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2025-11-04 Regular CC Minutes MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY- -NOVEMBER 4, 2025- -7:00 P.M. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 7:14 p.m. Councilmember Boller led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Boller, Daysog, Jensen, Pryor, and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft—5. Absent: None. AGENDA CHANGES None. PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (25-621) Proclamation Declaring November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft read the proclamation. Stated real engagement is not just about making proclamations, but who you choose to engage with; the City missed an opportunity to invite a legitimate tribal representative: Gabriel Duncan, Alameda Native History Project. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA (25-622) Phillip Matarrese, Alameda, urged Council to direct the Alameda Police Department (APD) to arrest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents if they harass Alameda residents. (25-623) Gabriel Duncan, Alameda Native History Project, discussed an acorn leaching machine and the acorn harvest. (25-624) Roan Byrne-Sarno, Alameda, urged Council to make clear how the City will respond to ICE and ensure there is a policy that puts residents first; expressed worry for undocumented peers and neighbors; urged Council to agendize a response to ICE. (25-625) Jeanne Nader, Alameda Friends and Families 4 Collective Liberation (AFF4CL), stated a sanctuary resolution is only as good as its enforcement; fear of kidnapping and racial profiling undermines public trust and safety; inquired what the City is doing to reassure businesses and residents of their rights when ICE arrives; urged Council to agendize a response to ICE. (25-626) Shalom Bruhn, Alameda, discussed Enterprise Park; stated a decision was made without sufficient input from residents; urged Council to withdraw support for the proposed Surf Park; urged Senator Arreguin to support the Make Polluters Pay bill. (25-627) Hilda Paulson, AFF4CL, urged the City to be more transparent and public-facing in communications about plans around ICE; stated that she hopes elected officials choose to publicly stand with peaceful protestors and residents and denounce ICE coming to the City. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council November 4,2025 (25-628) Savanna, Alameda, suggested the City clearly determine whether APD's use of Flock License Plate Readers (LPRs) is completely compliant with Police Policy 462; suggested the City utilize the City Attorney's Office to hold regular Know Your Rights trainings and conduct continuous outreach regarding legal sources available to residents; urged Council to encourage bystanders to document ICE agents taking people. (25-629) Laura Thomas, AFF4CL, inquired whether there is a plan in place to defend people in the City when terrorized by ICE; stated if a plan is not in place, residents are willing to help the City craft one; inquired whether APD not assisting federal agents is good enough and whether APD will defend residents. (25-630) Szonic Allure, Alameda, discussed harassment within the City and public spaces, including from APD; inquired what the City is doing to protect the transgender community from ICE actions. CONSENT CALENDAR Vice Mayor Pryor inquired about the purchase amount for the Groundmaster Lawn Mower [paragraph no. 25-633]. The Fleet Supervisor responded the term lawn mower is a bit misleading; clarified it is more of a tractor with three lawnmower attachments; stated the equipment is designed for commercial use and has a low-emissions diesel engine; the mower will replace two smaller lawnmowers; the labor savings will be immense. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether there is an equivalent piece of machinery that is electric or battery powered. The Fleet Supervisor responded staff looked into equivalent machinery, however, there is not currently an electric or battery-operated mower that will last an entire shift before needing to be recharged for many hours; stated staff anticipates this will be the last petroleum mower since technology is advancing. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether staff is familiar with different companies that provide industrial-use machinery, to which the Fleet Supervisor responded in the affirmative; stated that he regularly attends demonstrations in order to research new and upcoming machinery in the market. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated City-employed gardeners are required to have electric and/or battery-powered leaf blowers; her lawnmower at home is battery powered; technology is moving in that direction; she is sure the Recreation and Parks Director is up to date with what other cities are doing. Councilmember Jensen inquired about the street vendor ordinance [paragraph no. 25-636] and the hours which it would allow for sidewalk vending. The Assistant City Manager responded hours differ for sidewalk vending in commercial versus residential areas; stated in a residential area, vendors can sell until dark. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council November 4,2025 2 In response to Councilmember Jensen's inquiry regarding an 8 p.m. cut-off time, the Assistant City Manager responded vendors must cease the sale of products at dark or 8 p.m., whichever occurs sooner; stated 8 p.m. is the latest time vendors may sell in a residential area. Councilmember Jensen inquired about Thompson Avenue, in particular, and whether the cut-off time is 4 p.m., to which the Assistant City Manager responded in the affirmative; stated the cut- off time is 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday, as well as the week leading up to December 25tn Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired when the ordinance will go into effect. The Assistant City Manager responded the ordinance will go into effect December 4tn Expressed objection to paying the Alameda Museum to warehouse official documents and other artifacts, as the Museum does not accurately present the history of Alamedans, specifically Native American history: Gabriel Duncan, Alameda Native History Project. Councilmember Boller moved approval of the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.] (*25-631) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings Held on October 7, 2025. Approved. (*25-632) Ratified bills in the amount of$7,827,175.81. (*25-633) Recommendation to Authorize the Purchase of One Groundsmaster 4000D Lawn Mower for a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $110,969.29 from Turf Star/Toro, Consistent with the Revised Vehicle Replacement Policy. Accepted. (*25-634) Resolution No. 16336, "Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Four Grant of Easements and License Agreement to East Bay Municipal Utility District Across City-Owned Property; and to Execute Any and All Ancillary Documents and Directing the Recording of the Grant of Easements for the San Leandro Channel Crossing." Adopted. (*25-635) Resolution No. 16337, "Amending the Alameda City Employees Association (ACEA) and Electric Utility Professionals of Alameda (EUPA) Salary Schedules Effective November 16, 2025, to Reflect Removal of the Lead Customer Service Representative, Customer Service Representative and Meter Reader Classifications from ACEA and Add a Five Step Salary Range for the Classifications in EUPA." Adopted. (*25-636) Ordinance No. 3391, "Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Article XIX (Sidewalk Vending) of Chapter VI (Businesses, Occupations and Industries) to Establish Regulations for Sidewalk Vending and by Making Related Conforming Amendments." Finally passed. CONTINUED AGENDA ITEMS None. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 3 November 4,2025 REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS (25-637) Resolution No. 16338, "Appointing Michelle Knoedler as a Member of the Commission on Persons with Disabilities." Adopted; and (25-637 A) Resolution No. 16339, "Appointing Roberta Kreitz as a Member of the Social Service Human Relations Board." Adopted. Vice Mayor Pryor moved adoption of the resolutions. Councilmember Jensen seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office and Ms. Knoedler and Ms. Kreitz made brief comments. (25-638) Presentation by Senator Jessie Arreguin: State Legislative Update. *** (25-639) Councilmember Jensen moved approval of allowing an extra 10 minutes for the presentation. Vice Mayor Pryor seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. *** Senator Arreguin made brief comments and gave a Power Point presentation. Councilmember Jensen inquired about Senator Arreguin's views and position on the Make Polluters Pay Act. Senator Arreguin responded the bill was held by the author, however, he intends to vote for it when it arrives to the State Senate; stated it will be challenging but it is important to take a stand. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired what a grassroots effort could do to help move the needle on this topic. Senator Arreguin responded Statewide organizing and advocacy will be critical; stated well- funded interest groups are working hard to oppose this legislation; the impact of grassroots organizing in advocacy makes a huge difference; encouraged folks to continue to speak out. Vice Mayor Pryor stated the youth in Alameda are big advocates for the Make Polluters Pay bill, as it impacts their future. Expressed appreciation to Senator Arreguin for helping gut PG&E's penalties on solar users; urged Council and Senator Arreguin to support the Make Polluters Pay Act: Heather MacLeod, Oakland. Stated he led a walk-out at his school for the Make Polluters Pay Act; urged Senator Arreguin to support this bill, as it will impact future generations: Roan Byrne-Sarno, Alameda. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council November 4,2025 4 (25-640) Workshop to Discuss Infrastructure and Facility Needs for Libraries, City Parks and Recreation Facilities. The Communications and Legislative Affairs Director gave a Power Point presentation. The Recreation and Parks Director and Library Director made brief comments. Councilmember Jensen inquired whether there have been discussions regarding the Carnegie Library and how the building might be used. The City Manager responded staff has discussed conducting assessments of the building and received public correspondence regarding the building; suggested Council discuss whether they would like to add the building as a new project since it will take quite some time for staff to update costs and/or negotiate an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with an entity; stated staff does not currently have any plans to renovate the building. Councilmember Jensen inquired whether the Carnegie Library is part of the infrastructure needs assessment. The City Manager responded if Council wishes, it could be added to the list. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the building would not be added as a need of the library; inquired whether the building has not been a part of the library system for many years, to which the City Manager responded in the affirmative; stated the Carnegie building is not part of the library portfolio. Councilmember Jensen inquired whether the building could be included if Council decides to develop a plan for an infrastructure bond, to which the City Manager responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Jensen inquired how non-profit support groups fit into capital needs of facilities. The Library Director responded the Friends of the Alameda Free Library submitted a letter in support for the library's infrastructure needs; stated the Friends is ready, willing, and able to engage in campaigns. Councilmember Jensen stated in the past, the Friends led the efforts to build a new Main Library almost 20 years ago. The Library Director stated in November 2026, it will be 20 years since the Main Library opened; noted the Friends provided all the furniture for the Main Library. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft discussed bringing the library measure to the voters in 2020. Councilmember Jensen inquired how non-profit support groups fit into the capital needs of Recreation facilities. The Recreation and Parks Director responded the department is very lucky to have the Alameda Friends of the Park (AFP) group, which holds fundraisers and has helped raise money to make improvements in parks; AFP also hosts several events and advocates for and supports Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 5 November 4,2025 the Department immensely. Councilmember Jensen inquired about the regional sports complex and its site. The Recreation and Parks Director responded the regional sports complex is planned to be on Alameda Point, north and west of the Skate Park; stated 40 acres have been dedicated for a future sports complex. In response to Councilmember Jensen's inquiry regarding Enterprise Park, the Recreation and Parks Director responded Enterprise Park is dedicated park land, part of the park system; stated at a previous meeting, Council gave staff direction to explore a Surf Park at the park; Enterprise Park is in the Enterprise Zone of the Alameda Point Master Plan. The City Manager stated staff is looking into the Surf Park at Enterprise Park; the item will return to Council as a public hearing at a public session, where a public discussion will take place. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether staff could explain why real estate transactions are discussed in closed session. The City Attorney responded real estate transactions typically begin in closed session for Council to give broad direction to staff; stated ultimately, all real estate transactions must be approved by Council in open session, after public comment. The City Manager stated in this case, the next step would be an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement, which is non-binging; Council must vote in public to execute the agreement; doing so would mean staff would explore the idea further, it does not mean the City will enter into a real estate transaction. Vice Mayor Pryor inquired about the phrase "local control" being used in regard to the purpose of the work session. The Communications and Legislative Affairs Director responded many projects have high price tags but no funding sources; stated staff is asking for Council feedback and direction about how to seek funding, which could include an infrastructure bond, amongst other strategies; the phrase means what can Council do to bring forth a revenue source that would be locally controlled. Vice Mayor Pryor requested clarification about the wide range in estimated costs for the Alameda Point Library. The Library Director responded the lower number is the infrastructure cost for a mobile library service, which costs a lot less than building a brand new building at the higher end of the range. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the Bay Farm branch is in need of expansion; inquired what the idea is behind expanding the branch. The Library Director responded because the library is in the park next to a Recreation Center, library staff will collaborate with Recreation staff; stated ideally, the expansion will be not to add a second floor, but rather push the building out a bit. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council November 4,2025 6 Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether staff is looking into incorporating Leydecker Park, as library programs have been held there before, to which the Library Director responded in the negative; stated Recreation staff graciously allows the library to use the venue when needed. Councilmember Boller inquired where the money should be spent, if there are equity concerns. The Library Director responded for equity concerns, the focus would be on Alameda Point; stated although the population density is not there yet, many folks who live there could who benefit from library services do not have easy transportation to the other libraries across the City; there is a need at that location, therefore, the library services should meet them; the next location would be the West End. In response to Councilmember Boller's inquiry regarding state of the art principles and best practices within library development and management, the Library Director responded several libraries across the country have successfully provided housing to residents on the top floors of libraries; stated although there are digital services available, there is no replacement to in- person experiences; when placing a library, it is important to look at, not only how far it is from another library, but also at behavioral and transportation patterns. Councilmember Boller inquired whether other strategic partnerships might help solve the funding problem. The Library Director responded partnering with another agency, a non-profit, and/or a school to see how Alameda may provide library services in a cost-effective way is worth exploring; stated several well-established public libraries are attached to schools, such as in the City of Davis; the possibilities are endless. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the library in Davis received funds from the same library bond as Alameda. The Library Director responded that he is unsure, however, it would make sense; discussed Suisun's library located on school district property. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated there are shopping centers in Alameda with many vacancies, such as Alameda Landing; inquired whether the spaces are worth exploring so they may be repurposed for a library, to which the Library Director responded in the affirmative; stated retail spaces are also available in the Alameda Point developments, which would bring the library closer to the folks staff is hoping to reach. Councilmember Boller inquired where money should be spent if there are equity concerns. The Recreation and Parks Director responded Alameda has a pretty good equity tool to document where funds have been spent, where to spend funds, and where to target existing facilities that need improvements; discussed connecting the community to programs; stated the primary focus is providing space for people to be healthy and for the community to connect; areas where land would be available for future expansion are also targeted. Councilmember Boller inquired how the Recreation and Parks Department would assess the current state of the art programs and to what extent the City should emphasize moving forward in facilities and these issues. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 7 November 4,2025 The Recreation and Parks Director responded figuring out a way to incorporate art programming into Alameda's facilities is really helpful; stated there are arts and crafts for kids in parks through the community recreation program, but incorporating it into the physical facilities is a whole other challenge; a lot of the Recreation Centers are designed as empty spaces; the Public Art Commission is working on putting public art in Washington Park, and the Aquatic Center, which will be helpful in engaging with the community and different artists; doing a rotating art event in all of the Recreation Centers would be nice; the public is always invited to participate in the Mastic Senior Center annual art show, which is very encouraged; there are always options for growth for the programs and facilities. In response to Councilmember Daysog's inquiry regarding why the West End Library is not included in the list of library projects, the Library Director stated what makes the West End Library so wonderful is also what makes it a challenge; it is surrounded by homes, Maya Lin School is across the street, and it is so close to the Webster Business District; there would be costs associated with any envisioning of the space; for instance, the existing West End Library could become the Alameda Reads Building, which is currently in the Veterans Building, then a different, larger location could be found for a more modern West End Library; locating it close to the West End and Alameda Point so it draws people from both would be a huge project with a lot involved; the unique character of the existing building presents challenges because there is no room to grow. In response to Councilmember Daysog's inquiry regarding Alameda Point projects, such as the $65 million Sports Complex, paying for themselves, the City Manager stated a lot of the new facilities which solely serve Alameda Point would be paid for and mostly built using developer funds; the City can collect some developer contributions for the sports complex; a large, regional sports complex could not be funded entirely through new development; developers will definitely pay for local neighborhood parks; Whale Park was paid for by the Site A development; some of larger scale projects will need to draw from other sources, including from the entire City. The Recreation and Parks Director stated the sports facility would not just be serving Alameda Point, it serves the entire City like the Skate Park; it is one of the only spaces in Alameda to expand sports fields because of the density on the Island; community groups have expressed the need for access to more fields, more courts, and more everything; based on the Aquatic Center construction costs, $65 million is not an unpractical number, and it might even be more. The City Manager stated such a big facility could also potentially be phased; some sports fields could be done initially, or the gym could be rehabilitated; there are ways the project could be scaled down, so $65 million does not need to be paid upfront. Councilmember Daysog stated some imaginary projects, which cost a lot of money, are slated for Alameda Point for a tremendous amount of needs; the City needs to focus on what is important; it is not just balancing parks and libraries, but also balancing against streets and other building infrastructure. Councilmember Jensen inquired what the former Children's Library on Oak Street is being used for and whether the building could potentially be sold or updated, to which the City Manager responded it is not being used for anything right now. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council November 4,2025 8 Councilmember Jensen stated that if it is not being used, there could be potential to sell it to help fund other infrastructure needs. Stated discussed the work all the parks need, including new roofs; expressed praise for Park staff for keeping Alameda's parks pristine; expressed support for using a bond for repairs: Adrienne Alexander, Alameda. Submitted information; discussed the Carnegie Building as a potential non-profit center called the Carnegie Creativity Center; stated the center would foster equitable and inclusive access to arts through accessible programs, collaborative workspaces, and cultural events, which can directly support the City of Alameda's Strategic Plan across all major priorities: Katie Connell, Alameda. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the public information and outreach is helpful; Council heard lots of comments, questions, and suggestions; she looks forward to continuing the process; encouraged the public to share any opportunities for grants to develop Carnegie; discussed a Carnegie building in Washington D.C. CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS (25-641) The City Manager announced the new water shuttle winter schedule; stated heavy rains are expected, along with king tides and a supermoon; the City's self-serve sandbag station is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week on Lexington Street at West Ranger at Alameda Point; is the Island Bowl, Alameda High versus Encinal High, is November 7; the game will be livestreamed at the Historic Theater for the first time in 70 years; Central Avenue construction is almost complete; traffic is open in both directions; final striping and signage and starting work on a roundabout at the Main Street, Pacific Avenue, and Central Avenue intersection is happening this week. *** Councilmember Daysog left the meeting at 9:14 p.m. and returned at 9:16 p.m. *** ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA None. COUNCIL REFERRALS None. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (25-642) Mayor's Nominations for Appointment to the Golf Commission, Historical Advisory Board, Public Art Commission, and Social Service Human Relations Board. Not heard. (25-643) Councilmember Boller announced that he attended a Chamber of Commerce event on October 23, which had a turn-out of 300 people who are concerned about the community, especially, about the Harbor Bay Shopping Center; he attended the business after hours for Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 9 November 4,2025 Launch Alameda on October 30 and the breakfast for elected officials at the State of the Estuary Conference in Oakland on October 24. (25-644) Councilmember Daysog announced that he attended the screening BIAS on October 23, and a community meeting the 24 addressing concerns about the possible placement of ICE and border troops at Coast Guard Island; on October 25, he was one of two guest speakers at the Model United Nations Conference hosted by Encinal High School, along with his former classmate, Dr. Rudra Sil. (25-645) Councilmember Jensen announced that she joined the Alameda High School Youth Power Climate Action students walk-out on October 24; the students walked to City Hall to talk about legislation to protect the environment; the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Public Affairs, Jennings Immel, was in Alameda to share a wide-ranging presentation about both federal changes, tariffs, and how Alameda businesses can respond to changes in federal business policy on October 31; she attended an event with Supervisor Nate Miley regarding illegal dumping in the community, and Alameda County Stop Waste and Lead Abatement Board meetings; announced the Island Bowl is scheduled for November 7; requested that the City Attorney comment on activities to inform residents of federal deployment. The City Attorney stated the City of Alameda has joined many local jurisdictions as co-plaintiffs in two separate litigations against the federal government in order to protect Alameda's federal grant funds and challenge unconstitutional funding conditions, which require the City to cooperate with immigration enforcement and prohibits the City from Diversity, Equity and Inclusion activities; the litigations seek to ensure the City will continue to receive federal funds to support vital local initiatives, including transportation, community development, housing, human services, and emergency response; the City Attorney's Office has just onboarded its first part- time victim services advocate to provide a wide range of services across the City, particularly in supporting persons with limited access to the criminal justice system, which could include people with immigration concerns. (25-646) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft announced that she attended a Metropolitan Transportation Commission workshop on October 22 and 23; after the Chronicle broke the story about federal deployment at Coast Guard Island, she did an on-camera interview on the 23' on October 24, she attended an information event with Congresswoman Latifah Simon regarding the impacts of the federal shutdown, followed by a press conference; she also attended the elected breakfast of the State of the Estuary on the 24. The City Manager stated Alameda and the Roots Training Facility have been selected as a potential site of a World Cup team, as part of the World Cup next summer; the team is not known yet, but Alameda is in the running and hopes it will have an economic benefit to the City, including hotels, Park Street, and other retailers, including South Shore; it will also be great fun for community spirit. Mayor Ezzy Aschraft discussed an upcoming November 7 meeting with other mayors and staff; stated in addition to the Island Bowl upcoming on November 7, there will be the Elks Club Veterans Dinner; in her monthly newsletter published by the East Bay Times, she addressed the City having less than 24 hours-notice about the federal deployment at Coast Guard Island; the City does not have the ability, nor authority, to tell the President he cannot send federal troops to a secure military facility within the City limits; the Alameda County Sheriff, Yesenia Sanchez, let it be known that her deputies would not provide or permit perimeter security; Alameda Police Regular Meeting Alameda City Council November 4,2025 1 0 Department did not provide backup; the City's website has a section titled: "Know Your Rights" with lots of good information; 510-241-4011 is the phone number for the Alameda County Immigration Legal and Education Partnership Hotline; Alameda is a proud to be an official U.S. Coast Guard City, one of only a handful across the Country; while the First Amendment provides the right to peacefully protest government actions, it is important to remember that service members deserve respect and gratitude for the work they do for this nation every day; announced that she is nominating Nick Ksiazek to be the City's Trustee on the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District Board, which will return at the next Council meeting. ADJOURNMENT (25-647) There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 9:36 p.m. in memory of Gretchen Lipow and made brief comments. Respectfully submitted, Lara Weisiger City Clerk The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 11 November 4,2025