Title
Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting, the Special Joint City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Improvement Commission and City Council Meeting Held on June 17, 2025. (City Clerk)
Body
UNAPPROVED
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- -JUNE 17, 2025- -5:00 P.M.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 5:01 p.m.
Roll Call - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Boller, Jensen, Pryor and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 5. [Note: Councilmember Jensen arrived at 5:05 p.m. and Councilmember Daysog arrived at 5:13 p.m.]
Absent: None.
The meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider:
(25- ) Conference with Labor Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6; City Negotiators: Jennifer Ott, City Manager, Noelle White, Acting Human Resources Director, Tim Haines, General Manager - Amp, And Doug McManaway, Deputy City Attorney; Employee Organizations: Alameda City Employees Association (ACEA), Alameda Police Management Association (APMA), Alameda Police Officers Association (APOA, Alameda Police Officers Association - Non-Sworn (PANS), Electric Utility Professionals Association (EUPA) International Brotherhood Of Electrical Workers (IBEW), And Management And Confidential Employees Association (MCEA); Under Negotiation: Salaries, Employee Benefits and Terms of Employment
(25- ) Public Employee Performance Evaluations Pursuant to Government Code § 54957; Positions Evaluated: City Attorney - Yibin Shen, City Clerk - Lara Weisiger, and City Manager - Jennifer Ott
Following the Closed Session, the meeting was reconvened and the City Clerk announced that regarding the Labor, staff provided information and the City Council provided direction by the following votes: Vote 1: Councilmembers Boller, Jensen, Pryor, and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Ayes - 4, Councilmember Daysog: No - 1; Vote 2: unanimous voice vote - 5; and regarding Performance Evaluations, information was provided and the City Council provided direction by the following votes: Vote 1: unanimous voice vote - 5; Vote 2: unanimous voice vote- 5.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 7:00 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 JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION (SACIC)
TUESDAY- -JUNE 17, 2025- -6:59 P.M.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 7:12 p.m. Councilmember/Commissioner Daysog led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers/Commissioners Boller, Daysog, Jensen, Pryor and Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft - 5.
Absent: None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
The City Clerk announced the public hearing and called for public comment.
There was no public comment, so the hearing was closed.
Vice Mayor/Commissioner Pryor moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember/Commissioner Boller seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.]
(*25- CC/25- SACIC) Minutes of the Special Joint City Council and SACIC Meeting Held on May 20, 2025. Approved.
(*25- CC) Public Hearing to Establish the Proposition 4 (Appropriations) Limit for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and
(*25- A CC) Resolution No. 16281, “Establishing Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025-26.” Adopted.
AGENDA ITEM
(25- CC) Resolution No. 16282, “Approving and Adopting the Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Years (FYs) 2025-26 and 2026-27.” Adopted;
(25- SACIC) Resolution No. 25-23, “Approving and Adopting the Budget for FYs 2025-26 and 2026-27.” Adopted; and
(25- A CC) Resolution No. 16283, “Approving Workforce Changes and Amending the Management and Confidential Employees Association Salary Schedule and Amending the Alameda City Employees Association Salary Schedule in Fiscal Years 2025-26 and 2026-27, Effective July 1, 2025.” Adopted.
The Finance Director and Public Works Director gave a Power Point presentation.
In response to Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft’s inquiry, the City Manager stated the Estuary adaptation project near the Tube is not the project that the City is expecting to fund with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant.
Councilmember/Commissioner Daysog inquired whether it is correct to say that by capping the number of sworn officer positions to 72, it is really a reduction of 16 sworn officer positions from 88 88 positions historically.
The Finance Director responded in the affirmative; stated staff recommended capping the budget authority at 70, which was increased to 72; there are still 88 authorized positions; staff recommends not removing the authorized positions and will keep looking to see if more funds are available.
The City Manager added the City has not been able to fully fund all 88 positions for many years; a salary savings accrues every year; the savings have been used to purchase things like a Fire engine or have been reappropriated; the recommendation is to slow hiring after 72 and count on the savings to help balance the budget.
Councilmember/Commissioner Daysog stated that he does not second-guess the decisions made by staff or Council, but his position is that the City should continue with the authority for the Police Chief to go up to 88 and not close off the chance with a reduction of the budgeted authority.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft stated every city in the State is dealing with budget deficits; Alameda has a great public safety workforce and wants to be able to continue to pay the public safety officers salaries and give them raises and other considerations; statistics show Alameda’s crime rate has gone down; the Police Chief and Officers are data driven and employ needed resources; more is being done in an automated fashion; the Department is working smarter and doing more with less; she will not get hung up on any particular number; the City attracts good people and wants to retain them; she is grateful City staff, under the leadership of the City Manager, work so well together.
Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen stated the Police Department has increased by about 3 to 5% over the last two and a half years that she has been on the Council; not all positions have been able to be filled; inquired about the consequences to other programs and services if the budget has a large number of positions that are potentially not going to be filled.
The City Manager responded if the City were to fully fund all 88 positions and not count on the salary savings, staff would have to look at service cuts.
Councilmember/Commissioner Daysog stated the issue is not on the revenue side; the issue is that the Police Department is being used to create savings to pay for other things; there should be more effort to hire Police Officers; five other positions outside of the Police Department are positive, whereas the Department is negative 16; the Chief is doing a great job but the City is stretching the limited resources thin and locking into that scenario.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she does not agree with the characterization that the Police Department is being used to achieve savings; the public is not clamoring for more Information Technology professionals; a lot of what the City does is unseen to the general public; Councilmembers approve policy; she does not want to second-guess what the City Manager, Human Resources Director, and other department heads believe are their needs.
Councilmember/Commissioner Boller stated Councilmembers, staff and the City Manager made Public Safety a top priority in the budget workshops; retention has been an issue; there is a strong consensus to get to 88 down the line; there were not trade-offs; the Police are doing more with less, using resources and new technologies; people are concerned about crime and are involved; groups of citizens in different parts of the community are doing their part; portions of the City's budget are preventative, including proactive crime prevention, social services, and library enhancements; he is very comfortable with the City’s recommendations.
Councilmember/Commissioner Boller moved approval of the staff recommendation [adoption of the resolutions].
Vice Mayor/Commissioner Pryor seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen inquired about improvements to the O’Club at Alameda Point.
The Public Works Director responded over the last five years, the City has invested about $750,000 into the facility, including the roof, replacing windows, bathroom renovations, new carpet, interior and exterior paint, and some new appliances in the kitchen; stated the kitchen is mostly decommissioned and can only be used for staging and warming; there has also been extensive landscaping; some Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and electrical work scheduled in the current 2023-25 capital budget still needs to be executed and funds are already appropriated.
In response to Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen’s inquiry regarding any other outstanding issues, the City Manager stated there were allegations of rodents and uncleanliness of the kitchen.
The Public Works Director stated the City received some complaints about rodents about a year ago; her department acted swiftly to seal off any penetrations on the building and set traps; there have not been any observations of rodents now; when complaints are received, staff acts quickly in regards to kitchen cleanliness; Public Works has an internal service fund; the building Facilities Master Plan deals with basic repair and replacement, not large scale renovations or user feasibility analysis on reimagining the building, which would really benefit from a master planning process involving stakeholder input and looking at adaptive reuse; a lot of potential in the building is untapped; the matter is not contemplated in the facilities plan and would really warrant a master planning process.
In response to Councilmember/Commissioner Jensen’s inquiry, the Recreation and Parks Director stated the focus should be on what the O’Club can become; it is a large facility; some portions are not open to the public; everything would need to be evaluated, including parking, the entrance location, and the building orientation; a long term feasibility study would help; taking on a feasibility study would take some time.
Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft stated although future iterations and master plans for the O’Club would be lovely, she is concerned about basic level of cleanliness of the kitchens, bathrooms, and the public space; inquired whether there is a process in place for checking the property before the public enters.
The Recreation and Parks Director responded in the affirmative; stated the Department has a process in place, which occurred when notifications were received regarding the rodent issue; he instituted deep cleaning with the City’s vendor and has staff complete spot checks to make sure everything is taken care of everywhere in the facility; staff members are also present at every event; there is a Tuesday open night for anyone who wants to come and rent the facility; he worked directly with the Citywide vendor, Imperial, to increase service levels; everything has been addressed and Imperial is held accountable.
In response to Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft’s inquiry regarding the Alameda Welfare Council event, the Recreation and Parks Director stated it happens at the end of August or early September; extra special effort will ensure everything is perfect for them, just as is done with all of renters.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following voice vote ayes: Councilmembers Boller, Jensen, Pryor and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 4. Noes: Councilmember Daysog - 1.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor/Chair Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 7:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk and Secretary, SACIC
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- -JUNE 17, 2025- -7:00 P.M.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 7:49 p.m.
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
None.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
(25- ) Velma Gay, Hayward, discussed her experience at Dignity Village.
CONSENT CALENDAR
The City Clerk called for public comment on the public hearings [paragraph nos. 25- , 25- , 25- , and 25- ].
There being no speakers, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft closed public comment and the hearings.
Councilmember Daysog recused himself from the Island City Landscaping and Lighting District 84-2, Zones 1, 4, 5, 6, and 8 hearing [paragraph no. 25- ].
Vice Mayor Pryor moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Jensen seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.]
(*25- ) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings Held on May 20, 2025. Approved.
(*25- ) Ratified bills in the amount of $8,159,515.20.
(*25- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Three-Year Subscription of Darktrace Enterprise Immune System in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $428,475 to be Paid Annually at $142,825. Accepted.
(*25- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Three-Year Agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc., for Enterprise Geographic Information System Software License, Maintenance and Support, for a Three-Year Total Amount Not-to-Exceed $180,900 with an Annual Cost of $60,300. Accepted.
(*25- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with the Alameda Journal for the Publication of Legal Notices for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Accepted.
(*25- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Five-Year Agreement with Citiguard, Inc. for Security Services at Alameda Point in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $2,000,535. Accepted.
(*25- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a First Amendment to Agreement with Wittman Enterprises, LLC, in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $467,500, with the Option to Extend the Term on a Year-by-Year Basis for up to Three Additional Years in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $275,000 per Year for Ambulance and Alarm Billing Services in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $1,292,500 for Five Years. Accepted.
(*25- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute Five, Five-Year Service Provider Agreements in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $750,000 Each to Advance Design Consultants; DSK Architects; Interactive Resources Architects + Engineers; Shah Kawasaki Architects; and Siegel & Strain Architects, for On-Call Architectural Services. Accepted.
(*25- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute Six, Five-Year Service Provider Agreements in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $750,000 Each to Aliquot Associates; Inc.; HMH Engineers, Inc.; Moffatt & Nichol; NCE; Ruggeri-Jensen-Azar (RJA); and Schaaf & Wheeler, for On-Call Civil Engineering Services. Accepted.
(*25- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute Five, Five-Year Service Provider Agreements in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $750,000 Each to Advance Design Consultants; Borelli & Associates; EDesignC, Inc.; Interface Engineering, Inc.; and Salas O’Brien for On-Call Electrical Engineering Services. Accepted.
(*25- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute Three, Five-Year Service Provider Agreements in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $750,000 Each to ENGEO Incorporated; Ninyo & Moore; and Terraphase Engineering, for On-Call Geotechnical, Environmental, and Construction Testing Services. Accepted.
(*25- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Five-Year Agreement in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $234,183 to Du-All Safety, LLC for Public Work’s Safety Program Compliance and Training Services. Accepted.
(*25- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute Four, Five-Year Service Provider Agreements in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $750,000 Each to Bellecci & Associates; BKF Engineers; Kier & Wright Civil Engineers and Surveyors; Inc.; and Ruggeri-Jensen-Azar, for On-Call Land Surveyor Services. Accepted.
(*25- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute Five, Five-Year Service Provider Agreements in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $750,000 Each to Advanced Mobility Group (AMG); Iteris, Inc.; Kittelson & Associates, Inc.; Parametrix; and TDG Engineering, Inc. (Toole Design), for On-Call Transportation Engineering Services. Accepted.
(*25- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute Four, Five-Year Service Provider Agreements in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $750,000 Each to Alfa Tech; EDesignC, Inc.; Interface Engineering; and Salas O’Brien for On-Call Mechanical Engineering. Accepted.
(*25- ) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Five-Year Agreement in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $758,978.04, to Clean Lakes, Inc. for Vegetation Management and Water Quality Services for the Alameda West Lagoons. Accepted.
(*25- ) Ordinance No. 3385, “Revising the City's Sewer Service Charges.” Finally passed.
(*25- ) Ordinance No. 3386, “Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Article 30-18 (Universal Residential Design) of Chapter XXX (Development Regulations) to Adjust Universal Design Requirements for Townhouse Developments.” Finally passed.
(*25- ) Public Hearing to consider Resolution No. 16284, “Ordering that No Assessment be Levied for Fiscal Year 2025-26 in Connection with Zone 7 of the Island City Landscaping and Lighting District 84-2.” Adopted.
(25- ) Public Hearing to consider Resolution No. 16285, “Resolution Approving Ordering Levy of Assessments, Island City Landscaping and Lighting District 84-2, Zones 1, 4, 5, 6, and 8.” Adopted.
Since Councilmember Daysog recused himself, the item carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent: Councilmember Daysog - 1.]
(*25- ) Public Hearing to consider Resolution No. 16286, “Ordering Levy of Assessments, Maintenance Assessment District 01-01 (Marina Cove).” Adopted.
(*25- ) Public Hearing to Consider Collecting the Water Quality and Flood Protection Fees on the Property Tax Bills; and
(*25- A) Resolution No. 16287, “Finding [No] Majority Protest and Approving the Continuation and Collection of the Existing 2019 Water Quality and Flood Protection Fee for Fiscal Year 2025-26.” Adopted.
CONTINUED AGENDA ITEMS
None.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(25- ) Summary Title: Various Actions Related to Potential Sale of 13 Acres of Land in Enterprise District for Pacific Fusion Research and Demonstration Facility
Resolution No. 16288, “Declaring up to 21 Acres of City-Owned Property at Alameda Point Bounded by West Pacific Avenue, Central Avenue, West Ticonderoga Avenue and Current and Future Orion Street to be Exempt Surplus Land under the Surplus Land Act.” Adopted; and
(25- A) Introduction of Ordinance Approving a Purchase Option Agreement in Furtherance of the Purchase and Sale of City-Owned Property for Use as the Pacific Fusion Research and Development Facility Site, and Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement and Deed Consistent with the Terms of the Purchase Option. Introduced.
***
(25- ) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft suggested allowing 10 minutes for Pacific Fusion to give a presentation following the staff presentation.
Councilmember Jensen moved approval of allowing 10 minutes for Pacific Fusion to give a presentation.
Vice Mayor Pryor seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
***
The Base Ruse and Economic Development (BRED) Director gave a Power Point presentation.
Courtney Richardson and Alex Doniach, Pacific Fusion, gave a Power Point presentation.
Councilmember Jensen inquired why the Enterprise Zone is not being considered for housing instead of being set aside for economic and research development.
The BRED Director responded 18,000 jobs were lost with the Base closure; a key priority of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) program and for the City was to restore jobs; land is zoned for residential development to the north of West Atlantic Avenue; the City has entitled quite a few housing units; delivering jobs would help create a more balanced place that restores the economic promise that the Base provided to the City long ago.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether that part of Almeda Point is restricted and not available for housing development, to which the BRED Director responded in the affirmative; stated a small area along Main Street is zoned for residential development to create a buffer with the neighborhood, which is unchanged.
Councilmember Daysog inquired about the typical amount of radiation handled by Pacific Fusion.
Keith LeChien, Pacific Fusion, responded the amount facilities are licensed to have is generally not publicly available number because it gets into security issues; the materials have to be kept safe and secure because people try to get them; the California Department of Public Health heavily regulates radioactive materials through its radioactive materials licensing process; the inventory of tritium described in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents, as well as the independent assessment that was conducted, are in line with inventories the California Department of Public Health routinely regulates; they are perfectly aligned.
Councilmember Daysog inquired how the effects of rising sea level have been analyzed with regard to the ebb and flow of groundwater in the area.
The BRED Director requested clarification on whether Councilmember Daysog’s concern is about the rising groundwater creating flooding on the site or about the rising groundwater pushing environmental contamination to a different location, to which Councilmember Daysog responded that he is concerned about both.
The BRED Director stated there is a presence of petroleum residuals in the groundwater; there are two separate groundwater plumes; the Alameda Point Environmental Impact Report (EIR) discusses the presence of all of the petroleum products and how they will be mitigated in the event of future development; one of the primary mitigation measures in the Alameda Point EIR is the implementation of the Site Management Plan; the San Francisco Bay Area Water Resources Control Board is the responsible entity to make sure remediation occurs safely; the Water Board has asked Chevron to conduct analysis of impacts of sea level rise and pushing groundwater as part of the action plan for remediating the material; everything is being monitored and regulated by the Water Board, which should have answers very shortly.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the natural attenuation of groundwater related to radiation is analyzed in the EIR.
The City Engineer responded Councilmember Daysog’s question about measures of containment is a question Pacific Fusion would be well positioned to answer, but he could speak directly to the rising sea levels and the impact on groundwater itself; stated for Alameda Point, the Master Infrastructure Plan requires all developments to raise base grades around facilities to an elevation; the current criteria is the 100 year floodplain, plus three feet of sea level rise, which is consistent with the medium high risk aversion scenario for the Ocean Protection Council for the next 50 years; staying ahead of sea level rise by some margin of error is staying ahead of the groundwater rise; looking ahead, there are many viable options to address about emerging groundwater.
Councilmember Daysog stated one of the important questions to understand is the containment measure by which radiation, going downwards will not seep into the groundwater; inquired whether the EIR analyzed the effects of radiation pulling downwards on groundwater that then subsequently ebbs and flows with the rise and fall of the tide.
The Assistant City Attorney responded the Alameda Point EIR, as well as the General Plan, studied these issues in depth; mitigation measures were adopted; pursuant to the studies, the approval before Council determined that no further study is required under CEQA, and no subsequent EIR or further mitigation measures are required.
The Planning, Building and Transportation (PBT) Director stated CEQA does not require the City to study every possible scenario; the standard is that the EIR has to document and disclose impacts of the project from various regulatory frameworks; the issue of groundwater and contamination specifically addressed in the General Plan EIR was completed in 2021; a California department regulates the matter; Alameda’s EIR states future development must obtain permitting and compliance with the State regulations, which satisfies the regulatory requirement.
The City Manager added outside of the EIR, through the review by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), there is Base-wide restriction mitigating any risk on any use of the groundwater for drinking water, which is another layer of protection.
Mr. LeChien stated although he cannot speak to the legal details of the EIR, he can speak to the facility design; there are two important things to think about regarding radioactive materials; the facility uses tritium, which is in a gas form generator and is a material more expensive than diamonds; it is in Pacific Fusion’s interest to keep a tight inventory; Pacific Fusion has a radioactive materials license, which is required by the State; then, there is the idea of radiation that can occur from doing a fusion experiment; the exposure to radiation is comparable to getting an x-ray; the radiation does not seep into the body and is not carried around forever; x-rays are light that passes through the body to make an image; the Pacific Fusion facility and where the fusion event occurs is designed and shielded with many meters of water internal to the facility, which have nothing to do with groundwater above and below; no material would ever escape because it is insanely expensive; the x-rays themselves are also shielded from being able to leave the facility at all, which is a necessity for the safety of workers as well as the general operation of the facility; the facility has been designed specifically for the hazards and mitigated in well understood ways to protect workers, the public, and the environment.
Expressed support of Pacific Fusion; stated Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) is providing 100% clean energy ensuring high reliability and competitive rates for the community; the Public Utilities Board (PUB) is commitment to sustainability and excellence, which sets the foundation for supporting innovative projects; the project represents a step towards overcoming challenges, achieving the City’s climate action goals, and positions Alameda as a leader in the clean energy economy: Christina McKenna, Public Utilities Board.
Stated safety issues for the project have been satisfied; it will be inspected, licensed, and permitted with ongoing follow up compliance and monitoring by the State; the project moves Alameda Point from old military Base to seamless integration with the rest of the City with jobs, new infrastructure, and land sales, which generate property taxes; urged Council to pass it unanimously: Richard Bangert, Alameda.
Stated neither the CEQA Review, nor the Terraphase study present a complete view of specific radiological and industrial hazards of the Pacific Fusion project; fusion technology necessitates unique considerations for ensuring worker safety, protecting the public and the environment from potential hazards and safeguarding against accidents; the documents fail to provide a technology inclusive definition of fusion power, power reactors, hazards, and hazard potentials; it also fails to provide development of a plan for fusion power-specific safety objectives and principles: Jeff Gould, Alameda.
Expressed enthusiastic support for the project; stated that he has worked directly with Pacific Fusion and sees a rigor to community outreach and safety; he appreciates the chance to help educate the public and himself on the technology: Jonathan DeLong, REAP Climate Center.
Stated that she supports sale of 13 plus acres to Pacific Fusion for a Research and Development (R&D) facility; she is very excited about the project; with the strict State licensing and monitoring requirements and federal regulations, she believes the facility is safe to build in the Enterprise District; the facility represents a billion dollar capital investment which will create over 250 jobs and will position Alameda Point as a key hub for innovation, science and discovery; urged Council to support the project: Karen Bey, Alameda.
Expressed strong support for Pacific Fusion; stated her own research found that of all the energy sources, fusion is the only one with no negatives; fusion stands out to be one of the most promising solutions to the urgent need for clean, reliable energy; the environmental benefits of the technology are significant; supporting Pacific Fusion's facility contributes to a cleaner planet for generations to come: Beth Remenap, Alameda.
Expressed strong support for the proposed Pacific Fusion R&D facility at Alameda Point; stated the $1 billion investment is one of the largest in the City’s history; it brings 250 quality jobs, supports local trades, and is projected to generate $120 million in tax revenue over the next decade, which will fund City services; there is also a clear benefit to Alameda’s business districts; a growing high tech workforce and visiting partners will bring new energy to restaurants, retailers and service businesses; beyond the economic impact, Pacific Fusion is activating an underutilized area and upgrading critical infrastructure, laying the groundwork for future investment; urged Council to support the transformative project: Kathy Weber, Downtown Alameda Business Association.
Expressed strong support for this once-in-a-generation project bringing a billion dollar investment; stated Pacific Fusion’s commitment to Alameda shows they have confidence in Alameda and in the future as a hub for clean energy and innovation; the project aligns with the Chamber’s mission to drive sustainable growth and champion innovation to create lasting community benefit; urged Council to support the project to say yes to smart innovation and investment, jobs and a bold, clean energy future for Alameda: Madlen Saddik, Chamber of Commerce.
Stated that he cannot endorse the project enough; fusion power is going to be a potential major player in the future of energy because of its sustainability and its minimal waste production; having the research facility in Alameda enriches the community, creates jobs, and builds the talent pool; the project team is forward thinking, curious, collaborative and open; the project establishes Alameda as a leader in the energy technology and R&D spaces: Daniel Muccino, Alameda.
Stated that he has worked on environmental projects before and supports Pacific Fusion and fusion power; the energy produced by fusion is clean and sustainable; his biggest concern is sustainable energy for the future; fusion eases his concerns and brings something interesting to Alameda: Daniel Chin, Alameda.
Expressed support for the project; stated with safety precautions in place, it should not be harmful to the environment; the project would also provide 250 jobs; Pacific Fusion would research a form of nuclear fusion called pulse inertial fusion, which is building on similar concepts to inertial confinement fusion used by the lab in Livermore; due to technology uses, the former fusion is very easily deployable; furthering research on it could help further efficient energy for decades: Sebastian Buen-fil Rojas, Alameda.
Stated that he is a huge supporter of Pacific Fusion’s work and test facility planned at Alameda Point; it brings many jobs to Alameda, which would allow residents the opportunity to work locally; it is also a great opportunity for many residents to immerse themselves in the new technology that it brings: Henry Cooper, Alameda.
Stated that she was initially concerned when first hearing about Pacific Fusion's plan to build a test facility at Alameda Point; her concern was eased after some research and conversations; nuclear fusion is a safer and more energy-dense method that has the potential to become the future of renewable energy; bringing a testing facility to Alameda would help the community move towards its climate goals, bolster activity at the Point and encourage additional development in the area; she fully supports the Pacific Fusion project: Jacqueline Zou, Alameda.
Stated that he could not be more excited about the Pacific Fusion project; it is at the forefront of confinement fusion with an aggressive timeline and strong ambitions; Pacific Fusion is a pioneer in fusion; Alameda loves to position itself at the forefront of sustainability and climate resilience; urged Council to keep pace by bringing Pacific Fusion to Alameda: Zach Goldberger-Judd, Alameda.
Stated that he looks at this project with high skepticism; the project is an unproved effort to make a statement that fusion production is safe; there is no oversight of fusion power plants currently in the State; there is no detailed environmental review in the research project; tritium is a radioactive substance used to produce neutrons in an unproven fusion process; the project does not aim to employ residents; urged Council to find real experts to comment on the project and seriously consider what it contributes to the long term benefit of Alameda: Doyle Saylor, Alameda.
Stated that his studies have a deep emphasis on environmental sustainability, equity and social responsibility; expressed strong support for the project; stated Pacific Fusion is more than just a research site, it represents a bold step towards a more sustainable world; the benefits extend beyond science and sustainability; the project would draw attention from leading minds in academia, engineering, and technology and invite people who are passionate about innovation, to not only work in Alameda, but to live and raise families, mentor students, and invest in the civic life of Alameda; supporting the facility creates a culture that is open to ecological progress, scientific leadership and meaningful contributions to the global climate challenge: Michael Oreshkov, Alameda.
Stated that he supports the Pacific Fusion facility; discussed concerns regarding safety; stated the existence of a testing facility would reduce the public safety risk; the practice of clean energy is risk-free: Finley Hays, Alameda.
Expressed support and excitement about the project and Alameda taking the lead in the ability to address climate change; Pacific Fusion not only brings the infrastructure, but it brings the people and the talent to Alameda; land is one of Alameda’s rare resources; the City should make sure to get the most value out of it; the plan aligns with the City’s master plan and climate plans; the project is a chance to really define what Alameda wants at a local level: Thushan Amarasiriwardena, Alameda.
Stated that she had the opportunity to visit the site with other faculty members; procuring the facility and getting it set up for development is important, but more importantly, the young students born and raised in Alameda want to be able to chase their passions in their own community; the project is about economic growth and development; it is a win-win for the City and Pacific Fusion, and also the students as it relates to internships and gainful employment; strongly encouraged Council to support the project: Melanie Dixon, College of Alameda.
Stated Alameda Point can be a catalyst for the growth of clean energy startups; there is a great ecosystem of people who worked at Makani and are now at Kairos, Sail Drone, or Pyca; these opportunities have been made possible by the unique aspects of Alameda Point; the project is an incredible opportunity for the development of the City and for a clean energy future: Kate Stirr, Natel Energy.
Stated bridging the gap between industry and education demands is important; the College of Alameda not only empowers individuals, but also fuels the continued growth and prosperity of California's manufacturing and fabrication landscape, including the demonstration system Pacific Fusion plans to create; hearing the students is inspiring; they are the next generation and workforce that will innovate: Nicole Porter, College of Alameda.
Stated that she supports the project; Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda (CASA) is about mobilizing the community towards more climate focused sustainable practices, and combining that with robust economic development strategies; Alameda's move to attract and increase a growing number of clean and green tech companies positions it as the epicenter of future innovation technology investment; CASA strongly supports the project because the promise of fusion is now; the investments are massive; Pacific Fusion has raised the funds and will be here for the long term to attract many other tech and clean tech companies who are looking to establish their roots in the area: Debi Ryan, CASA.
Stated that she supports the Pacific Fusion test facility; nuclear fusion is a step towards a clean and remarkable energy source that would produce a vast and extensive amount of energy; the facility would allow for further research advancements and exploration that is especially prominent in the current state of the environment; it is also an opportunity for development in both scientific and economic innovation: Lilah Fernandez.
Stated that he takes great pride in raising awareness and organizing environmental action; he supports the Pacific Fusion test facility which actively moves the needle towards a sustainable future in a direct, tangible way: Arlo Blackman-McGrew, Climate Positive Student Network.
Stated that he would like to be part of building a better future for the planet and the community; he is excited about Pacific Fusion's project; the fusion field is just beginning with constant breakthroughs and billions of dollars going into research; the plans to create 250 permanent jobs in Alameda makes him hopeful; fusion is one of the safest energy production methods for the environment and is the future of energy and climate sustainability; encouraged the Council to support the project: Oliver Goldman, Oakland.
Stated climate change is an urgent concern; nuclear fusion seems to be the best alternative fuel source to fossil fuels and the long term key to a sustainable future; he supports Pacific Fusion constructing and developing a test facility in Alameda; the project will be regulated under the same guidelines as research facilities and hospitals; he hopes to see the project in Alameda in the near future: Jonah Voyageur, Oakland.
Stated that he published a paper on tritium; it is highly regulated by the State; Pacific Fusion would not be using that much tritium at maximum operation; safety would not be compromised; workers will be safe; the community will not be exposed to radiation or any tritium leakage; Pacific Fusion is exciting: Tobey Theiting, Alameda.
Stated the project is important; sustainable energy is such a huge part in the fight against climate change; the project would be cool for Alameda; she wants to be part of the solution; urged Council to approve the project: Annelise, Alameda.
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Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft called a recess at 9:25 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 9:44 p.m.
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Councilmember Jensen stated during at least four community events, Pacific Fusion has answered questions and provided information about the project and what it would mean for Alameda; it is an exciting opportunity; her objective is to use Alameda Point as a resource as effectively and productively as possible; the project will do just that; she cares about health and the environment; she did some research about the concerns regarding tritium; what she found made her more confident in the project and satisfied her; she learned there is no substantial evidence of any deaths from tritium other than in the 1960’s when people ingested it making fluorescent watch faces using tritium; it is a safe technology when used in the proper way; Pacific Fusion is not going to be a nuclear reactor or an energy generator, but a R&D site to identify the ways the technology can be used in the future; she is very supportive.
Vice Mayor Pryor stated that she is also very excited about the project; the renewable and clean energy being used now is really destroyed; the planet and the next generation will have to live with the consequences; it is important to have the opportunity to make a difference in the future with something that is renewable and cleaner; global security is increased with such an investment like the project; she is inspired by all the young people who spoke; she ran for City Council because she wants the opportunities for young people to be better and do something positive.
Councilmember Boller stated the young Alamedans who spoke are talking about the future of the planet; the 300 pages CEQA document was a streamlined process; the checklist showed conclusion after conclusion that the project did not make a substantial deviation from the already existing Alameda Point EIR and General Plan; the documents detailed a lot of the concerns for all the different potential reuses of Alameda Point; the 300 pages also concluded a new EIR is not necessary; there is also an independent safety review of the project; the scenarios that yet to have questions answered are highly regulated; there have to be answers in order for the project to take shape; independent analysis concluded the project is a very safe risk proposition for the community; experts looked at it carefully; the regulatory agencies are just one part of the equation; the City Council, Planning Board, staff and internal experts, will be looking at each phase through the entitlement process; big things have been done in the past, including creating a waterway to make Alameda an island; slowly over the past decade or so, there has been a movement of new businesses coming to town, including green and blue technologies; City staff has done a tremendous job vetting the project quickly; Pacific fusion has put a lot of energy into getting to know the community; it is fair to say that the relatively low risks far outweigh the potential; 100 years from now folks will look back and say: “wow, we are part of really making a difference for this planet.”
Councilmember Daysog stated more analysis is needed to understand the effects of radiation generated by Pacific Fusion, specifically on the groundwater; the area has an extremely high water table that ebbs and flows with the tide; the groundwater is not contained by the fence line separating the Enterprise District from the nearby West End; the issue is not simply nuclear fission versus fusion; the issue is radiation and understanding its effects and more importantly, whether the downward effects of radiation on the groundwater have been adequately analyzed; Alameda must not get lost in the excitement of fusion technology; the focus should be on the impacts of radiation on the groundwater; the documents being relied on, such as the Terraphase report or the existing EIR, have not adequately addressed radiation, groundwater and sea level rise; analysis is still needed.
Councilmember Jensen stated that she appreciates the project will be done with private funding; big venture capital investors are investing in the project because they believe it will be good for their investment and for the world; Pacific Fusion also has a partnership with Hines, a developer that has proven to be effective and bring in projects that benefit the community at cost; Alameda is not the only option for Pacific Fusion, but it is the best option.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated Alameda has an impressive history; the City is in a place where there is no time to lose when it comes to the climate change and sea level rise; Alameda is an island and sea level rise is literally an existential threat to its existence; she is satisfied that scientific and engineering adaptations and measures have been put in place to protect the facility and the surrounding areas; the federal government is carefully reviewing grants and a few of Alameda’s that relate to adapting to climate change are on hold for the moment; it is the responsibility as citizens of Alameda and Planet Earth to do everything possible for future generations; Pacific Fusion is the right project for Alameda; she is fully on board and is thrilled to have Pacific Fusion come to Alameda.
Councilmember Jensen moved adoption of the resolution and introduction of the ordinance.
Councilmember Boller seconded the motion, which carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Boller, Jensen, Pryor and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 4. Noes: Councilmember Daysog - 1.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
(25- ) The City Manager announced the Alameda Rock and Roll Beer Stroll on Saturday, June 21; the parade on July 4 along with the 5K Walk and Run which benefits the Midway Shelter for women and children; on June 18, the Oakland Alameda Water Shuttle will board its 100,000th passenger with cupcakes for all passengers and crew aboard; a new schedule will launch July 8 which expands service to six days a week, and increases service on Fridays and weekends until 10:30 p.m.; a multimedia art exhibit showcasing 88 Mastic Senior Center artists who created 156 pieces of artwork will remain on display through August 18; Juneteenth will be observed on June 19.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
(25- ) Henry Soong, Alameda, expressed concern about interactions between tennis and pickleball players; discussed an incident that occurred at the courts.
COUNCIL REFERRALS
None.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(25- ) Councilmember Daysog announced that he attended the Dumaguete 10th anniversary Sister City event with Vice Mayor Pryor on June 6; he attended the Alameda Architectural Preservation Society's 28th Presentation Awards on June 8; he will be a judge at the beach Sandcastle contest on June 21.
(25- ) Councilmember Boller announced that he attended Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) Director John Lipp’s retirement party on June 12; on June 13, he dropped in on the graduation for Leadership Alameda.
(25- ) Vice Mayor Pryor announced that she also attended the Dumaguete 10th Anniversary on June 6; she attended a Pacific Fusion Town Hall and went to two Grand Openings for Poke House and Sips Tea Shop; she was invited to a Chinatown improvement event by former Councilmember Stewart Chen; she also attended the FAAS retirement party, and Leadership Alameda graduation on June 13.
(25- ) Councilmember Jensen announced that she attended the CASA presentation about the Oakland Alameda Estuary Adaptation Committee projects on June 9; on June 12, she participated in the Stop Waste environmental leadership awards; CASA and Alameda Backyard Growers were recognized by Stop Waste; she also attended the FAAS retirement party for John Lipp; on June 16, she joined representatives from local social service organizations, including Alameda's Health and Human Services staff, for a tour of the 1st phase of the brand new North Housing project in partnership with Island City Development; thanked residents for coming out to Chechenyo Park and City Hall on June 14 to show their support for democracy.
(25- ) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft announced starting on June 3, she was in Washington D.C. with members of the Alameda County Transportation Commission to lobby for funding; she attended a virtual meeting for the Institute on Pedestrian Safety; she also attended the retirement celebration for John Lipp; she presented certificates of accomplishment to the graduates of the Alameda Leadership Program on June 13; she joined Councilmember Jensen on the North Housing tour.
(25- ) Mayor’s Nominations for Appointment to the Commission on Persons with Disabilities, Historical Advisory Board, Library Board, Planning Board, and Public Utilities Board.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft nominated Julie Lyons to the Commission on Persons with Disabilities, David Crotty to the Historical Advisory Board, Dimple Kanji and Sara Strickler to the Library Board, Xiomara Cisneros and Andy Wang to the Planning Board, and Christina McKenna to the Public Utilities Board.
ADJOURNMENT
(25- ) There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 10:27 p.m. in memory of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Marc; and asked everyone to keep Senator John Hoffman and his wife in their thoughts.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.