Alameda Social Service Human Relations Board Meeting – June 1, 2026

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting was held on May 28, 2026, but the provided date is June 1, 2026. This summary uses the given date per instructions, acknowledging the discrepancy.

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 PM. Roll call showed all members present: Chantel Carter, Bernie Wolf, Joe Bryant, Michelle Buckholz, Samantha Green, and Scott Means (Housing and Human Services Division). Staff included Simone Falls, Gresham Man, and Shelby Neal. The meeting covered public comments, approval of minutes, a major discussion on the fiscal year 2026-27 scope of work, work group reports, and staff updates.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kenneth Kahn (lifelong Alameda resident, homeless for two years) described the stigmatization and lack of basic necessities (electricity, hygiene, parking). He urged the board to focus on solutions for these fundamental needs.
• Danielle Mueller (City of Alameda Sustainability and Resilience Manager) presented a proposed $300 million local infrastructure bond (estimated $49 per $100,000 assessed value) to address urgent needs: aging roads, bridges, storm drains, sea-level rise, earthquake safety, and public safety facilities. She invited input via www.alamedaca.gov/stronger together.
• Craig (speaking on behalf of Gerald) advocated for alternative housing solutions (e.g., repurposing non-residential structures, off-grid power), reiterating previous points.
• Corinne Kirschbaum (self-identified 30-year teacher) accused board members of not reading reports, ignoring missing funds, and retaliating against her whistleblowing. She expressed frustration with the board’s inaction and claimed $10 million is missing.
• Dr. Cindy Acker (principal of Child Unique Montessori School) described her school’s positive contributions (MLK speech contest wins, COVID safety, Black history exhibits, support for the respite center) and the urgent need for a new space after the St. Barnabas property sale threat. She asked the board to help find a facility.

Approval of Minutes

• The minutes from April 23, 2026, were approved unanimously (6-0).

Discussion Items: Fiscal Year 2026-27 Scope of Work

• Simone Falls presented a revised draft scope of work intended to clarify the board’s role and inform the annual work plan. The document proposed restructuring subcommittees into two areas (Area A: community needs assessment, program evaluation, outreach; Area B: CDBG grant cycle oversight).
• Bernie Wolf objected to the process, stating the draft should have originated from the board, not staff. He criticized the subcommittee structure as unworkable, noting it would multiply meetings and diminish existing work groups (domestic violence, Alamedans Against Hate). He suggested starting over with a board-generated draft.
• Samantha Green defended the draft as an attempt to incorporate feedback from subcommittee meetings. She proposed breaking CDBG oversight into grant cycles so all members could participate, while keeping existing work groups as optional “board-initiated work groups” (section C).
• Chantel Carter supported the document overall, seeing it as strengthening community accountability and transparency, but requested clearer wording on subcommittees.
• Michelle Buckholz noted improvements from the first draft (adding human relations language, expanding community needs assessment) but raised governance concerns: HHS evaluation of the board may conflict with the charter; the board advises city council, not HHS. She asked for city attorney review to ensure alignment with charter and code.
• Gerald questioned the board’s authority to be a CDBG advisory body and the omission of the charter’s broader mission. He emphasized the need for the scope to reflect the human relations mandate.
• A motion was made to approve the scope with amendments: adding “board-initiated work groups” (section C), striking the “community outreach and belonging” subcommittee, striking the requirement to join two subcommittees, and removing HHS evaluation language. The motion passed 3-2 (Chantel, Michelle, Samantha in favor; Bernie and Gerald opposed). However, due to the split vote, the board agreed to form a subgroup (Bernie, Gerald, Sam) to further revise the document and bring it back for a final vote at the next meeting.

Work Group Reports

• Scott Means reported the age-friendly survey is live and invited community participation.
• Bernie Wolf noted the domestic violence task force meeting minutes were attached.
• Gerald reported that Alamedans United Against Hate has begun its work plan and plans to present on online hate resources.

Staff Communications

• Shelby Neal provided updates:
  • RFP for residential rehabilitation program administrator closed May 14; city council approval expected July 7.
  • Overdose response training for city staff was successful; additional sessions scheduled June 11 and July 29.
  • Youth Advisory Committee info session held; interviews underway; first meeting June 3.
  • Age-friendly city survey (age 55+) available on city website.
  • Annual CDBG action plan to be submitted June 2.
  • Point-in-time count showed a 46.8% decrease in homelessness compared to 2024, attributed to improved outreach and partnerships.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes from April 23, 2026 (6-0).
• Scope of work motion passed 3-2 but was deferred for revision; a subgroup (Bernie, Gerald, Sam) will redraft and present at the next meeting.
• No final vote on scope of work; the board will revisit.
• Next steps: The subgroup to prepare revised language; full board to vote at the next meeting.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 9:23 PM.