City Council Regular Meeting eAgenda July 28, 2026

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AGENDA

BERKELEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Tuesday, July 28, 2026
6:00 PM

SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD ROOM - 1231 ADDISON STREET, BERKELEY, CA 94702

TELECONFERENCE LOCATION - 7020 NEPTUNE AVENUE GLENEDEN BEACH, OR 97388

Adena Ishii, Mayor

Councilmembers:

District 1 – Rashi Kesarwani District 5 – Shoshana O’Keefe

District 2 – Terry Taplin District 6 – Brent Blackaby

District 3 – Ben Bartlett District 7 – Cecilia Lunaparra

District 4 – Igor Tregub District 8 – Mark Humbert

This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid model with both in-person and virtual attendance. Attend this meeting remotely using Zoom. To request to speak, use the “raise hand” function in Zoom. To join by phone: Dial 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (Toll Free) and enter Meeting ID: 165 286 9280. To provide public comment, Press *9 and wait to be recognized by the Chair. To submit a written communication for the public record, email council@berkeleyca.gov.

Live captioned broadcasts of Council meetings are available on B-TV (Channel 33) and via internet video stream. All Council meetings are recorded.

This meeting will be conducted in accordance with the Brown Act, Government Code Section 54953. Any member of the public may attend this meeting, however, if you are feeling sick, please do not attend the meeting in person. The City Council may take action related to any subject listed on the Agenda.

Pursuant to the City Council Rules of Procedure and State Law, the presiding officer may remove, or cause the removal of, an individual for disrupting the meeting. Prior to removing an individual, the presiding officer shall warn the individual that their behavior is disrupting the meeting and that their failure to cease their behavior may result in their removal. The presiding officer may then remove the individual if they do not promptly cease their disruptive behavior. “Disrupting” means engaging in behavior during a meeting of a legislative body that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting and includes, but is not limited to, a failure to comply with reasonable and lawful regulations adopted by a legislative body, or engaging in behavior that constitutes use of force or a true threat of force.

Government Code Section 84308 (Levine Act) - Parties to a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use are required to disclose if they made contributions over $500 within the prior 12 months to any City employee or officer. Parties and participants with a financial interest are prohibited from making more than $500 in contributions to a decisionmaker for the 12 months after the final decision is rendered on the proceeding. The above contribution disclosures and restrictions do not apply when the proceeding is competitively bid, or involves a personnel or labor contract. For more information, see Government Code Section 84308.

Preliminary Matters

Roll Call:

Land Acknowledgement Statement: The City of Berkeley recognizes that the community we live in was built on the territory of xučyun (Huchiun (Hooch-yoon)), the ancestral and unceded land of the Chochenyo (Cho-chen-yo)-speaking Ohlone (Oh-low-nee) people, the ancestors and descendants of the sovereign Verona Band of Alameda County. This land was and continues to be of great importance to all of the Ohlone Tribes and descendants of the Verona Band. As we begin our meeting tonight, we acknowledge and honor the original inhabitants of Berkeley, the documented 5,000-year history of a vibrant community at the West Berkeley Shellmound, and the Ohlone people who continue to reside in the East Bay. We recognize that Berkeley’s residents have and continue to benefit from the use and occupation of this unceded stolen land since the City of Berkeley’s incorporation in 1878. As stewards of the laws regulating the City of Berkeley, it is not only vital that we recognize the history of this land, but also recognize that the Ohlone people are present members of Berkeley and other East Bay communities today. The City of Berkeley will continue to build relationships with the Lisjan Tribe and to create meaningful actions that uphold the intention of this land acknowledgement.

Ceremonial Matters: In addition to those items listed on the agenda, the Mayor may add additional ceremonial matters.

City Manager Comments: The City Manager may make announcements or provide information to the City Council in the form of an oral report. The Council will not take action on such items but may request the City Manager place a report on a future agenda for discussion.

Public Comment on Non-Agenda Matters: Up to ten persons will be selected to address matters not on the Council agenda. If five or fewer persons are identified to provide non-agenda comment, each person selected will be allotted two minutes each. If more than five persons are selected to address matters not on the Council agenda, each person selected will be allotted one minute each.

In-person attendees wishing to address the Council on matters not on the Council agenda during the initial ten-minute period for such comment, must submit a speaker card to the City Clerk in person at the meeting location and prior to the moment that the Presiding Officer calls for public comment on non-agenda items. Remote attendees must raise their hand in the videoconference application when the Presiding Officer calls for non-agenda speakers. The first five raised hands on the videoconference application will be selected to speak and the first five cards drawn at the meeting will be selected to speak. The number of in-person and remote speakers selected may be adjusted by the Presiding Officer if fewer than five speakers from either format are identified.

The remainder of the speakers wishing to address the Council on non-agenda items will be heard at the end of the agenda.

Public Comment by Employee Unions (first regular meeting of the month): This period of public comment is reserved for officially designated representatives of City of Berkeley employee unions, with five minutes allocated per union if representatives of three or fewer unions wish to speak and up to three minutes per union if representatives of four or more unions wish to speak.

Consent Calendar

-The Council will first determine whether to move items on the agenda for “Action” or “Information” to the “Consent Calendar”, or move “Consent Calendar” items to “Action.” Three members of the City Council must agree to pull an item from the Consent Calendar or Information Calendar for it to move to Action. Items that remain on the “Consent Calendar” are voted on in one motion as a group. “Information” items are not discussed or acted upon at the Council meeting unless they are moved to “Action” or “Consent”.

No additional items can be moved onto the Consent Calendar once public comment has commenced. At any time during, or immediately after, public comment on Information and Consent items, any Councilmember may move any Information or Consent item to “Action.” Following this, the Council will vote on the items remaining on the Consent Calendar in one motion.

For items moved to the Action Calendar from the Consent Calendar or Information Calendar, persons who spoke on the item during the Consent Calendar public comment period may speak again at the time the matter is taken up during the Action Calendar.

Public Comment on Consent Calendar and Information Items Only: The Council will take public comment on any items that are either on the amended Consent Calendar or the Information Calendar. If ten or fewer persons are interested in speaking on an individual agenda item, each speaker may speak for two minutes. If there are more than ten persons interested in speaking, the Presiding Officer may limit the public comment for all speakers to one minute per speaker. Speakers are permitted to yield their time to one other speaker, however no one speaker shall have more than four minutes. The Presiding Officer may, with the consent of persons representing both sides of an issue, allocate a block of time to each side to present their issue. A speaker may only speak once during the period for public comment on Consent Calendar and Information items.

Additional information regarding public comment by City of Berkeley employees and interns: Employees and interns of the City of Berkeley, although not required, are encouraged to identify themselves as such, the department in which they work and state whether they are speaking as an individual or in their official capacity when addressing the Council in open session or workshops.

Consent Calendar

1.-Lease Agreement: International Child Resource Institute (ICRI) for 125-127 University Avenue Office Space
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt second reading of Ordinance No. 8,031-N.S. executing a five-year lease agreement with International Child Resource Institute to lease second floor office space located at 125-127 University Ave in the Berkeley Waterfront. The lease term is anticipated to begin September 1, 2026, and end August 31, 2031.
First Reading Vote: All Ayes.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Ferris, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, (510) 981-6700

2.-Minutes for Approval
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Approve the minutes for the Council meetings of June 5, 2026 (closed), June 8, 2026 (closed), June 9, 2026 (regular), June 16, 2026 (regular), June 22, 2026 (closed), June 23, 2026 (special), and June 30, 2026 (regular).
Financial Implications: None.
Contact: Mark Numainville, City Clerk, (510) 981-6900

3.-Police Accountability Board – Appointment of New Member
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution appointing a new member to the Police Accountability Board (PAB) nominated by Councilmember Taplin.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Mark Numainville, City Clerk, (510) 981-6900

4.-Voting Delegates – League of California Cities Annual Conference
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Designate Councilmember Lunaparra as the voting delegate and Councilmember Humbert as the alternate for the General Assembly of the Annual League of California Cities conference to be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, in Anaheim.
Financial Implications: See report.
Contact: Mark Numainville, City Clerk, (510) 981-6900

5.-Contract No. 32100053 Amendment: Dr. Orsolya Kuti for Veterinary Medical Services
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract and any necessary amendments with Dr. Orsolya Kuti to provide in-house veterinary medical services at Berkeley Animal Care Services (BACS), increasing the contract amount by $103,000 for a new total contract amount not to exceed $376,000.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Peter Radu, City Manager's Office, (510) 981-7000

6.-Friends of Berkeley Animal Care Services Grant Acceptance
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept a $60,000 grant from the Friends of Berkeley Animal Care Services (FoBACS) and to execute any necessary agreements and amendments required to implement this funding.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Peter Radu, City Manager's Office, (510) 981-7000

7.-Formal Bid Solicitations and Request for Proposals Scheduled for Possible Issuance After Council Approval on July 28, 2026
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Approve the request for proposals or invitation for bids (attached to staff report) that will be, or are planned to be, issued upon final approval by the requesting department or division.? All contracts over the City Manager’s threshold will be returned to Council for final approval.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300

8.-Contract No. 32600030 Amendment: DataProse for Bill Printing and Mailing
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend Contract No: 32600030 with DataProse, to provide printing and mailing services, increasing the amount by $150,000 for an amended total amount not to exceed $200,000 and extending the term for 18 months, until December 31, 2028.
Financial Implications: See Report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300

9.-Contract: Swifthawk Consulting, LLC to Serve as the Alameda County Coordinator
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution: 1. Authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute a contract with Swifthawk Consulting, LLC, to serve as the Alameda County Coordinator for coordination with local agencies, fire safe councils, and wildfire mitigation community groups for the initial period, August 1, 2026, through December 30, 2029, with two (2) one (1) year extensions, in a total amount not to exceed $1 million based on incoming grant funds from the California Fire Safe Council; and 2. Authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute any amendments for not more than $225,000 per year in Fiscal Year (FY) 30 and 31, upon receiving additional California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) awards in order to continue the contract. 3. To apply for and receive future grant awards to maintain the Alameda County Coordinator position through 2031.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: David Sprague, Fire, (510) 981-3473

10.-Purchase Orders: Spending Authority for equipment purchase from Life-Assist for Emergency Medical Supplies and Equipment
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to utilize National Purchasing Partners (NPPGov) Contract No. PS25830 and issue purchase orders to Life-Assist, Inc. for emergency medical supplies and equipment from August 1, 2026 through November 18, 2029, in an amount not to exceed $1,552,000 with the option to continue utilizing any authorized extensions or successor cooperative purchasing agreements, subject to available funding and applicable procurement requirements for an additional two, two year extensions not to exceed $1,888,000.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: David Sprague, Fire, (510) 981-3473

11.-Purchase Orders: Bound Tree Medical for Emergency Medical Supplies and Equipment
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to utilize BuyBoard Contract No. 804-26 and issue purchase orders to Bound Tree Medical, LLC for emergency medical supplies and equipment from August 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $25,000, with the option to continue utilizing authorized contract renewals or successor cooperative purchasing agreements for two additional two-year periods, in an amount not to exceed $110,000 in total.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: David Sprague, Fire, (510) 981-3473

12.-Grant Application: Authorizing application for and acceptance of FEMA Port Security Grant Program funds for fire & rescue boat replacement
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for and accept a grant, and any amendments, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for up to $1,200,000 including a $300,000 (25%) local match to replace the City’s Fire & Rescue Boat.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: David Sprague, Fire, (510) 981-3473

13.-Contract: Berkeley Food Network for Food Assistance: HOME-ARP Supportive Services
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to execute a new contract with Berkeley Food Network (BFN) to provide food security services to eligible populations utilizing HOME Investment Partnership American Rescue Plan Program (HOME-ARP) funds for a total amount not to exceed $372,901 for a two-year contract ending on June 30, 2028.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5100

14.-Contract: CivicPlus, LLC for Recreation Management Software and Related Services
From: City Manager
Recommendation: AAdopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an Agreement with CivicPlus, LLC for the continued provision of recreation management software, training, consulting, and related professional services, for an amount not to exceed $200,905 for the five-year period commencing December 1, 2026, through November 30, 2031.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Ferris, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, (510) 981-6700

15.-Purchase Order: One Workplace Inc. for furniture and equipment for the MLK Jr. Youth Services Center and other Community Centers
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to issue purchase orders with One Workplace Inc. for the purchase of furniture and equipment for the MLK Jr. Youth Services Center and other community centers using the Omnia Partners Contract No. 2019.001899, R221104, and R240103 for an amount not to exceed $300,000 through June 30, 2027, with the option of one (1) single-year extension if the Omnia contract is extended.
Financial Implications: Parks Tax Fund - $300,000
Contact: Scott Ferris, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, (510) 981-6700

16.-Contract: QLM-Inc. for the Santa Fe Trackbed to Park Conversion New Community Gardens, Dog Park, and Playground Project
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution: 1. Approving the plans and specifications for the Santa Fe Trackbed to Park Conversion New Community Gardens, Dog Park, and Playground Project; and 2. Accepting the correction of the sum of bid items for QLM-Inc’s bid; and 3. Accepting the bid of the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, QLM-Inc.; and 4. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract and any amendments, extensions or other change orders until completion of the project in accordance with the approved plans and specifications, with QLM-Inc., for the Santa Fe Trackbed to Park Conversion New Community Gardens, Dog Park, and Playground Project from Blake to Ward Street, along Acton Street at 0 Parker Street, 0 Carleton Street, 0 Derby Street, 0 Ward Street, in an amount not to exceed $3,355,202 which includes a base contract amount of $3,185,202, plus $170,000 for Add Alternates No. 3 and 5, and a 10% contingency in the amount of $335,520.
Financial Implications: Various Funds - $3,690,722
Contact: Scott Ferris, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, (510) 981-6700

17.-Contract No. 32500050 Amendment: The Dutra Group for Berkeley Marina Docks D&E Replacement Project
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to Contract No. 32500050 with The Dutra Group for the Berkeley Marina Docks D&E Replacement Project, increasing the amount by $300,000 for an amended total amount not to exceed $8,893,200.
Financial Implications: Various Funds - $8,893,222
Contact: Scott Ferris, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, (510) 981-6700

18.-Authorization for Additional Civic Arts Commission Meeting in 2026
From: Civic Arts Commission
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the Civic Arts Commission to hold one additional meeting in 2026, allowing the Commission to add an August 26, 2026 meeting.
Financial Implications: Staff time
Contact: Carianna Arredondo, City Manager's Office, (510) 981-7000

19.-***Item Removed by the City Manager*** Officially Name the Public Plaza at Adeline and Fairview Streets in South Berkeley in honor of Dolores Cooper
From: Parks and Waterfront Commission
Contact: Roger Miller, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-6700

Council Consent Items

20.-Excused Absence for Councilmember Ben Bartlett
From: Mayor Ishii (Author)
Recommendation: Excuse Councilmember Ben Bartlett from the June 30, 2026 council meeting because of a medical illness/condition.
Financial Implications: None
Contact: Adena Ishii, Mayor, (510) 981-7100

21.-Recission of the Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding and Motor Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards Under the Clean Air Act
From: Mayor Ishii (Author), Councilmember Lunaparra (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Tregub (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Attorney’s Office to join the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University’s amicus brief in support of the petition for review of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) rescission of the greenhouse gas endangerment finding and motor vehicle greenhouse gas emissions standards under the Clean Air Act, 91 Fed. Reg. 7686 (Feb. 18, 2026), subject to City Attorney review and approval of the brief.
Financial Implications: Staff time
Contact: Adena Ishii, Mayor, (510) 981-7100

22.-Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds from General Funds and Grant of Such Funds to Support the Citywide Berkeley School Supply Distribution & Resource Fair
From: Councilmember Bartlett (Author), Councilmember Tregub (Co-Sponsor), Mayor Ishii (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $200 per Councilmember from the D13 Discretionary Accounts of members of the Berkeley City Council, including a contribution of $200 from Councilmember Ben Bartlett, $150 from Councilmember Igor Tregub, $100 from Mayor Adena Ishii, and inviting additional Councilmembers to contribute, to support SupplyBank.org's Citywide Berkeley School Supply Giveaway & Resource Fair.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Ben Bartlett, Councilmember, District 3, (510) 981-7130

23.-Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds from General Funds and Grant of Such Funds to the Downtown Berkeley Association in Support of the Social Service Outreach Coordinator Position
From: Councilmember Tregub (Author), Councilmember O'Keefe (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Blackaby (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Lunaparra (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the expenditure of up to $1000 per Councilmember from each of their D13 Discretionary Accounts including $500 from Councilmember Tregub, $500 from Councilmember O’Keefe, $500 from Councilmember Blackaby, and $300 from Councilmember Lunaparra and inviting other members of the City Council to contribute to the Downtown Berkeley Association (DBA) in support of the Social Service Outreach Coordinator position.
The relinquished funds from the respective discretionary Council Office Budgets of such members of the Berkeley City Council who wish to contribute will close the remaining gap in cost sharing funding and allow for the DBA to continue performing important social services outreach duties in Downtown Berkeley.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Igor Tregub, Councilmember, District 4, (510) 981-7140

24.-Referral to the City Manager: RENAISSANCE (Revitalizing Enterprise and Neighborhoods through Activation, Investment, Safety, Streamlining, Accessibility, Networking, Collaboration, and Equity), Part 1: Performance Standards for Commercial District Activation and Blight Mitigation
From: Councilmember Tregub (Author), Mayor Ishii (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Blackaby (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember O'Keefe (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: Refer to the City Manager the development of a set of commercial vacancy blight mitigation strategies that include but are not limited to:
1. Performance Standards: Establish performance standards for commercial district properties, where a building has been demolished, partially demolished, or partially constructed, and the property has remained in that condition for an established time period without any documentation showing that the project is advancing within the defined near-term timeframe. These standards may include but are not limited to temporary landscaping, creative temporary use, creative and dynamic fencing, murals, green walls and/or other remedies that maintain the site in an attractive and visibly activated state.
2. Revocation of Permits: Reaffirm the authority of the City Manager or designee to declare the permit lapsed due to non-compliance findings outlined in Number 1 above. Explore streamlining and simplifying the permit revocation process established in Berkeley Municipal Code (BMC) 23.404.080 if the owner of the property is out of compliance with the performance standards described in Number 1.
3. Unmitigated Prolonged Commercial Vacancy: Add “unmitigated prolonged commercial vacancy” as a defined factor to declare a property blighted in commercial districts.
Financial Implications: None.
Contact: Igor Tregub, Councilmember, District 4, (510) 981-7140

25.-Russell Street Halloween Festivities (2026–2029): Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds to General Fund and Grant of Such Funds
From: Councilmember Humbert (Author)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $4,000 per Councilmember including $4,000 from Councilmember Humbert to the Claremont Elmwood Neighborhood Association for Russell Street Halloween festivities from 2026 to 2029 with funds relinquished to the City’s General Fund for this purpose from the discretionary Council Office Budgets of Councilmember Humbert and any other Councilmembers who would like to contribute.
Financial Implications: Councilmember's Discretionary Funds - $4,000
Contact: Mark Humbert, Councilmember, District 8, (510) 981-7180

Action Calendar

-The public may comment on each item listed on the agenda for action. For items moved to the Action Calendar from the Consent Calendar or Information Calendar, persons who spoke on the item during the Consent Calendar public comment period may speak again during the Action Calendar public comment period on the item

The Presiding Officer will request that persons wishing to speak line up at the podium, or use the "raise hand" function in Zoom, to determine the number of persons interested in speaking at that time. If ten or fewer persons are interested in speaking on an individual agenda item, each speaker may speak for two minutes. If there are more than ten persons interested in speaking, the Presiding Officer may limit the public comment for all speakers to one minute per speaker. Speakers are permitted to yield their time to one other speaker, however no one speaker shall have more than four minutes. The Presiding Officer may, with the consent of persons representing both sides of an issue, allocate a block of time to each side to present their issue.

Action items may be reordered at the discretion of the Chair with the consent of Council.

The Presiding Officer may open and close an additional comment period for Action items on this agenda (excluding any public hearings, appeals, and/or quasi-judicial matters), at the start of the Action Calendar. Those who speak on an item during this comment period may not speak a second time when the item is taken up by Council.

Action Calendar – Public Hearings

-Staff shall introduce the public hearing item and present their comments. For certain hearings, this is followed by five-minute presentations each by first the appellant and then the applicant. The Presiding Officer will request that persons wishing to speak line up at the podium, or use the "raise hand" function in Zoom, to be recognized and to determine the number of persons interested in speaking at that time.

If ten or fewer persons are interested in speaking during a public hearing, each speaker may speak for two minutes. If there are more than ten persons interested in speaking, the Presiding Officer may limit the public comment for all speakers to one minute per speaker. Speakers are permitted to yield their time to one other speaker, however no one speaker shall have more than four minutes. The Presiding Officer may with the consent of persons representing both sides of an issue allocate a block of time to each side to present their issue.

When applicable, each member of the City Council shall verbally disclose all ex parte contacts concerning the subject of the hearing. Councilmembers shall also submit a report of such contacts in writing prior to the commencement of the hearing. Written reports shall be available for public review in the office of the City Clerk.

26.-Referral Response: Inclusionary Housing In-Lieu Fee Analysis and Fee Update for Single Family Residential Units
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution amending the Inclusionary Housing in-lieu fee to establish a 2,500 square foot Residential Unit Floor Area (RUFA) deduction for all detached single-family residential units and maintain the 5,000 square foot RUFA deduction for multi-unit residential projects; and include analysis of the updated fee structure in the 2028 in-lieu fee study.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5100

Council Action Items

27.-Referral to Schedule Hopkins Street for Paving with Enhanced Safety Improvements for all Users (Reviewed by the Facilities, Infrastructure, Transportation, Environment & Sustainability Committee)
From: Councilmember Kesarwani (Author), Councilmember Humbert (Co-Sponsor), Mayor Ishii (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: Given new information presented by the Fire Department that pedestrian and bike safety infrastructure on Hopkins Street “retains workable emergency access,” refer to the City Manager to repave Hopkins Street from Sutter Street to San Pablo Avenue with inclusion of one-way Class IV separated bikeways on each side from The Alameda to Peralta Avenue / Ohlone Greenway with a minimum width of five feet. Of the various cycle track and protected bikeway conceptual options that Public Works reviewed, staff deemed this configuration of separated cycle tracks to be the safest, while also providing the opportunity to retain the greatest amount of curbside parking.
Further, incorporate the following specific additional safety, parking management, and other features:
-From Sutter Street to The Alameda on Hopkins, install Class II buffered bike lanes on each side (similar to Monterey Avenue) and incorporate traffic calming to the extent feasible;
-From Peralta Avenue / Ohlone Greenway to Stannage Avenue on Hopkins, incorporate traffic calming speed cushions to the extent feasible, along with any other pedestrian safety features recommended by Public Works staff that are compatible with potential future bike lanes;
-Install a raised intersection, in which the entire intersection is elevated to approximate sidewalk grade as a vertical traffic-calming and pedestrian-priority treatment (similar to the raised intersection constructed at Bancroft Way and Telegraph Avenue as part of the Southside Complete Streets project), where Hopkins Street connects to Monterey Avenue and California Street;
-Incorporate pedestrian safety features included in the 2022-2023 conceptual design that continue to be deemed appropriate by Public Works staff;
-Redesign and reconstruct the intersection of Hopkins and Sacramento Streets to promote safety of all users;
-Assess improvement of the intersection of Hopkins Street and The Alameda to promote safety of all users, with redesign and reconstruction contingent upon available funding;
-Install bus boarding islands (floating bus stops) at AC Transit stops with the bikeway routed behind the boarding platform;
-Address street and curb damage from old street trees including removal of trees that are intruding into the usable street width, impacting storm drainage, with replacement trees required at a 1:1 ratio;
-Develop and implement a comprehensive Curb Management Plan for the commercial, recreational, and residential areas around Hopkins Street that includes ADA parking spaces, loading zones, short-term parking zones, waste collection service needs, and metering adjacent to commercial and/or recreational uses to encourage parking turnover;
-In addition, as part of the comprehensive Curb Management Plan, explore the feasibility of expanding the Residential Preferential Parking (RPP) Eligibility Map to the Hopkins Street corridor, along with the ability of Hopkins Street residents living on or adjacent to a block with parking loss to obtain an RPP permit for the nearest street.
As part of advancing the Council-directed Class IV separated bikeway into detailed engineering plans, Public Works staff will conduct outreach to businesses, schools, houses of worship, residents, and other stakeholders along Hopkins Street. This outreach will focus on refining the design of the safety infrastructure to be responsive to operational needs along the corridor, particularly loading zones, short-term parking zones, ADA parking, waste collection service needs, and metered parking, with the Class IV separated bikeway design serving as the established foundation for this work. The Hopkins Street commercial district is a neighborhood institution, and the goal of this design process is to ensure that safety improvements strengthen rather than undermine its vitality.
Policy Committee Recommendation: To send the item to council with a qualified negative recommendation to be rejected unless amended to include; protected bike lanes on Hopkins Street from Sutter to Gilman; direction to staff to develop and present options for extending the bike lane infrastructure westward to Acton, Peralta, or Stannage; direction to staff to immediately identify and secure funding for all proposed pedestrian, transit and bicycle improvements, and direction to staff to utilize existing completed traffic studies and prior public process outcomes to limit unnecessary delays and costs.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Rashi Kesarwani, Councilmember, District 1, (510) 981-7110

28.-Referral to the City Manager: Update Definition of and, in the C-DMU District and Review Restrictions Related to the Establishment of Adult-Oriented Businesses in the Berkeley Municipal Code (Reviewed by the Land Use, Housing & Economic Development Committee)
From: Councilmember Tregub (Author)
Recommendation: Refer to the City Manager the following: 1. Updates to the definition of “Adult-Oriented Business” in the Berkeley Municipal Code (BMC) Section 23.302.070.A, BMC Chapter 23.204, and/or any other relevant provisions, including vaping shops and other related businesses; and 2. Reviewing restrictions around such uses in the C-DMU Commercial District in the Downtown.
Policy Committee Recommendation: Send the item to the City Council with a qualified positive recommendation with the following revisions to the recommendation: 1. Review (rather than expand) restrictions of such uses in the C-DMU Commercial District in the Downtown; and 2. Incorporate consideration of vaping uses as part of the definition(s).
Financial Implications: Staff time
Contact: Igor Tregub, Councilmember, District 4, (510) 981-7140

Information Reports

29.-Landmark Preservation Ordinance Notice of Decision: 2455 Telegraph Avenue / #LMSAP2026-0001
From: City Manager
Contact: Jordan Klein, Planning and Development, (510) 981-7400

30.-Landmark Preservation Ordinance Notice of Decision: Elmwood Commercial Historic District /#LMIN2026-0001
From: City Manager
Contact: Jordan Klein, Planning and Development, (510) 981-7400

31.-Civic Arts Commission FY27 Work Plan
From: Civic Arts Commission
Contact: Carianna Arredondo, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-7000

32.-Annual Report on Landmarks Preservation Commission Actions
From: Landmarks Preservation Commission
Contact: Allison Riemer, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-7400

Public Comment – Items Not Listed on the Agenda

Adjournment

NOTICE CONCERNING YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS: If you object to a decision by the City Council to approve or deny a use permit or variance for a project the following requirements and restrictions apply: 1) No lawsuit challenging a City decision to deny (Code Civ. Proc. §1094.6(b)) or approve (Gov. Code 65009(c)(5)) a use permit or variance may be filed more than 90 days after the date the Notice of Decision of the action of the City Council is mailed. Any lawsuit not filed within that 90-day period will be barred. 2) In any lawsuit that may be filed against a City Council decision to approve or deny a use permit or variance, the issues and evidence will be limited to those raised by you or someone else, orally or in writing, at a public hearing or prior to the close of the last public hearing on the project.

Archived indexed video streams are available at: berkeleyca.gov/council-agendas.
Channel 33 rebroadcasts the following Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. and Sunday at 9:00 a.m.

Communications to the City Council are public record and will become part of the City’s electronic records, which are accessible through the City’s website. Please note: e-mail addresses, names, addresses, and other contact information are not required, but if included in any communication to the City Council, will become part of the public record. If you do not want your e-mail address or any other contact information to be made public, you may deliver communications via U.S. Postal Service to the City Clerk Department at 2180 Milvia Street. If you do not want your contact information included in the public record, please do not include that information in your communication. Please contact the City Clerk Department for further information.

Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at the public counter at the City Clerk Department located on the first floor of City Hall located at 2180 Milvia Street, and through the City's online records portal: https://records.cityofberkeley.info/.

Agendas, agenda reports, and revised/supplemental material may be accessed via the online agenda for this meeting at: berkeleyca.gov/council-agendas
and may be accessed at reference desks at the following locations:

City Clerk Department - 2180 Milvia Street, First Floor
Tel: 510-981-6900, TDD: 510-981-6903, Fax: 510-981-6901
Email: clerk@berkeleyca.gov

Libraries: Main – 2090 Kittredge Street,
Claremont Branch – 2940 Benvenue, West Branch – 1125 University,
North Branch – 1170 The Alameda, Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch – 1901 Russell

COMMUNICATION ACCESS INFORMATION:

This meeting is being held in a wheelchair accessible location.

To request a disability-related accommodation(s) to participate in the meeting, including auxiliary aids or services, please contact the Disability Services specialist at ada@berkeleyca.gov, (510) 981-6418 (V), or (510) 981-6347 (TDD) at least three business days before the meeting date.

Attendees at public meetings are reminded that other attendees may be sensitive to various scents, whether natural or manufactured, in products and materials. Please help the City respect these needs.

Captioning services are provided at the meeting, on B-TV, and on the Internet. In addition, assisted listening devices for the hearing impaired are available from the City Clerk prior to the meeting, and are to be returned before the end of the meeting.

If you have obtained interpretation services for your use during a City Council meeting and would like to request assistance, please contact the City Clerk Department at (510) 981-6900, clerk@berkeleyca.gov, or in-person during the meeting.

Questions regarding public participation may be addressed to the City Clerk Department (510) 981-6900 or by email at clerk@berkeleyca.gov.

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I hereby certify that the agenda for this meeting of the Berkeley City Council was posted at the display case located near the walkway in front of the Maudelle Shirek Building, 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, as well as on the City’s website, on July 16, 2026.

Mark Numainville, City Clerk

Communications

Council rules limit action on Communications to referral to the City Manager and/or Boards and Commissions for investigation and/or recommendations. All communications submitted to Council are public record. Copies of individual communications are available for viewing at the City Clerk Department and through Records Online.

Item #27: Referral to Schedule Hopkins Street for Paving with Enhanced Safety Improvements for all Users (Reviewed by the Facilities, Infrastructure, Transportation, Environment & Sustainability Committee)

Jennifer Johnston
Ruth Gorrin
Henry Pinkard
Warren Wells
Meg Holm (2)
Bruce H. Hamilton
Eric Johnson
Lee Bishop
Adam Rogers
Andy Peterson
Janet Byron
Susanna Porte
Coriander Reisbord
Bill Hoffman
Katharine Bierce
Silke Taylor
Shirley Kirsten (3)
Guy Phillips
Linda Berland
Tony Corman
Stuart Baker
Juli Dickey
Lucas Cantor
Isabelle and Steve
Nimrod Pitsker Elias
Katherine Silver
Summer Brenner
Bev Hoffman and Deborah Merola
Maryann D’Onofrio
Benjamin Lerman
Theresa Malki, Henry Malki, Sam Malki, and Lillian Malki
Mary Barlow
Kelly Hammargren
Sally Nelson
Justin Jackson-Mann
Bonnie Janora

Upzoning/Zoning

Marilyn Jensen
Dorothea Dorenz
8 Similarly worded form letters

Measure L Concerns

Clifford Fred

Tax Scrips

Maris Arnold

Drug Task Force

David Lerman

Neighbor Noise Concerns

Angie Duvall

Pedestrian Light

Enrica Jiang
Jose Magana
Glenn Samson
George Franklin

Ferry Parking Plan

Paul Kamen (4)

Stuart Street

Tony Benado

Cease Desist Response

Stephen Alpert

Busy Bees Camp Concerns

Kenneth Tanemura

City Government Concern

Andrew Marowitz

Public Comment Concerns

Stephen Alpert (3)

1130 Oxford Street

Dennis Fantin
Derek Abbassi

HTT Office Coverage Concern

Darinxoso Oyamasela

Pegasus Voyages Invitation

Robert Kingston

Insight Housing

Tiara Jones

Fund Raiser

Brianna Hernandez (2)

Mobile Crisis Team

Gabriella Raymond

Encampments

Melanie Beasley
Jodie Morgan
Frederick Hertz
Julie Resnik
Joan Sprinson

Ashby Easy Lot

Willie Phillips on behalf of Berkeley Equity Summit Alliance

Resolution Request

Elana Auerbach

UA Theater

Save the UA Berkeley
Melanie Beasley

Eviction Control Concerns

John J. Parman

Hotel Shattuck World Cup

Jeffrey Church

Shelter Services

Linda Hix (2)
Mike St. Pierre

Blooming Crisis Book

Dennis Eidson

Alameda County Resource Guide

Elizabeth

Planning Commission Meetings

Asmara Marek

School Crossing Guards

Laura Andril

Bid Contracts

Dorothea Dorenz

Restaurant Inspections

David Lerman

Shelter Dogs Concern

Francesca Agrusa

BAC Funding

Carrianna Arredondo

ADU Data

Allan Feldman

BMR Rent Clarifications

Alex Merenkov

URLs

Josh Atwood
Russbumper

Newsletters

Visit Berkeley
Berkeley Art Center

E-Scooters

Robert Borghese (5)
Carson Lepre (3)
Aaron Dickinson (2)

Forwards

Russbumper (3)
Eid Abdallah (13)

Supplemental Communications and Reports
Items received by the deadlines for submission will be compiled and distributed as follows. If no items are received by the deadline, no supplemental packet will be compiled for said deadline.

Supplemental Communications and Reports 1
Available by 5:00 p.m. five days prior to the meeting.
Supplemental Communications and Reports 2
Available by 5:00 p.m. the day before the meeting.
Supplemental Communications and Reports 3
Available by 5:00 p.m. two days following the meeting.