2:30AM Alameda Council Meeting Brings Out True Colors

Tuesday’s marathon of a City Council meeting ran past 2:30AM and into St. Patrick’s Day. However, I finally got some insight into Alameda City Council and Staff dynamics after sheer exhaustion wore down their usual fronts. Add the catalyst of SunCal into the meeting and the gloves really came off.


Interim City Manager Anne Marie Gallant and City Attorney Teresa Highsmith are clearly in cahoots, and attempted many times to deflect attempts for greater transparency in their departments. Lena Tam called for transparency among the Council, City Staff and SunCal, and asked if there was a way for the Council to be involved earlier. Gallant’s response was rude and curt, citing that the City procedure dictates the process – clearly trying to keep her door closed. Her partner in crime, Teresea Highsmith made a rude comment earlier on to Tam, trying to shut her up. Surprisingly, SunCal’s COO Frank Faye came in with a transparency suggestion of a Council subcommittee to attend staff meetings, therefore opening things up and allowing the Council to participate in the process. Other promises for transparency included an Executive Summary by SunCal immediately released to the public by the City.

SunCal reps got quite a hand slap, and even after their apologetic response it came as quite a surprise to me to hear Vice Mayor DeHaan say they were not humble enough in their presentation. Huh. It seems as if the Council, DeHaan specifically, is skipping out of meetings with SunCal and making excuses – Faye cites “I’m happy to see you are able to meet, you seem much healthier than we were led to believe.”

One win for open government: a Council subcommittee will hopefully be established to attend meetings with all interested Alameda Point development parties.

Now let’s see how well ICM Gallant delivers on her promise to summarize Alameda Point redevelopment meetings in her future “City Manager Communications.” I’m somehow doubting we'll get the unabridged version...