Tuesday, October 14, 2025 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 1
ANNOTATED 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.
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 2
Preliminary Matters
Roll Call: 6:07 p.m.
Present: Kesarwani, Taplin, Tregub, O’Keefe, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii
Absent: Bartlett
Councilmember Bartlett present at 6:09 p.m.
Councilmember Humbert participated the meeting remotely under the just cause exception in the Brown Act.
Land Acknowledgement Statement: The City of Berkeley recognizes that the community we live in was built on the territory of xučyun (Huchiun (Hooch-yoon)), the ancestral and unceded land of the Chochenyo (Cho-chen-yo)-speaking Ohlone (Oh-low-nee) people, the ancestors and descendants of the sovereign Verona Band of Alameda County. This land was and continues to be of great importance to all of the Ohlone Tribes and descendants of the Verona Band. As we begin our meeting tonight, we acknowledge and honor the original inhabitants of Berkeley, the documented 5,000 -year history of a vibrant community at the West Berkeley Shellmound, and the Ohlone people who continue to reside in the East Bay. We recognize that Berkeley’s residents have and continue to benefit from the use and occupation of this unceded stolen land since the City of Berkeley’s incorporation in 1878. As stewards of the laws regulating the City of Berkeley, it is not only vital that we recognize the history of this land, but also recognize that the Ohlone people are present members of Berkeley and other East Bay communities today. The City of Berkeley will continue to build relationships with the Lisjan Tribe and to create meaningful actions that uphold the intention of this land acknowledgement.
Ceremonial Matters:
1. Recognition of Berkeley Residents Esai Santos and Noah Millikan playing for the Oakland Ballers and the Ballers’ Pioneer League Championship
2. Adjourned in Memory of Berkeley Resident Joanna Macy, Author, Teacher, and Activist
3. Adjourned in Memory of Berkeley Resident Professor Geroge Smoot, Nobel Laureate City Manager Comments: None
City Auditor Comments:
The City Auditor noted the audit updates presented in Information Items 16 and 18 and the successful completion of several recommendations.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Matters: 7 speakers
Public Comment by Employee Unions: 1 speaker
Consent Calendar
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Public Comment on Consent Calendar and Information Items Only: 10 speakers.
Action: M/S/C (Taplin/Tregub) to adopt the Consent Calendar in one motion except as indicated.
Vote: All Ayes.
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 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,974–N.S.
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
Action: Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 7,985–N.S.
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
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,975–N.S.
Consent Calendar
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 4
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 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,976–N.S.
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 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,977–N.S.
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
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,978–N.S.
Consent Calendar
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 5
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
Action: Approved recommendation.
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 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,979–N.S.
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 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,980–N.S.
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 $100,000 to continue services.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Janelle Rodrigues, Human Resources, (510) 981-6800 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,981–N.S.
Consent Calendar
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 6
11. Contract: ESI Group for IBM Hardware, Software, and related Services From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with ESI Group for IBM hardware, software and related services (AS400) for the FUND$ 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 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,982–N.S.
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 Action: Councilmembers Humbert, Tregub, and Lunaparra added as co-sponsors.
Approved recommendation as recommended by the Public Safety Committee.
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 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 71,983–N.S. with co-sponsors added in Supplemental Communications Packet #1
Information Reports
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 7
14. Changes to Special Events Permitting Fees and Requirements From: City Manager
Contact: Peter Radu, City Manager's Office, (510) 981-7000 Action: Received and filed.
15. Referral Response Alternative Housing Options for People Experiencing Homelessness
From: City Manager
Contact: Peter Radu, City Manager's Office, (510) 981-7000 Action: Received and filed. Future update to be submitted through agenda process.
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 Action: Received and filed.
17. Civic Arts Grant Awards: Fiscal Year 2026
From: City Manager
Contact: Eleanor Hollander, Economic Development, (510) 981-7530 Action: Received and filed.
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 Action: Received and filed.
19. Landmark Preservation Ordinance Notice of Decision: 2000 Blake Street /#LMIN2025-0003
From: City Manager
Contact: Jordan Klein, Planning and Development, (510) 981-7400 Action: Received and filed.
Public Comment – Items Not Listed on the Agenda - 0 speakers.
Adjournment
Action: M/S/C (Taplin/O’Keefe) to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: All Ayes.
Adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 8
Communications
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
CareBridge Program
20. Fran Haselsteiner
Rose Street Concerns
21. Walk Bike Berkeley
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 9
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
Public Comment
36. Rose A. Davila
Public School Athletic Trainings
37. Nicoletta Karam
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 10
EMBER
38. Nenelle Bunnin
Slice of Our Markets
39. Cynthia Murdough
Children Safety Concerns
40. Angela Patterson Briscoe
Downtown Berkeley Concerns
41. Ed Iskander
8th 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
2020 Kittrege
55. Alexander Merenkov (6)
56. Manreet Gill
57. HCI
58. K Street Flats
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 11
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 1
Item #13: Urging Police Accountability Board Regulations Completion
69. Supplemental agenda material submitted by Councilmember Brent Blackaby Supplemental Communications and Reports 2
• None
Supplemental Communications and Reports 3
• None