OpenPublica

Accountability starts with access.

© 2026 · Filed for the public record

Use casesAboutAPIPrivacyTermsLinkedIn
Home/San Leandro, California/City Council
OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

San Leandro City Council Meeting – September 22, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, September 22, 2026
BodySan Leandro, California
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, September 22, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:20:28

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it
1:44

So for the benefit of people out there that got really quiet, like we're all ready to get ready.

1:49

We cannot start before seven o'clock because we told people that we would start at 7 o'clock.

1:54

So I'm up here just counting down seconds until we can start our meeting, even though we're all ready to begin.

2:00

So that's the why of why we haven't started yet.

2:20

Okay, so it is seven o'clock, and I'm calling to order the San Ladero City Council meeting today at September 21st, 2026.

2:27

Like I said, it's 7 o'clock.

2:29

If you would please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance, rise if you're able to.

2:33

Hi, pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

2:40

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

2:45

Today we've got uh the appointment and swearing in of several new members of the youth advisory commission as item 10a, and is my intention to move this up to section four recognitions in the interest of time.

3:00

If there are no objections, so I'm looking for objections, seeing no objections, we will adjust the uh the order accordingly.

3:08

The City of San Leandro conducts orderly meetings to fulfill its mandate and discriminatory statements for conduct that would potentially violate the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 or the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, California Penal Code sections four or three four four or three or four fifteen are per se disruptive to a meeting and will not be tolerated.

3:26

So please see the city council handbook and city council meeting rules of decorum for more information.

3:32

Madam Clerk, your announcement, please.

3:36

Thank you, Mayor.

3:37

And I would like to note quickly for the record, all members of the city council are present in person here in the council chambers.

3:45

If you would like to make a public comment during the meeting, you can do so in person or via Zoom.

3:50

If you are present at the meeting, please complete a speaker card and submit it to the city clerk before the item is presented.

3:57

Then wait for public comment on that item to be called.

4:00

If you wish to participate in public comment via Zoom, you can use the raise your hand tool when the item is called.

4:07

During the public comment session, speakers will be invited to speak, and we'll have a count and we'll have a set time to share their comments.

4:17

And when the time is up, the microphone will be muted.

4:20

All raised hands outside of public comment will be lowered to avoid confusion.

4:24

Once public comment is opened, hands may be raised to speak.

4:38

After this time is up, the council will proceed with the rest of the meeting's agenda.

4:43

If you have not had the opportunity to speak during the initial 30 minute period, there will be another chance to do so after item 12.

4:49

City Council reports.

4:52

So for item three, just be aware that we did not complete our closed session agenda, so we will be continuing that discussion after we complete our time here.

5:03

However, we will need to return at the end of that just to identify any reportable actions that were taken.

5:10

So for people online, please be aware.

5:13

Was there any reportable action taken during the first part of our time together?

5:19

I think the answer is no.

5:20

Correct, Mayor.

5:21

No reportable actions were taken in closed session.

5:23

Thank you.

5:23

So at this point in time, we'll go to our item 10A that has been moved under recognitions.

5:28

Motion to nominate and appoint members to the youth advisory commission for the term ending August 31st, 2027.

5:38

Madam Clerk, I believe you will introduce this item.

5:42

Yes, Mayor, thank you.

5:43

This is Sarah Bunting, City Clerk.

5:45

The item before you this evening is a motion to appoint members to the youth advisory commission with terms ending August 31st, 2027.

5:55

I do have one change to note for the record.

5:58

One of the mayor's nominees was unable to accept the nomination.

6:03

So Tori Chu is declining the nomination, and the mayor has selected Aliah Ansari in her place.

6:12

Following council's action, we have several appointees here in the audience who will receive the oath of office this evening.

6:19

And with that, I'm available if there aren't any questions.

6:23

Are there any questions at this time?

6:30

Okay, seeing no questions, we will do you have a question, Vice Mayor?

6:33

No.

6:34

Seeing no public comment, we will take seeing no questions, we'll take public comment at this time.

6:39

Mayor, we have not received any comment cards, and there are no hands raised online.

6:43

So we will close public comment and now I will take a motion.

6:49

Motion to nominate and appoint members to the youth advisory commission for terms ending on August 31st, 2027.

6:57

Thank you.

6:58

Councilmember James Aguilar.

7:00

I will second.

7:01

Is there any further discussion on this item?

7:03

Seeing none, please vote.

7:20

All votes are in, and the motion carries unanimously.

7:29

And uh with that.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Homelessness████████████████████████████████████████40%
Procedural█████████████████████████25%
Public Comments███████7%
Personnel Matters█████5%
Public Safety████4%
Community Outreach███3%
Transportation Safety███3%
Public Services███3%
Pending Litigation██2%
Summary of Proceedings

San Leandro City Council Meeting – September 22, 2026

Note on date: The provided meeting date (2026-09-22T15:00:00+00:00) does not match the actual meeting date of September 21, 2026 as recorded in the minutes and transcript. The summary below reflects the actual proceedings on September 21, 2026.

The San Leandro City Council met on Monday, September 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included the appointment of Youth Advisory Commissioners, approval of the Consent Calendar, a presentation and discussion of the Lewelling Interim Housing & Drop-In Center Annual Report, and approval of an amendment to the City Manager’s employment agreement. Public comments addressed feral cat colonies, parking citation issues, state propositions, and other community concerns.

Consent Calendar

  • 26-376: Resolution to approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a second amendment to the contract with Robberson Schroedter LLP for bankruptcy litigation related to the Shoreline Project, with a not-to-exceed amount of $575,000 for FY2027 (Enactment No: Reso 2026-121).
  • 26-359: Resolution to authorize an increase in the cumulative change order limit from 25% to 35% (from $291,338 to $407,874) for Sanitary Sewer Point Repairs 2024-25 and Floresta Blvd Sanitary Sewer Replacement (Reso 2026-122).
  • 25-505: Resolution to approve a consulting services agreement with Lee & Ro, Inc. for $143,902 for bidding and construction support services for Davis Street Manhole Replacement (Reso 2026-123).
  • 26-381: Resolution to approve a real property agreement with owners of 675 Haas Avenue for property rights required for the Cary-Haas Bridge Replacement (Reso 2026-124).
  • 26-364: Resolution to approve Amendment No. 1 to an NPSA with Newton Construction & Management for Golf Course Clubhouse Exterior Improvements, totaling $699,189 (Reso 2026-125).
  • 26-373: Resolution to accept and appropriate $57,500 in Alameda County Area Agency on Aging Family Caregiver Support Programs grant funding for FY2026-2027, with future renewals up to $432,500 (Reso 2026-126).
  • 26-374: Resolution to accept and appropriate $40,000 in Alameda County Area Agency on Aging Senior Center Activities Services grant funding for FY2026-2027, with future renewals up to $170,000 (Reso 2026-127).
  • 26-387: Motion to accept the 2026 Biennial Notice: Conflict of Interest Code Update (Min Order 2026-028).
  • 26-395: Minutes from the September 8, 2026 City Council Meeting – approved as submitted.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Douglas Spaulding (online): Commented on the Consent Calendar, expressing concern over $575,000 in litigation costs for the Shoreline Project bankruptcy, and questioned the lack of objections to spending. He also mentioned the importance of sewer and bridge projects but wondered if any items had been pulled for discussion.
  • Leslie Watson (in-person, Floresta Gardens resident): Described a severe feral cat colony affecting at least 15 households, with an estimated 35 cats. She stated that Animal Control cannot help due to lack of city code, and she has exhausted other options including contacting Alameda County Vector Control. She urged the Council to create enforcement codes to address the health hazard.
  • Judy Richards (in-person): Requested dismissal of a $696 parking citation, citing a systems error where the first notice received was a delinquent notice months after the citation. She expressed difficulty in contacting the third-party processing center and obtaining photo proof.
  • Alvaro Ramos (online): Urged voters to reject five state propositions on the November ballot: Prop 39 (voter suppression), Prop 45 (deregulates CEQA), Prop 43 (restricts local taxes), Prop 42 and Prop 41 (both related to billionaire tax).
  • Gloria Strom (online): Thanked Councilmember Bowen for her work and expressed appreciation for her leadership.
  • Douglas Spaulding (online, second comment): Promoted an e-bike test ride event organized by Bike East Bay and Ava Community Energy on October 11, 2026. Also discussed the Turlock irrigation district’s solar-covered canal as a model for San Leandro’s Estabrook Canal, and echoed concerns about parking citation due process.
  • Public Comments on Presentation (9a): Ginny Madsen (in-person) expressed worry about the impending wet winter and lack of shelter for unsheltered individuals, referencing the 58 people still unsheltered. She praised the Nimitz (Lewelling) site but noted the two-year homelessness requirement for assistance. Alvaro Ramos (online) commented on barriers unhoused people face in voting and the importance of making voting accessible. Douglas Spaulding (online) congratulated Deputy City Manager Lobadon, questioned the reorganization of human services, praised the navigation center as a model program, and urged planning for a successor site by 2030.
  • Public Comments on Action Item 10b (City Manager contract): Mike Katz-Lakabe (in-person) congratulated City Manager Cameron but criticized the agenda packet for lacking the fiscal impact details of the contract extension, calling for transparency. Douglas Spaulding (online) supported the extension, noting the rarity of a great city manager and the importance of stability, while also requesting clearer salary information. Chris Urban (online, identified as Res Life Longory) acknowledged the Ohlone people and congratulated the City Manager.

Discussion Items

  • Lewelling Interim Housing & Drop-In Center Annual Report (Item 9a): Deputy City Manager Jessica Lobadon (presented by City Manager Cameron and staff) provided an overview of the program, which began in 2019 with a focus on addressing homelessness. Key statistics: The interim housing serves 29 rooms; 66 individuals (61 households) were served, with 82% entering as chronically homeless; 74% had been homeless for 2+ years; average stay was 186 days (~6 months); 23 people exited to permanent housing (64% of exits to permanent housing). The drop-in center served 669 unique individuals (666 households), with 70% chronically homeless. Notable achievements included 14 drop-in clients moving into permanent housing. Councilmembers praised the program and asked questions about challenges (community engagement, neighbor relations), the process for getting a room (coordinated entry system with county waitlist of ~300), length of stay, mental health services, workforce development, and racial/ethnic disparities (higher representation of Black/African American clients, lower Hispanic/Latino representation). Discussion also covered the transition to permanent housing by 2030, the need for a successor navigation center, and safety concerns near the 880 freeway undercrossing (walkability, bird feces). Councilmember Simon requested improved safety and aesthetics near the site.
  • Amendment to City Manager’s Employment Agreement (Item 10b): HR Director Emily Hung presented a resolution to extend City Manager Janelle Cameron’s contract through June 30, 2030, with no other changes besides continuation of the cost of living adjustment. Councilmembers expressed support, praising Cameron’s leadership and stability. The item was approved unanimously.
  • Councilmember Requests (Item 11): Councilmember Bowen submitted a referral to update city code regarding feral cat colonies, exploring approaches used by other cities (e.g., San Mateo) to address health, safety, and nuisance concerns through responsible feeding, colony registration, spay/neuter, and enforcement coordination.

Key Outcomes

  • Youth Advisory Commission Appointments: Motion to nominate and appoint members for terms ending August 31, 2027, carried 7-0 (Min Order 2026-027). One original nominee (Tori Chu) declined; Aliah Ansari was appointed in her place.
  • Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (7-0).
  • City Manager Contract Amendment: Resolution approving Amendment No. 1 to the City Manager’s Employment Agreement, extending the term to June 30, 2030, carried 7-0 (Reso 2026-128). No change in base salary; only continuation of cost of living adjustments.
  • Referral on Feral Cat Colonies: Councilmember Bowen’s referral to update city code was accepted and will be scheduled for a future agenda.
  • Closed Session: No reportable actions taken. The Council recessed at 8:53 PM and reconvened at 9:17 PM, adjourning at 9:18 PM.

Next Steps: The Lewelling Interim Housing & Drop-In Center will continue operations; staff will explore successor location and funding. The City Manager’s extension takes effect immediately. The feral cat code update will be developed. Safety improvements near the 880 corridor will be pursued with county and Caltrans partners.

Meeting Transcript

So for the benefit of people out there that got really quiet, like we're all ready to get ready. We cannot start before seven o'clock because we told people that we would start at 7 o'clock. So I'm up here just counting down seconds until we can start our meeting, even though we're all ready to begin. So that's the why of why we haven't started yet. Okay, so it is seven o'clock, and I'm calling to order the San Ladero City Council meeting today at September 21st, 2026. Like I said, it's 7 o'clock. If you would please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance, rise if you're able to. Hi, pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Today we've got uh the appointment and swearing in of several new members of the youth advisory commission as item 10a, and is my intention to move this up to section four recognitions in the interest of time. If there are no objections, so I'm looking for objections, seeing no objections, we will adjust the uh the order accordingly. The City of San Leandro conducts orderly meetings to fulfill its mandate and discriminatory statements for conduct that would potentially violate the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 or the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, California Penal Code sections four or three four four or three or four fifteen are per se disruptive to a meeting and will not be tolerated. So please see the city council handbook and city council meeting rules of decorum for more information. Madam Clerk, your announcement, please. Thank you, Mayor. And I would like to note quickly for the record, all members of the city council are present in person here in the council chambers. If you would like to make a public comment during the meeting, you can do so in person or via Zoom. If you are present at the meeting, please complete a speaker card and submit it to the city clerk before the item is presented. Then wait for public comment on that item to be called. If you wish to participate in public comment via Zoom, you can use the raise your hand tool when the item is called. During the public comment session, speakers will be invited to speak, and we'll have a count and we'll have a set time to share their comments. And when the time is up, the microphone will be muted. All raised hands outside of public comment will be lowered to avoid confusion. Once public comment is opened, hands may be raised to speak. After this time is up, the council will proceed with the rest of the meeting's agenda. If you have not had the opportunity to speak during the initial 30 minute period, there will be another chance to do so after item 12. City Council reports. So for item three, just be aware that we did not complete our closed session agenda, so we will be continuing that discussion after we complete our time here. However, we will need to return at the end of that just to identify any reportable actions that were taken. So for people online, please be aware. Was there any reportable action taken during the first part of our time together? I think the answer is no. Correct, Mayor. No reportable actions were taken in closed session. Thank you. So at this point in time, we'll go to our item 10A that has been moved under recognitions. Motion to nominate and appoint members to the youth advisory commission for the term ending August 31st, 2027. Madam Clerk, I believe you will introduce this item. Yes, Mayor, thank you. This is Sarah Bunting, City Clerk. The item before you this evening is a motion to appoint members to the youth advisory commission with terms ending August 31st, 2027. I do have one change to note for the record. One of the mayor's nominees was unable to accept the nomination. So Tori Chu is declining the nomination, and the mayor has selected Aliah Ansari in her place. Following council's action, we have several appointees here in the audience who will receive the oath of office this evening. And with that, I'm available if there aren't any questions. Are there any questions at this time? Okay, seeing no questions, we will do you have a question, Vice Mayor? No. Seeing no public comment, we will take seeing no questions, we'll take public comment at this time.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com