Minutes 1998 0302 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Minutes - City of San Leandro City Council Meeting Page - 8 - March 2, 1998 The City Manager gave a brief staff report and overview of the history of the proposed project. He commented that this project would provide self sufficiency to the Marina Enterprise Fund; that the loan would be from the General Fund to the Marina Fund, and then to the project. He also commented that this project can be funded by a bank but then the City would not own the property. They have also provided for the continued maintenance of the Center and assurance that it will remain state of the art. The City made a concerted effort to help the developer and labor unions negotiate, but there was no resolution and an impasse was reached. The project development will pay prevailing wages. Me further commented that there has been a traffic study, and there are proposed improvements to Marina Boulevard and Doolittle Drive. Dan McFadden went over the economics and financial proposal. He feels this project will result in the increase of public use of the Marina. Mayor Corbett commented that the Marina has been an area in need of a little help. She voiced concern about the Marina's future health. She feels this is a good project, one we need, and hopes it can go forward. She commented on concerns she shares, based on comments that have been expressed. She was hopeful the mediation would have had results and still hopes that can be achieved. She asked the Council to consider a 30-day, cooling-off period to allow more negotiations to take place with the developer and the labor union. It would allow for a clearing of the air and an opportunity to make it work for the community. Council Member Galvan stated he was not in favor of a cooling-off period as the Council has talked about this project for two years. He agrees with Dale Reed - that this proposal would enhance the Marina and create a resort atmosphere. He feels the project is crucial to establish the revenue stream that would enhance the Marina. He added that it is an excellent setting for an upscale conference center. Although he understands the union's position, he disagrees with them on this issue. He stressed that it will be built by prevailing wages. He added that the Council has never interfered in private business regarding union business. He feels the Council should abide by the terms, conditions, and criteria that a bank would use in making a decision on a project such as this. He will be supporting the project and feels this will put the City of San Leandro on the map. He is not in favor of extending the decision 30 days. Council Member Glaze commented that the Council has been looking at this for two years. The City has invested money throughout the year and those returns on investments actually finance a lot of City projects. He stated that people forget that the Marina is a major drain on the City. There was a clear vision in the 1980's and moving into the 1990's - that the Marina would be self sufficient. He wishes it could be union; but, recognizing that was not going to happen, the Council pushed for prevailing wages. He feels the Council needs to move forward with the project.