Alameda County Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting – December 9, 2025

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors held its regular meeting on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, starting at 9:30 AM. The meeting included board remarks, extensive public comment on multiple agenda items, discussion and decisions on consent calendar items, a contested open space grant, several ordinance readings, and closed session matters. Key outcomes included approval of the consent calendar, ratification of an Altamont Landfill Open Space grant, reauthorization of the treasurer's investment authority, appointment of a new county librarian, and direction to recruit separate registrars of voters and chief information officers.

Consent Calendar

• Items 93 through 102 were approved unanimously by roll call vote.
• Item 52 was corrected to remove the word "amendment" and read as executing a contract with Triple A Generator Services.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Support for Item 34 (Altamont Hills property grant): Multiple speakers including Rebecca Spector (Tri-Valley Conservancy), Tamara Rose, Gina Bonanno, and Diana Roberts urged the board to ratify a $500,000 grant from the Altamont Landfill Open Space Committee for acquisition of the 32-acre Altamont Hills property. Speakers emphasized the property's value for wildlife habitat, biodiversity, a wildlife corridor, and scenic views.
• Concern over fair horse racing (closed session item): George Schmidt, David Elliott, Anthony Cordova, Johnny Tagata, and others stated the Alameda County Fair Association plans to not offer horse racing in 2026, which they argued violates Paragraph M of the 2017 contract. They asked the board to enforce the contract or pursue litigation.
• Support for Item 61 (treasurer investment authority reauthorization): A majority of public speakers (Lori Weinstock, Jean Moses, Jake Peterson, Bob Johnson, Tim Drew, Ed Romano, Michael Seldon, and others) expressed strong support for Treasurer Hank Levy, praising his performance (e.g., $400 million income last fiscal year, highest in pool history) and urging the board to reauthorize his investment authority without further delay. Many also called for immediate implementation of the Ethical Investment Policy (EIP) approved October 3, 2025, and characterized critics as politically motivated or misinformed.
• Opposition to Item 61: Few speakers (Chris Moore, Robert Edelman, Lara Gabriel) questioned the treasurer's transparency and returns, arguing the county's peer analysis ranks near the bottom and that independent oversight is needed. Chris Moore, who identified himself as holding an MBA in finance, claimed Treasurer Levy misrepresented performance data.
• Other comments: Simeon Ramey spoke on mental health housing needs; an online speaker criticized construction-related bus disruption in Oakland; and a speaker raised procedural concerns about public comment time limits.

Discussion Items

• Item 34 – Altamont Landfill Open Space Grant: The board considered the Altamont Landfill Open Space Committee's recommendation to approve a $500,000 grant to the Tri-Valley Conservancy (TVC) to purchase the Altamont Hills property (32 acres of grassland in unincorporated Alameda County, listed at $1.05 million, with two appraisals of $872,500 and $876,500). President Halbert expressed concerns about the lack of a purchase contract and the requested amount exceeding appraised value. TVC's executive director explained they need the grant committed to negotiate a short 30-day close and will not pay more than appraised value. After debate, President Halbert withdrew his initial motion to send the item back to the committee, and instead moved to approve the grant with the condition that the purchase price not exceed the appraised value of $876,500. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
• Item 54 – Specialized Transportation Services Contract: The board discussed a staff recommendation to award contracts to Ride Trans (local San Leandro-based) and a Washington D.C.-based firm for five levels of non-emergency medical transport for individuals in the LPS conservatorship pathway. Supervisor Miley expressed reluctance because only two vendors applied and one is out-of-state, but acknowledged specialized needs (e.g., locked assisted transport with EMT supervision). The motion passed on a 5-0 vote with Supervisor Miley voting "reluctant yes."
• Item 61 – Reauthorization of Treasurer's Investment Authority: The board debated the annual ordinance to delegate investment authority to Treasurer Hank Levy. County counsel explained that if not renewed by December 31, the board would become the fiduciary and prudent investor standard would apply to them. Supervisors Fortunato Bass and others praised the treasurer's performance and supported delegation. Supervisor Halbert stressed the importance of the ethical investment policy review process (Financial Oversight Committee and potential peer review). The ordinance passed on first reading (5-0).
• Item 67 – Decoupling Registrar of Voters and Chief Information Officer: The board approved separate recruitments for the positions of Registrar of Voters and Chief Information Officer (currently held by one person). The related salary ordinance amendments sunset the 25% pay differential and adjust salaries based on a recent review. The motion passed unanimously.
• Item 65 – Appointment of County Librarian: The board unanimously appointed Deborah Sika as County Librarian effective December 7, 2025, at a bi-weekly salary of $9,205.60. Sika had served as acting librarian for 20 months.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar Items 93-102: Approved unanimously.
• Item 34 – Altamont Hills Grant Approved: The board approved a grant of up to $500,000 to the Tri-Valley Conservancy for acquisition of the Altamont Hills property, contingent on the purchase price not exceeding the appraised value ($876,500). (Vote: 5-0)
• Item 40 – Ordinance on Pre-Election Residency Requirement: Approved on first reading.
• Item 54 – Specialized Transportation Contracts: Approved for Ride Trans and the out-of-state vendor for three years. (Vote: 5-0)
• Item 56 – Salary Ordinance Amendment: Adopted on second reading.
• Item 61 – Treasurer Investment Authority Reauthorization: Approved on first reading (5-0).
• Item 65 – Appointment of Deborah Sika as County Librarian: Unanimous.
• Item 67 – Separate Recruitments for Registrar of Voters and CIO: Approved along with salary ordinance amendments.
• Item 87 – Traffic Code Amendment: Approved on first reading.
• Item 89 – Building Code Updates: Approved on first reading.
• Closed Session: No reportable actions; the board recessed into closed session twice, and at the end of the meeting reported a settlement in Gonzalez et al. v. A. Hearn et al. for $300,000 (unanimous vote on Feb 27, 2024).