CLOF HAVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541
Council Chambers
https://hayward.zoom.us/j/89593148306?pwd=b7el9TdYj49D73xAEsQhvux800oUaS.1 CALIFORNA Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
The City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Salinas at 7:00 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
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
The City Council convened in closed session on March 17, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., with all Council Member members present and no public comment, regarding three items: 1) conference with legal counsel pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1), regarding Ghali et al v. City of Hayward US District Court -Northern District of California Case 3:25-cv-01116; 2) conference with labor negotiators pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6, regarding all labor groups; and 3) conference with property negotiators, including City of Hayward and Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8, regarding the Skywest property (formerly Skywest Golf Course, 1401 Golf Course Rd, 20301 Skywest Dr) (APNs 432-0134-001-05, 432-0134-001-00, 432-0134-003-00). City Attorney Lawson reported that the City Council met and discussed all items, had no reportable action related to the first two items, and gave direction to staff about the last item but otherwise took no reportable action. The closed session adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENTATION
Mayor Salinas presented a proclamation declaring March 2026 as Women's History Month in the City of Hayward. Grace Carter, President of the League of Women Voters Eden Area; Rocquel Johnson, President of the Hayward South County Chapter of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA), and Library Director Addleman accepted the proclamation on behalf of their respective organizations. The Women in Leadership Program at California State University East Bay (CSUEB), Alameda County District 2 Supervisor Márquez, Council Member Andrews, and Council Member Roche were also recognized. Ms.
Carolyn Abbott accepted a posthumous Certificate of Commendation on behalf of her mother-in-law, Ms. Afreda Abbott, a founding member of BWOPA.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Tom Ferreira spoke on behalf of Service Employees International Union - United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) promoted access to tuition-free career pathway programs through SEIU-UHW's Futuro Health that prepares workers for in-demand medical roles; and briefly acknowledged the Hill & Valley Women's Club anniversary, during Women's History Month.
The following individuals spoke in opposition to the proposed closure of Faith Ringgold Elementary School. While speakers acknowledged the City Council had no direct jurisdiction over the school district, they urged the City Council to use its influence to advocate for keeping the school open. The concerns raised included: Hayward Unified School District (HUSD) failed to develop and publicly disclose an equity impact analysis matrix before closing school per Assembly Bill AB1912; inadequate notice of the proposed school closure; plans would relocate special needs students from the north side of Hayward all the way to the south side, near Union City, with no guaranteed transportation; lack of transition planning; the school has shown improvement in literacy and math scores in recent years; the school is a vital anchor for the immigrant community, including parents without vehicles; and one student expressed fear of losing friendships and academic progress.
Ismael Caro, Hayward resident and former employee
Araceli Orozco, Hayward resident/parent
Leonardo Jimenez, student
Stephanie Jimenez, Hayward resident/parent and via a Spanish interpreter Claudia Pelayo, Hayward resident/parent and via a Spanish interpreter Rebeca Zarragosa, Hayward resident/parent
Free Lazor, Hayward resident, requested help from the City regarding alleged landlord violence and threatening behavior, and legal obstacles preventing justice, including inability to serve court papers and recover lost funds.
Elizabeth Zapata, former Hayward California State University East Bay (CSUEB) student and instructor, advocated for converting downtown Hayward's one-way streets back to two-way traffic noting the current configuration allows drivers to pass through without engaging with downtown businesses.
Sherman Lewis, Hayward resident and CSUEB professor emeritus, presented a concept for a traffic circle at the Foothill/Mission/Jackson intersection to address the downtown loop issue, indicating the design would feature a rotary with a sunken center and descending pedestrian underpasses and improving pedestrian connectivity without disrupting vehicle flow.
Tom Ferreira, Hayward Rotary Literacy Chair, highlighted concerns about declining school enrollment, housing affordability, and the broader impact on families and education, urging the City to prioritize community stability and children's needs.
Mayor Salinas stated that the City is actively monitoring the Faith Ringgold Elementary School issue, engaging with the HUSD superintendent and board members, and ensuring proper processes are being followed.
2 March 17.2026
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541
ATA Council Chambers
https://hayward.zoom.us/j/89593148306?pwd=b7el9TdYj49D73xAEsQhvux800oUaS.1 CALIFORNIA Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS
City Manager Ott announced that the Hayward Water Resource Recovery Facility received a Plant of the Year award from the California Water Environment Association (CWEA), and Wastewater Collections System Manager, Mark McGrath, received CWA's Supervisor of the Year award for excellence in mentoring, professional development and communication.
PRESENTATION
1. Downtown Hayward Improvement Association (DHIA): Receive the Annual Report on DHIA Activities (Report from Development Services Director Buizer) (Report from Development Services Director Buizer) RPT 26-025
Presentation submitted by Development Services Director Buizer, dated March 17, 2026, was filed.
Development Services Director Buizer introduced the item and turned it over to Executive Director Marco Li Lamandry and Assistant District Manager Nicholas Yoo, who provided an organization overview of the Downtown Hayward Improvement Association (DHIA) including information about its boundaries, governing structure, annual budget, and services such as sidewalk sweeping, pressure washing, and landscaping; and highlighted marketing efforts, events and coordination with the City on development projects and property vacancies.
Members of the City Council expressed appreciation for the improvements in downtown, particularly the visibility, lighting and cleanliness; DHIA was also praised for the positive framing of downtown revitalization efforts
Discussion ensued among members of the City Council and Executive Director Lamandry and the following clarifications were made: DHIA regularly communicates with property owners but faces challenges with vacant properties such as inherited properties and lack of motivation; there are plans to explore initiatives such as an art walk; the idea of street closures was acknowledged but emphasized balancing them with business concerns about parking access; DHIA primarily sponsors and supports events to ensure alignment with local businesses, emphasizing careful coordination to avoid disrupting small businesses; the association is exploring wayfinding tools such as printed maps and potentially a kiosk in downtown for information sharing; the association is considering movable tables and chairs for public spaces, though implementation depends on proper management, safety, and increased downtown activity; the association highlighted the importance of mixed-use development and affordable housing; while the association cannot impose fees or directly incentivize property owners, they support broader policy solutions led by the City and focus on improving downtown's image and economic activity.
Council Member Zermeño requested more public art (statues, sculptures) and continued pressure on vacant property owners.
Council Member Syrop raised concerns about persistent vacancies and the need for stronger strategies, as well as opportunities to better manage parking through potentially paid systems and designated employee parking
Council Member Andrews encouraged the association to take a stronger role in organizing and leading events rather than relying primarily on community partners and consistent monthly programming to drive activity and strengthen downtown's image.
Council Member Roche raised concerns about parking availability, particularly employee parking occupying prime spaces, suggesting better organization, enforcement, and possible alternative parking solutions; and concurred with consistency scheduling and organizing events.
Council Member Bonilla Jr. highlighted the importance of activating public spaces such as Heritage Plaza and improving downtown through wayfinding signage/maps or digital tools to better guide visitors and showcase businesses.
Mayor Salinas emphasized the importance of continued investment, local support, and activating key areas and businesses; and suggested a life-size metal buffalo sculpture in front of Buffalo Bills restaurant as an 'Instagrammable' landmark.
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Approve the City Council Minutes of the City Council Meeting on February 24, 2026 MIN 26-031
It was moved by Council Member Bonilla Jr, seconded by Council Member Syrop, and carried unanimously, to adopt the City Council meeting minutes of February 24, 2026.
3. Approve the City Council Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting/Budget Work Session on February 28, 2026 MIN 26-032
It was moved by Council Member Bonilla Ir., seconded by Council Member Syrop, and carried unanimously, to adopt the Special City Council Meeting minutes of February 28, 2026.
4. Adopt a Resolution Adopting an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Approving the Plans, Specifications, and Call for Bids for the Water Line Replacement Project FY 2024, Project No. 07072 CONS 26-049
Staff report submitted by Public Works Director Ameri, dated March 17, 2026, was filed.
It was moved by Council Member Bonilla Ir., seconded by Council Member Syrop, and carried unanimously, to adopt the resolution.
4| March 17,2026
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541
Council Chambers
https://hayward.zoom.us/j/89593148306?pwd=b7el9TdYj49D73xAEsQhvux800oUaS.1 CALIFORNA Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS Andrews, Bonilla Jr., Goldstein, Roche, Syrop, Zermeño
MAYOR Salinas
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Resolution 26-017, "Resolution Adopting an Initial
Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration in Accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, and Approving Plans and Specifications and Call for Bids for the Water Line Replacement Project FY24, Project No. 07072"
5. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Accept and Appropriate $300,000 in Highway-Railway Crossing Safety Program (Section 130) Funding from the California Department of Transportation for the Preliminary Engineering Phase of the Tennyson Road Crossing Safety Improvement Project, Project No. 06944 and Execute Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement with California Department of Transportation CONS 26-058 Staff report submitted by Public Works Director Ameri, dated March 17, 2026, was filed.
It was moved by Council Member Bonilla Ir., seconded by Council Member Syrop, 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 26-018, "Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Accept and Appropriate $300,000 in Highway-Railway Crossing Safety Program (Section 130) Funding from the California Department of Transportation for the Preliminary Engineering Phase of the Tennyson Road Crossing Safety Improvement Project, Project No. 06944 and Execute Amendment No. 2"
6. Adopt a Resolution Approving Side Letter of Agreements Amending Memoranda of Understanding between the City of Hayward and Both the International Association of Firefighters, Local 1909 and Hayward Fire Officers Association and Authorizing Staff to Execute the Agreements CONS 26-092
State near 57,2i26, way Herman Resources Director Teeson, It was moved by Council Member Bonilla Ir., seconded by Council Member Syrop, 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 26-019, "Resolution Approving Two Side Letters of Agreement with the Hayward Firefighters and the Hayward Fire Officers Association Represented by International Association of Firefighters - Local 1909 to Amend the Current Memoranda of Understanding"
7. Adopt a Resolution Approving a Side Letter of Agreement Amending the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Hayward and the Hayward Police Officers Association and Authorizing Staff to Execute the Agreement CONS 26-093 Staff report submitted by Human Resources Director Tecson, dated March 17, 2026, was filed
Lt was moused to until Meet Bail Jr. seconded by Council Member Syrop, and carried AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS Andrews, Bonilla Jr., Goldstein, Roche, Syrop, Zermeño
MAYOR Salinas
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Resolution 26-020, "Resolution Approving a Side Letter of Agreement with the Hayward Police Officers Association to Amend the Current Memoranda of Understanding"
6| March 17,2026
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541
Council Chambers
https://hayward.zoom.us/j/89593148306?pwd=b7el9TdYj49D73xAEsQhvux800oUaS.1 CALIFORNA Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
WORK SESSION
8. FY 2026 Q1 and Q2 Semiannual Capital Improvement Program Progress Report (Report from Public Works Director Ameri) WS 26-007
Staff report submitted by Public Works Director Ameri, dated March 17, 2026, was filed.
Public Works Director Ameri introduced the semi-annual Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project progress report, noting that over 100 projects are being tracked, including 12 completed in the past year; explained that the item used to be informational and is now a work session due to improvements in reporting transparency and accessibility through a new system developed by staff; and introduced Management Analyst Matta who presented the new online CIP semiannual progress report dashboard which was launched to provide real-time public access to project status updates.
There being no speakers, Mayor Salinas opened and closed the public comment section at 8:42 p.m.
Council Member Syrop praised the new dashboard and suggested expanding it into a citywide, map-based tool showing all projects including Strategic Roadmap projects; and raised concerns about projects labeled "complete" despite minor unfinished elements. Public Works Director Ameri clarified that remaining issues, such as signal activations, are due to contractor delays but are being addressed, and confirmed that "complete" status reflects substantial completion, with staff actively monitoring final items.
Council Member Andrews commended the dashboard's accessibility and asked about development time, external impacts, and funding efficiency. Public Works Director Ameri explained that the tool was implemented quickly by leveraging existing systems; noted minimal impacts from global cost pressures so far, such as favorable bid results despite oil price concerns; and confirmed ongoing efforts to minimize reliance on General Fund and Measure C funds by prioritizing alternative funding sources.
Council Member Roche appreciated the dashboard and asked about adding more renderings, project impacts, delays, and safety priorities. Public Works Director Ameri and Management Analyst Matta confirmed that some projects already include renderings and more can be added over time; explained delays are often due to supply chain issues; and highlighted ongoing quick-build safety projects addressing high-injury areas, aiming at reducing accidents. City Manager Ott added that a future work session will provide further detail on street safety efforts. Council Member Roche congratulated the team for reaching 100% trash capture for sewer system.
Council Member Bonilla Jr. supported the dashboard, suggested integrating a map view and more detailed descriptions, and asked how project status is determined and about timeline clarity. Public Works Director Ameri explained that status is primarily based on adherence to project schedules, agreed to enhance clarity in descriptions, and clarified that dates typically follow the fiscal year, unless otherwise specified.
Council Member Zermeño asked whether delaying CIP projects could ease General Fund pressures and sought confirmation on specific projects such as the public safety center.
Public Works Director Ameri explained that only a small portion of projects (less than 10%) rely on General Fund or Measure C and could be delayed for temporary relief. City Manager Ott cautioned that delays often defer necessary obligations rather than eliminate costs.
Director Ameri also confirmed ongoing progress on the public safety center and completion of a needs assessment.
COUNCIL REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council Member Roche wished everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day and noted the widespread Irish heritage among Americans.
Council Member Andrews thanked community partners, including Hayward Area Recreation and Park District and DHIA for their contributions to the City's 150th anniversary celebration.
Council Member Syrop recognized Community Partnerships Manager Ebadi for organizing major City events, including Hayward's State of the City Address and Hayward's birthday celebration.
COUNCIL REFERRALS
There were none.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Salinas adjourned the City Council meeting at 9:02 p.m.
APPROVI
Mark Salinas
Mayor, City of Hayward
ATTEST:
Miriam Lens
City Clerk, City of Hayward
8 March 17,2026