ALBANY CITY COUNCIL – MINUTES
Virtual Meeting
Albany, CA 94706
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
1 REGULAR MEETING: 7:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
Council Member Nason read the Albany Land Acknowledgement Statement as adopted by the City Council per City of Albany Minute Action, November 15, 2021.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Council Members Gary, McQuaid, and Nason, Vice Mayor Tiedemann, Mayor Jordan
Absent: None
3. REPORT ON ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION, IF ANY
4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
5. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Almaguer reported a petition was filed by the City Attorney’s office regarding 739 Madison. Business license renewal letters were sent out, and bills are due by January 31, 2022, contact accountsreceivable@ albanyca.org for more information.
Appreciation for community participation in the Martin Luther King (MLK) holiday . Video of Representative Barbara Lee ’s MLK observance speech can be found by visiting albanyca.org. Thanks was extended to staff for work during the tsunami advisory. Eden Council for Hope and Opportunity (ECHO) Housing will conduct a Regional Fair Housing Training event on February 4, 2022, and information can be found at echofairhousing.org/events. The business and community surveys on long-term parklets have been completed. More than eighty percent of Alameda County residents are vaccinated. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is delivering free at-home COVID- 19 tests, visit special.usps.com/testkits to register.
Mayor Jordan asked if there was any public comment.
A summary of public comment is as follows: appreciation for the report; appreciation for the response to the waterfront; a question regarding whether Albany’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) responded to the tsunami warning.
City Manager Almaguer clarified that CERT is actively engaged with the City’s disaster preparedness staff regarding potential need for evacuations. Public safety staff blocked the roads leading to the waterfront during the tsunami advisory, but no evacuati on was necessary. Staff works closely with CERT and is looking forward to a more extensive partnership in the future.
6. GOOD OF THE CITY/PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Jordan opened the Good of the City.
Date approved: February 7, 2022
ALBANY CITY COUNCIL – MINUTES
Virtual Meeting
Albany, CA 94706
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
2 A summary of public comment is as follows: desire for the City to again offer the Albany Civics Academy, requested the City to provide temporary emergency shelter to persons experiencing homelessness during extreme weather , suggested the Senior C enter should have vaccination status checked before entering the facilit y, suggested the Council to consider covering the cost of liability insurance for individuals teaching at the Senior Center.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
7-1. Minutes – January 3, 2022
Staff recommendation: Approve
7-2. Ratification of Payroll – Date Paid 12/30/2021: Net Amount $ 438,518.30, Taxes/Benefits/Deductions $332,831.37, Total Payroll $771,349.67
Staff recommendation: Ratify
7-3. Ratification of Bills, Claims and Demands – Ratification of bills, claims and demands against the City of Albany in the amount of $147,827.52 (12/17/2021), $215,418.02 (12/23/2021), $469,792.85 (1/7/2022)
Staff recommendation: Ratify
7-4. Proclamation – Human Trafficking Awareness Day & Month
Council Member McQuaid recommendation: that the Council approve the proclamation in recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness Day and Month
7-5. Proclamation – Lunar New Year
Council Member McQuaid recommendation: that the Council approve the proclamation in recognition of Lunar New Year
7-6. Resolution of the Albany City Council Allowing for Video and Teleconference Meetings during the COVID-19 State of Emergency under California Assembly Bill (AB 361)
Staff recommendation: that the Council adopt Resolution No. 2022-03, allowing for video and teleconference meetings during the COVID -19 state of emergency under AB 361
7-7. Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant Program
ALBANY CITY COUNCIL – MINUTES
Virtual Meeting
Albany, CA 94706
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
3 Staff recommendation: that the Council adopt Resolution No. 2022-04, authorizing the City Manager to submit to the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery a SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant Program application and if awarded to execute associated grant agreements
7-8. Authorization to Submit Application for Caltrans Clean California Program Grant Funding and Establish the East shore Access Improvement & Litter Abatement Project (CIP No. 24012)
Staff recommendation: that the Council adopt Resolution No. 2022-05:
1. Authorizing staff to submit an application to Caltrans for the Clean California Local Grant Program for the Eastshore Access Improvement & Litter Abatement Project (CIP No. 24012); and
2. Authorizing establishment of the recommended Eastshore Access Improvement & Litter Abatement Project (CIP No. 24012); and
3. If awarded, authorizing the City Manager to execute the grant agreement and appropriating the grant funding towards the project, which will be provided to the City on a reimbursement basis for work performed
7-9. Lower Solano Avenue Curb Ramps Project (CIP No. 25011) – Closeout and Filing of Notice of Completion
Staff recommendation: that the Council adopt Resolution No. 2022-06:
1. Authorizing the City Manager to accept the improvements completed in Contract No. C20-65; and
2. Authorizing staff to file the Notice of Completion with the County Recorder’s Office
7-10. Annual Street Rehabilitation Program (CIP No. 21000) – Washington Avenue Pavement Rehabilitation Project Phase I (C20-48) – Closeout and Filing of Notice of Completion
Staff recommendation: that the Council adopt Resolution No. 2022-07:
1. Authorizing the City Manager to accept the improvements completed in Contract No. C20-48; and
2. Authorizing staff to file the Notice of Completion with the County Recorder’s Office
7-11. Advisory Body Resignation – Sheryl Black appointed by Council Member McQuaid resigned from Arts Committee
Staff recommendation: informational item
Mayor Jordan questioned if anyone wished to remove items from the consent calendar.
Council Member Nason removed Item 7-8.
ALBANY CITY COUNCIL – MINUTES
Virtual Meeting
Albany, CA 94706
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
4 Item 7-8 was removed for questions. Public Works Director Mark Hurley reported the road was designed for larger trucks to access the indu strial building. The proposed project includes installing a gate and bollards to restrict vehicular access.
A summary of public comment is as follows: appreciation for the project.
MOTION:
Moved by Council Member McQuaid, seconded by Vice Mayor Tiedemann, to approve the consent calendar.
AYES: Council Members Gary, McQuaid, and Nason, Vice Mayor Tiedemann, Mayor Jordan
NOES: None
Motion carried and so ordered.
8. PRESENTATION
9. PUBLIC HEARING
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
10-1. Final Draft of the 2021 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan
Staff recommendation: that the Council:
1. Receive and provide input on the final draft of the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan; and
2. Adopt Resolution No. 2022 -08, approving the final draft of the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan
Assistant City Manager/Recreation & Community Services Director Isabelle Leduc presented the staff report. The final draft of the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan includes modifications based on input received at the December 6, 2021, City Council meeting. A matrix of the most recent edits is included with the staff report. Staff included language concerning the California Environmental Quality Act ( CEQA) to the Resolution.
Groundworks Consultant Brennan Cox provided a summary of language modifications to the Master Plan.
A summary of public comment is as follows: a suggestion for the City to purchase portable restroom facilities.
A summary of Council comment is as follows: a suggestion for stronger language for working with the native people on Albany Hill; a suggestion to include an appendix to the City’s website identifying ownership and management; the Albany Waterfront Trail is an important recreational resource and should be included in the inventory of parkland; corrections are needed for mapping errors; a suggestion to include a reference to the ALBANY CITY COUNCIL – MINUTES
Virtual Meeting
Albany, CA 94706
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
5 Guidance section from the Systemwide Improvements section; a suggestion to adjust the Active Transportation map to include the ongoing Interstate 80/Gilman Street Interchange construction project connecting the Bay Trail with the Codornices Creek Trail.
MOTION:
Moved by Mayor Jordan, seconded by Council Member McQuaid, to adopt Resolution No. 2022 -08, with additions to include the Albany Waterfront Trail to the inventory potentially as a part of the Bulb and Buchanan easement item, and showing the route that is being constructed between Codornices Creek and the Bay Trail for pedestrians and bicyclists.
AYES: Council Members G ary, McQuaid, and Nason, Vice Mayor Tiedemann, Mayor Jordan
NOES: None
Motion carried and so ordered.
10-2. Community Satisfaction & Racial Equity Survey Services Contract Award Follow Up
Staff recommendation: that the Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2022 -02, authorizing the City Manager to execute Contract No. C22-01 with Probolsky Research for community satisfaction & racial equity survey services in an amount not to exceed $57,500 and identify a subcommittee of the City Council to coordinate with staff and the consultants to prepare the survey content; or
2. Provide direction to staff to instead prepare a Request for Qualifications specific to a racial equity survey, or potentially a more extensive racial equity engagement program, and establish a subcommittee of the Council to review proposals received to select most competitive for recommendation of a contract award to the City Council
City Manager Nicole Almaguer presented the staff report. Probolsky Research provided a supplemental narrative regarding racial equity survey work experience. If requested by Council, staff could prepare a Request for Qualifications (RFQ).
A summary of public comment is as follows: support for the Council to consider an RFQ; that Council Member Gary be appointed to the subcommittee; the Social & Economic Justice Commission (SEJC) is eager to work with Council; hiring Probolsky Research would not indicate the Council’s commitment to racial equity; opposition to the survey.
A summary of Council comment is as follows: support for the RFQ; more preliminary work might be needed before writing the RFQ; expanding the racial equity outreach to nonresidents of Albany could be useful; a recommendation for a subcommittee to work with staff on developing an RFQ.
City Attorney Mala Subramanian clarified that a committee of one Council Member and one Commissioner from the SEJC could be created, but it would be subject to the Brown ALBANY CITY COUNCIL – MINUTES
Virtual Meeting
Albany, CA 94706
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
6 Act. She indicated that the subcommittee would report to the SEJC, and the SEJC would report to the Council.
MOTION:
Moved by Mayor Jordan, seconded by Council Member Gary, to direct the Council to focus on the RFQ for a Diversity Equity and Inclusion survey.
AYES: Council Members Gary, McQuaid, and Nason, Vice Mayor Tiedemann, M ayor Jordan
NOES: None
Motion carried and so ordered.
MOTION:
Moved by Vice Mayor Tiedemann, seconded by Council Member Gary, to direct staff to prepare an RFQ regarding a DEI survey, or potentially a more extensive racial equity engagement program, and work with a Council subcommittee comprised of Council Member Gary and Mayor Jordan.
AYES: Council Members Gary, McQuaid, and Nason, Vice Mayor Tiedemann, Mayor Jordan
NOES: None
Motion carried and so ordered.
11. NEW BUSINESS
12. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS, COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS ON
APPOINTED REPRESENTATION OF ALBANY, AND OTHER MEETINGS AND EVENTS
City Council Appointed Representation
Bodies
Appointee Alternate
Alameda County Mayors’ Conference Jordan Tiedemann
Alameda County Transportation Commission Nason Jordan
Alameda County Waste Management Authority Jordan Nason
Association of Bay Area Government Gary Tiedemann
East Bay Community Energy JPA Board Tiedemann Jordan
East Bay Sports Field Recreational Authority
JPA
Nason Gary
Housing Authority of Alameda County McQuaid N/A
League of California Cities (East Bay) McQuaid Tiedemann Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District Jordan N/A
Alameda County Library Advisory Commission Gary (vacant) Alta Bates Hospital Task Force McQuaid/Nason N/A
Rausser College of Natural Resources Dean’s
Advisory Committee on the Gill Tract (DAC)
Gary N/A
City/AUSD/UC – 2X2X2 Jordan/Tiedemann N/A
ALBANY CITY COUNCIL – MINUTES
Virtual Meeting
Albany, CA 94706
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
7 Police & Fire Pension Fund Board Jordan McQuaid
Alameda County Paratransit Advisory &
Planning Committee (PAPCO)
(vacant) N/A
Council Member McQuaid reported she attended an EveryOne Home meeting and discussed the Point -in-Time (PIT) Count, which was rescheduled to February 23rd.
Additionally, she attended the League of California Cities (East Bay) Policy Committee orientation.
Council Member Nason reported she attended an Alameda Co unty Transportation Commission (ACTC) meeting. In addition, she attended a Projects Committee meeting which provided information about the Gilman Interchange Project and its progress.
Mayor Jordan reported he attended a StopWaste Programs & Administration Committee meeting which reviewed the fiscal year 2020 -21 audit report; and an Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District meeting where he was appointed Chair of its Finance Committee and learned about a universal anti -mosquito saliva vaccine; and a Mayors’ Conference to discuss funding and coordination.
13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Nason requested a future agenda item to include the updated Pavement Conditions Index (PCI) report.
14. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CITY MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Upcoming City Events – please check on City website www.albanyca.org under City Calendar web page for up-to-date information
Upcoming City Meetings
1. Climate Action Comm ittee Meeting , Wednesday, January 19, 7:00 PM, Virtual Meeting via phone/video conferencing
2. Charter Review Committee Meeting, Thursday, January 20, 7:00 PM, Virtual Meeting via phone/video conferencing
3. Community Media Access Committee Meeting, Monday, January 24, 6:00 PM, Virtual Meeting via phone/video conferencing
4. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting, Wednesday, January 26 , 7:00 PM, Virtual Meeting via phone/video conferencing
5. Transportation Commission Meeting, Thursday, January 27, 7:00 PM, Virtual Meeting via phone/video conferencing
6. Community Task Force o n Policing Meeting, Monday, January 31 , 7:00 PM, Virtual Meeting via phone/video conferencing
7. Social & Economic Justice Commission Meeting, Tuesday, February 1, 7:00 PM, Virtual Meeting via phone/video conferencing