Title
Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings Held on September 15, 2026. (City Clerk)
Body
UNAPPROVED
Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting
Tuesday- -September 15, 2026- -6:00 p.m.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call - Present: Councilmembers Boller, Daysog, Jensen, Pryor and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 5.
Absent: None.
The meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider:
(26- ) Conference with Labor Negotiators (Government Code Section 54957.6); City Negotiators: Noelle White, Human Resources Director, Nick Luby, Fire Chief, and Doug McManaway, Assistant City Attorney; Employee Organization: International Association of Firefighters, Local 689 (IAFF); Under Negotiation: Salaries, Employee Benefits and Terms of Employment
Following the Closed Session, the meeting was reconvened and the City Clerk announced that staff provided information and the City Council provided direction by unanimous voice vote - 5.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 6:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.
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Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
Tuesday- -September 15, 2026- -7:00 p.m.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 7:02 p.m. Councilmember Boller led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call - Present: Councilmembers Boller, Daysog, Jensen, Pryor, and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 5.
Absent: None.
Agenda Changes
None.
Proclamations, Special Orders of the Day and Announcements
(26- ) Proclamation Declaring September 15 through October 15, 2026 as National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft read the proclamation.
Oral Communications, Non-Agenda
None.
Consent Calendar
Councilmember Jensen inquired how the agreement with Action Research [paragraph no. 26- ] will improve the work already being done by staff.
The Public Work Coordinator responded the City has struggled with participation in the multi-family bulky collection program; stated the agreement will help adjust staff’s outreach and approach to help families participate in the program.
Councilmember Jensen inquired how staff anticipates the program will improve bulky pickup services participation and how it will make an impact throughout the City.
The Public Works Coordinator responded staff hopes the program will reduce illegal dumping; stated while engaging with the community, there will also be opportunities to increase proper sorting and higher participation in organics and recycling.
Councilmember Jensen moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
Vice Mayor Pryor seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.]
(*26- ) Minutes of the Special Joint City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Improvement Commission Meeting and the Regular City Council Meeting Held on July 21, 2026. Approved.
(*26- ) Ratified bills in the amount of $10,062,309.69.
(*26- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Three-Year Service Provider Agreement with M5 Services LLC, for Building Engineer and Maintenance Services, with the Option to Extend the Agreement for up to Two Additional Years, for a Five-Year Compensation Amount Not-to-Exceed $2,793,808. Accepted.
(*26- ) Recommendation to Accept the Work of Bay Area Lightworks, Inc. and As-Built Plans for the Lincoln Park Pathway Lighting Project, No. P.W. 04-25-08 (CIP C16000). Accepted.
(*26- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a One-Year Agreement with Action Research for Community-Based Social Marketing to Increase Use of Alameda County Industries’ Bulky Pickup Services by Multi-Family Residences, in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $186,000, Including Contingency. Accepted.
(*26- ) Resolution No. 16449, “Adopting the 2026 City of Alameda Climate Adaptation and Hazard Mitigation Plan as the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, as Required by the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and Incorporating by Reference the 2026 Climate Adaptation and Hazard Mitigation Plan into the Alameda General Plan Safety Element, as Required by AB 2140 (2006).” Adopted.
(*26- ) Resolution No. 16450, “Amending the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Capital Budget to Appropriate $289,000 in Grant Funds to Capital Improvement Program C66300 (EV Charging).” Adopted;
(*26- A) Resolution No. 16451, “Authorizing the City Manager to Execute All Necessary Documents with California Department of Transportation to Accept $1,237,000 in Grant Funding.” Adopted; and
(*26- B) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Second Amendment to the Agreement with It’s Electric for up to $397,200 for the Public EV Charging Program. Accepted.
(*26- ) Resolution No. 16452, “Amending Fiscal Year 2026-27 Human Resources Operating Budget to Appropriate $250,000 for Additional Consulting Services and Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Service Provider Agreement with Nicholson Strategic Services LLC for Executive Human Resources Services through June 30, 2027, with Total Compensation Not-To-Exceed $250,000.” Adopted.
(*26- ) Ordinance No. 3410, “Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Second Lease Amendment for a Portion of Building 41 with DOER Marine Operations, Located at 650 West Tower Avenue, at Alameda Point, Alameda, California, for an Additional Term of Six (6) Months with Two Six-Month Extension Options.” Finally passed.
(*26- ) Ordinance No. 3411, “Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Third Lease Amendment with Faction Brewing Company, LLC, a California Limited Liability Company for Building 22, Suite 200, Located at 2501 Monarch Street at Alameda Point.” Finally passed.
Continued Agenda Items
None.
Regular Agenda Items
(26- ) Resolution No. 16453, “Appointing Alec Chavez to the Civil Service Board.” Adopted;
(26- A) Resolution No. 16454, “Appointing Katie Freed to the Planning Board.” Adopted;
(26- B) Resolution No. 16455, “Appointing Jimmy Ly to the Planning Board.” Adopted;
(26- C) Resolution No. 16456, “Reappointing Jason Kim to the Transportation Commission.” Adopted;
(26- D) Resolution No. 16457, “Reappointing Saravana Suthanthira to the Transportation Commission.” Adopted;
(26- E) Resolution No. 16458, “Appointing Maria Piper to the Transportation Commission.” Adopted; and
(26- F) Resolution No. 16459, “Appointing Bharat Singh to the Transportation Commission.
Councilmember Boller moved adoption of the resolutions.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
The City Clerk Administered the Oath of Office to Ms. Freed, Ms. Suthanthira, Mr. Ly, Mr. Singh, Mr. Kim, Ms. Piper, and Mr. Chavez who all made brief comments.
(26- ) Presentation on the State of AC Transit by Director Sarah Syed and General Manager/Chief Executive Officer Salvador Llamas.
Salvador Llamas and Owen Christofferson from AC Transit gave a Power Point presentation.
Discussed collecting signatures for a ballot initiative to save AC Transit and fund public transit across the Bay Area; expressed support for eliminating Line 19; suggested Line 30 be extended; stated AC Transit must increase ridership: Mitch Ball, Alameda.
Councilmember Jensen stated California recently prioritized residential development near transit; projects near transit are a priority; inquired how this potential reduction in service would impact Alameda’s development priorities, especially regarding the Mariner Square project.
The Transportation Planning Manager responded Alameda Point is envisioned as a transit-oriented developed area.
Councilmember Jensen stated she was specifically inquiring about Mariner Square.
The Acting City Attorney stated staff’s response will have to be limited, due to the Brown Act; inquiries must be limited to the AC Transit presentation.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft clarified today’s presentation is about the state of AC Transit.
Councilmember Jensen stated a chart in the presentation discusses potential cuts that could happen if the measure is not passed; clarified her inquiry is relating to the chart and potential cuts to Alameda.
The City Manager stated these kinds of transit reductions have been discussed in many communities; due to the complex web in housing laws, staff would want to analyze the proposed changes against land use plans and provide Council with an analysis.
Councilmember Jensen requested more detail about information in the supplemental memo, which states that without AC Transit services, the Transit Demand Management Association (TDMA) would not be providing incentives or subsidies for residents at Alameda Point.
The Transportation Planning Manager responded the AC Transit contingency service plan would eliminate Line 19 and reduce the frequency of Line 96; if this happens, the TDMA and West Alameda TDMA would have less incentive to invest in AC Transit easy passes and Clipper Bay passes, which would result in less income and ridership for AC Transit.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether the cuts could have an effect of reducing additional revenue for AC Transit, as well as having a substantial impact for Alameda Point ridership, to which the Transportation Planning Manager responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Jensen stated Alameda Point is a tremendous user of transportation; inquired how AC Transit partners with other agencies, such as the Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA); inquired what the City can do to ensure there is expanded access for Alameda Point and the ferry.
Mr. Llamas responded AC Transit partners with the region and serve on the Regional Network Management Council and Regional Network Management Committee, which advises the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC); stated meetings are held regularly to discuss how to align services; AC Transit previously had ferry services and is always looking where there is demand for more public transit.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether there has been any thought to having local fares for some of the transbay lines, such as Lines O and W.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft responded people can tell the bus driver they are local riders in order to be charged the local rate; encouraged folks to read the San Francisco Chronicle’s endorsement of the regional transit measure; announced September is public transit month.
(26- ) Introduction of Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Section 30-19 (Short Term Rentals) of Chapter 30 (Development Regulations) to Establish Zoning Regulations for Short Term Rental of Residential Property, Applicable Citywide. Introduced.
Councilmember Boller recused himself due to his financial interest in residential real property in Alameda and left the dais.
The Planner II gave a Power Point presentation.
In response to Councilmember Daysog’s inquiry regarding varying scenarios, for example, someone with a single-family home able to have short-term rentals in their residence, the Planner II stated the limitations are intended to limit it to one host per property.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether staff is not limiting short-term rentals in single-family homes in residences where the owner also lives.
The Planner II responded it must be the host’s primary permanent residence; stated they could be somewhat limited depending on how they arranged their permanent residence.
Councilmember Daysog clarified he is inquiring about the property owner; inquired if the property owner owns two single-family homes and lives in one that is a short-term rental, would the ordinance preclude them from having short-term rentals in the second home.
Special Counsel responded the Planning Board wanted flexibility for property owners to do short-term rentals when going on vacation or when not using their primary residence for a short period of time; stated this regulation is not to encourage short-term rentals, but rather discourage them and attempt to incentivize the second property to go towards long-term rentals to solve the housing crisis.
Vice Mayor Pryor inquired why Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are not permitted to be short-term rentals.
The Planner II responded ADUs are regulated under State law, which prohibits using them as short-term rentals.
In response to Vice Mayor Pryor’s inquiry regarding housing supply issues, the Planner II stated staff is acknowledging the housing crisis will not be solved by this ordinance; although it is not a pressing issue, it is important.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the presentation noted Alameda is a bit of an outlier because the City does not have an ordinance regulating short-term rentals; inquired whether one of the reasons for the ordinance and workshops held by the Planning Board is so the problem does not become greater, to which the Planner II responded in the affirmative; stated the ordinance is preventative.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft discussed a daycare business located next door to an active short-term rental; inquired whether this type of concern also played a part in the creation of the ordinance, to which the Planner II responded in the affirmative; stated a lot of attention was given to the good neighbor policies, which is why that portion of the ordinance is structured in an enforceable manner but also does not create very impactful nuisance users coming right next to sensitive receptors, such as a daycare.
Councilmember Jensen inquired the goal of the one host per property rule.
The Planner II responded the rule is to make sure the primary residence requirement is preserved and there is no issue with out-of-town folks renting multiple properties for long-term rentals, which effectively creates commercial hotel rooms that are operated by someone who is not on site.
Councilmember Jensen discussed concerns in other cities with similar rules regarding investors procuring properties to use as short-term rentals; inquired whether this is currently an issue in Alameda.
The Planner II responded it is not a pressing issue, however, the ordinance attempts to address issues in the City.
Councilmember Jensen expressed support for the good neighbor policies; inquired whether staff considered adopting good neighbor policies, as opposed to adopting more stringent requirements, which may affect short-term rental owners with more than one property.
Special Counsel responded there was a discussion at the Planning Board; stated the good neighbor policies have been incorporated into the ordinance; the Planning Board also wanted to address the concern about investors coming to the City and converting single-family homes to short-term rentals.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether there would be any other ways to address the potential of investors converting single-family homes to short-term rentals, other than having the one host per property rule; stated the one host per property rule is very stringent.
Special Counsel responded there is a provision that discusses legacy rentals.
Councilmember Jensen requested clarification on the grandfather provision.
Special Counsel responded the provision in Section 30.19.4(e) of the ordinance; stated if a host has operated a short-term rental for a period of at least one year, it may continue to be operated even if the rental is not a primary residence.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she appreciates the thoroughness of the Planning Board holding several hearings and taking input from the community.
Vice Mayor Pryor inquired if someone with a short-term rental decides to change the property to a long-term rental, could the owner revert the property back to a short-term rental, to which the Planner II responded in the negative.
Stated that she and her husband own several Airbnbs; urged Council to reconsider the proposed ordinance; stated while she supports protecting neighborhoods, restricting short-term rental operations to primary residences overcorrects and will reduce the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): Dona Fisher, Alameda.
Stated anyone who operates a short-term rental Airbnb would not be a landlord; discussed a client who recently purchased a property that was previously an Airbnb and inquired whether that person will be grandfathered into the program: Karen Miller, Alameda.
Expressed support for the proposed ordinance; stated the East Bay Housing Organizations (EBHO) has been interested in short-term rental regulations in the East Bay for 10 years; this is important to safeguard the stock of places available for long-term rental; the ordinance does not appear to have provisions to hold the platforms accountable for ensuring policies are followed: Sophia DeWitt, EBHO.
Expressed opposition to the ordinance; stated there are plenty of regulations; homeowners are restricted in many ways; if investors are the concern, perhaps the ordinance should address companies and/or individuals with 5 to 10 properties; this hurts the middle class: Kevin Jordan, Alameda.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated providing the number of affordable housing units required by law is challenging; the regulation is important to address this challenge and protect neighborhoods; the ordinance is not saying there cannot be Airbnbs; it is restricting the properties that can be used; new hotels have been built recently in Alameda, for which the City receives TOT; the ordinance protects from institutional investors; she is constantly told by teachers and nurses that they have trouble finding a place to rent in the City.
Vice Mayor Pryor expressed support for the grandfather clause; stated housing is more than an investment, it is a human right; the entire State is currently attempting to tackle the housing crisis; the ordinance is necessary; being able to buy a second home as an investment property is a luxury.
Councilmember Daysog stated this must be looked at from various angles, including the vantage point of the residents in various neighborhoods; many people did not sign up to live near quasi-hotels; there is clearly a need for regulation; discussed two different legacy scenarios; inquired whether the legacy exception applies to a situation where an owner resides at one parcel at one address but has another property on a separate parcel that is being rented on Airbnb, to which Special Counsel responded the clause would permit leasing of a second home.
Councilmember Daysog stated it is good that there is wiggle room.
Special Counsel noted Section E states there is an overall exception for any host who has operated the property for the past year.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether residents who have raised concerns this evening would be covered by the provision, to which Special Counsel responded they would be for the most part.
Councilmember Jensen questioned whether a complete ban on short-term rentals managed by owners outside of the property will substantially improve the availability of rental units; stated Alameda has a large number of renters; market research shows Alameda is in a semi-tight rental market with a 5% vacancy rate; adding 200 units does not seem like it would have a tremendous impact; inquired whether there was discussion about allowing people who live in one unit and have a number of other units; discussed friends who use home exchange platforms; inquired whether these types of arrangements would be prohibited under the regulation.
Special Counsel responded the ordinance does not specifically address the scenario; stated there were no discussions about it; home exchanges have not been identified as a problem in Alameda.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated a person renting on a short-term platform must have a business license, which is not required when doing a home exchange.
Councilmember Jensen stated regarding business licenses and TOT payments, she would like to be thoughtful about having a blanket requirement; inquired whether staff discussed having a potential Citywide limit on a maximum number of short-term rentals that can be licensed.
Special Counsel responded that she is unaware of other cities doing quota-based Airbnb ordinances; stated if Council would like, the Planning Board could explore the topic.
The City Manager stated the idea of creating another regulatory environment for staff at this time would be challenging.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft suggested Council pass this as is, but direct staff to return to Council in a year to look at certain metrics and send it back to the Planning Board to decide whether it has been successful.
Councilmember Jensen inquired how many of the over 250 units are currently being rented with an owner on site and how many would fit under the policy.
Special Counsel responded staff does not currently have the data, which is one of the problems; stated currently, there are no regulations; all of the hosts have not obtained business licenses; staff does not have information on particular properties that are rented through a platform such as Airbnb; if the ordinance is adopted, there will be a more robust registry.
Councilmember Jensen stated more data is necessary; she is hesitant to pass the ordinance as presented; suggested the City start with the good neighbor policy and gather information before moving forward; stated more data would help inform her decision.
In response to Vice Mayor Pryor’s inquiry regarding the legacy provision, Special Counsel stated the legacy operation exceptions provide a host an exemption for a single short-term rental, not multiple short-term rentals.
Councilmember Jensen stated the ordinance mentions one may only use their primary residence as a short-term rental.
Councilmember Daysog stated the key term is regardless of non-compliance.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft encouraged Council to create the housing protections, which she believes are reasonable; stated the Planning Board spent a lot of time on the issue and conducted public outreach; she hopes Council can pass the ordinance.
Vice Mayor Pryor inquired whether the 90-day amnesty period is reflected in the ordinance, to which Special Counsel responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether an administrative fine would be the outcome in instances where there is non-compliance and enforcement, to which the Acting City Attorney responded in the affirmative; stated there is no criminal penalty for violations; there will be civil fines instead.
Vice Mayor Pryor moved introduction of the ordinance.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion with a friendly amendment to direct staff to return to the Council in a year with information on concerns raised by property owners who may have a second or third short-term rental, which would be precluded by the ordinance, in addition to matters raised by Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft.
Under discussion, the City Manager inquired whether Council would like staff to conduct a hearing from owners who may have run into challenges.
Councilmember Daysog stated that he agrees with howsoever staff would like to put the report together to provide a future Council with the basis to make an amendment.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the Planning Board held several workshops for tenants and operators, which could be a possible way to receive feedback.
Councilmember Daysog concurred; stated fortunately short-term rentals are not a big issue in Alameda; however, residents did not sign up to have quasi-hotels in neighborhoods; it is vital to have a regulation on short-term rentals; the City must ensure there is long-term housing stock for long-term rentals, which this regulation is supportive of; there is flexibility in the legacy clause; a future Council can modify the ordinance as it sees fit.
The City Manager inquired whether staff may return to Council in early 2028, due to the 90-day amnesty period, to which Councilmember Daysog responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Jensen stated that she is abstaining due to the lack of data regarding the impact on Alameda property owners with short-term rentals.
On the call for the question, the motion which carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog, Pryor and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 3. Abstention: Councilmember Jensen - 1. [Absent: Councilmember Boller - 1.]
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Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft called a recess at 9:05 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 9:20 p.m.
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(26- ) Introduction of Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Section 30-5.18 (Accessory Dwelling Units) and Adding Section 30-5.19 (Accessory Dwelling Units Condominium Regulations) of Chapter 30 (Development Regulations) to Update Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations and to Permit Accessory Dwelling Unit Condominium Conversions. Introduced.
The City Clerk noted that Councilmember Boller recused himself due to his financial interest in residential real property in Alameda and was not present.
The Planner II gave a Power Point presentation.
Vice Mayor Pryor inquired whether the impetus is to incentivize homeowners to build ADUs.
The Planner II responded that is a plus, however he does not believe it is the primary motivation for the regulation; stated staff saw this as an opportunity to expand the options for prospective homebuyers and a tool for providing more affordable housing.
Vice Mayor Pryor inquired if there would be a Homeowners Association (HOA), to which the Planner II responded in the affirmative; stated there would be an HOA that would govern the shared facilities, such as the yard area and other shared amenities.
Vice Mayor Pryor inquired if this is becoming common throughout the State and County or if Alameda will be one of the first to bring forth such a regulation.
The Planner II responded this is not very common; stated while Alameda is not on the cutting edge, widespread adoption has not occurred much because the change is not expected to be monumental.
Inquired about an image in the presentation, which includes a standard ADU, JADU, and detached ADUs square footage: Carmen Reid, Alameda.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated this is an opportunity to create homeownership opportunities for first-time buyers to get their foot in the door; it is expensive to build new housing; discussed her time on the Planning Board and condo-conversions; expressed support for the item.
Vice Mayor Pryor inquired whether any square footage definitions have changed due to the proposed ordinance.
The Planner II responded the image in the presentation is a stock image intended to demonstrate the different types of ADUs; stated nothing in the ordinance would revise the square footage totals permitted; under State law, JADUs are limited to 500 square feet; a typical ADU in Alameda is allowed to be built up to 1,200 square feet.
Vice Mayor Pryor requested clarification about codified curb cut removal practices.
The Planner II responded ADUs are frequently converted from existing structures; stated often times, a garage opens up directly into the right of way with insufficient space to park a car; if the garage is converted and residents continue to park cars in the area, the cars will block the right of way; the current City practice requires curb cut removal to ensure an obstructed right of way does not occur with a conversion that has a remaining driveway less than 18 feet.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft commended staff on making ADU conversion and construction user friendly; stated between 2017 and 2025, Alameda has issued approximately 50 ADU permits a year.
In response to Councilmember Daysog’s inquiry about how many additional ADUs would be generated by the proposed ordinance, the Planner II stated that he believes there would be single digit annual increases; stated a market increase is not expected.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether Councilmember Daysog is concerned with there being more ADUs, to which Councilmember Daysog responded in the affirmative; stated some neighborhoods did not sign up for an explosion of ADUs; expressed concern about staff being unsure how many more ADUs will be built; suggested a sunset provision of five years be added to the ordinance to have a future Council decide if whether regulation should continue.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether Councilmember Daysog is suggesting a sunset or a revisit by Council and believes the housing crisis will be solved in five years.
Councilmember Daysog responded that he is suggesting a sunset provision of five years with a revisit; stated if there are other ways to project what may happen in five years, he is willing to listen.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated whatever is voted on will have to pass by Council majority.
Special Counsel stated there are two aspects to the ordinance; the first is the ADU streamlining provisions; updates to implement State law changes are legally required; the second aspect of the ordinance is the ADU conversion; if Council would like to provide a sunset or a revision on the provision, there would be no legal concerns.
The City Manager stated staff completes check-ins as part of the Housing Element implementation review; staff is tracking ADU production as part of the reviews, which may be an opportunity to keep an eye on the impact of the regulation.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she would like to know what metrics are being looked at and would want the City to be intentional.
Councilmember Daysog stated that he thought of adding a sunset provision and letting a future Council put together criteria, if they choose.
The Planner II responded the five-year deadline would be just outside of the next Housing Element cycle; stated regardless of a sunset, staff would include an update in the Housing Element, which will come before Council.
Vice Mayor Pryor stated this is a good way to create opportunities for home ownership; discussed her personal experience becoming a homeowner and how significantly housing has changed in the last 20 years; stated it is important to make homeownership viable for people.
Councilmember Jensen stated Council must do everything, within jurisdiction and authority, it can to make housing available; she has heard from many residents who are in support of the policy; expressed support for the item.
Councilmember Jensen moved approval of the staff recommendation [introduction of the ordinance].
Vice Mayor Pryor seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated while she will be voting in support for this item, she will not vote for any amendment to add a sunset; the City must assure home ownership opportunities for more people.
Councilmember Daysog stated there are certain regulations the City has to follow; discussed State law and the concern he raised previously; noted ADUs are relatively more affordable; inquired whether staff will report on the number of ADUs resulting from this program as part of the Housing Element review, to which the Planner II responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Daysog stated while he would have preferred to have a sunset clause, the reality is that any future Council can change an ordinance as they see fit; expressed support for the item.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by the by unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent: Councilmember Boller - 1.]
(26- ) Introduction of Ordinance Amending Alameda Municipal Code Article XV (Rent Control, Limitations on Evictions, and Relocation Payments to Certain Displaced Tenants) Concerning Permanent Relocation Payments to Tenants Whose Tenancies are Illegally Terminated and Reinserting Clarifying Language Inadvertently Removed. Introduced.
The City Clerk noted that Councilmember Boller recused himself due to his financial interest in residential real property in Alameda and was not present.
The Rent Program Director gave a Power Point presentation.
Vice Mayor Pryor moved introduction of the ordinance.
Councilmember Jensen seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember Daysog stated the ordinance is simply clarifying language; while he has had concerns regarding the rent ordinance, the ordinance is not introducing anything new.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent: Councilmember Boller - 1.]
City Manager Communications
(26- ) The City Manager announced that September is National Preparedness month; reminded the community that Alameda’s geography makes readiness a shared responsibility; stated the City is continuing to work on an emergency preparedness training program so staff is in the best position to help during an emergency; encouraged residents to sign up for AC Alert, make a plan, and understand options; announced a disaster preparation workshop on October 17th at Alameda College; noted construction has begun for the playground renovation project at Leydecker Park.
Oral Communications, Non-Agenda
None.
Council Referrals
(26- ) Consider Directing Staff to Evaluate and Present Findings on a Potential Large-Format, Commercial Vacancy Fee. (Councilmember Daysog)
Councilmember Daysog gave a brief presentation.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she would like to know if a vacancy tax could be applied retroactively; expressed concern about the Harbor Bay Landing Shopping Center.
The Acting City Attorney responded staff can investigate the issue; stated taxes are generally not retroactive; there are constitutional limitations, however staff can research further.
Councilmember Jensen stated that she has long been interested in a vacancy tax; to her understanding, Council directed staff to develop a vacancy tax during the strategic planning process.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated cities with a vacancy tax have not found the tax effective in meeting the objective of filling vacancies.
The City Manager stated staff has not researched the matter; he has heard anecdotal evidence from colleagues in other communities; he found a vacancy tax reference in the Strategic Plan marked as complete, but has not been successful in finding out how that happened.
Councilmember Boller inquired about the scope of the referral; inquired how many businesses in Alameda currently fit the category.
Councilmember Daysog stated that his hope is to be able to specify large format stores, in terms of uses, such as grocery stores or pharmacies; such stores have a repeat customer basis and are foot traffic generating.
Councilmember Boller inquired if there is more than one business in Alameda that would currently fit that category.
Councilmember Daysog responded that he believes there are very few shopping centers in Alameda that fit the criteria.
Councilmember Boller expressed appreciation for the referral; stated that he lives in Harbor Bay and has spoken to many residents; he would not like the referral to deter the City from doing additional things to address the situation; the public needs to understand that this would not minimize the additional efforts done by the City; it is public property.
Councilmember Daysog stated this may not currently apply to any specific situation; he believes a vacancy tax will have to be approved by a vote of the people; effectiveness would come down the line.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the pertinent question is whether this will be effective; she is unsure whether the steepest fine will motivate the current owner; there will have to be some basis and reason; if the goal is to improve that particular shopping center, the tax may not be the way to do it; she would be willing to ask staff to look into vacancy fee possibilities.
Councilmember Boller stated there may be a vacancy tax or a penalty that has more to do with Code Enforcement; inquired whether this would require a vote at the polls.
The Acting City Attorney stated a general tax would have to go to the people as a ballot measure and comply with any applicable procedures under Propositions 218 or 26; there is a wide array of taxes and fees that staff can review; while Harbor Bay Landing is generating Council interest, any tax fee assessment Council may ultimately adopt will apply Citywide and would not target a particular site or property owner.
Councilmember Daysog moved approval of directing staff to come back to Council in March 2027 with research and recommendations.
Councilmember Boller seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember Jensen suggested a friendly amendment to receive a report sooner so the current Council may discuss whether the vacancy tax policy mentioned in the Strategic Plan may be used.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she does not believe the motion needs to be amended, since the City Manager previously stated he would look into that and return to Council before March 2027.
Councilmember Daysog stated small business owners would not be subject to the tax.
Councilmember Boller directed staff to return to Council as soon as possible on other efforts to address the situation.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft noted some discussions may take place in closed session soon.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
Council Communications
(26- ) Mayor’s Nominations for Appointments to the Commission on Persons with Disabilities, Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, and Social Service Human Relations Board. Not heard.
(26- ) Councilmember Jensen announced that she attended a ribbon cutting for a new dental practice, the kickoff for the Measure L campaign, and the first annual Alameda Porch Fest; expressed support for the three regular agenda items approved by Council this evening, even though she abstained on one; stated all of the policies will have a positive impact on Alameda’s rental housing market; stated amendments must be done regularly to ensure all possible protections for tenants are installed.
(26- ) Vice Mayor Pryor announced she will be attending the California Cities conference next week and will report back at the next Council meeting.
(26- ) Councilmember Daysog announced that he attended the remembering of the 25th anniversary of 9/11 at Fire Station 1 with Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft and the City Manager, as well as the recognizing of the Enlisted Person of the Quarter and the Civilian Employee of the Quarter on Coast Guard Island on behalf of Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft and his Council colleagues.
(26- ) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she was interviewed by the editor of the Encinal High Echo; announced that she attended a walk-and-talk with the residents of the Marina Shores development with Vice Mayor Pryor, the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Forum, the Mastick Senior Center civic engagement group meeting, the remembering of the 25th anniversary of 9/11 at Fire Station 1 with Councilmember Daysog and the City Manager, the Coast Guard Ball, Metropolitan Transportation Committee meetings, the 90th Anniversary of Bohol Circle, and an Eagle Scout Court of Honor; announced September 15th is National Voter Registration Day; encouraged folks to register to vote.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 10:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.