Public Meetings - Oakland, California

The Finance and Management Committee of the Oakland City Council met on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 9:31 AM in the City Council Chamber. The agenda was reordered to hear items in the sequence: 7 (Q2 Revenue & Expenditure Report), 4 (Citywide Staffing), 5 (Salary Survey Results), 3 (Salary Ordinance Amendments), and 6 (PFRS Investment Portfolio). The meeting adjourned at 11:22 AM. All four committee members (Brown, Unger, Wang, Ramachandran) were present. Consent Calendar - Approval of Draft Minutes (March 10, 2026): Accepted unanimously (4-0). - Determination of Schedule of Outstanding Committee Items: Accepted unanimously (4-0). Public Comments & Testimony - On Item 7 (Q2 Report): David Boatwright (District 4) questioned a reference to an operating deficit in the report. Kevin Daly (District 4) noted parking fines were above budget and praised recent street paving funded by bond sales. - On Item 4 (Staffing): Seth Olier (President, Oakland Firefighters) reported critically low firefighter staffing (418 members against an authorized 500) and called for immediate lateral hiring. David Boatwright argued the city should not budget for new positions without proven need. Kevin Daly repeated hiring challenges within the Department of Transportation. - On Item 3 (Salary Ordinance): Seven speakers all opposed creation of the Parking Administrator position. Sarah Fine (Local 21) presented a letter from nearly 1,000 city employees denouncing the position as a wasteful, politically motivated increase in top-heavy management. Keith Scherholz questioned paying more for less work. Kirby Olson urged the committee to reject the position until the full council reviews the parking division reorganization. Michael Ford, the current parking division manager, pointed out he has been performing two roles for 3.5 years and that the new position would pay $45,000 more for only 60% of his current duties. Shurnel Smith (37-year employee) and Nikos Cross stressed that the division needs restaffing, not re-organization. - Open Forum: David Boatright read a 2019 article predicting rising expenses outpacing revenues. Discussion Items Item 7: Fiscal Year 2025-26 Second Quarter Revenue & Expenditure Report - Staff Presentation: Finance Director Brad Johnson and Principal Budget Analyst Jose Segura reported that the General Purpose Fund (GPF) budget is holding steady. FY2025-26 GPF revenues are projected to be 0.94% ($7.4 million) below budget, driven by slower property tax growth (Prop 8 reductions on commercial properties), stabilized utility consumption tax, and sales tax shortfalls. Expenditures are projected to be $4.91 million over budget largely due to unbudgeted one-time employee bonuses, but all departments except those affected by the bonuses are trending under budget. The GPF ending fund balance is expected to grow from $17 million to $20 million. Police and fire departments are both under budget for the first time in recent years. - Key Pressures Identified: Rising CalPERS/healthcare/insurance costs, federal funding uncertainty, Measure O (ballot item) compliance, and deferred costs for equipment and facilities. - Outcome: Motion to receive and file passed 4-0. Item 4: Informational Report on City-Wide Staffing – February 2026 - Staff Presentation: Elaine Reyes (Supervising Personnel Analyst) reported a citywide vacancy rate of 19.69% (839.75 vacant FTEs), up from 17.94% the prior year. Departments with the highest vacancy percentages include West (55%), HRM (45%), and Police Commission (39%). The largest absolute number of vacancies is in Fire, DOT, Police, Public Works, and Human Services. Of the 851 vacancies, 426 (50%) had no requisition submitted. HRM highlighted efforts to reduce time-to-hire, including a new applicant tracking system and monthly reports to departments to encourage use of eligible lists. - Committee Discussion: Chair Ramachandran called the vacancy rate “shameful” and noted that only 40 jobs were listed on the city website, undermining public perception of hiring efforts. Councilmember Wang questioned why HRM itself has a 45% vacancy rate. Councilmember Unger pressed for clear identification of bottlenecks (departments vs. HR). Directors from HRM explained that many positions are not being filled because departments do not submit requisitions or act on eligible lists. The City Administrator committed to working with department heads to clarify the process. - Outcome: Motion to forward the report to the April 14, 2026 Special City Council meeting as a public hearing passed 4-0. Item 5: Informational Report on Salary Survey Results (Jobs Under $25/hour) - Chair Ramachandran requested a continuation to the April 21, 2026 Finance & Management Committee meeting. No public comment was taken (the only speaker had left the chamber). - Outcome: Motion to continue carried 4-0. Item 3: Amendments to Ordinance No. 12187 C.M.S. (Salary Ordinance) for Various Classifications - Staff presented four legislative pieces covering exemptions and salary additions. At the outset, the administration withdrew Part 1 (Parking Administrator exemption) from all related resolutions and ordinances. The remaining items advanced: (1) exemption of Constitutional Policing Administrator, (2) exemption of Assistant Director of Human Services, and (3) salary schedule amendments adding Constitutional Policing Administrator and Assistant Director of Human Services, and adjusting the salary of Neighborhood Law Corps Attorney. All references to Parking Administrator were struck from the title, body, and attachments. - Committee Comments: Councilmember Unger noted the salary increase for Neighborhood Law Corps Attorneys was well deserved. No other debate. - Outcome: Motion to approve as amended and forward to the April 14 Special City Council (on consent) passed 4-0. Item 6: Oakland Police and Fire Retirement System (PFRS) Investment Portfolio and Actuarial Valuation - Staff Presentation: Taylor Jenkins (Investment Operations Manager) noted PFRS is a closed system with 577 members. Portfolio assets exceeded $500 million as of December 2025 and reached $512 million by February 2026. The plan achieved full funding one year ahead of schedule; no employer contributions are required for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. Investment returns (10% fiscal year-to-date) more than doubled the assumed rate of return of 5%. - Outcome: Motion to receive and file passed 4-0. Key Outcomes - Approved Consent Items: March 10, 2026 minutes and outstanding committee schedule (both 4-0). - Received and Filed Reports: Q2 Revenue & Expenditure Report (Item 7) and PFRS Investment Report (Item 6) (both 4-0). - Forwarded to Full Council: Citywide Staffing Report (Item 4) to April 14 Special Council as public hearing (4-0). Salary Ordinance Amendments (Item 3) to April 14 Special Council on consent, with Parking Administrator component removed (4-0). - Continued: Salary Survey Results (Item 5) to April 21, 2026 Finance & Management Committee (4-0).

The Oakland City Council Public Safety Committee convened on March 24, 2026, at 6:04 PM and adjourned at 7:20 PM. The committee unanimously approved the minutes from March 10, 2026, and the schedule of outstanding committee items. It forwarded two action items (a throw‑phone contract and a GPS tracker use policy) to the April 14, 2026 Special City Council Consent Agenda, and received and filed a biannual OPD staffing report. Public speakers addressed several policy and operational concerns. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 2 – Outstanding Committee Items: Rajni Mandal (District 4) requested two oversight reports be scheduled: (1) the Police Commission’s recommendation on OPD’s annual militarized equipment use report (under Oakland’s MEU ordinance) and (2) a periodic report from the Community Police Review Agency (CIPRA), as noted in a recent city audit. Another speaker advocated for reports on missing persons, traffic citation vs. warning data, the Bay case (unsolved murders of an African American man and his brother), the Black police officers’ grievance, sanctuary city ordinance enforcement, and truancy/stop‑data tracking. A third speaker highlighted illegal dumping and litter from unpermitted vending, urging more enforcement and sanitation support. - Item 3 – LETS Throw Phone Contract: One speaker questioned the rationale for allowing a contract extension without council approval, the frequency of use, and whether the expenditure was justified given other pressing police funding needs (recruitment, wellness, training, accountability). - Item 4 – OPD Staffing Report: Four speakers commented. David Boatwright noted the net active officer count (614) and questioned the cost‑effectiveness of recruiting from out‑of‑state. Another speaker praised a Black sergeant’s presence, criticized the NSA (Negotiated Settlement Agreement) for adding bureaucratic stress, and asked for breakdowns of personnel on leave and in various units. Rajni Mandal pointed out a retention problem (78 officers lost last year), linking it to exit interviews citing working conditions and NSA oversight, and urged aligning the budget with realistic staffing and improving retention. - Item 5 – GPS Tracker Policy: One speaker expressed concern that the Privacy Commission had overstepped by incorporating revisions into the final draft, and questioned the body’s authority to mandate recommendations. - Open Forum: One speaker complained about a councilmember’s behavior and made remarks about visa overstays and immigration. Another speaker did not appear. Discussion Items - Item 3 – LETS Throw Phone Contract (Resolution): OPD Sergeant Stephen Lorda explained that the throw‑phone system is a de‑escalation tool for communicating with barricaded or hostage‑taking subjects via text, video, or voice. The contract (up to $22,583.26 over 4 years) was previously authorized; this step selects the vendor. Councilmembers asked about operational use and the necessity of the technology. The item was forwarded to the full Council on consent. - Item 4 – OPD Staffing Report (Informational): OPD’s Deputy Director Keanu Settle and Sergeant Romans Rowe provided updates. As of March 24, 2026, sworn field staffing stood at 614, with a monthly attrition rate of 6. Recruitment challenges were discussed: a canceled academy in November 2024 set back efforts; a $120,000 marketing budget was deemed insufficient (Sergeant Rowe cited a need of at least $558,000 for a comprehensive campaign). Several officers who left for other agencies (some offering up to $70,000 signing bonuses) have expressed interest in returning, often citing OPD’s culture. Councilmembers debated whether increased marketing alone would address deeper issues (cost of living, public perception of policing, NSA oversight, in‑person testing barriers). Councilmember Houston pledged to advocate for more funding. The report was received and filed. - Item 5 – OPD GPS Tracker Surveillance Use Policy (Resolution): Sergeant Yunzhou presented Policy I‑33, which governs OPD’s use of vehicle GPS trackers in criminal investigations, requiring a search warrant except in exigent circumstances. The Privacy Advisory Commission recommended minor revisions (e.g., reporting when a warrant for exigent use is denied). Councilmembers clarified that this policy does not cover GPS tracking of police vehicles (a separate initiative) and that a vendor contract will come later. The item was forwarded to the full Council on consent. Key Outcomes - Item 1 – Minutes: Approved unanimously (4‑0). - Item 2 – Committee Schedule: Accepted unanimously (4‑0). - Item 3 – LETS Throw Phone Contract: Motion (Brown/Houston) to approve staff recommendation and forward to the April 14, 2026 Special City Council Consent Agenda at 3:30 PM. Passed 4‑0. - Item 4 – OPD Staffing Report: Motion (Houston/Wang) to receive and file. Passed 4‑0. - Item 5 – GPS Tracker Policy: Motion (Wang/Houston) to approve staff recommendation and forward to the April 14, 2026 Special City Council Consent Agenda at 3:30 PM. Passed 4‑0.

The Oakland City Council Life Enrichment Committee convened on March 24, 2026 at 4:02 PM, chaired by Councilmember Carroll Fife. The committee reviewed the Library Commission Annual Report, approved the purchase of a property for a Hoover Branch Library, debated cooperative purchase agreements, and heard extensive public comments on library funding and equity concerns. The meeting adjourned at 5:57 PM. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval (March 10, 2026): Accepted unanimously (4-0). - Schedule of Outstanding Committee Items: Accepted unanimously (4-0) after 1 speaker spoke. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 3 (Library Commission Annual Report): 7 speakers spoke. Speakers urged restoring the full $14.5 million general fund appropriation (Measure C) and supported capital appropriations for the Hoover Durant Library and electrical/energy upgrades. Speakers included Al Janir Baker Cook (chair, Friends of Hoover Durant Public Library), Kevin Kovarubias (Library Commissioner, District 2), Christina Tostado (Library Commissioner and mentor), Fatima Yousuf (Oakland Public Library Advocates), Catherine Sturbance (Friends of the Oakland Public Library, former library commission chair), Rafael Henriquez (Friends of Hoover Durant), and Ms. Asada (raised concerns about contract delays, branch conditions, and staffing equity). - Item 5 (Purchase of 3105 San Pablo Ave for Hoover Library): 12 speakers spoke. Speakers overwhelmingly supported the purchase, describing it as a decades-long effort to restore library services to the Hoover-Foster/West Oakland neighborhood. Speakers included Lionel Wilson (four-generation Oakland resident), Catherine Sturbance, Rafael Henriquez, Fatima Yousuf, Dwayne Nelson (West Oakland resident), Alvertio Owens (fundraising chair, Friends of Hoover Durant), Professor Sharon Jones (health disparities), and Al Janir Baker Cook. Some speakers expressed concerns about parking and the need for community oversight. - Item 4 (Cooperative Purchase Agreements): 2 speakers spoke. Ms. Asada questioned the race and equity statement and requested a breakdown of funding sources. Mr. David Boatwright addressed the Piedmont feasibility study. - Open Forum: 1 speaker (Ms. Asada) spoke, listing lawsuits against California employers for racial discrimination. Discussion Items - Item 3: 2025 Library Commission Annual Report – Commissioner Gabrielle Sonlos presented the report, highlighting community engagement, budget advocacy, and a new liaison to the General Plan Advisory Committee. Director Jamie Turback confirmed no service cuts yet but warned reserves are dwindling. The committee discussed the $14.5 million general fund appropriation shortfall ($2.7 million remaining) and potential impacts (branch closures or hour reductions). A motion to receive and file passed unanimously (4-0). - Item 5: Purchase of Real Property at 3105 San Pablo Ave for Hoover Branch Library – Director Turback requested authorization for a $3,495,000 purchase (plus $242,000 in Measure KK funds for due diligence/closing costs). Funds come from reallocation of unused bonds from Brookfield ($1.7 million) and Melrose ($2 million) projects. The library department will seek future council authorization to restore Melrose funds by 2027 to avoid losing matching grants. Architect June Grant (Blink Lab) described the adaptive reuse design and community vision. Councilmember Fife noted this would anchor the San Pablo Corridor project. A motion to approve and forward to the April 14, 2026 City Council agenda (on consent) passed unanimously (4-0). - Item 4: Citywide Cooperative Purchase Agreements – Director Sarah Trist (Early Childhood and Family Services) explained the resolution provides contracting authority for US Foods (food) and School Specialty (craft materials) to feed children and provide enrichment. Councilmember Charlene Wang raised concerns about US Foods' track record (class action lawsuit, DOL gender discrimination settlement, EEOC race discrimination lawsuit) and lack of local vendors. Director Trist noted that without these agreements, 12 centers would close immediately due to lack of alternative broadline distributors. The committee amended the resolution to add "as referenced in the agenda report and accompanying attachment" to the first resolve clause. The motion approved (3-1, Councilmember Wang dissenting) and forwarded to the April 14, 2026 City Council special meeting on non-consent. Key Outcomes - Library Commission Report: Received and filed (4-0). - Hoover Library Property Purchase: Approved and forwarded to the April 14, 2026 City Council special meeting on consent (4-0). - Cooperative Purchase Agreements: Approved as amended and forwarded to the April 14, 2026 City Council special meeting on non-consent (3-1, Councilmember Wang dissenting). - Chair Change: Councilmember Fife relinquished the chair at 5:37 PM to Councilmember Gallo, who presided until 5:43 PM when Fife resumed. - Next Steps: The committee requested finance staff follow up on the 14.5 million general fund appropriation for libraries. The purchase agreement for 3105 San Pablo Ave will go to full City Council on April 14, 2026 at 3:30 PM. The cooperative purchase agreements will also go to the same meeting but on non-consent due to the dissenting vote.

The Community and Economic Development Committee of the Oakland City Council convened at 1:44 PM on March 24, 2026, under Chair Rowena Brown. Due to the presence of Councilmember Houston, a quorum of the full City Council was present, so the committee immediately adjourned and reconvened as a Special Meeting of the Full Council at 1:45 PM. The committee approved consent items, forwarded a lease agreement for Tyrone Carney Park to the full Council, and voted to withdraw and reschedule proposed amendments to the Rent Adjustment Ordinance after extensive public comment. Consent Calendar - Approval of Draft Minutes (March 10, 2026): Accepted unanimously (4-0). - Determination of Schedule of Outstanding Committee Items: Accepted as presented (4-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Item 3 – Tyrone Carney Park Lease: No public speakers; testimony was provided by staff only, including Shana Hirschfield Gold (City Administrator's Office), Mandelin Kadera Redman (Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation Executive Director), and Quincy Williams (Capital Improvements Project Coordinator, OPRYD). Councilmember Houston (District 7) raised concerns about lack of outreach to his office and the complex history of the park, including homicides that led to its closure 23 years ago. He requested meetings before advancing the item. - Item 4 – Rent Adjustment Ordinance Amendments: 22 speakers testified. Landlords and property owner representatives (e.g., Linda St. Julian, Karen Shenoi of Bridge Association of Realtors, Derek Barnes of East Bay Rental Housing Association) opposed the amendments, arguing they would harm small mom-and-pop landlords, create unlimited retroactive liability, and increase litigation. Tenant advocates (e.g., Emily of Oakland Tenants Union, David Hall of Centro Legal de la Raza, Mark Janowitz of East Bay Community Law Center) supported the amendments, stating they only affected illegal rent increases and were needed to close loopholes. Commissioner Denard Ingram noted the recommendations came from the Rent Board, not staff, and urged the committee not to pull the item. - Open Forum: David Boatright (District 4) requested a report on housing production over the last 10 years, broken down by unit type, cost, and construction method. Discussion Items - Item 3 – Lease Agreement with Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation for Tyrone Carney Park: The ordinance authorizes a zero-dollar license fee for two years with five one-year options, to support maintenance and workforce training. Staff explained the agreement is a deliverable of the $28.2 million Better Neighborhoods Same Neighbors grant (Transformative Climate Communities), with an end-of-April deadline. Councilmember Houston expressed concern that the community coalition (SPRAC, EONI) had not engaged his office. After discussion, the committee agreed to forward the item to the April 14, 2026 Special City Council meeting, with a commitment from staff to hold weekly meetings including Councilmember Houston's office. Councilmember Unger clarified he would not vote on the 14th unless Houston's concerns were addressed. The motion passed 4-0. - Item 4 – Amendments to Rent Adjustment Ordinance and Regulations: The administration requested to pull the item for additional outreach and fiscal analysis. Councilmember Fife questioned the timing and consistency of the pull, noting other items are not treated similarly. The committee voted 3-1 (Fife opposed) to withdraw the item and place it on the pending list with no date specific. Key Outcomes - Item 3 – Approved and forwarded to the April 14, 2026 Special City Council meeting (4-0) on consent. Staff will conduct weekly meetings with Councilmember Houston's office and stakeholders before that date. - Item 4 – Withdrawn and rescheduled to the Community and Economic Development Committee pending list, no date specific (3-1). The administration will conduct further outreach, analyze fiscal impacts, and return with a presentation on a future date. - The meeting adjourned at 2:50 PM.

The Oakland Planning Commission met on March 19, 2026 (the transcript indicates the meeting was held on March 18, 2026, but the user specified March 19). The meeting included recognition of retiring zoning manager Robert Murkamp, public comments on a proposed senior housing project at 6230 Claremont Avenue, approval of a conditional use permit for alcohol sales at Raimondi Park, denial of an appeal regarding a restaurant on Grand Avenue, and updates on city council actions. Public Comments & Testimony - Alison Hightower (35-year Rockridge resident) expressed concerns about the proposed 8-story luxury senior residence at 6230 Claremont Avenue (Red Cross Building). She noted a 5-foot setback from adjacent homes, insufficient for fire truck access (needing 29 feet), and a disproportionate load on emergency resources. She urged the commission to require fire truck access and funding for city emergency programs. - Jeremy Evnin (Florio Street resident) stated opposition in principle is not the issue, but the building's 82-foot height and scale would cast shadows and increase traffic. He presented a petition with over 1,000 signatures requesting a smaller building, possibly reduced by one story. - Jack Gerson (Auburn Avenue resident) argued the developers incorrectly interpreted mixed-use zoning to qualify for higher density. He claimed all units have kitchens, disqualifying them as rooming units, and the project lacks commercial and pedestrian orientation, contradicting the neighborhood center mixed-use classification. - Lynn Harlan (Auburn Avenue resident, 30+ years) raised legal and safety concerns about pedestrian crashes at the Claremont/College intersection and emergency response delays. She asked for a comprehensive traffic safety plan before approval. - Ken Dreong (Auburn Avenue resident) criticized the lack of transition to lower-density homes, misleading shadow analysis, and incorrect base density calculations. He requested a full visual impact analysis, quantitative solar access study, and economic analysis of stepbacks. - Councilmember Ken Houston (District 7, speaking as a regular citizen) raised concerns about 1428 105th Avenue (Oakland Station), a senior housing building with deed restrictions that converted to regular housing, with violations including roaches, non-working elevators, and trash chute. He asked the commission to investigate. Discussion Items Recognition of Robert Murkamp The commission honored Robert Murkamp, retiring zoning manager and former planning commission secretary, for his mentorship and service. He was presented with gifts and gave brief remarks. Item 1: Conditional Use Permit for Alcohol Sales at Raimondi Park (6089 20th Street) Staff planner Corey Alvin presented a request by the Oakland Ballers to establish alcohol sales at three concession stands at Raimondi Park. Sales would begin one hour before games and end before the top of the eighth inning (or one hour before event end for other events). The permit would run concurrent with the license agreement. Staff found it consistent with general plan policies and recommended approval. Laura Geist, general manager of the Oakland Ballers, highlighted over $3 million in improvements, community partnerships, and youth programs. Public comment: Joe Ernst (owner of Prescott Market) supported the proposal. The commission unanimously approved the conditional use permit. Item 2: Appeal of Zoning Manager Determination for 3320 Grand Avenue (Mimosa on Grand) The appeal, continued from February 4, 2026, concerned a zoning manager determination that the business operates as a full-service restaurant, not a group assembly or alcohol sales activity. The appellant did not attend and did not request further continuance. Staff recommended denial. The applicant, James Rochelle, requested closure after four years of proceedings. No public comment. The commission unanimously denied the appeal, affirming the zoning manager's determination. Key Outcomes - Approval of Item 1: Motion to approve the conditional use permit for alcohol sales at Raimondi Park (Commissioner Randolph, seconded by Vice Chair Sandoval) passed unanimously (5-0). Decision appealable to City Council within 10 days. - Denial of Item 2: Motion to affirm staff's environmental determination and deny the appeal (Vice Chair Sandoval, seconded by Commissioner Robb) passed unanimously (5-0). Decision not appealable. - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from February 18, 2026, approved unanimously. - City Council Actions Update: Staff reported that the City Council adopted the planning commission's recommended exclusions for SB79 (MacArthur, Ashby, and Rockridge BART stations) and added two additional amendments (Lake Merritt Station area and Coliseum BART/International Boulevard area). Also, the council approved targeted amendments to the S14 overlay zone to allow conditional use permits for complementary uses supportive of housing. Note: The meeting date in the transcript is March 18, 2026, but the user specified March 19, 2026. This discrepancy is noted.

The meeting was called to order at 10:31 AM. Roll was taken with Councilmembers Brown and Five present, Councilmember Ramachandron excused, and Chair Jenkins presiding. The Chair opened with a brief acknowledgment of Founders Day and then proceeded through a series of administrative announcements and a lengthy interview with the Director of Race and Equity. Opening Announcements - Chair Jenkins provided extensive instructions on recycling, composting, and trash disposal for office staff, including a detailed list of materials that go in the trash (soft plastic, food wrappers, used pens, styrofoam, batteries, etc.) and the proper disposal process. - A public service announcement for Peralta Colleges was read, promoting enrollment at Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College. - A representative from Children’s Fairyland described the park’s history and the Storybook Puppet Theater, emphasizing its role in fostering imagination and child-friendly spaces. - A wastewater treatment plant operator from East Bay Municipal Utility District gave a warning against flushing “flushable” wipes, explaining that they clog equipment and harm San Francisco Bay. - Ethan Beery, co-founder of Ethan Berry Inc., described the Code Forward Academy program at Different Park Recreation Center, which teaches coding and literacy skills to students K–college. Rondolyn McClintock (founder of the Scholarship Club) and 14-year-old Marlani Williams (Oakland Technical High School student) also spoke about the importance of digital literacy and science education. - My Lane Garcia, the City’s online engagement manager, interviewed Darlene Flynn, Director of Race and Equity. Flynn discussed her background growing up in a mixed-race family in Seattle, her early work in community advocacy and land use, her role in starting Seattle’s race and equity initiative, and her current work in Oakland. She noted that Oakland is a “movement city” and that the primary challenge is aligning government structures with community activism. She highlighted the willingness of city staff to engage in equity work but cited the need for more capacity (the department has only two staff members). Flynn stated that systemic racism has life-threatening effects and that her team’s work is ultimately life-saving. Key Outcomes - No formal votes, resolutions, or referrals were taken during this meeting. The discussion consisted entirely of informational announcements and a staff interview. No consent calendar or public testimony was presented.

The meeting began at 6:33 PM with all seven commissioners present for the first time in two years, along with staff. Chair Francis Upton presided. The commission adopted a new hybrid format allowing remote participation via Zoom and phone. Key actions included a 5% salary increase for city council members, closure of two enforcement complaints with referral to the San Francisco Ethics Commission, approval of case closures, and establishment of a transparency subcommittee. Several public comments raised concerns about charter reform secrecy, prior complaint dismissals, and the constitutionality of a sales tax measure. Public Comments & Testimony - Gene Hazard argued that a prior dismissal of his complaints (25-30 and 25-37) was improper because the anti-injunction clause in Oakland Municipal Code 4.26.130 is unconstitutional. He requested the commission reopen those cases. He also criticized the salary increase for council members during a fiscal emergency and warned against voter deception regarding the April 15th special election. - Ralph Cannes criticized the mayor’s charter reform working group for operating in secret, violating Section 601 of the City Charter and the state constitution’s open meetings requirements. He noted he has made two public records requests since December 2025 that remain unanswered. He also objected to the commission’s ad hoc subcommittee structure, citing the Brown Act. - During the minutes item, Mr. Hazard and Mr. Cannes both asserted that public comment on a prior item was improperly handled and requested a cure and correct. Mr. Cannes stated he filed a complaint about the ad hoc committee discussion. - On salary adjustments, a speaker (unnamed) suggested tying any increase to accountability and mentioned a 2% figure as an alternative. Another speaker urged rejection of any raise due to the city’s fiscal crisis. - On enforcement referral, Mr. Hazard argued the commission should have referred his earlier complaints instead of dismissing them, and criticized the referral to San Francisco as insufficient. Discussion Items Approval of Minutes (January 22, 2026) - Commissioners discussed corrections to the order of public comment. A motion to approve the minutes failed for lack of a second, so the minutes were not approved. Commissioner Mitchik opposed approval pending resolution of a related complaint. The matter will be brought back at the next meeting. City Council Salary Adjustment - Staff presented two options: a mandatory minimum 5% increase (resulting in $114,243.13 annual salary) or a discretionary 5.4% increase (resulting in $114,678.34). The CPI rose 5.4% over two years. The commission voted 7–0 to adopt the 5% increase, citing the city’s ongoing fiscal emergency and consistency with the prior adjustment. City Attorney and City Auditor Salary Process (No Action) - Staff outlined the process for adjusting salaries under Measure X, including data from 41 comparator jurisdictions. Commissioners requested range options and historical context for the next meeting, where a decision will be made. Enforcement Complaint Closures (Items 7 & 8) - Enforcement Chief Tova Ackerman recommended closing complaints 2527 and 2601, which alleged PEC staff did not follow procedures in dismissing prior cases. She proposed referring them to the San Francisco Ethics Commission. After discussion, the commission voted 7–0 to close both cases and directed staff to forward the complaints directly to San Francisco and request that the outcome be publicly disclosed. Case Closures (Item 9) - The commission approved the closure plan for two cases (including Collins 2334) without objection. Vote was 7–0. Enforcement Program Update - The enforcement chief reported progress on Form 700 backlog: nine open cases from 2024, two from 2023, and nine from 2025. She noted inefficiencies and plans to reform the process. Administrative hearings for old backlog cases are being scheduled, with one respondent deceased. Executive Director Report - Director Duran clarified that Democracy Dollars eligibility under the Fair Elections Act is based on residency (not voter status), consistent with state law. She also addressed the budget deficit and potential impacts on PEC. Subcommittee Formation and Assignments - Chair Upton established a Transparency Ad Hoc Committee (members: Upton, Fisher, Apfeld). Commissioners also expressed interest in additional subcommittees: Enforcement (Apfeld, Fisher, Taloc), Democracy Dollars Pilot (Brandon, Mitchick, Baeva), and Charter Reform (Taloc, Baeva, Mitchick). These were noted but not formally created at this meeting. Key Outcomes - Minutes not approved – motion died due to lack of second; corrections to be presented at next meeting. - City Council salary increase of 5% approved (7–0), effective as required by charter. - Enforcement complaints 2527 and 2601 closed (7–0) and referred to San Francisco Ethics Commission, with direction to forward complaints and request public disclosure. - Case closure plan for two cases approved (7–0). - Transparency Ad Hoc Committee established with three members. - Subcommittee interest noted for future formation. - Future meeting business – minutes revision, possible additional guidance on ad hoc committee rules.

The Special Concurrent Meeting of the Oakland Redevelopment Successor Agency/City Council convened at 3:32 PM in the City Council Chamber. The meeting adjourned at 4:47 PM after approving a 24-item consent agenda, hearing public testimony, and conducting councilmember announcements. Councilmember Carroll Fife was excused at roll call but arrived at 3:45 PM; all eight members were present for the final vote. The meeting was adjourned in memory of Derbing Alvarado and Latetia Bobo. Consent Calendar - All 24 consent items were approved unanimously (8‑0) on a motion by Councilmember Fife, seconded by Councilmember Houston. Key items included: - Renewal of local emergency declarations for HIV/AIDS (Resolution 91080 C.M.S.), medical cannabis health emergency (91081 C.M.S.), and homelessness (91082 C.M.S.). - Final passage of two planning code ordinances: (1) Amendments to Chapter 17.96 S‑14 Housing Sites Combining Zone (Ordinance 13874 C.M.S.), and (2) Senate Bill 79 Planning Code Implementation Ordinance (Ordinance 13875 C.M.S.). - Resolutions affirming Oakland's commitment to gender‑affirming care (91083 C.M.S.), recognizing March 20 as International Day of Happiness (91084 C.M.S.), supporting California Senate Bill 959 on wildfire class cancellations (91086 C.M.S.), and supporting H.R. 5356 – the National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2025 (91087 C.M.S.). - Travel reimbursement for Council President Jenkins, his Deputy Chief of Staff, and Deputy Policy Analyst to Councilmember Unger for federal advocacy in Philadelphia, up to $2,500 per person (91088 C.M.S.). - Grants and contracts: Head Start grant application for FY 2026‑2031 ($13.8 million); Oakland Alameda Access Project Delegated Maintenance Agreement amendment; Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program funds (Liberation Park – $44.7 million; 285 12th Street – $35.9 million); Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program ($4.4 million); Prohousing Incentive Pilot Program grant ($1.6 million); American Building Service janitorial contract amendment (new total $1 million); Atthowe Fine Arts storage contract ($300,000); Innovative Interfaces library system renewal ($2 million); HHAP‑6, Winter Relief, and OPRI funding packages ($23 million state, $441,350 county, $4.2 million housing authority); OPD Cadet Program funding ($900,000); and two legal settlements ($100,000 for O'Neill/Paige and $250,000 for Hagos). - Informational report on HCD Anti‑Displacement Strategic Action Plan (received and filed). Public Comments & Testimony Twenty‑three speakers addressed the consent calendar and open forum. Key themes: - Gender‑affirming care (Item 6.6): More than a dozen speakers from Families United for Trans Rights, Rainbow Families Action, and individual Oakland residents expressed strong support for Resolution 91083. Speakers described the critical need for transgender, gender‑nonconforming, intersex, and two‑spirit (TGNCI2S) residents to maintain access to necessary healthcare, and praised the Council for affirming these rights in the face of federal hostility. - Anti‑displacement and housing conditions (Item 6.16): Several residents of Oakland Station (a senior housing complex) and members of ACE (Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment) testified about unsafe living conditions—lack of heat, broken elevators, pests, inadequate security—and called for a proactive rental inspection program to shift enforcement burden from tenants to landlords. - National Infrastructure Bank (Item 6.10): Two speakers supported H.R. 5356, emphasizing its potential to fund affordable housing, transportation, and infrastructure without new taxes. - Illegal cannabis operations and code enforcement: Councilmembers Gallo and Houston raised concerns about unpermitted cannabis facilities in their districts, while Gallo also noted lead paint hazards found in City Hall offices. - Sales tax and measure AA spending: A speaker criticized the proposed sales tax measure and questioned oversight of Measure AA (Oakland Children's Fund) spending. Discussion Items - Item 6.21 (HHAP‑6, Winter Relief, OPRI): Councilmember Wang stated that her amendment—adding performance metrics for homelessness programs—was not being adopted at this meeting; instead, staff will develop a comprehensive set of metrics for the March 24 Life Enrichment Committee meeting. The Council adopted supplemental legislation 2, which corrected contract dates for East Oakland Community Project, BFWC, and Housing Consortium of the East Bay. - Councilmember comments on consent items: Councilmember Gallo highlighted lead paint issues in City Hall and urged coordination between the fire department, permitting, and cannabis enforcement. Councilmember Houston expressed support for seniors at Oakland Station and noted efforts to relocate an encampment humanely. Councilmember Brown thanked speakers on the gender‑affirming care resolution and emphasized the need to protect vulnerable populations. Councilmember Fife urged equal attention to disparities facing Black Oaklanders and noted the work done on proactive rental enforcement. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved 8‑0 (motion by Fife, second by Houston). All resolutions and ordinances on the consent calendar were adopted or approved for final passage. - Gender‑affirming care resolution (6.6) adopted unanimously – reaffirms the right of TGNCI2S residents to obtain care without discrimination and demands healthcare providers and insurers comply with state and local laws. - Item 6.21 adopted with corrected contract dates as reflected in supplemental legislation 2; performance metrics will be addressed at a future committee meeting. - Anti‑displacement informational report (6.16) received and filed; councilmembers committed to visiting Oakland Station for a “reality tour” and working on proactive rental inspection. - Meeting adjourned at 4:47 PM in memory of Derbing Alvarado and Latetia Bobo.

The Oakland City Council Special Rules and Legislation Committee convened on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 9:11 a.m. in Hearing Room 1, City Hall. The meeting was chaired by Council President Kevin Jenkins, with members Rowena Brown, Janani Ramachandran, and Kevin Jenkins present (3 votes), and Carroll Fife excused. The committee scheduled items for upcoming city council and committee agendas, approved amendments, and heard public comments. Consent Calendar - Item 3.1 (Tom O'Neill, Mabel Paige v. City of Oakland): Resolution authorizing settlement in the sum of $100,000 for a dangerous condition of public property claim; scheduled for March 16, 2026 Special City Council on consent with Rule 24. - Item 3.2 (Filmon Hagos v. City of Oakland): Resolution authorizing settlement of $250,000 payable to Filmon Hagos and his attorneys; scheduled for March 16, 2026 Special City Council on consent with Rule 24. - Item 3.3 (FY 2025–26 Q2 Revenue & Expenditures Report): Informational report on revenues and expenditures for the General Purpose Fund and select funds; scheduled for March 24, 2026 Finance & Management Committee. - Item 3.4 (Resolution in Support of SB 1218): Resolution supporting Senate Bill 1218 to require payment of illegal dumping fines before vehicle registration; Mayor Barbara Lee added as co-sponsor; scheduled for March 24, 2026 Public Works & Transportation Committee. - Item 3.5 (Commemorative Street Renaming for Bishop Charley Hames, Jr.): Resolution honoring Bishop Charley Hames, Jr. and renaming intersection of 39th and Telegraph Ave as “Bishop Charley Hames Jr., Way”; scheduled for March 24, 2026 Public Works & Transportation Committee. - Item 3.6 (Ordinance to Strengthen Illegal Dumping Enforcement): Ordinance amending Municipal Code Chapter 8.11 to increase penalties, make transporting waste without a license plate an offense, and increase enforcement; Councilmember Wang’s office initially requested co-sponsorship but later withdrew it; scheduled for March 24, 2026 Public Works & Transportation Committee. - Item 3.7 (Aerbits Inc. Pilot Program): Resolution approving surveillance impact report and amended policy for a pilot program to detect and report illegal dumping; scheduled for March 24, 2026 Public Works & Transportation Committee. - Item 3.8 (Purchase of Real Property at 3105 San Pablo Ave for Hoover Library): Ordinance authorizing acquisition for $3,495,000 plus due diligence costs, reallocating $242,000 of Measure KK funds; Councilmember Fife added as co-sponsor; scheduled for March 24, 2026 Life Enrichment Committee. - Item 3.9 (OPD GPS Tracker Policy): Resolution approving Oakland Police Department Vehicle GPS Tracker Surveillance Use Policy and Surveillance Impact Report; scheduled for March 24, 2026 Public Safety Committee. - Item 3.10 (Charter Reform Recommendations): Informational report from the Mayor’s Charter Reform Working Group; scheduled for March 26, 2026 Rules & Legislation Committee. - Item 3.11 (Professional Services Agreement with Bayview Industrial Services): Resolution waiving RFP requirements and awarding a contract for hazardous materials collection and disposal, total amount not to exceed $1,000,000 over two years; Rule 24 read to bypass committee; scheduled for April 14, 2026 Special City Council on non-consent. - Item 3.12 (FY 2026–27 LLAD Initiation): Resolution initiating the Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District process; scheduled for April 21, 2026 Finance & Management Committee. - Item 3.13 (Cooperative Purchase Agreements for OPW Equipment Services): Resolution approving ongoing cooperative purchase agreements not to exceed $16,815,000; scheduled for April 21, 2026 Public Works & Transportation Committee. - Item 3.14 (Stormwater Trash Load Reduction Compliance Update): Informational report on compliance with Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit trash reduction requirements; scheduled for April 21, 2026 Public Works & Transportation Committee. - Item 3.15 (Contract for Customized Goods and Apparel): Resolution authorizing agreement with N6 Properties DBA Alpine Awards Inc. for customizable goods and clothing not to exceed $500,000 over five years; scheduled for April 21, 2026 Life Enrichment Committee. - Item 3.16 (Acceptance of Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation Grants): Resolution authorizing acceptance of monetary grants, gifts, and donations from OPRF not to exceed $10,000,000 through June 30, 2036; scheduled for April 21, 2026 Life Enrichment Committee. - Items 3.20 (Oakland Alameda Access Project – Delegated Maintenance Agreement Amendment): Originally withdrawn at committee and placed on pending list; per request, rescheduled for March 16, 2026 Special City Council on consent due to project urgency. - Item 3.21 (Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program Cycles 8 and 9): Two resolutions authorizing acceptance of loan and grant funds: up to $44,661,404 for Residences at Liberation Park and up to $35,873,066 for 285 12th Street Housing Project; forwarded from committee to March 16, 2026 Special City Council on consent. - Item 3.23 (Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program): Resolution authorizing acceptance of up to $4.4 million in federal grant funds and agreements; forwarded from committee to March 16, 2026 Special City Council on consent. - Item 3.24 (HCD Anti-Displacement Strategic Action Plan): Informational report; forwarded from committee to March 16, 2026 Special City Council on consent. - Item 3.25 (Prohousing Incentive Pilot Program Grant Application Round 4): Resolution authorizing application for up to $1,600,000 in state funds; forwarded from committee to March 16, 2026 Special City Council on consent. - Item 3.26 (Professional Services Agreement Amendment with American Building Service, Inc.): Resolution increasing janitorial services agreement to $1,000,000 and extending term to June 30, 2029; forwarded from committee to March 16, 2026 Special City Council on consent. - Item 3.27 (Atthowe Fine Arts Services Contract): Resolution waiving RFP requirements and awarding contract for storage of African American Museum Library materials not to exceed $300,000 over five years; forwarded from committee to March 16, 2026 Special City Council on consent. - Item 3.28 (Innovative Interfaces Contract Renewal): Resolution waiving competitive solicitation and awarding contract for Integrated Library System not to exceed $2,000,000 over five years; forwarded from committee to March 16, 2026 Special City Council on consent. - Item 3.30 (HHAP-6, Winter Relief, and OPRI): Resolution accepting up to $23,029,455.86 in HHAP Round 6 funds, $441,350 in county winter relief funds, and $4,209,693 from Oakland Housing Authority; amendments included three further resolved clauses requiring semi-annual performance reports, remedies for failing benchmarks, and incorporation of metrics into future funding recommendations; originally scheduled as non-consent but rescheduled to March 16, 2026 Special City Council on consent per Chair Jenkins’ request. - Item 3.31 (OPD Cadet Program Funding): Resolution to accept grant funds from Oakland Police Foundation not to exceed $900,000 for fiscal years 2026–27 and 2027–28; forwarded from committee to March 16, 2026 Special City Council on consent. Public Comments & Testimony - During Item 3 (New Scheduling Items), Raji Mandal (District 4) spoke in support of Item 3.9 (OPD GPS Tracker Policy) and asked for clarification on why Oakland Fire Department appears to have implemented a GPS-enabled dispatch pilot without council approval while OPD policy remains pending. - During Item 4 (Review of Draft Agendas), Rajni Mandal asked that two oversight reports be scheduled for council review: the Police Commission’s recommendation on OPD’s annual militarized equipment use report, and the Community Police Review Agency’s biannual report referenced in a recent audit. - During Open Forum, Rajdi Mundal (District 4) discussed the auditor’s recent report on Oakland’s police oversight agencies, noting staffing challenges and broader governance questions about authority, accountability, and reporting responsibilities across oversight bodies. Discussion Items - Item 3.22 (Reorganizing of the Parking Division): This informational report on the DOT Parking Division reorganization was discussed. The administration requested moving it to the pending list no date specific. Councilmember Brown asked for it to go to the full council rather than back to committee. The final agreement placed it on the Rules & Legislation Committee pending list no date specific, with the chair to work with Councilmember Brown and administration on scheduling. - Item 3.29 (City of Oakland 2026 Homelessness Strategic Action Plan): The committee approved forwarding this informational report to the April 28, 2026 Special City Council on consent, with a supplemental report to address questions from Councilmember Fife on rapid diversion interventions, high-sensitivity zones, the Oak Glitter pilot, county collaboration, and coordination for unhoused individuals with addictions and mental health disorders. - Item 3.30 (HHAP-6, Winter Relief, and OPRI): Amendments were added requiring written reports to the Life Enrichment Committee every six months including program-level performance metrics, benchmarks, and remedies for failing benchmarks. Originally non-consent, it was moved to the March 16, 2026 Special City Council on consent. Key Outcomes - The committee voted unanimously (3 ayes, 1 excused) to approve Item 3 (New Scheduling Items) as amended, which included scheduling all consent and non-consent items to respective committees and council meetings. - The committee voted unanimously to approve Item 4 (Review of Draft Agendas, Pending Lists, City Council and Committee Meetings) as amended, noting: - The Education Partnership Committee meeting is cancelled on March 30, 2026, and a special meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 13, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. - Item 5 on the March 24, 2026 Community & Economic Development Committee agenda (Relocation Agreement with Outfront Foster Interstate LLC) was rescheduled to April 21, 2026. - Item 4 on the March 24, 2026 Life Enrichment Committee agenda (Report on the Impact of Ordinance 13825 C.M.S. and Recommendations) was rescheduled to April 21, 2026. - The meeting adjourned at 9:37 a.m.