-emergency number should be used when there is not an immediate risk.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft encouraged residents to report crimes to APD rather than social media.
(25- ) Work Session on the Urban Forest Plan and Implementation.
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(25- ) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft suggested 20 minutes be allowed for the presentation.
Councilmember Jensen moved approval of allowing 20 minutes.
Vice Mayor Pryor seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
***
The Sustainability and Resilience Manager gave a Power Point presentation.
Vice Mayor Pryor inquired whether streets would have a mix of trees or one type of tree, to which the Sustainability and Resilience Manager responded focus would be on areas without canopy coverage; the section on neighborhood and corridor planting from the previous Street Tree Plan was not retained in the new Plan in order to identify the right tree for the right place and allow a matrix to be used to guide planting.
Ryan Allen, Dudek, stated the appendices have guidelines for determining species based on location; the goals are to limit the potential for infrastructure conflicts, promote public safety, focus on the long-term health of trees and avoid tree removals; City staff will decide whether to keep continuity or introduce a new tree if needed.
In response to Councilmember Jensen’s inquiry about the cost to remove pavement from a tree well, the Assistant City Manager stated that she is answering on behalf of the Public Works Director and the cost is approximately $500.
Councilmember Boller requested further clarification on deviating from having continuity; inquired whether the goal could remain.
The Assistant City Manager responded staff is taking feedback tonight; stated if retaining the character of iconic corridors is important, it can be incorporated.
In response to Councilmember Boller’s question about allowing taller trees under powerlines, the Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) General Manager stated AMP has a mandate to ensure power is safe and reliable; guidelines and best practices have been established throughout the industry; trees should not have contact with powerlines; new trees under power lines should ensure the maximum height will not exceed 25 feet when mature; it is a policy call; if Council decides iconic corridors merit consideration, staff will adjust accordingly.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft noted her next newspaper article is about climate change causing stronger winds, which could cause a wind-driven spark generated fire.
Councilmember Daysog stated a letter from Christopher Buckley mentions that the California Public Utilities Commission allows for trees above 25 feet in certain areas close to secondary electrical lines; inquired whether that captures General Order 95.
The AMP General Manager responded General Order 95 recommends a 2-foot clearance; stated judgement has to be applied on a tree-by-tree basis, which requires reliance on expertise and judgement.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the 2010 Master Street Tree Plan has a right-tree-right-place approach.
The Sustainability and Resilience Manager responded the Plan being presented tonight has a different approach; stated Council could direct staff to go back and revisit the corridors and neighborhood distinctions.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether staff could distinguish the approach being taken currently from the one laid out in 2010.
The Sustainability and Resilience Manager responded there is a chapter in the Master Street Tree Plan that highlights tree recommendations for major corridors and specific neighborhoods in the City; stated the Plan looks at current trees and recommends trees that could be planted; the approach taken by staff in the current Plan provides an overall tree species matrix, which is a list of all the trees suitable for planting in Alameda’s climate, as well as an extensive list of characteristics for each recommended tree species that would allow the arborist to select the right tree for a particular location.
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Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft called a recess at 9:24 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 9:41 p.m.
***
Expressed support for the work done by staff; stated there should be taller trees that exceed the 25-foot height; a monoculture of trees is not in the City’s best interest: Amos White, 100K Trees for Humanity.
Stated many trees, such as Redwoods, must be protected; Amber trees are not native and therefore, are not the best choice for the City; the Plan mentions Alameda is the homeland of the Confederated Villages of Lisjan, however, Alameda is home to the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe: Gabriel Duncan, Alameda Native History Project.
Stated pictures throughout the Plan show many trees, which is not reflective of streets in Alameda, but rather the goal; the Plan indicates neighborhoods with a high percentage of People of Color have fewer trees; she is hopeful the City will look at, not only iconic streets and boulevards, but rather the entire community and focus on the equity issue: Former Mayor and Councilmember Trish Spencer, Alameda.
Stated that she has long advocated for renewed attention to maintenance and restoration of trees in the City; there is an increasing importance in preserving the trees to enhance the ecology of the local environment and to mitigate against some of the impacts of climate change; she attended the Planning Board workshop and was impressed; expressed support for Christopher Buckley’s letter and urged Council to read it thoroughly: Dolores Kelleher, Alameda.
Expressed disappointment with the draft, as it does not expand current tree protections to safeguard Alameda’s urban canopy on private property; suggested the City hire a consultant to research a new policy or create a new ordinance that protects trees on private property; suggested the City retain species designations for major streets and neighborhoods; expressed opposition to limiting street trees to 25 feet as proposed: Chase Martin.
Expressed support for the draft; stated if followed, it should result in healthy, well-shaped trees with a potential to live long lives and provide a number of ecosystems, including shading and cooling streets and slowing storm water run-off; encouraged Council to fully fund the amount requested by staff to enable full implementation of the Plan, including hiring an Urban Forest Manager; suggested the Red Willow and the Arroyo Willow be added to the tree species selection guide: Birgitt Evans.
Suggested Coast Live Oaks be planted wherever there is room in Alameda, as they support 150 different species of butterflies and moths, which in return feed birds; suggested the Plan include what to do if all trees suddenly need to be replaced and who would pay for it; suggested the City underground any powerlines on protected tree streets; urged the City to focus on the survival of current trees: Alex Spehr, Alameda.
Stated when walking and biking in Alameda on hot days, one can feel temperature differences on streets with tall trees that shade the pavement versus streets with short or no trees; some residents and visitors do not have access to a car; having shaded streets is an equity issue; suggested the City prioritize preserving tall trees and planting new trees that will grow tall to produce shade; urged Council to update the tree preservation ordinance to protect all species of tall trees on private, as well as public, property: Betsy Mathieson, Alameda.
Outlined recommendations in the letter he submitted prior to the meeting: Christopher Buckley, Urban Forest Plan Working Group.
Councilmember Jensen inquired what the next steps would be after the work session.
The Sustainability and Resilience Manager responded staff has several Board and Commission meetings to attend during the next couple of weeks; stated public comment is open until February 14th; then, staff will review public comments, along with the Council direction, to revise the Plan; depending on the extent of the revisions, staff will return to Council in late spring.
In response to Councilmember Jensen’s inquiry regarding the Historical Advisory Board (HAB) and the Planning Board, the Sustainability and Resilience Manager responded staff will present to the HAB next week; stated staff already presented to the Public Utilities Board (PUB), as well as Planning Board.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether staff received similar comments at other presentations, to which the Sustainability and Resilience Manager responded in the affirmative.
In response to Councilmember Jensen’s inquired about the main public comments, the Sustainability and Resilience Manager stated the primary comments have been about retaining the major corridors, tree recommendations, identifying opportunity sites for planting in parks and other open spaces, more flexibility for larger trees under low voltage power lines on iconic corridors, and to consider AMP’s utility undergrounding plans, amongst other comments.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether information was provided about undergrounding when it was presented to the PUB, to which the AMP General Manager responded in the negative; stated grid-hardening, including undergrounding, is one of the tools being brought to bear by utilities to mitigate wildfire risk; it is expensive compared to traditional vegetation management.
Councilmember Jensen discussed an issue involving an arborist and tree trimming; inquired whether this type of incident happens often and if it is of concern.
The AMP General Manager responded the incident occurred last Wednesday; stated during routine tree trimming, the arborist noticed a tree on private property was aflame; AMP dispatched field crew to assess the situation and an emergency was confirmed; AMP dispatched people to inform residents of the outage and posted online; AMP learned customer outreach needs to be more progressive.
Councilmember Jensen stated that she is aware of at least two other incidents where trees were interfering with power lines; she would like to hear from staff about the potential issues with planting very tall trees; there have been discussions about secondary lines being lower than primary lines that perhaps are less concerning if trees grow into or over them.
The City Manager responded there have been an average of 5.5 tree incidents per month over the last 18 months; stated tree incidents happen frequently and are not to be taken lightly; if there are limited corridors, staff may go back and look at what the trade-offs would be, in terms of costs and safety, and analyze it further.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired what 5.5 tree incidents a month encompasses.
The AMP General Manager responded an incident is when AMP systems have an automatic alert about a problem with a power line; stated an incident can stem from a resident call.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired where the incident referenced earlier occurred.
The City Manager responded the incident occurred on Windsor Avenue and affected about 120 homes.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether there was a fire, to which the AMP General Manager responded in the affirmative; stated over time, a tree grew up and around a power line and ignited.
Councilmember Jensen expressed support for the plan; stated there incentives; stated encouragement will be needed to help with the removal of pavement from covered tree wells so more trees can be planted; she appreciates the Plan has a strategy to engage residents and community organizations; Alamedans care about trees and believe they are critical to the quality of life; the heat wave in October 2024 impacted some schools more than others; impacted schools were those not adjacent to parks; in response, Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) outlined a strategy to address heat incidents; one of the priorities was to plant more trees at school sites.
Vice Mayor Pryor stated Alameda has a robust and engaged community interested in the Urban Forest Plan; she appreciates the thoughtfulness in response to the vast concerns; expressed support for a priority regarding equity; stated it is easier to bike and walk when there are many trees; inquired whether newly planted trees are more susceptible to damage and whether this has been considered.
Mr. Allen responded newly planted trees do not have established root systems and need supportive stakes and ties to keep them in place; stated once roots are established, being susceptible to limb breakages or falling over depends on the type of tree; some trees when younger, have softer wood and are more susceptible to breaking during wind events versus others; when trees are mature, it depends on how they are being maintained.
Vice Mayor Pryor stated when planting trees, neighborhoods and certain streets will collect more water; expressed concern about flooding; inquired whether it will be considered.
Mr. Allen responded any tree in highly saturated soils and wind event can be susceptible to failure, no matter how healthy or well-maintained.
Councilmember Boller expressed support for the Plan; stated the four themes outlined in the staff report are very important; encouraged staff to keep flexibility, but also hone in on specific neighborhoods where more could be done.
Councilmember Daysog stated the root of the word “Alameda” is “Alamo,” which derives from poplar trees, which are 40 to 60 feet high; with the 25 foot tree height policy, these trees would not be able to be planted in Alameda; members of the public have raised interesting points regarding the 25 foot tree height limit; perhaps a case can be made where the limit can only apply to high-voltage lines; expressed appreciation for the Plan; stated that he appreciates tree planting being prioritized, as well as the notion of equity; encouraged staff to consider private donations, as it will cost about $500 to plant each tree.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she likes to see many trees across the City, however, the City must be smart about where trees are planted; expressed support for undergrounding; inquired about the efforts made by AUSD.
The Sustainability and Resilience Manager responded there is a new effort underway by Parent Teacher Association (PTA) members from across the District on a green schoolyards initiative; stated a small PG&E grant to plant 7 trees at Ruby Bridges Elementary was secured; staff conducted an assessment of all school sites in AUSD and looked at opportunities for planting trees.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft concurred with Councilmember Daysog’s comment regarding private donations; discussed Boy Scout Troop 89 planting trees at Crown Memorial Beach; expressed support for the efforts made by PTA members; stated a comment was made regarding protections for trees on private property; inquired whether doing so would raise any issues for the city.
The City Attorney responded Council could do so through zoning, if so it so desires.
In response to Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft’s further inquiry, the Planning, Building and Transportation Director stated a tree ordinance regulating private property would involve requiring permits for tree removals; stated it could also require developers to follow a tree-replacement ratio; other requirements could apply to tree trimming to ensure best practices are followed.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she looks forward to having the item return to Council in the spring.
(25- ) Introduction of Ordinance Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Lease Amendment for Building 360 at 1900 Skyhawk Street for a Nine-Month Rent and Fee Deferral and Subsequent Twelve-Month Deferred Repayment Schedule, with Astra Space Operations LLC. Introduced.
The Base Reuse and Economic Development Director gave a Power Point presentation.
In response to Councilmember Daysog and Vice Mayor Pryor’s inquiries, Bryson Gentile, Astra, stated Astra did not pursue subleasing the space; Astra is covered under international traffic and arms regulation, which makes it prohibitive to allow anybody else into the facility; regarding the Sunnyvale lease, Astra is very motivated to consolidate to Alameda as it makes a lot of business sense; Astra is not producing satellites anymore and just produces satellite components, which requires less square footage; Astra has already moved the vast majority of the Sunnyvale facility to Alameda and expects to be out in June.
In response to Vice Mayor Pryor’s inquiry, the Base Reuse and Economic Development Director stated there are no other potential lessees waiting in the wings; leasing has slowed; although there has been some success with leasing properties under 10,000 square feet, there are not a lot of people waiting to lease something of this size; other large hangars and facilities are available that could be offered to any potential tenant.
Councilmember Jensen stated that she found some errors in the calculations of rent owed and inquired if she was correct, to which the Base Reuse and Economic Development Director responded in the affirmative; stated the sum should be the total over the nine month period; the amount will be corrected in the final lease.
Stated that she would like to receive the same support that is being offered to Astra even though her business at Building 43 Winery is not as big: Estela Villagrana.
Expressed support for Astra; Astra has struggled, especially when the stock price went very low; Astra went back to being a private company; with the help and support of the Alameda community, Council, and staff, Astra received a $44 million government deal; she hopes to see similar treatment of all of tenants, including Building 43 Winery: Former Mayor and Councilmember Trish Spencer, Alameda.
Stated that she is a Berkeley student who is helping other students with mechanical engineering coursework; she would like to see Astra be a stronghold to revitalize the area and for industry and jobs to come back to the area; given the news about the government illegally impounding funds, it would be nice for city government to give businesses some lenience to help them survive: Anonymous Bear.
Stated that he fully supports Astra and likes that the City is providing support; expressed concern about his business partner being harassed for being two days late on rent, while Astra was not harassed after being five months late on rent; expressed concern about racism: Tod Hickman.
***
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft called a recess at 10:56 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 11:02 p.m.
***
The Base Reuse and Economic Development Director stated the deferred rate rent payment schedule should be $417,050.19 instead of $43,951.31.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she spent a long time out at Astra at the end of last year and is very supportive of the staff recommendations; Astra is working very diligently on restructuring and resizing; they have a very systematic, smart business plan for moving forward; highlighted the jobs at all different levels; stated giving people entry level positions and job security is fundamental to what Council and staff want to do at Alameda Point to backfill job opportunities from the Navy leaving in 1997; in today’s real estate market, there is not a lot of demand for a large buildings; the amount of rent generated goes to the Base Reuse fund which is needed to keep doing important work at Alameda Point; she would like Astra to keep operating and being an employer.
Councimember Boller stated that he supports the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Daysog stated Astra is in a difficult situation; if Council approves the amendment, it does not guarantee Astra will succeed, but does provide a fighting chance; the sector Astra is in is quite exciting; there are 130 jobs and the potential for facilities from Sunnyvale to relocate to Alameda; he supports staff’s recommendation.
Vice Mayor Pryor stated that she echoes Councilmember Daysog; it is a good risk and she supports the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Jensen stated that she had the opportunity to visit Astra late last year and was impressed with the organization's focus on the future; she appreciates staff's negotiations and consideration of different alternatives; Astra has some challenges now, but their work contributes to the community, and especially the site; Astra has been valuable to the City and she definitely supports the company.
Councilmember Jensen moved introduction of the ordinance, with the correction noted.
Vice Mayor Pryor seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
(25- ) The City Manager stated the City has grant opportunities available for the Performing Arts, Literary Arts, Film and Video Screenings and Installations, Art Education Art lectures and presentations, special events, and artist and residents programs; there are also grants available for small business façade improvements, such as exterior painting, new awnings, signs, and refurbishment of architectural features that enhance the City’s retail districts; artists and local business owners can apply on the City’s website; Rhythmix Cultural Works is hosting a celebration of artist Bonnie Randall Boller and her work that runs through March 21; tickets are available online for Alameda Recreation and Parks (ARPD) family snowball dance party on February 7; the Bay Area Polar Plunge will be moving to Alameda this year and will take place on March 1.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
(25- ) Ahmed Maakni inquired about real estate ownership; discussed below market rate housing; expressed concern about systematic racism in Alameda.
(25- ) Shelby Sheehan alleged crimes are being committed by City officials.
COUNCIL REFERRALS
None.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(25- ) Councilmember Jensen stated that she attended the League of California Cities Mayor’s and Councilmembers Conference in Sacramento and the Assembly District 18 district awards event; expressed appreciation for the Alameda Firefighters who were deployed to Southern California; expressed remembrance to former Firefighter, Patrick Corden.
(25- ) Vice Mayor Pryor stated that she attended the League of California Cities Mayor’s and Councilmembers Conference in Sacramento and the Asian Health Services Gala in Oakland; thanked Alameda Firefighters who were deployed to Southern California.
(25- ) Councilmember Boller stated that he attended the League of California Cities Mayor’s and Councilmembers Conference in Sacramento; thanked Alameda Firefighters who were deployed to Southern California.
(25- ) Councilmember Daysog stated that he attended the AC Transit Liaison Meeting with Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft and will attend the Enlisted Personnel of the Quarter and the Civilian Employee of the Quarter event at Coast Guard Island on behalf of the Mayor.
(25- ) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she attended a luncheon at Coast Guard Island, a Metropolitan Transportation Commission meeting, the League of California Cities Mayor’s and Councilmembers Conference in Sacramento, the Housing Community and Economic Development Policy Committee meeting, the San Francisco Business Times Economic Forecast breakfast with the City Manager, and the Asian Health Services 50th Anniversary Gala.
(25- ) Mayor’s Nominations for the Commission on Persons with Disabilities, Golf Commission, and Public Utilities Board (PUB).
Stated that he would like to serve on a City commission and will continue to submit applications: Gabriel Duncan, Alameda Native History Project.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft nominated Nicholas de Vries for appointment to the PUB.
ADJOURNMENT
(25- ) There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting in memory of Patrick Corder and Bonnie Randall Boller at 11:28 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 SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SATURDAY- -FEBRUARY 8, 2025- -9:00 A.M.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 9:04 a.m.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Boller, Daysog, Jensen, Pryor, and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 5.
Absent: None.
PUBLC COMMENT
Anna Crane, League of Women Voters, urged Council to implement campaign fundraising regulations.
Allan Mann, League of Women Voters, provided background on campaign fundraising in Alameda and urged Council to consider adopting regulations.
WORKSHOP
(25- ) City Council Norms and Strategic Plan Workshop.
Consultant Shawn Spano facilitated a discussion about what inspired each Councilmember to join the City Council.
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A recess was called at 10:12 a.m. and the meeting was reconvened at 10:29 a.m.
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Mr. Spano facilitated a discussion and did an exercise addressing Council norms; suggested updating the norms in the Council Code of Conduct and Member Statement.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she would create a Council subcommittee to update the Council Handbook and Code of Conduct.
The City Manager stated Mr. Spano would summarize the norms and provide them to Council so that they could be used until the Handbook and Code of Conduct is revised.
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A recess was called at 11:36 a.m. and the meeting was reconvened at 12:17 p.m.
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The City Manager, Cristelle Blackford and Brittany Henry from Civic Makers, and the Communications and Legislative Affairs Officer gave a Power Point presentation on the Strategic Plan.
Ms. Blackford and Ms. Henry facilitated discussions of the projects under each priority: House All Alamedans; Enhance Community Safety and Services; Invest in Transportation and Infrastructure; Build Resilience to Climate Change and Water Level Rise; and Practice Fiscally Responsible, Equitable and Inclusive Governance, which was followed by Council completing a dot voting exercise.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 3:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.