Tuesday, September 16, 2025 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 1
ANNOTATED AGENDA
BERKELEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
6:00 PM
SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD ROOM - 1231 ADDISON STREET, BERKELEY, CA 94702
ADENA ISHII, MAYOR
Councilmembers:
DISTRICT 1 – RASHI KESARWANI
DISTRICT 2 – TERRY TAPLIN
DISTRICT 3 – BEN BARTLETT
DISTRICT 4 – IGOR TREGUB
DISTRICT 5 – SHOSHANA O’KEEFE
DISTRICT 6 – BRENT BLACKABY
DISTRICT 7 – CECILIA LUNAPARRA
DISTRICT 8 – MARK HUMBERT
This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid model with both in -person and virtual attendance. Attend this meeting remotely using Zoom. 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: 160 732 4158 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].
Live captioned broadcasts of Council meetings are available on B -TV (Channel 33) and via internet video stream.
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 rem oving 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 n ot 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 $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 tha n $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.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 2
Preliminary Matters
Roll Call: 6:42 p.m.
Present: Taplin, Bartlett, Tregub, O’Keefe, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii
Absent: Kesarwani
Councilmember Kesarwani present at 6:44 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 f rom 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.
Report from Closed Session:
The City Council directed the City Attorney to join King County et al. v. Turner et al.
Once formally joined as a plaintiff, the particulars shall be disclosed to any person upon inquiry, unless to do so would jeopardize the City's ability to effectuate service of process on one or more unserved parties, or jeopardize the City’s ability to conclude existing settlement negotiations to its advantage.
Ceremonial Matters: In addition to those items listed on the agenda, the Mayor may add additional ceremonial matters.
1. Anthony “Tony” Mejia, Small Business Owner and Community Activist
2. Recognition of Steve Moros, Bancroft Community Garden Organizer and Community Activist
3. Adjourn in memory of Malcolm Margolin, Writer, Publisher, and Activist
4. Adjourn in memory of Ann Fagan Ginger, Attorney and Civil Rights Activist City Manager Comments: None
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Matters: 10 speakers.
Action: M/S/C (Blackaby/Tregub) to accept an urgency item from Councilmember Blackaby pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(b)(2) entitled Letter of Support to Governor– SB-326, AB-1143, AB-888.
Vote: All Ayes.
Consent Calendar
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Public Comment on Consent Calendar and Information Items Only: 2 speakers.
Action: M/S/C (Humbert/Blackaby) to adopt the Consent Calendar in one motion except as indicated.
Vote: All Ayes.
Urgent Item: Letter of Support to Governor– SB-326, AB-1143, AB-888 From: Councilmember Blackaby (Author)
Recommendation: Send a letter to Governor Newsom in support of SB-326 (Becker), AB-1143 (Bennett) and AB-888 (Calderon), with a cc to the authors, Assemblymember Wicks and Senator Arreguin.
Financial Implications: None
Contact: Brent Blackaby, Councilmember, District 6, (510) 981-7160 Action: Approved recommendation.
1. Contract: Sorell Raino-Tsui for Public Artwork Commission for Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Services Center/Young Adult Project Clubhouse (MLK/YAP) From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract and any necessary amendments with Sorell Raino-Tsui for an amount not to exceed $442,000 for a public art commission of an 885 square foot mosaic on the exterior East wall, exterior North wall, and interior North wall of the Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Services Center/Young Adult Project Clubhouse located at 1730 Oregon St.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Eleanor Hollander, Economic Development, (510) 981-7530 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,953–N.S.
2. Contract No. 32000060 Amendment: Toshiba Business Solutions Inc for Citywide Multi-function Devices
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend Contract No. 32000060 with Toshiba Business Solutions to extend the term through September 15, 2029, and to approve an additional $2,000,000 for appropriations related for performance of this contract. This brings the total NTE amount of this contract to $3,750,000 over a ten-year term.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,954–N.S.
Consent Calendar
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 4
3. Purchase Order: Blaisdell’s Business Products for Office Supplies, Printing Paper, Small Equipment and Office Furniture
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to increase the Blanket Purchase Order with Blaisdell’s Business Products for the purchase of miscellaneous office supplies, printing paper, small equipment and office furniture.
The City is currently piggybacking off Omnia Partners Region 4 ESC Contract No.
R190301. The contract term will commence on June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026, with the option of one (1) single-year renewal for a total not to exceed amount of $1,100,000 over a two-year term, subject to the City’s annual budget appropriation.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,955–N.S.
4. Contract No. 32000164 Amendment: CGB Enterprise, LLC (purchased from Synthesis Group, Inc.) dba Minuteman Press Contract for Citywide Copying & Printing Services
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend Contract No: 32000164 with Minuteman Press, to provide copying and printing services to the City, increasing the amount by $400,000 for an amended total amount not to exceed $1,375,000 and extending the term until June 30, 2027.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,956–N.S.
5. Formal Bid Solicitations and Request for Proposals Scheduled for Possible Issuance After Council Approval on September 16, 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
Action: Approved recommendation.
Consent Calendar
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 5
6. Contract: Swifthawk Consulting, LLC for Professional Services From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract and any amendments with Swifthawk Consulting, LLC for surge staffing services for the Berkeley Fire Department (Department), in an amount not to exceed $300,000 per year for the period October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028, with an option to extend for two (2) additional one-year terms, not to exceed $300,000 per year.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: David Sprague, Fire, (510) 981-3473
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,957–N.S.
7. Updated Findings of Facts Associated with Berkeley Fire Code From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution revised with updated Findings of Facts associated with the Council’s June 17, 2025, adoption of the Fire Code, and rescind Resolution No. 71,710-N.S.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: David Sprague, Fire, (510) 981-3473
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,958–N.S.
8. Contract No. 32300108 Amendment: Street Level Advisors, LLC for Housing Consulting Services
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to execute a fourth amendment to Contract No. 32300108 with Street Level Advisors, LLC increasing the contract by $36,450 for consulting services in a total amount not to exceed $415,950, with a contract end date of December 31, 2026.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5400 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,959–N.S.
9. Purchase Orders: CDW-G for using Omnia Partners Cooperative Purchasing Agreement for Adobe Acrobat Pro Software
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to issue purchase orders with CDW Government LLC (“CDW-G”) for Adobe Acrobat Pro (“Adobe”) software, licensing and support, utilizing pricing established by Omnia Partners (“Omnia”) for a total not to exceed amount of $281,400 from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Kevin Fong, Information Technology, (510) 981-6500 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,960–N.S.
Consent Calendar
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 6
10. Updates to the Measure T1 Project List
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the updated list of current Measure T1 projects as outlined in the report.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Ferris, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, (510) 981-6700 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,961–N.S.
Council Consent Items
11. The Parent Writing Circles Initiative- Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds to General Fund and Grant of Such Funds
From: Councilmember Bartlett (Author)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the expenditure of funds, including $500 from the discretionary Council Office Budget of Councilmember Ben Bartlett, to The Parent Writing Circles Initiative. The funds will be relinquished to the City’s General Fund from the Discretionary Council Office Budget of Councilmember Ben Bartlett and the Discretionary Council Office Budgets of any other Councilmembers who would like to contribute.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Ben Bartlett, Councilmember, District 3, (510) 981-7130 Action: Councilmember Taplin added as a co-sponsor. Adopted Resolution No. 71,962–N.S. amended to include contributions from the following Councilmembers up to the amounts listed: Councilmember Taplin - $500; Councilmember Lunaparra - $200; Councilmember Blackaby - $250; Councilmember Tregub - $150; Councilmember Humbert - $200; Councilmember Kesarwani - $100; Councilmember O’Keefe - $250; Mayor Ishii - $250.
12. Zoning Ordinance Modification for Telegraph Avenue Commercial District From: Councilmember Lunaparra (Author), Councilmember Humbert (Co- Sponsor)
Recommendation: Refer to the City Manager and Planning Commission to amend BMC Chapter 23.204.020 to allow for Alcoholic Beverage Retail Sales in the Telegraph Avenue Commercial District.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Cecilia Lunaparra, Councilmember, District 7, (510) 981-7170 Action: Mayor Ishii and Councilmember Tregub added as co-sponsors. Approved recommendation.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 7
Public Comment – Items Not Listed on the Agenda - 5 speakers.
Adjournment
Action: M/S/C (Taplin/Tregub) to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: All Ayes.
Adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Communications
Global Warming & Homelessness Solution
1. Mike Vandeman
Berkeley Marina
2. Paul Roberts
Freedom of Speech
3. Lori Pottinger
Noise Detectors
4. Rod Richardson
Rent Board
5. Lance Montauk
Muwekma Ohlone Resolution Inquiry
6. Aaron Lobo
7. Imraan Mohammed (2)
8. Etienne Yang
Housing & Homelessness
9. Summer Brenner
Upzoning
10. Susan Nunes Fadley
President
11. Mona VScott
Prop 50
12. Robbie Steinhart
13. Debbie LeVeen
1598 University Construction Project
14. Alice Chuang
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 8
Corridor Meetings
15. Nori Hudson
16. Joaquin R Carbonell IV
Frances Albrier Community Center
17. Mira Stein
18. Kelly Zito
Vegetation Management Work Group
19. Gina Rieger
20. Abhijit Bhat
21. Colin Arnold
Large Vehicle Parking
22. Steven Donaldson
Berkeley’s Future
23. Margot Smith
Center Street Concerns
24. Lori Pottinger
Bike Plan Feedback
25. Carol Denney
Tree Trimming Concern
26. Kelly Zito
Gray Panthers Speaker
27. Betsy Morris on behalf of the Gray Panthers Berkeley East Bay
E-Scooters
28. Robert Borghese Byler (9)
Middle East Conflict
29. Crystyrusty
30. Russbumper
Forwards
31. Russbumper
URL’s
32. Russbumper (2)
33. Candace Hyde-Wang
Supplemental Communications and Reports 1
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 9
• None
Supplemental Communications and Reports 2
Urgent Item: Letter of Support to Governor– SB-326, AB-1143, AB-888
34. Submitted by Councilmember Brent Blackaby
Item #12: Zoning Ordinance Modification for Telegraph Avenue Commercial District
35. Alex Knox on behalf of Telegraph Business Improvement District
36. Beth Roessner
Supplemental Communications and Reports 3
• None