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In its last meeting of the year, the City Council will consider a request by Easy Does It Emergency Services Programs to increase its annual contract by $50,000. 

EDESP provides services such as transportation and repair when disabled people who rely on wheelchairs find themselves stranded because of mechanical breakdowns. They also provide attendant care in emergency situations. Members of the disabled community have criticized the nonprofit for providing sub-par service. 

In June the city approved a two-year contract with EDES for up to $1.3 million. In a letter written to the city manager, the EDESP directors said they need the increase for legal fees, improvements to their new office space and new equipment. 

The city manager has recommended the council adopt the item.  

Fourth bore backlash 

Councilmembers Polly Armstrong and Mim Hawley will ask the City Council to send a letter to the California Transportation Commission protesting the funding of the fourth bore of the Caldecott Tunnel. 

Armstrong has worked for a over a year on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to develop traffic solutions related to the Caldecott Tunnel. Before the commission was able to make a recommendation, the California Transportation Commission decided to go ahead and fund the fourth bore, which, when completed, may increase traffic congestion in south east Berkeley. 

Restaurant boycott 

Vice Mayor Maudelle Shirek and Councilmembers Kriss Worthington and Linda Maio will ask the council to adopt a resolution supporting Women Against Sexual Slavery in their boycott against the Pasand Restaurant. 

The owner of the Pasand, Lakireddy Bali Reddy is under indictment for transporting women, including minors, to the United States for sex and cheap labor. 

According to the written recommendation to the council, over 2 million women worldwide are sold into sexual slavery each year. “The demand is so great now, that women and children are being kidnapped or sold by their families. Impoverished young girls are tattooing their faces to make them appear ‘ugly’ as not to be taken to work as sexual slaves.” 

WASS is picketing the Pasand Restaurant to draw attention to a local example of sex trafficking. 

Wireless communication breakdown 

The City Council will also consider a moratorium on the installation of wireless communication antennae throughout Berkeley. 

Residents from several neighborhoods in Berkeley have complained to the City Council about the antennae which they say could pose a health risk. 

The council will also hear an appeal by neighbors of the Oaks Theater on Solano Avenue, where the Zoning Adjustments Board approved the rooftop installation of 12 antennae.  

Funds for public art 

The council will also consider an increase of $5,600 for the services of art consultant Steven Huss, who will offer his expertise on the University Avenue Median Art Project. 

The median is the last art project under the Measure S bond Issue, which included art projects at the library, two downtown sculptures and the Addison Street Arts District.  

The council meets at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. The meeting is broadcast live on KPFB, 89.3 and on BTV Channel 25.