Agenda packet, regular meeting — Fremont City Council, February 17, 2026

City Council Chambers
3300 Capitol Avenue
Fremont, CA

Fremont City Council

Raj Salwan, Mayor
Yajing Zhang, Vice Mayor
Teresa Keng, District 1
Desrie Campbell, District 2
Kathy Kimberlin, District 3
Yang Shao, District 4
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
Alberto Quintanilla, City Clerk
Kelly King, Maintenance Operations Director
Hans Larsen, Public Works Director
Donovan Lazaro, Economic Development Director
David Persselin, Finance Director
Joel Pullen, Community Development Director
Sanford Taylor, Information Technology Director
Sean Washington, Chief of Police
Fremont City Council Agenda and
Report
February 17, 2026

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 - February 17, 2026

February 17, 2026 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 February 17, 2026, City Council meeting online via Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88403561315 Webinar ID: 884 0356 1315

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/photo, include it as a PDF formatted document in your email before 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.

February 17, 2026 Fremont City Council Page 3

REVISED
Agenda
Fremont City Council Regular Meeting
February 17, 2026
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 Shao from:

Residence Inn by Marriott
Washington, DC National Mall
333 E Street SW
Washington DC, 20024

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 - None. (This permits reading the title only in lieu of reciting the entire text.) B. Approval of Minutes - None.

C. ALAMEDA COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENT MASTER AGREEMENT - Authorize the City Manager to Amend the Master Agreement with the Alameda County Probation Department for City to provide services to At-Promise Youth and Families through Fiscal Year 2027/28 and to increase the not-to-exceed amount by $1,157,915.

Contact Persons:

Name: Annie Bailey Arquimides Caldera
Title: Youth and Family Services
Administrator
Human Services Director
Dept: Human Services Department Human Services Department Phone: 510-574-2111 510-574-2056
E-Mail: [email protected] [email protected]

February 17, 2026 Fremont City Council Page 4

RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute a First Amendment to the Master Agreement with Alameda County’s Probation Department for the City’s Human Services Department to provide services for at-promise youth and families in Fremont and Newark, to increase the not-to-exceed amount by $1,157,915, for a new total amount not-to-exceed amount of $2,282,104, and to extend the term of the Master Agreement through Fiscal Year 2027/28.

D. CAPITAL PROJECT CLOSEOUTS - Approve the Closeout of Completed Capital Projects and Partial Defunding of Selected Projects; and Approval of Fund Reallocations and Appropriations Including a $13.1 Million Allocation to Support the Central Park Community Center Project.

Contact Persons:

Name: Angela Mendiola Hans Larsen
Title: Business Manager Public Works Director
Dept: Public Works Public Works
Phone: 510-494-4548 510-494-4722
E-Mail: [email protected] [email protected]

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Approve the closeout and defunding capital projects identified on Exhibit A;

2. Approve appropriation actions identified on Exhibit A.

3. Find that the recommended actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because they are an administrative fiscal activity and not a project pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.

E. FY 2025/26 HUMAN SERVICES SOCIAL SERVICES GRANT
RECOMMENDATION UPDATE – Approve Recommendation to Increase FY 2025/26 Opioid Settlement Grant Recipient Award and Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Grant Agreement with Bay Area Community Health
Contact Persons:

RECOMMENDATIONS: Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute a grant agreement with Bay Area Community Health, and any other implementing documents that may be required, in the amount of $70,000, inclusive of the original $20,000 previously approved by Council on July 15, 2025, effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, as set forth in the staff report.

3. Ceremonial Items - None.

February 17, 2026 Fremont City Council Page 5

4. Public Communications
A. Oral and Written Communications
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY - None.

PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY - None.

CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR

5. Scheduled Items - None.

6. Other Business
A. DOORDASH DELIVERY ROBOTS - Receive Presentation and Accept Report on Permit Application to Allow DoorDash to Test and Operate Food Delivery Robots in Fremont Under Specified Conditions to Ensure Public Safety and Community Support.

Contact Persons:

Name: Hans Larsen Donovan Lazaro
Title: Public Works Director Economic Development Director Dept: Public Works Economic Development
Department
Phone: 510-494-4722 510-284-4024
E-Mail: [email protected] [email protected]

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Receive presentation and accept report.

2. Provide input to staff on issues to consider.

7. Items Referred by Councilmembers
A. Councilmember Referrals

1. VICE MAYOR YAJING ZHANG REFERRAL - Initiate Council-Drafted Charter Process to Make Fremont a Charter City and Place a Proposed Charter on the November 3, 2026 Ballot (Accelerated Schedule)
Contact Persons:

Name: Yajing Zhang
Title: Vice Mayor
Dept: City Council
Phone: 510-284-4083
E-Mail: [email protected]

RECOMMENDATION: Direct the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to immediately commence the Council-drafted charter process to place a proposed Fremont City Charter on the November 3, 2026 ballot; and direct staff to return to Council on March 3, 2026 with (1) an implementing resolution establishing a 7-member Mayor-appointed Charter Advisory Committee (advisory only) and (2) a detailed Charter Workplan.

February 17, 2026 Fremont City Council Page 6
B. Appointments to Boards, Commissions, Committees - None.

C. Legislative Actions - None.

D. Report on Committee Assignments

8. Adjournment
February 17, 2026 Fremont City Council Page 7

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

February 17, 2026 Fremont City Council Page 8

UPCOMING MEETING AND CHANNEL 27

BROADCAST SCHEDULE
Date Time Meeting Type Location
Cable
Channel
27 February 17, 2026 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Council Chambers Live
February 24, 2026 No meetings
March 3, 2026 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Council
Chambers Live
March 10, 2026 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Council
Chambers Live
March 17, 2026 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Council
Chambers Live
March 24, 2026 5:30 p.m. CC/FUSD Liaison
Committee Meeting City Hosts Live
March 31, 2026 No meetings (5th Tuesday)
April 7, 2026 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Council
Chambers Live
April 14, 2026 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Council
Chambers Live
April 21, 2026 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Council
Chambers Live
April 28, 2026 No meetings
May 4, 2026 Joing CC/FUSD Meeting City Hosts Live
May 5, 2026 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Council
Chambers Live
May 12, 2026 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Council
Chambers Live
May 19, 2026 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Council
Chambers Live
May 26, 2026 No meetings

Fremont City Council Meeting: 02/17/26 07:00 PM
3300 Capitol Avenue Div/Dept: Human Services Department Fremont, CA 94538 Category: Agreements and Contracts

SCHEDULED
Sponsors:

COUNCIL STAFF REPORT (ID # 5627) DOC ID: 5627
Updated: 2/12/2026 12:50 PM by Dina Lewis Page 1

ALAMEDA COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENT MASTER AGREEMENT -
Authorize the City Manager to Amend the Master Agreement with the Alameda County Probation Department for City to provide services to At-Promise Youth and Families through Fiscal Year 2027/28 and to increase the not-to-exceed amount by $1,157,915.

Contact Persons:

Name: Annie Bailey Arquimides Caldera
Title: Youth and Family Services
Administrator
Human Services Director
Div/Dept: Human Services Department Human Services Department Phone: 510-574-2111 510-574-2056
E-Mail: [email protected] [email protected]

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Alameda County Probation Department (ACPD) currently has a two-year Master Agreement with the City, in an amount not-to-exceed $1,124,189, for the Human Services Department to provide delinquency intervention and prevention services through its Youth and Family Services (YFS) and Fremont Family Resource Center (FRC) Divisions. The Master agreement ends June 30, 2026, and the ACPD has proposed extending the Master Agreement for an additional two-year term from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, in an amount not-to-exceed $1,157,915, including $570,401 for FY 2026/27 and 587,514 for FY 2027/28.

The purpose of this report is to recommend that the City Council authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute a First Amendment to the current Master Agreement with ACPD to extend the term through Fiscal Year 2027/28 and increase the not-to-exceed amount by $1,157,915, for a new total not-to-exceed of $2,282,104, for services provided through the Human Services Department’s YFS and FRC Divisions.

BACKGROUND: For many years, the Alameda County Probation Department (ACPD) has contracted with the City to provide delinquency intervention and prevention services through its Human Services Department’s YFS and Fremont Family Resource Center (FRC) Divisions. The City provides at-promise (formerly referred to as at-risk) youth and youth on probation with early intervention counseling, case management, truancy intervention services, and family support services to parents and caregivers. The service area includes Fremont and Newark.

ACPD currently has a two-year Master Agreement with the City in an amount not-to-exceed $1,124,189, which ends June 30, 2026. In November 2025, ACPD requested the City extend the current Master Agreement for an additional two-year term through June 30, 2028.

DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS: The Human Services Department’s YFS and FRC Divisions will provide services for 245 at-risk and system-involved youth and their families residing in Fremont and Newark to reduce at-risk behavior. The target population is youth who are habitual truants, runaways and/or youth at risk of becoming wards under California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 601 (Section 601) and youth described in California Welfare

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and Institutions Code Section 602 (Section 602). This target population includes the following: adjudicated youth on probation; youth who have had contact with the juvenile justice system (police, probation, or the courts); and at-promise (at-risk) youth referred by School Attendance Review Boards (SARBs), local schools, other community agencies, or parents.

Youth Service Center: Youth from Fremont and Newark receive youth and family crisis intervention, youth assessment, short-term diversion counseling, parent education and support, and linkage to other needed resources. Youth Service Center counselors work with youth who are on probation (Section 602), youth who have committed status offenses (Section 601), i.e., running away, truancy, and refusing to follow parent’s or teacher’s direction), and first-time offenders through our diversion program located at Fremont Police Department.

Services for probation youth (Section 602) are coordinated with ACPD. The goal is to divert youth from the juvenile justice system when possible and to assist youth in successfully completing probation requirements and prevent recidivism.

Services for at-promise (at-risk) youth (Section 601) are coordinated with the Fremont and Newark Unified School Districts, Fremont Police Department, parents, and other community agencies. Youth who are truant, and/or cited for alcohol, marijuana, and other drug use, or school behavior problems are referred for counseling services through school and clinic-based programs.

Family Support (Case Management): The FRC’s Case Managers serve as advocates to assist at-promise (at-risk) youth and their families in accessing and utilizing necessary community resources to address family problems that are contributing to the youth’s delinquent behaviors (i.e., homelessness, parental drug or alcohol abuse, health care access, cultural and language barriers). This is done in coordination with the Deputy Probation Officers (DPOs) assigned to youth, and FRC Family Support Coordinators work with each family to develop a family case plan that will consider family concerns, priorities, and resources. The Case Manager works with the DPOs in the development of an Intervention Plan and/or a Multi-Disciplinary Team to address a minor’s risk factors and critical issues associated with probation failure and/or challenges. Key components of Case Management services are Outreach, Assessment, Planning, Linkages, Monitoring, and Advocacy.

FISCAL IMPACT: In anticipation of the two-year amendment to the Master Agreement with ACDP, sufficient funding will be included in the Alameda County Probation Youth Diversion Fund (Fund 133) as part of the FY 2026/27 Proposed Operating Budget. FY 2027/28 funding will be included in the City’s FY 2027/28 Proposed Operating Budget.

The proposed First Amendment to the Master Agreement with ACDP does not impact the General Fund. Funding received from ACDP supports clinical counseling and case management positions. Funding through the master agreement with ACDP is combined with Medi-Cal reimbursement, Targeted Case Management reimbursement, and fees to operate the programs described above.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: The proposed action is exempt from and not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because, without limitation, it

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is not a “project” as defined under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15378(b)(2), (4), (5), and it can be seen with certainty that the action has no possibility of causing a significant effect on the environment under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), each as a separate and independent basis for CEQA exemption.

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Fremont City Council Meeting: 02/17/26 07:00 PM
3300 Capitol Avenue Div/Dept: Public Works
Fremont, CA 94538 Category: Public Projects

SCHEDULED
Sponsors:

COUNCIL STAFF REPORT (ID # 5634) DOC ID: 5634
Updated: 2/12/2026 1:00 PM by Dina Lewis Page 1
CAPITAL PROJECT CLOSEOUTS - Approve the Closeout of Completed Capital Projects and Partial Defunding of Selected Projects; and Approval of Fund Reallocations and Appropriations Including a $13.1 Million Allocation to Support the Central Park Community Center Project.

Contact Persons:

Name: Angela Mendiola Hans Larsen
Title: Business Manager Public Works Director
Div/Dept: Public Works Public Works
Phone: 510-494-4548 510-494-4722
E-Mail: [email protected] [email protected]

Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to facilitate adjustments to the City’s Capital Budget to allow for the expenditure of unused funds from completed projects, to change the source of project funding, or to consider reallocating funds to higher priority projects. A total of 44 specific budget amendments are recommended in the total amount of $18.3 million. Significant actions include reallocating funding in the amount of $13.1 million to support expanding the construction scope for the new Central Park Community Center project to include an Event Hall; and “closing out” 23 completed projects.

BACKGROUND: The City’s current 5-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Capital Budget was approved by the City Council in June 2025 and includes investments in the amount of $236 million for the repair and improvement of the City’s parks, buildings, and transportation system. The City currently manages approximately 200 capital projects in various stages of development that have received an appropriation of funds by the City Council. The majority of these projects are successfully managed by staff through project completion, consistent with initial budget appropriation amounts. Staff also pursues funds from internal and outside sources whenever possible to either wholly fund or offset City project expenses.

Typically, during the mid-year timeframe, staff identifies various administrative adjustments to the Capital Budget for City Council approval to allow for: closing out completed projects; adapting to changing circumstances; and enabling the most effective use of funds.

DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS: Exhibit A identifies 44 specific Capital Budget funding actions that are referred to as: a “CLOSEOUT”, meaning the project is completed or cancelled, and unused funds are redirected to another project; a “DEFUND”, meaning that the project is still active, but project funding is reduced to support another activity; and/or an “APPROPRIATION”, meaning the allocation of funding to a certain project. The following describes the significant Capital Budget changes recommended in this staff report.

Supplemental Funding for Central Park Community Center Event Hall Construction (19 Funding Actions)

In July 2024, the City Council accepted the design concept and a multiphase implementation plan for a new Community Center in Central Park, consisting of Phase 1 (new Community

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Center, funded) and Phase 2 (adjoining Event Hall, partially funded). A future phase includes a new gymnasium and outdoor amphitheater (unfunded). Final design has been completed for a combined Phase 1 and Phase 2 project, with approval of a construction contract proposed for City Council action in March 2026. At this time, staff recommends a series of funding actions that would increase the budget for the Central Park Community Center project to approach full funding for the Event Hall, increasing the overall project budget by $13.1 million from $37.4 million to $50.5 million. Additional funding may be needed depending on actual construction bids received. A summary of the recommended funding changes to support construction of the Event Hall are noted as follows:

• $7.9 million from the Park CIP that includes a transfer of an earlier commitment of funds under a different project account ($2 million), unused funds from completed projects, funds from lower priority projects, and an exchange of funding sources for the Palm Avenue Park project
• $0.5 million in unallocated General Funds made available from completion of the South Fremont Age Well Center project
• $4.7 million in transferred funds from the HVAC Systems Replacement program (reduced scope) and EV Charging Fleet Electrification program (reduced scope)

Other Funding Actions
A total of 25 additional funding actions totaling $5.1 million are recommended that closeout and redirect unused funds or appropriate unallocated funds. Projects receiving supplemental funding in amounts more than $250,000 include the Auto Mall Median Improvement Project ($1.2 million), Firing Range Lead Abatement ($0.3 million) and the Morrison Canyon Trail/Road Storm Repair Project ($0.3 million). A change in funding source is recommended for the Palm Avenue Park Project ($0.7 million). Defunding a federal grant ($0.5 million) from the Central Park Community Center project is proposed to maximize flexibility of the remaining project funding and reduce administrative burden; staff is seeking to have the federal grant funds redirected to another project. Funding is being released to the General Fund capital program fund balance from the City Hall Building Rehabilitation project ($1.3 million) as planned work is substantially complete. Four funding actions address fully expending unused funds from the expiring 2000 Alameda County Measure B transportation program.

FISCAL IMPACT: The recommended actions will reallocate $18.3 million in funding from prior budget approvals and redirect funds to address current investment priorities including a budget increase of $13.1 million for the Central Park Community Center project to enable construction of the planned Event Hall.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: The recommended actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because they are an administrative fiscal activity and not projects pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.

ATTACHMENTS:
• Exhibit A - Capital Project Cleanup Action Items

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Approve the closeout and defunding capital projects identified on Exhibit A;

2. Approve appropriation actions identified on Exhibit A.

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PWC # Project Name/Source Total Amount Action
9002 Central Park Lakeside Development
1st PH $2,000,000

CLOSEOUT / APPROPRIATION
$2,000,000 from PWC9002-540 to PWC9087-540 Central Park Community Center Project
8778 Sabercat Historical Park Master Plan $431,000

CLOSEOUT / APPROPRIATION
$431,000 from PWC8778-540 to PWC9087-540 Central Park
Community Center Project
8950 Central Park Skate PK Picnic Area $222,326

CLOSEOUT / APPROPRIATION
$222,326 from PWC8950-540 to PWC9087-540 Central Park
Community Center Project
8952 Well Replacement at California Nursery $182,739

CLOSEOUT / APPROPRIATION
$147,292 from PWC8952-540 to PWC9087-540, and $35,447 from PWC8952-541 to PWC9087-541 Central Park Community Center Project
8999 Central Pk Babb Brooke Picnic Area $331

CLOSEOUT / APPROPRIATION
$331 from PWC8999-541 to PWC9087-541 Central Park
Community Center Project
9007 FCC Fremont Community Center $909,811

CLOSEOUT / APPROPRIATION
$909,811 from PWC9007-539 to PWC9087-539 Central Park
Community Center Project
9008 Marshall Pk Play Area Renovations $27,307

CLOSEOUT / APPROPRIATION
$27,307 from PWC9008-541 to PWC9087-541 Central Park
Community Center Project
9029 Central Pk Mammoth Picnic Area $43,332

CLOSEOUT / APPROPRIATION
$4,739 from PWC9029-540 to PWC9087-540 and $38,593 from PWC9029-541 to PWC9087-541 Central Park Community Center Project
9054 Northgate Community Park Play Area
Upgrade $52,443

CLOSEOUT / APPROPRIATION
$52,443 from PWC9054-541 to PWC9087-541 Central Park
Community Center Project
9059 Old Mission Comm Pk Picnic Upgrade $687,847

CLOSEOUT / APPROPRIATION
$687,847 from PWC9059-541 to PWC9087-541 Central Park
Community Center Project
8908 Centerville Comm Pk Restroom/
Classroom $64,027

CLOSEOUT / APPROPRIATION
$64,027 from PWC8908-501 to PWC9087-501 Central Park
Community Center Project
7101 CIP Emerging Project Reserve $776,236

DEFUND / APPROPRIATION
$705,372 from PWC7101-540 to PWC 9087-540 and $70,864 from PWC7101-543 to PWC9087-543 Central Park Community Center Project
8101 CIP Contingency $300,887

DEFUND / APPROPRIATION
$300,887 from PWC8101-540 to PWC9087-540 Central Park
Community Center Project
8315 Development Impact Fees - General $953,744

DEFUND / APPROPRIATION
$953,744 from PWC8315-540 to PWC9087-540 Central Park
Community Center Project
9131 Niles Dock Renovations/Replacement $547,386

DEFUND / APPROPRIATION
$547,386 from PWC9131-541 to PWC9087-541 Central Park
Community Center
8813 Palm Avenue Park $700,112

DEFUND / APPROPRIATION
$700,112 from PWC8813-540 to PWC9087-540 Central Park
Community Center Project
Unallocated General Fund 501 $521,353

APPROPRIATION
$521,353 from Unallocated Fund 501 to PWC9087-501 Central Park Community Center Project
9097 HVAC Systems Replacements $2,700,000

DEFUND / APPROPRIATION
$2,700,000 from PWC9097-501 to PWC9087-501 Central Park Community Center Project
9094 EV Charging City Fleet Electrification $2,000,000

DEFUND / APPROPRIATION
$2,000,000 from PWC9094-501 to PWC9087-501 Central Park Community Center Project
Subtotal $13,120,881
Exhibit A - Capital Project Cleanup Action Items
Funding Actions to Support Central Park Community Center

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Attachment: Exhibit A - Capital Project Cleanup Action Items (5634 : CAPITAL PROJECT CLOSEOUTS) PWC # Project Name/Source Total Amount Action
8956 Peoplesoft HR/Payroll 9.2 Upgrade $0 CLOSEOUT
8483 Curb & Gutter Repairs Citywide $0 CLOSEOUT
9091 Pickleball Complex at Central Park $0 CLOSEOUT
8960 South Fremont Arterial Management
Project $13,813

CLOSEOUT
$13,813 to Fund Source: Fund 523 - BAAQMD/TFCA Traffic
System
8962 Fremont/Decoto Automall Arterial $48,008

CLOSEOUT
$48,008 to Fund Source: Fund 523 - BAAQMD/TFCA Traffic
System
9037 Walnut Ave/Liberty St Intersection
Improvements $5,313

CLOSEOUT / APPROPRIATION
$5,313 from PWC9037-531 to PWC9071-531 Centerville RR Safety Enhancement Corridor Project
9044 Traffic Signal Mod Fremont/Walnut $4,469

CLOSEOUT / APPROPRIATION
$4,469 from PWC9044-136 to PWC9071-136 Centerville RR Safety Enhancement Corridor Project
9076 Fremont/Grimmer/Eugene Prot Int $15,474

CLOSEOUT / APPROPRIATION
$15,474 from PWC9076-136 to PWC9071-136 Centerville RR
Safety Enhancement Corridor Project
9103 Agua Fria Creek Storm Repair/MITG $234,134

CLOSEOUT / APPROPRIATION
$234,134 from PWC9103-501 to PWC9105-501 Morisson Canyon Trail Project
9106 Sullivan Underpass Storm Mitigation $57,808

CLOSEOUT / APPROPRIATION
$57,808 from PWC9106-501 to PWC9105-501 Morisson Canyon Trail Project
9109 Age Well Center @ Lake Elizabeth
Floor/Bath $808

CLOSEOUT
$808 to Fund Source: Fund 105 - Community Development Block Grant
8897 Shoreline Stab @ Lake Elizabeth Seg 2 or 3 $154,777

CLOSEOUT / APPROPRIATION
$1,376 from PWC8897-533 to PWC9130-533 and $153,401 from PWC8897-541 to PWC9130-541 Lake Elizabeth Renovation
Management Project
Unallocated Park Acquisition Fees $700,112

APPROPRIATION
$700,112 from Parkland Acquisition Fee Fund 542 to PWC8813-54 2 Palm Ave Park
Unallocated Traffic Impact Fees (TIF) $200,000

APPROPRIATION
$200,000 from unallocated Fund 531 (TIF) to PWC9120-531 South Grimmer/Warm Springs/Osgood Improvements Project
Unallocated Traffic Impact Fees $150,000

APPROPRIATION
$150,000 from unallocated Fund 531(TIF) to PWC8946-531
Centerville Complete Streets Project
Unallocated General Fund 501 $300,039

APPROPRIATION
$300,039 from Unallocated Fund 501 to PWC8475-501 Firing Range Lead Abatement
9095 City Hall Building Rehabilitation $1,311,656 DEFUND / APPROPRIATION $1,311,656 from PWC9095-501 to Unallocated Fund 501
8501 Capital Replacement for Parks Projects $150,000

DEFUND / APPROPRIATION
$75,000 from PWC8501-501 to PWC8394-501 Citywide Minor
Building Mods and $75,000 from PWC8501-501 to PWC8714-501 Fuel Management and Monitoring Systems
8889 Water Conservation & Median Upgrades $1,170,814

DEFUND / APPROPRIATION
$1,170,814 from PWC8889-501 to PWC9119-501 Auto Mall
Parkway Median Improvement Project
9041 Regional Projs Funding Match $80,000

DEFUND / APPROPRIATION
$80,000 (TIF) from PWC9041-531 to PWC9100-531
Fremont/Walnut Bikeway Project
9087 Central Park Community Center $500,000 DEFUND
$500,000 from PWC9087-522
Unallocated Measure B $8,012.01

APPROPRIATION
$6,678.45 from unallocated Fund 518 (Measure B) to PWC8444- 518 Citywide Intersection Ramps Project
$1,333.56 from unallocated Fund 519 (Measure B) to PWC8444- 519 Citywide Intersection Ramps Project
(Appropriate any interest earned in FY25/26)
8541 Bike and Pedestrian Non-Infrastructure
Programs $4,800.10

DEFUND / APPROPRIATION
$4,800.10 (Measure B) from PWC8541-519 to PWC8444-519
Citywide Intersection Ramps Project
9041 Regional Projs Funding Match $0.11

DEFUND / APPROPRIATION
$0.11 (Measure B) from PWC9041-518 to PWC8444-518 Citywide Intersection Ramps Project
9078 2023 Pedestrian Crossing Enhancement $19,890.76

DEFUND / APPROPRIATION
$19,890.76 (Measure B) from PWC9078-519 to PWC8444-519
Citywide Intersection Ramps Project
Subtotal $5,129,928
TOTAL 18,250,809
Note: Amounts are approximate, final amounts to be based on fund balance at time of closeout PWC = Public Works Contract
Other Funding Actions

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Attachment: Exhibit A - Capital Project Cleanup Action Items (5634 : CAPITAL PROJECT CLOSEOUTS) Fremont City Council Meeting: 02/17/26 07:00 PM
3300 Capitol Avenue Div/Dept: Human Services Department Fremont, CA 94538 Category: Grants

SCHEDULED
Sponsors:

COUNCIL STAFF REPORT (ID # 5632) DOC ID: 5632
Updated: 2/12/2026 1:50 PM by Dina Lewis Page 1
FY 2025/26 HUMAN SERVICES SOCIAL SERVICES GRANT RECOMMENDATION UPDATE – Approve Recommendation to Increase FY 2025/26 Opioid Settlement Grant Recipient Award and Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Grant Agreement with Bay Area Community Health
Contact Persons:

Executive Summary: On July 15, 2025, the City Council approved $872,732 in FY 2025/26 Social Services grant funding, including $852,732 for twenty Social Service grants and $20,000 for one Opioid Settlement grant to Bay Area Community Health (BACH).

Staff has subsequently reviewed the City’s National Opioid Settlement funding, as well as community needs, and recommends the City Council approve an additional allocation of $50,000 in National Opioid Settlement funds for BACH and authorize the City Manager to enter into a $70,000 grant agreement with BACH to provide opioid intervention services in the community, as well as much needed prevention and intervention training for the City’s outreach staff, first responders and volunteers. Additionally, the City has requested that BACH conduct a community awareness campaign aimed at targeting vulnerable youth and community members and linking them to harm reduction resources.

BACKGROUND: Since the late 1970s, the City of Fremont (City) has administered a grant program for non-profit agencies to provide social services to Fremont residents (Social Service Grant Program). Historically, the Human Relations Commission (HRC) has facilitated a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process and made recommendations to the City Council on Human Service Grant funding awards. The City awards Human Service Grants on a three-year funding cycle and FY 2025/26 is the first year of the 2025-2028 funding cycle.

For the FY 2025-2028 grant cycle, the City publicized a new RFP to award up to $100,000 per year in social service grants using the Opioid Settlement funds that the City has been allocated as part of a $26 billion nationwide settlement agreement reached with large opioid manufacturers and distributors (Opioid Settlement grants).

In response to the RFP process, the City received one application for an Opioid Settlement grant from BACH in the amount of $20,000, for a limited scope that included street outreach to 100 residents, one-on-one risk and harm reduction counseling, fentanyl education, and referrals to drug treatment and social service agencies. On July 15, 2025, the City Council approved a $20,000 Opioid Settlement grant for BACH.

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Council Staff Report (ID # 5632) Meeting of February 17, 2026 Updated: 2/12/2026 1:50 PM by Dina Lewis Page 2
After the RFP process concluded, and because BACH was the only applicant, and its original funding request was $80,000 less than the total amount of available Opioid Settlement funding, staff reached out to qualified local Community Based Organizations, including BACH, to invite them to propose additional services to meet the opioid social service grant goals and state settlement goals and mandates. BACH was responsive to this invitation and submitted a proposal which demonstrated BACH has the expertise and capacity to increase the scope of its original Opioid Settlement grant proposal in alignment with the allocated grant funding and City needs.

DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS: To align with state goals and mandates, as well as the state mandated spend-down requirements of Opioid Settlement funds, the City has requested that BACH increase its reach from 100 to 200 residents, while maintaining the current frequency of monthly street outreach deployments and fentanyl education sessions. In addition, BACH will proportionally expand the distribution of harm reduction supplies . To ensure BACH has adequate capacity to support the increased number of residents being served, the additional $50,000 in Opioid Settlement grant funding will be allocated exclusively to personnel costs for a Community Health Worker (CHW) at 74.4% FTE. This position is essential to sustain and strengthen outreach activities, provide warm handoffs, enhance care coordination, and maintain the overall quality and consistency of program services and will enable BACH to effectively manage the higher volume of participant engagement, while upholding program standards and reporting requirements.

FISCAL IMPACT: The recommended increase of $50,000 to BACH’s Opioid Settlement grant award, for a total award of $70,000, will be funded entirely by National Opioid Settlement funds in the Miscellaneous Special Revenue Fund (Fund 210) previously appropriated by the City Council as part of the FY 2025/26 annual operating. There is no impact to the General Fund.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: Approval of the proposed Opioid Settlement Grant award and execution of a grant agreement are exempt from and not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because, without limitation, it is not a “project” as defined in CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(2), 15378(b)(4), and/or 15378(b)(5), and it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment per CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), each as a separate and independent basis for CEQA compliance.

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Fremont City Council Meeting: 02/17/26 07:00 PM
3300 Capitol Avenue Div/Dept: Public Works
Fremont, CA 94538 Category: Presentations

SCHEDULED
Sponsors:

COUNCIL STAFF REPORT (ID # 5643) DOC ID: 5643
Updated: 2/12/2026 2:42 PM by Dina Lewis Page 1
DOORDASH DELIVERY ROBOTS - Receive Presentation and Accept Report on Permit Application to Allow DoorDash to Test and Operate Food Delivery Robots in Fremont Under Specified Conditions to Ensure Public Safety and Community Support.

Contact Persons:

Name: Hans Larsen Donovan Lazaro
Title: Public Works Director Economic Development Director Div/Dept: Public Works Economic Development
Department
Phone: 510-494-4722 510-284-4024
E-Mail: [email protected] [email protected]

Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to facilitate City Council and community awareness of a proposed innovation partnership project with DoorDash to test and operate an automated delivery service with small robotic vehicles using bike lanes, sidewalks and local streets in the Downtown/Central, Centerville, and Irvington areas of Fremont.

BACKGROUND: Automated delivery platforms using robots have grown in popularity over the past few years with services launched in the areas of Los Angeles, Phoenix, Chicago, Atlanta, and Miami. Systems initially involved robots traveling slow speeds on sidewalks (5 mph or less) and are now evolving to include bike lanes with speeds up to 20 mph.

Sponsors of these systems include Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash.

DoorDash is a Bay Area based company and has an in-house robotics and automation division. Its new generation of DoorDash robots named “Dot” is now being manufactured in Fremont and the “Dot” robots were launched for service in Arizona last year. DoorDash has also tested this service in other bay area cities, including San Ramon and Concord and is interested in starting up a service in Fremont. Fremont has a strong history of partnering with local companies to demonstrate ‘home grown’ technology in the City. A video of the DoorDash “Dot” robot is provided in the WEBLINK section of this report.

The DoorDash “Dot” robots have similar technology systems used by autonomous vehicles with multi-modal sensors, including lidar, radar, and cameras to support safe navigation around pedestrians, cyclists, and other users of the public right-of-way. Operations are supported by continuous remote monitoring with trained operators able to intervene and assume control when needed.

The Mayor and most City Council members have seen a display of the DoorDash “Dot” robot at recent events related to Fremont Manufacturing Week (October 2025) and the Alameda County Conference of Mayors (January 2026), hosted by Fremont.

For this City Council agenda item, representatives from DoorDash are planned to participate in the presentation and address any questions from the City Council and members of the public.

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Council Staff Report (ID # 5643) Meeting of February 17, 2026 Updated: 2/12/2026 2:42 PM by Dina Lewis Page 2
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS: Over the past month, staff from Economic Development and Public Works have collaborated on a proposal with DoorDash to introduce “Dot” to the Fremont community through a measured set of steps that ensure public safety and community support. Using the established Public Works process for permitting encroachments into the street right-of-way, a streamlined and phased permit application and approval process has been developed that allows DoorDash robots to use City bike lanes, sidewalks and streets subject to specific conditions.

General Conditions – Based on DoorDash’s experience with automated delivery in other cities, they have a standardized Operating Plan and Incidence Response Procedures. The robots would have a maximum travel speed of 5 mph on sidewalks, and 20 mph within bike lanes and along neighborhood streets.

Proposed Initial Service Area and Primary Streets – The proposed Initial Service area generally includes the Downtown/Central, Centerville, and Irvington areas of Fremont and is bounded within I-880, Alameda Creek, Mission Boulevard, I-680, and Auto Mall Parkway, with no travel along or across State Highways, since permission would be needed from Caltrans. The primary corridors used for robot travel are proposed to be Fremont Boulevard, Walnut Avenue, Mowry Avenue, Stevenson Boulevard, and Paseo Padre Parkway, where Fremont has a well-developed network of wide bikeways that are physically separated from traffic with sidewalk-level bikeways or have separation using plastic posts or painted buffer areas.

Phase 1A: Coordination and Mapping – Upon City permit approval, DoorDash would conduct a coordination process to introduce the “Dot” robots to the Fremont community that would involve comprehensive stakeholder engagement including bike and pedestrian community groups; local businesses; and City staff (Police, Fire, Maintenance, Public Works). Also, work would begin to map the City within the Initial Service area to render a real-time 3D representation of the street environment to support safe navigation by “Dot” around pedestrians, cyclists, and other users of the right-of-way, along with paths of travel to connect with participating businesses. During Phase 1A, expected to take approximately 2 months, DoorDash would only operate up to 3 robots for community engagement, testing and demonstration purposes, during which robots are chaperoned by local operators.

Phase 1B: Initial Operations – Based on the experiences and feedback from Phase 1A, an amended permit would be issued by Public Works to allow up to 30 robots to operate autonomously within the Service Area and with the capability to be operated remotely as needed.

Other Permit Conditions – The term of the permit would extend for approximately 1 year, through March 2027. The permit can be revoked by the City at any time in the event of non-compliance with DoorDash commitments or permit conditions, any safety issues, significant public concern, or direction by City Manager or City Council. Continued ongoing operations and expansion of service (Phase 2) would be subject to a separate review and approval process.

FISCAL IMPACT: The proposed permit with DoorDash to test and initiate an autonomous delivery service in Fremont includes cost recovery provisions for staff services, insurance requirements, indemnification, and a non-liability clause in the City’s interests. The DoorDash autonomous delivery service has the potential for positive economic value for

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Council Staff Report (ID # 5643) Meeting of February 17, 2026 Updated: 2/12/2026 2:42 PM by Dina Lewis Page 3
Fremont restaurants, residents/customers, other businesses, and for Fremont-based production of the DoorDash robots.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: The recommended action of receiving an informational report has no physical impact on the environment and is exempt from environmental review.

WEBLINK:

Video of DoorDash “Dot” Robot and Automated Delivery Service https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqyYo8Q6CSE

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Receive presentation and accept report.

2. Provide input to staff on issues to consider.

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Fremont City Council Meeting: 02/17/26 07:00 PM
3300 Capitol Avenue Div/Dept: City Council
Fremont, CA 94538 Category: Council Referrals & Appointments

SCHEDULED
Sponsors:

COUNCIL STAFF REPORT (ID # 5649) DOC ID: 5649
Updated: 2/13/2026 12:52 PM by Dina Lewis Page 1
VICE MAYOR YAJING ZHANG REFERRAL - Initiate Council-Drafted Charter Process to Make Fremont a Charter City and Place a Proposed Charter on the November 3, 2026 Ballot (Accelerated Schedule)
Contact Persons:

Name: Yajing Zhang
Title: Vice Mayor
Div/Dept: City Council
Phone: 510-284-4083
E-Mail: [email protected]

Vice Mayor Zhang Referral: Initiate Council-Drafted Charter Process to Make Fremont a Charter City and Place a Proposed Charter on the November 3, 2026 Ballot (Accelerated Schedule).

Background: Fremont is one of California's largest, most diverse, and fastest-growing cities. Transitioning from a general law city to a charter city will provide Fremont greater flexibility, stronger local control over municipal affairs, and the ability to modernize governance, streamline procurement, enhance project delivery, and tailor administrative and electoral systems to local needs.

California’s Constitution and state law provide multiple methods to propose a city charter.

Because time is of the essence, I will propose two options.

Option A) Well- thought timeline with goals of actions towards the Nov 3 2026 Ballot (Accelerated Schedule)
Option B) Council could begin with a study session on charter options and governance models, then direct staff to return with a recommended workplan and timeline targeting the November 2028 general election, avoiding the added cost of a standalone special election in 2017
Option A) details: directs staff to proceed under the city council-drafted charter method, under which the City Council retains authority to develop the proposed charter for voter consideration, supported by structured community input through an advisory committee. • The City Council retains full authority to draft the charter.

• A Mayor-appointed 7-member advisory committee provides structured input and community representation. The advisory committee needs to follow Brown Act. • The final charter is submitted to Fremont voters for adoption.

This referral formally initiates the drafting and adoption process.

Proposal: Direct staff to initiate a City Council drafted charter process inclusive of the following components:

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Council Staff Report (ID # 5649) Meeting of February 17, 2026 Updated: 2/13/2026 12:52 PM by Dina Lewis Page 2

1. March 3, 2026 Return: Implementing Resolution and Workplan

Return to City Council on March 3, 2026 with:

• Implementing Resolution (Exhibit A sample attached): establishing a 7-member Charter Advisory Committee appointed by the Mayor and ratified by the City Council, advisory only, with clear scope, deliverables, meeting transparency expectations, and sunset date.

• Charter workplan: project governance and staffing plan; recommended use (if any) of outside charter counsel; public outreach approach (including multilingual access); critical-path schedule aligned to statutory notice/hearing/waiting periods, etc.

• Mayor to announce the City is accepting applications for any City committee and to receive application and file a written application for appointment with the City Clerk.

2. Advisory Committee Formation Deadline (Time is of the Essence)

• March 10, 2026 – Appoint Charter Advisory Committee Members by mayor and approved by the council members, or on later than March 17.

3. Advisory Committee Charge (High Level)

Direct that the Advisory Committee review and provide written recommendations to Council on:

• Strong Mayor governance models (variations).
• Hybrid governance models (variations).
• Meeting structure.
• Checks/guardrails: accountability, transparency, and non-interference principles. • Term limits options and considerations.
• Council compensation considerations (charter context). • A recommended Council office staffing framework, including what constitutes an adequate level of staffing support for the Mayor and Councilmembers and principles for scaling staffing over time (workload triggers, shared vs. dedicated staff, service expectations, and budget accountability).

4. Advisory Committee Deliverables (Accelerated)

• Interim Recommendations Memorandum due: April 28, 2026.  Final Recommendations Report due: May 12, 2026.

5. Charter Drafting Direction (High Level)

Direct the City Attorney (with outside charter counsel as needed) to prepare a proposed charter that clearly addresses, at minimum:

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Council Staff Report (ID # 5649) Meeting of February 17, 2026 Updated: 2/13/2026 12:52 PM by Dina Lewis Page 3

• Governance structure options (strong mayor + city administrator and hybrid alternatives for Council consideration).
• Accountability structure for top administration and department leadership. • Budget and fiscal authority framework.
• Checks and balances.
• Legislative branch functioning.
• Term limits and transition concepts.
• Council compensation authority considerations.
• Council office staffing framework options (adequacy standards and scaling principles).

6. Public Process, Ballot Preparation, and Schedule

Direct staff to include in the workplan a proposed schedule that positions the City for final Council action in June 2026 (with the third-week July meeting held only as contingency), and ensures sufficient buffer for ballot materials and filing before August closure.

ATTACHMENTS:
• DRAFT - Resolution_Mayor-Appointed Charter Advisory Committee

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Page 1 of 5 ends

DRAFT
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

FREMONT ESTABLISHING A MAYOR- APPOINTED CHARTER

ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO SUPPORT THE COUNCIL -DRAFTED

PROCESS TO PLACE A PROPOSED CITY CHARTER ON THE
NOVEMBER 3, 2026 BALLOT

WHEREAS, Fremont is one of California's largest, most diverse, and fastest-growing cities, and the City Council desires to evaluate adoption of a City Charter to become a charter city and to determine the most effective governance structure for the City; and

WHEREAS, the City Council is initiating a Council-drafted charter process to consider submitting a proposed City Charter to Fremont voters at the November 3, 2026 election; and

WHEREAS, the City Council seeks structured community input to inform governance options, checks and balances, term limits options, compensation considerations, and Council office support needs; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Fremont does hereby establish a Mayor appointed Charter Advisory Committee as shown on the attached Exhibit A.

ADOPTED _______________, 2026 by the City Council of the City of Fremont by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

______________________________
Mayor

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Attachment: DRAFT - Resolution_Mayor-Appointed Charter Advisory Committee (5649 : Vice Mayor Zhang Referral)

Page 2 of 5 ends

ATTEST:

_________________________________
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

_____________________________
City Attorney

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Attachment: DRAFT - Resolution_Mayor-Appointed Charter Advisory Committee (5649 : Vice Mayor Zhang Referral)

Page 3 of 5 ends

EXHIBIT A
Sample Implementing Resolution

Section 1. Establishment
The City Council hereby establishes a Charter Advisory Committee ("Committee") to provide advisory input to the City Council and City staff as part of the Council-drafted charter process.

Section 2. Status and Authority
A. The Committee is advisory only and shall have no decision-making authority.

B. The Committee shall not have authority to bind the City or direct staff.

C. Staff support shall be coordinated through the City Manager's Office.

Section 3. Composition and Appointment
A. The Committee shall consist of seven (7) members.

B. Members shall be appointed by the Mayor and ratified by the City Council.

Section 4. Timeline for Formation

A. Time is of the essence. The City Council intends for the Committee to be seated promptly following adoption of this Resolution.

B. If this Resolution is considered on March 3, 2026, the Committee shall be seated no later than March 17, 2026, or as soon as practicable thereafter consistent with Council direction.

Section 5. Scope of Work
The Committee shall review and provide written recommendations to the City Council on the following topics to inform preparation of a proposed City Charter:

A. Governance Structure Options
• Strong Mayor forms of government, including variations in executive authority, appointment authority, and checks and balances.
• Hybrid forms of government, including models that blend executive and legislative roles and alternative accountability structures. • Comparative considerations including accountability, speed of execution, stability/continuity, and transparency.

B. Executive/Legislative Roles and Meeting Structure

• Options regarding who presides at Council meetings.
• High-level principles and clear lines of authority.

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Attachment: DRAFT - Resolution_Mayor-Appointed Charter Advisory Committee (5649 : Vice Mayor Zhang Referral)

Page 4 of 5 ends

• Consideration of veto/override frameworks (if proposed in draft charter options).

C. Term Limits
• Recommended term-limit structure and implementation approach, and any transition provisions intended to ensure fairness, continuity, and clarity.

D. Compensation and Council Office Support
• High-level considerations for Councilmember compensation in a charter context, consistent with applicable law.
• A recommended Council office staffing framework, including the Committee's assessment of an adequate level of staffing support for the Mayor and Councilmembers, and recommended principles for scaling staffing over time (e.g., workload triggers, shared vs. dedicated staff, service expectations, and budget accountability), for City Council consideration.

E. Implementation and Guardrails
• Recommended safeguards to preserve a professional, merit-based workforce, including civil service/merit system considerations.
• Transparency, ethics, and accountability guardrails.
• Transition and implementation considerations to minimize disruption and maintain service continuity.

Section 6. Deliverables
A. The Committee shall produce two written deliverables:

1. Interim Recommendations Memorandum due April 28, 2026.

2. Final Recommendations Report due May 12, 2026.

B. Deliverables shall be submitted to the City Clerk for posting in the public record.

Section 7. Meetings and Transparency
The Committee shall conduct its meetings subject to Brown Act and consistent with open meeting principles, including agendas posted in advance, opportunity for public comment, and minutes maintained and posted.

Section 8. Staff Support
A. The City Manager shall designate a staff liaison to support the Committee, coordinate meeting logistics, and facilitate access to non-confidential information.

B. The City Clerk and City Attorney shall provide process and legal guidance as needed through the staff liaison.

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Attachment: DRAFT - Resolution_Mayor-Appointed Charter Advisory Committee (5649 : Vice Mayor Zhang Referral)

Page 5 of 5 ends

Section 9. Sunset
The Committee shall sunset automatically upon the earlier of:

A. Submission of the Final Recommendations Report; or
B. June 19, 2026, unless extended by City Council action.

Section 10. Severability
If any provision of this Resolution is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

Section 11. Effective Date
This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.

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Attachment: DRAFT - Resolution_Mayor-Appointed Charter Advisory Committee (5649 : Vice Mayor Zhang Referral)

Fremont City CouncilFebruary 17, 2026

Fremont City Council
February 17, 2026