City Council Chambers
3300 Capitol Avenue
Fremont, CA
Fremont City Council
Raj Salwan, Mayor
Teresa Keng, Vice Mayor
Desrie Campbell, District 2
Kathy Kimberlin, District 3
Yang Shao, District 4
Yajing Zhang, District 5
Raymond Liu, District 6
City Staff
Karena Shackelford, City Manager
Rafael E. Alvarado, Jr., City Attorney
Christina Briggs, Assistant City Manager
Brian Stott, Assistant City Manager
Allen DeMers, Deputy City Manager
Kim Beranek, Community Services Director
Geneva Bosques, Communications and
Legislative Affairs Director
Arquimides Caldera, Human Services Director
Zoraida Diaz, Fire Chief
Tina Gallegos, Human Resources Director
Susan Gauthier, City Clerk
Kelly King, Maintenance Operations Director
Hans Larsen, Public Works Director
Donovan Lazaro, Economic Development Director
David Persselin, Finance Director
Dan Schoenholz, Community Dev. Director
Sanford Taylor, Information Technology Director
Sean Washington, Chief of Police
Fremont City Council Agenda and
Report
May 13, 2025
General Order of Business
1. Preliminary
• Call to Order
• Salute to the Flag
• Roll Call
• Announcements-Mayor and/or City Manager
• Report Out of Closed Session (if applicable)
2. Consent Calendar
3. Ceremonial Items
4. Public Communications
5. Scheduled Items
• Public Hearings
• Appeals
• Reports from Commissions, Boards and
Committees
6. Other Business
7. Items Referred by Councilmembers
• Council Referrals
• Appointments to Boards, Commissions,
Committees
• Legislative Actions
• Report on Committee Assignments
8. Adjournment
Order of Discussion
Generally, the order of discussion after introduction of an item by the Mayor will include comments and
information by staff followed by City Council questions and inquiries. The applicant, or their authorized
representative, or interested citizens, may they speak
on the item; each speaker may only speak once to each
item. At the close of public discussion, the item will be considered by the City Council and action taken. Items
on the agenda may be moved from the order listed.
Consent Calendar
Items on the Consent Calendar are considered to be
routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one
motion and one vote. There will be no separate
discussion of these items unless a Councilmember or
citizen so requests, in which case the item will be
removed from the Consent Calendar and considered
separately. Additionally, other items without a “Request to Speak – Speaker Card” card in opposition may be
added to the consent calendar. The City Attorney will
read the title of ordinances to be adopted.
Spoken Public Communications and/or
Public Comment is limited to speakers
attending the meeting in-person in
City Council Chambers.
Agenda and Report - Fremont City Council Meeting - May 13, 2025
May 13, 2025 Fremont City Council Page 2
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
The live stream of the meeting may be viewed on the City of Fremont’s website at www.Fremont.gov/Channel27, which provides a link to the live stream; or, via Comcast Channel 27. Please note at this time, Channel 27 is only available to Comcast cable subscribers. The public may also view the meeting via Zoom, or attend in-person in the Council Chamber. The lobby doors open approximately 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting. The public is strongly encouraged but not required to wear masks.
Attending May 13, 2025, City Council meeting online via Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82510255739 Webinar ID: 825 1025 5739
Addressing the Council
Spoken Public Communications / Public Comment is limited to persons attending the Council Meeting in the City Council Chambers.
How to submit Public Communications / Public Comment by email prior to the meeting:
Send an email to [email protected] before 1:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. Please identify the agenda item number & letter, and meeting date in the subject line of your email or specify that it is not related to an agenda item. Emails will be compiled into files by agenda item number/letter, distributed to the City Council and staff, and published in the City's Agenda Center on www.fremont.gov. If you wish to share an attachment/exhibit, submit the pdf formatted document(s) to the email above by the noted deadline.
Electronic comments on agenda items for the City Council meeting may only be submitted by email. Comments via text and social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) will not be accepted.
How to provide Spoken Public Comment during the meeting for items on the agenda:
Attend meeting in-person in the Council Chamber, fill out a “Request to Speak – Speaker Card” with the agenda item number & letter, and submit to the City Clerk. When the Mayor calls for the item on which you wish to speak, step to the podium to address the City Council. Please limit your remarks on matters related to the agency and to the time limit allotted.
How to provide Spoken Public Comment during the meeting for items not on the agenda (Oral Communications):
Any person desiring to speak on a matter which is not scheduled on this agenda may do so under the Oral Communications section of Public Communications. Attend the meeting in-person in the Council Chamber and submit your speaker card to the City Clerk prior to the commencement of Oral communications. Only those who have submitted cards prior to the beginning of Oral Communications will be permitted to speak. Please be aware the California Government Code prohibits the City Council from taking any immediate action on an item which does not appear on the agenda, unless the item meets stringent statutory requirements. The Mayor may limit the time allotted for public speakers, and each speaker may only address the Council once on each agenda item.
The City Council Agendas may be accessed online: https://www.fremont.gov/government/agenda-center
Availability of Public Records
All disclosable public records relating to an open session item on this agenda that are distributed by the City to all or a majority of the City Council less than 72 hours prior to the meeting will be available for public inspection in specifically labeled binders located in the lobby of Fremont City Hall, 3300 Capitol Avenue during normal business hours, at the time the records are distributed to the City Council.
Information about the City or items scheduled on the Agenda and Report may be referred to:
Address: City Clerk
City of Fremont
3300 Capitol Avenue, Bldg. A
Fremont, California 94538
Telephone: (510) 284-4060
If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable modification or accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, or if you do not have access to email or the internet, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (510) 284-4060 or [email protected] at least two working days prior to the meeting for assistance.
Your interest in the conduct of our City’s business is appreciated.
May 13, 2025 Fremont City Council Page 3
REVISED
Agenda
Fremont City Council Regular Meeting
May 13, 2025
City Council Chambers, 3300 Capitol Avenue, Building A
7:00 PM
TELECONFERENCE NOTICE
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(b), the following meeting will include teleconference participation by Councilmember Liu from:
Grand Hyatt Taipei
No. 2 SongShou Road
Taipei City, Taiwan, 110061
1. Preliminary
A. Call to Order
B. Salute the Flag
C. Roll Call
D. Announcements-Mayor and/or City Manager
E. Report Out of Closed Session (if applicable)
2. Consent Calendar
Items on the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion and one vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Councilmember or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Calendar and considered separately. Additionally, other items without a “Request to Address Council” card in opposition may be added to the consent calendar. The City Attorney will read the title of ordinances to be adopted.
A. Motion To: Waive Further Reading of Proposed Ordinances (This permits reading the title only in lieu of reciting the entire text.) B. Approval of Minutes - None.
3. Ceremonial Items
A. Proclamation: Affordable Housing Month (May 2025)
4. Public Communications
A. Oral and Written Communications
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY - None.
PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY - None.
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
May 13, 2025 Fremont City Council Page 4
5. Scheduled Items - None.
6. Other Business
A. PROPOSED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM - Receive Presentation and Provide Input on Proposed Five-Year Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 2025/26 Through 2029/30
Contact Persons:
Name: Hans Larsen Kim Beranek
Title: Public Works Director Community Services Director Dept: Public Works Community Services
Phone: 510-494-4722 510-494-4330
E-Mail: [email protected] [email protected]
RECOMMENDATION: Receive presentation and provide input to staff on the proposed 5-year Capital Improvement Program for fiscal years 2025/26 through 2029/30.
B. FY 2025/26 PROPOSED OPERATING BUDGET - Presentation of Fiscal Year 2025/26 Proposed Operating Budget for the City of Fremont Contact Persons:
Name: David Persselin
Title: Finance Director
Dept: Finance Department
Phone: 510-494-4631
E-Mail: [email protected]
RECOMMENDATION: Accept staff’s budget presentation and provide comments.
7. Items Referred by Councilmembers
A. Councilmember Referrals - None.
B. Appointments to Boards, Commissions, Committees - None.
C. Legislative Actions - None.
D. Report on Committee Assignments
8. Adjournment
May 13, 2025 Fremont City Council Page 5
ACRONYMS
ABAG Association of Bay Area Governments HARB Historical Architectural Review Board ACE Altamont Commuter Express HBA Home Builders Association ACFCD Alameda County Flood Control District HCD Housing and Community ACTC Alameda County Transportation
Commission
HRC
Development (State)
Human Relations Commission
HCD Housing and Community
ACWD Alameda County Water District ICMA
JPA
International City/County Management
Association
Joint Powers Authority
ARB Art Review Board
BAAQMD
BART
Bay Area Air Quality Management
District
Bay Area Rapid Transit District
LLMD Lighting and Landscaping Maintenance
District
LOCC League of California Cities
BCDC Bay Conservation & Development
Commission
LOS
MET
Level of Service
Mobile Evaluation Team
BMPs Best Management Practices MOU Memorandum of Understanding BMR Below Market Rate MTC Metropolitan Transportation
CALPERS California Public Employees’ Retirement
System
MTC Metropolitan Transportation
Commission
CBC California Building Code NRSRO Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization
CDD Community Development Department NEPA National Environmental Policy Act CC & R’s Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions NLC National League of Cities CDBG
CEQA
Community Development Block Grant
California Environmental Quality Act
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System
CERT Community Emergency Response Team NPO Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance CIP Capital Improvement Program PC Planning Commission
CNG Compressed Natural Gas PD Planned District
COF City of Fremont PDA Priority Development Area
COPPS Community Oriented Policing and Public
Safety
PUC
PVAW
Public Utilities Commission
Private Vehicle Accessway
CSAC California State Association of Counties PWC Public Works Contract CTC California Transportation Commission RFP Request for Proposals dB Decibel RFQ Request for Qualifications
DEIR Draft Environmental Impact Report RHNA Regional Housing Needs Allocation DU/AC Dwelling Units per Acre ROP Regional Occupational Program EBCE East Bay Community Energy RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board EBRPD East Bay Regional Park District SACNET Southern Alameda County Narcotics Enforcement Task Force
EDAC Economic Development Advisory
Commission (City)
STIP State Transportation Improvement
Program
EIR Environmental Impact Report (CEQA) TCRDF Tri-Cities Recycling and Disposal Facility EIS Environmental Impact Statement TOD Transit Oriented Development
EVAW
(NEPA)
Emergency Vehicle Accessway
TS/MRF Transfer Station/Materials Recovery
Facility
FAR Floor Area Ratio UBC See CBC
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency VMT Vehicle Miles Travelled FFD Fremont Fire Department VTA Santa Clara Valley Transportation FMC Fremont Municipal Code Authority
FPD Fremont Police Department WMA Waste Management Authority FRC Family Resource Center ZA Zoning Administrator
FUSD Fremont Unified School District ZTA Zoning Text Amendment GIS Geographic Information System
GPA General Plan Amendment
May 13, 2025 Fremont City Council Page 6
UPCOMING MEETING AND CHANNEL 27
BROADCAST SCHEDULE
Date Time Meeting Type Location
Cable
Channel
27 May 13, 2025 6:00 p.m. City Council Closed Session Council Chambers Live
May 13, 2025 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Council
Chambers Live
May 20, 2025 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Council
Chambers Live
May 27, 2025 5:30 p.m. CC/FUSD Liaison
Committee Meeting City Hosts Live
June 3, 2025 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Council
Chambers Live
June 10, 2025 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Council
Chambers Live
June 17, 2025 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Council
Chambers Live
June 24, 2025 5:30 p.m. CC/FUSD Liaison
Committee Meeting FUSD Hosts Live
July 1, 2025 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Council
Chambers Live
July 8, 2025 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Council
Chambers Live
July 15, 2025 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Council
Chambers Live
July 22, 2025 CANCELLED: CC/FUSD
Liaison Committee Meeting
July 29, 2025 No 7PM City Council Meeting
(5th Tuesday)
August Recess Council in Recess until
September
Fremont City Council Meeting: 05/13/25 07:00 PM
3300 Capitol Avenue Div/Dept: Public Works
Fremont, CA 94538 Category: Presentations
SCHEDULED
Sponsors:
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT (ID # 5442) DOC ID: 5442 B
Updated: 5/9/2025 11:03 AM by Susan Gauthier B Page 1
PROPOSED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM - Receive Presentation and Provide Input on Proposed Five-Year Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 2025/26 Through 2029/30
Contact Persons:
Name: Hans Larsen Kim Beranek
Title: Public Works Director Community Services Director Div/Dept: Public Works Community Services
Phone: 510-494-4722 510-494-4330
E-Mail: [email protected] [email protected]
Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to update the City’s five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for fiscal years (FY) 2025/26 through 2029/30 (referred to as the 2025 CIP). An initial discussion of the proposed 2025 CIP was included as part of the City Council meeting on April 1, 2025. A Proposed CIP has been prepared by staff for review and input by the City Council. Adoption of the CIP is planned for consideration in June 2025.
A copy of the Proposed CIP document is available on the City’s Financial Reports web page.
BACKGROUND: The City’s CIP addresses Fremont’s public infrastructure needs and investments, primarily in the areas of Transportation, Parks, Building Facilities, Capital Maintenance, and General Government. The CIP includes a five-year program of planned investments with the first two years representing a two-year Capital Budget. The CIP is updated every two years. The sources of funds that support the CIP include County and State transportation taxes; grants; City development impact fees; and allocations from the City General Fund.
On April 1, 2025, the City Council received a presentation about the preparation of the City’s five-year CIP. Staff reviewed current investments, program accomplishments, funding projections, results from a community survey (posted on My Fremont from December 2024 through January 2025), and the consideration of a local ballot measure to enhance revenues. Also at the meeting, public comments were received. The City Council provided direction for staff to: 1) explore options and provide further analysis on a potential revenue measure and 2) consider a funding request from the Niles Main Street business association for parking lot improvements.
Development of the City’s CIP is a multi-departmental effort with the Public Works Department serving as the lead for Transportation investments and overall CIP coordination.
The Parks program is managed by the Community Services Department, with guidance from the Recreation Commission. The City Manager’s Office and the Finance Department are the leads for proposed investments using City General Funds. All City Departments participate in proposing CIP projects that support their service responsibilities.
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DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
CIP Revenues
The funding allocation for the 2025 CIP is proposed to be $236 million, lower than the previous CIP approved in 2023, which had a funding level of $296 million.
The prior 2023 CIP benefited from a significant allocation of one-time General Fund investments in the amount of approximately $60 million, which included funding for the following projects and programs: new Central Park Community Center ($21 million), park restroom improvements ($15 million), replacing old heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems ($8M), and other improvements ($16 million) related to electric charging for City fleet vehicles, the City Hall buildings, Central Park Dog Park turf replacement and sports park transformer replacement , Auto Mall Parkway landscaping, new fire station alerting system, and Police Center vehicle evidence storage building.
There are no new one-time General Fund investments proposed for the 2025 CIP. However, there is a projection of new revenue in the amount of $62 million in regional transportation grants for the following projects: Dumbarton/Decoto Multimodal Corridor ($35 million); Peralta/Mowry Pavement Rehabilitation and Compete Street Project ($17 million); and Fremont Boulevard Multimodal Corridor ($10 million).
Other significant changes in revenue for the 2025 CIP as compared to the 2023 CIP are noted below:
• A $16.125 million decrease in General Fund transfers to the CIP for capital maintenance activities over the CIP cycle; a reduction from $7 million to $3.775 million per year for five years. The annual reductions are proposed from pavement maintenance ($2.225 million) and parks maintenance ($1 million).
• A $5.5 million decrease (35%) in revenues from development impact fees for park capital projects, associated with a decline in private development housing activity.
• A $3.3 million increase (3%) in revenues from State (gas taxes) and Alameda County transportation programs (Measure BB sales tax and vehicle license fees).
Proposed CIP Expenditures
The following report sections provide a summary of investments in the Proposed 2025 CIP.
General Fund Annual Transfers to the CIP
The proposed CIP includes a $3.775 million annual transfer (a total of $18.875 million over five years) of funding from the General Fund for capital maintenance activities. The investments are allocated as follows:
• $2.0 million annually to building maintenance
• $0.6 million to capital replacement for parks
• $0.3 million to playground resurfacing
• $0.45 million for ADA facility improvements
• $0.325 to the 50/50 sidewalk repair / street tree replacement program • $0.1 million to water conservation and median islands
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Transportation Investment Highlights
The proposed Transportation CIP includes program and project allocations (totaling $181 million) focused in the areas of: pavement and sidewalk maintenance; traffic operations and signal system improvement; bicycle and pedestrian facilities; major projects; and new projects.
• Basic Maintenance Projects – The highest level of funding in the Transportation CIP is allocated to ongoing annual projects to: repave City streets; repair sidewalks, curbs, and gutters in the worst condition; and build ADA curb ramps. The overall funding amount for basic maintenance is $75.6 million.
• Traffic Operations and Signal Projects – The proposed investments in traffic operations and signal projects include annual expenditures to maintain existing traffic signals (195 signals); maintain or expand fiber optic communication network within the roadway; modernize equipment for more efficient operations; construct new traffic signals at priority locations to improve safety and operation; and to respond to community interests and concerns related traffic operations. The overall funding amount for traffic operations and signal projects is approximately $20.3 million. Key traffic operation projects included in this CIP budget cycle include the continued development of reliable signal coordination timing along major corridors to manage traffic speeds and minimize the amount of red lights experienced by motorists.
• Bike/Pedestrian Projects – The City receives dedicated funds from the County Measure BB program and State grants for improvements and expansion to the City’s bicycle and pedestrian facilities as identified in the City’s Active Transportation Plan and Safe Routes to Schools program. The overall funding amount for the bike/ped projects is approximately $8.6 million. It is noted that other Transportation CIP programs and projects (e.g., complete street roadway projects) may also include bicycle and pedestrian facility elements that are in addition to these bike/ped projects.
• Major Grant Projects – A significant portion of the City’s Transportation CIP is oriented toward major and regional projects funded by grant sources. This includes the City’s support for developing the new Irvington BART Station and the new bridges for bicycling and walking over freeways at 680/Sabercat Trail and 880/Innovation District. Additionally, the City is leading the planning and design for modernizing freeway interchanges at 680/Mission and 880/Decoto. The City is expecting to receive future grant revenues for the following projects:
Dumbarton/Decoto Multimodal Corridor ($35 million); Peralta/Mowry Pavement Rehabilitation and Compete Street Project ($17 million); and Fremont Boulevard Multimodal Corridor ($10 million). The overall amount of new funding for major grant projects in the proposed CIP is $62 million. Based on actions by the California Transportation Commission, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and Alameda County Transportation Commission, these funds are specifically programmed to the City of Fremont and can be obtained once the projects are ready for construction and/or other conditions have been met.
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• Proposed New Projects – Two new projects are proposed to be added to the Transportation CIP based on interest expressed through the recent community survey. Funding in the amount of $200,000 is allocated to the Scott Creek/ Zinfandel Traffic Safety project and $200,000 is allocated to the Walnut/ Gomes Railroad Quiet Zone project. Both investments are for project planning in order to determine the scope and cost of these projects for future funding consideration and potential grant funding opportunities.
Park Investment Highlights
The proposed Parks CIP includes project allocations totaling approximately $18.6 million over five years focused in the following areas: funding prior project commitments; park planning and ongoing park improvement funding; additional funding for existing major projects underway; and finally funding affordable identified community needs based on available funds. The Recreation Commission considered proposed projects in three meetings during October and December of 2024, and February 2025. During the Commission’s review, they considered the proposed projects consistent with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan that was adopted in 2022. All proposed project allocations would be funded by Parks Development Impact Fees. The Recreation Commission also addressed decreasing revenues and project funding shortfalls of prior approved projects. On February 5, 2025 the Recreation Commission voted 6-0-0-1 to forward the proposed Parks CIP to the City Council for consideration. Significant goals in the proposed Parks CIP include the following:
• Honoring Prior Funding Commitment to New Central Park Community Center Project: The previous CIP cycle funded $2 million of the total $5 million commitment of Parks Development Impact Fees for site improvements associated with the Community Center. On July 9, 2024, City Council approved the initial phase of construction. The final $3 million is proposed for FY 2025/26.
• On-Going Park Improvement Projects and Park Planning Efforts: Funding for on-going park planning efforts, CIP costs/scope work, park emerging projects, CIP management, security in parks, ADA upgrades in parks, and adding benches to existing parks in support of the Age Friendly Fremont Action Plan, over the five years totals $3.6M.
• Additional Funding for Already Approved Park Projects and Improvements:
Much of FY 2025/26’s capital investment is allocated toward additional funding for on-going park projects. In addition to funds to the new Central Park Community Center mentioned above, approximately $3.6 million will be allocated to other on - going projects. Shortfalls could be due to expanded scope, additional project requirements along with the high inflationary pressures and other increasing costs in the construction industry and throughout the economy. Staff estimates that the proposed allocations in this CIP will complete funding for the following projects:
1) Centerville Community Park for the addition of Pickleball courts and expanded utility requirements ($1.46 million)
2) Patterson Ranch Dog Park for improvements to site access ($300,000) 3) Vallejo Mill Historic Park for expanded environmental review process ($445,000) 4) Central Park Babbling Brook Bridge Renovation for increased cost and scope change ($339,000)
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5) Central Park Knoll Pickleball Court Lighting to accommodate community need by expanding operating hours after sunset ($1.1 million)
• Funding New and Long-Term Projects: With the limitations on available funding, only a few new projects are proposed, most with only partial funding:
• Cricket Batting Cages at a Community Park has been identified as a high need, and will assist Recreation Services in meeting the community demand for Cricket practice space until Cricket Fields are expanded. One project ($1.1 million) is proposed to be funded in FY 2026/27, with lower levels of fund savings planned in the program years (FY 2027/28-2029/30. ($1.8 million) • Lake Elizabeth Renovation Management will establish initial funding to explore, develop and potentially implement solutions for improved long-term lake water quality and potential recreational uses. ($1.8 million) • Niles Dock Renovations or Replacements has historically been funded one dock at a time. This project will not be specific to any one dock and will give staff the flexibility to address issues or concerns as they arise. ($547,000) • Hetch Hetchy Bike/Ped Trail at Warm Springs supports the community priority to expand trails and pedestrian facilities. The proposed funding will re-initiate the long-term savings for a trail that will connect four parks in Warm Springs. ($1.5 million)
General Government/Public Facilities Highlights
The proposed General Government/Public Facilities CIP allocations total $16.52 million.
Of this amount, $5 million is allocated to pay debt on public facilities completed in the past and $10 million is programmed to support the development agreement for the Age Well Center in South Fremont. Other funding supports the development permitting system, red-light photo enforcement program, Capital Improvement Program management, and the Development Impact Fee program management.
Carryover Projects Funded from the 2023 Capital Budget
In addition to new expenditures proposed in the 2025 CIP, other capital improvement projects will be implemented based on prior funding allocations in the 2023 Capital Budget.
Noted below is a summary of these previously funded projects:
• General Fund Projects: Citywide Park Restroom Improvements (some projects under construction; multi-year program), HVAC System Replacements (some projects under construction; multi-year program), EV Charging for City Fleet Electrification (some projects under construction; multi-year program), Central Park Community Center (Phase 1 construction to start in 2026), and Auto Mall Parkway Median Landscaping (construction to start in 2026).
• Transportation Projects: Traffic Signal at Mission/Sullivan (construction to start in 2025); Paseo Padre Safe Street Improvements (design to start in 2025); Centerville Railroad Quiet Zone Corridor (design underway; not yet funded for construction); and Dusterberry and Peralta Intersection Improvements (design to start in 2025; not yet funded for construction).
• Park Projects: Palm Avenue Park Phase 1 (construction to start in 2025)
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Niles Parking Lot Improvements
As directed by the City Council on April 1, 2025, staff has developed a cost estimate for improving the public parking lots in the Niles area, located adjacent to the Niles Town Center Plaza. Based on a site visit and communications with the Board President of the Niles Main Street Association, the following scope descriptions and cost estimates were developed:
• Primary Parking Lot Improvements: Provides a uniform level of lighting for the two public parking lots adjacent to Niles Town Plaza. The scope of work includes:
installing 7 new LED streetlights with decorative historic poles, replacing 4 old light poles and adds 3 new light poles; installing raised curbs to prevent vehicle “sideshow” activities; and providing signage to communicate parking restrictions during Farmers Market days and special events. Estimated cost is $390,000 (includes design, construction and project management).
• Security Cameras at Primary Parking Lots: Installs security monitoring cameras to deter illegal activity. The estimated site and licensing costs are approximately $300,000, but an installation first requires access to a nearby fiber-optic communications line which is not planned to be available in Niles until Fall 2026.
• Overflow Parking Lot Lighting Upgrades: Replaces a “temporary” lighting system consisting of lights on 3 wooden poles and with an overhead power supply. New LED lights would be provided on decorative historic poles and with an underground power supply. Estimated cost is $180,000.
Additionally, staff’s evaluation of the Niles parking lots included a nighttime survey of the lots which prompted the repair of lighting outages within the Niles Town Plaza Park and the overflow parking lot. The Police Department reviewed their records for service calls at the parking lots which identified a history of disturbance issues and complaints related to homeless persons. No crime issues related to vehicle break-ins or theft were reported in 2024.
The source of funding for the parking lot improvements would need to come from the City’s General Fund, for which funding for capital investments is already proposed for reduction. It is noted that the City is also seeking to identify additional revenues to fund an expanded Central Park Community Center project to include the Phase 2 Event Hall.
Overall, staff finds that improving lighting levels for the Niles parking lots is a worthy project for implementation. However, the current fiscal environment does not support funding new capital projects from the General Fund at this time. It is proposed that the project be considered again for a future funding opportunity, which could occur as soon as the mid-year budget review process in early 2026. In the interim, staff will be able to implement the requested improvements to parking lot signage and install raised curbs to prevent vehicle sideshow activities. These are low-cost items that staff can implement within existing budget allocations.
FISCAL IMPACT: No fiscal actions are recommended in this report. Proposed CIP approval actions are scheduled for June 2025.
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ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: This agenda item is not subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 as it is not defined as a “project.”
ATTACHMENTS: None.
WEBLINK: The FY 2025/26-2029/30 Proposed Capital Improvement Budget is posted on the City’s website at https://www.fremont.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/18009
RECOMMENDATION: Receive presentation and provide input to staff on the proposed 5-year Capital Improvement Program for fiscal years 2025/26 through 2029/30.
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Fremont City Council Meeting: 05/13/25 07:00 PM
3300 Capitol Avenue Div/Dept: Finance Department
Fremont, CA 94538 Category: Budget
SCHEDULED
Sponsors:
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT (ID # 5434) DOC ID: 5434
Updated: 5/9/2025 1:12 PM by Dina Lewis Page 1
FY 2025/26 PROPOSED OPERATING BUDGET - Presentation of Fiscal Year 2025/26 Proposed Operating Budget for the City of Fremont Contact Persons:
Name: David Persselin
Title: Finance Director
Div/Dept: Finance Department
Phone: 510-494-4631
E-Mail: [email protected]
Executive Summary: The FY 2025/26 Proposed Operating Budget has been developed and is presented for the City Council’s review and comment. Public hearings on the proposed budget are scheduled for June 3 and June 10, 2025, with adoption anticipated at the conclusion of the second public hearing.
BACKGROUND: This proposed budget addresses an anticipated slowdown in City revenue growth brought about by the federal government’s recent imposition of unusually high tariffs on imported goods. Consistent with the City Council’s foundational principal of fiscal sustainability, General Fund budgeted expenditures for the coming year of $277.8 million have been limited to fit within the projected ongoing resources without the use of the Budget Uncertainty Reserve.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
Fiscal Year 2025/26 Proposed Operating Budget
General Fund budgeted ongoing resources of $278.3 million will support total budgeted expenditures of $277.8 million. The proposed budget responds to the uncertainty in our economic environment by eliminating General Fund support for pavement maintenance and routine tree trimming and reducing funding for park and street median capital replacement.
Funding for sidewalks, facilities maintenance, and capital improvements to achieve compliance with ADA standards will continue at their current levels. Elimination of General Fund support will not affect pavement maintenance activities funded through State Gas Tax revenue and County Measures BB and F.
As the City anticipates a slowdown in revenue growth during FY 2025/26, the General Fund service enhancements included in the proposed budget are self-supporting: two additional fee-supported fire inspectors to implement a State-mandated defensible space inspection program to reduce wildfire risks and the replacement of multiple part-time staff with one full-time office specialist at the Animal Shelter to improve customer service.
Outside the General Fund, proposed enhancements include an additional day of homeless encampment cleanup services each week, continuation of the Keep Fremont Housed rental assistance program for homelessness prevention, funding for the Winter Relief program that provides temporary housing for homeless residents, and an increase to full-time staffing for the assistant chef position at the Lake Elizabeth Age Well Center.
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Council Staff Report (ID # 5434) Meeting of May 13, 2025 Updated: 5/9/2025 1:12 PM by Dina Lewis Page 2
The proposed budget continues to incorporate the City Council’s and community’s highest priorities by maintaining funding for addressing and preventing homelessness, ensuring public safety, and pursuing environmental sustainability.
General Fund Reserves
The FY 2025/26 Proposed Operating Budget maintains the General Fund Contingency Reserve at 16.7% of budgeted expenditures and transfers out, or $46.4 million, a level consistent with City Council policy and the recommended practice of the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.
The proposed budget anticipates that the $24.2 million Budget Uncertainty Reserve will be drawn down in the current year, leaving a balance of $6.7 million at the beginning of FY 2025/26.
FISCAL IMPACT: The City Council is not being asked to take action tonight on the FY 2025/26 Proposed Operating Budget other than to provide comments to staff. An initial public hearing will be held on June 3, 2025, with a second public hearing and adoption of the budget scheduled for June 10, 2025.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: This agenda item is not subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 as it is not defined as a “project.”
LINK: The FY 2025/26 Proposed Operating Budget is posted on the City’s website at https://www.fremont.gov/government/departments/finance/financial-reports.
RECOMMENDATION: Accept staff’s budget presentation and provide comments.
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