8 Date Approved: September 22, 2026
ALBANY CITY COUNCIL- MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
REGULAR MEETING: 7:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER/ LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Council Member Miki 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 Jordan, Lopez, and Miki, Vice Mayor Hansen-Romero (arrived at 7:08 PM), Mayor McQuaid
Absent: None
Mayor McQuaid read a statement regarding the anniversary of 9/11.
3. REPORT ON ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION, IF ANY
4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
4-1. Proclamation in Recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Council Member Jordan read the proclamation
4-2. Proclamation in Recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Council Member Miki read the proclamation.
5. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Nicole Almaguer provided a report on recent and upcoming projects, events, and programs.
6. GOOD OF THE CITY/ PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor McQuaid opened the Good of the City.
A summary of public comment is as follows: remembrance of September 11, 2001; inquiries on resilience hub and a policy for the use of artificial intelligence (Al); announcement of Albany Library and Albany Seniors events and a candidate forum; support for zero NOx (nitrogen oxides) rules.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
7-1. Minutes - July 20, 2026
Staff Recommendation: Approve
7-2. Ratification of Payroll
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ALBANY CITY COUNCIL- MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
• Date Paid 7/24/2026: Net Amount $500,669.90, Taxes/Benefits/Deductions $550,780.93, Total Payroll $1 ,051 ,450.83
• Date Paid 8/7/2026: Net Amount $507,528.67, Taxes/Benefits/Deductions $552,301 .07, Total Payroll $1 ,059,829.74
• Date Paid 8/21/2026: Net Amount $506,384.55, Taxes/Benefits/Deductions $549,720.61 , Total Payroll $1,056,105.16
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:
• $1,275,696.45 (7/17/2026)
• $166,692.11 (7/24/2026)
• $343,495.15 (7/31/2026)
• $282,039.71 (8/7/2026)
• $174,103.42 (8/14/2026)
• $246,360.52 (8/21/2026)
• $1,160,482.55 (8/28/2026)
Staff Recommendation: Ratify
7-4. Advisory Body Appointment for City Council Ratification • Jasmine Liu recommended by Mayor McQuaid and Council Member Jordan to the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Commission
• Aiden Chan recommended by Mayor McQuaid and Council Member Jordan to the Transportation Commission
Mayor McQuaid & Council Member Jordan Recommendation: Ratify 7-5. Letter of Opposition - Proposed Changes to the Federal Communications Commission's E-Rate Program
7-6. Letter of Support -Assembly Bill (AB) 1761
Council Member Lopez Recommendation: That the Council note and file the letter as submitted
7-7. Temporary Street Closure for the Holiday Market Event Hosted by Picnic, and Request for Waiver of Permit Fees for the Event
Staff Recommendation: That the Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-65:
1. Authorizing the closure of a portion of the 1000 block of Solano Avenue for the Holiday Market Event for a period of three years;
2. Waiving the encroachment permit fees for the event;
3. Approving the City to absorb the cost of obtaining a contractor for traffic management, which is estimated to be $4,300 per year
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7-8.
ALBANY CITY COUNCIL- MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Amendment #1 to Contract No. C25-39 with Association for Energy Affordability, Inc. for the Gas Line Decommissioning Pilot Project
Staff Recommendation: That the Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-66, authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment #1 to Contract No. C25-39 with Association for Energy Affordability, Inc. for the gas line decommissioning pilot project
7-9. Acceptance of Grant Funds from the California Protection Council's Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaption Planning Grant Program and Enter into a Contract with the Association of Bay Area Governments and the San Francisco Bay Partnership Staff Recommendation: That the Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-67, authorizing the City Manager to accept the California Ocean Protection Council's Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program funding in the amount of $207,955, and execute a contract and any amendments, extensions, or change orders with the Association of Bay Area Governments/San Francisco Estuary Partnership, for the East Bay Crescent Sub-Regional Vulnerability Assessment and Shoreline Adaptation Planning for the duration of March 1, 2026 through December 23, 2028
7-10. Fiscal Year 2026-27 Community Development Block Grant Project Agreement with Alameda County
Staff Recommendation: That the Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-68:
1. Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Alameda County for the use of Fiscal Year (FY 2026-27 Community Development Block Grant funds in the amount of $110,883 and authorizing the appropriation of said funds to be reimbursed to the City for expenditures incurred; and
2. Appropriating FY2024-25, FY2025-26, and FY2026-27 Community Development Block Grant fund apportionments for American Disability Act Curb Ramp Improvements to the Upper Solano Curb Ramps Project (CIP No. 24014) in the total amount of $88,036 from Fund 1405; and
3. Reducing previous appropriations from Fund 1405 of FY2024-25 & FY2025-26 fund apportionments for American Disability Act Curb Ramp Improvements in the amount of $59,357 from the Annual Street Rehabilitation Program (CIP No. 21000)
7-11. Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding Between Alameda County Transportation Commission and City Attorney for the Jackson Street Parallel Bike Improvements (CIP 25015)
Staff Recommendation: That the Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-69:
1. Authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the January 12, 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between Alameda County 3 8 , .
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ALBANY CITY COUNCIL- MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Transportation Commission and the City Attorney extending the agreement through the construction phase of the Jackson Street Parallel Bike Improvements Project (CIP 25015); and
2. Appropriating $500,000 in Alameda County Transportation Commission Measure Bb Discretionary Grant funds to the Jackson Street Parallel Bike Improvement Project (CIP 25015) and updating the project budget accordingly
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE / CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
ACT (CEQA)
Caltrans completed environmental review of the project and determined on February 12, 2026 that the project is categorically excluded from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). City staff filed notice of exemption of the project from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) on April 24, 2026, completing the environmental phase of the project.
7-12. Public Works Annual Maintenance Contract Management Karla's Janitorial Services, Contract No. C18-62 •
Staff Recommendation: That the Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-70, authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment #12 to Contract No. C18-62 with Karla's Janitorial Services, extending the contract for an additional year, and increasing the contract amount by $236,745.06, using funds appropriated as part of the Public Works Operating Budget
7-13. Annual Sewer Rehabilitation Program (CIP No. 32000), Annual Storm Drain Rehabilitation Program (CIP No. 35000) -Award of 2026 Sanitary Sewer & Storm Drain Rehabilitation Project Construction Contract (C26-21) and Construction Management Services (C26-37)
Staff Recommendation: That the Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-71 , authorizing the City Manager to:
1. Execute Contract No. C26-21 to APB for construction of the Project in the notto-exceed amount of $1 ,399,888; and
2. Execute Contract No. C26-37 to loon for project construction management services in the not-to-exceed amount of $278,500
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE / CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
ACT (CEQA)
The project is Categorically Exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15301 "Existing Facilities" of the CEQA Guidelines, which exempts the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing sewer with negligible expansion of use.
7-14. Annual Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program (CIP No. 22000) - Award of Phase 12 Construction Contract (C26-25) and Construction Management Services (C25-21 CA1)
4 ALBANY CITY COUNCIL- MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Tuesday, Septembers, 2026
Staff Recommendation: That the Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-72, authorizing the City Manager to:
1. Award Contract No. C26-25 to Spektren for construction of the Project in the not-to-exceed amount of $164,233.00; and
2. Execute Contract Amendment #1 to Zoon for project construction management services in the not-to-exceed amount of $20,380.85
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE / CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
ACT (CEQA)
This Project is categorically exempt from CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 "Existing Facilities" of the CEQA Guidelines, which exempts the repair, maintenance and minor alteration of streets, sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and street trees.
7-15. Annual Sewer Rehabilitation Program (CIP No. 32000), Speed Tables Project (CIP No. 25022) - Authorization to Execute Contract No. C23-17 Contract Change Orders #4 (Additional Paving) and #5 (Speed Tables) and Update Funding Appropriations
Staff Recommendation: That the Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-73:
1. Authorizing the City Manager to execute Contract Change Order #4 to Contract No. C23-17 with Bay Pacific Pipelines in the not-to-exceed amount of $82,950.00; and
2. Authorizing the City Manager to execute Contract Change Order #5 to Contract No. C23-17 with Bay Pacific Pipelines in the not-to-exceed amount of $147,616.56; and
3. Appropriating $170,000 in Vehicle Registration Fee (Fund 1104) funds to Capital Improvement Project No. 25022, reducing appropriations in the amount of $100,000 in Transportation Development Act Article 3 (Fund 1107) funds from Capital Improvement Project No. 25022, and adjusting the budget for the Speed Tables - 2024 List Project (CIP No. 25022) accordingly
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE / CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
ACT (CEQA)
These Contract Change Orders are categorically exempt from CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 "Existing Facilities" of the CEQA Guidelines, which exempts the repair, maintenance, and minor alteration of streets, sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and street trees Mayor McQuaid asked if anyone wishes to remove items from the consent calendar.
Council Member Lopez removed Item 7-6. Members of the public removed Items 7-8 and 7-9.
Item 7-6: Council Member Lopez expressed support for Assembly Bill (AB) 1761. 5 8 ALBANY CITY COUNCIL- MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
A summary of public comment is as follows: inquiries regarding the gas line decommissioning pilot project and the sea level rise adaptation grant.
Sustainability Program Manager Michelle Plouse reported the City is receiving gr~nt funds for the pilot project. Staff have narrowed the. pilot project to one block, and Association for Energy Affordability, Inc., is beginning electrification assessments and providing technical assistance.
Community Development Director Dina Tassini advised that the Sea Level Rise Adaption Planning Grant Program will involve community outreach, coordination with community organizations, and data. A scope of work for the program has been submitted for approval.
MOTION:
Moved by Council Member Jordan, seconded by Vice Mayor Hansen-Romero, to approve the consent calendar.
AYES: Council Members Jordan, Lopez, and Miki, Vice Mayor Hansen-Romero, Mayor McQuaid
NOES: None
Motion carried and so ordered.
8. PRESENTATION
8-1. AC Transit Budget & Service Update
AC Transit Board Member Harpreet Sandhu, AC Transit Chief External Affairs Officer Claudia Burgos, and AC Transit Transportation Planner Carissa Lee collaboratively presented the budget and service update for AC Transit including ridership data, investments in the community, accountability measures, cost increases and savings, projected budget deficits, the Regional Transit Bridge Loan, planned service reductions and preservation of the primary route network, and November 2026 ballot measure.
A summary of Council comment is as follows: support for staff's recommendation for Lines 72 and 72R.
8-2. Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Key Performance Indicator Update Staff Recommendation: That the Council receive a presentation on implementation status of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and associated Key Performance Indicators
Sustainability Program Manager Michelle Plouse presented the staff report. As of 2024, the overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions has exceeded goals. Natural gas emissions decreased 14% in 2024 alone. In 2025, 82% of heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) permits and 59% of water heater permits were for heat pumps, and battery storage installations doubled. County-wide data suggests the number of vehicle miles 6 8 ALBANY CITY COUNCIL- MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
traveled (VMT) was flat in 2024 and 2025, likely due to decreases in public transit services. The number of electric vehicles continues to grow, and the number of vehicles per person continues to decline. Waste to the landfill has steadily declined since 2019 with a record low of 1.1 pounds of waste per person per day in 2025. Many of the significant actions listed in the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) have been accomplished or are in progress.
A summary of public comment is as follows: support for moving up the end date, more electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, balcony solar, new mandates, and compliance with reporting requirements.
9. PUBLIC HEARING
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
10-1. Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Program - Request for Proposals Results and Recommendation to Award Contract
Staff Recommendation: That the Council:
1. Receive a presentation on the Automated License Plate Reader Request for Proposals results; and
2. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-74, authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Motorola Solutions for the fixed Automated License Plate Reader camera system, for a total cost not to exceed $318,879.75 over a fiveyear term Police Chief Greg Galliano presented the staff report. On May 18, 2026, the City Council directed staff to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to determine the best vendor for an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) camera system. Staff utilized the State's strict requirements for ALPRs as the minimum requirements in the RFP. The City's high standards and public comments and concerns contributed to additional restrictions on the use of ALPR technology. Agencies that are granted access to Albany's data will be limited to those in the geographic priority zone and those that provide public transparency, and agencies' access must add to the effectiveness of the program. Periodic updates including an annual report of the program's use will be provided to the City Council Public Safety Committee.
Lieutenant Justin Kurland advised that the City's contract with Flock Safety provides 34 fixed cameras at 34 locations and expires on September 11, 2026. The City received six proposals, and each was evaluated for cost, transparency, governance, and effectiveness. Motorola Solutions' proposal received the highest overall score. Staff and the City Attorney negotiated a contract with Motorola that gives the City ownership of the cameras after the initial 5-year term, the ability to cancel the contract for any reason with a 30-day notice to Motorola, performance expectations, accountability measures, and data protection requirements.
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ALBANY CITY COUNCIL- MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
To search ALPR data, Albany Police Department (APO) personnel and authorized agencies must input a case/report number, an authorized purpose, and an authorized reason before the search can be run. A search will not show passengers in the vehicle or any personal information. A search will show the license plate, the alert for the vehicle, the location of the camera, and any specific identifying details of the vehicle. APO policy prohibits officers from stopping a vehicle based solely on the vehicle appearing in a search. Motorola's public transparency portal will provide the current information plus searches by APO personnel and authorized agencies. The system will be configured with user permissions, retention limits, data-sharing controls and other safeguards designed to comply with City policies and legal requirements. Audits and reports will provide system activity so that unusual, unauthorized or noncompliant use can be identified, access can be removed or restricted, and corrective action taken.
Staff seeks to modernize the Parking Control Program by implementing ALPRs, which will improve staff safety and efficiency, quickly identify potential parking violations, allow the use of electric vehicles, and align with best practices. Clancy's proposal received the highest overall score for parking control ALPRs. Because parking operations and technology are different for each jurisdiction, the City's use of Clancy's system will be a pilot project subject to ongoing evaluation. If the system does not meet City needs, staff will implement and evaluate the next qualified vendor's system.
A summary of public comments is as follows: opposition to ALP Rs; concerns about audits and control of data; surveillance provides a sense of safety.
A summary of Council comment is as follows: support for the parking enforcement ALP Rs because the data is stored locally; concerns about effectiveness, opposition to cameras and surveillance.
MOTION:
Moved by Mayor McQuaid, seconded by Council Member Miki, to extend the meeting to 11 :00 PM to hear the remaining agenda items.
AYES: Council Members Jordan, Lopez, and Miki, Vice Mayor Hansen-Romero, Mayor McQuaid
NOES: None
Motion carried and so ordered . .
MOTION:
Moved by Council Member Miki, seconded by Council Member Jordan, to reject Resolution No. 2026-74 and not to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Motorola Solutions for the fixed Automated License Plate Reader camera system, at this time and with the current technology and research.
AYES: Council Members Jordan, Lopez, and Miki, Mayor McQuaid NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Vice Mayor Hansen-Romero
Motion carried and so ordered.
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ALBANY CITY COUNCIL- MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
11. NEW BUSINESS
11-1. Designation of Voting Delegates and Alternates for the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo
Staff Recommendation: That the Council designate a voting delegate and alternates for the League of California Cities General Assembly City Clerk Anne Hsu presented the staff report. The Council may designate one voting_ delegate and up to two alternate delegates to the League of California Cities General Assembly.
MOTION:
Moved by Mayor McQuaid, seconded by Council Member Miki, to designate Council Member Miki as the voting delegate and Mayor McQuaid as the alternate delegate to the League of California Cities General Assembly.
AYES: Council Members Jordan, Lopez, and Miki, Vice Mayor Hansen-Romero, Mayor McQuaid
NOES: None
Motion carried and so ordered.
12. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS, COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS ON
APPOINTED REPRESENTATION OF ALBANY, AND OTHER MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Council Member Miki attended a League of California Cities Board Meeting and a meeting with the City Manager, Assemblymember Wicks' office, and Senator Arreguin's office regarding the real property transfer tax and the November 2026 ballot.
Vice Mayor Hansen-Romero attended a business mixer and Music in the Park.
Council Member Jordan attended a meeting of the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District Board and learned about the capture of Aedes aegypti and treatment of the area.
Mayor McQuaid attended by telephone a lobbying session with the Mayor of Berkeley regarding the Golden Gate Fields property, the Police & Fire Pension Fund Board meeting, the Homeowners & Tenants Resource Fair, Concerts in the Park, a questionand-answer session with the Girl Scouts, University of California football game, and the business mixer; as an individual and on behalf of the City, signed the No Coal in Oakland letter; and met with Supervisor Fortunato Bas, Congresswoman Simon, and Auditor Melissa Wilk.
13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
None.
9 ALBANY CITY COUNCIL- MINUTES
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
14. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CITY MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Upcoming City Meetings
1. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting, Wednesday, September 9, 7:00 PM, City Hall Council Chambers
2. Parks, Recreation & Open Space Commission Meeting, Thursday, September 10, 7:00 PM, City Hall Council Chambers
3. Arts Committee Meeting, Monday, September 14, 7:00 PM, City Hall Council Chambers
4. Climate Action Committee Meeting, Wednesday, September 16, 7:00 PM, City Hall Council Chambers
5. City Council Meeting, Tuesday, September 22, 7:00 PM, City Hall Council Chambers
15. ADJOURNMENT
10:53 PM There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor McQuaid adjourned the meeting in memory of those killed in flooding in Nepal.
Minutes submitted by Anne Hsu, City Clerk.
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Mayor
Attest:
AnneHsu,city Clerk
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