SHOP HAY HAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING
777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541
Council Chambers
https://hayward.zoom.us/j/87600436832?pwd=gGsia0gwhreLf64vDfZ7fAziSmWJ3T.1 CALIFORNA Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
The City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Salinas at 7:10 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Pledge of Allegiance: Council Member Andrews
ROLL CALL
Present: COUNCIL MEMBERS Andrews, Bonilla Jr., Goldstein, Roche, Syrop, Zermeño MAYOR Salinas
Absent: NONE
Mayor Salinas announced that the public hearing to comply with AB 2561 (Status of Vacancies, Recruitment, and Retention Efforts) was continuing to the June 3, 2025, City Council meeting.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
The City Council convened in closed session on May 13, 2025, at 8:30 p.m., with all members present and no public speakers regarding public employment for City Manager pursuant to Government Code section 54957. Acting City Attorney Vigilia reported that the City Council discussed the item but took no reportable action.
The City Council convened in closed session on May 27, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., with all members present and no public speakers, regarding three items: 1) public employment for City Attorney pursuant to Government Code section 54957(b)(1); 2) public employment for City Manager pursuant to Government Code section 54957; and 3) conference with labor negotiators pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6 regarding Hayward Police Management Unit.
Acting City Attorney Vigilia reported that the City Council discussed Item 3, provided direction to staff, but took no reportable action. Mayor Salinas reported that the City Council discussed Items 1 and 2 but took no reportable action.
PRESENTATION
Mayor Salinas read a proclamation declaring May 2025 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month in the City of Hayward.
The following individuals received a proclamation on behalf of their groups: Yelitza Peña, Hayward Unified School District (HUSD) Coordinator, Student & Family Services Programs; Lani Llamido and Jennifer Rivera with HUSD Asian and Pacific Islander Community Initiative (APICI); Lisa Tess, Principal, Winton Middle School; Nieleen Tamondong, Counselor, Winton Middle School and Asian & Pacific Islander Club (APIC) Advisor; Teresa Hoang, CEO and Founder, Strong, Smart & Kind (SSK) Foundation; and Jayanti Addleman, Director of Library Services City of Hayward.
Mayor Salinas read a Certificate of Commendation presented to Assistant City Manager Dustin Claussen upon his departure from the City of Hayward on May 30, 2025, and in honor of his dedication and commitment to the organization and community for eleven years.
Members of the City Council commended Assistant City Manager Dustin Claussen for his dedicated public service, leadership during complex circumstances, community approachability, mentorship, collaborative spirit, relationship-building, commitment, expertise informing decision-making, and demonstration of heart-centered service; and wished him success in his new role. Assistant City Manager Claussen expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve Hayward, acknowledging the City Council's leadership and reflecting on his unexpectedly long and impactful tenure.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dr. Carlos Hernandez, with Bay Philharmonic, invited the City Council and public to a special Beatles tribute concert with a live orchestra - The Beatles Reimagined - on June 22, 2025, at Chabot College Center.
Rosalinda Romero gave a heartfelt tribute to Assistant City Manager Dustin Claussen, whose impact on her personal and professional life was deeply meaningful.
TJ with Hayward Concerned Citizens thanked Assistant City Manager Claussen for his responsiveness and recalled a moment during a city event that demonstrated his character and willingness to help others.
Velda Goe thanked Assistant City Manager Claussen for his support over the years; and announced plans for the upcoming third annual Kwanzaa celebration at City Hall, requesting City support and collaboration.
CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS
Acting City Manager Lawson acknowledged the City's Executive Team for collaboratively addressing the City's budget challenges, assured the City Council that the revised budget proposal, coming on June 17, 2025, will be less reliant on reserves; reaffirmed the City's commitment to preserving core services, honoring all voter-approved funding measures; and noted a Fall budget revision will meet City Council and community expectations.
CONSENT
There was a comment related to Consent Item 6.
1. Approve the City Council Minutes of the Meeting on May 13, 2025 MIN 25-069 It was moved by Council Member Syrop, seconded by Council Member Roche, and carried unanimously, to adopt the City Council meeting minutes of May 13, 2025. 2| May 27.2025
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541
Council Chambers
https://hayward.zoom.us/j/87600436832?pwd=gGsia0gwhreLf64vDjZ7fAziSmWJ3T.1 CALIFORNA Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
2. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Reallocate $100,000 in Funding Previously Allocated to the Hayward Fire Department for a Drone Project to Fund a Proposal from the Fire Department's Health and Wellness Committee for Personal Protective Equipment Cleaning at an Estimated Cost of $70,000 Returning $30,000 to Measure C Fund 406 CONS 25-238
Staff report submitted by Interim Fire Chief Vollmer, dated May 27,2025, was filed.
It was moved by Council Member Syrop, seconded by Council Member Roche, and carried unanimously, to adopt the resolution.
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS Andrews, Bonilla Jr., Goldstein, Roche, Syrop, Zermeño
MAYOR Salinas
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Resolution 25-088, Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Reallocate $100,000 in Funding Previously Allocated to the Hayward Fire Department for a Drone Project to Fund a Proposal from the Fire Department's Health and Wellness Committee for Personal Protective Equipment Cleaning at an Estimated Cost of $70,000, Returning $30,000 to Measure C Fund 406"
3. Adopt a Resolution Accepting and Appropriating Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Grant (HHAP) Round 5 Funding in the Amount of $186,667 for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Hayward Navigation Center Operations to Support the Agreement with Bay Area Community Services (BACS) for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Hayward Navigation Center Operations in a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $2,500,894 CONS 25-240 Staff report submitted by Community Services Manager Cole- Bloom and Assistant City Manager Youngblood, dated May 27, 2025, was filed
It was moved by Council Member Syrop, seconded by Council Member Roche, and carried unanimously, to adopt the resolution.
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS Andrews, Bonilla Jr., Goldstein, Roche, Syrop, Zermeño
MAYOR Salinas
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Resolution 25-089, "Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Accept and Appropriate $186,667 in Homeless Housing,
Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) Funding to Support Hayward Navigation Center Operations"
4. Adopt an Ordinance Amending Chapter 9, Article 9 of the Hayward Municipal Code for the Adoption of Universal Residential Design and Visitability Standards for the City of Hayward CONS 25-250
Staff report submitted by City Clerk Lens, dated May 27, 2025, was filed.
It was moved by Council Member Syrop, seconded by Council Member Roche, and carried unanimously, to adopt the ordinance.
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS Andrews, Bonilla Jr., Goldstein, Roche, Syrop, Zermeño
MAYOR Salinas
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Ordinance 25-04, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Hayward Amending the Hayward Municipal Code to Add Article 9 of Chapter 9 (Building Regulations) to Establish Universal Residential Design and Visitability Standards for the City of Hayward"
5. Adopt an Ordinance Amending Chapter 10, Article 1 (Zoning Ordinance) of the Hayward Municipal Code Rezoning a Property to the Medium Density Residential District in Connection with Zone Change, Vesting Tentative Map and Site Plan Review Application No. 202000576 for a Three-Unit Residential Condominium CONS 25-251 Staff report submitted by City Clerk Lens, dated May 27, 2025, was filed.
It was moved by Council Member Syrop, seconded by Council Member Roche, and carried unanimously, to adopt the ordinance.
4| May 27.2025
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541
Council Chambers
https://hayward.z0om.us/j/87600436832?pwd=gGsia0gwhreLf64vD/Z7jAziSmWJ3T.1 CALIFORNA Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS Andrews, Bonilla Jr., Goldstein, Roche, Syrop, Zermeño
MAYOR Salinas
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Ordinance 25-05, "An Ordinance Amending Chapter 10, Article 1 Zoning Ordinance) of the Hayward Municipal Code Rezoning a Property to the Medium Density Residential District in
Connection with Zone Change, Vesting Tentative Map and Site Plan Review Application No. 202000576 for a Three-Unit
Residential Condominium"
6. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Commissioner Vikram Gautham from the Clean and Green Commission, Effective Immediately CONS 25-258 Staff report submitted by City Clerk Lens dated May 27, 2025, was filed
Council Member Andrews thanked Commissioner Vikram Gautham for his service on the Clean and Green Commission.
It was moved by Council Member Syrop, seconded by Council Member Roche, and carried unanimously, to adopt the resolution.
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS Andrews, Bonilla Jr., Goldstein, Roche, Syrop, Zermeño
MAYOR Salinas
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Resolution 25-090, "Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Vikram Gautham from the Clean and Green Commission"
WORK SESSION
7. Hayward Boulevard Feasibility Study: Proposed Restriping and Safety Improvements recommended by the Hayward Boulevard Feasibility Study, Project No. 05217 WS 25- 023
Staff report submitted by Public Works Director Ameri, dated May 27, 2025, was filed.
Public Works Director Ameri announced the item and introduced Public Works Deputy Director Louch who provided a synopsis of the report.
Mayor Salinas raised concerns about the traffic impact of the proposed relocation of Bret Harte Middle School to the corner of Hayward Boulevard and Campus Drive; expressed a preference to defer any lane configuration changes until a more thorough, updated traffic impact study is completed; and recommended proceeding with road improvements and traffic calming initiatives in the meantime.
Mayor Salinas opened the public comment section at 8:12 p.m.
Brian Schott, Hayward resident, opposed reducing Hayward Boulevard lanes, citing safety concerns, increased traffic from future school developments, and suggested targeted traffic enforcement, such as radar guns and motorcycle patrols, to reduce speeding.
Briggitte Lowe, Hayward resident, expressed opposition to lane reductions on Hayward Boulevard, citing emergency evacuation concerns; questioned whether best practices and response times had been studied or considered; and expressed support for pedestrian improvements.
John Morton, Tribune Street resident, opposed lane reduction, citing congestion concerns at key intersections; stated Hayward Boulevard was designed as a major thoroughfare; and agreed with emergency evacuation concerns.
Robert Stevens, Hayward resident, referenced a document he submitted; opposed the layward Boulevard proposal for failing to meet traffic safety goals including community pedestrian safety; and urged the City to adopt a more comprehensive, evidence-based desigr solution including protected bike lanes and crosswalk improvements.
Kellie expressed concern that despite overwhelming public opposition to lane reduction, the plan continues to be discussed; and supported traffic calming and pedestrian safety improvements without reducing travel lanes.
Frank, a teacher at Stonebrae School, expressed that key stakeholders, such as Stonebrae School staff, were not consulted about proposed lane changes; noted concern the plan continues despite resident opposition; and urged the City Council to reconsider the proposal.
Velda Goe, Hayward resident, echoed concerns about a lack of public notice; supported speed-reducing technology such as cameras; and suggested making Bret Harte School's entrance off Hayward Boulevard to ease traffic impacts. 6| May 27.2025
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541
Council Chambers
https://hayward.zoom.us/j/87600436832?pwd=gGsia0gwhreLf64vDfZ7fAziSmWJ3T.1 CALIFORNA Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
Cynthia Taylor, Hayward resident, voiced opposition to the proposed lane reduction and raised concerns about emergency evacuation planning; and supported safety and bike improvements that do not limit traffic lanes.
Mayor Salinas closed the public comment section at 8:35 p.m.
Discussion ensued among members of the City Council and City staff and the following clarifications were made: a traffic study for the new Bret Harte Middle School was completed in July 2024, and projected 493 students, with expected impact from the transition from an elementary to a middle school; certain segments of Hayward Boulevard cannot accommodate four vehicle lanes plus bike lanes due to existing medians, but two vehicle lanes with bike lanes are feasible in narrower segments; speed feedback signs can be added in the near term, but California law currently limits automated speed safety cameras to five pilot cities, with only San Francisco having implemented them so far; opening Harder Road as an emergency evacuation route would require coordination with Cal State University East Bay and may lead to increased traffic; and pedestrian safety improvements, such as enhanced crossings and signage, will proceed separately from any restriping decisions and are not dependent on lane reductions, even though features such as flashing beacons are less effective on four-lane roads.
Mayor Salinas emphasized the need for citywide efforts to reduce speeding, citing the dangerous conditions and recent fatalities; and recommended implementing temporary traffic calming measures and retaining the four-lane configuration.
Council Member Zermeño spoke from personal experience about the steep and unsafe conditions for bicyclists on the Hayward Boulevard corridor; emphasized the urgent need for measures to slow downhill traffic, such as signage, lighting, or physical street treatments; referenced fatalities in specific areas; aligned with community sentiment; and expressed support for Option 4 (restoring the road to its current configuration) with pedestrian improvements.
Council Member Syrop highlighted missed opportunities for broader outreach, particularly to anchor institutions such as Stonebrae Elementary School or neighborhood associations; clarified that the proposed lane reconfiguration would still include space for emergency access via bike lanes and center turn lanes; proposed focusing safety improvements on the segment between Campus Drive and Doble Avenue, near schools and shopping areas, while leaving the rest of the Hayward Boulevard untouched outside of pedestrian improvements; and indicated he would be amenable to acquire speed safety cameras once allowed in California.
Council Member Goldstein supported slowing down the process; emphasized the need for further study from a disaster response perspective; raised concerns about how lane reductions could impede emergency evacuations, particularly during wildfires or other high- stress events when drivers panic and block access; advocated for more public education on emergency response; supported the use of speed safety cameras; and encouraged exploring partnerships with Cal State University East Bay to open Harder Road as a potential emergency evacuation route.
Council Member Roche agreed that pedestrian safety improvements should proceed but recommended pausing lane reduction efforts due to overwhelming public opposition and the area's limited suitability for cycling infrastructure.
Council Member Bonilla Jr. acknowledged the importance of calming traffic and enhancing pedestrian satety, but was hesitant to proceed with a plan that faces strong community resistance; encouraged finding creative alternatives, such as increased traffic enforcement with motorcycle units, to address speeding without sacrificing public support; and praised staff's work, but recommended that any final solution should be something the community can embrace.
Council Member Andrews reiterated comments made during committee discussions, thanking staff for adjusting the plan and expanding community outreach, including engagement with Cal State East Bay; suggested future outreach should also include other stakeholders, such as Stonebrae Elementary School, nearby retail tenants and residents in nearby townhomes; emphasized the importance of focusing traffic safety efforts at intersections, particularly those where fatalities have occurred; and commended the respectful and thoughtful public input received.
In response to Acting City Manager Lawson's request for clarification on the City Council's direction due to the time-sensitive repaving schedule, Public Works Director Ameri confirmed Option 4 (maintaining four lanes) was preferred and safety improvements, such as pedestrian enhancements, would be pursued separately and require consultant design work.
Council Member Syrop suggested prioritizing the area between Campus Drive and Doble Avenue for immediate pedestrian safety measures, and proposed piloting improvements in a phased manner to engage the community.
Council Member Roche asked that interim measures, such as basic speed feedback signs, be considered while the restriping implementation.
In response to Council Member Bonilla Jr. inquiry as to whether intersections or bike lanes would receive any improvements under Option 4, Public Works Director Ameri noted staff would review the project scope to identify intersection or safety elements that could be integrated into the paving and striping phase.
Members of the City Council commended the work done by City staff. 8| May 27 .2025
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541
Council Chambers
https://hayward.zoom.us/j/87600436832?pwd=gGsia0gwhreLj64vDjZ7jAziSmWJ3T.1 CALIFORNA Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
Public Works Deputy Director Louch was recognized for his work during his final meeting and thanked for his work on transportation and bicycle programs.
PUBLIC HEARING
8. Public Hearing to comply with AB 2561: Status of Vacancies, Recruitment, and Retention Efforts (Item continued to June 3, 2025) PH 25-026
The item was continued to the June 3, 2025, City Council meeting.
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
9. Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map: Introduction of an Ordinance Amending the Hayward Municipal Code by Adding Article 16 to Chapter 3 of the Hayward Municipal Code Relating to Fire Hazard Severity Zones (Report from Acting Fire Chief Vollmer) LB 25-017
Staff report submitted by Acting Fire Chief Vollmer, dated May 27, 2025, was filed.
Interim Deputy Fire Chief Hamre provided a synopsis of the staff report.
In response to Council Member Roche's inquiry about the City's efforts to educate residents on fire preparedness, evacuation routes, and defensible space, Interim Deputy Fire Chief Hamre responded that staff are focusing on public education, preparing for annual home inspections in fire hazard zones, and supporting vegetation management to reduce risk.
Council Member Bonilla Jr. echoed the importance of education and urged staff to consider more proactive outreach to residents, such as including fire safety tips with utility bills; mphasized the need to empower homeowners against fire threats; and suggeste ollaboration with programs such as the City's vulnerable needs registry to support resident with mobility challenges.
Council Member Andrews suggested that staff inform schools and Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD) about the updated fire hazard maps; recommended coordination with Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) about the maps related to landscaping guidance to ensure that drought-tolerant plant recommendations align with defensible space guidelines; and proposed including educational flyers with the City's free mulch program as another method of community engagement.
Council Member Goldstein recommended staff coordinate with the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program to help educate and build neighborhood-level preparedness; and through training improve evacuation readiness and emergency response.
There being no public comment, Mayor Salinas opened and closed the public hearing at 9:28 p.m.
Council Member Bonilla Jr. moved the staff's recommendation and Council Member Andrews seconded the motion.
Council Member Syrop reiterated the need to inform the community about fire hardening; and suggested that the Fire Department consider metrics, such as tracking the number of homes that are hardened per year and how efforts align with the CERT program or the Communications Division's goal to educate using creative public messaging to empower residents, and cultivate community-led efforts.
Council Member Andrews recommended coordination with the Clean and Green Commission for landscaping education; and encouraged integrating fire safety communications with earthquake preparedness messaging
Council Member Zermeño expressed appreciation for the Fire Department's proactive efforts, particularly the cleanup near Hayward hills, and praised their use of the area for firefighter training.
Council Member Roche proposed engaging schools in fire safety outreach to leverage children as messengers for encouraging home preparedness among families.
It was moved by Council Member Bonilla Ir. seconded by Council Member Andrews, and carried unanimously, to introduce the ordinance.
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS Andrews, Bonilla Jr., Goldstein, Roche, Syrop, Zermeño
MAYOR Salinas
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Ordinance 25-, "An Ordinance of the City of Hayward, California Adding Article 16 to Chapter 3 of the Hayward Municipal Code Relating to Fire Hazard Severity Zones"
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10| May 27.2025
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541
Council Chambers
ATA https://hayward.zoom.us/j/87600436832?pwd=gGsia0gwhreLf64vDfZ7fAziSmWJ3T.1 CALIFORNA Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
COUNCIL REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Salinas announced he would be in Washington, D.C. the week of June 2, 2025, with the Alameda County Transportation Commission delegation to advocate for Alameda County transportation funding, particularly rail projects; and noted that Mayor Pro Tempore Roche would preside over the next City Council meeting.
COUNCIL REFERRALS
There were none.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Salinas adjourned the City Council meeting at 9:42 p.m. in memory of Mr. Greg Galati and Mr. Edward Bogue.
It was noted that Mr. Edward Bogue was the resident representative for the City of Hayward on the Airport Community Noise Forum; was an active member of the Hayward Democratic Club; and along with his mother, he was a long-term resident and community activist in support of neighborhood safety through National Night Out and Hayward Neighborhood Alert events.
Ite was noted that Mr. Greg Galati was a community volunteer supporting the Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force and all of its initiatives; and was a team leader for the Grassbrook Neighborhood Cleanup Team. Mayor Salinas asked City staff to work with the Galati family to plant a tree in his memory.
APPROVED
Mark Salinas
Mayor, City of Hayward
ATTEST:
Miriam Lens
City Clerk, City of Hayward