ALBANY CITY COUNCIL – MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Monday, June 02, 2025
1 REGULAR MEETING: 7:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER / LAND ACKNO
WLEDGEMENT
Mayor López read the Albany Land Acknowledgement Statement as adopted by the City Council per City of Albany Minute Action, November 15, 2021.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Council Members Hansen- Romero, Jordan and Miki , Vice Mayor McQuaid, Mayor López
Absent: None
Mayor López remarked about recent incidents involving intolerance and violence.
3. REPORT ON ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION, IF ANY
4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
4-1. Proclamation – Migraine & Headache Awareness Month Council Member Jordan presented the proclamation to Faye Brehm, Patient Volunteer Advocate with Headache Alliance.
4-2. Proclamation – LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
Vice Mayor McQuaid presented the proclamation to Judy Kerr and family.
5. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Nicole Almaguer reported the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on June 3, 2025. On June 7, 2025, a fire drill is scheduled at Gateview Condominiums and will be followed by a community safety expo. Summer on Solano is June 14, 2025.
All slots for the Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Event have been filled. The City is hosting Fourth of July in the Park on July 4, 2025. The Planning Expo on May 20, 2025 was well attended. Tips for watering young trees are available on the City website (albanyca.gov).
6. GOOD OF THE CITY/PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor López opened the Good of the City.
A summary of public comment is as follows: inquiry on data from Flock license plate readers; a request for an update regarding a ban on the sale of tobacco products; comments regarding the City’s notification distance for development projects.
Council Member Jordan read an excer pt of a letter from a law firm regarding notice requirements for development projects.
Date approved: June 16, 2025•
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ALBANY CITY COUNCIL – MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Monday, June 02, 2025
2 City Manager Almaguer advised that the City does not share information from license plate readers for any immigration enforcement purposes. The Alameda County Public Health Department is compiling information about the sale of tobacco products.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
7-1. Minutes – May 19, 2025
Staff Recommendation: Approve
7-2. Ratification of Payroll – Date Paid 5/16/2025: Net Amount $460,966.42, Taxes, Benefits/Deductions $514,903.21, Total Payroll $975,869.63
Staff Recommen
dation: Ratify
7-3. Ratification of Bills, Claims and Demands - Ratification of bills, claims and demands against the City of Albany in the amount of $294,806.98 (5/16/2024), $228,327.50 (5/23/2024)
Staff Recommendation: Ratify
7-4. Authorizing Examination of City of Albany Sales or Transactions and Use Tax Records by Hinderliter de Llamas
Staff Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 202 5-28, authorizing Hinderliter de Llamas to examine sales or transactions and use tax records held by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) on behalf of Albany
7-5. Annual State Senate Bill 1/Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (SB1/RMRA) Project List Submittal for Funding b y the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017
Staff Recommendation: That the Council adopt Resolution No. 2025- 41, authorizing staff to submit for re-listing the following proposed project to be funded in-part or solely with Fiscal Year 2025- 26 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account revenues:
• Project Title: Marin Avenue Pavement Rehabilitation Project • Project Description: The project consists of rehabilitation of a main arterial street, including three -quarters of a mile of paving, curb ramps, bulbouts, drainage improvements, striping and signage improvements, bikeway improvements, and green infrastructure. This project has an updated Albany CIP project number for the Marin Avenue Pavement and Curb Ramp Rehabilitation Project (CIP No. 23004)
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ALBANY CITY COUNCIL – MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Monday, June 02, 2025
3 • Project Location: Marin Avenue between Cornell Avenue and Tulare Avenue (City Limits)
• Estimated Project Schedule: Phase 1 – Completed; Phase 2 – Construction estimated to start Fall 2025, estimated project completion Fall 2026 • Estimated Project Useful Life: approximately 30 years
7-6. Initiating Proceedings, Approval of Annual Reports, and Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments in Assessment District No. 1988 -1 for Fiscal Year 2025/26, and Setting a Public Hearing for June 16, 2025
Staff Recommendation: That the Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2025- 29, initiating proceedings for the Levy and Collection of assessments for the Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District 1988-1 for Fiscal Year 2025/26;
2. Adopt Resolution No. 2025- 30, approving the Annual Report for the Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1988- 1 for Fiscal Year 2025/26;
3. Adopt Resolution No. 2025- 31, a Resolution of Intention to levy and collect assessments for the Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1988- 1 for Fiscal Year 2025/26. Pursuant to the Landscaping & Lighting Act of 1972, set a public hearing for June 16, 2025 on the proposed assessment
7-7. 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report (APR)
Staff Recommendation: This is an information item only. No action is required.
7-8. Nominating and Submission of Three Priority Conservation Areas to the Association of Bay Area Governments
Staff Recommendation: That the Council adopt Resolution No. 2025- 32, nominating three priority conservation areas and authorizing submission of the nominations to the Association of Bay Area Governments
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
The proposed nomination is not a project subject to CEQA under Public Resources Code section 21065.
Mayor López asked if anyone wished to remove items from the consent calendar. Council Member Miki removed Item 7-8.
Item 7-8: Council Member Miki noted a Priority Conservation Area designation does not prevent the City from making land- use decisions about the property comprising the area.
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ALBANY CITY COUNCIL – MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Monday, June 02, 2025
4 MOTION:
Moved by Council Member Jordan, seconded by Vice Mayor McQuaid, to approve the consent calendar.
AYES: Council Members Hansen-Romero, Jordan and Miki, Vice Mayor McQuaid, Mayor López
NOES: None
Motion carried and so ordered.
8. PRESENTATION
8-1. Fiscal Year 2025-26 Contract with Alameda County for Additional Library Services
Staff Recommendation: That the Council:
1. Receive a presentation from the Alameda County Library regarding library services within the City of Albany; and
2. Adopt Resolution No. 2025- 33, authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the County of Alameda for additional library services for Fiscal Year 2025-26 in the amount of $725,440
Assistant City Manager Is abelle Leduc presented the staff report. The Albany Library is open 41 hours per week. The City contracts with Alameda County Library to provide 25.5 of the 41 hours. The proposed contract for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26 contains the same terms as the FY 2024/25 contract. The City levies two special parcel taxes to cover the cost of the contract. Due to reduced hours during the pandemic, the Library Operations Fund carries reserve funds, which may be used for improvements and updates.
Darshan Chattha, Alameda County Library Financial Services Officer, highlighted funding sources and County Library budget.
Blaine Wentworth, Albany Branch Library Manager, shared information regarding the various Albany Library programs.
A summary of Council comment is as follows: programs benefit residents of all ages , make the Library a civic space, and are diverse.
MOTION:
Moved by Vice Mayor McQuaid, seconded by Council Member Jordan, to adopt Resolution No. 2025-33, authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the County of Alameda for additional library services for Fiscal Year 2025- 26 in the amount of $725,440.
AYES: Council Members Hansen-Romero, Jordan and Miki, Vice Mayor McQuaid, Mayor López
NOES: None
Motion carried and so ordered.
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ALBANY CITY COUNCIL – MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Monday, June 02, 2025
5 9. PUBLIC HEARING
9-1. Amending the City of Albany Master Fee Schedule
Staff Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025- 34, amending the City of Albany Master Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2025/26
Finance Manager Cass ondra Murphy presented the staff report. The Master Fee Schedule is updated annually and is effective for the fiscal year. Fees are intended to recover some or all of the cost s of City services, programs, and facilities. Staff recommends an increase in some fees based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or department changes.
MOTION:
Moved by Council Member Jordan, seconded by Vice Mayor McQuaid, to adopt Resolution No. 2025- 34, amending the City of Albany Master Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2025/26.
AYES: Council Members Hansen-Romero, Jordan and Miki, Vice Mayor McQuaid, Mayor López
NOES: None
Motion carried and so ordered.
9-2. Proposed Biennial Budget for Fiscal years 2025/26 and 2026/27, AB 2561 Discussion on Status of Employee Vacancies and Recruitment and Retention Efforts, Tax Rate for the Pension Property Tax Override, Adjusting the Rates to be Applied to the Special Taxes and Fees Collected on the Annual Property Tax Bill, Setting the Appropr iations Limit, Appropriating Revenue Funds, and Adoption of Investment Policy
Staff Recommendation: That the City Council hold a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025/26 and Fiscal Year 2026/27 Operating Budget s and discussion on status of employee vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts and adopt the following Resolutions:
1. Resolution 2025-35, adopting the Two- Year City of Albany Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2025/26 and 2026/27;
2. Resolution 2025-36, adopting the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Tax Rate for the Pension Property Tax Override;
3. Resolution 2025-37, adjusting the Fiscal Year 2025/26 rates to be applied to City of Albany Special Taxes and Fees collected on the annual property tax bill;
4. Resolution 2025- 38, establishing the City of Albany Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025/26;
5. Resolution 2025- 39, appropriating Reserve Funds for smaller programmatic purchases in Fiscal Years 2025/26 and 2026/27;
6. Resolution 2025-40, adopting the City of Albany Investment Policy
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ALBANY CITY COUNCIL – MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Monday, June 02, 2025
6 Finance Director Reina Schwartz presented the staff report. After the Council reviewed the proposed budget on May 19, 2025, staff clarified definitions of Special Funds but made no material changes. The proposed budget recognizes limited growth in sales tax and slower growth in property tax, aligns salary and benefit costs with recent experience, maximizes the use of special purpose revenues, increases the annual required payment of the pension unfunded liability, and funds 118.3 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. The City currently has 8 vacant positions, three of which are unfunded and five of which are in the recruitment process. The proposed budget for FY 2025/26 is balanced.
A summary of Council comment is as follows: a request for future clarification of the City’s ability to fund capital improvements at the Library from the Library Operations Fund;
MOTION:
Moved by Vice Mayor McQuaid, seconded by Council Member Miki, to adopt:
1. Resolution 2025-35, adopting the Two-Year City of Albany Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2025/26 and 2026/27;
2. Resolution 2025- 36, adopting the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Tax Rate for the Pension Property Tax Override;
3. Resolution 2025-37, adjusting the Fiscal Years 2025/26 rates to be applied to City of Albany Special Taxes and Fees Collected on the annual property tax bill;
4. Resolution 2025- 38, establishing the City of Albany Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Years 2025/26;
5. Resolution 2025- 39, appropriating Reserve Funds for smaller programmatic purchases in Fiscal Years 2025/26 and 2026/27; and
6. Resolution 2025-40, adopting the City of Albany Investment Policy.
AYES: Council Members Hansen-Romero, Jordan and Miki, Vice Mayor McQuaid, Mayor López
NOES: None
Motion carried and so ordered.
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
11. NEW BUSINESS
12. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS, COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS ON
APPOINTED REPRESENTATION OF ALBANY, AND OTHER MEETINGS AND EVENTS
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 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
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ALBANY CITY COUNCIL – MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Monday, June 02, 2025
7 League of California Cities (East Bay) Miki López
Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District Jordan N/A
Alameda County Library Advisory Commission McQuaid López UC Gill Tract Community Farm Advisory Committee López N/A Police & Fire Pension Fund Board López McQuaid
Alameda County Paratransit Advisory & Planning Jeanne (Dede) Committee (PAPCO) Pansino N/A
Council Member Miki attended the Planning Expo and a League of California Cities Board of Directors meeting. The Board received a legislative update.
Vice Mayor McQuaid attended the Housing Authority of Alameda County’s (HACA) Budget and Negotiating Committee meeting, where she was elected to vice chair and the committee approved the operating budget. She also attended the Planning Expo, Albany High School Black G raduation, Jewish Parent Engagement Group’s Shabat, and the PRIDE gathering.
Council Member Jordan attended the Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) meeting, where they approved the FY 2026 Countywide Investment Plan.
Council Member Hansen- Romero attended a meeting of the Alameda County Waste Management Authority Board of Directors, where they received a legislative update and reviewed the Executive Director’s performance.
Mayor López spoke at the Albany Middle School Latin Graduation, Albany High School Latin Graduation, San Jose State College of Engineering Commencement, and Contra Costa College Commencement. In addition, he visited the Morgan Territory Preserve restoration site and worked with the Berkeley Historical Society to develop an ancestral profile for his great-grandmother.
13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
None.
14. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CITY MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Upcoming City Meetings
1. Housing Advisory Commission Meeting, Wednesday, June 4, 7:00 PM, City Hall Council Chambers
2. Arts Committee Meeting, Monday, June 9, 7:00 PM, City Hall Council Chambers
3. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting, Wednesday, June 11, 7:00 PM, City Hall Council Chambers
4. Parks, Recreation & Open Space Commission Meeting, Thursday, June 12, 7:00 PM, City Hall Council Chambers
5. City Council Meeting, Monday, June 16, 7:00 PM, City Hall Council Chambers •
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ALBANY CITY COUNCIL-MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Monday , June 02, 2025
15. ADJOURNMENT
9:12 PM There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Lopez adjourned the meeting.
Minutes submitted by Anne Hsu, City Clerk.
b Mayor
Attest:
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