Alameda City Council Meeting – January 6, 2026

The Alameda City Council met on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in regular session after a closed session on labor negotiations. The council approved a consent calendar for closed session, conducted a special successor agency meeting, issued a proclamation for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, heard public comments on non‑agenda items, and addressed several regular agenda items including adoption of the final report on The Road Home homeless plan, amendments to sidewalk repair and collections policies, and approval of a new lease with CSI Mini Storage at Alameda Point. All votes were unanimous except where noted.

Closed Session Consent

• The council approved a motion to designate negotiators for labor negotiations in closed session. Passed unanimously.

Successor Agency (Redevelopment) Consent Calendar

• The council approved the minutes and the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) for the successor agency. Councilmember Daysog thanked staff for clarifying that Independence Plaza affordable housing for seniors will continue receiving operating subsidy through a new HUD‑funded agreement after the ROPS subsidy ends in January 2027. Passed unanimously.

Proclamation: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• Mayor Ashcraft read a proclamation declaring January 19, 2026 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Alameda, encouraging volunteerism and highlighting Dr. King's legacy. Councilmember Jensen expressed concern that the National Park Service had eliminated free admission on MLK Day, calling it an attack on history.

Public Comments & Testimony (Non‑Agenda Items)

Six members of the public spoke during oral communications:

• Brian Kennedy urged removal of anti‑ICE content from the city website, citing ICE's work against cartels, child sex trafficking, and fentanyl. He referenced the death of Laken Riley.
• Jackie Zipkin (Bay Farm resident) requested improved pedestrian crossing safety at Kaufman Parkway adjacent to Tillman Park, noting two recent accidents.
• Rayla Graeber opposed the planned lane reduction on McCartney Road, questioned the use of 15 years of accident data, and argued the project lacked council authorization.
• Steve Bondi opposed the McCartney Road changes, stating they would increase traffic and danger, and felt Bay Farm's needs were treated as a tax revenue source.
• Donna Marie Farrow appealed for community consultation on the McCartney Road repaving and lane changes, emphasizing her family's deep roots on Bay Farm Island and concerns about future development.
• William Morrison noted that public participation in city decisions is limited, apologized for not earlier raising concerns about removal of railroad tracks on Fernside, and suggested moving the north‑south greenway from Versailles to Pearl Street.
• Maria Piper (Bay Farm resident, PTSA president, Bike Walk Alameda board member) expressed support for the McCartney Road safety changes, citing adopted policies like Vision Zero and the 2023 traffic death. She encouraged the council to station a crossing guard at Oganbah‑McCartney.

Regular Consent Calendar

Councilmembers asked questions about items 5D (security system RFP) and 5I (South Shore sea level rise planning). Staff clarified selection criteria and funding sources. No items were pulled. The consent calendar was approved on a motion by Vice Mayor Pryor, seconded by Councilmember Jensen, with Councilmember Daysog voting no on items 5F and 5G for consistency with past opposition. Motion carried with two dissenting votes noted.

Discussion Items

Appointments to Boards and Commissions (7A)

The council unanimously approved the appointment of Adrian Sancho to the Public Art Commission and Kevin Scholes to the Mayor's Economic Development Advisory Panel (representing hospitality and food/beverage). Both were sworn in and introduced themselves.

The Road Home Homeless Plan Final Report (7B)

Staff presented a final report on the five‑year plan to prevent and respond to homelessness (2021–2025). Key accomplishments included: 264 affordable units built (82 ownership, 182 rental), 140 shelter beds by end of 2026, opening of Dignity Village (with 22 transitions to permanent housing in 2025), expanded outreach and case management, and a social worker at the library. Staff noted that a new strategic plan covering the entire Housing and Human Services division is being developed.

Public comment: John Brennan (Alameda Warming Shelter) thanked the council and emphasized the need for navigation services and supportive housing. Mitch Ball supported the plan but argued more housing is needed, and suggested a lot‑area parcel tax rather than a floor‑area tax to encourage development.

Council discussion: Members asked about point‑in‑time count data, housing‑first approach, and coordination with the Housing Authority. Councilmember Daysog noted philosophical concerns about housing first but supported the overall progress. The council voted unanimously to accept the final report.

Sidewalk Repair and Collections Policy (7C)

Staff presented proposed ordinances and a collections policy to improve sidewalk repair compliance and recover unpaid receivables ($1.4 million outstanding). The collection policy could recover an estimated $550,000 per year. Staff revised the recommendation to remove provisions for special assessments (liens) on sidewalk repair costs, instead piloting a collections‑only approach for one year and returning with a report. The council would introduce the civil action ordinance (allowing small claims/limited civil actions), adopt the collections policy with revisions, and direct staff to revise the sidewalk ordinance to remove lien authority.

Public comment: William Morrison (Fernside Home Association) raised concerns about city‑owned trees causing sidewalk damage and asked that the ordinance not apply to those cases. Mitch Ball supported the improvements but advocated for a parcel tax model like Albany's to fully fund sidewalk repairs.

Council discussion: Members expressed support for the revised approach, appreciating transparency and payment plans. The motion (by Councilmember Jensen, seconded by Vice Mayor Pryor) passed unanimously.

Lease with CSI Mini Storage (7D)

The council authorized a 36‑month lease with Roads Property Holdings LLC (dba CSI Mini Storage) for buildings at Alameda Point, with two three‑year renewal options and a six‑month termination right. The rent increases 9.25% from the prior month‑to‑month rate, generating over $2.6 million over the initial term. Councilmember Daysog noted the early termination clause preserves flexibility for future redevelopment. Passed unanimously.

City Manager Communications

Interim City Manager Adam Politzer thanked staff for their response to the New Year's Eve and January 4 storm, including king tides and flooding. He recognized Public Works, Fire, and Police departments for preparedness and response.

Council Communications

Councilmember Jensen reported on a walk to raise awareness about first responder and military suicide risks, and presented data on 2025 collisions between vehicles and pedestrians, bicyclists, and scooters: 72 total (28 bicycle, 7 scooter, 31 pedestrian), with 21% of pedestrian hits occurring in crosswalks. Intersections with multiple collisions included Central & Park, Alpizado Pkwy & Wilmachen Way, and Webster & Lincoln. She urged continued safety efforts.

Mayor Ashcraft reported on holiday events (Menorah lighting, Chabad Hanukkah celebration, fire department toy drive) and thanked staff for rapid installation of safety features at new Central Avenue roundabouts before the storms.

Mayor's Nomination to Golf Commission

Mayor Ashcraft nominated Yatin Shastri to the Golf Commission. The nomination will be voted on at the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Approved closed session consent to designate labor negotiators.
• Approved successor agency consent calendar (minutes, ROPS).
• Accepted final report on The Road Home homeless plan.
• Introduced civil action ordinance for collections; adopted collections policy with revised language removing sidewalk liens; directed staff to revise sidewalk ordinance accordingly (to return later).
• Authorized 36‑month lease with CSI Mini Storage at Alameda Point.
• All votes unanimous except consent calendar items 5F and 5G (Councilmember Daysog dissenting).
• Next steps: staff to continue pilot sidewalk collection program, report back in one year; new strategic homeless plan to be developed; Yatin Shastri nomination to be confirmed.