City Council Regular Meeting eAgenda June 17, 2025

REVISED AGENDA

(REVISED TO ADD A TELECONFERENCE LOCATION
AND CORRECT RECCOMMENDATION OF ITEM 18)

BERKELEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Tuesday, June 17, 2025
6:00 PM

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

TELECONFERENCE LOCATION - KIAHUNA PLANTATION UNIT 34, 2253 POIPU RD., POIPU, HI 96756

TELECONFERENCE LOCATION - 1027D BANCROFT WAY, BERKELEY CA 94710

Adena Ishii, Mayor

Councilmembers:

This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid model with both in-person attendance and virtual participation. Live captioned broadcasts of Council meetings are available on B-TV (Channel 33) and via internet video stream at http://berkeley.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=1244. All Council meetings are recorded.

To access the meeting remotely use this URL: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1600617992.  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: 160 061 7992. 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.

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.-Assessments: Downtown Berkeley Property Based Business Improvement District
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the Downtown Berkeley Property Based Business Improvement District (DPBID) Annual Report of Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and proposed budget for FY 2026 and declaring Council’s intention to levy an annual assessment for the DPBID for FY 2026. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Eleanor Hollander, Economic Development, (510) 981-7530

2.-Assessments: North Shattuck Property Based Business Improvement District
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the North Shattuck Property Based Business Improvement District (NSBID) Annual Report of Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and proposed budget for FY 2026 and declaring Council’s intention to levy an annual assessment for the NSBID for FY 2026. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Eleanor Hollander, Economic Development, (510) 981-7530

3.-Assessments: Telegraph Property Based Business Improvement District
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the Telegraph Property Based Business Improvement District (TBID) Annual Report of Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and proposed FY26 budget and declaring Council’s intention to levy an annual assessment for the TBID for FY 2026. 
Financial Implications: See report.
Contact: Eleanor Hollander, Economic Development, (510) 981-7530

4.-Contract: Fine Art Service Provider - Chandra Cerrito/Art Advisors LLC - for Public Art Curation & Project Management Services
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract and any amendments with Chandra Cerrito/Art Advisors LLC for an amount not to exceed $100,000 for Public Art Curation and Project Management services for the City of Berkeley’s Public Art Collection for a term of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. 
Financial Implications: $100,000 - Cultural Trust Fund
Contact: Eleanor Hollander, Economic Development, (510) 981-7530

5.-Formal Bid Solicitations and Request for Proposals Scheduled for Possible Issuance After Council Approval on June 17, 2025
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: General Fund - $250,000
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300

6.-Temporary Appropriations FY 2026
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing a temporary appropriation in the sum of $60,000,000 to cover payroll and other expenses from July 1, 2025, until the effective date of the FY 2026 Annual Appropriations Ordinance. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300

7.-FY 2026 Tax Rate: Business License Tax on Large Non-Profits
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an Ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate for Business License Tax on large non-profits at $0.8736 (87.36 cents) per square foot of improvements. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300

8.-FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund the Debt Service on the Street and Watershed Improvements General Obligation Bonds (Measure M, November 2012 Election)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an Ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate funding the debt service on the Street and Integrated Watershed Improvements General Obligation Bonds (Measure M, November 2012) at 0.0050%. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300

9.-FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund Debt Service on 2015 Refunding General Obligation Bonds (Measures G, S & I)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an Ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate funding the debt service on the 2015 consolidation of Measures G, S and I (General Obligation Bonds - Elections of 1992, 1996 and 2002) at 0.0090%. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300

10.-FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund the Provision of Emergency Medical Services (Paramedic Tax)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an Ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate for funding the provision of emergency medical services to Berkeley residents at $0.0474 (4.74 cents) per square foot of improvements. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300

11.-FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund Sustainable and Accountable Funding for Equitable Street Transformation, Revitalization, Enhancements, and Essential Traffic Safety (SAFE STREETS) (Measure FF)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an Ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate for funding Sustainable and Accountable Funding for Equitable Street Transformation, Revitalization, Enhancements, and Essential Traffic Safety (SAFE STREETS), otherwise known as Measure FF, at an annual rate of $0.17 per square foot of dwelling unit improvements and $0.25 per square foot for industrial, commercial, and institutional improvements for the 18-month period from January 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300, Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300

12.-FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund the Maintenance of Parks, City Trees and Landscaping
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an Ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate for funding all improvements for the maintenance of parks, City trees, and landscaping in the City of Berkeley at $0.2652 (26.52 cents) per square foot of improvements. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300

13.-FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund the Debt Service on the Affordable Housing General Obligation Bonds (Measure O, November 2018 Election)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an Ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate funding the debt service on the Affordable Housing General Obligation Bonds (Measure O, November 2018) at 0.0200%. 
Financial Implications: See Report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300

14.-FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund the Debt Service on the Infrastructure and Facilities General Obligation Bonds (Measure T1, November 2016 Election)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an Ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate funding the debt service on the Infrastructure and Facilities Improvements General Obligation Bonds (Measure T1, November 2016) at 0.0110%. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300

15.-FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund Debt Service on Neighborhood Branch Library Improvements Project General Obligation Bonds (Measure FF, November 2008 Election)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an Ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate for funding the debt service on the Neighborhood Branch Library Improvements Project General Obligation Bonds (Measure FF, November 2008 Election) at 0.0040%. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300

16.-FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund Emergency Services for the Severely Disabled (Measure E)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an Ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate for funding the provision of emergency services for the disabled at $0.02229 (2.229 cents) per square foot of improvements. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300

17.-FY 2026 Special Tax Rate: Fund the Provision of Library Relief Act
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate for the Library Relief Act of 2024, approved by Berkeley voters in the November 2024 election, for funding the provision of Library Services in the City of Berkeley at $0.06 (6.00 cents) per square foot for dwelling units and $0.09 (9.00 cents) per square foot for industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300, Tess Mayer, Library, (510) 981-6100

18.-FY 2026 Special Tax Rate: Fund the Provision of Library Services
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate for funding the provision of Library Services in the City of Berkeley at $0.2980 (29.80 cents) per square foot for dwelling units and $0.4506 (45.06 cents) per square foot for industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300, Tess Mayer, Library, (510) 981-6100

19.-Cooperative Agreement: Downtown Berkeley Bike Station
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to renew the Cooperative Agreement, expiring on June 30, 2026, with the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) for the continued operation of the Downtown Berkeley Bike Station in its Center Street Garage location, provide funding for FY26 and past due funding for FY24 and FY25, for a total not to exceed amount of $255,000. 
Financial Implications: See report.
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300

20.-Approving Proposed Projects Anticipated to be paid for by the State’s Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Funds for FY 2025-26
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving a proposed list of projects that will utilize funding from the State of California’s Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) and authorize the City Manager to submit the proposed list to the California Transportation Commission. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300

21.-Civic Arts Commission General Fund Request for Continuation of Poet Laureate Program in FY26 & FY27
From: Civic Arts Commission
Recommendation: The Civic Arts Commission requests that the City Council allocate a total of $25,000 in the annual budget of the General Fund over two fiscal years to support the continuation of the City of Berkeley’s Poet Laureate Program: - FY26: $20,000 for Selection Process (including staff time) and Poet Laureate Stipend in Year One; - FY27: $5,000 for Poet Laureate Stipend in Year Two 
Financial Implications: See report.
Contact: Jennifer Lovvorn, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-7530

22.-Civic Arts Commission Funding Request - Additional $41,685 from the General Fund in FY26 for Festival Grants
From: Civic Arts Commission
Recommendation: Refer to the City’s Budget process an increased budget allocation of $41,685 of general fund monies to bring the total allocation for Festival Grants to $200,000 in FY26. 
Financial Implications: $41,685 - General Fund
Contact: Jennifer Lovvorn, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-7530

23a.-Cesar Chavez Park Nature and Recreation-Based Conceptual Plan
From: Parks and Waterfront Commission
Recommendation: Request that City Council approve Parks Recreation and Waterfront Commission process and direct Councilmembers Kesarwani and Taplin to appoint members of the César Chávez Park ReVision Team. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Roger Miller, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-6700

23b.-Companion Report: Cesar Chavez Park Nature and Recreation-Based Conceptual Plan
From: City Manager
Recommendation: The City Manager recommends that Council take no action on the Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Commission recommendation that City Council approve the Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Commission process and direct Councilmembers Kesarwani and Taplin to appoint members of the César Chávez Park ReVision Team. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Ferris, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, (510) 981-6700

24.-Grant Allocation: Approve Healthy Berkeley Funding Recommendations for Programs to Reduce Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) for FY 2026 and FY 2027 Grant Cycle
From: Sugar Sweetened Beverage Product Panel of Experts
Recommendation: Approve the SSBPPE Commission’s recommendations and adopt eight (8) Resolutions authorizing the City Manager or designee to enter into contracts with the Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) and the Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) listed below to distribute a total of $1,810,584 for FY 2026 and FY 2027according to the following schedule:
1. $905,292 total grant to Berkeley Unified School District to implement the Gardening and Cooking Program and to be disbursed as follows: $452,646 in FY 2026 and $452,646 in FY 2027. 
2. $75,000 total grant to Berkeley Food Network to implement the Connecting the Community to Wellness program and to be disbursed as follows: $37,500 in FY 2026 and $37,500 in FY 2027.
3. $108,660 total grant to Berkeley Youth Alternatives to implement the Team Nutrition Program and to be disbursed as follows: $54,330 in FY 2026 and $54,330 in FY 2027.
4. $140,750 total grant to Ecology Center to implement the For Thirst, Water First! program and to be disbursed as follows: $70,375 in FY 2026 and $70,375 in FY 2027.
5. $204,316 total grant to Healthy Black Families to implement the Thirsty for Change! (T4C) program and to be disbursed as follows: $102,158 in FY 2026 and $102,158 in FY 2027.
6. $178,658 total grant to LifeLong Medical Care to implement the LifeLong’s Chronic Disease and Oral Health Prevention Project and to be disbursed as follows: $89,329 in FY 2026 and $89,329 in FY 2027.
7. $90,000 total grant to Multicultural Institute to implement the Life Skills/Day Laborer and Domestic Workers Program Health Activities program and to be disbursed as follows: $45,000 in FY 2026 and $45,000 in FY 2027.
8. $107,908 total grant to YMCA of the East Bay to implement the YMCA Healthy Me! Program and to be disbursed as follows: $53,954 in FY 2026 and $53,954 in FY 2027.
9. The Commission recommends that indirect or administrative expenses not exceed 10% of the program budget for any entity and that the funds awarded not be used to supplant any other source of funding. 
10. The Commission recommends that City Council authorize the City Manager to authorize advances for BUSD and the selected community agencies receiving funds in FY 2026 and FY 2027. The advances are to be equivalent to 25% of the agency’s allocation. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Roberto Terrones, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-5400

Council Consent Items

25.-Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds from General Funds and Grant of Such Funds to the Poet Laureate Program for FY 2026
From: Mayor Ishii (Author), Councilmember O'Keefe (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Lunaparra (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Taplin (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $500 per Councilmember, including $500 from Mayor Ishii, to the Poet Laureate Program for FY 2026 with funds relinquished to the City’s General Fund for this purpose from the discretionary Council Office Budgets of Mayor Ishii and any other Councilmembers who would like to contribute. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Adena Ishii, Mayor, (510) 981-7100

26.-Resolution Reaffirming Our Commitment to Vision Zero and Transportation-Related Plans and Policies
From: Mayor Ishii (Author), Councilmember Lunaparra (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Taplin (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Humbert (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution reaffirming the City of Berkeley’s Commitment to Vision Zero and Transportation-related plans and policies. 
Financial Implications: None.
Contact: Adena Ishii, Mayor, (510) 981-7100

27.-Parking Business Improvement District (BID) Formation Update, Lorin and Gilman Commercial Districts
From: Mayor Ishii (Author), Councilmember Kesarwani (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Bartlett (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution enabling the City Manager to reallocate the dedicated funds for Parking Business Improvement District (BID) formation activities in the Lorin and Gilman commercial districts to grants that will be disbursed directly to the Lorin and Gilman commercial district merchant associations. The grants will be disbursed in annual amounts, and phased as follows: $10,000 each for years one and two, and $5,000 in year three for a total amount not to exceed $25,000 per district over three years.
This approach will continue to advance the initiative’s original goal to support both the Lorin and Gilman Districts by funding supplemental commercial district improvements, such as enhanced infrastructure and expanded programing, including the production of district-wide marketing efforts and events. 
Financial Implications: See report.
Contact: Adena Ishii, Mayor, (510) 981-7100

28.-Fire Facility Revenue Measures (Reviewed by the Budget & Finance Committee)
From: Councilmember Taplin (Author), Mayor Ishii (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Blackaby (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Humbert (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: Refer to the City Manager the assessment of potential 2026 revenue ballot measures to support capital improvements to fire department facilities and return recommendations for council adoption.
Policy Committee Recommendation: Forward the item to Council with a positive recommendation. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terry Taplin, Councilmember, District 2, (510) 981-7120

29.-Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds from General Funds and Grant of Such Funds to the Downtown Berkeley Association’s 6th Annual Pride on the Plaza Variety Show, in partnership with Om Nom Nom Productions
Revised agenda material (Supp 1)
From: Councilmember Tregub (Author)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the expenditure of up to $500 per Councilmember from each of their D13 Discretionary Accounts including $500 from Mayor Ishii, and Councilmembers Tregub and Taplin, and $200 from Councilmember Lunaparra, and inviting other members of the City Council to contribute to the 2025 Downtown Berkeley Association’s Pride Variety Show, in partnership with Om Nom Nom Productions with funds relinquished to the City’s general fund.
The relinquished funds from the respective discretionary Council Office Budgets of such members of the Berkeley City Council who wish to contribute will support the Downtown Berkeley Association to host a successful event. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Igor Tregub, Councilmember, District 4, (510) 981-7140

30.-Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds from General Funds and Grant of Such Funds to the Historical Plaque Project of the Berkeley Historical Society & Museum
From: Councilmember Tregub (Author)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the expenditure of up to $500 per Councilmember from the D13 Discretionary Accounts of members of the Berkeley City Council, including $500 from Councilmember Tregub, and inviting other members of the City Council to contribute to the Historical Plaque Project of the Berkeley Historical Society & Museum, with funds relinquished to the City’s general fund. 
The relinquished funds from the respective discretionary Council Office Budgets of such members of the Berkeley City Council who wish to contribute will support this impactful organization, to preserve cultural knowledge, and celebrate Berkeley’s rich and diverse history. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Igor Tregub, Councilmember, District 4, (510) 981-7140

31.-Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds from General Funds and Grant of Such Funds to Berkeley’s First Pride Fair hosted by Pacific Center for Human Growth
Revised agenda material (Supp 1)
From: Councilmember Tregub (Author), Councilmember Taplin (Co-Sponsor), Mayor Ishii (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: Adopting a Resolution authorizing the expenditure of up to $500 per Councilmember from each of their D13 Discretionary Accounts including $500 from Mayor Ishii, and $500 from Councilmembers Taplin, Tregub, and inviting other members of the City Council to contribute to Berkeley’s first Pride Fair hosted by Pacific Center for Human Growth with funds relinquished to the City’s general fund.
The relinquished funds from the respective discretionary Council Office Budgets of such members of the Berkeley City Council who wish to contribute will support Pacific Center in its endeavor to host a successful event that will set the precedent for Berkeley to continue hosting large-scale Pride celebrations for years to come. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Igor Tregub, Councilmember, District 4, (510) 981-7140

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.

32.-Ambulance Transport and First Responder Fee Increase
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution adjusting the Ambulance User Fee to match Alameda County’s approved ambulance user fee schedule made effective July 1, 2025, for the Cities of Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, and Piedmont and to adjust the First Responder Fee. The increase would be included as an updated addendum to the Ambulance Provider Agreement, and rescinding Resolution 71,512–N.S. effective July 1, 2025. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: David Sprague, Fire, (510) 981-3473

33.-Fire Permit and Inspection Fee Schedule
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution: 1. Approving a revised Fire Department fee schedule which incorporates an increase in fire permitting and fire inspection fees from $392.00 to $500.00 per hour; and 2. Adding fees to construction and operational permit fees that were new permits from the California Fire Code (CFC) in years 2016, 2019, and 2022, which were adopted with no fee assigned; and 3. Adding a fee amount to the operational permit for Class IIIB Combustible Liquids; and 4. Rescinding Resolution 70,612–N.S. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: David Sprague, Fire, (510) 981-3473

34.-Fees: Public Health: Berkeley High School Health Center Services
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing, and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution establishing a new fee schedule and any annual fee adjustments through June 2028 based on changes in market rates (so long as such fee adjustments do not exceed the City’s cost to provide the services) for Public Health Clinic services effective July 1, 2025, and rescinding Resolution No. 68,449-N.S. At the end of Fiscal Year 2028, the fee schedule will remain in effect until another cost analysis is conducted.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5400

35.-Housing Trust Fund and Small Sites Program Fees
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution establishing the following new fees for the Housing Trust Fund (HTF) and Small Sites Programs: - Origination fee equal to 1% of the total loan for new construction; - Subordination fee of $600 per request; - Assumption fee of $600 per request; - Loan modification fee of $3,000 per request; - Hourly rate of $130 for project management of HTF projects not subject to the origination fee during predevelopment and development.
Financial Implications: See report.
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5400

36.-Affordable Housing Compliance Review Fee
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution establishing a Department of Health, Housing, and Community Services (HHCS) fee of $130 per hour to review and approve the compliance of new construction projects with the City’s affordable housing regulations. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5400

37.-Selected Marina Fee Increases
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution approving new fees and increasing current fees for select Marina fees; and rescinding Resolution No. 70,868-N.S. and all amendatory resolutions. 
Financial Implications: See report.
Contact: Scott Ferris, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, (510) 981-6700

38.-Changes to Selected Recreation Facilities and Camps Program Fees
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution approving new fees and increasing current fees for select recreation programs and facility rentals; and rescinding Resolution No. 71,657 N.S. and all amendatory resolutions. 
Financial Implications: See report.
Contact: Scott Ferris, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, (510) 981-6700

39.-Changes to the Planning & Development Fee Schedule
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution:  1. Approving revisions to the fee schedule for the Planning and Development Department effective July 1, 2025, to increase fees for base building permit applications and permit fees based on project valuations, to create permit fees for new types of solar and energy storage systems, to increase fees for certain appeals of Land Use decisions, to increase fees for Zoning Certificate for Short-Term Rentals, to update fees for compliance with new Building Emissions Savings Ordinance (BESO) requirements, to increase the Public Works Department Engineering and Transportation Division fees which reside in the Planning fee schedule, and to make minor clarifications to language in the existing fee schedule; and  2. Rescinding Resolution No. 71,357-N.S. effective July 1, 2025. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Jordan Klein, Planning and Development, (510) 981-7400

40.-New Fee Schedule for Carry Concealed Weapon Permits
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution establishing a new fee schedule (effective July 1, 2025) to support application processing, background investigations, and license issuance for Carry Concealed Weapon Permits.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Jennifer Louis, Police, (510) 981-5900

41.-Changes to Select Public Works Transportation Permit Fees
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution increasing fees for parking permits, rescinding Resolution No. 68,344-N.S. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300

42.-Levy and Collection of Fiscal Year 2026 Street Lighting Assessments
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion adopt two Resolutions confirming the assessments for the Berkeley Street Lighting Assessment District No. 1982-1 and the Street Lighting Assessment District 2018, approving the Engineer’s Reports, and authorizing the levying and collection of assessments in Fiscal Year 2026. 
Financial Implications: See report.
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300

43a.-Modification and Adoption of Berkeley Fire Code Local Amendments (Continued from May 6, 2025)
Supplemental agenda material (Supp 2)
Presentation (Supp 3)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing, and upon conclusion, adopt the second reading of Ordinance No. 7,959-N.S. which proposes to amend certain portions of Section 19.48.020 of the Berkeley Municipal Code (“Amendments to the California Fire Code”).
First Reading Vote: All Ayes. 
Financial Implications: Staff time
Contact: David Sprague, Fire, (510) 981-3473

Action Calendar – Old Business

43b.-Adoption of CALFIRE Map and Additional Areas Designated as the City of Berkeley Fire Hazard Severity Zones (Continued from May 6, 2025)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt second reading of Ordinance No. 7,958-N.S. to designate Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) within the Local Responsibility Area as recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE) pursuant to Government Code Section 51178.
First Reading Vote: All Ayes. 
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: David Sprague, Fire, (510) 981-3473

Council Action Items

43c.-EMBER Implementation Plan, Vegetation Management Working Group, and Clarifying Fire Code Language
Supplemental agenda material (Supp 2)
From: Councilmember Blackaby (Author), Councilmember O'Keefe (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: 
1. Refer to the City Manager to develop a comprehensive roll-out and implementation plan for EMBER; then return to City Council before September 9, 2025
2. Refer to the City Manager to create a working group of Berkeley residents and stakeholders to review the vegetation management portion of the Fire Code to ensure that it is clear, reflects unique local conditions, and incorporates the best available fire science (inclusive of any more conservative code adopted by the California Board of Forestry); then return with additional amendments to the City Council before December 31, 2025 as part of the Fire Department’s Triennial Fire Code Update Process
3. Refer to the City Manager to incorporate additional clarifying language listed in this report; then return amendments to the City Council before December 31, 2025 as part of the Fire Department’s Triennial Fire Code Update Process 
Financial Implications: None.
Contact: Brent Blackaby, Councilmember, District 6, (510) 981-7160

Information Reports

44.-Landmarks Preservation Ordinance Notice of Decision: 2845 Woolsey Street/#LMIN2025-0001
From: City Manager
Contact: Jordan Klein, Planning and Development, (510) 981-7400

45.-Landmarks Preservation Ordinance Notice of Decision: 1947 Center Street/#LMSAP2025-0007
From: City Manager
Contact: Jordan Klein, Planning and Development, (510) 981-7400

46.-goBerkeley Parking Management Program - Recommended Adjustments for July 20, 2025
From: City Manager
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300

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:
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-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:
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-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.

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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 June 5, 2025.

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 #37: Selected Marina Fee Increases

1. Rachel Bradley
2. Wisteria
3. Irene Jung-Huang
4. Paul Kamen
5. Sarah Elzea (2)
6. Gordon Stout
7. Robert Ofsevit
8. Joyce Freedman
9. Edward Schlesinger
10. Catherine
11. Deborah Scott
12. Jeff Malmuth and Daniela Calciolari (2)
13. Camille Antinori
14. Stefani Berger (2)
15. Kathy Gee

Item #43a: Modification and Adoption of Berkeley Fire Code Local Amendments (Continued from May 6, 2025)

Item #43b: Adoption of CALFIRE Map and Additional Areas Designated as the City of Berkeley Fire Hazard Severity Zones (Continued from May 6, 2025)

Item #43c: EMBER Implementation Plan, Vegetation Management Working Group, and Clarifying Fire Code Language

16. Zoe Glynn
17. Nenelle Bunnin (4)
18. Laurie McWhorter (2)
19. Barbara Freeman (5)
20. Janice Dost (3)
21. Ellen Gold
22. Bob Flasher (2)
23. Dorit Hochbaum
24. Martina Reaves
25. Alfred Twu
26. Monica, Scott, and Sammy Smith
27. Sanne DeWitt (2)
28. Colin Arnold
29. Rhonda Gruska
30. Margaret Cullen
31. Mike and Gretchen Schnitzer
32. Portia Pirnia (4)
33. David Sprague
34. Mary Lee Noonan
35. Tony Howlett
36. Jeff White
37. Meg Sedlak
38. John and Donna Schneider
39. Karen Eisenstadt
40. Steven Castleberry
41. John Joisce
42. Robyn Brooke
43. Izzy Nance
44. David Drubin
45. Bryan Michaels
46. Anthony Buckland
47. Michael Buckland
48. Scott Lancaster
49. Seamus Kelly
50. Carol Maga
51. Craig Peterson
52. Jon Kaufman
53. Margot Murtaugh (3)
54. Sarah Clayton
55. Michael J Gollner (2)
56. Joel Ben Izzy
57. Irene Brydon
58. Bernadette Powell
59. Zohra Kalinkowitz (2)
60. Chris Cullander
61. Margit Roos-Collins
62. Michael Stokes
63. Mardi Sicular-Mertens
64. Kevin Burke
65. Harris Brody
66. Hanna Wodjae (33)
67. Mary-Louise Hansen (2)
68. Lezlie Kinyon
69. Debra Savate
70. Anand Varma
71. Phoebe Dedlow
72. Zoe Glass
73. Jeremie Diagana
74. Tai Tachibana
75. Janice Thomas (2)
76. Patrick Golier
77. Mary McGann
78. Abhi Bhat
79. Susan Nunes Fadley
80. Christina M Gillis
81. Michel Thouati
82. Jim Hynes
83. Corwin and Margaret Booth
84. Todd Jersey
85. Maxwell Davis
86. Shivaom
87. Barbara Freeman
88. Keith May
89. Alliance for Practical Fire Solutions
90. Matt Barrio

91. Cindy Larson

    Ohlone Park

92. Annika Rogers
93. Daniel Jurnove (2)
94. James Smith
95. Jason Dearborn
96. Patricia Itamoto
97. Diana Jensen
98. Nicholas Alexander
99. Peter Radu
100. Yael Galinson
101. Eric Friedman
102. Eric Larsen (2)
103. Aaron He
104. Vicki Sommer
105. Erika Shore
106. Judy Stamps
107. Rocky Offner
108. Susan Burt (2)
109. Phoebe and Zoe
110. Cynthia Papermaster
111. Andrea Voinot
112. Audrey Bree Tse
113. Toby Salk
114. Allison Bond (2)
115. Lj Cranmer
116. Rainbow Rubin
117. Adam Leive
118. Bernadette Powell

119. Alice Green

     Ashby Beach

120. Gordon Meyer

     Request

121. Fran Haselsteiner

     Housing Concerns

122. John J. Parman
123. Tobey Wiebe
124. Kori Saika Chen

125. David Freeling

     Air Raid Alarm Concerns

126. Crystal Hoffman-Kenney

     Cell Phone Tower at North Berkeley Library

127. Theodore Small
128. Ms. Fowles
129. Phoebe Thomas Sorgen

130. Tiffany Baer

     Affordable Housing Month

131. Betsy Morris and Carol Crooks

     Marina Safety Monitors

132. Sarah Alessi

     EBMUD Question

133. Nenelle Bunnin

     Pickleball Courts

134. Ambrish Chitnis

     E-Scooters

135. Robert Borghese (5)

     BUSD Buses

136. Valerie McDermott

     Berkeley 311 App

137. Daniel Jurnove

     Parking Stickers

138. Liz Arenas

139. Wahid Amiri

     Thank You

140. Cheryl Davila

     Bancroft Rail Crossing

141. Nicholas Rishel

     Grievance Concern

142. Margot Ernst

     Neighborhood Safety Concerns

143. Stephani Bouvet

     California Climate Superfood Act

144. Mary Anne Morgan

     Rides for Seniors

145. Mary Nash

146. Phoenix Vie

     Buena Vista Way

147. Russ Mitchell

     Daylighting

148. Shirley Kirsten

     Berkeley Permit Center

149. Alice Yoon

     1048 Use Permit #ZP2024-0014

150. Bahram Gangei

     Resolution Request

151. Dorothea Dorenz

     ADU Ordinance

152. James M. Lloyd

     City Care

153. Sheryl Drinkwater

     Small Sites

154. Gail McGuire

     Sale of Beef

155. Remfan1994

     Breach of Privacy Concern

156. Malka Weitman

     Encampment Concerns

157. Steve Tracy

158. Peter Radu

     Pedestrian Safety

159. David Lerman

160. Shirley Kirsten (2)

     Budget

161. Eric Friedman

     Middle East Conflict

162. Cynthia Papermaster
163. Cheryl Davila

164. Sky

     Forwards

165. Russbumper

     URL’s

166. Russbumper (14)

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.