Minutes of the Regular Joint Meeting of the Oakley City Council/Oakley City Council Acting as the Successor Agency to the Oakley Redevelopment Agency and Special Meeting of the Oakley Public Financing Authority held
April 26, 2022
1) OPENING MATTERS
1.1 Call to Order and Roll Call of the Oakley City Council/Oakley City Council Acting as the Successor Agency to the Oakley Redevelopment Agency and Special Meeting of the Oakley Public Financing Authority Mayor Randy Pope called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. in the Oakley City Council Chambers located at 3231 Main Street, Oakley, California. Vice Mayor Aaron Meadows and Councilmembers George Fuller and Anissa Williams were also present. Mayor Pope mentioned Councilmember Sue Higgins was feeling under the weather and thus absent.
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Mayor Pope led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
1.3 Proclamation Recognizing May 2022 as Building Safety Month Mayor Pope recognized Building Safety Month.
1.4 Proclamation Proclaiming April as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Mayor Pope recognized National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
1.5 Presentation of the Oakley 27+ Strategic Plan (Joshua McMurray, City Manager)
City Manager Joshua McMurray commented that the Strategic Plan was a 4-month process to develop and consisted of 50 people contributing in person along with over 400 people participating by survey and/or interviews. He shared it is a partnership between the City Council, staff and the public to support and implement the Plan. He mentioned moving forward, staff will include a section on staff reports how items connect to the Strategic Plan. He added that he will report 3-4 times per year to the Council on progress with the Strategic Plan. He introduced Ellen Cross with Strategy Driver, Inc. and Valerie Yap from GEI Consultants. He requested they take photos. 2) PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
3) CONSENT CALENDAR
3.1 Approve Minutes from the Regular Joint City Council/City Council Acting as the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency and Special Public Financing Authority Meeting held April 12, 2022 (Libby Vreonis, City Clerk)
3.2 Accept Report Out of Closed Session Memo (Derek Cole, City Attorney)
3.3 Adopt a Resolution to Reappoint Michael Krieg to the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District Board (Libby Vreonis, City Clerk)
3.4 Approving the Agreement with Oakley Senior Housing, LP for “Agreement of Property Owner for Provision of Landscaping in the Public Right of Way” for DR 02-19 Twin Oaks Senior Residence and authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement (Kevin Rohani, P.E., Public Works Director/City Engineer)
3.5 Approve the Parcel Map for Minor Subdivision MS 21-976 for the Diablo Water Corporation Yard located at 3990 Main Street (Kevin Rohani, P.E., Public Works Director/City Engineer)
3.6 Approving the Agreement with Oakley Senior Housing, LP for “Stormwater Management Facility Operations and Maintenance Agreement and Right of Entry” for the DR 02-19 Twin Oaks Senior Residence project located at 2605 Main Street and authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement (Kevin Rohani, P.E., Public Works Director/City Engineer)
3.7 Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager or his Designee to Execute any Necessary Amendments to the Master Equity Lease Agreement between the City of Oakley and Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc. and Adopting a Budget Amendment Allowing for the Purchase of the Six (6) GMC Pickups that are Currently being Leased from Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc. (Tim Przybyla, Finance Director) It was moved by Vice Mayor Meadows and seconded by Councilmember Fuller to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion was unanimous and so ordered. (4-0) 4) PUBLIC HEARINGS
4.1 Honey Creekside Subdivision 9579 (RZ 03-21, TM 02-21, DR 08-21) - Request for approval of a Rezone to P-1 (Planned Unit Development) District, a Vesting Tentative Map to subdivide approximately 10.6 acres into 57 single family residential lots, and Design Review. APNs 033-030-028 and 033-030-032. (Ken Strelo, Planning Manager)
Planning Manager Ken Strelo presented the staff report and a PowerPoint presentation.
He shared the following staff corrections to the proposed resolution:
• Finding C.2 for DR: Strikeout “, and the inclusion of 64% one-story homes will allow for variety”; and
• COA#s 63 and 67: Remove references to “Oakley Road” and keep references to “public streets identified with this project as required by the City Engineer.” Councilmember Fuller mentioned if a person is buying a home and there is access from the cul-de-sac, people will be coming by their property all of the time. He inquired how to define the dividing line for the people living there and who will maintain it. He mentioned kids could cut across the lawn. He mentioned other sidewalks are 5 feet and these are 8 feet. He inquired if they are losing 3 feet of property footage to accommodate the larger sidewalks.
Mr. Strelo responded that the developer can address how it will be maintained. He mentioned there is no development plan to currently divide the area, but the homeowner could install a split rail fence or something to signify the property line and prevent pedestrians or bicyclists entering. He shared that the project was designed with all of these elements in play; the streets and lot orientation were designed as a package with the wider sidewalk proposed. He mentioned it could be wider, but it was designed that way.
Councilmember Fuller inquired if the City regulations would allow the developer to offer the fencing at the close of sale.
Mr. Strelo responded that he would be happy to write that condition of approval, but the developer would have to agree.
Councilmember Fuller inquired if the maintenance agreement for the area has been worked out.
Mr. Strelo responded it has not yet; it would be a requirement for the development and must be approved before the final map and building permits are issued.
Mayor Pope opened the public hearing.
Public Comments
Steve Peterson submitted a written comment expressing two concerns: 1) he wants to make sure his gates will not be blocked by parked cars; he is a contractor and needs to be able to get his vehicles and equipment out as needed, and 2) ability to access the creek from the end of the cul-de-sac. He also requested to speak. He shared that he recently bought his house on Honey Lane and now development is happening. He mentioned he purchased his home to have nice openness around him and now there are homes which he knows will happen regardless, but he is concerned about traffic with the 4-way stop in front of his house. He inquired how the developer is going to build infrastructure and the duration of the project. He mentioned it gets loud tearing up roads and he wants to know what to expect. He mentioned right now he has no access to the shop on his property; he has to go over the curb to get there. He shared he knows he is not supposed to and has been told he can get a cut out there which costs approximately $30k. He expressed concern that cars will be parking there and there are issues with traffic and safety. He mentioned he would like the developer to help him out in any way. He suggested red curbs. He expressed concern that it will be difficult for them to get out of their driveway.
David Nagy expressed concern regarding fire access on the cul-de-sac because the fire department can only get in and out one way. He shared that congestion in that area is crazy; video cameras on his house showed 420 cars from Salvador to Creekside. He mentioned there are two sharp turns and Creekside has a pinch in the road. He mentioned he doesn’t want the City to be responsible for lack of fire access.
Wilson Hu, Westgate Ventures (applicant), was joined by his colleague Adam Tennant, along with Jeff Lawrence and James Wang from Nuvera Homes, and the project architect with SDG. He commented he does not have a presentation, but he will provide comments. He mentioned they want the project to be pleasant for purchasers and make sure the design compliments and enhances the existing neighborhood; they believe key design elements meet this. He shared they wanted to tie the neighborhood together and make connections that do not currently exist around the spine on Salvador Lane, not only to benefit these new residences, but those in adjoining neighborhood as well. He shared the other neighborhood could go up Salvador across Honey and have a direct public thoroughfare to the park and that was the genesis of having the wider sidewalk and trail. He mentioned he understands concerns regarding homeowners fronting the trail, but the design enhancement is for the entire community and the people living next to the trail are also benefitting and this would be considered an amenity. He thanked staff for their efforts on this project and complimented staff on their responsiveness which was expeditious and straightforward. In relation to Mr. Peterson comments, he mentioned he doesn’t think there would be an issue if there is a curb cut or one proposed so he is not sure what they could do; he doesn’t think it would be an issue since homes are across the street from him. He shared a traffic analysis was done that was compliant with the General Plan and results came in under allowable density. He indicated 57 homes have maybe 60 cars during per peak traffic hours which equals 1 car per minute and often after the homes are built, they likely won’t realize a large increase in traffic. He shared he has worked on number of projects and traffic is an issue that comes up; they take it very seriously and one of the reasons they are not trying to increase density at this location. He mentioned if a 4-way stop study is warranted.
Mayor Pope inquired when construction will begin.
Mr. Hu responded that construction will not start for another few months and will take 1 ½ to 2 years to complete.
Mayor Pope asked staff to address traffic in the area and the 4-way intersection. He inquired if it is currently conditioned as a 4-way stop.
Mr. Strelo commented that a 4-way stop would require a study and the study would need to warrant a 4-way stop before it is installed. He explained the old way traffic counts were conducted was CEQA looked at traffic levels of service. He mentioned this is still in the General Plan as the threshold to meet for new development but traffic needs 100 trips to trigger a study or 1.01 peak hour trips per household, about the same number of peak hour trips as residences, around 57. He further explained that today’s CEQA (environmental study) looks at traffic differently; it looks at vehicle miles traveled (VMTs) to determine if the project will be a net increase or decrease to the VMT or no significant changes. He mentioned Oakley has a 15% threshold; traffic consultants looked at the specific location of the project, the City’s traffic model, and determined it was close enough to the average VMTs so it doesn’t warrant any specific mitigation. He mentioned it will add cars, but it doesn’t meet thresholds for mitigation or denial.
Mayor Pope inquired if there is a higher threshold if it is signalized.
Mr. Strelo explained it would not be signalized because there is not enough traffic.
Mayor Pope asked staff to address fire response/emergency access.
Mr. Strelo responded that the Fire District has reviewed the documents; staff met with District staff and the District determined the VTM meets fire requirements for access to turn around including the cul-de-sac at the end of Honey Lane.
Randi Adler commented she understands that on weekends during the summer and special holidays, there is more traffic going to the park, causing more traffic in the neighborhood and cars park in front of peoples’ houses to go to the park. She suggested permitted parking so people living there know they have parking spaces and are not impaired by people parking in front of their houses. She shared this was a problem in Clayton where people would park up Regency and people who lived there had no place to park. She requested the Council consider the people living there; Oakley has never done it before but having permitted parking would solve the issue with parking.
Councilmember Fuller asked if the applicant could offer the fence as an item at the time of sale to keep people on path and not meander onto properties.
Mr. Hu responded they can offer it as an option. He mentioned the concept of increasing landscaping was what they envisioned, but a picket fence would work as well.
Councilmember Fuller inquired who is responsible for care of the sidewalk.
Mr. Hu responded it is the responsibility of the homeowner, but the maintenance association will be taking care of the landscaping and park strip.
Vice Mayor Meadows asked Councilmember Fuller to clarify which lots for the fence.
Councilmember Fuller commented the lots running along the west side of the north part of the project.
Vice Mayor Meadows inquired if he is referring to Honey Lane all the way up.
Councilmember Fuller responded that is correct; the west properties on the north side of the development where there is wider sidewalk.
Mayor Pope inquired if it would cover lots 3 or 4 through 11.
Councilmember Fuller clarified it would cover lots 3 through 11.
Vice Mayor Meadows commented that there are already two sides to the stop sign intersection so they are only talking about one additional stop sign westbound on Honey Lane.
Mayor Pope commented it is weird to have a three-way stop sign at the intersection. He expressed his preference would be to have four.
Councilmember Williams inquired if red curbing could be done to address the homeowner’s concern so no cut out would be required at his expense.
Mr. Strelo mentioned he spoke with the homeowner this morning and previously regarding having legal access to his yard. He mentioned the homeowner is currently accessing the site in a manner that is not permitted; driving over a sidewalk is a moving violation. He explained that having vehicles back there is not a violation, but to secure access, he could install a curb cut, otherwise it is a public road and people have a right to park there. He shared that he put the homeowner in touch with Public Works to obtain more information regarding encroachment permits. He expressed that staff wouldn’t recommend the Council require staff to allow illegal access.
Mayor Pope requested the language clean up as recommended by staff and approving the negative declaration.
Mr. Strelo responded it is already in the resolution and he can add a condition regarding the fence on point of sale.
It was moved by Councilmember Fuller and seconded by Vice Mayor Meadows to waive the first reading and introduce the ordinance and to adopt the resolution as amended to include the three changes mentioned. Motion was unanimous and so ordered. (4-0) 5) REGULAR CALENDAR
5.1 Consideration of a Cooperative Agreement with Contra Costa County for the Demolition of the former County Sheriff's Office Delta Substation Located at 210 O'Hara Avenue and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement (Joshua McMurray, City Manager)
Mayor Pope announced that Vice Mayor Meadows recused himself due to conflict with his property close to this location and that Vice Mayor Meadows left the room.
Mr. McMurray presented the staff report and PowerPoint Presentation. He shared there are many people in attendance in support of the project who are willing to speak and provide input.
Mayor Pope called upon County Supervisor Diane Burgis and asked if she is speaking as a Supervisor or as a resident.
Diane Burgis commented she is speaking as both. She thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak. She shared that during her first meeting as a Councilmember, along with Mayor Pope, she had to decide whether or not to commit $100k toward a library tax. She explained she questioned it because statistically at that time, tax measures were not likely to pass, and the economic downturn was happening. She mentioned she was skeptical it would pass, but still wanted it to move forward. She explained the economy improved; ballot measures came forward for fire and didn’t pass but the Fire District is just about taken care of now with a station opening in June even before the actual annexation is completed because they are committed, and they will have other stations opening in Antioch and Brentwood because the Board of Supervisors has committed money from Measure X to ensure the stations are built. She mentioned she stayed committed to this as she and many other folks support the library.
She shared they are so lucky to have the existing library at the high school, but it is busting at the seams at all times. She mentioned Mr. McMurray is leery of creating another tax measure; she has created a library foundation that can create fiscal support for those kind of buildings throughout the County, but she has been committed to Oakley. She shared that the County has this property, the Sheriff substation occupying it previously moved out to Brentwood, and the property is right next to the senior center.
She mentioned they have a foundation to help Oakley figure out how to pay for it and now that the Fire District is taken care of, she feels it is time now to get this done. She shared she has brought all the tools to the table. She mentioned she would appreciate if the Council would consider making this commitment with her. She added that she and County Librarian Alison McKee are committed, and they are with them along the way.
She commented that she knows she has support from the Board of Supervisors to make this happen. She encouraged them, “let's do this; it’s time”.
Former Oakley Mayor and Councilmember Claire Alaura commented that Oakley has a need for a new library, the 22 years she has lived in Oakley they have needed it, and they needed it before then. She indicated there are other issues to get through, but now is the time. She mentioned many people say books are not needed; it is true you can read books on devices; but libraries have never been about just books; they are about people. She shared she takes pride in her library card and the library has always been part of her life; she volunteered at the library in high school. She mentioned sometimes story time is the only pre-school instruction children receive. She commented that it is a place where people meet others and don’t feel isolated. She indicated the S.T.E.M. programs are limited in size due to space. She expressed that the Brentwood library is accommodating people in Brentwood and their families, and it would be great if Oakley could have that too. She shared that Freedom High School would get its library back during school hours to use as a library or classroom. She mentioned some students have a free period and cannot go to the library to study because it is closed during school hours. She indicated community college students need libraries for a place to study, adults need the library to learn languages, libraries provide a cooling or emergency center; and the need for a library is more than just for reading. She shared she has been appointed by Supervisor Burgis as a commissioner for the library and she will be a guide and liaison between the City and County. She requested the Council consider that the library is not just about books; it is about bringing the community together.
Barbara Santos submitted written comments expressing her support for a stand-alone library for Oakley. She mentioned tucking it into Freedom High School is unacceptable and homebuyers attracted by Oakley’s affordable housing will soon realize the quality of life is lacking when there is not even a library. She expressed libraries are brilliant for parents and small children; borrowing books saved her money over the years to read and the ‘Sit and Listen’ program where children gather to hear stories read by librarians while parents chatted saved her sanity. She mentioned libraries are a haven for teens; they provide a place to go, an escape from home life, a place to stay out of trouble, with free resources. She mentioned libraries provide a space for book clubs, workshops and whatever else the community needs. She mentioned a 2019 Gallup survey indicated visiting the library is the most common cultural activity in America. She shared she organizes writer’s conferences and most authors spent quality time in their hometown library and most super-successful people probably say the same thing. She also shared she pays taxes for schools (and she doesn’t have school-aged children) and for a nonexistent community college; libraries pay for themselves in the long run.
Written comments were submitted on behalf of Brittany Matoud, President of Friends of the Oakley Library. Ms. Matoud also spoke. She commented the Oakley library has been an integral part of the community for over 100 years and it has shared spaces with the community but has had no home of its own. She mentioned this opportunity of partnering with the County can create a stand-alone library to benefit residents for generations to come. She indicated it is time for the library to graduate from high school and get its own space.
Lorena Campos shared she is a new resident of Oakley and purchased her late grandparents’ home nearby here. She expressed support of Oakley needing a library.
She shared she was shock Oakley has no library of its own, but it doesn’t mean there is no room for improvement as the city is young. She commented that the library is a great investment in the community to bring people, resources and generations together.
Liz Fuller commented she has lived in Oakley for 10 years; she is the retired County Librarian, she managed libraries at both Antioch and Brentwood branches, and now she is part of the Friends of the Oakley Library. She provided two examples of how libraries provide essential services:1) they serve as a lifeline to those without access to internet and computers; wi-fi and human assistance help patrons to navigate the internet for job applications, homework, etc.; and 2) they fill the gap for kids who don’t go to preschool and can be introduced to literacy concepts through books and story times. She indicated library usage is greatly influenced by access and they need a library in Oakley that can house a larger collection of materials, accommodate programs for all generations, conference space, etc. She implored the Council to visit libraries in the County such as Brentwood, Walnut Creek, Danville, Orinda, Lafayette or Clayton as examples of what thriving libraries can be, especially when they return to in-person programming. She shared those cities made libraries a priority, value education, value access to information, and are welcoming the community to have a gathering space.
She explained to secure funding, they will have to demonstrate they have a location for the library and support of the City Council. She shared without that support, it will not move forward, and she fears if it doesn’t move forward now, it never will. She also shared there is uncertainty how the funding will work; it could be state or federal funding assistance, but it seems premature to consider a tax. She requested the Council work with the County to remove this eyesore in the process of securing funding and work together on a strategy to build a library Oakley needs and deserves.
Nancy Huffaker commented she is a 43-year Oakley resident and has seen lots of changes; the City has done a wonderful job to provide the community beautiful parks, recreational facilities and ballfields; now it is time for the City to step up to the plate and provide a long overdue, stand-alone library for this community, a library that will meet the needs of this community. She indicated the current library space is too small and has been too small for many years. She mentioned a library is more than just books; it is the hub of community activities, a place where tutors can meet children they tutor, a place where LMC students can have a quiet study group, and a place where service groups can meet. She shared she currently teaches adult ESL students from all over the world and wi-fi, laptops and computers are not things everyone can afford. She requested they consider the needs of all residents; they need a space to work on computers to find jobs and practice their citizenship tests. She mentioned funding won’t come without having a location. She asked the Council to consider approval.
Arnold Fitzpatrick Jr. asked the Council to consider how they can come together for a common cause to build a new library and learning center and drop defenses and attacks on each other. He commented Oakley is doing well for a new city; it has this wonderful facility, parks that deter crime, a dog park and community gardens. He mentioned Oakley is diverse; it has such variety. He mentioned at the last meeting on this subject he felt alone; he didn’t know Mr. McMurray was with them, but he appreciates that he has spoken up. He mentioned to Councilmember Fuller that he is fairly well off financially, but he doesn’t like paying taxes. He shared he felt they should have spent more effort into raising money for the measure. He mentioned to Mayor Pope that he doesn’t feel they wasted the money, but it could have been used more efficiently. He added that if they had hired a full-time grant writer, they would have yielded bigger dividends than they did, but either way, the time is now. He shared he feels good for all these people to speak up. He also shared he is a participator no matter how they vote. He mentioned to Mayor Pope he likes the way Mayor Pope and Paul Seger interact. He expressed he is passionate about this, but he is no sore loser.
Ken Li commented he is a new resident, having moved to the Delaney Park development last year. He shared the library has some attachment for him; he was an advocate for the Chinatown Library in Chicago where he witnessed how a new library helped the community. He explained it was a new attraction site for visitors and helped revenue of nearby businesses grow. He mentioned as a liaison to the community, he witnessed more activities with the library, kids going to the library, and senior residents going to the library for fun or an afternoon of activity with friends; he could see amazing intergenerational interactions. He mentioned this is how to grow the community, with safety and trust, a place where we all want to be. He commented that funding will be challenging, but if we know it is a good thing to do, the solutions will outweigh the challenges. He shared he witnessed amazing outcomes of a new library created in Chicago that was formerly located in a postal office, similar to Oakley’s library currently located at Freedom High School.
Angela Lowrey commented she is a regular user of the Oakley Library and sees programming happening, people using computers for invoicing for businesses, and people using computers for preparing their taxes. She also commented she sees the great work library staff is doing for programming. She mentioned Oakley is ready for a dynamic, library-community resource center. She mentioned this location is perfect for business development; if something of this capacity can be built for teenagers on a Friday night, for Veterans, seniors and service groups, disabled children, elected officials to have offices, we can’t even imagine tonight what this could be for us and what it can be for us in the long-term. She shared she is on the ad-hoc committee putting together the foundation for libraries in Oakley and Bay Point and is proud to be part of this non-profit for regional focus. She mentioned there are lots of business and organizations who want to support libraries. She also mentioned there are a lot of people in our community they need to use their voices for. She expressed she believes if they build this, they will find money and partnerships, and build something so amazing they will have people come to the library and visit the business community. She mentioned it can be a business center for people to come together. She mentioned she is speaker as a homeowner, not in her elected role. She expressed this is a big step, but she thinks Oakley is ready for it and she supports it.
Randi Adler shared when she was living in Clayton, the library had retired school teachers teaching kids how to read and that is how her daughter became such a great reader. She shared she is willing to put up some money to help the project. She mentioned it is important to discuss a place where residents can go and actually work and be able to educate our children who are not really educated. She indicated their failure to thrive is not taught in school; they don’t know how to transition from their parents’ house to their own house. She mentioned the library would help teach them these lessons; they have books and ways of teaching them whatever they want to be, they can be, and it starts with the library.
Councilmember Williams commented it is no secret she is in full support of the library; it was one of her campaign issues. She mentioned it was said then she wanted to tax residents to get this across, but she is a homeowner and she and her husband are both business owners, and she wants this without tax. She shared she has the privilege of working next to the Brentwood library and 90% her business comes from Brentwood library patrons. She mentioned the sense of community and what it brings to people is untold. She shared she has witnessed librarians give backpacks to kids who wouldn’t otherwise have it. She mentioned comments on social media indicate people think books are available to all on phones, but they should ask the schools how many hotspots and laptops were given out during COVID. She mentioned she watched countless kids from our community go to the Brentwood library because many parents don’t want to go to the high school campus in Oakley; it is too small, or they can’t get the same services. She mentioned having a thriving library is not just about books; her kids can get any book on Amazon, but they like to go to the library and don’t care if the library doesn’t have the book they want; they like to request it, having it arrive, like a special ritual for them, which she witnessed to be true with other kids. She mentioned the staff at Brentwood are role models for kids that may need it. She shared that she watched 500-600 people come through for tax assistance during free tax programs offered at the library. She mentioned the sense of community and sense of pride that the residents of Brentwood get to have from the library is something they owe to Oakley residents, to provide those accommodations because Oakley’s library is underutilized, but it still had 65,000 visits last year. She asked them to imagine what could be accomplished with a proper space. She mentioned discussion regarding taxes is premature when they don’t even have a space yet. She added that they need to do better; not one person in this audience has said they don’t think it is a good use of funds or we shouldn’t do it. She mentioned they also need to talk about the proximity of the existing building to Oakley’s Downtown; it is blight. She mentioned this will solve two problems for them. She indicated it will tremendously benefit this community. She shared the library was a place where she connected with other people after the birth of her child and this library could offer a place for people to connect. She asked the Council to consider the work staff has done, the County that is supportive and all of the people who are jumping in to support this. She mentioned she does not believe tax is at the front line and she doesn’t believe Brentwood had a tax to get its library; there are other ways it can be done.
Councilmember Fuller inquired why there is a 2024 deadline.
Mr. McMurray responded that the 2024 deadline originally was established in an agreement with the County prior to the Board of Supervisors approving the agreements.
He mentioned they are working off an agreement from last September and it has taken them some time to bring this back to the Council and there is a provision in the agreement that the City has 36 months to identify funding. He mentioned he still doesn’t view the date as a challenge; there is still plenty of time to research finance options, staff has already begun researching preliminary options, and they will bring back a menu of options soon to the Council.
Councilmember Fuller commented there are many funding mechanisms but what is troubling him is if they come to the end in 2024 and don’t have funding, someone could circulate a petition for a tax measure and they would have no control over it. He mentioned he and Councilmember Higgins both talked about how they could combine County services (mental health, medical, etc.) in the same building because everyone sees needs to increase County services locally. He inquired if there is any way they could establish a MOU with the County that they will achieve funding at end of that period and the City will take the property and work with the County and other people.
Supervisor Burgis responded today they are talking about the property; they have a lot of different properties in the County they are exploring in next month or so and they need to decide whether or not to sell. She mentioned there are a lot of properties they are considering for affordable housing so she is trying to get this agreement with Oakley so they can reserve this location for a library. She mentioned COVID has presented many challenges and they have struggled to secure funding for the library for many different reasons; she is trying to get their foot in the door by having the property.
She shared her colleagues are going to be considering if this gets pushed aside, it is very likely to go to an affordable housing type of project. She explained she helped bring $50k for the establishment for a foundation for libraries. She clarified that she can’t promise because she is one person of a Board, but if they have cleared the land, not made it an eyesore, and are moving forward to secure funding, she suspects and gives her commitment she will keep this going.
Mr. McMurray commented this is a dynamic process, they are at the very forefront of the process and there are a lot of good ideas out there regarding funding. He mentioned they are asking if they can secure the property to explore concepts and partnerships.
He mentioned the City owns the parcel next to it which is currently used as the Senior Center so the City could control the entire city block within one block of Main Street and within two blocks of a future train station; there is a lot of potential here. He commented they are asking for ability to start exploration.
Councilmember Fuller commented he appreciates it and understands Supervisor Burgis’ integrity; it is 2024 that is hanging him up.
Supervisor Burgis responded she stuck with the Fire District issue, and she has integrity and evidence that she sticks with something and delivers. She mentioned she will be their partner and they have an exceptional County Librarian behind it, and committees helping; she will bring resources, but today’s first step is to say yes and commit to make it happen. She added she has a foundation starting that will fiscal sponsorships, possibly matching funds or ways to create funding--all kinds of ways to be creative. She mentioned she is here and bringing it and today it is in the Council’s hands.
Councilmember Fuller commented he can be her partner and appreciates that. He shared his term is up before the end of 2024 so depending on voters, he may or may not be on the Council when the deadline expires.
Supervisor Burgis commented that he is still a citizen.
Councilmember Fuller indicated his one caveat is if he sees a petition, he will stand against it.
Supervisor Burgis commented that would be up to the citizens of Oakley and she would sign it, but that is not what she is hinging this plan on and that is why she stood up for this foundation and it has taken four years to happen; with Measure X funds she got the Board to support getting the foundation started. She mentioned they have a City Manager and staff that want to make things happen. She explained she has helped to line up the stars as best as she can and she can’t tell him how they are going to get there, but this is about as good as it gets right now.
Mayor Pope commented he is excited to see the energy and activity and the idea of the library foundation is key to the development the future of the library. He expressed he is against a tax measure to get it done; they need to use the foundation to the most to seek out funding and partners. He mentioned the 21st century library is now a space used by many users; it is no longer a row of books. He shared the Brentwood library is a good example where they have a cafe space, a revenue source to offset operational costs. He mentioned Oakley needs meeting room space for trainings, meetings and conferences; he envisions a space in the library where there is a bigger room that can be divided into small spaces when needed and into a large space when needed. He expressed the time is right and it is time to do it; $200k is worth it. He mentioned they probably spent more than that in Police response to the health and safety and crime issues surrounding the abandoned building now. He mentioned even if they accomplished that he is in favor of it.
It was moved by Councilmember Williams and seconded by Councilmember Fuller to adopt the resolution. AYES: Fuller, Pope, Williams. ABSENT: Higgins, ABSTENTION:
Meadows. (3-0)
Mayor Pope commented that the work is just starting. He encouraged everyone to keep this momentum going and indicated this is not end, this is the beginning. 6) REPORTS
6.1 CITY MANAGER
(a) City Manager
City Manager Joshua McMurray announced Friday Night Bites will be held May 6 and will also kick off the concert series with the 925 Band and here will be a beer and wine garden. He mentioned the following evening Movie in the Park will be held and the movie Luca will be shown. He expressed he hopes to see everyone there.
6.2 OAKLEY CITY COUNCIL/OAKLEY CITY COUNCIL ACTING AS THE
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE OAKLEY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
(a) Reports from Council Liaisons to Regional Committees, Commissions and Boards AND Oakley City Council/Oakley City Council Acting as the Successor Agency to the Oakley Redevelopment Agency
Councilmember Fuller reported Diablo Water District (DWD) has a rate increase and he won’t try to explain it, but water users should have received a pamphlet. He shared part of it is in relation to certificates of participation and he doesn’t like it, but it is up to DWD.
Vice Mayor Meadows reported that traffic committee meetings were canceled last month.
Mayor Pope reported he attended the Habitat Conservancy meeting yesterday and the biggest topic of discussion was the reuse of Roddy Ranch. He mentioned the Habitat Conservancy and East Bay Regional Parks District partnered to acquire the land and they are planning space for public access.
(b) Requests for Future Agendas
Councilmember Fuller made a second request for a resolution to support stopping the tunnel.
7) WORK SESSION
8) CLOSED SESSIONS
Mayor Pope announced the closed session items.
8.1 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6(a)
City Designated Representatives: Joshua McMurray, City Manager and Jeri Tejeda, Human Resources Director
Unrepresented Employees: Accounting Assistant (1), Accounting Manager (1), Administrative Assistant (5), Assistant to the City Manager (1), Building Inspector I (2), Capital Projects Engineer (1), Chief of Police (1), City Clerk/Paralegal (1), Code Enforcement Officer I (1), Code Enforcement Technician (2), Community Development Director (1), Custodian (1), Deputy City Clerk (1), Economic Development Analyst (1), Engineering Technician (1), Events Coordinator (1), Finance Director (1), Human Resources Director (1), Management Analyst (1), Office Assistant (1), Parks and Landscape Maintenance Tree Worker, (1) Parks and Landscape Maintenance Worker (2), Parks and Landscape Foreman (1), Parks and Landscape Manager (1), Park Ranger (1), Permit Center Technician I (1), Permit Technician II (1), Planning Manager (1), Planning Technician (1), Police Lieutenant (2), Police Records Assistant (3), Police Services Assistant (4), Principal Engineer (1), Public Works Administrative Specialist (1), Public Works Director/City Engineer (1), Public Works Maintenance Worker (1), Public Works Inspector II (1), Recreation Aide (4), Recreation Director (1), Recreation Leader (9), Senior Accounting Technician (1), Sports Field Laborer (1), Streets Maintenance Foreman (1).
8.2 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL--INITIATION OF LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4)
One potential case.
9) ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Respectively Submitted,
Libby Vreonis
City Clerk