Tuesday, March 24, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 1
ANNOTATED AGENDA
BERKELEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
6:00 PM
SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD ROOM - 1231 ADDISON STREET, BERKELEY, CA 94702
ADENA ISHII, MAYOR
COUNCILMEMBERS:
DISTRICT 1 – RASHI KESARWANI DISTRICT 5 – SHOSHANA O’KEEFE DISTRICT 2 – TERRY TAPLIN DISTRICT 6 – BRENT BLACKABY
DISTRICT 3 – BEN BARTLETT DISTRICT 7 – CECILIA LUNAPARRA DISTRICT 4 – IGOR TREGUB DISTRICT 8 – MARK HUMBERT
This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid model with both in -person 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: 161 845 7872. 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, March 24, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 2
Preliminary Matters
Roll Call: 6:24 p.m.
Present: Kesarwani, Taplin, Bartlett, Tregub, O’Keefe, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii
Absent: None
Report on Litigation
With respect to Information Item Number 27 regarding the settlement between Berkeley People’s Alliance and the City in Alameda County Superior Court Case No. 24CV064980; Cal. Court of Appeal Case No. A172245, the City Council hereby commits, consistent with the Court of Appeal’s ruling, to no longer invoke Government Code Section 54957.9, as it is currently drafted, to recess a meeting and reconvene it in a different room or otherwise relocate the meeting.
Report from Closed Session
The City Council met in closed session on March 16, 2026, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d) and provided directions to outside counsel and approved a settlement by Compromise and Release with open future medical care, as to a workers’ compensation matter assigned claim number BER2300091 and WCAB case number ADJ17101925.
The City Council met in closed session on March 16, 2026, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d) and provided directions to outside counsel and approved a settlement by Compromise and Release with a release of future medical care, or in the alternative, by Stipulations with Request for Award with open future medical care, as to a workers’ compensation matter assigned claim number BER2400044 and WCAB case number ADJ18386036.
Ceremonial Matters:
1. Adjourned in Memory of Marcia Poole, Community Activist
2. Recognition of Holocaust Remembrance Day
3. Adjourned in Memory of Elaine Williams Bloom, Community Activist City Manager Comments:
1. The City Manager removed Item 13 from the Agenda.
2. The City Manager requested that Item 16 be adopted as a budget referral due to cost implications.
City Auditor Comments:
The City Auditor provided a presentation on the Whistleblower investigation regarding the purchase of an ambulance (Item 18).
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 3
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Matters: 10 speakers.
Action: M/S/C (Kesarwani/Bartlett) to accept an urgency item from Councilmember Kesarwani pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(b)(2) entitled Referral to the Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Commission to officially Rename Cesar Chavez Park.
Item added to Action Calendar. Councilmembers Taplin, Bartlett, and Blackaby added as co-sponsors.
Vote: All Ayes.
Public Comment on Consent Calendar and Information Items Only: 23 speakers.
Action: M/S/C (Taplin/Tregub) to adopt the Consent Calendar in one motion except as indicated.
Vote: All Ayes.
Consent Calendar
1. Amendments to BMC Title 23 (Zoning) to Update the Regulation of Nonconforming Lot Coverage, Floor Area Ratio and Density for Residential Uses in Selected Zoning Districts
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt the second reading of Ordinance No. 8,003-N.S. amending BMC Title 23 Section 23.324.050 to update the regulation of nonconforming lot coverage, FAR and density for residential uses in the Residential Multi-Unit 1 (R-1), Residential Multi-Unit 2 (R-2), Residential Multi-Unit 2A (R-2A), and Mixed Use-Residential (MU-R) Zoning Districts.
First Reading Vote: All Ayes.
Financial Implications: None
Contact: Jordan Klein, Planning and Development, (510) 981-7400 Action: Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 8,003–N.S.
2. Amendments to the Berkeley Election Reform Act Regarding the Return of Unspent Public Matching Funds, Reuse of Campaign Materials, Campaign Expenditures and Cost of Living Adjustments
From: Fair Campaign Practices Commission
Recommendation: Adopt the second reading of Ordinance No. 8,004-N.S. amending the Berkeley Election Reform Act, BMC Chapter 2.12.
First Reading Vote: All Ayes.
Financial Implications: None
Contact: Sam Harvey, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-6950 Action: Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 8,004–N.S.
Consent Calendar
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 4
3. Minutes for Approval
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Approve the minutes for the Council meetings of February 9, 2026 (closed), February 10, 2026 (special and regular), February 23, 2026 (closed and special), and February 24, 2026 (special and regular).
Financial Implications: None
Contact: Mark Numainville, City Clerk, (510) 981-6900
Action: Approved the minutes as submitted.
4. Revenue Grant Agreements: Funding Support from Alameda County to Conduct Public Health Services
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt three Resolutions authorizing the City Manager or designee to submit grant agreements to Alameda County, to accept the grants, and execute any resultant revenue agreements and amendments to conduct public health promotion, protection, and prevention services for the following three revenue agreements:
1. Berkeley High School and Berkeley Technology Academy Health Center Programs in the projected amount of $183,918 for Fiscal Year 2027.
2. School Linked Health Services Program (Measure A Funding) in the projected amount of $200,011 for Fiscal Year 2027.
3. Tobacco Prevention Program in the projected amount of $81,329 for Fiscal Year 2027.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5100 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 72,161–N.S. (Berkeley High), Resolution No. 72,162–N.S. (School Linked), Resolution No. 72,163–N.S. (Tobacco Prevention).
5. Rescinding Resolution No. 65,945–N.S. and Establishing the Behavioral Health Commission in Compliance with the Behavioral Health Services Act (SB 326) From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution rescinding Resolution No. 65,945–N.S. and establishing the Behavioral Health Commission. This action updates the Commission’s enabling legislation to comply with the State of California’s Behavioral Health Services Act (SB 326), integrates substance use disorder oversight, and formally dissolves the joint commission agreement with the City of Albany.
Financial Implications: None.
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5100 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 72,164–N.S.
Consent Calendar
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 5
6. Approving Publicly Available Pay Schedule
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving a publicly available pay schedule effective March 24, 2026, pursuant to the Public Employee’s Retirement Law (PERL), Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), and Title 2 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR).
Financial Implications: None
Contact: Janelle Rodrigues, Human Resources, (510) 981-6800 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 72,165–N.S.
7. Mills Act Contract – 2845 Woolsey Street
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Mills Act contract with Michael Pearson and Annette Blum Pearson for the maintenance and restoration of a City Landmark property at 2845 Woolsey Street.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Jordan Klein, Planning and Development, (510) 981-7400 Action: Moved to Action Calendar. 3 speakers. M/S/C (Lunaparra/Blackaby) to continue the item to April 14, 2026.
Vote: All Ayes.
8. Mills Act Contract – 21 Mosswood Road
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Mills Act contract with Isaac Warshauer and Laura Veit for the maintenance and restoration of a City Landmark property at 21 Mosswood Road.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Jordan Klein, Planning and Development, (510) 981-7400 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 72,166–N.S.
9. Contract No. 32400052 Amendment: Berry Brothers Towing and Transport Inc.
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract amendment with Berry Brothers, Contract No. 32400052, to extend the existing capacity to perform towing services from $50,000 to an amount not to exceed $100,000 from November 1, 2023, through October 31, 2027.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Jennifer Louis, Police, (510) 981-5900
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 72,167–N.S.
Consent Calendar
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 6
10. Contract: Lehr Upfitters OPCO dba Lehr Auto for Police Vehicle Supplies, Equipment, and Installation Services
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Lehr Upfitters dba Lehr Auto for Police vehicle supplies, equipment, and installation services, in an amount not to exceed $1,500,000, for a period of April 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Wahid Amiri, Public Works, (510) 981-6300
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 72,168–N.S.
11. Contract: Peterson Trucks, Inc. for Heavy Duty Vehicle Parts and Service From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Peterson Trucks, Inc. for heavy duty vehicle parts and service in an amount not to exceed $300,000 for the term of April 1, 2026, to April 14, 2027, with the option to extend three more years.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Wahid Amiri, Public Works, (510) 981-6300
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 72,169–N.S.
12. Contract: Terocons, Inc. for FY 2026 Curb Ramp & Sidewalk Repair Project From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving specifications for the FY 2026 Curb Ramp & Sidewalk Repair Project (Specification No. 26-11764-C), authorizing the City Manager to accept the bid of Terocons, Inc. as the lowest, responsive and responsible bidder and to execute a contract and any amendments, extensions, or other change orders until completion of the FY 2026 Curb Ramp & Sidewalk Repair Project in accordance with the approved specifications in an amount not to exceed $4,207,883.
Financial Implications: $4,207,883 - Various Funds
Contact: Wahid Amiri, Public Works, (510) 981-6300
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 72,170–N.S.
Consent Calendar
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 7
13. Contracts: Pavement and Safety Improvement/Program Management Consulting Services for Measure FF-funded Projects
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt six Resolutions authorizing the City Manager to execute contracts and any amendments with NCE, Pavement Engineering, Inc., Kittleson & Associates, Sanbell, Cordoba Corporation and Mark Thomas for on-call professional services for Measure FF-funded projects for the amounts listed below, each for a period not to exceed three years:
1. NCE for an amount not to exceed $2,500,000
2. Pavement Engineering, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $2,500,000
3. Kittleson & Associates for an amount not to exceed $2,500,000
4. Sanbell for an amount not to exceed $1,800,000
5. Cordoba Corporation for an amount not to exceed $1,500,000
6. Mark Thomas for an amount not to exceed $600,000
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Wahid Amiri, Public Works, (510) 981-6300
Action: Item removed from the agenda by the City Manager.
14. Contracts: Multi-Disciplinary On-Call Professional Services for Capital Improvement Projects
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt thirty-four Resolutions authorizing the City Manager to execute one or more contracts with the following vendors and the associated not to exceed amounts for on-call civil engineering services for capital improvement projects, for a total contract period of three years:
1. Advanced Mobility Group for an amount not to exceed $500,000
2. AECOM Technical Services, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $1,800,000
3. Alta Planning + Design, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $1,000,000
4. Bureau Veritas North America, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $2,250,000
5. BKF Engineers for an amount not to exceed $1,550,000
6. Coastland DCCM for an amount not to exceed $1,000,000
7. Community Design + Architecture, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $500,000
8. Cornerstone Structural Engineering Group for an amount not to exceed $500,000
9. CSWST2 for an amount not to exceed $1,200,000
10. Dewberry Engineers, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $200,000
11. Diablo Engineering Group for an amount not to exceed $900,000
12. ENGEO Incorporated for an amount not to exceed $350,000
13. Fehr & Peers for an amount not to exceed $1,750,000
14. Geographic Technologies Group, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $500,000
15. GFT Infrastructure, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $950,000
16. GHD, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $500,000
17. Ghirardelli Associates, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $2,250,000
18. HydroScience Engineers, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $1,000,000
19. Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $2,150,000
20. Kittleson & Associates, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $1,000,000
21. LCC Engineering & Surveying, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $1,100,000 Consent Calendar
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22. Mark Thomas & Company, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $200,000
23. Nelson & Nygard Engineering, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $500,000
24. Ninyo & Moore Geotechnical & Environmental Sciences Consultants for an amount not to exceed $500,000
25. Parametrix for an amount not to exceed $350,000
26. Pavement Engineering, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $1,500,000
27. PEC Water, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $1,000,000
28. Sanbell Bay Area for an amount not to exceed $700,000
29. SCI Consulting Group for an amount not to exceed $500,000
30. Swinerton Management & Consulting for an amount not to exceed $2,250,000.
31. TJKM Transportation Consultants for an amount not to exceed $750,000
32. Toole Design Engineering for an amount not to exceed $500,000
33. Wood Rodgers, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $500,000
34. West Yost for an amount not to exceed $1,000,000
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Wahid Amiri, Public Works, (510) 981-6300
Action: Adopted 1. Resolution No. 72,171–N.S. (Advanced Mobility), 2. Resolution No. 72,172–N.S. (AECOM), 3. Resolution No. 72,173–N.S. (Alta Planning), 4.
Resolution No. 72,174–N.S. (Bureau Veritas), 5. Resolution No. 72,175–N.S. (BKF Engineers), 6. Resolution No. 72,176–N.S. (Coastland DCCM), 7. Resolution No. 72,177–N.S. (Community Design), 8. Resolution No. 72,178–N.S. (Cornerstone), 9.
Resolution No. 72,179–N.S. (CSWST2), 10. Resolution No. 72,180–N.S. (Dewberry Engineers), 11. Resolution No. 72,181–N.S. (Diablo Engineering), 12. Resolution No. 72,182–N.S. (ENGEO), 13. Resolution No. 72,183–N.S. (Fehr & Peers), 14.
Resolution No. 72,184–N.S. (Geographic Technologies), 15. Resolution No. 72,185– N.S. (GFT Infrastructure), 16. Resolution No. 72,186–N.S. (GHD, Inc.), 17.
Resolution No. 72,187–N.S. (Ghirardelli), 18. Resolution No. 72,188–N.S. (HydroScience), 19. Resolution No. 72,189–N.S. (Kimley-Horn), 20. Resolution No. 72,190–N.S. (Kittleson), 21. Resolution No. 72,191–N.S. (LCC Engineering), 22.
Resolution No. 72,192–N.S. (Mark Thomas), 23. Resolution No. 72,193–N.S. (Nelson & Nygard), 24. Resolution No. 72,194–N.S. (Ninyo & Moore), 25. Resolution No. 72,195–N.S. (Parametrix), 26. Resolution No. 72,196–N.S. (Pavement Engineering), 27. Resolution No. 72,197–N.S. (PEC Water), 28. Resolution No. 72,198–N.S. (Sanbell), 29. Resolution No. 72,199–N.S. (SCI Consulting), 30.
Resolution No. 72,200–N.S. (Swinerton), 31. Resolution No. 72,201–N.S. (TJKM Transportation), 32. Resolution No. 72,202–N.S. (Toole Design), 33. Resolution No. 72,203–N.S. (Wood Rodgers), 34. Resolution No. 72,204–N.S. (West Yost).
Consent Calendar
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 9
15. Reappointment of Edward Opton to the Mental Health Commission From: Mental Health Commission
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the re-appointment of Edward Opton as a representative of the general public interest category, for his second term ending January 21, 2026, and to start his third term beginning March 25, 2026, to March 24, 2029.
Financial Implications: None.
Contact: Jamie Works-Wright, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-5100 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 72,205–N.S.
16. Develop an educational event for the Berkeley Community to increase awareness of impacts of the Alien Enemies Act
From: Peace and Justice Commission
Recommendation: Consistent with the City of Berkeley's stance as a sanctuary city for immigrants safeguarding their due process rights, the Peace and Justice Commission recommends that given that during the third invocation of the Alien Enemies Act (the Act has only been invoked three times prior to this year, during the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II), Japanese residents of the Berkeley community, survivors and their ancestors, were harmed by the invocation of the act during World War II in which persons of Japanese, Italian and German ancestry, primarily in coastal areas but also in Berkeley, and were transported and interned in U.S. camps, including in California, that Council refer to the City Manager to refer to the appropriate department or division to develop an educational event, whether a panel of speakers, a film, a play or some combination of these, for the Berkeley community so that the broader community can be made aware of the impact of the Alien Enemies Act and its impact on Berkeley community members during World War II. Such event shall be free of charge and well-promoted.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Tasha Tervalon, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-7000 Action: Recommendation referred to the budget process for consideration.
17. Re-affirm City of Berkeley Commitment to Free Speech From: Peace and Justice Commission
Recommendation: Adopt this recommendation re-affirming the City of Berkeley’s commitment to Free Speech and Assembly and its opposition to the detainment and deportation of immigrants without due process, violating their constitutionally protected speech.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Tasha Tervalon, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-7000 Action: Approved recommendation.
Consent Calendar
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18. Whistleblower Investigation Report on Ambulance Purchase From: Auditor
Recommendation: We recommend that City Council receive this report and request the City Manager to implement corrective actions in response to the recommendations. The report recommends clarifying procurement roles, formalizing escalation and notification expectations when required steps are bypassed, providing targeted training, reinforcing compliance expectations, and establishing clearer communication to City Council when purchasing requirements are not followed.
Financial Implications: None
Contact: Jenny Wong, Auditor, (510) 981-6750
Action: Approved recommendation.
Council Consent Items
19. 2026 Holocaust Remembrance Day Program: Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds from General Funds and Grant of Such Funds From: Councilmember Taplin (Author), Councilmember Tregub (Author), Mayor Ishii (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Blackaby (Co-Sponsor) Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $500 per Councilmember, including $500 from Councilmember Taplin, Councilmember Tregub, Councilmember Blackaby, and Mayor Ishii, to support the City’s Annual Holocaust Remembrance Day program with funds relinquished to the City’s general fund. The relinquishment of funds from the discretionary Council Office Budget of all Councilmembers who would like to contribute, allows the City of Berkeley to invite the community to its 23rd Annual Holocaust Remembrance Day program, created by the community with City Council support. This year’s program will be held on April 12th, 2026, at the Magnes Collection of Jewish Life and History in Berkeley’s downtown. Registration via Eventbrite is required to attend.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Terry Taplin, Councilmember, District 2, (510) 981-7120 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 72,206–N.S. amended to include contributions from the following Councilmembers up to the amounts listed: Councilmember Blackaby - $500; Councilmember Bartlett - $200; Councilmember O’Keefe - $250; Councilmember Humbert - $500; Councilmember Lunaparra - $250; Councilmember Kesarwani - $250.
Council Consent Items
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20. Referral to the City Manager: Banning the Sale and Use of Glue Traps From: Councilmember Tregub (Author), Councilmember Taplin (Author), Councilmember Humbert (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: Refer to the City Manager to ban glue traps within City of Berkeley limits, including the use by any individual or organization and sale of glue traps and require posted notice of municipal code changes in all stores selling rodent traps.
Financial Implications: Staff time
Contact: Igor Tregub, Councilmember, District 4, (510) 981-7140 Action: Councilmember O’Keefe added as a co-sponsor. Approved recommendation amended to include “Explore a narrow exemption for options of use for invertebrate pest control and scientific research and potential implications thereof.”
21. Letter of Gratitude to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for their Support of Full Implementation of a Strong Transit-Oriented Communities Policy
From: Councilmember Tregub (Author), Mayor Ishii (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Lunaparra (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Taplin (Co-Sponsor) Recommendation: Submit a letter of gratitude to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) recognizing the full adoption and implementation of a strong and enforceable Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Policy.
Financial Implications: Staff time
Contact: Igor Tregub, Councilmember, District 4, (510) 981-7140 Action: Approved recommendation.
22. Berkeley High School National Society of Black Engineers Junior Chapter:
Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds to the General Fund and Grant of Such Funds
From: Councilmember O'Keefe (Author), Councilmember Taplin (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Blackaby (Co-Sponsor), Mayor Ishii (Co-Sponsor) Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $500 per Councilmember, including $500 from Councilmember Shoshana O’Keefe’s discretionary fund and funds from any other Councilmembers who would like to contribute, to the Berkeley High School National Society of Black Engineers Junior Chapter to support its ongoing work to engage and empower students through STEM education, mentorship, leadership development, and community building.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Shoshana O'Keefe, Councilmember, District 5, (510) 981-7150 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 72,207–N.S. amended to include contributions from the following Councilmembers up to the amounts listed: Councilmember Tregub - $150; Councilmember Blackaby - $250; Councilmember Bartlett - $200; Councilmember Humbert - $250; Councilmember Lunaparra - $150; Councilmember Taplin - $250; Councilmember Kesarwani - $150.
Council Consent Items
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23. Make Music Day: Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds to the General Fund and Grant of Such Funds
From: Councilmember O'Keefe (Author), Councilmember Tregub (Co-Sponsor), Mayor Ishii (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Taplin (Co-Sponsor) Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $500 per Councilmember from the discretionary office budgets of any Councilmembers who would like to contribute – including $500 from Councilmember Shoshana O’Keefe, $250 from Councilmember Igor Tregub, and $250 from Mayor Adena Ishii – to the Downtown Berkeley Association to support Berkeley’s first annual Make Music Day on June 21, 2026, with funds relinquished to the City’s general fund for this purpose.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Shoshana O'Keefe, Councilmember, District 5, (510) 981-7150 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 72,208–N.S. amended to include contributions from the following Councilmembers up to the amounts listed: Councilmember Blackaby - $250; Councilmember Bartlett - $200; Councilmember Humbert - $250; Councilmember Lunaparra - $150; Councilmember Taplin - $250; Councilmember Kesarwani - $100.
24. Berkeley Public Schools Fund Spring Luncheon 2026: Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds to General Fund and Grant of Such Fund From: Councilmember Blackaby (Author), Mayor Ishii (Co-Sponsor) Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $500 per Councilmember including $500 from Councilmember Blackaby and $500 from Mayor Ishii for the Berkeley Public Schools Fund with funds relinquished to the City’s general fund for this purpose from the discretionary Council Office Budgets of Councilmember Blackaby, Mayor Ishii and any other Councilmembers who would like to contribute.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Brent Blackaby, Councilmember, District 6, (510) 981-7160 Action: Councilmember O’Keefe added as a co-sponsor. Adopted Resolution No. 72,209–N.S. amended to include contributions from the following Councilmembers up to the amounts listed: Councilmember Tregub - $150; Councilmember Bartlett - $200; Councilmember O’Keefe - $250; Councilmember Humbert - $250; Councilmember Lunaparra - $150; Councilmember Taplin - $250; Councilmember Kesarwani - $100.
Council Action Items
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Urgent Item: Referral to the Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Commission to officially Rename Cesar Chavez Park for Dolores Huerta, Co-Founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW) and Feminist Advocate
From: Councilmember Rashi Kesarwani
Recommendation: Refer to the Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Commission to officially rename Cesar Chavez Park for Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW) and advocate for women in honor of her outstanding service to communities throughout California and nationwide.
And further, direct the City Manager to remove all signage bearing the name Cesar Chavez from park property as soon as practicable.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Rashi Kesarwani, Councilmember, District 1, (510) 981-7110 Action: 1 speaker. Councilmembers Taplin, Bartlett, and Blackaby added as co- sponsors. M/S/C (Kesarwani/Blackaby) to approve the recommendation revised to read as noted below.
Refer to the Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Commission to officially rename Cesar Chavez Park. This referral to the Parks Commission initiates a community process which should incorporate feedback from the Commemorative Committee (which initiated the first renaming process of the park in 1994) as well as input from other community members and stakeholders. We recommend that Dolores Huerta be among the options considered for renaming.
And further, direct the City Manager to remove or cover all signage bearing the name Cesar Chavez from park property as soon as practicable while leaving intact signage related to directions and park rules.
Vote: All Ayes.
25. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Temporary Employment of Retired Annuitant Kathy Lee as Interim Director of Police Accountability
From: Mayor Ishii (Author)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the appointment of Kathy Lee as a retired annuitant to serve as Interim Director of Police Accountability pursuant to Government Code Sections 21221(h) and 7522.56 and the Mayor to execute the attached employment agreement establishing an hourly rate of $122.44, consistent with the publicly approved pay schedule for the Director of Police Accountability, with no additional benefits, per CalPERS rules for retired annuitants.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Adena Ishii, Mayor, (510) 981-7100
Action: 13 speakers. M/S/C (Ishii/Blackaby) to adopt Resolution No. 72,210–N.S.
Vote: All Ayes.
Action Calendar – New Business
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26. Public Safety Technology: Surveillance Technology Ordinance and Police Equipment Ordinance Approvals, Policy Updates, and Contract Authority From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the following actions:
Surveillance Technology Ordinance (BMC 2.99)
1. Accept the Surveillance Acquisition Report and approve the Surveillance Use Policy for the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program.
2. Accept the Surveillance Acquisition Report and approve the Surveillance Use Policy for Community Video Streams.
3. Approve updated Surveillance Use Policies for fixed video cameras, reflecting Council-directed revisions to previously approved technology.
Police Equipment Ordinance (BMC 2.100)
4. Accept the Police Equipment Impact Statement and approve the Police Equipment Use Policy for UAS.
Contract Authority
5. Authorize the City Manager to amend the existing contract with Flock Safety to add Drone as First Responder (DFR) hardware, software, and services for an initial three-year term, in an amount not to exceed $750,000.
6. Authorize the City Manager to amend the existing contract with Flock Safety to add Condor PTZ fixed surveillance cameras for an initial four-year term, in an amount not to exceed $310,000, with an option to extend for one additional three- year term, for a total not to exceed $600,000.
7. Authorize the City Manager to amend the existing contract with Flock Safety to add Flock Nova investigative software for a one-year term, in an amount not to exceed $75,000, funded by the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) grant previously accepted by Council on July 29, 2025.
8. Authorize the City Manager to amend the existing contract with Flock Safety to renew Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) for a two-year term, in an amount not to exceed $330,000, with an option to extend for an additional two-year term, for a total not to exceed $660,000.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Jennifer Louis, Police, (510) 981-5900
Action: M/S/C (Bartlett/Tregub) to accept revised materials from Councilmember Bartlett on Item 26.
Vote: Ayes – Kesarwani, Taplin, Bartlett, Tregub, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii; Noes – None; Abstain – O’Keefe.
Action: M/S/C (Blackaby/Tregub) to suspend the rules and extend the meeting to 1:30 a.m.
Vote: All Ayes.
Action: M/S/Failed (Humbert/Kesarwani) to suspend the rules and extend the meeting to 2:00 a.m.
Vote: Ayes – Kesarwani, Taplin, O’Keefe, Blackaby, Humbert; Noes – Bartlett, Tregub, Lunaparra, Ishii.
Action Calendar – New Business
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 15
Action: 132 speakers. M/S/C (Lunaparra/Taplin) to continue Item 26 to a special meeting on June 2, 2026.
Vote: All Ayes.
Information Reports
27. Settlement Agreement – Berkeley People’s Alliance et. al. v. City of Berkeley et. al., Alameda County Superior Court Case No. 24CV064980; Cal. Court of Appeal Case No. A172245
From: City Attorney
Contact: Farimah Brown, City Attorney, (510) 981-6950
Action: Received and filed.
Public Comment – Items Not Listed on the Agenda - 0 speakers.
Adjournment
Action: M/S/C (Lunaparra/Taplin) to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: All Ayes.
Adjourned at 1:27 a.m.
Communications
Item #1: Amendments to BMC Title 23 (Zoning) to Update the Regulation of Nonconforming Lot Coverage, Floor Area Ratio and Density for Residential Uses in Selected Zoning Districts
1. Brianna Morales on behalf of the Housing Coalition
Item #18: Whistleblower Investigation Report on Ambulance Purchase
2. Dorothea Dorenz
Item #26: Public Safety Technology: Surveillance Technology Ordinance and Police Equipment Ordinance Approvals, Policy Updates, and Contract Authority
3. Jesse Rosemoore
4. Laura Preuss
5. Zipporah Collins
6. Kelly Hammargren
7. Artemisia Spencer Mace on behalf of Councilmember Ben Bartlett
8. Kamala Visweswaran
9. Tobias Smith
10. Maryann Osullivan
11. Lanny Devuono
12. Margot Smith
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 16
13. Wendy Alfsen and Barb Atwell
14. Steve Tracy
15. 9 Similarly worded form letters “I am writing to urge you to oppose…”
Billboards
16. Stephanie Tran
Upzoning
17. John Duffy Tillman
18. Candace Taira
19. ReCheng Tsang
20. Melanie Lawrence & John Smail
21. Susie Zukor (2)
22. Marguerite Talley
23. Crystal Brunzell
24. Judith Bebelaar
25. Elissa Kittner
26. Jane Maxwell
27. Kate Pocrass
28. Anne Boersma
29. Kayla Feder
30. Janet Stromberg
31. Margot Smith (2)
32. Catherine Durand
33. Elke Glendenning
34. Vicki
Bike Lanes on Hopkins
35. Phyllis Orrick
36. Dewayne Cecil
Save the Date
37. John Craner
2425 Durant Ave
38. Gregory Kalkanis
Affordable Housing
39. Julie Chervin
40. Stephen Alpert (4)
41. Janet Stromberg
2190 Shattuck Ave
42. Alex Sathler
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 17
Berkeley Albany Little League
43. Frank Knowles
ADA Concerns
44. Jon Ruel Holder II (2)
Sanctuary Cities
45. Peter Yeung
Police Dogs
46. Margot Smith
Thursday Market
47. Kathleen Krier
Tear Gas Concerns
48. Margot Smith
49. Moni Law
Parking Survey
50. Glenn Alex
51. Barbara Gilbert
Restaurant Inspection Audit
52. David Lerman
Proposed Fire Code Modification
53. Ben Gerhardstein (3)
54. David Sprague (2)
Gap of Bollards
55. Shirley Kirsten (2)
Zone Zero and Water Hose
56. Krista Denton
Kala Bagai Way
57. Guneeta Singh Bhalla
Men’s World Cup
58. Jeffrey Church
New Star Street Fair
59. Sofia Naranjo (2)
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 18
Persian New Year Invitation
60. Jacob Cohen on behalf of The Persian Center
Harrison Street
61. John Waters
Special Assessments
62. Jamila Dunn
Joy of Cooking
63. Oona Garthwaite
Labor Dispute Concern
64. Julie Guilfoy
AC Transit Driver
65. Janie Mansfield
BESO
66. Megan Enright
EMBER
67. Margot Murtaugh
California Department of Insurance
68. Sharon Smith
Performance Metrics/Outcomes
69. Steve Kromer
World Cities Summit 2026 Invite
70. Hugh Lim
Hillegass and Ashby
71. Jim Thornton
Overnight Construction Concerns
72. Matt Weber (2)
73. Jen Loy
URLs
74. Fred Dodsworth
75. John J. Parman
76. Russbumper (2)
Newsletters
77. Berkeley Art Center
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 19
78. Shelbi Walker
79. Downtown Berkeley Association
80. Russbumper
Forwards
81. Russbumper (3)
E-Scooters
82. Robert Borghese (9)
83. Carson Lepre (6)
84. Lime Virtual Ride Expert
Supplemental Communications and Reports 1
Item #18: Whistleblower Investigation Report on Ambulance Purchase
85. A Protected Whistleblower
Item #26: Public Safety Technology: Surveillance Technology Ordinance and Police Equipment Ordinance Approvals, Policy Updates, and Contract Authority
86. Gregory Kalkanis
87. Justin Weber-Stover
88. Morgan Presley
89. Jackie Patterson Brenner
90. Steve Kanofsky
91. Leonard Pitt (2)
92. Maryann O’Sullivan
93. Jose Vilar
94. James Angus
95. Cheryl Flippen
96. Liz Christiano
97. Jan Scantlebury
98. Wilson Conn
99. Tobey M. Weibe
100. Margot Smith (3)
101. George Perezvelez
102. Sierra Zephyr
103. Anna vB
104. Charlene M. Woodcock
105. Rachel Bradley
106. Deborah Abraham
107. Summer Brenner
108. Russbumper
109. Ruth Rogow
110. Janice Murota
111. Bernard Marszalek
112. Grantsthompson
113. Jesse Rosemoore
114. 11 Similarly worded form letters “Flock markets itself…”
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 20
115. 45 Similarly worded form letters “The data that is being collected…” Supplemental Communications and Reports 2
Urgent Item: Referral to the Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Commission to officially Rename Cesar Chavez Park for Dolores Huerta, Co-Founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW) and Feminist Advocate
116. Urgent item submitted by Councilmember Rashi Kesarwani 117. Catherine Ryan (2)
118. Stacy Taylor
119. Peggy Scott
120. Marguerite Lee
121. Tyler K Johnson
122. Eric Friedman (2)
123. Theodore Raphael
124. Jesse Stills
Item #7: Mills Act Contract – 2845 Woolsey Street
125. Jeff Baker
Item #26: Public Safety Technology: Surveillance Technology Ordinance and Police Equipment Ordinance Approvals, Policy Updates, and Contract Authority 127. Supplemental agenda material submitted by Councilmember Brent Blackaby 128. Supplemental agenda material submitted by Councilmember Mark Humbert, Councilmember Shoshana O’Keefe, Councilmember Terry Taplin, and Councilmember Rashi Kesarwani
129. Revised agenda material submitted by Mayor Adena Ishii, Councilmember Cecilia Lunaparra, Councilmember Igor Tregub
130. Office of the Director of Accountability
131. Kitty Calavita
132. Lucas Cantor
133. Olivia Page
134. Beth Roessner
135. Christina Rodriguez
136. Beth Schoenfeld
137. John Waters
138. Rose E. Aplustill
139. Rowyn McDonald
140. Rosa Bay on behalf of the East Bay Community Law Center 141. Tim Beinke
142. Jeremiah Maller
143. Sam Holtzman
144. Jennie Bertone
145. Jason Martens
146. Kelly Hammargren
147. Edith Friedman
148. Alex Stephens
149. Susan Bassein
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 21
150. Alexis Adorador
151. Lori Hines
152. Karen Armstead
153. Neil Egbert on behalf of the Berkeley Police Association 154. Gregory Kalkanis
155. Kathy Brasil
156. Liz Grubin
157. Emma Coleman
158. Ztangi
159. Wendy Alfsen
160. Sally Nelson (2)
161. Cheryl Fippen
162. MaryAnn Furda
163. Sibel Guner
164. Clay Spencer
165. Bruce H. Feingold
166. Maggie Lee
167. Visit Berkeley
168. 17 Similarly worded form letters “The data that is being collected…” Supplemental Communications and Reports 3
Urgent Item: Referral to the Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Commission to officially Rename Cesar Chavez Park for Dolores Huerta, Co-Founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW) and Feminist Advocate
169. Linda Franklin
Item #18: Whistleblower Investigation Report on Ambulance Purchase 170. Presentation submitted by the City Auditor
Action Calendar
Item #26: Public Safety Technology: Surveillance Technology Ordinance and Police Equipment Ordinance Approvals, Policy Updates, and Contract Authority 171. Presentation submitted by the Police Department
172. Revised agenda material submitted by Councilmember Ben Bartlett 173. Office of the Director of Police Accountability
174. Kate Rassbach
175. Dirk Neyhart
176. William Gordon
177. Laura Hill on behalf of the Bay Area Council
178. Juli Dickey
179. Patrick Golier
180. Heather Flett
181. Melake Getabecha
182. Margaret Phillips
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 22
183. Jack Kurzweil
184. Nathan Henry Mizell
185. Mark McDonald
186. Linda Wood (2)
187. Sanjog Singh
188. Sheila Goldmacher
189. David DeSouza
190. Ann May and Rodney Freeland
191. Noelle Fa-Kaji
192. Deb DenHerder
193. Elizabeth Ferguson
194. Michella Ralston
195. Joan Guilford and Richard J Jackson
196. David Fielder
197. Wendy Patterson
198. Kiara Ott
199. Phillip Wong
200. Devin Pastika
201. Vanessa Drake Moraga
202. Anna Henry
203. Justine Kessler
204. A Coalition of Bay Area Elected Officials, Community Organizations, Small Business Leaders and Owners, and Victims’ Advocates
205. Joe Norton
206. Vanessa Cordova
207. Effie Bourgin
208. Steve Kuttner
209. Ben Powers
210. Elizabeth Ditmars
211. Craig Knudsen (2)
212. Paris Cotz
213. Andrew Sauter
214. Michael Singer
215. David Lerman
216. Tammy Kremer
217. Thomas Yamaguchi
218. Jonathan Ruchlis
219. Shok Saidmuradov
220. Linda Maio
221. Laralynn Rapoza
222. Daivd Rosen
223. Christine Staples
224. Jim Best
225. Lorraine Mahley
226. Lisa Jervis
227. Almira Tanner
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 23
228. Becca Schonberg
229. Diana Maria Rossi
230. John J. Parman
231. Joel Myerson
232. Friends of Adeline
233. Maryann O’Sullivan (2)
234. Oren
235. Kathy Kojimoto
236. Helen Walsh
237. Kelly Hammargren
238. Rebecca on behalf of the Berkeley Immigration Collaborative 239. Patricia Erwin
240. Wendy Alfsen
241. Russbumper
242. Peter Deibler
243. Patrick Golier
244. Becca Freed
245. Elena Pinsky
246. Jeremiah Maller
247. Moni Law
248. Andrew Glickman
249. Frances Ann Haselsteiner (2)
250. Bob O’Leary
251. Hemptrez
252. 42 Similarly worded form letters “The data that is being collected…” Miscellaneous
253. Carole Marasovic