Meeting Overview

The Berkeley City Council meeting on September 24, 2024, was presided over by Mayor Jesse Arreguin and attended by all council members, including Rashi Kesarwani (District 1), Igor Tregub (District 4), Terry Taplin (District 2), Ben Bartlett (District 3), Sophie Hahn (District 5), Susan Wengraf (District 6), Cecilia Lunaparra (District 7), and Mark Humbert (District 8). The meeting focused on ceremonial matters, public comments, and significant updates, with particular attention to pedestrian safety, bike infrastructure, and parking issues.

Main Agenda Items

• BORP Adaptive Sports Expo Proclamation:

  • Councilmember Taplin presented a proclamation recognizing the Berkeley Outreach Recreation Program (BORP) for its 50 years of service in adaptive sports and recreation for the disability community. The 2nd Annual Adaptive Sports Expo on October 5, 2024, was highlighted.

• United Against Hate Week 2024:

  • Mayor Arreguin proclaimed September 21-27, 2024, as United Against Hate Week to combat hate and intolerance, emphasizing Berkeley's commitment to diversity and equality.

• Intersection Safety Concerns:

  • Councilmember Humbert raised concerns about a recent severe injury at the intersection of Warring and Derby, known as Zachary's Corner, stressing the need for redesign and reconstruction funded by a $1 million settlement with UC Berkeley.

• Mayor Arreguin introduced Paul Budenhagen as the new permanent City Manager. Budenhagen expressed his eagerness to work with the council and community. Mayor Arreguin also thanked LaTanya Bella for her service as Interim City Manager.

• Support for Black Repertory Theater:

  • Multiple speakers, including Duane and Dr. Derrick Mann, urged financial support for the Black Repertory Theater, emphasizing its community role and the need for funding to develop youth programs and address violence and drug issues.

• Criticism of Housing Offers for the Homeless:

  • Stacey Prado criticized city staff for offering unsuitable housing solutions to homeless individuals, highlighting her personal challenges with PTSD and past trauma.

• Anti-Hate Week and Palestine Resolution:

  • Ilana Auerbach and others urged support for the Black Repertory Theater and criticized attempts to block a Palestine resolution, calling for solidarity with Jewish Zionists in Israel demanding a ceasefire.

• Union Comments:

  • Amanda Montes of AFSCME Local 1 emphasized the need for collaboration to attract and retain city staff.

• The council and city staff acknowledged the public comments, with Mayor Arreguin emphasizing the importance of decorum and respectful participation in council meetings.

Decisions Made

• The council committed to securing the future of the Black Repertory Theater, with ongoing discussions to ensure its stability and continued contribution to Berkeley's cultural fabric.

• The council acknowledged the urgent need to address safety at the intersection of Warring and Derby, with plans for redesign and reconstruction funded by a settlement with UC Berkeley.

• The council approved an amendment to the contract with Saban Associates for communications consulting services, correcting a miscalculation to ensure full budget utilization.

• The council agreed to consider a budget referral for allocating $125,000 to the Civic Arts Commission during the June 2025 budget process.

• The council faced significant public opposition to the encampment policy resolution, with calls for more humane solutions for the unhoused community. The resolution remains a contentious issue.

• The council discussed refining procedural rules to enhance transparency and efficiency, including the handling of major items, public comments, and the incorporation of commission input.

• The council emphasized the continuation of hybrid meetings to ensure public participation and transparency, reflecting the current practice of in-person and Zoom attendance.

In conclusion, the Berkeley City Council meeting addressed critical issues related to cultural support, pedestrian safety, and procedural improvements, with active public participation shaping the council's discussions and decisions.