Minutes of Oakley City Council/Oakley City Council Acting as the Successor Agency to the Oakley Redevelopment Agency and Special Meeting of the Oakley Public Financing Authority held
March 26, 2024
1) OPENING MATTERS
1.1 Call to Order and Roll Call of the Oakley City Council/Oakley City Council Acting as the Successor Agency to the Oakley Redevelopment Agency/Oakley Public Financing Authority
Mayor Anissa Williams called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Oakley City Council Chambers located at 3231 Main Street, Oakley, CA 94561. Vice Mayor Shannon Shaw and Councilmembers Hugh Henderson, Dr. George Fuller and Aaron Meadows were also in attendance.
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Vice Mayor Shaw led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
1.3 Update from California Department of Food and Agriculture's Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services on the Oriental fruit fly quarantine (Darrin Okimoto, CDFA Environmental Program Manager, Pest Detection Emergency Projects and Janamjeet Sohal, Senior Environmental Scientist, CDFA, Pest Detection Emergency Projects)
CDFA Environmental Program Manager Darrin Okimoto, CDFA Senior Environmental Scientist Janamjeet Sohal, and environmental Scientist Ezekiel Villacampa were in attendance. Ms. Sohal and Mr. Villacampa provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Oriental fruit fly quarantine. They mentioned the quarantine includes Oakley and asked for any home-grown fruit not to be moved from property or composted, and to double bag any fallen fruit and dispose of it in regular waste bins.
They provided information regarding the pest, how the CDFA will treat the issue in this area, trapping and surveying, treatments, the CDFA and industry response, partnerships, and reporting. They shared a slide regarding handouts and offered to provide copies to anyone that would like them.
Councilmember Meadows requested that staff push information to the public through its email blast letting them know not to move fruit. He asked Mr. Villacampa to address grapes, confirm if the quarantine ends July 10, and confirm if there are any fruit flies in Oakley. He expressed that he has worked with Mr. Villacampa previously and it is an easy process.
Mr. Villacampa explained that they have a permit for growers where they identify which county the fruit is going to so they may notify them. He further explained that with grapes, there is a crushing process of the fruit, so there is no need to conduct a treatment process with it. He confirmed that July 10 is the projected date for the quarantine to end and there are no fruit flies in Oakley, only in Brentwood.
Dr. Fuller inquired if the bait is used in place of helicopters spraying.
Ms. Sohal mentioned only bait, backpack sprayers and MAT are used; no helicopters will be spraying.
Dr. Fuller mentioned when he lived in Southern California, he recalls helicopters were used to spray.
Ms. Sohal confirmed that is not the practice used here.
Dr. Fuller mentioned that he does not recall receiving notice from Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery not to put fruit in the green waste receptacle.
Councilmember Meadows mentioned this would involve fruit coming off your own trees, not fruit purchased at a grocery store.
Mayor Williams mentioned that it was a valid point and one that she was going to bring up too; she believes it is important information to share.
Dr. Fuller inquired if he purchased an apple from the grocery store, if he can presume it is not infested, which Mr. Villacampa confirmed is correct.
Councilmember Meadows commented that growers are not blasting their orchards; this is more a spot treatment approach.
Mr. Villacampa confirmed it is all on-the-ground treatment.
Councilmember Meadows mentioned the fruit fly was not found on a farm; it was found in residential backyards where someone had brought fruit in from another area which farmers here have been impacted and pay the price, something he considers a selfish act.
Mayor Williams requested staff put information out, so everyone is aware. She mentioned there is an active gardening community with lots of fruits and vegetables grown in Oakley and she personally has been active in composting so she would like everyone to know.
Mr. Villacampa mentioned they have information they can provide for the City to share. 2) PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Williams mentioned two online comments were made and will be entered into the public record. Comments were submitted by Nicole Faggiano regarding item 4.9 and Bruce “Ole” Ohlson regarding item 6.2.
Mark Whitlock, Sr., with the Bethel Island Municipal Advisory Council (MAC), thanked the Council and staff for everything they put out at the last MAC meeting and mentioned he appreciates the Councilmembers who attended. He thanked staff, mentioning the information received was pointed and matter of fact, and City Manager Joshua McMurray delivered it decisively which was appreciated. He apologized for a gentleman who became feisty. He mentioned he hopes to get with Mr. McMurray next week to continue information they began sharing. He mentioned there is a lot going on out there and everything going on in the E. Cypress corridor impacts every person in Bethel Island, so he appreciates the information being provided. 3) COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
Dr. Fuller commented that the Council had a productive joint meeting with Ironhouse Sanitary District and Diablo Water District on the conveyance/tunnel project where they issued a resolution. He mentioned he is detecting in the community that there are several people wanting to talk amongst themselves but without an agenda. He mentioned it takes staff a lot of work to pull a joint meeting together and if there will be a meeting, he would like to ensure there is a reason and agenda to get together.
Mayor Williams commented that she is the new District Representative for Senator Glazer and she is grateful and excited to work for him. 4) CONSENT CALENDAR
4.1 Approve Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Oakley City Council held February 24, 2024 (Libby Vreonis, City Clerk)
Dr. Fuller pulled item 4.1.
Councilmember Meadows pulled item 4.3.
Mayor Williams pulled item 4.8.
It was moved by Dr. Fuller and seconded by Councilmember Meadows to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar. Motion was unanimous and so ordered. (5-0) Item 4.1
Dr. Fuller mentioned, as there is no video or audio available, he would like the minutia provided in the minutes. He suggested revisions to items personal to him on pages 3, 4, 7, 8, 10 and 11. He made a motion to approve the minutes with these revisions. The motion died for lack of a second.
Mayor Williams agreed with no video, there should be detailed minutes, but these seem pretty detailed to her, so she has concerns with changing things without anything to go back to. She inquired if staff took notes the entire time because there was no video.
City Clerk Libby Vreonis confirmed she took notes the entire time.
Mayor Williams asked Councilmember Shaw if she was requesting a list.
Vice Mayor Shaw mentioned she got lost in the beginning of what changes were to be made.
Councilmember Meadows requested a copy of the changes.
Vice Mayor Shaw agreed.
Dr. Fuller inquired if Councilmember Meadows is suggesting to table the item.
Councilmember Meadows mentioned he wants to see the changes in writing.
Dr. Fuller mentioned he would be willing to table the item until the next meeting and mentioned he will send written revisions to the City Clerk.
It was moved by Dr. Fuller and seconded by Councilmember Meadows to table the item to the next meeting, April 9, 2024. Dr. Fuller mentioned he will not be here at the next meeting, but rather joining via teleconference from Philadelphia. Motion was unanimous and so ordered. (5-0)
Item 4.3
Councilmember Meadows mentioned he does not need a presentation on the item; he pulled the item so he can vote ‘no’.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Shaw and seconded by Councilmember Henderson to approve the item. AYES: Fuller, Henderson, Shaw. NOES: Meadows, Williams. (3-2) Item 4.8
Mayor Williams mentioned she pulled the item to bring attention to it.
Associate Planner Evan Gorman explained that this is a report the City makes each year to the State to show its progress on housing production and that the City has been working on its goals for the past couple of years so this is its first report on those goals.
He mentioned the key part of it is that the City has made a lot progress on abovemoderate. He mentioned with affordable housing, the projects are listed, he works with the Community Development team, they review at what part of the entitlement process they are at, and they look at if they are at the building permit final stage because that is when it counts. He shared that they are happy the Elm Lane project was finalized; however, that happened at the beginning of 2024, so it will go on next year’s report. He mentioned for the report this year, they had 8 units on Teakwood, ADUs, and abovemoderate that were approved. He shared that the City’s RHNA goal between 2023-2031 is 1,058 units which includes 446 above-moderate and everything else would be belowmoderate. He also shared that the City finaled 255 units, 10 of which are at some level of affordability. He mentioned that cities do a lot with their housing elements and are good at establishing a program but not as good at following through with it; therefore, Oakley is tracking its goals carefully.
Mayor Williams mentioned she believes housing affordability is an issue in California and she wanted to point out housing being provided doesn’t meet the needs in cities in California, not just Oakley, and her intent is not to beat up staff because she knows the work they are doing.
It was moved by Councilmember Meadows and seconded by Dr. Fuller to approve the item. Motion was unanimous and so ordered. (5-0)
4.2 Approve Minutes from the Regular Joint City Council/City Council Acting as the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency/Public Financing Authority Meeting held March 12, 2024 (Libby Vreonis, City Clerk)
4.3 Waive the Second Reading and Adopt an Ordinance Approving a Rezone to a 9.99-Acre Site from C (General Commercial) District to P-1 (Planned Unit Development) District for the Project known as 2090 the Village at Oakley Road Subdivision 9634 (RZ 03-22) APN 037-110-031
(Ken Strelo, Planning Manager)
4.4 Ratify Election: Adopt Ordinance No. 2-24 Authorizing the Levy of a Special Tax on Parcels of Land within Tax Area Zone 189 within the Oakley Special Police Tax Area for Police Protection Services for the Machado Lane project (Subdivision 9615) located west of Machado Lane and south of East Cypress Road (APNs 033-190-003-5 and 033-190-004-3)
(Kevin Rohani, P.E., Public Works Director/City Engineer)
4.5 Ratify Election: Adopt Ordinance No. 3-24 Authorizing the Levy of a Special Tax on Parcels of Land within Tax Area Zone 190 within the Oakley Special Police Tax Area for Police Protection Services for the Sellers Avenue project (Subdivision 9614) located at 5911 Sellers Avenue (APN 033-150- 013-2) (Kevin Rohani, P.E., Public Works Director/City Engineer)
4.6 Adopt a Resolution Approving Annexation No. 38 (Machado Lane SD 9615) to the City of Oakley Community Facilities District No. 2015-2 (Parks, Streetlight, Landscape and Stormwater Services)
(Kevin Rohani, P.E., Public Works Director/City Engineer)
4.7 Adopt a Resolution Approving Annexation No. 39 (Sellers Avenue SD 9614) to the City of Oakley Community Facilities District No. 2015-2 (Parks, Streetlight, Landscape and Stormwater Services) (Kevin Rohani, P.E., Public Works Director/City Engineer)
4.8 Adopt a Resolution Approving the Annual Progress Report on Implementation of the City’s Housing Element with SB 341 Reporting Requirements (Evan Gorman, Associate Planner)
4.9 Request for Approval of Proclamations for Future Agendas (Transgender Awareness Week, Community Planning Month, National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day) (Libby Vreonis, City Clerk)
4.10 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to execute an Amendment to the Consulting Services Agreement with Mark Thomas & Co. Inc. for the East Cypress Road Lane Alignment Analysis (RR tracks to Main Street) Project- Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Number 301 (Kevin Rohani, P.E., Public Works Director/City Engineer)
4.11 Adopt a Resolution Terminating the Existence of a Local Emergency Related to the City’s Sustaining of a Cyberattack on February 22, 2024 (Derek Cole, City Attorney)
4.12 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Amendment to the Consulting Services Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. to Include Legislative Advocacy Services
(Danielle Navarro, Assistant City Manager)
5) PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
6) REGULAR CALENDAR
6.1 Strategic Plan 27+ Update (Joshua McMurray, City Manager) City Manager Joshua McMurray presented the staff report.
Dr. Fuller mentioned that there are 182 items and suggested staff may want to consider reducing that number for whoever is sitting here when they get ready to look at it again.
Mr. McMurray commented that he appreciates his comment and when they kick off the next update, whoever leading it can decide.
Councilmember Meadows commented that he is happy with the progress and good with where it is going.
Mayor Williams inquired if Mr. McMurray has the ratio of completed and pending items.
Mr. McMurray mentioned he will get that information to the Council.
Vice Mayor Shaw inquired if some projects might overlap or coincide with each other.
Mr. McMurray confirmed that some overlap, and some are related to another and/or involve ongoing work, so there is a mixture and variety.
Vice Mayor Shaw mentioned that some are contingent upon another being completed so it is something to think about as it could be hard to reduce. She mentioned she is all for reducing it so that staff does not have so many items, but some need to get done before taking a next step for things they are all passionate about completing.
Mr. McMurray explained that the City has been operating with a Strategic Plan since incorporation and this is longer than most plans that were previously brought forth because this is a five-year plan; they balance the number of items with what is appropriate based on the term of the plan.
Mayor Williams called for public comments. There were none.
It was moved by Councilmember Meadows and seconded by Councilmember Henderson to accept the update. Motion was unanimous and so ordered. (5-0)
6.2 Bridgehead Industrial Project Environmental Impact Report- Adopt A Resolution authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Raney Planning and Management, Inc. to prepare an Environmental Impact Report for the project titled “Bridgehead Industrial Project" (Ken Strelo, Planning Manager)
City Manager Joshua McMurray presented the staff report.
Dr. Fuller referred to Appendix B, and inquired if the public will be able to access the report once it has been completed, which Mr. McMurray confirmed that every part of the environmental impact report will be public.
Vice Mayor Shaw mentioned one of the dates on the schedule for the environmental impact report shows 2023.
Mayor Williams mentioned that one online public comment was submitted (by Bruce “Ole” Ohlson). She asked if staff could provide a brief overview of why this project is important and what it represents.
Mr. McMurray explained that the project is a continuation of work on the west end of the Oakley. He mentioned the Contra Costa Logistics Center is a great benefit to Oakley and the region; the developer worked very hard to build the site as quickly as possible and it brought great tenants and 2,000 jobs. He explained that this construction is right next door and a larger scale, it is an area that is job rich, employers are going into locations that are job rich, and this is estimated to bring 4,000+jobs to Oakley, as well as tenants and uses that Oakley does not currently have.
Mayor Williams asked if Mr. McMurray could discuss bike paths and transportation planning for the project.
Mr. McMurray mentioned that staff works with Tri-Delta Transit on every application for review and comments, so they know upfront if any turnouts, bus stop, or other infrastructure is needed. Regarding the public comment, he mentioned he can’t speak to bike lanes and offisite improvements as those things are done later, but there is a trail system that was started with the Logistics Center to the west to connect Big Break Regional Shoreline with the Oakley/Antioch Pier. He explained that the Big Break Road connection to the western edge of the industrial site would be completed with this project, and they understand that is a critical trail connection.
It was moved by Councilmember Meadows and seconded by Vice Mayor Shaw to approve the item. Motion was unanimous and so ordered. (5-0)
6.3 Climate Action Plan-Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with Cumming Management Group Inc. for Planning Consulting Services
(Ken Strelo, Planning Manager)
City Manager Joshua McMurray presented the staff report.
Dr. Fuller referred to page 51, task 1C, regarding development of social vulnerability. He inquired what it is in terms of this document. He also referred to page 52, analysis, and inquired how it is determined how many meetings are in person and how many are virtual public gatherings.
Mr. McMurray mentioned in terms of this document, it refers to how vulnerable our community is to climate change and what would need to be done to reduce our GHGs.
He also mentioned that there will be at least one scoping meeting and two public meetings as identified on page 52 of the proposal. He mentioned the goal of staff is to maximize the reach and while he is not a fan of virtual meetings, the process may be beneficial to have both virtual and in-person meetings to have more reach to get more feedback.
Councilmember Meadows inquired whom the outreach would extend to. He mentioned people can be anywhere, but he is elected by the citizens of Oakley, so he wants to hear what our citizens have to say.
It was moved by Dr. Fuller and seconded by Councilmember Henderson to approve the item. AYES: Fuller, Henderson, Shaw, Williams. NOES: Meadows. (4-1)
6.4 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Addition of a Police Officer Trainee Classification to the Salary Schedule
(Paul Beard, Chief of Police & Jeri Tejeda, Administrative Services Director) Administrative Services Director Jeri Tejeda and Chief of Police Paul Beard provided a PowerPoint presentation including ongoing recruitment challenges, hiring and recruitment incentive, current vacancies, police officer trainee classification, anticipated timeline for recruitment and hire, recruitment plan versus statistics, important things to note (schedule is ambitious, learn along the way, investing in future with little control over outcome, only move forward if confident have found a qualified applicant to become a trainee), and future (first time an Oakley uniform will be part of the academy, staff proposes 1-2 trainees in 2025 academy, and it must be part of the normal process).
Dr. Fuller inquired pragmatically, who is liable if the City chooses a trainee, sends the trainee to the academy, and the trainee is injured.
Ms. Tejeda responded that the City is still liable for the academy fee and probably liable for an on-the-job injury workers compensation claim; they would have to make a determination if the trainee can enter the next academy and if the City is willing to take a chance on the trainee a second time which may depend on the situation.
Dr. Fuller commented that he appreciates the background of what happens before. He inquired what happens if the trainee has a hiccup after and if the City would get notice of that.
Chief Beard mentioned that in the academy, Police would interact with academy staff and receive regular reports how the trainee is doing, and the decision to have a trainee continue in the academy is a two-fold process; the academy staff that makes continuous assessments if the trainee should continue, and Police can assert itself in that process whether the trainee should continue in the academy. He explained at graduation they have a field training program where field training officers could document any concern, and a field training Sergeant would be in interaction with the field training officer and trainee, and if a problem remains, it goes to the operations Lieutenant, then to him. He mentioned if the trainee successfully completes field training, it is followed by a 1-year probation, and if the person is not up to department or organizational standards, their employment can be terminated on probation.
Dr. Fuller inquired if there is an appeal process if a trainee does not pass background.
Ms. Tejeda mentioned POST requires suitable psychological testing and the person wouldn't be brought in if they do not pass. She confirmed they have an appeals process outlined in rules and regulations.
Vice Mayor Shaw commented that she is excited for this and there are pros and cons of recruiting; you can get a lateral that may come with bad habits from a previous agency or a new officer to train from scratch. She shared her daughter recently went through the academy and she saw her change as a person. She mentioned she knows staff will continue to screen and make sure they are the right fit for Oakley and have the right attitude, and she is excited about it as it has been a long-time coming; they have been a stand-alone agency for 9 years.
Councilmember Meadows commented that he is supportive of the program and that it is the next step to take to ensure they keep the number of officers up.
Councilmember Henderson commented that this is a very important step to move forward with to enable the department to have some home-grown officers and for morale down the road with training programs as there will be ownership in it, and he strongly supports it.
Mayor Williams inquired if the long timeline will not impact hiring or budget.
Ms. Tejeda mentioned that it will be part of the budget, staff has authority to hire for 2 over, and in the next few months they will have 3-4 openings with budget so they will continue to look for and hire laterals if they are available.
Mayor Williams inquired how many times academies are held in Contra Costa County.
Chief Beard and Ms. Tejeda confirmed that they are held twice each year.
Mayor Williams inquired if trainees could go to other counties for the academy.
Chief Beard and Ms. Tejeda confirmed that they can go to other academies.
Mayor Williams inquired if it is an anomaly to not have officers in the academy.
Chief Beard mentioned for the position that they have been in for the past 8 years, they have not been an anomaly because it takes some time to get your feet under you where you can support a person who has never been an officer before. He mentioned it was their hiring platform to hire laterals and bring them into their fold; but once a department is to a certain maturity level, this is a very normal thing to do. He added that he would be surprised if there were departments 10-15 years of age that are not targeting entry level.
Mayor Williams inquired if ARPA money is used.
Ms. Tejeda confirmed that $5k of ARPA funding is used for the academy and staff will budget for future academies in the normal budget.
Mayor Williams called for public comments and there were none.
Dr. Fuller congratulated the initiative to bring it about. He mentioned LAPD has funding, staff, and its own academy, that is the way he went through, and academies have pretty good results, so he is glad to see this. He mentioned this is not the only way that has prestigious results. He shared that Norway, Finland and South Korea select teachers before college, they recruit and pay the person’s way through college, and pay for 2 years of training, then the person may get a classroom to themselves, and it produces prestigious results because teachers are developed within their own organization. He shared that he had an opportunity to visit the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) training center yesterday where electrical workers go through a 5-year process, 3 years’ apprenticeship, and 2 years as a journeyman; they work, go to class, and take online college-type courses and the end result is the program produces electricians who are motivated and competent.
It was moved by Councilmember Henderson and seconded by Councilmember Meadows to approve the item. Motion was unanimous and so ordered. (5-0) 7) REPORTS
7.1 CITY MANAGER
(a) City Manager
City Manager Joshua McMurray reported that the County is gathering data how to plan Community Development Block Grant (CDGB) and Home Funding that are federal funds passed down to County, Oakley is not entitled to receive funding because the threshold is 50,000 people, but it is close. He announced there will be a series of inperson meetings, the first being in the Antioch Council Chambers 6:30 p.m. this Thursday and another at the Brentwood Community Center at 6 p.m. on April 4. He mentioned they have housing and non-housing surveys that staff and the Mayor are pushing out information on. He mentioned as they continue to discuss the library and community center projects with an affordable housing component, these are examples of things the funds can be used for, and it is important that our community take the survey to express what the needs are here. He mentioned there is a library envisioned that will cost a certain figure and there is a certain amount of funding available, so funding is needed to bridge the gap and they need to obtain every dollar they can get; this is an opportunity to influence the County how to use the money ($60 million over 5 years or $12 million per year). He also reported that Friday Night Bites will be held April 5 at Civic Center, and the City will host its first 25th Anniversary event this year, its birthday party, at Civic Center on May 4, 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
7.2 OAKLEY CITY COUNCIL/OAKLEY CITY COUNCIL ACTING AS THE
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE OAKLEY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
(a) Reports from Council Liaisons to Regional Committees, Commissions and Boards AND Oakley City Council/Oakley City Council Acting as the Successor Agency to the Oakley Redevelopment Agency
Vice Mayor Shaw reported she attended the Bethel Island Municipal Advisory Committee Meeting regarding E. Cypress and housing and the E. Cypress Corridor, the Library sub-committee meeting (discussed promotional video, fundraising, donor/business support, a donor wall, and schedule a tour of facilities for representatives in hope of securing additional funding) the Affordable Housing Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee meeting (management stepped up and brought a plan; they proposed 2nd quarter goals to include an update to Council the third Tuesday of each month under City Manager Reports with management attending Council meetings, enhance residential interaction services, having meetings the third Friday of each month with senior management at those meetings, provide more senior programs, improve basketball courts, have a summer kickoff event, adding railing, removing dead trees and vegetation, consulting an arborist, Spring cleaning of buildings, quarterly review of camera systems, balcony inspections, look into adding speed bumps, and unit/building inspections). She mentioned there are still conversations between residents and management, but some residents complimented management for things being fixed that they have been talking about. She mentioned that management is working on hiring more maintenance staff—they have 6 and are adding 2 more. She mentioned landscape contractors and trash services are going well, and communication is 50% online through their portal. She shared that she mentioned to them they may never get 100% online with seniors; they will continue to push out information on paper as well.
She shared that they came to the conclusion that it may be time for the Ad-Hoc Committee to step back now that they are bringing on senior management and having their continued meetings so they agreed on monthly reports to the City Council for 6 months and if they feel like it is progressing, they will go to quarterly reports until they feel comfortable where things are at. She reported that the following day, she was in Burbank for a CalCities’ Public Safety and Policy Committee meeting where they received legislative updates. She mentioned that they discussed AB 1725 which they recommended opposing, AB 2034 which they recommended supporting, AB 2225 which they recommended supporting, AB 2309 which they recommended supporting, and AB 2943 which they discussed no position unless amended. She also reported attending a meeting last night with Assemblymember Lori Wilson and Rashidi Barnes, CEO, TriDelta Transit where they discussed transit, housing, jobs, and balance, what Oakley still needs and what Assemblymember Wilson can do to help Oakley (she helped secure $2 million in funding for E. Cypress). She mentioned she has a Zoom meeting today with CalCities to provide the same update she provided here, and tomorrow she has a TriDelta Transit meeting.
Councilmember Meadows reported that he also attended the Bethel Island Municipal Advisory Committee Meeting and Mr. McMurray provided a good presentation on the E.
Cypress corridor. He also reported that he attended the MCE Board meeting last week and the discussion was to approve an $800 million budget.
Dr. Fuller reported that he attended a multi-ability conference this morning at Big Break Park that was exceptional, including a quiet room for anyone distracted by noise. He announced the Freedom High School Fuel Cafe will be open again Friday mornings, 8:45am-10am, offering $2 coffee. He also reported that AB 1657 is moving forward; on March 4, it came out of the Housing Committee as amended with negligible changes and went to the Appropriations Committee; it should next go to the Senate Floor for vote and if approved, it will go back to the Assembly for approval which he does not think will be any problem, and then it will go to the Governor. He also reported that he attended the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW Local 302) in Martinez training center where they have a very tidy and well-scheduled program; there is an opportunity to participate in the first 3 years as an apprentice during the day then go to a training center for a few hours for the whole week and that goes on for 5 years. He mentioned they are proud of the beginning salary, and of 600 applicants, they will choose 24 apprentices to begin with. He commented that the beginning salary doesn’t come close to an entry level police officer, so it is not salary keeping young people from applying for police officer positions and we’re all suffering from that.
Mayor Williams reported she attended the Bethel Island meeting and complimented Mr.
McMurray for making sure their voices were heard and their intentions were clear. She also reported attending the Oakley Library Community Stakeholders meeting, the CalCities Policy Committee Meeting in Burbank where she is on the Community Services Policy Committee. She mentioned the first speakers were from Burbank, addressing community development around homeless, how to address encampments at the city level, keeping residents happy and treating everyone with dignity and respect, and honoring the life homeless may have traveling with them. She mentioned the second speakers were from the USC Homelessness Policy Research Institute and they have answers to what is causing homelessness but look to cities to see how to provide funding. She announced there will be a symposium April 23 through USC to explore universal guaranteed basic income. She mentioned that USC performed a controlled study resulting in a 60% reduction in homelessness (27% exited homelessness altogether) when providing participants $750/month so there is a kind of a case for that situation. She mentioned the Wilbur Avenue encampment; it is timely and something to pay attention to; however, she learned that research shows encampment resolution doesn’t end the cycle; most people end up where they were or near it. She mentioned they have received many comments regarding encampments under the Laurel overpass and it is something to consider as it may come back even after they address it because it is not resolving the issue. She referred to the curb cut theory, when communities make ADA improvements to sidewalks, it benefits the entire community (people with strollers, bikes, and people trying to move) and is something to consider for housing policy; improvements made for disadvantaged populations can probably uplift our entire community. She mentioned SB 1011 was discussed which would ban public camping if a homeless shelter were available (but did not address specifically where it would need to be available), prohibit public camping within 500 feet of public/private schools, open spaces, and major transit stops, and allow escalation of penalties. She added that there is a Supreme Court case pending regarding the constitutional right of this bill so they voted to table a position on it until the Supreme Court decision is rendered and at that time they would like to give cities the tools they need to address the issue; they have kicked the can down the road; however, cities can introduce an ordinance today as Burbank has; it is a matter of how they will word it. She also reported she met yesterday with Assemblymember Lori Wilson and Tri-Delta CEO Rashidi Barnes regarding jobs and housing balance; they don’t want to provide all the housing without jobs. She mentioned the legislative report out was today and revisions to the Bradley-Burns Tax may be critical to our area, a bill sponsored by Senator Glazer. (b) Requests for Future Agendas
None.
8) WORK SESSION
None.
9) CLOSED SESSIONS
9.1 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.5(e)
Title: City Manager
Mayor Williams announced the closed session item. She mentioned the meeting will be adjourned after closed session and the next meeting will be held April 9, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Oakley City Council Chambers.
10) ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectively Submitted,
Libby Vreonis
City Clerk