ALBANY CITY COUNCIL – MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Monday, February 06, 2023
1 SPECIAL MEETING – CLOSED SESSION: 6:15 PM
1. CALL TO O
RDER / ROLL CALL
Present: Council Members Hansen- Romero, Jordan and López , Vice Mayor Miki , Mayor Tiedemann
Absent: None
2. CLOSED SESSI
ON
2-1. Confere
nce with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Gov. Code 54956.9(d)(1).) City of Albany v. Albany Lions Club, Lions International, et al.
Alameda County Superior Court, Case No. 22CV010822
3. ADJOURNMENT
OF SPECIAL MEETING – CLOSED SESSION
REGULAR MEETING: 7:00 PM
1. CALL TO O
RDER / LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Council Member Hansen-Romero read the Albany Land Acknowledgement Statement as adopted by the City Council per City of Albany Minute Action, November 15, 2021.
2. ROLL CALL
P
resent: Council Members Hansen- Romero, Jordan and López, Vice Mayor Miki, Mayor Tiedemann
Absent: None
3. REPORT
ON ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION, IF ANY
Mayor Tiedemann announced no reportable action from Closed Session.
4. CEREMONI
AL MATTERS
4-1. Procl
amation – Black History Month
Council Member López presented the proclamation to Alexia Ritchie, AUSD Black Parent Advisory Group , and Cynthia Kamau, President of Albany High School Black Student Union.
5. CITY MANAG
ER REPORT
City Manager N
icole Almaguer reported information about Black History Month events has been posted at the Community Center and on the City’s website. Installation of the Kains and Adams Bikeway Pilot Project is complete, and mailings have gone out about the project . Staff will monitor the pilot project throughout the year and report to the Transportation Commission and the Council regarding effectiveness of the project. The Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC) is leading the development of three projects that complement the City’s improvements to the San Pablo Avenue Corridor. •
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Date approved: February 21, 2023
ALBANY CITY COUNCIL – MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Monday, February 06, 2023
2 More information about the projects can be obtained by emailing [email protected], calling 510- 208-7400 or viewing the website (alamedactc.org/sanpablo). A draft Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP), which helps identify priorities to enhance traffic safety for all modes of transportation and for all ages and abilities, is available for review and comment until February 17, 2023 at albanysafestreets.com. The ball fields at Ocean View Park and Memorial Park will reopen this week after being refreshed over the winter. The grass lawn at Jewel’s Terrace Park and a portion of the south lawn at Memorial Park will reopen later to allow additional grass growth. Staff will continue to post pavement rehabilitation updates to the City’s website (albanyca.org/constructionalerts), and community members can sign up for e - notifications on the webpage. A presentation of tax services for seniors is scheduled for Thursday from February 9, 2023 through April 13, 2023 at the C ommunity Center.
Appointments are required and may be made by stopping by the Senior Center or calling 510-524-9122. The Recreation & Community Services Department will host a Paratransit Workshop on February 17, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Senior Center. The City continues to accept applications for vacant Advisory Body seats. The application is available on the City’s website or at City Hall.
A summary of public comment is as follows: a question regarding the City’s preparation for the expiration of Assembly Bill (AB) 361; a suggestion to hold a public meeting regarding the Kains and Adams Bikeway Pilot Project.
City Manager Almaguer noted that Item 7- 6 on the Consent Calendar continues AB 361 which allows video and teleconference of meetings. Staff will pursue different avenues to obtain public input regarding the Kains and Adams Bikeway Pilot Project.
City Attorney Mala Subramanian advised that AB 2449 took effect January 1, 2023.
Council Members are able to participate virtually for just cause reasons or emergency reasons for limited occurrence.
6. GOOD OF THE CITY/PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Tiedemann opened the Good of the City.
A summary of public comment is as follows: opposition to horse racing; the cross on Albany Hill supports diversity; the e-News should publicize school and community events; a suggestion to utilize Juneteenth for a community dialog on race; a suggestion to increase the number of crossing guards; more infrastructure for bikes and scooters is needed to help reduce the number of vehicles on roadways; the cross on Albany Hill does not represent the strengths of the City of Albany; question on the race and ethnicity of past consultants hired by the City.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
7-1. Minutes, January 17, 2023
Staff Recommendation: Approve
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ALBANY CITY COUNCIL – MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Monday, February 06, 2023
3 7-2. Ratification of Payroll – Date Paid 1/27/2023: Net Amount $345,105.84, Taxes/Benefits/Deductions $370,464.97, Total Payroll $715,570.81
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 $291,829.99 (1/13/2023), $43,463.23 (1/20/2023), $1,586,278.88 (1/27/2023)
Staff Recommendation: Ratify
7-4. Advisory Body Appointments:
• Dan Lieberman by Mayor Tiedemann to the Climate Action Committee • Harry Chomsky by Mayor Tiedemann to the Transportation Commission • Michael Barnes by Council Member Hansen-Romero to the Transportation Commission
Staff Recommendation: Information Item
7-5. Advisory Body Appointments for City Council Ratification:
• Francesco Papalia recommended for appointment to the Financial Advisory Committee by Vice Mayor Miki
• Nori Hudson recommended for appointment to the Planning & Zoning Commission by Council Member López
• Brian Johns recommended for appointment to the Policing Commission by Council Member López
Staff Recommendation: Ratify
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. 2023- 04, allowing for video and teleconference meetings during the COVID -19 state of emergency under AB 361
Mayor Tiedemann asked if anyone wishes to remove items from the consent calendar.
Members of the public removed Items 7-4 and 7-5.
A summary of public comment is as follows: concern regarding the same community members being appointed to Advisory Bodies; an inquiry as to the process for filling Advisory Body seats when Council Members do not appoint community members.
Council Member Jordan suggested the Mayor could fill vacant seats on Advisory Bodies if Council Members did not make their appointments within 45 days. •
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ALBANY CITY COUNCIL – MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Monday, February 06, 2023
4 MOTION:
Moved by Council Member Jordan, seconded by Vice Mayor Miki, to approve the consent calendar.
AYES: Council Members Hansen- Romero, Jordan and López , Vice Mayor Miki, Mayor Tiedemann
NOES: None
Motion carried and so ordered.
8. PRESENTATION
8-1. Presentation from Rewiring America – Rewiring America Mayors and Municipal Leaders for Electrification Coalition
Climate Action Committee Recommendation: The Climate Action Committee recommends that the Mayor and each individual Council Member join Rewiring America’s Mayors and Municipal Leaders for Electrification Coalition
Staff Recommendation: That the Council receive a presentation from Rewiring America staff on the Rewiring America Mayors and Municipal Leaders for Electrification Coalition. Individual Council Members interested in joining the Coalition and signing the pledge are encouraged to do so at www.rewiringamerica.org/policy/mayors-for-electrification.
Sustainability Coordinator Elizabeth Carrade presented the staff report. The Climate Action Committee received a presentation by Rewiring America in January 2023.
Rahul Young, Director of Local Engagement for Rewiring America, reported 87% of carbon emissions nationally come from various forms of energy, and 1 billion machines need to be electrified. Efficient, electric machines must become the most affordable, convenient, and accessible machines to purchase and install. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will jumpstart the electrification movement because it provides thousands of dollars for households to go electric. Rewiring America’s website provides guides and calculators for understanding the IRA. The purpose of the Mayors and Municipal Leaders Coalition is to advocate for electrification and provide information to communities.
A summary of Council comment is as follows: encouragement for Council Members to join the Mayors and Municipal Leaders Coalition; appreciation for the pledge stating homeowners and renters at every income level, but it should also state businesses of all sizes.
8-2. Presentation from Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District
Ryan Clausnitzer, General Manager of the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District (District), reported the District provides mosquito control in the San Francisco Bay area.
The District has the authority to impose taxes, form boards, and abate or impose fines for •
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ALBANY CITY COUNCIL – MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Monday, February 06, 2023
5 mosquito control. The Culex species of mosquito is native to California, spreads the West Nile Virus and Saint Louis Encephalitis Virus, and bites from evening to morning. The Aedes species is an invasive mosquito, spreads dengue, zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya, and bites primarily during the day. Public education and water treatment are the main methods of mosquito control. The District tests trapped mosquitoes for arboviruses and treats areas as needed.
A summary of Council comment is as follows: the District improves the quality of life for Alameda County residents on a relatively small budget; a suggestion for staff to review the requirements for junction boxes on a stormwater drain to ensure water cannot stand in the outlet.
9. PUBLIC HEARING
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
10-1. Additional Funding for Heat Pump Rebate Program
Climate Action Committee Recommendation: That Council appropriate an additional $65,000 for the heat pump rebate program, increase the rebate program contractor signing bonus to $750, and make contractors who register for the TECH program eligible for the signing bonus
Staff Recommendation: That Council amend the Heat Pump Rebate Program to increase the program’s budget by $65,000, increase the rebate program contractor signing bonus to $750, and make contractors who register for the Technology and Equipment for Clean Heating (TECH) program eligible for the signing bonus
Community Development Analyst Michelle Plouse presented the staff report. The Heat Pump Rebate Program (Program) was created in March 2022 to provide rebates for the purchase of heat -pump heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. All buildings in Albany and any licensed contractor are eligible for the Program provided permits are filed after June 1, 2022. After receiving a permit, a homeowner or contractor may complete an application form. Staff confirms the applicant’s eligibility and r ebate amount and issues a rebate once they receive a building inspection record for the project.
Twenty-three rebates have been reserved or paid, and 5% of the original $40,000 allocation remains. The rebate amount averages $1,600 with a high of $5,000 and a low of $750. More than 80 people attended a webinar hosted by the City and the Bay Area Regional Energy Network ( BayREN). Staff participated in approximately 50 follow -up conversations. A contractor has informed staff that he is using the Program as a sales tool.
Generally, heat pumps cost approximately $7,000 more than a gas furnace. The rebates covered about 10% of the total project costs. Additional programs for heat -pump HVAC systems are BayREN, federal tax credits, TECH, and the High -Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA).
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ALBANY CITY COUNCIL – MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Monday, February 06, 2023
6 A summary of public comment is as follows: a suggestion for a specific tax for electrification.
A summary of Council comment is as follows: more advertising may increase contractor participation; interest in attributing Program funding to Measure DD revenues in the future; for ducted HVAC systems, a proposal to maintain the $3,000 subsidy for low - income households, create a $2,000 subsidy for moderate- income households, and reduce the subsidy for above- moderate-income households to $1,000; a preference to keep calculations simple; concern about providing opportunities for low -income households to participate in climate programs; the Program will never cover the full cost of a project.
MOTION:
Moved by Council Member Jordan, seconded by Vice Mayor Miki, to:
1. A mend the Heat Pump Rebate Program to increase the p rogram’s budget by $65,000,
2. A djust the tiers for ducted systems to $1,000 for above- moderate-income households, $2,000 for moderate-income households, and $3,000 for low-income households,
3. Adjust the tiers for ductless systems to $500 for above- moderate-income households, $1,000 for moderate-income households, and $1,500 for low-income households,
4. Adjust the tiers for electric panel upgrade to $500 for above- moderate-income households, $1,000 for moderate-income households, and $2,000 for low-income households,
5. I ncrease the rebate program contractor signing bonus to $750, and
6. M ake contractors who register for the Technology and Equipment for Clean Heating (TECH) program eligible for the signing bonus.
AYES: Council Members Hansen- Romero, Jordan and López, Vice Mayor Miki, Mayor Tiedemann
NOES: None
Motion carried and so ordered.
10-2. Youth and Youth-Related City Advisory Body Seats
Ad Hoc Committee (Council Members Jordan and Hansen- Romero) Recommendation: That the Council authorize a Council Member or Ad Hoc Committee to discuss with the Board of Education proposed changes to the seats it has previously appointed
Council Member Jordan presented the Ad Hoc Committee’s memorandum. The Ad Hoc Committee recommends the first seat on an Advisory Body nominated by the Albany Unified School District (AUSD) Board of Education (Board) be a student of any school in the City of Albany; the second seat on an Advisory Body nominated by the Board be an adult who is engaged with youth but who may live outside the City of Albany; and the City and the Board partner to recruit for the seats. In addition, the Ad Hoc Committee •
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ALBANY CITY COUNCIL – MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Monday, February 06, 2023
7 recommends a Council Member or Ad Hoc Committee member discuss the proposed changes with the Board.
A summary of public comment is as follows: a preference to leave the nominations to the Board as the Council previously approved.
A summary of Council comment is as follows: the previous Council did not vote on the Board nominating a student and an adult; in the past, the Board was required to appoint a student to the Climate Action Committee, and that was successful; a desire to allow students from all schools in Albany to serve on Advisory Bodies; allowing students and adults who do not live in Albany to serve will benefit diversity and representation; this is an opportunity to improve communications with the Board and possibly increase the number of candidates for the Board’s committees and commissions.
MOTION:
Moved by Council Member Hansen- Romero, seconded by Mayor Tiedemann, to authorize Council Member Hansen-Romero and Mayor Tiedemann as alternate to speak with the Albany Unified School District Board of Education and report back to the City Council.
AYES: Council Members Hansen- Romero, Jordan and López, Vice Mayor Miki, Mayor Tiedemann
NOES: None
Motion carried and so ordered.
11. NEW BUSINESS
11-1. Request for Financial Contribution to Upcoming Solano Avenue Association (SAA) Events
Staff Recommendation: That the Council consider a financial contribution in the amount of $35,000 to the Solano Avenue Association (SAA) to sponsor 2023 Solano Stroll and Stroll-ish events and provide direction to staff on next steps
City Manager Almaguer presented the staff report. The Solano Avenue Association (SAA) has requested the City sponsor the Solano Stroll and four Stroll-ish events that celebrate the business community and community at large. The total request is $35,000. The Council may wish to provide direction regarding an encroachment permit for the Solano Stroll and conditions such as bike parking and services. Funding options are primarily the General Fund, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and the City Council discretionary fund.
Allen Cain, Executive Director of the SAA, reported the Stroll is free to all and typically features 80 performers. Stroll-ish events are scheduled quarterly, free to the public, and themed to major events such as Juneteenth and Earth Day.
A summary of public comment is as follows: support for the City sponsoring the Stroll and Stroll-ish events with ARPA funds; support for the City contributing to the events.
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ALBANY CITY COUNCIL – MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Monday, February 06, 2023
8 A summary of Council comment is as follows: appreciation for the SAA hosting the events; a preference to budget for this contribution and not to utilize ARPA funds; support for sponsoring the Stroll and Stroll -ish events; appreciation for SAA adding events; a suggestion to use ARPA funds and to include sponsorship in future budgets;
MOTION:
Moved by Council Member Jordan, seconded by Council Member Hansen- Romero, to direct staff to authorize $45,000 from American Rescue Plan Act funds and to designate $25,000 to the Stroll and $20,000 to Stroll-ish events.
AYES: Council Members Hansen- Romero, Jordan and López, Vice Mayor Miki, Mayor Tiedemann
NOES: None
Motion carried and so ordered.
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 Tiedemann Miki
Alameda County Transportation Commission Jordan Miki
Alameda County Waste Management Authority Hansen-Romero Jordan Association of Bay Area Government Tiedemann Jordan
East Bay Community Energy JPA Board Tiedemann López
East Bay Sports Field Recreational Authority
JPA
Miki Hansen-
Romero
Housing Authority of Alameda County McQuaid N/A
League of California Cities (East Bay) Miki López
Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District López N/A
Alameda County Library Advisory Commission Jordan Tiedemann Rausser College of Natural Resources Dean’s
Advisory Committee on the Gill Tract (DAC)
López N/A
Police & Fire Pension Fund Board Tiedemann Miki
Alameda County Paratransit Advisory &
Planning Committee (PAPCO)
(Vacant) N/A
Vice Mayor Miki reported he attended the Police and Fire Pension Fund Board meeting and the Lunar New Year Festival and listened to the ACTC meeting.
Council Member López reported he attended the Dean’s Advisory Committee on the Gill Tract (DAC) where they discussed goals.
Council Member Jordan reported he attended the ACTC meeting where he learned about the 7
th Street Grade Separation East project and funding for it. •
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ALBANY CITY COUNCIL- MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Monday, February 06, 2023
Council Member Hansen-Romero reported she attended a StopWaste meeting.
A summary of public comment is as follows: It's great to see the 7th Street project in Oakland in the works.
13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Tiedemann noted work towards furthering theCity's communication methods and meeting between AUSD and the City.
A summary of public comment is as follows: a request for an agenda item regarding crossing guards.
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
1. Presidents' Day - Monday, February 20 , 2023 (City Offices Closed) Upcoming City Meetings
1. Social & Economic Justice Commission Meeting, Tuesday, February 7, 7:00 PM
2. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting, Wednesday, February 8, 7:00 PM
3. Parks, Recreation & Open Space Meeting, Thursday, February 9, 7:00 PM
4. Arts Committee Meeting, Monday, February 13, 7:00 PM
5. Climate Action Committee Meeting, Wednesday, February 15, 7:00 PM
6. City Council Meeting, Tuesday, February 21, 7:00 PM (due to Holiday on Monday)
15. ADJOURNMENT
10: 10 p.m. There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Tiedemann adjourned the meeting .
Minutes submitted by Anne Hsu, City Clerk.
Aa~
Attest:
Anne Hsu, City Clerk
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