CITY COUNCIL MEETING
777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541
Council Chambers
https://hayward.zoom.us/j/84066967720?pwd=STfQFdYVPhjGEntuoifMSJdHr17GQJ.1 Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
The City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Salinas at 7:0 4 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 June 16, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., for a conference with legal counsel pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1) regarding Caleb Smith, et al. v. City of Hayward, et al., U.S. District Court case no. C21-08467 YGR. City Attorney Lawson reported that the City Council met with legal counsel on June 16, 2026, and authorized settlement of Caleb Smith v. City of Hayward, contingent upon approval by the City’s insurance partners, which was received on July 8, 2026. The settlement is now complete, with the plaintiff to receive $850,000, to be paid by the City’s excess insurance carrier.
The City Council convened in closed session on July 22, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., with all members present, to discuss the Citty Attorney’s public employment pursuant to Government Code section 54957(b)(1). City Attorney Lawson reported that the City Council completed the annual evaluation of the City Attorney and took no reportable action.
The City Council convened in closed session on August 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., with all members present. Two public comments were received related to data centers. The Council considered two items: 1) conference with property negotiators pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8, regarding City Center (APNs 415-0250-111-02, 415-0250-112-00, and 415-0250- 113-00); Cinema Place (APNs 428 -0066-085-00 and 428 -0066-086-00); C St and Main St (APNs 428 -0066-037-00, 428 -0066-038-02, & 428 -0066-038-01); Parcel Group 8 (APNs 415-0180-070-00, 415-0180-068-01, 415-0180-076-00, 415-0180-084-01, 415-0180-073- 00, 415 -0180-074-00, 415 -0180-075-00, 415 -0180-072-00, 415 -0180-071-00, 415 -0180- 069-01, 415 -0190-064-00, 415 -0180-083-01, 415 -0180-080-00, 415 -0180-082-01, and 415-0180-081-01); and 2) c onference 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. City Attorney Lawson reported that the City Council provided direction to staff regarding Item 1 but took no reportable action. Regarding Item 2, he reported that negotiations have concluded and the court has entered a final order approving settlement, with the City paying $600,000.
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SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Mayor Salinas and Fire Chief Hamre presented letters of commendation, St. Florian challenge coins and a Unit Citation to Firefighter Mitchell Klimek, Battalion Chief Darren Ferguson, and Apparatus Operator Jonathan Irizarry (represented by his family while he was deployed to the Big Sur Timber Fire) in recognition of their actions during two separate structure -fire rescues earlier in 2026.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Marla Sather , Hayward resident, expressed concerns regarding the STACK/SVYO3A data center, including its water and electricity demands, the use of diesel backup generators with no solar panels or storage batteries planned , and potential environmental impacts ; and requested that the City form a community committee to study the project immediately and consider potential amendments to its construction requirements.
Cheryl Zuur advocated preserving the former Sky west Golf Course as open space ; opposed expansion of the Hayward Executive Airport onto the Skywest property, citing environmental and community impacts ; and expressed support for concerns raised regarding data center development in Hayward.
Gina Pacalde, Hayward resident, questioned the plausibility of claims that the data center would be "solar powered" while running 24/7; cited concerns regarding the use of 167,000 gallons of diesel fuel; raised concerns about potential effects on Hetch Hetchy drinking water; and urged the City to consider pausing construction of the data center to further evaluate the project.
Tom Wong expressed concerns regarding the electricity and water demands of existing and proposed data centers and questioned their benefits to the community ; requested an emergency meeting and moratorium on data center development ; and encouraged the City to further scrutinize existing projects and any financial incentives provided to them.
Sheila Cho, Hayward resident, requested that Mayor Salinas agendize a dedicated Council meeting regarding the STACK/SVY03A data center ; expressed concerns regarding the project's approval process, energy consumption, diesel generators, and environmental impacts; and requested greater public oversight and environmental monitoring.
Joe Ramos, Hayward resident, requested that the City review unlicensed taco truck/vendors needing inspection; consider residency requirements for City and Hayward Unified School District employees ; improve the Hayward Loop traffic pattern ; opposed data center development; called for greater City transparency and efforts to attract quality employers ; and supported offering zero-interest loans to local businesses.
Caitlin Keliiaa , Hayward resident , expressed opposition to the SVY03A data center and concerns regarding public awareness of the project's approval and its potential
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541
Council Chambers
https://hayward.zoom.us/j/84066967720?pwd=STfQFdYVPhjGEntuoifMSJdHr17GQJ.1 Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
environmental impacts; requested additional public review, including a public hearing and environmental analysis; and supported community efforts opposing the project.
Mayor Salinas announced that he, Council Member Syrop, and Council Member Andrews had co-authored a referral to study banning data centers in Hayward , scheduled for discussion at the September 15, 2026, City Council meeting; and encouraged community members to subscribe to the City’s newsletter and meeting agenda notifications for updates.
CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS
There were none.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1. AC Transit Budget & Service Update: Receive a Presentation from AC Transit on Agency Deficit Projections and Potential Service and Workforce Reductions (Report from AC Transit Board Director Anthony C. Silva) RPT 26-058
Alameda County (AC) Transit Board Director Silva , AC Transit General Manager and CEO Llamas, and AC Transit Transportation Planner Christofferson , presented on ridership, economic impact, AC Transit’s projected $200 million funding deficit over the next four years, and reviewed potential impacts to Hayward routes, including reduced frequency and hours of operation on certain lines, and announced an October 14, 2026, public hearing to receive community feedback on the proposed plan. It was noted that w ithout new funding, such as Senate Bill 63/the Regional Transit Measure (SB 63), by December 2026, service cuts of up to 16 percent and potential layoffs of 300 employees could take effect by June 2027.
Mayor Salinas recognized AC Transit representatives for their experience in public transportation and bus manufacturing; highlighted free and unlimited transit pass programs available to Hayward students and Cal State East Bay students ; expressed support for the passage of SB 63 ; and highlighted a new railroad crossing near Tennyson High School , recognizing the partnership between the City, Alameda County Transportation Commission, Hayward Unified School District, and Alameda County Supervisor Márquez in completing the project.
Council Member Syrop spoke as one of the City's two AC Transit Interagency Liaison Committee members; highlighted collaborative improvements from that committee, including installing bus benches citywide, conducting accessibility assessments at bus stops, and making traffic signal/pavement upgrades to improve bus reliability ; commended AC Transit’s fiscal stewardship; and emphasized the importance of public transportation in addressing climate change and serving Hayward’s transit-dependent residents.
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Council Member Zermeño expressed appreciation for AC Transit’s partnership with the City through the AC Transit Interagency Liaison Committee where he serves as one of the City’s two members; encouraged community participation in its meetings ; and emphasized the importance of public transportation in addressing climate change and expressed support for SB 63.
Council Member Roche acknowledged AC Transit’s financial challenges and expressed support for SB 63; shared her family’s positive experience adapting to AC Transit’s recent route realign service changes; and emphasized the importance of public transportation in providing mobility and independence.
Council Member Andrews thanked AC Transit's external affairs team for their community engagement visibility. In response to questions about whether the funding sought would also fund visible infrastructure improvements and whether AC Transit had explored private partnerships, General Manager Llamas explained that the proposed funding would primarily preserve existing service and noted that AC Transit is exploring public-private partnerships and announced Hayward will receive part of a federal grant to build a hydrogen fueling station to support zero-emission buses.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Items 10 and 12 were pulled from the Consent Calendar for discussion and to allow public comment.
2. Approve the City Council Minutes of the City Council Meeting on June 16, 2026 MIN 26-073 It was moved by Council Member Syrop, seconded by Council Member Roche, and carried unanimously, to adopt the City Council Meeting Minutes of June 16, 2026.
3. Adopt a Resolution (1) Approving Addendum No. 1 and No. 2 to the Project Specifications and Plans, (2) Rejecting the Bid Protest from SubTerra Construction, Inc., (3) Authorizing the City Manager to Award a Contract to JDB & Sons Construction, Inc., in an Amount of $10,229,360, and (4) Approving $1,022,936 in Administrative Construction Contingency for the FY24 Sewer Line Replacement Project, Project No. 07789 CONS 26-288
Staff report submitted by Public Works Director Ameri , dated August 18, 2026, was filed.
It was moved by Council Member Syrop, seconded by Council Member Roche, and carried out unanimously, to adopt the resolution.
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS Andrews, Bonilla Jr., Goldstein, Roche, Syrop, Zermeño
MAYOR Salinas
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541
Council Chambers
https://hayward.zoom.us/j/84066967720?pwd=STfQFdYVPhjGEntuoifMSJdHr17GQJ.1 Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
Resolution 26-134, “Resolution approving addendum No. 1 and No. 2 to the Project Specifications and Plans, Rejecting the Bid Protest from Subterra Construction, Inc., authorizing the City M anager to Award a Contract to JDB & Sons Construction, Inc. in an Amount of $10,229,360 and Approving $1,022,936 in Administrative Construction Contingency for the FY24 Sewer Line Replacement Project, Project No. 07789”
4. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a Contract with Hi-Lite Airfield Services for Pavement Improvements of the Airport Hangar Improvement Project No. 06826 in a Not-To-Exceed Amount of $244,387.10, and Approving $24,438.71 in Administrative Construction Contingencies CONS 26-289
Staff report submitted by Public Works Director Ameri , dated August 18, 2026, was filed.
It was moved by Council Member Syrop, seconded by Council Member Roche, and carried out unanimously, to adopt the resolution.
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS Andrews, Bonilla Jr., Goldstein, Roche, Syrop, Zermeño
MAYOR Salinas
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Resolution 26-135, “Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a Contract with Hi-Life Airfield Services for the Pavement Improvement of the Airport Hangar Improvement Project No. 06826, in an Amount Not -to-Exceed $244,387.10 and Approving $24,438.71 Contingencies in Administrative Construction”
5. Adopt Resolutions Approving City Applications to the Alameda County Transportation Commission Comprehensive Investment Plan and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Agreements with the Alameda County Transportation Commission CONS 26-291
Staff report submitted by Public Works Director Ameri , dated August 18, 2026, was filed.
It was moved by Council Member Syrop, seconded by Council Member Roche, and carried out unanimously, to adopt the resolutions.
6 | A u g u s t 1 8 , 202 6
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS Andrews, Bonilla Jr., Goldstein, Roche, Syrop, Zermeño
MAYOR Salinas
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Resolution 26-136, “Resolution Authorizing the Filing of an Application for Alameda County Transportation Commission Administered Funding for the Safe Streets H ayward – Tennyson Corridor Project and Committing any Necessary Matching Funds and Stating Assurances to Complete the Project”
Resolution 26-137, “Resolution Authorizing the Filing of an Application for Alameda County Transportation Commission Administered Funding for the A Street Corridor Signal Interconnect and Advanced Traffic Management System Project and Committing any Necessary Matching Funds and Stating Assurances to Complete the Project”
Resolution 26-138, “Resolution Authorizing the Filing of an Application for Alameda County Transportation Commission Administered Funding for the Safe Routes to School Implementation Project and Committing any Necessary Matching Funds and Stating Assurances to Complete the Project”
6. Adopt a Resolution Approving Addendum No. 1, Awarding a Construction Contract to QLM, Inc., for the Fiscal Year 2026 Sidewalk Rehabilitation and Wheelchair Ramps Project, Project No. 05348 in the Amount of $823,397, and Approving $100,000 in Administrative Construction Contingencies CONS 26-293
Staff report submitted by Public Works Director Ameri , dated August 18, 2026, was filed.
It was moved by Council Member Syrop, seconded by Council Member Roche, and carried out unanimously, to adopt the resolution.
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS Andrews, Bonilla Jr., Goldstein, Roche, Syrop, Zermeño
MAYOR Salinas
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Resolution 26-139, “Approving Addendum No. 1, Awarding a Construction Contract to QLM, Inc., for the Fiscal Year 2026 Sidewalk Rehabilitation and Wheelchair Ramps Project, Project No. 05348 in the Amount of $823,397, and Approving $100,000 in Administrative Construction Contingencies”
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541
Council Chambers
https://hayward.zoom.us/j/84066967720?pwd=STfQFdYVPhjGEntuoifMSJdHr17GQJ.1 Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
7. Adopt an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Hayward Amending Sections 2-3.90, et seq., of the Hayward Municipal Code, Relating to the Community Services Commission; and Finding that the Action is Exempt from CEQA Review CONS 26-294
Staff report submitted by City Clerk Lens dated August 18, 2026, was filed.
It was moved by Council Member Syrop, seconded by Council Member Roche, and carried out unanimously, to adopt the ordinance.
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS Andrews, Bonilla Jr., Goldstein, Roche, Syrop, Zermeño
MAYOR Salinas
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Ordinance 26-08, “An ordinance of the City Council of the City of Hayward Amending Sections 2 -3.90, et seq., of the Hayward Municipal Code, Relating to the Community Services Commission; and Finding that the Action is Exempt from CEQA Review”
8. Adopt a Resolution Approving Addendums No. 1 and No. 2, Authorizing the City Manager to 1) Award a Contract to Corcus Construction, Inc., in an Amount of $1,262,240 and Approve $126,224 in Administrative Construction Contingency, and 2) Amend the Existing Professional Services Agreement with HydroScience Engineers, Inc., to Increase the Contract Amount by $44,203; and 3) Appropriate Additional Funds in the Amount of $471,275 for the Water Resource Recovery Facility Effluent Return Pump Station Project, Project No. 07806 CONS 26-299
Staff report submitted by Public Works Director Ameri , dated August 18, 2026, 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
8 | A u g u s t 1 8 , 202 6
Resolution 26-140, “Approving Addendums No.1 and No.2 to the Plans and Specifications and Authorizing the City Manager to 1) Award a Contract to Corcus Construction, Inc., in an Amount Not to Exceed $1,262,240 and Approve $126,224 in Administrative Construction Contingency, and 2) Amending the Existing Professional Services Agreement with Hydroscience Engineers, Inc., to increase the Contract Amount By $44,203 ; and 3) Appropriating Additional Funds in the Amount of $471,275 for the WRRF Effluent Channel Return Pump Station Project, Project No. 07806”
9. Adopt Resolutions Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute 1) An Amendment to the Loan to the Hayward Economic Development Corporation, and 2) An Agreement for Staffing Services Between the Two Agencies CONS 26-307
Staff report submitted by City Manager Ott, dated August 18, 2026, was filed.
It was moved by Council Member Syrop, seconded by Council Member Roche, and carried unanimously, to adopt the resolutions.
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS Andrews, Bonilla Jr., Goldstein, Roche, Syrop, Zermeño
MAYOR Salinas
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Resolution 26-141, “Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute an Amendment to the Economic Development Loan Agreement with the Hayward Economic Development Corporation Amending the Terms for Repayment”
Resolution 26-142, “Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute an Agreement with the Hayward Economic Development Corporation for Staffing Services”
10. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Hayward and the County of Alameda for the Administration of the Russell City Redress Fund and Phase 1 Payments and Related Actions CONS 26-309
Staff report submitted by City Attorney Lawson, dated August 18, 2026, was filed.
Mayor Salinas thanked Council Members Andrews and Roche and the City’s legal team for keeping the Russell City Redress efforts at the forefront, ensuring the process was followed and
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541
Council Chambers
https://hayward.zoom.us/j/84066967720?pwd=STfQFdYVPhjGEntuoifMSJdHr17GQJ.1 Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
impacted families were heard ; and expressed appreciation for the progress made toward establishing the Russell City Redress Fund.
Council Member Andrews thanked the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Márquez and her staff, the Russell City Steering Committee, fellow Council Member Roche, City staff, and other partners for their work to establish the Redress Fund ; noted conversations about restorative justice began around 2020–2021, and described the MOU as an important step toward restorative justice and acknowledging the harm experienced by the former Russell City community, while recognizing that it could not fully remedy the harm caused.
Council Member Roche described establishment of the Russell City Redress Fund as a historic step from acknowledging the displacement and harm experienced by approximately 1,400 former Russell City residents to taking tangible action through redress payments; recognized the Russell City community, Alameda County Supervisor Márquez and the Board of Supervisors, Council Member Andrews, City staff, the Alameda County Office of Education, the Knowles family, and others who contributed to the effort; and emphasized that while the fund could not undo or fully compensate for past harms, it represented an important step toward making amends and honoring the Russell City community.
City Attorney Lawson recognized former Equity Officers Chacon and Ayankoya and former Assistant City Manager Youngblood for initiating and advancing the City’s work on the Russell City Redress efforts.
Council Member Syrop recognized Council Members Andrews and Roche, City staff, Supervisor Márquez, the Russell City Steering Committee, Community Services Commission, participating families, and others who contributed to the redress process; emphasized the significance of the City’s efforts to address the lasting impacts of the displacement of Russell City residents, noting that the City continues to benefit from development of the former Russell City site ; and expressed hope that the redress fund could serve as a model for other jurisdictions seeking to address racial inequalities and historical harms.
Mayor Salinas shared a personal story illustrating the lasting impact of the displacement of Russell City residents; expressed appreciation for the City’s efforts to acknowledge and address the harm caused to the community ; and stated that while the action could not reverse past harms, it reflected the City’s values of diversity, inclusion, and justice.
It was moved by Council Member Andrews, seconded by Council Member Roche, and carried unanimously, to adopt the resolution.
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AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS Andrews, Bonilla Jr., Goldstein, Roche, Syrop, Zermeño
MAYOR Salinas
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Resolution 26-143, “Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hayward:
1) Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Memorandum of Understanding Between the County of Alameda and the City of Hayward for the Administration of the Russell City Redress Fund and First Phase Payments; 2) Accepting $100,000 from the Alameda County Office of Education for its Pledge to the Russell City Redress Fund and Transferring Said $100,000 to the County of Alameda Auditor-Controller; 3) Approving Receipt of Up to $100,000 in Additional Contributions from Other Entities Or Persons and Transferring Such Contributions to the County of Alameda Auditor- Controller; and, 4) Directing the City M anager to Take any Associated Budgetary Actions Related Hereto”
11. Adopt a Resolution Approving Three Side Letters of Agreement for Clarification and Clean- Up Purposes Amending Memoranda of Understanding between the City of Hayward and Both the International Association of Firefighters, Local 1909 and Hayward Fire Officers Association Confirming Previous Agreements and Establishing Payment for Preceptor Work, and Authorizing Staff to Execute the Agreements CONS 26-313
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 26-144, “Resolution Approving Three Side Letters of Agreement 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”
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541
Council Chambers
https://hayward.zoom.us/j/84066967720?pwd=STfQFdYVPhjGEntuoifMSJdHr17GQJ.1 Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
12. Adopt a Resolution (1) Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a Five-Year Agreement with Axon Enterprises, Inc. for a Real -Time Information Center Technology Package, including “Drone as a First Responder” Equipment, 64 Replacement Automated License Plate Recognition Cameras, and Other Integrated Technologies with a Maximum Not-to-Exceed Compensation Amount of $2,945,000 Consistent with Previous City Council Direction; (2) Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Future Amendments that Result in Reduced Costs or Impacts to the General Fund; and (3) Authorizing Related Budget Actions Contingent on Maintaining or Reducing the General Fund Allocation CONS 26-314
Staff report submitted by Police Chief Matthews, dated August 18, 2026, was filed.
Council Member Syrop pulled the item to highlight that the proposed agreement involves transitioning from the expiring Flock contract to Axon. In response to how many Flock cameras would remain in the city if the transition proceeds, City Manager Ott confirmed 23 cameras.
Council Member Roche received confirmation from City Manager Ott that the proposed contract would not draw on General Fund dollars.
Mayor Salinas opened the public comment section at 8:36 p.m.
Arieana, Hayward resident/small business owner, urged the Council to vote “no” or grant a 60- day continuance to allow a full audit of the proposed technology; and raised concerns regarding data access and sharing, privacy and surveillance capabilities, potential misuse, immigration enforcement, drones as first responders, the Real -Time Information Center, and safeguards governing Axon technology.
Brian Schott, Hayward resident, expressed support for the proposed agreement and the Drone as First Responder (DFR) equipment, citing its potential to improve response times, provide officers with information prior to arriving at incidents, and enhance officer and community safety; broke down the cost of the p ackage at approximately $68 per hour over five years, characterizing it as a "bargain" if it helps reduce crime; and suggested similar drone technology could also benefit the Hayward Fire Department.
TJ, representing Hayward Concerned Citizens (HCC), expressed support for the DFR program and the proposed Axon package, stating that HCC had discussed the program with Police Department staff and viewed the technology as a force multiplier for public safety and criminal investigations; and urged the Council to approve the five-year agreement.
Theresa Rezendez, representing Hayward Concerned Citizens, expressed support for the DFR program and Axon technology package; stated that public safety was her primary concern; and 12 | A u g u s t 1 8 , 202 6
supported sharing information with other law enforcement agencies for purposes of investigating criminal activity, even where the technology may raise civil liberties concerns.
Mayor Salinas closed the public comment section at 8: 49 p.m.
Council Member Syrop remained consistent with his previously stated opposition to expanding surveillance technology, particularly in light of current Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity; noted that while he welcomed moving away from Flock, he remained concerned that transitioning to Axon reflects shifting investor interests rather than addressing the broader issue of expanding mass-surveillance infrastructure; noted that public safety already comprises roughly 80 percent of the General Fund; and questioned the potential cost to civil liberties given uncertainty around how the tools might be used amid immigration enforcement actions.
In response to Council Member Bonilla Jr.’s inquiries regarding data security, access controls, auditing to prevent misuse, drone deployment scope, and non-crime application, Police Chief Matthews explained that Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) access is a udited monthly, users have individual IDs and must enter “reason codes” for every search; and the City complies with SB 34 and SB 54. He noted the department already uses Axon's evidence.com platform for body-worn camera footage; clarified that drone deployment is strictly tied to 911 calls for service; highlighted broader emergency-response benefits such as earthquake damage assessment; and stated that the program requires annual Council reauthorization under AB481, with the ability to halt usage if misuse or policy deviations occur.
Council Member Goldstein expressed support for the technology as a cost -effective tool to enhance police and fire response, assist in rescue operations, and monitor fleeing suspects and vehicles while reducing risks to employees and residents. In response to his questions regarding potential misuse, Police Chief Matthews stated that employees who misuse the technology would be subject to discipline, up to and including termination, and confirmed that safeguards are in place to ensure responsible use.
Council Member Andrews requested more frequent reporting on complaints or potential misuse of the drone and ALPR programs, as well as alignment with American Civil Liberties Union ( ACLU) standards. Police Chief Matthews explained that suspected misuse may be reported through Internal Affairs, direct email, or Access Hayward; stated that audits conducted since implementation have not identified employee misuse; and agreed to include complaint and misuse information in regular Public Safety Committee meeting agendas. He added that the Police Department considered ACLU privacy recommendations when developing its policies and confirmed that Hayward does not coordinate with ICE, consistent with SB 34 and SB 54.
Council Member Syrop requested additional safeguards and reporting regarding the proposed technology, including confirmation of the ALPR cameras’ live-streaming capabilities, removal timeline for the expiring Flock camera poles, reporting to the Public Safety Committee , specifically case-resolution/solvability rates tied to ALPR use , and a constituent's concern about ALPR misreads. Staff clarified that the Axon Outpost ALPR product can live-stream when viewed through the FUSUS platform but cannot pan, tilt, zoom, or record for later recall. Police
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541
Council Chambers
https://hayward.zoom.us/j/84066967720?pwd=STfQFdYVPhjGEntuoifMSJdHr17GQJ.1 Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
Chief Matthews said removal had not been discussed with Flock yet but expected the vendor to retrieve them when the contract ends in December; shared two recent infant-abduction cases resolved with ALPR assistance; and acknowledged the ALPR misread is possible due to human error but said officers make final decisions.
Council Member Zermeño expressed support for the agreement, citing constituent emails prioritizing public safety, dismissed concerns about personal misuse as unlikely given trust in Police and Fire leadership and personnel, and noted the contract does not draw on the General Fund.
Mayor Salinas acknowledged concerns regarding camera use but emphasized that cameras and license plate readers can serve as important public safety tools ; cited cases involving child abductions in which camera technology assisted law enforcement and stressed the importance of considering crime victims and vulnerable community members, particularly children; noted that similar technologies have received support from jurisdictions throughout the Bay Area and stated that their effectiveness could be reevaluated and their use discontinued if warranted.
It was moved by Mayor Salinas , seconded by Council Member Bonilla Jr. , and carried unanimously, to adopt the resolution.
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS Andrews, Bonilla Jr., Goldstein, Roche, Zermeño MAYOR Salinas
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBER Syrop
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Resolution 26 -145, “ Resolution (1) Authorizing the City M anager to Negotiate and Execute a Five-Year Agreement with Axon Enterprises, Inc. for a Real-Time Information Center Technology Package, Including “Drone as a First Responder” Equipment, 64 Replacement Automated License Plate Recognition Cameras, and Other Integrated Technologies with a Maximum Compensation Amount Not to Exceed $2,945,000 Consistent with Previous City Council Direction; (2) Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Future Amendments that Result in Reduced Costs or Impacts to the General Fund; and (3) Authorizing Related Budget Actions Contingent on Maintaining or Reducing the General Fund Allocation”
14 | A u g u s t 1 8 , 202 6
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
13. Cal Cities 2026 Annual Conference: Adopt Resolutions (1) Designating a Voting Delegate and Alternates for the Conference Scheduled for September 23-25, 2026, and (2) Directing the City’s Voting Delegate to Vote on a Proposed League of California Cities General Assembly Resolution Calling for a Working Group to Consider Actions to Ensure Final Local Authority Over Housing and Land Use Decisions (Report from City Clerk Lens and City Manager Ott) LB 26-014
Staff report submitted by City Manager Ott and City Clerk Lens , dated August 18, 2026, was filed.
City Manager Ott provided a synopsis of the staff report.
Mayor Salinas nominated Councilmember Bonilla as the primary delegate and Council Member Roche as an alternate to represent Hayward at the Cal Cities Annual Conference. There was discussion about needing two alternates, Mayor Salinas was added as the primary alternate.
Council Member Syrop expressed concern that the proposed resolution could be used to limit state efforts to increase housing production under the premise of preserving local control. City Manager Ott acknowledged the concern but clarified that the resolution would only support the formation of a working group to discuss local authority over housing and land use decisions, not to endorse any specific policy outcome yet; and noted that staff could recommend opposing any future proposals developed by the working group that were inconsistent with the City’s housing goals. Council Member Syrop, after hearing this clarification, said he was satisfied and comfortable supporting the staff recommendation on that basis.
Mayor Salinas opened public comment at 9:14 p.m.
Ro Aguilar spoke in support of forming the working group to consider the benefits, concerns, and potential impacts associated with local housing and land use authority.
Mayor Salinas closed public comment at 9:15 p.m.
It was moved by Council Member Bonilla Jr., seconded by Council Member Roche, and carried out unanimously, to adopt the resolution designating Mayor Salinas as the primary delegate and Council Member Bonilla Jr. as the first alternate and Council Member Roche as the second alternate; and adopt a resolution supporting the California Cities policy resolution.
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS Andrews, Bonilla Jr., Goldstein, Roche, Syrop, Zermeño
MAYOR Salinas
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541
Council Chambers
https://hayward.zoom.us/j/84066967720?pwd=STfQFdYVPhjGEntuoifMSJdHr17GQJ.1 Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
Resolution 26-146, “A Resolution Designating a Voting Delegate and Up to Three Alternate Voting Delegates as Hayward’s Representatives to the Cal Cities 2026 Annual Conference”
Resolution 26-176, “ A Resolution Supporting the California Cities Policy Resolution Being Considered at the Cal Cities 2024 Annual Conference”
COUNCIL REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were none.
INFORMATION ITEMS
14. Fiscal Year 2026 Q3 and Q4 Semiannual Capital Improvement Program Progress Report
Staff report submitted by Public Works Director Ameri , dated August 18, 2026, was filed.
The item was presented as general information for the City Council and no questions were raised by members of the City Council.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Salinas adjourned the City Council meeting at 9:21 p.m. in memory of Jud ith Eve Harrison, longtime president of the Friends of the Hayward Library, who passed away on July 19, 2026. It was noted that Judy Harrison was a librarian with the Hayward Unified School District, volunteered with the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone, was active with the American Association of University Women, and was instrumental in the success of Measure C, with the library described as her legacy. Mayor Salinas also shared that the Hayward Public Library would hold a celebration of her life on August 29, 2026.
APPROVED
_________________________________________________________ Mark Salinas
Mayor, City of Hayward
ATTEST:
__________________________________________________________ Miriam Lens
City Clerk, City of Hayward