Berkeley City Council Meeting – June 9, 2026

The Berkeley City Council met on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 6:09 PM. The meeting included ceremonial recognitions, public comments on non-agenda items, approval of a consent calendar with councilmember donations, and action items including adoption of environmental health fee increases, a comprehensive parking management program (including extended hours, Sunday metering, and fee adjustments), zero waste compliance fees, and denial of an appeal regarding exterior elevated element inspections. The council also held a discussion on desired qualifications for the next Director of Police Accountability and moved a capital improvement program item to the June 16 meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Approved items 1–21 unanimously, with councilmembers contributing discretionary funds to the Poet Laureate program (item 19), César Chávez tribute site (item 20), and Holocaust Remembrance Day program (item 21). Total contributions exceeded $5,000 for the Poet Laureate program.
• Item 22 (hot tub regulations) was approved separately by a 7–0 vote (Councilmember O'Keefe recused due to intent to purchase). Councilmembers Kessarwani, Bartlett, and Trager were added as co-sponsors.
• Policy recommendations for event producers (items 18A and 18B) were adopted via the companion report (18B).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Non-agenda items: Multiple speakers urged continued funding for the Berkeley Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Program (Live Free). Teresa Gonzalez (state director, Live Free) reported a 100% reduction in gun violence in 2025, a 13-to-1 return on investment, and $0 taxpayer cost from shootings that year. Community members, including Reverend Angela Jernigan and Andrew Fisher, emphasized the program's life-saving impact. Dr. Stephen Alpert alleged a First Amendment violation by the Mayor for interrupting his remarks at a prior meeting and demanded a cease-and-desist commitment. Other speakers addressed Gaza remembrance, a wellness fair, and business conditions.
• Consent calendar: Daniel McChesney-Young (Ecology Center) supported items 18A and 18B. Lisa Bullwinkle thanked council for Poet Laureate funding. Cameron Wu praised item 19 and event producer reforms. Several speakers sought balance in Holocaust remembrance and raised concerns about Sunday parking and business impacts.
• Action items: Public comments on the parking program opposed Sunday metering and credit card fees, citing affordability and business impacts. On zero waste fees, one speaker urged enforcement of SB 1383 waste laws.
• Item 28 (CIP): Kathy Fogle requested that McGee Avenue remain in the paving plan, citing a pavement condition index of 11 and safety hazards.

Discussion Items

• Item 23 – Environmental Health Fee Schedule: Staff presented a proposal to raise fees for food facility inspections (unchanged since 2011) and create a new fee structure. The increase is projected to generate $666,000 annually, offsetting a $980,000 general fund subsidy. Councilmembers asked about small business support and regularized increases. The public hearing was closed, and the resolution was approved unanimously (8–0).
• Item 24 – Parking Management Program (Go Berkeley): Staff proposed extended meter hours (6–8 PM and Sundays), new meter zones, a cashless transition, credit card convenience fee pass-through, graduated residential parking permit (RPP) fees, and updated violation fines. The package is projected to generate $5.3 million net annually. Council debate centered on Sunday metering: Councilmember Blackaby offered an amendment to remove the Sunday component, which failed 2–6–1 (Councilmembers Bartlett and Blackaby in favor; Councilmember Trager abstained). The main motion passed 7–1 (Councilmember Bartlett opposed). The approved program begins with a pilot and warning period in early FY27.
• Item 25 – Zero Waste Plan Check and Compliance Fees: Staff recommended a flat $250 fee per activity to recover costs for construction/demolition reviews, special event plans, and SB 1383 compliance. The fee is projected to generate $419,000 annually and offset a $419,000 deficit in the zero waste enterprise fund. The resolution passed unanimously (8–0) with a clause ensuring compliance with state solar fee caps.
• Item 26 – Appeal of HAC Decision for 1615 Fairview Street: Appellant Andrew Marowitz argued that the E3 inspection requirement violates constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and due process. Staff explained that the program stems from the 2015 balcony collapse and applies to all buildings with three or more units and exterior elevated elements six feet or more above grade. The council (with Mayor Ishi recused) voted 7–0 to deny the appeal and uphold the building official's determination.
• Item 27 – Qualifications for Director of Police Accountability: Lauren Garrison-Green (WBCP Inc.) facilitated a discussion. Councilmembers emphasized the need for: independent yet collaborative leadership, impartial investigation expertise, strong public communication skills, cultural competency, experience navigating police accountability frameworks, and ability to finalize regulations. Priorities include finalizing PAB regulations, conducting community listening sessions, and rebuilding trust. The search remains open until June 24; 44 applicants have applied. Virtual interviews are scheduled for July 17, with finalist interviews before the full council in late July.

Key Outcomes

• Approved environmental health fee increases (item 23) effective July 1, 2026.
• Adopted comprehensive parking program (item 24) including extended hours, Sunday metering, new zones, cashless transition, credit card fee pass-through, graduated RPP fees, and increased violation fines. Implementation to begin in early FY27 with a pilot and warning period.
• Adopted zero waste compliance fees (item 25) effective July 1, 2026.
• Denied appeal on E3 inspection requirement for 1615 Fairview Street (item 26).
• Set timeline for Police Accountability Director recruitment: interviews July 17, council interviews late July.
• Moved item 28 (Capital Improvement Program) to the June 16 meeting.
• Councilmembers noted intent to review RPP fee levels and fine severity for double parking and red curb violations in one year.