Public Meetings - Alameda, California

The Historical Advisory Board (HAB) of Alameda met on December 4, 2025, to consider a request for a certificate of approval to remove three protected coast live oak trees on Tilden Way as part of the Clement Tilden improvement project. The board also approved meeting minutes from October and November 2025. No public comments were received. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved the draft meeting minutes from October 2, 2025 (Item 3A), with Board Member Brito voting affirmatively after reviewing the recording. - Unanimously approved the meeting minutes from November 6, 2025 (Item 3B). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made, either in person or via Zoom. Discussion Items - Tilden Way Coast Live Oak Removal (Item 4A): Planning staff presented a request to remove three protected coast live oak trees along Tilden Way, south of the Fruitvale Bridge, as part of a larger capital improvement project to improve circulation, safety, and add a bicycle/pedestrian path. Staff explained that the trees could not be preserved due to overhead high‑voltage power lines requiring regular trimming and expected root damage from construction. Alternatives were considered but would have resulted in greater overall canopy loss. An arborist report determined the trees’ condition could not be remedied. The project proposes replacing the three trees (plus one previously approved removal) with eight new coast live oaks in 24-inch boxes, exceeding the municipal code minimum of 10-gallon trees. Public Works confirmed the replacement trees will be the same species (Quercus agrifolia) and that the project schedule includes planning board and city council approvals in December 2025, with construction lasting about a year. - Board members asked questions about the trees’ approximate age, potential reuse of removed trees, and the cost of larger replacement trees. Staff noted that relocation was not feasible and that removed trees would not be milled or reused. Board members expressed support for the project, noting the importance of the regional path connection and the urban canopy equity considerations. Key Outcomes - The board unanimously approved Resolution [number not specified] granting a certificate of approval for the removal of the three protected coast live oak trees, with the condition that eight replacement coast live oaks (in 24-inch boxes) be planted as part of the Clement Tilden improvement project. The motion referenced an updated CEQA resolution including the state clearinghouse number for the 2009 EIR. (Motion by [Board Member], seconded; vote: 3 ayes, 0 noes, 0 abstentions.) - The board adjourned at [time not specified in transcript].

The Social Service Human Relations Board (SSHRB) held a regular meeting on December 3, 2025, from 7:03 p.m. to 8:09 p.m. The meeting included the unanimous approval of minutes from October 22, 2025, a vote to accept six nominees for the Volunteer of the Year awards, a vote on the 2026 meeting calendar, work group reports, and staff updates. The board also honored outgoing member Diane for her service and discussed concerns about skilled nursing facility care in Alameda. Note: The transcript begins with "December first, two thousand twenty-five" but the meeting date provided for this summary is December 3, 2025. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the October 22, 2025 meeting by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made on any agenda item. Discussion Items - Volunteer of the Year Award Nominations (Item 4A): The board voted unanimously to accept six nominees recommended by The Road Home Committee. The adult category nominees were Sister Pat Nagel (Lifetime Achievement Award), Kate Kasperger (Social Services Award), and Armanda Graca (Human Relations Award). The youth category nominees were Tate Matula, Sierra Miller, and Soliana Tesfaladet (all Human Relations Award). Each nominee was presented with their award by a nominator who highlighted their service. - 2026 Meeting Calendar (Item 4B): The board voted unanimously to approve the proposed 2026 meeting schedule. Exceptions include the January meeting moved to the third Thursday due to the Point-in-Time Count, and the November/December meetings combined into an early December meeting. - Work Group Reports (Item 4C): The Domestic Violence Task Force met in mid-November with five organizations and a presentation from the Alameda County DA. The Road Home Committee reported on the upcoming Point-in-Time Count on January 29, 2026 (5 a.m. to 11 a.m.) and encouraged volunteer sign-ups. The United Against Hate group reported on a successful film screening with over 30 attendees and discussed future events such as a poetry slam and a Season of Nonviolence program. - Staff Updates (Item 5A): Gracia Manayan, program manager, reported on the Point-in-Time Count volunteer registration, a wish list for care kits for unsheltered individuals, and upcoming City Council items including the winter warming shelter agreement and CDBG funding for the Day Center relocation. - Board Communications - Non-Agenda Item: Board member Diane raised concerns about the quality of care at Alameda Healthcare and Wellness Facility, citing a recent lawsuit and personal experience. Board members discussed the systemic issues of underfunded skilled nursing facilities, the need for more ombudsmen, and the importance of age-friendly community conversations around end-of-life care and mental health support for families. - Welcome to New Board Member: Robbie Creetz, a former Alameda resident and director of special education, introduced herself. Board members shared their backgrounds and expressed gratitude to outgoing member Diane for her service. Key Outcomes - Vote on Volunteer of the Year Nominees: Approved unanimously (voice vote). The six award recipients were honored during the meeting. - Vote on 2026 Meeting Calendar: Approved unanimously (voice vote). - Point-in-Time Count: Scheduled for January 29, 2026, 5 a.m. – 11 a.m. Volunteers can register at Alameda.pointintime.info. - Next Meeting: January 13, 2026, at 7 p.m. (rescheduled due to the Point-in-Time Count). - Farewell: The board recognized Diane’s contributions as she steps down from the SSHRB.

The Alameda City Council met on December 2, 2025, for a special meeting that included a closed session and a regular meeting. Key topics included updates to the inclusionary housing ordinance, the annual recreation and parks user fee schedule, shoreline flood protection infrastructure, and a proposed ban on mylar balloons. The council also appointed a new Social Service Human Relations Board member and honored outgoing City Manager Jennifer Ott. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the consent calendar, which included routine items such as designating negotiators for closed session, salary approvals for executive staff, and other administrative actions. Councilmember Daysog recused himself from item 5G (janitorial services on Park and Webster Streets). The consent calendar also included a public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant needs statement. Public comment was heard from John Brennan regarding the Alameda Warming Shelter partnership. Public Comments & Testimony - William Morrison spoke on three items: 1) urged preservation of railroad right-of-way for manufacturing economy in the Tilden project, 2) suggested using Pearl Street instead of Versailles for north-south greenway, and 3) requested more meaningful public participation in city decisions. - Randy Rentschler thanked outgoing City Manager Jennifer Ott for her service, particularly on bike lanes and roundabouts. - Jim Strayler invited the community to view holiday decorations on Gibbons Drive and encouraged walking and biking on Thompson Avenue. - John Brennan (on consent calendar) thanked the city for partnership on the Warming Shelter, noting additions of an extra month in April, a caseworker, and a laundry program. - Andrew Rosenberg (Pacific Development) stated that a $25/sq ft in-lieu fee for inclusionary housing is too high; offered $10/sq ft for the Foundry project at Alameda Marina. - Sean Murphy (Pacific Development) emphasized the unique costs of the Foundry project (seawall, infrastructure) and requested a reduced in-lieu fee. - Andy Wang (Planning Board) urged the city to consider project-specific relief to get housing built, noting that "15% of zero units is zero units." - Eric Clock (Graystar) said BMR units at Launch Apartments have been largely vacant even after rent reductions; supported reasonable in-lieu fees. - Sophia DeWitt (EBHO) stressed the importance of inclusionary housing for all income levels and the need to affirmatively further fair housing. - Multiple speakers from Alameda Aquatic Masters (Maria Ducy, Ann Delp, Linda Gilcrest, Barry Parker, Michael Grace, Annie Horn, Drew Schwartz, Olwin Carvalho, Amelia McDonald, Dara Jones, Lisa Klein, Stephanie Lapachet, Ann McCormick, Jeannie Merrill) opposed the proposed pool fee increases, requesting parity with youth team rates and arguing that the fees would threaten the program's sustainability. - Lauren Isell (CASA) highlighted community engagement efforts on sea level rise adaptation. - Mitch Ball (public) argued for a lot-area based parcel tax for infrastructure funding. - Messipsa suggested tree planting and evacuation planning for tsunami risk. - Ruth Abbey (CASA) urged investment in shoreline protection and commended city staff. - Mitch Ball (on balloons) criticized industry lobbying and urged a ban on mylar balloons. - Roberto Astacio (Dollar Tree) opposed a full ban, stating it would harm businesses and drive sales elsewhere. - Ruth Abbey (CASA) supported a ban and also urged restrictions on latex balloons and confetti. - Maria Stockham (Coalition for Responsible Celebration) urged a responsible-use approach instead of a ban. Discussion Items - Inclusionary Housing Ordinance Update (6A): Staff presented findings that the current 15% across-the-board requirement does not meet local need. Recommendations included separate ratios for rental and ownership housing, reallocation of moderate-income rentals, expanding in-lieu fees, clustered housing options, and extending affordability terms. The planning board supported increased flexibility. Developers requested lower fees to jumpstart projects. Council discussed the need for a nexus study, use of in-lieu fees for a housing trust fund, and integration of clustered affordable housing to avoid segregation. Councilmember Daysog emphasized desegregation goals; Mayor Ashcraft noted potential carve-outs for projects with extraordinary community benefits. Staff will return with further analysis. - Recreation and Parks User Fee Schedule (7B): Director Justin Long presented proposed fee increases, with most programs seeing 3-5% increases. Pool rental rates for swim teams were proposed to increase significantly, with a four-year phase-in plan. The Aquatic Masters team objected, citing high costs and inequity compared to youth teams. Council shifted to hold all aquatic fees for further review, adopting the rest of the schedule. Motion approved unanimously. - Shoreline Flood Protection (7C): Sustainability manager Danielle Miller updated on sea level rise risks, the Oakland Alameda Adaptation Committee (OAK), and projects totaling $295 million. $26.5 million in grants obtained so far. Council heard from community partners and public. Discussion on funding, including potential revenue measures. No action taken; workshop for input. - Mylar Balloon Ban (7D): Staff recommended an ordinance to ban sale/distribution of mylar balloons, citing power outages (54 incidents over 5 years, 7 causing outages) and environmental harm. A state ban phases in 2027-2031. Council debated enforcement, impact on businesses, and scope. Councilmember Jensen moved to draft an ordinance banning sale of lighter-than-air inflated objects and restrict mylar balloons and confetti in city facilities. Motion failed 2-3. Staff will pursue education and permit-based restrictions in city facilities. Key Outcomes - The council unanimously approved the consent calendar with noted recusal. - Appointed Chantal Carter to the Social Service Human Relations Board effective January 1, 2026, and she was sworn in. - The inclusionary housing ordinance update workshop provided direction for staff to conduct a nexus study and return with ordinance options. - The recreation and parks fee schedule was approved except for aquatic fees, which will be brought back on January 6, 2026, after further review. - No formal action on shoreline flood protection; staff will return with funding options. - The mylar balloon ban motion failed; staff will continue education and permit-based restrictions. - Council provided direction in closed session on city manager hiring and labor negotiations. - Outgoing City Manager Jennifer Ott was thanked for her service.

The Alameda City Council met on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, starting at approximately 6:00 PM. The meeting included closed session, proclamations, public comments, consent calendar approval, and a lengthy discussion and vote on traffic calming measures near Gibbons Drive. The council also appointed a new representative to the Mosquito Abatement Board and received updates on city initiatives. Consent Calendar - The successor agency (former redevelopment agency) consent calendar was approved unanimously. - The regular city council consent calendar (including item 5D, a $200,000 contract for a waterway study for the Oakland-Alameda pedestrian/bicycle bridge) was approved unanimously. Councilmember Jensen and Vice Mayor Pryor asked clarifying questions about the bridge's timeline, anchor locations, and community input before voting. Public Comments & Testimony - Oral Communications (Non-Agenda Items): Six speakers addressed topics not on the agenda: - Jay Ingram (former Parks and Rec chair) requested that the city modify a new basketball court at Little John Park to have one 8-foot hoop and one 10-foot hoop, citing lack of proper neighbor notification. - Gordon Williams raised concerns about confusing traffic signal timing at Clement and Park Street, particularly the right-turn red arrow conflicting with bike signals. - Jim Strelo urged the city to consider AI-based traffic signal technology (e.g., NoTraffic.com) to improve intersection flow, citing issues at Atlantic and Constitution. - Barack Obama Shaw announced his run for governor in 2026 and thanked city staff. - Josh Altieri (Housing Authority) reported on the grand opening of affordable housing units at North Housing Master Plan and an award for Independence Plaza. - Item 7B (Gibbons Drive Traffic Calming): 31 speakers addressed the proposal. The majority (residents of Bayo Vista, Cornell, Southwood, and other nearby streets) strongly opposed any closure of Gibbons Drive (including a pilot), citing safety hazards from diverted traffic onto narrower streets. Several speakers supported the staff recommendation, including Bike Walk Alameda and some Gibbons Drive residents, emphasizing the need for safer pedestrian and bicycle crossings. Key points from opponents: the left turn closure would increase traffic by 300-400% on side streets; unprotected turns at High Street are dangerous; the city's own crash data does not show accidents caused by Gibbons left turns; and the proposal is tied to future bike lane plans. Supporters argued the pilot is data-driven, reversible, and essential for future corridor safety improvements. Discussion Items - Proclamation/Beacon Award: Nikita Sinha from the Institute for Local Government presented the city with two spotlight awards (platinum for community GHG reductions, silver for sustainability best practices) and a 2025 Leadership and Innovation Award for cross-agency collaboration on climate adaptation (Oakland-Alameda Adaptation Committee). - Item 7A – Appointment of Nick Shonek: The council unanimously appointed Nick Shonek (active-duty Marine officer) as trustee to the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement Board. He was sworn in and spoke briefly about his background. - Item 7B – Quick Build Traffic Calming and Fernside Project: Staff presented a three-phase plan: (1) Quick-build neighborhood traffic calming (speed humps, roundabouts, bulb-out) in 2026-27; (2) Data collection and a temporary turn restriction pilot at Gibbons/High/Fernside in 2028; (3) Long-term Fernside Boulevard bikeway improvements (unfunded). Public testimony lasted over an hour. Council deliberation focused on concerns about diverting traffic to narrow streets, the value of a pilot study, and the need for incremental steps. Councilmember Daysog opposed the turn restriction, citing data on spillover. Councilmember Jensen and Vice Mayor Pryor supported a phased approach with a return to council before any pilot. Councilmember Bowler initially opposed the roundabouts but later supported the modified motion. The city attorney confirmed the item was properly noticed under the Brown Act. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved (unanimous). - Item 7A approved (unanimous); Nick Shonek appointed. - Item 7B passed 4-1 (Councilmember Daysog opposed). The motion (made by Councilmember Jensen, seconded by Vice Mayor Pryor) approved: - Phase One: Quick-build traffic calming measures (speed humps, bulb-outs, two roundabouts) funded with $200,000 from the general fund. - Phase Two: Data collection after traffic calming; staff to return to city council with data and present options for future traffic calming (including possibly making roundabouts permanent or eliminating the left turn from Gibbons to High Street). No immediate turn restriction pilot was authorized. - Item 7C (Inclusionary housing workshop) was moved to the December 2, 2025 agenda as a continued item. Item 7D (balloon regulation) was not heard and will be placed on a future regular agenda. - Closed session: Council interviewed candidates for interim city manager and provided direction. One vote was 4-1 (Councilmember Daysog dissenting); another was 5-0. No formal action was reported.

The Alameda Recreation and Park Commission met on November 13, 2025, to receive updates on teen programs, the Leidecker Park playground replacement, and a proposed revision to the 2026 recreation and park fee schedule. The meeting also included a director's report highlighting significant infrastructure needs and upcoming community events. Public Comments & Testimony - Non-agenda public comment: None. - Item 6C – Fee schedule: Five speakers addressed the commission, all opposing the proposed pool lane rental increases for adult nonprofit groups. Speakers including Ann Delp, Annie Horn, Stephanie Lapichet, Kristen Koblik, and Maria Ducy (online) represented Alameda Aquatic Masters, which has 136 members (50% seniors, 54% women). They argued that the 46% increase was unsustainable, requested the same 3–10% increase applied to other user groups, and called for a single nonprofit rate equal to the youth team rate. They warned the hike could force the team out of operation. Discussion Items - Director’s Report (Justin Long): Provided an overview of upcoming events (winter lights celebration, coastal cleanup, Breakfast with Santa) and project updates: Estuary Park phase 2 construction started (one-year timeline), skate park expansion (70–80% design), Lincoln Park fencing/netting, and preliminary surf pool discussions with the developer. Reported on a city council study session about infrastructure needs: $220 million in deferred maintenance across 35 parks (including $43.5M for park amenities, $5M ADA, $19M rec centers, $18M specialty buildings). Future unfunded parks total $66M (excluding sports complex at $65M). The department seeks inclusion in a potential bond measure. - Commissioner Communications: Commissioners shared observations from attending community events (Pride, holiday boutique, dive-in movie) and highlighted the importance of funding. Commissioner Robbins urged residents to support bond measures. Commissioner Robins noted inequities in field rental fees between youth sports (e.g., soccer/baseball at $11/hour) and tennis/swimming. - Item 6A – Teen Programs Update (Ashley, Recreation Assistant): Presented a range of free and fee-based programs including the Underground Teen Center, Teen Haunted House (600 attendees on a rainy Sunday), AYC food booth, teen volunteer programs, and “Every Act Matters” single-event volunteering. Commissioners praised the programs and suggested adding financial literacy and entrepreneurship components. No motion was required. - Item 6B – Leidecker Park Playground Update (Eric Volnar, Acting Parks Manager): The playground, built in 1991, is overdue for replacement. A survey with 650 responses (5% return) guided design preferences. The community selected Option B (hybrid traditional/modern with a nautical island theme). Total cost for removal, installation, and surfacing is just under $300,000. Expected completion: April 2026 (12-week delivery plus 1 month installation). No motion was required. - Item 6C – Recreation and Park Fee Schedule for 2026 (Director Long): Proposed fee increases of 3–10% for most programs, with larger increases for pool lane rentals as part of a three-year plan to reach market rates by the time the new aquatic center opens (2027). Adult nonprofit lane rates would increase 46% (from $5 to $7.50 in 2026, then to $10 in 2027), while youth rates increase less. New fees introduced for storage containers ($50–$150/year), portable battery units ($300/event), and ADA wheelchair lift ($1,000/event). The department’s scholarship fund has $20,000; Director Long said doubled funding would be fully utilized. Commissioners discussed equity, with Vice Chair Schwartz questioning the adult/youth rate differential not seen in other cities. Public comment opposed the pool increases. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes from September 11, 2025 (4–0–1, Commissioner Alexander abstained for absence). - Received teen programs update (no action taken). - Received Leidecker Park playground update (no action taken). - Approved revised recreation and park fees for calendar year 2026 (motion carried 4–1, Vice Chair Schwartz dissenting). Fees take effect January 1, 2026. The new fee schedule includes incremental pool lane rental increases, new storage and equipment rental fees, and overall 3–10% increases for most other programs. - Next meeting: December 11, 2025 (agenda to include a coastal shoreline adaptation report).

The Commission on Persons with Disabilities met on November 12, 2025, with Chair Mullins presiding and Commissioners Lipp, Lyons, Canadler, Schmitz, Bond Smith, and Bieler present (quorum achieved). The meeting included public comments, consent calendar approvals, presentations on the emergency operations plan and building codes, election of officers, and commission communications. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from July 9, 2025 and September 10, 2025, and the 2026 meeting dates for the commission, all by unanimous vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Former Commissioner Lisa Hall shared her 15-year journey on the commission, highlighting advocacy work on housing accessibility, voting rights, and disability stigma. She thanked mayors, staff, and fellow commissioners and received a certificate of appreciation from the commission. Discussion Items - Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Revision – Captain Dallas Andrews (Fire Department) presented the ongoing revision of the city’s EOP, last updated March 2019. The revision includes new incident-specific annexes (e.g., earthquake, tsunami), a major expansion of ADA compliance content (from one paragraph to three pages), and updated organizational structure. He discussed the existing Access and Functional Needs database (annual survey for residents with disabilities) and the CERT program. Commissioners raised concerns about low awareness of the survey and outreach gaps; staff committed to including the survey link in the accessibility newsletter. Discussion also covered coordination with Alameda Unified School District, other cities, and service animal accommodations. - Building Codes and Accessibility – Chief Building Official Oscar Davulos presented on the enforcement of California building codes, which are adopted every three years (most recently in October 2025). He emphasized the role of plan check, inspections, and code enforcement in ensuring barrier-free access, including for mobility, hearing, and vision disabilities. He explained unreasonable hardship exceptions and experience with historic buildings (e.g., City Hall elevator, USS Hornet accommodations). Commissioners thanked him for his dedication and discussed reporting issues via Click Fix and pathways for future collaboration. Key Outcomes - Elections: Chair Mullins was re-elected as chair for 2026, and Commissioner Bond Smith was elected as vice chair for 2026, both by acclamation. - Staff Actions: Lillian will include the EOP access survey link in the accessibility newsletter. Staff will explore inviting East Bay Regional Parks to present on pathway accessibility. The accessible event checklist and portable wheelchair lift for city events were noted as new resources. - Public Comments: The commission thanked former Commissioner Hall and welcomed new Commissioner Canadler. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for January 14, 2026.

The Alameda Planning Board held a regular meeting on November 10, 2025, featuring a workshop to discuss updates to the city’s inclusionary housing ordinance. The board received a staff presentation, heard public comments, and provided direction to staff for a forthcoming city council presentation. Consent calendar items were also approved. Consent Calendar - Approved meeting minutes for May 27, June 23, and July 28, 2025 (Board Member Hom abstained on July 28 due to absence). - Approved the 2026 Planning Board meeting schedule, which includes regular Monday meetings except one Tuesday meeting due to a holiday, an August recess, and reduced meetings in November and December. Public Comments & Testimony - Non-agenda public comment (Mitch Ball): Urged enforcement of the 30-year-old state parking cash-out law to reduce traffic congestion and incentivize alternative transportation. Suggested adopting financial penalties for non-compliant businesses and requiring unbundled parking in commercial leases. - Public comment on inclusionary housing: - Andrew Rosenberg (Pacific Development): Asked the board to recommend a $10 per gross square foot in-lieu fee for the Alameda Marina project, citing financial infeasibility of on-site BMR units due to high costs (seawall, remediation, etc.). Stated that a $2.5 million fee would make the project viable. - Mitch Ball: Supported the staff recommendations but urged adding a fifth recommendation to remove the exemption for single-unit homes and developments of 2-10 units, arguing that wealthier homeowners benefit from constrained supply while middle-class renters bear the cost. Discussion Items - Inclusionary Housing Ordinance Workshop (Agenda Item 5): - Staff presentation by Steve Buckley (Planning Services Manager) reviewed the history of the ordinance update, policy options, and financial modeling. Proposed focusing rental inclusionary on 15% low income (80% AMI) and ownership inclusionary on moderate and low income with several options. Discussed in-lieu fees ($25/sq ft for rental, $50/sq ft for for-sale as initial direction), clustering criteria, and affordability terms (life of project vs. 99 years). - Board members discussed feasibility, flexibility, and the need to balance housing production with affordability. Key themes: - Board Member Hom: Supported staff recommendations but emphasized the difficulty of crafting a one-size-fits-all ordinance. Suggested development agreements for bespoke solutions. - Board Member Wang: Called for explicit acknowledgment that the update does not address feasibility, and proposed a parallel temporary relief package to spur development in the current market. - Board Member Sahiba: Questioned whether the fee structure discourages housing production; advocated for percentage-based fees tied to overall project costs rather than per-square-foot. - Vice President Edison: Supported 99-year affordability terms and cluster options; urged consideration of market conditions and small infill projects. - Board Member Sue: Echoed support for flexibility and dialing options; noted potential for cost index adjustments. - Board Member Hom (again): Highlighted that feasibility varies by project and that development agreements are a key tool in Alameda. - Board Member Wang (reprise): Challenged the preference for on-site units over in-lieu fees, arguing that in a down market, in-lieu fees can fund affordable housing via nonprofits. Key Outcomes - The board provided oral feedback to staff, which will be summarized for presentation to the city council next week. - No formal votes were taken on the ordinance; the workshop was for direction only. - Staff will draft an ordinance and conduct further feasibility study before returning to the board and council.

On November 6, 2025, the Alameda Historic Advisory Board met to consider a certificate of approval for demolition of a pre-1942 home, approve meeting minutes, adopt the 2026 meeting calendar, and discuss future board recognition of adaptive reuse projects. The meeting began at 7:00 PM with a quorum present (Chair Hernandez, Board Members Bevan and Brito; Board Member Crody absent). Consent Calendar - Minutes of September 4, 2025: Approved unanimously (3-0) as presented. - Minutes of October 2, 2025: Continued to a future meeting because two board members present had not attended that session and had not watched the recording. Public Comments & Testimony - One letter of support for the demolition project was received from a neighbor. - No public comments were made in person or online. Discussion Items - 1319 Clinton Avenue – Certificate of Approval for Demolition Staff member Henry Dong presented a request to demolish a single-family home built in 1924, damaged by fire in 2022, and left unrepaired. The applicant’s designer, Danny Budiman, explained that the house’s structural integrity was compromised after prolonged exposure to weather, and a new Mission Revival-style home is proposed in its place. A historic evaluation by Garabaglia Architecture concluded the property does not qualify for listing on any historic register. Staff recommended approval. Board members discussed the historic evaluation, with one member noting that the analysis under Criterion 1 (events) lacked context about residential development patterns and that the report contained minor typos (e.g., duplicate “Figure 9”). However, board members overall found the evaluation thorough and agreed with its conclusions. They also inquired about salvaging materials (e.g., vinyl windows) and directed staff to ensure the final evaluation report is cleaned up before filing. - 2026 Meeting Calendar The board reviewed and adopted the regular meeting schedule (first Thursday of each month) without changes. A brief discussion occurred about possibly rescheduling the July 2026 meeting due to the July 4th holiday falling on a Saturday, but no modification was made. The calendar was adopted unanimously. - Board Communication – Recognition of Adaptive Reuse Projects A board member suggested recognizing notable adaptive reuse or historic preservation projects at the upcoming December 2025 meeting. Staff indicated this could be agendized as a general item, and other board members expressed support for an end-of-year retrospective. Key Outcomes - Motion to adopt resolution for Certificate of Approval for demolition at 1319 Clinton Avenue: Carried 3-0, with the additional directive that staff correct typos and clarify Criterion 1 in the historic evaluation before final filing. - Motion to adopt the 2026 meeting calendar: Approved unanimously. - The December 2025 meeting will include a recognition item for adaptive reuse projects.

The Alameda City Council met on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 (Election Day) for a regular meeting that included a closed session, proclamations, public comments, a consent calendar, appointments, a legislative update from State Senator Jesse Arreguín, and a workshop on infrastructure needs for libraries, parks, and recreation facilities. The meeting began at approximately 7:00 PM after closed session items were partially addressed. Proclamation: Native American Heritage Month - Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft proclaimed November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month in Alameda. The proclamation noted Alameda sits on unceded Chochenyo-speaking Ohlone territory, and highlighted local events including an Oakland Museum exhibition (Good Fire, Nov 7–May 31 2026) and library programs with Café Ohlone and others. - Public comment: Gabriel Duncan (founder, Alameda Native History Project) criticized the city for not engaging with a bona fide recognized tribe (the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe) and for continuing to pay the Alameda Museum to store artifacts that include funerary items from shell mounds. Consent Calendar - Routine approvals were passed unanimously. Items included: - 5C: Authorization to purchase a Groundsmaster 4000‑D lawnmower for $110,000. Fleet supervisor Carlo Belboni explained it is a large industrial tractor‑mower with a 12‑foot cutting span, replacing two smaller mowers, and will pay for itself in labor savings within 2–3 years. Councilmember Jensen inquired about electric alternatives; Belboni stated current electric models cannot run a full shift without lengthy recharging, but he expects this to be the last diesel purchase of its size. - 5F: Second reading of the vendor ordinance (sidewalk vending). Councilmember Jensen clarified that the ordinance allows vending in residential areas until 8 PM or dusk (whichever is sooner), and on certain streets (e.g., Thompson Avenue) until 4 PM on weekends. The ordinance will take effect 30 days after tonight's approval (December 4), so it did not apply to Halloween. - Public comment on consent calendar: Gabriel Duncan reiterated his objection to city payments to the Alameda Museum, arguing it inaccurately presents Native history and displays sacred funerary items. Public Comments & Testimony - Fourteen speakers addressed the council, primarily on immigration enforcement and ICE presence: - Philip Mataresi, Rowan Bernsarno, Gene Nader, Shalom Brun, Hilda Paulson, Savannah, Laura Thomas, and Zonic Allure called on the city to take stronger action to protect immigrant and transgender communities from federal enforcement. Speakers requested: - A clear public plan for responding to ICE. - That APD arrest ICE agents who violate rights. - Regular “Know Your Rights” training for businesses and residents in multiple languages. - Review of Flock license plate readers’ data sharing with ICE. - Shalom Brun also opposed the proposed surf pool at Enterprise Park, criticizing the process as insufficiently transparent and lacking community input. - Speakers Gene Nader and others noted that many businesses on Webster Street had received no city information about rights; they urged the city to be proactive. Discussion Items 7A: Appointments to Boards and Commissions - Council unanimously adopted resolutions appointing Michelle Kenadler to the Commission on Persons with Disabilities and Roberta Kreitz to the Social Service Human Relations Board. Both appointees were sworn in and briefly introduced themselves. 7B: State Senator Jesse Arreguín – Legislative Update - Senator Arreguín (SD‑7) presented an update on his work, emphasizing: - Immigration: The state allocated $50 million for legal defense and AG lawsuits against Trump administration policies; his bill SB 81 prohibits ICE from entering schools and healthcare facilities; the “No Secret Police Act” (SB 627) bans federal agents from wearing face coverings. - Housing: Over $20 million from HCD for the first phase of the North Housing Project (586 affordable homes). - Public Safety: SB 524 (AI use in police reports), SB 627, and SB 704 (gun barrel background checks) were signed. - Transit: $750 million one‑time loan to stabilize Bay Area transit; SB 63 would allow a regional sales tax measure for ongoing operating funds. - Climate: Prop 4 (coastal resilience) passed; cap‑and‑invest extended to 2045. - Make Polluters Pay Act: Senator expressed intent to vote for it when reintroduced; acknowledged strong industry opposition and the need for grassroots advocacy. - Public comment: Heather McLeod and Rowan Bernsarno urged support for the Make Polluters Pay Act; Bernsarno noted over 3,000 California students walked out in support. 7C: Workshop on Infrastructure Needs for Libraries, Parks, and Recreation Facilities - Communications Director Sarah Henry, Library Director Mike Eitner, and Recreation & Parks Director Justin Long presented: - The city faces over $800 million in deferred maintenance and upgrades citywide. - Parks: Alameda’s park system is the third oldest in California (established 1895). Deferred maintenance for parks alone is $40 million; planned new parks (DPAV, Seaplane Lagoon, Jean Sweeney, Enterprise Park, regional sports complex) total $216.5 million. The regional sports complex (40 acres at Alameda Point) is estimated at $65 million but could be phased. - Libraries: Bay Farm Library (opened 1980) needs expansion; lacks story time and study space. Main Library (opened 2006) needs refurbishment, a makerspace, and replacement of the building management system. West End Library (90 years old) is limited; no room to expand. Alameda Point is underserved; options range from a mobile van ($500,000) to a full‑service building ($20 million). Total library needs: $35 million. - Council discussion touched on equity (prioritizing Alameda Point given transportation barriers), potential partnerships (e.g., co‑location with schools or housing), and the possibility of a locally controlled infrastructure bond. City Manager Jennifer Ott clarified that Enterprise Park is dedicated parkland and any surf park proposal will come to council in an open public hearing; an exclusive negotiating agreement has not been executed. - Public comment: Adrian Alexander (longtime resident, recreation commissioner) supported a bond if projects are clearly listed. Katie Connell proposed creating a nonprofit “Carnegie Creativity Center” to revitalize the historic Carnegie Library building as an arts hub. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (items 5C and 5F among others). - Appointments: Michelle Kenadler and Roberta Kreitz were sworn in to their respective commissions. - Closed Session: Council discussed: - Recruitment for interim city manager and city manager positions (unanimous direction). - Real property negotiations for 2301 Monarch Street, Building 24 (direction by 5‑0). - Potential litigation against Port of Oakland (no vote, direction given). - Existing litigation (Hickman and Stilltown Winery cases) (direction by 5‑0). - Infrastructure Workshop: Council provided general support for exploring a potential revenue measure; staff will conduct a statistically valid poll after the December 2 workshop on flood protection and return early 2026 with draft language. - Public Comment on ICE: No formal action taken, but Mayor and City Attorney noted existing efforts: city joined two federal lawsuits to protect grants, and the city’s website provides “Know Your Rights” information. A rapid response hotline was shared (510‑241‑4011).