Title
Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings Held on July 1, 2025. (City Clerk)
Body
UNAPPROVED
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- -JULY 1, 2025- -5:30 P.M.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 5:31 p.m.
Roll Call - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Boller, Jensen, Pryor and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 5. [Note: Councilmember Jensen arrived at 5:33 p.m.]
Absent: None.
The meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider:
(25- ) Conference with Real Property Negotiators (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8); Property: 2151 Ferry Point, Alameda, California, 94501; City Negotiators: City Manager Jennifer Ott, Base Reuse and Economic Development Director Abigail Thorne-Lyman, Base Reuse Manager Nicole Franklin, Community Development Manager Walker Toma, Assistant City Attorney Len Aslanian; Negotiating Parties: City of Alameda and Little Opera House, Inc.; Under Negotiation: Price and terms of lease option
(25- ) Conference with Legal Counsel - Potential Litigation; Potential Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9, Subsection (d)(4); Number of Cases: One (As Plaintiff - City Initiating Legal Action) Potential Defendant: Steeltown Winery LLC dba Building 43 Winery
(25- ) Conference with Legal Counsel - Potential Litigation; Potential Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9, 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 Real Property, staff provided information and Council provided direction with no vote taken; regarding Steeltown Winery, staff provided information and the City Council provided direction by unanimous voice votes - 5; and regarding Port of Oakland, staff provided information and the City Council provided direction with no vote 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- -JULY 1, 2025- -7:00 P.M.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 7:15 p.m. Councilmember Boller led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Boller, Daysog, Jensen, Pryor, and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 5.
Absent: None.
AGENDA CHANGES
(25- ) The City Clerk announced the Memorandum of Understanding for the Electric Utility Professionals Association [paragraph no. 25- ] was withdrawn and would not be heard.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
(25- ) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft read a proclamation honoring Virginia “Ginny” Krutilek and presented it to Ms. Krutilek.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
(25- ) Velma Gay, discussed homelessness in Alameda County; provided suggestions on neutral task forces to oversee accountability, monitor progress, and ensure resources are used responsibly; suggested thorough training for upper management.
(25- ) Danai Lamb, Alameda, submitted information and expressed concern about newly painted red curbs in her neighborhood causing a loss of parking space; stated residents were not notified.
(25- ) Joshua Altieri, Housing Authority, discussed updates on the North Housing Master Plan; stated staff partnered with community organizations to offer programs and services to residents; invited Council to the grand opening of the first units at Estuary One on September 25.
(25- ) William Morrison, Alameda, discussed traffic issues on Gibbons Drive; stated BikeWalk Alameda is very strong at promoting bikes and walking, to the detriment of automobiles; suggested speed bumps as an alternate.
(25- ) Gabriell Duncan, Alameda Native History Project, submitted information and announced the summer launch of the 2025 Acorn Granary Challenge on July 13 and 20; stated guests must register online where more information may also be found.
CONSENT CALENDAR
The City Clerk announced salary and benefit information for the Executive Management Compensation group and Rent Program Director.
Councilmember Jensen moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
Vice Mayor Pryor seconded the motion.
Under discussion Councilmember Daysog recorded a no vote on all of the Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) [paragraph nos. _____, _____, _____, _____, _____, and _____]; expressed concern about having a variable salary increase and equity adjustments.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether the MOUs have been ratified by the bargaining units, to which the City Manager responded in the affirmative.
On the call for the question, the motion 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 Meeting Held on June 3, 2025. Approved.
(*25- ) Ratified bills in the amount of $5, 087, 020.65.
(*25- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with OpenGov, Inc. for Continued Use of the Budget and Planning Module, for an Amount Not-to-Exceed $143,546.91 for One Year. Accepted.
(*25- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Five-Year Agreement with Revel Environmental Manufacturing, Inc. for Storm Drain Full Trash Capture Device Inspection and Maintenance Service in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $1,586,362.26. Accepted.
(*25- ) Resolution No. 16289, “Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Project Specific Maintenance Agreement, 04-Ala 260 PM R0.78/R1.90, for Pedestrian and Bike Project Components of the Oakland Alameda Access Project Located within the City of Alameda for No More than $10,000 Annually.” Adopted.
(*25- ) Resolution No. 16290, “Approving the City of Alameda Sewer System Management Plan, July 1, 2025.” Adopted.
(25- ) Resolution No. 16291, “Approving a Memorandum of Understanding between the Management and Confidential Employees Association and the City of Alameda for a Twenty-Four Month Term Commencing July 1, 2025 and Ending June 30, 2027.” Adopted.
Since Councilmember Daysog recorded a no vote, the matter carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Boller, Jensen, Pryor and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 4. Noes: Councilmember Daysog - 1.
(25- ) Resolution No. 16292, “Approving a Memorandum of Understanding between the Alameda Police Officers Association: Non-Sworn and the City of Alameda for a Twenty-Four Month Term Commencing July 1, 2025 and Ending June 30, 2027.” Adopted.
Since Councilmember Daysog recorded a no vote, the matter carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Boller, Jensen, Pryor and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 4. Noes: Councilmember Daysog - 1.
(25- ) Resolution No. 16293, “Approving a Memorandum of Understanding between the Alameda Police Officers Association and the City of Alameda for a Twenty-Four Month Term Commencing July 1, 2025 and Ending June 30, 2027.” Adopted.
Since Councilmember Daysog recorded a no vote, the matter carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Boller, Jensen, Pryor and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 4. Noes: Councilmember Daysog - 1.
(25- ) Resolution No. 16294, “Approving a Revised Executive Management Compensation Plan for the Period Commencing July 1, 2025 and Ending June 30, 2027.” Adopted.
Since Councilmember Daysog recorded a no vote, the matter carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Boller, Jensen, Pryor and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 4. Noes: Councilmember Daysog - 1.
(25- ) Resolution No. 16295, “Approving a Revised Alameda Municipal Power Unrepresented Management Employees Compensation Plan for the Period Commencing July 1, 2025 and Ending June 30, 2027.” Adopted.
Since Councilmember Daysog recorded a no vote, the matter carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Boller, Jensen, Pryor and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 4. Noes: Councilmember Daysog - 1.
(25- ) Resolution No. 16296, “Approving a Memorandum of Understanding between the Alameda City Employees Association and the City of Alameda for a Twenty-Four Month Term Commencing July 1, 2025 and Ending June 30, 2027.” Adopted.
Since Councilmember Daysog recorded a no vote, the matter carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Boller, Jensen, Pryor and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 4. Noes: Councilmember Daysog - 1.
(25- ) Adoption of Resolution Approving a Memorandum of Understanding between the Electric Utility Professionals Association and the City of Alameda for a Twenty-Four Month Term Commencing July 1, 2025 and Ending June 30, 2027. Not adopted.
(*25- ) Resolution No. 16297, “Amending the City of Alameda Salary Schedule for the Rent Program Director.” Adopted.
(*25- ) Ordinance No. 3387, “Approving a Purchase Option Agreement in Furtherance of the Purchase and Sale of City-Owned Property for Use as the Pacific Fusion Research and Development Facility Site, and Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement and Deed Consistent with the Terms of the Purchase Option.” Finally passed.
CONTINUED AGENDA ITEMS
None.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(25- ) Resolution No. 16298, “Appointing Julie Lyons as a Member of the Commission on Persons with Disabilities.” Adopted;
(25- A) Resolution No. 16299, “Appointing David Crotty as a Member of this Historical Advisory Board.” Adopted;
(25- B) Resolution No. 16300, “Reappointing Dimple Kanji as a Member of the Library Board.” Adopted;
(25- C) Resolution No. 16301, “Reappointing Sara Stricker as a Member of the Library Board.” Adopted;
(25- D) Resolution No. 16302, “Reappointing Xiomara Cisneros as a Member of the Planning Board.” Adopted;
(25- E) Resolution No. 16303, “Reappointing Andy Wang as a Member of the Planning Board.” Adopted.; and
(25- F) Resolution No. 16304, “Reappointing Christina McKenna as a Member of the Public Utilities Board.” Adopted.
Submitted a handout and suggested Native representation on Historical Advisory Board: Gabriel Duncan, Alameda Native History Project.
Councilmember Daysog moved adoption of the resolutions.
Councilmember Boller seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
Following the City Clerk administering the Oath of Office, Ms. Cisneros, Mr. Wang, Ms. Lyons and Ms. McKenna made brief comments.
(25- ) Recommendation to Approve the City Aquatic Center Project and the Recommended Funding Plan for a Total Project Cost of $35.5 Million. The City of Alameda has prepared an Addendum to a Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to Section 15164 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines and no further environmental review is required.
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(25- ) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft suggested allowing an extra 5 minutes for the presentation.
Vice Mayor Pryor moved approval of allowing 5 more minutes.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
***
The Recreation and Parks Director gave a Power Point presentation.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired how many conversations have been had with Blue Rise Ventures regarding shared parking at the aquatic center.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded original conversations began two years ago; stated since then, there has been a disconnect since it was found that the controlling adjacent property was the College of Alameda and the Peralta College District; working with Blue Rise, the proposed overflow parking plan was created; anything farther would be too far to walk.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether discussions included discounted swim passes for College of Alameda students or Blue Rise Ventures employees, to which the Recreation and Parks Director responded in the affirmative; stated during discussions with Blue Rise Ventures, staff offered a discount to those who walk to the facility; during discussions with the President of the College of Alameda, discounts were offered to students.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired about the Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program and what encompasses.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded the TDM is about encouraging mode shifts and attempting to reduce vehicle miles traveled; stated staff attempted to preemptively create space that would encourage alternative uses to get to the facility; staff is also working on the trail connectors project, which will help create pedestrian activity.
Councilmember Boller discussed the original vision of Jean Sweeney Park and the 60 parking spots in the vicinity of the aquatic center; inquired whether the 67 parking spaces represent 7 additional spaces from what was initially envisioned for the area, to which the Recreation and Parks Director responded in the affirmative.
In response to Councilmember Boller’s inquiry regarding the 67 parking spaces being based on peak demand numbers, the Recreation and Parks Director responded staff understands peak needs will not be fully met, however, the 67 spaces will be acceptable due to the shared use on nights and weekends.
Councilmember Boller inquired whether staff considered what it would look like if there were 60 spaces.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded he cannot guarantee it will 100% meet any of the peaks; stated staff did not look at the hypothetical of having 60 spaces; discussed a misalignment issue the adjoining parking lot; stated if parking spaces had to be eliminated from the project, staff could work with the design team to make it work, however, the impact would be on the operational side.
Councilmember Boller inquired whether staff looked at the possibility of repurposing parking spaces in the future.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded with construction, anything is possible; stated some parking spaces could be removed; the goal is to have a fair balance for the needs of a multitude of users.
The City Manager stated the 2014 Master Plan that included 60 parking spaces did not include an aquatic center.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the Master Plan only mentioned the park, to which the City Manager responded in the affirmative.
Vice Mayor Pryor inquired about offering discounts for those who use public transportation.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded the process is not set in stone; stated staff could ask patrons how they arrived to the aquatic center and perhaps provide a discount if they can demonstrate a transit pass; a similar process could be created for those who bike to the center.
Vice Mayor Pryor inquired whether staff have considered charging for parking a car.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded staff would first like the facility to be up and running to gauge what the impact will be; stated paid parking can be added at any time.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether there will be a cost to use the bike lockers, to which the Recreation and Parks Director responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Jensen inquired why the City charges for using bike lockers.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded there is a minimal service charge ongoing to cover credit card usage, amongst other things.
The Planning, Building, and Transportation Director stated the City contracts with a third -party vendor; the minimal fee collected is to help cover administrative costs of running the devices.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether there is a need to have a third-party vendor run the devices; and whether there are locations where bike lockers are available to the public without having to use a credit card or an electronic transaction.
The Planning, Building, and Transportation Director responded staff has looked at several options over the years; stated the minimal fee is also collected to deter people from locking their bikes for long periods of time.
Councilmember Jensen stated the same could be said for those who park their cars in parking lots without using the facility; inquired whether the initial 60 parking spaces were prior to the decision to build the aquatic center and community garden.
The City Manager responded the 2014 Master Plan included the community garden, but not the aquatic center.
The Recreation and Parks Director stated the 2014 Master Plan included the community garden with a larger parking lot that included two more parking spaces than what is being proposed for the aquatic center.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired how staff arrived at 60 parking spaces for the community garden.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded he does not currently have the details.
Councilmember Daysog thanked staff for value-engineering the project from $42 million to $35 million; stated the staff report makes references to having a contingency of roughly $4.25 million; inquired if a normal contingency formula had been used, what would the number have been.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded a normal construction contingency is generally only about 10%; stated staff projected the construction cost of the facility to be about $25.5 million, which would be a $2.5 million contingency; however, staff has also built in a cost of construction escalation as the project moves through construction, which accounts for a large sum of money; every month the project is delayed, there are cost implications; the high contingency is to address issues that might come up during construction.
Discussed the Climate Action Resiliency Plan (CARP); stated a priority is to get people to leave their cars at home and use other modes of transportation; use of the existing overflow parking lot at the College of Alameda could more than meet the parking needs at the aquatic center; suggested more spaces for those with mobility issues: Christy Cannon, Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda.
Stated the aquatic center will benefit the community, however, the number of proposed parking spaces is too high; she does not support making non-driving taxpayers pay for parking spaces: Mitchell Ball, Alameda.
Urged Council to approve the staff recommendation; stated anything less than what is proposed will fall short of meeting community needs, now and in the future: Drew Swartz, Alameda Aquatic Masters.
Noted the community garden location; stated gardening tools are heavy; lowering the number of parking spaces will make it hard to carry tools: Marla Koss, Alameda Backyard Growers.
Urged Council to approve the staff recommendation; stated that he would like Council to revisit what it means to have a large parking lot; discussed statistics from the CARP, which states the vehicle miles traveled in Alameda has dropped 6% since 2005; he does not support having bicyclists pay for parking and not drivers: Thushan Amarasiriwardena, Alameda.
Expressed support for a parking plan of 100 dedicated, on-site spaces and an agreement with the College of Alameda for overflow parking during major events; stated insufficient parking risks neighborhood overflow and frustrated residents: Chris Drioane, Alameda.
Expressed appreciation for the progress made on the plans, particularly the addition of bike lockers; stated the number of parking spaces should be reduced further: Cyndy Johnsen, BikeWalk Alameda.
Stated many people with mobility issues, elderly people, and families with small children cannot always walk or take public transportation; during swim meets and tournaments, participants may come from other cities; limited parking spaces may pose a problem; urged Council to support the staff recommendation while continuing to discuss parking: Amelia McDonald, Alameda Aquatic Masters and Alameda Gators.
Vice Mayor Pryor expressed support for the staff recommendation; stated there is a plan in place in case of overflow; a more in-depth plan for bigger events, such as tournaments, however, should be considered; charging for parking and a permit program for those visiting the community garden should be considered.
Councilmember Jensen inquired about the timeline of the community garden and whether it has been approved and authorized.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded, during discussions with the Alameda Backyard Growers and Friends of Jean Sweeney Park, staff identified a location, as well as $400,000 for construction; the garden will be built by the time the aquatic center is done; staff anticipates the garden will be completed by 2028.
Councilmember Jensen stated, ideally, there would be no parking, but rather a free shuttle bus for residents; unfortunately, that is not the case; parking has been a priority in Alameda for far too long; inquired whether there are ways to constrain folks from using vehicles, such as having to pay for parking.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded paid parking would have an impact on whether or not people drive to the facility, depending on the parking rate; stated for the last four days, staff has recorded the parking and driving to the Encinal Swim Center; in the recordings, staff found that 95%, or 652, individuals drove to the facility; charging for parking could potentially backfire; waiving parking for specific groups, such as senior and those being charged low rates to give access, would be difficult.
Councilmember Jensen stated that she prefers the number of spaces suggested by the Planning Board; urged staff to identify whether paid parking is appropriate as the project nears completion; stated the City cannot rely on the College of Alameda for overflow parking forever; expressed support for the project.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired about the 652 individuals who drove to Encinal Swim Center and the period in which the study was measured.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded the study was conducted from June 26 to July 1.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether staff has a daily number, to which the Recreation and Parks Director responded in the negative; stated he could get the number.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether every individual drove and parked, to which the Recreation and Parks Director responded in the negative; stated people drove to the facility and then drove away due to a lack of parking.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether some drivers were dropping people off, to which the Recreation and Parks Director responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired what percentage of drivers were dropping off.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded he would have to get the exact number.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether it was measured.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded he is unsure, but can look into it.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the information is incomplete.
Councilmember Daysog expressed appreciation for staff’s conservative approach with regards to using a higher contingency; suggested sequencing the parking lot to meet different needs; inquired whether staff considered getting the authority to build up to 67 parking spaces with phased implementation; stated while building the spaces, if there is no need for all 67 spaces or there is a financial issue, 50 spaces could be built instead; recommended setting a minimum number of spaces.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded staff did not consider that option specifically, however, phasing elements for all sorts of features have been considered.
Councilmember Daysog suggested giving staff the authority to build up to 67 parking spaces, allowing flexibility to reduce to 50 by 2029, if needed.
In response to Councilmember Boller’s inquiry regarding looking at parking in other communities, the City Manager stated staff would prefer that people take public transportation, walk, or bike; staff has implemented various different parking scenarios in different sites in the City; staff recently adopted plans to charge for parking at the ferry terminals after examining occupancy and other factors; the same can be done for the aquatic center.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft discussed an AC Transit bus pilot during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was not extended due to low ridership; stated many folks who ride the ferry walk and use other modes of transportation to get to the terminal.
The Recreation and Parks Director stated technology similar to the Seaplane Lagoon parking lot could be used at the aquatic center; staff is open to conducting studies and collecting more data.
Councilmember Boller stated that he previously visited the ferry terminal parking lot and used the bike boxes to get a sense of how many people are using them; stated there should be a way to use some of the technology to align the project with the CARP goals and community values.
Councilmember Daysog stated giving staff the option of building up to 67 parking spaces is worth considering, especially due to the proximity of the Cross Alameda Trail.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the CARP takes reducing greenhouse gas emissions and global warming very seriously; adding a parking lot with 67 parking spaces would mean adding more asphalt at a time when climates are rising; expressed enthusiasm for the project being fully electrified; discussed visiting the Piedmont Aquatic Center, which is also 100% electric; stated Piedmont has little to no parking and still manages to get folks to use the facility; she expects there to be many drop-offs, as well as carpools; inquired where the community garden will be located.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded it will be diagonal from the parking lot to the east on the south side of the trail; stated the initial proposed acreage has not changed.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated eventually, there will be a TDM study in order to examine what the usage will be; stated there must be a way to compensate the College of Alameda for the use of space; the project should be moved forward with the funding, however, she would not approve the number of parking spaces; suggested more studies be done for a more robust shared parking program in order to look at what the minimum need is; stated it is important to protect the climate.
The City Manager stated staff will take direction from Council regarding the number of parking spaces; as part of the staff and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analysis, transportation consultants were retained to conduct TDM plans; stated parking at other urban swim facilities was also analyzed.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated a large parking lot will attract more cars, while limited parking encourages creative solutions.
Councilmember Jensen suggested having further discussions about incentives and disincentives for the aquatic center; stated more information on charging for parking will be available once the City begins charging at other sites; suggested collecting more specific information and strengthening the agreement with the College of Alameda to use existing parking.
The City Manager responded Council could decide on parking pricing today, if desired; stated staff would like to submit for permits and begin bidding and must know how many parking spaces Council would like to build.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether staff needs the exact number of spaces.
The City Manager responded the permit and bid must include the number of spaces; stated a bid alternative could be created that removes a certain number of spaces; staff could bid for 67 spaces and have a bid alternate with a reduced number of spaces.
In response to Councilmember Jensen’s inquiry about the number of spaces, the Planning, Building, and Transportation Director the architects on the Planning Board looked at the site plan and refined the number of spaces to reach 67 spaces.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether the architects recommended having 67 parking spaces, to which the Planning, Building, and Transportation Director responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the architects assessed the number of spaces that could fit in the allotted space, to which the Planning, Building, and Transportation Director responded in the affirmative; stated the architects identified four spaces on the fringe that may not physically work, leading to their removal from the staff recommendation.
The City Manager stated staff conducted several analyses to estimate peak demand, triangulating data from a number of sources; it is okay to reduce the number of spaces; staff wants to proceed with permitting and bidding; a bid alternate could be included to allow Council to remove spaces.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated fifty parking spaces is sufficient.
The City Manager responded if directed by Council, staff could reduce the number of parking spaces to 50; stated direction could be to have the bid be for 67 spaces and have a bid alternate that reduces the number to 50 spaces.
The Planning, Building, and Transportation Director stated the CEQA analysis performed for the aquatic center was based on the 2014 addendum, which had a baseline of 60 parking spaces; a scenario with fewer than 60 spaces was never considered; while parking is not a CEQA threshold, staff must look at it from a CEQA standpoint; insufficient parking may lead to overcrowding of street parking that obstructs emergency services.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated if cars are obstructing the emergency lane, the Police should be called.
The Planning, Building, and Transportation Director stated staff may need to conduct more CEQA work if Council’s direction is to reduce the parking count to a number below 60 spaces.
Councilmember Daysog suggested moving forward with the project as designed so staff may move forward with the bidding process; suggested using the phrase up to 67 in the bid and permit process to buy time to return to Council and set a number.
The City Manager stated staff does not wish to impact the operations of the aquatic center; staff could add a bid alternate for 50 spaces to know the pricing; at the time of award, Council could decide to reduce the number of spaces; doing so gives staff time to analyze CEQA closer; parking may also be managed after the center is open.
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(25- ) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft suggested allowing an extra 3 minutes for each Councilmember.
Councilmember Daysog moved approval of allowing 3 more minutes.
Councilmember Boller seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
***
Councilmember Daysog stated that he is agreeable to submitting a bid alternate with 50 spaces.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the City Manager visited the Piedmont Community Aquatic Center, to which the City Manager responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated not only is there no parking, the neighborhood has parking permits.
The City Manager stated Piedmont actively conducts daily enforcement and ticketing; staff is happy to proceed with any number of parking spaces; she would like to be cautious, stay on schedule and build in flexibility into the bid structure; staff is balancing many priorities; she understands Council may want to direct staff to go in a different direction.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated there is an opportunity to do better; the project will impact the climate and future generations; 50 spaces is more than sufficient; inquired whether staff needs Council to decide on a set number of parking spaces today.
The City Manager responded staff needs a number to include in the permit documents and bids.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is attempting to shrink the footprint of the impermeable asphalt surface that will conduct more heat and cause other problems.
Councilmember Daysog moved approval of the staff recommendation regarding the design of the project with 67 parking spaces for bid purposes and a bid alternate for 50 spaces.
The City Manager inquired whether the motion would be feasible in order to be able to have flexibility and begin bidding, to which the Recreation and Parks Director responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated a concern was raised regarding the cost; if fewer parking spaces would put more money into the project, why not start there.
Councilmember Daysog responded the analysis starts at 67, however, Council still has the flexibility to decide to move forward with 50 spaces; stated that he is attempting to buy time to be able to conduct an analysis for what the collateral damages would be if Council decides on 50 spaces since the information is not currently available.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft requested a friendly amendment to add direction to staff to actively work with surrounding business park owners to secure other shared parking.
Councilmember Daysog accepted the friendly amendment to the motion.
Councilmember Boller seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Vice Mayor Pryor expressed support for the idea of sharing parking lots with other businesses and the College of Alameda to utilize parking spaces.
Councilmember Daysog stated that he is hopeful staff will be able to firm up the shared parking program.
The City Manager responded staff may return to Council with a parking plan and additional information on the TDM.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she will not support the motion as it stands; the maximum number of parking spaces should be 50; when the item returns, she will be prepared to support it once a lower number of spaces is set and money is put back into the project.
Councilmember Boller inquired whether the City would be required to choose between 50 or 67 spaces or if there is flexibility.
The City Manager responded if 50 parking spaces turns out to be too much and Council wishes to change the number, there could be creative ways to block off spaces or convert it to landscaping.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether 50 spaces would generate savings, to which the City Manager responded not building parking would most likely cause a net savings.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired when the award of contract with the bid alternate would return to Council.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded the design team is currently working on design documents; stated design modifications will have to be made but it should stay on schedule.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether Council will have to approve the bidding, to which the Recreation and Parks Director responded in the affirmative; stated staff will return in October.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether Council will receive more TDM information and be able to decide on 50 or 67 parking spaces.
The City Manager responded staff would be happy to provide the information.
In response to Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft’s inquiry, the City Manager stated if there is a desire, staff can return with pricing options in October; staff’s proposal was to collect data and analyze operations before charging for parking, however, if Council would like to start charging immediately, staff can implement it.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Boller, Daysog, Jensen, and Vice Mayor Pryor - 4. Noes: Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 1.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
(25- ) The City Manager announced new charges and fees for Alameda County Industries, Alameda Municipal Power, AC Transit, and the ferry services will go into place on July 1; stated the 4th of July parade will follow the same route as last year; vehicles must be removed from along the route by 4 a.m. on July 4 or they will be towed; construction on Central Avenue will not impact the parade route; on July 7, the traffic pattern on Central Avenue will switch; traffic will only be allowed in the westbound direction from 5th Street to Main Street; a new detour will be in place for eastbound travel for several months; invited everyone to the one-year celebration of Woodstock, the Alameda Water Shuttle, on July 13.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether the minimum wage is rising in Alameda, to which the City Attorney responded the minimum wage in Alameda is going up to $17.46.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
None.
COUNCIL REFERRALS
None.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(25- ) Mayor’s Nominations for Appointment to the Commission on Persons with Disabilities, Public Art Commission, and Social Service Human Relations Board. Not heard.
(25- ) Councilmember Jensen stated that she attended the Rhythmix Rising Seas performance at Svendsen Maritime Park on June 21; on June 25, she was elected as the Chair of the Alameda County Waste Management Authority, also known as Stop Waste; on June 27, she visited the AMP Cartwright Substation at Alameda Point and learned about electricity collection and distribution; on June 28, she took a bus tour led by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Biologist who manages the Least Tern refuge.
(25- ) Vice Mayor Pryor stated that she also visited the AMP Cartwright Substation.
(25- ) Councilmember Boller announced that he attended the Innovation Island Excellence Awards on June 26; noted the City Manager received an award.
(25- ) Councilmember Daysog stated that he attended and judged the Alameda Robert W. Crown Memorial Sandcastle and Sand Sculpture Contest on June 21; gave a shout out to the Bayview Island Women’s Club that has co-facilitated the event for many years; stated that he attended the Art Show and Entertainment Extravaganza at the Leisure Club in Lincoln Park.
(25- ) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she attended the Art Show and Entertainment Extravaganza at the Leisure Club in Lincoln Park, the Association of Bay Area Governments General Assembly on June 20, and a Pride event at the Healing Garden on June 21; she also visited the AMP Cartwright Substation; encouraged people to stop using mylar balloons; discussed the upcoming 4th of July Parade.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 9:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.