Agenda packet — Berkeley City Council, October 14, 2025 (part 1 of 2)

Tuesday, October 14, 2025 AGENDA Page 1

AGENDA

BERKELEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, October 14, 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: 161 273 2497. 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 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 $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, October 14, 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.

City Manager Comments: The City Manager may make announcements or provide information to t
he 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, October 14, 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.

Recess Items

1. Contract No. 32400122 Amendment: Buhler Commercial for Willard Park Clubhouse and Restroom Replacement Project
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution ratifying the action taken by the City Manager during the City Council recess to increase Contract No. 32400122 by $30,000 for a not to exceed amount of $6,861,067.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Ferris, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, (510) 981-6700

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Tuesday, October 14, 2025 AGENDA Page 4
Consent Calendar

2. 2026 Tax Rate: Transportation Network Company User Tax From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt second reading of Ordinance No. 7,985–N.S setting the 2026 tax rate (effective January 1, 2026) for the transportation network company at the following rates: 62 cents on the user for each prearranged trip that originates in the City that is not part of a pooled prearranged trip and 30 cents for each pooled prearranged trip on each user who arranges each prearranged trip that originates in the City and which comprises part of the pooled prearranged trip.

First Reading Vote: All Ayes.

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

3. Adopt Revisions to the 2025 City Council Meeting Schedule From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution modifying the City Council regular meeting schedule for 2025, with starting times of 6:00 p.m., to reschedule the November 4, 2025, regular meeting to November 10, 2025.

Financial Implications: See Report
Contact: Mark Numainville, City Clerk, (510) 981-6900

4. Contract: Healthy Black Families for the African American Holistic Resource Center Project Sankofa
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract and any amendments with Healthy Black Families (HBF) for the African American Holistic Resource Center Project Sankofa, which will be funded through the State of California Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Community Services and Supports funds, for a not to exceed amount of $300,000, through June 30, 2026.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager, (510) 981-7000

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Consent Calendar
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 AGENDA Page 5

5. Revenue Grant: FEMA Seismic Hazard Mitigation Grant Program From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit a letter of commitment of matching funds for a seismic Hazard Mitigation Grant application for the City of Berkeley Civic Center Project-Seismic Retrofit of MSB and VMB to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and subject to its award, to accept the grant, execute any resultant revenue agreements and amendments, accept any additional funding allocations from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), and designate the City Manager as the applicant’s authorized agent. If awarded, the grant will underwrite the seismic retrofit of two historic and critical buildings in Berkeley’s Civic Center, the Maudelle Shirek Building (“MSB” or “Old City Hall”) and the Veterans Memorial Building (“VMB”).

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Eleanor Hollander, Economic Development, (510) 981-7530

6. Revenue Grant: FEMA Fire Hazard Mitigation Grant Program From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit a letter of commitment of matching funds for a Hazard Mitigation Grant application for the City of Berkeley Home Hardening and Defensible Space Grants Project to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and subject to its award, to accept the grant, execute any resultant revenue agreements and amendments, accept any additional funding allocations from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, and designate the City Manager and Deputy City Manager as the applicant’s authorized agents.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Jordan Klein, Planning and Development, (510) 981-7400, David Sprague, Fire, (510) 981-3473

7. Formal Bid Solicitations and Request for Proposals Scheduled for Possible Issuance After Council Approval on October 14, 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

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Consent Calendar
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 AGENDA Page 6

8. Contract No. 10271 Amendment: Lease of 1521-1535 University Avenue From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute an amendment to Contract No. 10271 with Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) through June 30, 2031, adding $1,200,000 for a total contract amount of $2,709,949.20, to fund lease payments for 1521-1535 University Avenue.

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

9. Contract No. 31900009 Amendment: McKinley House (2111 McKinley Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94703)
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute an amendment to Contract No. 31900009 with Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (BOSS) through June 30, 2026, adding $84,474 for a total contract amount not to exceed $911,133, to fund Mental Health clients living at 2111 McKinley Avenue in Berkeley.

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

10. Contract: Preferred Alliance, Inc. for Drug and Alcohol Testing Services From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to increase the amount of the current contract and any amendments with Preferred Alliance Inc., to continue to provide third party administration of the City’s Random Drug and Alcohol Testing Program which expires at the end of 2025. An extension is necessary through June 30, 2027. A contract cap increase is required in an amount not to exceed $100,000 to continue services.

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

11. Contract: ESI Group for IBM Hardware, Software, and related Services From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with ESI Group for IBM hardware, software and related services (AS400) for the FUND$ system for an amount not to exceed $225,000 for the period commencing on July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027.

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

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Tuesday, October 14, 2025 AGENDA Page 7
Council Consent Items

12. Residents Oppose Broadcasting Obnoxious Cacophony Out in Public (ROBOCOP) (Reviewed by the Public Safety Committee)
From: Councilmember O'Keefe (Author)
Recommendation: Refer to the City Manager a request that the City Attorney draft amendments to Berkeley Municipal Code Chapter 13.40, Community Noise, to prohibit in certain circumstances the installation and use of motion-activated surveillance devices that emit artificial or pre-recorded sound—including alarms, sirens, or voice recordings—in response to the presence or motion of persons in the public right-of-way or on private property that is open to the public, with additional clarification regarding location parameters and permissible volume levels.

This prohibition shall apply to such devices when installed in the public right-of-way or on private property when triggered by motion in the public right-of-way, and when the sound emitted is audible in public areas. The prohibition shall not apply to conventional burglar alarms that activate only in response to unauthorized entry or tampering.

Policy Committee Recommendation: To send the item with a qualified positive recommendation to Council, requesting that the City Attorney draft ordinance language as outlined in the recommendation, with additional clarification regarding location parameters and permissible volume levels.

Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Shoshana O'Keefe, Councilmember, District 5, (510) 981-7150

13. Urging Police Accountability Board Regulations Completion From: Councilmember Blackaby (Author), Mayor Ishii (Co-Sponsor) Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution urging the Police Accountability Board (PAB), Berkeley Police Association (BPA), the Berkeley Police Department (BPD) and the City of Berkeley to complete negotiations on final PAB Regulations.

Financial Implications: None
Contact: Brent Blackaby, Councilmember, District 6, (510) 981-7160

Information Reports

14. Changes to Special Events Permitting Fees and Requirements From: City Manager
Contact: Peter Radu, City Manager's Office, (510) 981-7000

15. Referral Response Alternative Housing Options for People Experiencing Homelessness
From: City Manager
Contact: Peter Radu, City Manager's Office, (510) 981-7000

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Information Reports
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 AGENDA Page 8

16. Staff Shortages: City Services Constrained by Staff Retention Challenges and Delayed Hiring Audit Status Report
From: City Manager
Contact: David White, City Manager's Office, (510) 981-7000

17. Civic Arts Grant Awards: Fiscal Year 2026
From: City Manager
Contact: Eleanor Hollander, Economic Development, (510) 981-7530

18. Update: HR Response: Audit Directive(s) for Comprehensive Domestic Violence Policy to Support City Employees
From: City Manager
Contact: Janelle Rodrigues, Human Resources, (510) 981-6800

19. Landmark Preservation Ordinance Notice of Decision: 2000 Blake Street /#LMIN2025-0003
From: City Manager
Contact: Jordan Klein, Planning and Development, (510) 981-7400

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: berkeleyca.gov/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/.

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Tuesday, October 14, 2025 AGENDA Page 9
Agendas, agenda reports, and revised/supplemental material may be accessed via the online agenda for this meeting at: berkeleyca.gov/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 (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 October 2, 2025.

Mark Numainville, City Clerk

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Tuesday, October 14, 2025 AGENDA Page 10
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.

Road Repair

1. Gene Hendrix

Spray Paint Concern

2. Phil Ardery

Affordable Housing

3. Margot Smith

Bicycle Accident Concern

4. Suzanne Sattergren

Berkeley Bicycle Plan

5. Nathaniel Kane on behalf of parents of children ay Sylvia Mendez Elementary School

6. Kelly Hammargren

7. Evan Lovett-Harris

8. Megan R. Schwarzman

9. Cindi Goldberg

10. Save Hopkins

11. Marguerite Lee

12. Tom Lent

13. Margaret Leventhal

14. Ben Gerhardstein on behalf of Walk Bike Berkeley

15. Noah Budnick on behalf of the Transportation and Infrastructure Commission

Railroad Quiet Zones

16. Rod Richardson

Transparency at Commission Meetings

17. Dorothea Dorenz

RV Policy Proposal

18. Tony Boyle

Bologna as Precedent

19. John J. Parman

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Tuesday, October 14, 2025 AGENDA Page 11
CareBridge Program

20. Fran Haselsteiner

Rose Street Concerns

21. Walk Bike Berkeley

Ohlone Greenway Safety Improvements Project

22. Transition Berkeley Board Members

Health Policy Change

23. Anson Chau

Berkeley Cannabis Tax

24. Louise Booth

Draft Berkeley Reparations Note

25. Phoebe Thomas Sorgen

Upzoning

26. Vivian Pisano

27. Anne Boersma

Berkeley Beef Concern

28. Cybersailor

SB79

29. Margots999

California Theater

30. Charlene M. Woodcock

Transportation Services

31. Anastasia Gomes

Research Collaboration

32. Neel Shetty

Mr. Mopps Read-In Event

33. Jen Corn

Berkeley High Safety Zone

34. Cassandra Tesch

Sun Day Berkeley

35. Kera Binns

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Tuesday, October 14, 2025 AGENDA Page 12
Public Comment

36. Rose A. Davila

Public School Athletic Trainings

37. Nicoletta Karam

EMBER

38. Nenelle Bunnin

Slice of Our Markets

39. Cynthia Murdough

Children Safety Concerns

40. Angela Patterson Briscoe

Downtown Berkeley Concerns

41. Ed Iskander

8 th Street

42. Angela Beggs (2)

43. Marriane Riddle

44. Natasha Ravnik

New Micro Mobility Study

45. Nicolas Nagle

46. Scott Artis

Construction Settlement Repairs

47. Hector91 Phuentes

Berkeley Marina

48. Beatriz Quinones

Encampments

49. Jo Ann Driscoll

50. John Waters

Mechanical Street Sweeping

51. Scott Stewart

Kala Bagai Way Naming

52. Prabhjot Singh

53. Negeene Mosead

PIN Request

54. Alexander Merenkov

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Tuesday, October 14, 2025 AGENDA Page 13

2020 Kittrege

55. Alexander Merenkov (6)

56. Manreet Gill

57. HCI

58. K Street Flats

E-Scooters

59. Robert Borghese (8)

60. Devin Dollinger (2)

61. Nicolas Nagle (3)

62. Wahid Amiri

Eid’s Television

63. Eid

Elementary Reading Program Concerns

64. 2,989 Similarly worded form letters

Newsletters

65. Richard Schwartz

66. Todd Jersey

Forwards

67. Russbumper

URL’s

68. Russbumper (2)

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/your-government/about-us/departments/city- managers-office

RECESS ITEM

CONSENT CALENDAR
October 14, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: Scott Ferris, Director, Parks Recreation & Waterfront Subject: Contract No. 32400122 Amendment: Buhler Commercial for Willard Park Clubhouse and Restroom Replacement Project

RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution ratifying the action taken by the City Manager during the City Council recess to increase Contract No. 32400122 by $30,000 for a not to exceed amount of $6,861,067.

NEGATIVE EFFECT IF ACTION DELAYED UNTIL AFTER COUNCIL RECESS A delay in action until after council recess would delay the completion of the Willard Park Clubhouse and Restroom Replacement project.

FISCAL IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION
Funding for this contract amendment is available in the FY 2026 budget in the Measure T1 project budget (Fund 511-52-545-000-0000-000-461-720003-PRWT122004). No other funding is required, and no other projects will be delayed due to this expenditure.

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
The contract with Buhler Commercial for the Willard Park Clubhouse and Restroom Replacement Project was approved on December 12, 2023 for a total amount not to exceed $6,831,067. Additional work was required to secure the HVAC and electrical equipment in the outdoor public restroom. The City has negotiated a change order with Buhler Commercial to complete this work. This work was not included in the original contract scope due to an omission, but is necessary for the security and longevity of the new equipment.

BACKGROUND
The project included the demolition of the existing 565-sf single-story clubhouse, trellis, and public restroom and the construction of a new 3,301-sf single-story wood-framed multipurpose community building, a stand-alone outdoor public restroom, and a trash enclosure.

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RECESS ITEM
Contract Amendment: Buhler Commercial for the Willard Park CONSENT CALENDAR Clubhouse and Restroom Replacement Project October 14, 2025

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The Willard Park Clubhouse and Restroom Replacement Project is funded primarily by Measure T1, the 2016 voter-approved bond measure for improvements to City infrastructure and facilities.

The project was advertised for bids on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, and bids were opened on November 14, 2023. The City received 7 bids, from a low base bid of $6,210,061 to a high base bid of $8,435,000, and from a low of $6,418,925 to a high of $8,513,000 for the base bid plus Additive Bid Alternates. The determination of the lowest responsive and responsible bidder (Buehler Commercial) was based on the price for base bid work, as indicated in the bid documents.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS
The new Willard Clubhouse will be all electric and is on track to receive LEED Gold. In addition, the construction contract includes requirements to comply with the City’s Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy and Construction and Demolition Waste program of at least 50%.

RATIONALE FOR RECOMMENDATION
This increase to the contract is necessary to perform work to secure the HVAC and electrical equipment in the outdoor public restroom. The City does not have in-house labor or equipment resources to complete this renovation project.

ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS CONSIDERED
None

CONTACT PERSON
Scott Ferris, Director, Parks Recreation & Waterfront,510-981-6700 Evelyn Chan, Supervising Civil Engineer, Parks Recreation & Waterfront, 510-981-6430 Attachments:
1: Resolution

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

CONTRACT NO. 32400122 AMENDMENT: BUHLER COMMERCIAL FOR THE

WILLARD PARK CLUBHOUSE AND RESTROOM REPLACEMENT PROJECT WHEREAS, the Willard Park clubhouse is a Measure T1 project and is in need of renovation; and
WHEREAS, the City has neither the in-house labor nor the equipment necessary to undertake this project; and
WHEREAS, an invitation for bids was duly advertised on October 3, 2023, bids were opened on November 14, 2023, and the City received 7 bids; and WHEREAS, Buhler Commercial was determined to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, and references for Buhler Commercial were checked out satisfactorily; and
WHEREAS, on December 12, 2023, by Resolution NO. 71,136-N.S. the City Council authorized Contract No. 32400122 with Buhler Commercial in an amount not to exceed $6,831,067 for the Willard Park Clubhouse and Restroom Replacement Project; and WHEREAS, a contract amendment is needed in the amount of $30,000 to complete the change order work to secure the HVAC system at the outdoor public restroom; and WHEREAS, funds are available in the FY 2026 budget in the Measure T1 Fund (Fund 511).

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Berkeley that the City Manager is authorized to execute an amendment to Contract No. 32400122 with Buhler Commercial for the Willard Park Clubhouse and Restroom Replacement Project, increasing the contract amount by $30,000, for a total amended amount not to exceed $6,861,067. A record signature copy of any amendments to be on file in the Office of the City Clerk.

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Ordinance No. 7,985-N.S. Page 1 of 1
ORDINANCE NO. 7,985-N.S.

IMPOSING A GENERAL TAX ON USERS OF TRANSPORATION NETWORK COMPANIES AT A RATE OF 62 CENTS FOR PRIVATE TRIPS AND 30 CENTS FOR

POOLED TRIPS
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Berkeley as follows:

Section 1. In accordance with Berkeley Municipal Tax Code 7.71.030, the 2026 Tax Rate, effective January 1, 2026, to fund general municipal services is set at 62 cents for private trips and 30 cents for pooled trips.

Section 2. This tax rate will result in estimated total collections of $1,128,971.

Section 3. Copies of this Ordinance shall be posted for two days prior to adoption in the display case located near the walkway in front of the Maudelle Shirek Building, 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Within 15 days of adoption, copies of this Ordinance shall be filed at each branch of the Berkeley Public Library and the title shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation.

At a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Berkeley held on September 30, 2025, this Ordinance was passed to print and ordered published by posting by the following vote:

Ayes: Bartlett, Blackaby, Humbert, Kesarwani, Lunaparra, O’Keefe, Taplin, Tregub, and Ishii.

Noes: None.

Absent: None.

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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
October 14, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: Mark Numainville, City Clerk
Subject: Adopt Revisions to the 2025 City Council Meeting Schedule

RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution modifying the City Council regular meeting schedule for 2025, with starting times of 6:00 p.m., to reschedule the November 4, 2025, regular meeting to November 10, 2025.

FISCAL IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION
None.

BACKGROUND
Pursuant to the Open Government Ordinance, the Council must adopt an annual regular meeting schedule with at least 24 regular meetings. The schedule generally consists of either two or three meetings per month and provides for Spring, Summer and Winter recess periods. Meetings have not been scheduled on City holidays, Election Day or days of major religious/cultural observances that have work restrictions pursuant to Council policy.

The 2025 regular meeting schedule requires modification to reschedule the Tuesday, November 4, 2025, regular meeting date due to a statewide special election recently called for that day. As such, rescheduling the regular meeting to Monday, November 10 is recommended. Tuesday, November 11 is not available as a meeting date due to the Veterans Day holiday.

The Mayor or a majority of the Council may call special meetings as needed. The Council may also amend the regular meeting schedule when necessary.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS
There are no identifiable environmental effects or opportunities, or any climate impacts associated with the subject of this report.

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

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Revisions to 2025 City Council Meeting Schedule CONSENT CALENDAR October 14, 2025

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Attachments:
1: Resolution
Exhibit A: 2025 Council Calendar
2: List of Religious/Cultural Observances for 2025

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

ADOPTING REVISIONS THE CITY COUNCIL 2025 REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULE WHEREAS, pursuant to the Open Government Ordinance, the Council must adopt an annual meeting schedule with at least 24 regular meetings; and WHEREAS, the proposed schedule (Exhibit A) provides for regular meetings to occur with starting times of 6:00 p.m. on specified Tuesdays of each month with exceptions provided for recess periods or when a meeting would fall on a City, religious or cultural holiday with work restrictions or Election Day; and
WHEREAS, the Council desires to establish as part of their schedule a Winter, Spring and Summer recess period for 2025; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor or a majority of the Council may call special meetings or revise the regular meeting schedule when necessary.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Berkeley that the Council adopts the modified 2025 regular meeting schedule on specified Tuesdays of each month with exceptions provided for when a meeting would fall on a City, religious, or cultural holiday or Election Day, at 6:00 p.m. as indicated:

Winter Recess: December 11, 2024 – January 20, 2025
January 21, 2025
February 11 and February 25, 2025
March 11, March 18 and March 25, 2025
Spring Recess: March 26 – April 14, 2025
April 15 and April 29, 2025
May 6 and May 20, 2025
June 3, June 17 and June 24, 2025
July 8, July 22 and July 29, 2025
Summer Recess: July 30 – September 8, 2025
September 9, September 16 and September 30, 2025
October 14 and October 28, 2025
November 10 and November 18, 2025
December 2, 2025
Winter Recess: December 3, 2025 – January 26, 2026

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City Clerk Department 2025 Council Calendar
(Subject to change. For the latest information, please contact the City Clerk Department, 510-981-6900.)

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Date Time
January
Winter Recess (Dec. 11, 2024 – Jan. 20, 2025)
Jan 21 6:00 p.m.

February
Feb 11 6:00 p.m.

Feb 25 6:00 p.m.

March
Mar 11 6:00 p.m.

Mar 18 6:00 p.m.

Mar 25 6:00 p.m.

April
Spring Recess (March 26 – April 14, 2025)
April 15 6:00 p.m.

April 29 6:00 p.m.

May
May 6 6:00 p.m.

May 20 6:00 p.m.

June
June 3 6:00 p.m.

June 17 6:00 p.m.

June 24 6:00 p.m.

July
July 8 6:00 p.m.

July 22 6:00 p.m.

July 29 6:00 p.m.

Summer Recess (July 30 – Sept. 8, 2025)
September
Sept 9 6:00 p.m.

Sept 16 6:00 p.m.

Sept 30 6:00 p.m.

October
Oct 14 6:00 p.m.

Oct 28 6:00 p.m.

November
Nov 10 6:00 p.m.

Nov 18 6:00 p.m.

December
Dec 2 6:00 p.m.

Winter Recess (Dec. 3, 2025 – Jan. 26, 2026)
Exhibit A

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City Policy Regarding the Scheduling of City Meetings on All Significant Religious Holidays Religion Holiday
Shinto New Year 1/1/2025 thru 1/3/2025
Hindu Makar Sankranti 1/14/2025
Cultural Chinese New Year (Eve, Day, Lantern Festival) 1/28, 1/29, 2/12 Islam Ramadan (Eve & First Night) 2/28/2025 thru 3/1/2025 Hindu Holi 3/14/2025
Cultural Nowruz* 3/20/2025
Islam Eid al-Fitr 3/30/2025 thru 3/31/2025
Jewish Passover Nights 1 & 2 (7*, 8*) 4/12 - 4/13 (4/19, 4/20) Christian Good Friday 4/18/2025
Christian Easter Sunday 4/20/2025
Buddhist Vesak 5/12/2025
Jewish Shavuot* 6/1/2025 thru 6/3/2025
Islam Eid al-Adha 6/6/2025 thru 6/7/2025
Shinto Obon Ceremony* 8/13/2025 thru 8/15/2025
Jewish Rosh Hashanah 9/22/2025 thru 9/24/2025
Jewish Yom Kippur 10/1/2025 thru 10/2/2025
Hindu Dussehra 10/2/2025
Jewish Sukkot (1st Day)* 10/6/2025 thru 10/7/2025
Jewish Shmini Atzeret/ Simchat Torah* 10/13/2025 thru 10/15/2025 Hindu Diwali 10/20/2025
Baha’i Faith Birth of Bab 10/22/2025
Baha’i Faith Birth of Baha’u’llah 10/23/2025
Jewish Chanukah (1st night) 12/14/2025
Christian Christmas 12/25/2025
Cultural Kwanzaa 12/26/2025 thru 1/1/2026
Jewish Shabbat (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset)* Weekly * Meetings not prohibited, but avoid scheduling meetings if possible 2025 Date(s)
Pursuant to Resolution No. 70,066-N.S., it is the policy of the City to avoid scheduling meetings of City Legislative Bodies (City Council, Policy Committees, Commissions, Task Forces) on religious holidays that incorporate significant work restrictions for common observance in the United States. City legislative bodies must avoid scheduling meetings on the religious holidays listed below.

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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
October 14, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: Tasha Tervalon, Assistant to the City Manger Subject: Contract: Healthy Black Families for the African American Holistic Resource Center Project Sankofa

RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract and any amendments with Healthy Black Families (HBF) for the African American Holistic Resource Center Project Sankofa, which will be funded through the State of California Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Community Services and Supports funds, for an amount not to exceed $300,000, through June 30, 2026.

FISCAL IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION
Funding in the amount of $300,000 provided by the State of California Mental Health Services Act Fund 315 is available in the Adopted FY26 budget.

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
Per the City Council approved Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) FY24-FY26 Three Year Program and Expenditure Plan, funding in the amount of $300,000 was allocated to support the African American Holistic Resource Center (AAHRC), Project Sankofa.

Healthy Black Families is working in collaboration with the AAHRC steering committee to provide organizational support while the AAHRC steering committee continues to advance its plan to become an independent not for profit organization. Project Sankofa will provide the following with this funding:
 Culturally relevant consultation and outreach in Berkeley schools and youth programs with a goal of 50 students receiving at least 2 sessions.  Training & Capacity Building providing culturally grounded sessions for youth, caregivers, and educators that will deliver monthly training to a group of 20 youth.  Digital Media Campaign & Civic Engagement for Youth to shift perceptions on mental health through relevant social media and an online magazine. Three (3) youth and young adult interns will be tasked to create bi-weekly posts, 1 virtual town hall and additional online articles.

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Contract: African American/Black Professional Community Network: Project Sankofa

CONSENT CALENDAR
October 14, 2025

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 Healing Circles & Forums providing community healing spaces with meals, storytelling, and resource-sharing that will deliver community-based healing spaces with meals, storytelling, and resource-sharing including an in-person Juneteenth event and online forum for Black History month.  Community Print & Digital Distribution providing the development of culturally specific wellness materials for the community with input from the youth. Flyers, brochures, and a website for the community with dedicated input and engagement from youth will be developed and made available.

Project Sankofa will leverage community partnerships to assist with implementation, training, content development, and direct community engagement. These partners include Berkeley City College Wellness Program, Association of Black Psychologists, National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW), Local Universities and Community Colleges, Faith-based networks and clergy, and Parent-teacher associations and community elders. The project will be managed through the City Manager’s Office.

BACKGROUND
The State of California provides MHSA funding for local mental health services and supports. One of the annually occurring MHSA funding components is Community Services & Supports (CSS). MHSA CSS funds are primarily to be utilized for treatment services and supports for Severely Mentally Ill Adults and Seriously Emotionally Disturbed Children and Youth, and for general system development.

To utilize MHSA funds, stakeholder informed Three Year Plans and Annual Updates that outline how funds are to be utilized are required to be developed and locally approved. Per Resolution No. 70,990-N.S., the City Council approved the MHSA FY24- FY26 Three Year Program and Expenditure Plan, which allocated funding for the AAHRC Project Sankofa.

The AAHRC will be a state-of-the-art resource center where culturally congruent services will be provided for African Americans to obtain the support they need to build community and thrive. The AAHRC will be comprised of various service components.

Project Sankofa is one of the services that is being introduced before the official opening of the AAHRC in Berkeley.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS
There are no identifiable environmental effects or opportunities associated with the subject of this project.

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Contract: African American/Black Professional Community Network: Project Sankofa

CONSENT CALENDAR
October 14, 2025

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RATIONALE FOR RECOMMENDATION
The execution of this contract will ensure that once opened, the AAHRC will be home to new mental health and wellness services for the African American community in Berkeley.

ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS CONSIDERED
As funding for the AAHRC Project Sankofa was included in the City Council approved MHSA FY24-26 Three Year Plan, and Healthy Black Families has been designated as the fiscal sponsor of this project, there were no other alternative actions considered.

CONTACT PERSON
Tasha Tervalon, Assistant to the City Manager, (510) 981-5347 Attachments:
1: Resolution

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

CONTRACT: AFRICAN AMERICAN/BLACK PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY NETWORK:

PROJECT SANKOFA
WHEREAS, the City’s Department of Health, Housing and Community Services, Mental Health Division, receives Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Community Services and Supports (CSS) funding on an annual basis to provide services and supports for Severely Mentally Ill Adults and Seriously Emotionally Disturbed Children and Youth, and for general system development; and
WHEREAS, in order to utilize MHSA CSS Funds, the Mental Health Division must have a stakeholder informed, locally approved Three Year Plan or Annual Update outlining how funds will be allocated in place; and

WHEREAS, per Resolution No. 70,990-N.S., City Council approved the MHSA FY24- FY26 Three Year Program and Expenditure Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City Council approved MHSA FY24-FY26 Three Year Program and Expenditure Plan included funding for the African American Holistic Resource Center for the City to work with the African American/Black Professional Community Network to implement Project Sankofa; and
WHEREAS, Project Sankofa will provide mental health and wellness services, workshops, healing circles, community engagement activities, and an online social media campaign for African Americans in Berkeley; and
WHEREAS, the African American Holistic Resource Center community-led steering committee is working with Healthy Black Families to deliver Project Sankofa; and WHEREAS, the City Manager’s Office will execute and monitor this contract; and WHEREAS, funding in the amount of $300,000 is available in the Adopted FY26 Budget in the Mental Health Services Act Fund 315; and
WHEREAS, MHSA CSS funds in the amount of $300,000 will be transferred to the City Manager’s Office to execute and provide oversight of this contract.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Berkeley that the City Manager or designee is hereby authorized to execute a contract and any amendments with Healthy Black Families for the African American Holistic Resource Center Project Sankofa, for a total contract amount not to exceed $300,000 through June 30, 2026.

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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: http://www.CityofBerkeley.info/Manager

CONSENT CALENDAR
October 14, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: Eleanor Hollander, Economic Development Manager Subject: Revenue Grant: FEMA Seismic Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit a nonbinding letter of commitment of matching funds for a seismic Hazard Mitigation Grant application for the City of Berkeley Civic Center Project-Seismic Retrofit of MSB and VMB to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and subject to its award, to accept the grant, execute any resultant revenue agreements and amendments, accept any additional funding allocations from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), and designate the City Manager as the applicant’s authorized agent. If awarded, the grant will underwrite the seismic retrofit of two historic and critical buildings in Berkeley’s Civic Center, the Maudelle Shirek Building (“MSB” or “Old City Hall”) and the Veterans Memorial Building (“VMB”).

FISCAL IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION
The City of Berkeley has been deemed eligible to apply for a grant of up to $16.5 million as part of FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to seismically retrofit two historic Civic Center buildings, the Maudelle Shirek Building (MSB) and the Veterans Memorial Building (VMB), to address critical structural deficiencies and reduce collapse risk during major earthquakes.

FEMA requires applicants to provide a letter committing to expend matching funds equating to 25% of the award amount over the four-year (48 month) grant duration, for a total project amount of $21.9 million. The City match portion of $5.4 million includes in- kind expenditures for project management. The grant application includes a request for grant management expenses, which do not require a local match. The projected grant administrative costs of ($136,080.00) are well below the allowable 5%.

If awarded, the HMGP grant would provide nearly $16.5 million to the City of Berkeley to seismically retrofit two historic Civic Center buildings, the Maudelle Shirek Building (MSB) and the Veterans Memorial Building (VMB). These retrofits will transform both seismically deficient structures into resilient community assets capable of withstanding design-level

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Revenue Grant: FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program CONSENT CALENDAR October 14, 2025
Page | 2
earthquakes with only limited, repairable damage, preserving their historic fabric and ensuring continuity of essential civic and community functions in Berkeley’s Civic Center.

The building-specific seismic retrofits include the following elements:
 The MSB (2134 Martin Luther King Jr Way), constructed in 1909, will be upgraded to a Damage Control Plus (DC+) performance level through a 2,760 sq. ft. reinforced concrete rear addition with 12-inch core walls, an 18-inch mat slab, and 60 micropiles to create a continuous lateral load path, along with Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) wrapping of select beams and columns and reinforcement of the spire and facade.
 The VMB (1931 Center Street), built in 1928, will be upgraded to BPON+ (Building Performance Objective Equivalent to New Standards) by strengthening diaphragms with new plywood sheathing, improving wall-to-diaphragm anchorage, adding steel collectors and chords, wrapping deficient concrete columns with FRP, and stabilizing tall walls with 12-inch shotcrete and exterior buttresses.

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
The Berkeley Civic Center Project will seismically retrofit two historic and critical buildings: the Maudelle Shirek Building (MSB, Old City Hall) and the Veterans Memorial Building (VMB) located at the heart of Berkeley’s Civic Center. MSB, built in 1909, predates seismic codes and last underwent major renovation in the 1970s, which excluded seismic upgrades. VMB, built in 1928, similarly lacks seismic design and last received rehabilitation in 1993 without structural strengthening. Both buildings lie less than two miles from the Hayward Fault, and sustained impacts from the 1989 Loma Prieta (M6.9) and 2014 South Napa (M6.0) earthquakes. Both buildings are seismically deficient pre-code structures and do not meet the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 41-17 Basic Performance Objectives. They pose life safety hazards and risk partial or total collapse in a major earthquake.

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds plans and projects that reduce the effects of future natural disasters. HMGP grants are funding provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to states. In California, these funds are administered by the Cal OES (Office of Emergency Services) HMGP Unit. The HMGP grant requires a 25% local match of the total award, and if granted would be significant ($16.5M). Awarded projects must be cost-effective, demonstrated by a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.0 or greater. The City of Berkeley Civic Center Project – Seismic Retrofit of MSB and VMB grant, will be submitted with a combined BCR over 2.0.

Benefit Cost Ratio – Standard (MSB): 1.55
Benefit Cost Ratio – Standard (VMB): 4.17
Benefit Cost Ratio – Standard (Total): 2.43

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Revenue Grant: FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program CONSENT CALENDAR October 14, 2025
Page | 3
The California Office of Emergency Services anticipates disbursing approximately many millions in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding (the full scope and amount won’t be known with precision until approximately January 2026), to reduce or eliminate risks from future disasters. In May 2025, Berkeley submitted a Notice of Interest (NOI) for a project to seismically retrofit two historic Civic Center buildings, the Maudelle Shirek Building (MSB) and the Veterans Memorial Building (VMB), to address critical structural deficiencies and reduce collapse risk during major earthquakes and was invited to develop a full application; with a submittal deadline of September 15, 2025.

If awarded, the grant proposes the following for the Civic Center buildings: MSB will be upgraded to Damage Control Plus (DC+), allowing it to withstand strong earthquakes with repairable damage in weeks to months. VMB will be upgraded to BPON+ (equivalent to new building standards plus), ensuring localized damage only, with low injury risk and repair timelines of months to a year. These upgrades will significantly reduce collapse risk, preserve historic assets, and ensure continuity of civic use after a disaster.

The proposed project is in conformance with Berkeley’s FEMA-approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, which seeks to reduce the potential for loss of life, injury, and economic damage from earthquakes, and must help protect and enhance quality of life in Berkeley, by lessening buildings’ earthquake vulnerabilities that may pose risks to life and/or emergency operations.1 In addition, the project will also advance Berkeley’s Strategic Plan goals of (1) creating a resilient, safe, connected, and prepared city and (2) providing state-of-the-art, well-maintained infrastructure, amenities, and facilities.

If awarded funding, this project will be co-managed by the City Manager’s Office (of which the Office of Economic Development, or OED, is part) and the Department of Public Works (PW) who is charged with all municipal building facility and maintenance for the City of Berkeley. Attached to this report is a sample California Office of Emergency Services form entitled, “Cal OES 130 – Designation of Applicant’s Agent Resolution” (Exhibit A). Full completion of the Cal OES130 form will come after a notification of award (if any) but is included herein for reference.

BACKGROUND
Berkeley's Civic Center is a National Register-listed historic district in Downtown Berkeley, centering on Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park and featuring significant historic buildings like the Maudelle Shirek Building (formerly City Hall, or often referred to as “Old City Hall”) and the Veterans Memorial Building. The area serves as a vital public space for community events, and government functions, encompassing civic buildings, green spaces, and educational facilities. Planning for the Civic Center is guided by two documents both shaped by extensive stakeholder engagement; the Civic 1 City of Berkeley, Local Hazard Mitigation Plan or LHMP, page 49, B-41, adopted March 2025.

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Revenue Grant: FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program CONSENT CALENDAR October 14, 2025
Page | 4
Center Vision and Implementation Plan (adopted September 2020) and the Civic Center Design Concept (adopted July 2023).2
After the adoption of the Civic Center Design Concept in 2023, the project moved to a third phase, one that focuses on the rehabilitation of the buildings and the attainment of funding for advancing the Vision Plan and Design Concept. The two structures, Veterans Memorial Building and the Maudelle Shirek Building (VMB and MSB) in the Civic Center were built in the first quarter of the 1900s and have not been updated to current seismic standards. The HMGP grant would provide the City with necessary financial support to complete the proposed seismic retrofit projects to enhance the structural integrity of both the MSB and VMB to be able to withstand a seismic event and mitigate against the hazard posed by an earthquake.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS
Both buildings will be less likely to suffer damage in the event of an earthquake, and as a result will be less likely than non-retrofitted structures to create additional environmental impacts from collapse. If the mitigation projects prevent the buildings from collapse, that would reduce injuries and local contamination from building debris.

HMGP funded efforts must undergo Environmental and Historic Preservation or EHP review. In the case of the Civic Center grant, EHP and Permitting will be conducted in collaboration with the project management team and the procured design consultant and are allocated for in the combined cost estimate for MSB and VMB during Phase 1 of the grant scope of work. As stated in the grant application, Phase 1 tasks include:

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) consultation and documentation, NEPA/CEQA review, State Historic Preservation Officer (or SHPO) Coordination, EHP clearance, and any other required tasks associated with EHP review. Council shall retain final discretion to approve, impose mitigation measures, or disapprove the HGMP-funded projects in light of any environmental impacts disclosed as a result of the CEQA/NEPA review or any other reviews conducted as part of this process.

RATIONALE FOR RECOMMENDATION
If the City receives funding under FEMA’s Seismic Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, two remarkable and vulnerable structures in Berkeley’s Civic Center will be retrofitted, preserving their historic fabric and ensuring continuity of essential civic and community functions in the event of a major seismic event.
2 Civic Center Vision Statement: Civic Center will be the heart of Berkeley’s community. Civic Center will be the prime space for civic life, culture, and the arts. It will reflect the city’s diverse identities, celebrate its history, and contribute to shaping its future. A place of shared resources and a platform for free expression accessible to all, Civic Center aims to manifest the city’s values, advance social justice, and demonstrate the power of true public space. (Adopted by the Berkeley City Council, September 2020).

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Revenue Grant: FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program CONSENT CALENDAR October 14, 2025
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ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS CONSIDERED
None.

CONTACT PERSONS
Eleanor Hollander, Office of Economic Development, 510-981-7536 Terrance Davis, Department of Public Works, 510-981-6303 Attachments:
1: Resolution
Exhibit A: Cal OES 130 – Designation of Applicant’s Agent Resolution

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

AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO COMMIT MATCHING FUNDS FOR A

HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE CIVIC CENTER SEISMIC

RETROFIT FOR THE MAUDELLE SHIREK AND VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDINGS

TO THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) AND SUBJECT

TO ITS AWARD, TO ACCEPT THE GRANT, EXECUTE ANY RESULTANT REVENUE

AGREEMENTS AND AMENDMENTS, ACCEPT ANY ADDITIONAL FUNDING

ALLOCATIONS FROM THE HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM AND DESIGNATE THE APPLICANT’S DESIGNATED AGENT
WHEREAS, as a result of the declaration of a major federal disaster, the State of California is eligible for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding aimed at reducing or eliminating future damages; and
WHEREAS, federal funding is provided under the Robert T. Stafford Emergency Assistance and Disaster Relief Act (Stafford Act) through FEMA and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Cal OES is responsible for identifying program priorities, reviewing applications and forwarding recommendations for funding to FEMA, and FEMA has final approval for activity eligibility and funding; and WHEREAS, the federal regulations governing the HMGP are found in Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations (44 CFR) Part 206, and the Uniform Administrative Requirements for Federal Awards are found in 2 CFR Part 200; and
WHEREAS, a Notice of Interest was approved for City of Berkeley Civic Center Project- Seismic Retrofit of Maudelle Shirek Building and Veterans Memorial Building on May 30, 2025, and the City of Berkeley will submit a full application for HMGP funding on or before September 15, 2025; and
WHEREAS, a letter committing at least 25% matching funds is required as part of the grant application, with matching funds from a non-federal source; and WHEREAS, the match will consist of $5.4 million over the four-year grant period, which will come from the general fund or future bond funds, with other interdepartmental service funds including the building maintenance and operation funds providing the remaining in-kind match through staffing and administrative costs associated with building’s seismic upgrades; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Berkeley that the City Manager is authorized to submit a nonbinding letter of commitment to provide $5.4 million in local matching funds for the City of Berkeley’s application for a $16.5 million seismic Hazard Mitigation grant from FEMA, and to accept the grant, and execute any resultant revenue agreements and amendments.

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Internal
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is authorized to provide a completed Cal OES Form 130 (Exhibit A) to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) for all matters including assurances and agreements pertaining to this grant if awarded.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council shall retain final discretion to approve, impose mitigation measures, or disapprove the HGMP-funded projects in light of any environmental impacts disclosed as a result of the CEQA/NEPA review or any other reviews conducted as part of this process.

Exhibit A: Cal OES 130 – Designation of Applicant’s Agent Resolution

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DESIGNATION OF APPLICANT'S AGENT RESOLUTION FOR NON-STATE AGENCIES

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE OF THE
(Governing Body) (Name of Applicant)

THAT , OR
(Title of Authorized Agent)
, OR
(Title of Authorized Agent)
(Title of Authorized Agent)
is hereby authorized to execute for and on behalf of the , (Name of Applicant)
a public entity established under the laws of the State of California, this application and to file it with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services for the purpose of obtaining federal financial assistance fo
r any existing or future grant
program, including, but not limited to any of the following:
- Federally declared Disaster (DR), Fire Mitigation Assistance Grant (FMAG), California State Only Disaster (CDAA), Immediate Services Program (ISP), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC), Legislative Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (LPDM) , under
- Public Law 93-288 as amended by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 1988, and/or state financial assistance under the California Disaster Assistance Act.
- Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMA), under Section 1366 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968.
- National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) 42 U.S. Code 7704 (b) ((2) (A) (ix) and 42 U.S. Code 7704 (b) (2) (B) National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, and also The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, Div. F, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2018, Pub. L. No. 115-141 - California Early Earthquake Warning (CEEW) under CA Gov Code – Gov, Title 2, Div. 1, Chapter 7, Article 5, Sections
8587.8, 8587.11, 8587.12
That the , a public entity established under the
(Name of Applicant)
laws of the State of California, hereby authorizes its agent(s) to provide to the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services for all matters pertaining to such state disaster assistance the assurances and agreements required.

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

DESIGNATION OF APPLICANT'S AGENT RESOLUTION

NON-STATE AGENCIES
OES-
FPD-130 (Rev. 10-2022)

RECOVERY DIRECTORATE

FINANCIAL PROCESSING DIVISION
Cal OES ID No: _____________
OES-FPD-130 Rev. 10-2022 Page 1 of 4

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Please check the appropriate box below
This is a universal resolution and is effective for all open and future disasters/grants declared up to three (3) years following the date of approval.

This is a disaster/grant specific resolution and is effective for only disaster/grant number(s):

Passed and approved this __day of , 20
(Name and Title of Governing Body Representative)
(Name and Title of Governing Body Representative)
(Name and Title of Governing Body Representative)

CERTIFICATION
I, , duly appointed and of
(Name) (Title)
, do hereby certify that the above is a true and
(Name of Applicant)
correct copy of a resolution passed and approved by the (Governing Body)
of the on the day of , 20 .
(Name of Applicant)
(Signature) (Title)

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

DESIGNATION OF APPLICANT'S AGENT RESOLUTION

NON-STATE AGENCIES
OES-
FPD-130 (Rev. 10-2022)

RECOVERY DIRECTORATE

FINANCIAL PROCESSING DIVISION
OES-FPD-130 Rev. 10-2022 Page 2 of 4

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Cal OES Form 130 Instructions
A Designation of Applicant’s Agent Resolution for Non-State Agencies is required of all Applicants to be eligible to receive funding. A new resolution must be submitted if a previously submitted resolution is older than three (3) years from the last date of approval, is invalid, or has not been submitted.

When completing the Cal OES Form 130, Applicants should fill in the blanks on pages 1 and 2. The blanks are to be filled in as follows:

Resolution Section:

Governing Body: This is the group responsible for appointing and approving the Authorized Agents.

Examples include: Board of Directors, City Council, Board of Supervisors, Board of Education, etc.

Name of Applicant: The public entity established under the laws of the State of California.

Examples include: School District, Office of Education, City, County or Non-p rofit
agency that has applied for the grant, such as: City of San Diego, Sacramento County, Burbank Unified School District, Napa County Office of Education, University Southern California.

Authorized Agent: These are the individuals that are authorized by the Governing Body to engage with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services regarding grants for which they have applied.

There are two ways of completing this section:

1. Titles Only: The titles of the Authorized Agents should be entered here, not their names. This allows the document to remain valid if an Authorized Agent leaves the position and is replaced by another individual. If “Titles Only” is the chosen method, this document must be accompanied by either a cover letter naming the Authorized Agents by name and title, or the Cal OES AA Names document. The supporting document can be completed by any authorized person within the Agency (e.g., administrative assistant, the Authorized Agent, secretary to the Director). It d
oes not require the Governing Body’s signature.

2. Names and Titles: If the Governing Body so chooses, the names and titles of the Authorized Agents would be listed. A new Cal OES Form 130 will be required if any of the Authorized Agents are replaced, leave the position listed on the document, or their title changes.

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

DESIGNATION OF APPLICANT'S AGENT RESOLUTION

NON-STATE AGENCIES
OES-
FPD-130 (Rev. 10-2022)

RECOVERY DIRECTORATE

FINANCIAL PROCESSING DIVISION
OES-FPD-130 Rev. 10-2022 Page 3 of 4

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Checking Universal or Disaster-Specific Box: A Universal resolution is effective for all past disasters and for those declared up to three (3) years following the date of approval. Upon expiration it is no longer effective for new disasters, but it remains in effect for disasters declared prior to expiration. It remains effective until the disaster goes through closeout unless it is superseded by a newer resolution.

Governing Body Representative: These are the names and titles of the approving Board Members.

Examples include: Chairman of the Board, Director, Superintendent, etc. The names and titles cannot be one of the designated Authorized Agents. A minimum of three (3) approving board members must be listed. If less than three are present, meeting minutes must be attached in order to verify a quorum was met.

Certification Section:

Name and Title: This is the individual in attendance who recorded the creation and approval of this resolution.

Examples include: City Clerk, Secretary to the Board of Directors, County Clerk, etc. This person cannot be one of the designated Authorized Agents or Approving Board Member. If a person holds two positions (such as City Manager and Secretary to the Board) and the City Manager is to be listed as an Authorized Agent, then that person could sign the document as Secretary to the Board (not City Manager) to eliminate “Self-Certification.”

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR
'S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

DESIGNATION OF APPLICANT'S AGENT RESOLUTION

NON-STATE AGENCIES
OES-FPD-130 (Rev. 10-2022)

RECOVERY DIRECTORATE

FINANCIAL PROCESSING DIVISION
OES-FPD-130 Rev. 10-2022 Page 4 of 4

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CONSENT CALENDAR
October 14, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: Jordan Klein, Director, Planning and Development Department David Sprague, Fire Chief
Subject: Revenue Grant: FEMA Fire Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit a nonbinding letter of commitment of matching funds for a Hazard Mitigation Grant application for the City of Berkeley Home Hardening and Defensible Space Grants Project to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and subject to its award, to accept the grant, execute any resultant revenue agreements and amendments, accept any additional funding allocations from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, and designate the City Manager and Deputy City Manager as the applicant’s authorized agents.

FISCAL IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION
The City of Berkeley has been deemed eligible to apply for a grant of $6 million as part of FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for the City of Berkeley Home Hardening and Defensible Space Grants Project, to provide grants to property owners to reduce their risk from wildfires. FEMA requires applicants to provide a letter committing to expend matching funds equating to 25% of the award amount over the four-year grant duration, for a total project amount of $8 million. The City match portion of $2 million would include $1,374,296 from property owners who would be required to pay a portion of their wildfire mitigation costs. The only City funds used will be in-kind expenditures for fire inspections, and the costs for administration of permit processing, plan check, inspections and other aspects of the review and approval of the wildfire mitigation projects. Matching funds of $433,072 for Planning & Development Department staffing and administrative costs will come from permit fees collected in the Permit Service Center Fund 621, and matching funds of $192,632 for Fire Department staffing will come from Measure FF – Public Safety funds, which fund the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Division.

The project would provide $4.1 million in fire mitigation grants to property owners in the Berkeley Hills WUI area toward the costs of modifying structures with ignition-resistant building materials (home hardening) and creation of defensible space. Funding of $1.88 million would offset City of Berkeley personnel and consultant costs for program

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Revenue Grant: FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program CONSENT CALENDAR October 14, 2025
Page | 2
management and implementation. The grant application includes a request for an additional $400,000 for grant management expenses, which do not require a local match.

Applicants may request up to 5% of the total project cost in grant management expenses.

Source of Project Funds Grant Funding (75%) Local Match (25%) FEMA Grant $6,000,000
Property Owner Match $1,374,296
City in-kind staff cost match $625,704
Total $6,000,000 $2,000,000
Use of Project Funds
Grants to Property Owners for Home
Hardening & Vegetation Mgmt.
$4,122,889
Program Management $1,877,111
Total $6,000,000

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
The California Office of Emergency Services anticipates disbursing approximately $1.35 billion of Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding, to reduce or eliminate risks from future disasters. Berkeley submitted a Notice of Interest for a project to provide wildfire mitigation grants for vulnerable buildings within the WUI, and was invited to develop a full application. The proposed project must be in conformance with Berkeley’s FEMA-approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, which seeks to reduce the potential for loss of life, injury, and economic damage from wildfires, and must help protect and enhance quality of life in Berkeley, by encouraging home hardening to complement evidence-based defensible space practices. The project will also encourage residents and businesses to upgrade the hazard resistance of their own properties and advance Berkeley’s Strategic Plan goal of creating a resilient, safe, connected, and prepared city.

The new $6 million FEMA grant will help individual property owners make home hardening improvements and create better defensible space in areas within the High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ), with a focus on the Grizzly Peak and Panoramic Mitigation Zones. The City will require property owners to pay 50% of their total costs, with the remaining half covered by the FEMA grants.

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Revenue Grant: FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program CONSENT CALENDAR October 14, 2025
Page | 3
If awarded funding, this project will be co-managed by the Fire Department and the Planning and Development Department’s Building and Safety Division. Staff from both departments will conduct outreach to property owners: Fire Inspectors will identify grant- eligible activities at each property and create an inspection report, and Building and Safety staff will assist participants with applying for grants and meeting program requirements. Fire and Building and Safety staff will assist with mitigation projects, including project eligibility, plan review, permit issuance, inspection for defensible space and code compliance, monitoring progress and compliance with state and federal requirements, and problem solving for difficult projects.

BACKGROUND
Based on CAL FIRE’s recommendations, the City has defined its WUI and FHSZs with consideration of local conditions including structure type, age and structure separation, how much home hardening has occurred, and the ability of the transportation infrastructure to support a timely evacuation. The Grizzly Peak and Panoramic Mitigation Zones are in the Very High FHSZ, due to significant wildfire risk originating east of the City’s boundaries, and access challenges. Most of the structures in the WUI were built over 45 years ago and have not been updated to current Fire Code standards, and specifically Chapter 7A of the current building code that defines home hardening practices for homes built in a Wildland Urban Interface.

Since the passage of Measure FF, the Fire Department has created a WUI Division, which has inspected all properties in the Very High FHSZ. In 2025 the Fire Department will provide grants of up to $2,900 each, from a separate $1 million CAL FIRE grant, to assist low-income and disabled homeowners with vegetation management on private property.

The City has recognized the significant wildfire hazard and recently adopted ordinances requiring defensible space, with a Zone 0 defensible space requirement in the Panoramic and Grizzly Peak Mitigation Zones. While home hardening of existing structures is not required by City ordinance, it is strongly recommended. Home hardening combined with defensible space has been scientifically demonstrated to reduce the risk of a wildfire spreading between structures. Staff will prioritize grants for properties in the Very High FHSZ in the first two years of the program, because these areas act as a buffer from the significant threat of wildfire originating east of the City limits. If enough funding remains in years three and four of the program, grants will be offered to all properties in the High and Very High FHSZ. The City of Berkeley Home Hardening and Defensible Space Grants Project would provide financial support to property owners seeking to make improvements.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS
Buildings will be less likely to suffer damage in the event of a wildfire and to spread the fire to adjacent parcels, and as a result will be less likely than non-retrofitted structures to create additional environmental impacts from demolition and rebuilding efforts. If the

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Revenue Grant: FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program CONSENT CALENDAR October 14, 2025
Page | 4
mitigation measures prevent a fire from igniting, that would reduce contamination in Berkeley from burned structures and vehicles.

This project is statutorily exempt from CEQA pursuant to Public Resources Code 21080.49(c) because the funding would be used to establish or enhance residential home hardening or defensible space for wildfire risk reduction within 200 feet of a legal structure, and the work would only take place in a high or very high wildfire hazard zone.

RATIONALE FOR RECOMMENDATION
If the City receives funding under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, more vulnerable structures in Berkeley are likely to be retrofitted, the City will retain housing, safety for residents and other community members will be increased, and Berkeley will be more resilient in the event of a major wildfire event.

ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS CONSIDERED
Staff considered smaller grant award amounts to upgrade a greater number of individual properties within the entire WUI area, rather than prioritizing properties in the Very High FHSZ. Staff opted to prioritize larger grants in the Very High FHSZ, and particularly the Grizzly Peak and Panoramic Hill Mitigation area, to maximize the chance of preventing a fire from entering the City. Having the largest impact in hardening homes and reducing vegetation in the highest risk area of the city was deemed to be the most effective strategy for protecting properties.

CONTACT PERSONS
Jenny McNulty, Resilient Buildings Program Manager, Planning and Development Department, 510-981-7451
Lata Vasudevan, Community Services Specialist I, Planning and Development Department, 510-981-7491
Attachments:
1: Resolution
Exhibit A: Cal OES 130 – Designation of Applicant’s Agent Resolution

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

AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO COMMIT MATCHING FUNDS FOR A

HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE HOME HARDENING AND

DEFENSIBLE SPACE GRANTS PROJECT TO THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY

MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) AND SUBJECT TO ITS AWARD, TO ACCEPT THE

GRANT, EXECUTE ANY RESULTANT REVENUE AGREEMENTS AND

AMENDMENTS, ACCEPT ANY ADDITIONAL FUNDING ALLOCATIONS FROM THE HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM AND DESIGNATE THE APPLICANT’S

DESIGNATED AGENT
WHEREAS, as a result of the declaration of a major federal disaster, the State of California is eligible for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding aimed at reducing or eliminating future damages; and
WHEREAS, federal funding is provided under the Robert T. Stafford Emergency Assistance and Disaster Relief Act (Stafford Act) through FEMA and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Cal OES is responsible for identifying program priorities, reviewing applications and forwarding recommendations for funding to FEMA, and FEMA has final approval for activity eligibility and funding; and WHEREAS, the federal regulations governing the HMGP are found in Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations (44 CFR) Part 206, and the Uniform Administrative Requirements for Federal Awards are found in 2 CFR Part 200; and
WHEREAS, a Notice of Interest was approved for City of Berkeley Home Hardening and Defensible Space Grants Project, and the City of Berkeley will submit a full application for HMGP funding on or before September 15, 2025; and
WHEREAS, a letter committing at least 25% matching funds is required as part of the grant application, with matching funds from a non-federal source; and WHEREAS, the match will consist of $2 million over the four-year grant period, $1.37 million of which will come from property owners who participate in the grant program and make a match of at least 25% for any federally funded wildfire mitigation work, with the Permit Service Center Fund 621 and Measure FF – Public Safety funds providing the remaining $625,704 in in-kind match through staffing and administrative costs associated with program implementation and operation; and WHEREAS, the Permit Service Center Fund has an adequate fund balance to provide matching funds for Planning and Development Department staffing and administrative costs; and
WHEREAS, Measure FF – Public Safety has an adequate fund balance to provide matching funds for Fire Department staffing and administrative costs; and

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WHEREAS, the $6 million grant will be used to provide fire mitigation grants to property owners in the Berkeley Hills Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) area to offset costs for modification of structures with ignition-resistant building materials (home hardening) and creation of defensible space, and cover staffing and administrative costs associated with program implementation and operation, and an additional $400,000 in funding will be used for grant management expenses.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Berkeley that the City Manager is authorized to submit a nonbinding letter of commitment to provide $2 million in local matching funds for the City of Berkeley’s application for a $6 million Hazard Mitigation grant from FEMA, and to accept the grant, as well as $400,000 in funding for grant management expenses, and execute any resultant revenue agreements and amendments including any additional funding allocations from the Hazard Mitigation Program.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager or Deputy City Managers are authorized to provide Cal OES Form 130 (Exhibit A) to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Service (Cal OES) for all matters pertaining to disaster assistance required under DR-4482 assurances and agreements.

Exhibit A: Cal OES 130 – Designation of Applicant’s Agent Resolution

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DESIGNATION OF APPLICANT'S AGENT RESOLUTION FOR NON-STATE AGENCIES

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE OF THE
(Governing Body) (Name of Applicant)

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

DESIGNATION OF APPLICANT'S AGENT RESOLUTION

NON-STATE AGENCIES

OES-FPD
-130 (Rev. 10-2022)

RECOVERY DIRECTORATE

FINANCIAL PROCESSING DIVISION
Cal OES ID No: _____________
OES-FPD-130 Rev. 10-2022 Page 1 of 4
Attachment 1, Exhibit A

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Please check the appropriate box below
This is a universal resolution and is effective for all open and future disasters/grants declared up to three (3) years following the date of approval.

This is a disaster/grant specific resolution and is effective for only disaster/grant number(s):

Passed and approved this __day of , 20
(Name and Title of Governing Body Representative)
(Name and Title of Governing Body Representative)
(Name and Title of Governing Body Representative)

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

DESIGNATION OF APPLICANT'S AGENT RESOLUTION

NON-STATE AGENCIES
OES-
FPD-130 (Rev. 10-2022)

RECOVERY DIRECTORATE

FINANCIAL PROCESSING DIVISION
OES-FPD-130 Rev. 10-2022 Page 2 of 4

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When completing the Cal OES Form 130, Applicants should fill in the blanks on pages 1 and 2. The blanks are to be filled in as follows:

Resolution Section:

Governing Body: This is the group responsible for appointing and approving the Authorized Agents.

Examples include: Board of Directors, City Council, Board of Supervisors, Board of Education, etc.

Name of Applicant: The public entity established under the laws of the State of California.

There are two ways of completing this section:

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

DESIGNATION OF APPLICANT'S AGENT RESOLUTION

NON-STATE AGENCIES
OES-
FPD-130 (Rev. 10-2022)

RECOVERY DIRECTORATE

FINANCIAL PROCESSING DIVISION
OES-FPD-130 Rev. 10-2022 Page 3 of 4

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Governing Body Representative: These are the names and titles of the approving Board Members.

Certification Section:

Name and Title: This is the individual in attendance who recorded the creation and approval of this resolution.

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR
'S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

DESIGNATION OF APPLICANT'S AGENT RESOLUTION

NON-STATE AGENCIES
OES-FPD-130 (Rev. 10-2022)

RECOVERY DIRECTORATE

FINANCIAL PROCESSING DIVISION
OES-FPD-130 Rev. 10-2022 Page 4 of 4

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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
October 14, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: Henry Oyekanmi, Director, Finance
Subject: Formal Bid Solicitations and Request for Proposals Scheduled for Possible Issuance After Council Approval on October 14, 2025

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.

FISCAL IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION
Total estimated cost of items included in this report is $43,594,068.

PROJECT Fund Source Amount
Fire Station No. 6 Remodel 511 Measure T1 $410,000
1947 Center St. Window Repair Pilot
Project 511 Measure T1 $900,000
Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project#
1 Adeline Street, Woosley Street,
Benvenue Avenue, et al.
611 Sanitary Sewer Operations $5,789,850
Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project#
2 Adeline Street, Woosley Street,
Benvenue Avenue, et al.
611 Sanitary Sewer Operations $6,669,218
Multidisciplinary 166 Measure FF $4,700,000
616 Sanitary Sewer $3,825,000
611 Clean Storm Water $5,250,000
127 State Transportation Tax $9,150,000
621 Permit Service Center $1,575,000
On-Call Professional Services
135 Measure BB $5,075,000
Digital Experience Platform 102 Library $250,000
Total: $43,594,068

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CONSENT CALENDAR
October 14, 2025

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
On May 6, 2008, Council adopted Ordinance No. 7,035-N.S. effective June 6, 2008, which increased the City Manager’s purchasing authority for services to $50,000. As a result, this required report submitted by the City Manager to Council is now for those purchases in excess of $100,000 for goods; and $200,000 for playgrounds and construction; and $50,000 for services. If Council does not object to these items being sent out for bid or proposal within one week of them appearing on the agenda, and upon final notice to proceed from the requesting department, the IFB (Invitation for Bid) or RFP (Request for Proposal) may be released to the public and notices sent to the potential bidder/respondent list.

BACKGROUND
On May 6, 2008, Council adopted Ordinance No. 7,035-N.S., amending the City Manager’s purchasing authority for services

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS
The Finance Department reviews all formal bid and proposal solicitations to ensure that they include provisions for compliance with the City’s environmental policies.  For each contract that is subject to City Council authorization, staff will address environmental sustainability considerations in the associated staff report to City Council.

RATIONALE FOR RECOMMENDATION
Need for the goods and/or services.

ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS CONSIDERED
None.

CONTACT PERSON
Roopreet Walia-Soorma, Senior Buyer, Finance, 510-981-7311 Attachments:
1: Formal Bid Solicitations and Request for Proposals Scheduled for Possible Issuance After Council Approval on October 14, 2025
a. Fire Station No. 6 Remodel
b. 1947 Center St. Window Repair Pilot Project
c. Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project# 1 Adeline Street, Woosley Street, Benvenue Avenue, et al.
d. Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project# 2 Adeline Street, Woosley Street, Benvenue Avenue, et al.
e. Multidisciplinary On-Call Professional Services
f. Digital Experience Platform

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Formal Bid Solicitations and Request for Proposals
Scheduled for Possible Issuance After Council
Approval on October 14, 2025

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CONSENT CALENDAR
October 14, 2025
Note: Original of this attachment with live signature of authorizing personnel is on file in Finance Department General Services Division.

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Formal Bid Solicitations and Request for Proposals
Scheduled for Possible Issuance After Council
Approval on October 14, 2025

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NEXT 30 DAYS
DATE SUBMITTED: June 17, 2025
Attachment 1

SPECIFICATION
NO.

DESCRIPTION OF GOODS /

SERVICES BEING

PURCHASED
APPROX. RELEASE
DATE
APPROX. BID

OPENING DATE
INTENDED USE ESTIMATED COST BUDGET CODE TO BE CHARGED DEPT. / DIVISION CONTACT NAME & PHONE 26-11758-C Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation
Project# 1 Adaline Street,
Woosley Street, Benvenue
Avenue, et al.
10/15/25 11/14/2025 Sewer rehabilitation and
replacement project to repair
and replace old and deteriorated
sewer lines to fulfill Sewer
Consent Decree requirement.
$ 5,789,850.00 611-54-623-676-0000-000-473-665130
PWENSR2601
PW/Eng Adadu Yemane 510-981-6413
Danny Akagi 510-981-6394
26-11759-C Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation
Project# 2 Adaline Street,
Woosley Street, Benvenue
Avenue, et al.
10/15/25 11/14/2025 Sewer rehabilitation and
replacement project to repair
and replace old and deteriorated
sewer lines to fulfill Sewer
Consent Decree requirement.
$ 6,669,218.00 611-54-623-676-0000-000-473-665130
PWENSR2602
PW/Eng Adadu Yemane 510-981-6413
Danny Akagi 510-981-6394
26-11760-C Fire Station No.6 Remodel 10/15/25 11/14/2025 Window repair and replacement, ADA improvements.
$ 410,000.00 511-54-623-677-0000-000-444-662110
PWT1CB2205
PW/Eng Priya Chopra 510-
981-6338
26-11761-C Multidisciplinary On-Call
Professional Services
10/15/25 11/14/2025 On-call civil engineering,
structural engineering, traffic
engineering, transportation
planning, surveying and
construction management
services. for various
infrastructure programs/projects
including pavement
rehabilitation, sanitary sewer
rehabilitation, storm drain, green
infrastructure, sidewalk, traffic
safety, traffic planning,
assessment districts, and graffic
information systems (GIS)
Streets/ Sidewalks
$4,700,000
Storm/Streetlights
$3,825,000
Sewer
$5,250,000
Permitting Dev.
$1,575,000
Transp/Planning
$5,075,000
Transp. CIP
$9,150,000
Total
$29,575,000
Funding for capital projects are allocated
as projects approved. Additional funding
added via AAO. Inital
funding:

Measure FF
166-54-623-673-0000-000-431-612990
$150,000
Sanitary Sewer
611-54-623-672-0000-000-472-612990
$1,100,000
Clean Stormwater
616-54-623-671-0000-000-472-612990
$700,000
State Transp. Tax
127-54-623-673-0000-000-431-612990
$300,000
Permit Service Center
621-54-623-677-0000-000-474-612990
$135,000
Total $2,385,000
Public Works/Engineering
Public Works/ Transportation
Ron Nevels
981-6439
Mark Helmbrecht
981-6403
26-11762-C 1947 Center St. Window
Repair Pilot Project
10/15/25 11/14/2025 Replace and repair select
windows as part of a pilot
project at 1947 Center Street to
enhance energy efficiency
$ 900,000.00 511-54-623-677-0000-000-444-662110 Public Works/Facility Division Uriel Gonzalez       510-981-6627 Dept Total $ 43,344,068.00
26-11754-C Digital Experience Platform 9/10/25 10/10/2025 A Digital Experience Platform consisting of a Website Redesign
with a Content Management
System,
and a Discovery Layer for the
Berkeley Public Library’s online
catalog. Expected to be a 3 year
contract.
$100,000 (year
1/FY26)    $75,000
(year 2)
$75,000  (year 3)
Total = $250,000
102-22-247-271-0000-000-463-613130 Library Alicia Abramson [email protected]
510-981-6131
TOTAL $43,594,068
1 of  2

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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
October 14, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: Scott Gilman, Director, Health, Housing & Community Services Department
Subject: Contract No. 10271 Amendment: Lease of 1521-1535 University Avenue

RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute an amendment to Contract No. 10271 with Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) through June 30, 2031, adding $1,200,000 for a total contract amount of $2,709,949.20, to fund lease payments for 1521-1535 University Avenue.

FISCAL IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION
Funds for the scope of work in the amount of $1,200,000 will be provided from the Mental Health Services Act Funds 011, 315, and 316. Funding will be available in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, pending approval of Annual Appropriations Ordinance Number One.

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
The leasing of 1521-1535 University Avenue is a Strategic Plan Priority Project, advancing our goal to provide state-of-the-art, well-maintained infrastructure, amenities, and facilities. The Health, Housing, and Community Services Department’s Mental Health Division uses the building for the Family, Youth, and Children’s (FYC) clinic, as well as office space for multiple staff units within the Division.

BACKGROUND
The City’s Health, Housing, and Community Services Department’s Mental Health Division began to lease 1521-1535 University Avenue in 2016, due to an environmental emergency which shut down the Adult clinic located at 2640 Martin Luther King Jr. Way.

Once renovations were completed, Adult clinic staff moved back and FYC staff moved into 1521-1535 University Avenue, ending the lease at 3282 Adeline Street where FYC had been located for many years. The current location at University Avenue has proven more convenient for clients and their families, is centrally located and close to public transportation, and the vendor SAHA has been a competent landlord and property manager throughout the lease. On February 23, 2016, Council authorized a 10-year lease allowing the City two (2) consecutive options to extend the lease term for an additional five (5) years each.

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Contract No. 10271 Amendment: Lease of 1521—1535 University Avenue CONSENT CALENDAR October 14, 2025

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ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS
There are no identifiable environmental effects, sustainability opportunities, or climate impacts associated with the subject of this report.

RATIONALE FOR RECOMMENDATION
Mental Health staff are currently using the buildings at 1521-1535 University Avenue as both office and clinical space, and plan to do so for the foreseeable future. SAHA has been a competent property management partner throughout the lease thus far.

ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS CONSIDERED
Council may choose not to approve this contract; however, the Mental Health Division may not be able to retain its current location for FYC.

CONTACT PERSON
Jeffrey Buell, Manager of Mental Health Services, (510) 981-7682 Conor Murphy, Associate Management Analyst, HHCS, (510) 981-7611 Attachments:
1: Resolution

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

CONTRACT NO. 10271 AMENDMENT: LEASE OF 1521-1535 UNIVERSITY AVENUE WHEREAS, vendor Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) has leased office space at 1521-1535 University Avenue to the City’s Health, Housing, and Community Services Department’s Mental Health Division and proven to be a competent property manager; and
WHEREAS, the Master Lease and Property Management Agreement for 1521-1535 University Avenue was approved by the Council of the City of Berkeley by Ordinance No. 7,459-N.S. (adopted February 23, 2016); and
WHEREAS, funding for these services and supports are available in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, subject to adoption of the Annual Appropriations Ordinance Number One.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Berkeley that the City Manager or designee is authorized to execute a contract amendment with SAHA to fund the lease of 1521-1535 University Avenue through June 30, 2031, in an amount not to exceed $2,709,949.20 and funded through the Mental Health Services Act Funds 011, 315, and 316. A record signature copy of said contract and any amendments to be on file in the City Clerk Department.

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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
October 14, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: Scott Gilman, Director, Health, Housing & Community Services Department
Subject: Contract No. 31900009 Amendment: McKinley House (2111 McKinley Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94703)

RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute an amendment to Contract No. 31900009 with Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (BOSS) through June 30, 2026, adding $84,473.63 for a total contract amount not to exceed $911,132.89, to fund Mental Health clients living at 2111 McKinley Avenue in Berkeley.

FISCAL IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION
Funds for the scope of work in the amount of $84,473.63 will be provided from the Mental Health Services Act Fund 315. Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY 2026) budget.

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
The City contracts with BOSS to manage the property at 2111 McKinley Avenue, where they have consistently provided efficient and reliable services. The project houses six clients of the Mental Health Division’s Full-Service Partnership (FSP) program, and the funding will be used to support the operating costs for BOSS. The Mental Health Division would like to extend the current contract through the end of FY 2026, allowing BOSS to continue to provide much-needed housing support for some of our most vulnerable clients.

BACKGROUND
The City owns the parcel located at 2111 McKinley Avenue (Alameda County Assessor’s Parcel No. 52-2017-16-1), known as McKinley House. The land is improved with a seven-unit apartment building. Six of those units are utilized as supportive housing units for FSP Program clients, and one unit is used for an onsite property manager. The City’s Mental Health Division operates the FSP Program, which provides an intensive service program for adults ages 18 and older who have been diagnosed with mental illness. Funded by Proposition 63, in the Community Services and Supports component of the Mental Health Services Act, the FSP Program works with a team approach in partnership with eligible individuals to develop and assist in the

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Contract No. 31900009 Amendment: McKinley House CONSENT CALENDAR October 14, 2025

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achievement of individualized recovery-focused goals to enable persons with serious mental illness to live successfully in the community rather than in institutions.

The Mental Health Division and BOSS desire to continue collaborating to provide housing and supportive services at McKinley House to participants in the FSP Program who are referred by the Mental Health Division. The framework to achieve this objective consists of the City leasing the property to BOSS, who in turn subleases the individual dwelling units to eligible individuals referred by the Mental Health Division. BOSS provides property management services, and the Mental Health Division provides services to residents through the FSP Program.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS
There are no identifiable environmental effects, sustainability opportunities, or climate impacts associated with the subject of this report.

RATIONALE FOR RECOMMENDATION
BOSS has been providing property management services at 2111 McKinley Avenue for many decades and has done so in a satisfactory capacity.

ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS CONSIDERED
Council may choose not to approve this contract amendment; however, McKinley House residents may not receive critical supportive services from BOSS and the Mental Health Division.

CONTACT PERSON
Jeffrey Buell, Manager of Mental Health Services, (510) 981-7682 Conor Murphy, Associate Management Analyst, HHCS, (510) 981-7611 Attachments:
1: Resolution

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

CONTRACT NO. 31900009 AMENDMENT: BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF-

SUFFICIENCY (BOSS) FOR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR

MCKINLEY HOUSE
WHEREAS, vendor Building Opportunities for Self Sufficiency (BOSS) has operated McKinley House as transitional housing for homeless families for several decades; and WHEREAS, the Master Lease and Property Management Agreement for McKinley House was approved by the Council of the City of Berkeley by Ordinance No. 7,619-N.S. on July 24, 2018; and
WHEREAS, a contract authorizing BOSS to provide property management services at McKinley House was approved by the Council of the City of Berkeley by Resolution No. 67,748-N.S. on November 29, 2016; and
WHEREAS, on December 15, 2020 by Resolution No. 69,651-N.S., City Council approved an amendment to Contract No. 31900009; and
WHEREAS, on October 26, 2021 by Resolution No. 70,077-N.S., City Council approved an amendment to Contract No. 31900009; and
WHEREAS, on September 12, 2023 by Resolution No. 71,029-N.S., City Council approved an amendment to Contract No. 31900009; and
WHEREAS, funding for these services and supports are available in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, subject to adoption of the Annual Appropriations Ordinance.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Berkeley that the City Manager or designee is authorized to execute a contract amendment with Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (BOSS) to provide property management services for McKinley House through June 30, 2026 in an amount not to exceed $911,132.89 and funded through the Mental Health Services Act Fund 315. A record signature copy of said contract and any amendments to be on file in the City Clerk Department.

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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
October 14, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: Janelle Rodrigues, Director of Human Resources Subject: Contract: Preferred Alliance, Inc. for Drug and Alcohol Testing Services

RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to increase the amount of the current contract and any amendments with Preferred Alliance Inc., to continue to provide third party administration of the City’s Random Drug and Alcohol Testing Program which expires at the end of 2025. An extension is necessary through June 30, 2027. A contract cap increase is required in an amount not to exceed $100,000 to continue services.

FISCAL IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION
The cost for third-party administrative services provided by Preferred Alliance, Inc. is expected to total approximately $25,000 per fiscal year. An increase of $51,000 is required for FY 2026 - FY 2027. Expenditures for these services are paid from a variety of funding sources in budgets of individual operating departments. Primary users of this service are Public Works, Health Housing and Community Services, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront departments.

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
In order to continue drug and alcohol testing of safety-sensitive transportation employees an increase in contract allocation is necessary. The current contract is capped at $49,000 which has been expended through services from 2022-2025.

Additional funds are needed to cover the remainder of 2025 through June 30, 2027.

BACKGROUND
The Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991 requires drug and alcohol testing of safety-sensitive transportation employees. The Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) publishes rules under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 49Part 382 and 49 CFR Part 40 respectively). The City employs approximately 185 federally regulated commercial drivers and is required to effectively conduct a Drug and Alcohol random selection testing program that is compliant with regulatory requirements. The rules specifically require the City to conduct pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, random selection, post-accident, return to duty, follow up drug testing, and supervisor training.

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Preferred Alliance Contract Amendment CONSENT CALENDAR
October 14, 2025
As the City’s current drug and alcohol testing third-party administrator, Preferred Alliance, Inc. has performed very well and has been responsive to the needs of the City.

They continue to provide the City with outstanding technical and administrative support including training and certification of the City’s supervisors as well as interpreting regulations to develop policy updates and procedures that meet regulatory requirements.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS
There are no identifiable environmental effects or opportunities associated with the subject of this report.

RATIONALE FOR RECOMMENDATION
The additional funding is necessary to continue administrating the City’s drug and alcohol testing program (A.R. 2.13). The City will benefit by meeting our regulatory obligations and maintain the ability to carry out administrative regulation A.R.2.13.

Additionally, the increase in funding will keep key interdepartmental functions ongoing i.e., new hire process, for employee classifications that require a commercial drivers’ license and ensure that multiple operational processes are not interrupted or negatively impacted.

ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS CONSIDERED
A Request for Proposals is underway.

CONTACT PERSON
Janelle Rodrigues, Director of Human Resources 510-981-6807 Kevin Walker, Safety Officer 510-981-6825
ATTACHMENT:

Resolution

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

Third Party Administration of Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires the City to conduct drug and alcohol testing of safety-sensitive transportation employees; and
WHEREAS, Article XI, Section 67.5 of the Charter of the City of Berkeley and Section

7.18.010 of the Berkeley Municipal Code requires City Council approval of contracts that exceed $50,000; and
WHEREAS, the City entered into a Contract No. 32400109 in the amount not to exceed $49,000 with Preferred Alliance Inc. to provide third party administration; and WHEREAS, it is important that third party services continue without negative impacts to internal operations and support of the ongoing drug and alcohol program covered under the Federal Department of Transportation Guidelines; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Berkeley that the City Manager, or designee, is authorized to execute an increase in funding for Contract No. 32400109 with Preferred Alliance Inc. to increase the contract cap for a total not to exceed $100,000. Expenses to be paid by departments utilizing the services from a variety of funding sources in budgets previously adopted by the departments of Public Works; Health Housing and Community Service; and Parks, Recreation and Waterfront.

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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
October 14, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: Kevin Fong, Director, Information Technology Subject: Contract: ESI Group for IBM Hardware, Software, and related Services

RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with ESI Group for IBM hardware, software and related services (AS400) for the FUND$ system for an amount not to exceed $225,000 for the period commencing on July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027.

FISCAL IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION
Funding to cover the cost of this recommendation for FY 2026 and FY 2027 in the amount of $225,000 will be provided by the Department of Information Technology's Cost Allocation Fund (680) baseline budget in Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2027.

Spending for this contract in future fiscal years is subject to Council approval of the proposed citywide budget and Annual Appropriation Ordinances.

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
ESI Group provides hardware and software maintenance, technical support, disaster recovery, and consulting services for the IBM infrastructure (AS400) that hosts the City’s current FUND$ system. This contract is critical to providing a high-availability infrastructure for all remaining FUND$ modules, including Zero Waste billing, land management, property tax assessment, and accounts receivables/general billing while work continues to retire them.

Due to the age of the original contract (2013), Finance Department recommend entering into a new contract with ESI Group for two additional years to provide uninterrupted service while efforts continue to retire the AS400 system. This council item aligns with the City’s strategic priorities to provide, “Provide state-of-the-art, well-maintained infrastructure, amenities” and to “Create a resilient, safe, connected, and prepared City and facilities”.

BACKGROUND
IBM infrastructure has been required to host FUND$ since its initial implementation in 1989. In 2003, the City contracted with ESI Group for IBM infrastructure leasing, 24x7

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ESI Group for the IBM Hardware, Software, and related Services CONSENT CALENDAR October 14, 2025

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telephone and web support, 4-hour maximum parts replacement, co-location for disaster recovery, and hardware/software maintenance.

In January 2013, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP), Specification # 13- 10703-C, to explore additional options for this lease; ESI Group was the only certified IBM Partner to respond. Staff continue to renew the support contract with ESI Group to provide uninterrupted service while the City reassesses infrastructure needs as FUND$ module replacements progress.

In 2018, the City replaced the general ledger and procurement modules, or “core financials”. In January 2021, the City replaced payroll-entry and HR functionality in FUND$. The City will continue to replace additional FUND$ modules including: Zero Waste billing, land management, property tax assessment, and accounts receivables/general billing.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS
The IBM hardware and software platform is optimized for maximum energy efficiency.

The recent upgrade to newer hardware provides energy efficient equipment and the online disaster recovery capability reduced the need for the tape backups thus resulting in carbon footprint savings and transfer of tapes to offsite facility.

RATIONALE FOR RECOMMENDATION
ESI Group has extensive experience in supporting the AS400 system. Additionally, ESI Group was the only IBM certified partner to respond to the City’s RFP # 13-10703-C.

Providing uninterrupted support for the AS400 system is critical to the City’s core operations, and ESI Group has continued to provide excellent technical support and customer service throughout the term of their agreement.

ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS CONSIDERED
Staff considered the possibility of switching vendors and issued an RFP to examine the City’s options; however, ESI Group was the only certified IBM Business Partner to respond.

CONTACT PERSON
Kevin Fong, Director, Information Technology, (510) 981-6541 Attachments:
1: Resolution

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

CONTRACT: ESI GROUP FOR IBM HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND RELATED

SERVICES
WHEREAS, the City of Berkeley relies upon software systems (FUND$) for critical business activities including Zero Waste billing, land management, property tax assessment, and accounts receivables/general billing; and WHEREAS, International Bu siness Machines (IBM) hardwa re and software is required to host FUND$; and
WHEREAS, ESI Group provides hardware and software maintenance, technical support, disaster recovery, and consulting services for the IBM infrastructure (AS400) that hosts the City’s FUND$ system; and
WHEREAS, ESI Group was the only IBM certified partner to re spond to the City’s RFP # 13-10703-C; and
WHEREAS, providing uninterrupted support for the AS400 system is critical to the City’s core operations, and ESI Group has continued to provide excellent technical support and customer service throughout the term of their agreement; and WHEREAS, funding is allo cated in the D epartment of Informatio n Technology’s Fiscal Year 2026 - 2027 Cost Allocation Fund.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Berkeley that the City Manager or delegate is hereby authorized to execute a contract with ESI Group for IBM hardware, software and related services for the AS400 and FUND$ system for an amount not to exceed $225,000 for the projected period commencing on July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027.

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Internal

CONSENT CALENDAR
October 14, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Councilmember Shoshana O’Keefe (Author)
Subject: Residents Oppose Broadcasting Obnoxious Cacophony Out in Public (ROBOCOP)

RECOMMENDATION
Refer to the City Manager a request that the City Attorney draft amendments to Berkeley Municipal Code Chapter 13.40, Community Noise, to prohibit in certain circumstances the installation and use of motion-activated surveillance devices that emit artificial or pre-recorded sound—including alarms, sirens, or voice recordings—in response to the presence or motion of persons in the public right-of-way or on private property that is open to the public, with additional clarification regarding location parameters and permissible volume levels.

POLICY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
On September 18, 2025, the Public Safety Committee adopted the following action: M/S/C (Blackaby/Kesarwani) to send the item with a qualified positive recommendation to Council, requesting that the City Attorney draft ordinance language as outlined in the recommendation, with additional clarification regarding location parameters and permissible volume levels. Vote:

All Ayes.

SUMMARY STATEMENT
This item refers to the City Manager a request to amend Berkeley Municipal Code Chapter

13.40, Community Noise, to prohibit the installation and use of fixed security cameras or surveillance devices in the public right-of-way or on private property that emit arterial or pre- recorded sound into the public realm and neighboring residential properties.

In recent months, community members submitted multiple complaints regarding a new class of noise-generating surveillance devices installed on private property and aimed toward the public right-of-way. Specifically, residents living near the CVS at 1451 Shattuck Avenue reported being repeatedly disturbed by automated announcements triggered by motion.

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Internal
While these systems may be marketed as deterrents to nuisance behavior, they have created a new kind of public nuisance – disturbing the peace, disrupting sleep, and transforming neighborhood sidewalks into sites of relentless audio warnings. Under today’s decibel-and- duration thresholds (e.g. 65 dBA for up to 30 minutes per hour) and the exemptions for interior or bona fide emergency alarms, these short, motion-triggered voice announcements – often under 10 seconds at a time do not meet the threshold of ‘noise disturbance.’ However, these repeated and unpredictable loud noises create a significant disturbance in the surrounding environment and are similarly detrimental to public health, welfare, safety, and quality of life to people in the area.

This item aims to close a gap in the City’s noise regulations by prohibiting the installation of audio-enabled surveillance devices that are either in the public right-of-way or affixed to private property but triggered by movement in the public right-of-way, that emit persistent, automated, and blaring noise into the public realm, and undermine the peaceful nature of Berkeley’s neighborhoods.

BACKGROUND
Berkeley has long recognized the importance of protecting residents from excessive and intrusive noise. The City’s Community Noise Ordinance, BMC Chapter 13.40, establishes that noise can be detrimental to public health, safety, welfare, and overall quality of life, and that every person is entitled to an environment free from disturbing and unnecessary sound.

Prompted by multiple complaints from neighbors about such a device recently installed at the CVS at 1451 Shattuck Avenue, this referral aims to address an emerging class of noise disturbances. Residents reported being subjected to loud, repetitive announcements from the automated surveillance system – including warnings that the area is under video monitoring and aggressive pre-recorded messages directed at pedestrians walking by. Of the two types of announcements reported, one, stating “for your safety, this parking lot is being recorded” occurred at regular intervals of around every 30 minutes. The other occurred during all times of the day and night, and was triggered by motion in public areas, specifically on the sidewalk along Shattuck Ave. It reportedly instructed residents to “leave the area immediately or the police will be called.”
These pre-recorded messages could be heard from hundreds of feet away, including inside homes with closed windows. With announcements occurring at all hours, including late at night and early in the morning, many nearby residents reported interrupted sleep or disruption to work and other activities. While the stated intent of such systems is to deter unwanted behavior on private property, their impact on surrounding homes and public spaces has created new concerns about noise, privacy and equity. Residents have likened the experience to living under constant surveillance, with automated messages and flashing lights eroding neighborhood livability and creating a hostile, dystopian atmosphere.

At present, these devices are not clearly regulated under existing provisions of the City’s noise ordinance. Neither the City, nor the Berkeley Police Department approved the installation of this

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Internal
device. However, Berkeley’s residents are not the first to be impacted by these types of devices – residents in cities like Seattle and Washington DC have also reported feeling threatened by these “intrusive” and advanced security systems.12
This referral seeks to initiate a review and amendment of BMC Chapter 13.40 to ensure that Berkeley’s policies address these emerging trends in surveillance technology and uphold the City’s values of peace, dignity and fairness.

REVIEW OF EXISTING PLANS, PROGRAMS, POLICIES, AND LAWS
Berkeley’s Community Noise Ordinance (BMC Chapter 13.40) outlines the City’s framework for regulating sound levels and identifies noise pollutants as a public health and welfare issue.

Specifically, Section 13.40.010, Purpose and Intent, establishes the City’s position:
“Certain sound levels and vibrations are detrimental to the public health, welfare, safety, and quality of life, and are contrary to the public interest; Every person is entitled to an environment in which the noise is not detrimental to their life, quality of life, health, or enjoyment of property.”
The ordinance goes on to state that:
“The public health, comfort, convenience, safety, welfare, prosperity, peace, and quiet of the City and its inhabitants will be promoted by maintaining quiet in those areas which exhibit low sound levels and by reducing noise in those areas within the City where sound levels are above acceptable values.” (BMC Section 13.40.010, Ord. 7122-NS § 1, 2009; Ord. 5500-NS)
Although the ordinance provides broad authority to regulate offensive and excessive sound, it does not currently address the growing use of motion-activated security devices that emit loud, repetitive, artificial sound from private property into public space. Under current law, the sporadic nature of these types of announcements may not cumulatively meet the required noise threshold. Neighbors reported that the device emitted several notifications within an hour, but likely did not exceed the 30-minute exterior noise requirement, as described in the ordinance.

This referral proposes amending the ordinance to explicitly prohibit the types of devices that project sound into the public right-of-way and/or adjacent properties, and are triggered by routine, lawful activity.

CONSULTATION/OUTREACH OVERVIEW AND RESULTS
1 Dowling, J. (2022, May 27). Neighbor calls new talking security camera outside Queen Anne CVS “intrusive.” FOX 13 Seattle. https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/uptown-resident-calls-new-talking- security-camera-outside-cvs-intrusive
2 Crabtree, E. (2024, July 13). CVS shopper shocked at new “police robot” anti-theft measure. The US Sun. https://www.the-sun.com/news/11911844/cvs-shopper-shocked-new-anti-theft-measure/

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Internal
Councilmember Shoshana O’Keefe discussed the ordinance with City Attorney, Farimah Brown, and the City Manager, Paul Buddenhagen. The City Attorney expressed interest in amending the Berkeley Municipal Code Chapter 13.40 to expressly forbid the installation and use of automated amplified sound equipment when it is triggered by movement in the public right-of- way and emits repeated, blaring noise that can be disruptive to those in the public realm.

RATIONALE FOR RECOMMENDATION
This ordinance would protect the health and welfare of residents by preventing disturbing and excessive noise from artificial surveillance devices in the public realm and private dwellings. The existing Berkeley Municipal Code (13.40.010) already establishes that:
● Certain sound levels are detrimental to the quality of life; ● Individual are entitled to an environment free of disruptive noise; ● Offensive and excessive noise negatively affect the peace and comfort of the community.

This item aligns with Berkeley’s goals of maintaining vibrant, safe, and peaceful neighborhoods, and ensures technology used for private surveillance does not come at the expense of the broader public welfare.

IMPLEMENTATION, ADMINISTRATION, AND ENFORCEMENT
This referral requests the City Manager to instruct the City Attorney to draft amendments to Berkeley Municipal Code Chapter 13.40, Community Noise, to address the use of automated, amplified and motion-activated security systems installed in the public right-of-way or on private property that can be triggered by people on public property, and impact public space.

Specifically, this item asks the City Manager and City Attorney to:
● Add a new prohibition on motion-activated and audio-enabled surveillance devices that are triggered by movement in public areas, while being mindful of any potential First Amendment issues.
● Create a tailored exemption for private intrusion/burglar alarms monitored exterior sensors that activate only in response to unauthorized entry or tampering.

Once draft language is adopted by the Council, implementation and enforcement would be carried out through existing procedures outlined in the City’s noise ordinance. Administration would likely be managed by the Health, Housing, and Community Services (HHCS) Department, with possible support from the Berkeley Police Department, particularly for after- hours or repeated violations.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
This item has no direct environmental impact.

FISCAL IMPACTS

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Internal
No significant fiscal impact expected. Staff time may be required for enforcement given the potential updates to noise enforcement protocols.

CONTACT
Councilmember Shoshana O’Keefe, 510-981-7150

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Brent Blackaby
Councilmember District 6
2180 Milvia Street, Berkeley, CA 94704 ● Tel: (510) 981-7160 ● TDD: (510) 981-6903 ● Fax: (510) 981-7166 E-Mail: [email protected]]

CONSENT CALENDAR
October 14, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Councilmember Blackaby (Author), Mayor Ishii (Co-Sponsor) Subject: Urging Police Accountability Board Regulations Completion

RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution urging the Police Accountability Board (PAB), Berkeley Police Association (BPA), the Berkeley Police Department (BPD) and the City of Berkeley to complete negotiations on final PAB Regulations.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
None

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
In November 2020, Berkeley residents voted to create a Police Accountability Board (PAB). The PAB would increase the oversight of the Berkeley Police Department and expand the authority and autonomy of the former Police Review Commission. The PAB approved interim regulations, to enable the board to begin fulfilling its duties, and Council approved them in October 2021.

Since that time, final regulations have not come to City Council for approval as protracted negotiations have continued without stakeholders coming to agreement.

We trust that this negotiation process has been conducted in good faith. However, we also know that the PAB’s work to create robust oversight of the Berkeley Police Department will be improved by approving final regulations. In addition, Berkeley’s Police Officers should have finality and certainty about how personnel complaints will be handled, and Berkeley residents deserve to know that public safety is being maximized by a well-functioning relationship between PAB, BPD, and the City in handling complaints.

This item calls for a resolution to urge completion of the Police Accountability Board (PAB) Regulations.

BACKGROUND
In November 2020, the voters of Berkeley overwhelmingly passed Measure II, amending the City Charter to create the Police Accountability Board (PAB). The Charter was intended to create robust oversight of the Berkeley Police Department

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Urging Police Accountability Board Regulations Completion

CONSENT CALENDAR
October 14, 2025

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(BPD) by expanding the authority and autonomy of the PAB’s predecessor, the Police Review Commission (PRC).

The stated purpose of the PAB is “to promote public trust through independent, objective, civilian oversight of the Berkeley Police Department, provide community participation in setting and reviewing Police Department policies, practices, and procedures, and to provide a means for prompt, impartial and fair investigation of complaints brought by members of the public against sworn employees of the Berkeley Police Department.” (Charter Article XVIII, Section 125(1).) The Charter enumerates several powers and duties of the PAB, including the power and duty “to adopt rules and regulations necessary for the conduct of its business.” (Charter Article XVIII, Section 125(3)(a)(6).)
The PAB approved the interim regulations, with a few changes, and Council approved the regulations in October 2021. Council deferred a decision on certain provisions, however, on the grounds that they would trigger meet and confer negotiations with the Berkeley Police Association (BPA).

After four years of negotiations, it is necessary to bring final regulations to the Council for adoption.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS
No direct impact

CONTACT PERSON
Councilmember Brent Blackaby Council District 6 510-981-7160 Attachments:
1: Resolution

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

DEADLINE FOR POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD REGULATIONS
WHEREAS, Berkeley voters overwhelmingly passed Measure II, amending the City Charter to create the Police Accountability Board (PAB) in November 2020; and WHEREAS, the PAB would amplify the citizen oversight of the Berkeley Police Department and expand the authority and autonomy of the former Police Review Commission (PRC); and
WHEREAS, in October 2021, City Council approved the PAB’s interim regulations, enabling the Police Accountability Board to begin fulfilling its duties; and WHEREAS, since that time, 4 years later, final regulations have not come to City Council for approval as protracted negotiations have continued without stakeholders coming to agreement; and
WHEREAS, the PAB’s work to create robust civilian oversight of the Berkeley Police Department would be improved by approving final regulations; and WHEREAS, Berkeley Police Officers should have finality and certainty about how personnel complaints will be handled; and
WHEREAS, Berkeley residents deserve to know that public safety is being maximized by a well-functioning relationship between PAB, BPD and the City in handling complaints.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Berkeley that the PAB regulations process has been conducted in good faith.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council urges the Police Accountability Board (PAB), Berkeley Police Association (BPA), the Berkeley Police Department (BPD) and the City of Berkeley to complete negotiations on final PAB Regulations.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council requests a closed session meeting in 2025 to receive updates from the stakeholders on the state of negotiations and any outstanding issues.

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Office of the City Manager

INFORMATION CALENDAR
October 14, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: Peter Radu, Assistant to the City Manager Subject: Changes to Special Events Permitting Fees and Requirements

SUMMARY
The City of Berkeley has long had a reputation for being a city that is a destination – for culture, for food, and for a vibrant street scene. The City’s Special Events Team is a critical component of the vibrancy, as it is responsible for reviewing, approving, permitting, and overseeing all gatherings and events of 50 or more people on City property (in City parks and on City streets). However, the number of permitted special events (185 in 2024, not including the City’s three weekly farmers’ markets) now surpasses pre-pandemic levels, with this trend driven by a 27% increase in street closures since before the pandemic. The Special Events Team consists of staff from multiple departments, none of whom work solely on special events and many of whom also work on priority issues like encampment operations.

The impact of this increase in the number of requested and ultimately permitted special events has placed great strain on key participating departments (mainly Neighborhood Services, Public Works, Fire, and Health, Housing, and Community Services). As a result, the Fire, Public Works and Health, Housing, and Community Services Departments have recently proposed or will soon propose a range of fee increases to better recover costs for the increased staff time spent on events. In addition, recent accelerating changes in Berkeley’s built environment, with growing numbers of taller buildings and a multitude of street construction and redesign projects, has required staff to newly examine the regulatory framework (i.e., applicable state and local codes; traffic control requirements) for special events in order to ensure uniformity and rigor in its application, so that public safety can be upheld while also ensuring a vibrant events calendar.

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Because such changes are usually proposed by individual departments in isolation, considered by Council individually, and paid by customers individually, it can be hard to understand the holistic impact that the sum total of concurrent changes across multiple departments will have on organizers wishing to host special events in Berkeley. The purpose of this report is to compile the changes that will have the greatest impact on event organizers (from a time and budget perspective) into one document. These include:
 Fire Code compliance for use of tents, canopies and other membrane structures; use and storage of propane; fire watch requirements; minimum fire lane width requirements; and others.
 Proposed (forthcoming) Fire Inspector fees to recover Fire Inspector costs associated with event plan check and event staffing.
 Proposed (forthcoming) changes to Public Works street closure fees to better recover staff costs associated with street closures and to make Berkeley’s pricing more consistent with those of neighboring jurisdictions.  Forthcoming changes to traffic control plan (TCP) requirements to ensure that all events are held to the same standards for rigorous traffic control planning.  Forthcoming transition of costs for street closures (message board and traffic control device costs as well as Public Works staff time) to event organizers.
 Changes to Environmental Health food vendor fees for compact mobile food operations to comply with recent changes to State law.
 Proposed (forthcoming) changes to Environmental Health’s fee structure for food permits and amplified sound permits, again with the goal of recovering staff costs for reviewing, inspecting, and staffing special events.

Staff will delay implementation of any new fees and regulatory requirements not already in place but highlighted in this report until January 1, 2026, to minimize impacts on remaining 2025 events and help ensure 2026 event organizers can better work with the Special Events Team in planning ahead for fun, safe, and successful future events. For some planned events, it is too late to include the proposed special event fees, requirements, and equipment costs outlined in this report in the current (FY26) Civic Arts Grants cycle.

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
Overview of the Special Events Team
The Special Events Team, which is managed by the Special Events Coordinator (1 FTE Program Manager II) in the Neighborhood Services Division of the City Manager’s Office, consists of representatives from the Public Works Department, Fire Department, Health, Housing and Community Services Department, Police Department, and Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Department. The involvement of particular staff from each

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department in the review and approval of any given event depends on the nature of the event itself. For example, low-impact events (like small block parties) usually create minimal impacts to City operations and require comparably little staff review for a permit to be issued. Conversely, high-impact events (those with higher anticipated turnout and requiring a traffic detour from a major street, collector street, or scenic route and/or requiring the rerouting of any public transportation buses or shuttles) can be complex and require the issuance of multiple permits. Consider the following two examples:

1. Small event. An example includes the closure of a single block of a residential street in which the applicants plan to close the street to through-traffic for a community gathering with carnival games. This event usually creates no major traffic impacts and can be reviewed and permitted with minimal review by participating departments.

2. Large event. An example includes an event in a major commercial corridor, showcasing live music on an event stage that offers a variety of food options from food trucks and canopied tents to several thousand anticipated attendees over two weekend days.

This event requires extensive review, permitting, and staffing from a number of City divisions, including:
 Environmental Health (for food and amplified sound permitting);  Public Works Transportation (for traffic control and street closure) and Zero Waste (for waste, compost, and recycling management and compliance);
 Fire (for compliance with medical and life safety requirements as well as Fire Code regulations); and
 Police (for public safety review and overtime staffing).

The Special Events Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and synchronizing the many staff involved in the plan check process, liaising with event organizers, ensuring plan compliance, coordinating with other affected agencies (such as AC Transit for bus re-routing), and more before issuing the final permit.

Increased Special Event Demand and the Impact on City Operations Over the past several years, the number of permitted events in the City has now surpassed pre-pandemic levels: not including the anomaly year of 2020, when many events were canceled due to pandemic lockdowns, the average number of events post- pandemic (2021-2024) increased 15% from before the pandemic (2018 – 2019).

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Importantly, data suggest that the increase has been largely driven by an increase in popularity for street closure events: while the average number of post-pandemic (2021- 2024) park events increased 11% over pre-pandemic (2018-2019) averages, average street events increased significantly more (27%) over the same period.

Special Events Team staff believe that, in addition to Berkeley’s enduring regional reputation as a cultural destination, this increase in demand for outdoor events, and in particular street events, in Berkeley can be attributed to two other phenomena:

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1. When the early days of the pandemic closed down indoor entertainment and gathering opportunities and business operations, many community members and event organizers sought outdoor spaces (in parks and on streets). This trend has not reversed.

2. The City of Berkeley is a relatively inexpensive destination for special events, and in particular street closure events. Filing fees for street events are significantly lower than nearby jurisdictions. The following table summarizes the fees for a high-impact event (i.e., a large event as described above) in Berkeley and surrounding cities:

Jurisdiction Fee
Alameda $750
Berkeley $250
Oakland $4,935
San Francisco $2,283
Similarly, the City’s Block Party Permit fee is significantly lower than neighboring cities:

Jurisdiction Fee
Berkeley $15
Oakland $81
San Francisco $278
The City Council last adjusted filing fees for street events on July 8, 2014 (Resolution No. 66,725-N.S. Establishing Permit Filing Fees for Street Events and Certified Farmers’ Markets, and Rescinding Resolution No. 66-662-N.S.).

Irrespective of the reasons behind this trend, however, the effect has had material impacts on City staffing and budgets. With the exception of the Special Events Coordinator, none of the staff on the multi-departmental Special Events Team are dedicated to working full-time on special events. These are the same City staff who (for example) engage in community policing, citywide fire inspections, street closures for construction projects, encampment clean-up and closure operations, restaurant inspections and vector management, and much more. An increasingly demanding special events calendar, for example, has significantly impacted the Homeless Response Team’s ability to schedule more citywide encampment clean-ups due to staff scheduling and equipment availability challenges.

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Current and Impending Departmental Changes Affecting Special Events Because the Special Events Team consists of staff from multiple departments, each with their own mission and competing priorities, individual participating departments in the Special Events Team have proposed or are beginning to implement changes to fee structures and regulatory requirements, partly in an effort to address the increasingly unsustainable budgetary and staffing demands placed on their teams by City priorities, such as the Special Events calendar. However, because such changes are usually proposed by individual departments in isolation, considered by Council individually, and paid by customers individually, it can be hard to understand the holistic impact that the sum total of concurrent changes across multiple departments will have on organizers wishing to host special events in Berkeley. The purpose of this report is to communicate clearly to the City Council the anticipated impacts that recent or proposed changes in the Fire Department, Health, Housing, and Community Services Department, and Public Works Department is anticipated to have on the Special Events landscape. An overview of each department’s changes is summarized below.

Fire Department
California Fire Code Compliance
A number of recent changes to the California Fire Code (CFC), as well as a renewed focus within the Fire Department on equitable compliance with the CFC across all events, means that these standards will be more uniformly applied during the Special Events application review process. The Fire Prevention Division is in the process of creating approximately six documents for placement on the City website that detail specific requirements for vendors to help ensure alignment with the CFC. This will include diagrams as well as code sections for event applicants to reference.

Additionally, the Fire Department will offer a more comprehensive document with general fire safety information that applies to all special events that occur within the City. Content areas of particular focus, which will be detailed in the documents on the city website, include:
 Tent, Canopy and Temporary Structure Standards – these include standards for spacing, anchoring/bracing, and ingress/egress, as well as fire safety standards that require flame-resistant materials, availability of fire suppression devices, and govern the use of open flames within or near tents and other membrane structures.
 Fire Watch Guidelines – A fire watch is a temporary measure intended to ensure that a building or a space is surveilled by qualified individual(s) for the purpose of identifying and controlling fire hazards, detecting early signs of fire, and notifying the fire department in the event of a fire. This document includes the types of events/situations in which a fire watch would be mandated, the event organizer’s responsibilities and obligations, and requirements for watch personnel, patrols,

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and record keeping. For outdoor special events, a fire watch protocol would typically be mandated if the Fire Marshal notes potentially hazardous conditions and would be at the Marshal’s discretion.
 Use and Storage of Propane – this includes requirements for propane container storage, positioning, security, and inspections prior to and during the event.

Uniform enforcement of these standards for special events will begin on January 1, 2026, aligning with the implementation of the 2025 updated CFC.

Additionally, Berkeley’s increasing density has placed renewed focus on existing CFC standards such as minimum acceptable widths for fire lanes (26’ where adjacent buildings exceed 30’ in height), as well as street closure layouts that do not in any way impede public safety vehicle access and critical mutual aid pathways. Unfortunately, this will have the effect of rendering some popular destinations for special events in the past – including Telegraph Avenue and stretches of Adeline Street in South Berkeley – unavailable for future street closures. Special Events staff are committed to working closely with all event applicants to ensure any impacted event proposal is offered an alternative that meets the needs of the event as best as possible. To this end, Special Events staff are excited about the possible creation of Entertainment Zones in select areas throughout the city, discussed in more detail later in this report.

Fees and Costs
The Fire Department currently charges special events organizers for staff overtime expenses when performing fire watch for special events (at a cost of approximately $100 per hour). The City Council adopted a new Fire Fee schedule on June 24, 2025 that adjusted existing fees for the first time in nine years. The new/increased fees that will impact certain special events include:
 Increased fee for using parking facilities, from $196 to $250 for fewer than 15 spaces and from $250 to $500 for 15 or more spaces.
 Large temporary membrane structures (larger than 400 sq ft) require a permit with a fee that increased from $392 to $500.
 Other fees at increased rates may apply in unique circumstances.

The Fire Department estimates that special events account for approximately 30% of a Fire Inspector’s total hours completing event plan checks, corrections, inspections, and event staffing. There is currently no cost recovery for staff time required to process a special event permit. Accordingly, the Fire Department plans to create a fee structure for consultation for special events, subject to Council approval. There are currently a small number of specific events occurring each year that require on-site Fire Inspectors to be present either during setup and/or layout or throughout the duration of the event.

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Under a special events fee structure for Fire consultation, such complex events would incur higher fees, which would raise the cost of hosting such events.

Public Works Transportation Division
Street closures and block parties are an important part of the Special Events landscape in Berkeley. People who organize events on City streets are required to obtain a City- approved Special Event Permit or Block Party Permit and to pay a filing fee to the City.

Fees vary depending on the degree of the event’s impact on the city (for example, traffic impacts). All requests for street closures, except block parties, must submit a traffic control plan as part of the permitting process.

In Fiscal Year 2024, the Public Works Department alone spent almost $1.5 million to staff special events. But in FY24, the City only received approximately $31,798 from street closure and block party fees -- $29,158 in event filing fees from 151 low-impact and 82 high-impact events, and about $2,640 in fees from 176 block party permit applications. To help address this gap, Public Works is working on a revised fee structure, subject to Council approval, that will bring street closure fees – particularly those for complex, high-impact events – more in line with those of Berkeley’s neighboring cities and cover the costs incurred by the City for reviewing and processing applications and supporting events. The proposed changes to the fee structure are detailed below.

Permit Fees for Block Parties
Block parties are street events that occur on a single residential block only and are only eligible to be hosted by the people who live there. A business, nonprofit, or other entity wishing to close this same block for an event would not be eligible for a block party permit and would instead be considered a Tier 1 event. These purely residential events do not require a traffic control plan nor specialized equipment, as described below.

Public Works staff will recommend increasing the Block Party Permit fee from $15 to $60 per event to better recover the cost of administering the block party program. This includes staff time to review applications, work with residents to approve them, and administer the permits.

Permit Fees for Street Closures
Any street event that is not a block party is considered a street closure. The current fee structure for street closures, which makes little distinction between the complexity of street closures and their impacts on City staff and operations, is in the table below:

Filing Date Current Fee for Low
Impact Events
Current Fee for High
Impact Events
At least 60 weekdays before the
event
$128 $250

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30-59 weekdays before the event $150 $350
20-29 weekdays before the event $175 $450
Fewer than 20 weekdays before
the event $200 N/A: Will not be
approved
The proposed, revised fee structure establishes tiered event fees based on event size, impact, and timing and establishes Transportation Support Service fees for special events to reduce the operational deficit and recover costs associated with special events:

Tier Proposed
Fee
Filing Deadline Definition
1 $205 21 days in advance
of event
No more than a one (1) block closure, no
transit detour, and minor cross-
departmental coordination
2 $540 30 days in advance
of event
No more than a one (1) block closure,
transit detour, or moderate cross-
departmental coordination
3 $805 60 days in advance
of event
Two (2) or more block closure, transit
detour, or major cross-departmental
coordination
4 $1,545 90 days in advance
of event
Multiple block closure of major arterial
streets, major cross-departmental
coordination, or consists of a marathon,
parade, active attendee participation, or
similar events
Each tier has different fees and submittal deadlines, as the amount of staff time required to review applications can vary substantially depending on the complexity of a particular event.

Transportation Support Service Fees
As authorized under Resolution No. 66,725-N.S., the City also proposes event fees for signage, traffic control or diversion, loss of parking meter revenue or other conditions specific to the designated location. On average, traffic control setup for special street events (not including block parties) requires two (2) Traffic Maintenance Workers I and two (2) Traffic Maintenance Workers II, each working at roughly $200 per hour for eight (8) hours. Based on this, it costs the City a minimum of $6,160 for Public Works Maintenance staff to work each special event. In the past, applicants have not been invoiced for Traffic Maintenance Support, but it is the City’s intention to begin invoicing

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for these services as appropriate, starting January 1, 2026. This will help cover existing City expenses to support special events in Berkeley.

Safety Barricades, Cones, and Changeable Message Boards City staff work with event applicants to develop staffing, traffic control and other safety plans. Due to the growing and unbudgeted demands on city resources such activities impose, Public Works will implement the following changes effective January 1, 2026:
 Special barricades are used for all road closures, typically four barricades per block. Beginning January 1, 2026, if a special event is so large that it requires more barricades than the City is able to provide, event organizers can either purchase their own barricades that meet the City’s requirements or the City can bill the organizers for additional barricades (approximately $100 per barricade and $25 per traffic cone).
 Additionally, beginning January 1, 2026, staff will uniformly direct all special event organizers to outsource changeable message boards from third parties that provide traffic control services and to coordinate with Public Works’ Traffic Maintenance unit when such equipment is needed. Staff anticipate that typically, the event organizer will order and pay for the boards, and Traffic Maintenance staff pick up, deploy and return them. Most events require 2 – 4 message boards, totaling $720 - $1,440 per day. Large events will need more boards.

Moving forward, these changes—while necessary for the City to recover its costs—may mean event organizers must rent special equipment to support their activities or pay the City to cover its costs to do so.

Traffic Control Plans
For years, the City of Berkeley has accepted traffic control plans from event organizers that do not meet traffic engineering standards. Beginning January 1, 2026, engineered and stamped traffic control plans (TCPs) will be required at time of filing, similar to filing requirements for adjacent jurisdictions. In the Bay Area, the costs of such TCPs can range up to $5,000 depending on factors including the complexity of the street closure and duration of the event. While Public Works recognizes the cost burden that this places on some events’ budgets, failure to obtain an engineered TCP places the City at great liability – and its residents at risk – in the event of an emergency. The Special Events Team is committed to working with long-time event organizers to navigate this process, and TCPs may be reusable for multiple years if street conditions and event parameters do not change.

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HHCS Environmental Health Division
The Environmental Health (EH) Division within HHCS is responsible for reviewing applications and issuing permits for event participants who wish to sell or provide prepared food and/or propose to have amplified sound (i.e., a musical stage).

Compact Mobile Food Operators
Passed in 2022, California SB 972 established a new type of retail food facility called a “compact mobile food operation” (CMFO) as a subcategory of mobile food facility that is nonmotorized and operates from a pushcart or stand, and exempted CMFOs from various provisions of the retail food code law, including certain sink requirements. This bill has affected Environmental Health’s Temporary / Special Events program in two ways:
 Environmental Health (EH) is now issuing “Known Vendor Letters” (KVLs), an exemption that allows booth operators to sell pre-packaged, Non-Potentially Hazardous Food (i.e. non-perishable food that does not require temperature control, under 25 sq. ft. with no open food sampling). Beginning with the Council’s passage of EH’s revised fee structure in 2024, EH charges a one-time fee of $44 to obtain this letter, plus $44 for any changes to the vendor’s list of food items. This is the lowest listed fee for Temporary Food Facilities (or more commonly known as “food booths”).
 In addition, in 2024 EH established the Compact Mobile Food Operation (CMFO) Annual Permit. This category is the newest category of a food facility, which is a limited-service operation as defined in the California Retail Food Code to include service from an individual, or from a pushcart, food stand, display table, pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack, or other non-motorized conveyance. CMFOs can now qualify for annual permits that allow them to vend in multiple locations similar to a Mobile Food Facility (MFF, or more commonly referred to as a food truck). For example, vendors that had operated at three of Berkeley’s farmers markets at $546/yr per permit, now qualify for just one permit at $704/yr. For operators, this means just two inspections per year vs. six inspections previously for a limited-risk operation. While this changes event planning and increases up-front costs, it reduces burden on both EH staff and food vendors as well.

Fees
Consistent with other Bay Area Temporary Food Facility programs, EH instituted a “late submittal fee” of $170, passed by Council in 2024. This fee is collected at application submittal with less than 14 days prior to an event with guarantee of permit approval.

The purpose of this fee is to:

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1. Cover overtime often required with last-minute applications;

2. Discourage vendors who use last-minute tactics to try to get applications through without proper vetting and application review (which was a common practice prior to the new fee);

3. Discourage event coordinators from waiting until the last minute (often a day before the event) to invite additional vendors; and

4. Ensure fairness to vendors who submit their application on time, only to see vendors who “sneak” into an event with no ramifications.

EH has experienced an almost 70% increase in the number of temporary food permits over the last year (272 in 2024 vs. a projected number of approximately 400 by the end of 2025). In part to help recover the costs associated with this increased workload, in late 2025, EH plans to introduce a revised fee structure. The goal is to cover operating costs and reduce dependence on the City’s General Fund.

The proposed changes will increase the fees for food and amplified sound permits, which will more accurately reflect the true costs of providing these services, including reviewing, inspecting, and staffing special events. If approved by the City Council, these changes would increase the cost of certain special events in Berkeley.

More information will be shared with the public when the proposed fee revisions are presented to the City Council for consideration.

Civic Arts Grants
Some Berkeley-based festivals (which are considered special events) receive monetary support from the Civic Arts Grants Program (Community Festival category). Grants in this category are up to $7,000 per applicant and are awarded annually. Grant-funded events must be open to the entire public and have a free component. Festival Grant applications typically open in January and are due by March, with a grant activity period of July to the following June (a fiscal year cycle). The Civic Arts Grant Program (Festival category) requires organizers to submit an itemized budget as part of the application process. For some planned events, it is too late to include the proposed special event fees, requirements, and equipment costs, outlined in this report for events supported in the current (FY26) grant cycle.

Conclusion
Taken together, these changes are anticipated to result in nearly all events in Berkeley being more expensive and demanding to plan and host. In turn, and all things equal, it is also expected that the number of event requests on an annual basis will decrease given

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this rise in cost. The Special Events Team is committed and works tirelessly to support the vibrancy of Berkeley’s street and park events scene and does not take this outcome lightly. Staff are committed to working with all event applicants, especially those of long- standing and beloved events in the community, to understand these requirements and evaluate all options for compliance. In addition, the City has the opportunity to streamline the permitting process for events by adopting one or more Entertainment Zones, discussed in more detail in the Possible Future Action section below.

POSSIBLE FUTURE ACTION
With the passage of California Senate Bill 969, which took effect January 1, 2025, the State of California, cities across the state now have the option of creating “entertainment zones,” where bars and restaurants can sell alcoholic beverages for people to drink on designated public streets and sidewalks. Cities wishing to implement entertainment zones (EZs) need to adopt an ordinance to regulate the time, place, and manner of the zones. Staff from the Special Events Team recently met with the Downtown Berkeley Association about the possibility of creating one or more EZs in the downtown and in other designated areas around the city and have heard interest expressed by other members of the community as well. EZs have been reported to stimulate economic activity and foot traffic for brick-and-mortar establishments in existing areas, and some cities (such as Sacramento and San Francisco) tie the activation of EZs to special events held in the EZ footprint.

On July 29, City Council voted to create the Berkeley Nightlife Council, with the goal of supporting nighttime economic activity, cultural programming, and community safety in city commercial districts. The creation of one or more EZs by Council ordinance is one potential future action of that process. City staff look forward to participating in these forthcoming discussions to shape an effective event-based entertainment zone model that benefits event organizers and festival producers.

FISCAL IMPACTS OF POSSIBLE FUTURE ACTION
An increase in event fees may lead to a decrease in the annual number of event applications in Berkeley. The increase in event fees might also cover the true cost of staff time and materials spent on supporting special event programing annually.

However, by adopting an event-based entertainment zone model in Berkeley, Special Events staff believe that the creation of one or more EZs could also create efficiencies for event applicants. For example, when designating EZs in the City, City staff could create a “common application” for events, that might include a principal traffic control plan; pre-approved event layout template(s) that meet Fire Code standards; streamlined approvals for amplified sound; and priority access to existing City materials such as street closure barricades for event organizers that opt to host their event within the EZ.

While prospective event organizers would not be required to host events in a pre-

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existing EZ, opting to host within an EZ would allow them to benefit from these existing templates, reducing costs and burden both for event planners and City staff alike.

BACKGROUND
On July 8, 2014, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 66,725-N.S., which is the most recent update to the Public Works Department’s filing fee structure for street events/street closures.

On May 21, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 69,891-N.S., which is the most recent update to the Environmental Health Division fee schedule.

On June 24, 2025, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 71,837-N.S., which is the most recent update to the Fire Department’s permit fees, inspection fees, and billing rates.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS
Special events and the traffic they create into and out of Berkeley, as well as the traffic impacts they create when certain streets are closed and traffic is redirected, creates carbon emissions, waste generation, and other impacts, but quantifying the effects of the fee and regulatory changes on these impacts is not possible at this time.

CONTACT PERSON
Peter Radu, Assistant to the City Manager, Neighborhood Services, (510) 981-7045

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INFORMATION CALENDAR
OCTOBER 14, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: Peter Radu, Assistant to the City Manager Subject: Referral Response: Alternative Housing Options for People Experiencing Homelessness

INTRODUCTION
This report responds in part to the City Council’s May 20, 2025 referral, “Alternative Housing Options for People Experiencing Homelessness,” referring to the City Manager “a request for staff to identify a list of potential locations of City-owned and private properties (to be leased or acquired) – for the purpose of establishing 24/7 staffed shelter sites, including but not limited to indoor/outdoor camping areas, safe RV and car park zones, and/or congregate or non-congregate shelters for people experiencing homelessness based on the model used at Grayson Street and other models deemed successful by the City Manager.”

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
City Council’s May 20 referral to the City Manager requested a list of sites, both owned by the City and available for purchase or lease on the private market, that could be used to identify additional shelter sites for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Berkeley. The Council’s direction in that referral was to identify sites that could be feasible for replicating the Horizon Transitional Village Program shelter and SPARK safe parking model (previously co-located on Grayson St.), as well as sites that could host other models deemed successful by staff.

With this in mind, staff have compiled the following information in this report:
 Attachment 1 is a compilation of private market listings of all commercial and industrial properties that offer a minimum of 5,000 sq ft.  Attachment 2 is a compilation of motels/hotels currently available for lease or purchase;

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Referral Response: Alternative Housing Options for Homelessness INFORMATION REPORT October 14, 2025
 Attachment 3 is a compilation of vacant city-owned land and city-owned properties, excluding the following types of property:
o City parks, as these were removed from the Council referral; o City facilities actively used by staff (e.g., fire stations, the Animal Shelter, the Civic Center building at 2180 Milvia St, the Public Safety Building, etc.);
o Any housing owned by the City or BHA that is currently occupied.

Absent further direction from Council as to appropriate property types, locations, and preferred programs, staff are not in a position to provide any recommendations as to any potentially viable individual properties. With that said:
 If Council’s desire is to replicate a Grayson-style shelter program, then staff would recommend initially performing due diligence at properties that are designated as “warehouses” in Attachment 2 before expanding to consider other property types, such as retail properties.
 In addition, if the desire is to replicate other models deemed particularly successful by the City Manager, staff would recommend performing due diligence at both of the motel/hotel properties in Attachment 2, as these properties are most immediately amenable to noncongregate shelter.

In the Homeless Response Team’s experience, these two program types have been more successful than traditional congregate shelter and safe parking in resolving encampments and connecting people living in them to permanent housing.

POSSIBLE FUTURE ACTION
The City Council could use this list to provide staff with further direction as to acceptable locations for new programs and program types that should be prioritized for consideration. In addition, Council could direct staff to pursue one or more new homeless programs at any of the sites listed above, and/or direct staff to return with more or different sites.

At this time, staff is pursuing two sites for noncongregate interim housing, and both would be funded by external grants: the Sather Motel, a 32-room motel at 1820 University Ave. which would be leased by County Measure W funds, , as well as another motel to be leased by the City’s recently awarded Prop 47 grant. More information on these opportunities is provided immediately below. If these funding applications are successful, staff will return to Council as soon as possible for all necessary approvals.

FISCAL IMPACTS OF POSSIBLE FUTURE ACTION
Pursuing new program(s) entails capital acquisition and/or ongoing program-related expenses (rent, services contracts, etc.). The development of budgets for these programs is highly dependent on a number of factors including the layout and amenities

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Referral Response: Alternative Housing Options for Homelessness INFORMATION REPORT October 14, 2025
of the physical site itself as well as the scope and duration of the program. With additional direction from Council as to which site(s) to pursue, staff can begin to develop estimated program expenses.

However, and as previously reported to Council in staff’s July 29 worksession report, “Comprehensive Summary of Berkeley’s Homeless Response,” the City is currently facing a significant and structural fiscal challenge, with ongoing general fund deficits projected at over $20M annually, and state and federal sources that currently support Berkeley’s existing programs are at risk under the current federal administration and economic environment. Absent new sources of external funding, including and possibly Alameda County Measure W, staff do not recommend opening new programs when several existing shelter programs face imminent risk of closure in the coming years.

Staff continue to aggressively pursue all available opportunities for external funding. As mentioned above, these include the following two opportunities, neither of which would impact the City’s General Fund as neither would require local match funding:

1. In June 2025, City staff applied for an $8M grant through the State of California’s Proposition 47 Grant Program. This is a no-match grant. Council voted to accept the funds on Sept 30, 2025. Proposition 47 provides funding for public agencies to provide mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, and diversion programs for individuals in the criminal justice system. The City’s award will create three years of the Berkeley CareBridge Program, providing post-arrest supportive transitional housing and wraparound services for homeless, justice- involved individuals. The housing component would be provided through a master lease of a motel facility. The grant also requires establishment of a Local Advisory Committee that will meet publicly on a quarterly basis to provide program updates, hear from the community, and address needs.

2. In August, 2025, Alameda County released a notice of contract opportunity to nonprofit partners in the County’s homeless system vendor pool, announcing an initiative to rapidly increase new interim housing units that can be used to support encampment resolution. City staff worked with Episcopal Community Services (ECS), a San Francisco-based nonprofit with extensive experience in homeless services, to sponsor ECS’ application for this funding which, if awarded, would fund the master-lease of another motel (the Sather Motel, at 1820 University Avenue) to create a noncongregate shelter. Staff and ECS proposed that this shelter be used to target the large RV encampments in West Berkeley along Dwight and Grayson, using existing Measure P allocations for an expanded RV buy-back program. Importantly, the City would not be a direct recipient of these grant funds, nor would it hold/be party to any motel leases or services contracts, all of which will be handled directly by Alameda County.

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Referral Response: Alternative Housing Options for Homelessness INFORMATION REPORT October 14, 2025
On Sept 17, City staff learned that ECS’ application had not been selected for funding. ECS subsequently asked for feedback as to why they had not been selected for funding, but were told by the County, “These contracts are currently under negotiation and, therefore, the procurement is considered confidential.

Alameda County Health is not able to discuss the procurement process nor provide feedback about this specific opportunity.” Staff are open to working with ECS to revise and resubmit this application if an opportunity to do so presents itself.

BACKGROUND
On May 20, 2025, the City Council passed a referral to the City Manager, “Alternative Housing Options for People Experiencing Homelessness.” This referral had multiple parts, and the current report is responsive to one part of this referral. Staff actions in response to other aspects of this referral include:
 On May 28, the City Manager sent a letter on behalf of the Council to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, affirming the four policy principles outlined in the May 20, 2025 referral.
 On July 24, 2025, Council voted to support staff recommendations in the report, “Recommendations for County Measure W Funding.” The adoptions of these recommendations resulted in a letter sent to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors outlining Berkeley’s priorities for County Measure W sales tax funding.
 On July 29, 2025, at a special meeting, Council received a report from staff, “Comprehensive Summary of Berkeley’s Homeless Response System.” This report responded to several aspects of Council’s May 20, 2025 referral, including an overview of ongoing efforts to address homelessness; a resource needs and gaps analysis of the homeless system; a feasibility and cost analysis to support new homeless programs; and a geographic assessment of homeless service locations in the city. Due to technical difficulties, that special meeting was adjourned prior to the conclusion of staff’s presentation on the report. The presentation was concluded during a special meeting on September 16, 2025.  On October 28, 2025, the Council will consider a recommendation from the City Manager to send a letter to Alameda County Supervisor Fortunato Bas regarding opportunities to partner on regional solutions to unsheltered homelessness.

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Referral Response: Alternative Housing Options for Homelessness INFORMATION REPORT October 14, 2025

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS
There are no immediate environmental nor climate impacts associated with the present report. The creation of new homeless programs in Berkeley may have future impacts, but those are unknown at this time.

CONTACT PERSON
Peter Radu, Assistant to the City Manager, Neighborhood Services, (510) 981-7045

ATTACHMENTS

1. Compilation of private market retail, manufacturing, and warehouse properties for sale and/or lease

2. Compilation of motels and hotels for sale and/or lease

3. Compilation of publicly owned sites, excluding parks, actively used city facilities, and occupied housing.

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Property Map & List Report
Property Summary Statistics
Property Attributes Low Average Median High
Building SF 5,000 SF 13,802 SF 10,935 SF 54,208 SF
Year Built 1918 1955 1959 2008
Available SF 5,000 SF 13,032 SF 10,000 SF 52,097 SF
Asking Rent Per SF/YR $1.50 $26.99 $26.88 $42.00
Availability % 45.9% 94.4% 100% 100%
Vacancy % 45.9% 94.4% 100% 100%
Asking Price Per SF $287 .94 $321.36 $320.00 $379.80
Cap Rate - - - -
Star Rating 2 2.2 2 3
Property List
Property Name/
Address Type Built/
Renovated
Size
(% Leased) SF Available Asking Rent Asking Price
(Cap Rate)
1 2911 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley, California 94705
Retail
1930/1991 5,000 SF 5,000 $19.20
SF/Year/TBD $1,899,000
© 2025 CoStar Group - Licensed to City of Berkeley - 1560002

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Property List (Continued)
Property Name/
Address Type Built/
Renovated
Size
(% Leased) SF Available Asking Rent Asking Price
(Cap Rate)
2 2524 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley, California 94704
Retail
1928 5,200 SF 5,200 $36.00
SF/Year/NNN Not For Sale
3 2009 San Pablo Ave
Berkeley, California 94702
Retail
1925 6,396 SF
(13.5%) 5,535 $19.80 SF/Year/IG Not For Sale
4 1101-1109 University Ave
Berkeley, California 94702
Retail
1995 8,367 SF
(27 .9%) 514 - 6,030 $30.00 - 42.00
SF/Year/NNN Not For Sale
5 1491-1495 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley, California 94709
Retail
1979 6,750 SF
(2.4%) 2,655 - 6,585 Withheld Not For Sale
6 2286 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley, California 94704
Retail
1972 6,800 SF 6,800 $33.00
SF/Year/NNN Not For Sale
7 3031-3051 Adeline St
Berkeley, California 94703
Retail
1934 15,260 SF
(54. 1%) 7 ,000 $30.00
SF/Year/NNN Not For Sale
8 1230 5th St
Berkeley, California 94710
Warehouse
2008 7 ,235 SF
(100%) 7 ,235 $1.50
SF/Year/NNN Not For Sale
9 2450 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley, California 94704
Retail
1918 11,557 SF
(35. 1%) 7 ,500 $36.00
SF/Year/NNN Not For Sale
10 2277 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley, California 94704
Retail
1920/1996 8,335 SF 2,538 - 8,335 Withheld $2,400,000
11 2000-2006 San Pablo Ave
Berkeley, California 94702
Retail
1969/2013 9,325 SF
(49.6%) 4,700 - 9,400 $27 .96
SF/Year/NNN Not For Sale
12 1805-1807 Eastshore Hwy
Berkeley, California 94705
Warehouse
1966 10,000 SF 10,000 $22.80
SF/Year/MG $3,200,000
13 1095 University Ave
Berkeley, California 94710
Retail
1923 10,563 SF 5,281 - 10,563 Withheld Price Not Disclosed 14 2454-2464 Telegraph Ave
Berkeley, California 94704
Retail
1966 10,935 SF 10,935 Withheld Not For Sale
15 710 Bancroft Way
Berkeley, California 94710
Warehouse
1991 11,000 SF 11,000 $25.80 SF/Year/IG Not For Sale
© 2025 CoStar Group - Licensed to City of Berkeley - 1560002

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Property List (Continued)
Property Name/
Address Type Built/
Renovated
Size
(% Leased) SF Available Asking Rent Asking Price
(Cap Rate)
16 1536 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley, California 94709
Retail
1980 11,340 SF 11,340 Withheld Price Not Disclosed
17 Bldgs 6
1360 5th St
Berkeley, California 94710
Warehouse
1930 11,748 SF
(100%) 2,000 - 11,748 $24.00
SF/Year/NNN Not For Sale
18 620 Hearst Ave
Berkeley, California 94710
Manufacturing
1978 12,000 SF 12,000 $22.80
SF/Year/MG Not For Sale
19 1931-1941 San Pablo Ave
Berkeley, California 94702
Retail
1925 18,728 SF 18,728 Withheld Price Not Disclosed
20 2700 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley, California 94705
Retail
1946 22,689 SF
(100%) 8,462 - 22,689 Withheld Not For Sale
22 641 Gilman St
Berkeley, California 94710
Warehouse
1950 29,019 SF 10,998 - 29,019 Withheld Not For Sale
23 2630 8th St
Berkeley, California 94710
Manufacturing
1959 54,208 SF
(3.9%) 8,000 - 52,097 Withheld Not For Sale
© 2025 CoStar Group - Licensed to City of Berkeley - 1560002

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Property #21 has been removed by staff, as this property is no longer on the market.

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SenS Hotel & Bistro Berkeley - 1538-1540 Shattuck Ave Midscale Berkeley, California 94709 (Alameda County) - Oakland/Berkeley/Hayward Submarket Hotel Property Summary
Rooms 18
Built 1962
Stories 3
Operation Type Independent
Parking Spaces 25 (1.39/Room)
Commercial Asking Rent Withheld
Property Details
Land Area 0.09 AC (3,920 SF) Construction Type Masonry
Building FAR 3.35 Zoning C-NS
Primary Corridors Interior Parcel 059-2263-009-00
Hotel Location Type Urban
Transportation
Parking Details 25 Surface Spaces; Ratio of 1.39/Room
Traffic Volume
13,654 on Vine St (2025); 9,862 on Henry St (2025); 10,095 on Walnut St (2025); 13,654 on Rose St (2025); 14,509 on Lincoln St (2025); 10,379 on Cedar St (2025); 5,714 on Vine St (2025); 3,751 on Henry St (2025); 3,692 on Walnut St (2025); 11,024 on Bonita Ave (2025)
Transit/Subway
Downtown Berkeley
13 min walk
Downtown Berkeley Station
13 min walk
North Berkeley Station
19 min walk
North Berkeley
19 min walk
Commuter Rail
Berkeley
7 min drive
Emeryville
11 min drive
Airport
Metro Oakland International 27 min drive
San Francisco International 42 min drive
Walk Score ® Walkers Paradise (98)
Transit Score ® Good Transit (64)
© 2025 CoStar Group - Licensed to City of Berkeley - 1560002

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University Inn and Suites - 920 University Ave Upper Midscale Berkeley, California 94710 (Alameda County) - Oakland/Berkeley/Hayward Submarket Hotel Property Summary
Rooms 113
Built/Renovated 1967/2004
Stories 3
Operation Type Independent
Meeting Space 4,944 SF
Parking Spaces 95 (0.84/Room)
Commercial Asking Rent Withheld
Property Details
Land Area 1.54 AC (67 ,082 SF) Construction Type Wood Frame Building FAR 1.40 Zoning HOTEL
Primary Corridors Interior Parcel 056-1967-016-01
Hotel Location Type Urban
Transportation
Parking Details 95 Surface Spaces; Ratio of 0.84/Room
Traffic Volume 18,624 on 7th St (2025); 9,312 on University Ave (2025); 7 ,987 on University Ave (2025); 3,787 on Addison St (2025); 3,451 on 5th St (2025); 21,258 on 10th St (2025); 5,040 on 5th St (2025); 17 ,558 on San Pablo Ave (2025) Transit/Subway
North Berkeley
19 min walk
North Berkeley Station
19 min walk
Commuter Rail
Berkeley
5 min walk
Emeryville
6 min drive
Airport
Metro Oakland International 23 min drive
San Francisco International 36 min drive
Walk Score ® Walkers Paradise (96)
Transit Score ® Good Transit (60)
© 2025 CoStar Group - Licensed to City of Berkeley - 1560002

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Internal

LOCATION NAME IMAGE STREETNUM STREETNAME STREETSUFX BLDGSQFT LOTSQFT OWNERNAME

AFRICAN AMERICAN HOLLISTIC CENTER
(PLANNED)
1890 Alcatraz, initially planned to
be renovated, is now planned for
demolition and replaced with a
new structure. The current
structure has been red tagged
and therefore cannot be used
due to significant structural
issues. Construction to begin late
2026 with anticipated
completion in 2028.
1890 ALCATRAZ AVE 4425 9403 CITY OF BERKELEY

PARKING LOT ON NORTH EASTERLY CORNER OF

ADELINE AND ALCATRAZ
Currently used by SAHA for
parking. No formal lease or
license agreement for SAHA's use
has been issued.
2931 ALCATRAZ AVE 5831 CITY OF BERKELEY
PERFORMING ARTS FACILITY PARCEL 3 (aka BLACK

REPERTORY GROUP THEATER)
Berkeley Cultural Arts Center,
parcel 3 of 3, was built and
constructed by City. The Black
Repertory Group has used and
occupied the building since
construction was completed in
1986. New agreement between
City and BRG is currently being
negotiated.
3209 ADELINE ST 0 5936 CITY OF BERKELEY
PERFORMING ARTS FACILITY PARCEL 2 (aka BLACK

REPERTORY GROUP THEATER)
Berkeley Cultural Arts Center,
parcel 2 of 3, was built and
constructed by City. The Black
Repertory Group has used and
occupied the building since
construction was completed in
1986. New agreement between
City and BRG is currently being
negotiated.
3205 ADELINE ST 0 5355 CITY OF BERKELEY
Source: Public Works Real Property 1 of 10

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Internal
PERFORMING ARTS FACILITY PARCEL 1 (aka BLACK

REPERTORY GROUP THEATER)
Berkeley Cultural Arts Center,
parcel 1 of 3, was built and
constructed by City. The Black
Repertory Group has used and
occupied the building since
construction was completed in
1986. New agreement between
City and BRG is currently being
negotiated.
3201 ADELINE ST 24150 5806 CITY OF BERKELEY

BART ROW (ADELINE AT ALCATRAZ)
Parcel where BART trains enter
and exit underground tunnel
south of Ashby BART Station.
3012 ADELINE ST 5553 CITY OF BERKELEY

FIRE WAREHOUSE STORAGE LOT
Vacant lot next to the 9th Street
Bike Trail currently used by
Berkeley Fire Department for
training and storage of special
firehoses to bring water directly
from the Bay to the Berkeley
Hills.
2642 ASHBY AVE 8725 CITY OF BERKELEY

SPIRAL GARDENS (SFROW PROPERTIES)
Spiral Gardens is a community
food security nonprofit
organization that offers food,
herbs, and other beneficial plants
at affordable prices to the
community. They have an
agreement through PRW for use
of the land.
2850 SACRAMENTO ST 12423 CITY OF BERKELEY
Source: Public Works Real Property 2 of 10

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Internal

TELEGRAGH CHANNING GARAGE AND SHOPS
Formerly known as Sather Gate
Garage, this City garage with
ground floor retail space was
seismically upgraded in 1997.

The garage currently has one
vacant 1400 sf storefront space
that could be utilized for
homeless programming,
whereas other city garages
currently do not.
2431 CHANNING WAY 189867 32685 CITY OF BERKELEY

COMMUNITY GARDEN (SFROW)
This parcel of the City's Santa Fe
Right of Way properties is
currently used as a community
garden. This lot is NOT planned
to be part of the new Santa Fe
ROW park, a state grant funded
project.
2442 BANCROFT WAY 38526 CITY OF BERKELEY
ANN CHANDLER PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER (Leased)
830 University is leased to
Lifelong Medical and Berkeley
Free Clinic. Lease expires in late
2028.
830 UNIVERSITY AVE 14821 CITY OF BERKELEY
VACANT LAND Small vacant lot acquired by City
in 1968. 1901 HENRY ST 1552 CITY OF BERKELEY
Source: Public Works Real Property 3 of 10

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Internal

VACANT LAND
Small vacant lot where historic
Kenney Cottage was stored. It
was used for housing trailers
during COVID and is currently
being used to store City vehicles.
1281 UNIVERSITY AVE 0 3611 CITY OF BERKELEY

UNIVERSITY AVENUE CENTER (RETAIL OFFICE

BUILDING)
1011 University is a retail and
office space building purchased
in 2017. Retail space fronting on
University (4,000 sqft) is
currently empty. The rear first
floor is Meals on Wheels current
location. The Public Heath
Officer Unit is on the second
floor. This building is roughly
13,000 square feet.
1011 UNIVERSITY AVE 18094 10400 CITY OF BERKELEY

UNIVERSITY AVENUE CENTER (WAREHOUSE AND

HISTORIC MOBILIZED WOMEN OF BERKELEY
BUILDING) - 1001 WAREHOUSE, 1007

COMMUNITY CENTER
This parcel has two buildings.
1001 University is a warehouse
previously approved by Council
for use as a shelter. Currently
Berkeley Food Network occupies
the building. 1007 University is a
historic building built by the
Mobilized Women of Berkeley
for use as a community center.

Beginning in 2010 it was Bauman
College, a cooking and nutrition
school. 1007 is currently used
and occupied by Fire Training
until Summer 2026. Currently
1001 UNIVERSITY AVE 16470 20804 C ITY OF BERKELEY
Source: Public Works Real Property 4 of 10

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UNIVERSITY AVENUE CENTER CITY PARKING LOT
This parcel includes the ADA
accessible ramp for UAC and
surface parking lot adjacent to
1001, 1007, and 1011 University
Avenue.
1925 9TH ST 0 6500 CITY OF BERKELEY

OLD RDA LEASED LAND
One of two parcels leased to
Abrams, Millikan & Kent for 65
years (1986-2051) for $1 per
year. Tenants have right of first
refusal should the City decide to
sell the property. This is a land
only lease.
1819 FOURTH ST 3750 CITY OF BERKELEY

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Internal
RDA LAND with house
This single family house is
currently housing program
location for Insight Housing.
1654 FIFTH ST 1500 5300 CITY OF BERKELEY

RDA VACANT LAND
This location was previously
approved by City Council for use
as a Housing development site
primarily to benefit people
experiencing homelessness. The
community gardern formerly on
the site has been inactive for
more than five years.
1631 FIFTH ST 0 5525 CITY OF BERKELEY
PARCEL
Southeasterly corner of Le Conte
Avenue and La Loma Avenue.

Parcel appears to be partially
occupied by a neighboring
privately owned apartment
building.
0 LE CONTE AVE 2498 CITY OF BERKELEY
Source: Public Works Real Property 6 of 10

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Internal

HARRISON HOUSE
Ursula Sherman Village,
commonly known as Harrison
House Shelter, is operated by
Building Opportunities for Self-
Sufficiency (BOSS) on behalf of
the City of Berkeley. Housing and
services are made available to
eligible applicants for up to 6
months.
701 HARRISON ST 6486 6000 CITY OF BERKELEY
HARRISON HOUSE (711 HARRISON USED) Ursula Sherman Village, aka Harrison House 1100 FOURTH ST 3158 18276 CITY OF BERKELEY HARRISON HOUSE (711 HARRISON USED)
Ursula Sherman Village, aka
Harrison House. This parcel also
includes a parking lot next to the
railroad tracks that was used for
trailers during COVID.
1100 FOURTH ST 24622 CITY OF BERKELEY
Source: Public Works Real Property 7 of 10

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Internal

KARL LINN COMMUNITY GARDEN
Community garden dedicated to
Karl Linn in 1993. Linn is credited
with establishing the EcoHouse
next to the garden,
conceptualizing the
transformation of the Ohlone
Greenway into an interpretive
exhibit of the natural and
cultural history of Berkeley.
1305 HOPKINS ST 0 1349 CITY OF BERKELEY
KARL LINN COMMUNITY GARDEN Parcel of Linn garden adjacent to the EcoHouse. 0 HOPKINS ST 0 2155 CITY OF BERKELEY

VACANT LAND
Parcel is essentially a landscaped
median at a hard curve in
Tamalpais Road across from
Tamalpais Path. A neighboring
home may be partially located on
this parcel.
0 TAMALPAIS RD 0 3011 CITY OF BERKELEY
Source: Public Works Real Property 8 of 10

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Internal

VACANT LAND (SUTTER BETWEEN YOLO AND

EUNICE)
Parcel is a large landscaped area
adjacent to large single family
houses in the Berkeley Hills.
0 SUTTER ST 8260 CITY OF BERKELEY

NORTHBRAE TUNNEL APPROACH
Parcel includes landscaped area
and right of way approach to
Northbrae Tunnel.

HOPKINS ST 9831 CITY OF BERKELEY

VACANT LAND
Parcel is very large landscaped
area adjacent to 1138 Sterling
where large single family home
and its garage with living unit on
neighboring lot in the Berkeley
Hills. Lot appears to be
maintained as an expansion of
private properties' rear yard.
0 TWAIN AVE 2820 CITY OF BERKELEY
Source: Public Works Real Property 9 of 10

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Internal

VACANT LAND (THE UPLANDS)
Commonly known as Round Park,
this area is not a public park but
rather a landscape area at the
terminus of Parkside Drive in The
Uplands, a wealthy historic
neighborhood.
0 PARKSIDE DR 16767 CITY OF BERKELEY

PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY
Landscaped wide median
separating different legs of
Hillcrest Road
0 HILLCREST RD 4427 CITY OF BERKELEY

VACANT LAND
20,000+ square foot lot
between 686 and 660 Euclid
Ave, partially fenced in by one
or more private homeowners.

Located on a steep slope
surrounded by private
residences.
0 EUCLID AVE 20861 CITY OF BERKELEY
Source: Public Works Real Property 10 of 10

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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/

INFORMATION CALENDAR
October 14, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: David White, Deputy City Manager
Subject: Staff Shortages: City Services Constrained by Staff Retention Challenges and Delayed Hiring Audit Status Report

INTRODUCTION
On July 11, 2023, the City Auditor submitted a Staff Shortages: City Services Constrained by Staff Retention Challenges and Delayed Hiring audit report1 to the City Council with recommendations that the City establish retention goals, conduct an analysis of staff needed for city services and consider staff capacity around new legislation. It was also recommended that the City take steps to address employee satisfaction and improve the recruiting and hiring process. Further, the audit recommended that the City expand the telework policy to align with best practices and regularly collect data on employee satisfaction and on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

The purpose of this information item is to update City Council on the status of implementation of the audit report’s recommendations. This is the third status report regarding this audit.

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
The audit included 25 recommendations. As of the writing of this report, one (1) of those recommendations have not been started, four (4) have been started, five (5) have been partially implemented and fifteen (15) have been implemented. Despite changes in staffing and leadership, the City has maintained progress on implementation and demonstrated commitment to addressing audit findings. However, due to the City’s ongoing deficits and fiscal constraints, continued progress on implementing some of the recommendations will be hampered.

Human Resources continues to prioritize training, recruitment, and retention as part of the City’s Employer of Choice initiative. Efforts include expanded outreach strategies, strengthened candidate pipelines, and a focus on employee development and career 1 Staff Shortages: City Services Constrained by Staff Retention Challenges and Delayed Hiring (https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Staff%20Shortages%20-- %20City%20Services%20Constrained%20by%20Staff%20Retention%20Challenges%20and%20Delayed %20Hiring_0.pdf)

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INFORMATION CALENDAR
Staffing Shortages: Audit Status Report October 14, 2025 advancement. Dashboards are leveraged to track vacancies, hiring timelines, and training completion data, providing visibility into workforce trends and allowing departments to target resources where they are most needed. These tools, paired with enhanced recruitment campaigns and consistent onboarding improvements, support the City’s commitment to maintaining a skilled and engaged workforce despite fiscal and staffing challenges.

In addition, the City Manager’s Office has expanded communication efforts through new platforms, regular engagement opportunities, and leadership convenings. These initiatives are being integrated into ongoing plans to strengthen transparency, employee engagement, and organizational culture.

Please see Attachment 1 for a detailed table of audit report recommendations, corrective action plans, and implementation progress. The next status report to Council is expected to be presented in Fall 2026.

BACKGROUND
The findings of the audit and implementing its recommendations have been valuable in strengthening the workforce and organization. While many of the recommendations require notable time and resources, progress continues to be made. However, as noted above, given the City’s fiscal constraints, it may take more time to fully implement certain recommendations, and it may be the case that certain initiatives may be put on hold. With that being said, focus remains on enhancing employee satisfaction, retaining valuable staff members, and refining our hiring processes. A dedicated and motivated workforce is crucial to the successful functioning of the organization and the delivery of quality services to the Berkeley community.

The organization continues to focus on being an employer of choice, providing an environment that fosters growth, recognition, and professional development for employees. By creating a workplace that promotes job satisfaction and overall well- being, the organization can better prevent the challenges of the staffing crisis.

Staff will continue to keep the City Council informed of progress, sharing updates on the implementation of initiatives, and improvements made in staffing strategies.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS
There are no identifiable environmental effects, climate impacts, or sustainability opportunities associated with the subject of this report.

ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS CONSIDERED
None at this time.

CONTACT PERSON
David White, Deputy City Manager, City Manager’s Office, (510) 981-7014

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INFORMATION CALENDAR
Staffing Shortages: Audit Status Report October 14, 2025 Attachments:

1. Audit Findings, Recommendations, and Status Updates

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Finding Department Previous
status update
Current status update
Staff shortages
constrained city
services.

1.1 Establish citywide retention
goals and report to City Council
on progress towards those
goals biennially.

City Manager Partly
Implemented
Partly Implemented:

Human Resources presents on the
status of vacancies and recruitment
and retention efforts at a public
hearing before City Council once per
fiscal year, most recently on June 3,
2025. The City has not established
specific targets yet for retention
goals, given the City's hiring freeze
and budget challenges.

Staff shortages
constrained city
services.

1.2 Conduct a staffing analysis
based on critical needs to
identify the number and type
of full‐time equivalent positions
needed for successful city
operations and services. The
City may consider conducting
this analysis one department at
a time based on available
resources.

City Manager Started Partly Implemented:

Various departments and divisions
have performed staffing analyses to
inform operations. For example, in
2024, the Police Department
completed a Workload
Organizational Study, the Fire
Department completed a Standards
of Coverage Study and Community
Risk Assessment, and the
Neighborhood Services Division in
the City Manager’s Office completed
an organizational analysis. Additional
staffing analyses will be performed
over time as resources allow.

Issue Date: June 22, 2023
Audit Title: Staff Shortages: City Services Constrained by Staff Retention Challenges and Delayed Hiring Recommendation

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Some current city
employees
reported
dissatisfaction and
many have
contemplated
leaving.

2.1 Review the highest priority city
job descriptions to ensure they
accurately reflect job duties.

City Manager Partly
Implemented
Implemented:

Human Resources identified the
highest priority job descriptions for
revisions and continues to revise job
classification specifications and
salaries in order to meet the City’s
priority hiring needs on an ongoing
basis. Recent examples include the
modification of the Public Safety
Dispatcher I and II specifications to
create a career track for call takers.

Some current city
employees
reported
dissatisfaction and
many have
contemplated
leaving.

2.2 Consider staff capacity when
introducing new legislation,
and limit or prioritize new
legislation during periods of
short staffing.

Mayor and
Council
Started Started:

Staff communicate staff capacity to
implement new legislation in Council
reports. Additionally, the Agenda &
Rules Policy Committee has been
discussing "City Council Legislative
Systems Redesign, Including
Strengthening the Committee System
to Provide More In‐Depth Review
and Vetting of Major Items," which
City Council will review in the coming
months.

Some current city
employees
reported
dissatisfaction and
many have
contemplated
leaving.

2.3 Report on the status of
approved projects to City
Council, including information
about delays caused by staff
vacancies.

City Manager Started Implemented:

City departments provide updates to
Council on the status of approved
projects and the impacts of staff
vacancies through information
reports, presentations, off‐agenda
memos, and updates posted to the
City’s website.

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Some current city
employees
reported
dissatisfaction and
many have
contemplated
leaving.

2.4 Improve pathways for
promotion in the City through a
citywide succession plan, which
may include cross‐training for
positions.

City Manager Partly
Implemented
Partly Implemented:

Human Resources implemented
NEOGOV Learn in January 2025, and
the City launched its bi‐annual
mandatory training to all staff
members via the online platform. In
addition, NEOGOV Learn offers a
course catalog of professional
development and technical courses
from which supervisors can
customize individual learning plans.

At this time, broader succession
planning is not feasible due to
budget and staff limitations.

Some current city
employees
reported
dissatisfaction and
many have
contemplated
leaving.

2.5 Direct departments to ensure
that all employees receive an
annual performance
evaluation.

City Manager Started Started:

Human Resources is considering
using Tyler / ERMA to track
performance evaluations, as the
Department would like to
consolidate this work into one
system, however, a timeline to
implement this technology
enhancement has not been
determined.

Some current city
employees
reported
dissatisfaction and
many have
contemplated
leaving.

2.6 Implement a comprehensive
training program that ensures
staff at all levels receive the
training they need to fulfill
their job duties and develop
their job skills as needed.

Consider increasing the training
budget and redesigning the
training curriculum to best
address the needs of a post‐
pandemic workforce,
improving training for
supervisors and managers,
ensuring that experts conduct
trainings, and allowing
employees to request specific
trainings.

Human
Resources
Started Implemented:

Human Resources launched NEOGOV
Learn as a training portal for all
employees. As part of its NEOGOV
launch, Human Resources piloted the
City’s Supervisor Learning Plan, a
hybrid learning experience that
combines self‐paced online learning
and engaging classroom discussions.

Designed with a competency‐based
approach, the program focuses on
the essential knowledge, skills, and
behaviors needed for effective front‐
line leadership in the City of
Berkeley.

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Some current city
employees
reported
dissatisfaction and
many have
contemplated
leaving.

2.7 Ensure that all city employees
complete mandatory trainings
in accordance with the state
law. Report data on mandated
trainings to Council annually.

Human
Resources
Partly
Implemented
Implemented:

City Council receives weekly updates
from Human Resources, which have
included updates regarding the
launch of NEOGOV Learn in January
2025, and the percentage of bi‐
annual mandatory trainings
completed by city staff.

Some current city
employees
reported
dissatisfaction and
many have
contemplated
leaving.

2.8 Update City Council on the
recruitment status of hard‐to‐
fill positions during the biennial
budget process, as well as steps
taken to fill these positions.

City Manager Partly
Implemented
Implemented:

The reporting of hard‐to‐fill positions
has been rolled into the annual
public hearing mandated under AB
2561, in which Human Resources
presents on the status of vacancies
and recruitment and retention
efforts at a public hearing before City
Council once per fiscal year, most
recently on June 3, 2025.

Some current city
employees
reported
dissatisfaction and
many have
contemplated
leaving.

2.9 Identify positions that are hard‐
to‐recruit and retain and
consider reassessing pay for
those positions.

City Manager Partly
Implemented
Implemented:

Human Resources has identified hard‐
to‐recruit and retain positions based
on vacancies and reporting data. As
consideration for reassessing pay for
those positions the Human
Resources department is in the
process of completing classification
and compensation studies for hard‐
to‐fill and other agreed‐upon
classifications, which were agreed to
during labor negotiations.

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Some current city
employees
reported
dissatisfaction and
many have
contemplated
leaving.

2.10 Assess employees’ needs
regarding communication from
the City Manager’s Office and
design a communication
strategy that addresses those
needs.

City Manager Partly
Implemented
Implemented:

The City Manager’s Office continues
to incorporate new communication
models. Over the past year, the City
Manager has 1) conducted two
online town halls with more
scheduled for the future; 2)
instituted the weekly wrap up, a
summary of new and exciting work
happening across all City
departments; 3) conducted one
annual managers meeting bringing
together 80 of the top leadership
team members in the City to discuss
how to improve City services and
employee engagement; 4) ensured
that our open house rotation
continues as planned. In alignment
with the goals of the Employer of
Choice initiative, these efforts are
being integrated into annual plans to
ensure continuation of effort.

Instability in
Human Resources
delayed hiring and
impacted internal
services.

3.1 Assess the level of staff and
resources needed to meet the
City’s recruitment and hiring
needs. Prioritize filling these
positions when vacancies in
this area fall below a level that
would jeopardize the City’s
ability to hire quickly.

City Manager Implemented Implemented:

This recommendation has been fully
implemented with the hiring of three
additional employees: one Associate
HR Analyst dedicated to recruitment;
one Associate HR Analyst assigned to
exams; and one Assistant HR Analyst
supporting Benefits. HR’s
recruitment team additionally has
standing meetings with departments
during which they identify and
prioritize hiring needs.

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Instability in
Human Resources
delayed hiring and
impacted internal
services.

3.2 Assess the approval process for
hiring new employees and
identify opportunities to
reduce inefficiencies.

City Manager Implemented Implemented:

This recommendation has been fully
implemented with the development
of exam plans at the outset of every
hiring process. Human Resources
(HR) has also changed the order by
which hiring approvals are processed
in NeoGov, the City's hiring platform.

HR has implemented additional steps
to reduce inefficiencies including e‐
offers and e‐reference checks
through the NeoGov hiring system.

HR has also obtained LiveScan
certifications for some staff members
and will be moving the fingerprinting
process in‐house as soon as they
receive final approval.

Instability in
Human Resources
delayed hiring and
impacted internal
services.

3.3 Develop and execute a plan to
modernize recruitment and
hiring using social media and
community engagement.

Human
Resources
Partly
Implemented
Implemented:

Human Resources has completed the
engagement with marketing agency,
Sensis, which resulted in the creation
of a career website
(https://www.berkeley.careers),
increased social media presence
across different platforms, creative
advertisements, algorithm tools for
candidate outreach, and direct
marketing campaigns. Human
Resources will maintain these tools
with individual consultants and
continue to employ digital recruiting
strategies.

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Instability in
Human Resources
delayed hiring and
impacted internal
services.

3.4 Communicate standard
procedures and trainings for
NEOGOV and the City’s hiring
process to all department
heads and hiring managers.

Human
Resources
Partly
Implemented
Implemented:

Human Resources hosted training
sessions with each department’s
hiring managers and distributed step‐
by‐step instructions on the hiring
process and how to utilize NEOGOV’s
Online Hiring Center (OHC).

Instability in
Human Resources
delayed hiring and
impacted internal
services.

3.5 Improve the employee
onboarding process so
employees have the tools and
information they need to do
their jobs.

Human
Resources
Implemented Implemented:

The corrective action has been fully
implemented with the automation of
Onboarding through NEOGOV and
the launch of the new, in‐person
“Welcome to Berkeley” orientation
program.

Telework can
benefit the City
but the current
policy is limited.

4.1 Identify ways of reducing
unused space in city buildings
to save on overhead costs. This
initiative may require
additional resources beyond
city staff.

City Manager Started Started:

This work is generally being done at
the department level, as resources
allow. However, in August 2025, the
Public Works Department recently
initiated Phase I of the Citywide
Facilities Condition Assessment
Project. This multiyear effort builds
upon the Strategic Assessment
Management Plan (SAMP) Roadmap
adopted in April 2022, which
identified facility condition
assessments as a priority. While the
assessment is not directly focused on
City operations, the data collected
will help inform future decisions
regarding space utilization. Also, the
Fire Department completed a Fire
Facilities Master Plan which was
presented to Council May 16, 2023
and is working to consolidate
operations in its new Fire
Headquarters facility, as resources
allow.

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Telework can
benefit the City
but the current
policy is limited.

4.2 Expand the citywide telework
policy to include elements that
align with best practices. This
can include eligibility,
employee accountability,
equipment requests, telework
training, and justifications for
denying employee requests to
telework.

City Manager Started Partly Implemented:

The consulting firm Municipal
Resource Group (MRG) prepared a
Hybrid Workplace Best Practice
Guide as a separate deliverable per
the Employer of Choice roadmap
contract. These materials were
reviewed with the City Manager’s
Office, and the Human Resources
Department subsequently developed
an internal best practices guide for
its operations.

The City lacked
reliable data to
address staff
shortages.

5.1 Clean up personnel data in
ERMA to ensure all employee
data is accurate.

Human
Resources
Partly
Implemented
Implemented:

Human Resources hired a consultant
to standardize abbreviations and
other information within ERMA,
which ensures data integrity and
accuracy.

The City lacked
reliable data to
address staff
shortages.

5.2 Develop standardized
procedures for entering and
managing personnel data in
ERMA.

Human
Resources
Partly
Implemented
Partly Implemented:

Human Resources has begun creating
Standardized Operating Procedures
(SOPs) for many of its processes for
entering and managing personnel
data in ERMA, including engaging
Tyler Technologies to examine
existing processes for efficiency and
workflow.

The City lacked
reliable data to
address staff
shortages.

5.3 Produce reports that can be
used to inform retention and
hiring efforts, which may
include data on vacancies,
recruitments, turnover, or
other useful data. Human
Resources should also report to
City Council on staff vacancies
by department and how long
those positions have been
vacant.

Human
Resources
Partly
Implemented
Implemented:

Human Resources has created
dashboards in PowerBI which track
vacancies, time to hire, and attrition
rates on a monthly basis. On an
annual basis, under AB 2561, Human
Resources presents on the status of
vacancies and recruitment and
retention efforts at a public hearing
before City Council once per fiscal
year.

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The City lacked
reliable data to
address staff
shortages.

5.4 Consistently conduct exit
surveys or interviews and share
results with departments.

Human
Resources
Not Started Started:

Human Resources is currently
utilizing a survey tool for voluntary
exit interviews, but will formulate a
process by which exit interview
results and trends are summarized
and shared with departments.

The City lacked
reliable data to
address staff
shortages.

5.5 Determine the appropriate city
department or other body to
regularly collect data on
employee satisfaction. Data
collection should include
employees’ perceptions about
diversity, equity, inclusion, and
accessibility in the workplace.

The department should
consider publishing the data
and comparing it to previous
years to help inform retention
efforts.

Mayor and
Council
Not Started Not Started:

This work is currently not in process
due to resource and staffing
constraints.

The City lacked
reliable data to
address staff
shortages.

5.6 Resume data collection and
production of Year End
Workforce Reports on
demographic workforce trends
at least annually. Consider
expanding Human Resources’
performance measure reported
in the budget book to capture
diversity at all levels of city
employment.

City Manager Partly
Implemented
Implemented:

Human Resources has created
dashboards in PowerBI which tracks
demographics in applicant and hiring
efforts. Reports are regularly shared
with the Personnel Board.

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INFORMATION CALENDAR
October 14, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: Eleanor Hollander, Economic Development Manager Subject: Civic Arts Grant Awards: Fiscal Year 2026

INTRODUCTION
This report summarizes the Civic Arts Grant awards for the budget appropriated for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). It includes FY26 Civic Arts Grant categories of Individual Artist Projects (10 awards), Community Festivals (29 awards), and Arts Organization General Operating Support (72 awards) for a total of 91 awards totaling $658,214.

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
The Civic Arts Grant award amounts (Attachment 1), as approved by the Civic Arts Commission, include two annual grant categories (FY26 Individual Artist Projects and FY26 Community Festivals), and one biennial grant category (FY26/27 General Operating Support). Awards in the annual Civic Arts Grant categories for FY26 totaled $50,000 for ten (10) Individual Artist Projects and $158,500 for twenty-nine (29) Community Festivals, and $449,714 for seventy-two (72) organizations for General Operating Support.

The Civic Arts program received a total of 202 grant applications in the recent cycle.

Similar to the previous grant cycle, there was high demand for Individual Artist Projects grants, with a total of 49 applications. The high volume of applications was received even with strategic changes to this grant category. In order to attempt funding a higher percentage of applicants, the Individual Artist Projects grant piloted a two-year split among artistic disciplines; artists could apply for projects in film and new media, multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary, social practice, and visual arts disciplines in FY26, and dance, folk and traditional arts, literary arts, music, and theater projects in FY27. Hoping to reduce the applicant pool by 50% with this strategy, however, it only reduced the applicant pool by approximately 15%.

The Community Festivals category received 57 applications, a 33% increase from the last cycle which had 43 applications. The City has consistently included $158,315 in its budget for this program category. In previous years, the Council has provided additional funds to bring the total allocation up to $200,000, however, for FY26, no additional funds were appropriated to the Community Festivals grant category due to the City’s

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FY26 Civic Arts Grant Awards INFORMATION CALENDAR
October 14, 2025

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fiscal constraints. This combination of a larger application pool and limited funding resulted in the program being able to fund fewer applications (29 funded in 2026 vs. 34 funded in 2025) than in previous years.

The FY26/27 General Operating Support grant category received 78 applications from Berkeley’s arts and cultural organizations, representing a total request amount of $769,285. The Grants Subcommittee opted to fund all eligible applications, with most awards at $4,000.72 each. All told, 72 Berkeley-based arts and cultural organizations were awarded in this grant category.

The new Arts Programs grant category received a total of 18 applications, all from nonprofit organizations not previously funded by the City’s Civic Arts program. This grant program, anticipated to be offered for a second year, was initially funded by a $40,000 National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) award received in November 2024, with matching City of Berkeley General Fund contributions of $40,000, creating a total program budget of $80,000 intended to fund sixteen $5,000 projects for arts and cultural activities in Berkeley. A four-member panel reviewed and scored all eligible applications and convened on May 21, 2025, to discuss the submissions, despite the NEA's withdrawal of their grant award on May 2, 2025, as there remained hope that the withdrawal could be successfully appealed. However, after Civic Arts filed an appeal with the NEA on May 9, 2025, a final determination upholding the federal grant withdrawal was issued on August 20, 2025, prompting the cancellation of the Arts Programs grant category for FY26 due to the absence of funding.

The combination of increased applications and funding constraints led to smaller individual award amounts in both the Festivals and the General Operating Support grant categories for FY26. Recognizing the current financial challenges facing arts organizations, the Civic Arts Commission made the strategic decision to fund all eligible General Operating Support applicants this year, resulting in a greater number of grantees in this category but with necessarily smaller individual awards.

BACKGROUND
The Civic Arts FY26 grant application period started January 6, 2025 and had staggered application deadlines for each grant category (see table below):

FY25 Civic Arts Grant Program Category Grant Application Deadline Individual Artist Projects February 19, 2025
Arts Programs February 26, 2025
Community Festivals March 5, 2025
General Operating Support March 12, 2025
In January 2025, at the beginning of the application period, Civic Arts staff held four grant webinars (one workshop for each grant category) to inform applicants about eligibility, application requirements, and to provide instruction on using the online grants submittal and management system. All webinars were held virtually using Zoom

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FY26 Civic Arts Grant Awards INFORMATION CALENDAR
October 14, 2025

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Webinar. Recordings of the webinars were also made available on the Civic Arts website for applicants’ reference.

To evaluate the grant applications, Civic Arts staff selected panelists from a Civic Arts Commission-approved pool of potential panelists. The pool consists of individuals from the greater Bay Area who have substantial backgrounds in arts and culture and a demonstrated commitment to cultural equity. All panelists participated in an orientation and training for their panel service. Between May 13 and June 4, 2025, staff conducted five grant review panel meetings via Zoom webinar. Panelists independently evaluated and scored applications relative to the review criteria prior to the panel meetings and discussed their evaluations with fellow panelists during the meetings.

At the conclusion of the grant review process, the compiled panel scores were presented to the Civic Arts Commission's Grants Subcommittee. The Subcommittee determined award recommendations based on application scores, the grant program guidelines, funding criteria, and available funding. The Grants Subcommittee’s award amount recommendations were then forwarded to the full Civic Arts Commission for approval on June 25, 2025. Civic Arts staff communicated the grant award amount recommendations to all applicants via email after each Civic Arts Commission meeting.

Grant award approvals took place at the following meetings, with the following commission votes at the June 25, 2025 Civic Arts Commission meeting.

Action Item: FY26 Individual Artist Projects Grant Awards M/S/C (Bullwinkel/Blecher) to approve FY26 Individual Artist Projects Grant Awards.

Vote: Ayes — Bachrach, Blecher, Bullwinkel, Montgomery, Woo; Nays — None; Abstain — None; Absent — Pineda, Scott.

Public Comment: 4
Action Item: FY26 Community Festivals Grant Awards
M/S/C (Bullwinkel/Blecher) to approve both scenarios for the FY26 Community Festivals Grant Awards.

Vote: Ayes — Blecher, Bullwinkel, Montgomery, Woo; Nays — None; Abstain — None; Recuse — Bachrach; Absent — Pineda, Scott.

Public Comment: 2
Action Item: FY26 General Operating Support Grant Awards M/S/C (Blecher/Bullwinkel) to approve FY26 General Operating Support Grant Awards.

Vote: Ayes — Bachrach, Blecher, Bullwinkel, Montgomery, Woo; Nays — None; Abstain — None; Absent — Pineda, Scott.

Public Comment: 2

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FY26 Civic Arts Grant Awards INFORMATION CALENDAR
October 14, 2025

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ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS
None.

POSSIBLE FUTURE ACTION
The Civic Arts General Operating Support grant is awarded on a two-year basis to arts organizations and includes an annual amount granted in both fiscal years; Individual Artist Projects and Community Festival grants are awarded on an annual basis and include funding for one year. Staff plans to implement the annual Civic Arts grant application and review process for Fiscal Year 2027 beginning in fall 2025. The grant cycle for FY26 will be substantially similar to this year’s cycle and will culminate with the Civic Arts Commission’s approval of the FY27 grant award amounts in June 2026. Staff will apply for future National Endowment for the Arts funds—if available—to once again offer funding in the Arts Programs grant category. Staff has also applied for funds from the California Arts Council to support this category of grants programing and is awaiting a funding decision at this time.

FISCAL IMPACTS OF POSSIBLE FUTURE ACTION
The City's annual budget typically includes an allocation of $500,000 for Civic Arts Grants to Arts Organizations and Individual Artists and $158,315 for Community Festival grants. To expand future grant opportunities, staff has applied for federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts to reestablish the Arts Programs grant category in FY27, with notification of award or decline expected in November 2025, and has also applied to the California Arts Council for regranting funds, with results anticipated in late 2025.

CONTACT PERSON
Hilary Amnah, Civic Arts, Office of Economic Development, 510-981-7539 Attachment:

1. FY26 Civic Arts Grantees

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Artist/Payee District Discipline Award
Andrei Valladolid District 3 Film and New Media $5,000
Angeline Marie Michael Meitzler District 2 Film and New Media $5,000 Kimberlee Koym-Murteira District 8 Multidisciplinary / Interdisciplinary $5,000 Emmanuele Allamani District 3 Film and New Media $5,000 Niko Alexander District 2 Visual Arts $5,000
Nimisha Doongarwal District 3 Visual Arts $5,000
Shiree Dyson District 2 Social Practice $5,000
Tess Rubinstein District 4 Visual Arts $5,000
Wendy Reid District 5 Social Practice $5,000
Wilma Wyss District 5 Visual Arts $5,000
$50,000
Festival District Payee Award
33rd Annual Indigenous Peoples Day Powwow & Indian
Market District 4 Kala Art Institute $4,900
7th Annual California Native Ways — California Indian Arts & Cultural Festival District 1 Earth Island Institute $6,300 Bay Area Book Festival District 4
Foundation for the Future of Literature and Literacy
(dba Bay Area Book Festival) $6,300
Berkeley Bird Festival
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8 Golden Gate Bird Alliance $5,600
Berkeley California Juneteenth Festival District 3 Berkeley Juneteenth Association, Inc $4,900 Berkeley Festival & Exhibition
District 7
District 4 The San Francisco Early Music Society $6,300 FY26 Individual Artist Projects (10 total)
FY26 Community Festivals (29 total)

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Berkeley Old Time Music Convention
District 1
District 3
District 4 Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center $4,900 Berkeley Poetry Festival
District 2
District 4 Poetry Flash $5,600
Black Women's Roots Festival District 4 Intersection for the Arts $5,600 BORP Adaptive Sports Expo
District 1
District 2 BORP Adaptive Sports and Recreation $5,000
Community & Culture Day District 1 Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center $7,000 Community Health Day- The Art of Collective Healing District 2 Berkeley Herbal Center $5,600 Community Music Day District 1 Crowden Music Center $4,900 Dia de los Muertos 2025 District 4 R.I.S.E. $6,300
Earth Day Interfaith Concert and Jam Sacred Music Fellowship $4,900 EBCLC's Fall Legal Festival District 3 East Bay Community Law Center $6,300 Fist Up Film Festival District 8 Freedom Bound Center $5,600 Freight Education Fest District 4
Berkeley Society for the Preservation of Traditional
Music (dba The Freight) $5,600
La Peña Summer Tianguis and Community Block Party District 8 La Peña Cultural Center, Inc $7,000 Maya's Spring Music Festival District 3 Maya's Music Therapy Fund $1,600 North Shattuck Block Party
District 4
District 5 Montclair Village Association $4,900
San Lázaro-Babalúayé Festival District 1 Herencia Guantanamera $4,900 SF Bay Brazilian Day & Lavagem Festival 2025 District 4 BrasArte the Damasceno Brazilian Cultural
Exchange $4,900
Solano Avenue Stroll District 5 Solano Avenue Association $4,900 The Berkeley Cake Walk District 2
30th and West Live Work Community Arts Center,
Inc $7,000
The Gilman District Street Fair District 1 Berkeley Chamber Foundation $4,900 Voice of Roma’s Herdeljezi Festival District 1 Voice of Roma $5,600 West Berkeley Community Print Festival District 2 Kala Art Institute $4,900 West Side De Berkeley Festival and Car Show District 2 West Side De Berkeley Car Club $6,300 $158,500

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Applicant District
Fiscal Sponsor/Payee
(if different than Applicant) Award
Actors Ensemble District 3 $4,000
Alternative Music Foundation District 1 $3,500
Anatolian Arts Institute District 5 $4,000
Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center District 1 $8,000 AXIS Dance Company District 1 $10,000
BELLA MUSICA INC District 7 $2,000
Berkeley Art Center Association District 5 $4,000
Berkeley Capoeira Collective, Inc District 1 Fractured Atlas $3,914 Berkeley Chamber Performances District 5 $3,000
Berkeley Choro Ensemble District 5 IntermusicSF $4,000
Berkeley Commonplace District 3 $4,000
Berkeley Community Chorus & Orchestra District 4 $4,000 Berkeley Community Media District 4 $4,000
Berkeley Juneteenth Association, Inc District 3 $8,000
Berkeley Playhouse, Inc District 8 $8,000
Berkeley Poetry Festival District 2 Poetry Flash $10,000 Berkeley Repertory Theatre District 4 $8,000
Berkeley Society for the Preservation of Traditional Music (dba The Freight) District 4 $8,000
Berkeley Symphony Orchestra District 4 $4,000
Black Repertory Group District 3 $4,000
BrasArte the Damasceno Brazilian Cultural Exchange District 1 $9,000 California Institute for Community, Art & Nature District 3 Earth Island Institute $10,000 California Jazz Conservatory District 5 $4,000
Capoeira Arts Foundation District 1 $9,000
Cazadero Performing Arts Camp District 5 $3,600
Central Works District 7 $8,000
Danse Lumière District 1 Poetry Flash $4,000
David Brower Center District 4 $4,000
Four Seasons Arts, Inc District 8 $10,000
Gamelan Sekar Jaya District 8 $4,000
FY26 General Operating Support (72 total)

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Girls Garage District 2 $10,000
Heyday District 1 $8,000
Holistic Honu Wellness Center District 1 $10,000
Inferno Theatre District 3 $4,000
JUNTOS Collective, Inc District 1 $8,000
Kairos Music Academy District 5 $4,000
Kala Art Institute District 2 $9,000
Korsa Musical Theater District 2 $4,000
La Peña Community Chorus District 8 $8,000
La Peña Cultural Center, Inc. District 8 $10,000
Lark Traditional Arts District 3 $4,000
Left Margin LIT District 5 Poetry Flash $8,000
Luna Kids Dance, Inc (dba Luna Dance and Creativity) District 2 $9,000 Makers Paradise District 4 $3,500
Mbira District 4 $8,000
New Apollo Youth Symphony Orchestra Inc District 2 $4,000 pateldanceworks District 8 Shawl-Anderson Dance Center $8,000 Play Cafe, Inc District 1 $8,000
PlayGround District 3 $4,000
Poetry Flash District 1 $9,000
Sacred & Profane Chamber Chorus District 3 $4,000
Sacred Music Fellowship District 2 $4,000
Sage and Needles District 2 $8,000
School of The Getdown District 3 Intersection for The Arts $10,000 Sense Object District 1 $9,000
Shawl-Anderson Dance Center District 8 $7,200
Shotgun Players District 3 $9,000
The Berkeley FILM Foundation District 2 $9,000
The CODEX Foundation District 1 $8,000
The Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance District 4 $4,000 The Potters' Studio District 1 $4,000
The Regents of the University of California at Berkeley / Cal Performances District 7 $4,000
The San Francisco Early Music Society District 7 $4,000 Theatre Lunatico District 6 $4,000
Transit Books District 2 $4,000

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UC Alumni Chorus District 6 $4,000
Vital Arts District 5 $9,000
West Edge Opera District 5 $4,000
Wild Projects District 2 $4,000
Women Eco Artists Dialog District 2 $10,000
Young People's Symphony Orchestra Association District 4 $4,000 Youth Spirit Artworks District 3 $8,000
$449,714

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Office of the City Manager

INFORMATION CALENDAR
October 14, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: Janelle Rodrigues, Director of Human Resources Subject: UPDATE: HR Response: Audit Directive(s) for Comprehensive Domestic Violence Policy to Support City Employees

INTRODUCTION
This report is an informational update on progress toward goals recommended by a City Auditor report titled “Domestic Violence Response: Berkeley Needs a Comprehensive Policy to Support City Employees” issued on October 10, 2019.1 Specifically, the report tracks progress toward goals articulated by the Audit’s Corrective Action Plan within the broader context of a workplace violence prevention policy developed by the Human Resources Department.

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
The audit set forth six recommendations, and implementation of five out of six has been completed, while the sixth has been partly implemented. Five of the recommendations were integrated into a finalized domestic violence policy, which is now Administrative Regulation 2.21 available to all City staff via Sharepoint. The implemented recommendations relate to revisions of the title of the policy (to reflect a broader scope), pertinent definitions, factors to be considered in assessing accommodations, supporting documents required for accommodations, and best practices in implementing such a policy. The policy was finalized as Administrative Regulation 2.21 effective September 2, 2025.

As to a sixth recommendation regarding staff training for compliance with the policy, Human Resources has designed a rollout and training plan that provides the A.R. 2.21 to all City staff accompanied by confirmation and a testing of knowledge, understanding, and affirmation of receipt – all via the NeoGov Learn platform. The materials are currently being implemented for Citywide staff dissemination. 1 Domestic Violence Response: Berkeley Needs a Comprehensive Policy to Support City Employees:
https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/2022-01/Domestic-Violence-Response-Report.pdf

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UPDATE: HR Response: Audit Directive(s) for Domestic Violence Policy Informational Calendar October 14, 2025

BACKGROUND
The City Auditor’s Office issued its report on October 10, 2019. HR’s first informational update was provided on November 3, 2022, the second on May 14, 2024, and the third in December 2024. This report is Human Resources’ fourth informational update. The next update will be Fall 2026.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS
There are no identifiable environmental effects or opportunities associated with the subject of this report.

CONTACT PERSON
Janelle Rodrigues, Director of Human Resources, (510) 981-6807.

Attachments:

1. Audit Findings, Recommendations, and Status Updates

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Finding Department Previous
status update
Current status update
Policy does not
completely reflect
state
requirements.

1.1 Define and include sexual assault,
stalking, and witnesses’ rights.

Human
Resources
Partly
Implemented
Implemented:

The new domestic violence
response policy includes
definitions for sexual assault,
stalking, and witness rights.

Policy does not
completely reflect
state
requirements.

1.2 State that when assessing safety
accommodations, Human
Resources takes into
consideration danger to the
employee and undue burden to
the employer.

Human
Resources
Partly
Implemented
Implemented:

The updated policy takes into
consideration danger to the
employee and undue burden to
the employer.

Policy does not
completely reflect
state
requirements.

1.3 Revise the policy title to reflect
the comprehensive scope of the
policy.

Human
Resources
Partly
Implemented
Implemented:

The updated policy is now titled
"Leave Policy for Absence Related
to Acts of Violence".

Policy does not
completely reflect
state
requirements.

1.4 Clarify that requirements for
employees to document their
use of leave or request for
accommodations are at the
discretion of Human Resources
and may include self‐certification
when appropriate. We also
recommend that Human
Resources clarify that employees
are encouraged to come to
Human Resources for assistance
even if they do not initially have
the documentation that may be
requested.

Human
Resources
Partly
Implemented
Implemented:

The updated policy includes
information about self‐certification
and encourages employees to
come to Human Resources for
assistance.

Policy does not
address key
workplace
domestic violence
issues.

2.1 Incorporate the model policy and
all best practice elements
described in this finding, and
communicate this guidance to
city staff.

Human
Resources
Started Implemented:

The updated policy includes model
policy elements and has been
uploaded to Sharepoint for
citywide employee access.

Issue Date: October 10, 2019
Audit Title: Domestic Violence Response: Berkeley Needs a Comprehensive Policy to Support City Employees Recommendation

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Berkeley needs to
prepare all staff to
comply with the
policy.

3.1 Implement best practices,
including: ‐ Training supervisors
and Human Resources staff
about their role in responding to
employees experiencing
domestic violence and providing
information for employees about
the domestic violence response
policy; ‐ Conducting periodic
outreach to employees to inform
them about the policy,
encourage them to come
forward, and provide general
information about domestic
violence; ‐ Facilitating
collaboration among city staff
who have a role in implementing
the policy, and convening a
domestic violence response team
to advise on policies, ongoing
outreach and education, and
Human Resources’
implementation of
recommendations from this
audit; and ‐ Adopting a trauma‐
informed and inclusive approach.

Human
Resources
Started Partly Implemented:

The HR Training unit has
developed training materials for
distribution via NeoGov Learn
which provides staff with the
Administrative Regulation 2.21 and
tests knowledge that the
employee has read and
understands the policy. HR plans to
launch this training on NeoGov
Learn.

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INFORMATION CALENDAR
October 14, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: Jordan Klein, Director, Planning and Development Department Subject: Landmark Preservation Ordinance Notice of Decision: 2000 Blake Street /#LMIN2025-0003

INTRODUCTION
The attached Landmarks Preservation Commission Notice of Decision (NOD) is presented to the Mayor and City Council pursuant to Berkeley Municipal Code/Landmarks Preservation Ordinance (BMC/LPO) Section 3.24.160, which requires that “a copy of the Notice of Decision shall be filed with the City Clerk and the City Clerk shall present said copy to the City Council at its next regular meeting.”

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC/Commission) has designated the subject property as a Landmark. This action is subject to a 15-day appeal period, which began after the notice was mailed on September 29, 2025.

BACKGROUND
BMC/LPO Section 3.24.190 allows the Council to review any action of the Commission in granting or denying Landmark, Structure of Merit, or Historic District status. For Council to review the decision on its merits, Council must appeal the Notice of Decision.

To do so, a Council member must move this Information Item to Action and then move to set the matter for hearing on its own. Such action must be taken within 15 days of the mailing of the Notice of Decision, or by October 14, 2025. Such certification to Council shall stay all proceedings in the same manner as the filing of an appeal.

If the Council chooses to appeal the action of the Commission, then a public hearing will be set. The Council must then rule on the designation within 30 days of closing the hearing, otherwise the decision of the Commission is automatically deemed affirmed.

Unless the Council wishes to review the determination of the Commission and make its own decision, the attached NOD is deemed received and filed.

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Notice of Decision: 2000 Blake Street/#LMIN2025-0003 INFORMATION CALENDAR October 14, 2025

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ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY & CLIMATE IMPACTS
Landmark designation and discretionary alteration reviews by staff and LPC provide opportunities for the adaptive re-use and rehabilitation of historic resources within the City. The rehabilitation of these resources, rather than their removal, achieves construction and demolition waste diversion, and promotes investment in existing urban centers.

POSSIBLE FUTURE ACTION
The Council may choose to appeal the decision, in which case it would conduct a public hearing at a future date.

FISCAL IMPACTS OF POSSIBLE FUTURE ACTION
There are no known fiscal impacts associated with this action.

CONTACT PERSON
Boshi Fu, Assistant Planner, Planning and Development, 510-981-7544 Attachments:
1: Notice of Decision – #LMIN2025-0003/2000 Blake Street

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Attachment 1, Part 1

L A N D M A R K S

P R E S E R V A T I O N

C O M M I S S I O N
N o t i c e o f D e c i s i o n
DATE OF BOARD DECISION: September 4, 2025
DATE NOTICE MAILED: September 29, 2025
APPEAL PERIOD EXPIRATION: October 14, 2025
EFFECTIVE DATE (Barring Appeal or Certification): October 15, 20251 2000 Blake Street – The Havens Apartments
Landmark application #LMIN2025-0003 for the consideration of City Landmark or Structure of Merit designation status for a residential property constructed circa 1949 (APN: 055-1821-019-00).

The Landmarks Preservation Commission of the City of Berkeley, after conducting a public hearing, APPROVED the following designation:
 City Landmark Designation
 Applicant: Landmarks Preservation Commission
1947 Center Street
Berkeley, CA 94704
 Property Owner: Elaine F. Kawakami
PO Box 3479
Berkeley, CA 94703-0479
ZONING DISTRICT: Multi-Family Residential District (R-4) ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STATUS: Not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to the Class 8 exemption for “actions taken by 1 Pursuant to BMC Chapter 3.24, the City Council may “certify” any decision of the LPC for review, which has the same effect as an appeal. In most cases, the Council must certify the LPC decision during the 15-day appeal period. However, pursuant to BMC Section 1.04.070, if any portion of the appeal period falls within a Council recess, the deadline for Council certification is suspended until the first Council meeting after the recess, plus the number of days of the appeal period that occurred during the recess, minus one day. If there is no appeal or certification, the Use Permit becomes effective the day after the certification deadline has passed.

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LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION

NOTICE OF DECISION
#LMIN2025-0003
2000 Blake Street
Mailed: September 29, 2025

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regulatory agencies, as authorized by state or local ordinance, to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of the environment where the regulatory process involves procedures for protection of the environment.” (CEQA Guidelines Section 15308.) Here, the Landmarks Preservation Ordinance (BMC 3.24) is a local ordinance to ensure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, and/or protection of historic structures, which are part of the environment under CEQA. (See Pub. Res. Code § 21084.1.) None of the exceptions to this exemption apply here: (1) this Project is not exempt under Class 3, 4, 5, 6, or 11, so the location exception does not apply; (2) this Project does not involve cumulative impacts from successive projects of the same type in the same place; (3) there is not a reasonable possibility that the activity will have a significant effect on the environment due to unusual circumstances; (4) the Project will not result in damage to scenic resources; and (5) the Project is not located on a site which is included on a list compiled pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the Government Code. (See CEQA Guidelines 15300.2.) The application materials for this project is available online at:
https://berkeleyca.gov/construction-development/land-use-development/zoning-projects or https://permits.cityofberkeley.info/CitizenAccess/Default.aspx

FINDINGS AND APPLICATION MATERIALS ARE ATTACHED TO THIS NOTICE COMMISSION VOTE: 6-0-0-1
YES: CRANDALL, FINACOM, ORBUCH, SCHWARTZ, LEUSCHNER,

MONTGOMERY
NO: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: PLESE
TO APPEAL THIS DECISION (see Section 3.24.300 of the Berkeley Municipal Code):

To appeal a decision of the Landmarks Preservation Commission to the City Council you must:

1. Submit a letter clearly and concisely setting forth the grounds for the appeal to the City Clerk, located at 2180 Milvia Street, 1st Floor, Berkeley. The City Clerk’s telephone number is (510) 981-6900.
a. Pursuant to BMC Section 3.24.300.A, an appeal may be taken to the City Council by the application of the owners of the property or their authorized agents, or by the

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LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION

NOTICE OF DECISION
#LMIN2025-0003
2000 Blake Street
Mailed: September 29, 2025

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application of at least fifty residents of the City aggrieved or affected by any determination of the commission made under the provisions of Chapter 3.24.

2. Submit the required fee (checks and money orders must be payable to ‘City of Berkeley’):
a. The basic fee for persons other than the applicant is $3,000. This fee may be reduced to $1,000 if the appeal is signed by persons who lease or own at least 50 percent of the parcels or dwelling units within 300 feet of the project site, or at least 25 such persons (not including dependent children), whichever is less. Signatures collected per the filing requirement in BMC Section 3.24.300.A may be counted towards qualifying for the reduced fee, so long as the signers are qualified. The individual filing the appeal must clearly denote which signatures are to be counted towards qualifying for the reduced fee.
b. The fee for all appeals by Applicants is $6,000.

3. The appeal must be received prior to 5:00 p.m. on the "APPEAL PERIOD EXPIRATION" date shown above (if the close of the appeal period falls on a weekend or holiday, then the appeal period expires the following business day).

If no appeal is received, the Landmarking will be final on the first business day following expiration of the appeal period.

NOTICE CONCERNING YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS:

If you object to this decision, the following requirements and restrictions apply:

1. If you challenge this decision in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Landmarks Preservation Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing.

2. You must appeal to the City Council within fifteen (15) days after the Notice of Decision of the action of the Landmarks Preservation Commission is mailed. It is your obligation to notify the Land Use Planning Division in writing of your desire to receive a Notice of Decision when it is completed.

3. Pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6(b) and Government Code Section 65009(c)(1), no lawsuit challenging a City Council decision, as defined by Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6(e), regarding a use permit, variance or other permit may be filed more than ninety (90) days after the date the decision becomes final, as defined in Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6(b). Any lawsuit not filed within that ninety (90) day period will be barred.

4. Pursuant to Government Code Section 66020(d)(1), notice is hereby given to the applicant that the 90-day protest period for any fees, dedications, reservations, or other exactions included in any permit approval begins upon final action by the City, and that any challenge must be filed within this 90-day period.

5. If you believe that this decision or any condition attached to it denies you any reasonable economic use of the subject property, was not sufficiently related to a legitimate public

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LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION

NOTICE OF DECISION
#LMIN2025-0003
2000 Blake Street
Mailed: September 29, 2025

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purpose, was not sufficiently proportional to any impact of the project, or for any other reason constitutes a “taking” of property for public use without just compensation under the California or United States Constitutions, your appeal of this decision must include the following information:

A. That this belief is a basis of your appeal.

B. Why you believe that the decision or condition constitutes a "taking" of property as set forth above.

C. All evidence and argument in support of your belief that the decision or condition constitutes a “taking” as set forth above.

If you do not do so, you will waive any legal right to claim that your property has been taken, both before the City Council and in court.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Communications to Berkeley boards, commissions or committees 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 a City board, commission or committee, 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 or in person to the secretary of the relevant board, commission or committee. 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 secretary to the relevant board, commission or committee for further information.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Questions about the project should be directed to the project planner, Boshi Fu, at (510) 981- 7544 or [email protected]. All project application materials may be viewed at the Permit Service Center (Zoning counter), 1947 Center Street, 3rd Fl., during regular business hours.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Findings for Approval

2. Application Materials
ATTEST:

Allison Riemer, Secretary
Landmarks Preservation Commission
cc: City Clerk
Elaine F. Kawakami, PO Box 3479, Berkeley, CA 94703-0479

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LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION

NOTICE OF DECISION
#LMIN2025-0003
2000 Blake Street
Mailed: September 29, 2025

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Attachment 1, Part 2
Landmarks Preservation Commission
Findings for Designation
Quick Facts Project Description:

The applicant is seeking consideration of City Landmark or Structure of Merit designation for a six-unit multifamily property, constructed in 1949 (APN: 055-1821-019-00).

Permits Requested:

Landmark or Structure of Merit Designation. To designate a property as a City Landmark or Structure of Merit, pursuant to Berkeley Municipal Code (BMC) Section 3.24.110.

Staff Recommendation:

Applicant: Landmarks Preservation
Commission (represented by
Commissioner Luke Leuschner)
Property Owner: Elaine F. Kawakami
Trust
Project Address: 2000 Blake Street
GP Land Use: High Density Residential
Zoning: R-4
Historic District: N/A
CEQA: Exempt, pursuant to Section
15061(b)(3) “Review for Exemptions”
Submittal Date: July 14, 2025
Date Deemed Complete: August 1, 2025
Project Planner: Boshi Fu
Staff recommends that LPC:

1. Receive public testimony and close the hearing on this matter.

2. Consider the extent to which the property meets the criteria for local designation under BMC Section 3.24.110.

3. Take favorable action and adopt the draft Findings for Designation Approval.
2000 Blake Street (Havens Apartments)
Landmark Initiation – #LMIN2025-0003
September 4,
2025

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2000 BLAKE STREET LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION - Findings for Designation

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CEQA FINDINGS
The project is not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to the common sense exemption, because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the City Landmark designation may have a significant effect on the environment. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15061.(b)(3) “Review for Exemptions.”)

LANDMARK PRESERVATION ORDINANCE FINDINGS

1. Pursuant to Berkeley Municipal Code (BMC) Section 3.24.110(A)(1)(b) of the Landmarks Preservation Ordinance (LPO), the Landmarks Preservation Commission of the City of Berkeley (Commission) finds that the property at 2000 Blake Street meets the architectural merit criterion for City Landmark designation as an outstanding example of Mid-Century Modern residential design by architect Harwell Hamilton Harris. The Havens Apartments demonstrate Harris’ regional modernist approach through the use of strong horizontal massing, and modular four-foot grid framing system. The buildings also feature the integration of prefabricated Cemesto panels, brick volumes, steel-framed windows, recessed entries, and private rear patios. The property’s intact massing, materials, and layout all reflect Harris’ innovative and economical postwar housing responses. The buildings represent one of the only known surviving multi-family residential designs by Harris in Berkeley.

2. Pursuant to BMC Section 3.24.110(B)(2)(c) of the LPO, the Commission further finds that the property at 2000 Blake Street qualifies for Structure of Merit designation for its period of construction and as a good example of architectural design.

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2000 BLAKE STREET LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION - Findings for Designation

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FEATURES TO BE PRESERVED
This designation shall apply to the subject property, and the following distinguishing features of the property shall be preserved, and missing features shall be restored to the extent possible:

Property
 Flat-roofed, one-story height of the fourplex and duplex, and their location at the corner of Blake Street and Milvia Street
 Arrangement and relationship of the fourplex and duplex, separated by a private alleyway
 For both the fourplex and duplex: Original details per Harris design, including unpainted brick, expression of the four-foot module on the exterior via a painted four- foot board surface with a wooden batten, original steel- and wood-framed windows, placement and design of existing doors, and placement and design of original roof overhangs and roof volume
Fourplex
 Primary (north) elevation and West elevation, including the original symmetrical layout of the four reversed units with their brick carports, overhangs, trellises, and clerestory cutouts
 Rear (south) elevation, with original overhangs and a wall of windows and doors  East elevation of the fourplex
Duplex
 West elevation of the detached garage for the duplex, fronting Milvia  North elevation of the duplex
Site and Landscape Features
 Landscape design per Harris design: one large planter at each end of the carports with low-lying shrubbery, planters beneath windows of the primary (north) elevation, landscaped area at the corner of Blake Street and Milvia Street, and concrete driveway
 Original planters/green space: two at the front of each carport and below windows  Interior courtyards (“service yards”) within the fourplex

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Detail of the Havens Apartments (1949). Photograph by Rondal Partridge, © Rondal Partridge Archive, reproduced herein under Fair Use.

Landmark Nomination:

Havens Apartments
Prepared for the City of Berkeley Landmarks Preservation Commission By Luke Leuschner
Version 1: 9 July 2025
Attachment 1, Part 3

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1. Street Addresses
2000 Blake Street (primary)
2002 Blake Street
2004 Blake Street
2006 Blake Street
2533 Milvia Street
2535 Milvia Street
Berkeley, CA 94704

2. Parcel Information
APN#: 55-1821-19
Block and Lot: Lots 1, 2, 3 and a portion of 4, Shattuck Tract Dimensions: 162’ long (Blake St frontage) x 130’ deep
Cross Streets: Blake Street and Milvia Street

3. Inventories
Is property on State Historic Resources Survey? No.

Is property on Berkeley Urban Conservation Survey? No.

4. Scope
Application for landmark includes:

A. Building: Apartment building

5. Names
Historic Name: n/a
Commonly Known Name: Havens Apartments
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6. Date of Construction
Factual date of construction: 1949
Source: City of Berkeley Permit Records; Historic newspaper records; Harwell Hamilton Harris Papers, Alexander Architectural Archive, UT Austin

7. Architect
Architect: Harwell Hamilton Harris (FAIA, 1903-1990)

8. Builder
Builder: Budd Reininghaus

9. Style
Style: Mid-Century Modern

10. Original Owner
Original Owner: John Weston Havens Jr. (1903-2001)
Original Use: Apartment building

11. Present Owner
Present Owner: Elaine F . Kawakami Trust
Mailing Address: PO BOX 3479, Berkeley, CA 94703

12. Present Use
Present Use: Residential, Multi-Family
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Current Zoning: R-4, Multi-Family Residential

Adjacent Property Zoning: R-4, Multi-Family Residential (east); R-2, Two-family Residential (south)

13. Present Condition of Property
Exterior: Good
Interior: Unknown
Grounds: Fair
Has the property’s exterior been altered?
Yes, some minor alterations have occurred to the exterior of the Havens Apartments.

The most signiﬁcant alteration to the quadraplex is the addition of garage doors to the four carports facing Blake Street, added in 1964 by the successive owner of the property. On the primary facade, wooden gates were added to the entryways of two of 1 the quadraplex units (2006 Blake and 2000 Blake), and wooden slats and screens have been inset into the clerestory cutouts lining the entry walkway to each unit in order to obscure the view into the interior courtyard. On the west facade of the quadraplex, metal bars have been added to the historic windows.

Owing to a wooden fence (which appears to be original or in-kind), it is di ﬃcult to gauge the exact condition of the rear of the quadraplex, although aerial photography makes it clear that the property has not been extended beyond the original footprint, and the lack of building permits indicates that no (permitted) alterations have occurred.

Likewise, the duplex is mostly obscured from the street, but aerials and a lack of building permits indicate no expansions or substantial alterations. While plans called for garage doors on the duplex garage, one garage door on the west facade of the duplex facing Milvia Street has been replaced with a newer incompatible design.

Overall, a selection of minor alterations have occurred on the exterior of the Havens Apartments, but none of them have compromised the architectural integrity and intent of Harwell Hamilton Harris’s design, and all of them are easily reversible. The building as Harris designed it is wholly extent.

City of Berkeley Permit #100821, June 23, 1964, issued to Wells Fargo Bank. 1 Page of 4 38

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14. Description
Grounds
The Havens Apartments consist of three separate buildings sited on a parcel at the corner of Blake and Milvia Streets. Fronting Blake Street is a quadraplex, and located immediately behind it is a duplex with an attached garage. The quadraplex and duplex are separated by an alleyway which runs the length of the property and is surrounded on either side by a wooden board and batten fence.

Landscaping on the site, which is mostly consumed by the two buildings, is minimal.

On the side of the property facing Blake Street are three equidistant trees placed in sidewalk wells. A planter area is located in the front of either garage space. Originally planted with ivy, these planters now contain lawn. A planter at the corner of Blake and Milvia Street contains a large hedged shrub, underplanted with lawn and ivy. Wrapping the west facade of the quadraplex is a planter with ivy and a selection of shrubs and small trees. On the side of the property facing Milvia Street, two equidistant street trees are planted in sidewalk wells.

Quadraplex
The quadraplex, the most visible and signiﬁcant portion of the Havens Apartments complex, is a low-slung structure following Harwell Hamilton Harris’s distinctive Mid- Century Modern style. The structure is one-story and topped with a ﬂat roof. Following the basic tenets of modern design, it contains no ornamentation, emphasizes volume over mass, and was constructed with contemporary materials. Like other works of Harris, the structure is within a strain of distinctly American modernism and incorporates materials like brick to regionalize the otherwise stark nature of modernism as promulgated by the International Style.

The core of the building is a modern wood frame structure constructed on a module in which either a wall panel, window, or door was inserted. Harris’s novel four-foot module system is visible throughout the core of structure, as the wood frame is expressed (similar to a batten) and uniﬁed around the entire structure. This system serves to give the structure a sense of symmetry and logic and is an evocative juxtaposition with the solid brick volumes. The wood frame portion of the structure, which contains the dwelling units, is painted and contains all the original steel frame windows.

The most distinctive visual elements on the quadraplex are the two brick carport volumes that protrude from the structure towards Blake Street. Two interlocking garages (originally carports) consume the interior space, with one garage entrance on either side of the volume. Viewed from Milvia Street, the unpainted brick carports appear as austere, unadorned volumes that emphasize the modularity and modern nature of Harris’s design.

The carport volumes also serve to create a distinct horizontal entryway to each of the units, emphasized by an overhang that extends from the roof of the brick volume. The Page of 5 38

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portion of the brick structure immediately adjacent to the front door of each unit contains a row of clerestory cutouts that look into the interior courtyard. Further highlighting the elongated entryway is the wood frame portion of the structure, which is brought forward so that the entry area is inset and more private. The areas between the two volumes — wood framed and brick — area covered by an open trellis.

Altogether, the front of the quadraplex consists of a series of alternating volumes that are entirely symmetrical in plan. The rear of the quadraplex has a much simpler modern design, consisting of single ﬂat elevation with a wall of ﬂoor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors (in wood frame) inset into the four-foot module frame. The ﬂat-roof extends along the entire length of the structure to create an overhang that shades facade. Each of the four units has a private patio area fenced in by a wooden board and batten fence Duplex and Detached Garage
Although the duplex contains the same elements and materials of the quadraplex, it is much smaller and simpler in design. A ﬂat-roofed structure on a symmetrical plan, the walls are constructed of the same four-foot module system with an expressed frame inset with either wall panels, windows, or doors. The duplexes are entered via the alleyway and share a patio area at the center of the structure, with a divider creating a private patio for each unit.

The parking spaces for the two units are provided by a detached garage with faces onto Milvia Street and is separated with a service yard. The garage is constructed of solid brick walls topped with a wood frame roof, and faced with two garage doors.

Constructed on a slight slope, the north elevation of the garage is wrapped by a raised planter.

15. History
The Architect: Harwell Hamilton Harris
Harwell Hamilton Harris (ﬁg. 1) was born in 1903 in Redlands, CA and grew up in a selection of Southern California locales. His father was an architect who practiced in a variety (and at times blend) of Period Revival styles, and while Harris would ultimately choose architecture for a profession, it was not a logical outcome of his upbringing. 2 After graduating from San Bernardino High School in 1921, Harris attended Pomona College, but soon dropped out after his father’s death and then came to attend the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles, a bastion of modernism where he studied sculpture and became familiarized with the architecture of Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Erich Mendelsohn. In particular, a visit to Wright’s recently completed Hollyhock 3 House in Hollywood (1925) propelled Harris' interest in architecture. Recalling the trip, Lisa Germany, Harwell Hamilton Harris (Austin, TX: University of Texas, Austin, 1985), 10-12. 2 Lisa Germany, Harwell Hamilton Harris (Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 1991), 15-19. 3 Page of 6 38

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he noted that it was “sculpture on a completely diﬀerent scale” and quickly discovered the seminal Wasmuth portfolio of Wright’s architecture, like so many modern architects of his generation.
4 It was shortly after this formative discovery that Harris found employment with Richard Neutra and Rudolph Schindler, two Viennese-born architects (and students of both Adolf Loos and Otto Wagner) oft-cited for pioneering modernism on the West Coast.

Schindler’s seminal King’s Road duplex (1921-22) was a low-slung structure constructed from cast concrete, redwood, and sliding canvas doors with inﬂuence from Wright, Loos, Irving Gill, the architecture of Japan, and a bohemian spirit advanced by his wife Pauline. Although Neutra, like Schindler, had been a disciple of Wright at the height of his “Organic Architecture,” he ultimately developed a starker, machined aesthetic best captured in his Lovell Health House of 1927-29. Instead of pursuing his 5 architectural education at the University of California, Berkeley as he planned, Harris worked for Neutra and Schindler, attended various classes and lecture series on architecture and engineering, and became part of a small but burgeoning culture of modern architecture developing in Southern California of the 1920s and 30s. Along with his friend and fellow architect Gregory Ain, who also worked in the Neutra o ﬃce, Harris was a key ﬁgure in a constellation of young modern architects centered around Schindler and Neutra. (Neutra’s biography would see to him being featured on the cover of
Time Magazine, while Schindler’s would see to him becoming largely forgotten.)
With no formal training and only a brief period of apprenticeship, Harris launched his own practice in 1933, designing a series of homes that combined Wright’s Prairie style, Schindler’s emphasis on contextualism, and Neutra’s interest in modern materials and modularity. His ﬁrst great success was his Fellowship Park House of 1936, a one-room Japanese-inspired pavilion wrapped in glass (ﬁg. 2). The house, which Harris designed for himself, won numerous awards, including an Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects (of which Harris was not even yet a member). This project was 6 immediately followed by a home in Santa Monica Canyon for John Entenza, the publisher behind
California Arts & Architecture who would pioneer its seminal Case Study House Program only a few years later. Designed in a machined, more European idiom of architectural modernism, however, the Entenza house strayed from the style that Harris was developing for himself, which gravitated towards a more organic architecture typical of Schindler and Wright. His works like the Blair house (1939) (ﬁg. 3), Hawk house (1939), Birtcher house (1941-42) (ﬁg. 4) were designed on a low-slung, sprawling format with horizontal redwood siding that would become typical of his contextual yet modern work. By the end of the 1930s, Harris was an established and widely published architect, known mostly for his more thoughtful, regionally sensitive modernism.

Harwell Hamilton Harris, “Architecture as Art,” Journal of the American Institute of Architects 4 (November 1952), 216-219, quoted in Germany, Harwell Hamilton Harris (1991), 22.

Germany, Harwell Hamilton Harris (1991), 22. 5
Germany, Harwell Hamilton Harris (1985), 32-25. 6
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In 1939, Harris was commissioned by Weston Havens (ﬁg. 8), a real estate heir, to design a hillside house on Panoramic Hill in Berkeley (ﬁgs. 5-9). Completed in December of 1941, the home became the most important of his career. For Havens, who was deeply interested in modern design, Harris designed a house that seemed to valiantly extend oﬀ its hillside site into the horizon of the Bay Area. Essentially consisting of three stacked wedge-shaped volumes, the home was designed to maximize views and sunlight, sheathed in redwood, and connected to the street by an angular bridge cantilevered nearly two stories above a central interior courtyard. Upon its completion, the “Sky House” (as Havens initially called it) was featured on the cover of
California Arts & Architecture, photographed by surrealist Man Ray, and written up in nearly every architectural publication. In 1956, the Havens house was selected by the 7 AIA as one of the most important structures of the preceding one hundred years. 8 Harris would design a selection of other projects in Berkeley including the Naylor house (1940), just below the Havens house, the Duhring house on Greenwood Common (1953), and the Havens apartments (1949).

Havens practice continued to grow through the 1940s, during which period he mostly designed large custom residential work but experimented with other types of projects.

During World War Two, like many modern architects, he became interested in well- designed mass housing, including his conceptual Segmental House designed as part of
Architectural Forum’s “194X” program, which sought to imagine the future of architecture and housing after the war. Another twist in Harris’s biography was his 9 discovery of Greene and Greene in 1939, which further took hold in the late 1940s, when he and his wife, Jean Murray Bangs, a writer and architectural historian, led the eﬀorts to document and archive the brothers’ work. In projects like the Johnson house (1947-48), Loeb pavilion (1947), Mulvillhill house (1948), and Wyle house (1946-48), Harris’s work of the late 1940s easily recalls a modernized version of Greene and Greene’s pioneering variety of the Arts & Crafts.

In 1951, Harris moved to Texas to accept position as the director of the School of Architecture at the University of Texas, Austin. During this formative period of the school’s development, Harris hired such seminal voices as the historian Colin Rowe and architect John Hejduk, reoriented the curriculum to contextualize contemporary practice in history, and invited speakers ranging from Wright to Buckminster Fuller. 10 One of his notable projects of this period, completed with a group of students, was the Pace Setter House developed for
House Beautiful and built at the Dallas State Fair in
1955 (ﬁg. 10). The same year, Harris resigned from his post at UT Austin and pursued 11 an architectural practice in Fort Worth and Dallas, where he continued to design Germany, Harwell Hamilton Harris (1991), 85-89. 7
Germany, Harwell Hamilton Harris (1991), 90.8
See Andrew Shanken, 194X: Architecture, Planning, and Consumer Culture on the American Home 9 Front (Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press, 2009).

Germany, Harwell Hamilton Harris (1991), 141-145. 10
Germany, Harwell Hamilton Harris (1991), 148-149. 11
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custom residential homes in addition to a selection of civic and commercial projects. In this later phase of his architectural career, from the 1950s into the early 1960s, his work markedly became more Wrightian in works like the Stevenson house (1955-56), Eisenberg house (1957-58), the Greenwood Mausoleum (1956), and First Unitarian Church of Dallas (1961-63). It was also in these ﬁnal years that Harris worked on some of the larger works of his career, including Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church in Big Spring, TX (1960), the Trade Mart Court in Dallas (1959), and even an unbuilt U.S. Embassy in Helsinki (1957-58).

For the ﬁnal phase of his career, Harris relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina to accept a teaching position at the North Carolina State University. He also continued his architecture practice on the side, designing modern homes throughout the 1960s and into the 1970s for a numbers of professors and professionals in the region, before formally retiring in 1975. Upon his death in 1990, Harris was remembered as a pioneer of a distinctly American strain of modernism, one that emphasized regional sensitivity, organicism, and embraced references ranging from Schindler to Wright to Greene and Greene. In 1984, the famed California historian Esther McCoy published her survey The Second Generation which situated Harris among three other architects (J.R. Davidson, Raphael Soriano, and Gregory Ain) responsible for continuing the modernist project begun by their predecessors and mentors, Schindler and Neutra. Since the publication of that book, Harris has been the subject of two monographs, in addition to countless mentions in any survey of California modernism.

The Client: John Weston Havens Jr.

John Weston Havens Jr. (ﬁg. 8) was born in 1903 into one of Berkeley’s oldest and most formidable families. His grandfather was Francis Kittredge Shattuck (1825-1898) and his father was Shattuck’s nephew and heir, John Weston Havens. Shattuck was among the ﬁrst of Berkeley’s landowners of Anglo origin, becoming a formidable developer, booster, and political ﬁgure, as well as serving variously as a mayor, councilman, and county supervisor in Oakland. As Berkeley’s “most important mover and shaker during the late nineteenth century,” he saw to the development of the downtown (for which he is immortalized in the namesake thoroughfare), and such projects as the city’s ﬁrst public library and even Berkeley’s railroad spur, constructed after his negotiations with Leland Stanford. Over his life, stretching back to the 12 original 160-acre parcel he acquired on the Peralta ranch (on which he was essentially a squatter) in 1852, Shattuck became one of the East Bay’s largest landholders. This 13 property and legacy was passed onto his nephew John Weston Havens (1860-1929), who in turn passed it onto his son.

Charles Wollenberg, Berkeley: A City in History (Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2008), 12 40-41.

Wollenberg, Berkeley, 11-12. 13
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Berkeley City CouncilOctober 14, 2025

Berkeley City Council
October 14, 2025