Consider Directing Staff to Provide an Update on the Negotiations Between the City and the Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) as Soon as Possible.  (Mayor Spencer) [Not heard on December 6, 2016]
And I brought this referral ticket to get an update because it's my understanding from the comments from Fox in the past was that they may not have funding to continue the service this past March. And so I would like to know when staff is planning to come back to give us an update so that we will. I'd like us council to be able to make a decision in regards to the status and how we're going to proceed as soon as possible, as opposed to reaching the unfortunate position, I would say, of us running out of money and then hearing. You know, March 1st. Or March. I'm not sure exactly what date that would be, but I think it's important that it come back to council so that we can make a determination. May I come in? Yes. So I actually was out at the animal shelter today because I I'm back now and I wanted to have an opportunity. They invited me to come and sit down with them, the director and their consultant and another board member and I and actually the FAS people wanted me to know, I didn't ask them, but they said, please, no, we didn't request this council referral and they actually let me know that they've met with the city manager, with James Addison, who is our consultant who's doing the analysis. They provided me with a stack of. Data and documentation that they provided him to. I think he got even more. So I anyway, it just was puzzling when I was reading the council referral because I think the, the, the process is in motion. And we do, I think, have some update coming to us in the new year, if I recall correctly. The manager. A So that is true. And based on the council direction at the last time there was a referral to to deal with this. And so since then we have been in negotiations. We have hired James Edison who has been working directly with FAS. He also has a sub consultant who has expertize in the field of animal care and shelter care and we have heard from the council to bring updates. And so I think we can meet this week regardless of, you know, as soon as possible. He is still working on trying to get information from FAS, the last details as the audited financials which they are working on and we are waiting for that information and I think both sides are trying to provide the information so we can move forward. And there's a big team on both sides that are working on this, including Assistant City Manager Warmington, the police chief, our finance director. And we are. You know, we have good intentions to move forward and to protect the animals. The other thing that we talked about today is there is an interest on both sides to make sure that when March comes, if there is a lack of funds, that our first goal is to make sure that those animals are cared for and not, you know, quote, put out on the street or any other thing. So both sides are trying to figure out a way to protect the animals in the shelter. So my preference is that we hear back from staff and I appreciate that. FOSTER Not requests. I think that this is the job of council to hear hear this and make a determination. I think it's our decision and I think it's important that we be provided the information so that, in fact, this is decided by council prior to March 1st. I am concerned that. This may actually, unfortunately, just this time may pass. And I actually see this also as a very important issue for our community. So I think it's very important that staff report back to council and I would say no later than the I would actually say first meeting in February with an update so that we can decide, so the council can decide how we want to proceed with the matter. Vice Mayor, do we have dates for bargaining scheduled or that are do have a plan for meeting with them between now and then? Are. What we are trying to do right now is collect the information, the complete picture of the financial situation, and that includes the audited financials. I spoke to Forbes this morning and asked that question. They are attempting to get that information from their auditor. And as soon as we have all the information, then our consultant has said it's a matter of about, you know, weeks to a month turnaround time. And then after that, it is where we can meet and agree. So we're all waiting for the information right now, the complete picture. So it's hard to actually predict. Well, exactly. You know, where we when we can return back to council, but we want to do it as soon as possible. And that was their direction at the last time this was discussed as referral, I think in October. Yeah. And Brody. Thank you, Madam Mayor, of before I do my comments, I do want to welcome my colleague back and welcome our new vice mayor and get to do that earlier. You know, I'm satisfied with the update that you provided today. I'm a little concerned that, you know, we conduct these negotiations in public when, you know, we trust the staff to go forward and do their due diligence and, you know, do what's best for the city and do what's best for all of our residents. Knowing that this is a priority that not only our residents, but this council has expressed to you. So, you know, I'm satisfied with the update. You know, I'm not comfortable with, you know, putting finite dates on when you need to report back. But trust that you're going to be doing this job. Has you have been doing for the past few months since we first gave you direction. Any other comments? All right. So. I appreciate the comments from staff. I am concerned, as I've said, that this I think it's critical that we hear back from staff sooner rather than later. And I do want to commend all the volunteers in our community that have really tirelessly given to support this shelter. You do an amazing job, and I do support your efforts, and I'm hopeful that we'll be able to make some sort of long term arrangement. So thank you. That's 99 be. Considered directing staff to return to council with an analysis declaring Sanctuary City a policy refusing to honor mandates regarding massive restaurant tournaments policy, refusing to register individuals based on their religious beliefs, and a resolution reaffirming the city's commitment to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights. Religious freedoms and social and economic justice.