Public Meetings - San Leandro, California

The San Leandro City Council met on June 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Gonzalez presided. Roll call: Present – Aguilar Jr., Azevedo, González III, Bowen, Viveros-Walton, Boldt; Absent – Simon. The meeting included a consent calendar, a public hearing on the biennial budget, and several action items including the adoption of a by-district election ordinance, a fourth cannabis dispensary permit, and salary schedule amendments. Public comments addressed housing production, federal investigation of a councilmember, library funding, and budget process. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved with the exceptions of items 5a and 5b, which were pulled for separate discussion. - Approved items included: - 5c: Parking program management agreements (Dixon Resources and LAZ Parking) – Reso 2025-065 and 2025-066. - 5d: Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program Grant acceptance ($244,545) – Reso 2025-067. - 5e: Investment portfolio management services with PFM Asset Management ($110,000 annually) – Reso 2025-068. - 5f: Gann Appropriation Limit for FY 2025-2026 – Reso 2025-069. - 5g: Network refresh and library improvements ($865,135) – Reso 2025-070. - 5h: City Hall access control and workspace renovation fund transfer – Reso 2025-071. - 5i: Finance Committee minutes from May 28, 2025 – Approved. - 5j: Council minutes from June 9, 2025 – Approved. - 5k: 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report – Min Order 2025-015. - 5l: Nomination of Kerry Mason to Human Services Commission – Min Order 2025-016. Public Comments & Testimony - Consent Calendar (before vote): John Schwartz expressed concern that the city is greatly underproducing housing (target 500/year, building <100) and urged structural reforms. Doug Spaulding questioned the CDBG budget alignment with affordable housing priority and asked about completion deadlines/cost overrun protections for the Mulford Marina Library. - Non-Agenda Public Comments: Diana Ramirez introduced herself as a representative opening an office in San Leandro related to redistricting. Lee Thomas called for the removal of Councilmember Azevedo from intergovernmental agencies and a formal hearing due to being a target of a federal investigation for conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery, and false statements. - Public Hearing on Budget (Item 8a): Three speakers: Elvaro Ramos opposed cuts to library employees, hours, and materials, calling them extreme. A second speaker (Melissa) criticized the compressed budget schedule and advocated for a community budget task force. Doug Spaulding echoed the need for a task force, argued the human services budget is thin, and suggested police overspending. - Action Item 10b (District Elections): Doug Spaulding urged reconsideration of district boundaries and questioned the need for a costly special election. John Schwartz supported the move to by-district elections but warned of potential liability if a charter amendment fails. - Action Item 10c (Cannabis Dispensary): No public comment was made. Discussion Items - 5a – CDBG Consolidated Plan and Funding Allocations: Councilmember Viveros-Walton asked about changes in funded organizations and the process for eligibility. Staff clarified that Davis Street declined federal funding and moved to the CAP program. Discussion of contingency funds for potential loss of CDBG was resolved as the need was not triggered. Motion to approve carried 6-0-1 (Simon absent). - 5b – Mulford Marina Branch Library Construction Contract: Councilmember Boldt recused himself due to a real property interest (proximity to project). The contract was awarded to Giant Construction, Inc. for $6,994,000, with change order authority and $630,000 from General Fund reserves. Motion passed 5-1-1 (Boldt voted nay despite stating recusal; Simon absent). - 8a – Biennial Budget FY 2025-2026 and 2026-2027: Finance Director Nicole Gonzalez presented the budget. General fund expenditures: $156.1M (FY25-26) and $160.8M (FY26-27). All funds total: $272.9M and $265.1M. The city meets the reserve policy for FY25-26 (20%) but not for FY26-27 (15.1%). Council discussion focused on the need for a budget advisory task force and concerns about cuts to libraries and human services. The motion to adopt carried 6-0-1. - 10b – Ordinance to Establish By-District Elections: After public comment, the council discussed the legal necessity of a voter-approved charter amendment. The ordinance was passed to perfect the safe harbor provision under the California Voting Rights Act. Motion passed 6-0-1. - 10c – Second Reading: Fourth Retail Cannabis Dispensary Permit: The owner of Nug spoke in favor. Councilmember Boldt voted no, citing concerns about the process and equity. Motion passed 5-1-1 (Boldt no, Simon absent). Mayor noted that the discussion on the number of licenses and the map will be on the June 30 rules committee agenda. - 10d – Master Salary Schedule Amendment: Presented by HR Analyst Yana Taran. The amendment reflects previously approved increases for the city manager and police chief, effective July 1, 2025, with no fiscal impact. Motion passed 6-0-1. Key Outcomes - Appointment: Kacey Guo appointed as ex-officio youth member to the Community Police Review Board (Min Order 2025-014, unanimous). - CDBG Plan: Adopted Resolution 2025-072 approving the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, FY 2025-2026 Action Plan, and funding allocations. - Library Construction: Awarded contract to Giant Construction, Inc. for $6,994,000 (Resolution 2025-073). Note: Councilmember Boldt voted nay despite stating a recusal. - Biennial Budget: Adopted Resolutions 2025-074, FA 2025-001, and SA 2025-003 for the City, Public Financing Authority, and Successor Agency budgets. - District Elections: Adopted Ordinance 2025-009 establishing by-district elections, subject to voter approval of a charter amendment. - Cannabis Dispensary: Adopted Ordinance 2025-008 authorizing a fourth retail cannabis dispensary permit. - Salary Schedule: Adopted Resolution 2025-075 amending the master salary schedule. Note on date discrepancy: The source materials (agenda, minutes, transcript) consistently indicate the meeting occurred on June 16, 2025. The instruction for this summary specified June 26, 2025. The content above reflects the actual meeting events.

Note: The transcript of the meeting repeatedly refers to June 20, 2025, but the provided metadata states the meeting took place on June 23, 2025. This summary uses the date from the metadata as instructed. The San Leandro Senior Commission held a special meeting on June 23, 2025, to review city staff reports, discuss the recent Cherry Festival participation, and receive a comprehensive update on the Age-Friendly San Leandro Implementation Plan. The meeting also addressed commission reports and set future meeting schedules. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved the agenda for the June 20 special meeting (Item 3a) and the minutes from the May 15, 2025 meeting (Item 3b). Motion by Commissioner McHenry, seconded by Commissioner Lopez Nacario. Roll call: all eight commissioners present voted yes. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided comments. The MV Transportation team, who participated in the Cherry Festival, expressed their appreciation for the partnership and committed to planning earlier for future events. Discussion Items - City Staff Reports (Pedro Naranjo): Updates included adoption of the city’s biannual budget (FY 25-27) on June 16, 2025; clarification that the redistricting public hearing was part of the city council meeting; status of the Lualing Interim Housing Drop-in Center open house (tours successful, no additional tours scheduled but possible); confirmation of three handicapped parking stalls on site; and an update on Meals on Wheels funding—the city council allocated $55,259.34 for FY 25-26, an increase of $17,168.27 from the previous fiscal year. The impact of federal cuts remains unknown. - Cherry Festival Debrief: Commission and staff shared positive experiences from the parade and booth. Highlights included collaboration with MV Transportation, use of the shuttle with windows open, and community engagement. Suggestions for next year included distributing flyers (instead of candy) and providing a schedule of senior center activities. A certificate of appreciation was presented to the MV team. - Age-Friendly San Leandro Implementation Plan Update (Mike King, Perry Street Consulting): - Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Training (CPBST) Program: A community workshop on May 29, 2025, drew over 30 attendees. A final report is expected within a month, summarizing findings on sidewalk leveling, crosswalks, lighting, and curb cuts. A planning committee will review the draft report. - Kaiser Permanente Sponsorship Applications: Two funding requests were submitted by the June 18 deadline: a Caregiver Appreciation and Resource Fair (scheduled for November 6, 2025, 10am-2pm) and the Senior Services Expo (scheduled for December 4, 2025, 1-3pm). Notification of awards is expected by July 11, 2025. - Two-Year Implementation Plan: The plan covers activities organized by six priority areas, including planning, education, and goods/services. An evaluation framework using a Results-Based Accountability (RBA) approach was introduced. The plan includes maps showing distribution of adults 50+ (highest concentrations in southwest quadrant and eastern hills), a list of related city/regional plans, and core funding resources. Commissioners provided feedback on leveraging HOA lists, mobile resources, and financial fraud prevention. Consensus was reached to move forward with the plan, with adjustments as circumstances change. - Communications Plan: An accessibility checklist was added. Commissioners emphasized non-digital outreach (e.g., libraries, HOAs, mobile home parks, direct engagement) and requested maps of flex ride service areas. - Commission Reports & Announcements: New Commissioner Shalini introduced herself as an AI strategist and senior. Commissioners shared updates: a tour of the Lualing Navigation Center; attendance at a police review board and Cherry Pie contest; participation in rent control advocacy; attendance at Board of Supervisors meetings; distribution of AARP materials; promotion of Spectrum exercise classes (with a call to invite Supervisor Dina Tan); and a successful “Chat with the Chief” event at the senior center on May 28, 2025. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar Approved (unanimous). - August 2025 Recess Approved: The commission voted unanimously to take a recess in August 2025, consistent with city council practice. - Implementation Plan Endorsed: The commission gave general consensus to proceed with the two-year Age-Friendly Implementation Plan, with recognition that adjustments may be needed. - Senior Resource Fair Staffing: A schedule was set for commissioners to staff the Senior Commission table at the annual Senior Resource Fair on June 24, 2025, from 10am to 1pm. - Upcoming Events: The Caregiver Appreciation and Resource Fair (Nov 6) and Senior Services Expo (Dec 4) were confirmed. - Future Agenda Items: Commissioners requested future presentations from the city’s emergency preparedness coordinator (Libby Bestman) and consideration of financial fraud prevention programming. - Next Meeting: The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 2025; no meeting in August 2025.

The Facilities & Transportation Committee met on June 18, 2025, from 4:08 PM to 5:30 PM, chaired by Mayor Gonzalez. Council Members Gonzalez and Boldt were present; Council Member Azevedo was absent. The committee received two informational presentations: an update on the Sonic Telecom fiber optic project and an update on the city's Vision Zero traffic safety efforts. No public comments were made. Discussion Items Sonic Telecom Updates - Senior Engineer Dane Rogers presented an update on the Sonic fiber optic deployment. Approximately 20,000 addresses (about 60% of the city) are now able to receive service. The project required evaluation of 3,200 poles, with about 10% structurally inadequate, necessitating temporary poles. - As of June 2025, 75 out of 80 temporary poles in Mornet C area have been removed; restoration is ongoing. Mornet A removals are expected by August 2025. Mornet B is awaiting clearance from PG&E, with an estimated five-month timeline. - Council Member Boldt expressed concerns about poor placement of temporary poles, prolonged duration (some in place since summer 2023), and the quality of restoration. She asked about pole inventory tracking, costs recovered for inspections, and disputes with PG&E over pole assessments. Staff agreed to follow up on whether any pole structural disagreements remain unresolved. Vision Zero Update - Public Works Director Sheila Marquises and Senior Engineer Nicole Kestalino presented the Vision Zero update. Since the policy's adoption in March 2022, the city has focused on reducing fatal and severe injury (KSI) collisions by targeting hotspots. - Data showed a significant decline: 51 KSI collisions with 28 pedestrian and 3 bike involved before Vision Zero (2018–2022) vs. 15 KSI collisions with 8 pedestrian and 0 bike involved after (2023–2025). For 2025, there is 1 fatality and 1 serious injury to date. - Project highlights included speed management on Best Avenue and Manor Boulevard, Class 4 bike lanes on Grand Avenue and Marina Boulevard, HAWK signals at Davis/Carpenter, and RRFBs at Lewelling and other locations. The city also adopted speed limit reductions on 30 street segments in 2024, with 26 segments reduced by 5 mph and 3 by 10 mph. - Council Member Boldt asked about the absolute numbers behind the collision factor percentages, the definition of KSI, the weighting of hotspot map circles, and the effectiveness of speed treatments over time. Staff clarified that while percentages changed, absolute numbers for DUI and vehicle right-of-way violations did not necessarily increase; severity is defined by life-altering injuries requiring long recovery. - Council Member Boldt praised specific projects (e.g., the new HAWK signal at Wicks/Manor scheduled to go live end of June) and urged celebration of successes. She also noted safety concerns about the Washington Avenue underpass and suggested leading pedestrian intervals be adopted more widely. Staff confirmed 125 data collections using traffic study cameras since March 2024. Key Outcomes - Presentations were received for information only; no formal votes were taken. - Staff was directed to provide follow-up information on: (1) absolute collision numbers versus percentages for the collision factor slide, (2) status of any unresolved pole structural disputes between Sonic and PG&E, (3) timeline for temporary pole removals in Mornet B, and (4) criteria for replacing damaged bike lane delineators on Davis Street. - Staff will also continue to explore leading pedestrian intervals at high-pedestrian locations and coordinate with ACTC on the East Bay Greenway funding and design.

Note: The agenda, minutes, and transcript all indicate the meeting occurred on Thursday, May 15, 2025, but the user instruction specifies the date as June 16, 2025. This summary uses the date provided in the instruction, acknowledging the discrepancy. This meeting of the San Leandro Senior Commission covered updates on the Age-Friendly Implementation Plan, the Cherry Festival, and the Special Needs Registry. Commissioners discussed budget cuts, new district-based elections, staff transitions, and volunteer opportunities. The meeting was called to order at 10:03 a.m. and adjourned at 12:05 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda of May 15, 2025 – Approved unanimously (8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 abstentions). - Approval of Minutes of April 17, 2025 – Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made in person or received via eComment before the meeting. Discussion Items - Age-Friendly Implementation Plan and Next Steps: Mike King (Pear Street Consulting) and Senior Commission Secretary Pedro Naranjo presented updates on the Age-Friendly Initiative, including the Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Training Program, recent Measure BB funding approvals, and draft organizational and communications plans. Commissioners provided feedback on the need for clear talking points, volunteer recruitment, and public presentations. The final versions of the plans will be shared at the June meeting. - Cherry Festival Updates and Discussion: Naranjo announced that due to high demand from outside organizations, multiple city departments will share a single table at the resource fair, so the Senior Commission is not needed for that component this year. Valerie Nicolas detailed parade logistics: decorating the shuttle on June 6, parade on June 7, theme “Through the Decades,” costumes encouraged, and giveaways (hand sanitizers, stress balls, candy, fans). Commissioners volunteered for decoration and parade walking. - Special Needs Registry Discussion: Commissioner Brennan raised privacy concerns about a registry, suggesting a door-hanger system (e.g., a third color) to indicate need for evacuation assistance without public identification. The group agreed to discuss the idea at the upcoming Chat with the Chief (May 28) and Disaster Preparedness workshop (June 11). The Police Department is developing a voluntary registry. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar – Approved unanimously. - Age-Friendly Plans – Feedback incorporated; final versions due at June meeting. - Cherry Festival – Commission support for resource fair not needed; parade participation confirmed with decorations, costumes, and giveaways. - Special Needs Registry – No formal action; topic to be raised with Police Department at upcoming events. - Meeting Adjourned – Motion by McHenry, second by Lopez Nacario, passed unanimously (8 ayes) at 12:05 p.m.

The San Leandro City Council held a special meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 10:08 PM. The council approved the consent calendar, adopted the Recreation and Parks Master Plan along with the Washington Manor Park Site-Specific Master Plan, and made key decisions on the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for fiscal years 2026–2027. Several council members recused themselves on specific project lists due to real property interests. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (6-0, Vice Mayor Bowen absent): - Resolution to authorize the City Manager to vote "Yes" on Alameda County Flood Control & Water Conservation District Zones 2 and 9 benefit assessment increase for city-owned parcels (Reso 2025-061). - Motion to accept the 2024-2025 Board and Commission Report of Attendance (Min Order 2025-013). - Minutes from the May 28, 2025 Rules Committee Meeting and June 2, 2025 Council Meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 4.a (Recreation and Parks Master Plan): No public comments were made. - Item 4.b (CIP and Mulford Marina Library): Approximately 13 people spoke, including 6 in-person and 6 via Zoom, plus Councilmember Boldt spoke as a resident. Speakers included union members (Drywall Lathers Local 9068, North Carpenters Union), the low bidder (Giant Construction), and Marina-area residents. - Most speakers urged the council not to reject all bids for the Mulford Marina Branch Library, citing community promises, union jobs, and the $4 million state grant. A few speakers noted the library's limited hours and design concerns. - No speakers addressed Project List C (Hesperian Bike Lane) or Project List B (Lewelling Bike Way) specifically. Discussion Items - 4.a: Recreation and Parks Master Plan & Washington Manor Park Site-Specific Master Plan - Presentation by Madison Merrill (WRT) and Punam Nakar (WRT) outlined the planning process, community engagement (over 1,000 surveys, three workshops with 50-60 attendees each, pop-up events). Key priorities: expanded amenities, trails, dog parks, pickleball, adult fitness, after-school programs, safety, shade, restrooms, and connectivity. - Washington Manor Park concept: new play area, plaza, dog park, one kept softball field (reducing from two), improved parking, and optional recreation building. Cost estimated at $13 million without the building, $18 million with it. - Council questions: coordination with East Bay Regional Park District and HARD, smoking enforcement, equitable registration for summer programs, softball field utilization, tree management (eucalyptus), pool expansion feasibility, and trail connections. Staff clarified that the plan is a blueprint; funding will be prioritized through an equity lens. - 4.b: Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Project Lists - Staff presented the draft 10-year CIP for FY 2026-2035, with a focus on the first two years' budget. Total available funding estimated at $29.5 million for FY 26-27. - Project List C (Hesperian Bike Lane Gap Closure): Design phase only, $820,000 total ($325,000 ACTC grant, $495,000 from general fund/gas tax). Approved 5-1 (Councilmember Azevedo recused). - Project List A (Mulford Marina Branch Library): Staff recommended rejecting all bids due to budget constraints (base bid $6.771 million, total project $10.6 million with alternates). After extensive discussion, council voted 5-1 (Councilmember Boldt recused) to direct staff to accept the lowest bidder (Giant Construction) and appropriate an additional $629,610 to cover contingency and project costs. The motion included only recommended additive alternates (monument sign lighting and standard curb/gutter/sidewalk), excluding the decorative children's ceiling ($70,000) and exterior trellis. Mayor González stressed fulfilling the community promise and called for on-time, under-budget delivery. - Project List B (Lewelling Boulevard Class IV Bike Ways): Design and construction, total $3.965 million ($2.204 million in grants, $1.761 million from general fund/Measure BB/gas tax). Approved 5-1 (Councilmember Simon recused). - Overall CIP Discussion: Staff summarized remaining unfunded projects and priorities: ADA transition plan, Neptune Drive levee, stormwater trash capture, sidewalk repair program, sewer main replacement, and traffic signal improvements. Council provided guidance, including support for starting sewer main replacements and completing the Neptune Drive levee. No final vote; adoption scheduled for July 7, 2025. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar approved. - Resolution 2025-062: Adopted the San Leandro Recreation and Parks Master Plan and Washington Manor Park Site-Specific Master Plan (6-0). - Resolution 2025-063: Approved Project List C (Hesperian Bike Lane Gap Closure) for CIP funding (5-1, Azevedo recused). - Resolution 2025-064: Approved Project List B (Lewelling Boulevard Class IV Bike Ways) for CIP funding (5-1, Simon recused). - Motion (5-1, Boldt recused): Directed staff to award the Mulford Marina Branch Library contract to the lowest responsible bidder and appropriate $629,610 for project costs, with a formal resolution to be brought back. The decorative ceiling and outdoor trellis alternates were not included. - Meeting extended to 10:15 PM to complete discussions. - Final CIP adoption scheduled for the July 7, 2025 City Council meeting.

Note on date discrepancy: The meeting minutes provided state the meeting occurred on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, while the user instruction specifies the meeting took place on June 11, 2025. This summary uses the June 11, 2025 date as instructed, but the discrepancy is noted. The Finance Committee, consisting of Mayor Gonzalez and Councilmember Aguilar (Councilmember Viveros-Walton excused), met to discuss a comprehensive update to the city's development impact fees. The main presentation was delivered by Assistant Community Development Director Avalon Schultz, who outlined a proposed restructuring of the park impact fee, considerations for a new public art program, and a fee waiver program for affordable housing and ADUs. The committee provided direction to staff to move forward with the park fee update and explore the public art program, while expressing the need for further study on fee waivers and inclusionary housing requirements. Discussion Items - Development Impact Fee Presentation (Item 25-256): - Assistant Community Development Director Avalon Schultz presented a detailed overview of the city's approach to updating development impact fees, emphasizing the balance between legally defensible fees and market feasibility. - The city hired consultants NDS (for nexus study) and BAE Economics (for market feasibility). BAE analyzed 10 development prototypes and found that only for-sale townhomes are currently feasible in San Leandro. Market-rate multifamily and affordable multifamily face significant feasibility challenges, while office, retail, hotel, and medical office developments also struggle. Industrial development is marginally feasible. - BAE recommended that total development impact fees not exceed 7–10% of total development costs; current fees are at 8–11%. The full legally defensible fees calculated by NDS would far exceed the market-feasible range. - Over the past 10 years, 793 units were constructed (largely ADUs and affordable projects), and the city collected approximately $9.2 million in park fees. - Staff recommended only revising the park impact fee at this time, not adding new fees for other facilities (library, fire, police, etc.), because market conditions are not supportive and because dividing fees into small, highly regulated pots would be less effective. - Proposed park fee structure: tiered by square footage rather than a flat unit fee, with a 75-25 split between park improvements and land acquisition. This would reduce fees for smaller units (e.g., studios) and slightly increase fees for larger townhome units. - A sample project of 500 mostly-studio units would see its park fee drop from $9 million (under current structure) to $2.5 million (under proposed structure). - Staff also proposed exploring a public art program with an in-lieu fee option, and a fee waiver program: 100% waiver for nonprofit affordable housing, 50% for for-profit affordable and inclusionary units, and waiver of fees for ADUs over 750 sq ft (currently $7,833 park fee + $854 DFSI fee per ADU). - Committee Discussion: - Councilmember Aguilar asked whether the current fees are hindering development or if market conditions are the primary barrier. Schultz responded that market conditions are the main cause, but the fee updates could help at the margins, especially for affordable projects. - Councilmember Aguilar expressed support for the public art program and the fee waiver program, but wanted to ensure the city demonstrates commitment to feasible development. - Mayor Gonzalez raised concerns about long-term parkland acquisition, noting that the city needs to plan for future density. He questioned the dramatic reduction in fees for the 500-unit project and emphasized that the city should not be overly clever with thresholds. - Mayor Gonzalez also questioned the impact of fee waivers, especially for affordable housing, because lower-income populations may use parks more intensively. He suggested that the state could cover those fees through grants. He also noted that ADU fees may not be a significant impediment, and that parking problems from ADUs should be considered. - Both committee members agreed that the city should provide more context on comparator cities and the full picture of development costs (including inclusionary housing requirements, labor costs, etc.) before making final decisions. - Councilmember Aguilar expressed concern about reducing the 15% inclusionary housing requirement, calling it a modern-day form of redlining. He wants to find a balance that encourages development while ensuring affordability. - Staff clarified that the inclusionary housing requirement will be studied separately with a consultant over the next biennium. Key Outcomes - The committee accepted the report and provided direction to staff. - Clear direction given: Proceed with updating the park impact fee as proposed (tiered structure, 75-25 split improvements vs. acquisition). - Clear direction given: Explore and develop a public art program with an in-lieu fee option, to be vetted by the appropriate commission. - No clear consensus on fee waivers: The committee was split on fee waivers for affordable housing and ADUs. Mayor Gonzalez expressed reservations, especially regarding park fee waivers for affordable housing. Councilmember Aguilar was more supportive. Staff will bring additional analysis and data to the full council. - Future action: The item will be forwarded to the full City Council for consideration. Staff will include additional comparator cities and a broader discussion of the overall development cost picture, including the upcoming study of the inclusionary housing ordinance. - No formal vote was taken; the committee provides recommendations to the City Council.

The meeting was called to order at 6:54 PM with five commissioners present (quorum). Key items included updates on the upcoming San Leandro Comedy Festival (June 20-21) and the Game of Shrooms event (June 14), a discussion of attendance requirements, and a budget amendment to reallocate $29,000 in remaining FY25 funds to the comedy festival. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the April 15, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously. Staff Reports - Library Services Report: Staff announced the San Leandro Comedy Festival, replacing the former Comedy in the Plaza. It will feature three shows: Friday June 20 at Ball Theater, Saturday June 21 at the library, and Saturday June 21 at 8:30 PM at 21st Amendment Brewery. All 15 comedians are local to the Bay Area. - Game of Shrooms: A community art hide-and-seek event on Saturday June 14. Participants can hide mushroom-themed art in the library before June 14 or on the grounds. Workshops on medicinal mushrooms will be held June 1 and June 8. The library will provide kid-friendly clues. - Attendance Policy: Staff read the requirement of 75% attendance and noted that some commissioners are below that threshold, including three consecutive absences. Emails will be sent to those commissioners. Discussion Items - FY25 Budget Amendment: The commission had $29,000.55 remaining in unencumbered funds after grants and other expenses. Due to the end of the fiscal year and no carryover allowed, staff recommended using the balance to support the comedy festival, increasing the commission's commitment from $5,000 to $34,000. The library director noted that the festival costs $39,000 total, with $15,000 already from library and recreation. The library faces budget cuts, so using these funds now allows the library to purchase other items. Commissioner Miller expressed concern about the commission being pigeonholed into funding only comedy and grants, but acknowledged the time constraints and supported the motion. A motion to amend the encumbrance to $34,000 was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. - Grants Committee Report: All grantees have accepted their awards. Staff provided feedback to unsuccessful applicants. Reasons for denial included lack of a specific project (requesting general operating funds), incomplete applications, and low community impact relative to cost. Key Outcomes - The commission approved a motion to amend the encumbrance for the comedy festival from $5,000 to $34,000, using the remaining FY25 budget balance. - The commission noted that all grant recipients have accepted and paperwork is being processed. - Staff will contact commissioners with attendance below 75% about potential removal. Public Comments - No public comments were made. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM. Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting date as May 20, 2025. The instruction provided a date of June 6, 2025, which appears to be a discrepancy. The actual meeting date is May 20, 2025.

The San Leandro City Council convened on June 4, 2025, at 7:06 PM for a regular meeting. The agenda included recognitions, consent calendar items, public hearings, and a detailed presentation of the proposed FY 2026-27 biennial budget. The meeting extended late into the evening to accommodate public comment and council deliberation on budget reductions and a potential revenue measure campaign. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved 7-0 with the exception of items 5B and 5C, which were pulled for discussion. - 5B (Consulting Agreement with Schaaf and Wheeler): Authorized $360,000 for professional design services for trash capture devices, with change order authority up to 10% individually and 25% cumulatively ($90,000). Councilmembers expressed concerns about the high contingency percentage. The item passed 5-2, with Councilmembers Bolt and Simon voting no. - 5C (Steven Taylor Sanctity of Life Pavilion Construction): Awarded a $361,087.88 contract to Raposo Engineering Inc., with an additional $140,678 appropriation from park development fees. The project scope was reduced from previous designs (removing labyrinth and landscape features) to align with budget. One bid was received. Passed 7-0 unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - On Pride Month: Owners of Coolfi ice cream shop accepted a proclamation and emphasized the importance of visibility and inclusion. - On Consent Calendar: Addy Kitchen (grandmother of Steven Taylor) and Derek Benson urged the pavilion project to move forward. Bob Bailey, chair of the CPRB, supported youth nominees for the Police Review Board. - On Non-Agenda Items: Multiple residents spoke about homeless encampments along Union Pacific Railroad tracks, safety concerns (fires, rock-throwing), and requested city action. Bob Bailey and Jackie Props urged reaffirmation of sanctuary city policies. Kika Villasenor (city employee, SLCEA VP) supported a potential structural deficit measure. Others criticized council spending and asked for more transparency. - On Public Hearing (District Elections): Melissa Wong (on behalf of Bob Glaze) expressed support for district-based voting but raised concerns about the cost of a special election. - On Budget: Residents called for maintaining library hours, senior services, and road repairs. One speaker urged restoring a budget task force. Another expressed fear that cuts would disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Discussion Items - Budget Presentation (FY 2026-27): Finance Director Nicole Gonzalez presented the proposed $48.6 million general fund budget for FY26 and $42.3 million for FY27, with a projected structural deficit. The budget includes $6.1 million use of fund balance in FY26 and $6.4 million in FY27. Reductions were made across all departments, primarily eliminating vacant positions. Key cuts include: reduction in library hours (eliminating Sunday and Monday evening hours), reduction in park maintenance, elimination of two tree trimmers, reduced paving crews, reduced fire plan check positions, and reduced funding for senior meal programs and domestic violence case management. The police department eliminated 1.6 million in services and supplies. The city’s reserve policy (20% of expenditures) is met in FY26 but not FY27 (15%). Staff requested direction on a $500,000 revenue measure campaign fund. - Council Discussion: Councilmembers generally supported the budget as presented, acknowledging the difficulty of reductions. Concerns were raised about road maintenance, library hours, senior services, and the impact on low-income residents. Councilmember Boldt suggested council members should also take cuts in compensation and travel. Councilmember Simon strongly advocated for funding the $500,000 revenue measure campaign, arguing that cuts alone are insufficient. Several members noted that many cuts were to vacant positions and that the budget maintains core services. The council did not reach a final decision on the $500,000 item but indicated general approval of the proposed budget. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved 7-0 except items 5B and 5C, which were voted on separately. - 5B: Passed 5-2 with dissent from Councilmembers Boldt and Simon. - 5C: Passed 7-0 unanimously. - Bud get Direction: The council expressed general support for the proposed FY 2026-27 biennial budget, with no major line-item changes. The $500,000 revenue measure campaign fund remains unresolved; staff will explore alternative funding sources (e.g., end-of-year savings, vacancy savings) and report back. - Future Meetings: A special city council meeting on June 9 will address the capital improvement plan. The budget adoption public hearing and vote are scheduled for June 16. - District Elections: The council will consider a ballot measure for district-based elections at a future meeting; the cost of a special election was noted as a potential offset for the revenue measure campaign.

The San Leandro City Council met on Monday, May 19, 2025 (with the meeting date specified as 2025-05-20 per the published agenda) at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included recognitions, consent calendar items, public hearings, and action items. Key decisions included approval of the vacation and sale of Eden Road, a zoning code update, office furniture replacement, adoption of a CalPERS cost-sharing amendment, adoption of new fire hazard severity zone maps, and the first reading of an ordinance to authorize a fourth retail cannabis dispensary permit to NUG Wellness. The council also heard public testimony on district-based elections, vacancies, and recruitment efforts. Recognitions - Proclamation for National Police Week (May 11-17, 2025): Mayor Gonzalez read the proclamation honoring police officers, including three San Leandro officers killed in the line of duty. Officers Q and Mahaney spoke about their service. The proclamation was presented. Consent Calendar - The council approved the consent calendar with the exception of items 5A, 5B, and 5C, which were pulled for separate discussion. The remaining items (5D, 5E, 5F, 5G, 5H, 5I) were approved unanimously (5-0-2, with Councilmembers Azevedo and Viveros Walton absent). Public Comments & Testimony - Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items (7): - Carol Cole expressed dissatisfaction with the city's budget engagement forums, noting multiple reschedulings and cancellations. - Lucas criticized meeting preparedness, late agenda postings, and the cost of office furniture ($7,700 per desk). - Christopher Bammer complained about the sale of Eden Road for $1, the city's lack of transparency, and the condition of the marina. - Douglas Balding reported issues with the ParkMobile app and parking meter payments, questioning the cost of the system. - Catherine Dialivo requested clarity on the city's financial exposure in the marina development (loan to Cal Coast). - Three students from Earth Team (Iris Liu, Karina Trin, Paloma Sanchez Cruz) presented data on air pollution in San Leandro, recommending no-idling zones, safe routes to school, tree planting, and real-time monitoring. - Public Comments on Specific Agenda Items: - 5A (Eden Road): Lucas questioned the lack of discount in the office furniture quote; Douglas Balding asked about the Bay Fair apartment project (497 units) and the Human Services Commission funding gap. - 5C (Office Furniture): Lucas and Ginny Madison noted the high prices; Lucas said he found comparable items for less. - 8A (District Elections): Lucas, Ginny Madison, and Douglas Balding criticized the use of outdated data (2017 gap analysis) and called for a demographer and more balanced districts. - 8B (Vacancies): Douglas Balding praised the city's retention efforts; Jeff Duritz noted a disconnect between hiring and proposed hiring freezes in the Finance Committee. - 10C (Fire Hazard Zones): Ginny Madison supported adopting the maps as they reflect current fire science. - 10D (Cannabis Dispensary): Multiple speakers spoke in opposition (Ed Hernandez, Michael Cole-Bruno, Michael Warda, Jim Scott, Lucas, Nara Dalbaca) citing lack of transparency, favoritism, potential monopoly, and the need for an RFP process. Supporters (Darius Bowden, Manny Gonzalez, John Orham) highlighted NUG's community involvement, job creation, and the vacant site generating no revenue. Public Hearings - 8a (District-Based Elections): The city clerk presented the draft map (current districts) and election sequence (2026: Mayor, Districts 1,3,5; 2028: Districts 2,4,6). Public comment called for updated demographic data and a more thorough remapping process. No council action taken; further input to be received at the June 2 meeting. - 8b (AB 2561 Vacancies): HR Director Emily Hung presented a report on vacancies (64.5 out of 439 budgeted FTEs, 23.5% vacancy in police officers). The public hearing was informational; no action required. Discussion Items - 5A – Eden Road Vacation and Sale: The council discussed the history of the unpaved road, the proposed sale to Alco Metals for $1, and the requirement for the buyer to pave and maintain the road at a PCI of 65 or higher. Councilmembers expressed a need for ironclad contractual remedies for non-compliance. The motion to approve passed 4-1-2 (Bolt recused, Azevedo and Walton absent). - 5B – Zoning Code Update: Staff explained the need for a comprehensive update ($157,000 to Miller Planning Associates) to implement the housing element and economic development strategy. The motion passed 5-0-2. - 5C – Community Development Office Furniture: Staff defended the $199,215 quote from Blaisdell's (a San Leandro company) for 26 workstations, noting a 75% discount off list price and a tariff charge. Councilmember Bolt expressed concerns about pricing and called for further negotiation. The motion passed 4-1-2 (Bolt voting no). - 10b – CalPERS Cost Sharing Amendment: Second reading of an ordinance to increase the cost share for unrepresented executive safety employees from 1.5% to 2%. The employee accepted via secret ballot. The amendment increases employee contributions, reducing city costs. Passed unanimously 5-0-2. - 10c – Fire Hazard Severity Zones: First reading of an ordinance to repeal the 2009 map and adopt the 2025 map, which removes the