2025-03-04 Regular CC Minutes MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- -MARCH 4, 2025- -7:00 P.M.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 7:14 p.m. Councilmember Daysog 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
(25-118) Proclamation Declaring March 2025 as American Red Cross Month.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
(25-119) Brian Kennedy, Alameda, discussed the 14th Amendment.
(25-120) Jeff Fuller, Alameda, expressed concern about the care he received when he went to
the Alameda Hospital for a medical emergency; suggested the hospital close.
(25-121) Gabriel Duncan, Alameda Native History Project, thanked the City and Recreation
Department for the acorns project; stated the first acorn processing will be on Sunday.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Stated everyone deserves to have a museum that shares the rich history of all those involved in
making the City what it is today; suggested the City review the feasibility of having a City
museum at City Hall West: Gabriel Duncan, Alameda Native History Project.
Councilmember Daysog recused himself from the Island City Landscaping and Lighting District
84-2 resolution [paragraph no. 25-131].
Councilmember Pryor moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember 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.]
(*25-122) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings Held on February 4, 2025
and the Special City Council Meeting Held on February 8, 2025. Approved.
(*25-123) Ratified bills in the amount of$7,280,214.62.
(*25-124) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Service Provider
Agreement with The Pivotal Group Consultant, Inc. to Complete a Five-Year Strategic Plan for
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 4,2025
the Library for a Total Agreement Compensation Not-to-Exceed $123,600. Accepted.
(*25-125) 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.
(*25-126) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Amendment to the
Agreement with the Alameda Food Bank for Tenant Acquisition and Use of Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding. Accepted.
(*25-127) Recommendation to Authorize Continued Action to Address Declaration of Unsafe
Building and Notice to Vacate, Case Number X24-0470, for the City-Owned Building Located at
Building 114, 2450 Saratoga Street, Alameda, California. Accepted.
(*25-128) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Construction
Agreement with McKim Corporation for the Grand Street Safety Improvements and Pavement
Rehabilitation Project, P.W. No. 04-24-13 in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $1,330,065, including
Contingency; and to Reject a Non-Responsive Bid from Rapid Grading Services. Accepted.
(*25-129) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute and Modify All
Documents Deemed Necessary and Appropriate to Submit an Application for the CalHome
Program to the California Department of Housing and Community Development;
(*25-129 A) Resolution No. 16249, "Authorizing the City Manager to Apply for, Accept, and
Appropriate CalHome Program Grant Funds. Accepted." Adopted; and
(*25-129 B) Recommendation to Award a Grant Agreement to Rebuilding Together East Bay
Network in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $1,250,000 to Administer CalHome Grant Eligible
Activities, and Authorize the City Manager to Move Funds between CalHome and Community
Development Block Grant Funds as Necessary to Meet Expenditure Deadlines for Eligible
Expenses. Accepted.
(*25-130) Resolution No. 16250, "Amending the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Budget." Adopted;
(*25-130 A) Resolution No. 16251, "Approving Workforce Changes for FY 2024-25." Adopted;
and
(*25-130 B) Recommendation to Reaffirm and Adopt a Revised City of Alameda Purchasing
Policy. Accepted.
(25-131) Resolution No. 16252, "Appointing an Engineer-of-Work and an Attorney-of-Record for
Island City Landscaping and Lighting District 84-2 (Various Locations Throughout the City)."
Adopted.
Note: Since Councilmember Daysog recused himself, the item carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Boller, Jensen, Pryor and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft — 4. [Absent:
Councilmember Daysog - 1.]
(*25-132) Resolution No. 16253, "Appointing an Engineer-of-Record and an Attorney-of-Record
for Marina Cove Maintenance Assessment District 01-1 (Marina Cove)." Adopted.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 4,2025 2
CONTINUED AGENDA ITEMS
None.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(25-133) Recommendation to Implement an Automated Red Light Enforcement Pilot Program at
the Two Intersections of Park Street and Otis Drive and Webster Street and Atlantic Avenue.
***
(25-134) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated an additional 5 minutes are needed for the presentation.
Councilmember Jensen moved approval of allowing 5 more minutes.
Vice Mayor Pryor seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
***
The Police Lieutenant gave a Power Point presentation.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether there is data specific to the two intersections; stated
the baseline should be known prior to implementation.
The Police Lieutenant responded staff has traffic count data; stated the projection of how many
violations is based on historical knowledge.
Councilmember Daysog stated that he was referring to collision data; inquired whether there is
data about when Police are called that deal with accidents in the specific areas, to which the
Police Lieutenant responded in the affirmative; stated since 2020, there have been 65 total
collisions at Park Street and Otis Drive, 33% of which were potentially sign or signal related; at
Webster Street and Atlantic Avenue, there were 21 collisions since 2020.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the data is over a four-year period, to which the Police
Lieutenant responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Boller inquired whether the assumption for revenue neutrality considers the
deterrent effect.
The Police Lieutenant responded there is a big spike at initial implementation since people do
not realize there is a new camera; stated once people figure it out, the numbers start to dip
before finally stabilizing.
Councilmember Boller inquired how the efficacy would be measured moving forward; inquired
whether the volume of redlight violations would be a metric used to measure effectiveness.
The Police Lieutenant responded traffic counts remain the same and violation amounts going
down would be a good indication that people are obeying the law; stated there is enough room
between revenue neutrality and the expected number of violations; the numbers can afford to go
down quite a bit and the program will still remain solvent.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 4,2025 3
Councilmember Boller stated that he understands, data will be erased after six months; inquired
how data will be stored and what it could be used for during the period it is retained.
The Police Lieutenant responded the vendor houses the data in a cloud-based server; stated
the Alameda Police Department (APD) is the only entity that has access to the data; APD can
set granular access to the user level; he will be the person in charge of the program; he will
have access to the data in order to complete audits; data may be accessed for use as evidence
of crime in certain cases; data will be run on a needs base with supervisory or commander level
approval.
Councilmember Boller stated possible bias could be a concern for folks; inquired whether the
technology has a benefit in terms of reducing human bias, to which the Police Lieutenant
responded in the affirmative; stated the technology will take pictures of the cars first and the
people afterwards; it is indiscriminate in how it applies the law; it is the only type of automated
enforcement allowed in California and has been in use for over 20 years.
Councilmember Boller inquired whether residential surveys were conducted seeking people's
preferences, to which the Police Lieutenant responded in the negative.
Councilmember Boller inquired whether staff could consider doing so, to which the Police
Lieutenant responded in the affirmative.
Vice Mayor Pryor inquired whether the 35 projected violations per day are per intersection, to
which the Police Lieutenant responded in the affirmative.
Vice Mayor Pryor inquired the typical cost for a redlight violation.
The Police Lieutenant responded that he does not have the exact number, however, it is
approximately $500.
Vice Mayor Pryor stated that this is an issue of equity to her; the fine can have a big impact on
someone who works paycheck to paycheck.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether the pictures taken by the cameras may be used for
other traffic violations.
The Police Lieutenant responded only redlight related violations are approved for automated
enforcement.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether it would capture drivers making right-hand turns
running the light, to which the Police Lieutenant responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether insurance companies would have access to camera
footage.
The Police Lieutenant responded if the insurance company acquired a court order, or something
similar, APD would obey the court order.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether redlight violation camera data can be requested and
obtained through the Public Records Act (PRA).
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 4,2025 4
The City Attorney responded staff must look at every PRA request on a case by case basis;
stated the City would be compelled to release summary information, such as the total number of
citations issued and how many were affirmed and dismissed; he does not anticipate having to
disclose information, since APD does not do so in any other criminal prosecution; any release
would occur on a case-by-case basis.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether the footage captured could be released to an
insurance company regarding a personal injury issue between two individuals, for example.
The City Attorney responded generally, staff would not release the footage in response to a
PRA request; stated if there is civil litigation, however, it could be released as part of a civil
discovery order.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether redlight violation cameras have been around for 20
years, to which the Police Lieutenant responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether APD has looked at other Bay Area cities that use redlight
violation cameras, to which the Police Lieutenant responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired what cities in Alameda County use the technology.
The Police Lieutenant responded Fremont operates the oldest and most successful of the
programs; stated Newark and Tracy have the cameras as well.
Councilmember Jensen stated San Leandro uses the technology as well.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether APD has looked at the use policies in other departments,
to which the Police Lieutenant responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired if Council adopts the proposal, would APD look to other cities to
help inform a policy.
The Police Lieutenant responded it would most likely be a hybrid of APD's stance on sharing
and releasing information under the Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) policy.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the policy would return to Council, to which the Police
Lieutenant responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired, assuming this moves forward, will there be public education
components to raise awareness before the use of the redlight violation cameras commence, to
which the Police Lieutenant responded in the affirmative; stated there will be many public
notices as well as a 30-day grace period after implementation, which is required by the Vehicle
Code.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she understood the cameras would only capture the license
plate data; inquired whether the cameras will also capture the driver, to which the Police
Lieutenant responded in the affirmative; stated it is to prevent the registered owner from coming
to court and stating they were not the driver.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 4,2025 5
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether there is any reason APD would need an image of
occupants in the car beyond the driver, to which the Police Lieutenant responded in the
negative; stated the cameras are designed to be focused as narrowly as possible on the driver's
seat.
Councilmember Daysog stated the equity point raised is important; inquired if the process
allows for payment plans and whether the City can waive payments or deal with concerns raised
by individuals.
The Police Lieutenant responded that he does not have a definitive answer; stated citations go
through the Alameda County court system.
The Police Captain stated the typical redlight fine in California is about $490; the County court
system sets fines.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether citations are sent to the registered owner of the cars
and whether the driver's license and registered owner would be matched.
The Police Lieutenant responded if a driver cannot be identified, the citation is sent to the
registered owner of the vehicle; stated efforts are made to match the driver of the vehicle to a
driver's license; the registered owner can nominate the driver of the vehicle if it was not them.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired if a car is stolen and the auto thief is caught on camera, could the
registered owner go to court and provide evidence of the vehicle being stolen.
The Police Lieutenant responded if APD knows the vehicle was stolen when the violation is
reviewed, it can be excused before it goes to court; stated if a Police report is provided to the
court showing the vehicle was stolen, it may be dismissed.
Expressed support for the recommendation; stated something must be done to change the
behavior of drivers; urged Council to support the item; stated many prefer automated
enforcement versus manual enforcement; regarding equity, there are many low-income and
underserved residents in Alameda who do not drive, rely on safe transit corridors and deserve
safe access: Denyse Trepanier, BikeWalk Alameda.
Vice Mayor Pryor stated that she would appreciate sliding scale or traffic school options; Vision
Zero is a big priority for her; paying a $500 ticket will not be a big deal for some; she would like
to know how it could be enforced and not become a big financial burden for some.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated when someone runs a redlight, there is a risk of injuring, or in
extreme cases, killing someone; the high traffic fine is meant to be a disincentive; education and
information will be provided to residents before installation, as well as a 30-day grace period
after installation; she constantly receives news regarding collisions; everyone should slow down,
regardless of income.
Vice Mayor Pryor stated the goal is to get everyone to slow down and drive safely.
Councilmember Daysog stated this is a remarkable use of technology to pursue safety;
regarding the issue of equity, he would love to see whether vendors are flexible enough to have
payment plans; expressed support for the recommendation.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 4,2025 6
Councilmember Boller stated traffic safety is high on residents' priority list; there is data to
support the notion that injury collisions can be reduced through this; the interest in protecting
public safety and avoiding collisions outweighs concerns regarding equity and privacy; judges
have some discretion; there is a possibility of traffic school and a needs-base analysis; the fines
are high for a reason; staff should move forward with presenting a more particularized policy
recommendation to Council.
The Police Lieutenant stated traffic school, amongst other things, are a possibility; any existing
payment plans the County may have will apply to these citations.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the possibility of going to traffic school would be for those
who have committed their first violation.
The Police Lieutenant responded typically, it is based on a license total point-count; stated if
someone has a certain number of points on their license, they may not be eligible for traffic
school.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether Vice Mayor Pryor's concern is related to redlight
violation camera technology or all traffic violation citations.
Vice Mayor Pryor responded when thinking about 35 violations per day, she assumed it would
be a hit to about 50% of the people receiving the fines; stated she likes the idea of payment
plans.
Councilmember Jensen stated traffic violations can be inequitable; in the future, perhaps
Council could discuss fines overall and how fines can be more equitable; Alameda has
expanded ALPR use and has adopted drone technology in recent years; inquired whether APD
feels such technology is effective in ensuring the safety of Alamedans and reducing violations
and how comfortable Officers are with the tools.
The Police Chief responded anytime APD can leverage technology, it is a force multiplier; stated
ALPRs and in-car cameras have been very successful in reducing the amount of time and
research Officers have had to do; technology helps APD be much more efficient.
Councilmember Jensen inquired whether efficiency and public safety are improved with
technology, to which the Police Chief responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Jensen expressed support for the recommendation; stated data shows
intersection collisions are more dangerous than other type of collisions; she looks forward to
implementation of the cameras.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired assuming the item passes, what would be a reasonable amount
of time to look at the data and see whether the cameras are making a difference.
The Police Lieutenant responded one year will provide better data; stated if Council would
prefer the date return in six months, staff will do so.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated although she understands the comments made regarding equity,
nobody has died due to an expired registration; speeding, and running redlights, however are a
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 4,2025 7
much higher risk to the public; expressed support for the recommendation; discussed an
Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC) retreat discussion about ending the speed
camera pilot program and allowing all cities to implement the technology.
Councilmember Jensen moved approval of the recommendation and having APD return in a
year with information regarding the efficacy of the technology.
Councilmember Boller seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
(25-135) The City Manager stated APD honored the memory of Officer Robert J. Davey Jr.;
during the next few weeks, APD is hosting the first Community Beat meetings of the year;
encouraged folks to attend; stated residents can find their beat and the meeting schedule on the
City's website; Alameda Restaurant Week will be kicking off with a party at Faction Brewing on
March 13th; stated the Alameda Community Band is performing a free concert at Mastick Senior
Center on March 14th
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
(25-136) Gerald Bryant, Alameda, stated civility and politeness has gone down; discussed
racism and discrimination in the City.
COUNCIL REFERRALS
None.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(25-137) Mayor's Nominations for the Commission on Persons with Disabilities and Golf
Commission. Not heard.
(25-138) Councilmember Jensen thanked the City Manager and APD for recognizing Officer
Robert J. Davey Jr.; stated that she attended the 100 Club of Alameda County and the Naval
League crab feed; stated the Healthy Homes Committee meeting was cancelled but looks
forward to attending the next one.
(25-139) Vice Mayor Pryor announced that she attended an event where Minority Leader
Hakeem Jeffries spoke and the Bohol Circle Community event; stated that she spoke at a
Chamber of Commerce Event for Alameda Women Leaders.
(25-140) Councilmember Boller stated that he attended the 100 Club of Alameda County dinner.
(25-141) Councilmember Daysog stated that he attended the City Council/School Board
subcommittee meeting alongside Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft.
(25-142) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft announced that she attended the City Council/School Board
subcommittee meeting, an AC Transit Liaison meeting, a League of California Cities Board
Meeting, the Bohol Circle event, an event at Yoshi's where the Alameda High School Jazz Band
performed, a Metropolitan Transportation Commission meeting, and the League of California
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 4,2025 8
Cities East Bay Division legislators dinner; stated that she also spoke to the Rotary Club.
(25-143) Councilmember Jensen noted the Encinal Jets girls are playing in a Division 3 Playoff
game tonight.
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.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 4,2025 9