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Record of Proceedings

Alameda City Council Meeting – April 1, 2025: State of the City, Climate Plan, Economic Development, and EV Charging Ordinance

City Council — Tuesday, April 1, 2025
BodyAlameda, California
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, April 1, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
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0:00

So our artists can continue to bring cultural understanding, creativity, and most importantly, joy to our island community.

0:07

Thank you.

0:08

Thank you.

0:09

Our next speaker, Paula Rainey.

0:11

Welcome, Speaker Rainey.

0:19

Good evening, and thank you very much.

0:21

I'm Paula Rainey.

0:22

And I'm here tonight to represent the League of Women Voters of Alameda.

0:27

I want to announce and also invite all of you to attend our upcoming speaker series.

0:36

It's titled, Is Free Speech a Core Value of Our Democracy?

0:42

And this series is being presented in partnership with the Alameda Free Library.

0:49

And we even have some very appreciated funding from the Rotary Club.

0:54

So the first program will be held on Tuesday next week, that's April 8th at 6 p.m., the main library.

1:03

And I'm really happy to announce that Zara Bilu, who is the executive executive director of care, otherwise known as formerly known as the Council on American Islamic relations will be our first presenter.

1:21

Now care is really in the trenches in terms of their work to represent people in our own community that have had their own free speech rights eroded in one way or another, maybe at work, maybe in campus, maybe in their neighborhood.

1:41

And um they're also, as was referenced tonight, they're uh working for many years in the area of uh hate speech that arises in our communities.

1:53

So I think uh this could be a very excellent opportunity.

1:57

Everybody's welcome.

1:58

It's a free program, and I know there will be thoughtful discussion.

2:02

So thank you.

2:03

Thank you.

2:04

Our next speaker, that was our last speaker.

2:06

Oh, okay.

2:07

So um with that, I will close oral communication and um we will move on to the consent calendar.

2:18

And um these are uh routine items that are approved by one motion unless council members remove an item for discussion, removed items will be heard at the end of our regular agenda.

2:30

And council members may speak for up to three minutes on um consent calendar items.

2:36

So, first of all, council, is there any consent calendar items anybody wants to pull going once, going twice?

2:45

Councilmember Daisong?

2:46

Um, if I'm gonna pull no on something, do I have to pull it?

2:50

No, no, no.

2:52

And can I still comment on why I voted no?

2:54

Okay.

2:55

Well, okay, so no polls.

2:59

So then does council have any clarifying questions about any of the consent calendar items?

3:06

Sorry, I'm supposed to call on our city clerk, Lara Weiss.

3:10

Stick to the script.

3:11

Um at this point, I would like to call on our city clerk Lara Weisinger to say a few words to you.

3:17

Thank you so much.

3:18

Um before there's a couple of consent calendar items that are uh addressing compensation increases, so I have something to just briefly read into the record.

3:25

Before voting on compensation increases for certain executive staff, the Brown Act requires that the city publicly announce the recommended increases.

3:32

In tonight's agenda, 5F, the City of Treaty contract amendment authorizes a one-time equity increase of 6% or 18,480 in the city attorney's annual salary retroactive to the first pay period in January 2025.

3:46

5H authorizes equity increases for three Alameda Municipal Power Unrepresented Employees as follows.

3:51

Assistant general manager, engineering and operations salary is increasing by approximately 20 25%, resulting in salary range increase of 56,137 effective April 6, 2025.

4:05

Assistant general manager, customer and energy resources salary is increasing by approximately 13%, resulting in salary range increase of 29,191 effective April 6, 2025.

4:16

Assistant General Manager Customer and Energy Resources salary is increasing by approximately 20%, resulting in a salary range increase of 44,910 effective April 6th, 9 uh 2025.

4:28

Thank you.

4:29

Thank you very much.

4:30

Okay.

4:31

So then I was trying to ask if council had any clarifying questions about any of our consent calendar items before we go to our public speakers.

4:40

Um Vice Mayor Pryor.

4:42

Um I so this is a question I had asked and I got an answer to, but I wanted to ask again because I I'm I don't think I'm gonna be the only person that was wondering.

4:53

Um so I I had a question about uh the gap between industry standards and uh what um I think there are three positions are currently being paid.

5:03

Um and I got a really good explanation, but I and this is item uh I'm sorry, 5H.

5:09

Okay.

5:10

And um I can read what I was told, or I don't know if somebody wants to speak to that.

5:16

Well, um maybe so the question was the difference between Yeah, because I when I saw I said why like um because there was a salary survey um and I think that's sorry, yeah, so I'm sorry, salary schedule uh sorry survey.

5:34

Um and so it it it showed that um that the assistant general manager um I'm looking at the different titles um um that there was I I just thought like why do we we could we can have that answered sorry so let me just ask who I'm looking the one who's not avoiding eye contact is our HR director Jessica Romeo welcome Ms.

5:59

Romeo Thank you, Madam Mayor uh counsel, thank you, Jessica Romeo, human resources director.

6:06

So I believe Anina, you might want to restate the question as you understand it.

6:10

Um so the question was why is there such a large increase?

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Economic Development███████████████████19%
Public Engagement██████████████14%
Procedural██████████10%
Public Safety█████████9%
Climate Change████████8%
Public Works██████6%
Environmental Protection█████5%
Public Comment████4%
Transportation Safety████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Alameda City Council Meeting – April 1, 2025

The Alameda City Council met on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting featured the Mayor's State of the City address, adoption of the 2025 Climate Action and Resiliency Plan (CARP) mid-cycle update, an economic development status report, introduction of an electric vehicle (EV) charging ordinance, and acceptance of annual transportation and general plan reports. The council also approved several consent calendar items and appointed three new commissioners.

Consent Calendar

  • 5-B: Bills for ratification approved.
  • 5-C: Acceptance of work for Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway Intersection Modifications Project (categorically exempt from CEQA).
  • 5-D: Authorization to negotiate Master License Agreements for Public EV Charger Pilot Program (exempt from CEQA). Councilmember Daysog voted no on this item? No, he voted no on 5-H only.
  • 5-F: Approved second amendment to City Attorney employment agreement with a one-time equity increase of 6% ($18,480) retroactive to January 2025.
  • 5-G: Approved Sewer Rate Study Report and resolution declaring intention to revise sewer service charges.
  • 5-H: Approved salary increases for three Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) unrepresented employees: Assistant General Manager – Engineering & Operations (+25%, $56,137), Assistant General Manager – Customer & Energy Resources (+13%, $29,191), Assistant General Manager – Engineering & Operations (second? Actually the transcript says: AGM Customer & Energy Resources +13% and another +20% for a different position? The agenda says: AGM - Administration +20%, AGM - Customer & Energy Resources +13%, AGM - Engineering & Operations +25%. The clerk read: AGM Engineering & Operations +25% ($56,137), AGM Customer & Energy Resources +13% ($29,191), and AGM Administration +20% ($44,910). Councilmember Daysog voted no, stating the increases were too large and he did not want to engage in a bidding war with other cities. The consent calendar passed with that lone no vote.
  • 5-I: Approved ambulance transportation fee increase to match Alameda County’s FY 2024-25 EMS fee schedule.
  • 5-A: Minutes of March 4, 2025 meetings approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Consent Calendar: Jake Garfinkel spoke against Item 5-D, arguing that the EV charger pilot program's CEQA categorical exemption was invalid, the contract lacked criteria for success, and the vendor would resell electricity. He also noted the proposed $45 fine for ordinance violations.
  • Item 7-C (CARP Update): Tyler Middleton, a born-and-raised Alamedan and representative of BGreen Recycling, urged the city to consider BGreen as a local alternative for organic waste processing, citing lower transportation emissions, cost savings (one-third the cost), and equity benefits for East Oakland. Ruth Abbey, from Community Action for Sustainable Alameda (CASA), endorsed the CARP update and expressed CASA's commitment to supporting local climate action.
  • Item 7-F (Annual Reports): Ruth Abbey (CASA) supported the transportation goals and offered to rejuvenate a bus buddy program for seniors. Cindy Johnson (Bike Walk Alameda) expressed gratitude for completed projects, praised Vision Zero integration, and urged faster conversion of slow streets to neighborhood greenways.

Discussion Items

7-A: Mayor’s State of the City Address

Mayor Ashcraft delivered a comprehensive speech themed “Creating a Resilient City.” Key highlights:

  • Safety: APD reported a nearly 13% reduction in all crime in 2024 vs. 2023; new police liaison for businesses; red-light cameras approved at two intersections; 30 new CERT members trained; Alameda Fire Department assisted statewide and beyond.
  • Environment: Alameda has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 29% from 2005 levels, on track for 50% by 2030; AMP provides 100% clean electricity; 25% drop in transportation emissions.
  • Housing: 243 building permits for new housing units in 2024 (including 58 ADUs); state designated Alameda as a pro-housing city.
  • Economic: Vacancy monitoring fee and property maintenance code under development; Oakland Alameda Access Project (OAAP) to begin construction later in 2025.
  • Community: New Queer Teen Alameda Center (QTAC) opened; library saw 186,000 visits in FY 23-24; Alameda Care Team named Program of the Year with 880 client engagements in 2024.
  • Fiscal: City faces projected general fund deficits due to real estate downturn and rising costs, but maintains strong reserves above 25%.

The mayor concluded by encouraging civic engagement.

7-C: 2025 Climate Action and Resiliency Plan Mid-Cycle Update

Sustainability Manager Danielle Miller presented. Key points:

  • 29% reduction in GHG emissions since 2005; 40% per service population reduction.
  • Transportation emissions down 25%; natural gas down 6%; vehicle miles traveled down 6%.
  • Updated CARP includes alignment with FEMA hazard mitigation plan, location-based flooding strategies, and a youth climate ambassador program.
  • Public comments incorporated without major policy changes.
  • Councilmember Bowler requested clarification on proposed language changes from Richard Bangert regarding wildlife habitat near South Shore beaches. Staff and consultant Dr. Chris May recommended using “tidal wetlands” instead of “marshland” and noted that bay fill for beach maintenance faces different permitting challenges than for wetland preservation. Councilmember Jensen moved to adopt the update with staff's suggested language amendments. Unanimously approved.

7-D: Economic Development Status Update

Economic Development Division Manager Dwayne Dolman presented. Key points:

  • Storefront vacancy rate: 4.8% in Downtown Alameda Business Association (DABA) area (~50,000 sq ft), 3.4% in West Alameda Business Association (WABA) area (~15,000 sq ft); 26 total vacant properties.
  • Targeted assistance categories: Almost There, Work in Progress, Project Stalled, Unmotivated Owners.
  • Outreach letters sent to 8 unmotivated owners; no direct responses but three showed indirect progress (e.g., new broker, rent reductions).
  • Planned tools: vacancy monitoring fee, property maintenance code, window clings, monthly walkthroughs with business associations, CRM software, Team California membership, and retail lease track.
  • Councilmember Jensen raised concerns about Harbor Bay Landing Shopping Center’s high vacancy and owner disincentive. Councilmember Bowler noted ongoing efforts including language support from Planning Director Alan Ty. Councilmember Daysog asked about “economic gardening” for local entrepreneurs and chain store protection. Staff confirmed building designs favor local businesses.
  • Council unanimously accepted the status update and provided feedback.

7-E: EV Charging Ordinance (First Reading)

Parking Manager Ricardo Delatorre presented. The ordinance makes it unlawful to park in a designated public EV space unless the vehicle is connected to a charger for charging purposes. Key points:

  • Currently 18 public EV charging spaces; planned expansion to 12 lots and 30 curbside locations over three years.
  • Enforcement fine: $45 (aligned with expired meter violation). Goal is fair access, not revenue.
  • Councilmember Jensen asked about “actively charging” vs. “connected.” Sustainability Manager Danielle Miller clarified that “connected for charging” requires initiating a charging session (e.g., inserting credit card). Idle fees from providers encourage turnover. Councilmember Vice Mayor Pryor raised equity concerns; staff explained the curbside pilot targets multifamily/mixed-use neighborhoods. Councilmember Bowler asked about public input on curbside locations; staff stated building owners volunteer but spaces remain public. Councilmember Jensen asked about enforcement of no time-limit streets; staff said existing 72-hour rule and ALPR would apply.
  • The first reading passed unanimously.

7-F: 2024 Annual Reports (General Plan/Housing Element, Transportation Choices Plan, Vision Zero)

Planning Services Manager Steve Buckley, Transportation Planning Manager Lisa Foster, and Deputy Public Works Director Scott Wickstrom presented.

  • Housing: 2024 saw 243 permits (58 ADUs); many projects in pipeline; slowdown in large development but programs advancing.
  • Transportation: 1.2 miles of bikeways built, 89 intersections improved, 92 curb ramps, 400 sidewalk repairs; free bus pass program gave 200,000+ rides; water shuttle carried 51,000 passengers and 10,000 bikes in first 5.5 months.
  • Safety: Traffic fatalities/severe injuries remain significantly lower than county/state; 40% of 59 miles of bikeways are low-stress.
  • 2025 Plans: Central Avenue and Grand Street construction starting; neighborhood greenways on Pacific, Versailles, San Jose (pop-up events April 19); Cross Alameda Trail gap to close summer 2025; OAAP construction begins fall 2025.
  • Councilmember Bowler asked about pace of slow street conversions; staff pledged to work expeditiously and will seek funding in biennial budget.
  • Council unanimously accepted the reports.

Other Items

  • 7-B: Unanimously appointed John Lipp to Commission on Persons with Disabilities, and Lily Boris and Hamill Serrant to Golf Commission. They were sworn in and made brief remarks.
  • Council Referrals: None.
  • Council Communications: Vice Mayor Pryor reported on Kiwanis Awards, tree planting (50 trees in 50 minutes), and a joint apprenticeship program. Councilmember Jensen attended State of the City, East Bay Economic Development awards, League of Cities policy committee, and several local events. Councilmember Bowler attended various arts and community events. Councilmember Daysog raised quality-of-life concerns from new residents at Alameda Point and plans a future referral. Mayor Ashcraft announced an ad hoc subcommittee (Bowler and Daysog) to work with a consultant on salary surveys for city manager, attorney, and clerk evaluations.
  • City Manager Communications: Upcoming events: protest April 5, APD AB481 meeting April 9, neighborhood greenway pop-ups April 19, an 8-week emergency preparedness campaign launched, and Posey Tube closure overnight.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Calendar approved (5-A through 5-I) with Councilmember Daysog voting no on 5-H (AMP salary increases).
  • Appointments to Commission on Persons with Disabilities and Golf Commission approved unanimously.
  • 2025 CARP Mid-Cycle Update adopted unanimously, with direction to include staff's language modifications on wildlife habitat and wetland definitions.
  • Economic Development Status Update accepted unanimously; council directed staff to continue addressing vacancies, particularly at Harbor Bay Landing, and to develop a property maintenance code and vacancy monitoring fee.
  • EV Charging Ordinance (first reading) introduced unanimously; second reading scheduled for April 15, 2025, with 30-day effective period after final passage.
  • 2024 Annual Reports accepted unanimously; council supported expedited neighborhood greenway implementation pending budget approval.
  • Ad Hoc Subcommittee formed (Councilmembers Bowler and Daysog) to evaluate salary survey criteria for executive staff.

Meeting Transcript

So our artists can continue to bring cultural understanding, creativity, and most importantly, joy to our island community. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker, Paula Rainey. Welcome, Speaker Rainey. Good evening, and thank you very much. I'm Paula Rainey. And I'm here tonight to represent the League of Women Voters of Alameda. I want to announce and also invite all of you to attend our upcoming speaker series. It's titled, Is Free Speech a Core Value of Our Democracy? And this series is being presented in partnership with the Alameda Free Library. And we even have some very appreciated funding from the Rotary Club. So the first program will be held on Tuesday next week, that's April 8th at 6 p.m., the main library. And I'm really happy to announce that Zara Bilu, who is the executive executive director of care, otherwise known as formerly known as the Council on American Islamic relations will be our first presenter. Now care is really in the trenches in terms of their work to represent people in our own community that have had their own free speech rights eroded in one way or another, maybe at work, maybe in campus, maybe in their neighborhood. And um they're also, as was referenced tonight, they're uh working for many years in the area of uh hate speech that arises in our communities. So I think uh this could be a very excellent opportunity. Everybody's welcome. It's a free program, and I know there will be thoughtful discussion. So thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker, that was our last speaker. Oh, okay. So um with that, I will close oral communication and um we will move on to the consent calendar. And um these are uh routine items that are approved by one motion unless council members remove an item for discussion, removed items will be heard at the end of our regular agenda. And council members may speak for up to three minutes on um consent calendar items. So, first of all, council, is there any consent calendar items anybody wants to pull going once, going twice? Councilmember Daisong? Um, if I'm gonna pull no on something, do I have to pull it? No, no, no. And can I still comment on why I voted no? Okay. Well, okay, so no polls. So then does council have any clarifying questions about any of the consent calendar items? Sorry, I'm supposed to call on our city clerk, Lara Weiss. Stick to the script. Um at this point, I would like to call on our city clerk Lara Weisinger to say a few words to you. Thank you so much. Um before there's a couple of consent calendar items that are uh addressing compensation increases, so I have something to just briefly read into the record. Before voting on compensation increases for certain executive staff, the Brown Act requires that the city publicly announce the recommended increases. In tonight's agenda, 5F, the City of Treaty contract amendment authorizes a one-time equity increase of 6% or 18,480 in the city attorney's annual salary retroactive to the first pay period in January 2025. 5H authorizes equity increases for three Alameda Municipal Power Unrepresented Employees as follows. Assistant general manager, engineering and operations salary is increasing by approximately 20 25%, resulting in salary range increase of 56,137 effective April 6, 2025. Assistant general manager, customer and energy resources salary is increasing by approximately 13%, resulting in salary range increase of 29,191 effective April 6, 2025. Assistant General Manager Customer and Energy Resources salary is increasing by approximately 20%, resulting in a salary range increase of 44,910 effective April 6th, 9 uh 2025. Thank you. Thank you very much. Okay. So then I was trying to ask if council had any clarifying questions about any of our consent calendar items before we go to our public speakers. Um Vice Mayor Pryor.

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