Fremont City Council
June 16, 2026

City Council Meeting
June 16, 2026
Centerville Train Depot
Lease RFP
Background
• Lease Agreement was executed in October 2015 and
has been month-to-month since October 2020
• Dirk Lorenz (ACE ticket sales) and Wendell Velilla
(East Bay Café) are the current lease holders
• Zabihullah Akrami operated the East Bay Café
between May-December 2025
• January 2026, City released a Request For Proposals
(RFP) for a new lease agreement and operation of
Centerville Train Depot
Request for Proposals Process
• RFP was consistent with City’s adopted procurement process and common practice for the exclusive use of a public facility • Proposals received from:
• East Bay Café (Wendell) – Café Only
• Zabihullah Akrami – Entire Building
• Dirk Lorenz – Office Only
• Proposals reviewed by staff from Economic Development, Community Development, Public Works
• Interviews were not conducted as staff were familiar with all parties that submitted proposals and there was a clear consensus on staff recommendation following review of the proposals RFP Considerations and Goals
• Primary focus of RFP is café operations and possible
expansion of café space
• Identify a partner that will program and activate the Train Depot Plaza area
• Provide the Train Depot building and plaza as a
gathering and event space for the Centerville
community
Considerations Based on Past Performance
• East Bay Café:
• Has not historically met the operating hours as required in the lease agreement
• Café business was sold which is not allowed under lease • Ticket Office:
• An employee has been allowed to reside at the Train Depot in exchange for employment with no additional monetary
compensation
• Per a police report, a former employee also admitted to being allowed to reside at the Train Depot
Supplemental Information
• East Bay Café operator’s commitment to financial
investments
• Menu and types of food offered by each operator
• Data on monthly customers and sales
• Operating Hours and staffing structures
• Allegations of employees not being paid minimum
wage
Staff Recommendation
• Authorize a five-year lease agreement with Zabihullah Akrami for the operation of the Centerville Train Depot with the option to renew for two additional five-year
terms.