Berkeley City Council Special Meeting – June 26, 2025

The Berkeley City Council held a special meeting on June 26, 2025, continuing from a previous meeting, to conduct public hearings and adopt resolutions on several fee schedules. The meeting covered the Fire Permit and Inspection Fee Schedule and the Selected Marina Fee Increases. The Council also addressed the structural deficit in the Marina Fund and the impact of unpaid rent from the DoubleTree hotel. No public comment was heard on the fire permit item; extensive public testimony was taken on the marina fees. Both items were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Marina Fee Increases: Multiple members of the public spoke against the proposed parking and user fees at the marina. Speakers argued that the fees are regressive, disproportionately affect low-income and working-class families, and amount to charging for access to public trust lands. Several speakers noted that the city has not enforced its lease with the DoubleTree hotel, which owes approximately $700,000 in unpaid rent. Others highlighted that the marina is heavily used by diverse populations, including families, volunteers, and members of the Cal Sailing Club and Dragon Boat Club, who provide free community outreach. Some speakers requested that the matter be referred back to the Parks and Waterfront Commission for a full public process and that the city explore alternative revenue sources such as increasing berthing fees for larger vessels. The Parks and Waterfront Commission vice chair read a recommendation to refer the fee proposal back to the commission for further study.

Action Calendar – Public Hearings

1. Fire Permit and Inspection Fee Schedule

• Proposal: Adopt a resolution to increase the hourly fire permitting and inspection fee from $392 to $500, add fees for new construction and operational permits from the California Fire Code (2016, 2019, 2022) that previously had no fee assigned, add a fee for Class IIIB Combustible Liquids operational permits, and rescind Resolution 70,612–N.S.
• Discussion: The public hearing had already been opened at a prior meeting. With no public comment or presentation, the Council voted to close the hearing. Councilmember Taplin moved adoption, noting that the program helps manage parking but expressed interest in a deeper dive on equity and a graduated fee for additional vehicles. The motion passed unanimously.

4. Selected Marina Fee Increases

• Proposal: Adopt a resolution approving new fees and increasing select marina fees: (1) Waterfront parking fee of $1/hour, $6/day, or $500/year at three lots in the South Cove area (South Cove East, South Cove West, and JK lot), with enforcement from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week; (2) Organized group fee of $250 application fee plus $50 per day for up to 50 participants; (3) Commercial business fee; and (4) Adventure playground fee (already approved on June 24, 2025). Rescind Resolution 70,868-N.S. and amendatory resolutions.
• Staff Presentation: Director of Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Scott Ferris presented. The Marina Fund has faced a structural deficit since 2008, recently exacerbated by the DoubleTree hotel’s inability to pay $700,000 in rent (expected to grow to $1.3 million in FY26). The city has already cut staff, deferred maintenance, and reduced security. Proposed fees are projected to generate gross revenue of $286,000, with net revenue of $37,000 in the first year and $170,000 in a full year. Over 1,000 free parking spaces will remain at the marina. Staff noted that other Bay Area marinas charge higher parking fees and that ADA and liveaboard parking are exempt.
• Council Questions: Councilmembers asked about enforcement (existing staff), impact on liveaboards and ADA, possibility of exceptions for volunteer groups, and comparison to other marinas. Staff confirmed that liveaboards and ADA parkers are exempt, and that the three lots are the busiest near aquatic recreation areas. Enforcement will be done by existing staff; 72 citations have already been issued since mid-April in other areas. Staff indicated willingness to work with longtime groups on licensing arrangements and to waive fees during volunteer cleanup days.
• Council Deliberation: Several councilmembers expressed regret but noted the necessity due to the city’s $27 million budget deficit and the Marina Fund’s long-term structural deficit. Councilmember Taplin moved adoption, stating that free parking is a subsidy that cannot continue. Councilmember Tregub requested staff return for an evaluation after implementation and confirmed that the former His Lordship’s lot remains open. Mayor Ishii highlighted that the DoubleTree’s rent is deferred, not written off, and that the hotel still pays transient occupancy tax. The motion passed unanimously (8-0).

Key Outcomes

• Fire Permit Fee Increase: Resolution adopted unanimously (8-0). New hourly fee of $500, with added fees for previously unassigned permits. Effective immediately.
• Marina Fee Increase: Resolution adopted unanimously (8-0). New parking fees and user fees approved, with implementation to begin January 1, 2026, following infrastructure setup. Adventure playground fee already approved on June 24. Council directed staff to explore integration of parking and adventure playground fees and to return with an evaluation after implementation.