Events

Worth Noting:

May 4 and May 5 are the free in person Bringing Back the Natives Garden tours from 10 am – 5 pm. Visit gardens planned around butterflies, hummingbirds, and caterpillars (baby bird food). Previewing the gardens online before going out is highly recommended. Saturday East Bay bayside cities list 42 gardens open to the public (all are private gardens except (1) the pollinator pathway). Sunday - Inland cities list 18 gardens (all are private except (1) the John Muir Historic site).

• You must REGISTER to receive the garden tour addresses (email will arrive from Kathy Kramer with subject line Garden Tour addresses, maps and tickets) https://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/view-gardens
• How to make your windows bird safe is on the Saturday Berkeley Garden Tour at Keith Johnson’s and Erin Diehm’s house. Their display includes multiple samples of window film and inexpensive DIY projects.
• The YouTube channel with webinars and videos of prior Bringing Back the Native Garden Tours is at: https://www.youtube.com/c/BringingBacktheNativesGardenTour
• Douglas Tallamy gives the “why” of seeing little bites out of plant leaves is reason to celebrate and not take a trip to by pesticide poisons. Even Hummingbird babies need insects to grow and fledge. https://youtu.be/ft7tWw470sY?si=PpujMALov3q9_hVP
• Calscape is the California Native Plant resource https://calscape.org

This is the 20th year of the annual garden tours. Several tour stops include all electric green homes.

 

• Tuesday, April 30, 2024: From 11 am – 12:30 pm the MHSA Advisory Committee meets in the hybrid format (this is a new meeting posting)
• Wednesday, May 1, 2024:
  • At 2:30 pm the Agenda and Rules Committee meets in the hybrid format. At 6:30 pm the Board of Library Trustees meets in person.
  • At 7 pm the Homeless Services Panel of Experts meets in person.
  • At 6 pm the Planning Commission meets in person.
• Thursday, May 2, 2024:
  • At 6 pm the Zero Waste Strategic Plan workshop meets in person.
  • At 6:30 pm the Landmarks Preservation Commission meets in person.
  • At 7 pm the Housing Advisory Commission meets in person.
• Saturday, May 4, 2024: From 10 am – 5 pm, forty-two native plant gardens in East Bay bayside cities are opened to the public through the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour.
• Sunday, May 5, 2024: From 10 am – 5 pm, eighteen native plant gardens in East Bay inland cities are opened to the public through the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour.

 

Other Notes:  

• The City Council May 7, 2024 Agenda is available for comment
• The City website format change for retrieving agendas for Boards and Commissions and Council Committees – click on the carrot/down arrow to right of date for meeting locations, agendas, documents, and communications.
• Agendas and minutes now go back to January 2019.
• Check the City website for late announcements and meetings posted on short notice at: https://berkeleyca.gov/
• At the bottom are the directions for getting on or off the email list for the Activist’s Calendar and Activist’s Diary and how to make the most out of ZOOM with closed captioning, zoom transcripts and converting YouTube to a transcript.

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

 

BERKELEY PUBLIC MEETINGS AND CIVIC EVENTS 

 

Sunday, April 28, 2024 – No City meetings found 

Monday, April 29, 2024– No City meetings found 

 

Tuesday, April 30, 2024 

 

MHSA ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING from 11 am – 12:30 pm 

A Hybrid Meeting 

In-Person: at 2640 Martin Luther King Jr Way 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8446733966?pwd=OGp3Tm5LQTc5TGdhb2tYWllKcDVhdz09&omn=89904190742 

Teleconference: 1-669-444-9171  

Meeting ID: 844 673 3966 Passcode: 081337 

AGENDA: not provided 

KKlatt@berkeleyca.gov 

 

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 

 

AGENDA AND RULES COMMITTEE Meeting at 2:30 pm 

Hybrid Meeting 

In-Person: at 2180 Milvia, 6th Floor – Redwood Room 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1617670267 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (Toll Free)  

Meeting ID: 161 767 0267 

AGENDA: Public Comment on non-agenda and items 1 – 7. 1. Minutes, 2. Review and Approve 5/14/2024 -- draft agenda – use link or read full draft agenda below at the end of the list of city meetings, 3. Berkeley Considers, 4. Adjournment in Memory, 5. Council Worksessions, 6. Referrals for scheduling, 7. Land Use Calendar, REFERRED ITEMS for REVIEW: 8. Discussion and Possible action on City Council Rules of Decorum, Procedural Rules, and Remote Public Comments 9. City Council Legislative Systems Redesign, 10. Amend BMC Chapter 3.78 to Expand Eligibility Requirements for Representatives of The Poor to Serve on The Human Welfare and Community Action Commission, UNSCHEDULED ITEMS: 11. Modifications or Improvements to City Council Meeting Procedures, 12. Strengthening and Supporting City Commission: Guidance on Development of Legislative Proposals, 13. Discussion and Recommendations on the Continued Use of Berkeley Considers. (packet --- pages) 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/policy-committee-agenda-rules 

 

BOARD of LIBRARY TRUSTEES (BOLT) at 6:30 pm 

In-Person: at 1125 University, West Branch 

AGENDA: II. B. Amend Contract No. 31900013 add $260,829 total $795,651 from 7/1/2024 – 6/30/2027 for software licensing and maintenance for Library’s CARL X Integrated Library System, III.A. Proposed Budget for FY 2025- 2026 (expenditures exceed revenue difference made up with grants, Friends of Library and Foundations) 

https://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/about/board-library-trustees 

 

HOMELESS SERVICES PANEL of EXPERTS (HSPE) at 7 pm 

In-Person: 1901 Hearst, North Berkeley Senior Center, Juniper Room 

AGENDA: 6. Presentation Homeless System and All Homes Gaps Analysis, 7. Chair Update, 8. Safety protocol in Berkeley shelters, 9. Discussion/possible action on accountability of community-based providers under contract with City of Berkeley, 10. Staff presentation on CES (Coordinated Entry System) and HMS (Homeless Management Information System), information collected 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/homeless-services-panel-experts 

 

PLANNING COMMISSION at 6 pm 

In-Person: at 1901 Hearst, North Berkeley Senior Center 

AGENDA: 10. Keep Innovation in Berkeley receive staff report and provide direction to prepare zoning ordinance amendments. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/planning-commission 

 

Thursday, May 2, 2024 

 

HOUSING ADVISORY COMMISSION (HAC) at 7 pm 

In-Person: 2939 Ellis 

AGENDA: 6. Presentation Bay Area Housing Finance Agency (BAHFA) Regional Bond Measure, 7. Presentation San Pablo Specific Plan Update, 8. HAC Work Plan Process. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/housing-advisory-commission 

 

LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION (LPC) at 6:30 pm  

In-Person: at 1901 Hearst, North Berkeley Senior Center 

AGENDA: 2462 Bancroft Way – Demolition Referral (Use Permit #ZP2023-0107) – to demolish commercial building over 40 years old, 7. 1401 LeRoy – Structural Alteration Permit (LMSAP2024-0002) for the John Galen Howard House – public hearing – request to make repairs and improve fire safety, 8. Annual Report to City Council. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/landmarks-preservation-commission 

 

ZERO WASTE STRATEGIC PLAN from 6 – 7:30 pm 

In-Person: at 1901 Hearst, North Berkeley Senior Center 

AGENDA: Project Overview with public comment (virtual workshop offered on May 15 from 6 – 7:30 pm) 

https://berkeleyca.gov/city-services/trash-recycling/zero-waste-strategic-plan 

 

Friday, May 3, 2024 – No City meetings found 

 

Saturday, May 4, 2024 

 

BRINGING BACK the NATIVES GARDEN TOUR (free) from 10 am – 5 pm  

• YOU MUST REGISTER TO RECEIVE GARDEN ADDRESSES
• PREVIEW GARDENS on website and REGISTER: Tour is free, donations encouraged, https://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/view-gardens
• BAYSIDE CITY LOCATIONS (number of gardens): Alameda (1), Albany (3), Berkeley (10), Castro Valley (5), El Cerrito (2), Hayward (4), Kensington (1), Oakland (8), Piedmont (1), Pinole (2), Richmond (3), San Leandro (2), San Pablo (1)

Tour includes small and large gardens, all electric green homes and display of bird safe glass treatments at Keith Johnson and Erin Diehm in Berkeley, check out Stephanie Pruegel in San Leandro 

 

Sunday, May 5, 2024 

 

BRINGING BACK the NATIVES GARDEN TOUR (free) from 10 am – 5 pm  

• YOU MUST REGISTER TO RECEIVE GARDEN ADDRESSES
• PREVIEW GARDENS on website and REGISTER: Tour is free, donations encouraged, https://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/view-gardens
• INLAND CITY LOCATIONS (number of gardens): Antioch (1), Clayton (1), Concord (1), Danville (1), Lafayette (1), Livermore (5), Martinez (2), Moraga (1), Pleasant Hill (1), San Ramon (3) Walnut Creek (1)

 

+++++++ DRAFT AGENDA for MAY 14 – TO BE REVIEWED ON MAY 1, 2024 +++++++ 

 

AGENDA AND RULES COMMITTEE Meeting at 2:30 pm on Monday, May 1, 2024 

 

DRAFT AGENDA for May 14, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting 

Hybrid Meeting 

In-Person: at 2180 Milvia, 6th Floor – Redwood Room 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1617670267 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (Toll Free)  

Meeting ID: 161 767 0267 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/policy-committee-agenda-rules 

 

RECESS ITEM: 

1. Grant Application: Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMWHA) Program Grant to support contract with the Public Safety Family Counseling Group (PSFG) for Crisis Intervention and Critical Incident Stress Management Services

AGENDA on CONSENT: 

2. Brown,City Attorney - Repeal of BMC 12.80 Natural Gas Ban in new construction, 9th Circuit Court of Appeals found ordinance unlawful in California Restaurant Association v. City of Berkeley
3. Friedrichsen, Budget Manager – Amendment FY 2024 Annual Appropriations Ordinance $64,477,630 (gross) and $52,604,888 (net)
4. Sprague, Fire – Grant Application - $200,000 California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) Grant to establish an Alameda County Coordinator
5. Gilman, HHCS – amend Contract No. 32100126 add $25,000 total $175,000 with Anjanette Scott LLC for Housing Consultant Services
6. Kouyoumdjian, HR – Reinstatement of sick Leave
7. Ferris, Parks – Amendment #1 MOU with WETA (Water Emergency Transportation Authority) to accept up to $3,000,000 in WETA funding for the engineering, design and environmental phase of the new pier-ferry project at Berkeley Marina
8. Ferris, Parks – Contract $6,500,000 includes $250,000 Contingency with COWI North America, In for engineering and design of the Berkeley Water Transportation Pier Ferry Project
9. Davis, Public Works - Accept Donation $18,000 from Friends of Fountain Walk for installation of Benches and Repairs to Balustrades of Fountain at Marin Circle
10. Davis, Public Works – Accept Donation $50,000 from Residents of The Uplands from residents of 255 – 305 The Uplands to resurface City owned parcel (public street)
11. Davis, Public Works – Bike Share Electric-Assist Bicycle Expansion Agreement with Lyft Bikes and Scooters, LLC for the addition of 221 docked electric-assist bicycles and 11 infill bike share stations
12. Davis, Public works – Amend Contract No. 32300096 add $1,530,000 total $2,244,022 with SCS Engineers for Landfill Post-Closure Maintenance and Monitoring Services
13. Davis, Public Works – Amend Contract No. 32300080 add $750,000 total $1,500,000 with CSW Stuber-Stroeh Engineering Group for on-call engineering services and extend contract from 12/31/2025 - 6/30/2027
14. Davis, Public Works – Contract (Specification No 23-11556-C)$460,350 with Koios Engineering, Inc. for MRP Trash Capture FY 2023 Project
15. Davis, Public Works – Final Map of Tract 8639: 3000 San Pablo for 79-unit condominium project consisting of 78 residential units and 1 commercial unit at 3000 San Pablo
16. Davis, Public Works – Increase PO No. 22203563 for Nicholas K Corp dba Ford Store San Leandro add $20,000 total $155,000 for increased cost new vehicles
17. Davis, Public Works – PO $500,000 with SWARCO McCain Inc for Traffic Signal Controllers until 6/30/2026
18. Davis, Public Works – Revised Fees for Public Use of City-Owned EV Charging Ports
19. Arreguin – Support SB 1060 (introduced by Senator Becker, coauthor Senator Dodd) – bill text (it is short) https://legiscan.com/CA/text/SB1060/2023 SB 1060 requires the insurer to use risk models that account for wildfire risk reduction associated with hazardous fue reduction, home hardening, defensible space and fire prevention activities.
20. Arreguin – Support SB 1144 (Skinner) – directed to sale of stolen goods online - bill text (medium length) https://legiscan.com/CA/text/SB1144/id/2929074 SB 1144 requires that online high-volume (200 sales or more or $5,000 or more in gross revenue) 3rd party seller to Californians produced, procured, purchased, or acquired consumer products in legal manner.
21. Taplin – Budget Referral $110,000 for BYA (Berkeley Youth Alternatives) Counseling Center and Summer Jam Day Camp
22. Hahn – Relinquishment of Council Budget Funds to Berkeley Symphony Spring Benefit

AGENDA on ACTION: 

23. Naumainville, City Clerk – 2024 City Council Referral Prioritization using Re-Weighted Range Voting (this is where council reviews referrals to the CM prioritizes and eliminates referrals from the list
24. Arredondo, CM Office – Reimagining Public Safety Update
25. Kesarwani – Refer to CM to implement AB 1033 (Ting - passed 2023) allowing ADUs to be sold separately from primary residence – bill text (long) https://legiscan.com/CA/text/AB1033/id/2832426 ADUs defined as not exceeding 1200 sq ft if separate /detached or if attached shall not exceed more than 50% of existing primary dwelling
26. Taplin – Adopt Resolution designating J-Dock for community service and recreational educational uses and direct CM to retain 2 slips for Cal Sailing Club
27. Kouyoumdjian, HR – Update response to Audit Directives
28. Wong, Auditor – Audit Follow-up Status

 

+++++++++++++++ CITY COUNCIL AGENDAS FOR MAY 7, 2024 ++++++++ 

 

CITY COUNCIL AGENDAS for May 7, 2024 

Hybrid Meeting 

In-Person: at 1231 Addison St. in the School District Board Room 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1602251843 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (toll free)  

Meeting ID: 160 225 1843 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas 

 

CITY COUNCIL 4:15 pm Special Meeting 

AGENDA on ACTION: 

1. Public Hearing on submission of PY 2024 (program year) (FY 2025) Annual Action Plan Containing Allocations of Federal Funds to Community Agencies and Recommendation of Other Local and State Funding to Community Agencies for FY 2025 – 2028, includes HUD funds and allocation of federal funding for community agencies.

 

CITY COUNCIL 6 pm Regular Meeting Agenda 

RECESS ITEMS: 

1. Bustamante, HHCS – Contract $30,000 with Dr. Lisa Hernandez for Health Officer Services during periods when City Health Officer is out of the office, 4/1/2024 – 4/1/2026
2. Fong, IT – Purchase Order $135,189 with SHI for KnowBe4 Products and Services for cyber security
3. Ferris, Parks - Amend 4 Contracts – add $500,000 to each Bay Area Tree Specialists (31900202), Hamilton Tree Service (31900193, Professional Tree Care (31900212) and West Coast Arborists (31900218) for as-needed tree services and extend terms to 5/28/2026
4. Ferris, Parks – Contract $95,000 with School Foodies for Summer Food Service 6/1/2024 – 5/31/2025 with option to extend for four 1-year extensions total not to exceed $475,000
5. Ferris, Parks – Contract $8,593,200 (includes 10% contingency of $781,200) with THE DUTRA GROUP for Docks D & E Replacement Project at Berkeley Marina. Authorizes City Manager to execute amendments, extensions and change orders until project is completed
6. Ferris, Parks – Amend Contract No. 32300187 add $198,000 total $374,669 with First Serve Productions for additional sport court repair
7. Ferris, Parks – Contract $4,612,920 (includes 5% contingency of $230,646) with THE DUTRA GROUP for Berkeley Marina Dredging Authorizes City Manager to execute amendments, extensions and change orders until project is completed

AGENDA on CONSENT: 

8. Ernst, HHCS – 2nd reading to reform the Human Welfare and Community Action Commission (Kesarwani voted no on the first reading)
9. Numainville, City Clerk - Minutes for approval
10. Numainville, City Clerk – Calling for Consolidated General Municipal Election for November 5, 2024
11. Numainville, City Clerk – Ballot Measure increasing the City’s Appropriations Linit to allow expenditure of tax proceeds for FY 2025 – 2028
12. Numainville, City Clerk – Designate Ballot Measure Argument Authors – Initiative Ordinance Prohibiting Animal Feeding Operations
13. Radu, CM Office – Amend Contract No. 117569-1 add $25,000 total $127,218 with Animal Fix Clinic to provide no-cost spay and neuter surgeries to pets of eligible owners and shelter animals for FY 2024
14. Radu, CM Office – Return Unspent Funding $400,140.17 of $2,200,000 to UC Berkeley for Rodeway Inn for Winter Shelter
15. Oyekanmi, Finance – Formal Bid Solicitations $3,700,000, Comprehensive Permit Management Software Solution $3,500,000 and Dispatch Implementation and Ongoing Support $200,000
16. Sprague,Fire – Contact $4,000,000 for As-Needed Hazardous Fire Fuel Management and Treatment 1. California Tree Solutions $1,000,000, 2. Mountain Enterprises Inc. $1,000,000, 3. Small World Tree Co. $1,000,000, 4. Bay Area Tree Specialists $1,000,000 5/18/2024 – 5/17/2028
17. Sprague, Fire – Grant Application for FEMA for up to $7,703,926.83 with no city matching funds to hire additional fire fighters to meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710 standard for fire suppression operations
18. Sprague, Fire – Contract $213,000 with Marin SB Advisor LLC to provide management for Berkeley Chipper Day from 6/1/2024 – 5/31/2027 with option to extend for 3 additional years for $250,000 total $463,000
19. Sprague, Fire – Modification and Adoption of Berkeley Fire Code Local Amendments and Incorporation of California Intervening Code Adoption Cycle Amendments Based on 2022 California Fire Code
20. Bustamante, HHCS – Amend Contract No. 32300108 add $100,000 total $199,500 with Street Level Advisors, LLC for Housing Consulting Services and extend to 6/30/2025
21. Bustamante, HHCS – Contract $150,000 with The Labor Compliance Managers for Labor Compliance Consultant for HARD HATS Ordinance 8/1/2024 – 7/31/2027
22. Bustamante, HHCS – Amend Contract 32300144 add $15,000 total $250,000 with Resource Development Associates (RDA) for SCU evaluation
23. Bustamante, HHCS – Amend Contract No. 32200191 add $250,000 total $500,000 with Options Recovery services for Substance Use Disorder 1/1/2022 – 6/30/2025 adds 2 years to existing contract
24. Bustamante, HHCS – Contract $166,080 ($41,520 / year) with City Data Services for Streamlined Community Agency Contract Administration and Monitoring 7/1/2024 – 6/30/2028
25. Bustamante, HHCS – Revenue Grant Agreements: Funding from State of California and Alameda County for Public Health Services, 1. HIV/AIDS Surveillance $25,701/year total $128,505 for FY 2025 – 2029, 2. Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention $13,625/year total $27,250 for FY 2025 – 2026, 3. TB prevention $35,197 for FY 2025 from Alameda County, 4. Public Health Infrastructure $32,080 FY 2025 from Alameda County
26. Bustamante, HHCS – Amend Contract No. 32300134 add $275,000 total $4,845,500 to funding from State of CA Crisis Care Mobile Units with Bonita House for Specialized Care Unit
27. Kouyoumdjian, HR – 2023 Fee assessment – State of California Self-Insurance Fund (Worker’s Comp) authorizes payment for FY 2022-2023 for $240,397.76
28. Kouyoumdjian, HR – Rename Legislative Assistant to Legislative Aide and approve job specifications and salary range
29. Fong, IT – Contract $500,000with Catalls Public Works and Citizen Engagement, LLC for New Community Relationship Management (DRM) System, 6/1/2024 – 6/30/2029
30. Ferris, Parks - Amend Contract No. 32000188 add $200,000 total $425,000 with GSI Environmental Inc for environmental consulting services
31. Ferris, Parks - Donation $10,000 from Friends of the Rose Garden/Berkeley Partners
32. Ferris, Parks – Amend Contract No 32200098 add $115,000 total $1,453,000 with ERA Construction, Inc. for O & K Docks Electrical Upgrades Project
33. a. Commission on Aging – Refer to the CM steps to revisit and act on the recommendations of the Berkeley Age-Friendly Action Plan, b. Bustamante, HHCS – Companion Report 1. Refer to Transportation Commission to collaborate with Commission on Aging to assess public transportation options for older adult and disabled community, 2. Refer to the Housing Advisory Commission to collaborate with staff to assess the level of affordable, accessible housing options for older adults, 3. Refer Commission on Aging’s request for increased funding to the Budget and Finance Committees
34. Disaster and Fire Safety Commission (DFSC) – DFSC Supports funding of a Program Manager II Position
35. Disaster and Fire Safety Commission – Use Measure FF to Support Understory Mitigation, one-time eucalyptus understory cleanups

Council Consent Items: 

36. Arreguin – Budget Referral $70,000for school supplies
37. Arreguin – Budget Referral $50,000 Replenish Business Mitigation Fund due to vandalism and other problematic behavior
38. Arreguin – Budget Referral $10,000 maintenance of Cesar Chavez Solar Calendar
39. Taplin – Budget Referral $320,000 SafeCity Connect Downtown Berkeley Pilot Program for 2-year security camera program
40. Taplin – Budget Referral $82,000 for Waterside Workshops to support youth enrichment and climate resilience programs following revenue losses due to construction and street closures on Bolivar Drive
41. Taplin, co-sponsors Wengraf and Humbert – Ordinance amending BMC to include non-discrimination protections based on family and relationship structure
42. Taplin, - Budget Referral $300,000 unior Jackets Capacity-Building Grant to provide Young Lives Matter Foundation, Inc with funding for 2 years of operating costs for the Berkeley Junior Jackets Football and Cheer youth sports program and to develop longer-term sustainability and growth plans for the organization. Direct the CM to evaluate organizational capacity and strategic planning supported by this funding on a rolling basis consistent with Reimagining Public Safety and Gun Violence Prevention Program
43. Taplin, co-sponsor Humbert – Budget Referral $200,000 Vision Zero Rapid Response on Bicycle Blvd 1. Refer to CM to incorporate Oakland’s Neighborhood Bike Route implementation Guide for all Bicycle Blvds in Berkeley’s Bicycle Plan, 2. Refer $200,000 for Pilot Implementation of Neighborhood Bikeway standards and Complete Streets and prioritizing implementation on Bicycle Blvds on high injury streets and/or the Equity Priority Area
44. Bartlett, co-sponsor Hahn – Expenditure of discretionary council office budget for Celebracion Cultural Sylvia Mendez
45. Bartlett – Budget Referral $60,000 to support Healthy Black Families Community Engagement – Ashby BART Development and Equitable Black Berkeley
46. Hahn, co-sponsors Taplin, Bartlett – Budget Referral Fund Small Sites Program to Acquire, Rehabilitate, and Protect Existing Small Scale Housing $200,000 in FY 2025 and $150,000 FY 2026 for Capacity Building grants to the Bay Are Community Land Trust to support expanded participation in the City’s Small Sites Program,
47. Hahn, co-sponsors Humbert, Taplin, Bartlett – Budget Referral $360,000 over two FY 2025 & FY 2026 to continue Market match Program for Low-Income Berkeley Residents in accessing fresh local produce from Berkeley Farmer’s Markets
48. Hahn, co-sponsor - Hahn, co-sponsor Wengraf – Budget Referral $20,000 ($10,000 per year) to support the September Solano Stroll events
49. Hahn, co-sponsor Arreguin – Budget Referral CARE Program for Berkeley Fire Department, 1) Pilot Project to screen for cancer $40,000/year for 2 years, 2. Add FTE to Fire Dept for an in-House Fire Mechanic to service Fire Apparatus on-site $203,107 inclusive of benefits, $350,000 in one-time funds to purchase the necessary tools and equipment, 3. Fire Reserve Program to support recruitment $120,000/year ongoing to cover salaries for 6 interns training, supervision and equipment, 4. For one-time FFE (furniture, fixtures and equipment) upgrades to all Fire Stations Total $140,000 over 2 years for new appliances/enhancements to prevent cancer
50. Hahn, co-sponsor Wengraf – Resolution in Support of the Campaign for a Safe and Healthy California Send to Newsom endorse campaign upholding SB 1137 which prohibits new oil and gas wells within 3200 feet of homes, schools, nursing homes and hospitals and requires companies to adopt health, safety and environment standards.
51. Hahn, co-sponsor – Budget Referral $200,000 for Development of Voluntary Design Guidelines
52. Wengraf, co-sponsors Humbert, Taplin, Hahn – Budget Referral $7,000 per year for City of Berkeley Annual Holocaust Remembrance Day
53. Wengraf , co-sponsor Hahn – Budget Referral - $22,000 for Crossing Guard for Cragmont School
54. Wengraf – Budget referral $110,000 for Hybrid Commission Meetings for infrastructure costs to conduct hybrid commission meetings
55. Wengraf, co-sponsors Taplin, Hahn – Budget Referral $70,000 to evaluate pedestrian safety and implement solutions on Euclid between Eunice and Bay View Place
56. Wengraf – Budget Referral $300,000 Civic Center Plan III Advancing Pre-Design & Construction Activities for Berkeley’s Maudelle Shirek and Veterans Buildings

AGENDA on ACTION: 

57. Klein, Planning – Re-Adoption of Berkeley Building Codes, Including Local Amendments to the 2022 California Building standards Code including adopting a resolution setting forth findings of local conditions that justify more stringent regulations than those provided by the 2022 California Building Standards. First reading of ordinance
58. Agenda and Rules Committee – Proposed Changes to Public Comment Refer to City Manager to review and implement recommendations by the Open Government Commission to improve public access, transparency, meeting procedures and public comment at City Council and commission meetings. Direct the CM to return back to Council with amendments to the City Council Rules of Procedure and Order to implement these recommendations (committee - qualified positive recommendation)

INFORMATION REPORTS: 

59. Environment and Climate Commission 2024 Work Plan.

 

DISPOSITION of ITEMS REMOVED from DRAFT AGENDA: 

Referred to Public Safety Committee – Item 53 in draft agenda – Panoramic Hill a. Disaster and Fire Safety Commission – Adopt a resolution approving the development of a plan regarding Panoramic Hill Secondary Evacuation egress road, b. Sprague, Fire – Companion Report – Adopt a resolution directing the Fire Department to reach out to other impacted landowners to determine interest in pursuing and coordinate costs sharing to conduct a feasibility study to identify a safe secondary evacuation and access route for Panoramic Hill and share results with Public Safety Committee 

Referred to FITES – Item 58 in draft agenda - Bartlett – Recommendation that mayor and council establish EVITP (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program) to address increasing safety and fire concerns. Ordinance would require 50% of electricians per job installing and maintaining city-funded EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment and infrastructure to be certified by EVITP 

 

+++++++++++++++++++ Land Use - Work Sessions - Special Meetings +++++++++++++++ 

 

LAND USE CALENDAR 

2113-2115 Kittredge (California Theater) 6/4/2024 

3000 Shattuck (construct 10-story mixed-use building) TBD 

 

WORK SESSIONS & SPECIAL MEETINGS: 

• May 7 at 4:15 pm Community Agency Allocation Process
• May 7 at 5:45 pm (tentative) Adopt the Results of the April 16 Special Election
• May 7 City Manager Comments BINDEX Update
• May 14 at 4:30 pm Annual Report: Police Accountability Board and Office of the Director of Police Accountability
• May 21 at 4 pm Inclusionary Housing In-Lieu Fee Feasibility Study
• September 17 - open
• October 22 Draft Waterfront Specific Plan

 

UNSCHEDULED WORK SESSIONS & SPECIAL MEETINGS 

• Ballot Measures for November 2024 (May special Meeting – 5/23 or 5/28)
• Ballot Measures for November 2024 (June Special meeting 6/6 or 6/13

• Ashby BART Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Berkeley – El Cerrito Corridor Access Plan Presentation
• Dispatch Needs Assessment Presentation
• Presentation on Homelessness/Re-Housing/Thousand-Person Plan (TBD regular agenda)

 

COUNCIL REFERRALS to AGENDA and RULES COMMITTEE and UNFINISHED BUSINESS 

• Demolition Ordinance - Zoning Amendments BMC 23.326 Demolition and Dwelling Unit Controls

. 

++++ How to get on or off the Activist’s Calendar and Activist’s Diary email list ++++++++ 

 

Kelly Hammargren’s summary on what happened the preceding week is posted on the What Happened page at: https://www.sustainableberkeleycoalition.com/what-happened.html and in the Berkeley Daily Planet https://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/ 

 

The Activist’s Calendar of meetings is posted on the What’s Ahead page at: https://www.sustainableberkeleycoalition.com/whats-ahead.html 

 

If you would like to receive the Activist’s Calendar as soon as it is completed send an email to: kellyhammargren@gmail.com.If you want to receive the Activist’s Diary send an email to kellyhammargren@gmail.com. If you wish to stop receiving the weekly calendar of city meetings please forward the email you received to- kellyhammargren@gmail.com -with the request to be removed from the email list. 

 

+++++++++ HINTS for MANAGING CLOSED CAPTIONING and TRANSCRIPTS ++++++++ 

 

For ZOOM Meetings 

CLOSED CAPTIONING, SAVE TRANSCRIPT OVERVIEW, CHAT, DIRECTIONS and ZOOM SUPPORT LINKS: 

GENERAL
ZOOM has as part of the program -(for no extra cost)- Closed Captioning (CC). It turns computer voice recognition into a text transcript. Closed Captioning and show full transcript and the save option are only available when the person setting up the ZOOM meeting has activated these options. If you don’t see CC ask for it. If it can’t be activated for the current meeting ask for it for future meetings. 

 

The accuracy of the Closed Captioning is affected by background noise and other factors, The CC and transcript will not be perfect, but most of the time reading through it the few odd words, can be deciphered--for example "Shattuck" was transcribed as Shadow in one transcript. 

ATTENDEES 

For the online attendee, the full transcript is only available from the time the attendee activates Show Full Transcript. But if you sit through a meeting and then remember 10 minutes before it is over to click on Show Full Transcript you will only get the last 10 minutes, not the full transcript – So click often on both Save Transcript and on Save to Folder during the meeting for best results. 

 

When you click on Show Full Transcript it will allow you to scroll up and down, so if want to go back and see what was said earlier you can do that during the meeting while the transcript is running. 

 

At the bottom of the transcript when we as attendees are allowed to save there will be a button for, "Save Transcript," you can click on the button repeatedly throughout the meeting and it will just overwrite and update the full transcript. If you lose connection during a zoom meeting your transcript will be from when you started it to the last time you clicked on save transcript. Clicking on the Save Transcript repeatedly as the meeting is coming to an end is important because once the host ends the meeting, the transcript is gone if you didn't save it. 

 

Near the end of the meeting, after you click on "Save Transcript," click on "Save to Folder." The meeting transcript will show up (as a download to your desktop) in a separate box as a text file. (These text files are not large.) After you have done your last Save Transcript and Save to Folder (after the meeting is over) you can rename the new transcript folder on your computer, and save it (re-read or send or share it). 

 

Remember, allowing us attendees to save the meeting transcript does not require the public meeting host to save the transcript (for public record.) 

 

Saving CHAT: There are three dots at the bottom of the CHAT. If you click on these you should get a menu to save the CHAT. 

 

How to FLOAT / DETACH the CHAT or TRANSCRIPT from the ZOOM SCREEN so you can see one or both  

 

At the upper corner of the transcript and the chat there is a tiny box with an arrow. If you click on this the transcript and chat will pop out of being connected to the zoom screen. You can then move these on your screen for easier continuous viewing. 

 

If you activated the CHAT or the TRANSCRIPT and it has disappeared look for the header at the top of the zoom screen that says “exit full screen”. Click on that and you should see the CHAT or TRANSCRIPT again. 

 

Here is the link to ZOOM Support for attendees in how to save Closed Captions: 

https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360060958752-Using-save-captions#h_01F5XW3BGWJAKJFWCHPPZGBD70 

 

FOR THE HOST Creating / Scheduling a ZOOM Meeting 

HOW TO SET UP TRANSCRIPTS, CLOSED CAPTIONING 

 

When scheduling a meeting go to “Settings” scroll down to “Automated Captions” and allow captions, then allow “Full Transcript” and “Save Captions”. Once you change these settings, they will stay as part of your profile. 

 

Here is the link to ZOOM Support for how to set up Closed Captioning for a meeting or webinar:
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/8158738379917#h_01GHWATNVPW5FR304S2SVGXN2X 

 

+++++++ HOW TO CONVERT a YOUTUBE VIDEO INTO a TRANSCRIPT ++++++++ 

 

Open the website https://youtubetranscript.com/ 

Copy the YouTube url into the box with “enter a youtube url” and click on go  

The transcript (not perfect, but very close) will appear instantaneous