Title
Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting, the Special Joint City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Improvement Commission Meeting and the Regular City Council Meeting Held on June 15, 2021. (City Clerk)
Body
UNAPPROVED
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- -JUNE 15, 2021- -5:00 P.M.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 5:02 p.m.
Roll Call - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Herrera Spencer, Knox White, Vella and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 5. [Note: The meeting was held via Zoom.]
Absent: None.
The following Public Comment was read into the record:
(21- ) Mitzi Richardson, Alameda, urged Council to discontinue the lease with Astra Space, Inc. and not sell property to Astra Space, Inc.; discussed impacts on the neighborhood; questioned whether testing has been conducted on materials released into the air; expressed concern about the possible negative impacts to foundational structures and the water supply systems.
The meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider:
(21- ) Conference with Real Property Negotiators (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8); Properties: 1770 Viking Street, Alameda Point (Building 170), 1900 Skyhawk Street, Alameda Point (Building 360), and 1770 Orion Street, Alameda Point (Building 372); City Negotiators: Eric Levitt, City Manager; Lisa Maxwell, Community Development Director; Nanette Mocanu, Assistant Community Development Director, and Ted Anderson, Cushman and Wakefield; Negotiating Parties: City of Alameda and Astra Space, Inc.; Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment for The Potential Sale of The Property.
(21- ) Public Employee Performance Evaluation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957; Positions Evaluated: City Manager - Eric Levitt.
(21- ) Public Employee Performance Evaluation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957; Positions Evaluated: City Attorney - Yibin Shen.
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 City Manager, no action and no vote was taken; regarding City Attorney, the City Council voted to authorize two changes to the City Attorney employment agreement so that the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) date and vacation accruals be consistent with the rest of the City’s Executive Management team; the agreement will be amended to allow cashing out 80 hours of unused vacation time; the Human Resources Director will return to Council with the contract amendments in the near future; said direction was approved by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye; Ayes: 5.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 7:06 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 JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION (SACIC)
TUESDAY- -JUNE 15, 2021- -6:59 P.M.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 7:23 p.m. Councilmember/Commissioner Daysog led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers/Commissioners Daysog, Herrera Spencer, Knox White, Vella and Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft - 5. [Note: The meeting was held via Zoom.]
Absent: None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember/Commissioner Knox White moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
Vice Mayor/Commissioner Vella seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers/Commissioners Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.]
(*21- CC/21- SACIC) Minutes of the Special Joint City Council and SACIC Meeting Held on June 1, 2021. Approved.
(*21- CC/21- SACIC) Recommendation to Accept the Investment Report for the Quarter Ending March 31, 2021. Accepted.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(21- CC) Public Hearing to Establish the Proposition 4 (Appropriations) Limit for Fiscal Year 2021-22; and
(21- A CC) Resolution No. 15781, “Establishing the Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2021-22.” Adopted.
The Senior Management Analyst gave a brief presentation.
Councilmember/Commissioner Knox White moved approval of the staff recommendation [including adoption of the resolution].
Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers/Commissioners Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5.
(21- CC) Resolution No. 15782, “Approving and Adopting the Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Years (FYs) 2021-22 and 2022-23.” Adopted;
(21- SACIC) Resolution No. 21-12, “Approving and Adopting the Budget for FYs 2021-22 and 2022-23”; and
(21- A CC) Resolution No. 15783, “Approving Workforce Changes and Amending the Management and Confidential Employees Association (MCEA) Salary Schedule in FYs 2021-22 and 2022-23 Effective July 1, 2021.” Adopted.
The Finance Director made brief comments.
The Senior Management Analyst and Supervising Senior Engineer gave a Power Point presentation.
Councilmember/Commissioner Knox White requested confirmation that the staff recommendation is consistent with direction given at the previous workshops, to which the Finance Director responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember/Commissioner Daysog inquired whether the $200,000 park maintenance budget is for the resurfacing of tennis and pickle ball courts and whether the Recreation and Park Commission will weigh-in and provide recommendations.
The Supervising Senior Engineer responded in the affirmative; stated the increase in funding is for park improvements, with specific projects to be determined at a later date.
Councilmember/Commissioner Knox White stated that he would like to clarify the funding is not specifically for tennis and pickle ball court resurfacing; the funding is for projects identified by the Recreation and Park Commission, which could be beyond the resurfacing.
Vice Mayor/Commissioner Vella expressed support for the clarification.
Urged $250,000 in funding for the master planning of DePave Park; outlined benefits of the Park: Linda Carloni, Golden Gate Audubon Society.
Stated there is a disconnect relative to direction previously provided by Council on Police Reform and Equity; several important matters in an upcoming matter include budget applications with no allocated funds, which is an important step in implementing the Subcommittee recommendations; urged funding be allocated now: Jacqueline Zipkin, Transform Alameda.
Stated there is lack of funding in the budget for the Police Accountability Committee; the recommendations provided by the Steering Committee have been approved by Council; funding should be included in the proposed budget; urged Council to amend the proposed budget: Lorin Laiacona Salem, Alameda.
Stated that he would like to see the recommendations of the Steering Committees be fully funded; discussed the death of Mario Gonzalez; stated 42% of Police funding goes toward incidents where Police are not needed; Police should be out of the way of Mental Health responders when a public safety risk is not present; the City needs to move faster in funding the programs to ensure no one else is hurt or killed: Josh Geyer, Alameda.
Discussed results from the Transform Alameda People’s Budget survey: Laura Cutrona, Alameda.
Stated the budget has come back without Council direction included; she is unsure whether there is a miscommunication; she is frustrated to see the budget come up with none of the Subcommittees proposals; she has not seen anything implemented from the Steering Committee; the people have spoken and showed up to do the work: Melodye Montgomery, Alameda.
Stated spending shapes well-being, quality of life, and safety; the Nation has been ushered into a new era where communities are forced to reckon with racism and Police violence; Alameda is no different; discussed the death of Mario Gonzalez; stated over half of 911 calls are non-criminal in nature; Police calls which involve mental health, substance use or homelessness should be diverted to a community based mental health professional response; urged the Police budget be decreased: Debra Mendoza, Alameda.
Stated the proposed ideas and recommendations from Transform Alameda are not new; the matters have been discussed for over a year; urged Council to take immediate action and prioritizes accordingly; stated there is a debate about how to spend money instead of creating immediate change and impact: Alexia Arocha, Alameda.
Stated unbundling of Police means shifting resources and money out of the Police Department to other services in conjunction with law enforcement, not separately: Marilyn Rothman, Alameda.
Urged Council to include funding in the current year to develop the Master Plan for DePave Park; stated the matter is important for the City and is forward-looking; the Park is a proactive approach to dealing with climate change and associated sea-level rise; the park will be an important investment for the City: Henrich Albert, Alameda.
Stated that he is upset the Subcommittees work has not been reflected in the budget; it is upsetting to have worked many hours on the recommendations with nothing changed or reflected in the budget; questioned the reason for continuing to fund Policing when the community has specifically mandated that mental health resources be funded; stated that he is upset to see Police funding go up: Vinny Camarillo, Alameda.
Stated that she is disappointed and confused by the budget proposal; the need for dramatic changes was made clear last year; changes are to ensure the safety and well-being for all; noted prior Council approvals; stated the budget does not convey a seriousness and is frustrating; expressed concern about only two options being proposed: the Felton Institute and Fire Department; stated that she does not think the City should go with the Felton Institute at this time due to Police involvement: Eve Gordon, Alameda.
Stated there is a lot of momentum for change; the budget falls short; discussed her family member being the victim of a crime; stated that she did not feel comforted or supported by the response provided; there is deeper work to be done; urged Council look deeper at the work of the Subcommittees: Jennifer Rakowski, Alameda.
Expressed support for including the DePave Park Master Plan in the budget; stated the Park is envisioned to be a wetlands education park for impacts of sea-level rise; the Park will be a jewel of the City; discussed redevelopment of the area surrounding DePave Park; stated there is a unique opportunity for the Park to receive funding from the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority; previous funding attempts have been denied since the City has not provided funding; urged Council to approve funding in order to demonstrate City support: Ruth Abbe, Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda (CASA).
Expressed gratitude towards the City Manager’s Office for information on the budget process; stated the budget remains largely the same as the prior year; there were not many changes to the budget; the budget is a two-year process; urged Council to make changes: Erin Fraser, Alameda.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft requested the City Manager address questions and concerns raised by public comment.
The City Manager stated about $1.3 million has been added to alternative policing, mental health, and the Police audit function; recommendations from the Subcommittees have been included in the budget; the money has not been specifically placed into programs, but is available for access moving forward; staff has budgeted for the Crime Analyst position and homeless programs; there will be access to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, as well as contingency funds, that can be reallocated when needed; savings within the Police Department fund can be reallocated when necessary.
Vice Mayor/Commissioner Vella stated it is important to clarify in plain terms for those not familiar with the budgeting process; if items are not included in the budget, Council can always amend expenditures; upcoming matters may include direction to use City funds from various funding streams; it is important to address questions directly; expressed support for participation from the public in the upcoming agenda matters; inquired whether funding for DePave Park will be part of the discussion.
The City Manager responded the $200,000, as well as grant funds, could be used for DePave Park.
The Recreation and Parks Director stated the intention for the $200,000 each year is for the Recreation and Park Commission and staff to determine current facility and recreation needs as requested by the community; she has presented matters such as the tennis courts and skate parks; while she strongly supports DePave Park, it is not the current intention; Council may direct staff to discuss the matter at the Recreation and Park Commission level; staff will apply for a grant for DePave park; allocating funding towards DePave Park will help the grant process by showing the City’s support; allocating funding is not required; however, the funding will create a more competitive application; stated the Master Plan will not be completed prior to the grant application in October.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft inquired how much funding is needed in order to be considered competitive in the grant process for DePave Park.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded the question is difficult to answer; stated a six figure amount is helpful; however, it may not need to be as much as $250,000; a smaller amount such as $50,000 to 100,000 could prove helpful; she does not have a strong sense since matching funding are not a requirement; the grant program appreciates seeing committed funding.
Councilmember/Commissioner Daysog stated there are things to like and dislike about the budget process; expressed support for the budget; stated that he appreciates the allocation of $200,000 per year for recreation facilities; the funding is an opportunity for people to work with the Recreation and Park Commission and make a case for uses; expressed support for continuing the process going forward; stated DePave Park is at the master plan level; there are other immediate funding needs; he would like to work with Council to find different ways of funding DePave Park; expressed support for setting aside money for implementing alternatives to policing; stated Council is following through on the issues raised by Subcommittees in significant ways.
Vice Mayor/Commissioner Vella moved approval of the budget [including adoption of the resolutions] with clarity and direction for a community-led process relative to parks.
Vice Mayor/Commissioner Vella; stated the Recreation and Parks Department is trying to facilitate the discussion with Alameda Point Collaborative (APC) residents and CASA; she is supportive if the discussions yield a need to utilize funding towards DePave Park; expressed support for adding clarity about allowing the Recreation and Parks Director to utilize Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she would like the motion made clearly with discussion to follow.
Vice Mayor/Commissioner Vella moved adoption of the resolutions.
Councilmember/Commissioner Knox White seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Vice Mayor/Commissioner Vella stated that she would like to clarify the Recreation and Parks Director work with the Recreation and Park Commission, understanding that there is already an effort underway to involve and have community-led discussion regarding DePave Park; there is potential for additional allocation to the CIP if it is recommended through the discussion process.
Councilmember/Commissioner Herrera Spencer stated the budget is comprehensive; expressed support for the community input; stated budget concerns have been addressed in the public comments; the budget is reflective of the City’s priorities; there have been many compromises on the proposed budget; she will not be supporting the budget; she is not on the same page after the pandemic; funding mental health is important; she would have liked the Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) and Alameda Family Services requests to be fully funded; she advocated for more funding towards the Recreation and Parks Department; mental and physical health have been compromised in the past 12 to 15 months; she expects to see more side effects moving forward; expressed support for $250,000 for DePave Park planning; stated there are not sufficient funds in the Recreation and Parks Department budget; expressed concern about the Fire Department Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant positions being transferred to the General Fund; outlined the funding; stated reserves are being depleted; stated Council should spend more time looking at pension contributions; a significant amount goes towards employees, benefits, pensions and unfunded pension liabilities; it would be more appropriate to use deficit spending towards mental and physical health and recreation, including DePave Park; DePave Park is a priority; she thinks Council will come up with a way to fund the project; if Council is serious about climate action, it is appropriate to fund DePave Park; the Recreation and Parks Director has previously applied for a grant for DePave Park; stated the previous attempt was denied; the grant is critical; she does not expect the grant to be successful until the City dedicates funding; she would have liked to have seen scholarships for Recreation and Parks activities; there is a greater demand for scholarships; the City is using reserves, which should be spent on community members, including Library and ambulatory services; discussed ambulance services; stated Council should look at the ambulance expenditures.
Councilmember/Commissioner Knox White stated staff has done a good job of coalescing everything into an agreed upon budget.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft requested clarification on fully funding the mental health services request from AUSD and Alameda Family Services.
The City Manager stated the City has allocated $125,000.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the amount is what was requested.
The Assistant City Manager responded the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and School District representatives raised $75,000 and needed $25,000 to fund a position; stated the remaining $100,000 will be used to support both the school and families; the program will help, not only AUSD, but other students across the community, plus family needs; the PTA contribution is not necessarily in place for the second year; the funding for the second year is still in question; $125,000 has been set aside in both years for mental health related items; staff will come before Council to address year two.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she does not see funding for Village of Love in the second year; inquired the reason for not funding both years.
The Assistant City Manager stated the funding is addressed under Police Reform item; funding sources come from a number of different areas.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she respects and wants to honor the work of the City Boards and Commissions; Boards and Commissions do important work on behalf of the City and Council; expressed support for the work of the Recreation and Parks Director and the Recreation and Park Commission.
Councilmember Daysog stated that he would want the $200,000 per year dedicated to improving active recreational amenities and infrastructure, such as pickle ball or bicycle motocross (BMX); Council must look at the bigger picture; using some of the money as matching funds for grants would lessen the amount available for active recreational uses; expressed support for the compromise made and for the budget; outlined previous discussions related to the SAFER grant and funding; stated the SAFER grant is exhausted and is now being back-filled with General Fund money; Council must make the difficult decisions; the City is moving in the right direction and has larger issues to deal with, such as revamping the pension funding policy.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers/Commissioners Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: No; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 4. Noes: 1.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk and Secretary, SACIC
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- -JUNE 15, 2021- -7:00 P.M.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Herrera Spencer, Knox White, Vella, and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 5. [Note: The meeting was conducted via Zoom]
Absent: None.
AGENDA CHANGES
None.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
(21- ) Proclamation Declaring the Month of June 2021 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month.
(21- ) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft read a proclamation declaring June 19, 2021 as Juneteenth Day.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
(21- ) Paul Foreman, Alameda, discussed a petition on change.org urging the opposition of Senate Bills 9, 10, and 478, and Assembly Bill 1322; stated 272 Alamedans have signed the petition; outlined Senate Bill 9; stated Alameda is registered as a supporter of the bill, while 63 cities and the League of California Cities oppose the bill; outlined Senate Bills 10 and 478 and Assembly Bill 1322; urged Council oppose the bills.
(21- ) Ella Halisky, Alameda, discussed cat de-clawing practices being animal cruelty and a petition to end the procedure; urged Alameda Municipal Code Section 7-91 be amended to add language stating: “No one can remove healthy tissue, especially with bone, from an animals paw except a licensed veterinarian. It shall not be allowed for the sake of convenience or handling of an animal. A licensed veterinarian can only perform the surgery for physical, therapeutic reasons such as a tumor, an uncontrollable infection, or non-healing trauma. ; The enforcement penalty is a fine of $1,000 for the first offense, $1,500 for the second and $2,500 for the third offense.”
(21- ) Jay Garfinkle, Alameda, discussed challenging the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) numbers; stated the deadline for challenging RHNA numbers is July 9th; the Council and the Planning Board have not provided any challenge; Council has objected to challenging the RHNA numbers; the timing has been misleading; urged Council put money towards acquiring affordable housing locations; discussed Assembly Bill 1401 and Senate Bill 10.
(21- ) Zac Bowling, Alameda, discussed Senate Bill 9 and the State budget for the Housing Accountability Act; stated Senate Bill 10 provisions do not count for Home Owners Associations; expressed support for Senate Bill 9; stated Assembly Bill 1401 removes mandatory parking minimums; the City needs to do its part within the State to help end the housing affordability crisis.
(21- ) Josh Geyer, Alameda, expressed support for Senate Bills 9, 10, 478 and Assembly Bills 1322 and 1401; discussed vehicle carbon emissions in California and housing accessibility to transit; expressed support for mitigating carbon emissions by building housing in Alameda to allow people to get out of their cars and use transit.
(21- ) Eve Gordon, Alameda, expressed support for new laws at the State level; discussed dividing, selling and developing her property; stated more housing and opportunities to become home owners should be created; expressed concern about people clinging to the idea of keeping others out of the City; stated creating a community is the way forward.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Stated tenant eviction protections are unreasonable; expressed concern about renters having higher income: Lily.
Expressed support for Council enacting local emergency protections; stated the actions have protected local residents from calamities; the COVID-19 emergency is nearing an end; however, there are virus variants; noted businesses have not gotten back to full staffing and many people are still on unemployment; discussed frozen unemployment payments; urged Council extend the protections for a longer period: Toni Grimm, Alameda Renters Coalition.
Discussed questions submitted about the declaration of local emergency and COVID-19 vaccines; read information on bioethics and human rights by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO): Fey Adelstein, Alameda.
Questioned funding the Alameda-Oakland Bicycle Pedestrian Bridge; stated the project lists 6,000 pedestrian and bicycle crossings per-day for the new bridge; roughly 100 people currently walk or bike the current access-way per day; inquired about the disaster recovery backup plan; stated the matter deserves more public scrutiny and discussion; stated the City has some of the lowest COVID-19 cases in the Bay Area; questioned when City Hall, Council meetings and the Permit Center would be open to the public: Jim Strehlow, Alameda.
The Agreement with Lang, Hansen, Giroux & Kidane [paragraph no. 21- ], the legal notice contract [paragraph no. 21- ], the resolution for the Alameda-Oakland Bicycle-Pedestrian Bridge project grant [paragraph no. 21- ] and the resolution decalaring a local emergency [paragraph no. 21- ] were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
Councilmember Knox White moved approval of the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Ayes; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.]
(*21- ) Minutes of the Special Meetings Held on May 8, 2021 May 11, 2021, and May 18, 2021, and the Regular Meeting Held on May 18, 2021. Approved.
(*21- ) Ratified bills in the amount of $6,001,199.84.
(21- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Nine-Month Service Provider Agreement with Lang, Hansen, Giroux & Kidane, a California General Partnership, Substantially the Same as Exhibit 1, in an Amount Not to Exceed $90,000 for Legislative Advocacy/Governmental Relations Services Relating to the Surplus Land Act.
In response to Councilmember Herrera Spencer’s inquiry, the City Manager stated the previous funding was for last fiscal year; the current funding is for the coming calendar year.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired the previous approved amount, to which the City Manager responded $90,000.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated there have been changes to the Surplus Lands Act; Alameda Point is considered surplus land; the City is hiring a consultant to advocate that Alameda Point not be subject to the Surplus Lands Act; properties that are subject to the Surplus Lands Act prioritize the use for affordable housing; stated that she will be voting no on the matter; she would like to see more affordable housing at Alameda Point and throughout the City; it is okay to have Alameda Point be subject to the Surplus Lands Act; the City previously approved other properties at Alameda Point being subject to the Surplus Lands Act; expressed concern about continuing to spend money opposing the Surplus Lands Act.
Councilmember Knox White moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: No; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 4. Noes: 1.
(*21- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Attorney to Execute a Three Year Agreement With the Option to Extend for Two Additional Years, with LWP Claims Solutions, Inc. for Professional Services as the Third Party Administrator (TPA) of the City of Alameda’s Self-Insured Workers’ Compensation Program in an Amount Not to Exceed $1,145,879 for Five Years, Plus Related Charges, and Authorize Budget Amendments for the Fiscal Years (FYs) 2021-22 and 2022-23 Biennial Operating Budget by Increasing the Workers’ Compensation Services Line Item by $25,000 for FY 2021-22 and $30,450 for FY 2022-23. Accepted.
(21- ) Recommendation to Award a Contract for the Publication of Legal Notices for Fiscal Year 2021-22.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed concern about the Alameda Sun having higher rates across the board versus Alameda Journal; stated Council has favored awarding the contract to the Alameda Sun in previous years; she is not opposed to supporting local businesses; however, there is Council responsibility for expenditure of funds; there are grants for small businesses; the circulation of Alameda Journal is greater than Alameda Sun; the Alameda Sun has decreased circulation and increased online readership; she cannot support spending the money to get half the service; should could support the Alameda Sun if the contract amount was reduced.
Councilmember Daysog stated Council had the same discussion one year ago; he previously requested the circulation numbers; there has been challenge in seeing Alameda Sun increase circulation numbers; the decision is difficult; the difference in circulation is pronounced; legal notices have to get out to the public; the easy way out would be to split the difference with 50% going to Alameda Sun and 50% going to Alameda Journal; Council must make the difficult choice and render a service to the public; the Alameda Journal is delivered to his neighborhood once per week; he will join the Mayor in not supporting the award of contract to Alameda Sun.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer moved approval of awarding the contract to the Alameda Sun.
Councilmember Knox White seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember Knox White stated that he understands the numbers are big; expressed concern about the numbers not telling who is reading; stated that his experience is people keeping up with City business read the Alameda Sun versus Alameda Journal; the figures are not perfect coming out of a difficult year of COVID-19.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the year of COVID-19 has been difficult for many locally-owned businesses; she is not aware whether the Alameda Sun has been able to avail itself of any State or City grants; she wants to support local businesses in appropriate ways.
Vice Mayor Vella expressed concern about the discrepancy in costs; stated the costs are rather large; questioned the potential alternative being proposed.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated if the rates had been the same, she would be happy to award the local business entity the contract; she cannot vote in good conscience to award the contract for twice as much and half the service to the Alameda Sun.
Vice Mayor Vella inquired whether staff has inquired the reason for the large difference in overall costs even with lower circulation.
The City Clerk responded since adjudication, the Alameda Sun has consistently been the higher bidder for the proposal; stated the rates submitted with the bid for Alameda Sun have always exceeded the Alameda Journal; noted the bids are the same as the previous year with no increase or decrease.
Vice Mayor Vella stated the comparison between the two companies is significant; the Alameda Sun costs twice as much as Alameda Journal; expressed concern about a similar discussion occurring last year; stated that she is concerned about such a large difference in cost; the City is ultimately being asked to subsidize the local paper based on the cost; noted the cost may not be due to service being provided.
The City Clerk stated Alameda Journal is part of a pool with legal ad serving multiple papers, whereas the Alameda Sun does not; there is a savings due to the Alameda Journal servicing more than one paper, versus the Alameda Sun being a standalone paper.
Vice Mayor Vella stated that she is concerned the Alameda Sun is not printing as often during the pandemic; inquired whether lessened printing had impact on legal notices.
The City Clerk responded in the negative; stated the Alameda Sun printed each week; noted the circulation number went down due to the pandemic.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated it is possible the cost are so high due to the City’s previous willingness to pay; if the costs were comparable, she would consider awarding the contract to the local paper; she does not support a cost which is twice the amount at a lower circulation; legal notices serve an important purpose.
On the call for the question, the motion failed by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: No; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Vella: No; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: No. Ayes: 2. Noes: 3.
Councilmember Daysog moved approval of awarding the contract to the Alameda Journal.
Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember Vella expressed concern about the overall circulation numbers; stated Council has not received a response to the reason for lower circulation; noted circulation numbers have dropped in the last year.
Councilmember Daysog stated that he would like to help the local publication; the discrepancies are too large.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: No; Knox White: No; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 3. Noes: 2.
(*21- ) Resolution No. 15784, “Designating Consultants and Authorizing and Directing Actions Related to the Issuance of Special Tax Bonds for Community Facilities District No. 13-1 (Alameda Landing Public Improvements).” Adopted.
(*21- ) Resolution No. 15785, “Approving Funding the Pavement Management Project Through the State of California’s Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account for Fiscal Year 2021-22.” Adopted.
(21- ) Resolution No. 15786, “Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute Agreements to Accept and Allocate $1,555,000 in Grant Funds from the Alameda County Transportation Commission to Complete a Project Initiation Document for the Alameda-Oakland Bicycle-Pedestrian Bridge Project.” Adopted.
Councilmember Daysog stated the City is going out for funds to look at the feasibility of the bike bridge; he has had concerns about the bike bridge for some time; Council previously discussed looking into Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC) funding for the study; the City has performed its own studies and posted information on the website; the cost of the bicycle-pedestrian bridge is enormous and as large as the improvements being made to the Posey Tube; the Posey Tube project is mostly for vehicles; expressed concern about the cost of the project being $200 million; stated the cost is too high for something which only benefits 5,000 to 6,000 users at most per day; 4,400 vehicles travel through the Posey Tube during peak commute hours; the cost does not make sense when converted to a cost-per-user basis; he cannot support the matter; it is time for Council to make the tough decision to say $200 million to serve 5,000 to 6,000 users per day is not enough; there is desire to transition away from vehicle based improvements to a more environmentally friendly option; the concern is valid; however, it must also be within the realm of reasonableness; the City will eventually make the transition from predominately gas-based vehicles to alternative and electric vehicles; he will not support the bicycle-pedestrian bridge over the estuary; the cost does not make sense.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether the $1.5 million amount awarded ACTC grant monies could have been used on other projects; requested background on the funding; inquired the amount of City money for the project.
The Senior Transportation Coordinator responded there is no City match requirement for the project; stated the City is receiving the full grant amount from ACTC; the money is in response to a letter submitted by Council in November 2020, which requested ACTC fund the project initiation and project study report for the bicycle-pedestrian bridge.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether the City could have used the funding for other projects; requested clarification about Bay Area entities supporting the project as a regional benefit.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft requested clarification about the regional aspect of the project.
The Planning, Building and Transportation Director stated the ACTC Board approved the funding as part of the Broadway-Jackson project; the money being used may only be used for the Broadway-Jackson project.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the matter is important; the project has an estimated cost of $200 million; inquired the current project cost estimate and the anticipated potential funding sources.
The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded the project is not a City of Alameda project; stated the project is regional; the funding for the project will come from regional, State and federal sources; the City of Alameda cannot afford to build a $200 million bridge; the effort will be long-term in order to help build bicycle and pedestrian improvement connections between the two cities; the region recognizes the need for the effort, which is the reason funding is being provided by the region; the City of Alameda is acting as the project sponsor.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired the estimate for the annual operation costs; questioned whether regional monies will pay for the operating costs in the future.
The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded the bridge will be owned by the region; the City will not own the bridge and does not own any of the current estuary crossings; either Caltrans or the County own the current crossings.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer requested clarification about whether the bridge will be available 24 hours per day, to which the Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she plans to support the project.
Councilmember Daysog stated the $200 million cost is not the correct use of funding relative to the benefits.
Councilmember Knox White moved approval of the staff recommendation [including adoption of the resolution], with the caveat that the money being spent on the Oakland Alameda Access Project will not provide a benefit to the 40,000 people that travel through the Posey Tube; the funding will provide a new crossing which will provide significant beneficial time differences for the 5,000 to 6,000 users per day.
Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: No; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 4. Noes: 1.
(21- ) Adoption of Resolution Continuing the Declaration of the Existence of a Local Emergency in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Consistent with Government Code Section 8630(c).
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated staff submitted a letter to Council indicating 85.1% of Alamedans which are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine have received at least one vaccine; 71.4% of Alamedans are fully vaccinated; the numbers are expected to increase in the next week; the City has one of the lowest case rates in the country; stated hospital bed occupancy for Alameda Hospital is at 33.2%.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she would like to call the question on the matter; moved approval of calling the question in order to move forward in the agenda should the motion pass by majority.
Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: No; Herrera Spencer: No; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 3. Noes: 2.
Vice Mayor Vella moved approval of the staff recommendation [including adoption of the resolution].
Councilmember Knox White seconded the motion which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: No; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 4. Noes: 1.
[Note: The motion to call the question/limit debate required a two-thirds vote to pass, so the matter was reopened following the resolutions of appointment (paragraph no. 21- ).].
5-J. Ordinance No. 3301, “Approving a Second Amendment to the Lease with Greenway Golf Associates, Inc., a California Corporation, for Chuck Corica Golf Complex.” Finally passed.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(21-_ ) Resolution No. 15787, “Reappointing Kristin Furuichi Fong as a Member of the Social Service Human Relations Board.” Adopted;
(21- A) Resolution No. 15788, “Appointing Samantha Green as a Member of the Social Service Human Relations Board.” Adopted;
(21- B) Resolution No. 15789, “Appointing Scott Means as a Member of the Social Service Human Relations Board.” Adopted; and
(21- _C) Resolution No. 15790, “Appointing Dianne Yamashiro-Omi as a Member of the Social Service Human Relations Board.” Adopted.
Vice Mayor Vella moved adoption of the resolutions.
Councilmember Knox White seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5.
The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office.
Ms. Furuichi Fong, Ms. Green, Mr. Means, and Ms. Yamashiro-Omi made brief comments.
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The City Clerk noted the procedural motion regarding the resolution declaring the emergency [paragraph no. 21- ] required four votes and therefore failed.
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Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft called a recess at 9:57 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 10:15 p.m.
***
(21- ) The City Attorney stated that he recommends Council vote to reopen the previous matter [resolution declaring a local emergency] due to the procedural motion not passing.
Councilmember Knox White moved approval of reopening the resolution declaring the emergency [paragraph no. 21-__].
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5.
***
CONSENT CALENDAR CONTINUATION
(21- A) Resolution No. 15791, “Continuing the Declaration of the Existence of a Local Emergency in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Consistent with Government Code Section 8630(c).” Adopted.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer read the proposed resolution terms; stated that she will not be supportive of continuing the state of emergency in the City; prior to COVID-19, the State was under a state of emergency declaration due to a 2018 wildfire in Paradise; things will happen when the City decides to lift the state of emergency; due to cooperation from community members, the numbers of vaccinated people should increase; the matter will return to Council in 60 days; it is important for community members to be thinking about the appropriate time to lift the emergency declaration; the vaccination percentage will not reach 100%.
Councilmember Daysog stated that he has previously asked the City Attorney’s office to compile bullet points on implications for renters and small landlords; the matter is important; as long as the state of emergency is in place, small landlords and renters are caught in certain policies put into place within the City; small landlords are suffering from the effects of the pandemic; expressed support for extending the public health emergency; stated impacts continue; stated the bullet points compiled by the City Attorney’s office indicate results of not extending the health emergency; concerns of renters and small landlords will weigh heavily when the matter returns in 60 days.
Councilmember Knox White moved adoption of the resolution.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: No; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 4. Noes: 1.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS CONTINUATION
(21- ) Recommendation to Approve the City of Alameda’s Investment Policy.
The City Treasurer and Finance Director gave a brief presentation.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer moved approval of the recommendation.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she agrees with streamlining the process going forward; Council received correspondence related to the social responsibility aspects of the policy.
The City Treasurer stated the correspondence includes great suggestions about modifications to consider for the environmental and social governance part of the Investment Policy; he is open to the proposed ideas; recommended Council discuss the proposal and vet through outside managers to ensure implementation capabilities; stated Council can then develop a policy for annual reports; the priority this year was to ensure the Finance Department is able to accommodate the process; he is happy to receive recommendations for next year’s policy.
Councilmember Knox White seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember Knox White inquired whether the matter can return sometime in the fall to start the discussion about Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) scores and ensure Council can provide direction for next year.
The City Treasurer responded in the affirmative; stated the process should begin in order to return with a finished product in time; the policy cannot be implemented overnight; great ideas have been proposed and implementation in the next round can be discussed.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for the correspondence as well as the matter returning for Council discussion in the fall.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5.
(21- _ ) Recommendation to Accept Update on Progress To Date Addressing Police Reform and Racial Equity; Provide Direction on a Pilot Mental Health Response Program; and Consideration of a Draft Work Plan for the Remaining Topics.
The Assistant City Manager gave a Power Point presentation.
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(21-_ ) Vice Mayor Vella moved approval of allowing additional time to complete the presentation.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5.
***
The Assistant City Manager completed the Power Point presentation.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the City is considering a no-bid process for the Felton Institute option; questioned the process for considering an open-bid.
The City Manager responded the City spoke with several organizations; stated the Felton Institute has the desired type of alternative Police response; staff can submit a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in order to perform a pilot program and find organizations which have the capabilities.
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(21- ) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated a motion is needed to consider remaining agenda items past 11:00 p.m.; she is not supportive of continuing the meeting past 12:00 a.m.
The City Clerk stated public hearings will need to be continued to a date and time certain.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the Call for Review [paragraph no. 21-__] is able to be continued to another date.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft responded the matter needs to be heard by the first meeting in July; expressed support for continuing the matter to July 6th at 6:59 p.m.
The City Clerk stated Council may continue the matter to a date and time specific; the timing for the Call for Review allows for the matter to be heard at the July 6th Council Meeting.
Councilmember Knox White expressed support for continuing the matter to 5:00 p.m.
Councilmember Know White moved approval of continuing the Call for Review [paragraph no. 21-__] to 5:00 p.m. on July 6, 2021.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5.
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Stated the City needs to be thinking of its game plan for getting the Police budget down over the next several years; resources need to be redistributed in order to take care of people rather than being exposed to violence: Josh Geyer, Transform Alameda.
Discussed feedback from the pilot mental health response models; stated none of the options stress and emphasize moving away from Police response to mental health; the goal may be insinuated by the two Fire Department options; however, the goal is not specifically listed; the Felton Institute requires Alameda Police Department (APD) to respond; Council has discussed not having Police respond to mental health crisis calls for service; urged Council to consider whether the proposed programs align with Council direction from March 16th and whether the options proposed provide immediate harm reduction: Savanna Cheer, Alameda.
Urged Council to reject the Felton Institute proposal as-written; stated the proposal requires APD to respond and is directly contradictory to Council direction; it is important to select a pilot program which can be implemented quickly; the City cannot put off providing non-Police response to mental health crises; urged Council address how to direct 911 calls for service away from APD; stated that she is hopeful one of the Fire Department proposals can be structured to redirect Police responses; urged Council to act decisively in selecting a pilot program and direct the City Manager to begin as soon as possible: Lorin Laiacona Salem, Alameda.
Stated the City needs to take responsibility for not making needed changes; Council is still debating what to do or which idea is best; a man died while a decision was waiting to be made; compassionate care for vulnerable neighbors is needed now; discussed correspondence; stated none of the proposals are ideal; expressed support for a temporary solution being implemented; stated Council could have and still can temporarily authorize the Alameda Fire Department (AFD) to answer calls for services; expressed concern about the Felton Institute options due to strong collaboration with law enforcement: Jenice Anderson, Alameda.
Stated many people have been calling for non-Police mental health response programs since last July and a program is still not in-place; there is a pressing need for harm reduction; discussed the death of Mario Gonzalez; stated the Felton Institute requires tandem Police response; previous Council direction has been clear about not wanting Police response; urged Council to reject the Felton Institute proposal; expressed support for the first AFD option; stated the second AFD option is unwise due to limited funds; AFD does not have to be the sole solution to mental health crises calls: Carly Stadum-Liang, Alameda.
Questioned how the proposals are consistent with actions taken May 8th and with the community-led process; stated the proposals do not go far enough; discussed a letter submitted by the Unbundling Police Services Subcommittee; stated mental health response should include mental health professionals; mental health response should not include a Police Officer; the City should be working with the Alameda County regarding 5150 holds and expand the credentialing process to include people other than Police Officers: Erin Fraser, Alameda.
Stated people have asked for no Police response; however, the recommendations include Police response; she is unsure whether the result is due to lack of communication or understanding; mental health should not be met with Police response; mental health response should be met with mental health providers; the recommendations appear to add Police services and do not make sense: Melodye Montgomery, Alameda.
Expressed support for budget changes which support mental health response: Sofia Coffin, Alameda High School.
Stated the work plan for a Citizen Oversight Board was not included in the budget; additional funding for the work plan is necessary; urged Council to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to implement any unfunded priorities and to further bolster the pilot program and other Police reform efforts; stated there is a unique opportunity to fund one-time setup costs to jump start innovative approaches to community safety and support; changes may take time and adjustments can be made; the public is happy to work with staff to further define matters: Jacqueline Zipkin, Alameda.
Stated the pilot programs do not sway away from Police response, which has been greatly stressed by the community; Police do not need to be responding to mental health crises; pilot programs need to be available 24 hours, 7 days a week; mental health crises do not stop during nighttime periods or weekends; if the Fire First option had been in place, Mario Gonzalez may still be alive; urged Council not make a decision on the matter and have staff return with a better pilot program option, which does not include APD response; expressed support for the Fire First option: Vinny Camarillo, Alameda.
Stated Police should not be responding to mental health calls; the community has made recommendations clear; mental health professionals should be responding to mental health emergencies for the health and safety of all; urged Council be bold: Seth Marbin, Alameda.
Discussed not calling the Police and calling the Fire Department instead; stated multiple family members have had mental health crises; she has feared Officers responding to calls; Officers responding to calls with handcuffs needs to stop; mental health providers need to show up first and be available 24 hours, 7 days a week; urged Council to provide a response which is appropriate; stated the City should not trade safety for financial harm; urged Council look closely at response fees: Jennifer Rakowski, Alameda.
Discussed Council meeting Rules of Order: Zac Bowling, Alameda.
Stated Police should not be responding to mental health calls; Council would respond differently and quickly had incidents occurred with white people and Police; a non-Police response is needed; urged Council to reject the Felton Institute program option; stated Council is setting a pattern of decisions and recommendations being ignored; harm needs to be prevented now; urged Council to listen to requests being made; stated funds are available through ARPA; change is needed now: Alexia Arocha, Alameda.
Discussed her experience needing help with a mental health emergency; stated Police have been professional; however, Police needed to be educated; noted the cost for the ambulance ride was roughly $2,500; stated Council needs to inform people about emergency costs: Janet Gibson, Alameda.
Urged Council to vote for one of the first two options; stated perfect is the enemy of the good; the City cannot delay; improvements and changes can be made to the pilot program as it progresses; noted support for community crisis care responders: Laura Cutrona, Alameda.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft requested clarification of program details.
The City Manager stated Council has instructed staff to have a pilot program in place by the summer; noted both proposed programs can be in place within 30 to 60 days once approved; stated both proposed programs will have to operate and grow through the year and are intended to have a non-Police response; County rules about clearing 911 calls; protocols will have to be developed and approved at the County level for matters such as 5150 holds; currently, only Police Officers can determine a 5150 hold; both programs can eventually evolve and have less Police response; the pilot program is moving the City towards an alternative; neither program states Police are required to respond; however, Police might have to respond depending on protocols; both programs can highlight abilities and alternatives; the two recommended programs are the most viable options found for the timeline and capacity desired.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft requested clarification about Police response and program details from the Felton Institute.
Al Gilbert, Felton Institute, stated the Felton Institute is one of the largest and most successful mental health providers in the Bay Area operating over 60 programs in five Northern California counties; Felton Institute offers specialty programs including: providing mental health services for the deaf population and early psychosis and schizophrenia bipolar programs in five counties; the program has intensive case management; all 5150 holds in San Francisco are released to the Felton Institute mental health staff; outlined the list of justice service programs; stated all four programs deal with re-entry and keeping people out of the jail system; San Francisco Suicide Prevention merged with the Felton Institute two years ago; the Suicide Prevention program served over 50,000 people last year; the Felton Institute responds to all mental health and emergency crisis calls for people that are suicidal in San Francisco; the Felton Institute manages five emergency hotlines 24 hours, 7 days a week; the Felton Institute is best prepared to respond to mental health issues and provides Police and Fire Department training; the Felton Institute has over 30 mental health programs, eight of which are social justice programs.
Curtis Penn, Felton Institute, stated the training in the Fire Department is uniquely different from providing mental health services; the work currently performed in San Francisco under the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program, helps train law enforcement around motivational interviewing, harm reduction modality, wellness recovery action plan, and thinking for change, in order to change the organizational culture of the Police Department; noted many Officers can be heavy-handed or punitive when dealing with individuals with mental health attributes; the Felton Institute LEAD program addresses the issue of providing organizational change to Police and allows a pre-booking process; the LEAD program diverts individuals to clinical case re-entry management and connects people to services to address immediate and long-term needs; the Felton Institute Felton Engagement Specialist Team (FEST) works with a healthy street operations center; stated the program helps homeless individuals who have been criminalized due to behavioral mental health; FEST works closely with law enforcement for the healthy street operations center initiative and provides motivational interviewing and harm reduction by giving people a social justice restorative justice lens; FEST goes out and operates proactively and reactively in the community, while engaging individuals where they are located and providing documentation when needed; mental health is extremely important; however, efforts from the Felton Institute do not stop at mental health; once a connection is made, mid-support and documentation is provided on a continuum level of care; outlined the supporting treatment and reducing recidivism program that works with citizens being discharged by connecting people with services around housing and mental health; stated the goal is to provide sustainable housing, connection to mental health services and working with medical clinicians in order to triage for the proper programs; mental health providers need to be first responders.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the model being proposed requires a Police Officer to go to a call.
Mr. Gilbert responded in the negative; stated the programs in San Francisco and Alameda County do not require Police to be present; the City would decide who would go to 911 calls; the Felton Institute has hotlines it runs, which could receive any calls directly to respond to people in crisis; the program proposed is a 24 hour mental health service program, not a crisis response program; the programs are staffed with a majority of people of color, which is a majority of the people being served; the agency is extremely diverse; staff reflects the clients served.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the Felton Institute has a vehicle, to which Mr. Gilbert responded in the affirmative; stated two of the three agency vehicles are parked at the headquarters on Atlantic Avenue; an additional vehicle will be added and was included in the proposal.
In response to Councilmember Knox White’s inquiry regarding a crisis response program not being proposed, Mr. Gilbert stated the program is not only a model to respond when someone in crisis, but support provided will include people in the field working with landlords, store owners, Police, training and constantly working with people; the goal is to create more functionality, particularly around the homeless, mentally ill people and people with a drug addiction; people will not be served to remain in their current status; more functionality is needed; a movement system is needed to eliminate or reduce the number of homeless people in Alameda County and make sure people have access to mental health services.
Councilmember Knox White inquired whether the Felton Institute is offering the same program somewhere else.
Mr. Gilbert responded the approaches are new; stated the issues are everywhere; Oakland decided to go with the Fire Department due to social unrest and people not being satisfied with the options; the Felton Institute can provide the whole group of services; the Felton Institute already does all of the services, just not in a single program; outlined services and staff service providers.
Councilmember Daysog provided a scenario of a woman yelling for 40 minutes at 1:15 a.m.; inquired how the Felton Institute would respond and interact with Police.
Mr. Penn responded immediately building a rapport with the individual is important; stated information would be gathered; the goal is to immediately deescalate the situation; intake questions and an assessment would be done to create a plan of care with a clinician.
Councilmember Daysog stated the scenario is 1:15 a.m.
Mr. Penn stated the Felton Institute would have a clinician responding.
Mr. Gilbert stated the Felton Institute is very data driven, stays in contact with all clients and has client profiles; the person would be directed to support services.
Councilmember Daysog inquired what the Felton Institute would do if the Police also show up.
Mr. Penn responded there are variables; everything is done on a case by case basis; law enforcement would be told: “We got it; the situations has been deescalated; the person is calm; law enforcement is no longer needed.”
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the third bullet point for Option 1 says that until the Fire Department gets 5150 certification, the Police will still have to come out.
The City Manager responded the Fire Department is currently working with Alameda County regarding the 5150 requirement; stated if the programs started tomorrow morning, both would require the Police Department to respond to a 5150 call because in Alameda County, only a Police Officer can make the 5150 determination.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the Felton Institute is also working on the 5150 requirement, to which the City Manager responded the City would work towards it with either option; he does not know whether either option has a better chance; the Fire Department has had communication with Alameda County.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the Felton Institute is not able to handle 5150.
Mr. Penn responded in the affirmative; stated the Felton Institute is working with individuals reentering from correctional facilities and meets with them prior to being in a situation where a 5150 is needed.
In response to Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft’s inquiry regarding San Francisco, Mr. Penn stated San Francisco law enforcement handles 5150 calls.
Mr. Gilbert stated the Fire Department responds to situation requiring care.
Vice Mayor Vella inquired how Dispatch and calls to the non-emergency line would work under the Fire Forward model; requested the Fire Department to address how the model would address Police involvement.
The Interim Fire Chief responded the Fire Forward model is designed to respond without Police in most instances; stated in a instance where there could be potential for violence, the Police would be needed; many responses do not require Police; Fire is already a first responder; the Fire Department has its own Dispatch Center; 911 calls initially go through the Police Department Dispatch Center; calls for Fire response are transferred.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired who would make the determination about a non-violent, non-combative, behavioral health emergency for a client that does not need to be restrained or have a medical complaint.
The Interim Fire Chief responded it is typically decided at the answer point; stated when a call comes in, the Police Dispatch would decide whether to transfer the call to the Fire Dispatch Center.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the Fire Department would not be involved in the decision since the Dispatch Center makes the determination, to which the Interim Fire Chief responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer expressed appreciation; stated that she plans to support the first responders; the Fire Department already has relationships and is in the community all the time.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer moved approval of supporting Option 1 [Fire Department Fire Forward Response Pilot].
Vice Mayor Vella stated that she has a question about calls to the non-emergency line that resulted in two high profile incidents; her frustration is Council has asked to know how the Dispatch process is going to be addressed; the City can move to Option 1 or 2, but she is very concerned about how Dispatch decisions will be made to ensure there is a non-Police response; outside of whatever selection is made, she is looking for something from the City Manager relative to addressing the overall process for dispatching.
Councilmember Knox White seconded the motion.
Under discussion, the City Manager stated once an option is selected, the Police Chief would work with Dispatch to create a system how to move certain calls.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated Council gave direction on May 8th to begin immediate training for Dispatchers not to have mismatched responses as before; inquired whether the City Manager is waiting to do the training once an option is selected.
The City Manager responded the agency needs to be selected to allow Dispatch to move the response.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated it is moving the response, but it is also training.
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(21- ) Vice Mayor Vella moved approval of extending the meeting until 12:30 a.m.; stated that she would like to finish the item tonight.
Councilmember Knox White seconded the motion.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated a motion was previously made about when the meeting would end.
On the call for the question, the motion, which required four affirmative votes, failed by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: No; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: No. Ayes: 3. Noes: 2.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the item is important; Council should not rush to finish at 12:30 a.m.; she agrees with a previous speaker that some rules might need to be changed.
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The Police Chief outlined the process for calls coming into Dispatch.
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(21- ) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft moved approval of the matter being continued to a date certain, July 6, 2021; stated that she would commit to putting the item after the Wellness Center.
The City Clerk stated the motion should include the 5:00 p.m. time and order does not need to be specified.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye. Ayes: 4. [Note: Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft did not record a vote.]
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Vice Mayor Vella stated there is a motion on the floor [approval of Option 1].
Vice Mayor Vella moved approval of calling the question.
Councilmember Herrera Spencer seconded the motion, which failed by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: No; Herrera Spencer: Aye; Knox White: No; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: No. Ayes: 2. Noes: 3.
(21- ) Recommendation to Receive Direction from City Council Regarding Uses for a Potential Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Grant Award. Not heard.
(21- ) Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of Resolution Amending Master Fee Resolution No. 12191 to Add and Revise Fees. Not heard.
(21- ) Public Hearing to Consider Collection of Delinquent Integrated Waste Management Accounts via Property Tax Bills. Not heard.
(21- ) Public Hearing to Consider a Call for Review of the Historical Advisory Board’s Decision to Approve Certificate of Approval No. PLN20-0431 to Allow the Demolition of Two Main Buildings and Four Accessory Buildings at 620 Central Avenue (the “McKay Wellness Center Project”) and Adoption of Resolution Approving Certificate of Approval Application No. PLN20-0431 to Allow the Demolition of Two Main Buildings and Four Accessory Buildings at 620 Central Avenue (The “McKay Wellness Center” Project). Continued to July, 6, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
Not heard.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
Not heard.
COUNCIL REFERRALS
(21- ) Consider Adoption of Resolution Supporting the Goal of Reaching 100% Zero Emission Vehicle Sales in California by 2030. (Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft) Not heard.
(21- ) Considering Having an Introduction and Update from the New Police Chief regarding Strategies to Address Crimes. (Councilmember Herrera Spencer) Not heard.
(21- ) Considering Directing Staff to Provide an Update on License Plate Readers. (Councilmember Herrera Spencer) Not heard.
(21- ) Consider Directing Staff to Publically Share Information on Parking Recreational Vehicles. (Councilmember Herrera Spencer) Not heard.
(21- ) Consider Directing Staff to Address Representation for Below Market Rate Homeowners on Homeowner Association (HOA) Boards and with Property Management. (Councilmember Herrera Spencer) Not heard.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(21- ) Mayor’s Nominations for Appointment to the Historical Advisory Board, Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, Planning Board and Public Art Commission. Not heard.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 12:00 a.m. with items continued to July 6, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.