Agenda packet, first session — Berkeley City Council, July 29, 2025 (part 1 of 9)

Tuesday, July 29, 2025 AGENDA Page 1
AGENDA

BERKELEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
6:00 PM
SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD ROOM - 1231 ADDISON STREET, BERKELEY, CA 94702 TELECONFERENCE LOCATION - TÜRKMEN MAH. ÜNLÜ SOK. NO. 6 KUŞADASI, AYDIN, TÜRKIYE

ADENA ISHII, MAYOR
Councilmembers:

DISTRICT 1 – RASHI KESARWANI DISTRICT 5 – SHOSHANA O’KEEFE DISTRICT 2 – TERRY TAPLIN DISTRICT 6 – BRENT BLACKABY
DISTRICT 3 – BEN BARTLETT DISTRICT 7 – CECILIA LUNAPARRA DISTRICT 4 – IGOR TREGUB DISTRICT 8 – MARK HUMBERT
This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid model with both in- person attendance and virtual participation. Live captioned broadcasts of Council meetings are available on B -TV (Channel 33) and via internet video stream at http://berkeley.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=1244. All Council meetings are recorded.

T
o access the meeting remotely use this URL: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1601268556 To request to speak, use the “raise hand” function in Zoom. To join by phone: Dial 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (Toll Free) and enter Meeting ID: 160 126 8556. To provide public comment, Press *9 and wait to be recognized by the Chair. To submit a written communication for the public record, email [email protected].

T
his meeting will be conducted in accordance with the Brown Act, Government Code Section 54953. Any member of the public may attend this meeting, however, if you are feeling sick, please do not attend the meeting in person.

The City Council may take action related to any subject listed on the Agenda.

P
ursuant to the City Council Rules of Procedure and State Law, the presiding officer may remove, or cause the removal of, an individual for disrupting the meeting. Prior to removing an individual, the presiding officer shall warn the individual that their behavior is disrupting the meeting and that their failure to cease their behavior may result in their removal. The presiding officer may then remove the individual if they do not promptly cease their disruptive behavior. “Disrupting” means engaging in behavior during a meeting of a legislative body that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting and includes, but is not limited to, a failure to comply with reasonable and lawful regulations adopted by a legislative body, or engaging in behavior that constitutes use of force or a true threat of force.

G
overnment Code Section 84308 (Levine Act) - Parties to a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use are required to disclose if they made contributions over $5 00 within the prior 12 months to any City employee or officer. Parties and participants with a financial interest are prohibited from making more than $500 in contributions to a decisionmaker for the 12 months after the final decision is rendered on the proceeding.

The above contribution disclosures and restrictions do not apply when the proceeding is competitively bid, or involves a personnel or labor contract. For more information, see Government Code Section 84308.

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Tuesday, July 29, 2025 AGENDA Page 2
Preliminary Matters
Roll Call:

Land Acknowledgement Statement: The City of Berkeley recognizes that the community we l
ive in was built on the territory of xučyun (Huchiun (Hooch-yoon)), the ancestral and unceded land of the Chochenyo (Cho-chen-yo)-speaking Ohlone (Oh-low-nee) people, the ancestors and descendants of the sovereign Verona Band of Alameda County. This land was and continues to be of great importance to all of the Ohlone Tribes and descendants of the Verona Band. As we begin our meeting tonight, we acknowledge and honor the original inhabitants of Berkeley, the documented 5,000- year history of a vibrant community at the West Berkeley Shellmound, and the Ohlone people who continue to reside in the East Bay. We recognize that Berkeley’s residents have and continue to benefit from the use and occupation of this unceded stolen land since the City of Berkeley’s incorporation in 1878. As stewards of the laws regulating the City of Berkeley, it is not only vital that we recognize the history of this land, but also recognize that the Ohlone people are present members of Berkeley and other East Bay communities today. The City of Berkeley will continue to build relationships with the Lisjan Tribe and to create meaningful actions that uphold the intention of this land acknowledgement.

C
eremonial Matters: In addition to those items listed on the agenda, the Mayor may add additional ceremonial matters.

1. Adjourn in memory of Dan Siegel, Local Activist
City Manager Comments: The City Manager may make announcements or provide information to the City Council in the form of an oral report. The Council will not take action on such items but may request the City Manager place a report on a future agenda for discussion.

Public Comment on Non-Agenda Matters: Up to ten persons will be selected to address matters not on the Council agenda. If five or fewer persons are identified to provide non-agenda comment, each person selected will be allotted two minutes each. If more than five persons are selected to address matters not on the Council agenda, each person selected will be allotted one minute each.

In-person attendees wishing to address the Council on matters not on the Council agenda during the initial ten-minute period for such comment, must submit a speaker card to the City Clerk in person at the meeting location and prior to the moment that the Presiding Officer calls for public comment on non- agenda items. Remote attendees must raise their hand in the videoconference application when the Presiding Officer calls for non-agenda speakers. The first five raised hands on the videoconference application will be selected to speak and the first five cards drawn at the meeting will be selected to speak. The number of in-person and remote speakers selected may be adjusted by the Presiding Officer if fewer than five speakers from either format are identified.

The remainder of the speakers wishing to address the Council on non-agenda items will be heard at the end of the agenda.

Public Comment by Employee Unions (first regular meeting of the month): This period of public comment is reserved for officially designated representatives of City of Berkeley employee unions, with five minutes allocated per union if representatives of three or fewer unions wish to speak and up to three minutes per union if representatives of four or more unions wish to speak.

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Tuesday, July 29, 2025 AGENDA Page 3
Consent Calendar
The Council will first determine whether to move items on the agenda for “Action” or “Information” to the “Consent Calendar”, or move “Consent Calendar” items to “Action.” Three members of the City Council must agree to pull an item from the Consent Calendar or Information Calendar for it to move to Action.

Items that remain on the “Consent Calendar” are voted on in one motion as a group. “Information” items are not discussed or acted upon at the Council meeting unless they are moved to “Action” or “Consent”.

No additional items can be moved onto the Consent Calendar once public comment has commenced. At any time during, or immediately after, public comment on Information and Consent items, any Councilmember may move any Information or Consent item to “Action.” Following this, the Council will vote on the items remaining on the Consent Calendar in one motion.

For items moved to the Action Calendar from the Consent Calendar or Information Calendar, persons who spoke on the item during the Consent Calendar public comment period may speak again at the time the matter is taken up during the Action Calendar.

Public Comment on Consent Calendar and Information Items Only: The Council will take public comment on any items that are either on the amended Consent Calendar or the Information Calendar. If ten or fewer persons are interested in speaking on an individual agenda item, each speaker may speak for two minutes. If there are more than ten persons interested in speaking, the Presiding Officer may limit the public comment for all speakers to one minute per speaker. Speakers are permitted to yield their time to one other speaker, however no one speaker shall have more than four minutes. The Presiding Officer may, with the consent of persons representing both sides of an issue, allocate a block of time to each side to present their issue. A speaker may only speak once during the period for public comment on Consent Calendar and Information items.

Additional information regarding public comment by City of Berkeley employees and interns: Employees and interns of the City of Berkeley, although not required, are encouraged to identify themselves as such, the department in which they work and state whether they are speaking as an individual or in their official capacity when addressing the Council in open session or workshops.

Consent Calendar

1. Minutes for Approval
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Approve the minutes for the Council meetings of June 3, 2025 (closed and regular), June 9, 2025 (closed), June 17, 2025 (regular), June 24, 2025 (special and regular), June 26, 2025 (special), and June 30, 2025 (closed).

Financial Implications: None
Contact: Mark Numainville, City Clerk, (510) 981-6900

2. Amending the City Council’s Policy for the General Fund Reserves From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution amending the City Council’s Policy for the General Fund Reserves and rescind Resolution No. 69,440-N.S.

Financial Implications: see report
Contact: David White, City Manager's Office, (510) 981-7000, Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300

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Consent Calendar
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 AGENDA Page 4

3. Contract No 32400009 Amendment: Stella Courier, LLC. for Mail Services and Mail Room Coverage
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend Contract No: 32400009 with Stella Courier, LLC., to provide mail services to the City’s satellite locations, and as-needed mail room coverage, increasing the amount by $180,000 for an amended total amount not to exceed $360,000 over an additional two-year period starting August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2027.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300

4. Formal Bid Solicitations and Request for Proposals Scheduled for Possible Issuance After Council Approval on July 29, 2025
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Approve the request for proposals or invitation for bids (attached to staff report) that will be, or are planned to be, issued upon final approval by the requesting department or division. All contracts over the City Manager’s threshold will be returned to Council for final approval.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300

5. Contract: InfoSend for Bill Printing and Mailing Services From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract and any amendments which align with the City of Brawley’s existing contract and any amendments, with InfoSend to provide Bill Printing and Mailing Services from July 30, 2025 until June 30, 2026 in an amount not to exceed $150,000 with an option to renew in increments of two (2) years, in alignment with the City of Brawley contract for an additional $100,000. The total contract value through September 2028 is not to exceed $250,000.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300

6. Designate the Line of Succession for the Director of Emergency Services From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the designated line of succession to the position of Director of Emergency Services in the event of an emergency, and rescinding Resolution No. 70,729-N.S.

Financial Implications: None
Contact: David Sprague, Fire, (510) 981-3473

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Consent Calendar
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 AGENDA Page 5

7. Contract with Wildfire Defense to Serve as the Alameda County Coordinator From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution:

1. Authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute a contract with Wildfire Defense to serve as the Alameda County Coordinator for coordination with local agencies, fire safe councils, and wildfire mitigation community groups for the initial period August 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $155,500, and to apply for and receive future grant funding in collaboration with Berkeley Fire Department staff to maintain the position through 2028; and

2. Authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute any amendments for not more than $225,000 per year in Fiscal Year (FY) 25, FY26, and FY27, upon receiving additional California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) grants to continue contracting Wildfire Defense to serve Alameda County communities, provide resources and education on wildfire safety, promote collaboration, assist local groups with funding opportunities, and aid multi-jurisdictional planning.

Financial Implications: None
Contact: David Sprague, Fire, (510) 981-3473

8. Submitting Application for Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager or designee to apply for and accept funds from the State of California's Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program, in an amount not to exceed $849,945.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5400

9. Mental Health Services Act Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Update From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Update, which identifies uses of funds for mental health programming, and forwarding the Annual Update to appropriate State officials.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5400

10. Adopt Resolution Approving Publicly Available Pay Schedule From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving a publicly available pay schedule effective July 29, 2025, pursuant to the Public Employee’s Retirement Law (PERL), Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), and Title 2 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR).

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Janelle Rodrigues, Human Resources, (510) 981-6800

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Tuesday, July 29, 2025 AGENDA Page 6

11. Contract: Infobond Inc. Leveraging the Omnia Partners Cooperative Contract for Information Technology Security Products, Licenses, and Support From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Infobond, Inc. (“Infobond”) for the purchase of information technology security products, licenses, support and services utilizing the Omnia Partners contract #01-154 for a total not to exceed value of $1,000,000 commencing on July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Kevin Fong, Information Technology, (510) 981-6500

12. Contract No. 32300096 Amendment: SCS Engineers for Landfill Post-Closure Maintenance and Monitoring Services
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to Contract No. 32300096 with SCS Engineers for maintenance, monitoring, and compliance services related to the closed landfill at Cesar Chavez Park, increasing the contract amount by $1,834,000 for a total not to exceed amount of $4,078,022.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300

13. Trillium Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) 5-year Sole Source License and Operating Agreement
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a 5- year sole source license and operating agreement for compressed natural gas with Trillium CNG for the five-year period between FY2026 and FY2031, for a not-to- exceed amount of $250,000.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300

14. Contract Amendment No. 32100070: Urban Ore, Inc. for Salvage Operations at the City of Berkeley Transfer Station
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract amendment No. 32100070 with Urban Ore, Inc. for salvage operations of reusable materials at the City's Transfer Station, increasing the contract by $75,000 from $189,848 to $264,848, for a new not to exceed amount of $264,848 and extending the term through June 30, 2027.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300

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Tuesday, July 29, 2025 AGENDA Page 7

15. Authorization to Apply for CalRecycle Waste Reduction, Reuse, Recycling, and Composting Grants and Payment Programs
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit grant applications, accept grant funds, and execute any resulting grant agreements, amendments and expenditure reports with the Department of Resource Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) for grant and payment programs related to waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300

16. Contract: Environmental Logistics, Inc. and Advanced Chemical Transport, LLC for On-Call Hazardous Waste Management
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt two Resolutions authorizing the City Manager to:

1.Execute a three-year contract and any amendments with Environmental Logistics, Inc. to provide on-call hazardous waste disposal at various City facilities and locations for a total not to exceed of $200,000 for an initial three-year term from August 1, 2025, to August 1, 2028, with an option of two one-year extensions, for a maximum term of five years. The service rates will be adjusted annually in accordance with the Consumer Price Index and the terms of the agreement.

2.Execute a three-year contract and any amendment with Advanced Chemical Transport, LLC to provide on-call hazardous waste disposal at various City facilities and locations for a total not to exceed of $150,000 for an initial three-year term from August 1, 2025, to August 1, 2028, with an option of two one-year extensions, for a maximum term of five years. The service rates will be adjusted annually in accordance with the Consumer Price Index and the terms of the agreement.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300

17. Approval and Levy of 2018 Clean Stormwater Fee in FY 2026 From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the proposed adjusted fees for the 2018 Clean Stormwater Fee and ordering the levy of the fees in Fiscal Year 2026.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300

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Tuesday, July 29, 2025 AGENDA Page 8

18. Contracts: Matrix HG Inc. and Prime Mechanical Service for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Maintenance and Repair From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt two Resolutions authorizing the City Manager to:

1.Execute a contract with any amendments with Matrix HG Inc. to provide HVAC repairs and maintenance services for a three-year period from September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $150,000, with an option to extend for two additional one-year terms.

2.Execute a contract with any amendments with Prime Mechanical Service to provide HVAC repairs and maintenance services for a three-year period from September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $150,000, with an option to extend for two additional one-year terms.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300

19. Updated Sewer System Management Plan
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the update of the Sewer System Management Plan, as mandated by the State Water Resources Control Board.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300

20. Project Implementation Staffing for Measure FF, the SAFE STREETS Initiative From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution to amend the FY 2026 budget to authorizing the City Manager to add three permanent full-time employees, expending $932,630.73, to support the implementation of prioritized projects associated with Measure FF, the SAFE STREETS Initiative.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300

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21. Contract: Aurora Environmental Services Inc., GSI Environmental Inc., Northgate Environmental Management Inc., and WSP Global Inc. for On-Call Environmental Consulting
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt four Resolutions authorizing the City Manager to:

1. Execute a three-year contract and any amendments with Aurora Environmental Services Inc. to provide on-call environmental consulting at various City facilities and locations for a total not to exceed amount of $50,000 for an initial three-year term from August 1, 2025, to August 1, 2028, with an option of two one-year extensions for a maximum term of five years. The service rates will be adjusted annually in accordance with the Consumer Price Index and the provisions of the agreement.

2. Execute a three-year contract and any amendments with GSI Environmental Inc. to provide on-call environmental consulting at various City facilities and locations for a total not to exceed amount of $50,000 for an initial three-year term from August 1, 2025, to August 1, 2028, with an option of two one-year extensions for a maximum term of five years. The service rates will be adjusted annually in accordance with the Consumer Price Index and the provisions of the agreement.

3. Execute a three-year contract and any amendments with Northgate Environmental Management Inc. to provide on-call environmental consulting at various City facilities and locations for a total not to exceed amount of $75,000 for an initial three-year term from August 1, 2025, to August 1, 2028, with an option of two one-year extensions for a maximum term of five years. The service rates will be adjusted annually in accordance with the Consumer Price Index and the provisions of the agreement.

4. Execute a three-year contract and any amendments with WSP Global Inc. to provide on-call environmental consulting at various City facilities and locations for a total not to exceed of $325,000 for an initial three-year term from August 1, 2026, to August 1, 2029, with an option of two one-year extensions for a maximum term of five years. The service rates will be adjusted annually in accordance with the Consumer Price Index and the provisions of the agreement.

Financial Implications: See report.

Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300

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22. Contracts: Dream Ride Elevator and Metro Elevator for Maintenance, Repairs and Emergency Response Services for Citywide Elevators
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt two Resolutions authorizing the City Manager to:

1. Execute a contract with any amendments with Dream Ride Elevator to provide maintenance, repairs, and emergency response services for citywide elevators for a three-year period from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $175,000, with an option to extend for two additional one-year terms. Rates will be adjusted annually in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) per the terms of the RFO and the contractor’s responses.

2. Execute a contract with any amendments with Metro Elevator to provide maintenance, repairs and emergency response services for citywide elevators for a three-year period from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $175,000, with an option to extend for two additional one-year terms. Rates will be adjusted annually in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) per the terms of the RFO and the contractor’s responses.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300

23a. City Compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) From: Commission on Disability
Recommendation: The Berkeley City Council shall refer to the City Attorney the requirement to include a clause in all relevant City of Berkeley contracts that obligates City vendors to supply digital content, intended for or likely to be posted to the City website, that is compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standard mandated by the U.S. Department of Justice. WCAG defines web content technical standards that, when implemented, meet legal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

In addition, relevant City staff should be informed of WCAG requirements, and systems put in place to ensure that documents available on the City of Berkeley website, whether submitted by vendors or created by City staff, meet current WCAG standards. When the City is informed that documents posted to its website do not meet current WCAG standards, remediation is recommended to be made within 30 days.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Thomas Gregory, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-6300

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23b. Companion Report: City Compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: The City Manager recommends that Council refrain from referring the Commission on Disability’s report recommendation from the report titled, “City Compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG),” to the City Attorney's Office at this time to give staff and the Commission on Disability additional time to develop a mutually agreeable path forward.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300

Council Consent Items

24. Berkeley Nightlife Council (Reviewed by the Land Use, Housing & Economic Development Committee)
From: Councilmember Taplin (Author)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution to form the Berkeley City Council Nightlife Sub-Committee, convened by the District 2 council office to return recommendations for the formation, structure, and scope of operation of a Berkeley Nightlife Council (Night Council) to support nighttime economic activity, cultural programming, and community safety in city commercial districts.

Policy Committee recommendation: Send the item to the City Council with a qualified positive recommendation that Council adopt the item with the caveat that the City Attorney’s Office review the ad-hoc committee for Brown Act implications.

Financial Implications: None
Contact: Terry Taplin, Councilmember, District 2, (510) 981-7120

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Council Consent Items
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25. Berkeley Green New Deal: Workforce Development (Reviewed by the Land Use, Housing, & Economic Development Committee)
From: Councilmember Taplin (Author), Councilmember Lunaparra (Co- Sponsor), Councilmember Bartlett (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Tregub (Co- Sponsor)
Recommendation: Refer to the City Manager a feasibility analysis and request for recommendations for possible models to either establish a green workforce development board within the City of Berkeley or strengthen the alignment between City of Berkeley and community partner programs and the Alameda County Workforce development board to create pathways to gainful employment in green industries and accelerate the transition to a fossil-free local economy.

Policy Committee Recommendation: Send the item to the City Council with a qualified positive recommendation that Council adopt the item and that the item be revised to include a referral to the budget process, clarify and make explicit that the full-time employee (“FTE”) is either an in-house City of Berkeley employee or is a privately funded employee not on the City’s payroll, and include a privately funded alternative to a full-time City employee when creating the budget referral.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terry Taplin, Councilmember, District 2, (510) 981-7120

26. Resolution in Support of California Senate Bill 627 (Wiener, Arreguín, Pérez), the No Secret Police Act, to Prohibit Non-Essential Face Covering for Law Enforcement and Require Officer Identification During Operations From: Councilmember Tregub(Author), Councilmember Humbert (Co- Sponsor), Councilmember Lunaparra (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution in support of California State Senate Bill (SB) 627 (Wiener, Arreguín, Pérez), the No Secret Police Act, which would prohibit law enforcement officers from covering their faces during operations (with exceptions for medical and fire-related protection), and require visible identification on uniforms in the state of California; and distribute copies to the California Governor Gavin Newsom, Senators Scott Wiener, Jesse Arreguín, and Sasha Renée Pérez, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, California Senate President pro tempore Mike McGuire, and California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas to advocate for its passage.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Igor Tregub, Councilmember, District 4, (510) 981-7140

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Council Consent Items
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27. Berkeley’s First Sun Day Event: Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds to General Fund and Grant of Such Funds
From: Councilmember Humbert (Author)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $500 per Councilmember including $500 from Councilmember Humbert to the Berkeley Rotary Club for the purpose of covering costs associated with hosting Berkeley’s inaugural “Sun Day” renewable energy festival on Sunday, September 21, 2025 with funds relinquished to the City’s General Fund for this purpose from the discretionary Council Office Budgets of Councilmember Humbert and any other Councilmembers who would like to contribute.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Mark Humbert, Councilmember, District 8, (510) 981-7180

Action Calendar
The public may comment on each item listed on the agenda for action. For items moved to the Action Calendar from the Consent Calendar or Information Calendar, persons who spoke on the item during the Consent Calendar public comment period may speak again during the Action Calendar public comment period on the item
The Presiding Officer will request that persons wishing to speak line up at the podium, or use the "raise hand" function in Zoom, to determine the number of persons interested in speaking at that time. If ten or fewer persons are interested in speaking on an individual agenda item, each speaker may speak for two minutes. If there are more than ten persons interested in speaking, the Presiding Officer may limit the public comment for all speakers to one minute per speaker. Speakers are permitted to yield the ir time to one other speaker, however no one speaker shall have more than four minutes. The Presiding Officer may, with the consent of persons representing both sides of an issue, allocate a block of time to each side to present their issue.

Action items may be reordered at the discretion of the Chair with the consent of Council.

The Presiding Officer may open and close an additional comment period for Action items on this agenda (excluding any public hearings, appeals, and/or quasi-judicial matters), at the start of the Action Calendar.

Those who speak on an item during this comment period may not speak a second time when the item is taken up by Council.

Action Calendar – Public Hearings
Staff shall introduce the public hearing item and present their comments. For certain hearings, this is followed by five-minute presentations each by first the appellant and then the applicant. The Presiding Officer will request that persons wishing to speak line up at the podium, or use the "raise hand" function in Zoom, to be recognized and to determine the number of persons interested in speaking at that time.

If ten or fewer persons are interested in speaking during a public hearing, each speaker may speak for two minutes. If there are more than ten persons interested in speaking, the Presiding Officer may limit the public comment for all speakers to one minute per speaker. Speakers are permitted to yield their time to one other speaker, however no one speaker shall have more than four minutes. The Presiding Officer may with the consent of persons representing both sides of an issue allocate a block of time to e ach side to present their issue.

When applicable, each member of the City Council shall verbally disclose all ex parte contacts concerning the subject of the hearing. Councilmembers shall also submit a report of such contacts in writing prior to the commencement of the hearing. Written reports shall be available for public review in the office of the City Clerk.

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Action Calendar – Public Hearings
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 AGENDA Page 14

28. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Amendments to Title 21 (Subdivisions) to Allow
Separate Sale of ADUs, and Amendments to Title 23 (Zoning) to Comply with State
Law and Encourage ADU Development
From:

City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing, and upon conclusion, adopt the first reading of an Ordinance to 1) amend Title 21 (Subdivisions Ordinance) to implement Assembly Bill (AB) 1033 by establishing local regulations for the separate sale of ADUs as condominiums; and 2) amend Title 23 (Zoning) to bring the City’s ADU regulations into compliance with recent changes to State law, to incorporate feedback
from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), and encourage ADU development.

Financial Imp
lications: None
Contact: Jordan Klein, Planning and Development, (510) 981-7 400

29. Ordinance Vacating a Portion of Carleton Street from Westerly Terminus E
xtending 381.23 Feet Easterly
From:

City Manager
Recommendation: 1. Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt the second reading of the Ordinanc e voted upon at the July 22, 2025 City Council meeting vacating a 381.23-linear-foot (27,449 square foot) portion of the public right- of-way on Carleton Street, located at the westerly term inus of Carleton Street. 2.

U
pon adoption of the second reading of the Ordinance, authorize the City Manager to execute a deed quit claiming that portion of the right-o f-way of Carleton Street a
nd conveying to the adjacent property owner, Bayer Healthcare LLC ("Bayer").

Financial Implicatio
ns: See report
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300
Information Reports

30. Status Report - Berkeley’s Financial Condition (FY 2012 – FY 2021): Pension Liabilities and Infrastructure Need Attention
From: City Manager
Contact: David White, City Manager's Office, (510) 981-7000, Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300

31. Commission on Labor Fiscal Year 2026 Work Plan
From: Commission on Labor
Contact: Emily Rose, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-5400

32. Annual Report on Landmarks Preservation Commission Actions From: Landmarks Preservation Commission
Contact: Anne Hersch, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-7400

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Information Reports
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 AGENDA Page 15

33. Zero Waste Commission Fiscal Year 2025-26 Work Plan From: Zero Waste Commission
Contact: Julia Heath, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-6300

Public Comment – Items Not Listed on the Agenda
Adjournment
NOTICE CONCERNING YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS : If you object to a decision by the City Council to approve or deny a use permit or variance for a project the following requirements and restrictions apply:
1) No lawsuit challenging a City decision to deny (Code Civ. Proc. §1094.6(b)) or approve (Gov. Code 65009(c)(5)) a use permit or variance may be filed more than 90 days after the date the Notice of Decision of the action of the City Council is mailed. Any lawsuit not filed within that 90- day period will be barred. 2) In any lawsuit that may be filed against a City Council decision to approve or deny a use permit or variance, the issues and evidence will be limited to those raised by you or someone else, orally or in writing, at a public hearing or prior to the close of the last public hearing on the project.

Archived indexed video streams are available at:
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas.

Channel 33 rebroadcasts the following Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. and Sunday at 9:00 a.m.

Communications to the City Council are public record and will become part of the City’s electronic records, which are accessible through the City’s website. Please note: e-mail addresses, names, addresses, and other contact information are not required, but if included in any communication to the City Council, will become part of the public record. If you do not want your e-mail address or any other contact information to be made public, you may deliver communications via U.S. Postal Service to the City Clerk Department at 2180 Milvia Street. If you do not want your contact information included in the public record, please do not include that information in your communication. Please contact the City Clerk Department for further information.

Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at the public counter at the City Clerk Department located on the first floor of City Hall located at 2180 Milvia Street, and through the City's online records portal:
https://records.cityofberkeley.info/.

Agendas, agenda reports, and revised/supplemental material may be accessed via the online agenda for this meeting at:
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas and may be accessed at reference desks at the following locations:

City Clerk Department - 2180 Milvia Street, First Floor Tel: 510-981-6900, TDD: 510-981-6903, Fax: 510-981-6901 Email: [email protected]

Libraries: Main – 2090 Kittredge Street,
Claremont Branch – 2940 Benvenue, West Branch – 1125 University, North Branch – 1170 The Alameda, Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch – 1901 Russell

COMMUNICATION ACCESS INFORMATION:

This meeting is being held in a wheelchair accessible location.

To request a disability-related accommodation(s) to participate in the meeting, including auxiliary aids or services, please contact the Disability Services specialist at [email protected], (510) 981-6418 (V), or

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Tuesday, July 29, 2025 AGENDA Page 16
(510) 981-6347 (TDD) at least three business days before the meeting date.

Attendees at public meetings are reminded that other attendees may be sensitive to various scents, whether natural or manufactured, in products and materials. Please help the City respect these needs.

Captioning services are provided at the meeting, on B- TV, and on the Internet. In addition, assisted listening devices for the hearing impaired are available from the City Clerk prior to the meeting, and are to be returned before the end of the meeting.

Questions regarding public participation may be addressed to the City Clerk Department (510) 981- 6900 or by email at [email protected].

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I hereby certify that the agenda for this meeting of the Berkeley City Council was posted at the display case located near the walkway in front of the Maudelle Shirek Building , 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, as well as on the City’s website, on July 17, 2025.

Mark Numainville, City Clerk

Communications
Council rules limit action on Communications to referral to the City Manager and/or Boards and Commissions for investigation and/or recommendations. All communications submitted to Council are public record. Copies of individual communications are available for viewing at the City Clerk Department and through Records Online.

Ingram Letter

1. Richard Pettler

EMBER

2. Susanne Kalter DeWitt

E-Scooters

3. Robert Borghese (2)

Plaque Project

4. Sharon Entwistle

Lineage Repair Work

5. Eric Friedman

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Tuesday, July 29, 2025 AGENDA Page 17
Ohlone Greenway Park

6. Transition Berkeley Members of the Board: Sylvia Soriano, Linda Currie, Bonnie Borucki, Pierre Thiry, Lori Hines, Ben Rosenthal, Jenifer Azulay, Ginny Hanger

7. Lucia Hammond (4)

8. Peter Radu

9. Lj Cranmer

10. Erik Dreher

11. Seth Kimball

12. Allison Bond

13. Melanie Lawrence

Public Resource for Honey Bee Swarm

14. Mateo Kaiser

Brown Act

15. Jennifer Knight

16. Chris Goldin

17. Micky Duxbury

18. Michael Tompkins

Cyclist Concerns

19. Stephanie Allan

Public Comeback

20. Steve Tracy

Pest Treatment

21. Alex Merenkov

22. Alesia Williams

23. Building & Safety Division, Rental Housing Safety Program

Missing Middle

24. Dylan Miley (2)

25. Olivia Burger (2)

MLK and Virginia Street

26. Sunny

Parking Spot Near School Concern

27. Jordan Pierson

Claremont Ave Pedestrian

28. Ben Gerhardstein on behalf of Walk Bike Berkeley

29. Elise Proulx

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Tuesday, July 29, 2025 AGENDA Page 18
Soft Story Ordinance

30. Todd Andrew (2)

“Help the Decent People”

31. Tajai Calip

Middle East Conflict

32. Nikki Kofsky
Supplemental Communications and Reports
Items received by the deadlines for submission will be compiled and distributed as follows. If no items are received by the deadline, no supplemental packet will be compiled for said deadline.

• Supplemental Communications and Reports 1
Available by 5:00 p.m. five days prior to the meeting.

• Supplemental Communications and Reports 2
Available by 5:00 p.m. the day before the meeting.

• Supplemental Communications and Reports 3
Available by 5:00 p.m. two days following the meeting.

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Office of the City Manager
2180 Milvia Street, Berkeley, CA 94704 ● Tel: (510) 981-7000 ● TDD: (510) 981-6903 ● Fax: (510) 981-7099 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: https://berkeleyca.gov/

CONSENT CALENDAR
July 29, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: Mark Numainville, City Clerk
Subject: Minutes for Approval

RECOMMENDATION
Approve the minutes for the Council meetings of June 3, 2025 (closed and regular), June 9, 2025 (closed), June 17, 2025 (regular), June 24, 2025 (special and regular), June 26, 2025 (special), and June 30, 2025 (closed).

CONTACT PERSON
Mark Numainville, City Clerk, (510) 981-6900
Attachments:

1. June 3, 2025 – Special Closed City Council Meeting

2. June 3, 2025 – Regular City Council Meeting

3. June 9, 2025 – Special Closed City Council Meeting

4. June 17, 2025 – Regular City Council Meeting

5. June 24, 2025 – Special City Council Meeting

6. June 24, 2025 – Regular City Council Meeting

7. June 26, 2025 – Special City Council Meeting

8. June 30, 2025 – Special Closed City Council Meeting

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Tuesday, June 3, 2025 MINUTES Page 1

B E R K E L E Y C I T Y C O U N C I L

S P E C I A L M E E T I N G M I N U T E S
TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2025
5:00 P.M.

SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD ROOM - 1231 ADDISON STREET, BERKELEY, CA 94702 TELECONFERENCE LOCATION - 117 FORT EVANS RD NE, LEESBURG, VA 20176 TELECONFERENCE LOCATION - 1868 MASSACHUSETTS AVE, CAMBRIDGE, MA 02140

ADENA ISHII, MAYOR
Councilmembers:

To access the meeting remotely use this URL: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1605031522. To request to speak, use the “raise hand” function in Zoom. To join by phone: Dial 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (Toll Free) and enter Meeting ID: 160 503 1522. To provide public comment, Press *9 and wait to be recognized by the Chair. To submit a written communication for the public record, email [email protected].

This meeting will be conducted in accordance with the Brown Act, Government Code Section 54953. Any member of the public may attend this meeting, however, if you are feeling sick, please do not attend the meeting in person.

The City Council may take action related to any subject listed on the Agenda.

Pursuant to the City Council Rules of Procedure and State Law, the presiding officer may remove, or cause the removal of, an individual for disrupting the meeting. Prior to removing an individual, the presiding officer shall warn the individual that their behavior is disrupting the meeting and that their failure to cease their behavior may result in their removal. The presiding officer may then remove the individual if they do not promptly cease their disruptive behavior. “Disrupting” means engaging in behavior during a meeting of a legislative body that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting and includes, but is not limited to, a failure to comply with reasonable and lawful regulations adopted by a legislative body, or engaging in behavior that constitutes use of force or a true threat of force.

Government Code Section 84308 (Levine Act) - Parties to a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use are required to disclose if they made contributions over $500 within the prior 12 months to any City employee or officer. Parties and participants with a financial interest are prohibited from making more than $500 in contributions to a decisionmaker for the 12 months after the final decision is rendered on the proceeding.

Attachment 1

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Tuesday, June 3, 2025 MINUTES Page 2
Preliminary Matters
Roll Call: 5:09 p.m.

Present: Bartlett, Tregub, O’Keefe, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii

Absent: Kesarwani, Taplin
Councilmember Taplin present at 5:12 p.m.

Public Comment - Limited to items on this agenda only – 0 speakers CLOSED SESSION:

The City Council will convene in closed session to meet concerning the following:

1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – PENDING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 54956.9(a) and (d)(1):
a. RealPage, Inc. v. City of Berkeley, et al., No. 3:25-CV-03004-JSC (N.D. Cal.) Action: No reportable action taken.

OPEN SESSION:

No reportable action taken.

Adjournment
Action: M/S/C (Taplin/Lunaparra) to adjourn the meeting.

Vote: Ayes – Taplin, Bartlett, Tregub, O’Keefe, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii; Noes – None; Abstain – None; Absent – Kesarwani.

Adjourned at 5:39 p.m.

I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct record of the closed session meeting held on June 3, 2025.
________________________
Mark Numainville, City Clerk

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Tuesday, June 3, 2025 MINUTES Page 1

MINUTES

BERKELEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
6:00 PM
SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD ROOM - 1231 ADDISON STREET, BERKELEY, CA 94702 TELECONFERENCE LOCATION - 117 FORT EVANS RD NE, LEESBURG, VA 20176 TELECONFERENCE LOCATION - 1868 MASSACHUSETTS AVE, CAMBRIDGE, MA 02140

ADENA ISHII, MAYOR
Councilmembers:

DISTRICT 1 – RASHI KESARWANI DISTRICT 5 – SHOSHANA O’KEEFE DISTRICT 2 – TERRY TAPLIN DISTRICT 6 – BRENT BLACKABY
DISTRICT 3 – BEN BARTLETT DISTRICT 7 – CECILIA LUNAPARRA DISTRICT 4 – IGOR TREGUB DISTRICT 8 – MARK HUMBERT
This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid model with both in-person attendance and virtual participation. Live captioned broadcasts of Council meetings are available on B-TV (Channel 33) and via internet video stream at http://berkeley.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=1244. All Council meetings are recorded.

To access the meeting remotely use this URL: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1607877512. To request to speak, use the “raise hand” function in Zoom. To join by phone: Dial 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (Toll Free) and enter Meeting ID: 160 787 7512 . To provide public comment, Press *9 and wait to be recognized by the Chair. To submit a written communication for the public record, email [email protected].

This meeting will be conducted in accordance with the Brown Act, Government Code Section 54953. Any member of the public may attend this meeting, however, if you are feeling sick, please do not attend the meeting in person.

The City Council may take action related to any subject listed on the Agenda.

Pursuant to the City Council Rules of Procedure and State Law, the presiding officer may remove, or cause the removal of, an individual for disrupting the meeting. Prior to removing an individual, the presiding officer shall warn the individual that their behavior is disrupting the meeting and that their failure to cease their behavior may result in their removal. The presiding officer may then remove the individual if they do not promptly cease their disruptive behavior. “Disrupting” means engaging in behavior during a meeting of a legislative body that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting and includes, but is not limited to, a failure to comply with reasonable and lawful regulations adopted by a legislative body, or engaging in behavior that constitutes use of force or a true threat of force.

Government Code Section 84308 (Levine Act) - Parties to a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use are required to disclose if they made contributions over $500 within the prior 12 months to any City employee or officer. Parties and participants with a financial interest are prohibited from making more than $500 in contributions to a decisionmaker for the 12 months after the final decision is rendered on the proceeding.

Attachment 2

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Tuesday, June 3, 2025 MINUTES Page 2
Preliminary Matters
Roll Call: 6:06 p.m.

Present: Taplin, Bartlett, Tregub, O’Keefe, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii

Absent: Kesarwani
Land Acknowledgement Statement: The City of Berkeley recognizes that the community we live in was built on the territory of xučyun (Huchiun (Hooch-yoon)), the ancestral and unceded land of the Chochenyo (Cho-chen-yo)-speaking Ohlone (Oh-low-nee) people, the ancestors and descendants of the sovereign Verona Band of Alameda County. This land was and continues to be of great importance to all of the Ohlone Tribes and descendants of the Verona Band. As we begin our meeting tonight, we acknowledge and honor the original inhabitants of Berkeley, the documented 5,000-year history of a vibrant community at the West Berkeley Shellmound, and the Ohlone people who continue to reside in the East Bay. We recognize that Berkeley’s residents have and continue to benefit from the use and occupation of this unceded stolen land since the City of Berkeley’s incorporation in 1878. As stewards of the laws regulating the City of Berkeley, it is not only vital that we recognize the history of this land, but also recognize that the Ohlone people are present members of Berkeley and other East Bay communities today. The City of Berkeley will continue to build relationships with the Lisjan Tribe and to create meaningful actions that uphold the intention of this land acknowledgement.

Ceremonial Matters:

1. Adjourn in memory of Robert Sheppard, Berkeley Resident

2. Adjourn in memory of Bill de Carion, Berkeley Business Owner

3. Recognition of Maw Shein Win, Berkeley Poetry Festival Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

4. Recognition of Christina Murphy Day in Berkeley, June 3, 2025

5. Recognition of Berkeley Pride Day, August 16, 2025
City Manager Comments: None
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Matters: 10 speakers.

Public Comment by Employee Unions: 0 speakers.

Consent Calendar
Public Comment on Consent Calendar and Information Items Only: 5 speakers.

Action: M/S/C (Bartlett/Humbert) to add an urgent item to the agenda pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(b)(2) related to an excused absence for Councilmember Kesarwani.

Vote: Ayes – Bartlett, Tregub, O’Keefe, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii; Noes – None; Abstain – None; Absent – Kesarwani, Taplin.

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Consent Calendar
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 MINUTES Page 3
Action: M/S/C (Tregub/Humbert) to adopt the Consent Calendar in one motion except as indicated.

Vote: Ayes – Taplin, Tregub, O’Keefe, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii; Noes – None; Abstain – None; Absent – Kesarwani, Bartlett.

Urgent Item: Excused Absence for Councilmember Rashi Kesarwani From: Councilmember Kesarwani (Author)
Recommendation: Pursuant to the City Charter, Article V, § 19, the City Council must approve an absence by a Councilmember from a meeting in order for that absence to be considered excused. Specifically, it states: “If the Mayor or any member of the Council is absent from one or more regular meetings of the Council during any calendar month, unless excused by the Council in order to attend to official business of the City, or unless excused by the Council as a result of their own illness or the illness or death of a “close family member” as defined in the City’s bereavement policy from attending no more than two regular meetings in any calendar year, they shall be paid for each regular meeting attended during such months in an amount equal to the monthly remuneration divided by the number of regular meetings held during such month.” Councilmember Kesarwani has just recently become sick and is unable to attend the June 3, 2025 Council meeting.

Financial Implications: None
Contact: Rashi Kesarwani, Councilmember, District 1, (510) 981-7110 Action: Approved recommendation.

1. Amendment: FY 2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt second reading of Ordinance No. 7,961-N.S. amending the FY 2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance No. 7,940–N.S. for fiscal year 2025 based upon recommended re-appropriation of committed FY 2024 funding and other adjustments in the amount of $85,720,135 (gross) and $58,279,646 (net).

First Reading Vote: Ayes – Kesarwani, Taplin, Tregub, O’Keefe, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii; Noes – None; Abstain – None; Absent – Bartlett.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Sharon Friedrichsen, Budget Manager, (510) 981-7000 Action: Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 7,961–N.S.

2. Police Accountability Board – Appointment of New Member From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution appointing a new member to the Police Accountability Board (PAB) nominated by Councilmember Kesarwani.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Mark Numainville, City Clerk, (510) 981-6900
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,786–N.S. revised to correct the name of the appointee in the title of the resolution.

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Consent Calendar
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 MINUTES Page 4

3. Grant Application: California Arts Council Grant ($30,000), for the Civic Arts Grant Program General Operating Support Category
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager or their designee to submit a grant application to the California Arts Council (CAC) to receive up to $30,000 for the Civic Arts grants program (“General Operating Support” category), to accept the grant if awarded; and to execute any resulting grant agreements. If received, the funds would be regranted to Berkeley-based nonprofit and fiscally sponsored arts organizations for general operational support starting in Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27).

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Eleanor Hollander, Economic Development, (510) 981-7530 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,787–N.S.

4. Formal Bid Solicitations and Request for Proposals Scheduled for Possible Issuance After Council Approval on June 3, 2025
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Approve the request for proposals or invitation for bids that will be, or are planned to be, issued upon final approval by the requesting department or division. All contracts over the City Manager’s threshold will be returned to Council for final approval.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Approved recommendation.

5. Notice of Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2026
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution providing notice that: 1) Council will adopt an appropriations limit for Fiscal Year 2026 at its meeting of June 24, 2025; and 2) the amount of the limit and the background material used in its calculation will be available for public review in the City Clerk’s Office on or before June 9, 2025.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,788–N.S.

6. Appointment of Public Health Officer – Dr. Noemi C. Doohan From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution to appoint Noemi C. Doohan, M.D., PhD, MPH, as the Public Health Officer for the City of Berkeley.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5400 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,789–N.S.

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Consent Calendar
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 MINUTES Page 5

7. Contract: SEP Technology Consulting, LLC for Environmental Health Database Migration to Accela Cloud
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute a contract and any amendments or extensions with SEP Technology Consulting, LLC. for the Environmental Health Division’s database migration from Envision Connect to Accela Cloud, in an amount not to exceed $325,000 for the period June 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5400 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,790–N.S.

8. Revenue Grant Agreement: Funding Support from Essential Access Health to Conduct Public Health Services
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager or designee to submit a grant application to Essential Access Health, to accept the grant, execute any resultant revenue agreement and amendment, and implement the projects and appropriation of funding for related expenses to conduct public health promotion, protection, and prevention services for the Essential Access Health revenue agreement in the projected amount of $120,000 for April 1, 2025, to March 30, 2026.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5400 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,791–N.S.

9. AHEAD, Inc (“AHEAD”): Using the California Department of General Services Software Licensing Program (“CDGS SLP”) for Software License Purchases From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to increase spending authority with AHEAD, a qualified reseller for the purchase of Varonis subscription software licenses, utilizing pricing and contracts, amendments, and extensions from the CDGS SLP, increasing the amount by $971,784.00 for a total amount not-to-exceed $1,945,589.00 during the period beginning January 31, 2023 through June 30, 2028.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Kevin Fong, Information Technology, (510) 981-6500 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,792–N.S.

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Consent Calendar
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 MINUTES Page 6

10. Contract No. 112798-1 Amendment: Geographic Technologies Group for Geographic Information System Professional Services
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend Contract No. 112798-1 with Geographic Technologies Group (“GTG”) for Geographic Information System (“GIS”) professional services, increasing the amount by $600,000 for a total contract value of $1,149,411 from September 14, 2016 to June 30, 2027.

Financial Implications: $600,000 - IT Cost Allocation Plan Fund.

Contact: Kevin Fong, Information Technology, (510) 981-6500 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,793–N.S.

11. Contract No. 32000281 Amendment: ConvergeOne for Avaya Administration, Maintenance and Support
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend Contract No. 32000281 to increase the spending authority with ConvergeOne (previously named Integration Partners) for Avaya telephone system administration, maintenance and support services increasing the amount by $920,000 for a total not- to-exceed amount of $2,638,633 from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Kevin Fong, Information Technology, (510) 981-6500 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,794–N.S.

12. Contract No. 32400095 Amendment: Superion, LLC for AS400 Software Maintenance and Support
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to contract No. 32400095 with Superion, LLC (“Superion”) for software maintenance and support of the City of Berkeley (“City”) Public Sector System (“FUND$”) hosted on an AS400 platform, increasing the amount by $309,000 for a total not-to-exceed amount $592,500.00 from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2027.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Kevin Fong, Information Technology, (510) 981-6500 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,795–N.S.

13. Contract: CompuCom Systems, Inc. (“CompuCom”) for Professional Services From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract with CompuCom for professional services for an amount not to exceed $1,051,000 through June 30, 2027.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Kevin Fong, Information Technology, (510) 981-6500 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,796–N.S.

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Consent Calendar
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 MINUTES Page 7

14. Contract 31900042 Amendment: CivicPlus for an Online Recreation Registration and Reservation System (CivicRec)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend Contract No. 31900042 with CivicPlus, Inc. to provide an online recreation registration and reservation system (CivicRec) by increasing the contract amount by $28,000, for a total not to exceed amount of $181,756, and extending the expiration date from November 30, 2025 to November 30, 2026.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Ferris, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, (510) 981-6700 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,797–N.S.

15. Contract: BayGreen, Inc. for Mobile Pumpout and Related Services From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract and any amendments with BayGreen, Inc. for mobile vessel pumpout and related services at the Berkeley Marina in an amount not to exceed $195,898 for a period of three years, with an option to renew for an additional two years not to exceed $150,725, for a total contract amount not to exceed $346,623.

Financial Implications: Marina Fund - $346,623
Contact: Scott Ferris, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, (510) 981-6700 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,798–N.S.

16. Contract: Cazadero Performing Arts Camp (CPAC) for Erosion Control Improvements
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract and any amendments with Cazadero Performing Arts Camp (CPAC) for creek erosion repair in an amount not to exceed $200,000.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Ferris, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, (510) 981-6700 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,799–N.S.

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Consent Calendar
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 MINUTES Page 8

17. Contract: E.F. Brett & Company, Inc. for MLK Jr. Youth Services Center/Y.A.P Seismic Retrofit and Renovation Project
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution: 1. Approving the plans and specifications for the MLK Jr. Youth Services Center/Y.A.P. Seismic Retrofit and Renovation project, Specification No. 25-11695-C; 2. Rejecting the bid protest of W.E. Lyons Construction Co., the second lowest bidder; 3. Accepting the bid of the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, E.F. Brett & Company, Inc.; and 4. Authorizing the City Manager or their designee to execute a contract and any amendments, extensions or other change orders until completion of the project in accordance with the approved plans and specifications, with E.F. Brett & Company, Inc. for the MLK Jr. Youth Services Center/Y.A.P. Seismic Retrofit and Renovation Project at 1730 Oregon Street, in an amount not to exceed $11,859,100 which includes a contract amount consisting of the base bid and bid alternates 1, 4 and 5 of $10,781,000 and a 10% contingency in the amount of $1,078,100.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Ferris, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, (510) 981-6700 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,800–N.S.

18. Contract No. 32500009 Amendment: Dixon Resources Unlimited From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend Contract No. 32500009 and any necessary future amendments with Dixon Resources Unlimited for the Police Department, to include contract implementation support while increasing the contract amount by $50,000 for a total not to exceed amount of $100,000, and a contract extension date to January 31, 2027.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Jennifer Louis, Police, (510) 981-5900
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,801–N.S.

Council Consent Items

19. Berkeley Humane 11th Annual Pints for Paws Fundraiser: Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds from General Funds and Grant of Such Funds From: Councilmember Taplin (Author), Mayor Ishii (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Tregub (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Humbert (Co-Sponsor) Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $500 per Councilmember, including $500 from Councilmember Taplin, to support the Berkeley Humane 11th Annual Pints for Paws Fundraiser.

Financial Implications: $500 - Councilmember Discretionary Fund.

Contact: Terry Taplin, Councilmember, District 2, (510) 981-7120 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,802–N.S. revised to include contributions from the following Councilmembers up to the amounts listed: Councilmember Humbert - $500; Councilmember Blackaby - $250; Councilmember Tregub - $150; Councilmember Bartlett - $250; Councilmember O’Keefe - $250.

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Council Consent Items
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 MINUTES Page 9

20. Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds from General Funds and Grant of Such Funds to Taste of Downtown Berkeley 2025 Event
From: Councilmember Tregub (Author), Councilmember O'Keefe (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Taplin (Co-Sponsor), Mayor Ishii (Co-Sponsor) Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $500 per Councilmember from the D13 Discretionary Accounts of members of the Berkeley City Council, including contributions of $500 from Mayor Ishii and Councilmembers Tregub and Taplin and $200 from Councilmember O’Keefe, and inviting other members of the City Council to contribute to the Berkeley Rotary Endowment to support the Third Annual Taste of Downtown Berkeley 2025 with funds relinquished to the City’s general fund. The relinquished funds will help the Berkeley Rotary Endowment to host an event featuring and increasing visibility for local business and raise funds for their RotaCare Health Clinic, 4-year Collegiate Scholarship program, and Supportive Housing hygiene kit programs. This year’s event will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2025, starting at the Downtown Berkeley Plaza.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Igor Tregub, Councilmember, District 4, (510) 981-7140 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,803–N.S. revised to include contributions from the following Councilmembers up to the amounts listed: Councilmember Blackaby - $250; Councilmember Bartlett - $200; Councilmember Lunaparra - $100.

21. Resolution in Opposition to California Assembly Bill 942 (Calderon), Net energy metering: eligible customer-generators: tariffs
From: Councilmember Tregub (Author), Councilmember Blackaby (Co- Sponsor), Councilmember Lunaparra (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution in opposition to California State Assembly Bill 942 (Calderon), Net energy metering: eligible customer-generators: tariffs, and distribute copies to California Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Jesse Arreguín, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, California Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire, and California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas to oppose its passage.

Financial Implications: Limited staff time
Contact: Igor Tregub, Councilmember, District 4, (510) 981-7140 Action: Councilmember O’Keefe added as a co-sponsor. Adopted Resolution No. 71,804–N.S.

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Council Consent Items
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 MINUTES Page 10

22. Resolution Opposing the Removal of USPS Mailboxes at the Berkeley Main Post Office
From: Councilmember Tregub (Author), Councilmember Lunaparra (Co- Sponsor)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution opposing the removal of public mailboxes from the Berkeley Main Post Office on Allston Way and urging immediate engagement with United States Postal Service (USPS) leadership to restore these essential public services and send the Resolution to the attention of US Congresswoman Lateefah Simon and US Postmaster.

Financial Implications: Staff time
Contact: Igor Tregub, Councilmember, District 4, (510) 981-7140 Action: Approved recommendation as revised in Supplemental Communications Packet #2 by Councilmember Tregub to send a letter instead of adopting a resolution and making other amendments.

23. Resolution in Support of the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act Legislative Package – AB 1243 and SB 684
From: Councilmember Tregub (Author), Councilmember Lunaparra (Co- Sponsor)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution in strong support of the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act Legislative Package (Assembly Bill (AB) 1243 (Addis, et al) and Senate Bill (SB) 684 (Menjivar, et al), which would hold fossil fuel corporations accountable for their fair share of the damages caused by climate change in California, and transmit the Council’s support to Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire, Senator Jesse Arreguín (SD7), Speaker Robert Rivas, and Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (AD14).

Financial Implications: None
Contact: Igor Tregub, Councilmember, District 4, (510) 981-7140 Action: Councilmembers Blackaby and Bartlett added as co-sponsors. Adopted Resolution No. 71,805–N.S.

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Council Consent Items
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 MINUTES Page 11

24. Referral: Oxford for All (Reviewed by the Facilities, Infrastructure, Transportation, Environment & Sustainability Committee)
From: Councilmember Tregub (Author), Councilmember Lunaparra (Co- Sponsor)
Recommendation:

1. Refer to the City Manager to design and construct a quick-build class IV bicycle facility on the east side of Oxford Street and Fulton Street between Bancroft Way and Hearst Avenue and implement pedestrian safety improvements on the corridor, potentially through quick-build planning and construction methods.

2. Refer $400,000 to the June budget process (FY26 Mid-Biennial Update) to provide the City of Berkeley Public Works Department with necessary funds to support design, engineering, and construction costs for the project.

3. Refer to the City Manager and to The City/UC/Student Relations “4x6” Committee to explore opportunities to leverage existing and establish new financial partnerships with UC Berkeley on safety projects along Oxford Street and adjacent areas, including the Oxford and Bancroft volleyball courts project and similar initiatives.

Policy Committee Recommendation: To send the item to City Council with a positive recommendation.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Igor Tregub, Councilmember, District 4, (510) 981-7140 Action: Approved revised recommendation from Councilmember Tregub in to add Councilmember Humbert as a co-sponsor and revise the recommendation to read as below.

1. Provide direction to City Manager and staff to implement city-adopted 2017 Bike Plan, the 2021 UC Berkeley Oxford St./Fulton St. Multimodal Mobility and Urban Design Study and the 2025 Bike Plan Update recommendations on Oxford Street and Fulton Street from Bancroft Way to Hearst Avenue alongside upcoming repaving.

2. Beforehand and until such permanent capital improvements are feasible, refer to the City Manager to design and construct a an interim “quick build” project if deemed feasible, prudent, and non-disruptive to permanent improvements. Improvements implemented should, at minimum, include Class IV protected bike lanes and pedestrian safety facilities.

Pedestrian facilities may include daylighting, high-visibility crosswalks, curb extensions, and other improvements that increase safety for pedestrians on the corridor, informed by the above-mentioned plans.

3. Refer to the City Manager to seek funding in the amount of $400,000 from all available sources including, but not limited to the Street and Open Space Improvement Fund (SOSIP), Measure FF (2024), Long Range Development Plan (LRDP) and refer to the June budget process (FY26 Mid-Biennial Update) to provide the City of Berkeley Public Works Department with funds to support design, engineering, and construction costs for the quick build and permanent components of the project.

4. Refer to the City Manager and to The City/UC/Student Relations “4x6” Committee to explore opportunities to leverage existing and establish new financial partnerships with UC Berkeley on safety projects along Oxford Street and adjacent areas, including the Oxford and Bancroft volleyball courts project and similar initiatives.

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Council Consent Items
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 MINUTES Page 12

25. The Berkeley Baby Book Project: Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds from General Funds and Grant of Such Funds
From: Councilmember Blackaby (Author), Mayor Ishii (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Humbert (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Taplin (Co-Sponsor) Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $250 per Councilmember, including $250 from Councilmember Blackaby, the Mayor and Councilmembers Humbert and Taplin, to support the Berkeley Baby Book Project, a non-profit, with funds relinquished to the City’s general fund. The relinquishment of funds from Councilmember Blackaby and all other Councilmembers who would like to contribute, will provide books to Berkeley children aged 0-5 years. The books are delivered by USPS and addressed to the child who owns them at no cost to their family.

Financial Implications: None
Contact: Brent Blackaby, Councilmember, District 6, (510) 981-7160 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,806–N.S. revised to include contributions from the following Councilmembers up to the amounts listed: Councilmember Tregub - $250; Councilmember Bartlett - $200; Councilmember O’Keefe - $250; Councilmember Lunaparra - $100.

Action Calendar – New Business

26. Re-Establishment - Berkeley Tourism Business Improvement District (Public Meeting)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public meeting to review and discuss the intention to renew the Berkeley Tourism Business Improvement District (BTBID) for ten (10) years starting July 1, 2025 (hereafter, “BTBID”, “Tourism BID”, “BID” or “the District”). On May 6, 2025 Council adopted Resolution No. 71,749–N.S., which states the intention to renew the Tourism BID and directed the City Clerk to schedule a public meeting on June 3, 2025, and a public hearing on June 24, 2025 to consider the renewal of the District. Per state law, a public meeting is required at which local officials allow public testimony regarding the proposed new assessment in addition to the noticed public hearing at which the legislative body proposes to enact the assessment.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Eleanor Hollander, Economic Development, (510) 981-7530 Action: 2 speakers. Public meeting held.

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Action Calendar – Public Hearings
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 MINUTES Page 13

27. Conduct a Public Hearing in Compliance with Assembly Bill 2561 / Government Code § 3502.3 Regarding Vacancies, Recruitment, and Retention Efforts From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing in compliance with Assembly Bill 2561 (AB 2561) / Government Code § 3502.3 (GC § 3502.3) regarding vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Monica Walker, Human Resources, (510) 981-6800 Public Testimony: The Mayor opened the public hearing. 2 speakers.

M/S/C (Humbert/Taplin) to close the public hearing.

Vote: Ayes – Taplin, Bartlett, Tregub, O’Keefe, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii; Noes – None; Abstain – None; Absent – Kesarwani.

Action: Presentation made and discussion held. Report received, including material in Supplemental Communications Packet #1 from the City Manager.

28. Zoning Adjustments Board Appeal: 1950-1998 Shattuck Avenue, Use Permit #ZP2023-0040
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing, and upon conclusion adopt a Resolution denying the appeal and affirming the Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB) decision approving Use Permit ZP#2023-0040.

Financial Implications: None
Contact: Jordan Klein, Planning and Development, (510) 981-7400 Public Testimony: The Mayor opened the public hearing. 1 speaker.

M/S/C (Humbert/Taplin) to close the public hearing.

Vote: Ayes – Taplin, Bartlett, Tregub, O’Keefe, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii; Noes – None; Abstain – None; Absent – Kesarwani.

Action: M/S/C (Lunaparra/Taplin) to adopt Resolution No. 71,807–N.S. to adopt a Resolution denying the appeal and affirming the Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB) decision approving Use Permit ZP#2023-0040 with an amendment to Condition of Approval #82 to extend post entitlement deadlines.

Vote: Ayes – Taplin, Bartlett, Tregub, O’Keefe, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii; Noes – None; Abstain – None; Absent – Kesarwani.

Information Reports

29. Section 115 Trust Investment Report from Inception to Period Ended June 30, 2024
From: City Manager
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Received and filed.

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Tuesday, June 3, 2025 MINUTES Page 14
Public Comment – Items Not Listed on the Agenda - 1 speaker.

Adjournment
Action: M/S/C (Taplin/Humbert) to adjourn the meeting.

Vote: Ayes – Taplin, Bartlett, Tregub, O’Keefe, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii; Noes – None; Abstain – None; Absent – Kesarwani.

Adjourned at 8:22 p.m.

I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct record of the regular meeting held on June 3, 2025.
________________________
Mark Numainville, City Clerk
Communications
Item #23: Resolution in Support of the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act Legislative Package – AB 1243 and SB 684

1. Ashley E. McClure
Encampments and Homelessness

2. Kimberly Cohn

3. Alastair MacDowell

4. Rosemary Hardy

5. Patricia Itamoto

6. Helga Recke

7. Kasaia Luckel

8. Loren Passmore

9. Peter Radu

10.David Lerman

11.A concerned Berkeley resident

12.Lillie Brum

13.Cecelia Mautner

14.Eric Larsen

15.Cris Arguedas

16.Nicholas Alexander

17.Russbumper

18.Elsa Tranter (2)

19.Rebecca Braun

20.Ben Buettner

21.Daniel Jurnove

22.Patty Lipinska

23.Shelly Chaiken

24.Judy Stamps

25.David Freeling (3)

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Tuesday, June 3, 2025 MINUTES Page 15

26.Daniela
Marina Security

27.Marco Falcioni

28.Robert Ofsevit

29.Melanie E. Beasley

30.Jay Karimi

31.Peter Kuhn

32.Catherine
Buildings Emissions Saving Ordinance (BESO)

33.Nora Coyle (9)

34.Lenora ONeill (9)

35.Isla Peters (9)
Missing Middle and Zoning Density

36.Emily Rader

37.Barbara Gilbert

38.Hal Leventhal

39.David Lerman (3)
Scooter and Bicycle Parking and Sidewalk Accessibility

40.Sean McMahon

41.Robert Byler

42.Sashafutran

43.Laurie McWhorter

44.Robert Borghese (13)
Middle East Conflict

45.Cheryl Davila (2)

46.Crustyrusty

47.Russbumper (2)

48.Richard Makdisi

49.Cynthia Papermaster
Mutual Aid Agreement with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

50.Hansel Aguilar, on behalf of the Police Accountability Board

51.Office of the Director of Police Accountability
Facilities to Exercise Dogs

52.Colin Brauns (2)
Carl Martineau Documentary

53.Inetjalopy (2)
ADUs and Condo Conversion

54.Toni Mester

55.Matt Taecker
People’s Park

56.Russbumper
Bicycle Plan and Bicycle Safety

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Tuesday, June 3, 2025 MINUTES Page 16

57.Meryl Siegal

58.Wahid Amiri

59.Donna DeDiemar, on behalf of Friends of Hopkins Street (2) Ohlone Greenway Plant Garden

60.Bonnie Borucki
Demolition of UA Theater

61.Annamarta Dostourian
Power Upgrade, PG&E Letter

62.Leah Isaacson
Grant Application for Restore Strawberry Creek

63.Samantha Kanofsky
Fire Safety and Use of Water

64.Nenelle Bunnin
Recognition of Herbivorous Animals

65.RSW
Floating Bus Stops

66.Daveed Mandell (2)
Censorship Incident

67.David Ojakian
Frances Albrier Renovations

68.Cian Menzel-Jones
Jewish American Heritage Month

69.Dorothea Dorenz
University and San Pablo Avenue Intersection

70.Nicola Spence
Parking Citations Concerns

71.Avery Ryan
Water Transportation Pier Ferry Project

72.Camille Antinori, on behalf of the Berkeley Waterfront Community Coalition Support Funding for Rail Safety and Grade Crossings

73.Nate Kaplan, on behalf of GoRail
Funding for Small Sites Program

74.Ellen Wu, on behalf of Urban Habitat
Housing Application Concerns

75.Ahmed Elghiyati (2)

76.Sophie Hahn
Proposal to Make Derby Street One-Way

77.Manu Seth
Tribal Identity Misrepresentation

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Tuesday, June 3, 2025 MINUTES Page 17

78.Gabriel Duncan, on behalf of Alameda Native History Project 1048 Keith Avenue, Use Permit #ZP-2024-0014

79.Bahram Gangei
Organizational Oversight

80.Eid Abdallah (2)
Legislative Aide Recruitment

81.Alec Chavez
Turtle Island Monument Fountain

82.John Curl
Historical Plaque

83.Pil Orbison (3)
Supplemental Communications and Reports 1
Item #23: Resolution in Support of the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act Legislative Package – AB 1243 and SB 684

84.Deborah Moore
Item #27: Conduct a Public Hearing in Compliance with Assembly Bill 2561 / Government Code § 3502.3 Regarding Vacancies, Recruitment, and Retention Efforts

85.Supplemental agenda material submitted by the Human Resources Department Supplemental Communications and Reports 2
Item #21: Resolution in Opposition to California Assembly Bill 942 (Calderon), Net energy metering: eligible customer-generators: tariffs

86.Ariella Granett

87.Andrea Yankowski

88.Igor Tregub

89.Michael Katz
Item #22: Resolution Opposing the Removal of USPS Mailboxes at the Berkeley Main Post Office

90.Revised agenda material submitted by Councilmember Igor Tregub Item #23: Resolution in Support of the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act Legislative Package – AB 1243 and SB 684

91.Ariella Granett
Item #24: Referral: Oxford for All (Reviewed by the Facilities, Infrastructure, Transportation, Environment & Sustainability Committee)

92.Revised agenda material submitted by Councilmember Igor Tregub

93.Rachel Bradley
Item #28: Zoning Adjustments Board Appeal: 1950-1998 Shattuck Avenue, Use Permit #ZP2023-0040

94.Clifford Fred

95.James Hendry

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Tuesday, June 3, 2025 MINUTES Page 18

96.Mark Rhoades
Supplemental Communications and Reports 3
Urgent Item: Excused Absence for Councilmember Rashi Kesarwani

97.Submitted by Councilmember Rashi Kesarwani
Action Calendar
Item #27: Conduct a Public Hearing in Compliance with Assembly Bill 2561 / Government Code § 3502.3 Regarding Vacancies, Recruitment, and Retention Efforts

98.Presentation submitted by the Human Resources Department Item #28: Zoning Adjustments Board Appeal: 1950-1998 Shattuck Avenue, Use Permit #ZP2023-0040

99.Presentation submitted by the Planning Department
100. James M. Lloyd on behalf of The California Housing Defense Fund (2) 101. James Hendry (6)
102. Mark Rhoades
Miscellaneous
103. Steve Tracy

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Monday, June 9, 2025 MINUTES Page 1

MINUTES

BERKELEY CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2025
4:30 P.M.
2180 MILVIA STREET, BERKELEY, CA 94704 – REDWOOD ROOM
TELECONFERENCE LOCATION – 1619 EDITH STREET, BERKELEY, CA 94703

ADENA ISHII, MAYOR
Councilmembers:

To access the meeting remotely use this URL: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1616589877. To request to speak, use the “raise hand” function in Zoom. To join by phone: Dial 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (Toll Free) and enter Meeting ID: 161 658 9877. To provide public comment, Press *9 and wait to be recognized by the Chair. To submit a written communication for the public record, email [email protected].

This meeting will be conducted in accordance with the Brown Act, Government Code Section 54953. Any member of the public may attend this meeting, however, if you are feeling sick, please do not attend the meeting in person.

The City Council may take action related to any subject listed on the Agenda.

Pursuant to the City Council Rules of Procedure and State Law, the presiding officer may remove, or cause the removal of, an individual for disrupting the meeting. Prior to removing an individual, the presiding officer shall warn the individual that their behavior is disrupting the meeting and that their failure to cease their behavior may result in their removal. The presiding officer may then remove the individual if they do not promptly cease their disruptive behavior. “Disrupting” means engaging in behavior during a meeting of a legislative body that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting and includes, but is not limited to, a failure to comply with reasonable and lawful regulations adopted by a legislative body, or engaging in behavior that constitutes use of force or a true threat of force.

Government Code Section 84308 (Levine Act) - Parties to a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use are required to disclose if they made contributions over $500 within the prior 12 months to any City employee or officer. Parties and participants with a financial interest are prohibited from making more than $500 in contributions to a decisionmaker for the 12 months after the final decision is rendered on the proceeding.

Attachment 3

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Monday, June 9, 2025 MINUTES Page 2
Preliminary Matters
Roll Call: 4:34 p.m.

Present: Blackaby, Humbert, Lunaparra, O’Keefe, Taplin, Tregub, Ishii

Absent: Bartlett, Kesarwani
Public Comment - Limited to items on this agenda only – 0 speakers.

CLOSED SESSION:

The City Council will convene in closed session to meet concerning the following:

1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS; GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6 Negotiators: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager, David White, Deputy City Manager, Shana Amenaghawon, Interim Budget Manager, Janelle Rodrigues, Human Resources Director, Monica Walker, Human Resources Manager, Chaka Young, Employee Relations Manager Employee Organizations: Berkeley Fire Fighters Association Local 1227 I.A.F.F., Berkeley Chief Fire Officers Association Local 1227 I.A.F.F., Berkeley Fire EMS Professionals Association, Berkeley Police Association; SEIU 1021 Community Services and Part-Time Recreation Activity Leaders, SEIU 1021 Maintenance and Clerical, IBEW Local 1245, Public Employee Union Local 1, Unrepresented Employees
Action: No reportable action taken.

OPEN SESSION:

Public Reports of actions taken pursuant to Government Code section 54957.1.

No reportable action taken.

Adjournment
Action: M/S/C (Humbert/Tregub) to adjourn the meeting.

Vote: Ayes – Taplin, Tregub, O’Keefe, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii; Noes – None; Abstain – None; Absent – Kesarwani, Bartlett.

Adjourned at 5:10 p.m.

I hereby certify that the forgoing is a true and correct record of the special closed meeting of June 9, 2025 as approved by the Berkeley City Council. __________________________________
Rose Thomsen, Deputy City Clerk

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Tuesday, June 17, 2025 MINUTES Page 1

MINUTES

BERKELEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
6:00 PM
SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD ROOM - 1231 ADDISON STREET, BERKELEY, CA 94702 TELECONFERENCE LOCATION - KIAHUNA PLANTATION UNIT 34, 2253 POIPU RD., POIPU, HI 96756
TELECONFERENCE LOCATION - 1027D BANCROFT WAY, BERKELEY CA 94710

ADENA ISHII, MAYOR
Councilmembers:

DISTRICT 1 – RASHI KESARWANI DISTRICT 5 – SHOSHANA O’KEEFE DISTRICT 2 – TERRY TAPLIN DISTRICT 6 – BRENT BLACKABY
DISTRICT 3 – BEN BARTLETT DISTRICT 7 – CECILIA LUNAPARRA DISTRICT 4 – IGOR TREGUB DISTRICT 8 – MARK HUMBERT
This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid model with both in-person attendance and virtual participation. Live captioned broadcasts of Council meetings are available on B-TV (Channel 33) and via internet video stream at http://berkeley.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=1244. All Council meetings are recorded.

To access the meeting remotely use this URL: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1600617992. To request to speak, use the “raise hand” function in Zoom. To join by phone: Dial 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (Toll Free) and enter Meeting ID: 160 061 7992 . To provide public comment, Press *9 and wait to be recognized by the Chair. To submit a written communication for the public record, email [email protected].

This meeting will be conducted in accordance with the Brown Act, Government Code Section 54953. Any member of the public may attend this meeting, however, if you are feeling sick, please do not attend the meeting in person.

The City Council may take action related to any subject listed on the Agenda.

Pursuant to the City Council Rules of Procedure and State Law, the presiding officer may remove, or cause the removal of, an individual for disrupting the meeting. Prior to removing an individual, the presiding officer shall warn the individual that their behavior is disrupting the meeting and that their failure to cease their behavior may result in their removal. The presiding officer may then remove the individual if they do not promptly cease their disruptive behavior. “Disrupting” means engaging in behavior during a meeting of a legislative body that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting and includes, but is not limited to, a failure to comply with reasonable and lawful regulations adopted by a legislative body, or engaging in behavior that constitutes use of force or a true threat of force.

Government Code Section 84308 (Levine Act) - Parties to a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use are required to disclose if they made contributions over $500 within the prior 12 months to any City employee or officer. Parties and participants with a financial interest are prohibited from making more than $500 in contributions to a decisionmaker for the 12 months after the final decision is rendered on the proceeding.

Attachment 4

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Tuesday, June 17, 2025 MINUTES Page 2
Preliminary Matters
Roll Call: 6:02 p.m.

Present: Taplin, Tregub, O’Keefe, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii

Absent: Kesarwani, Bartlett
Councilmember Kesarwani present at 6:08 p.m.

Councilmember Bartlett present at 6:12 p.m.

Land Acknowledgement Statement: The City of Berkeley recognizes that the community we live in was built on the territory of xučyun (Huchiun (Hooch-yoon)), the ancestral and unceded land of the Chochenyo (Cho-chen-yo)-speaking Ohlone (Oh-low-nee) people, the ancestors and descendants of the sovereign Verona Band of Alameda County. This land was and continues to be of great importance to all of the Ohlone Tribes and descendants of the Verona Band. As we begin our meeting tonight, we acknowledge and honor the original inhabitants of Berkeley, the documented 5,000-year history of a vibrant community at the West Berkeley Shellmound, and the Ohlone people who continue to reside in the East Bay. We recognize that Berkeley’s residents have and continue to benefit from the use and occupation of this unceded stolen land since the City of Berkeley’s incorporation in 1878. As stewards of the laws regulating the City of Berkeley, it is not only vital that we recognize the history of this land, but also recognize that the Ohlone people are present members of Berkeley and other East Bay communities today. The City of Berkeley will continue to build relationships with the Lisjan Tribe and to create meaningful actions that uphold the intention of this land acknowledgement.

Ceremonial Matters: None
City Manager Comments: None
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Matters: 10 speakers.

Action: M/S/C (Ishii/Tregub) to open the public hearing and continue the hearing to June 24, 2025 at 4:00pm at 1231 Addison Street for the following items: Item 33 Fire Permit and Inspection Fee Schedule; Item 37 Selected Marina Fee Increases; Item 40 New Fee Schedule for Carry Concealed Weapon Permits; Item 41 Changes to Select Public Works Transportation Permit Fees.

Vote: All Ayes.

Consent Calendar
Public Comment on Consent Calendar and Information Items Only: 5 speakers.

Action: M/S/C (Tregub/Humbert) to adopt the Consent Calendar in one motion except as indicated.

Vote: All Ayes.

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Consent Calendar
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 MINUTES Page 3

1. Assessments: Downtown Berkeley Property Based Business Improvement District
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the Downtown Berkeley Property Based Business Improvement District (DPBID) Annual Report of Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and proposed budget for FY 2026 and declaring Council’s intention to levy an annual assessment for the DPBID for FY 2026.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Eleanor Hollander, Economic Development, (510) 981-7530 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,808–N.S.

2. Assessments: North Shattuck Property Based Business Improvement District From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the North Shattuck Property Based Business Improvement District (NSBID) Annual Report of Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and proposed budget for FY 2026 and declaring Council’s intention to levy an annual assessment for the NSBID for FY 2026.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Eleanor Hollander, Economic Development, (510) 981-7530 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,809–N.S.

3. Assessments: Telegraph Property Based Business Improvement District From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the Telegraph Property Based Business Improvement District (TBID) Annual Report of Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and proposed FY26 budget and declaring Council’s intention to levy an annual assessment for the TBID for FY 2026.

Financial Implications: See report.

Contact: Eleanor Hollander, Economic Development, (510) 981-7530 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,810–N.S.

4. Contract: Fine Art Service Provider - Chandra Cerrito/Art Advisors LLC - for Public Art Curation & Project Management Services
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract and any amendments with Chandra Cerrito/Art Advisors LLC for an amount not to exceed $100,000 for Public Art Curation and Project Management services for the City of Berkeley’s Public Art Collection for a term of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028.

Financial Implications: $100,000 - Cultural Trust Fund
Contact: Eleanor Hollander, Economic Development, (510) 981-7530 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,811–N.S.

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5. Formal Bid Solicitations and Request for Proposals Scheduled for Possible Issuance After Council Approval on June 17, 2025
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Approve the request for proposals or invitation for bids (attached to staff report) that will be, or are planned to be, issued upon final approval by the requesting department or division. All contracts over the City Manager’s threshold will be returned to Council for final approval.

Financial Implications: General Fund - $250,000
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Approved recommendation.

6. Temporary Appropriations FY 2026
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing a temporary appropriation in the sum of $60,000,000 to cover payroll and other expenses from July 1, 2025, until the effective date of the FY 2026 Annual Appropriations Ordinance.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,812–N.S.

7. FY 2026 Tax Rate: Business License Tax on Large Non-Profits From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an Ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate for Business License Tax on large non-profits at $0.8736 (87.36 cents) per square foot of improvements.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted first reading of Ordinance No. 7,962–N.S. Second reading scheduled for June 24, 2025.

8. FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund the Debt Service on the Street and Watershed Improvements General Obligation Bonds (Measure M, November 2012 Election) From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an Ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate funding the debt service on the Street and Integrated Watershed Improvements General Obligation Bonds (Measure M, November 2012) at 0.0050%.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted first reading of Ordinance No. 7,963–N.S. Second reading scheduled for June 24, 2025.

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9. FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund Debt Service on 2015 Refunding General Obligation Bonds (Measures G, S & I)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an Ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate funding the debt service on the 2015 consolidation of Measures G, S and I (General Obligation Bonds - Elections of 1992, 1996 and 2002) at 0.0090%.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted first reading of Ordinance No. 7,964–N.S. Second reading scheduled for June 24, 2025.

10. FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund the Provision of Emergency Medical Services (Paramedic Tax)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an Ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate for funding the provision of emergency medical services to Berkeley residents at $0.0474 (4.74 cents) per square foot of improvements.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted first reading of Ordinance No. 7,965–N.S. Second reading scheduled for June 24, 2025.

11. FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund Sustainable and Accountable Funding for Equitable Street Transformation, Revitalization, Enhancements, and Essential Traffic Safety (SAFE STREETS) (Measure FF)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an Ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate for funding Sustainable and Accountable Funding for Equitable Street Transformation, Revitalization, Enhancements, and Essential Traffic Safety (SAFE STREETS), otherwise known as Measure FF, at an annual rate of $0.17 per square foot of dwelling unit improvements and $0.25 per square foot for industrial, commercial, and institutional improvements for the 18-month period from January 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300, Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300
Action: Adopted first reading of Ordinance No. 7,966–N.S. Second reading scheduled for June 24, 2025.

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12. FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund the Maintenance of Parks, City Trees and Landscaping From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an Ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate for funding all improvements for the maintenance of parks, City trees, and landscaping in the City of Berkeley at $0.2652 (26.52 cents) per square foot of improvements.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted first reading of Ordinance No. 7,967–N.S. Second reading scheduled for June 24, 2025.

13. FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund the Debt Service on the Affordable Housing General Obligation Bonds (Measure O, November 2018 Election)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an Ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate funding the debt service on the Affordable Housing General Obligation Bonds (Measure O, November 2018) at 0.0200%.

Financial Implications: See Report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted first reading of Ordinance No. 7,968–N.S. Second reading scheduled for June 24, 2025.

14. FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund the Debt Service on the Infrastructure and Facilities General Obligation Bonds (Measure T1, November 2016 Election) From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an Ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate funding the debt service on the Infrastructure and Facilities Improvements General Obligation Bonds (Measure T1, November 2016) at 0.0110%.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted first reading of Ordinance No. 7,969–N.S. Second reading scheduled for June 24, 2025.

15. FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund Debt Service on Neighborhood Branch Library Improvements Project General Obligation Bonds (Measure FF, November 2008 Election)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an Ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate for funding the debt service on the Neighborhood Branch Library Improvements Project General Obligation Bonds (Measure FF, November 2008 Election) at

0.0040%.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted first reading of Ordinance No. 7,970–N.S. Second reading scheduled for June 24, 2025.

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16. FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund Emergency Services for the Severely Disabled (Measure E)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an Ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate for funding the provision of emergency services for the disabled at $0.02229 (2.229 cents) per square foot of improvements.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted first reading of Ordinance No. 7,971–N.S. Second reading scheduled for June 24, 2025.

17. FY 2026 Special Tax Rate: Fund the Provision of Library Relief Act From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate for the Library Relief Act of 2024, approved by Berkeley voters in the November 2024 election, for funding the provision of Library Services in the City of Berkeley at $0.06 (6.00 cents) per square foot for dwelling units and $0.09 (9.00 cents) per square foot for industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300, Tess Mayer, Library, (510) 981- 6100
Action: Adopted first reading of Ordinance No. 7,972–N.S. Second reading scheduled for June 24, 2025.

18. FY 2026 Special Tax Rate: Fund the Provision of Library Services From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate for funding the provision of Library Services in the City of Berkeley at $0.2980 (29.80 cents) per square foot for dwelling units and $0.4506 (45.06 cents) per square foot for industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300, Tess Mayer, Library, (510) 981- 6100
Action: Adopted first reading of Ordinance No. 7,973–N.S. Second reading scheduled for June 24, 2025.

19. Cooperative Agreement: Downtown Berkeley Bike Station From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to renew the Cooperative Agreement, expiring on June 30, 2026, with the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) for the continued operation of the Downtown Berkeley Bike Station in its Center Street Garage location, provide funding for FY26 and past due funding for FY24 and FY25, for a total not to exceed amount of $255,000.

Financial Implications: See report.

Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,813–N.S.

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20. Approving Proposed Projects Anticipated to be paid for by the State’s Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Funds for FY 2025-26 From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving a proposed list of projects that will utilize funding from the State of California’s Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) and authorize the City Manager to submit the proposed list to the California Transportation Commission.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,814–N.S.

21. Civic Arts Commission General Fund Request for Continuation of Poet Laureate Program in FY26 & FY27
From: Civic Arts Commission
Recommendation: The Civic Arts Commission requests that the City Council allocate a total of $25,000 in the annual budget of the General Fund over two fiscal years to support the continuation of the City of Berkeley’s Poet Laureate Program:
- FY26: $20,000 for Selection Process (including staff time) and Poet Laureate Stipend in Year One
- FY27: $5,000 for Poet Laureate Stipend in Year Two
Financial Implications: See report.

Contact: Jennifer Lovvorn, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-7530 Action: Approved recommendation.

22. Civic Arts Commission Funding Request - Additional $41,685 from the General Fund in FY26 for Festival Grants
From: Civic Arts Commission
Recommendation: Refer to the City’s Budget process an increased budget allocation of $41,685 of general fund monies to bring the total allocation for Festival Grants to $200,000 in FY26.

Financial Implications: $41,685 - General Fund
Contact: Jennifer Lovvorn, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-7530 Action: Approved recommendation.
23a. Cesar Chavez Park Nature and Recreation-Based Conceptual Plan From: Parks and Waterfront Commission
Recommendation: Request that City Council approve Parks Recreation and Waterfront Commission process and direct Councilmembers Kesarwani and Taplin to appoint members of the César Chávez Park ReVision Team.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Roger Miller, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-6700 Action: See action for Item 23b.

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23b. Companion Report: Cesar Chavez Park Nature and Recreation-Based Conceptual Plan
From: City Manager
Recommendation: The City Manager recommends that Council take no action on the Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Commission recommendation that City Council approve the Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Commission process and direct Councilmembers Kesarwani and Taplin to appoint members of the César Chávez Park ReVision Team.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Ferris, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, (510) 981-6700 Action: Approved recommendation in Item 23b and take no action on Item 23.a.

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24. Grant Allocation: Approve Healthy Berkeley Funding Recommendations for Programs to Reduce Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) for FY 2026 and FY 2027 Grant Cycle
From: Sugar Sweetened Beverage Product Panel of Experts Recommendation: Approve the SSBPPE Commission’s recommendations and adopt eight (8) Resolutions authorizing the City Manager or designee to enter into contracts with the Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) and the Community- Based Organizations (CBOs) listed below to distribute a total of $1,810,584 for FY 2026 and FY 2027according to the following schedule:

1. $905,292 total grant to Berkeley Unified School District to implement the Gardening and Cooking Program and to be disbursed as follows: $452,646 in FY 2026 and $452,646 in FY 2027.

2. $75,000 total grant to Berkeley Food Network to implement the Connecting the Community to Wellness program and to be disbursed as follows: $37,500 in FY 2026 and $37,500 in FY 2027.

3. $108,660 total grant to Berkeley Youth Alternatives to implement the Team Nutrition Program and to be disbursed as follows: $54,330 in FY 2026 and $54,330 in FY 2027.

4. $140,750 total grant to Ecology Center to implement the For Thirst, Water First! program and to be disbursed as follows: $70,375 in FY 2026 and $70,375 in FY 2027.

5. $204,316 total grant to Healthy Black Families to implement the Thirsty for Change! (T4C) program and to be disbursed as follows: $102,158 in FY 2026 and $102,158 in FY 2027.

6. $178,658 total grant to LifeLong Medical Care to implement the LifeLong’s Chronic Disease and Oral Health Prevention Project and to be disbursed as follows: $89,329 in FY 2026 and $89,329 in FY 2027.

7. $90,000 total grant to Multicultural Institute to implement the Life Skills/Day Laborer and Domestic Workers Program Health Activities program and to be disbursed as follows: $45,000 in FY 2026 and $45,000 in FY 2027.

8. $107,908 total grant to YMCA of the East Bay to implement the YMCA Healthy Me! Program and to be disbursed as follows: $53,954 in FY 2026 and $53,954 in FY 2027.

9. The Commission recommends that indirect or administrative expenses not exceed 10% of the program budget for any entity and that the funds awarded not be used to supplant any other source of funding.

10. The Commission recommends that City Council authorize the City Manager to authorize advances for BUSD and the selected community agencies receiving funds in FY 2026 and FY 2027. The advances are to be equivalent to 25% of the agency’s allocation.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Roberto Terrones, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-5400 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,815–N.S. (Berkeley Unified School District); Resolution No. 71,816–N.S. (Berkeley Food Network); Resolution No. 71,817–N.S. (Berkeley Youth Alternatives); Resolution No. 71,818–N.S. (Ecology Center); Resolution No. 71,819–N.S. (Healthy Black Families); Resolution No. 71,820–N.S. (LifeLong Medical Care); Resolution No. 71,821–N.S. (Multicultural Institute); Resolution No. 71,822–N.S. (YMCA); and approved recommendation.

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25. Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds from General Funds and Grant of Such Funds to the Poet Laureate Program for FY 2026
From: Mayor Ishii (Author), Councilmember O'Keefe (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Lunaparra (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Taplin (Co-Sponsor) Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $500 per Councilmember, including $500 from Mayor Ishii, to the Poet Laureate Program for FY 2026 with funds relinquished to the City’s General Fund for this purpose from the discretionary Council Office Budgets of Mayor Ishii and any other Councilmembers who would like to contribute.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Adena Ishii, Mayor, (510) 981-7100
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,823–N.S. amended to include contributions from the following Councilmembers up to amounts listed: Councilmember Tregub - $500; Councilmember Humbert - $250; Councilmember Blackaby - $250; Councilmember Lunaparra - $250; Councilmember O’Keefe - $250; Councilmember Taplin - $500; Councilmember Bartlett - $200; Councilmember Kesarwani - $100.

26. Resolution Reaffirming Our Commitment to Vision Zero and Transportation- Related Plans and Policies
From: Mayor Ishii (Author), Councilmember Lunaparra (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Taplin (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Humbert (Co-Sponsor) Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution reaffirming the City of Berkeley’s Commitment to Vision Zero and Transportation-related plans and policies.

Financial Implications: None.

Contact: Adena Ishii, Mayor, (510) 981-7100
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,824–N.S. amended to delete the first Resolved clause.

27. Parking Business Improvement District (BID) Formation Update, Lorin and Gilman Commercial Districts
From: Mayor Ishii (Author), Councilmember Kesarwani (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Bartlett (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution enabling the City Manager to reallocate the dedicated funds for Parking Business Improvement District (BID) formation activities in the Lorin and Gilman commercial districts to grants that will be disbursed directly to the Lorin and Gilman commercial district merchant associations. The grants will be disbursed in annual amounts, and phased as follows: $10,000 each for years one and two, and $5,000 in year three for a total amount not to exceed $25,000 per district over three years.

This approach will continue to advance the initiative’s original goal to support both the Lorin and Gilman Districts by funding supplemental commercial district improvements, such as enhanced infrastructure and expanded programing, including the production of district-wide marketing efforts and events.

Financial Implications: See report.

Contact: Adena Ishii, Mayor, (510) 981-7100
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,825–N.S.

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28. Fire Facility Revenue Measures (Reviewed by the Budget & Finance Committee) From: Councilmember Taplin (Author), Mayor Ishii (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Blackaby (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Humbert (Co- Sponsor)
Recommendation: Refer to the City Manager the assessment of potential 2026 revenue ballot measures to support capital improvements to fire department facilities and return recommendations for council adoption.

Policy Committee Recommendation: Forward the item to Council with a positive recommendation.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terry Taplin, Councilmember, District 2, (510) 981-7120 Action: Approved recommendation as recommended by the Budget & Finance Committee.

29. Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds from General Funds and Grant of Such Funds to the Downtown Berkeley Association’s 6th Annual Pride on the Plaza Variety Show, in partnership with Om Nom Nom Productions From: Councilmember Tregub (Author)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the expenditure of up to $500 per Councilmember from each of their D13 Discretionary Accounts including $500 from Mayor Ishii, and Councilmembers Tregub and Taplin, and $200 from Councilmember Lunaparra, and inviting other members of the City Council to contribute to the 2025 Downtown Berkeley Association’s Pride Variety Show, in partnership with Om Nom Nom Productions with funds relinquished to the City’s general fund.

The relinquished funds from the respective discretionary Council Office Budgets of such members of the Berkeley City Council who wish to contribute will support the Downtown Berkeley Association to host a successful event.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Igor Tregub, Councilmember, District 4, (510) 981-7140 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,826–N.S. as revised Supplemental Communications Packet #1 from Councilmember Tregub, and amended to include contributions from the following Councilmembers up to amounts listed:

Councilmember Humbert - $250; Councilmember Blackaby - $250; Councilmember Lunaparra - $200; Councilmember O’Keefe - $250; Councilmember Bartlett - $200; Councilmember Kesarwani - $100; Mayor Ishii - $500.

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30. Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds from General Funds and Grant of Such Funds to the Historical Plaque Project of the Berkeley Historical Society & Museum
From: Councilmember Tregub (Author)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the expenditure of up to $500 per Councilmember from the D13 Discretionary Accounts of members of the Berkeley City Council, including $500 from Councilmember Tregub, and inviting other members of the City Council to contribute to the Historical Plaque Project of the Berkeley Historical Society & Museum, with funds relinquished to the City’s general fund.

The relinquished funds from the respective discretionary Council Office Budgets of such members of the Berkeley City Council who wish to contribute will support this impactful organization, to preserve cultural knowledge, and celebrate Berkeley’s rich and diverse history.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Igor Tregub, Councilmember, District 4, (510) 981-7140 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,827–N.S. amended to include contributions from the following Councilmembers up to amounts listed: Councilmember Humbert - $250; Councilmember Blackaby - $250; Councilmember O’Keefe - $250; Councilmember Bartlett - $200; Councilmember Kesarwani - $100; Mayor Ishii - $250.

31. Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds from General Funds and Grant of Such Funds to Berkeley’s First Pride Fair hosted by Pacific Center for Human Growth
From: Councilmember Tregub (Author), Councilmember Taplin (Co-Sponsor), Mayor Ishii (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: Adopting a Resolution authorizing the expenditure of up to $500 per Councilmember from each of their D13 Discretionary Accounts including $500 from Mayor Ishii, and $500 from Councilmembers Taplin, Tregub, and inviting other members of the City Council to contribute to Berkeley’s first Pride Fair hosted by Pacific Center for Human Growth with funds relinquished to the City’s general fund.

The relinquished funds from the respective discretionary Council Office Budgets of such members of the Berkeley City Council who wish to contribute will support Pacific Center in its endeavor to host a successful event that will set the precedent for Berkeley to continue hosting large-scale Pride celebrations for years to come.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Igor Tregub, Councilmember, District 4, (510) 981-7140 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,828–N.S. as revised in Supplemental Communications Packet #1 from Councilmember Tregub and amended to include contributions from the following Councilmembers up to amounts listed:

Councilmember Humbert - $250; Councilmember Blackaby - $500; Councilmember Lunaparra - $150; Councilmember O’Keefe - $250; Councilmember Bartlett - $200; Councilmember Kesarwani - $100.

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32. Ambulance Transport and First Responder Fee Increase From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution adjusting the Ambulance User Fee to match Alameda County’s approved ambulance user fee schedule made effective July 1, 2025, for the Cities of Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, and Piedmont and to adjust the First Responder Fee. The increase would be included as an updated addendum to the Ambulance Provider Agreement, and rescinding Resolution 71,512–N.S. effective July 1, 2025.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: David Sprague, Fire, (510) 981-3473
Public Testimony: The Mayor opened the public hearing. 1 speaker.

M/S/C (Humbert/Bartlett) to close the public hearing.

Vote: All Ayes.

Action: M/S/C (Humbert/Blackaby) to adopt Resolution No. 71,829–N.S.

Vote: All Ayes.

33. Fire Permit and Inspection Fee Schedule
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution: 1. Approving a revised Fire Department fee schedule which incorporates an increase in fire permitting and fire inspection fees from $392.00 to $500.00 per hour; and 2. Adding fees to construction and operational permit fees that were new permits from the California Fire Code (CFC) in years 2016, 2019, and 2022, which were adopted with no fee assigned; and 3. Adding a fee amount to the operational permit for Class IIIB Combustible Liquids; and 4. Rescinding Resolution 70,612–N.S.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: David Sprague, Fire, (510) 981-3473
Action: Item 33 continued to June 24, 2025 special meeting at 4:00 p.m.

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34. Fees: Public Health: Berkeley High School Health Center Services From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing, and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution establishing a new fee schedule and any annual fee adjustments through June 2028 based on changes in market rates (so long as such fee adjustments do not exceed the City’s cost to provide the services) for Public Health Clinic services effective July 1, 2025, and rescinding Resolution No. 68,449-N.S. At the end of Fiscal Year 2028, the fee schedule will remain in effect until another cost analysis is conducted.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5400 Public Testimony: The Mayor opened the public hearing. 0 speakers.

M/S/C (Blackaby/Lunaparra) to close the public hearing.

Vote: All Ayes.

Action: M/S/C (Tregub/Humbert) to adopt Resolution No. 71,830–N.S.

Vote: All Ayes.

35. Housing Trust Fund and Small Sites Program Fees
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution establishing the following new fees for the Housing Trust Fund (HTF) and Small Sites Programs: - Origination fee equal to 1% of the total loan for new construction; - Subordination fee of $600 per request; - Assumption fee of $600 per request; - Loan modification fee of $3,000 per request; - Hourly rate of $130 for project management of HTF projects not subject to the origination fee during predevelopment and development.

Financial Implications: See report.

Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5400 Public Testimony: The Mayor opened the public hearing. 0 speakers.

M/S/C (Humbert/Blackaby) to close the public hearing.

Vote: All Ayes.

Action: M/S/C (Tregub/Blackaby) to adopt Resolution No. 71,831–N.S.

Vote: All Ayes.

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36. Affordable Housing Compliance Review Fee
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution establishing a Department of Health, Housing, and Community Services (HHCS) fee of $130 per hour to review and approve the compliance of new construction projects with the City’s affordable housing regulations.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5400 Public Testimony: The Mayor opened the public hearing. 1 speaker.

M/S/C (Humbert/Blackaby) to close the public hearing.

Vote: All Ayes.

Action: M/S/C (Blackaby/Humbert) to adopt Resolution No. 71,832–N.S.

Vote: All Ayes.

37. Selected Marina Fee Increases
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution approving new fees and increasing current fees for select Marina fees; and rescinding Resolution No. 70,868-N.S. and all amendatory resolutions.

Financial Implications: See report.

Contact: Scott Ferris, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, (510) 981-6700 Action: Item 37 continued to June 24, 2025 special meeting at 4:00 p.m.

38. Changes to Selected Recreation Facilities and Camps Program Fees From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution approving new fees and increasing current fees for select recreation programs and facility rentals; and rescinding Resolution No. 71,657 N.S. and all amendatory resolutions.

Financial Implications: See report.

Contact: Scott Ferris, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, (510) 981-6700 Public Testimony: The Mayor opened the public hearing. 1 speaker.

M/S/C (Humbert/Tregub) to close the public hearing.

Vote: All Ayes.

Action: M/S/C (Blackaby/Humbert) to adopt Resolution No. 71,833–N.S.

Vote: All Ayes.

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39. Changes to the Planning & Development Fee Schedule
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution: 1. Approving revisions to the fee schedule for the Planning and Development Department effective July 1, 2025, to increase fees for base building permit applications and permit fees based on project valuations, to create permit fees for new types of solar and energy storage systems, to increase fees for certain appeals of Land Use decisions, to increase fees for Zoning Certificate for Short-Term Rentals, to update fees for compliance with new Building Emissions Savings Ordinance (BESO) requirements, to increase the Public Works Department Engineering and Transportation Division fees which reside in the Planning fee schedule, and to make minor clarifications to language in the existing fee schedule; and 2. Rescinding Resolution No. 71,357-N.S. effective July 1, 2025.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Jordan Klein, Planning and Development, (510) 981-7400 Public Testimony: The Mayor opened the public hearing. 1 speaker.

M/S/C (Blackaby/Lunaparra) to close the public hearing.

Vote: All Ayes.

Action: M/S/C (Blackaby/Humbert) to adopt Resolution No. 71,834–N.S.

Vote: All Ayes.

40. New Fee Schedule for Carry Concealed Weapon Permits From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution establishing a new fee schedule (effective July 1, 2025) to support application processing, background investigations, and license issuance for Carry Concealed Weapon Permits.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Jennifer Louis, Police, (510) 981-5900
Action: Item 40 continued to June 24, 2025 special meeting at 4:00 p.m.

41. Changes to Select Public Works Transportation Permit Fees From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution increasing fees for parking permits, rescinding Resolution No. 68,344- N.S.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300
Action: Item 41 continued to June 24, 2025 special meeting at 4:00 p.m.

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Action Calendar – Public Hearing
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 MINUTES Page 18

42. Levy and Collection of Fiscal Year 2026 Street Lighting Assessments From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion adopt two Resolutions confirming the assessments for the Berkeley Street Lighting Assessment District No. 1982-1 and the Street Lighting Assessment District 2018, approving the Engineer’s Reports, and authorizing the levying and collection of assessments in Fiscal Year 2026.

Financial Implications: See report.

Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300
Public Testimony: The Mayor opened the public hearing. 1 speaker.

M/S/C (Blackaby/Lunaparra) to close the public hearing.

Vote: Ayes – Kesarwani, Taplin, Bartlett, O’Keefe, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii; Noes – None; Abstain – None; Absent - Tregub.

Action: M/S/C (Humbert/Blackaby) to adopt Resolution No. 71,835–N.S. (District No. 1982-1); and Resolution No. 71,836–N.S. (District 2018).

Vote: All Ayes.

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Action Calendar – Public Hearing
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 MINUTES Page 19
43a. Modification and Adoption of Berkeley Fire Code Local Amendments (Continued from May 6, 2025)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing, and upon conclusion, adopt the second reading of Ordinance No. 7,959-N.S. which proposes to amend certain portions of Section 19.48.020 of the Berkeley Municipal Code (“Amendments to the California Fire Code”).

First Reading Vote: All Ayes.

Financial Implications: Staff time
Contact: David Sprague, Fire, (510) 981-3473
Public Testimony: The Mayor opened the public hearing. 69 speakers.

M/S/C (Humbert/Blackaby) to close the public hearing.

Vote: All Ayes.

Action: M/S/C (Humbert/Taplin) to suspend the rules and extend the meeting to 11:30 p.m.

Vote: All Ayes.

Action: M/S/C (Blackaby/Lunaparra) to:
1) Adopt the second reading of Ordinance No. 7,959–N.S. in Item 43.a. including material in Supplemental Communications Packet #2 from the City Attorney’s Office, and further amended at the meeting by the Fire Chief to make minor wording changes in paragraph (b) of the supplemental materials. 2) Adopt second reading of Ordinance No. 7,958-N.S. in Item 43.b. to designate Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) within the Local Responsibility Area as recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE) pursuant to Government Code Section 51178.
3) Adopt the recommendations in Item 43.c. including materials in Supplemental Communications Packet #2 from Councilmember Blackaby to: 1. Refer to the City Manager to develop a comprehensive roll-out and implementation plan for EMBER; then return to City Council before September 9, 2025; 2. Refer to the City Manager to create a working group of Berkeley residents and stakeholders to review the vegetation management portion of the Fire Code to ensure that it is clear, reflects unique local conditions, and incorporates the best available fire science (inclusive of any more conservative code adopted by the California Board of Forestry); then return with additional amendments to the City Council before December 31, 2025 as part of the Fire Department’s Triennial Fire Code Update Process; and 3. Refer to the City Manager to incorporate additional clarifying language listed in this report; then return amendments to the City Council before December 31, 2025 as part of the Fire Department’s Triennial Fire Code Update Process.

Vote: All Ayes.

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Action Calendar – Old Business
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 MINUTES Page 20
43b. Adoption of CALFIRE Map and Additional Areas Designated as the City of Berkeley Fire Hazard Severity Zones (Continued from May 6, 2025) From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt second reading of Ordinance No. 7,958-N.S. to designate Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) within the Local Responsibility Area as recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE) pursuant to Government Code Section 51178.

First Reading Vote: All Ayes.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: David Sprague, Fire, (510) 981-3473
Action: See the action listed under Item 43.a.

Council Action Items
43c. EMBER Implementation Plan, Vegetation Management Working Group, and Clarifying Fire Code Language
From: Councilmember Blackaby (Author), Councilmember O'Keefe (Co- Sponsor)
Recommendation:

1. Refer to the City Manager to develop a comprehensive roll-out and implementation plan for EMBER; then return to City Council before September 9, 2025

2. Refer to the City Manager to create a working group of Berkeley residents and stakeholders to review the vegetation management portion of the Fire Code to ensure that it is clear, reflects unique local conditions, and incorporates the best available fire science (inclusive of any more conservative code adopted by the California Board of Forestry); then return with additional amendments to the City Council before December 31, 2025 as part of the Fire Department’s Triennial Fire Code Update Process

3. Refer to the City Manager to incorporate additional clarifying language listed in this report; then return amendments to the City Council before December 31, 2025 as part of the Fire Department’s Triennial Fire Code Update Process Financial Implications: None.

Contact: Brent Blackaby, Councilmember, District 6, (510) 981-7160 Action: See the action listed under Item 43.a.

Information Reports

44. Landmarks Preservation Ordinance Notice of Decision: 2845 Woolsey Street/#LMIN2025-0001
From: City Manager
Contact: Jordan Klein, Planning and Development, (510) 981-7400 Action: Received and filed.

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Information Reports
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 MINUTES Page 21

45. Landmarks Preservation Ordinance Notice of Decision: 1947 Center Street/#LMSAP2025-0007
From: City Manager
Contact: Jordan Klein, Planning and Development, (510) 981-7400 Action: Received and filed.

46. goBerkeley Parking Management Program - Recommended Adjustments for July 20, 2025
From: City Manager
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300
Action: Received and filed.

Public Comment – Items Not Listed on the Agenda - 0 speakers.

Adjournment
Action: M/S/C (Tregub/Lunaparra) to adjourn the meeting.

Vote: All Ayes.

Adjourned at 11:09 p.m.

I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct record of the regular meeting held on June 17, 2025.
________________________
Mark Numainville, City Clerk
Communications
Item #37: Selected Marina Fee Increases

1. Rachel Bradley

2. Wisteria

3. Irene Jung-Huang

4. Paul Kamen

5. Sarah Elzea (2)

6. Gordon Stout

7. Robert Ofsevit

8. Joyce Freedman

9. Edward Schlesinger

10.Catherine

11.Deborah Scott

12.Jeff Malmuth and Daniela Calciolari (2)

13.Camille Antinori

14.Stefani Berger (2)

15.Kathy Gee

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Tuesday, June 17, 2025 MINUTES Page 22
Item #43a: Modification and Adoption of Berkeley Fire Code Local Amendments (Continued from May 6, 2025)
Item #43b: Adoption of CALFIRE Map and Additional Areas Designated as the City of Berkeley Fire Hazard Severity Zones (Continued from May 6, 2025) Item #43c: EMBER Implementation Plan, Vegetation Management Working Group, and Clarifying Fire Code Language

16.Zoe Glynn

17.Nenelle Bunnin (4)

18.Laurie McWhorter (2)

19.Barbara Freeman (5)

20.Janice Dost (3)

21.Ellen Gold

22.Bob Flasher (2)

23.Dorit Hochbaum

24.Martina Reaves

25.Alfred Twu

26.Monica, Scott, and Sammy Smith

27.Sanne DeWitt (2)

28.Colin Arnold

29.Rhonda Gruska

30.Margaret Cullen

31.Mike and Gretchen Schnitzer

32.Portia Pirnia (4)

33.David Sprague

34.Mary Lee Noonan

35.Tony Howlett

36.Jeff White

37.Meg Sedlak

38.John and Donna Schneider

39.Karen Eisenstadt

40.Steven Castleberry

41.John Joisce

42.Robyn Brooke

43.Izzy Nance

44.David Drubin

45.Bryan Michaels

46.Anthony Buckland

47.Michael Buckland

48.Scott Lancaster

49.Seamus Kelly

50.Carol Maga

51.Craig Peterson

52.Jon Kaufman

53.Margot Murtaugh (3)

54.Sarah Clayton

55.Michael J Gollner (2)

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Tuesday, June 17, 2025 MINUTES Page 23

56.Joel Ben Izzy

57.Irene Brydon

58.Bernadette Powell

59.Zohra Kalinkowitz (2)

60.Chris Cullander

61.Margit Roos-Collins

62.Michael Stokes

63.Mardi Sicular-Mertens

64.Kevin Burke

65.Harris Brody

66.Hanna Wodjae (33)

67.Mary-Louise Hansen (2)

68.Lezlie Kinyon

69.Debra Savate

70.Anand Varma

71.Phoebe Dedlow

72.Zoe Glass

73.Jeremie Diagana

74.Tai Tachibana

75.Janice Thomas (2)

76.Patrick Golier

77.Mary McGann

78.Abhi Bhat

79.Susan Nunes Fadley

80.Christina M Gillis

81.Michel Thouati

82.Jim Hynes

83.Corwin and Margaret Booth

84.Todd Jersey

85.Maxwell Davis

86.Shivaom

87.Barbara Freeman

88.Keith May

89.Alliance for Practical Fire Solutions

90.Matt Barrio

91.Cindy Larson
Ohlone Park

92.Annika Rogers

93.Daniel Jurnove (2)

94.James Smith

95.Jason Dearborn

96.Patricia Itamoto

97.Diana Jensen

98.Nicholas Alexander

99.Peter Radu

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Tuesday, June 17, 2025 MINUTES Page 24
100. Yael Galinson
101. Eric Friedman
102. Eric Larsen (2)
103. Aaron He
104. Vicki Sommer
105. Erika Shore
106. Judy Stamps
107. Rocky Offner
108. Susan Burt (2)
109. Phoebe and Zoe
110. Cynthia Papermaster
111. Andrea Voinot
112. Audrey Bree Tse
113. Toby Salk
114. Allison Bond (2)
115. Lj Cranmer
116. Rainbow Rubin
117. Adam Leive
118. Bernadette Powell
119. Alice Green
Ashby Beach
120. Gordon Meyer
Request
121. Fran Haselsteiner
Housing Concerns
122. John J. Parman
123. Tobey Wiebe
124. Kori Saika Chen
125. David Freeling
Air Raid Alarm Concerns
126. Crystal Hoffman-Kenney
Cell Phone Tower at North Berkeley Library
127. Theodore Small
128. Ms. Fowles
129. Phoebe Thomas Sorgen
130. Tiffany Baer
Affordable Housing Month
131. Betsy Morris and Carol Crooks
Marina Safety Monitors

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Tuesday, June 17, 2025 MINUTES Page 25
132. Sarah Alessi
EBMUD Question
133. Nenelle Bunnin
Pickleball Courts
134. Ambrish Chitnis
E-Scooters
135. Robert Borghese (5)
BUSD Buses
136. Valerie McDermott
Berkeley 311 App
137. Daniel Jurnove
Parking Stickers
138. Liz Arenas
139. Wahid Amiri
Thank You
140. Cheryl Davila
Bancroft Rail Crossing
141. Nicholas Rishel
Grievance Concern
142. Margot Ernst
Neighborhood Safety Concerns
143. Stephani Bouvet
California Climate Superfood Act
144. Mary Anne Morgan
Rides for Seniors
145. Mary Nash
146. Phoenix Vie
Buena Vista Way
147. Russ Mitchell
Daylighting
148. Shirley Kirsten

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Tuesday, June 17, 2025 MINUTES Page 26
Berkeley Permit Center
149. Alice Yoon
1048 Use Permit #ZP2024-0014
150. Bahram Gangei
Resolution Request
151. Dorothea Dorenz
ADU Ordinance
152. James M. Lloyd
City Care
153. Sheryl Drinkwater
Small Sites
154. Gail McGuire
Sale of Beef
155. Remfan1994
Breach of Privacy Concern
156. Malka Weitman
Encampment Concerns
157. Steve Tracy
158. Peter Radu
Pedestrian Safety
159. David Lerman
160. Shirley Kirsten (2)
Budget
161. Eric Friedman
Middle East Conflict
162. Cynthia Papermaster
163. Cheryl Davila
164. Sky
Forwards
165. Russbumper
URL’s
166. Russbumper (14)

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Tuesday, June 17, 2025 MINUTES Page 27
Supplemental Communications and Reports 1
Item #29: Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds from General Funds and Grant of Such Funds to the Downtown Berkeley Association’s 6th Annual Pride on the Plaza Variety Show, in partnership with Om Nom Nom Productions 167. Revised agenda material submitted by Councilmember Igor Tregub Item #31: Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds from General Funds and Grant of Such Funds to Berkeley’s First Pride Fair hosted by Pacific Center for Human Growth
168. Revised agenda material submitted by Councilmember Igor Tregub Item #37: Selected Marina Fee Increases
169. Siegfried Zerweckh and Mimi Brubeck
170. Win Williams
171. Camille Antinori
172. James Mason
Item #43a: Modification and Adoption of Berkeley Fire Code Local Amendments (Continued from May 6, 2025)
Item #43b: Adoption of CALFIRE Map and Additional Areas Designated as the City of Berkeley Fire Hazard Severity Zones (Continued from May 6, 2025) Item #43c: EMBER Implementation Plan, Vegetation Management Working Group, and Clarifying Fire Code Language
173. Michael Brown
174. Frederica Drotos
175. Krishen Laetsch, Alec Dara-Abrams, Annie Johnson, Daphne O’Regan, and Michael Scott
176. Margaret Cullen (2)
177. Cindy Larson
178. David Sprague
179. Rick Wiles
180. Kandea Mosley Gandhi on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany, Emeryville
181. Chuck Cornwall
182. Anne Weinberger
183. Melissa Weaver
184. Pam Tellew
185. Barbara Freeman (3)
186. I-Kuan Lin
187. Victoria Frede-Montemayor
188. The Alliance for Practical Fire Solutions
Supplemental Communications and Reports 2
Item #37: Selected Marina Fee Increases
189. Tanya Brown
190. Sally Nelson

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Tuesday, June 17, 2025 MINUTES Page 28
191. Heike Helmer
192. Patricia Kaplan
193. Irene Nickels
194. Judi Sui
195. Mike Zelinski
196. Karen Walton
197. Julia Collins
198. Eric Lee
199. Ellen Hahn
200. Cindy Shamban
201. Anne Weinberger
202. Monica Rees
203. Ariana Thompson-Lastad
204. Cece Littlepage
205. Dr. David Schneider
206. Louise Rosenkrantz
207. James St Jonh Ferguson
208. Claire Kahane
209. Racquel Watson
210. Stephen Sperber
211. Dan Eckard
212. Gopal Narayan
213. Mason G.
214. David Fawcett
215. John Burritt McArthur
216. Elsa Tranter
217. Kelly Henderson
218. Erika St John
219. Jean Royson
220. Daniel Korson
221. Jan Ruchlis
222. Jeff Goldstein
223. Laura Schiller
224. George Domingo and Lillian Lerman
225. Elizabeth Scarboro
226. Arlene Marcus
227. Kathleen Lane
228. G. Barry Wagner
229. Brian Foley (2)
230. Renni Lyn Burge
231. Harriet and Robert Johnson
232. C. Mitchell
233. Helena Tiainen
234. Mike Vandeman
235. Ann Rawley
236. Naveen Gattu

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Tuesday, June 17, 2025 MINUTES Page 29
237. Ginger Parnes
238. Mary Barlow
239. Holly Scheider
240. Carol Brighton
241. Irene Heller
242. Nancy Rader
243. John “Eric” Arens
244. Erik Ferry
245. Seth Du Pont
246. Jonathan Reinis
247. Helane Zeiger
248. Elizabeth Shaughnessy
249. Jeanne M. Brenna
250. Farah Entezami
251. Pam Johnson
252. Suzanne Pettigrew
253. David Rice
254. Stuart Sugden
255. Dechen Tsering
256. Anne Bernstein
257. Dona Boatright
258. John Allen
259. Carl Hoard
260. John Trumbo
261. Karen Olsen Bruhns
262. JEB
263. James Cline
264. Kenneth Yip
265. Pat Brooks
266. Fredda and Andrew Cassidy
267. Mary Lee Noonan
268. Kristine Samuelson
269. Basil Kent Jones
270. Michael P Aschoff Jr.
271. Neal MacDonald
272. Barry Snyder
273. Mimi Moungovan
274. Yen Trac
275. Elizabeth Exter
276. Sasha Futran
277. George Brooks
278. Alexandra Crisafulli
279. Dr. Natalie Nussbaum
280. Jan Volz-Kelly
281. Patricia Sullivan
282. Janet Stromberg

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Tuesday, June 17, 2025 MINUTES Page 30
283. Leonard Pitt
284. Melanie O’Hare
285. Jim McGrath (2)
286. Katherine Hansen
287. Dick Mallory
288. Thea Davison
289. Molly Reno
290. Deborah Lesser
291. Lisa Fruchtman
292. Kenneth Jackson
293. Kenneth Washburn
294. Jill Nephew
295. Kay Englund
296. Linda Spatz
297. Mark Yampanis
298. Jan Lecklikner
299. Robin Sease
300. Jaimee McKinley
301. Brenna Aune Michener
302. Ruggero Balteri
303. Fernando Augusto
304. Hannah Karpilow
305. Steven Tupper
306. Donald Tarahonich
307. Chas Halpern
308. Ellen Rodin
309. Sylvie
310. Frances Christie
311. Gene
312. Alan Berheimer and Melissa Riley
313. Charles King
314. Karen Jacobs
315. Miranda Dunlop
316. Sean Flanagan
317. Jenny Strauss
318. Vivian Resnick
319. Anastasia Kotylo
320. Erik Pearson
321. Dr. Alexey Drobizhev
322. Sarah Markus
323. Eugenia McCauley
324. 192 Similarly worded form letters “I am opposed…”
Item #43a: Modification and Adoption of Berkeley Fire Code Local Amendments (Continued from May 6, 2025)
325. Supplemental agenda material submitted by the City Attorney’s Office

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Tuesday, June 17, 2025 MINUTES Page 31
Item #43b: Adoption of CALFIRE Map and Additional Areas Designated as the City of Berkeley Fire Hazard Severity Zones (Continued from May 6, 2025) Item #43c: EMBER Implementation Plan, Vegetation Management Working Group, and Clarifying Fire Code Language
326. Supplemental agenda material submitted by Councilmember Brent Blackaby, Councilmember Shoshana O’Keefe, and Mayor Adena Ishii
327. Joseph Heil
328. Ruth Ehrenkrantz
329. Barbara Freeman
330. Elizabeth Addison & Gregory Ward
331. Eric S. Robinson
332. Shabnam Merchant
333. Rachel Biale
334. Richard Illgen (2)
335. Laura Cornwall
336. Dr. G.N. Gartenberg
337. Jil Geller
338. Sara Sanderson
339. Allison and Doug Kidder
340. Mardawn and Eric Wendt
341. Noga Ravid
342. Rebecca Mills
343. Nancy Riddle
344. Gary Croner
345. Alison Keene
346. Frederique Wynberg and Tom Hutcheson
347. Sylvie Erb
348. Susan McCutchan
349. Saima Jamshed
350. Christy Cheung
351. Charles, Jessie, and Caty Ruppert
352. Mary Pat Farrell
353. Yen Trac
354. Colleen Busch
355. Stephanie Wade on behalf of Parks Hills Homes Association 356. Jason McGatlin
357. Scott Murray and Sarah Clayton
358. Dan Lieberman
359. Alliance for Practical Solutions
360. George Perezvelez, Rhonda Gruska, David Ritsher, Margaret Cullen, Stephanie Goren on behalf of the Alliance for Practical Solutions (2) Supplemental Communications and Reports 3
Item #21: Civic Arts Commission General Fund Request for Continuation of Poet Laureate Program in FY26 & FY27
361. Cameron Woo

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Tuesday, June 17, 2025 MINUTES Page 32
Item #26: Resolution Reaffirming Our Commitment to Vision Zero and Transportation-Related Plans and Policies
362. Joel Myerson
Action Calendar
Item #35: Housing Trust Fund and Small Sites Program Fees 363. Courtney Pal
Item #36: Affordable Housing Compliance Review Fee
364. Janice Murota (2)
Item #43a: Modification and Adoption of Berkeley Fire Code Local Amendments (Continued from May 6, 2025)
365. Presentation submitted by the Fire Department
Item #43b: Adoption of CALFIRE Map and Additional Areas Designated as the City of Berkeley Fire Hazard Severity Zones (Continued from May 6, 2025) Item #43c: EMBER Implementation Plan, Vegetation Management Working Group, and Clarifying Fire Code Language
366. Gloria Polanski
367. Colleen Lye
368. Joan E. Sarnat
369. Sharon Tyson
370. Robin Alley
371. Jan Murota
372. Janice Murota (2)
373. Terry Helbush
374. Jenny Wenk
375. Kamala Visweswaran
376. John J. Parman
377. Isabelle Gaston
378. Jeanette and Jeffrey Wallin
379. Maria T Hannigan
380. Douglas Booth
381. Monica McCarthy
382. Joan Heifetz Hollinger
383. Alex Gerulaitis (2)
384. Bronya Feldmann
385. Patricia and Michael Henry
386. Lisa and Jeff Zahn
387. Ruth Langridge (2)
388. Robert Rogers on behalf of County Supervisor John Gioia and the East Bay Wildfire Coalition of Governments
389. Fred Bamber (2)
390. Susan Aumiller
391. Larry Ruth
392. Katie Johnson

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393. Pete Bailey
394. Victoria J. R. deMara
395. Benjamin Lipshitz
396. Kathy Aschheim
397. Kaelan Thouati de Tazoult
398. Alicia D Telford
399. Carol Reitan
400. Caroline Winnett
401. Schuyler Bailey
402. James Evans
403. Pat Rogers
404. Michel G. Thouati
405. Judy Dale
406. Bart Selden
407. Brian Gilbane
408. Susan Bailey
409. Alfred Twu
410. George Perezvelez
411. Richard Illgen

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Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 1

M I N U T E S

S P E C I A L M E E T I N G O F T H E

B E R K E L E Y C I T Y C O U N C I L
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
4:00 PM
SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD ROOM - 1231 ADDISON STREET, BERKELEY, CA 94702 TELECONFERENCE LOCATION - 18315 RAY'S RD - CABIN 5, PHILO, CA 95466 TELECONFERENCE LOCATION - 1032 BANCROFT WAY, BERKELEY, CA 94710

ADENA ISHII, MAYOR
Councilmembers:

DISTRICT 1 – RASHI KESARWANI DISTRICT 5 – SHOSHANA O’KEEFE DISTRICT 2 – TERRY TAPLIN DISTRICT 6 – BRENT BLACKABY
DISTRICT 3 – BEN BARTLETT DISTRICT 7 – CECILIA LUNAPARRA DISTRICT 4 – IGOR TREGUB DISTRICT 8 – MARK HUMBERT
This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid model with both in-person attendance and virtual participation. Live captioned broadcasts of Council meetings are available on B-TV (Channel 33) and via internet video stream at http://berkeley.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=1244. All Council meetings are recorded.

To access the meeting remotely use this URL: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1605843840 To request to speak, use the “raise hand” function in Zoom. To join by phone: Dial 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (Toll Free) and enter Meeting ID: 160 584 3840. To provide public comment, Press *9 and wait to be recognized by the Chair. To submit a written communication for the public record, email [email protected].

This meeting will be conducted in accordance with the Brown Act, Government Code Section 54953. Any member of the public may attend this meeting, however, if you are feeling sick, please do not attend the meeting in person.

The City Council may take action related to any subject listed on the Agenda.

Pursuant to the City Council Rules of Procedure and State Law, the presiding officer may remove, or cause the removal of, an individual for disrupting the meeting. Prior to removing an individual, the presiding officer shall warn the individual that their behavior is disrupting the meeting and that their failure to cease their behavior may result in their removal. The presiding officer may then remove the individual if they do not promptly cease their disruptive behavior. “Disrupting” means engaging in behavior during a meeting of a legislative body that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting and includes, but is not limited to, a failure to comply with reasonable and lawful regulations adopted by a legislative body, or engaging in behavior that constitutes use of force or a true threat of force.

Government Code Section 84308 (Levine Act) - Parties to a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use are required to disclose if they made contributions over $500 within the prior 12 months to any City employee or officer. Parties and participants with a financial interest are prohibited from making more than $500 in contributions to a decisionmaker for the 12 months after the final decision is rendered on the proceeding.

Attachment 5

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Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 2
Preliminary Matters
Roll Call: 4:09 p.m.

Present: Taplin, Tregub, O’Keefe, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii

Absent: Kesarwani, Bartlett
Councilmember Kesarwani present at 4:13 p.m.

Councilmember Bartlett present at 4:41 p.m.

Action Calendar – Public Hearings

1. Fire Permit and Inspection Fee Schedule (Continued from June 17, 2025) From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution: 1. Approving a revised Fire Department fee schedule which incorporates an increase in fire permitting and fire inspection fees from $392.00 to $500.00 per hour; and 2. Adding fees to construction and operational permit fees that were new permits from the California Fire Code (CFC) in years 2016, 2019, and 2022, which were adopted with no fee assigned; and 3. Adding a fee amount to the operational permit for Class IIIB Combustible Liquids; and 4. Rescinding Resolution 70,612–N.S.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: David Sprague, Fire, (510) 981-3473
Public Testimony: 2 speakers.

M/S/C (Tregub/Lunaparra) to close the public hearing that was previously opened at the June 17, 2025 Council meeting.

Vote: All Ayes.

Action: M/S/C (Tregub/Lunaparra) to adopt Resolution No. 71,837–N.S.

Vote: All Ayes.

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Action Calendar – Public Hearings
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 3

2. New Fee Schedule for Carry Concealed Weapon Permits (Continued from June 17, 2025)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution establishing a new fee schedule (effective July 1, 2025) to support application processing, background investigations, and license issuance for Carry Concealed Weapon Permits.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Jennifer Louis, Police, (510) 981-5900
Public Testimony: 0 speakers.

M/S/C (Taplin/Blackaby) to close the public hearing that was previously opened at the June 17, 2025 Council meeting.

Vote: All Ayes.

Action: M/S/C (Blackaby/Humbert) to adopt Resolution No. 71,838–N.S.

Vote: All Ayes.

3. Changes to Select Public Works Transportation Permit Fees (Continued from June 17, 2025)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution increasing fees for parking permits, rescinding Resolution No. 68,344- N.S.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300
Public Testimony: 4 speakers.

M/S/C (Tregub/Taplin) to close the public hearing that was previously opened at the June 17, 2025 Council meeting.

Vote: All Ayes.

Action: M/S/C (Tregub/Kesarwani) to adopt Resolution No. 71,839–N.S.

Vote: All Ayes.

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Action Calendar – Public Hearings
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 4

4. Selected Marina Fee Increases (Continued from June 17, 2025) From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution approving new fees and increasing current fees for select Marina fees; and rescinding Resolution No. 70,868-N.S. and all amendatory resolutions.

Financial Implications: See report.

Contact: Scott Ferris, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, (510) 981-6700 Public Testimony: 29 speakers.

M/S/C (Taplin/Lunaparra) to close the public hearing that was previously opened at the June 17, 2025 Council meeting.

Vote: All Ayes.

Action: M/S/C (Taplin/Kesarwani) to adopt Resolution No. 71,840–N.S.

Vote: All Ayes.

Adjournment
Action: M/S/C (Tregub/Blackaby) to adjourn the meeting.

Vote: All Ayes.

Adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct record of the special meeting held on June 24, 2025.
_________________________
Mark Numainville, City Clerk
Communications
 None
Supplemental Communications and Reports 1
 None
Supplemental Communications and Reports 2
Item #4: Selected Marina Fee Increases

1. Chris Stratton

2. David Hermele (2)

3. James Peroulas

4. Chuck Siegel on behalf of Walk Bike Berkeley

5. Oren Cheyette

6. Sandy Oliver on behalf of The Berkeley Racing Canoe Center

7. Cindy Cheong

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Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 5

8. Roger Miller on behalf of the Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Commission

9. Thomas Eusterbrock

10.PJ Podesta (2)

11.Josie Gerst

12.Catherine A

13.Richard Buss

14.Pat Charley and Mark Balkan

15.Krystyna Montauk

16.Robert Ofsevit

17.Meryl Siegal

18.Ryan Gregory

19.Victoria Bowen

20.Bruce Miller

21.Mark Yampanis

22.Abigail Surasky

23.Elana Auerbach

24.Susan Brooks

25.Alyssa Lichtenstein

26.Sloane and Nick Morgan

27.Sima Navaie

28.Usha and Dorji Lama

29.Carla Woodworth

30.Nicholas Marion

31.Randi Shapiro

32.Susan M Black

33.Lexie Price

34.Aviv Nitsan

35.Juana Alicia

36.Craig Malam

37.Mike Graham

38.Amanda Hickman

39.Rev. Mary C. Breland

40.Jane Baraz

41.James Codega

42.Doug Yamamoto

43.Alice Meyers

44.Gordon Stout (2)

45.Jennifer Chou

46.Tracy Wilks

47.Bernard Marszalek

48.Gregory Sweriduk

49.Charissa Hogeboom

50.Dr. Alexey Drobizhev

51.Brad Smith

52.Richard Rollins

53.Andrea Cassidy

54.Wynd Kaufmyn

55.Eric Friedman

56.Ariella Seidenberg

57.Donna DeDiemar

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Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 6

58.Gail Stewart

59.Ginger Parnes

60.Marilyn Sagna

61.Deb Todd

62.Wigbert Siekhaus

63.Corey Busay

64.Loek Ten

65.Sheila Goldmacher

66.Richard Arakelian

67.Steve Fick

68.Annette Herskovits

69.Jeb Evans

70.Scott Walters

71.Alyssa Lichtenstein

72.Lena N

73.Roberta Wyn on behalf of Citizens for East Shores Parks

74.Michele Adamson

75.Shantee Baker

76.Norah Bower

77.Noah Sudarsky

78.Preston Thomas

79.Jeffrey Skoller

80.6 Similarly worded form letters “I urge you…”

81.40 Similarly worded form letters “I am opposed…”
Supplemental Communications and Reports 3
Item #4: Selected Marina Fee Increases

82.Presentation submitted by the Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Department

83.Tom Bickley

84.Scott Scheffler

85.Gail Stempler Lake

86.Nancy Bartell

87.Vida Bateau (2)

88.Elizabeth and Nestor

89.Denisia Wash (2)

90.Zm Jurami

91.Mary Law

92.Michelle Piffero

93.Claire Broome

94.Peter Rasmussen

95.Malu Lujan

96.Jamuel Starkey

97.Charles Siegal

98.Cece Littlepage

99.Lauren Parsons
100. Kelly Hammargren
101. Lea Barrow
102. Susan DeMersseman
103. Theresa Gensler
104. Lisa and Tim Goodman

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Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 7
105. Sarah Levin
106. Elliot Abrams
107. Ana Maria Carbonell
108. Julie Searle
109. Lynne-Rachel Altman
110. Arlene Marcus
111. Joseph Brulenski
112. Mary Risala Laird
113. Mateo Hadeshian
114. Anne Fulmer
115. Leni Siegel
116. Colin McRae
117. Phyllis Rothman
118. Lisa Bruce
119. Julie Guilfoy
120. Claudia Kawczynska (2)
121. Elizabeth Kowal
122. Sofiane Boudjedaimi
123. Judy Merrill
124. Leah Kaizer and Family
125. Lenore Thompson
126. Mariya Ryazanseva and Nicholas Waton on behalf of the Cal Sailing Club 127. Rachel Bradley
128. Thea Davison
129. Mariya and Ryan Alder
130. Leslie Mikkelsen
131. Chris Stratton
132. Jose RaulRamirez
133. Stephanie Hicks
134. Robert Ofsevit
135. Belle Adler
136. Jason Martens
137. Maria Saxton
138. Baruch Golden
139. Jean Fitz
140. Janice Ruchlis
141. Cynthia Augsjoost
142. Elana Auerbach
143. Sam Shen
144. Sharon Entwistle
145. June Hunt
146. Erin Diehm
147. Edward
148. Maryclare McCauley
149. Eric Friedman
150. David Fielder
151. 5 Similarly worded form letters “I am opposed…”
152. 15 Similarly worded form letters “I urge you to reject…”

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Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 1

MINUTES

BERKELEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
6:00 PM
SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD ROOM - 1231 ADDISON STREET, BERKELEY, CA 94702 TELECONFERENCE LOCATION - 18315 RAY'S RD - CABIN 5, PHILO, CA 95466 TELECONFERENCE LOCATION - 1032 BANCROFT WAY, BERKELEY, CA 94710

ADENA ISHII, MAYOR
Councilmembers:

DISTRICT 1 – RASHI KESARWANI DISTRICT 5 – SHOSHANA O’KEEFE DISTRICT 2 – TERRY TAPLIN DISTRICT 6 – BRENT BLACKABY
DISTRICT 3 – BEN BARTLETT DISTRICT 7 – CECILIA LUNAPARRA DISTRICT 4 – IGOR TREGUB DISTRICT 8 – MARK HUMBERT
This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid model with both in-person attendance and virtual participation. Live captioned broadcasts of Council meetings are available on B-TV (Channel 33) and via internet video stream at http://berkeley.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=1244. All Council meetings are recorded.

This meeting will be conducted in accordance with the Brown Act, Government Code Section 54953. Any member of the public may attend this meeting, however, if you are feeling sick, please do not attend the meeting in person.

The City Council may take action related to any subject listed on the Agenda.

Pursuant to the City Council Rules of Procedure and State Law, the presiding officer may remove, or cause the removal of, an individual for disrupting the meeting. Prior to removing an individual, the presiding officer shall warn the individual that their behavior is disrupting the meeting and that their failure to cease their behavior may result in their removal. The presiding officer may then remove the individual if they do not promptly cease their disruptive behavior. “Disrupting” means engaging in behavior during a meeting of a legislative body that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting and includes, but is not limited to, a failure to comply with reasonable and lawful regulations adopted by a legislative body, or engaging in behavior that constitutes use of force or a true threat of force.

Government Code Section 84308 (Levine Act) - Parties to a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use are required to disclose if they made contributions over $500 within the prior 12 months to any City employee or officer. Parties and participants with a financial interest are prohibited from making more than $500 in contributions to a decisionmaker for the 12 months after the final decision is rendered on the proceeding.

Attachment 6

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Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 2
Preliminary Matters
Roll Call: 7:06 p.m.

Present: Kesarwani, Taplin, Bartlett, Tregub, O’Keefe, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii

Absent: None
Report from Closed Session:

The City Council met in closed session on May 27, 2025 and voted to create an ad hoc committee comprised of Mayor Ishii, Councilmember Humbert, and Councilmember Lunaparra to oversee the evaluation process of the non-elected Charter Officers: City Manager, City Attorney, Director of Police Accountability.

Land Acknowledgement Statement: The City of Berkeley recognizes that the community we live in was built on the territory of xučyun (Huchiun (Hooch-yoon)), the ancestral and unceded land of the Chochenyo (Cho-chen-yo)-speaking Ohlone (Oh-low-nee) people, the ancestors and descendants of the sovereign Verona Band of Alameda County. This land was and continues to be of great importance to all of the Ohlone Tribes and descendants of the Verona Band. As we begin our meeting tonight, we acknowledge and honor the original inhabitants of Berkeley, the documented 5,000-year history of a vibrant community at the West Berkeley Shellmound, and the Ohlone people who continue to reside in the East Bay. We recognize that Berkeley’s residents have and continue to benefit from the use and occupation of this unceded stolen land since the City of Berkeley’s incorporation in 1878. As stewards of the laws regulating the City of Berkeley, it is not only vital that we recognize the history of this land, but also recognize that the Ohlone people are present members of Berkeley and other East Bay communities today. The City of Berkeley will continue to build relationships with the Lisjan Tribe and to create meaningful actions that uphold the intention of this land acknowledgement.

Ceremonial Matters: In addition to those items listed on the agenda, the Mayor may add additional ceremonial matters.

1. Adjourn in memory of Marie Gunter, Sustainability Advocate

2. Adjourn in memory of John George Leitmann, UC Berkeley Professor City Manager Comments:

The City Manager noted corrections for Item 3 and Item 13.

Public Comment on Non-Agenda Matters: 10 speakers.

Action: M/S/C (Tregub/Bartlett) to accept an urgency item for the Consent Calendar from Councilmember Tregub pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(b)(2) entitled A resolution calling for the protection of healthcare workers’ rights and delaying UCSF Health’s integration plan at Children’s Hospital Oakland pending legal resolution.

Vote: All Ayes.

Consent Calendar
Public Comment on Consent Calendar and Information Items Only: 14 speakers.

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Consent Calendar
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 3
Action: M/S/C (Blackaby/Lunaparra) to adopt the Consent Calendar in one motion except as indicated.

Vote: All Ayes.

Consent Calendar – Continued Business
A. FY 2026 Tax Rate: Business License Tax on Large Non-Profits (Continued from June 17, 2025)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt second reading of Ordinance No. 7,962–N.S. setting the FY 2026 tax rate for Business License Tax on large non-profits at $0.8736 (87.36 cents) per square foot of improvements.

First Reading Vote: All Ayes.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 7,962–N.S.

B. FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund the Debt Service on the Street and Watershed Improvements General Obligation Bonds (Measure M, November 2012 Election) (Continued from June 17, 2025)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt second reading of Ordinance No. 7,963–N.S. setting the FY 2026 tax rate funding the debt service on the Street and Integrated Watershed Improvements General Obligation Bonds (Measure M, November 2012) at 0.0050%.

First Reading Vote: All Ayes.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 7,963–N.S.

C. FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund Debt Service on 2015 Refunding General Obligation Bonds (Measures G, S & I) (Continued from June 17, 2025) From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt second reading of Ordinance No. 7,964–N.S. setting the FY 2026 tax rate funding the debt service on the 2015 consolidation of Measures G, S and I (General Obligation Bonds - Elections of 1992, 1996 and 2002) at 0.0090%.

First Reading Vote: All Ayes.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 7,964–N.S.

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Consent Calendar – Continued Business
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 4
D. FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund the Provision of Emergency Medical Services (Paramedic Tax) (Continued from June 17, 2025)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt second reading of Ordinance No. 7,965–N.S. setting the FY 2026 tax rate for funding the provision of emergency medical services to Berkeley residents at $0.0474 (4.74 cents) per square foot of improvements.

First Reading Vote: All Ayes.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 7,965–N.S.

E. FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund Sustainable and Accountable Funding for Equitable Street Transformation, Revitalization, Enhancements, and Essential Traffic Safety (SAFE STREETS) (Measure FF) (Continued from June 17, 2025) From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt second reading of Ordinance No. 7,966–N.S. setting the FY 2026 tax rate for funding Sustainable and Accountable Funding for Equitable Street Transformation, Revitalization, Enhancements, and Essential Traffic Safety (SAFE STREETS), otherwise known as Measure FF, at an annual rate of $0.17 per square foot of dwelling unit improvements and $0.25 per square foot for industrial, commercial, and institutional improvements for the 18-month period from January 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.

First Reading Vote: All Ayes.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300, Terrance Davis, Public Works, (510) 981-6300
Action: Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 7,966–N.S.

F. FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund the Maintenance of Parks, City Trees and Landscaping (Continued from June 17, 2025)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt second reading of Ordinance No. 7,967–N.S. setting the FY 2026 tax rate for funding all improvements for the maintenance of parks, City trees, and landscaping in the City of Berkeley at $0.2652 (26.52 cents) per square foot of improvements.

First Reading Vote: All Ayes.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 7,967–N.S.

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Consent Calendar – Continued Business
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 5
G. FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund the Debt Service on the Affordable Housing General Obligation Bonds (Measure O, November 2018 Election) (Continued from June 17, 2025)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt second reading of Ordinance No. 7,968–N.S. setting the FY 2026 tax rate funding the debt service on the Affordable Housing General Obligation Bonds (Measure O, November 2018) at 0.0200%.

First Reading Vote: All Ayes.

Financial Implications: See Report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 7,968–N.S.

H. FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund the Debt Service on the Infrastructure and Facilities General Obligation Bonds (Measure T1, November 2016 Election) (Continued from June 17, 2025)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt second reading of Ordinance No. 7,969–N.S. the FY 2026 tax rate funding the debt service on the Infrastructure and Facilities Improvements General Obligation Bonds (Measure T1, November 2016) at 0.0110%.

First Reading Vote: All Ayes.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 7,969–N.S.

I. FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund Debt Service on Neighborhood Branch Library Improvements Project General Obligation Bonds (Measure FF, November 2008 Election) (Continued from June 17, 2025)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt second reading of Ordinance No. 7,970–N.S. setting the FY 2026 tax rate for funding the debt service on the Neighborhood Branch Library Improvements Project General Obligation Bonds (Measure FF, November 2008 Election) at 0.0040%.

First Reading Vote: All Ayes.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 7,970–N.S.

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Consent Calendar – Continued Business
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 6
J. FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund Emergency Services for the Severely Disabled (Measure E) (Continued from June 17, 2025)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt second reading of Ordinance No. 7,971–N.S. setting the FY 2026 tax rate for funding the provision of emergency services for the disabled at $0.02229 (2.229 cents) per square foot of improvements.

First Reading Vote: All Ayes.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 7,971–N.S.

K. FY 2026 Special Tax Rate: Fund the Provision of Library Relief Act (Continued from June 17, 2025)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt second reading of Ordinance No. 7,972–N.S. setting the FY 2026 tax rate for the Library Relief Act of 2024, approved by Berkeley voters in the November 2024 election, for funding the provision of Library Services in the City of Berkeley at $0.06 (6.00 cents) per square foot for dwelling units and $0.09 (9.00 cents) per square foot for industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings.

First Reading Vote: All Ayes.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300, Tess Mayer, Library, (510) 981- 6100
Action: Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 7,972–N.S.

L. FY 2026 Special Tax Rate: Fund the Provision of Library Services (Continued from June 17, 2025)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt second reading of Ordinance No. 7,973–N.S. setting the FY 2026 tax rate for funding the provision of Library Services in the City of Berkeley at $0.2980 (29.80 cents) per square foot for dwelling units and $0.4506 (45.06 cents) per square foot for industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings.

First Reading Vote: All Ayes.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300, Tess Mayer, Library, (510) 981- 6100
Action: Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 7,973–N.S.

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Consent Calendar
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 7
Urgent Item: A resolution calling for the protection of healthcare workers’ rights and delaying UCSF Health’s integration plan at Children’s Hospital Oakland pending legal resolution
From: Councilmember Igor Tregub (Author), Mayor Adena Ishii (Author), Councilmember Ben Bartlett (Author), and Councilmember Terry Taplin (Author) Recommendation:

1. Adopt a Resolution calling on the University of California of San Francisco (UCSF) Health, the University of California, and the University of California (UC) Board of Regents to delay implementation of the proposed July 6, 2025 “integration plan” at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland until all legal proceedings are resolved and the rights and protections of East Bay healthcare workers are fully upheld; and, in addition,

2. Refer any further potential informational discussions on the above-referenced matter to the Berkeley City Council Health, Life Enrichment, Equity & Community Committee.

Financial Implications: Staff time.

Contact: Councilmember Igor Tregub, Council District 4, 510-981-7140 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,841–N.S. and approved recommendation.

1. Amendments to Ordinance Prohibiting the Sale or Use of Coordinated Pricing Algorithms (BMC 13.63) to Suspend Effective Date Until March 2026 From: City Manager
Recommendation: Amend the Ordinance Prohibiting the Sale or Use of Coordinated Pricing Algorithms (BMC 13.63) to suspend the effective date until March 1, 2026.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Farimah Brown, City Attorney, (510) 981-6998
Action: Adopted first reading of Ordinance No. 7,974–N.S. Second reading scheduled for July 8, 2025.

2. Minutes for Approval
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Approve the minutes for the Council meetings of May 5, 2025 (special closed), May 6, 2025 (special and regular), May 13, 2025 (special closed), May 20, 2025 (special and regular), May 21, 2025 (special closed), and May 27, 2025 (special closed).

Financial Implications: None
Contact: Mark Numainville, City Clerk, (510) 981-6900
Action: Approved the minutes as submitted.

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Consent Calendar
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 8

3. Recommendations for County Measure W Funding
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Send a letter to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors outlining the City Council’s priorities for initial rounds of funding from Measure W, a half-cent sales tax increase passed by Alameda County voters in November 2020.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Peter Radu, City Manager's Office, (510) 981-7000 Action: Approved recommendation with additional materials included in Supplemental Communications Packet #2 and the technical corrections noted at the meeting by the City Manager to clarify that the address of the Capri Motel is 1512 University Ave, and not 1619 University Ave.

4. Contract: Cultural Planning Group, LLC for a Plan for a Resilient Arts & Culture Sector in Berkeley
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract and any necessary amendments with Cultural Planning Group, LLC for an amount not to exceed $149,980 for the development of a comprehensive plan to support and maintain a Resilient Arts & Culture Sector in Berkeley. The term of the contract will be 18 months.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Eleanor Hollander, Economic Development, (510) 981-7530 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,842–N.S.

5. FY 2026 Reaffirming the Investment Policy and Designation of Investment Authority
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution reaffirming the Investment Policy (no revisions are recommended) and to confirm the delegation of investment authority to the Director of Finance to make investments for FY 2026.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,843–N.S.

6. Appropriations Limit for FY 2026
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution establishing the appropriations limit at $407,546,513 for FY 2026 pursuant to Article XIIIB of the Constitution of the State of California based on the calculations for the appropriations limit.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,844–N.S.

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Consent Calendar
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 9

7. FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund Fire Protection and Emergency Response and Preparedness (Measure GG)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an Ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate for funding Fire Protection and Emergency Response and Preparedness in the City of Berkeley at the rate of $0.06695 (6.695 cents) per square foot of improvements for dwelling units and setting the rate for all other property at $0.10132 (10.132 cents) per square foot of improvements.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted first reading of Ordinance No. 7,975–N.S. Second reading scheduled for July 8, 2025.

8. FY 2026 Tax Rate: Fund Firefighting, Emergency Medical Response and Wildfire Prevention (Measure FF)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an Ordinance setting the FY 2026 tax rate for funding Firefighting, Emergency Medical Response and Wildfire Prevention (Measure FF) in the City of Berkeley at the annual tax rate of $0.1299 (12.99 cents) per square foot of improvements.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted first reading of Ordinance No. 7,976–N.S. Second reading scheduled for July 8, 2025.

9. Funding Reservation for Resources for Community Development’s Maudelle Miller Shirek Community Project
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution: (1) Reserving an additional $500,000 for Resources for Community Development’s (RCD) Maudelle Miller Shirek Community project from the FY25 available Small Sites Program fund balance. (2) Conditioning the funding on RCD providing information to tenants on City rental assistance programs with any nonpayment eviction notices issued at the project. (3) Authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute all original or amended documents or agreements to effectuate this action.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5400 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,845–N.S. as revised in Supplemental Communications Packet #2 from the City Manager.

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Consent Calendar
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 10

10. 2024 Housing Trust Fund Request for Proposals - Funding Reservations From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution to: 1. Reserve $2,990,000 in funding for Resources for Community Development’s Adeline Street Apartments (3224 Adeline Street); 2. Reserve $2,868,571 in funding for Satellite Affordable Housing Associates’ Ashby Lofts (2909 Ninth Street); 3. Authorize the City Manager to refinance existing HTF loans for each project into new loans with terms consistent with the HTF Guidelines; 4. Waive Section IV.C.1 of the Housing Trust Fund Guidelines for projects receiving funds through this Request for Proposals process;

5. Condition the funding on the respective housing developers providing information to tenants on City rental assistance programs with any nonpayment eviction notices issued at these properties; 6. Approve multi-year operating funding contracts for Resources for Community Development and Satellite Affordable Housing Associates, starting Fiscal Year (FY)2025-2026 and ending in FY2029-2030, estimated at up to $30,000 per organization per year; 7. Authorize City Manager or designee to determine the amount of funding to be awarded to Resources for Community Development and Satellite Affordable Housing Associates annually from FY2026 to FY2030, based on the amount of the City’s annual allocation of HOME funds and availability of General Fund match; and 8. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all original or amended documents or agreements to effectuate this action.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5400 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,846–N.S.

11. Fiscal Year 2025 - Donations for the Berkeley Meals on Wheels Program From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City to accept donations totaling $8,000 or the Berkeley Meals on Wheels program for fiscal year 2025.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5400 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,847–N.S.

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Consent Calendar
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 11

12. Shelter Plus Care Program Renewal Grants
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager or designee to receive up to the maximum grant award for the following two Shelter Plus Care grants and to execute any resultant agreements and amendments. a. Alameda County Shelter Plus Care grant in a not-to-exceed amount of $1,022,704 to provide tenant-based rental assistance to individuals who are chronically homeless and disabled from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2026; and b. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Shelter Plus Care grant in the amount of $7,305,893 for Supportive Housing Collaborative Project (SHC) for the period September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5400 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,848–N.S.

13. Contract: HR Acuity, LLC for Case Management and Employee Relations Software
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to Contract No. 32100046 with HR Acuity, LLC for case management and employee relations software, for a total amount not to exceed $189,000 and extending the contract term to June 30, 2028.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Janelle Rodrigues, Human Resources, (510) 981-6800 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,849–N.S. revised to correct the not-to-exceed dollar amount to $377,700.

14. Contract: Innovative Claim Solutions for Third Party Claims Administration of City’s Workers’ Compensation Program
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute and implement a contract and any amendments with Innovative Claim Solutions, Inc. (ICS), to provide workers’ compensation third-party administrative services in an amount not to exceed $1,888,570 for the period July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Janelle Rodrigues, Human Resources, (510) 981-6800 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,850–N.S.

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Consent Calendar
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 12

15. Contract: Downtown Berkeley YMCA Fitness Center Memberships for City Employees
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract and any amendments with the Downtown Berkeley YMCA in the amount of $179,136 for fitness center memberships for City employees for the period July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Janelle Rodrigues, Human Resources, (510) 981-6800 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,851–N.S.

16. Contract No. 32500005 Amendment: Accela, Inc. for Environmental Health Software
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to Contract No. 32500005 with Accela, Inc. (“Accela”) to increase spending authority by $90,200 for Environmental Health (“EH”) software for a total amount not to exceed $1,414,393 for the period of July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2027.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Kevin Fong, Information Technology, (510) 981-6500 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,852–N.S.

17. Contract No. 31900174 Amendment: Carahsoft Technology Corporation Using General Services Administration (“GSA”) Schedule for Website Hosting, Software, and Related Services
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to Contract No. 31900174 to increase spending authority with Carahsoft Technology Corporation (“Carahsoft”) for website hosting services, core infrastructure software, and related services utilizing pricing established by the GSA, for $700,000 for a total not to exceed amount of $2,378,953 for the period May 15, 2019 to June 30, 2027.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Kevin Fong, Information Technology, (510) 981-6500 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,853–N.S.

18. Contract No. 32300210 Amendment: Pacific Site Management for On-Call Vegetation and Reduction Services
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend contract No. 32500210 with Pacific Site Management for as-needed vegetation management, increasing the amount by $300,000 for an amended total amount not to exceed $900,000.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Ferris, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, (510) 981-6700 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,854–N.S.

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Consent Calendar
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 13

19. Authorize the City Manager to Accept Metropolitan Transportation Commission Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) Planning Grant
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept the Metropolitan Transportation Commission Transit Oriented Communities (MTC TOC) grant in the amount of $400,000 for the Ashby BART Station Access Plan.

Financial Implications: None
Contact: Jordan Klein, Planning and Development, (510) 981-7400 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,855–N.S.

20. Authorization for Additional Civic Arts Commission Meeting in 2025 From: Civic Arts Commission
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution for one additional meeting of the Civic Arts Commission in 2025.

Financial Implications: None
Contact: Jennifer Lovvorn, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-7530 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,856–N.S.

21. Re-Appointment of Glenn Turner to the Mental Health Commission for the City of Berkeley
From: Mental Health Commission
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution re-appointing: Glenn Turner as a representative of the Special Public Interest Category - Family member, to complete her second 3-year term beginning June 25, 2025, and ending June 24, 2028.

Financial Implications: None
Contact: Jamie Works-Wright, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-5400 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,857–N.S.

Council Consent Items

22. Berkeley High School All Class Reunion: Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds to General Fund and Grant of Such Funds
From: Councilmember O'Keefe (Author), Mayor Ishii (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Taplin (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Bartlett (Co-Sponsor) Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $500 per Councilmember – including $500 from Mayor Ishii, $250 from Councilmember O’Keefe, $250 from Councilmember Taplin, and $250 from Councilmember Bartlett – to support the Berkeley High School All Class Reunion Committee (BHS ACRC) by way of its fiscal sponsor, the Berkeley Public Schools Fund, with funds relinquished to the City’s general fund for this purpose.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Shoshana O'Keefe, Councilmember, District 5, (510) 981-7150 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,858–N.S. revised to include contributions from the following Councilmembers up to the amounts listed: Councilmember Humbert - $250; Councilmember Tregub - $100; Councilmember Blackaby - $250; Councilmember Kesarwani - $100; Councilmember Lunaparra - $150.

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Action Calendar – Public Hearings
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 14

23. Re-Establishment of the Berkeley Tourism Business Improvement District From: City Manager
Recommendation:

1. Conduct a public hearing on the renewal of the Berkeley Tourism Business Improvement District (BTBID) for 10 years starting July 1, 2025.

2. Conduct a public hearing on the modification of the existing BTBID to end on June 30, 2025, shortening the existing BTBID’s term from ten (10) years to eight (8) years thus modifying the existing BTBID Management District Plan.

Upon conclusion, declare results of the majority protest proceedings and adopt a Resolution to Re-Establish (renew) the Berkeley Tourism Business Improvement District (BTBID) for a term of ten (10) years, and adopt a Resolution to modify the term of the existing BTBID to coincide with the renewal/reestablishment of the BTBID.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Eleanor Hollander, Economic Development, (510) 981-7530 Public Testimony: The Mayor opened the public hearing. 4 speakers.

M/S/C (Taplin/Blackaby) to close the public hearing.

Vote: Ayes – Taplin, Bartlett, Tregub, O’Keefe, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii; Noes – None; Abstain – None; Absent – Kesarwani.

Action: M/S/C (Tregub/Taplin) to adopt Resolution No. 71,859–N.S. (Re-Establish) and Resolution No. 71,860–N.S. (Modify).

Vote: All Ayes.

24. FY 2026 Proposed Budget Update Adoption
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion adopt a Resolution adopting the FY 2026 Proposed Budget Update ("FY 26 Proposed Budget") as presented to Council on May 20, 2025, and as amended by subsequent Council action.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Shana Amenaghawon, City Manager's Office, (510) 981-7000 Action: M/S/C (Tregub/Kesarwani) to accept revised material from the City Manager’s Office for consideration.

Vote: All Ayes.

Action: M/S/C (Lunaparra/Tregub) to suspend the rules and extend the meeting to 12:00 a.m.

Vote: All Ayes.

Action: M/S/C (Blackaby/Lunaparra) to suspend the rules and extend the meeting to 12:30 a.m.

Vote: All Ayes.

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Action Calendar – Public Hearings
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 15
Public Testimony: The Mayor opened the public hearing. 19 speakers.

M/S/C (Tregub/Humbert) to close the public hearing.

Vote: All Ayes.

Action: M/S/C (Kesarwani/Humbert) to adopt Resolution No. 71,861–N.S. adopting the FY 2026 Proposed Budget Update as revised in the supplemental materials provided by the City Manager and including the revisions and allocations proposed by Mayor Ishii in Supplemental Communications Packet #2 and further revised at the meeting by Council action as noted below:
 A total of $2.5 million was allocated to the small sites program. This consists of $1.4M in FY 25 (carryforward) and $1.1M in FY 26 resources. Remaining FY 26 resources previously allocated to the small sites program revert back to the Housing Trust Fund and are not assigned to the small sites program.
 Resources for deportation defense are augmented as noted in the table below.  F&G Docks – $250,000 in General Fund and $250,000 in T1 funds.

Sources of Funds
City Council
Adopted Fund
Risk Manager (Freeze first 6 months of FY 26) $129,484 General Fund ODPA Analyst (Freeze position in FY 26) $172,848 General Fund ODPA Investigator (Freeze position in FY 26) $203,444 General Fund District 1 & District 8 Office Funds (FY 25) $60,000 General Fund District 3 Office Funds (FY 25) $7,000 General Fund
Savings from City Auditor's Office (FY 25) $193,000 General Fund Round Park Council Referral Reallocation $100,000 General Fund Total $865,776
FY 26 Uses of Funds
Speed Bump at Martin Luther King Jr Way & Russell St. $7,000 Traffic Calming F&G Docks Repair Project $250,000 Marina Fund
Youthworks allocation $120,000 General Fund
Adventure Playground (defer admission fee) $25,000 Marina Fund Elmwood Music Festival $7,000 General Fund
Address Remaining Marina Deficit $126,374 Marina Fund
Homeless Response Team Staff Position $175,000 General Fund Deportation Defense $70,516 General Fund
Additional Marina Fund allocation $84,886 Marina Fund
Total $865,776
Vote: Ayes – Kesarwani, Taplin, Bartlett, Blackaby, Humbert; Noes – O’Keefe, Lunaparra, Ishii; Abstain – Tregub.

Action: M/S/C (Blackaby/Taplin) to suspend the rules and extend to 1:00 a.m.

Vote: All Ayes.

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Action Calendar – New Business
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 16

25. FY 2026 Annual Appropriations Ordinance
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt first reading of an Ordinance adopting the FY 2026 Annual Appropriations Ordinance (AAO) in the amount of $781,761,995 (gross appropriations) and $670,920,315 (net appropriations).

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager, (510) 981-7000 Action: 0 speakers. M/S/C (Blackaby/Taplin) to adopt first reading of Ordinance No. 7,977–N.S. as revised in Supplemental Communications Packet #2 by the City Manager and further amended by actions adopted at the meeting by the City Council with a gross appropriations amount of $829,213,359. Second reading scheduled for July 8, 2025.

Vote: All Ayes.

26. Borrowing of Funds and the Sale and Issuance of FY 2025-26 Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the borrowing of Not to Exceed (NTE) $61,000,000 and the sale and issuance of Fiscal Year 2025-26 Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: 0 speakers. M/S/C (Tregub/Blackaby) to adopt Resolution No. 71,862–N.S.

Vote: All Ayes.

Information Reports

27. Voluntary Time Off Program for Fiscal Year 2026
From: City Manager
Contact: David White, City Manager's Office, (510) 981-7000 Action: Received and filed.

28. FY 2025 Third Quarter Investment Report: Ended March 31, 2025 From: City Manager
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Received and filed.

29. FY 2025 Second Quarter Investment Report: Ended December 31, 2024 From: City Manager
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Received and filed.

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Information Reports
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 17

30. State of Public Health in Berkeley Summary Report
From: City Manager
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5400 Action: Received and filed.

Public Comment – Items Not Listed on the Agenda - 0 speakers.

Adjournment
Action: M/S/C (Tregub/Humbert) to adjourn the meeting.

Vote: All Ayes.

Adjourned at 12:26 a.m.

I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct record of the regular meeting held on June 24, 2025.
_________________________
Mark Numainville, City Clerk
Communications
Unhoused Concern

1. Heike Helmer

2. Summer Brenner

3. Leonard Pitt
Encampments

4. Nigel

5. Tom Parrish

6. Susie Medak

7. M B

8. Beth Roessner

9. Julie Rodrigues Widholm

10.Marc Steyer

11.JJ Noire

12.Sylvia

13.James Mcfadden

14.Elana Auerbach
10th and Harrison

15.Gael Alcock (2)
Lithium Ion Batteries

16.Cindy Larson

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Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 18
Parking Restriction Concerns

17.Leah Mazel-Gee
Violence Concern

18.Allen Mayer

19.Helane Wahbeh

20.Irene Chung

21.Noura Khouri

22.Vish Soroushian
Green Waste Bags

23.Judy Gonzalez-Massih
SafeBears Mission

24.Lisa McSeveney
Convenience Fee

25.Peter Goldreyer
1048 Use Permit #ZP2024-0014

26.Bahram Gangei
Town Hall Type of Debate

27.Fredda Cassidy
Safe Amtrak Boarding Platform

28.Tracy Rosenberg
Ohlone Park

29.Daniel Cutter

30.Chris Hall

31.Matan Gilbert

32.Rinda Wardle

33.Stephen Sperber

34.Margaret Rowland

35.Barbara Fisher

36.Mat Glaser
E-Scooters

37.Robert Borghese (3)

38.Stephanie Landry (2)
Middle East Conflict

39.Helene B

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Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 19
Thank You for the Statement

40.Stefanie and William Guyunn

41.Dorothea Dorenz

42.Vicki Sommer

43.Susanne (Sanne) DeWitt

44.Yael Galinson
Oxford for All

45.Michael Frantz
URL’s

46. Russbumper
Supplemental Communications and Reports 1
 None
Supplemental Communications and Reports 2
Urgency Item: A resolution calling for the protection of healthcare workers’ rights and delaying UCSF Health’s integration plan at Children’s Hospital Oakland pending legal resolution

47.Submitted by Councilmember Igor Tregub, Mayor Adena Ishii, Councilmember Ben Bartlett, and Councilmember Terry Taplin
Item #3: Recommendations for County Measure W Funding

48.Revised agenda material submitted by the City Manager’s Office Item #9: Funding Reservation for Resources for Community Development’s Maudelle Miller Shirek Community Project

49.Revised agenda material submitted by Health, Housing, and Community Services Item #23: Re-Establishment of the Berkeley Tourism Business Improvement District

50.Fern Solomon on behalf of Fern’s Garden
Item #24: FY 2026 Proposed Budget Update Adoption

51.Supplemental agenda material submitted by Mayor Adena Ishii

52.Revised agenda material submitted by Councilmember Rashi Kesarwani and Councilmember Mark Humbert

53.Revised agenda material submitted by the City Manager’s Office

54.Corey Busay

55.Board Members of Transition Berkeley: Sylvia Soriano, Linda Currie, Bonnie Borucki, Pierre Thiry, Lori Hines, Ben Rosenthal, Jenifer Azulay, Ginny Hanger

56.Kate Day

57.Suzeth & Bernard Warmsley

58.Arianne Senten

59.Ben Gerhardstein on behalf of Walk Bike Berkeley

60.Dustin Tranberg

61.Seth Kimball

62.Amanda Chang

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Tuesday, June 24, 2025 MINUTES Page 20

63.Josh Jacobs on behalf of the Homeless Services Panel of Experts (2) Item #25: FY 2026 Annual Appropriations Ordinance

64.Revised agenda material submitted by the City Manager’s Office Supplemental Communications and Reports 3
Urgency Item: A resolution calling for the protection of healthcare workers’ rights and delaying UCSF Health’s integration plan at Children’s Hospital Oakland pending legal resolution

65.Unknown
Item #3: Recommendations for County Measure W Funding

66.Linda Maio
Item #23: Re-Establishment of the Berkeley Tourism Business Improvement District

67.Presentation submitted by the Office of Economic Development

68.Emily Sarlette

69.Jared Brandt

70.Jeffrey Church
Item #24: FY 2026 Proposed Budget Update Adoption

71.Farimah Brown, City Attorney

72.Supplemental agenda material submitted by the City Manager’s Office

73.Presentation submitted by the City Manager’s Office

74.Jon Shibata

75.Lindsey Newbold

76.Beth Roessner

77.John Caner

78.Rick Lewis

79.Paula Sanenghoi

80.Jocelyn Zorn

81.Ronisha Fuller

82.April King

83.Erik Ferry

84.Anne Weinberger

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Thursday, June 26, 2025 MINUTES Page 1

M I N U T E S

S P E C I A L M E E T I N G O F T H E

B E R K E L E Y C I T Y C O U N C I L
Thursday, June 26, 2025
6:00 PM
SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD ROOM - 1231 ADDISON STREET, BERKELEY, CA 94702 TELECONFERENCE LOCATION - 1032 BANCROFT WAY, BERKELEY, CA 94710

ADENA ISHII, MAYOR
Councilmembers:

DISTRICT 1 – RASHI KESARWANI DISTRICT 5 – SHOSHANA O’KEEFE DISTRICT 2 – TERRY TAPLIN DISTRICT 6 – BRENT BLACKABY
DISTRICT 3 – BEN BARTLETT DISTRICT 7 – CECILIA LUNAPARRA DISTRICT 4 – IGOR TREGUB DISTRICT 8 – MARK HUMBERT
This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid model with both in-person attendance and virtual participation. Live captioned broadcasts of Council meetings are available on B-TV (Channel 33) and via internet video stream at http://berkeley.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=1244. All Council meetings are recorded.

To access the meeting remotely use this URL: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1612354681. To request to speak, use the “raise hand” function in Zoom. To join by phone: Dial 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (Toll Free) and enter Meeting ID: 161 235 4681.To provide public comment, Press *9 and wait to be recognized by the Chair. To submit a written communication for the public record, email [email protected].

This meeting will be conducted in accordance with the Brown Act, Government Code Section 54953. Any member of the public may attend this meeting, however, if you are feeling sick, please do not attend the meeting in person.

The City Council may take action related to any subject listed on the Agenda.

Pursuant to the City Council Rules of Procedure and State Law, the presiding officer may remove, or cause the removal of, an individual for disrupting the meeting. Prior to removing an individual, the presiding officer shall warn the individual that their behavior is disrupting the meeting and that their failure to cease their behavior may result in their removal. The presiding officer may then remove the individual if they do not promptly cease their disruptive behavior. “Disrupting” means engaging in behavior during a meeting of a legislative body that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting and includes, but is not limited to, a failure to comply with reasonable and lawful regulations adopted by a legislative body, or engaging in behavior that constitutes use of force or a true threat of force.

Government Code Section 84308 (Levine Act) - Parties to a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use are required to disclose if they made contributions over $500 within the prior 12 months to any City employee or officer. Parties and participants with a financial interest are prohibited from making more than $500 in contributions to a decisionmaker for the 12 months after the final decision is rendered on the proceeding.

Attachment 7

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Thursday, June 26, 2025 MINUTES Page 2
Preliminary Matters
Roll Call: 6:11 p.m.

Present: Kesarwani, Taplin, Tregub, O’Keefe, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii

Absent: Bartlett
Councilmember Bartlett present at 6:13 p.m.

Action Calendar – Public Hearings

1. Zoning Ordinance and General Plan Amendments Relating to Middle Housing From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing, and upon conclusion:

1. Adopt first reading of an ordinance amending Berkeley Municipal Code Title 23 (Zoning Ordinance) and the Zoning Map, for the purposes of encouraging development of “middle housing” in areas currently zoned R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-2A and MU-R (“low-density residential districts”), with an effective date of November 1, 2025; and

2. Adopt a Resolution amending the General Plan for the same purpose.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Jordan Klein, Planning and Development, (510) 981-7400 Recess 7:42 p.m. – 7:56 p.m.

Recess 9:53 p.m. – 10:02 p.m.

Action: M/S/C (Kesarwani/O’Keefe) to suspend the rules and extend the meeting to 11:45 p.m.

Vote: All Ayes.

Action: M/S/C (Tregub/Kesarwani) to suspend the rules and extend the meeting to 12:15 a.m.

Vote: All Ayes.

Public Testimony: The Mayor opened the public hearing. 128 speakers.

M/S/C (Tregub/Taplin) to close the public hearing.

Vote: All Ayes.

Action: M/S/C (Kesarwani/Bartlett) to:

1. Adopt first reading of Ordinance No. 7,978–N.S. as proposed in the item from the City Manager including further changes in the supplemental material from Councilmember Kesarwani in Supplemental Communications Packet #2 with the following amendments:
 Establish a limit of 70 dwelling units per acre in all applicable zones: R-1, R-2, R- 2A, and M-UR.

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Action Calendar – Public Hearings
Thursday, June 26, 2025 MINUTES Page 3
 Incorporate the request from Councilmember Tregub to consider results from other comparable jurisdictions in the annual report from the Planning Department.
 Incorporate Councilmember Humbert’s amendment to direct Planning Staff to return to the City Council by April 1, 2026 and annually thereafter with a simple, quantitative report listing for the present year and all previous years, beginning in 2025: 1) The number of middle housing project applications; 2) The total number of units proposed within those middle housing project applications; 3) The number of middle housing projects/units granted building permits, and 4) The number of middle housing projects/units granted certificates of occupancy.  Modify the direction on the equity report to remove the fixed date and direct staff to return to Council with the equity report within 12 months of the City reaching the threshold of 25 middle housing project applications being received by the Planning Department or two years (whichever comes first).  Incorporate the following request from Councilmember Tregub’s supplemental item: To the extent feasible, the objective design standards referral should consider loss of open or permeable yard space, solar access, privacy, tree canopy, biodiversity, and opportunities for stormwater runoff mitigations with consideration of costs and not reducing the development potential of the ordinance as proposed.
 Further, to make corresponding edits to the General Plan to reflect the amended density standard. And direct that the second reading be scheduled for July 8, 2025 regular meeting agenda.

2. Adopt Resolution No. 71,863–N.S. amending the General Plan for the same purpose.

Vote: All Ayes.

Adjournment
Action: M/S/C (Humbert/Kesarwani) to adjourn the meeting.

Vote: All Ayes.

Adjourned at 11:50 p.m.

I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct record of the special meeting held on June 26, 2025.
_________________________
Mark Numainville, City Clerk

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Thursday, June 26, 2025 MINUTES Page 4
Communications
Item #1: Zoning Ordinance and General Plan Amendments Relating to Middle Housing

1. Jennifer Fisher

2. Anne Weinberger

3. Lisa Friedlander

4. Leni Siegel

5. Aubrey Grove

6. Jane Martin

7. Lauren Parsons

8. Wade Skeels

9. Carol Hirth (2)

10.Lisa Bruce

11.Colleen Whitney

12.Virginia Browning

13.Eva Herzer and Dechen Tsering

14.Daniel Borgstrom

15.John Oram

16.Neelam Patil

17.Leah Kaizer

18.Bill Kristy

19.T.M. Scruggs

20.Jane Freeman

21.Kathy Stuart

22.Marissa Moss

23.Janice Murota

24.Kori Kody

25.Silvia Turchin

26.Lynn Sherrell

27.Micky Duxbury (4)

28.Julie Lamont

29.Matt Wickland

30.Julie Kramer

31.Merle Lustig

32.Julie Weeks

33.Barbara Erickson

34.Susan Brooks

35.Toni Mester

36.Janice Schroeder

37.Fred Krieger

38.Gael Alcock

39.Christopher Hamilton

40.Darlene Bronson

41.Chris Hudson

42.Jed Harris

43.Lance Williams

44.Kenneth Laws

45.Katherine de Runtz

46.Joan Garvin

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Thursday, June 26, 2025 MINUTES Page 5

47.Alison de Runtz

48.Berkeley Neighborhoods Council Executive Committee

49.Toni Casal

50.Laura Klein

51.Mimi Moungovan

52.David Whipple

53.Elsie Martinez

54.Stephanie Lim

55.Dr. Bruce Feingold

56.Lisa Vogel

57.Robert Riemer

58.Summer Brenner

59.Cindy Shamban

60.Helen Guerrant Toy

61.Dr. A. Boersma

62.Virginia Warheit

63.36 Similarly worded form letters “I’m writing to urge you to pass…”

64.95 Similarly worded form letters “Please DO NOT PASS…” Supplemental Communications and Reports 1

65.Jacqueline Wish

66.Michael Tompkins

67.Gael Alcock (2)

68.Desiree Oliver on behalf of the Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board Chair and Commissioners

69.Cindy Shamban

70.Morgan Maxwell

71.Michael John Weber

72.Rachel Katz

73.Walter Wood

74.Tamara Birdsall

75.David Meyer

76.John Coveney

77.Felix Brenner

78.Rob Kirby

79.Leonard Pitt (2)

80.Vicki Sommer

81.John Hagopian

82.Marvin Snow

83.Margret Leventhal

84.Michael Frantz

85.Shirley Kirsten

86.Paul Valenstein

87.Laura Klein

88.Summer Brenner

89.Bruce Bagnell

90.Kenneth Yip (2)

91.Jaime Perkins

92.Tony Corman

93.Clifford Fred

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Thursday, June 26, 2025 MINUTES Page 6

94.Sharon Entwistle (3)

95.Damien Curry

96.Alma Prins

97.Teal Major

98.Helen Stroud

99.Brad Gibson and Nina Zolotow
100. Micky Duxbury
101. Farah Entezami
102. Liz Ozol
103. Tashi Namling
104. Bernard
105. Usha Lama & Dorji Lama
106. Ross Bernet
107. Anuja Mendiratta (2)
108. Kera Binns
109. Jai Jai Noire
110. Mary Claire Heffron
111. Sam Greenberg on behalf of East Bay for Everyone and East Bay YIMBY 112. Charlie Koven
113. Phoebe Thomas Sorgen
114. Mary Wrenn
115. Councilmember Rashi Kesarwani
116. Dietmar Lorenz
117. Bonnie Mattison
118. Corey Busay
119. T. Michai Freeman
120. Zipporah Collins
121. Susan Henderson
122. Cheryl Fippen
123. Evelyn Strickland (2)
124. Lori Pepe-Lunche
125. Brianna Morales on behalf of the Housing Action Coalition 126. Molly Miller
127. Mathison Ott
128. Paola Laverde
129. Peggy Radel
130. Grace Munakata
131. Wade Skeels
132. Jennifer Kelly-DeWitt
133. Veronika S. Fukson
134. Louise Rosenkrantz
135. Glen Hauer
136. 18 Similarly worded form letters “I urge you…”
137. 38 Similarly worded form letters “I support…”
138. 75 Similarly worded form letters “Please DO NOT PASS…”

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Thursday, June 26, 2025 MINUTES Page 7
Supplemental Communications and Reports 2
Item #1: Zoning Ordinance and General Plan Amendments Relating to Middle Housing
139. Revised agenda material submitted by Councilmember Rashi Kesarwani, Councilmember Ben Bartlett, Councilmember Cecilia Lunaparra and Mayor Adena Ishii
140. Revised agenda material submitted by Councilmember Igor Tregub 141. Supplemental agenda material submitted by the Planning and Development Department
142. Victor Ichioka
143. Amy Leventhal
144. Teresa Clarke (2)
145. Sallie Hanna-Rhyne
146. Jeanne Clinton
147. Chris Hudson
148. Toni Mester
149. Bernard Marszalek
150. Oren Cheyette
151. Bruce Alexander
152. Steve Robey
153. Sally Hughes
154. Jennifer Cole, Gordon Glasgow, Eve Papajak, Cees-Bart Breunesse, Rodriguez Family, Anuja mendiratta, Moni Gangopadhyay, and Davinder Gabhi 155. Laura Spiekerman
156. Alfred Twu
157. Ben Paulos
158. Nico Calavita
159. Steve Wertheim on behalf of Assemblymember Buffy Wicks 160. Larry Orman
161. Jane Diamond
162. Build a Better Berkeley
163. Joel Myerson
164. Michelle Haner
165. Debbie S.
166. Karen Fiene
167. Karen Chapple
168. Christopher Kroll on behalf of Berkeley Neighborhoods Council 169. Robin Rudy
170. Jacqueline Beth
171. Yes Duffy
172. Matthew Ostrowski
173. Jack Kurzweil (2)
174. Farah
175. Kathryn Jordan
176. Stephen Menendian
177. Mary Siegal and Aimee Baldwin
178. Christina Vecchiato
179. Amy Hill
180. Anne Weinberger
181. Charlene M. Woodcock

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Thursday, June 26, 2025 MINUTES Page 8
182. Elana Auerbach
183. Lisa Park
184. Dan Kammen
185. Esther Lerman
186. Kate Stillwell
187. Sofia Zander
188. T Anne Richards
189. Aimee Baldwin
190. J. Ruth Gendler
191. Judy Bertelsen
192. Grace Munakata
193. Kathy Stuart (2)
194. Olga Bolotina
195. Virginia Warheit
196. Zelda Bronstein
197. Mary Claire Heffron
198. Kurtis Bonano
199. Margaret Leventhal
200. Theo Posselt, Alden Mudge, Ben Gould, Jeff Baker, and Libby Lee-Egan 201. Joan Sprinson
202. Veronika Fukson
203. Serena Hu
204. Mariah Wood
205. Collin Barnwell
206. Virginia Browning
207. Ryan O’Connell
208. Nancy Rader
209. Stephen Bedrick
210. Barbara Hadenfeldt
211. Nancy Carleton
212. Zelda Bronstein
213. Peg Bogle
214. David Brandon
215. Gabriel Abud
216. Anne Sturbaum
217. Emily McAfee
218. Donna DeDiemar
219. Isaac Warshauer
220. 36 Similarly worded form letters “As a committed supporter…” 221. 44 Similarly worded form letters “Please DO NOT PASS…” 222. 28 Similarly worded form letters “I support…”
Supplemental Communications and Reports 3
Item #1: Zoning Ordinance and General Plan Amendments Relating to Middle Housing
223. Presentation, submitting by Planning and Development Department 224. Oskar Cross
225. Leonard Pitt
226. Nico Calavita (3)
227. Dean Metzger, Claremont Elmwood Neighborhood Association

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Thursday, June 26, 2025 MINUTES Page 9
228. Andrew Fox
229. Maria Kolakowska
230. Rosamond Smith
231. Kelly Hammargren
232. Gael Alcock
233. Rachel Fishman and Adam Lieber
234. Nina F. Ichikawa
235. Yassine Hamdouni Alami
236. Sarah Bell (2)
237. Zach Franklin
238. Juli Dickey
239. Ben Gerhardstein and Charles Siegel for Walk Bike Berkeley (2) 240. Mary Tatmon and Yvette Tatmon
241. Diana Maria Rossi (2)
242. Mary Jo Huetteman and William Huber
243. Barbara Rydlander
244. Ava Mohsenin
245. David Mayer
246. Sean Kennedy
247. Justin Quimby
248. Gale Garcia
249. Lisa Park
250. Carol Hirth
251. Candace Hyde-Wang
252. Hal Leventhal
253. Susan Hunter
254. Dietmar Lorenz
255. Julian Kraus-Polk
256. Alexander Stec
257. Mike Dunham
258. Christine Cosgrove
259. Sheila Moran
260. Chuck Cornwall
261. Chrissy Hoffman
262. Jeanne Schuman and William Pollock
263. Bonnie Borucki
264. Pam Zelnik
265. Nola Burger
266. Pamela Rudd
267. Ed Weiss
268. Madeleine Nicoloff
269. Ross Bernet
270. Cees Breunesse
271. Sharon Richey
272. Kamala Visweswaran
273. Cielo Rios
274. David Lerman
275. Wm Di Napoli
276. Winthrop Eliot Jordan
277. Andres Douzoglou

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Thursday, June 26, 2025 MINUTES Page 10
278. Stephanie Thomas
279. Elana Auerbach
280. Moni Law (2)
281. Philip Soffer
282. Masha Lifshin
283. Virginia Warheit
284. Donna DeDiemar
285. 5 Similarly worded form letters “As a committed supporter…” 286. 7 Similarly worded form letters “I support…”
287. 8 Similarly worded form letters “Please DO NOT PASS…”

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Monday, June 30, 2025 MINUTES Page 1

B E R K E L E Y C I T Y C O U N C I L

S P E C I A L M E E T I N G M I N U T E S
MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2025
4:00 P.M.
2180 MILVIA STREET, BERKELEY, CA 94704 – REDWOOD ROOM
TELECONFERENCE LOCATION – 1619 EDITH STREET, BERKELEY, CA 94703

ADENA ISHII, MAYOR
Councilmembers:

To access the meeting remotely use this URL: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1618567475. To request to speak, use the “raise hand” function in Zoom. To join by phone: Dial 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (Toll Free) and enter Meeting ID: 161 856 7475. To provide public comment, Press *9 and wait to be recognized by the Chair. To submit a written communication for the public record, email [email protected].

This meeting will be conducted in accordance with the Brown Act, Government Code Section 54953. Any member of the public may attend this meeting, however, if you are feeling sick, please do not attend the meeting in person.

The City Council may take action related to any subject listed on the Agenda.

Pursuant to the City Council Rules of Procedure and State Law, the presiding officer may remove, or cause the removal of, an individual for disrupting the meeting. Prior to removing an individual, the presiding officer shall warn the individual that their behavior is disrupting the meeting and that their failure to cease their behavior may result in their removal. The presiding officer may then remove the individual if they do not promptly cease their disruptive behavior. “Disrupting” means engaging in behavior during a meeting of a legislative body that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting and includes, but is not limited to, a failure to comply with reasonable and lawful regulations adopted by a legislative body, or engaging in behavior that constitutes use of force or a true threat of force.

Government Code Section 84308 (Levine Act) - Parties to a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use are required to disclose if they made contributions over $500 within the prior 12 months to any City employee or officer. Parties and participants with a financial interest are prohibited from making more than $500 in contributions to a decisionmaker for the 12 months after the final decision is rendered on the proceeding.

Attachment 8

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Monday, June 30, 2025 MINUTES Page 2
Preliminary Matters
Roll Call: 4:08 p.m.

Present: Tregub, O’Keefe, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii

Absent: Kesarwani, Taplin, Bartlett, Blackaby
Public Comment - Limited to items on this agenda only – 0 speakers CLOSED SESSION:

The City Council will convene in closed session to meet concerning the following:

OPEN SESSION:

No reportable action taken.

Adjournment
Action: M/S/C (Tregub/Humbert) to adjourn the meeting.

Vote: Ayes – Tregub, O’Keefe, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii; Noes – None; Abstain – None; Absent – Kesarwani, Taplin, Bartlett, Blackaby.

Adjourned at 4:34 p.m.

I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct record of the closed session meeting held on June 30, 2025.
_________________________
Mark Numainville, City Clerk

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Office of the City Manager
2180 Milvia Street, Berkeley, CA 94704 ● Tel: (510) 981-7000 ● TDD: (510) 981-6903 ● Fax: (510) 981-7099 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: https://berkeleyca.gov/

CONSENT CALENDAR
July 29, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: Henry Oyekanmi, Director of Finance
David White, Deputy City Manager
Subject: Amending the City Council’s Policy for the General Fund Reserves

RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution amending the City Council’s Policy for the General Fund Reserves and rescind Resolution No. 69,440-N.S.

FISCAL IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION
There is no direct fiscal impact related to amending the policy. However, the policy is intended to provide guidelines for ensuring an adequate reserve policy to assist the City in mitigating current and future financial risks resulting from economic instability or catastrophic loss.

BACKGROUND
A general fund reserve, or “rainy day fund,” ensures a government’s ability to maintain vital services to the community during times of economic uncertainty and to help mitigate the negative impacts of extraordinary risk such as earthquakes, fires and floods. The City’s current policy includes two elements of the General Fund Reserves:
(1) A Stability Reserve is maintained to mitigate loss of service delivery and financial risks associated with unexpected revenue shortfalls during a single fiscal year or during a prolonged recessionary period. The purpose of the Stability Reserve is to provide fiscal stability in response to unexpected downturns or revenue shortfalls, and not to serve as a funding source for new programs or projects. (2) A Catastrophic Reserve is maintained for the purpose of sustaining General Fund operations in the case of a public emergency such as a natural disaster or other catastrophic event. The Catastrophic Reserve will be used to respond to extreme, onetime events, such as earthquakes, fires, floods, civil unrest, terrorist attacks, public health emergencies and pandemics. The Catastrophic Reserve will not be accessed to meet operational shortfalls or to fund new programs or projects.

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Amending the Policy for the General Fund Reserves CONSENT CALENDAR July 29, 2025

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On December 13, 2016, the City Council received a report to amend the General Fund Reserve Policy as the previous policy set the target at 8 percent of General Fund revenues, which was less than half the minimum 16.7 percent reserve level recommended by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). In order to determine an appropriate target General Fund Reserve level for the City of Berkeley, staff conducted a risk assessment. Based on the outcome of the risk assessment, it was recommended that the appropriate reserve level for the City should be at least 30 percent of the Adopted General Fund revenues by Fiscal Year 2027.

On June 16, 2020, Council adopted Resolution No. 69-440-N.S. to amend the General Fund Reserves Policy. As specified within the Policy, “based on a risk assessment (according to best practices), to be updated at least every five years, the Council may consider increasing or lowering the General Fund Reserves level.” In accordance with the Policy, City staff engaged the GFOA to complete a report entitled “A Risk-Based Analysis and Stress Test of General Fund Reserve Requirements for the City of Berkeley, California.” The report was presented to the City’s Budget and Finance Policy Committee on February 13, 2025 and on March 13, 2025. The Committee acted M/S/C (Ishii/Kesarwani) to forward the item to Council with a qualified positive recommendation to change the General Fund Reserve Policy to reflect a target range of between 20 to 30 percent of revenue and maintain revenue as the baseline.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS
The report identified the potential impacts of natural disasters on the reserves.

RATIONALE FOR RECOMMENDATION
Based on the risk assessment performed by GFOA, it was determined that General Fund reserves should be a range between 20% to 30% of revenue. This should provide the City with a reasonable level of reserves to manage the various risks (i.e., wildfires, recessions and revenue volatility, earthquakes, high winds, tsunamis, pensions) analyzed. It is important to note that the higher the level of reserves, the higher the probability that the City will be able to maintain needed services during an emergency or economic downturn.

ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS CONSIDERED
The Committee considered not changing the existing policy.

CONTACT PERSON
David White, Deputy City Manager, (510) 981-7000
Henry Oyekanmi, Director of Finance, (510) 981-7200
Attachments:
1: Resolution
Exhibit A: City of Berkeley General Fund Reserves Policy

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Amending the Policy for the General Fund Reserves CONSENT CALENDAR July 29, 2025

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2: City of Berkeley General Fund Reserves Policy (track changes) 3: A Risk-Based Analysis and Stress Test of General Fund Reserve Requirements for the City of Berkeley, California prepared by the Government Finance Officers Association

4. General Fund Reserve Balance and Percentages To Reach Target Goal

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RESOLUTION NO. ##,###-N.S.

AMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL'S POLICY FOR THE GENERAL FUND RESERVES WHEREAS, the General Fund Reserves ensures the City's ability to maintain vital services to the community during times of economic uncertainty; and WHEREAS, the City is committed to achieving long-term fiscal stability as well as mitigating the negative impacts of extraordinary risk such as earthquakes, fires, floods, public health emergencies and pandemics; and
WHEREAS, specific portions of the reserves should be designated for catastrophic and stabilization purposes and should be reported separately from the General Fund Balance; and
WHEREAS, when using the General Fund Reserves the City should specify the purpose for the use of reserve funds, the time frame in which the reserve funds can be used, and how much will be used during that time frame; and WHEREAS, the General Fund Reserves ensures the City's ability to maintain vital services to the community during times of economic uncertainty; and WHEREAS, the City is committed to achieving long-term fiscal stability as well as mitigating the negative impacts of extraordinary risk such as earthquakes, fires, floods, public health emergencies and pandemics; and
WHEREAS, Council adopted Resolution No. 69,440-N.S. on June 16, 2020 that included a long-term goal of Reserves of a minimum of 30% of General Fund Revenues, to be achieved within no more than 10 years (Fiscal Year 2027); and WHEREAS, the Policy states that, “based on a risk assessment (according to best practices), to be updated at least every five years, the Council may consider increasing or lowering the General Fund Reserves level”; and
WHEREAS, the Government Finance Officers Association prepared a report entitled “A Risk-Based Analysis and Stress Test of General Fund Reserve Requirements for the City of Berkeley, California” that was presented to the Budget and Finance Policy Committee; and
WHEREAS, the Budget and Finance Policy Committee voted on March 13, 2025 to forward the item to Council with a qualified positive recommendation to change the policy to reflect a target range of 20 to 30 percent of revenue and maintain revenue as a baseline

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NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Berkeley that it rescinds Resolution No. 69,440-N.S. and adopts the amended City Council Policy for the General Fund Reserves, attached as Exhibit A.

Exhibits
A: City of Berkeley General Fund Reserves Policy

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City of Berkeley
General Fund Reserves Policy
Policy
The General Fund is the City's primary operating fund. It is not connected to any one revenue source and may be used at the City's discretion. The General Fund is the operation fund that pays for general services provided by the City as well as public safety and capital improvements. The General Fund accounts for all general revenues and expenditures of the City related to the delivery of the City's general services not specifically collected or levied for other City funds.

The City of Berkeley is committed to achieving long-term fiscal stability as well as mitigating the negative impacts of extraordinary risk such as earthquakes, fires, floods, public health emergencies, pandemics, and economic volatility. A key attribute of a financially stable organization is appropriate reserves. Strong reserves position an organization to weather significant economic downturns more effectively, manage the consequences of outside agency actions that may result in revenue reductions, and address unexpected emergencies such as natural disasters and other catastrophic events. Establishing an adequate General Fund Reserves policy allows the City to mitigate current and future financial risks resulting from economic instability or catastrophic loss.

Functions of Reserves: Stability and Catastrophic
The City of Berkeley will establish and maintain adequate General Fund Reserves ("Reserves") to prepare for the impact of economic cycles and catastrophic events and assure fluctuations in revenue do not impede the City's ability to meet expenditure obligations. When revenues fail to meet the City's normal operating requirements, or the need for disbursements temporarily exceeds receipts, General Fund Reserves, upon a two-thirds vote of the City Council, may be used in accordance with the standards set forth herein.

The Reserves shall be comprised of two elements: a Stability Reserve and a Catastrophic Reserve. The Reserves shall not be used for ongoing or new programs or services.

A Stability Reserve will be maintained to mitigate loss of service delivery and financial risks associated with unexpected revenue shortfalls during a single fiscal year or during a prolonged recessionary period. The purpose of the Stability Reserve is to provide fiscal stability in response to unexpected downturns or revenue shortfalls, and not to serve as a funding source for new programs or projects.

A Catastrophic Reserve will be maintained for the purpose of sustaining General Fund operations in the case of a public emergency such as a natural disaster or other catastrophic event. The Catastrophic Reserve will be used to respond to extreme, onetime events, such as earthquakes, fires, floods, civil unrest, terrorist attacks, public health emergencies and pandemics. The Catastrophic Reserve will not be accessed to meet operational shortfalls or to fund new programs or projects.

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Funding and Functions that are NOT Part of the General Fund Reserves Not included in the General Fund Reserves are funds that are set aside for a specific purpose. This would include restricted, committed, and assigned funds.  The restricted fund balance category includes amounts that can be spent only for the specific purposes stipulated by constitution, external resource providers, or through enabling legislation.
 The committed fund balance classification includes amounts that can be used only for the specific purposes determined by a formal action by the City Council.
 Amounts in the assigned fund balance classification are intended to be used by the government for specific purposes but do not meet the criteria to be classified as restricted or committed.

Target Reserves Levels
The General Fund Reserves consists of the total of the Stability Reserve and the Catastrophic Reserve. 55% of the Reserves shall be allocated to the Stability Reserve and 45% to the Catastrophic Reserve.

Effective immediately, the target level for the Reserves shall be a minimum of 13.8% of 2017 Adopted General Fund Revenues with an Intermediate Goal of a minimum of

16.7% by the end of Fiscal Year 2020, if financially feasible. The Council hereby adopts a long-term goal of Reserves of a range of between 20 to 30 percent of General Fund Revenues, to be achieved within no more than 10 years. Based on a risk assessment (according to best practices), to be updated at least every five years, the Council may consider increasing or lowering the General Fund Reserves level.

Starting in Fiscal Year 2018, to achieve the City's intermediate and long-term Reserves Goals, 50% of Excess Equity above the first $1 M shall be allocated to Reserves.

Additional Excess Equity may be allocated to Reserves by a majority vote of the City Council.

Methodology to Meet Reserve Levels
The General Fund Reserves are separate from the General Fund Balance. The sum of the Stability Reserve and the Catastrophic Reserve and the amount determined to be Excess Equity is deemed to be General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance. Unassigned Fund Balance is the residual classification for the City's General Fund and includes all spendable amounts not contained in the other classifications.

Excess Equity is most commonly a non-recurring source of revenue and shall only be used for one-time, non-recurring expenditure needs of the City. Excess Equity should be reported separately from the General Fund Reserves.

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Attaining the long-term goal of General Fund Reserves of a minimum of 30% of General Fund Revenues is important to the long-term financial health and stability of the City.

Draw-down of the General Fund Reserves
For any draw-down from General Fund Reserves, Council shall adopt a plan that includes the following:
 The specific purpose for the use of General Fund Reserves,  The amount of General Fund Reserves that are needed based upon long-term revenue volatility and long-term economic need; and
 To the extent practicable, a timeframe in which General Fund Reserves will be repaid.

Recognizing that the length of the pandemic and that the length of the economic emergency is unknown, expenditures from the Catastrophic and Stability Reserves shall not exceed one-third (1/3) of each reserve level per incident.

Replenishment of the General Fund Reserves
The City Manager shall recommend a replenishment schedule for all monies proposed for appropriation from the General Fund Reserves. The replenishment schedule shall be adopted simultaneous with the appropriation to withdraw Reserve funds or, if infeasible due to emergency circumstances, no more than 3 months from the date of the withdrawal appropriation. Repayment shall begin no more than 5 years from the date of withdrawal and be completed within 10 years from the date of withdrawal.

While staff envisions that, in most cases, repayment will start as soon as possible, the repayment guidelines are meant to reflect a commitment to maintain a sufficient Reserve, while also recognizing that a use of Reserve funds may occur during an economic downturn and it may be necessary to postpone repayment while the economy improves.

Usage of the General Fund Stability Reserve
The General Fund Stability Reserve shall only be drawn upon if all of the following criteria are met:

1. City revenues are insufficient to meet normal operating expenses.

2. A hiring freeze has been implemented, with exceptions only for designated positions as appropriate to maintain essential and core services to the public that support public health, safety, and welfare. Essential services will be determined at the time of fiscal emergency with a recommendation from the City Manager to be approved by City Council.

3. User fees and services charges are being fully utilized for those services for which they were collected.

4. A declaration of fiscal emergency is made by ordinance before drawing on

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the reserves. Fiscal emergency is defined as the following:
a. When General Fund revenues increase less than 3% from the prior fiscal year.
b. When the City needs to mitigate State or Federal budget actions that may reduce revenue or increase expenditures.
c. When the City must absorb liability settlements in in excess of available resources in the City’s litigation designation.

The General Fund Stability Reserve shall only be used in the following manner:

1. Stability Reserve funds shall be prioritized to preserve essential services and necessary staffing levels determined at the time of the fiscal emergency with a recommendation from the City Manager to be approved by the City Council.

2. All other reasonable and available expenditure reduction measures shall have been taken by the City Manager and the City Council before using one-time funding to support operational positions.

3. Operational positions shall not receive Stability Reserve funds for longer than two years except in extreme conditions.

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The Reserves shall be comprised of two elements: a Stability Reserve and a Catastrophic Reserve. The Reserves shall not be used for ongoing or new programs or services.

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Effective immediately, the target level for the Reserves shall be a minimum of 13.8% of 2017 Adopted General Fund Revenues with an Intermediate Goal of a minimum of

16.7% by the end of Fiscal Year 2020, if financially feasible. The Council hereby adopts a long-term goal of Reserves of a range of between 20 to 30 percent minimum of 30% of General Fund Revenues, to be achieved within no more than 10 years.

Based on a risk assessment (according to best practices), to be updated at least every five years, the Council may consider increasing or lowering the General Fund Reserves level.

Starting in Fiscal Year 2018, to achieve the City's intermediate and long-term Reserves Goals, 50% of Excess Equity above the first $1 M shall be allocated to Reserves.

Additional Excess Equity may be allocated to Reserves by a majority vote of the City Council.

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Attaining the long-term goal of General Fund Reserves of a minimum of 30% of General Fund Revenues is important to the long-term financial health and stability of the City.

Usage of the General Fund Stability Reserve
The General Fund Stability Reserve shall only be drawn upon if all of the following criteria are met:

1. City revenues are insufficient to meet normal operating expenses.

3. User fees and services charges are being fully utilized for those services for which they were collected.

4. A declaration of fiscal emergency is made by ordinance before drawing on

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The General Fund Stability Reserve shall only be used in the following manner:

2. All other reasonable and available expenditure reduction measures shall have been taken by the City Manager and the City Council before using one-time funding to support operational positions.

3. Operational positions shall not receive Stability Reserve funds for longer than two years except in extreme conditions.

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A Risk-Based Analysis and Stress Test of
General Fund Reserve Requirements for the
City of Berkeley, California

2025

Produced by:

The Government Finance Officers Association

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Table of Contents
Section 1 - Executive Summary ..................................................................................................................... 3 Section 2 - Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 17 Section 3 - The Approach to Uncertainty .................................................................................................... 19 Section 4 - General Fund Revenue Volatility and Pension Risk .................................................................. 23 Section 5 - Extreme Events ......................................................................................................................... 29 Section 6 - Secondary Risks and Comparable Analysis ............................................................................... 49 Section 7 - Putting it All Together ............................................................................................................... 55 Appendix 1 – Limitations of GFOA’s Analysis .............................................................................................. 71

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Section 1 - Executive Summary
A local government’s “reserves” are the portion of fund balance which serves as a hedge against risk. The City of Berkeley (“the City” or “Berkeley”) has asked the questions: “what is the right amount of general fund reserves for us?” and “how resilient would any potential reserve target be to losses?” The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has helped the City answer this question by examining the risks that it is subject to.

Though reserves are a subset of fund balance, fund balance also matters. Bond rating agencies use total fund balance as one factor when assigning bond ratings. The City desires to maintain a AAA rating and our analysis provides insights into the chances of maintaining a fund balance level associated with a AAA rating.

GFOA’s methodology is intended to evaluate potential risks and their cost to the City’s general fund. Our methodology is not intended to predict Berkeley’s future. The GFOA Risk Model provides the option for Berkeley to adjust variables when future conditions change. Our model and this report also describe the assumptions behind our analysis and recommendations.

First, we identified the risks that posed the most clear and present danger to the City. The major risks are:
• Revenue loss from recessions
• Increased pensions costs that are unaffordable under the City’s other available funding mechanisms (primarily the annual budget, but also including the pension trust fund) • Wildfires, earthquakes, and tsunamis are the leading potential catastrophic natural disaster risks the City faces. In discussions with City staff, these disasters represent the greatest risk of catastrophic loss and received the most analytical attention. • Other natural hazard exposures included in the Risk Model are high winds, severe storms and landslides.
• The Risk Model made provisions for “other risks ”, not named above. This represents the “unknown” risks we can’t anticipate.

Next, for each risk, we calculated the probability that the City would experience the risk over a ten-year period and, if an event were to occur, what the magnitude of the loss would be for the City’s general fund.

To calculate the probability and magnitude of events, we did the following:
• Analyzed Berkeley’s own experience and the experiences of other municipalities. For example, a recession would have similar impacts in other California municipalities because the economic and legal environment would be similar (e.g., state aid would be impacted similarly). • Reviewed research produced by other agencies. For instance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has data on costs that natural disasters have caused. • Drew from the expertise of City staff. City staff work every day on preparing the City for the risks it faces. Staff provided their expertise to help us estimate risks. For example, City staff helped us understand the nuances of natural disaster risks and revenue instability risks in Berkeley. The City’s hazard mitigation plan was also a valuable resource.

We modeled each risk individually and then combined each individual risk into a ten -year model of the City’s fund balance and reserves. The model is intended to answer the primary question: what amount of reserves will give the City of Berkeley sufficient confidence that it will be able to cover the losses from the

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risks GFOA has analyzed? Secondarily, it answers the question: was is the chance total fund balance stays above the amount associated with a AAA bond rating?
We combined all the information described above to create a ten-year probabilistic model. The City’s goal for this analysis was to find an amount that can give the City sufficient comfort that its reserves will cover its risks. The following pages present a series of graphics based on this model.

We combined all the information described above to create a ten-year probabilistic model. The City’s goal for this analysis was to find an amount that can give the City sufficient comfort that its fund balance and reserves will be sufficient. We next present a series of graphics based on this model.

Exhibit 1.1 compares fund balances and reserves to thresholds that the City is concerned about.

For fund balance, the threshold is the amount of fund balance associated with Aaa bond rating, according to the bond rating agency Moody’s: an amount equal to at least 35% of general fund revenue. An important caveat must be noted, however. Moody’s evaluates fund balance across the entire local government, while our analysis is just for the general fund. Thus, our analysis is really asking about the chance that the general fund can carry its “fair share” of the load of meeting rating agency expectations and not if the City, overall, will be able to meet rating agency expectations.

For reserves, the thresho ld is zero. Zero represents the “self -insurance” aspect of the City’s reserves running out.

In Exhibit 1.1, we see there is a very high chance, approaching 90% (or 9 in 10) that the City’s fund balance will go below the amount associated with a Aaa bond ra ting. Again, we should draw attention to our caveat that a bond rating is based on the entire City government, while our analysis covers only the general fund. As of this writing, the position of the City’s other funds is currently strong enough to keep the entire City in Aaa territory, but our analysis says nothing about the chances of this continuing. Another important caveat is that fund balance is just one of several criteria that bond rating agencies consider, so a decline in fund balance below the Aaa threshold does not necessarily mean that the City will be downgraded – perhaps other aspects of the City’ financial condition could balance out a declining fund balance.1
Exhibit 1.1 also addresses reserves, where there is just over a 20% chance that that the reserve will reach zero at the end of ten years. This is a greater chance than GFOA has observed most municipalities are comfortable with.

It is important to note that, generally, the bars in presentations like 1.1 will get higher the further in the future we look because more bad things can happen. That said, we should also note that a very important cause of the rising height of the bars is the assumption that the City will have a tough time generating budget surpluses in the next few years , as per City staff long-term forecasts. For example, if we were to change the most likely outcome of our surplus -or-deficit simulation to just “zero” or break -even, the chance of the City’s fund balance being below Aaa in year ten improves by around 15 percentage p oints

1 GFOA did a separate analysis on bond rating for the City which goes into the factors Moody’s considers and the City’s relative position on each.

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(about a 75% chance). The impact in the near term is even greater: 5 years out the chances improve by 25 percentage points (from a 65% to 40% chance of going below the critical threshold). The pension risk described in Section 4 of this report also a dds a persistent drag on the City’s finances, including its fund balances and reserves.

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Exhibit 1.1 – Chance Fund Balance + Reserves is Less than Bond Rating Aaa and Chance Reserve is Less than Zero.

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Exhibit 1.2 shows the average remaining fund balance and reserves each year. Perhaps unsurprising given the rising bars in Exhibit 1.1, Exhibit 1.2 shows the lines on a downward trajectory. It shows that the City’s fund balance falls below the Aaa threshold, on average, in the fourth year of the analysis. On average, reserves stay above zero each year. Note that the threshold for reserves is set to zero, so the dotted red line that represents this threshold may be difficult to see because it overlaps the black line border that is also at the zero position.

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Exhibit 1.2 – Simulated Remaining Fund Balance and Reserve each Year

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Finally, below is Exhibit 1.3. This is a cumulative probability chart. It shows the confidence available from varying levels of reserves. Berkeley’s existing reserve intersects the blue line at about 80% confidence, which means there is an 80% chance that the City will have an amount of reserves greater than zero in the tenth year of the ana lysis. This is the other side of our earlier conclusion that there is about a 20% chance of the reserves being less than zero in year ten. This graphic adds an element for GFOA’s rule -of- thumb on the minimum amount of fund balance a City should maintain, which is equal to at least 2 months (16.6%) of revenues.2 Currently, the City is just short of that amount if we focus just on the City’s reserves.

Exhibit 1.3 shows the amount of money that would be needed in the reserve in year 1 to have a given level of confidence that reserves would remain above zero or 16.6% of revenues in year 10.

A key takeaway is that reserves have a diminishing return at a certain point because the flatter the line gets, the less confidence an additional dollar of reserve “buys” you. This is because the further to the right you go on the graph, the more extreme the events are that must be covered by reserves. This graphic shows that the City would still get a good “bang for the buck” from higher reserves than it has today. This City would not be as well served by accumulating reserves past the point where the line starts to flatten.

Exhibit 1.3 – Cumulative Probability Chart

TThe GFOA rule of thumb concerns unrestricted fund balance of which reserves are typically a subset.

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The City can use the results of this report to optimize the range of general fund reserves it would like to hold. GFOA recommends the City establish a floor and a ceiling amount of reserves. The ceiling is an amount of reserves the City will try not to exceed and a floor is an amount that the City will try not to go below and will try to replenish the reserves quickly if they do go below the floor.

City officials will also want to think about other factors to finalize the reserve target range. This is because Exhibit 1.3 cannot account for every possible factor that should go into deciding how much Berkeley should keep in its reserve. The numbers shown in the exhibit are what is needed to protect the City from just the risks described in this report and to keep the reserve above zero (and fund balance within Aaa territory). Usually, municipal governments have oth er concerns they expect their reserves to address.

Here are examples of such concerns:
• There are risks that are sometimes called “unknown unknowns .” These are risks that are totally unanticipated. Our risk model does include an “other hazards” simulation which should go a long way towards addressing unknown unknowns.
• Our Risk Model is based largely on historical data, which, by definition, does not capture the potential future impacts of climate change. It is impossible to say what the future impacts of climate change will be. This might suggest a more “risk averse” approach to reserves (i.e., maintaining more, rather than less).
• The City might wish to use fund balances for purposes other than mitigating risks – for example, building a capital project using cash financing. The Risk Model gives the City the ability to estimate the cost of potential projects to see the financial impact of redirecting reserves to other uses .3 More broadly, City officials should consider opportunity costs of holding reserves: w hat are alternative uses of the funds and how do those benefits compare to self-insuring against the risks described in this report?
The considerations above could be addressed by choosing a robust floor and ceiling level for reserves.

Different floors an d ceilings can be “stress tested” by changing thresholds that the model measures against. GFOA’s discussions with the City staff suggest ed a threshold of zero for reserves is useful for assessing the risk of exhausting the “self-insurance” capacity of its fund balance. The City could choose to vary this critical threshold, which would then change the total amount of reserves the City would need to maintain to achieve a given degree of confidence that reserves would stay above the threshold. For example, perhaps the City selects a threshold of 5% or 10% of revenues to provide a buffer against going all the way to zero.

Here are some other conclusions we can draw from the graphics presented on the previous pages:
• The City’s ability to generate surpluses has a significant impact on the chances that fund balance and reserves go below thresholds. Later we recommend a “structurally balanced budget policy” to help the City more consistently generate balanced budgets, if not surpluses. • If the City does generate surpluses, it must then choose to direct those surpluses towards building the reserves. A one-time or volatile revenue policy, discussed in the recommendations later, could help in this regard.

3 Note that the City has historically done some level of cash financing of projects. The model already accounts for “normal” spending that takes place in the City’s annual budget, so this feature of the Risk Model would be used for larger projects that exceed what might be considered “typical.”

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• The City should remain mindful of the potential for extreme consequence events. A large earthquake could impair the taxbase. In Exhibit 1.3 the reader will notice that the red line extends very far to the right, past $200 million. This tells us that there is a small chance of some very extreme outcomes, due to the City’s vulnerability to earthquakes and tax base impairment.

Later in this report, we discuss parametric insurance as an alternative to reserves to protect the City against these extreme cases.

GFOA discussed all the factors above with the City staff and the conc lusion of this discussion was that the City of Berkely would be well served by a policy that calls for general fund reserves equal to between 20% and 30% of the City’s revenues. This gives the City between about 87% and 97% confidence of being able to handle the risks included in our analysis while also keeping the reserve above zero.

We could also compare the policy range to the City chances of staying above 17% of revenues, which is the equivalent of two months of revenues.4 This amount of reserves is a long-standing rule of thumb in public finance. Reserves equal to 20% to 30% of revenue provide between a 26% and 73% chance of handling the risks included in our analysis while also keeping reserves above 17% of revenues. The tables below summarize what we just described.

GENERAL FUND RESERVE SUGGESTIONS RELATIVE TO STAYING ABOVE THE CRITICAL THRESHOLD CRITICAL THRESHOLD = 16.7% of Revenues or $44M
A Reserve Policy typically expresses reserve targets as a percent of expenditures or revenues.

Below we have converted the dollar figures to a percent of revenues.

Dollars Percent of General Fund Revenues
$53.5 Million
26% confident of staying above
critical threshold over ten years 20%
$83.0 Million
73% confident of staying above
critical threshold over ten years 30%

GENERAL FUND RESERVE SUGGESTIONS RELATIVE TO STAYING ABOVE ZERO A Reserve Policy typically expresses reserve targets as a percent of expenditures or revenues.

Below we have converted the dollar figures to a percent of revenues.

Dollars Percent of General Fund Revenues
$53.5 Million
87% confident of staying above zero
over ten years 20%
$83.0 Million
97% confident of staying above zero
over ten years 30%

On the next page, we will discuss the context and rationale for this recommendation.

4 2 months of 12 months is the same as is 1 in 6. 1 in 6 is 16.67%, which rounded up is 17%.

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For context, let’s first recall that the City’s reason for undertaking this study is to update its reserve policy in order ensure that its reserve targets are appropriate given the risks that the City faces. These recommendations provide that update.

Next, we are suggesting that the City think of its reserves as a range (a ceiling and floor) that it wishes to remain within. This contrasts with identifying a single target for reserves. The dynamic environment the City is within makes it very difficult to h it and maintain a single target number. It is more practical to manage within a range or boundary. The suggested floor is reserves equivalent to 20% of revenues and the ceiling is 30%.

As for rationale, first, the suggested range gives the City a very good chance of staying above zero reserves – an 87% chance, on the low end. As for staying above the two-month rule of thumb (reserves equal 17% of revenues), the chance is substantially less, but we believe this is acceptable for two important reasons.

First, the two-month rule of thumb is loosely based on bond rating agency expectations. As we discussed earlier, the risk model addresses bond rating agency expectations directly. Hence, we’d suggest that the City keep its eye on the chances of missing bond rating agency expectations directly, instead of monitoring them indirectly via this rule of thumb. Secondly, the rule of thumb assumes the user has no additional knowledge of the exposure to risk. As this report has shown, we have a great deal of knowledge abo ut the City’s exposure to risk. Therefore, the City probably does not need the entire margin against risk that staying above the rule of thumb would provide.

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The other important rationale is the cost -effectiveness of this choice. The reader may recall Exhibit 1.3, which spoke to the cost -effectiveness of various levels of reserves. Exhibit 1.4 reproduces the same presentation but adds the recommended range of reserves to the curves. When the curve starts to flatten out, we have reached the point of diminishing returns on the benefit of building reserves. In Exhibit 1.4, the colored dot that is furthest to the right on each curve is the ceiling and the leftmost dot is the floor.

The ceiling-dots and floor-dots represent the same dollar amount on both curves – the ceilings and floors are at same points on the horizontal axis.

We see that we are starting to reach the flat portion of the blue curve (the reserve needed to stay above zero) but still have plenty of room on the red curve (the reserve needed to stay above 17%). This is a cost- effective range for the City because the City is avoiding the flattest part of the blue curve, while also staying on the steepest points of the red curve. As implied earlier, the red curve likely represents a more conservative standard, so it would be cost ineffective to reach the flat part of the red curve. Conversely, the blue curve is a less conservative standard, so even though the proposed reserve is not on the steepest part of the curve, the marginal benefit of additional reserves is still positive.

Exhibit 1.4 – Cumulative Probability Chart with Proposed Range of Reserves

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To complement the reserve analysis, we offer the following additional recommendations:

The City should update its robust reserves policy . GFOA has conducted extensive research into what it takes for a local government to be financially sustainable. We call this body of work “Financial Foundations for Thriving Communities” (Financial Foundations). This resea rch has shown that local governments require clear decision -making boundaries. A policy on the target level of reserves that the City should maintain, and the acceptable use of those reserves provides clear decision -making boundaries for reserves. This Cit y has a robust policy in place to govern reserves. The most important potential refinement to the policy is that, as was discussed earlier, the policy could identify both a floor and ceiling for reserves, rather than just a single target number, as in the case with the current policy. Having a range defines the acceptable tolerances the reserves should stay within.

Another possible refinement is to combine the Stability Reserve and Catastrophic Reserve into a single reserve. The Risk Model treats all risks as part of the same City risk profile, so produces an analysis result that speaks to this comprehensive risk profile. Combining reserves is a form of risk pooling. Risk pooling works when you combine uncorrelated risks. Recessions and natural catastrophe s are not highly correlated,5 so the City should be able to realize efficiencies by combining those risks into a single reserve.

The City should adopt a mechanism to monitor its own compliance with the policy. GFOA’s Financial Foundations research suggests that boundaries (e.g., financial policies) must be monitored to be fully effective.

The City of Tempe, Arizona provides a good example of how a reserve policy can be monitored. Tempe’s policy is to maintain the general fund reserve equal to between 20% a nd 30% of general fund revenues.

The general fund reserve policy is combined with Tempe’s five -year financial forecast, where the goal is to keep reserves within the 20% to 30% boundary during the five -year forecast period. This approach originated in 2009 when Tempe had a policy to maintain reserves equal to 25% of general fund revenues.

However, Tempe had been maintaining fund balances above 30%, which was causing some to question why Tempe was not in alignment with the policy and whether Tempe had a fund balance that was too large. The City Council and staff agreed to change the policy to set a goal for the reserves to be between 20% and 30% of revenues. This range would provide more discretion, but it would also create clear bounds for what Tempe would consider acceptable maximum and minimum reserves.

Tempe staff developed a presentation of Tempe’s revenue forecast in the context of this new arrangement and informally called it the “Golden Cone of Prosperity.” Exhibit 1.5 shows the presentation as it was in 2009, where the yellow cone representing the range of desired fund balance widens over the forecast horizon as the new policy is phased in and the black line representing actual fund balance gradually enters the cone.

5 We stop short of saying uncorrelated because a big earthquake could impair the tax base, which might be like a hyperlocal “recession”. The Risk Model accounts for this possibility.

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Exhibit 1.5 —Tempe’s Golden Cone of Prosperity in 2009

The meaning of the Golden Cone of Prosperity is straightforward, and its design and name give it a memorable character. As of 2020, Tempe staff still present the Golden Cone twice per year to help public officials to understand the bi g picture and to show whether Tempe is staying within agreed -upon boundaries. This is a testament to the communicative power of the Golden Cone. Berkeley could develop a similar presentation to help make sure the City stays within its agreed upon financial boundaries.

Adopt a policy of objective forecasting and conservative budgeting. The City is projected to run deficits for the next few years. This places a stress on reserves. So, the question becomes: how can services be expanded without putting the City ’s finances at excessive risk? There are several budget policies and practices the City could adopt to support good public services while safeguarding its financial position at the same time.
• Understand the risk of increasing on-going expenditures. The risk of adding more services to the City budget is that it makes it more likely the City will run a deficit and need to cut back . So, the balance the City needs to find is: how much can expenditures be increased without incurring unacceptable risk? The City can adopt forecasting methods that highlight the risk of the City budget getting out of balance. The City can also adopt a range of policies to protect against this risk, as outlined below.
• One-time revenue policy. Limit the use of one -time, non-recurring revenues to one -time, non- recurring expenditures or to pay down liabilities (e.g., catching up on deferred asset maintenance, like a park, road, etc., or making additional discretionary payments to CalPERS to reduce unfunded actuarial pension liability). An example of a one-time, non-recurring revenue would be proceeds from a lawsuit or the sale of an asset.
• Volatile revenue policy. Some revenues, like sales taxes, are recurring, but they can go up and down substantially from year to year. A volatile rev enue policy would treat extraordinarily high annual revenues from a volatile source as a one -time revenue. The bulk of the revenue income would be treated like a recurring revenue – it is just the extraordinary amount that would have

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more limited uses. Thi s protects the City from using peak revenues to over -invest in programs that must be supported for many years. The City already has a policy like this for its transfers tax.

We are suggesting that such a policy be extended to cover other volatile revenues as well. This would serve to help the City maintain a stable, dependable set of on-going services over the long- term because it would help the City avoid over -expanding services beyond what is truly affordable.
• Adopt a structurally balanced budget. Cities are required to adopt a balanced budget by law.

However, this just means financial sources must equal uses. So, for instance, City Hall could be sold off (a non -recurring revenue) and the proceeds used to hire more firefighters (a recurring expenditure). This would, of course, be a bad idea. A structurally balanced budget policy commits the City to balancing its recurring revenues and recurring expenditures and balancing its non - recurring revenues and expenditures, separately.
• Adopt a phased schedule of spending on non-recurring expenditures and condition spending on forecasts being met . As part of its budget, the City could adopt a prioritized list of one -time expenditures, in addition to its regular on-going expenditures. The total of the one-time and on- going expenditures would be equal to or less than the City’s projected revenue. The one -time expenditures would then be made throughout the year, in priority order, and conditioned on revenues coming in as projected. If revenues underperform the City’s fore casts, then the lower priority expenditures would not be made.
• Adopt flexible strategies for providing on -going services. It is unlikely that all the City’s service goals can be met through one-time expenditures. New on-going services may be needed. The City could look for opportunities to adopt flexible service models, where costs can be scaled up or down. Contracted services often can provide flexibility that in -house staff cannot. This is not to say that in-house staffing is undesirable. There may be situations where in-house staffing is better, but there may also be opportunities where contracts can provide financial flexibility. • Affirmative reauthorization of spending. The conventional approach to budgeting is that once a new service is authorized it is “baked in” to the budget and is funded year after year. This can lead to financial distress when new services are layered on top of old services. An alternative is to require affirmative reauthorization for a new service. This could be especially useful where a new service is intended to achieve some clear public policy goal. At the end of some set period, the City Council could be required to explicitly reauthorize funding based on whether the program is achieving its stated goals.

The City should consider further investments in cybersecurity. Cybersecurity is an emerging and growing threat for local governments. As we described earlier, available data suggests several sobering points:
• Local governments are an attractive target for cybercriminals and rans omware attacks against local governments are common.
• The amount of damage from an attack appears to only be weakly correlated to the size of the government. Data suggests that the average attack costs around $100,000 but attacks can and have cost local governments many millions of dollars. Even though Berkeley is not as large as cities that have made headlines for multi-million-dollar losses incurred by an attack, Berkeley could still suffer a substantial loss – perhaps more than its policy limits. • Cyber insurance policies can get expensive and hard to come by when insurance markets harden.

Given the points above, the City might consider the following recommendations that have implication for the City’s reserves:

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• Continue planning for enhanced security and make cost-effective investments in cybersecurity controls that both: A) reduce the likelihood of a successful attack; and B) reduce the potential damages, if an attack succeeds. Because reserves are ultimately a form of self -insurance there could be a strong case for using some of the City’s reserves to strengthen its cybersecurity. This is because a dollar invested in prevention is usually going to be more effective than a dollar invested in remediation.
• Be prepared to retain more risk on a cyber insurance policy. If policies get substantially more expensive (or, worst case, unavailable), Berkely could lower the cost by retaining more risk. This could be accounted for in the reserve amount. As we stated above, there is a plausible risk of a cyberattack costing the city more than $1 million. Therefore, “retention” of risk is not just the insurance deductible, but also includes the risk of a catastrophic attack that costs more than the policy limit.

For natural hazards consider “parametric” insurance in additi on to traditional indemnity insurance.

Indemnity insurance is the type of insurance that most governments have traditionally purchased, where the insurance corresponds to the value of the assets being insured and reimbursement is paid out after a certain deductible has been met. The advantage of traditional indemnity insurance is that there is a known damage threshold past which the City is covered.

Parametric insurance is a newer type of insurance for providing coverage for extreme events, having increased in popularity in the last 15 years or so in the public sector but has been in use in the private sector for decades. Parametric coverage provides the policyholder (the City) with a payment amount that is defined ahead of time, should a defined event come to pass (an earthquake of a certain magnitude).

Parametric insurance could be more useful for providing an injection of liquidity because the policyholder receives the defined payment immediately upon verification by a third -party that the given event occurred, which usually would be within a matter of days. As a simple illustration, a parametric policy might provide the City of Berkeley with $5 million upon the occurrence of an earthquake of some given magnitude, after magnitude is verified by a third -party, such as the USGS. This feature of parametric insurance also eliminates much of the administrative hassle that would be associated with a traditional indemnity policy (e.g., working with claims adjusters). A final advantage is that the proceeds from the policy payout are completely fungible – the City could use them to fund whatever service it deems necessary or to counteract revenue loss from tax base impairment, whereas indemnity policies might require the policyholder to use the funds to repair or rep lace the asset that was insured. Parametric policies are not without their drawbacks, though, and are not a substitute for traditional insurance. The City can learn more about parametric policies in the publicly available GFOA research report “Parametric Insurance: An Emerging Tool for Financial Risk Management.”6 A robust insurance strategy could make use of both traditional indemnity and parametric insurance. For example, traditional indemnity insurance could be used to protect against loss of the City’s assets, while parametric insurance could be used to compensate the City for the losses in tax revenue it would experience from an impaired tax base, for instance.

6 Available at: https://www.gfoa.org/parametric-insurance/.

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Berkeley City CouncilJuly 29, 2025

Berkeley City Council
July 29, 2025