City Council Regular Meeting eAgenda May 20, 2025
REVISED AGENDA
(REVISED TO ADD A TELECONFERENCE LOCATION)
BERKELEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
6:00 PM
SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD ROOM - 1231 ADDISON STREET, BERKELEY, CA 94702
TELECONFERENCE LOCATION - 1027D BANCROFT WAY, BERKELEY CA 94710
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 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/1615868875. 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: 161 586 8875.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.
- Adjourn in memory of Christina Murphy, City of Berkeley Employee and former Rent Board Commissioner
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.
Urgent Item: Excused Absence for Councilmember Ben Bartlett
FROM: Mayor Ishii (Author)
Recommendation: Excuse Councilmember Ben Bartlett from the May 20, 2025 council meeting as a result
of a medical procedure connected to a medical illness/condition.
Financial Implications: None
Contact: Mayor Adena Ishii (510) 981-7100
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.-Adding an additional qualifying skillset for appointment to Measure FF Safe Streets Citizen Oversight Committee (SSCOC); Amending Berkeley Municipal Code Section 7.11.040
From: Councilmember Blackaby (Author), Councilmember Tregub (Co-Sponsor), Mayor Ishii (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: Adopt second reading of Ordinance No. 7,960-N.S. approving an amendment to the Measure FF SAFE STREETS Citizen Oversight Committee (SSCOC) Resolution and Ordinance approved for establishment at the March 18, 2025 Council Meeting, to add an additional qualifying skillset for appointment: a background in ADA compliance and the accessible infrastructure challenges that seniors and disabled community members face.
First Reading Vote: Ayes – Kesarwani, Taplin, Bartlett, Tregub, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii; Noes – None; Abstain – None; Absent – O’Keefe.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Brent Blackaby, Councilmember, District 6, (510) 981-7160
2.-Amendment: FY 2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance
Revised Material (Supp 2)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt the first reading of an Ordinance amending the FY 2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance No. 7,940–N.S. for fiscal year 2025 based upon recommended re-appropriation of committed FY 2025 funding and other adjustments in the amount of $78,091,135 (gross) and $58,150,646 (net).
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Sharon Friedrichsen, Budget Manager, (510) 981-7000
3.-Minutes for Approval
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Approve the minutes for the Council meetings of April 14, 2025 (closed), April 15, 2025 (special and regular), April 22, 2025 (special), April 25, 2025 (special), April 28, 2025 (special) and April 29, 2025 (regular).
Financial Implications: None
Contact: Mark Numainville, City Clerk, (510) 981-6900
4.-Contract Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. for Legislative and Funding Advocacy Strategy
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract and any necessary amendments with Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. for an ongoing tailored legislative and funding advocacy strategy from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027 for a total contract amount not to exceed $108,000.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: David White, City Manager's Office, (510) 981-7000
5.-Appointment of Director of Human Resources
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution confirming the appointment of Janelle Rodrigues as the Director of Human Resources to be effective June 9, 2025, at an annual salary of $240,000.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: David White, City Manager's Office, (510) 981-7000
6.-Formal Bid Solicitations and Request for Proposals Scheduled for Possible Issuance After Council Approval on May 20, 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: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
7.-Contract No: 32300104 Amendment: The Village of Love for Telegraph Neighborhood Sacred Rest Drop-In Center
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee, to execute an amendment to Contract No. 32300104 with The Village of Love to add $250,000, for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,000,000, for services and operations at the Telegraph Neighborhood Sacred Rest Drop-In Center and extend the contract term through May 31, 2026.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5400
8.-Funding Application: California Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Infrastructure in connection with the proposed North Berkeley BART Affordable Housing Project
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution: 1) Authorizing the City Manager to negotiate, enter into, and cause the City to perform its obligation under an agreement (including amendments) with East Bay Asian Local Development Consortium (EBALDC) and/or their affiliate relating to a funding application to the California Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program for project-related transportation and infrastructure improvements for the North Berkeley BART (NBB) EBALDC Affordable Housing Project at the North Berkeley BART Station Area, for a total AHSC award amount of up to $50 million. 2) Authorizing the City Manager to accept up to $5.4 million in state Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) funds and complete selected transportation improvements if awarded.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5400
9.-Revenue Grant Agreements: Funding Support from the State of California and Alameda County to Conduct Public Health Services
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt two Resolutions authorizing the City Manager or designee to submit grant agreements to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Alameda County, to accept the grants, and execute any resultant revenue agreements and amendments to conduct public health promotion, protection, and prevention services for the following two revenue agreements: (1) Tuberculosis (TB) Prevention and Control in the projected amount of $33,688 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 from CDPH. (2) Public Health Infrastructure Program in the projected amount of $32,080 for FY 2026 from Alameda County.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5400
10.-Adopt a Resolution Establishing the Unrepresented Job Class Specification and Pay Scale of Fire Mechanic Lead
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution establishing the unrepresented job class specification and pay scale of Fire Mechanic Lead as outlined, with an hourly pay range of $51.0771 - $54.1740.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Monica Walker, Human Resources, (510) 981-6800
11.-Revise the Personnel Rules and Regulations to Add Section 9.02.1 Promotion – Salary Step Placement
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution revising the Personnel Rules and Regulations to add Section 9.02.1 Promotion – Salary Step Placement, which affords promotional placement on the step closest to the employee’s current earning rate that is at least 10% higher.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Monica Walker, Human Resources, (510) 981-6800
12.-Revise SEIU-MC MOU Section 17.13 Special Class Commercial Driver’s License Premium to Add 5% for Out-of-Class Lists
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution revising the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1021, Maintenance and Clerical (“Union”) Memorandum of Understanding Section 17.13 Special Class Commercial Driver’s License Premium to apply 5% differential to employees who maintain a Class A driver’s license and are approved to serve on out-of-class lists for Tractor Trailer Driver and Construction Equipment Operator.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Monica Walker, Human Resources, (510) 981-6800
13.-Revise Unrepresented Manual Section 13.19 to Add 5% Differential to Program Manager I Assigned to City Manager’s Office
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution amending the Unrepresented Employee Manual to add a 5% salary differential to Program Manager I positions assigned to the City Manager’s Office.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Monica Walker, Human Resources, (510) 981-6800
14.-Contract Amendment No. 10789: AMS.NET for Network Hardware, Installation and Professional Support services
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend Contract No. 10789 with AMS.NET, Inc. for network support of hardware, installation and professional services, for an additional $300,000 for a total not to exceed of $1,270,778.14 from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2026.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Kevin Fong, Information Technology, (510) 981-6500
15.-Contract No. 084534-1 Amendment: NextGen Health Care Information Systems Inc. for Electronic Health Records
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend Contract No. 084534-1 with NextGen Healthcare Information Systems, Inc. (“NextGen”), increasing the amount by $191,136 for a total contract value not to exceed $1,010,472.20 and extending the term from September 30, 2010 through June 30, 2026.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Kevin Fong, Information Technology, (510) 981-6500
16.-Protiviti Government Services Inc (“Protiviti”): Using General Services Administration (“GSA”) Vehicle for Professional Services Purchase Orders
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to issue purchase orders with Protiviti for the procurement of professional services using the GSA purchasing vehicle no. GS-35F-0280X for an amount not to exceed $900,000 through June 30, 2026.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Kevin Fong, Information Technology, (510) 981-6500
17.-Purchase Order: Operation Pride for tennis programs and tournaments
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a purchase order and any amendments with Operation Pride to provide youth and adult tennis services and tournaments for a total amount not to exceed $150,000 through June 30, 2026.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Ferris, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, (510) 981-6700
18.-Purchase Order: Samuel Kidane dba Life Long Tennis Academy
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a purchase order and any amendments with Samuel Kidane dba Life Long Tennis Academy to provide youth and adult tennis services for the City of Berkeley for a total amount not to exceed $270,000 through June 20, 2026.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Ferris, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, (510) 981-6700
19.-Contract No. 32400029 Amendment: Baldoni Construction Services, Inc. for Echo Lake Camp Accessibility Upgrades
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution increasing the not to exceed amount for Contract No. 32400029 with Baldoni Construction Service, Inc. for the Echo Lake Camp Accessibility Upgrades Project by $60,000 for an amended total not to exceed $616,953.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Ferris, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, (510) 981-6700
20.-Contract No. 32400003 Amendment: Cooke & Associates Background Investigations
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract amendment with Cooke & Associates, a background investigation services provider for public safety personnel, to increase the contract amount by $280,000 to a total contract of $580,000 and extend the contract term for two additional years expiring on July 31, 2028. This amendment will allow the Berkeley Police Department (BPD) and Berkeley Fire Department (BFD) to continue utilizing Cooke & Associates for timely, thorough, and high-quality background investigations of candidates, and will provide the City Manager with the authority to spend funds as needed under the amended contract to support ongoing public safety hiring needs.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Jennifer Louis, Police, (510) 981-5900
21.-2024 Police Equipment and Community Safety Ordinance Annual Report
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the 2024 Police Equipment and Community Safety Ordinance Annual Report.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Jennifer Louis, Police, (510) 981-5900
22.-Contract: Shaw Integrated and Turf Solutions Inc., for Civic Center Building, Second Floor Carpet Replacement Project
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution: (1) Accepting the California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS) bid procedures, pursuant to City Charter Article XI Section 67.2 requirements; (2) Approving the CMAS Contract with Shaw Integrated and Turf Solutions, Inc. for Carpet Replacements at the Civic Center Building located at 2180 Milvia; (3) 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 terms and conditions of the agreements with Shaw Integrated and Turf Solutions, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $147,096, including a $13,372 contingency.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300
23.-Contract No. 081671-1 (8318C) Amendment: RouteSmart Technologies, Inc. Software Maintenance
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend Contract No. 81671-1 (8318C) with RouteSmart Technologies Inc. to increase the contract by $25,000, for a total not to exceed amount of $235,743, to fund software license maintenance and support services, from June 30, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300
24.-Declaration of Intent – Fiscal Year 2026 Street Lighting Assessments
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt two Resolutions granting the City Manager the authority to: (1) Approve the Engineer's Reports; (2) Set a public hearing to be held before the Council of the City of Berkeley at its June 17, 2025, meeting; and (3) Authorize the City Clerk to publish a Notice of the Public Hearing for Fiscal Year 2026 Levy of Assessments for Berkeley Street Lighting Assessment District No. 1982-1 and Street Lighting Assessment District 2018.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300
25.-Authorization for City Manager to evaluate policies to accelerate building decarbonization
From: Environment and Climate Commission
Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to evaluate and develop amendments to the 2025 Energy and CALGreen Codes and/or other ordinances to accelerate building decarbonization for Council consideration.
Financial Implications: None
Contact: Sarah Moore, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-7400
Council Consent Items
26.-Letter in Support of California State Senate Bill 692 (Arreguín) Relating to Vehicles and Homelessness
From: Councilmember Taplin (Author), Councilmember Kesarwani, Councilmember Humbert (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Blackaby (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: Adopt a letter in support of California State Senate Bill 692 (Arreguín), relating to vehicles and homelessness, and distribute copies to Governor Gavin Newsom, State Senator Jesse Arreguín, State Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, State Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire, and State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terry Taplin, Councilmember, District 2, (510) 981-7120
27.-A resolution recognizing the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) community and urging support for Assembly Bill 91 — the “MENA Inclusion Act” (Harabedian)
From: Councilmember Tregub (Author), Mayor Ishii (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Bartlett (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution in support of California Assembly Bill 91, the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Inclusion Act (Harabedian), to ensure accurate and equitable demographic data collection for MENA communities. This bill mandates the creation of distinct categories for MENA groups in official demographic data, starting on January 1, 2027.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Igor Tregub, Councilmember, District 4, (510) 981-7140
28.-Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds from General Funds and Grant of Such Funds to the annual Asian Cultural Festival
From: Councilmember Tregub (Author), Mayor Ishii (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Kesarwani (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Lunaparra (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the expenditure of up to $500 per Mayor/Councilmember from their D13 Discretionary Accounts, including $500 from the Mayor and Councilmember Tregub, and contributions of $250 each from Councilmembers Kesarwani, and Lunaparra. Other Councilmembers are invited to contribute to support annual Asian Cultural Festival in an amount of up to $500. Funds will be transferred to the City’s general fund and provided to the designated fiscal sponsor of the festival to ensure its successful production and community engagement.
The relinquishment of funds from the respective discretionary Council Office Budgets of such members of the Berkeley City Council who wish to contribute will support this impactful event, promoting cultural exchange, unity, and celebration of Berkeley’s rich Asian American communities
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Igor Tregub, Councilmember, District 4, (510) 981-7140
29.-Alternative Housing Options for People Experiencing Homelessness (Reviewed by the Health, Life Enrichment, Equity & Community Committee)
From: Councilmember O’Keefe (Author), Mayor Ishii (Co-Sponsors), Councilmember Blackaby (Co-Sponsors), Councilmember Lunaparra (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: Refer to the City Manager a request for staff to identify a list of potential locations of City-owned and private properties (to be leased or acquired) – for the purpose of establishing 24/7 staffed shelter sites, including but not limited to indoor/outdoor camping areas, safe RV and car park zones, and/or congregate or non-congregate shelters for people experiencing homelessness based on the model used at Grayson Street and other models deemed successful by the City Manager.
Further, refer to the City Manager to provide a report to the City Council that includes:
(1) Ongoing efforts to address homelessness and the mental health crisis within Berkeley’s jurisdiction, including the work of non-governmental organizations the City is relying upon and, where possible, the cost thereof. (2) A gap analysis between resources required by the City to fully address homelessness and its current financial position. (3) A feasibility and cost analysis of Berkeley’s ability to support additional shelter or services sites, including staffing and operational constraints. (4) A geographic equity assessment of where homeless services, shelters, and encampments have historically been and currently are located in Berkeley. (5) Opportunities to partner with Alameda County and other public agencies to utilize County, other governing jurisdictions, or state-owned land for temporary shelter and services outside of Berkeley’s most heavily impacted neighborhoods
Moreover, refer to the City Manager to identify additional funding opportunities available through 2024 Measure W and affirm the City Council’s position that local jurisdictions such as Berkeley, that are heavily impacted by the housing and mental health crisis, should be considered for an equitable share and speedy receipt of 2024 Proposition 1 funding from Alameda County.
Refer to the City Manager to affirm that the City Council’s position is that, to the greatest extent possible, Measure W and other locally sourced funds should be used to support Berkeley-specific homelessness service needs.
Support the City Manager in collaborating with Alameda County and other neighboring jurisdictions to identify potential sites outside of Berkeley city limits that may be suitable and more cost-effective than sites within Berkeley.
Furthermore, affirm support for the following principles: 1. County resource investment in homelessness across the region should align proportionally with where homelessness is most prevalent and ensure support achieves racially equitable outcomes; 2. The use of Measure W and other funding for homelessness guided by Home Together 2030 Plan should be a local decision, with cities deciding how to divvy up investment between prevention, interim, and permanent housing; 3. Local priority for referrals into interim and permanent solutions – including everything from safe parking to shelter to permanent supportive housing and Homekey projects – should be commensurate with the level of funding provided; 4. Sustaining nonprofit capacity: (a) The homelessness response system relies heavily on nonprofit partners, many of whom face challenges in retaining staff due to funding constraints, salary limitations, and administrative burdens. (b)Measure W funding presents an opportunity to support not just direct services but also nonprofit infrastructure, helping organizations improve long-term sustainability. (c) Considerations include ensuring competitive wages, investing in staff retention strategies, and providing operational support. (d) Bonus funding consideration could be given to organizations that prioritize workforce sustainability through: (i) Competitive salaries and benefits for frontline staff; (ii)Efforts to retain high-preforming, low-turnover teams; (iii) Investments in administrative capacity that enhance service quality and long-term viability
Policy Committee Recommendation:
Send item to Council with a qualified positive recommendation which include the following proposed amendments:
Refer to the City Manager a request for staff to identify a list of potential locations of City properties and private properties (to be leased or acquired) – for the purpose of establishing 24/7 staffed shelter sites, including but not limited to indoor/outdoor camping areas, safe RV and car park zones, and/or congregate or non-congregate shelters for people experiencing homelessness based on the model used at Grayson Street and other models deemed by the City Manager to be successful.
Further, direct the City Manager to provide a report to the City Council of ongoing efforts to address the homelessness and mental health crisis within Berkeley's jurisdiction, including efforts by non-governmental organizations the city is relying upon, where possible, including the costs thereof, and a gap analysis between the resources required by the City to fully address homelessness and its current financial position.
As part of this report, direct the City Manager:
1) Conduct a feasibility and cost analysis of Berkeley’s ability to support additional shelter or service sites, including staffing and operational constraints
2) Include a geographic equity assessment of where homeless services, shelters, and encampments have historically and currently been located in Berkeley;
3) Identify opportunities to partner with Alameda County and other public agencies to utilize County, other governing jurisdictions – or state-owned land for temporary shelter and services outside of Berkeley’s most heavily impacted neighborhoods
Direct the City Manager to identify any additional funding opportunities available through 2024 Measure W and affirm the City Council's position that local jurisdictions such as Berkeley that are heavily impacted by the housing and mental health crisis should be considered for an equitable share and speedy receipt of 2024 Proposition 1 funding from Alameda County. Further, direct the City Manager to affirm that the City Council’s position is that, to the extent possible, Measure W and any other locally sourced funds should be used to support Berkeley-specific homelessness services needs.
Support the City Manager in collaborating with Alameda County and other neighboring jurisdictions to identify potential sites outside of Berkeley city limits that may be suitable and more cost-effective than additional sites within Berkeley. Further, affirm support for the following principles:
1. County resource investment in homelessness across the region should be commensurate with where homelessness occurs and targeted for racially equitable outcomes
2. Measure W and other funding for homelessness guided by Home Together 2030: Should be a Local City decision on the split between prevention, interim, and permanent housing
3. Local (City level) priority for referrals into interim and permanent solutions (including everything from safe parking to shelter to permanent supportive housing/HomeKey projects), commensurate with local funding.
4. Sustaining Nonprofit Capacity
-The homelessness response system relies heavily on nonprofit partners, many of whom face challenges in retaining staff due to funding constraints, salary limitations, and administrative burdens.
-Measure W funding presents an opportunity to support not just direct services but also nonprofit infrastructure, helping organizations improve long-term sustainability.
-Considerations include ensuring competitive wages, investing in staff retention strategies, and providing operational support.
-Bonus funding consideration could be given to organizations that prioritize workforce sustainability through:
--Competitive salaries and benefits for frontline staff.
--Efforts to retain high-performing, low-turnover teams.
--Investments in administrative capacity that enhance service quality and long-term viability.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Shoshana O’Keefe, Councilmember, District 5, (510) 981-7100
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.
30.-FY 2026 Proposed Mid-Biennial Budget Update and Public Hearing #1
Supplemental Material (Supp 2)
Presentation
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Receive the FY 2026 Proposed Mid-Biennial Budget Update and conduct Public Hearing #1 on the FY 2026 Proposed Mid-Biennial Budget Update.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Sharon Friedrichsen, Budget Manager, (510) 981-7000
31.-LPC Appeal: 2500-2512 San Pablo Avenue, Landmark Application #LMIN2024-0004
Administrative Record
Presentation
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing, and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution affirming the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) decision to designate 2500-2512 San Pablo Avenue (APN: 054-1780-004-12) a City of Berkeley Landmark, and dismiss the appeal.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Jordan Klein, Planning and Development, (510) 981-7400
Action Calendar – New Business
32.-Appointment of Four Berkeley Residents to the SAFE STREETS Citizen Oversight Committee
Supplemental Material (Supp 2)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution confirming the appointments of up to four Berkeley residents to the SAFE STREETS Citizen Oversight Committee (SSCOC), to be appointed by the City Council as a whole.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Mark Numainville, City Clerk, (510) 981-6900
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.
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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 May 8, 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 #21: 2024 Police Equipment and Community Safety Ordinance Annual Report
- Hansel Aguilar on behalf of the Police Accountability Board
- Jennifer Louis
- Margaret A. Baker
John Lindsay-Poland
Item #29: Alternative Housing Options for People Experiencing Homelessness (Reviewed by the Health, Life Enrichment, Equity & Community Committee)
- Kate Pocrass
- Aimee Baldwin (2)
- Cris Benton
- Grant Damron
- Pamela Michaud
- Stacey Hara
- Jack Anderson
- Namita Gupta
- Fran Haselsteiner
- Patricia Brooks
- Catherine Jenkins
- Amber Richardson
- Tamar J.
Kelley Kahn
Ashby BART
- Peter Minor
- Charlotte Daniels
- 2076 Ashby Residences
- Sotirios Vlavianos
Peter Magganas
Encampments
Halima Franklin (2)
Ohlone Park
- Cynthia Harbaugh
- Adam Leive
- Daniel Jurnove
- Roberta Focht
- Lynn Jehle
- Sasha Futran
- Carlton and Alma
- Tracy Thompson
- Fred Schlachter
- Patricia Itamoto
- Julia Boekelheide
- Dominique Ayako Baillet
- Tamara Birdsall
- Laura Garcia-Moreno
- David Lerman (3)
- Will Masterson
- Karthik Gopalan
- Erika Shore (2)
- Diane Ross-Leech and Family
- Isaac Nicholson
- Elisabeth Goldstein
- Nancy S. Rothschild
- Stefany Reich-Silber
- Diana Jensen
Wei-Bing Chen
Rides for Seniors
- Kathi Pugh
- Gerald Lenoir
- Bonnie Lewkowicz
Darlene Bronson on behalf of the Commission on Aging
Missing Middle
- Zelda Bronstein (3)
Councilmember Rashi Kesarwani
2nd Street Encampments
- David White
- Councilmember Rashi Kesarwani
- Councilmember Mark Humbert
- Councilmember Igor Tregub
Councilmember Terry Taplin
E-Scooters
Robert Borghese (4)
Public Restroom Proposal
- James Chang
Mike Kim
Bateman Mall Park
Yula Paluy
Bikeway Intersection Control
Meryl Siegal
Food Fest Invitation
Dr. Ramesh Konda on behalf of the Association of Indo Americans
Infill Housing
Constance Rivemale
Security Incidents
Dixon Brooke
UA Theater
- Melanie Lawrence & John Smail
- Pamela Zelnik
Anne Herrick
Housing Concerns
- Patricia Kipnis
- Lynn Winsten
Jonnyruel Holder
Treatment of Herbivorous Animals
Rsw (2)
Elevator Outrage
- Tony Schmiesing
Aryne Bailey
Workshop
Joel A. Biatch
Crime Concerns
Fran Haselsteiner
ABSC Concern
Abby Thorne-Lyman
Drop-off Mailboxes
Hali Hammer
Deliberative Democracy
Phil Allen
Free Speech
Sheila Jordan
Specialized Care Unit
Barbara Gilbert
Work Concerns
Pgcountymd63 (2)
Hopkins/McGee
- Shirley Kirsten
Sandra Sanchez
Edward Way
Helen Hogg
Home Alterations
Marian and Desmond Simpson
BUSD Investment Policies
Cielo Rios
Budget Concerns
- Rachel Bradley
Ben Buettner
Arbor Day
Mary-Louise Hansen
Effects of Cement
Cecelia Mautner
Street Access
Nenelle Bunnin
Homeless Housing
- Aimee Baldwin
John Vinopal
More Types of Homes
Lee Bishop
Habitability for Berkeley Residents
Veena Nambiar
Public Facilities Concern
2,084 Similarly worded form letters
Middle East Conflict
- Chris Gilbert
- Alicia Dattner
- Barbara Erickson
- Nicoletta Karam (4)
- Barbara Romanowicz
- Rachel Gita Schiff
- Sophie Sawyer
- Iris Gold
- Gael Alcock
- Russbumper
- Camille watts-Zagha
- Marc Sapir (2)
- Allen Mayer
- Dr. Roman Kazinnik and Dr. Sophia Kazinnik
- Deborah Goldeen
Russbumper
Letter
Eid’s TV and Electronics
Screenshots
Josh Atwood (2)
Forwards
- Josh Atwood
- Daveed Mandell (3)
- David Lerman
Eid’s TV
URL’s
- Inetjalopy
- Josh Atwood (4)
- Russbumper (7)
- Madeleine Shearer
- Lavell Young
- Barryett Enge
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.