Meeting
Albany City Council
City Hall Council Chambers
1000 San Pablo Ave., Albany, CA
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
AGENDA
(AMENDED)
Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 7:00 PM
https://albanyca.zoom.us/s/87852424530
PUBLIC MEETING GUIDELINES
Albany
City Council
meetings
are
conducted
in
person
at
City
Hall
Council
Chambers.
As
a
courtesy, and technology permitting, members of the public may continue to participate virtually. However, the City cannot guarantee that the public’s access to teleconferencing technology will
be
uninterrupted,
and
technical difficulties
may
occur
from
time
to
time. Unless required by the Brown Act, City Council meetings will continue despite technical difficulties for participants using the teleconferencing option.
1. CALL TO ORDER / LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
“The City of Albany recognizes that we occupy the land originally protected by the Confederated Villages of Lisjan. We acknowledge the genocide that took place on these lands and must make strides to repay the moral debt that is owed to this indigenous people, specifically the Ohlone Tribe. We thank them for their contributions which have transformed our community, and will continue to bring forth growth and unity. The City of Albany commits to sustaining ongoing relationships with the Tribe and together build a better future for all that now make this their home.”
2. ROLL CALL
3. REPORT ON ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION, IF ANY
No public comment will be taken.
4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
5. CITY MANAGER REPORT
The City Manager provides verbal and/or written reports regarding matters of interest to the Council.
Information available on
City website weekly eNews
–
https://www.albanyca.org/our-city/city-news
.
6. GOOD OF THE CITY / PUBLIC COMMENT
For persons desiring to address the City Council on an item that is not on the agenda. Please note that City policy limits each speaker up to three (3) minutes. The Mayor may reduce the time limit per speaker depending on the number of speakers. The Brown Act limits the Council’s ability to take and/or discuss items that are not on the agenda; therefore, such items may be referred to staff for comment or to a future agenda.
Comments related to items appearing on the agenda are taken up at the time the City Council deliberates each action item. The Mayor will announce when the period for public comment is open on each agenda item. 6 Public Comment - Updated 2025.01.21 1530
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar items are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. By approval of the Consent Calendar, the staff recommendations will be adopted unless otherwise modified by the City Council. There will be no separate discussion on these items unless a Council Member or a member of the audience requests removal of the items from the Consent Calendar. 7‑1.
Minutes – December 9, 2024 & December 16, 2024
Staff Recommendation: Approve
7-1 CC2024-12-09 Minutes DRAFT
7-1 CC2024-12-16 Minutes DRAFT
7‑2.
Ratification of Payroll –
Date Paid 12/13/2024: Net Amount $505,042.19, Taxes/Benefits/Deductions $516,275.11, Total Payroll $1,021,317.30 Date Paid 12/27/2024: Net Amount $652,172.54, Taxes/Benefits/Deductions $593,431.25, Total Payroll $1,245,603.79 Date Paid 1/10/2025: Net Amount $445,045.68, Taxes/Benefits/Deductions $490,891.93, Total Payroll $935,937.61 Staff Recommendation: Ratify
7‑3.
Ratification of Bills, Claims and Demands – Ratification of bills, claims and demands against the City of Albany in the amount of $475,305.30 (12/13/2024), $353,549.71 (12/20/2024), $132,929.79 (1/3/2025), $165,565.27 (1/10/2025) Staff Recommendation: Ratify
7-3 20241213 Council pkt REDACTED SIGNED
7-3 20241220 Council pkt REDACTED SIGNED
7-3 20250103 Council pkt REDACTED SIGNED
7-3 20250110 Council pkt REDACTED SIGNED
7‑4.
Advisory Body Appointments:
Deirdre Greene appointed by Vice Mayor McQuaid to the Arts Committee Dexter Johnson appointed by Council Member Jordan to the Arts Committee Troy Hodges appointed by Council Member Jordan to the Climate Action Committee Eric Larson appointed by Mayor López to the Climate Action Committee Dan Lieberman appointed by Vice Mayor McQuaid to the Climate Action Committee Julia Chang Frank appointed by Council Member Miki to the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Commission Bryan Marten appointed by Mayor López to the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Commission Hillary Sardinas appointed by Vice Mayor McQuaid to the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Commission Judy Kerr appointed by Vice Mayor McQuaid to the Transportation Commission Ken McCroskey appointed by Mayor López to the Transportation Commission Staff Recommendation: Information item
7‑5.
Advisory Body Appointments for City Council Ratification:
Madison Guan recommended for appointment to the high school student seat of the Arts Committee by Council Member Jordan Davia Rose-Sheeres recommended for appointment to the high school student seat of the Climate Action Committee by Council Member Jordan Katy Vigil-McClanahan recommended for appointment to the adult affiliated with students seat of the Climate Action Committee by Council Member Jordan Ian MacLeod recommended for appointment to the Planning & Zoning Commission by Council Member Jordan Mohhamad Momin recommended for appointment to the Planning & Zoning Commission by Council Member Miki Alene Pearson recommended for appointment to the Planning & Zoning Commission by Vice Mayor McQuaid Nick Pilch recommended for appointment to the Planning & Zoning Commission by Mayor López Julian Baldwin recommended for appointment to the high school student seat of the Transportation Commission by Council Member Jordan Sarah Zyba recommended for appointment to the adult affiliated with students seat of the Transportation Commission by Vice Mayor McQuaid Council Members Recommendation: Ratify
7‑6.
Authorization to Submit Application to the Caltrans Fiscal Year 2025-26 Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program for the Adams Street – Carlson Boulevard Connection Project Transportation Commission Recommendation: That the Council authorize the City Manager to submit a grant application for the Adams Street – Carlson Boulevard Connection Project to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program Staff Recommendation: That the Council adopt Resolution 2025-01, authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application for the Adams Street – Carlson Boulevard Connection Project to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program, enter into a funding agreement with Caltrans upon award of grant, and authorize grant funds awarded for expenditure on the project
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
The proposed project, an alternatives analysis of the Pierce-Cleveland Bikeway Connection, is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15262 “Feasibility and Planning Studies” of the CEQA Guidelines, which exempts projects involving only feasibility or planning studies for possible future actions. 7-6 _CCSR-Adams Carlson Connection Caltrans Grant
7-6 Att 1 - Reso 2025-01 Caltrans Planning Grant
7-7 Public Comment - Updated 2025.01.21 1530
7‑7.
Annual Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program (CIP No. 22000)
Award of 2025 Citywide Sidewalk Survey (Contract No. C25-03) Staff Recommendation: That Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-02:
Authorizing the City Manager to award Contract No. C25-03 to Beneficial Designs for the Project in the not-to-exceed amount of $127,846; and Appropriating $230,000 from the Sidewalk Parcel Tax Fund (1305) and adjusting the Program budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. 7-7 _CCSR - 2025 Sidewalk Survey Award
7-7 Att1_Reso 2025-02
7-7 Att2_C25-03 Beneficial Designs
8. PRESENTATION
9. PUBLIC HEARING
9‑1.
Amendments to Albany Municipal Code Chapter 20 Sections 20.08.020 and 20.24.130 to establish standards for accessory structures – First Reading Planning & Zoning Commission and Staff Recommendation: That the Council introduce and waive the first reading of Ordinance No. 2025-01, repealing and replacing Subsection 20.24.130 “Accessory Building” of the Albany Municipal Code and amending Subsection 20.08.020 to define and clarify regulations for accessory structures
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
Consideration of the Ordinance is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because the scope of this ordinance is limited to clarifying development standards for accessory structures. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the adoption of the ordinance amendments may have a significant effect on the environment, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15183 (consistent with a Community Plan, the General Plan and Zoning). 9-1 _CCSR_Accessory Structure Ordinance Amendments
9-1 ATT 1_Ord 2025-01
9-1 ATT 2_Exhibit A to Ordinance 2025-01_AMC 20.24.130
9-1 ATT 3_Exhibit B to Ordinance 2025-01_AMC 20.08
9-1 ATT 4_AMC 20.24
9‑2.
Amendments to Albany Municipal Code Chapter 20 Sections 20.24.180, 20.24.060, 20.24.110, and 20.36.020 regarding setbacks and standards for mechanical equipment and related provisions – First Reading Planning & Zoning Commission and Staff Recommendation: That the Council introduce and waive the first reading of Ordinance No. 2025-02, repealing and replacing subsection 20.24.180 (“Mechanical Equipment, Residential”) and amending subsections 20.24.060 (“Setback Areas, Encroachments”), 20.24.110 (“Fences, Landscaping, Screening”), and 20.36.020 (“Standards”) regarding setbacks and standards for mechanical equipment and related provisions
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
Consideration of the ordinance is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines because the scope of this ordinance is limited to reducing barriers to building electrification to further the City’s efforts to reach its climate action and adaptation goals, and it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the adoption of the ordinance amendments may have a significant effect on the environment, and pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15183 (consistent with a Community Plan, the General Plan and Zoning). 9-2 _CCSR_Mechanical Equipment Amendments
9-2 ATT 1_Ord 2025-02
9-2 ATT 2_Exhibit A_AMC 20.24.180
9-2 ATT 3_Exhibit B_AMC 20.24
9-2 ATT 4_Exhibit C_AMC 20.36
9-2 ATT 5_Exhibit D_AMC 20.24
9-2 ATT 6_AMC 20.24
9-2 Public Comment - Updated 2025.01.21 1530
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
10‑1.
Council Member Appointees to the Audit & Fiscal Sustainability City Council Committee Staff Recommendation: That the Council appoint two members of the City Council to the Audit & Fiscal Sustainability City Council Standing Committee 10-1 _CCSR Audit & Fiscal Sustainability Members
10-1 Public Comment - Updated 2025.01.23 0900
11. NEW BUSINESS
11‑1.
Reconsider Public Engagement Structure Established for Housing Element Policy Implementation Staff Recommendation: That the Council reevaluate the current public engagement structure established for housing policy implementation to either:
Continue forward with the Housing Advisory Commission with meetings commencing once all seats of the required composition are filled; or Adopt Resolution No. 2025-03, dissolving the Housing Advisory Commission (HAC) and provide direction to staff on alternative formats to receive input on Housing Element Implementation related to Tenant Protections. If Council elects this option, the following agenda item (11-2) is preempted 11-1 _CCSR_Housing Policy Implementation Alternatives
11-1 ATT1 Reso 2025-03
11-1 Public Comment - Updated 2025.01.23 0900
11‑2.
Advisory Body Appointments for Ratification to the Housing Advisory Commission – City Council as a Whole and Tenant Seats Peter Maass recommended for appointment to the City Council as a Whole seat by Vice Mayor McQuaid Margie Marks recommended for appointment to the City Council as a Whole seat by Vice Mayor McQuaid Aaron Tiedemann recommended for appointment to the City Council as a Whole seat by Council Member Jordan Rossana Ramirez recommended for apointment to the affiliate of a local educational institution seat by Vice Mayor McQuaid Noel Cantu recommended for appointment to the tenant seat by Vice Mayor McQuaid Aaron Tiedemann recommended for appointment to the tenant seat by Council Member Jordan Staff Recommendation: That the Council:
Ratify the appointment of Rossana Ramirez to the affiliate of a local educational institution seat of the Housing Advisory Commission; and Select a recommended applicant for the City Council as a Whole and tenant seats and ratify for appointment to the Housing Advisory Commission 11-2 _CCSR- HAC Appointments
11‑3.
Establishing a Council Standing Committee on Social Equity Vice Mayor McQuaid Recommendation: That the Council sunset the RISE Commission and direct staff to prepare a Resolution to establish a Council standing committee on social equity 11-2 _McQuaid Memo-Standing Committee on Equity
11-3 Public Comment - Updated 2025.01.23 0900
12. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS, COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS ON APPOINTED REPRESENTATION OF ALBANY, AND OTHER MEETINGS AND EVENTS Council Subcommittees report, if they have met, and reports on any local, state or regional government meetings at which they have represented the City of Albany. Council members may provide reports on any meetings and/or community events and activities they have attended or plan to attend that they believe may be of interest to the Council, staff, or public. The Mayor may invite community members who represent Albany at such meetings to report as well.
A written report of meetings attended provided to staff is encouraged in advance of the posting of the Council agenda to include with the agenda materials. The Council shall have the authority to take action regarding any agendized written recommendations provided under this agenda category as needed.
City Council Appointed Representation Bodies
Appointee
Alternate
Alameda County Mayors’ Conference
López
McQuaid
Alameda County Transportation Commission
Jordan
Miki
Alameda County Waste Management Authority
Hansen-Romero
Jordan
Association of Bay Area Government: General Assembly
López
Jordan
Ava Community Energy JPA Board
López
Jordan
East Bay Sports Field Recreational Authority JPA
Hansen-Romero
Miki
Housing Authority of Alameda County
McQuaid
N/A
League of California Cities (East Bay)
Miki
López
Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District
Jordan
N/A
Alameda County Library Advisory Commission
López
McQuaid
UC Gill Tract Community Farm Advisory Committee
López
N/A
Police & Fire Pension Fund Board
López
McQuaid
Alameda County Paratransit Advisory & Planning Committee (PAPCO) (vacant)
N/A
13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Council Members and City Manager note upcoming agenda items that may be of interest to the Council, staff, or public. Council Members may request that items be placed on a future agenda.
14. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CITY MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Information available on City website
https://www.albanyca.org/our-city/city-calendar
City Calendar web page and
City eNews: https://www.albanyca.org/our-city/city-news . No public comment will be taken.
Upcoming City Meetings
1. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting, Wednesday, January 22, 7:00 PM, City Hall Council Chambers
2. Transportation Commission Meeting, Thursday, January 23, 7:00 PM, City Hall Council Chambers
3. Police & Fire Pension Board Meeting, Tuesday, January 28, 3:00 PM, City Hall Council Chambers
4. City Council Meeting, Monday, February 3, 7:00 PM, City Hall Council Chambers
15. ADJOURNMENT
Per City Council Resolution No. 2021-13, no Council meeting shall continue past 10:30 p.m. unless a two-thirds majority of the Council votes to extend the meeting to discuss specified items; and any motion to extend the meeting beyond 10:30 p.m. shall include a list of specific agenda items to be covered. Any items not completed at a regularly scheduled Council meeting shall be continued to the next regular meeting or by a two-thirds majority vote of the Council to an adjourned regular meeting.
The Council agenda is posted for public inspection in advance of meetings at the City Hall, the Albany Community Center, and the Albany Senior Center. Agendas and supporting documents can also be found online at:
www.albanyca.org.
Supporting documents and any public comments received will be made available for public inspection online or via email request. If you have any questions pertaining to any agenda item or meeting procedure, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 1 (510) 528-5710 or [email protected]
.
Please note that if you provide your name and address when speaking before the City Council or submitted as part of your written public comment, the information will become part of the official public record, which will be posted online and subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act.
NOTICE
Pursuant to Government Code Section 65009, if you challenge a decision of the City Council in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at a public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.
The decision of the City Council is final as of the date of its decision unless judicial review is initiated pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.5. Any such petition for judicial review is subject to the provisions of California Code of Civil Procedure 1094.6.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and State Law, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administration Office 1 (510) 528-5710. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting where possible will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting (28 CFR 35.102.104 ADA Title II)”. Upon request, we will provide written agenda materials in appropriate alternate formats, of disability related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in public meetings. Please deliver a written request, including your name, mailing address, phone number and brief description of the requested materials and preferred alternative format or auxiliary aid or service at least two (2) days before the meeting where possible. Request should be sent to:
[email protected]
or City Clerk, 1000 San Pablo Avenue, Albany, CA 94706.
How to watch or listen to the meeting:
1. Meetings are available to watch, listen, or participate virtually via Zoom webinar.
Register for the meeting:
https://albanyca.zoom.us/s/87852424530
.
T
o
join
by
phone
via
Zoom,
please
call
at
the
noticed
meeting
time
1 (669) 900-9128.
Webinar ID 878 5242 4530. Participant ID
“
#”.
2. Meetings
are
also
streamed
live
on
City
website
www.albanyca.org/meetings
or
on
YouTube
(
www.YouTube.com/AlbanyKALB
).
Recording
of
the
meetings
are
usually
available for viewing 24 hours after the meeting.
3. Mee
tings
are
broadcast
live
and
rebroadcast
on
local
TV
–
Albany
KALB
Channel.
How to submit Public Comment:
1. Members of the public may attend City Council meetings in person at City Hall Council Chambers and request to speak during public comment period.
2. Members of the public may submit comments in writing by emailing the City Council [email protected]
with the agenda item number clearly identified in the subject line of the email. Comments may also be submitted by mail to City of Albany – Meeting Comments, 1000 San Pablo Avenue, Albany, CA 94706. All written comments received by 5 PM on the day of the meeting will be provided to the City Council before the meeting and posted on the website. Other written comments received after 5 PM will still be provided to the City Council and be included as part of the meeting record.
3. To comment by video conference, click the “Raise Your Hand” button to request to speak when public comment is being taken. You will be asked to unmute yourself when it is your turn to make your comment. After the allotted time, you will then be re-muted.
4. To comment by phone, you will “Raise Your Hand” by pressing *9
to request to speak when public comment is being taken. You will be asked to unmute yourself by pressing *6
when it is your turn to make your comment. You will be re-muted after the allotted time.