San Leandro Facilities & Transportation Committee Special Meeting - May 19, 2025

On May 19, 2025, the San Leandro City Council Facilities & Transportation Committee held a special meeting at Casa Peralta. The committee discussed two major items: the future of Casa Peralta and the Mulford Branch Library project. Key actions included a motion to fund a detailed cost assessment for Casa Peralta and a decision to bring the Mulford Library bid package to the full City Council for consideration.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Evelyn Gonzalez (President, San Leandro Historical Society) expressed concern about the state of Casa Peralta and stated the Historical Society had approached the city in 2023 to partner on a capital campaign. She noted that updated cost estimates were needed and that experts consulted by the Historical Society felt the city's projected costs were too high. She requested the committee allow the Historical Society to gather accurate cost information before making a decision.
• Donald Pollard spoke in favor of preserving Casa Peralta, calling it an asset to the city.
• Linda Pollard (Secretary of the Historical Society) also supported preserving the building.
• Cindy Simmons (Board Member, San Leandro Historical Society) emphasized the historical significance of Casa Peralta and urged the committee to allow an independent assessment of costs for renovation.

Discussion Items

Casa Peralta Update

• Brian Simons (Library Director) presented a history of Casa Peralta, noting it was donated to the city in 1971 with a gift grant deed that restricts use to community cultural, recreational, and historical purposes. He outlined three options: renovate (estimated $10–15 million plus $112,000 annual maintenance), adaptive reuse (e.g., a botanical garden park, with potential $3 million from park funds), or relinquish ownership. He noted that the city has struggled to maintain the property.
• Mike Jeffrey (Chief Building Official) described the building's poor condition: unreinforced brick foundation, significant settling, liquefaction risk, and deterioration. He rated the condition a 4 out of 10 and warned of unknown costs due to asbestos and rot.
• Sheila Marquises (Public Works Director) provided cost estimates: a 2016 study projected $5.7 million, but escalation could bring restoration to $10 million in construction costs plus $5 million in soft costs, totaling ~$15 million. She noted $1.4 million remains allocated for basic repairs.
• Committee members expressed attachment to the property and concerns about the lack of accurate cost information. Councilmember Bolt moved to use the $1.4 million to fund a detailed estimate for renovation. Councilmember Acevedo seconded, and the motion passed with two affirmative votes.

Mulford Branch Library Update

• Sheila Marquises (Public Works Director) introduced the project update.
• Mark Baralka (Project Manager) reported that the project received 10 bids, with low bidder Giant Construction at $6.8 million, below the engineer's estimate of $7.1 million. Additive alternates for monument sign lighting and sidewalk were awarded; decorative ceiling and shade trellis were not awarded. Total project cost is $10 million, within budget. Staff requested an additional $630,000 to increase contingency from 8.5% to 15% and allow for an on-site architect.
• Brian Simons (Library Director) expressed operational concerns: even if built, the new library would open only 12 hours per week due to budget constraints, and closing other libraries on certain days might be required. He suggested the council consider whether to proceed.
• Committee members discussed soil testing, drawing completeness, and PG&E transformer changes. No public comments were received. The committee decided to bring the item to the full City Council on June 2, 2025, for further discussion on costs and operational impacts.

Key Outcomes

• Casa Peralta: The committee approved a motion to use the remaining $1.4 million in CIP funds to obtain a detailed cost estimate for renovating the property. Staff will proceed with assessments and return with more information.
• Mulford Branch Library: The committee directed staff to present the bid package and funding request to the City Council at the June 2, 2025 meeting for a fuller discussion on long-term budget and operational implications. No formal vote was taken.