BERKELEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Summary

The City Council is being asked to approve the minutes from several previous meetings:

• December 1, 2025 (closed session)
• January 20, 2026 (closed and regular sessions)
• January 27, 2026 (special and regular sessions)

These minutes document the official record of discussions, actions, and decisions made during those meetings.

Citizen Impact

This is an administrative item to approve past meeting minutes. There is no direct impact on residents as it does not introduce new policies or actions.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering approving the issuance of formal bid solicitations and requests for proposals (RFPs) for several projects, with a total estimated cost of $200,000. These solicitations are scheduled for potential release upon final departmental approval and will be subject to Council review for contracts exceeding certain thresholds. The approved items include updating nexus studies for five City development fees: Affordable Childcare, Housing Mitigation, Cultural Trust, Streets & Open Space Improvement, and Affordable Housing for Commercial Development. The estimated costs for these studies are $12,000, $44,000, $58,000, $86,000, and $76,000 respectively. The Finance Department ensures environmental sustainability provisions are included in these solicitations. The Council's approval on February 24, 2026, would allow these RFPs to be released to the public.

Citizen Impact

Residents may be indirectly affected as the city updates development fee studies, which could influence future housing and commercial development costs. The approval process allows for public input on these solicitations before they are formally issued.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering a contract with the California Association of Environmental Health Administrators (CAEHA) for stormwater inspections. This contract, not to exceed $100,000, will run from February 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026. The Health, Housing & Community Services Department's Environmental Health Division (EHD) needs assistance due to staffing vacancies and an inability to meet the required number of inspections for approximately 1,200 permitted facilities city-wide. CAEHA is being contracted without competitive solicitation because they are the only entity with the necessary specialized credentials (Registered Environmental Health Specialist) for these inspections. This program is crucial for preventing pollutants from entering storm drains, as required by state and local regulations.

Citizen Impact

This contract ensures that required stormwater inspections at food facilities will be conducted, helping to prevent pollutants from entering local waterways. Residents can be assured that environmental health regulations related to stormwater are being met, even with current city staffing limitations.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City of Berkeley is set to accept a grant of $223,151 from the California Ocean Protection Council's Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program. This funding will be used for the East Bay Crescent Sub-Regional Vulnerability Assessment and Shoreline Adaptation Planning project. The City will contract with the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)/San Francisco Estuary Partnership (SFEP) to conduct this work, which will focus on the shoreline from the Bay Bridge/Radio Beach to Cerritos Creek. The project aims to develop a coordinated approach to sea level rise adaptation, including a sub-regional vulnerability assessment and distinct shoreline adaptation plans for Berkeley, Albany, and Emeryville. This initiative aligns with the City's strategic goal to address climate change and protect the environment. The grant period is from March 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028, and requires no matching funds from the city.

Citizen Impact

This grant will fund crucial planning to understand and prepare for sea level rise impacts along Berkeley's shoreline. Residents can expect increased community engagement in developing adaptation strategies that prioritize local needs and environmental justice.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering three separate contracts, each not to exceed $690,000 over three years, with Future Ford of Concord, Michael Stead Hilltop Ford, and Nicholas K Corporation dba The Ford Store. These contracts are for the provision of service, parts, and related equipment for the City's Ford vehicles. The City's Public Works Department relies on these contracts to ensure the safe and reliable operation of approximately 52% of its on-road fleet, which consists of Ford vehicles, including patrol vehicles and electric trucks. The procurement is being made through Sourcewell Contract No. 080124-FMC, which leverages pricing obtained through a competitive process by another entity. A waiver of competitive solicitation is required for service labor as it is restricted by Ford to OEM-authorized dealerships.

Citizen Impact

These contracts ensure the City's fleet of Ford vehicles, including police and public works vehicles, are properly maintained and repaired using genuine parts and certified service. This supports the reliable delivery of essential city services such as public safety and infrastructure maintenance.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering awarding three separate contracts for safety training and consulting services to support the Public Works Department. The selected vendors are Du-All Safety LLC, Safe Business Solutions, and Safety Center, Inc. Each contract is for an initial term of three years, from March 1, 2026, to February 28, 2029, with a not-to-exceed amount of $70,000 per vendor. The contracts also include an option to extend for two additional one-year terms, for a total potential contract term of five years. These services are crucial for ensuring Public Works staff receive necessary job-specific safety training to comply with Cal/OSHA regulations and to prepare for emergency situations. Funding for the initial term is available in various FY2026 Public Works funds, with future funding subject to budget approval.

Citizen Impact

This action ensures that Public Works employees receive essential safety training, which helps prevent accidents and ensures the safe operation of city services that residents rely on, such as waste management and infrastructure maintenance.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering a contract with Northern Recycling, LLC for the hauling and processing of compostable materials. This proposed 5-year contract, running from March 1, 2026, to March 1, 2030, has a total not-to-exceed amount of $16,091,834. The contract includes an option for a mutual five-year extension. Northern Recycling, LLC was selected through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process, outbidding one other proposer. The agreement includes specific per-ton rates for processing and transportation, with provisions for annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) and fuel costs. A key benefit is that Northern Recycling, LLC will provide 10% of the finished compost product to the City at no additional cost, aiding compliance with state regulations (SB 1383) for procuring organic waste products and supporting the City's Zero Waste and climate action goals by diverting materials from landfills.

Citizen Impact

This contract ensures the continued diversion of compostable materials from landfills, supporting the City's environmental goals. Residents will benefit from the continued availability of composting services and the City's receipt of finished compost for public distribution, contributing to a more sustainable waste management system.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering a contract with Koios Engineering, Inc. for the Adeline Street, Woolsey Street, et al. Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project. The project aims to repair and upgrade approximately 7,131 linear feet of sanitary sewer mains, maintenance holes, and sewer laterals. This work is mandated by a Consent Decree issued in 2014 to eliminate sanitary sewer overflows and reduce stormwater infiltration, supporting the City's environmental goals and compliance with state regulations. The project will utilize trenchless methods to minimize disruption. The proposed contract amount is $3,931,888.95, including a 10% contingency, funded by the FY 2026 Sanitary Sewer Fund. Koios Engineering, Inc. was the lowest bidder at $3,574,444.50 out of nine bids received.

Citizen Impact

This project will improve the reliability of the city's sanitary sewer system, reducing the risk of sewer overflows and related environmental issues. While there is no direct cost to residents for this contract, the work is essential for maintaining infrastructure and complying with state mandates.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering a contract with Koios Engineering, Inc. for the San Pablo Avenue, Sacramento Street, et al. Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project. The project aims to repair and upgrade aging sanitary sewer systems to prevent failures, blockages, and leakage, and to comply with a State Water Quality Control Board Consent Decree mandating the elimination of sanitary sewer overflows and reduction of stormwater infiltration. The proposed contract amount is $5,126,324.78, which includes a 10% contingency. The work involves rehabilitating approximately 9,634 linear feet of sewer mains, maintaining holes, and replacing sewer laterals, primarily using trenchless methods to minimize public inconvenience and costs. Funding is available in the FY 2026 Sanitary Sewer Fund.

Citizen Impact

This project will improve the reliability of the city's sanitary sewer system, reducing the risk of sewer overflows and related environmental impacts. While there will be some construction disruption, trenchless methods are being used to minimize inconvenience to residents in the affected areas.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering a resolution to authorize the City Manager to execute a five-year contract with Chargepoint, Inc. for support services for City-owned electric vehicle (EV) chargers. The contract's not-to-exceed amount is $255,651. This contract will cover the operation and maintenance of 75 Level 2 EV charging ports across five City locations. Of these, 26 ports are for City fleet vehicles and 49 are for public use. The services include managing the network, troubleshooting hardware and software malfunctions, and providing replacement parts. The City utilizes Sourcewell, a cooperative purchasing organization, to leverage discounted pricing for this contract, which has been competitively solicited nationwide. This agreement supports the City's General Plan Policy T-19 and Climate Action Plan goals by encouraging EV adoption.

Citizen Impact

This contract ensures the continued operation and maintenance of public EV charging stations, supporting residents who own electric vehicles and promoting the use of cleaner transportation options within the city.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item proposes an amendment to Contract No. 32500221 with Stommel Inc., dba Lehr, to increase the contract amount by $125,000, bringing the total not to exceed $525,000. The contract term will also be extended until December 15, 2027. This amendment is necessary to cover ongoing costs for supplies, equipment, and installation services for hybrid police patrol vehicles. The extended timeline and increased funding are needed due to vehicle delivery schedules, supply chain constraints, and installation timelines extending beyond the original contract's scope. Funding for the amendment in FY2026 is available in the Equipment Replacement Fund, with FY2027 funding subject to future budget appropriations. The services provided by Lehr are crucial for ensuring police vehicles are fully equipped and ready for service, supporting the city's public safety goals.

Citizen Impact

This contract amendment ensures the Police Department can continue to equip new hybrid patrol vehicles, maintaining operational readiness. Residents benefit from a fully functional police fleet without direct tax increases, as funding is available within existing budgets.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item authorizes an amendment to Contract No. 32600081 with Metro Elevator, increasing the contract amount by $175,000 for a new total not to exceed $350,000. This contract provides essential maintenance, repair, and emergency response services for the City's elevators across various facilities. The amendment is necessary due to an increased need for services and the inability to formalize a contract with a secondary service provider from the same RFP process. Funding for Fiscal Year 2026 is allocated across multiple city funds, with future funding subject to budget approval. The contract duration is three years, from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2028, with an option to extend for two additional one-year terms, and rates will be adjusted annually by the Consumer Price Index.

Citizen Impact

This contract amendment ensures the continued safe and reliable operation of city-owned elevators, which are critical for accessibility for both staff and the public in various city facilities. The increased funding will help maintain these essential services.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item proposes amending Contract No. 107431-1 (10095B) with Green Halo Systems, Inc. to increase the contract amount by $50,000, bringing the total not-to-exceed amount to $100,000. The contract extension is for construction and demolition debris tracking software services, extending the period from June 30, 2026, through June 30, 2028. The Green Halo software is used by the City's Permit Service Center to monitor construction project compliance with state and local waste diversion requirements. An integration with the Public Works' PC Scale system at the Transfer Station has automated verification of debris disposal, significantly reducing staff workload and improving oversight. Funds are available in the FY 2026 budget and subject to appropriation in FY2027.

Citizen Impact

This contract amendment will continue the use of software that helps ensure construction projects comply with waste diversion requirements. Residents benefit from improved environmental tracking and potentially more efficient permitting processes.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering a resolution to authorize the City Manager to execute a purchase order with Turf Star Incorporated for one 2026 Model Toro Groundsmaster 31699 Triple Deck Sports Field Mower. The cost will not exceed $184,181. This purchase is funded through the FY26 Adopted Public Works Department Equipment Replacement budget. The new mower is needed to replace a 10-year-old unit that has reached the end of its useful life and is essential for the Parks, Recreation, & Waterfront Department to maintain athletic fields. The purchase utilizes a Sourcewell contract (NO. 112624-TTC), which satisfies the city's competitive bidding requirements by leveraging pricing from another entity's competitive process. The existing mower will be sent to auction, with proceeds returned to the Equipment Maintenance Fund.

Citizen Impact

This purchase ensures the continued maintenance of city athletic fields, providing residents with well-kept sports facilities. The cost is covered by the existing equipment replacement budget, meaning no new taxes or fees for residents.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is set to adopt the 2026 Traffic Circle Vegetation Policy and Maintenance Plan. This update aims to standardize the maintenance of residential traffic circles and enhance their aesthetic and environmental qualities. Key changes include the addition of five new California native plant species to the approved planting list, promoting drought tolerance and pollinator habitats. Additionally, the plan introduces a modernized ArcGIS-based registration system for volunteers participating in the Adopt-A-Traffic Circle Program, which will streamline sign-ups, reporting, and supply requests. The policy emphasizes maintaining vegetation at a maximum height of 24 inches to ensure visibility and safety, and prohibits pesticides and herbicides. The plan aligns with the City's climate action goals and Vision Zero initiative.

Citizen Impact

Residents involved in the Adopt-A-Traffic Circle Program will benefit from a streamlined digital registration and reporting system. The expansion of approved native, drought-tolerant plants aims to improve the appearance and ecological health of traffic circles, contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item approves the expenditure of discretionary funds from Council office budgets to support the Waterside Workshops Community Spring Fling. The event, hosted by the non-profit Waterside Workshops on March 14, 2026, will launch their Street Level Cycling Club and highlight their youth programs. Funds relinquished to the general fund will not exceed $500 per Councilmember, with Mayor Ishii contributing $250 and Councilmember Taplin contributing $250. Waterside Workshops provides hands-on learning in bicycle mechanics, boatbuilding, and outdoor education to over 300 youth annually, focusing on job skills and community support.

Citizen Impact

This action allows for the use of existing discretionary council funds to support a local non-profit that provides youth development and job skills training. No new taxpayer funds are allocated, and the event supports a program serving over 300 local youth.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item proposes the relinquishment of funds from Council office budgets to support the Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) Historical Study. Councilmember Ben Bartlett is contributing $500 from his discretionary office budget. These funds will be relinquished to the City's General Fund and then granted to the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform, which is acting as the fiscal sponsor for the study. The study aims to document how BUSD policies and broader municipal discriminatory practices (like housing segregation and redlining) have contributed to racial inequities and disparities. The findings are intended to inform BUSD's reparations-related policymaking, resource allocation, and program design, and may also provide a framework for the City of Berkeley's future historical or reparations work.

Citizen Impact

This action allows for a historical study that will inform future educational and equity policies within Berkeley, potentially leading to more equitable resource allocation and program design that benefits residents.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item is a referral to the City Manager and City Attorney to explore closing a loophole in California Code Regulation, Title 25, Paragraph 42 (CCR 25 ¶42). This loophole allows certain multi-family properties that are adjacent or share common areas to avoid the requirement of having an on-site manager, even if their combined total of units exceeds 16. The referral aims to ensure that properties, regardless of how they are parceled, must comply with the on-site manager requirement if their total units meet the threshold. The Land Use, Housing & Economic Development Committee recommended this referral with the understanding that existing enforcement mechanisms through the Rent Stabilization Board would be utilized, and that the regulation would be applied prospectively to protect current tenants. The committee also requested discussion on potential limitations, exemptions for hardship, and fair administration of the proposed regulation. The financial implications are expected to be limited as existing enforcement structures can be used on a complaint-driven basis, and the number of affected properties is believed to be small.

Citizen Impact

This referral aims to address issues such as poor garbage collection, slow response to habitability issues, and noise complaints stemming from properties that exploit a loophole to avoid having an on-site manager. If enacted, it could lead to improved property maintenance and responsiveness for residents in affected multi-family buildings.

Confidence

high

Summary

This resolution urges Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to enact an eviction moratorium to protect residents in Minneapolis and Saint Paul from displacement. The resolution highlights a significant federal immigration operation in the region, involving over 2,000 ICE and CBP agents, which has allegedly led to harassment, intimidation, violence, and abduction of residents. The document states that these actions have caused residents to fear leaving their homes, impacting their ability to work and provide for their families, thus increasing the risk of eviction. The resolution draws parallels to the COVID-19 eviction moratorium and notes that similar resolutions have been adopted by the cities of Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Berkeley.

Citizen Impact

This resolution aims to protect residents in Minneapolis and Saint Paul from eviction due to fear of federal immigration enforcement actions. It seeks to provide a lifeline for housing stability for those impacted by the alleged "ICE/CBP terror campaign."

Confidence

high

Summary

The City of Berkeley is proposing amendments to Title 21 (Subdivisions Ordinance) and Title 23 (Zoning Ordinance) to implement Senate Bill (SB) 684 and establish local pathways for small-lot subdivisions. This initiative aims to expand attainable homeownership opportunities, particularly for middle-income earners, by streamlining the approval process for "Middle Housing Infill Projects" (MHIPs).

Key Provisions:

• Two Approval Tracks:
  • SB 684 MHIP (State Track): Allows 2 to 10 lots and up to 10 dwelling units on qualifying parcels (multi-family zoned <5 acres or vacant single-family zoned <1.5 acres). These projects receive ministerial approval within 60 days and are exempt from CEQA. They must meet state density requirements (at least 66% of maximum allowable density or 20 dwelling units per acre) and have an average unit size not exceeding 1,750 net habitable square feet. Projects in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones are ineligible.
  • Parcel-Map MHIP (Local Track): Provides a streamlined option for 2 to 4 lots and units that meet local minimum residential density requirements (or 20 dwelling units per acre) but may not fully qualify under SB 684. These projects are subject to CEQA but are likely eligible for categorical exemptions.
• Development Standards:
  • Minimum lot sizes for newly created lots are 600 square feet (multi-family zoned parent parcel) or 1,200 square feet (vacant single-family zoned parent parcel).
  • Rear and side yard setbacks from the original parent parcel lot line are set at 4 feet.
  • A minimum of 200 square feet of usable open space per unit is required, evaluated at the parent parcel level.
  • The Planning Director must waive or modify objective standards if they physically preclude the construction of the required minimum residential density.
• Tenant Protections: The ordinance prohibits the demolition or loss of "Protected Units" (e.g., tenant-occupied, rent-controlled, or subject to affordability restrictions) unless replacement housing is provided.
• Inclusionary Housing: All MHIPs must comply with the City's inclusionary housing requirements, including on-site affordable units or in-lieu fees.

Citizen Impact

This ordinance will increase homeownership opportunities for middle-income families by streamlining the creation of smaller, more attainable housing types like duplexes and triplexes. Residents will benefit from clearer development rules and stronger protections against displacement for existing tenants, ensuring new housing growth is equitable.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City of Berkeley is adopting its 2026 State and Federal Legislative Platform, a resolution outlining policy and funding priorities for advocacy at the state and federal levels. This platform, largely an update to the 2024 version, was developed with input from City Department Directors and Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. (TPA), a firm that has partnered with Berkeley for 16 years and helped secure over $23 million in state and federal funding. The platform covers key areas including homelessness, housing, economic development, infrastructure, public safety, sustainability, environment, and health. It aims to improve the City's effectiveness in influencing policy and securing funding for its strategic goals, such as creating affordable housing, improving infrastructure, and addressing climate change. Adopting this platform is expected to enhance the City's ability to compete for state and federal funding opportunities.

Citizen Impact

This legislative platform will guide the City's advocacy efforts, potentially leading to increased state and federal funding for local projects related to housing, homelessness, infrastructure, and environmental initiatives. Residents may see future programs and services improved or expanded as a result of these targeted advocacy efforts.

Confidence

high

Summary

This report details the City of Berkeley's investment portfolio performance for the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2025, ending June 30, 2025. The pooled investments yielded 3.03% for the quarter, which was 1.24% lower than the benchmark State Local Agency Investment Fund (State LAIF) return of 4.27%. This underperformance is attributed to the City's longer average investment maturity compared to State LAIF, which delayed reinvestment at higher current rates following Federal Reserve rate hikes. The average return on Retiree Medical Trust Fund investments was 4.73% for the same period. The report also discusses the broader economic environment, including Federal Reserve actions and labor market trends, and outlines a temporary change in the City's investment strategy to prioritize liquidity due to projected budget deficits.

Citizen Impact

While the City's investments underperformed the benchmark, the direct impact on residents is minimal in the short term. However, the report highlights the importance of investment returns for funding retiree medical benefits and notes that the City's strategy is adapting to economic conditions and budget needs.

Confidence

high

Summary

This report details the City of Berkeley's investment portfolio performance for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2026, ending September 30, 2025. The pooled investments yielded 3.08% for the quarter, which was 1.17% lower than the benchmark State Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) return of 4.25%. This underperformance is attributed to the city's longer average investment maturity compared to LAIF, which prevented the city from reinvesting at the higher current rates as quickly. The Retiree Medical Trust Fund investments yielded an average of 4.55% for the quarter. The report also discusses the prevailing interest rate environment, noting the Federal Reserve's actions to lower rates due to concerns about the labor market, and outlines a temporary change in the city's investment strategy to prioritize liquidity over longer-term investments due to projected budget deficits.

Citizen Impact

While the city's investments underperformed a benchmark during this quarter, the direct impact on residents is minimal. The report primarily serves as an informational update on the city's financial management. Lower investment returns could indirectly affect the city's budget if they persist, potentially impacting funding for services in the long term.

Confidence

high

Summary

This report provides an update on the implementation of recommendations from a July 2024 audit of Berkeley's Restaurant Inspection Program. Of the nine audit recommendations:

• Two are fully implemented.
• Five are partly implemented.
• One has started.
• One has not yet started.

The Environmental Health Division (EHD) is working to upgrade its database to the Accela Civic Platform, expected in June 2026, which is crucial for several partly implemented recommendations. A recent fee study has been completed, and new fee schedule recommendations and a placarding program proposal will be presented to Council during the budget process. The next status report is anticipated in Fall 2026. A budget referral of $100,000 for an independent consultant to analyze the program's structure, staffing, and technology use has not yet been included in budget proposals.

Citizen Impact

Residents can expect improvements in food safety inspections as the city works to implement audit recommendations. Key changes include a new database expected in mid-2026 and potential new fees and a placarding program to be discussed during the budget process.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Auditor's Office has released a report titled "A Guide to Measuring Performance in the City of Berkeley." This report provides a practical framework for city departments and leadership to develop meaningful performance measures. It draws on best practices from organizations like GFOA and ICMA, and reviews performance measures from comparable cities. The report suggests opportunities for management consideration, including organizing and streamlining reporting efforts, revisiting the Strategic Plan goals and aligning performance measures, and exploring outcomes-based budgeting. The goal is to enhance transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making within the city government, particularly to assist with the fiscal year 2027-2028 budget process.

Citizen Impact

This guide aims to improve how the city tracks its progress and uses resources. Better performance measures could lead to more efficient city services and better allocation of taxpayer money, especially during budget deficit periods, ensuring funds are focused on successful programs that matter most to residents.

Confidence

high

Summary

This document outlines the Safe Streets Citizen Oversight Committee (SSCOC) Workplan for Fiscal Year 2025-26. The SSCOC was established following the passage of Measure FF in November 2024, a parcel tax dedicated to street and sidewalk repair and traffic safety improvements. Due to the parcel tax proceeds not being deposited until December 2025, the SSCOC's first year will focus on educating itself about pavement and sidewalk conditions and safety challenges in Berkeley. They plan to learn from the Department of Public Works about baseline data and progress toward the goals of Measure FF, which include raising the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) to at least 70, eliminating sidewalk backlogs, and reducing fatal and severe traffic crashes by December 31, 2036. The committee's workplan was adopted on November 19, 2025, with an amendment to ensure a presentation on the framework for evaluating progress towards these goals.

Citizen Impact

Residents can expect the SSCOC to oversee the implementation of Measure FF, a parcel tax funding street and sidewalk repairs and safety improvements. While initial expenditures will be limited in FY25-26, the committee's work will ensure accountability for future projects aimed at improving city infrastructure and safety.

Confidence

high