Title
Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings Held on May 2, 2017. (City Clerk)
Body
UNAPPROVED
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- -MAY 2, 2017- -5:30 P.M.
Mayor Spencer convened the meeting at 5:32 p.m.
Roll Call - Present: Councilmembers Ezzy Ashcraft, Matarrese, Oddie, Vella and Mayor Spencer - 5.
Absent: None.
Public Comment
The meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider:
(17- ) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9); Case Name: Boatworks v City of Alameda, et al.; Court: Superior Court of the State of California, County of Alameda; Case Number: RG16841240
(17- ) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9); Case Name: Boatworks v City of Alameda, et al.; Court: Superior Court of the State of California, County of Alameda; Case Number: RG14746654
(17- ) Public Employee Performance Evaluation Pursuant to Government Code § 54957; Positions Evaluated: City Manager - Jill Keimach, City Attorney - Janet Kern and City Clerk - Lara Weisiger
Following the Closed Session, the meeting was reconvened and Mayor Spencer announced that direction was given to staff regarding all three items.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Spencer adjourned the meeting at 7:01 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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UNAPPROVED
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- -MAY 2, 2017- -7:00 P.M.
Mayor Spencer convened the meeting at 7:11 p.m.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Ezzy Ashcraft, Matarrese, Oddie, Vella and Mayor Spencer - 5.
Absent: None.
AGENDA CHANGES
None.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
(17- ) Sean McPhetridge, Alameda Unified School District, made brief comments regarding the relocation of students and staff of Donald D. Lum Elementary School due to the liquefaction of the soil beneath Lum Elementary; invited community members to participate in the School Board meetings on May 9th and May 23rd.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the Council/School Board Subcommittee should be the official conduit to determine what support Council could provide; inquired whether there will be a report from the Subcommittee afterwards.
Mayor Spencer stated the School Board will make the decision and the recommendation; a Subcommittee meeting scheduled to discuss any decisions to be made.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether the Council could offer to do anything.
Mayor Spencer stated that she attended the School Board meeting; she is confident the School Board is handling the issue; encouraged people with concerns to contact the School Boardmembers.
(17- ) Proclamation Declaring May 11, 2017 as Alameda Bike to Work and School Day.
Mayor Spencer read the proclamation and presented it to Rachel Davidman, Safe Routes to School, and Wood Middle School Students: Trevor Green, Dudley Svensgaard, and Daqwan Doster.
The students and Ms. Davidman made brief comments.
(17- ) Proclamation Declaring May 11 through May 21, 2017 as East Bay Affordable Housing Week.
Mayor Spencer read the proclamation and presented it to Dan Sawislak, Resources for Community Development; Patricia Young, Joyce August and Angela Hockabout, Alameda Home Team; Victoria Johnson, Housing Authority; and Doyle Saylor, Renewed Hope.
Ms. Hockabout, Mr. Saylor, Mr. Sawislak, and Ms. Johnson submitted information and made brief comments.
(17- ) Proclamation Declaring May 2017 as Asian Pacific Heritage Month.
Mayor Spencer read the proclamation and presented it to Reverend Michael Yoshii, Buena Vista United Methodist Church, and Michael Moon, Organization of Chinese Americans East Bay.
Reverend Yoshii and Mr. Moon submitted information and made brief comments.
Vice Mayor Vella stated celebrating the diversity of Alameda’s community and remembering the dark side of history is important the past should not be repeated.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft thanked Reverend Yoshii for carrying on the tradition of the Buena Vista United Methodist Church event.
Serena Chen announced that there would be a rally on Saturday at Portsmouth Square in San Francisco.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
(17- ) Monique Williams stated that her son was murdered and the detective working on the case does not have access to cameras; requested Council’s help.
Mayor Spencer suggested Ms. Williams talk to the City Manager since the Council cannot provide direction on matters not on the agenda.
(17- ) Donna Layburn, Downtown Alameda Business Association (DABA), introduced DABA’s new Executive Director, Janet Magleby.
Ms. Magleby made brief comments.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Oddie moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.]
(*17- ) Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting Held on April 4, 2017. Approved.
(*17- ) Ratified bills in the amount of $3,333,238.21.
(*17- ) Recommendation to Authorize Call for Bids for Publication of Legal Notices in the Official Newspaper for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2018. Accepted.
(*17- ) Recommendation to Direct Staff to Transmit the City of Alameda 2016 Housing Element Annual Report to the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development. Accepted. [Approval of an annual report is not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), nor is an annual report defined as a “project” under CEQA. No future review is required.]
(*17- ) Recommendation to Accept the Work of MCK Services, Inc. for Repair and Resurfacing of Certain Streets, Phase 35, No. P.W. 03-16-03. Accepted.
(*17- ) Recommendation to Accept the Work of Mountain Cascade, Inc. for Construction of Group 2 - Sewer Pump Station Renovations for Reliability and Safety Improvements Project, No. P.W.03-14-10. Accepted.
(*17- ) Ordinance No. 3179, “Approving a First Amendment to a Lease and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Documents Necessary to Implement the Terms of a First Amendment to the Lease Agreement with Advanced Roofing Services, Inc. a California Corporation, for Building 612 Located at 1450 Viking Street at Alameda Point.” Finally passed. [In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this project is Categorically Exempt under the CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(c) - Existing Facilities.]
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(17- ) Recommendation to Accept Update on the Status of the Underground Utility District (UUD) Program.
The Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) Interim Engineering Manager gave a Power Point presentation.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the statement listed on the report that says 1% of commuters that are bike riders includes school children riding to and from school.
The AMP Interim Engineering Manager responded he is not sure if children are included.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated the number is growing.
Mayor Spencer stated knowing the number is important; including the information in the report would be helpful.
The AMP Interim Engineering Manager continued the presentation.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether safety is a consideration and the overall goal when discussing undergrounding utilities.
The AMP Interim Engineering Manager responded safety is a benefit of undergrounding; continued the presentation.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired what measures have been taken to address traffic disruption during the undergrounding work.
The AMP Interim Engineering Manager responded the impact on commutes will be taken into consideration.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether construction will not take place during commute hours, to which the AMP Interim Engineering Manager responded there is not an easy way to avoid the impact to the commute.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the City Manager could ensure there is good coordination to ensure minimal impact to commuters; inquired how AMP will coordinate with the Central Avenue project.
The AMP Interim Engineering Manager responded all projects will be coordinated with any other City projects; stated any conflicts will be known in advance and a resolution will be worked out.
Vice Mayor Vella inquired when the data was collected and whether it was collected in one day or over a series of days.
The AMP Interim Engineering Manager responded the data was collected over several months.
Vice Mayor Vella inquired if any other information would have been more helpful for the data collection for the scorecard.
The AMP Interim Engineering Manager responded there are more details; stated the presentation only includes a snapshot; data is obtained through Public Works.
Mayor Spencer inquired about the names of the board members.
The AMP Interim Engineering Manager responded the members of the District Nomination Board are Jerri Seventi, Chris Buckly, Fred Hoffman, Patricia Peterson and Lori Kozeseck, from Public Works; continued the presentation.
Mayor Spencer inquired whether the easements are all on public property.
The AMP Interim Engineering Manager responded it depends on the district; stated some easements for above ground transformers or equipment could be on private property.
Mayor Spencer inquired whether the transformer is a green box, the AMP Interim Engineering Manager responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Spencer inquired whether there is a list of where the boxes will be placed.
The AMP Interim Engineering Manager responded the location of the transformers is unknown until the detailed design is completed.
Mayor Spencer inquired whether the transformers will require solar boxes or if they will have power through AMP; and when the public will see the proposed locations of the transformer boxes so that there are not any surprises.
The AMP Interim Engineering Manager responded more detailed planning will be done before the item is presented to the public.
Mayor Spencer stated that she wants the public to know the proposal and have sufficient time to respond if the transformer location is not a good fit.
The AMP Interim Engineering Manager stated every customer that is impacted will receive a survey in advance to ask questions on whether or not they support the program; all the community feedback collected will be presented to Council to allow for an informed decision.
Mayor Spencer inquired whether the impacted community members will receive the data in enough time to respond or ask questions and provide feedback; stated that she would like the transformers to be as small as possible and as few as possible; there should be no solar trees if they are not needed in order to minimize the impact to community members.
The AMP Interim Engineering Manager responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired who is responsible for determining the locations of the transformers.
The City Manager responded the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) determines the locations.
The AMP Interim Engineering Manager stated AMP will complete the detailed design and locations; easements will be obtained for private property locations.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the TAC will address the transponder location, to which the AMP Interim Engineering Manager responded in the affirmative.
Vice Mayor Vella stated the location information should be available to the public while the planning is occurring to allow the public time to respond, instead of after the fact.
Mayor Spencer stated there could be ways to compromise with the homeowner on the location of the transformer.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft moved approval of accepting the update on the status of the UUD Program with the input provided by Council.
Councilmember Vella seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
(17- ) Public Hearing to Consider Resolution No. 15259, “Confirming the Webster Street Business Improvement Area (BIA) Assessment Report for Fiscal Year 2017-18 and Levying an Annual Assessment on the Webster Street BIA.” Adopted.
The Development Manager gave a Power Point presentation.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired what is the four point approach established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The Development Manager responded that he does not have said information.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the BIA could do a restaurant week in Alameda.
The Development Manager responded for the last few months he and the Employment Development Department Manager have been meeting with Downtown Alameda Business Association (DABA) and West Alameda Business Association (WABA) to discuss a restaurant week in Alameda.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether there is anything the BIA and the shopping center management could do to promote businesses at Alameda Landing and Webster Street businesses.
The Development Manager responded the City has discussed how to incorporate the student population to bring more business to said areas.
Linda Asbury, WABA Executive Director, stated WABA and DABA are currently discussing what can be done with Alameda Landing, and working with Vestar.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired what is Phase 2 of the Webster Renaissance Program.
Ms. Asbury responded that she would get back to Council regarding the question.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether there is data to show that Webster Street and the West End businesses benefit from the annual street fair; stated merchants informed her that business drops during the festivals.
Ms. Asbury responded in the negative; stated WABA does not make any fees from the festivals; the Chamber of Commerce puts on the event and collects all the proceeds.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether Council could obtain the data to ensure the small businesses are not being negatively impacted.
Ms. Asbury responded she would provide the data.
Vice Mayor Vella inquired what type of work is being done to market small businesses that are not restaurants; and what the City is doing to help in the business attraction strategy for ecommerce.
Ms. Asbury responded in the last month, WABA has amped up its social media presence and it is a work in progress.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft moved adoption of the resolution confirming the Webster Street BIA Assessment Report for Fiscal Year 2017-18 and Levying an Annual Assessment on the Webster Street BIA.
Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
(17- ) Public Hearing to Consider Resolution No. 15260, “Confirming the Park Street Business Improvement Area (BIA) Annual Assessment Report for Fiscal Year 2017-18; and Levying an Annual Assessment on the Park Street BIA.” Adopted.
The Development Manager gave a Power Point presentation.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether there is data that the street fairs help the local businesses or is the revenue raised a sufficient benefit to DABA.
Donna Layburn, DABA, responded some businesses might suffer from the street fairs; stated WABA and DABA are working on bringing different types of events, which would not close streets.
Vice Mayor Vella inquired whether anything is being done to expand ecommerce efforts to increase business.
Ms. Layburn responded there are ideas from other associations that DABA has been working with to increase ecommerce; DABA is also working to expand its social media.
Councilmember Oddie moved adoption of the resolution.
Councilmember Vella seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated DABA, in conjunction with Rythmics, has submitted a grant to secure funds to support an art program that will include an art contest to decorate vacant store fronts, abandon buildings facades and fencing to improve the overall look of the downtown district.
Councilmember Matarrese stated that he is looking forward to different events that raise money; the street closures are an inconvenience to people who use AC Transit.
Mayor Spencer thanked staff and everyone involved in the collaboration.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
(17- ) Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-18 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)/HOME Partnership Investment Program Action Plan; and Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute Related Documents, Agreements, and Modifications at Funding Levels Approved by Congress.
The Housing Authority Director of Housing and Community Development Director (HADHCD Director) gave a brief presentation.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the 23 affordable housing units that were created under non-housing community development, are in a particular development.
The Community Development Director responded the 23 units are for TriPointe inclusionary housing units at Alameda Landing.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired what services were provided to the 273 homeless clients.
The HADHCD Director responded the programs that specifically target homeless are Alameda Point Collaborative which provides job training
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired why WABA was not consulted regarding the economic development and business strategy on the West End.
The HADHCD Director responded that she concurs outreach should also be to WABA; she will make sure the email list is updated to include WABA.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired about the statement: “no CDBG funds will be available if no federal budget is adopted by July 1, 2017,” to which the HADHCD Director responded there will be a federal budget will extend through June 30, 2018.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether there are contingency plans in place.
The HADHCD Director responded that the City is at the mercy of the federal budgetary process; stated the contingency might be a modest reduction.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired how using CDBG money for Public Works water main replacement further the goals of preventing homelessness and increasing the affordable housing supply.
The HADHCD Director responded the project cannot be permitted unless the water main is upgraded; stated the water main replacement is a necessary part of the project; that she believes there will be sufficient CDBG funds.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether City staff and Public Works have looked into the situation.
The HADHCD Director responded East Bay Municipal Utility District will do the work and be paid for the services.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired how much the water main project will cost.
The HADHCD Director responded $175,000.
The Community Development Director stated public service programs are capped under the CDBG program; the 15% cap has been budgeted to the full extent; the rest of the money has to go to bricks and mortar types of projects; the City is not pitting one program against another because of federal law caps on the funds.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired if 2400 Eagle Avenue is new construction.
The HADHCD Director responded 2400 Eagle Avenue is a new development on the corner of Everett Street and Eagle Avenue.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether it is rental housing.
The HADHCD Director responded it is rental units, which are 100% affordable housing.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired if the funding is in place.
The HADHCD Director responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired about the implementation of Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
The HADHCD Director responded the HMIS is a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) database which consolidates homeless services and beneficiaries in the program to allow access to providers.
Vice Mayor Vella inquired whether there be cuts to the CDBG budget in the event of a government shutdown.
The HADHCD Director responded cuts to the program are a possibility; stated the Social Service Human Relations Board (SSHRB) will discuss how the critical services could continue; some Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) projects would not happen without the funds; a number of activities would not be funded.
Vice Mayor Vella inquired whether Council will receive an update as to which projects and activities are at risk.
The HADHCD Director responded once a federal budget is adopted, information will be presented to Council after receiving input from SSHRB and community members possibly by the end of April or May 2018.
The City Manager stated the lobbyist in Washington keeps the City informed any time there is potential impact to funds.
Vice Mayor Vella stated that she would like to schedule a meeting as soon as there is knowledge of potential cuts.
Discussed Alameda’s regional housing needs allocation; expressed concern over losing housing funds; stated money should be used from the boomerang funds for housing: Doyle Saylor, Renewed Hope.
Stated Building Futures is glad to not be facing cuts this year; urged the City to address funding issues and options for next year: Liz Verela, Building Futures.
Outlined services provided by ECHO Housing: Margie Rocha, Echo Housing.
Councilmember Oddie moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Vella seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
(17- ) The City Manager provided information on the Site A developer being in default and activities during the 120 day to cure period; which goes through August 9th; provided an updated Council Referral Tracker form, which includes dates.
Mayor Spencer stated she would like the “dates submitted/dates heard” listed on the Council Referral Tracker form and some are missing.
The City Manager stated she is working on obtaining said dates.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
(17- ) Sarah Finnigan, Eden I&R, introduced herself and briefly discussed Eden I&R services.
(17- ) Ruth Abbe, Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda (CASA), submitted information; outlined upcoming Earthpalooza events.
COUNCIL REFERRALS
(17- ) Consider Directing Staff to Review and Update Alameda’s 2008 Local Action Plan for Climate Protection. (Councilmember Matarrese)
Councilmember Matarrese made brief comments regarding his referral.
The City Manager stated the Public Works Director is present to answer Council questions.
Stated CASA is looking to review and update the goals of the climate protection plan; dedicated involvement is needed from every City department; CASA will help coordinate the community involvement needed for the update; suggested leadership from the City, such as a Green Team or a few individuals, facilitate the update: Sylvia Gibson, CASA.
Expressed concern over Alameda Municipal Power’s (AMP) green power decreasing; stated several members of the community need to be a part of a committee for the update; that he supports the review and update to Alameda’s Climate Protection Plan: Jeff Gould, Alameda.
Stated a robust, vigilant review is needed; urged the City to accept the challenge to take the next steps, including addressing transportation and public participation; suggested Alameda adopt the goals of the global climate accords: Herb Behrstock, Alameda.
Stated AMP’s policy and decision making process should be reviewed, including solar: Richard Bangert, Alameda.
Read comments on behalf of Gabby Dolphin; stated Alameda and AMP needs to do more solar to mitigate climate change: Alan Pryor, Alameda Progressives.
Expressed support for the referral; outlined job development opportunities; stated CASA will support efforts in any way it can: Ruth Abbe, CASA.
Councilmember Oddie moved approval of referral, incorporating the public comments, into the plan.
Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion, with a friendly amendment to review hiring a an outside consultant to assist; stated funds are available through the San Francisco Foundation; outside consultant could help coordinate a workshop or hearing on the issue; suggested local graduate schools’ students with environmental backgrounds work with the consultant to develop a report for Council to review.
Councilmember Oddie deferred to Councilmember Matarrese.
Councilmember Matarrese stated prior Council direction requires the work to be done; that he wants the work done by any means necessary.
The City Manager stated the matter will come back to Council; the process will take approximately two years to meet with all stakeholders and departments, conduct an analysis, track data to determine greenhouse gas emission improvement over time; the process will be extensive; she agrees with looking into working with students and a consultant.
Vice Mayor Vella stated there should be a timeline setting specific goals and dates throughout the process to ensure the City is on task.
The City Manager responded a timeline draft is already in place with the final adoption to take place June 2019.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the issue falls under quality of life/environment category, to which the City Manager responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the issue could be heard ahead of others because it is a pressing issue.
The City Manager stated a lot of the issues on the Council Referral tracker form can be done concurrently.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated she supports the referral.
The City Manager inquired whether the issue is medium or high priority.
Mayor Spencer stated that she has concerns about the target date of 2020; inquired what staff is currently doing to meet the goal.
The Acting Public Works Director stated staff has been working on the current climate Protection Plan; the 2010 update to Council showed an 8% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below the 2005 baseline; the 2020 goal is a 25% reduction.
Mayor Spencer inquired what is the next step.
The Acting Public Works Director responded the event in May will be a springboard for all Departments to demonstrate what has been accomplished and focus on what needs to be done next.
Mayor Spencer inquired what is staffs plan; whether the issue require a referral if staff has already been working on the matter; and what was the plan from 2013.
The Acting Public Works Director responded the goal in 2013 was to have staff return in December 2017 with a proposed scope for the update; staff would like to know what new policy initiatives Council wants staff to work on and bring back at a later date.
Mayor Spencer inquired whether the current goals are to do the event in May and an update to Council in December, to which the Acting Public Works Director responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Spencer inquired whether Council agrees with the current goals, to which Council concurred.
Mayor Spencer inquired whether staff could follow up on Vice Mayor Vella’s suggestions and obtain funding for a consultant, to which the Acting Public Works Director responded in the affirmative, stated the referral on the straws on request ordinance for the next meeting might be included with the next climate action plan update.
Councilmember Oddie moved approval of the referral with the input from the community and Vice Mayor Vella’s addendum.
Mayor Spencer requested the motion be amended to include staff working with community partners on the May event and returning to Council in December with an update; she would like the information included in the motion.
Vice Mayor Vella stated her addendum includes the timeline with dates for each of the steps and the December 2017 date.
Councilmember Oddie stated the priority is high, but the project would take two years.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
(17- ) Consider Reviewing and Updating the Rules of Order for City Council Agendas and Meetings. (Councilmember Matarrese)
Councilmember Matarrese made brief comments regarding the referral; stated that he does not think the referral is a high priority; stated matter could be addressed by the Open Government Commission (OGC).
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she wants the City Clerk’s Office and the City Attorney’s Office to be involved in any review of applicable rules and laws.
Councilmember Matarrese concurred.
Councilmember Oddie stated finding a way to improve Council meetings would be helpful for the public; suggested having a subcommittee of the Council rather than the OGC conduct the review; stated that he would be happy to be a part of the subcommittee.
Vice Mayor Vella stated the Council is trying to not sensor or sway the OGC’s decision; Council should be cognizant of the public’s ability to communicate with Council and ensure transparency is prevalent; there is no limit for staff time on presentations; staff time for presentations and the time estimate for each agenda item should be reviewed.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated she would like to serve on the subcommittee.
Vice Mayor Vella stated her preference would be to not have a subcommittee, but to have the OGC provide an independent check.
Mayor Spencer stated that she does not support a subcommittee; stated the job should be handled by the OGC; the OGC should review the order of items on the agenda, which is an issue.
Councilmember Oddie stated issues, such as the Brown Act or the order of the agenda, are part of the Sunshine Ordinance; the way Council conducts meetings and staff presentation time is the responsibility of Council.
Mayor Spencer stated that she would like to hear from staff on how the matter should be handled.
The City Manager stated staff is currently discussing how to streamline staff reports and presentations; some items, such as the budget, will need a more detailed conversation.
Mayor Spencer stated that she does not support a subcommittee.
Councilmember Oddie stated the matter needs in depth analysis and introspection.
Mayor Spencer stated that she does not support a subcommittee; she would like the issue to come back to the entire Council.
Vice Mayor Vella stated that she would like data to see how many meetings have gone past 11:00 p.m. and how many items run over time estimates; there should be a quick review of the past year to see what happened at meetings.
Councilmember Matarrese stated that he does not see why both the subcommittee and the OGC cannot review the matter.
Mayor Spencer questioned where is the matter in regards to priority; stated the matter will take staff time.
The City Manager responded the motion is not staff intensive because the subcommittee and the OGC would be working on the matter; the City Clerk and City Attorney’s office will be resources for the OGC.
The City Attorney noted the City Clerk’s and City Attorney’s Office staff the OGC.
Councilmember Oddie stated in Oakland, there is a time limit for questions and deliberations for Councilmembers, which is something to think about for Alameda.
Councilmember Matarrese moved approval to have a City Council subcommittee and the OGC to review the rules of order, with the OGC meeting timing scheduled within the workload of the City Clerk’s and City Attorney’s office.
Councilmember Oddie seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
Councilmember Oddie inquired about the members of the City Council Subcommittee.
Councilmember Matarrese responded that he has no preference and does not need to serve.
Councilmember Oddie volunteered to be part of the subcommittee.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft also stated she wants to be a part of the subcommittee.
Mayor Spencer stated that she does not support formation of a subcommittee; however, she would prefer that she and Vice Mayor Vella be on the subcommittee.
Councilmember Oddie inquired whether Councilmember Matarrese is fine with him and Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft serving on the subcommittee, to which Councilmember Matarrese responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated Mayor Spencer objects to the formation of a subcommittee.
Mayor Spencer stated her preference is to always include the Mayor and Vice Mayor in this type of subcommittee; her preference is to include all Councilmembers; if the limit is only two members on the subcommittee, she would prefer the Mayor and Vice Mayor.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated there cannot be more than two people serving on the subcommittee due to the Brown Act.
Mayor Spencer stated that her preference would be to have the Vice Mayor and herself if there is going to be a subcommittee.
Councilmember Oddie inquired whether there is going to be a motion.
Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of Councilmember Oddie and Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft being the subcommittee members.
Councilmember Oddie seconded the motion, which carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft, Matarrese and Oddie - 3. Noes: Mayor Spencer - 1. Abstention: Vice Mayor Vella - 1.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(17- ) Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she and Councilmember Oddie were judges for a high school debate competition on April 22nd.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Spencer adjourned the meeting at 9:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.