From: Trish Spencer
To: Lara Weisiger
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Staff reports for Veterans Hall Date: Tuesday, November 21, 2023 2:12:18 PM
From: Leah R Fischer <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 20, 2023 11:50:26 AM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Staff reports for Veterans Hall
Hi Trish. I vote yea for improvements on the Veterans Memorial Hall.. I hope you are doing well!
Leah R Fischer
From: Trish Spencer
To: Lara Weisiger
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Vote Yes on the Vterans Memorial Building funding.
Date: Tuesday, November 21, 2023 2:10:07 PM
From: sharmaine moody <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 20, 2023 4:09:43 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Vote Yes on the Vterans Memorial Building funding.
Hi Trish,
I hope you and your family are doing well. I am writing to ask that you vote in favor of funding the improvements to the Veterans Memorial Building.
This building is an important facility in Alameda that is used by many groups and deserves to be maintained so that it will continue to serve our community just as the men and women for whom it was named did for our great country. Voting yes on the Baseline + Option 2 proposal would fund the much-needed upgrades.
Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.
Sincerely,
Sharmaine Moody
From: Donna Fletcher
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tony Daysog; Tracy Jensen; Lara Weisiger; Jennifer Ott Subject: [EXTERNAL] Comment in support of Veteran"s Option 2 Improvements (7-A) Date: Tuesday, November 21, 2023 2:04:54 PM
Dear Mayor Ashcraft and members of the Council,
This email is to add my support for all of the facility improvements the Veterans are seeking for the Veterans' Memorial Building, including Option 2, the commercial kitchen.
Reading the history of the building in the presentation for this item, and seeing how extensively the building is used, it is clear that the Veteran's Memorial Building is a multi-use, community asset--and an important "home" for Veterans in Alameda.
Please approve Option 2 improvements for the Veterans' Building. The City has a long history of commitment to the building and providing it as a resource for a host of programs and services. Let's find a way to finance the projects requested and continue this commitment to our Veterans and Alamedans.
Thank you for your consideration,
Donna T. Fletcher
112 Centre Court
From: Trish Spencer
To: Lara Weisiger
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Agenda Item 7A
Date: Tuesday, November 21, 2023 1:29:26 PM
From: Andrew Huntoon <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 20, 2023 10:31:10 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda Item 7A
Trish,
I urge you to Vote YES on the Baseline + Option 2. Support our men and women who have always support us.
Andrew Huntoon
1520 Stanton St.
Alameda, CA 94501
From: Trish Spencer
To: Lara Weisiger
Subject: Fwd: Alameda Veterans Memorial Building
Date: Tuesday, November 21, 2023 1:29:03 PM
From: Edwin Jacobsen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 21, 2023 8:03:00 AM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Alameda Veterans Memorial Building
Dear Councilmember Spencer,
I urge you to vote yes in support of the funding for the needed repairs to the Alameda Veterans Memorial Building. This City made a commitment to when taking over the building from the County. It is time to live up to that commitment. Vote Yes at your City Council meeting tonight in support of the Veterans Memorial Building funding based on the staff report. I urge you to Vote Yes on the Baseline + Option 2. Support our men and women who have always supported this City and Nation.
Ed Jacobsen
The American Legion
Adjutant Post 647
From: Trish Spencer
To: Lara Weisiger
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Veterans Memorial Building
Date: Tuesday, November 21, 2023 11:11:50 AM
From: david caldwell <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 21, 2023 10:42:18 AM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Veterans Memorial Building
Council Member
We urge you to vote Yes in support of the funding for the needed upgrades to the Alameda Veterans Memorial Building. This City made a commitment when taking over the building from the County. It is time to live up to that commitment. Vote YES at your City Council Meeting on November 21 in support of the Veterans Memorial Building funding based on the staff report. We urge you to Vote YES on the Baseline + Option 2.
Support our men and women who always support us.
Pleasanton VFW
Dave Caldwell
Mobile
From: Joe
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] City Council Agenda Item 7A
Date: Tuesday, November 21, 2023 9:15:09 AM
Attachments: Letter to Council VMB.pdf
Good morning,
Please see attached. Request it be added to agenda item 7A for City Council meeting Nov 21.
Thank You
Joe
"It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves and their communities, that will make them successful human beings." Follow me:
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From: Trish Spencer
To: Lara Weisiger
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Veterans Memorial Building Renovation Date: Monday, November 20, 2023 9:04:57 PM
From: Kurt Winkowski <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 20, 2023 11:59:20 AM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Veterans Memorial Building Renovation
I urge you to vote yes on baseline renovation veterans Memorial building plus option two. I’m counting you to come through for veterans and honor our service and presence here in Alameda.
Sincerely,
Kurt T Winkowski
First Vice Commander
American Legion Post 647
From: Trish Spencer
To: Lara Weisiger
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Veterans Memorial Building
Date: Monday, November 20, 2023 9:04:29 PM
From: Donald Keleher <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 20, 2023 1:15:20 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>; Tony Daysog <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Veterans Memorial Building
Dear Mayor, Vice Mayor & Council Members
I have been informed through the Veterans Group of Alameda that the City Council will meet on November 21st and is scheduled to review its planned commitment of support to the Veterans Memorial Building. Specifically the funding based on the staff report. I respectfully request a yes vote on the Baseline + Option 2 of subject report.
Very Respectfully,
Don Keleher
[email protected]
From: Trish Spencer
To: Lara Weisiger
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Alameda Veterans Memorial Building Support Date: Monday, November 20, 2023 9:04:15 PM
Attachments: image001.png
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 20, 2023 2:26:13 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Alameda Veterans Memorial Building Support
Dear Councilmember Trish Herrera Spencer,
As a Commissioner on the Alameda County Veterans Affairs Commission (ACVAC), and the Commander, American Legion Post 647, I urge you to vote Yes in support of the funding for the needed upgrades to the Alameda Veterans Memorial Building. The City of Alameda made a commitment when taking over the building from the County. It is time for Alameda to live up to their commitment.
Earlier today, I attended a meeting of the ACVAC at the Oakland Veterans Memorial Building (OVMB) which is owned by the City of Oakland. However, the City of Oakland is now living up to their commitments to the Veteran Organizations that call the OVMB their home with numerous updates.
I was given a tour of the building and was amazed by the number of Capital Improvement Projects that Oakland has committed to.
Please, Vote YES at your City Council Meeting on November 21 in support of the Veterans Memorial Building funding based on the staff report. We urge you to Vote YES on the Baseline + Option 2.
Support our men and women who always support us.
Respectfully,
Greg Owens
Commissioner, Alameda County Veteran Affairs Commission [email protected]
510-710-2730
Greg Owens
Commander
American Legion Post 647
(510) 710-2730
From: Trish Spencer
To: Lara Weisiger
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Please vote YES on Veterans Memorial Building funding, Baseline + Option 2 Date: Monday, November 20, 2023 9:03:47 PM
From: Alana Dill <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 20, 2023 3:37:54 PM
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft <[email protected]>; Tony Daysog <[email protected]>; Malia Vella <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote YES on Veterans Memorial Building funding, Baseline + Option 2
Dear Council Members -
Alameda's veterans - and those visiting from outside our lovely city - deserve a beautiful, well-equipped place to meet up. This City made a commitment when taking over the building from the County. It is time to live up to that commitment.
Vote YES at your City Council Meeting on November 21, in support of the Veterans Memorial Building funding, based on the staff report. We urge you to Vote YES on the Baseline + Option 2.
Please support our veterans, with actions and not just words. They have given so much to support and defend Democracy.
Thank you!
Alana Guy Dill
P.O. Box 1437
Alameda, CA 94501
May the rain fall soft on your fields
From: Trish Spencer
To: Lara Weisiger
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Veterans Memorial Building
Date: Monday, November 20, 2023 9:01:31 PM
From: Carol Graham <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 20, 2023 8:26:44 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Veterans Memorial Building
I visit the Veterans Memorial building several times a week as an Alameda Reads tutor. I am happy this building has been preserved and I support further investment.
I urge you to vote Yes in support of the funding for the needed upgrades to the Alameda Veterans Memorial Building. This City made a commitment when taking over the building from the County. It is time to live up to that commitment. Vote YES at your City Council Meeting on November 21 in support of the Veterans Memorial Building funding based on the staff report. We urge you to Vote YES on the Baseline + Option 2. Support our men and women who always support us.
Thank you.
Carol Graham
733 Baywood Rd, Alameda, CA
Alameda CA
From: Trish Spencer
To: Lara Weisiger
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Veterans Memorial Building
Date: Monday, November 20, 2023 11:11:37 AM
From: ronald2622 <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 19, 2023 9:06:55 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Veterans Memorial Building
We urge you to vote Yes in support of the funding for the needed upgrades to the Alameda Veterans Memorial Building. This City made a commitment when taking over the building from the County. It is time to live up to that commitment. Vote YES at your City Council Meeting on November 21 in support of the Veterans Memorial Building funding based on the staff report. We urge you to Vote YES on the Baseline + Option 2. Support our men and women who always support us.
Thank you for your support
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
From: Trish Spencer
To: Lara Weisiger
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Support our veterans
Date: Monday, November 20, 2023 11:11:27 AM
From: Dennis Evanosky <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 19, 2023 9:12:15 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support our veterans
We urge you to vote Yes in support of the funding for the needed upgrades to the Alameda Veterans Memorial Building. This City made a commitment when taking over the building from the County.
It is time to live up to that commitment. Vote YES at your City Council Meeting on November 21 in support of the Veterans Memorial Building funding based on the staff report. We urge you to Vote YES on the Baseline + Option 2. Support our men and women who always support us.
From: Trish Spencer
To: Lara Weisiger
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Veterans memorial building
Date: Monday, November 20, 2023 11:11:08 AM
From: Joe <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 19, 2023 9:23:14 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Veterans memorial building
Dear Councilmember Trish Herrera Spencer,
I know we will see each other on Tuesday night at the City Council meeting. I am writing to bring to your attention the remarkable contributions made by the Veterans of Alameda to our community, extending far beyond their active service in the military. Many of our activities go unnoticed. We do not seek recognition for our endeavors. But I believe it is important that I highlight many examples of what we do.
As veterans, we have dedicated ourselves to serving our country and continue to provide valuable support through a multitude of services and events to our fellow veterans and the community at large. We serve as business owners, employers, employees, teachers, firefighters, and law enforcement officers, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to our community even after discharge from active duty.
The initiatives and events organized by veterans in Alameda, such as the American Legion Sponsored Oratorical, Boys and Girls State programs, the revered July 4thparade, and the solemn Memorial Day ceremony, exemplify our dedication. Additionally, we regularly host bingo events, provide meals to the homeless. The Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots program for Alameda County is run from the Clement St detachment of A company 4th Marines along with the many Veterans from the community in support. It has delivered more than 70,000 toys to disadvantaged youth in Alameda County alone annually. Additionally, we offer essential services and support to the youth and elderly members of our community.
I am reaching out to you to highlight these activities as they exemplify the steadfast commitment of veterans to the well-being and unity of our community. The tireless efforts put forth by our veterans, often behind the scenes, have significantly enriched the lives of our residents and deserve support by our City. I encourage the city administration to help raise awareness about these initiatives and offer any necessary assistance to further promote and expand these impactful programs.
By amplifying the visibility of these events and coordinating efforts with the city, we aim to widen our reach and ensure that our services positively impact as many individuals as possible. I am eager to explore ways in which the city can collaborate with our veteran community to enhance the scope and effectiveness of these valuable endeavors. Together, we can continue to foster a supportive environment and extend the positive influence of these initiatives throughout our City.
Our support for programs like Operation Dignity, Young Marines, Sea Cadets, ROTC programs, and the Alameda Little League Challenger Program can only continue as we struggle to maintain funding for these through our fundraising efforts within the community we serve.. Our veterans volunteer to staff these events to raise funds to support the programs that need our support.
It is important for us to hear your support for all Veterans as you vote for the necessary and needed updates to our Historical Veterans Memorial Building on Tuesday, Nov 21, 2023. As a city that accepted responsibility and committed to the care and upkeep of the Veterans Memorial Building in 1996, we hope to see increased support for this vital hub of veteran support.Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this matter further.
I look forward to a unanimous "AYE" vote in support of funding the staff recommended Baseline Plan + Option 2 of the staff report.
Respectfully
Joe LoParo
Veteran Memorial Building Commission, Chair
Alameda County Veteran Affairs Commision, Commissioner
Alameda Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony, Chair
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 400 Life Member, Secretary/VP Disabled Veterans of America Life Member
Marine Corps League Detachment 919 Life Member
American Legion Post 647 Service Officer
Alameda Navy League Member
Elks Lodge #1015 Member, Veterans Committee Vice Chair
From: Trish Spencer
To: Lara Weisiger
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Veterans Memorial Bldg
Date: Monday, November 20, 2023 11:10:53 AM
From: DENNIS COX <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 19, 2023 9:27:05 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Veterans Memorial Bldg
We need your help. I hope every friend I have will take the time to email our Mayor and city council members (addresses provided below) and urge them to vote yes on Staff report for improvements to the Alameda Veterans Memorial Building. We want to urge them to vote YES on the Baseline + Option 2 and show us they support the Veterans that continue to give to their communities.
Here is a sample letter
We urge you to vote Yes in support of the funding for the needed upgrades to the Alameda Veterans Memorial Building. This City made a commitment when taking over the building from the County.
It is time to live up to that commitment. Vote YES at your City Council Meeting on November 21 in support of the Veterans Memorial Building funding based on the staff report. We urge you to Vote YES on the Baseline + Option 2. Support our men and women who always support us.
You can rewrite in your own words but we need them to vote YES on Baseline + Option 2 of the Staff Report. It happens Tuesday so email them NOW PLEASE. You do not need to live here to be heard
Dennis Cox
1349 Bay St
From: Trish Spencer
To: Lara Weisiger
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Alameda Veterans Memorial Building Date: Monday, November 20, 2023 9:35:52 AM
From: Eduardo Eddie Ramirez <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, November 20, 2023 4:16:50 AM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Alameda Veterans Memorial Building
We urge you to vote Yes in support of the funding for the needed upgrades to the Alameda Veterans Memorial Building. This City made a commitment when taking over the building from the County. It is time to live up to that commitment. Vote YES at your City Council Meeting on November 21 in support of the Veterans Memorial Building funding based on the staff report. We urge you to Vote YES on the Baseline + Option 2. Support our men and women who always support us.
Sent from Gmail Mobile
Eduardo “Eddie” Ramirez, MPA
MSgt USAF (Ret)
From: Trish Spencer
To: Lara Weisiger
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] public comments for 11/21/23 City Council meeting---NO. NO, and YES Date: Sunday, November 19, 2023 7:52:53 AM
From: Shelby S <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, November 17, 2023 11:14:53 AM
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft <[email protected]>; Malia Vella <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; Trish Spencer <[email protected]>; Tony Daysog <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] public comments for 11/21/23 City Council meeting---NO. NO, and YES
Hello Councilmembers, City staff, and other interested parties--
This public comment provides my input on upcoming priorities and projects. (Not that you asked but...)
At a time when the City Council is planning to ask Alamedans to foot the bill for infrastructure repairs through a new tax (but not without first wasting $70K on a consultant to "study it"!), and in light of the budget constraints and the early stage of these projects, Councilmember Vella's concerns about priorities are well- appreciated.
Maybe it's time to rethink those priorities—starting with this meeting.
Maybe, just maybe, staff should be spending time looking for infrastructure grants instead of ones for new pools or bike lanes.
Maybe it's even appropriate for Council to forgo funding for projects like:
(1) the overpriced $30 million Swim Center
(2) the ill-advised Webster/Park St parklets project giving Rays electric another $350K
(while in the same meeting awarding him a separate $860K overpriced contract), and
(3) the related unsafe bike lane restriping on Webster—which is a high- risk/high-parking turnover street)
--or at least forgo them for the time being.
And maybe now is the time to curb spending on overpriced discretionary projects in favor of closely audited costs and competitive bids for infrastructure spending...
For example: Are you aware that the November 7 City Council meeting contained budget assignments for over $12 million?
That one meeting alone could fund 5% of the infrastructure needs.
...now that I mention it...I want to take a look at upcoming items for any unnecessary or excessive City (aka: "Public") funds, such as:
#1. Item 5-C 2023-3419: $225,000 to update the Climate Plan--must it be updated?
If so, should it cost so much? How about we wait? I think Staff could accomplish the needed changes in-house in about 2 weeks.
Also, this shouldn’t be on the consent calendar.
#2. Item 5-D 2023-3513: $1.6+ million for a roof replacement of the Mastick Center (~$1mil for 16K SF) and the Police Building ($600,000 for 10K SF). WOW is that high!!
The attached Garland contract cost per SF appears to be exorbitant and cost prohibitive:
the estimated roof replacement costs are 6x higher than all other comparable commercial roof replacement projects in the City database, which all have pricing that is consistent with eachother and statewide estimates.
By comparison, this commercial re-roofing project (w/o sheathing) should cost ~$260,000, not $1.6 million. (I made a spreadsheet) Why is the City using a contractor from Ohio? Who are these guys anyway?
Why isn’t the contract with someone local?
Aren't there DBE or local and company requirements for
public contracts?
What happened to all the local company bids? Why aren’t there any?
The contract also noted costs are subject to "Surge pricing" right now, increasing costs.
The contract has a random "multiplier“ that increases the project cost by $200,000
The Police Building was issued a roof replacement permit in 2021.
Central Bay Roofing (from Alameda) had a permit for the Police Building roof for $25K, which is 95% less than the current bid.
Also, this item shouldn’t be on the consent calendar.
This contract needs to be rebid and reevaluated—these costs are way too high.
Can’t anyone Google for cost comparisons? That’s the first thing I did, then I looked at the City’s permit database. Easy peasey. (ps. you wanna know what City buildings actually need new roofs? The Big Whites
--and the Base Reuse Department has the funds because these are income- generating properties AND reroofing was already budgeted this FY--why it hasnt started is beyond me…)
#3. Item 7-A 2023-3517: Vets Memorial Building repairs On the other hand, its nice to see this item on the calendar—its waaaay overdue and will provide City revenues and a grand public event space. Hooray! Its time to give our veterans the respect they deserve instead of just the usual lip service. Property owners have to spend money maintaining their properties so no whining. Its time for the City to fulfill their maintenance obligations. And the upcoming improvements will add value and revenue.
The faster you get this done the more income the Building can generate. Problem solved!
Heres your motto: “We can get a grant for that”.
—I have an idea: let the Historical Advisory Board do something other than be the garage-demolition approval group and let them look for grants as per their duties.
I have to note that I am was bothered by the Staff statement unilaterally declaring HAB doesn’t need to approve the plans when that actually hasn’t been confirmed by HAB review. Don’t you think it’s up to them to decide AFTER seeing the plans? You know, per the Charter and the municipal code? Plus they’re experts.
Don’t you think HAB would have some good input on the Historic Building? —Another thought: Give them back control of their own agenda that is now (illegally) controlled by City employees.
(Just a thought…)
I fully endorse this wonderful beautification project. The Veterans Memorial Building is not just a beautifully-architectured gathering space for our veterans, the stage and auditorium constitute a unique income generating event space that will provide increasing revenues for every dollar spent. Don’t short-change it. · Old smelly rug? Get rid of it. It’s a health hazard as well. · Heating system? Who needs that? Just kidding—pretty sure its mandated.
· ADA access?---required. But they must not encroach on the front exterior façade—sounds like a project for HAB…
· OMG hot water for the bathrooms? Lemme think about that one…No rationale for not doing that one. way overdue.
· Convective heaters? Agreed.
· Wood floor refinishing=more attractive rental - $$. Agreed. · Extra rooms beautified = thank you Vets, that’s a yes. Plus don’t you think they could be available to the public and will provide extra revenue? So yes to those as well.
· 100% the building needs a kitchen. As far as priorities, do the kitchen before the auditorium floors as the kitchen will add a functional benefit. Ps the small elevator is not a barrier--If you cant use a cart in the elevator, put a table inside and put trays on it.--We do that all the time in the catering industry.
· Bar? It should be lower priority but should be done. You can easily get grants for the hazard removal as well as the restoration. o Grown ups like parties with bars—you said you wanted weddings right?
o --Thats the BIG money maker
o —why would you sabotage the location after putting “all this money” into it?
o Yep, do the bar. Kitchen first, floors, then bar.
By the way--as far as the O Club already having a kitchen so the Vets Building doesn’t need one?
First of all, that place is also run down and stinky—and its on the other side of town.
And now there is almost no parking--did you know that?
You can thank AUSD and the back door of the Planning Department for that, who snuck in an illegal fenced off bus yard on the lot rented to a private party (on publicly-owned EDC property), and stealing parking from the O Club. Yay……Its fully- operational and not even permitted yet—Go figure. Welcome to Alameda.
But back to this project: I’m looking forward to watching these plans come to fruition. Cheers!