CONSISTENT WEBSITE TRAFFIC
The Livermore Downtown Inc website continues to be one of the most visited sites in the Tri-Valley, serving as a space for consumers to find local businesses and heavily visited for the Downtown events calendar which continues to be a sought after and valuable amenity by businesses and consumers alike. Website data traffic shows that we attract local, regional and national visitors.
!
!
ATTACHMENT 1
281
! ! 36
!
Livermore Downtown Inc
CONTINUED COVID-19 Crisis Support Carried over from
2020/2021
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
1) Maintained emergency communication text groups for all downtown businesses to have immediate access to information and interaction with their peers. 2) Giving downtown businesses access to our Facebook page and Social Media outreach daily as they announce new business model pivots and revenue opportunities. Over 23,000 following the Livermore Downtown Facebook Page and over 7,000 following the Instagram page.
3) Providing one-on-one assistance for small business owners navigating the Crisis Assistance Programs.
4) Tracking federal and corporate small business grants and covid crisis assistance so that our businesses get early access to vital information. 5) Communicating directly with the Police and Homeless Teams on downtown concerns expressed by downtown businesses and residents. 6) Representing CA Communities on the National Main Street Crisis Coalition as they identify and seek Grants and Foundation support for our small businesses. !
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
ATTACHMENT 1
282
! ! 37
LOOKING
AHEAD
2022/2023
/$01(%'(1#2'3")'3"#4",#$.#717$,*)17#)'#&('%')$"<#
1,'"'%$,#61*8)6#*"7#0$)*8$)9#$"#2'3")'3"#/$01(%'(15#!.# .-,6#31#*(1#,'%%$))17#)'#,'")$"-$"<#)'#&('0$71#.-&1($'(# .1(0$,1#)'#'-(#;-.$"1..1.#36$81#71018'&$"<#"13#
&('<(*%.#3$)6#&*()"1(.#*"7#7'3")'3"#.)*D16'871(.?#
,'")$"-$"<#)'#+'.)1(#(18*)$'".6$&.#3$)6#'-).$71#
'(<*"$B*)$'".#*"7#7$.,'01($"<#"13#3*9.#)'#D11&#
2'3")'3"#/$01(%'(1#*"7#)61#/$01(%'(1#F*8819#%'0$"<#
+'(3*(7G#
21/22
ATTACHMENT 1
283
! ! 38
Here are some programs and initiatives we plan to
implement in the coming year:
Residential Tenant Communication!
Livermore Downtown Inc is in the discussion phase of creating a communication program for new residential tenants moving into the Legacy Building. LDI recognizes the opportunity to create new and lasting relationships between residents and businesses within the Downtown area. LDI will create a residential welcome packet to distribute to the realtors managing the project so that they can be presented as part of their overall tenant package. We also feel that it would be a great tenant recruitment tool for the management as well. These welcome packets would include a welcome letter along with an events calendar and a business directory. The business directory would include all downtown businesses with special focus being paid attention to professional businesses within the area. This is the opportunity to make new residents aware of the accessibility and walkability of all of their personal needs that they may need to find when moving. Businesses such as local health and fitness, downtown smog and auto repair, dentists, optometrists, health and fitness, alterations, shoe repair, insurance agencies, law offices, accountants, computer repair, beauty service, home décor, veterinarian services and MORE…AND ALL WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE! Look for this program in Fall of 2022. This program will not only keep local dollars in Livermore, but will also help to reduce traffic and carbon emissions as residents can find what they need within walking distance.
Livermore Labs Partnership!
Livermore Downtown Inc is in the conception phase to create a direct partnership program with the Livermore Labs as part of their employee recruitment program.
ATTACHMENT 1
284
! ! 39
Downtown is a HUGE draw for local businesses recruiting talent. We know when companies are recruiting new employees and contract that they look to downtown as a vital amenity. We feel this partnership would not only help the labs in their recruitment process, but also help the downtown area to gain future patrons, partnerships and to help gain National attention for Livermore as a destination. We will be working with the lab and local businesses to host potential recruits, as well as presenting them with a business director and events calendar.
"Visit Livermore” Tourism Program Development Assistance ! LDI has been an active and vocal supporter of initiating a Livermore Tourism group that can help to move all of the Livermore Valley forward on the National spectrum. Yes, we want to collaborate regionally and within the Tri-Valley with all of our partners, but we also want to make sure that Livermore has a voice and a Visit Livermore group advocating for the advancement and promotion of the Livermore Valley. Livermore Downtown Inc has previously expressed this need with the City of Livermore Economic Development Director and we would like to continue to pursue this avenue and offer our full support and involvement in the process.
Develop communication protocols for Bankhead Public Space Usage !
Livermore Downtown Inc would like to assist in creating protocols for communication amongst businesses and organizations that utilize or conduct business within the shared public space and that will affect the area with noise, activity, etc. LDI has taken notice of recent events where music from a business was conflicting with music from someone using the outdoor space at Bankhead Plaza. We feel that creating communication protocols that would notify all of those users of the space of upcoming events would allow businesses and users of the space the ability to communicate in advance so that businesses can be sure to be mindful and accommodating to those in the area. Furthermore, dates shared in advance will be helpful so that businesses do ATTACHMENT 1
285
! ! 40
not book paid entertainment for those days. This communication guideline will also create an ongoing dialogue and foster positive working relationships and a community of supportive users of the Bankhead Plaza space.
Curated Experiences !
LDI is in the planning phase of collaborating with influencers to offer curated experiences to tourists and consumers. Livermore Downtown would essentially partner with local, regional and national influencers who have large active followings to create full experiences within the Livermore Downtown and Valley area. We are going to partner with local destinations as well as downtown businesses to feature a full day (or night) experience in downtown Livermore. We will feature several curated experiences and consumers can visit our website to select a curated day that they too can experience! This will serve as a tourist attraction piece, but also generate partnerships within the Livermore Valley and enforce the fact that folks can indeed have a spectacular day without ever leaving Livermore. They just need the ideas and LDI is going to offer fully curated experiences that will be available just a click away on our website!
Downtown Banners!
Livermore Downtown Inc is working with the City of Livermore’s Public Works department to procure banners with beautiful, inspiring, Livermore-centric photographs to be displayed year-round on the light poles’ banner bars downtown. These will be in rotation when event or season-specific banners are not in use and will add vibrancy to the downtown area creating an even more inviting, colorful and attractive downtown appearance.
!
ATTACHMENT 1
286
! ! 41
!
OPEN/CLOSED
BUSINESSES
2021/2022
/$01(%'(1#2'3")'3"#4",#)(*,D.#)61#'&1"$"<#*"7#,8'.$"<#
'+#;-.$"1..1.#*.#3188#*.#)61$(#1++1,).#'"#H';#8'..1.#*"7# <*$".5#I01"#)6'-<6#%'.)#,'%%-"$)$1.#*(1#.)$88#
(1,'01($"<#+('%#)61#$%&*,).#'+#J'0$7KLM?#)6$.#91*(#31#
.*3#*#"13#<*$"#'+#;-.$"1..1.#'&1"$"<#*"7#"13#H';.#
,(1*)17#+'(#'-(#2'3")'3"#*"7#8',*8#3'(D+'(,15
21/22
ATTACHMENT 1
287
! ! 42
Job Loss/Creation
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
0 5
10 15
20 25
30 June
'21
July
'21
Aug
'21
Sept
'21
Oct '21 Nov
'21
Dec
'21
Jan '22Feb '22 Mar
'22
Apr '22 May
'22
June
'22
Jobs Gained and Lost in 2021//2022
Jobs Gained Jobs Lost
!""#
##
JOBS GAINED IN 2021/2022
Last year we saw a net of +28 jobs gained,
this year we that number is up 57.14%
with +44 jobs gained
ATTACHMENT 1
288
! ! 43
Business Address Opened Closed Jobs
Gained
Jobs
Lost
Locanda Wine Bar 2293 First Street Sept '21 20
F-Bomb 21 S. Livermore Ave Nov '21 2
Purpose Built 1807 First Street Nov '21 15
Omni Fight Club 1959 Second Street Nov '21 14
Falafel N Gyro Kabab
House 2130 First Street Dec '21 3
Papa John's Pizza 1682 First Street Dec '21 10
Kokolo Donburi 2495 First Street Dec '21 7
Rusty's Bar & Grill 2327 First Street Dec '21 20
First Street Nutrition 2080 First Street Dec '21 4
The Cheese Parlor 158 Maple Street Feb '22 6
Tap 25 25 S. Livermore Ave Feb '22 5
Bodega Boheme 2080 First Street Feb '22 6
WorldView Real Estate 2222 Second Street Ste #1 Feb '22 10 Pedego Electric Bikes 1911 Second Street April '22 5
Cream 2375 Railroad Ave April '22 7
Total Jobs Gained: 89
Total Jobs Lost: 45
Net Jobs Gained: ✚ 44
Businesses Gained: 11 Businesses Lost: 4 Net businesses Gained: ✚ 7 JOBS GAINED: Last year we saw a net of +28 jobs gained, this year we that number is up 57.14% with +44 jobs gained.
BUSINESSES GAINED: Last year we saw a net of +2 businesses gained. This year we saw a 250% increase with a net of +7 businesses gained.
ATTACHMENT 1
289
RESOLUTION NO. _________
IN THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LIVERMORE, CALIFORNIA A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE 2021-2022 REPORT, AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH LIVERMORE DOWNTOWN, INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $90,000 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023
The terms and conditions in the agreement between the City of Livermore and Livermore Downtown, Inc. (LDI), approved on October 11, 2021, requires LDI to report its accomplishments during the previous year to the City and to describe the organization’s goals for the upcoming year. A copy of LDI’s Annual Report 2021/22 detailing the events and services was provided to the City and Downtown merchants as required.
LDI has requested a $90,000 grant for the period from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, for services to be provided to the City of Livermore and downtown promotional expenses for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Livermore:
1. Accepts LDI’s Annual Report 2021/2022 presented with the staff report for this resolution; and,
2. Authorizes the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit A, with LDI in an amount not to exceed $90,000, for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.
On motion of Council Member _____________________, seconded by Council Member _____________________, the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted on September 27, 2022 by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________ /s/ Jason Alcala
Marie Weber Jason Alcala
City Clerk City Attorney
Exhibit A – Agreement with Livermore Downtown Inc.
290
EXHIBIT A
291
EXHIBIT A
292
293
EXHIBIT A
294
EXHIBIT A
295
EXHIBIT A
296
EXHIBIT A
297
EXHIBIT A
298
EXHIBIT A
299
EXHIBIT A
300
EXHIBIT A
301
EXHIBIT A
302
EXHIBIT A
303
EXHIBIT A
304
EXHIBIT A
305
EXHIBIT A
306
EXHIBIT A
307
EXHIBIT A
308
EXHIBIT A
309
EXHIBIT A
310
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
ITEM NO. 7.1
DATE:
September 27, 2022
TO:
Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM:
Jeramy Young, Police Chief
SUBJECT:
Discussion and direction regarding City participation in a community gun buyback program.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City's participation in a pilot gun buyback program.
SUMMARY
In response to concerns related to gun safety, many jurisdictions are hosting gun buyback programs.
Gun buyback programs provide a public service, allowing people to safely dispose of firearms, ammunition, and related items. During the June 27, 2022 regular City Council meeting, Council directed staff to research the feasibility of hosting a gun buyback program.
DISCUSSION
The safe disposal of unwanted firearms at gun buyback events may reduce unintended access to such firearms, thereby limiting their potential to cause harm.
Staff has researched various gun buyback programs and recommends the following pilot program for the City Council consideration:
Event Sponsor and City Participation
A couple of community service organizations expressed interest in hosting a pilot program. Staff recommends that the City partner with a faith-based organization or non-profit who would be solely responsible for providing gift cards and distributing the cards to those surrendering firearms. City staff would provide event staffing, weapons safety expertise, the event site (if needed), logistics, security, weapons storage, and disposal.
Buyback Payments and Budget
Payments of $100 for operable handguns and rifles appears to be the standard; however, program sponsors should have the discretion to authorize payment of up to $200 for certain types of high-capacity 311
firearms. To avoid a single person utilizing the entire payment budget for an event, a maximum “per person” payment should be established and advertised in advance of the event. Staff suggests a maximum of three payments per person; however, additional firearms may be turned in without additional payment. Whether the payment is made in cash or gift card should be determined by the organization providing the funds. Although there is no standardized form of payment, gift cards appear to be the most common.
The budget for an event should be at least $10,000 as this amount would cover the exchange of about 100 firearms. If funds were expended early, voluntary disposals could still be completed without payment and additional events could be planned if financial partners are interested. The sponsoring community service organizations will purchase and distribute the gift cards.
Weapon disposal costs would be covered by the City but should be minimal since there is at least one no-cost option, and the other option is $533/ton.
Location and Staffing
Staff recommends hosting the event on the sponsor's private property (church, non-profit, business property, etc.), with logistical support (firearm handling, traffic management) provided by the City. It should be noted that due to the safety and security concerns related to these types of events, it may require 40-50 staff members to run safely and efficiently. This staffing requirement is manageable for a pilot event but will likely be unsustainable for any ongoing program.
Other Logistics
Any firearm (handgun, rifle, assault rifle) in any condition would be accepted; however, payments should only be made for firearms that appear to be in operable condition. All types of ammunition and magazines would be accepted without additional payment. Staff should have contingency plans in place to dispose of explosives or other hazardous materials; however, staff should not encourage anyone to bring such items to a buyback event.
All surrendered weapons should be destroyed in a timely manner to avoid property room storage burdens; however, there should be an exception for weapons that were later determined to be recovered stolen property or evidence of a specific crime. Such weapons should be held for applicable time periods established by legal protocols.
Since this would be a “no questions asked” event, in order to encourage participation, anyone would be eligible to turn in a weapon. There would be no residency restrictions requiring the presentation of identification.
FISCAL AND
ADMINISTRATIVE IMPACTS
The Police Department can accommodate a pilot (not ongoing) program within the current budget. City staff will partner with a non-profit to supply the funds for payments to those surrendering firearms.
ATTACHMENTS
Prepared by: Jason Bogerg
Police Captain
312
Approved by:
____________________________________
Marianna Marysheva
City Manager
Fiscal Review by:
____________________________________
Tina Olson
Administrative Services Director
313
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
ITEM NO. 10.1
DATE:
September 27, 2022
TO:
Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM:
Tina Olson, Administrative Services Director
SUBJECT:
Supplemental materials received prior to the meeting.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
SUMMARY
These materials were posted online and made available to the public at the same time that they were distributed to the City Council.
3.1 Livermore Hero Award presented to Bilal Shahid.
Material: Revised Proclamation
3.3 Commission for the Arts annual update presented by Chair Sabrina Ohnemus.
Material: PowerPoint Presentation
3.4 Confirmation of Advisory Body appointments to the Livermore Area Youth Advisory Commission, reappointment of members to the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District and Tri-Valley Conservancy, and direct the City Clerk to administer the oath of office.
Material: PowerPoint Presentation
4.0 Citizens Forum
Material: Public Comment Received
7.1 Discussion and direction regarding City participation in a community gun buyback program.
Material: PowerPoint Presentation
8.0 Council Committee Reports and Matters Initiated by City Manager, City Attorney, Staff, Council Members.
Material: Council Reports
314
DISCUSSION
ATTACHMENTS
1. Supplemental Materials
Prepared by: Debbie Elam
Deputy City Clerk
Approved by:
____________________________________
Marianna Marysheva
City Manager
Fiscal Review by:
____________________________________
Tina Olson
Administrative Services Director
315
f rn:clctmctfinu
of the
City of Livermore
Livermore Hero
BILAL SHAHID
September 27, 2022
WHEREAS, on April 3, 2022, Livermore resident, Bilal Shahid, was driving eastbound on Alden Lane when he saw a male lying on the sidewalk. Mr. Shahid, turned his vehicle around and stopped to check on William Kiyabu, who was unresponsive and had agonal breathing; and
WHEREAS, as Mr. Shahid called 911, Mr. Kiyabu stopped breathing and no longer had a pulse. Although Mr. Shahid had never performed or been trained in CPR, he immediately began chest compressions with guidance from Public Safety Dispatcher Shannon McGraw of Alameda County Fire, who was on the call with him; and
WHEREAS, the Livermore Pleasanton Fire Department arrived on scene and took over for Mr. Shahid who was performing "near perfect chest compressions. " Mr. Kiyabu regained a pulse at Valley Care Hospital and was in stable condition; and WHEREAS, had it not been for Mr. Shahid's heroic actions and performance of CPR, Mr.
Kiyabu would likely not have survived, as it was estimated he had suffered a medical emergency about ten minutes prior to being found;
NOW THEREFORE, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Livermore recognizes the heroic efforts of Mr. Bilal Shahid which ultimately saved a life and, on behalf of the Livermore community, declares Mr. Bilal Shahid a Livermore Hero.
Mayor Bob Woerner
�'}(, Council Member Brittni Kiick
.&k,� Council Member Patricia K. Munro
Item 3.1
Revised Proclamation
316
1 Livermore Commission for the Arts
City Council Update
September 27, 2022
What we’ve been up to
• Cultural Arts Plan
• Grants & Awards
• S
pringtown Art Investment
•
Livermore Murals Video
• Art Show Judging
• Utility Box Mural
Program
Revamp
1 2
Item 3.3
PowerPoint Presentation
317
2 Looking Forward
• Usher in the new Livermore
Cultural Arts
Plan
– Operationalizing Priorities
– Strengthen Strategic
Partnerships
– Review existing Programs &
Policies
– Encourage diverse talent for
open Commission slots
It Takes a Team…
• Commissioners
• Dedicated City Staff
• Engaged Citizens
• City Council
3 4
Item 3.3
PowerPoint Presentation
318
1 Confirmation of Advisory Body Appointments
September 27, 2022
Presented by Marie Weber, City Clerk
Livermore Area Youth Advisory Commission
(LAYAC)
Appointment of the following individuals to an unexpired term ending September 1, 2023:
•Sai Gayathri Penugonda
•William Pinkston
Appointment of the following individuals to a regular term ending September 1, 2024:
•Alexa Sumitra
•Ally Grant
•Isabel Roy
•Danielle Rasmussen
1 2
Item 3.4
PowerPoint Presentation
319
2 Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District
Reappointment to a regular term ending January 4, 2027:
•Steven Cox
Tri-Valley Conservancy
Reappointment to a regular term ending January 1, 2027:
•Scott Akin
3 Item 3.4
PowerPoint Presentation
320
From: Rob Blum
To: Cityclerk - Livermore
Subject: Disgusted with City Council
Date: Saturday, September 24, 2022 7:02:05 PM
>
>
> The Mayor and current City Council have to be voted OUT this November. John Marchand is not to be reelected..
They continue to ignore the overwhelming majority of the citizens of Livermore and have illegally defied the wishes of the citizens. The City Council has rushed behind Livermore Citizens backs for many times through out the last couple years including the recent
quick sale of Livermore’s downtown prime property to Eden Housing. > A new Mayor and a new City Council need to be elected this November that supports the will of the people and relocate Eden Housing to a better location and not in the middle of downtown. Give what the citizens have been fighting for in the past several years. Save the valuable prime Downtown property Lot for a Large Scale destination Central Park and create a place for everybody to enjoy for years to come. >
> Rob Blum
> Livermore
Item 4.0
Public Comment Received
321
From: Chuck Borzileri
To: Cityclerk - Livermore
Subject: Eden Housing
Date: Monday, September 26, 2022 7:12:19 AM
Chuck Borzileri
The Mayor and city council members have been elected to represent the citizens of Livermore. Their actions on Eden housing and refusing to accept the referendum have Illegally denied the wishes of the citizens of Livermore. They know that the citizens would have rejected the sale and location of Eden housing. YOU work for the citizens of Livermore, but are influenced by the developers?. That is a clear conflict of interest. On November 8, we will have a new Mayor and city council that represent the people of Livermore. Giving Eden housing the land and funding the purchase is criminally negligent , and they should be held accountable.
Item 4.0
Public Comment Received
322
From: BERNARD CABANNE
To: Cityclerk - Livermore; BERNARD CABANNE
Subject: Fwd: Item #4 The will of the residents must prevail Date: Tuesday, September 27, 2022 11:49:47 AM
Item # 4 Citizens Forum
Let Livermore residents vote!!! What is the city council afraid of ? Why did the city illegally keep the collected signatures for the referendum instead of turning the petitions over to the Alameda County Clerk as required by law ??? The courts, not the city, will determine the legality of the referendum.
The expedited case
will be heard in the Court of Appeals next week.
Having illegally retained the petitions, the city council compounded their deceitful actions by selling the Eden Property September 7th, just two months before the city council
election November 8th. The city council willfully denied the wishes of its residents. A new city council majority must be elected that is law abiding and serves the will of the people.
We the people, by the people, for the people…The importance of these words must be upheld in the upcoming
election…
It’s time for transparency, honesty and a willingness to listen.
Vote for positive change. Vote for a new council majority.
Donna Cabanne
Livermore Resident
Item 4.0
Public Comment Received
323
From: James Caselli
To: [email protected]; Cityclerk - Livermore
Subject: Amazed
Date: Sunday, September 25, 2022 6:44:37 PM
I continue to be amazed at the lack of concern by the mayor and the city council regarding the views of the citizenry. It would have been so simple to wait until after the election to confirm what Livermore citizens truly want for our downtown. Why push the land sale through in such a time frame if the counsel is so certain that the citizens want apartments in the city center? Why use the city attorney, paid for by citizens, to stiffle the voice of those same citizens? Supporters of the current plan continue to state that citizens have already voted. Regardless, citizens now have a much better perspective regarding the effect that large apartments have on our downtown, based on current construction. Again I ask, why the rush? When so much time has passed, it is not unreasonable to wait a couple more months to determine the people's choice? Why can't the mayor and city council be a little more reasonable? flexible? understanding? accountable?
Item 4.0
Public Comment Received
324
From: TERRY CROSS
To: Cityclerk - Livermore
Subject: Eden Project
Date: Sunday, September 25, 2022 6:42:06 AM
A major mistake to our community, placing this downtown !!! Brian/Terry Cross
Item 4.0
Public Comment Received
325
From: Dodie Finney-Slade
To: Cityclerk - Livermore; [email protected]
Subject: Sale of property to Eden Housing
Date: Monday, September 26, 2022 10:02:03 AM
Mayor Woerner & City Council,
The sale of city property to Eden Housing is just the latest in a long string of deals our past mayor, current mayor, and city councils have done in order to meet their objectives to override the will of Livermore citizens.
The downtown project has been
corrupted by the city's back door deals, broken promises, lack of transparency, and dishonest representation of the final project.
Remember when we were told the
downtown hotel would have underground parking and a restaurant? The Eden Housing plan is not finalized - how many "design changes" will happen before IT is built?
The lack of honesty and integrity from our past and current city elected officials does not inspire confidence in their ability to have the best interest and desires of the citizens of Livermore at heart.
Dodie Finney-Slade
Livermore, CA 94551
Item 4.0
Public Comment Received
326
From: Lucy
To: Cityclerk - Livermore
Subject: Tuesday 27 September City Council Meeting. Eden Housing — still and again Date: Monday, September 26, 2022 10:10:09 PM
For the Tuesday 27 September City Council Meeting.
It is simply amazing that this City Council continues its lack of transparency and good will towards the citizens of Livermore. I wasn’t involved in the early discussions about the downtown plan, but in the last two years, I have watched as the City Council downplayed the effects of Eden Housing on parking and traffic downtown, refused to entertain the possibility of relocating Eden Housing, refused to consider the referendum (which was executed in good faith by Livermore citizens), and rushed to sell the land to Eden Housing in an effort to place
it beyond any further discussion or considerations. This is not a good faith City Council. This is not a transparent City Council. This is a City Council which has decided, doubtless “for the good of its citizens” that Livermore
citizens don’t get a say. Wow. Just wow.
Lucy Hair
., Livermore
Sent from Proton Mail for iOS
Item 4.0
Public Comment Received
327
From: Tom Jefferson
To: Cityclerk - Livermore
Subject: Comment for item 4 Citizens Forum at Tuesday 9/27/22 Livermore City Council Meeting Date: Sunday, September 25, 2022 1:43:49 PM
The way the Livermore City and City Councils have gone about the redevelopment of the former Lucky site downtown has been absolutely sorrowful. The $500k Public Outreach a few years ago asked participants to rank 10 possible items for the site. Coming in number 1 was parking and absolutely last was housing. So, what did the Council do? Just ignore the outreach results and propose Eden Housing with its inadequate parking for the site.
This year the Council connived to sell the property to Eden Housing and give them a $7+ million loan, likely because the Council felt Eden could not get a loan elsewhere and because they want to make it difficult or impossible for a newly elected Council in November to overturn their decision. Outraged citizens quickly got 8000+ signatures for a referendum to stop this sale and sadly City decided not to even verify the signatures. Unbelievably sad for the City's residents.
City Council, please change course.
Thomas Jefferson, Livermore
Item 4.0
Public Comment Received
328
From: E Judge
To: Cityclerk - Livermore
Subject: Comments to Council for Item #4, Tuesday, 9/27, Date: Sunday, September 25, 2022 12:12:52 PM
Comments to the City Council for Item #4, Tuesday, September 27, 2022 from Elizabeth M. Judge
You may be pleased with what you have accomplished by selling the land to Eden Housing before the election, but you cannot be proud of how you did it. The end does not justify the means. History will not treat you well for several reasons but throwing democracy out the window will be the biggest one.
Democracy is under attack all over the world. Autocrats are lying to citizens and tearing down anyone in opposition to their claim to power. Democracy has to work locally and all of us must be stewards of it to see that it is not lost.
From the outside looking in at the council, it appears that this underhanded action has a personal vendetta written all over it. If you are satisfied with what you did, I hope that satisfaction is very short-lived.
Item 4.0
Public Comment Received
329
From: Denise Leddon
To: Cityclerk - Livermore
Subject: For the September 27 Livermore City Council Meeting Date: Tuesday, September 27, 2022 11:46:20 AM
Dear City Clerk,
For the September 27 Livermore City Council Meeting:
The City of Livermore should have verified the 8,000+ signatures that were gathered for the Referendum. The City should have allowed the Referendum to go through and have allowed the Citizens of Livermore to vote. The City didn't because they knew the City would lose the vote. There are pending litigations The citizens are now painfully
aware of the illegal tactics the City will go to, to have their own way instead of listening to the citizens. And the City loaning millions of dollars to Eden Housing?! If Eden cannot do it on their own, they should not do it! Bad deal.
I would have expected a Recall of these City Council Members if the elections were not already just a month plus away!
Thank you,
Denise Leddon
Item 4.0
Public Comment Received
330
From: Marcus Libkind
To: Cityclerk - Livermore
Subject: Comments for Citizens Forum at September 27 meeting Date: Sunday, September 25, 2022 7:08:28 PM
City Clerk,
I’m submitting these comments for the Citizens Forum at the September 27 meeting of the Livermore City Council. Please make sure that they are part of the record.
The sale of part of the Old Lucky Site to Eden Housing was to be expected although the election of a new mayor and two council seats will take place in 8 weeks at which time I expect that there will be a new outlook from the within the city council. The current council may think that they won the war but they have not; only a battle. There are too many people who oppose the current plan, the plan of the current council, and there are many ways that Eden can be prodded into what is clearly a better plan with more units of affordable housing and at the same time more park space for their tenants and all the citizens of Livermore.
It appears to me that there was a time when Eden might have jumped at the prospect of more units on the north side of Railroad Avenue. But the City Council failed miserably in promoting such as plan that would have been a win-win outcome. Instead they have done everything in their power to stop Livermore from creating the best downtown possible.
Eden still has to deal with the fact that their plan does not meet the requirements of the Downtown Specific Plan. If the Court of Appeal determines that their plan does not meet the requirements, then I will jump for joy, revel in the fact that the current council’s plan failed, and the current council will go down in the history of Livermore as wasting time and money because of some self-serving idea that they knew better than the citizens of Livermore what was desired by the electorate.
November’s election for mayor and two council seats is going to be the referendum that the City of Livermore rejected processing. I urge all who want the best downtown possible with the most affordable housing to vote for Mony Nop for mayor, and Carol Wahrer for District 1 and Ben Barrientos for District 2 seats.
Marcus Libkind
Livermore, CA 94550
Item 4.0
Public Comment Received
331
From: Jeffrey Miller
To: Cityclerk - Livermore
Subject: Eden Housing
Date: Saturday, September 24, 2022 2:44:31 PM
I have been a resident of Livermore for the past six years. I moved here because of the small town atmosphere, lack of crowds and crime, and the overall appeal of the Livermore area. I am strongly opposed to the current Eden Housing plan, which will ruin the downtown area, cause problems with traffic, parking and congestion, and create an undesireable attmosphere in the city. It was poorly planned and I will not vote for any candidates for mayor or city council who are supporting this plan. It needs to be redesigned. While we need affordable housing, the housing needs to be located outside of the downtown area. Jeff Miller
Item 4.0
Public Comment Received
332
From: Jeff Richardson
To: Cityclerk - Livermore
Subject: Comments for Sept 27 Council Meeting
Date: Tuesday, September 27, 2022 11:19:33 AM
Moving forward on the current Eden Housing plan compounds the poor decisions made to date which will cast a blight on Downtown Livermore. It is irresponsible of the Council to commit the City to over $17M to support a project which so many oppose. The parking impact alone of the current proposed site will make enjoying Downtown Livermore a nightmare. We need a new plan & City administrstion which listens to the people of Livermore.
Karen & Jeff Richardson
Sent from my iPhone
Item 4.0
Public Comment Received
333
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Sale of downtown property to Eden Housing
Dear Council Members,
I am convinced that all of you are intelligent people, who came into office with the intention of serving the people of Livermore. I therefore do not understand your antipathy toward Livermore citizens and your stubborn insistence that the Eden Housing project, as modified, is in the best interests of Livermore and its residents. Why not agree to negotiate with your opposition, so everybody wins and nobody loses?
There are several obstacles that come to mind regarding your current position, enumerated below.
The first obstacle is that Eden is no longer proposing to build “workforce” housing as previously promised. City workers, school teachers, and workers at nearby businesses are now defined as making too much money to qualify.
The second obstacle is the project is located in the wrong place! It is proposed in the heart of the city, which should be welcoming to tourists and residents, to benefit them and the many small businesses located nearby. Almost universally, towns founded during the Spanish and Mexican era have plazas at their center for their citizens to enjoy.
The third obstacle is that a large majority of Livermore Citizens, while supportive of the need for modest-cost housing, understand that there are better locations nearby. We know this to be true from polls that have been taken, and from the welcoming response people circulating a referendum petition on the project received from a preponderance of citizens when they went door to door gathering signatures.
The fourth obstacle is that the project violates established City standards.
The fifth obstacle is soil contamination at the site the must be alleviated at great expense for the project to proceed.
The sixth obstacle is the illegality of not certifying the more-than-adequate number of signatures required for a referendum on the project. The City is relying on the dubious assumption that their action to “sell” the property using a loan from the city for the purchase from the City is not a legislative action but instead an administrative action, not subject to a referendum. This in spite of courts have found that the expenditure of public funds is a legislative action!
All of these obstacles could be avoided by simply working with responsible citizens to move the project north of Railroad Avenue and/or other centrally-located properties. Such a move would result in an improved project:
• More than 100 additional units could be accommodated
• All obstacles could be eliminated, speeding the project completion Can’t we just negotiate to move the project and solve this conundrum? Sincerely,
Richard Ryon
Livermore citizen
Item 4.0
Public Comment Received
334
From: johnna thompson
To: Cityclerk - Livermore
Subject: Comments for tonight"s city council meeting
Date: Tuesday, September 27, 2022 7:33:31 AM
I understand the council's desire to lock in your downtown plan so that it can't be altered by the outcome of November's election, no matter that voters may decide that your vision for downtown is myopic and flawed. Your egos are tethered to defending your plan, as is your fervor to deny Joan Seppala any scrap of victory. And, to be fair, mixed in with the ego and vindictiveness is also a genuine aspiration to procure housing for low-income residents.
Nevertheless, your tactics have been alarmingly anti-democratic. Refusing to accept referendum signatures and rushing through the sale of land to Eden ahead of November's election, using Livermore taxpayers' money to loan to Eden for the purchase, were done to guarantee that you would get your way, regardless of voters' wishes. You did it because you could, not because it was the right thing to do. The right thing, the democratic thing, would have been to allow the referendum to be on the ballot in November and wait to see what Livermore's voters want. We are, after all, the people you purport to represent.
Johnna Thompson
Livermore voter
Item 4.0
Public Comment Received
335
From: Sheryl Volkman
To: Cityclerk - Livermore
Subject: Comment for City Council meeting September 27th 2022 Date: Tuesday, September 27, 2022 11:13:38 AM
Dear City Council,
Please respect the citizens of Livermore and honor the referendum.
I support affordable housing in LIvermore, but in a different location.
Sincerely, Sheryl Volkman
Item 4.0
Public Comment Received
336
From: Jeannie Wolitzer
To: Cityclerk - Livermore
Subject: Eden Housing
Date: Saturday, September 24, 2022 2:39:25 PM
It is difficult to find a reason of integrity for the refusal to put important decisions to the vote of the citizens, by referendum on the ballot or allowing the election of mayor and city council members to precede important irrevocable action. This story unrolls as a small representation of the current breakdown of democracy. Is that what Livermore wants to be part of? I expected better and am deeply disappointed.
The loss of a small oasis of park in downtown Livermore would be a permanent reminder of that disappointment.
If New York City can put a priority on the value of parkland in the midst of the most high demand expensive real estate in the world (Central Park) can we really not reserve a little shade and benches for families for years and perhaps generations to come? Jean Wolitzer
Item 4.0
Public Comment Received
337
1 Recommendations for City Participation
in a Gun Buyback Event
September 27, 2022
Presented by Jason Boberg, Police Captain
Key Recommendations
Partner with faith-based organizations or non-profits for the event location and funding, with a budget of at least $10,000. City resources should be restricted to the personnel and equipment required to collect, safely store, and dispose of the surrendered items Establish participant eligibility as a “no questions asked” event Identify and publicize the types of weapons and items to be accepted (operable firearms, non-operable firearms, ammunition, and magazines)
1 2
Item 7.1
PowerPoint Presentation
338
2 Set participant payment at $100 per firearm, with possible payments of $200 per firearm for certain types of high-capacity weapons Utilize gift cards as the payment format
Place a limit of three payments per participant to ensure payments to all participants
Key Recommendations
Key Recommendations
• LPD should seek assistance from LPD volunteers, police reserves, and allied agencies to maximize personnel resources
• Host the event in late October or early November
• Dispose of surrendered items in a time ly fashion to avoid storage burdens on the property and evidence room
3 4
Item 7.1
PowerPoint Presentation
339
3 • Staff recommends that the City C ouncil authorize the City’s participation in a pilot gun buyback program.
Recommended Action
5 Item 7.1
PowerPoint Presentation
340
Council Member
Committee
Meeting
Date Committee Agenda Link Meeting Type
Mayor Woerner 9/13/2022
COVID 19 Community Advisory Group https://covid‐19.acgov.org/community‐advisory‐group Advisory Body Mayor Woerner 9/14/2022 Tri Valley San Joaquin Regional Rail Authority https://www.valleylinkrail.com/valleylink‐project Board Meeting Mayor Woerner 9/16/2022 Presentation to Eden Housing, Quest and Spark Recognition Event Mayor Woerner 9/24/2022
Chamber of Commerce RIbbon Cutting & Mural Unveiling
Mayor Woerner 9/25/2022 Alatamont Cruisers Mayors Award Ceremony Item 8.0
Council Reports
341
Council Member
Committee
Meeting Date Committee Agenda Link Meeting Type Committee Report: Summary Vice Mayor Bonanno 9/12/2022 Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC) https://d3n9y02raazwpg.cloudfront.net/alame
dactc/85593d89‐0233‐11ed‐baa3‐
0050569183fa‐abb6aa12‐d2c6‐4f47‐b79b‐
ACTC Programs and Projects
Committee
Vice Mayor Bonanno 9/12/2022 Livermore‐Amador Valley Transit Authority https://wheelsbus.com/wp‐
content/uploads/2022/06/BOD‐Packet‐ Board
Vice Mayor Bonanno 9/20/2022 Livermore Downtown Inc Board Vice Mayor Bonanno 9/21/2022 Climate Action Sub‐Committee Council Sub‐committee Vice Mayor Bonanno 9/21/2022 Livermore‐Amador Valley Transit Authority Interview 3 finalists for LAVTA Executive
Director position
Vice Mayor Bonanno 9/22/2022 Tour and Briefing
Briefing & Tour of Falck's East County
Ambulance Hub
Vice Mayor Bonanno 9/26/2022
University of California Livermore Collaboration Center Dedication Event at LLNL
Item 8.0
Council Reports
342
Council Member
Committee
Meeting Date Committee Meeting Type
Council Member Carling 9/15/2022 Town Hall with Eric Swalwell Council Member Carling 9/16/2022 Altamont Open Space Committee board meeting Council Member Carling 9/21/2022 tour of Goodness Village with Senator Glazer Council Member Carling 9/22/2022 farmers' market
Council Member Carling 9/24/2022 ribbon cutting for astronaut murals Item 8.0
Council Reports
343