City of Alameda City Council Meeting - September 2, 2025

The meeting convened at 5:00 p.m. in closed session and at 7:00 p.m. for the regular meeting. Key actions included a controversial gas station use permit appeal, a workshop on infrastructure needs, and receipt of the Rise Up Alameda guaranteed income pilot program interim report. The council passed a compromise on gas station hours and heard from numerous community members.

Consent Calendar

• Approved routine items (5-B through 5-G, 5-I through 5-T) unanimously, except items 5-A (minutes) and 5-H (communications report) were pulled for later discussion and subsequently approved.
• Items included contracts for security, cybersecurity, fire alarm/sprinkler services, architectural services, vehicle upgrades, and public works projects.
• A public hearing (5-T) was held to amend the master fee resolution; one speaker objected to the city's support of the Alameda Museum, citing repatriation issues. No council action on that comment.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Non-Agenda Oral Communications (before agenda items):
  • Zoe Wong urged the council to create a transparent process for traffic calming (e.g., speed humps) and cited a 2024 community survey showing majority support for maintaining slow streets.
  • Harper Nelson and Bella Goldwasser (Youth Power Climate Action) advocated for a city resolution supporting the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act (state bill), noting other California cities have passed such resolutions.
  • Zach Bowling raised concerns about Flock security cameras, alleging data sharing with ICE and lack of local control.
• Gas Station Appeal (Item 7-A):
  • Appellant Leland Price (neighbor) opposed expanded hours and a convenience store, citing noise, light pollution, traffic, and competition with A1 Market. He argued the business was not at risk of failing and that the neighborhood should not subsidize the landlord.
  • Many neighbors spoke in opposition (e.g., Tim Rumberger, Janine Graven, Donna Graham, Dorota Krubnik), emphasizing residential character, safety at a dangerous intersection, and the existing convenience store.
  • Supporters included Trinity Lutheran Church representatives (Anita Burnaford), customers, and business partner Fod Cowright, who emphasized the owners' struggle to pay bills and their commitment to quiet operations. Business owner Case Ahmed presented a petition of 400 signatures and denied plans for midnight hours or alcohol/tobacco sales.
• Infrastructure Workshop (Item 7-B):
  • Zoe Wong expressed support for local infrastructure funding but urged faster action on traffic safety.
  • Cindy Johnson (Bikewalk Alameda) supported funding active transportation and Vision Zero, recommending near-term steps like updating parking fees.
  • Mitchell Ball argued for raising parking meter rates to fund pavement management, noting rates are lower than neighboring cities.
  • Jim Stralo opposed Vision Zero and bike lane expansions, prioritizing pothole repair and bridge maintenance.
  • Jean Lahain urged consideration of dementia-friendly infrastructure.

Discussion Items

• 7-A: Gas Station Use Permit Appeal (1310 Central Avenue)
  • Staff (Brian McGuire) recommended upholding the Planning Board's approval of extended hours (6 a.m.–10 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m.–8 p.m. weekends) and allowing convenience item sales (no alcohol/tobacco). The appellant argued the Planning Board ignored neighbor concerns and that the business had a history of violations.
  • Council debated a compromise: Vice Mayor Prior moved to accept the Planning Board's recommendation but limit hours to 6 a.m.–8 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m.–8 p.m. weekends, with all non-gas sales confined to the existing building. Motion passed unanimously (5-0).
• 7-B: Workshop on Infrastructure and Facility Needs (Streets and Traffic Safety)
  • Sarah Henry (Communications Director) presented a backlog of $800 million in citywide infrastructure needs, focusing on $274 million for streets, sidewalks, traffic signals, and Vision Zero projects. The city lacks stable funding and will consider a potential revenue measure.
  • Council members emphasized the need for specific data, community engagement (e.g., using SeeClickFix, interactive maps), and prioritization of safety. Mayor Ashcraft highlighted pedestrian accidents (nearly 50 in 2025) and support for speed humps and roundabouts.
• 7-C: Rise Up Alameda Guaranteed Income Pilot Program – 12-Month Interim Report
  • Eric Fonstein presented findings from a survey of 150 low-income participants receiving $1,000/month. Key outcomes: improved financial stability (more able to handle $400 emergency), lower stress, increased community engagement, and better medical care for older participants. No statistical impact on employment or housing yet; final report due summer 2026.
  • Council praised the program and discussed offering financial counseling and job training via Operation Dignity. Mayor Ashcraft noted the program's role in preventing housing insecurity.
• 5-A (Pulled from Consent): Minutes of July 1, 2025 Meeting – Councilmember Daysog corrected his vote record (intended no on Pacific Fusion item) and noted concerns about equity adjustments. Approved unanimously.
• 5-H (Pulled from Consent): Annual Communications Report – Councilmember Jensen praised the report for its outreach efforts; approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Closed Session Actions:
  • Labor negotiations (IAFF, AFCA, EUPA, IBEW): Council provided direction by a 4-1 vote (Daysog no).
  • Potential litigation (3 cases): Council provided direction 5-0.
  • Property negotiations (Fortman Marina, Ballena Isle Marina): Council provided direction 4-1 (Daysog abstained).
  • Settlement agreement from July 15 closed session: Approved unanimously – city will pay Harbor Bay Business Park $3 million plus $400,000 annually for 8 years (total $6.2 million) to convert landscaping to drought-tolerant planting; city receives full property tax after 8 years.
• Gas Station Use Permit Amendment (7-A): Approved with amended hours (6 a.m.–8 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m.–8 p.m. weekends) and non-gas sales limited to existing building. Council directed staff to monitor noise and light impacts.
• Infrastructure Workshop (7-B): Council directed staff to continue community outreach, prepare detailed project lists, and return with a potential revenue measure proposal. Next workshop on facilities/public safety scheduled for October 7, 2025.
• Rise Up Alameda (7-C): Report received and accepted. Staff will proceed with off-boarding support and final evaluation.
• Voting Delegates (11-A): Mayor Ashcraft designated as voting delegate and Vice Mayor Prior as alternate for the League of California Cities Annual Conference; appointed unanimously.
• Council Referrals and Communications: None.
• City Manager Communications: Announced beat meetings, Flock camera data policy (no ICE sharing), Portola Music Festival noise hotline, and sustainability awards (Danielle Miller, Beacon Leadership Award).

Note: The meeting adjourned at approximately 11:53 p.m.