Public Meetings - Berkeley, California

The meeting was the first for newly sworn-in Mayor Adena Ishii and newly elected Councilmembers Shoshana O'Keefe (District 5) and Brent Blackaby (District 6), along with re-elected members. The council addressed routine consent items, an emergency bike giveaway, and held a discussion on restaurant inspection audit progress. Public comment was dominated by criticism of that morning's 4 a.m. sweep of the Old City Hall encampment. Consent Calendar - Approved second readings of ordinances for lease agreements with The Framer's Workshop LLC, We Wield The Hammer, and Dorothy Day House (Dorothy's Closet), and zoning amendments for "Keep Innovation in Berkeley." - Approved contracts: CVL Economics ($119,300) for arts economic impact study; Kala Art Institute ($50,000) for framed artwork; Masako Miki ($87,000) for Aquatic Park ceramic tile mural; and various other contracts including fire life safety systems maintenance ($700,000), Sacramento Street Pedestrian Safety Project ($973,638), on-call electrical services ($725,000), hybrid police patrol vehicles ($400,000 – Item 14), ambulance chassis ($430,000), and railroad crossing cost allocation. - Approved grant applications for MTC Housing Incentive Pool (Ashby/San Pablo intersection improvements up to $1.9M, Adeline Quick-Build up to $1.05M, 7th/Anthony intersections up to $2M), updated parking fines schedule including AB 413 daylighting law violations, and council committee appointments. - Emergency Item (Lights of Tomorrow bike giveaway): Adopted resolution authorizing expenditure of council office budget funds. Contributions from councilmembers: Bartlett $600 (initial $500 plus additional $100), Kesarwani $500, Tregub $100, Humbert $300, Lunaparra $300, Blackaby $250, O'Keefe $250, Mayor Ishii $500 (total at least $2,450). - Item E (Bicycle and Pedestrian Access on Richmond-San Rafael Bridge) was moved to consent and approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Numerous speakers condemned the 4 a.m. sweep of the Old City Hall encampment that day, calling it traumatizing and demanding accountability. Representatives from the Berkeley Homeless Union and community advocates urged the council to prioritize housing and mental health services over sweeps. One speaker alleged a broken promise and requested an investigation. - Several speakers opposed Item 14 (hybrid police vehicles), arguing funds should instead be directed to homeless services, mental health crisis response, and affordable housing. - A lifelong Richmond resident and policy associate from the Bay Area Council spoke against the bridge bike path resolution, citing low usage and negative impacts on minority communities who rely on car commuting. In contrast, supporters from Bike East Bay and Walk Bike Berkeley emphasized climate goals, equity, and safety. - A business owner (Mr. Garland) opposed the Dorothy Day House lease, alleging corruption and delays, and threatened litigation. Others supported Dorothy Day House's services but called for better oversight and grievance tracking. - Additional comments addressed fire alarm enforcement, pickleball court needs, the Costa-Hawkins Act (speaker urged local action despite state jurisdiction), and divestment from Israel. Discussion Items - Item 22 – Restaurant Inspection Audit Status Report (moved to Action): Environmental Health Director Scott Gilman provided updates: one inspector position filled, supervisor hiring in progress, contract with California Association of Environmental Health Administrators for temporary staff. A fee study is near completion and will inform staffing and quality levels. The division aims to complete all overdue 2023 high-risk facility inspections by December 31, 2024. Gilman met with Alameda County to explore backup contracts. Councilmembers asked about a public placard system (letter grades), better online data access, and cross-departmental coordination. Gilman reported a new IT system is scheduled for first quarter 2026. Council expressed strong support for core inspection services and encouraged faster public data availability. No formal action was taken. - Item 18 – Parking Fines Update: Public Works Director Terrance Davis stated the city plans a 2–3 month education and warning period before enforcing fines for daylighting law violations (AB 413). High-risk intersections will be identified and community outreach conducted via social media and city websites. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved, including the emergency bicycle giveaway and bridge access resolution. - Item 22 discussed; no vote needed or taken. - Motion to adjourn passed unanimously.

The Berkeley City Council held a special meeting on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 5:30 PM in the School District Board Room (1231 Addison Street) in a hybrid format. All nine councilmembers were present, and the sole agenda item was the confirmation of the November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election results and related ballot measure certifications. The council heard public comment, voted unanimously to approve the consent item, and adjourned in time for the 6:00 PM regular meeting and ceremonial swearing-in of new members. Consent Calendar - The council considered Item 1, “Confirming the Results of the November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election,” on the consent calendar. No items were pulled for separate discussion. After public comment, the council voted on the item as part of the consent calendar. Public Comments & Testimony - Blair Beekman, speaking remotely from Vietnam, congratulated the new mayor and expressed hope for the incoming administration. He emphasized that technology accountability should be a community-wide participatory process rather than the work of specialized groups only. Discussion Items - City Manager’s recommendation (presented by the City Clerk’s office): Adopt a resolution confirming the November 5, 2024 election results and declaring the passage of Measures W, X, Y, Z, AA, BB, DD, and FF; adopt seven ordinances amending the Berkeley Municipal Code to incorporate the passed measures; and adopt a resolution codifying the text of Measure AA (GANN Appropriations Limit Authority). Key Outcomes - The council voted unanimously (9-0) to approve the consent item as written. - Declared passage of: Measure W (Real Property Transfer Tax Amendments), Measure X (Library Relief Act of 2024), Measure Y (Parks, Trees, and Landscaping Maintenance Tax Amendments), Measure Z (Sugar Sweetened Beverage Tax Amendments), Measure AA (Article XIIIB GANN Appropriations Limit Authority), Measure BB (Rent Stabilization Ordinance Amendments and Housing Retention), Measure DD (Prohibition on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations), and Measure FF (Parcel Tax for Street, Sidewalk, and Pedestrian Path Repairs). - Declared failure of: Measure CC (Direct Rental Payments and Rent Stabilization Ordinance Amendments), Measure EE (Parcel Tax for Street, Sidewalk, and Pedestrian Path Repairs), Measure GG (Special Tax on Natural Gas Consumption in Large Buildings), and Measure HH (Minimum Indoor Air Quality Standards in City-Owned and City-Leased Buildings). - The council adopted the related implementing ordinances and the Measure AA codification resolution. - The special meeting was adjourned; the regular meeting and ceremonial swearing-in of new members began at 6:00 PM.

The Berkeley City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, starting at 6:00 PM. The meeting featured ceremonial recognitions for outgoing Councilmember Sophie Hahn, Acting Mayor Susan Wengraf, and former Mayor Jesse Arreguin, along with a consent calendar of routine items and two public hearings on action items. The council approved all consent items as a block and adopted resolutions for the Solano Avenue Business Improvement District renewal and zoning amendments to encourage research and development uses. Ceremonial Matters - Councilmember Sophie Hahn was honored with a proclamation recognizing her eight years of service, including her work on homelessness reduction (45% decrease), affordable housing (Measure O, over 1,000 units), single-use foodware ban, and the return of the West Berkeley Shellmound. Multiple colleagues, family, and community members offered tributes. - Acting Mayor Susan Wengraf was thanked for her 16 years on the council, her leadership on wildfire safety, and her mentorship. Councilmembers and staff highlighted her dedication and institutional knowledge. - State Senator Jesse Arreguin (former mayor) received a proclamation for his 20 years of service, including advancing affordable housing, transit-oriented development, and renewable energy. Consent Calendar - The council approved the consent calendar (Items 1–17, with Item 18 continued to December 10, 2024). Notable items included: - Second reading of Ordinance 7,937-N.S. (tax exemption for R&D grants). - Second reading of Ordinance 7,939-N.S. (Ashby BART TOD legal agreements). - Second reading of Ordinance 7,940-N.S. (FY 2025 appropriation amendments). - Second reading of Ordinance 7,941-N.S. (development agreement procedures). - Resolution adopting the updated Revolving Loan Fund administrative plan and transfer to Working Solutions. - Resolution approving a Memorandum of Understanding with Public Employees Union – Local One. - Resolution accepting a $3,400 donation for a memorial bench at Cesar Chavez Park. - Resolution accepting up to $86,496 from the Eli Kane Fund for Solano-Peralta Park improvements. - Resolution awarding a contract to Azul Works, Inc. for Ohlone Park restroom and lighting ($882,278). - 16 resolutions for on-call planning and environmental services contracts (total up to $10.7 million). - First reading of ordinances for leases with Framer’s Workshop, We Wield The Hammer, and Dorothy Day House. - Resolution amending a contract with Ardurra Group for traffic engineering services. - Resolution officially naming the Harrison Skate Park in honor of Terrance McCrary. - Council Consent Items: referral of Berkeley Green New Deal concepts to committees (Item 16); referral of affordable housing for artists study (Item 17, with Councilmember Tregub added as co-sponsor); affirmation of support for 24/7 bicycle/pedestrian access on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge (Item 18, continued). Public Comments & Testimony - Non-Agenda Matters (beginning of meeting): 10 in-person speakers and 10 remote speakers each addressed the council for one minute. Topics included thanks to outgoing councilmembers, concerns about the United Artists Theatre (UA Berkeley) and potential CEQA exemption, and the need for ADA accommodations at homeless encampments. - Consent Calendar: Several speakers supported renaming the skate park after Terrance McCrary. Others spoke about the Azul Works contract (support from company representatives), affordable housing for artists (support), and concerns about the artist housing policy implementation. - Public Hearing on Zoning Amendments (Item 20): Multiple speakers expressed support for the “Keep Innovation in Berkeley” zoning changes, including founders of biotech startups, the Chamber of Commerce, and Biocom California. One speaker raised concerns about oversight of biosafety levels and potential risks. Discussion Items - Solano Avenue Business Improvement District Renewal (Item 19): Staff reported no majority protest. The council held a public hearing, closed it, and adopted the resolution confirming the annual report and budget for 2024-2025 and levying assessments for 2025. - Zoning Ordinance Amendments – Keep Innovation in Berkeley (Item 20): Staff presented proposed changes to permit R&D uses by right in commercial districts (under 20,000 sq ft), add R&D to district purpose statements, reduce parking requirements, revise biosafety level regulations (remove 500-foot restriction for BSL-2, prohibit BSL-3 and BSL-4 citywide), and clarify the definition of “laboratory.” Councilmembers commended staff and noted the amendments would support economic development and retain startups. The council closed the public hearing and adopted the first reading of the ordinance. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved 16–0 (all items as amended, with Item 18 continued). - Solano Avenue BID Renewal: Resolution adopted unanimously. - Zoning Ordinance Amendments (Keep Innovation in Berkeley): First reading of the ordinance adopted unanimously (8–0). - Ceremonial Recognitions: Proclamations presented to Councilmember Hahn, Acting Mayor Wengraf, and former Mayor Arreguin. - Information Reports: The City Auditor noted updates on staff retention (Item 21), Measure FF spending audit (Item 22), and police overtime audit (Item 23); departments have made progress on implementing recommendations. - Next Steps: The council will continue Item 18 (bicycle/pedestrian access) at the December 10, 2024 meeting. The second reading of the zoning ordinance will occur at a future meeting.

The Berkeley City Council held a special meeting on December 3, 2024, at 5:30 PM in the School District Board Room. The meeting included two ceremonial proclamations and a single consent calendar item approving a successor Memorandum of Understanding with SEIU Local 1021 CSU/PTRLA. The council voted unanimously on all items. Ceremonial Items - John Muir Elementary Day: The council proclaimed December 3, 2024 as John Muir Elementary Day in recognition of the school being named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School. Principal Jeremy Paco Furlon accepted the proclamation and noted that John Muir is one of 33 schools in California and 356 nationwide to receive the award. Student achievement rose nearly 20 percentage points in reading and 8 percentage points in math since the pandemic, and the school now outscored the state average by about 30 percentage points in both subjects. - New Bridge Foundation: The council celebrated New Bridge Foundation and its leaders Costa Markis and Sylvia Ritchie for their decades of service in addiction treatment. The foundation operates 93 residential beds and 88 transitional beds, and has provided treatment to tens of thousands of individuals, including specialized programs for veterans and LGBTQ+ community members. Public Comments & Testimony - One remote speaker, Joseph Leisner, asked to comment on items not on the agenda. The acting mayor clarified that the special meeting only takes public comment on agenda items. No other public comments were made on the consent calendar item. Consent Calendar - Memorandum of Understanding: SEIU Local 1021 CSU/PTRLA: The council adopted a resolution approving a successor MOU for a three-year term from June 27, 2024 to July 26, 2027, authorizing the City Manager to execute and implement the terms, and approving new Classification and Salary tables implementing salary adjustments. The motion was made by Councilmember Hahn and seconded, passing unanimously (8-0, with Councilmember Kesarwani absent). Key Outcomes - Resolution Approval: Adopted Resolution approving the SEIU Local 1021 CSU/PTRLA MOU (unanimous vote, 8-0). - Adjournment: The special meeting adjourned at 6:00 PM.

The Berkeley City Council held a special closed meeting on December 3, 2024, at 4:00 PM in the School District Board Room. The purpose was to convene in closed session to discuss three matters: anticipated litigation, a government claim, and real property negotiations. No public comments were received, and the meeting adjourned without taking any open-session actions. Roll Call - Councilmembers present: Tregub, Lunaparra, Humbert, and Acting Mayor Wengraf. - Councilmembers absent: Kesarwani, Taplin, and Bartlett. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided comment, either in person or via Zoom. Closed Session Items - 1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Government Code Sections 54956.9(a) and 54956.9(d)(2) and (e)(3)) - Discussion of a government claim filed by Safeco as subrogee of Michael and Susanne Kossa-Rienzi on May 3, 2023. - 2. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Government Code Sections 54956.9(a) and 54956.9(d)(2)) - Discussion of an arbitration request filed on May 6, 2022, in Public Employees Union Local 1 v. City of Berkeley regarding PEPRA Ramp Down. - 3. Conference with Real Property Negotiators (Government Code Section 54956.8) - Negotiations regarding properties at 1250-1288 Ninth Street, 1226 9th Street, 1249 8th Street, 1223 8th Street, 1221 8th Street, and 930 Harrison Street, Berkeley, CA 94710. Appointed negotiators: Paul Buddenhagen (City Manager’s Office), David Sprague (Fire Department), and Dionne Early (Public Works). The negotiating party is Smith and Walters, Inc. The subject under negotiation is price and terms. Key Outcomes - The City Council voted unanimously to convene in closed session at approximately 4:02 PM. No votes or decisions were reported in open session. The meeting adjourned without further public action.

The meeting opened with ceremonial recognition of outgoing Mayor Jesse Arreguin and Vice Mayor Susan Wengraf, followed by public comment on non-agenda matters and an amended consent calendar. The council approved all consent items, moving two action items to consent and referring one item to committee. Key decisions included a $5.3 million contract for interim housing at the Howard Johnson Motel, acceptance of a $5.4 million state encampment resolution grant, and first reading of ordinances for Ashby BART transit-oriented development and amendments to development agreement procedures. Consent Calendar - Minutes for Approval: October 1, 15, 21, and 29, 2024 meetings. - 2024 Annual Commission Attendance and Meeting Frequency Report – accepted. - Contract: Dorothy Day House to Operate Interim Housing at Howard Johnson Motel – $5,313,826.28 through December 31, 2028. - Encampment Resolution Funding Round 3 Grant Award – $5,395,637.04 from the State of California. - Urgency Ordinance for Leasing 1512 University Avenue – 48-month term. - Formal Bid Solicitations – approved for future issuance. - Contract: Royal Ambulance for Mental Health Transport – up to $6,000,000 (2025-2027) with extension options totaling $12,000,000. - Contract Amendment: Resource Development Associates for Specialized Care Unit (SCU) Evaluation – additional $40,000, total $290,000. - Request for Proposals for Housing Trust Fund Rehabilitation Projects – approximately $6 million. - Revenue Contract: 2025 Community Services Block Grant – accepted. - Contract Amendment: Geographic Technologies Group for GIS Strategic Workplan – total $549,411 through June 2026. - Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with TSA Holdings, LLC for 199 Seawall Drive – to develop a lease agreement. - Ashby BART Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Legal Agreements – first reading of ordinance authorizing agreements with BART; adopted addendum to EIR. - Contract: Nema Construction for FY 2023 Street Light Maintenance – $424,465. - Contract: Sposeto Engineering for Southwest Berkeley Bikeway and Bus Stop Improvements – $2,390,000 (AHSC grant funded). - Contract: W.E. Lyons Construction for Telegraph-Channing Parking Garage Restroom & Elevator Improvements – $2,413,689. - Contract Amendment: LAZ Parking LLC for Parking Management – extension to December 2026, increase to $22,326,349. - Contract Amendment: Bellecci & Associates for On-Call Civil Engineering – increase to $1,750,000 through June 2026. - Contract Amendment: Pride Industries for Custodial Services – increase to $6,225,735. - Contract Amendment: Allied Universal Security for Unarmed Security – increase to $4,450,000 through February 2026. - Contract Amendment: Baker Tilly for Professional Development Services – increase to $125,000 through December 2027. - Appointment of Maria Sol and Ashley (Jiahao) Gu to Mental Health Commission – terms November 2024 to November 2027. - Exploring Formation of Joint Powers Authority (JPA) for Hospital (Item 23) – referred to Health and Life Enrichment Policy Committee. - Equity for Black Berkeley (E4BB) Initiative (Item 24) – resolution adopted and referrals to City Manager for implementation. Public Comments & Testimony - Non-Agenda Matters: Speakers thanked Mayor Arreguin and Vice Mayor Wengraf for service; criticized homelessness policies, lack of police accountability, and failure to address traffic safety; called for immediate opening of cold weather shelters. - Consent Calendar: - Items 3 & 4 (Encampment Resolution/Housing): Berkeley Homeless Union representatives opposed encampment sweeps, demanded fair compensation and transparent shelter rules. Others supported Dorothy Day House’s management and requested community meetings. - Item 8 (SCU Evaluation): Mental Health Commission members and public argued the $40,000 contract was wasteful, citing mismanagement and lack of service utilization; urged direct oversight instead of further consultant reports. - Item 15 (Dwight Way Bikeway): Residents opposed the two‑way cycle track design due to pedestrian, bicycle, and fire safety concerns; a letter signed by over 60 households requested a one‑way alternative. - Item 25 (Budget Amendment): Representatives from La Peña Cultural Center, Berkeley Art Center, and Walk Bike Berkeley spoke in support of funding for cultural organizations and an accessible pedestrian signal at Sacramento and Alston. Discussion Items - Consent Calendar Reorganization: Councilmember Hahn moved Item 25 (FY2025 Appropriations) to consent with an amendment adding $150,000 for a park at Parkside Drive (per Councilmember Humbert). Item 26 (Development Agreement Procedures) also moved to consent. Item 23 (Hospital JPA) was referred to the Health and Life Enrichment Policy Committee after discussion about cost analysis. - Item 26 (Development Agreement Procedures): Staff clarified the amendments establish clearer procedures for development agreements; council noted the Bayer agreement was executed under prior code. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar Approved as amended (including all items except Item 23 referred to committee). - Item 23 (Hospital JPA): Referred to Health and Life Enrichment Policy Committee for further study. - Item 25 (Budget Amendment): Adopted first reading with $150,000 added for Parkside Drive park. - Item 26 (Development Agreement Procedures): Adopted first reading. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned after consent calendar approval, suspending further rules.

This special meeting of the Berkeley City Council convened on November 19, 2024, beginning with a closed session at 4:00 PM and followed by an open session. The meeting included reports from closed session, ceremonial recognitions, public comment, and action on the consent calendar. Councilmembers honored outgoing Mayor Jesse Arreguin (elected to the State Senate) and retiring Vice Mayor Susan Wengraf, and adjourned in memory of Ben Brown, who died in a traffic accident at Rose and Josephine Streets. Closed Session Report - The City Council met in closed session under Government Code sections 54956.9(d)(2) and 54956.9(d)(1). The council provided direction to outside counsel and approved a stipulated settlement of permanent disability with lifetime future medical care (or compromise and release) regarding workers' compensation matter BER2200087 and WCAB case ADJ16181002. No other actions were reported. Ceremonial Matters - Adjournment in honor of Ben Brown: The council adjourned the meeting in memory of Ben Brown, a community member killed in a preventable traffic accident at Rose and Josephine. Councilmembers noted the need for safety improvements at that intersection. - Recognition of outgoing Mayor Jesse Arreguin: Multiple councilmembers praised Mayor Arreguin's 20 years of service, his leadership during COVID-19, reductions in unsheltered homelessness (45% decrease), affordable housing initiatives (Measures O and P, BART TOD projects), and his ability to build consensus. He will serve as State Senator for District 7. - Recognition of outgoing Vice Mayor Susan Wengraf: Councilmembers thanked Vice Mayor Wengraf for 16 years on the council and 30+ total years of city service, notably on wildfire safety and constituent services. - City Manager and staff remarks: The city manager thanked both outgoing members for their partnership and institutional knowledge. Public Comments & Testimony - Supportive comments: Several speakers thanked Mayor Arreguin for his service, including representatives from JCRC Bay Area, Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, and former councilmember Lori Droste. A school board member and Oakland councilmember also offered greetings. - Critical comments: Some speakers criticized the mayor's record on homelessness, police accountability (racial profiling, lack of action on police accountability board report), and handling of union negotiations. Others voiced opposition to Israel's policies and accused the council of ignoring ceasefire demands. - Consent calendar comments: Public speakers addressed items on the consent calendar, including: - Support for funding La Peña Cultural Center and Berkeley Art Center (item 25). - Opposition to the two-way cycle track on Dwight Way (item 15) due to safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists. - Concerns about the Special Care Unit evaluation cost ($300,000) and lack of transparency. - Requests for shelter rules transparency and fair compensation for residents at encampments (items 3, 4). Discussion Items - Consent calendar modifications: Councilmember Humbert moved item 25 (FY2025 appropriations ordinance) to consent with an amendment adding $150,000 for a park at Parkside Drive. Item 26 (development agreement procedures) was also moved to consent. - Item 23 (Hospital financing study): Councilmember Hahn moved to refer this item to the Health and Life Enrichment Policy Committee for further analysis of legal and financial structures (e.g., joint powers authority). The motion passed without objection. - Item 13 (Ashby BART TOD): Councilmembers noted the approval of agreements for transit-oriented development at Ashby BART, including 50% affordable housing and a right-to-return policy. - Item 4 (Encampment resolution): A $5 million state grant to resolve the encampment at Cedar and 2nd Street using the Howard Johnson Motel, operated by Dorothy Day House, was approved as part of the consent calendar. Key Outcomes - The consent calendar was approved as amended, including the FY2025 appropriations (with the Park Parkside Drive addition) and development agreement procedure amendments. - Item 23 (hospital financing exploration) was referred to the Health and Life Enrichment Policy Committee. - The council adjourned in memory of Ben Brown. - The meeting concluded with adjournment after approximately 1.5 hours of open session.

This special meeting, held on November 18, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the School District Board Room, was a work session dedicated to receiving an update on the Waterfront Specific Plan (WSP) and providing direction to staff. The council heard a detailed presentation from Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Director Scott Ferris and Deputy Director Christina Ericsson, followed by a recommendation from the Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Commission (PRWC) delivered by incoming Chair Alan Aschez. Public comment was taken, and the council deliberated on three potential paths: proceed immediately with CEQA, pause for additional studies, or stop the project. The council ultimately voted to take a pause to complete a parking study and a conceptual plan for César Chávez Park, then pursue an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the highest development scenario. Public Comments & Testimony - Approximately 20 speakers addressed the council, both in person and via Zoom. The majority urged the council to pause the specific plan process until the parking study is completed and to develop a recreation- and nature-based conceptual plan for César Chávez Park. Many speakers expressed concern that the current plan lacks a solid parking baseline, could lead to excessive commercial development, and may jeopardize existing recreational uses and diverse community access. Speakers from the Cal Sailing Club, the Chavez Park Conservancy, and the Berkeley Commission on Disability highlighted the importance of preserving the working waterfront, affordable access, and ADA-accessible amenities. A few speakers, including former Councilmember Gordon Wozniak, supported moving forward with development to generate revenue for critical infrastructure repairs, noting the $94 million in unfunded capital needs. Discussion Items - Staff presented the history of the WSP, noting that the marina fund faces an $850,000 annual operational deficit and $94 million in unfunded infrastructure needs. They outlined three development scenarios (low, moderate, and high) that would add 380,000, 605,000, or 835,000 square feet of new development, respectively, with potential annual revenue gains of $2.2 million, $3.5 million, or $4.8 million. The PRWC recommended pausing to complete the parking study (Task 3) and prepare a conceptual plan for César Chávez Park before proceeding to CEQA. Staff recommended the moderate scenario but agreed with the commission’s call for a pause and additional planning. Council discussion focused on the need for fiscal sustainability, the value of studying the highest development scenario for EIR flexibility, and the importance of integrating César Chávez Park into the plan. Councilmembers expressed support for the commission’s recommendations while emphasizing the need to move forward strategically. Key Outcomes - Councilmember Taplin made a motion to “first complete the parking study and prepare a nature- and recreation-based conceptual plan for César Chávez Park, then pursue an EIR for the high development scenario, then come back to council for approval of the waterfront specific plan and certification of the EIR.” The motion was seconded by Councilmember Kesarwani and passed unanimously (8-0) with Councilmember Hahn participating remotely under AB 2449. The mayor was absent. The motion directs staff to return to council after completing the parking study (expected in 2–3 months) and the conceptual plan for César Chávez Park (estimated cost $200,000–$250,000, to be funded in the FY 2025-26 budget process). The high development scenario will be studied in the EIR, providing maximum flexibility for future councils. The council also noted that the Bernal Ferry project will proceed independently with its own funding and environmental review.

The Berkeley City Council held its regular hybrid meeting on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the School District Board Room, 1231 Addison Street, Berkeley, with a teleconference location in Anaheim. Mayor Jesse Arreguin presided, and all eight councilmembers were present. The agenda included an urgent excused-absence item, a large consent calendar, a public hearing on a solar-plus-storage power purchase agreement, and first reading of a research-and-development grant tax exemption. The meeting was adjourned in memory of Joseph 'Joe' Panicali, a Berkeley physician and community volunteer. Ceremonial Matters and Urgent Item - Council honored Ray Yep on his retirement from the Transportation and Infrastructure Commission with a proclamation; Yep gave brief remarks on his volunteer service. - Council unanimously approved an urgent item excusing Councilmember Sophie Hahn from the October 29, 2024, council meeting due to illness. - Councilmember Tregub requested, and council agreed, that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Joseph Panicali. Consent Calendar - Items 1–3, City Manager contracts: authorized a five-year cooperative agreement with East Bay Regional Parks District to manage free-roaming cat populations; amended the Paw Fund contract for no-cost spay/neuter services by adding $10,000 for a new total not to exceed $144,466 and extending the term to October 31, 2026; and approved planned formal bid solicitations and requests for proposals totaling $10,200,000. - Items 4–14, budget referrals and holiday fund: approved Berkeley Holiday Fund contributions from discretionary council office budgets, with the Mayor and several councilmembers contributing amounts from $100 to $500. Also approved budget referrals for South Cove Seawall design ($250,000), F and G dock deck replacement ($500,000), afterschool program expansion ($300,000), Shattuck Avenue/Delaware Street traffic study and pedestrian safety ($50,000), an Accessible Pedestrian Signal at Sacramento Street and Allston Way ($30,000), emergency support for Berkeley Art Center ($100,000 plus technical assistance), a five-year arts-and-culture recovery plan ($150,000), Glendale La Loma Park play structure and ADA access planning ($250,000), conversion of the Parkside Drive median 'Round Park' to an official city park ($150,000), and one-time bridge funding for the Bread Project ($70,000). - Items 17, 18A, and 18B were moved from the Action Calendar to the Consent Calendar. Item 17 accepted the annual Surveillance Technology Report for body-worn cameras, GPS trackers, fixed cameras, license plate readers, street-level imagery, and unmanned aerial systems. Item 18A, the Peace and Justice Commission resolution opposing the criminalization of poverty and homelessness, was placed on consent for the purpose of taking no action; Item 18B, the City Manager companion report recommending no action, was accepted. - The consent calendar as amended passed unanimously. Councilmember Lunaparra abstained on items 17 and 18B. Public Comments & Testimony - Non-agenda public comment included multiple speakers from Where Do We Go and the Berkeley Homeless Union criticizing recent encampment management at the Bancroft encampment and at 2nd and Cedar Street. They said the city’s written encampment policy was not being followed, requested dialogue with residents, and asked for fair compensation for RVs, clear timelines, and ADA accommodations before any closure. - Several speakers urged the council to act on Gaza, with one saying it had been over 400 days of genocide and another asking the council to pass the Peace and Justice Commission resolution. Other speakers raised anxiety after the November 2024 election and called on Berkeley to remain a sanctuary city. - One speaker said the homeless services panel of experts voted unanimously to set aside shelter funding for people at the Harrison site, citing costly litigation. - Employee union representatives from SEIU CSU/PTRLA announced a strike planned for November 20–21, 2024, unless the city returned to bargaining, and demanded a substantial cost-of-living adjustment. Vice Mayor Wengraf announced a closed session would be held to discuss labor negotiations with SEIU CSU/PTRLA. - During consent calendar comment, a Berkeley resident supported item 17 and asked the city to incorporate and monitor privately funded Flock cameras, citing a recent burglary in his neighborhood. - Multiple Berkeley Art Center board members, former board members, and artists spoke in support of item 10, describing the center’s financial crisis, its history of paying artists, and its role supporting diverse and emerging artists. - Peace and Justice Commission representatives opposed moving item 18A to consent, saying the commission’s resolution was broader than the city’s recently adopted encampment policy. A UC Berkeley student cited studies estimating that frequent sweeps can increase deaths by 15 to 25 percent and said Berkeley’s sweeps could lead to at least 22 avoidable deaths over 10 years. - Several speakers commented on item 1, expressing concern that trap-neuter-release programs for free-roaming cats still allow cats to kill birds and other wildlife. - Mary Annie Reeby of the Old Berkeley City Hall Tent Village requested an encampment budget, including security, supplies, a generator, and housing support services. Discussion Items - Item 15 – Ava Community Energy Solar + Storage PPA: Staff presented a proposed 25-year power purchase agreement with Ava Community Energy (formerly East Bay Community Energy) to install solar and battery backup at critical municipal facilities, specifically Live Oak Community Center and the Corp Yard. The city would have no upfront costs and would not own or maintain the equipment; Ava would finance and build the systems. The project is intended to provide emergency resilience, offset peak demand charges, and qualify under NEM 2.0 rates if operational by April 2026. Public hearing comments included support from former Berkeley Energy Commission chair Ben Paulus and a concern from Kelly Hammergren that battery capacity might be insufficient for an emergency shelter. Staff and Ava representatives responded that the solar array would recharge the battery during the day and that the Corp Yard would retain its existing generator. Council authorized the City Manager to negotiate and execute the PPA unanimously. - Item 16 – Amending BMC Section 9.04.165, Tax Exemption for Research & Development Grants: The Mayor and staff from the Office of Economic Development presented a first-reading ordinance to expand the existing R&D grant tax exemption. The current waiver, enacted in 2019, allows a cumulative $1 million exemption for qualifying companies with less than $100,000 in other gross receipts and applies only to government grants. The proposal would remove the $1 million cap, remove the $100,000 other-receipts restriction, and extend the exemption to philanthropic grants used for public-interest research and development. Staff reported that 21 companies received waivers over five years, an average of about eight per year, and that the city forgave approximately $45,000—roughly $9,000 per year—in business license tax revenue. Staff projected the expanded exemption would reduce business license tax revenue by no more than 0.1 to 0.3 percent and argued it would help retain startups and increase business license registrations. Public comment was divided: supporters included Baker Labs, the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, Activate Berkeley, Biocom California, and startup founders; opponents and skeptical speakers cited a lack of hard numbers, the absence of a sunset or company-size cap, inequity with other small businesses, and concerns about the process. Councilmembers, including the Mayor, defended the measure as a small cost with economic benefit and dismissed what they called misinformation. Councilmember Hahn stated that the FPPC had dismissed a conflict-of-interest complaint against her related to biotech interests. The first reading was approved unanimously; a second reading will be required for final adoption. Key Outcomes - Approved the amended consent calendar; Councilmember Lunaparra abstained on items 17 and 18B. - Approved Item 15 unanimously, authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute the Ava Community Energy power purchase agreement. - Approved first reading of the ordinance amending BMC Section 9.04.165 unanimously; final adoption requires a second reading. - Approved the urgent excused absence for Councilmember Hahn unanimously. - Accepted the annual Surveillance Technology Report and took no action on the Peace and Justice Commission resolution, per the City Manager’s companion report. - Vice Mayor Wengraf announced a closed session on SEIU CSU/PTRLA labor negotiations. - The meeting was adjourned in memory of Joseph Panicali.