City of Alameda City Council Meeting - October 20, 2026

The Alameda City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 beginning with a closed session at 6:00 PM. Among other actions, the council authorized the settlement of two workers' compensation claims, approved a lease for Poseidon Aerospace Corporation, authorized safety improvements at Pacific Avenue and Wilma Chan Way, and discussed protections for a historic tree corridor on Gibbons Drive. The meeting adjourned at 11:34 PM.

Closed Session

• The council met in closed session to discuss existing and potential litigation.
• Item 3-A (James Green): Authorized settlement of a workers' compensation claim by a former police department employee (4-0 vote; Jensen absent).
• Item 3-B (Christopher Marks): Authorized settlement of four workers' compensation claims by a former fire division chief (3-0 vote; Daysog and Jensen absent).
• Item 3-C (Astra Space): Authorized the acting city attorney to initiate litigation against Astra Space, Inc.

Election and Proclamations

• City Clerk Laura Weisinger provided a detailed overview of voting options for the November 3, 2026 election, including locations of drop boxes, vote centers, and ballot drop stops.
• Mayor Ashcraft highlighted consent resolutions supporting Proposition 1 (Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act) and opposing Proposition 43 (which would require a supermajority for local revenue measures).

Consent Calendar

• All items were approved 5-0 except Item 5-F, which was withdrawn by staff. Item 5-G (Economic Development Strategic Plan contract) was pulled for separate discussion by Councilmember Daysog.
• Approved items included contracts for telephone systems, geotechnical services, executive recruitment, and a 37-month lease with Longshot Space Technologies.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sea Level Rise: Jeffrey Burnaford criticized the lack of a detailed implementation plan for sea level rise adaptation.
• Public Process: William Morrison criticized the public engagement process for decisions like traffic calming.
• Pickleball: Charles Lucent expressed concerns about a new reservation system limiting open play at city courts.
• AI Data Centers: Dasha Moyeno, Michael Schwartz, and Katya Murphy opposed potential data center developments. Amos White submitted a petition of 1,075 signatures requesting a moratorium.
• Item 7-B (Wilma Chan Way): Michelle McGyver objected to signal placement; Zach Bowling supported the project for safety.
• Item 7-C (Poseidon Tech): CEO David Zagnoff highlighted the company's investment and environmental benefits. Chamber President Madeline Sadek urged approval.
• Item 10-B (Gibbons Trees): Seven speakers urged the council to protect the Gibbons Drive trees as a historic corridor rather than pursue the city's phased removal plan.

Discussion Items

7-A: Alameda Museum Report

• The museum marked its 75th anniversary, operates with 60 volunteers, and hosts 4,000 visitors annually.
• Museum staff detailed the repatriation of indigenous cultural materials with the Confederated Villages of Lisjan.
• The report was received unanimously 5-0.

7-B: Pacific Avenue & Wilma Chan Way Safety Improvements

• Staff presented a plan to install a median traffic diverter, new traffic signal, and center bikeway, prohibiting through traffic and left turns.
• The design aims to address a history of broadside collisions and improve pedestrian and bicycle safety.
• The project was approved 5-0.

7-C: Poseidon Tech Corporation Lease (Building 11)

• The council approved the first reading of a 7-year lease with two 5-year term options.
• The lease achieves a new high rent of $1.50/sq ft (triple net) and is expected to generate $13 million over the initial term.
• Tenant is projected to employ 150 people at Alameda Point by the end of 2027.
• Resolutions appropriating $828,905 for broker commissions and declaring surplus land were also approved.
• The package passed 5-0.

7-D: Contract Authorization Authority & Purchasing Policy

• The council introduced an ordinance to raise the contract threshold for the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk from $75,000 to $150,000.
• Councilmember Daysog dissented (4-1 vote), preferring $100,000.

5-G (Pulled Consent Item): Economic Development Strategic Plan

• Councilmember Daysog pulled the item to ensure the plan covers micro-business support and "economic gardening".
• Councilmember Jensen asked for the plan to help define undesirable uses like ICE detention centers.
• The contract with Harris & Associates was approved 5-0.

10-A: Policy for License Agreements (Councilmember Jensen)

• Councilmember Jensen sought a policy for public notice on license agreements over a week.
• City Manager Bowden cited the need for flexibility, noting the council is frequently updated.
• No formal action was taken on the item.

10-B: Gibbons Drive Protected Tree Corridor (Councilmember Daysog)

• Councilmember Daysog referred an item to designate the Gibbons Drive liquid amber canopy as a protected tree corridor.
• Councilmember Bowler made a substitute motion to prepare a draft ordinance and ADA analysis for the December 1, 2026 meeting.
• The substitute motion passed 4-0.

City Manager Communications

• City Manager Jerry Bowden and Public Works Director Aaron Smith updated the council on winter storm preparedness, noting an El Niño pattern is expected. They activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and expanded sandbag access for residents.

Mayor's Nominations

• Mayor Ashcraft nominated Zach Bowling for the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. The appointment is scheduled for council consideration on November 4, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Closed Session: Settlements authorized for Green (4-0) and Marks (3-0). Litigation authorized against Astra Space.
• Consent Calendar: Approved 5-0.
• Alameda Museum Report: Received 5-0.
• Pacific Ave/Wilma Chan Way Safety: Approved 5-0.
• Poseidon Tech Lease: First reading and resolutions approved 5-0.
• Contract Authorization Ordinance: Introduced on 4-1 vote.
• Economic Development Strategic Plan: Contract approved 5-0.
• License Agreement Policy: Discussed, no action.
• Gibbons Drive Protection: Staff directed to bring draft ordinance and analysis to December meeting (4-0).