Meeting Overview

The Berkeley City Council meeting on September 10th, 2024, began with a roll call confirming a quorum, except for Councilmember Rashi Kesarwani. The meeting opened with a land acknowledgment for the Ohlone people. Mayor Jesse Arreguin emphasized orderly conduct and respect for decorum. The City Manager highlighted upcoming community activities. The public comment period included concerns about local and international issues, transparency, and the handling of homelessness and mental health crises.

Main Agenda Items

• Public Comments on Non-Agenda Matters:

  • Russell Bates criticized the Council for not acknowledging the genocide against Palestinians.
  • Andrea Henson raised concerns about hate crimes and police inaction.
  • Yasmin Jenkins urged better communication from the Council.
  • Avi Simon criticized the police response to mental health crises.
  • Diane Castleberry (AC Transit) encouraged public participation in AC Transit's Realign project.
  • Ava Crisanti questioned transparency regarding trips to Israel by city officials.
  • Gordon Gilmore criticized the Homeless Response Team's practices.
  • Jessica Prado highlighted issues with transparency and treatment of journalists.

• Consent Calendar:

  • Designation of Councilmember Mark Humbert as the city's voting representative for the League of California Cities annual conference.
  • Contract amendment with the Multicultural Institute for COVID-19 outreach and education (Mayor recused).
  • Mills Act contracts for properties at 1 Leroy Avenue and 7 Greenwood Common (Councilmember Wengraf recused).

• Action Calendar:

  • Item 31: Secondary evacuation access for Panoramic Hill, supported by Councilmember Sophie Hahn.
  • Item 36: Public hearing on ambulance transport fee increase.
  • Item 37: Homeless encampments and shelter offer policy, focusing on enforcement and humane treatment.

Decisions Made

• Consent Calendar:

  • Approved with the exception of items 13, 25, and 27, which were moved to the action calendar.

• Designated Representative:

  • Councilmember Mark Humbert designated as the city's voting representative for the League of California Cities annual conference.

• Secondary Evacuation Access:

  • Adopted recommendations 31A and 31B for Panoramic Hill evacuation planning.

• Contract Amendment for COVID-19 Outreach:

  • Approved contract amendment with the Multicultural Institute.

• Mills Act Contracts:

  • Approved Mills Act contracts for 1 Leroy Avenue and 7 Greenwood Common.

• Ambulance Transport Fee:

  • Adopted resolution to adjust ambulance user fee to match Alameda County's schedule, effective July 1, 2024.

• Homeless Encampments and Shelter Offer Policy:

  • Extensive debate on Item 37, balancing public safety with humane treatment of the homeless.
  • Substitute motion by Councilmember Hahn to enforce TNC policies failed.
  • Main motion, including friendly amendments for humane practices, passed.

The meeting underscored ongoing community concerns about transparency, effective communication, and the handling of homelessness and mental health issues. The Council was urged to take concrete actions to address these concerns and improve their engagement with the community.