Public Meetings - San Leandro, California

The San Leandro Finance Committee met on August 4, 2025, to review the Fiscal Year 2024-25 third quarter financial report, discuss proposed liens for delinquent charges, and receive the first quarter 2025 investment report. Councilmembers asked detailed questions about revenue and expenditure categories, code enforcement, and investment performance. The committee voted to forward all three items to the full City Council for approval. Discussion Items Item 2A: Fiscal Year 2024-25 Third Quarter Financial Report (as of March 31, 2025) - Finance Director Nicole Gonzalez presented the report, noting that general fund revenues totaled $90.1 million through March 31, 2025, compared to $89.3 million in the same period last year. Expenditures were $98.5 million against an amended budget of $163.2 million (60% expended). She stated the city is trending similarly to prior years and expressed no concerns. - Councilmember questions clarified that "other" expenditures include debt service and non-departmental costs, and that "other" revenues capture fees, grants, and intergovernmental revenue. Discussion also covered why Information Technology is classified as an internal service fund and the purpose of the Shoreline Enterprise Fund. - The committee moved to accept the report and forward it to the full council (motion by Councilmember Swalton, seconded by another member). Item 2B: Review of Resolutions for Liens for Delinquent Charges - Acting Finance Services Manager Susan Minius explained that the city seeks to place liens on properties for unpaid solid waste, sidewalk/driveway repair, CUPA, code enforcement, fire inspection, and wastewater charges. The process includes multiple notices and a public hearing in July. - Community Development Director Tom Weao noted that over $800,000 of the code enforcement total pertains to a single property in the Bay Fair TOD area, which is entitled for 400 housing units. He stated staff is working with the owner to secure state affordable housing funds before proceeding with the lien. - Councilmembers inquired about economic hardship accommodations and the increase in code enforcement cases (from 16 in FY 2024-25 to 76 currently). Staff confirmed payment plans and sensitivity to hardship are standard, and the increase is due to recent code updates. - The committee voted to forward the item to city council (motion and second). Item 2C: Calendar Year 2025 First Quarter Investment Report - Assistant Finance Director Alicia presented the investment portfolio update as of March 31, 2025. The total portfolio is $221 million, with 88% ($195 million) managed by Chandler (yield 4.2%), 8% in LAIF (4.3%), and 4% in the Wells Fargo checking account. The portfolio outperformed its benchmark (1-3 year Treasury index at 3.94%). - Discussion clarified the report covers January–March 2025. No other questions. - The committee moved to forward the report to the full council (motion and second). Key Outcomes - The committee unanimously approved motions to forward all three items (financial report, liens resolutions, and investment report) to the San Leandro City Council for final action. - No public comments were submitted for any agenda item. Note: Mayor Gonzalez was excused from the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 4:47 PM.

This meeting of the San Leandro Senior Commission focused on updates from the Recreation and Parks Department and progress reports on the Age-Friendly Initiative implementation. The commission also handled routine administrative approvals and received public comment. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved the meeting agenda for July 17th and the minutes from June 20th in a single motion. Public Comments & Testimony - Sky Wu: A community member attended after being invited at the senior resource fair. Wu stated they have elderly parents and came to observe the commission's work to report back to them. - Additional Public Comment: Following the Recreation and Parks presentation, a member of the public inquired about how teen activities are advertised. Director Suniga explained outreach occurs through school district channels, social media, and the Youth Commission. - Additional Public Comment: A member of the public emphasized the importance of durable "go bags" for emergencies and advocated for more intergenerational connection between youth and seniors. - Additional Public Comment: Commissioner Shalini (during the open period) promoted the idea of students earning physical education credit by assisting seniors with yard work, citing a program in Iowa. - Additional Public Comment: A member of the public suggested partnering with an organization (Tandy Family Farms) to help seniors and disabled individuals plant and maintain gardens. Discussion Items 1. Recreation and Parks Department Update (Presentation by Director Vicenta Suniga) - Department Structure: Suniga outlined the new Recreation and Parks Department, formed by separating from Human Services. It now manages recreation, park maintenance, 18,000 city trees, medians, tide gates, the golf course, marina, shoreline, and three aquatic centers. - Master Plans: The department adopted a Tree Master Plan (aiming for 5-year maintenance cycles) and a Recreation and Parks Master Plan (based on community input prioritizing walking trails, shade, and safe parks). - Program Data: Presented summer 2025 data showing a 56% increase in resident participation since 2023, with 90% of users being San Leandro residents. Revenue increased significantly, reducing the subsidy to the city's general fund. - Site Activation: Programming is now offered at 14 city locations to improve equity and access. Top activities are swimming, dance, and baseball. - Age-Specific Programming: The largest participant group is youth (6-12). Teen programming increased by 175%. Adult/senior-specific programming is primarily deferred to Senior Services, but collaboration is planned (e.g., bus trips to regional parks with East Bay Regional Parks). - Commissioner Questions & Positions: - Commissioner Shalini requested demographic details on the master plan survey respondents. - Vice Chair Comelo asked if the Age-Friendly Initiative's suggestions (e.g., benches, safe trails) were incorporated into the master plan. Suniga confirmed they were and noted new annual funding ($475,000) for park improvements aligned with those goals. - Vice Chair Comelo advocated for planting cherry trees to reflect San Leandro's "Cherry City" identity, a position she stated she has held for five years. - Commissioner McHenry echoed the need for cherry trees and criticized faded city flags, arguing they do not effectively brand San Leandro. - Commissioner McHenry expressed strong concern about poor tree and median maintenance along major corridors, stating it created a "slum" appearance and hazardous sidewalks for pedestrians, especially those using walkers. - Commissioner McHenry asked about programs specifically for older adults. Suniga explained senior-specific programming is led by Human Services/Senior Services, but cross-departmental collaboration is a future priority. - Commissioner McHenry inquired about maintenance of the shoreline riprap and the marina assessment district. Suniga explained new funding for riprap maintenance and that the assessment district is under Public Works/Engineering. - Commissioner Shalini asked about programs to increase teen participation. Suniga cited specialized classes, free drop-in activities, and marketing through the Youth Commission. - Commissioner Shalini inquired about the city's process for reporting and cataloging hate graffiti. Suniga stated all graffiti is logged, and recent racist graffiti was reported to police, but she would confirm the specific reporting policy. 2. Age-Friendly Initiative Implementation Update (Presentation by Staff Lead Pedro Naranjo) - Priority 1: Plan Sustainability: Updates included completed de-escalation training for staff, upcoming CPR/first aid training, active partnership with the Alameda County Age-Friendly Communities network, a secured Kaiser grant ($4,750) for the fall Senior Services Expo, and expanded distribution of the senior calendar. Staff requested commissioner help distributing calendars and staffing outreach events. - Priority 2: Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety: The Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Training (CPBST) program with UC Berkeley is concluding. A final report and meeting are pending. The partnership will continue for technical support. - Priority 2 (Cont'd): Digital Literacy: A contract was executed with Tech Exchange to provide eight computer literacy classes for seniors in the fall. - Priority 3: Emergency Preparedness: Staff are assisting seniors in completing the city's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan survey (July 10-31) by offering in-person help in the computer lab. - Priority 4: Housing Security: A contract with Home Match was executed for housing placement services. Staff proposed a Home Match presentation to the commission in October. - Housing Element Focus Groups: Community Development invited two senior commissioners to participate in virtual focus groups (weeks of August 4th and September 8th) for the 2023-2031 Housing Element study. Commissioners Brennan and Lopez Nacario volunteered. - Priority 5: Health & Wellness: Planning is underway for fall caregiver trainings on Alzheimer's/dementia in partnership with Alameda County Public Health. A grant application for a caregiver appreciation event was not funded. - Priority 6: Social Connection: Funding and approval were secured for a paratransit day trip program. An annual trip to the Oakland Zoo Senior Living Festival is scheduled for September 25th. Planning continues for a senior volunteer companion program. - Commissioner Questions: - Commissioner Shalini asked about emergency procedures at the center and if CPR training was available to the public. Staff clarified procedure is to call 911 and use on-site AED, and they would look into public training options. - Commissioner Brennan asked to observe the Tech Exchange classes to understand participant needs. - A Commissioner inquired if the curriculum for Tech Exchange classes could be reviewed. Staff said the curriculum is collaborative and they would invite Tech Exchange to present to the commission. 3. Commissioner Comments - Commissioner Brennan: Shared an article on improving intersection design for bikes/pedestrians to forward to the CPBST team. - Commissioner McHenry: Noted the return of a long-absent patron, thanked staff for technology recycling bins, reiterated the need for more handicapped parking, suggested analyzing how seniors access services (online vs. in-person), proposed a field trip to learn about bus services, and requested the City Manager's report include senior services updates. - Vice Chair Comelo: Reported she successfully advocated (individually) for the reinstatement of senior classes that were initially cut due to funding. - Commissioner McMichael Cady: Distributed the Alameda County Commission on Aging newsletter. - Commissioner Shalini: Asked about medicine recycling (available via a locked bin) and inquired about financial literacy/scam prevention courses for seniors, suggesting a feature in the My San Leandro app. Key Outcomes - Motions/Votes: The Consent Calendar was approved unanimously via roll call vote. A motion to adjourn the meeting passed unanimously via roll call vote. - Directives/Referrals: - Director Suniga agreed to send links to the master plans and presentation deck to all commissioners. - Staff will follow up on the policy for reporting hate graffiti to police. - Staff will investigate options for public CPR/AED training. - Staff will coordinate with Commissioners Brennan and Lopez Nacario for the Housing Element focus groups. - Staff will invite Tech Exchange and Home Match to give future presentations to the commission. - Next Steps: - The commission's next meeting is canceled for the city's August recess. - Age-Friendly outreach events are scheduled for July 26th, August 9th, and September 3rd. - The CPBST final report and meeting are pending. - The paratransit day trip program and fall senior classes are scheduled to begin after October 1st. - The commission will consider adding future agenda items on financial literacy for seniors and a field trip to learn about bus services. Staff Reports & Announcements - Pedro Naranjo (Senior Secretary): Announced the August meeting cancellation, reported the Luelling Interim Housing Navigation Center is at full capacity (29 units), and thanked commissioners who staffed the table at the successful annual senior resource fair (over 300 attendees). - Chair Watchison: Added thanks to the attending commissioners and consultant Mike King for their work at the resource fair.

Note: The agenda and minutes indicate the meeting occurred on July 23, 2025, but the instruction provided specifies July 24, 2025. This summary uses the instructed date. The meeting was called to order at 4:00 PM and adjourned at 4:09 PM. Discussion Items - 25-358 2025 Q1 OPEB Trust and Pension Trust Investment Report (through March 31, 2025) – Presented by Assistant Finance Director Felicia Silva. The Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) trust value increased from $22.3 million to $22.6 million, with a one-year return of 5.49% and an inception-to-date return of 4.53%. The city made no contributions to the OPEB trust this fiscal year. The Pension Trust value increased from $32.8 million to $32.85 million, with a one-year return of 5.38% and an inception-to-date return of 2.19%. Silva noted that Q1 returns were sluggish due to uncertainty around tariffs and potential inflation. The Pension Trust was established in 2021. A contribution of just under $500,000 to the Pension Trust, approved by council in March 2025, was not yet reflected in the report. Silva emphasized that the investment horizon is long-term, so short-term volatility is not a concern. Key Outcomes - The Finance Committee accepted the OPEB and Pension Trust Investment Report for Q1 2025. The next quarterly report is expected in October 2025. - No public comments or committee member comments were made.

The San Leandro City Council convened at 7:00 PM on July 22, 2025, and adjourned at 9:59 PM. The meeting included a closed session report, an appointment to the Arts, Culture, and Library Commission, approval of the consent calendar, public hearings on delinquent account liens and park impact fees, and a six-month update on the Alternative Response Unit. All votes taken were 5-0-2, with Councilmember Simon and Vice Mayor Bowen absent. The transcript contains an apparent erroneous date reference. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved by a 5-0-2 vote on a motion by Councilmember Aguilar, seconded by Councilmember Vivera Swalton. No items were pulled for separate discussion, but Councilmember Aguilar asked for an explanation of the cost increase on item 5E (traffic signal project). City Engineer Jason Emi explained that PG&E required relocation of an electrical service meter, adding design and construction costs. He acknowledged that staff turnover likely prevented earlier coordination and committed to engaging PG&E at the start of future projects. - Public commenter Douglas Spalding spoke on items 5A, 5E, and 5F. He asked what vacating Eden Road means and suggested the city consider a safe parking area there; criticized the 25–50% cost increase on the traffic signal project; and questioned the East Bay SPCA contract and the handling of community cats. Public Comments & Testimony (Non-Agenda) - Ginny Madsen expressed distress about the Rules Committee meeting, stating paid lobbyists from well-funded groups (including the California Apartment Association) attended to tell the city what to do. She described being shouted down at a 2023 outreach meeting and asked the city to provide flyers or internet comment options for residents who lack computer access. - Deborah Acosta (San Leandro resident and business owner) entered into the public record a summary of former City Manager Fran Robostelli's June 13 lawsuit against the city, which alleges a pattern of misconduct by three council members and brings claims for whistleblower retaliation, retaliation for refusing to approve illegal acts, and gender discrimination. Acosta said the city faces serious legal and financial risk and called on Councilmember Fred Simon to resign. - Douglas Spalding noted that court evidentiary standards are more stringent than those for a council censure motion, supported Madsen's comments about lobbyists, praised the completion of fresh asphalt on Pencroft Avenue, thanked the city for improved communication, and commented on the Victoria Circle Miyawaki forest and Memorial Park fence. - Jim Bischoffberger described an ongoing three-year dispute with San Leandro Police, alleging he was illegally ousted from his home with threats of arrest, without a complaint, warrant, or court order. He stated he has a deed, police reports, and attorney paperwork and asked for help accessing his home. Public Hearing: Delinquent Account Liens (Item 8B) - Finance Manager Susan Noj presented the annual process to collect delinquent fees by placing liens on property tax bills. The fees cover solid waste, CUPA (environmental permits), code enforcement/compliance, sidewalk and driveway repair, fire inspections, and commercial wastewater user charges. Staff send three legal notices (May–July), present to the Finance Committee, hold a public hearing, and then assess in early-to-mid August. A desk-item resolution change was added to allow the city manager or designee to opt out of placing a lien if deemed in the city's best interest. - Updates: Some payments had been received (about 10 code compliance accounts, some CUPA and solid waste). Two large code enforcement accounts remain: approximately $700,000 on a property being developed (not expected to go to assessment) and approximately $150,000 on a property being sold (escrow anticipated payment). - Public testimony: P Edwards described receiving repeated graffiti citations for 464 East 14th Street totaling $2,700 despite repainting, and said staff communication broke down after a reviewer left the city. Elvira Bueno (Bueno Properties) requested review and waiver of $14,000 in fines for 501 East 14th Street, stating citations were mailed to a vacant building and she was unaware until October 2024; she said she addressed issues but received a new citation on July 14. - Council discussion: Assistant Community Development Director Avalon Schultz explained that fines are one enforcement tool, there is no maximum citation for non-single-family properties, and the city works with owners to reverse citations when properties are brought into compliance. Councilmember Bolt said the real goal is compliance, not revenue, and asked for staff to work with the property owners. - Vote: Motion by Councilmember Aguilar, seconded by Councilmember Bolt, passed 5-0-2. Public Hearing: Parkland Dedication and Park Development Impact Fees (Item 8A) - Assistant Community Development Director Avalon Schultz presented a long-delayed update to parkland dedication and development impact fees, supported by consultant studies (NBS nexus study and Cosmont market feasibility analysis). The proposal would shift to square-footage-based fees per AB 602, direct 75% of fee revenue to improving existing parks (rather than land acquisition), and establish fee waivers for 100% affordable projects and ADUs. The presentation also sought council direction on a public art requirement for new development. - Will Soholt (Cosmont) explained developer underwriting, emphasizing that current market conditions—higher capitalization rates, interest rates, and construction costs—are the primary barriers to new construction. He noted fees are a secondary factor but can matter at the margins. - Public testimony: Brody Scotland (chair, Arts, Culture, and Library Commission) and Stephen Cassidy (arts commissioner) both urged the council to move forward on a public art requirement. Douglas Spalding questioned the affordability of units in new developments and asked about the stalled Tom Silvis project; Ginny Madsen supported focusing on improving existing parks and cautioned against profit-driven development. - Council deliberation: Councilmember Aguilar asked about the public art process and inclusionary housing; Councilmember Vivera Swalton asked about data sources and whether park fees could support joint use with schools (staff said properly structured, yes). Mayor Gonzalez expressed frustration that the fee adjustment and public art were not packaged together and offered an alternative motion to send the entire item back to the Rules Committee, but it died for lack of a second. Councilmember Bolt supported a compromise with a time limit. Acting City Manager noted staff would need about six months for a comprehensive package. - Vote: The council adopted the staff recommendations as amended, on a motion by Councilmember Aguilar seconded by Councilmember Vivera Swalton, by 5-0-2. The motion included adopting the ordinance updating parkland dedication, the resolution updating park impact fees and fee waivers, approving the fee study and parks capital improvement plan, and a resolution exempting ADUs from street improvement fees. The public art matter was referred to the Rules Committee for scheduling. - Subsequent consensus: The Mayor stated the council's direction that the Rules Committee schedule the public art discussion and return an ordinance to the full council before the end of the calendar year. Discussion Item: Alternative Response Unit Update (Item 9A) - Division Chief Paige Bowie (Alameda County Fire) presented a six-month update on the ARU. The team operates 40 hours per week (Mondays–Thursdays) with four personnel and two beds at Eddy's Place shelter. Metrics: 625 911 calls answered, 121 follow-up visits, 68 on-view calls, 58 direct calls, 416 unique clients, average response time of 9 minutes, 8–10 calls per day, and average time on task of about 27 minutes. - Two success stories were highlighted: Dana, a Care Court participant who completed treatment and moved to stable housing; and Deborah, a frequent 911 caller (352 calls from January to June) who was placed in memory care. The team filed 8 Enhanced Care Management petitions (7 accepted) and 9 Care Court petitions in the first six months. - Council questions and comments: Councilmember Aguilar asked about clients with severe mental illness and noted SB 43 may expand holds. Councilmember Vivera Swalton asked about demographic data, specifically gender and LGBTQ youth, and commended Mayor Gonzalez for advocating for Measure W funds. Councilmember Bolt praised the program. Mayor Gonzalez asked about barriers, compassionate eviction, and grant applications; staff confirmed they are exploring grants. Funding was clarified: the program is funded through June 30, 2027. Key Outcomes - Appointed Andrew [surname unclear in transcript] to the District 1 seat on the Arts, Culture, and Library Commission (5-0-2). - Approved the consent calendar (5-0-2). - Adopted the resolution authorizing imposition of liens for delinquent accounts (5-0-2). - Adopted the park impact fee ordinance/resolutions, including fee waivers and ADU exemptions, and approved the fee study (5-0-2). - Referred the public art requirement to the Rules Committee with direction to return an ordinance by the end of 2025. - Received the ARU six-month report and noted continued funding through June 30, 2027.

The San Leandro City Council convened for a study session focused on updating the council's priority work plans and receiving an instructional session on city contracting processes. The meeting primarily featured detailed staff presentations on progress and plans in public safety, infrastructure, and housing/homelessness, followed by a training on procurement rules and project management. Council members engaged with the presentations through clarifying questions and public comment centered on a proposed citizen-led bond measure, tenant protections, and infrastructure project delays. Public Comments & Testimony - Mitch Heidema (District Five) expressed support for a citizen-led bond measure for infrastructure, stating that a revenue measure would be insufficient and that the group plans to move forward. - Angela, Jackie, Jenny, Ann, Kat, Cindy, Craig, and Art spoke in-person, all expressing strong support for the citizen-led bond measure over a city revenue measure. They argued the bond is necessary to fund critical infrastructure like roads, fire stations, Casa Peralta, and recreation spaces, and can pass with a 55% threshold versus a 67% threshold for a revenue measure. Several speakers criticized the piecemeal approach to fixing Lake Chabot Road and urged council to support the bond. - Jenny argued that renter protections should prioritize safe shelter over landlord profits, criticizing what she saw as the council appeasing landlords. - Craig Williams suggested considering a rollback of rents, arguing landlords were overcompensated during the tech boom without improving properties. Discussion Items Work Plan Updates (Public Safety, Infrastructure, Housing/Homelessness): - Public Safety (Police Chief Angela Avery & Emergency Services): Presentation covered goals to increase sworn staffing to 78% by 2026; reduce animal control costs by decreasing intakes through shelter diversion; maintain community engagement events; coordinate encampment removals with partners like Union Pacific Railroad; and advance emergency preparedness plans, hazard mitigation, and training. - Infrastructure (Public Works Engineering): Update included exploring local revenue measures for the 2026 ballot (separate from a citizen-led effort); updating stormwater fees; advancing environmental stewardship through EV fleet transition; strategic asset management; and progress reports on major projects like the Mulford Library, Lake Chabot Road slides (repairs for slides 1 & 4 funded, slides 2 & 3 require $8M in additional funding), and the MacArthur Roundabout. - Housing & Homelessness (Community Development Directors): Presentation outlined work on preventing homelessness through rental assistance; implementing tenant protections like a rent registry and developing rent stabilization and mobile home rent stabilization ordinances; conducting a local preference disparate impact study; maintaining crisis housing like the Louelling Center and winter shelter; exploring safe parking and safety ambassador expansion; and supporting housing production through impact fee studies and planning efforts like the Bayfair TOD plan. Council Questions & Deliberation on Work Plans: - Council members sought clarifications on staffing for tenant protection programs, the nexus between state housing policy and local efforts, animal control costs, outreach to private landowners for safe parking, the impact of the political climate on police recruitment, and metrics for measuring progress. - Concerns were raised about the city's fiscal outlook for funding new programs, transparency and timelines for infrastructure projects (especially Lake Chabot Road), the need for better public communication on project updates and rationales for change orders, and the importance of using data and metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and cost. - Vice Mayor Bowen and others emphasized the need for improved public messaging, dashboards with budget information, and clear communication tying departmental work to council priorities. Contracting Training Session: - Assistant Finance Director Felicia Silva & City Engineer Jason Emay presented an overview of procurement rules, thresholds for different contract types (professional services, public works, goods), and the processes for competitive bidding, sole/single source justification, and council approval. - The presentation explained the use of contingency funds and change orders in project management, providing examples from current projects (Memorial Park, Bancroft Ave paving) where change orders added value or addressed unforeseen conditions. - Best management practices were outlined, including delegating change order approval authority, classifying change orders, and considering pre-qualification processes for contractors. Council Questions & Deliberation on Contracting: - Discussion focused on implementing pre-qualified contractor lists, analyzing where contracts typically fall within spending thresholds, the rationale for higher approval limits for goods/materials, and the structure of change order limits (individual vs. cumulative). - Council members suggested additional tools like a "good contractor" ordinance, incentive/disincentive clauses (liquidated damages), the use of owner's representatives for large projects, and better public communication regarding change orders and project delays. - Councilmember Vivero Swalton inquired about including liquidated damages in contracts to hold contractors accountable for delays. The City Attorney clarified rules around public disclosure of RFP scoring and the limits on city support for a citizen-led ballot measure once it is formally placed. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken as this was a study session. - Staff received direction to improve communication and messaging around work plan progress, develop dashboards with budget metrics, and provide more detailed project timelines and cost breakdowns. - Council expressed interest in exploring tools like pre-qualified contractor lists, incentive-based contracting, and owner's representatives for future capital projects. - Staff will proceed with work plans as presented, incorporating council feedback, and will return with more detailed analyses (e.g., on housing pipelines, contracting data) in future meetings. - The citizen-led bond measure initiative was acknowledged, with staff noting the city would not pursue a competing revenue measure if the citizen effort is successful. The City Attorney outlined the legal limits on the city's ability to support such a measure once it qualifies for the ballot.

The committee reviewed three major infrastructure projects: the reconstruction of the Carrie Hass Pedestrian Bridge, updates on the delayed MacArthur Roundabout, and the launch of the Bay Fair Community-Based Transportation Plan. Staff presentations focused on project status, design options, funding, and coordination challenges. Council members engaged in detailed discussions on engineering choices, utility coordination, and grant management, expressing strong support for durable, long-term solutions and frustration with external delays. Public Comments & Testimony - On Carrie Hass Bridge: A resident (speaking as an individual, not representing the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Commission) expressed that neighbors in the Estudillo Estates area were thrilled with any progress. They emphasized the bridge's critical use by children walking to schools and adults for exercise for over 60 years. - On MacArthur Roundabout: The same resident, speaking as an individual living three blocks from the project, described the intersection as "really dangerous" and shared awareness of residents whose homes have been damaged by crashes. They urged the committee to find a way to complete the important, though long-delayed, project. - On Bay Fair CBTP: No public comments were made on this item. Discussion Items Carrie Hass Pedestrian Bridge Project (Item 3B) - Presenter: Irwin Cheng, Engineering Manager (Public Works). - Project Background: The 60-year-old bridge was destroyed by fallen trees in March 2023 and demolished by August 2024. A $5 million anonymous donation was secured for reconstruction. - Design Options: - Option 1: Retrofit existing foundations. Lower cost and less construction disruption, but carries unknown risks from erosion and can only support higher-maintenance wood decking. - Option 2 (Staff Recommended): Install new foundations set back from the creek. Costs $200,000 more but supports low-maintenance concrete decking and ensures long-term longevity. A gas line proximity is a known issue under investigation. - Committee Discussion: - Council members unanimously favored Option 2. Positions expressed included a desire for a stable bridge "for another 60 or 100 years" and avoiding future repair costs by not using the old foundation. - Clarification was sought on the $5 million donation disbursement. The first $1.5 million installment is for design; subsequent installments are tied to construction milestones. - Questions addressed the weathering steel design (rust concerns), deck/railing height compliance, and project timeline (anticipated construction start Spring 2026). - The committee provided guidance to proceed with Option 2 and bring the necessary funding request for approximately $51,460 to cover design increases and contingency for potential gas line relocation. MacArthur Roundabout Project (Item 3C) - Presenter: Irwin Cheng, Engineering Manager. - Project Background: A roundabout planned at MacArthur Blvd, Foothill Blvd, and Superior Ave to improve a dangerous intersection. The project has been in planning since 2006, delayed by funding, right-of-way, and utility coordination. - Key Challenges: - A $1.8 million MTC Housing Incentive Grant introduces federal requirements (NEPA), new Caltrans procedures, and a strict obligation deadline of January 31, 2027. - "Federalizing" the project could delay construction by a year and add an estimated $220,000 in costs for studies and certifications. - Utility relocations (PGE, AT&T, Comcast) are ongoing but slow. PGE is scheduled for Fall 2025, but coordination with others is difficult. - Committee Discussion: - Council members expressed frustration with utility companies' pace and discussed potential leverage via franchise agreements to expedite work. - Questions concerned the impact of new roundabout design standards, the status of a federal earmark request, and negotiations with a private property owner (a liquor store). - Staff is evaluating if the grant deadline can be met. If not, they may pivot the grant funds to another eligible project (e.g., Hesperian Bike Gap Closure, street maintenance) to avoid losing the money. - The committee consensus was to support the staff's immediate request for additional design funding ($570,000) to keep the project moving forward while the grant feasibility is determined. Bay Fair Community-Based Transportation Plan (Item 3A) - Presenter: City Staff (Community Development Director). - Project Overview: A $350,000 grant-funded plan focused on equitable, community-driven identification of multimodal transportation needs (pedestrian, bike, transit, safety) in the Bay Fair area, which spans both San Leandro and unincorporated Alameda County. - Key Process: Extensive community engagement via surveys, open houses, and a steering committee. The outcome will be a prioritized list of infrastructure projects for each jurisdiction to adopt, making them eligible for future implementation grants. - Committee Discussion: - Council members inquired about the collaboration with Alameda County, ensuring each agency maintains control over its own project list. - Questions addressed coordination with other major projects like the Hesperian bike lanes and BART development plans. - Emphasis was placed on the need for robust, multilingual outreach, particularly to schools, seniors, and transit-dependent populations in this equity-priority community. - The committee supported the effort and encouraged promoting the public survey. Key Outcomes - Carrie Hass Bridge: The committee reached a consensus to recommend proceeding with Option 2 (new foundations). Staff will bring a formal request to the City Council for additional design funding and contingency, totaling approximately $51,460. - MacArthur Roundabout: The committee supported the immediate need for additional design funding ($570,000). Staff will continue assessing the feasibility of using the $1.8 million MTC grant versus pivoting to another project to avoid losing the funds. - Bay Fair CBTP: The committee received the update positively. No formal action was required, but members pledged to help promote the community survey. Staff will provide future updates as the plan develops.

The San Leandro City Council met on July 9, 2025, to address a range of items including a commission appointment, consent calendar, public hearings on code amendments and the capital improvement plan, and public comments on various issues. The meeting lasted from 7:02 PM to 10:46 PM. Consent Calendar - The council approved the consent calendar with the exception of items 5A, 5B, 5E, and 5F, which were pulled due to recusals (Councilmember Azevedo from 5A and 5F; Councilmember Simon from 5B and 5E). The remaining items passed unanimously. - Separately, items 5A and 5F passed unanimously with Azevedo recused, and items 5B and 5E passed unanimously with Simon recused. Public Comments & Testimony - Online commenter (Jesse) expressed concern about allegations against council members, calling for accountability. - Manuel Ramirez (Bay-O-Vista resident) urged the rebuilding of Lake Chabot Road, citing traffic and safety issues on View Drive. - James Davis reported problems with a used car dealership parking inventory on residential streets. - Edward Escobar (Coalition for Community Engagement) criticized inadequate notice and high fees for vehicle towing. - Leo T. West raised concerns about crime and police effectiveness. - Diane Castleberry (AC Transit) announced the new AC Transit Railing Bus Network effective August 10, 2025, with rerouting and service improvements. Discussion Items - Commission Appointment: Carrie Mason was appointed to the Human Services Commission (District 6 vacancy) via a unanimous vote. - Code Amendments (Public Hearing): Planning Manager Wayland Lee presented amendments covering reasonable accommodation, tobacco retailing, repeal of all-electric building requirements, oversized vehicle parking, and waterways. Public comment featured many speakers: - Tobacco retailers and associations (including 7-Eleven franchisees, convenience store owners) expressed confusion about grandfathering of licenses, impact on business sales, and lack of outreach. Several requested a meeting to clarify. - Speakers on oversized vehicle parking (Building Futures, residents) opposed the restrictions without a safe parking alternative, while the Chamber of Commerce supported the measure for business safety. - Council discussion clarified that existing tobacco licenses could be transferred to new owners, and the moratorium would be lifted if amendments passed. A motion to approve the code amendments except the tobacco and oversized vehicle parking items (to allow more community input) passed unanimously. Those two items were deferred. - Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 10-Year Plan (Public Hearing): Engineering Manager Erwin Ching presented the plan for fiscal years 2026-2035, with a $52 million budget for the first two years (excluding previously segmented projects). Many Bay-O-Vista residents spoke in favor of reopening Lake Chabot Road to two-way traffic, citing fire evacuation risks and traffic dangers on neighborhood streets. Council discussions focused on the need for geotechnical reports, updated cost estimates, and pursuit of grant funding from ACTC. The council affirmed direction to reopen the road. A motion to approve the CIP plan passed 5-2 (Councilmembers Aguilar and Viveros Walton opposed). Key Outcomes - Carrie Mason appointed to Human Services Commission (unanimous). - Consent calendar approved with recusals handled. - Code amendments on reasonable accommodation, repeal of all-electric requirement, and waterways passed; tobacco and oversized vehicle parking amendments deferred for further community input. - 10-year Capital Improvement Program plan adopted (5-2). - Council direction reaffirmed to reopen Lake Chabot Road to two-way traffic and seek funding. - Council reports included updates on Stop Waste board, Pride events, and the U.S. Mayors Conference.

The San Leandro Human Services Commission met on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Sister Cities Gallery. The meeting included a presentation from Families United, updates on the Lewelling Interim Housing and Drop-in Center, and announcements about upcoming community events. Seven commissioners were present, one was excused. Consent Calendar - Motion to approve the minutes from the April 2025 meeting was approved by a vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays (MSC by Bailey, Ouborg). Public Comments & Testimony - None were made. Presentations - Families United Presentation: Dominique Mellion, Executive Director of Families United, presented the organization's literacy and kindergarten readiness project. The nonprofit serves families with children and adults with developmental disabilities in Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Joaquin counties. The project aims to address the "book desert" in San Leandro, where only 50% of children are kindergarten-ready. Activities will include weekly story times and book giveaways, monthly caregiver workshops, quarterly developmental screenings, and biannual resource fairs, funded by a $35,000 grant over two years. Expected outcomes include distributing 1,000 books to 250 children, conducting 80 screenings, and achieving a 10% boost in readiness scores. City Staff Reports and Announcements - Lewelling Interim Housing and Drop-in Center Update: Staff shared photos and success stories from the new facility. The center provides interim housing, a drop-in center for daytime respite, showers, laundry, and case management. Key outcomes include the first residents moving into permanent housing after six and 12 years of homelessness, and a client gaining employment within weeks of arrival. The drop-in center hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Transportation options to the center are being explored. - Cherry Festival Parade Participation: Staff announced that the Commission is invited to join the Senior Commission in the Cherry Festival parade, scheduled for the following weekend. Participants will ride a decorated flex shuttle or walk alongside to distribute swag. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar approved (7-0). - Backpack Drive announcement: Commissioner Reed reported a planned backpack drive at San Leandro High School in July, aiming to distribute 2,000 backpacks with school supplies and involve multiple community agencies. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:48 PM on a motion by O'Brien, seconded by Lum, with 7 ayes and 0 nays.

Note: The agenda for this meeting was dated June 25, 2025, but the instruction specified to use June 30, 2025. The meeting was called to order at 7:06 PM and adjourned at 7:41 PM. The Human Services Commission met to receive updates on city and departmental programs, review the proposed biennial budget for fiscal years 2025-2027, and hear staff reports. The main presentation covered the Human Services Department's budget reductions totaling $617,000 for FY26 and $677,000 for FY27, driven by the city's structural deficit. No action items were considered. Consent Calendar - 3.A. Approval of May Draft Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the May 2025 meeting (motion by Commissioner O'Brien, second by Commissioner Lum; all in favor). Public Comments & Testimony - One member of the public attended but did not speak. There were no e-comments. Staff Reports & Announcements - Lewelling Drop-In Center: Director Lobedan reported that the center opened earlier in June 2025, operating Monday–Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Showers and laundry are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Services include meals, housing navigation, mail access, phone charging, computers, pet allowances, and referrals. In the first week, attendance was under 100 people. Two couples (four individuals) had already been housed from the transitional units. This contrasts with the typical 75–85 attendees seen at the April Showers site. - Senior Resource Fair: Held on June 24, 2025, at the senior center. It featured 50 vendors (up from 40 last year) and attracted close to 300 attendees. Free health checks and recycling were offered. - Cherry Festival Parade: The commission was reminded of the upcoming parade; a short video was shown of the department's entry (a flex shuttle with staff dressed in a "through the decades" theme). Presentations - Biennial Budget Update (FY26-27) for Human Services Department: Presented by Human Services Director Jessica Lobedan. Key points: - The city faces a structural deficit; expenditures exceed revenues, and ongoing draws on reserves could eventually risk bankruptcy. Every department made reductions. - The Human Services Department currently has 11 full-time staff. A previously vacant management analyst position was eliminated. - Department priorities for the next two years include: homelessness prevention (new rental assistance program), youth interventions (homelessness and joblessness), senior services expansion (age-friendly action plan implementation, diversifying senior center programming), sustaining the Alternative Response Unit, and strengthening data evaluation. - Performance measures include tracking individuals served through Community Agency Program grants, increasing Flex Rides membership by 5% annually, and counting unduplicated individuals served at the Lewelling Navigation Center. - General Fund Budget Changes (from $7.76 million adjusted FY25 to $3.258 million proposed FY26): The large drop is partly due to carryforwards and one-time funds; the biggest cut is in services and supplies. - Program Reductions: - Congregate Winter Shelter: Reduced from $160,000 to $50,000 for both FY26 and FY27; county funding is being pursued to sustain it. - Winter Shelter Motel Voucher Program: Funding completely eliminated; the provider indicated limited capacity to continue. - Domestic Violence Services: Funding for two of three contracted nonprofits removed, but one-time upfront funds were provided to give a two-year runway for transition or external fundraising. - Countywide 211 System: Continued at $35,000–$40,000 for FY26, with a slight decrease in FY27; funds front-loaded. - Immigration Services at Senior Center: Eliminated for FY27 only. - Homelessness Mobile Outreach: Reduced by $24,000 for FY27, potentially reducing outreach days. - Senior Lunch Program: Will be funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. - Basic Needs Program: Already allocated through CAP process via general fund. - Age-Friendly Action Plan Implementation: No specific activity had been identified; funding eliminated entirely, but implementation will continue with other resources. - Increases: The Alternative Response Unit received continued funding. An additional $67,000 was granted for senior center security (previously covered by another department). - Special revenue funds show a slight reduction, but many grants are received throughout the year, so the figure is subject to change. - The commissioner asked about ARPA funds. Director Lobedan replied that no new ARPA funds are available; they must be encumbered by December 31, 2024, and spent by December 31, 2026. - The presentation is available on Meeting Central. Commission Reports and Final Announcements - Commissioner O'Brien announced a community resources and backpack giveaway event on July 26, 2025 (Saturday) from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The event has a budget of approximately $25,000 and will include food trucks, a DJ, and giveaways. - Secretary Castillo informed the commission that staff is scheduling new program presentations for future meetings. She encouraged commissioners to suggest local agencies that the commission should hear from, noting that many groups operate in the city but are not well-known. The existing CAP partners have been booked for the rest of this year, and scheduling for next year has begun. - Commissioner Lum expressed interest in hearing from Front Porch, an agency not yet scheduled. Key Outcomes - No action items were taken. - The consent calendar was approved unanimously. - The commission received the budget update as information only; no vote was required. - The meeting adjourned at 7:41 PM.