PIEDMONT CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting Minutes for Monday, April 3, 2023
A Regular Session of the Piedmont City Council was held April 3, 2023, in the City Hall Council Chambers at 120 Vista Avenue. In accordance with Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was posted for public inspection on March 30, 2023.
CALL TO ORDER Mayor Cavenaugh called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Jennifer Cavenaugh, Vice Mayor Betsy Smegal Andersen and Councilmembers Jennifer Long, Conna McCarthy, and Tom Ramsey Staff: City Administrator Sara Lillevand, City Attorney Michelle Marchetta Kenyon, Police Chief Jeremy Bowers, Public Works Director Daniel Gonzales, Recreation Director Chelle Putzer, Finance Director Michael Szczech, City Engineer John Wanger, Assistant City Administrator/City Clerk John Tulloch CEREMONIAL ITEMS Mayor Cavenaugh presented a proclamation to the Piedmont High School (PHS) Women’s Basketball Team on the occasion of their award winning season. Coach Bryan Gardere and team captains thanked the City, community, PHS administration, parents, and team for their support.
PUBLIC FORUM John Malick asked the Council to consider aesthetics when designing traffic improvement projects, focusing on attractive landscaping.
REGULAR AGENDA The Council considered the following items of regular business:
Alameda County
Mosquito Abatement
District
Hope Salzer, Piedmont Representative to the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District, introduced the district’s General Manager Ryan Clausnitzer. Mr. Clausnitzer gave a presentation on the district’s history, its current activities, fiscal position, and services available to Piedmonters.
There was no Public Testimony received.
(0555)
Dearing Family
Commemoration
Ms. Lillevand reviewed the community and government action in 1924 that led to the forced exit of Sidney and Irene Dearing, the City’s first African American residents, from their home. She discussed the Council’s deliberations in May of 2022 which resulted in direction to the Park Commission to explore and make recommendations to the City Council on opportunities to memorialize the Sidney Dearing family history at the Triangle Park area at the intersection of Magnolia and Wildwood Avenues.
Ms. Lillevand acknowledged the active participation of the Dearing family. She stated that the project scope is narrow. The Park Commission subcommittee’s work has introduced other questions, suggestions and ideas beyond the memorialization at Triangle Park. These concepts will be captured in a report appendix and provided to the City Council by the Park Commission.
Cornelia Sylvester, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consultant indicated that the Park Commission subcommittee and City staff have been meeting City Council Minutes
April 3, 2023
2 since May 2022 to help create a plan for the memorial site honoring Sidney and Irene Dearing and to gather information from the community to make recommendations to the City Council. She noted meetings have occurred with small groups, stakeholders, and residents living closest to Triangle Park, and one to two Dearing family members. Ms. Sylvester explained the guiding principles created by the Dearing family, identified suggestions that are beyond the scope of the subcommittee, and staff’s proposal to present high-level conceptual designs to the broader Piedmont community in an in-person hands-on workshop. She shared the Dearing family’s positive reaction to the project.
Public Testimony was received from:
Lois Corrin, Sheila Leunig, Shanti Brien, and Amy Griffith expressed their support and thanks for the work that has been done to date, as well as efforts that will bring the project to completion. Speakers suggested possible artists for the commemoration, and hopes that the City will continue meaningful and transparent discussions on equity and inclusion beyond the Dearing family.
Karen Sullivan, President of Piedmont Beautification Foundation, expressed the foundation’s enthusiasm for the project and asked to participate. She thanked Ms. Lillevand for her service.
Tiffany McCoy and Margot Dashiell, both members of the Dearing family, thanked the Council and the community for bringing this subject to light and inclusion in the process. Speakers thanked Meghan Bennett for her work in shedding light on the deplorable actions which forced their family to leave Piedmont.
A member of the Planning Commission subcommittee thanked Ms.
Sylvester for her participation and expressed enjoyment working with members of the Dearing family.
The Council thanked everyone who participated in the project and directed staff to proceed with development of high-level conceptual designs to present to the broader community at a hands-on and in person community workshop, in accordance with the proposed guiding principles. (0745-0370)
Presentation of the
City’s History in the
current context
Ms. Lillevand asked the Council to consider how to operationalize and prioritize next steps. The Council’s anti-racism stance and commitment to advancing Piedmont as a city that is welcoming and inclusive were noted.
Staff’s recommendation is that the Council use a professional facilitator to explore perspectives and priorities aimed at leading a city which is safe, welcoming, and equitable. She suggested that the Council consider limited staff and fiscal resources.
Public Testimony was received from:
Shanti Brien, Amy Griffith, and Lois Corrin supported the Council’s proposed actions. Speakers also suggested the establishment of a commission related to diversity, equity, and belonging issues.
After extensive deliberation, the Council directed staff to set a date for a Council Work Session to discuss perspectives and priorities aimed at City Council Minutes
April 3, 2023
3 leading a city which is a safe, welcoming, and equitable place for all people.
(0745-0370)
Nova/Magnolia Traffic
Island
Ms. Lillevand acknowledged the patience of the residents who live near the Nova / Magnolia island and their persistence regarding the improvement of the island from the current bollards to something more permanent and aesthetically pleasing. She highlighted the efforts and perseverance of staff, related challenges, improvements to the existing conditions, safety, a relatively cost-effective approach, and funds for aesthetic improvements.
Public Works Director Daniel Gonzales noted that the proposed traffic island is the most effective tool for traffic calming, pedestrian safety, and neighboring concerns. The bollard layout was an important first step to identifying the issues. He indicated that the plans were well received by the community and recommended including rumble strip tape in the project.
City Engineer John Wanger relayed the concept design to install vertical curbs and remove asphalt within the intersection, adding a pedestrian crossing, a left turn pocket for traffic turning from Magnolia Avenue onto Nova Drive to address site distance concerns, and an extended curb in front of 101 Magnolia. Furthermore, he noted the possibility of combining this project with the upcoming paving project to get a better economy of scale for unit prices, accommodations for bicycle safety, and bicycle friendly and lower noise rumble strip tape.
Public Testimony was received from:
Jane Lin and Mary Wells expressed support for the project. Speakers commended the City for getting this far, suggested a more intuitive design for pedestrians, more traffic calming efforts, and noted dislike for the proposed rumble strips for sound issues. Speakers also thanked Councilmember McCarthy and staff for their leadership.
Resolution No. 23-2023
RESOLVED, that the City Council approves the conceptual design for the traffic island at the intersection of Nova Drive and Magnolia Avenue and directs staff to complete the construction bid documents and bid the project.
Moved by McCarthy, Seconded by Long
Ayes: Andersen, Cavenaugh, Long, McCarthy, Ramsey
Noes: None
(1000)
Piedmont Community
Pool Project Update
Ms. Lillevand reported that the Piedmont Recreational Facilities Organization (PRFO) plans to present the City with $2.1 million raised funds at the June 5 City Council meeting and progress is being made with East Bay Community Energy (EBCE) for a potential $750,000 low- or nointerest loan. Mr. Gonzales provided an update on demolition and a construction update on the project. He indicated that the project is on schedule at this point.
Recreation Director Chelle Putzer reviewed operations and programming activities to prepare for the pool opening to the public, collaboration efforts City Council Minutes
April 3, 2023
4 of the Pool Advisory Committee and Isaac Sports Group on the pool pass models, resident/nonresident differential, and fee study which will allow for the start of pool pass marketing and sales software set up. She reviewed the staffing outline and smaller details underway.
Assistant City Administrator/City Clerk John Tulloch recognized Communications Programs Manager Echa Schneider for setting up the construction time lapse camera on the City website, presented the camera view, and reviewed the update schedule.
There was no Public Testimony received.
Vice Mayor Andersen thanked staff and PRFO.
(0270-1022)
City Administrator
Sara Lillevand
Retirement
Mayor Cavenaugh announced that Wednesday is City Administrator Sara Lillevand’s final day before retirement. On the Council’s behalf the Vice Mayor thanked Ms. Lillevand for her service as City Administrator, Recreation Director, and a pioneer for women’s sports.
Councilmembers individually expressed their appreciation for Ms.
Lillevand’s leadership and dedication to the City.
Public Testimony was received from:
David Gard who congratulated Ms. Lillevand on her retirement and expressed gratitude for her partnership with PADC and welcomed the incoming City Administrator.
Ms. Lillevand expressed her thanks for the meaningful comments spoken, noted the Council’s care for staff, relayed her love for the City staff and pride in their work, shared having learned every day in her position, and expressed excitement for the future of Piedmont.
Mayor Cavenaugh proclaimed Wednesday, April 5, 2023 as Sara Lillevand Day, and presented her with a glass replica of the Exedra blue vase. (0805)
REPORTS AND
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Long announced that the revised Housing Element was submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for its review.
Councilmember Ramsey announced the upcoming 2nd annual Play Like a Girl event on April 23rd and suggested a future agenda item for Civic Building evaluations, programming, and priorities.
Councilmember McCarthy announced that tickets are available for the Piedmont Sports Hall of Fame and reception this Saturday.
Vice Mayor Andersen announced an upcoming League of Women Voters event regarding renewable energy.
Mayor Cavenaugh announced the upcoming Appreciating Diversity Film Series, 2nd annual Food Fest on April 23rd, Piedmont Adult School Expo, and the Readmont community discussion on April 26th. She requested a future agenda item to evaluate the expansion of student nonvoting participation in City Council Minutes
April 3, 2023
5 City commissions and committees and Disposable Food Service Food Ware Reduction and Reuse Model Ordinance.
ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Cavenaugh adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.