Title
Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings Held on March 17, 2026, and the Special City Council Meeting Held on March 24, 2026. (City Clerk)
Body
UNAPPROVED
Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting
Tuesday- -March 17, 2026- -5:30 p.m.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 6:02 p.m.
Roll Call - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Boller, Jensen, and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 4.
Absent: Vice Mayor Pryor - 1.
The meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider:
(26- ) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation; Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a); Case Name: City of Alameda v. Greenway Golf Associates Inc.; Court: Alameda County Superior Court; Case No.: 22CV011964
Following the Closed Session, the meeting was reconvened and the City Clerk announced that regarding Existing Litigation, staff provided information and Council provided direction by unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent: Vice Mayor Pryor - 1.]
***
The meeting was recessed at 7:03 p.m. and reconvened at 9:46 p.m.
***
Following the Closed Session, the meeting was reconvened and the City Clerk announced that regarding Existing Litigation, staff provided information and Council provided direction by unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent: Vice Mayor Pryor - 1.]
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 9:56 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- -March 17, 2026- -7:00 p.m.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 7:10 p.m. Councilmember Daysog led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call - Present: Councilmembers Boller, Daysog, Pryor, and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 4.
Absent: Vice Mayor Pryor - 1.
Agenda Changes
(26- ) Councilmember Daysog requested that his referral [paragraph no. 26- ] be heard at the next meeting when the entire Council is present.
Proclamations, Special Orders of the Day and Announcements
None.
Oral Communications, Non-Agenda
(26- ) Katherine Schwartz, Alameda Family Services (AFS), provided an update regarding the Alameda High School Health Center; discussed staffing shortages and stopped services; noted AFS is corresponding with Roots Community Clinic and La Familia; expressed concerns over funding uncertainty.
(26- ) Kyle Sinkoff, AFS, discussed the potential loss of services to students at Alameda High School; provided statistics regarding clients and demographics; noted 30 to 40% of students are eligible for Medi-Cal; stated sexual and reproductive education services are provided and contribute to the health and well-being of students.
Consent Calendar
Councilmember Jensen moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent: Vice Mayor Pryor - 1.] [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.]
(*26- ) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meeting Held on February 17, 2026. Approved.
(*26- ) Ratified bills in the amount of $7,106,546.16.
(*26- ) Recommendation to Authorize the Interim City Manager to Execute a Five-Year Agreement with Centralsquare Technologies, LLC for Enterprise Asset Management System Licensing Fees, for a Total Cumulative Amount Not-to-Exceed $266,255. Accepted.
(*26- ) Recommendation to Authorize the Interim City Manager to Execute a Five-Year Service Provider Agreement in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $75,000 per Year for a Total Amount Not-to-Exceed of $375,000 to A&B Mechanical, Inc. for On-Call Mechanical Maintenance. Accepted.
(*26- ) Recommendation to Accept the Work of Globe Engineering Development for the Harbor Bay Business Park Bus Stops and Ferry Terminal Improvements, Project No. P.W.02-23-01. Accepted.
(*26- ) Recommendation to Authorize the Interim City Manager to Execute an Agreement with W. Bradley Electric, LLC, for the Traffic Signal Upgrades Project, No. P.W. 07-24-18, in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $625,560, Including Contingency, Deny a Bid Protest from Bay Area Lightworks, Inc., and Approve Project Plans and Specifications. Accepted.
(*26- ) Recommendation to Authorize the Interim City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Apena Engineering, Inc., for Retrofit of Shell Gate Place and Willow Street Outfalls, No. P.W. 04-25-15, in an Amount Not-To-Exceed $611,622, Including Contingency, and Approve Project Plans and Specifications. Accepted.
(*26- ) Recommendation to Authorize the Interim City Manager to Execute a Service Provider Agreement with Covino Smith & Simon, Inc. for Federal Legislative Services for a Term of 26 Months at a Compensation Not-to-Exceed $7,000 per Month with an Option to Extend for Two Additional Years for a Total Compensation Not-to-Exceed $350,000. Accepted.
(*26- ) Recommendation to Authorize Updates to the Existing Alameda Police Department Policy Manual to Conform to Best Practices and to Ratify Policies that Have Been Updated Pursuant to Legal Updates, Significant Liability Issues, and Imminent Safety. Accepted.
(*26- ) Recommendation to Authorize the Interim City Manager to Execute and Modify All Documents Deemed Necessary and Appropriate to Submit an Application to Round 4 of the Prohousing Incentive Program to the California Department of Housing and Community Development; and
(*26- A) Resolution No. 16370, “Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Apply for, Accept, and Appropriate Prohousing Incentive Program Grant Funds to Fund the Day Center Relocation Supportive Services.” Adopted.
(*26- ) Resolution No. 16371, “Authorizing the Submission of an Allocation Request to Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), Committing to Comply with the Provisions of MTC’s Regional Measure 3 Policies and Procedures for the Willie Stargell Safety Improvements Project.” Adopted.
(*26- ) Resolution No. 16372, “Approving a Letter of Understanding Between the Alameda City Employees Association (ACEA) and the City of Alameda Regarding an Addendum to the ACEA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to Include Part-Time Library Classifications and Outline Provisions.” Adopted.
(*26- ) Ordinance No. 3396, “Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Repealing Chapter XXII (Streets and Sidewalks), Article I (Streets), Section 22-3 (Repairs) in Its Entirety and Repealing and Replacing Chapter XXII (Streets and Sidewalks), Article II (Sidewalks), Sections 22-18 (Repair of Sidewalks and Other Works) and 22-20 (Specifications) to Amend the Sidewalk Repair Procedures and Make Other Technical Amendments.” Finally passed.
(*26- ) Ordinance No. 3397, “Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute a Lease for a Restaurant Suite Portion of the Historic Alameda Theatre Complex, with Play House, LLC, Doing Business as Director's Cut (Project Burger), Located at 2319 Central Avenue, Alameda, California, for a Term of Thirty-Six (36) Months with One (1) Extension Option for Thirty-Six (36) Months.” Finally passed.
Continued Agenda Items
None.
Regular Agenda Items
(26- ) Mayor’s State of the City Address.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft gave the State of the City Address and played a short video.
(26- ) Recommendation to Authorize the Public Works Director to Install Improvements to the Lincoln Avenue and Walnut Street Intersection, Prohibiting Through and Left-Turn Movements from Walnut Street.
The City Engineer gave a Power Point presentation.
Stated the design is not consistent with the main design for Lincoln Avenue; expressed concerns about inconsistent street designs causing chaos for drivers and overall safety; stated a diverter island penalizes law abiding citizens and residents; noted accident counts exclude medical emergencies; urged signage be installed indicating cross traffic does not stop: Jim Strehlow, Alameda.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft discussed looking at intersection statistics in real-time; stated observations show the intersection calls for a four-way signal light; she understands signals have an associated cost; it is difficult to place a price-tag onto the cost of human lives; the staff report indicates most of the Lincoln Avenue intersections are controlled with signals; the Walnut Street and Lincoln Avenue intersection is without; videos shown in the presentation indicate near-misses that would not be known if not for neighboring cameras; cellphone data can measure near-misses for vehicle collisions; it is difficult to quantify near-misses; Council should consider funding a signal at the intersection in the near future; the intersection is dangerous due to drivers picking up speed off the bridge.
In response to Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft’s inquiry about distance between signals, the City Engineer stated there is a signal at Grand Street; Willow and Chestnut Streets both have traffic signals as well.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for the current proposal; stated something is better than nothing; expressed concern over working around the problem; stated that she would like funding for a signal to be found at some point.
Councilmember Daysog stated that he understands staff worked extensively with neighbors and residents; he would like clarification about a four-way stop sign versus the current proposal.
The City Engineer stated residents’ overriding consideration was for the City to do something to limits collisions at the intersection; residents appreciate the work done in 2020; flashing beacons for pedestrian crossings were recently added; collisions have still occurred, with three recent collisions within a short time-period; residents are frustrated and would like something to be done; the City receives complaints about people not stopping at the existing stop signs; many times, the lack of stopping is the result of human behavior; stop sign warrants exist so staff does not install stop signs which lead to poor compliance.
Councilmember Daysog stated that he understands the concept of poor compliance with stop signs; noted many drivers at least slow down to a California roll.
The City Engineer concurred; stated the response is an inappropriate use of a right-of-way control to achieve traffic calming; drivers may be slowing down, however, people are being put in a position not to follow the law; there is no desire to encourage that behavior.
Councilmember Daysog stated one purposes for State warrants is providing drivers a uniform experience from one city to another; the decision to install signage should not be dramatically different from one place to another; questioned whether it is possible for cities not to use State warrants based on existing circumstances and collisions.
The City Engineer stated there is a warrant which factors in collisions; the warrant looks at a period with five collisions that are susceptible to correction or avoidance by installation of a stop sign; five broad-side collisions have to occur in a calendar year; 38 collisions over a period of 15 years averages to 2.8 collisions per year, which is not quite enough; from the City’s standpoint, the amount is still a lot.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether any neighbors are opposed to the proposed recommendation, to which the City Engineer responded in the negative.
In response to Councilmember Jensen’s further inquiry about other locations, the City Engineer stated this solution has not been installed in Alameda before; this location would be the first.
David Parisi, Parametrix, stated the recommendation is use of a diverter island, which are currently used throughout the Bay Area and the western United States; diverter use is to reduce the potential for broad-side collisions; the raised feature included in the design has been implemented in many places and has shown a large reduction in collisions of the same nature; installing unwarranted signals and stop signs can cause unnecessary traffic delays, increase rear-end collisions that do not currently occur and can cause vehicles to take alternate routes; signals or stop signs are generally used for right-of-way control, which is not necessarily needed at the intersection; six to twelve month monitoring of the intersection will indicate program success.
Councilmember Jensen inquired about the effect on Lincoln Avenue through traffic, to which Mr. Parisi responded the diverter island would not interrupt through traffic.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated correspondence from neighbors was in-favor of the staff recommendation; expressed support for approving the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Daysog stated that he does not see any reason to oppose the matter; inquired whether staff would analyze the effects on Willow Street; whether staff has quantified or estimated the amount of traffic that would be diverted from Walnut Street to Willow Street; whether the presence of a stop sign would ameliorate more traffic traveling down Willow Street as a result of the sign providing a semblance of safety.
The City Engineer responded staff collected baseline data in late 2025 at all three intersections; stated staff intends to collect data six months after construction to review traffic counts; staff does not anticipate significant changes on Willow Street; there will be an opportunity to make changes as part of a future, larger traffic project nearby.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether more traffic should be diverted to Willow Street due to the existing traffic signal.
The City Engineer responded in the affirmative; stated the approach and thought process was deliberate; diverting traffic from Walnut Street to either Oak Street or Willow Street provides more opportunity for safety maneuvers; the upcoming Lincoln Avenue, Marshall Way, Pacific Avenue project has the intention of adding a protected left turn which will further improve the safety of the intersections at Willow and Oak Streets.
Councilmember Daysog moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Bolller seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent: Vice Mayor Pryor - 1.]
(26- ) Recommendation to Accept the 2025 Annual Reports on the Alameda 2040 General Plan/Housing Element, Transportation Choices Plan, Vision Zero Action Plan, Climate Action and Resiliency Plan, and Climate Adaptation and Hazard Mitigation Plan.
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(26- ) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated an extra five minutes are needed for the presentation.
Councilmember Daysog moved approval of allowing 15 minutes for the presentation.
Councilmember Boller seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent: Vice Mayor Pryor - 1.]
***
The Planning, Building and Transportation (PBT) Director, Planner II, Sustainability Manager, and Transportation Planning Manager gave a Power Point presentation.
Stated Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda (CASA) supports the work being done over the past year and looks forward to the upcoming workplan; urged the City to invest in proposed and future projects; stated the City needs to show it has skin in the game for future federal and State funding; expressed support for the City investing in staff capacity and project management: Ruth Abbe, CASA.
Questioned the prioritization of Vision Zero; stated Vision Zero cannot eliminate driving while impaired; statistics include driving while impaired, which should be excluded since it can occur anywhere; expressed concerns over parking displays being unreadable at night; stated Vision Zero should include year-round education provided in primary languages for Alameda; questioned how many drivers avoid intersections with dedicated bike signals: Jim Strehlow, Alameda.
Discussed recent home upgrades; expressed support for the PBT Department; stated staff has been great to work with: Michael Sullivan, Alameda.
Councilmember Jensen expressed support for the report details; stated the information presented is helpful to understand what is going on regarding housing development and how the City is meeting its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA); inquired whether the previously presented diverter project would be included in future annual Transportation reports and the schedule for completion.
The City Engineer responded staff’s intention is to have the project constructed in 2026.
Councilmember Jensen stated not much information has been presented regarding the speed hump policy developed by the Transportation Commission; inquired whether the policy is part of the report being presented or will be forthcoming separately.
The City Engineer responded staff is working extensively to finalize the policy; stated the policy was taken to the Transportation Commission; staff is reviewing how to score applications; Council approved funding for a street safety capital project; staff is looking to earmark $150,000 specifically for speed humps throughout the City, which equates to roughly ten installations proposed for this year.
Councilmember Jensen stated the presentation included a chart of how well the City is meeting its RHNA goal; inquired whether the ratio will be changed to more or less market rate or moderate housing since the City is not able to meet the RHNA goal.
The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded the City’s current RHNA achievement is roughly 12% of the entire goal, which is not very different from other cities within Alameda County, except the City of Dublin that is building tract housing; stated staff is almost ready to bring a draft inclusionary housing ordinance update to the Planning Board; the inclusionary housing ratio will include a variety of options to meet the inclusionary requirement; currently, the ratio is 15%, which breaks down to 4% very low, 4% low, and 7% moderate; the proposed table includes some flexibility to try to achieve the same costs for the developer, but provides different scenarios for compliance; the approach hopes to provide flexibility, however, the problem is broader and more challenging; developer costs are not the only contributing factor; many other factors, such as labor and construction costs, will create a policy question for Council of how much responsibility and obligation the City wants to take on to solve the larger market problem; staff plans to bring the ordinance to Council after receiving the Planning Board recommendation.
Councilmember Jensen expressed support for using housing incentive program grant funds [paragraph no. 26- ] to build more housing and the MTC funding [paragraph no. 26- ]; stated staff is working hard to do what is possible to improve streets and build housing with available funds from the State and County.
In response to Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft’s inquiry, the Planning, Building and Transportation Director stated staff work on housing goes beyond looking at housing production numbers; there are also a number of programs and advocacy work; staff is working with Senator Arreguin’s office to explore opportunities for further refinements in State law, specifically, the State density bonus law; the approach will help protect community assets, such as grocery stores from being displaced by housing development; staff is also looking at ways to cleanup existing State legislation to provide better clarity and consistency between existing laws and new bills recently passed; advocacy work is a part of the Department workplan.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft discussed a quarterly update provided by Senator Arreguin; stated the Harbor Bay Shopping Center situation and State density bonus could have caused a potential food desert; the legislative season is underway; she would like to ensure needed amendments to State density bonus are made.
Councilmember Boller stated there are strong efforts and impressive accomplishments in difficult terrain; RHNA goals are difficult to meet and require more structured thinking relative to the economy; the Vision Zero Plan assesses how to get the most effective outcomes; a lot of the work being done circles around customer service; City staff are dedicated and making great strides; urged a focus be placed on how to constantly look at ways to improve effectiveness and get to a new level for making difficult decisions; the City may have funds to do more in the future, but also might have a more difficult time; it is important to keep the perspective of effectiveness towards goals and planning; expressed support for the annual reports.
Councilmember Daysog stated the RHNA goal covers an eight year period from 2023 to 2031; the City is 25% into the eight year period; the amount of housing produced in the timeframe is 12% of the goal; there is an indication that the City is behind the pace at which housing should be built; although the City if off pace, based on the economy, interest rates, and construction inflation costs, the previous eight year period produced more housing than the required allocation for 2015 to 2023; the City has not done a bad job, but does not get bonus points for producing more housing in the previous period.
The Planning, Building and Transportation Director concurred with Councilmember Daysog; stated extra housing is factored into setting the next RHNA target; the RHNA responsibility to build housing does not fall on the City; the City has approved and facilitated over 2,000 units, which are ready for developers to pull building permits; the City is almost halfway through its RHNA allocation; the City is not the barrier to building, the barrier is macroeconomics.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the problem being solved is the housing crisis throughout the State; Alameda has done a very good job; there are efforts to get more money from the State, which is difficult due to budget deficits; the City is also lobbying for additional funding for housing through MTC due to the relationship between housing and transportation; the short-term rental ordinance was referenced; the City needs to sign onto legislation; the matter needs to be agendized soon in order to be in place before the 2026 World Cup brings many visitors; the matter will ensure AirBNBs and hotels are registered and that the City receives associated fees; inquired whether there is a date set for the matter to be brought to Council.
The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded staff is taking a two-prong approach to the matter; stated the Finance Department is taking the lead on the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) business receipts and auditing; the Planning, Building and Transportation Department will take on the regulatory aspect; he has seen a draft of the ordinance.
The City Clerk stated the matter is currently slated for the meeting on April 21, 2026.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft discussed a recent meeting with the Alameda Housing Authority (AHA) about renovations to AHA properties; stated since new roofs are being planned, she questioned whether solar panels are proposed as a way to help lower energy bills and be environmentally friendly; installing solar panels at Independence Plaza would be complicated; AHA is however updating end-of-life appliances; expressed support for staff reaching out to AHA to provide resources on creating environmentally friendly structures.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether the City is performing outreach to the community; stated gas water and central heaters will be banned in 2027; gas heaters will not be able to be installed or replaced; questioned whether outreach is included as part of the plan.
The Sustainability and Resilience Manager responded in the affirmative; stated Air District rules will go into effect in 2027; residents will not be able to purchase a gas water heater; in 2029, residents will not be able to purchase a gas furnace; the rules are being reviewed by the Air District; a regional working group is discussing outreach strategies and community education; discussions will be held on whether the rules need to be revisited or revised in the coming months; staff is collaborating on ways to communicate the changes; discussed upcoming fairs; stated City staff is working closely with Alameda Municipal Power to put information on the website; the strategy is to pull information together and be as coordinated as possible.
Councilmember Jensen moved approval of accepting the reports.
Councilmember Boller seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent: Vice Mayor Pryor - 1.]
***
(26- ) The City Attorney noted that the Closed Session meeting needs to be re-opened after the regular meeting.
***
(26- ) Resolution No. 16373, “Approving Letter of Understanding between the Alameda Police Officers’ Association and the City of Alameda.” Adopted.
The Human Resources Director gave a brief presentation addressing this item and the Letter of Understanding (LOU) for the International Association of Fire Fighters [paragraph no. 26- ].
Stated the information from the presentation should have been included in the staff report to be more helpful; expressed concern over the clarity of determinations being made, effects on the budget, and the process: Jay Garfinkle, Alameda.
Councilmember Jensen moved adoption of the resolutions.
Councilmember Boller seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent: Vice Mayor Pryor - 1.]
(26- ) Resolution No. 16374, “Approving Letter of Understanding Between the International Association of Firefighters, Local 689, and the City of Alameda.” Adopted.
The presentation, discussion and motion were addressed under the previous Alameda Police Officers’ Association LOU [paragraph no. 26- ].
City Manager Communications
None.
Oral Communications, Non-Agenda
None.
Council Referrals
(26- ) Consider Directing Staff to Review Precluding Usage of City-Owned Properties as Staging Grounds and/or Bases of Operations for Purposes of Conducting Super-Charged Rounding Up of Legal and Undocumented Immigrants and Return to Council with Analysis and Recommendations. Not heard. (Vice Mayor Daysog) [Moved to April 7, 2026.]
Council Communications
(26- ) Councilmember Daysog discussed attending a presentation by Lincoln Middle School students regarding civic pursuits.
(26- ) Councilmember Jensen announced that she attended the opening of Ball Park sports bar, a Bay Conservation and Development Commission meeting, the annual Rotary Club lobster feed, the Alameda Little League opening ceremony, a Bay Farm School celebration of nearby road improvements, a Mastick Senior Center art exhibition opening reception, a community champions lunch, an Alameda Police presentation and joint agency traffic crackdown, a Lincoln Middle School student presentation regarding civic pursuits, the monthly StopWaste meeting, the annual Friends of the Alameda Library volunteer recognition event, and an event at Temple Israel.
(26- ) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft announced that she attended a press conference about the release of the first tranche of Measure W funds, an Police Department swearing in ceremony, an Alameda Kiwanis award event, a Cub Scout Pack 1015 celebration, a swearing in ceremony for Alameda County Superior Court Judge Vermazen Radez, a webinar put on by the Governor’s office regarding care courts, and an MTC lobbying event in Sacramento.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 9:34 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 Special City Council Meeting
Tuesday- -March 24, 2026- -5:30 p.m.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 5:33 p.m.
Roll Call - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Boller, Jensen, Pryor and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft - 5. [Note: Vice Mayor Pryor left the meeting at 8:36 p.m.]
Absent: None.
The meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider:
(26- ) Public Employee Appointment/Hiring; Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957; Title/Description of Positions to be Filled: City Manager
Following the Closed Session, the meeting was reconvened and the City Clerk announced that regarding Public Employee Appointment/Hiring, the City Council unanimously gave direction.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 8:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.