2025-06-17 Regular CC Minutes 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
(25-344) Velma Gay, Hayward, discussed her experience at Dignity Village.
CONSENT CALENDAR
The City Clerk called for public comment on the public hearings [paragraph nos. 25-363, 25-
364, 25-365, and 25-366].
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. 25-364].
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.]
(*25-345) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings Held on May 20, 2025.
Approved.
(*25-346) Ratified bills in the amount of$8,159,515.20.
(*25-347) 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.
(*25-348) 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.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council 1
June 17,2025
(*25-349) 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.
(*25-350) 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.
(*25-351) 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.
(*25-352) 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.
(*25-353) 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.
(*25-354) 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.
(*25-355) 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.
(*25-356) 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.
(*25-357) 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.
(*25-358) 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.
(*25-359) 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.;
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
June 17,2025 2
Interface Engineering; and Salas O'Brien for On-Call Mechanical Engineering. Accepted.
(*25-360) 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.
(*25-361) Ordinance No. 3385, "Revising the City's Sewer Service Charges." Finally passed.
(*25-362) 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.
(*25-363) 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.
(25-364) 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.]
(*25-365) Public Hearing to consider Resolution No. 16286, "Ordering Levy of Assessments,
Maintenance Assessment District 01-01 (Marina Cove)." Adopted.
(*25-366) Public Hearing to Consider Collecting the Water Quality and Flood Protection Fees on
the Property Tax Bills; and
(*25-366 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
(25-367) 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
(25-367 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.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council 3
June 17,2025
(25-368) 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)
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
June 17,2025 4
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
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council 5
June 17,2025
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
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
June 17,2025 6
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 energydense 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 protect: Jacqueline Zou,
Alameda.
Stated that he could not be more excited about the Pacific Fusion protect; 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;
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council 7
June 17,2025
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 protect: 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.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
June 17,2025 8
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 anytritium 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.
***
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft called a recess at 9:25 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 9:44 p.m.
***
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
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council 9
June 17,2025
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.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
June 17,2025 10
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
(25-369) 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
(25-370) 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
(25-371) 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.
(25-372) 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.
(25-373) 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
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council 1 1
June 17,2025
Councilmember Stewart Chen; she also attended the FAAS retirement party, and Leadership
Alameda graduation on June 13.
(25-374) 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.
(25-375) 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.
(25-376) 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
(25-377) 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.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
June 17,2025 1 2