Tuesday, April 21, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 1
ANNOTATED AGENDA
BERKELEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
6:00 PM
SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD ROOM - 1231 ADDISON STREET, BERKELEY, CA 94702 TELECONFERENCE LOCATION - 503 21ST STREET NORTHEAST, WASHINGTON, DC 20002
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: 160 208 3989. 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, April 21, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 2
Preliminary Matters
Roll Call: 6:09 p.m.
Present: Kesarwani, Tregub, O’Keefe, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Ishii
Absent: Taplin, Bartlett
Councilmember Bartlett present at 6:16 p.m.
Councilmember Taplin present at 6:38 p.m.
Councilmember O’Keefe participated in the meeting remotely under the “just cause” exception in the Brown Act due to a need related to a caregiving need.
Councilmember Bartlett participated in the meeting remotely under the “just cause” exception in the Brown Act due to a need related to a physical condition.
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.
Report from Closed Session
The City Council met in closed session on April 20, 2026, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d) and provided directions to outside counsel and approved a settlement by Compromise and Release, as to a workers’ compensation matter assigned claim number BER2200002 and WCAB case number ADJ15513397.
The City Council met in closed session on April 20, 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 BER2000151 and WCAB case number ADJ17521808.
The City Council met in closed session on April 20, 2026, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d) and provided directions to outside counsel and approved a settlement by Stipulations with Request for Award with open future medical care, as to a Tuesday, April 21, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 3
workers’ compensation matter assigned claim number BER2400105.
The Mayor and City Council met in closed session and voted to authorize the City Attorney's Office to file appeals in the matters of Berkeley Homeless Union, et al. v. City of Berkeley, et al., 4:25-cv-01414-EMC and Prado et al. v. City of Berkeley, Case No. 3:23-cv-04537-EMC (N.D. Cal.).
The Mayor and City Council met in closed session to discuss the matter of In re DHCS Audit of City of Berkeley re GEMT Cost Reports (OAHA Appeal Nos. GE24 0621 963 TS, GE26 0622 731L VT; DHCS Matter Nos. 24 026104, 24 026106). The Council voted to authorize the City Attorney’s Office to engage in settlement negotiations with the agency and commence litigation if necessary.
City Council met in closed session and approved participation in a nationwide settlement agreement to resolve claims against opioids distributors and authorized the City Manager’s Office to receive the settlement funds. The case at issue is In Re:
National Prescription Opiate Litigation, United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, MDL No. 2804, Case No. 1:17-md-2804.
Ceremonial Matters: None.
City Manager Comments: None.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Matters: 6 speakers.
Consent Calendar
Public Comment on Consent Calendar and Information Items Only: 9 speakers.
Action: M/S/C (Blackaby/Kesarwani) to adopt the Consent Calendar in one motion except as indicated.
Vote: All Ayes.
Consent Calendar
1. Calling for a Consolidated General Municipal Election for November 3, 2026 From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution: a) Calling for a General Municipal Election to be consolidated with the Statewide General Election to be held in Berkeley on November 3, 2026; b) Requesting that the Alameda County Board of Supervisors consolidate the City of Berkeley General Municipal Election with the Statewide General Election; c) Authorizing certain procedural and contractual actions; and d) Establishing policies for the filing of candidate statements of qualification.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Mark Numainville, City Clerk, (510) 981-6900
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 72,236–N.S.
Consent Calendar
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 4
2. Police Accountability Board - Appointment of New Member From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution appointing a new member to the Police Accountability Board (PAB) nominated by Councilmember Bartlett.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Mark Numainville, City Clerk, (510) 981-6900
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 72,237–N.S.
3. Formal Bid Solicitations and Request for Proposals Scheduled for Possible Issuance After Council Approval on April 21, 2026
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Approve the request for proposals or invitation for bids that will be, or are planned to be, issued upon final approval by the requesting department or division. All contracts over the City Manager’s threshold will be returned to Council for final approval.
Financial Implications: Capital Improvements Fund - $240,000 Contact: Henry Oyekanmi, Finance, (510) 981-7300
Action: Approved recommendation.
4. California Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Grant Application and Agreement with East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation for the Proposed Affordable Housing Project at North Berkeley BART From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution: 1. Authorizing the City Manager to negotiate, enter into, and cause the City to perform its obligation under an agreement (including amendments) with East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBALDC) and/or their affiliate relating to a funding application to the California Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program for project- related transportation and infrastructure improvements for the North Berkeley BART (NBB) EBALDC Affordable Housing Project at the North Berkeley BART Station Area, for a total AHSC award amount of up to $50 million. 2. Authorizing the City Manager to accept up to $9 million in state Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) funds and complete selected transportation improvements if awarded.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Scott Gilman, Health, Housing, and Community Services, (510) 981-5100 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 72,238–N.S.
5. ***Removed from Agenda by the City Manager*** 2026 Health Plan Changes From: City Manager
Contact: Janelle Rodrigues, Human Resources, (510) 981-6800
Consent Calendar
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 5
6. Contract No. 32400205 Amendment: Chemical Procurement Services for Pool Treatment Supplies
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend Contract No. 32400205 with Chemical Procurement Services for pool treatment supplies by increasing the contract amount by $30,000, for a total not to exceed amount of $150,000.
Financial Implications: General Fund - $150,000
Contact: Scott Ferris, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, (510) 981-6700 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 72,239–N.S.
7. FY 2026-2027 Transportation Development Act Article 3 Fund Allocation From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit a request to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for the Allocation of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 TDA Article 3 Pedestrian/Bicycle Project Funding for up to $350,000 for the purpose of updating the 2020 Berkeley Pedestrian Plan; accept the funds; and execute any resultant agreements and amendments.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Wahid Amiri, Public Works, (510) 981-6300
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 72,240–N.S.
8. Fiscal Year 2027 Street Lighting Assessments – Initiating Proceedings From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt two Resolutions describing proposed improvements to be used to determine the annual assessments levied for Berkeley Street Lighting Assessment District No. 1982-1 and Street Lighting Assessment District No. 2018 and ordering the preparation of Engineer’s Reports.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Wahid Amiri, Public Works, (510) 981-6300
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 72,241–N.S. (District No. 1982-1), Resolution No. 72,242–N.S. (District No. 2018).
9. Contract: CD & Power for On-Call Generator Maintenance From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with CD & Power for On-Call Generator Maintenance in an amount not to exceed $150,000 for the term of April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2029, with an option to extend for two additional one-year terms.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Wahid Amiri, Public Works, (510) 981-6300
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 72,243–N.S.
Consent Calendar
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 6
10. Contract No. 32500090 Amendment: Bay Construction Co. for the Second Street STAIR Center Site Improvements and Shelter Units Project Specification No.23-11603-C
From: City Manager
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend Contract No. 32500090 with Bay Construction Co. to reconcile costs associated with completed construction work and finalize project closeout, increasing the current contract amount of $1,069,200 by $18,550 for a total not to exceed amount of $1,087,750.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Wahid Amiri, Public Works, (510) 981-6300
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 72,244–N.S.
11. Social Justice Implications of contracts with the Immigration Data Broker, Flock Safety
From: Peace and Justice Commission
Recommendation: Approve a Policy approving the following actions with regard to safeguards for Berkeley’s surveillance-derived images and footage: Cancel Berkeley’s Flock Safety contracts for public surveillance images and video footage, due to Flock’s repeated sharing of such data with immigration authorities, and the inherent exposure of “cloud-based” storage to Trump administration access.
Financial Implications: None
Contact: Tasha Tervalon, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-7000 Action: Item continued to May 7, 2026 special meeting.
12. Social Justice Implications of Proposed Use of Controlled Weapons and Other Policing Tools
From: Peace and Justice Commission
Recommendation: Adopt a Policy approving the following actions with regard to the appropriateness of certain chemical weapons and other tools: 1. Retain the existing 2020 bans on chemical weapons (CS and OC), and the 1982 bans on police dogs and helicopters. 2. Retain the 1997 requirement for public reporting of each use of pepper spray. 3. Request the City Manager to engage an academic institution such as UC Berkeley, UCSF, or Stanford to study the health impacts of tear gas and other chemical weapons and canine support, potential short-term and long-term impacts on vulnerable populations and possible alternatives to the use of chemical weapons that provide officer safety, suspect safety, and safety to the general public.
Financial Implications: None
Contact: Tasha Tervalon, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-7000 Action: Item 12 referred to the Agenda & Rules Committee for scheduling.
Consent Calendar
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 7
13. Reaffirm City of Berkeley Commitment to International Peace, Opposing War on Iran & Standing in Solidarity with the People of Iran From: Peace and Justice Commission
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution reaffirming the commitment of City of Berkeley to international peace, opposing the war on Iran, an unconstitutional war initiated unilaterally by the us president without congressional authorization and expressing solidarity with the people of Iran and their right to self-determination.
Financial Implications: None
Contact: Tasha Tervalon, Commission Secretary, (510) 981-7000 Action: To take no action on the recommendation.
Council Consent Items
14. Support SB 1301 (Allen), Reforming the Insurance Nonrenewal Process From: Councilmember Tregub (Author), Councilmember Blackaby (Co- Sponsor), Councilmember Humbert (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember O'Keefe (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: Issue a “Support” position for Senate Bill (SB) 1301 (Allen), Reforming the Insurance Nonrenewal Process, and submit a letter of support on this bill to California Governor Gavin Newsom, Senators Ben Allen and Jesse Arreguin, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, and applicable chairs of Senate and Assembly committees.
Financial Implications: Staff time
Contact: Igor Tregub, Councilmember, District 4, (510) 981-7140 Action: Approved recommendation.
15. Support SB 1257 (Arreguin), Federal Immigration Enforcement: Report From: Councilmember Tregub (Author), Mayor Ishii (Co-Sponsor), Councilmember Lunaparra (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: Issue a “Support” position for Senate Bill (SB) 1257 (Arreguin), “Federal Immigration Enforcement: Report”, and submit a letter of support on the Bill to California Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Jesse Arreguin, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, and chairs of applicable Senate and Assembly committees.
Financial Implications: Staff time
Contact: Igor Tregub, Councilmember, District 4, (510) 981-7140 Action: Councilmember Kesarwani added as a co-sponsor. Approved recommendation.
Council Consent Items
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 8
16. Support SB 222 (Wiener), the Heat Pump Access Act; SB 868 (Wiener), the Plug and Play Solar Act; and AB 2389 (Irwin), the Keeping Solar Affordable Act From: Councilmember Tregub (Author), Councilmember Lunaparra (Co- Sponsor)
Recommendation: Issue a “Support” position for Senate Bill (SB) 222 (Wiener), the Heat Pump Access Act; Senate Bill (SB) 868 (Wiener), the Plug and Play Solar Act; and Assembly Bill (AB) 2389 (Irwin), the Keeping Solar Affordable Act, and submit letters of support on this Bills to California Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Jesse Arreguin, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, authors of the Bills, and chairs of applicable Senate and Assembly committees.
Financial Implications: Staff time
Contact: Igor Tregub, Councilmember, District 4, (510) 981-7140 Action: Approved recommendation.
17. Setting Measurable Goals and Metrics for Key City Priorities (Reviewed by the Health, Life, Enrichment, Equity & Community Committee) From: Councilmember Blackaby (Author), Councilmember O'Keefe (Co- Sponsor), Councilmember Humbert (Co-Sponsor)
Recommendation: Refer to the City Manager the development of 10-20 measurable goals and metrics that reflect key priorities for the City. These goals should focus on outcomes that matter most to residents, demonstrating both the impact of City government and the quality of life in our community. After setting annual goals, the City should provide quarterly updates with progress towards those goals via an easily accessible dashboard on the city website or other mechanism. Also, the City should provide updates as a quarterly City Council agenda item, or other appropriate frequency. Types of goals should be identified by analyzing similar work being done by other jurisdictions, and then quantifiable metrics for each goal should be set by staff and reviewed by City Council. How do peer cities and comparable jurisdictions define, structure, and establish outcome-based goals and metrics? What processes do they use to select them and align them with priorities? How do jurisdictions report on these goals and metrics, including the formatting, frequency, and accessibility of reporting to decision-making bodies and the public? Goals should span a full range of City priorities, including housing production, public safety, transportation, public works, parks & recreation, homelessness, and economic development.
Policy Committee Recommendation: To send item to Council with a qualified positive recommendation to: explore a variety of frameworks and methodologies, interface with the public, and explore opportunities to quantify social costs and benefits.
Financial Implications: Staff time
Contact: Brent Blackaby, Councilmember, District 6, (510) 981-7160 Action: Approved recommendation as recommended by the Health, Life, Enrichment, Equity & Community Committee and further revised in Supplemental Communications Packet #1 by Councilmember Blackaby to add Councilmember Tregub as a co-sponsor.
Action Calendar – Public Hearings
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 9
18. Conduct Public Hearing in Compliance with Assembly Bill 2561 / Government Code § 3502.3 Regarding Vacancies, Recruitment, and Retention Efforts From: City Manager
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing in compliance with Assembly Bill 2561 (AB 2561) / Government Code § 3502.3 (GC § 3502.3) regarding vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts.
Financial Implications: None
Contact: Janelle Rodrigues, Human Resources, (510) 981-6800
Public Testimony: The Mayor opened the public hearing. 2 speakers.
M/S/C (Taplin/Humbert) to close the public hearing.
Vote: All Ayes.
Action: Presentation made and discussion held. Report received.
Public Comment – Items Not Listed on the Agenda – 0 speakers.
Adjournment
Action: M/S/C (Humbert/Lunaparra) to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: All Ayes.
Adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Communications
2180 Oxford St.
1. Steven Schuyler (5)
Gilman Concerns
2. Jordan Murray
3. Beth Gerstein
4. Arlene Owseichik
GO Bond Measure
5. Jeannie Sides
6. Cynthia Kuo
7. Ted Steen
8. Allison Holton
9. Gerardo Fernandez
10. Jolie Lin
Goals and Metrics
11. David Shere
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 10
Flock Concerns
12. Adrian Tasistro-Hart
13. Jesse Rosemoore
14. Jo Ann Driscoll
San Francisco Style Policies
15. David Lerman
Golden Gate Field Housing
16. Stephen Crooms
8th and Harrison
17. Brian Wood
18. Marianne Riddle
Elaine Bloom Memorial
19. Eileen Joyce
Hopkins St.
20. Thea Davison
21. Pamela Tellew
22. Stephanie Gwinn
23. Suzanne Riess
24. Barbara Gilbert
25. John Hitchen
26. Roberta C. Brooks
2025 Citizen APR
27. John Gage
Support to Small Businesses
28. Monica Acevedo
Tenant Communications
29. Hector91 Phuentes (7)
Seawall Dr.
30. Dave Marcolini
Upzoning
31. Suzanne Ryan
32. Anne Herrick
33. Kathryn Freistadt (2)
34. Diane Shavelson
35. Laura Faer
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 11
36. Carol Hirth
Market-rate Development
37. John J. Parman
BAUASI
38. Blair Beekman
Eco Events
39. Kera Bartlett Binns
Records Follow-Up
40. Cassia Stepak
Property Tax Concern
41. Barbara Freeman
Email Follow-Up
42. Stephen Alpert (2)
Fulton Bike Lane
43. Theo Posselt
Safety Concern
44. Elizabeth Johnston (4)
Naming Public Space
45. Eric Friedman
46. Nancy Carleton
Celebration of Life
47. Boona Cheema
Park Visit Fees
48. Nadia Le Bon
Public Comment Concern
49. Stephen Alpert
Safeco Response
50. Michael Apte
New Billboards
51. Beth Roessner
6th and Harrison
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 ANNOTATED AGENDA Page 12
52. Craig Nagasawa
The Count Hunger Act
53. Marchon Tatmon
URLs
54. Russbumper
Forwards
55. Russbumper (2)
Newsletters
56. Visit Berkeley
57. Downtown Berkeley Association
E-Scooters
58. Robert Borghese (3)
59. Carson Lepre (4)
Supplemental Communications and Reports 1
Item #17: Setting Measurable Goals and Metrics for Key City Priorities (Reviewed by the Health, Life, Enrichment, Equity & Community Committee)
60. Revised agenda material submitted by Councilmember Brent Blackaby Supplemental Communications and Reports 2
Item #2: Police Accountability Board - Appointment of New Member
61. Durant Safety Concerns
Item #13: Reaffirm City of Berkeley Commitment to International Peace, Opposing War on Iran & Standing in Solidarity with the People of Iran
62. Gregory Kalkanis
Item #16: Support SB 222 (Wiener), the Heat Pump Access Act; SB 868 (Wiener), the Plug and Play Solar Act; and AB 2389 (Irwin), the Keeping Solar Affordable Act
63. Ariella Granett
Supplemental Communications and Reports 3
Item #12: Social Justice Implications of Proposed Use of Controlled Weapons and Other Policing Tools
64. Andrew Jess
Item #18: Conduct Public Hearing in Compliance with Assembly Bill 2561 / Government Code § 3502.3 Regarding Vacancies, Recruitment, and Retention Efforts
65. Presentation submitted by the Human Resources Department
66. Neil Egbert on behalf of the Berkeley Police Association