Berkeley City Council Meeting Summary

Date: May 13, 2024

Key Points of Discussion and Decisions

Councilmember Rashi Kesarwani reported on legal settlements approved in the closed session: - Derek Brown vs. City of Berkeley - Charles Delphin vs. City of Berkeley - James Payne vs. City of Berkeley

Settlements amounted to $27,500 and $17,843.58 respectively.

• National Public Works Week Proclamation: Recognized the vital role of public works professionals. Terrence Davis, Director of Public Works, highlighted diverse roles within the department.
• Affordable Housing Month Proclamation: Emphasized the importance of affordable housing for health, safety, and racial justice. Tori Hoff from Eden Housing discussed the need for regional action.

The City Auditor presented the status of audit recommendations: - 30 recommendations implemented since September 2022. - 66 open recommendations across eight departments. - Key improvements included 911 dispatcher staffing and city employee retention. - Outstanding recommendations included a zero-waste strategic plan and better vehicle fleet management.

• Parking Issues: A public commenter highlighted limited parking permits for a house with five residents, leading to parking violations for students.
• Aurora Theatre Company: Representatives requested financial support due to pandemic-related struggles, emphasizing the importance of the arts.
• Historical and Business Concerns: A commenter discussed the historical significance of an Egyptian nuclear scientist's murder in Berkeley and the impact of stolen merchandise on local businesses.

No additional comments from the City Manager.

• Ryan Lau from AC Transit: Provided an update on the realign initiative.

• Item 17: Discussed the purchase of traffic signal controllers. Councilmember Sophie Hahn emphasized compliance with pedestrian activation policies ("beg buttons").
• Councilmember Mark Humbert: Highlighted items related to ferry service and pier repairs, offering new transbay options and vital transport in emergencies.

• Item 25: Proposed changes to parking and loading zones on Shattuck, University, and Durant to address delivery-related congestion and unsafe traffic conditions. Suggested changing parking duration from 10-15 minutes to 20 minutes for legal compliance.

• National Public Works Week: Highlighted the importance of public works in maintaining the city's infrastructure.

• Affordable Housing Month: Emphasized the need for regional action to address the housing crisis and the potential benefits of the upcoming regional housing bond measure.

• City Auditor’s Report: Highlighted progress and challenges in implementing audit recommendations, particularly in areas like 911 dispatcher staffing, city employee retention, and vehicle fleet management.

The Berkeley City Council meeting on May 13, 2024, covered a range of topics, including legal settlements, proclamations for National Public Works Week and Affordable Housing Month, and an update on the audit follow-up process. Public comments highlighted ongoing parking issues and financial struggles faced by the Aurora Theatre Company. The meeting underscored the importance of public works, affordable housing, and the need for continued attention to audit recommendations to improve city operations and services.

Overall, the council addressed several critical issues, focusing significantly on pedestrian safety, bike infrastructure, and parking issues. 🚶‍♀️🚴‍♂️🚗