Arts & Events

Worth Noting:

Wednesday is the evening where every meeting has agenda items that fit as a go to meeting and the Golden Gate Audubon Society with other local chapters is sponsoring Douglas Tallamy speaking on creating landscapes that enhance local ecosystems.

• Monday: The Youth Commission meets at 6:30 pm. The Peace and Justice Commission and the Personnel Board both meet at 7 pm. The Personnel Board Packet includes a report on City staff vacancies. The modifications in the Police Recruit and Officer job descriptions are to meet new CA law. Peace and Justice Commission has invited Indigenous Representatives to discuss the Shellmound and the Land Acknowledgement.
• Tuesday: Council meets at 10 am to vote to continue virtual meetings until the COVID emergency ends on February 28, 2023.
• Wednesday: The go to meeting of the week is Nature’s Best Hope with Douglas Tallamy at 7 pm. The Disability Commission meets at 6 pm and will take up Berkeley Bike Plan and Barriers to Pedestrians and Bike Safety and IKE Kiosks. The Police Accountability Board (PAB) meets at 6:30 pm. The PAB agenda includes the LA Times report on the Interim Chief and sexual harassment investigation and Bike Unit allegations. The Parks Commission meets at 7 pm. Turtle Island Monument and T1 shortfall are on the agenda. A letter in the packet from Todd Jersey Architects states the pier is safe for pedestrian access and should be reopened.
• Thursday: WETA meets at 1 pm. The Zoning Adjustment Board has 7 projects listed on consent, two 7-story projects 2439 Durant and 1752 Shattuck and two 5-story projects 1773 Oxford and 1820 San Pablo.

City Council is officially on recess through January 16. The January 10 meeting is just to renew legislative body virtual meetings. The agenda for the January 17 regular City Council meeting is available for comment. Use link or check agenda list at the end of this post. The January 18 special City Council at 4 pm is for the adoption of the 2023 – 2031 Housing Element. The packet with the report is 1428 pages. https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas

Check the City website for late announcements and meetings posted on short notice at: https://berkeleyca.gov/

BERKELEY PUBLIC MEETINGS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Sunday, January 8, 2023 – No city meetings listed. 

Monday, January 9, 2023 

PEACE AND JUSTICE COMMISSION at 7 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86100920098 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 Meeting ID: 861 0092 0098 

AGENDA: B. Discussion/Action items: 8. Shellmound Issue and Possible Modification of Land Acknowledgement Language with Indigenous Representatives, 9. Interim report to Council Reproductive Services and Education Access Survey, 10. BUSD Ethnic Studies, 11. Seating in Berkeley Post Offices. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/peace-and-justice-commission 

PERSONNEL BOARD at 7 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86538887981?pwd=eUFzelVyaFkySlR3T2ZPVUx4S3VhQT09 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 Meeting ID: 865 3888 7981 Passcode: 532989 

AGENDA: V. Recommendation Amending Police Officer Recruit and Police Officer Job Class Specifications (packet 148 pages) 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/personnel-board 

YOUTH COMMISSION at 6:30 pm 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87640969306?pwd=RkE3ZnlGaGNlRmhKN2lZSFBseWl6dz09 

Teleconference: Meeting ID:  

AGENDA: 9. Letter to BUSD regarding School Safety, 10. Workplan. 

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

Tuesday, January 10, 2023 

CITY COUNCIL Special Meeting at 10 am 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1619573075 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (Toll Free) Meeting ID: 161 957 3075 

AGENDA CONSENT: Only one item: 1. Resolution making required findings for legislative bodies to continue to meet via videoconference. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/city-council-special-meeting-eagenda-january-10-2023 

Wednesday, January 11, 2023 

COMMISSION on DISABILITY at 6 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88401482394?pwd=UlNUTThyaU5uLzBFd1dNYlQ1Z1BMQT09 

Teleconference: 1-669-44499171 or 1-669-900-9128 Meeting ID: 884 0148 2394 Passcode: 900267 

AGENDA: B. Re-submit letter to Council regarding current vacancies, C. 1. In-person meetings, 2. Inclusive Disaster Registry, 3. Accessibility of Voicemail System, 4. Public Participation, 5. COD meeting schedule, 6. Changing time to 5 pm, 7. Berkeley Bike Plan\Barriers to Pedestrians and Bike Safety, 8. IKE. 

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

PARKS, RECREATION and WATERFRONT COMMISSION at 7 pm 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89698730836 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 896 9873 0836 

AGENDA: 8. Annual workplan, 9. Civic Center Turtle Island Monument | Fountain Project, 10. T1 shortfall for current projects, 11. Summer camp fee increases, 12. Council reports, 13. Future items Parks Development fee, Citywide accessibility plan, BMASP, Animal Care. Letter from Todd Jersey AIA on reopening the pier is listed under communications page 14 in packet. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/parks-recreation-and-waterfront-commission 

POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD at 6:30 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82653396072 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 826 5259 6072 

AGENDA: 3. Public Comment on agenda and non-agenda items, 5. Staff report, 6. Chair & Board Reports, 7. Chief Reports, 8. A. Subcommittee reports Controlled Equipment, b. Policy and practices relating to Downtown Task Force and Bike Unit Allegation, 9. A. Discussion regarding future access to BPD Internal Affairs Bureau Reports and Information, 10. A. Nomination of PAB chair and vice-chair, b. review updated Lexipol policies, c. Discussion LA Times article (Interim Chief Louis and sexual harassment from 2017 https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-12-29/top-berkeley-official-failed-to-reveal-investigation-into-her-police-chief-pick ), d. Presentation and Recommendations for Policy Complaint #31 Drone Usage Policy. CLOSED SESSION: Complaint #21, Complaint #30 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/police-accountability-board 

*****Nature’s Best Hope with Douglas Tallamy at 7 pm***** 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85077996614?pwd=OElEbGR2U0JFbVhrUVpWZGdDR1NXdz09 

Teleconference: (not given 1-699-900-6833 might work) Meeting ID: 850 7799 6614  

Passcode: 844579 

AGENDA: Creating landscapes that enhance local ecosystems, creating a Homegrown National Park in our yards and spaces. Sponsored by Golden Gate Audubon, Ohlone Audubon, Marin Audubon, Sequoia Audubon, Santa Clara Audubon, Napa-Solano Audubon. 

https://goldengateaudubon.org/speaker_series/natures-best-hope/ 

Thursday, January 12, 2023 

 

LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION (LPC) meeting on Thursday, January 12 will not be public.  

AGENDA: It was announced at the January 5, 2023 LPC Meeting, a subcommittee (unnamed with unannounced members) will meet with Scott Ferris to review city projects during the day on the 12th. It was stated that under relaxation of Brown Act rules during the COVID emergency, subcommittee meetings do not need to be public and the meeting with Scott Ferris will not be public. 

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

ZONING ADJUSTMENT BOARD at 7 pm 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87165669901 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 or 1-669-444-9171 Meeting ID: 871 6566 9901 

AGENDA: 2. 1820 San Pablo – on consent – density bonus project – demolish the commercial building, retain and restore existing façade, construct 5-story, 44-unit (including 4 very low income units), 42,831 sq ft mixed-use building with 6840 sq ft ground floor commercial space, 

3. 2439 Durant – on consent – demolish 2-story commercial building, construct 36,529 sq ft 7-story mixed-use building with 8332 sq ft commercial space and 26,906 sq ft for 22 dwellings and roof deck, 

4. 1773 Oxford – on consent – demolish 6-unit multi-family building, construct 5-story, 21,048 sq ft multi-family building with 24 units (including 3 very low income) State density bonus, 

5. 573 Santa Rosa – on consent – construct 3rd story major residential addition exceeding 14 feet in average height and 20 feet maximum height, add 6th bedroom to the lot, and convert existing detached garage to habitable accessory building 

6. 1329 Albina – on consent – enclose covered porch and replace entry stairs in nonconforming front setback of single-family dwelling on a lot over lot coverage, 

7. 469 Kentucky – on consent – demolish single-family dwelling and construct 3,310 sq ft 3-story single-family residence and 2-car garage, 

8. 1752 Shattuck – on consent – demolish 1-story commercial building and accessory structures and construct 47,137 sq ft 7-story mixed-use building with 68 dwelling units (including 7 very low income), 1,210 sq ft ground floor commercial floor area, State density bonus. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/zoning-adjustments-board 

WATER EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (WETA) at 1 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89718217408 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 897 1821 7408 Passcode: 33779 

AGENDA: 5. Staff Reports weather service impacts, Federal Diesel Particulate Filter Earmark (DPF), State Operating Assistance, 2022 Ridership summary, business plan update, 6. Consent adopt resolution regarding remote meetings, 7. Approve legislative program, 8. Adopt final FY2024 – 2028 short range transit plan, 9. FY 2024 Fare program. 

https://weta.sanfranciscobayferry.com/next-board-meeting 

Friday, January 13, 2023 – A Reduced Service Day 

Saturday, January 14, 2023 

Berkeley Neighborhoods Council at 10 am 

Videoconference: 

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4223188307?pwd=dFlNMVlVZ2d6b0FnSHh3ZlFwV2NMdz09 

Teleconference: 1-669-444-9171 Meeting ID: 8422 318 8307 Passcode: 521161 

AGENDA: Not yet posted, check later in the week 

https://berkeleyneighborhoodscouncil.com/ 

Sunday, January 15, 2023 – No city meetings listed. 

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Agenda for January 17, 2023 CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting at 6 pm 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1610052107 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (Toll Free) Meeting ID: 161 005 2107 

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

AGENDA CONSENT:  

1. 2nd Reading - Zoning Ordinance Technical edits and corrections to BMC Title 23
2. 2nd Reading – Annual Appropriations Ordinance (mid-year budget allocations) $178,289,951 (gross) $172,028,412 (net)
3. Minutes
4. Approval donated sculpture gift Queen Shamiram by Fred Parhad valued $225,000 for inclusion in City of Berkeley Art Collection
5. Formal bid solicitations and RFP $3,506,00
6. Amend contract #32000146 for $1,017,000 with Aramark for uniforms and laundering thru FY2025
7. Amend contract #32000064 add $21,078 total $141,077.73 and extend to 1/31/2024 with Tiana Sanchez International, LLC for HHCS Equity Consultant
8. Revenue Grant Agreement: $2,473,611 for 7/1/2022 – 6/30/2028 from State of California Home Visiting Program for public health promotion and prevention services
9. ***Item Removed from Agenda by the City Manager*** Amend Contract 32000226 $125,000 thru 12/31/2022 with MidAmerica Administrative & Retirement Solutions for SRIP | Disability, Police Employees Retirement Income Plan, and Health Reimbursement Accounts for Retiree Health Premium Assistance Plan Reimbursements
10. Establish Classification and Salary Medical Director $15,671.76 - $17,802.72 monthly or $188,061.12 - $213,632.64 annually
11. Contract $822,512 with Presidio for Micro-Segmentation
12. 15-year Lease agreement with Bay Area Hispano Institute for Advancement to use 1718 8th Street in James Kenny Park 3/1/2023 – 2/1/2038
13. Arreguin – Support for SB 4: Affordable Housing on Faith Lands Act
14. Arreguin - 12th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on 1/16/2023
15. Arreguin – Amend Contract 32200161 add $75,000 total $125,000 with Community Development Partners to extend consulting work associated with Equitable Black Berkeley Initiative
16. Kesarwani – Referral for a Security Assessment of the 1700 and 1600 blocks of San Pablo 2 months after City of Berkeley lease of 27-room motel at 1720 San Pablo
17. Wengraf, co-sponsors Harrison, Humbert, Hahn – Support SB-36 (Skinner) Out-of-state criminal charges: prosecution related to abortion and gender-affirming care
18. Robinson – Relinquishment of Council Office Funds for Pacific Center for Human Growth

ACTION: 

19. Status Report – Berkeley’s Financial Condition (FY 2012 – FY 2021) Pension Liabilities and Infrastructure Need Attention
20. City Manager -Ferris- Changes to Selection Camps Programs Fees
21. City Manager – Klein & Warhuus – Affordable Housing Requirements – amending BMC 23.328
22. Taplin, co-sponsor Harrison - Resolution Supporting Trip Reduction Alternative for BUSD BHS Tennis and Parking Structure Project

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Agenda for January 18, 2023 CITY COUNCIL Special Meeting at 4 pm 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1619486060 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (Toll Free) Meeting ID: 161 948 6060 

AGENDA: Adoption of 2023- 2031 Housing Element (packet 1386) 

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

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LAND USE CALENDAR:* 

Public Hearings 

2065 Kittredge (construct 8-story mixed-use building) 1/31/2023 

1262 Francisco (add 40 sq ft and 2nd story balcony) 2/28/2023 

Remanded to ZAB or LPC 

1205 Peralta – Conversion of an existing garage 

 

WORK SESSIONS & SPECIAL MEETINGS: 

January 18 – Housing Element at 4 pm 

January 31 – Measure T1 funding 

February 2 – Hopkins Corridor Plan at 6 pm  

February 21 - Local Pandemic/Endemic Update Report, Housing Preference Policy 

March 7 - Berkeley Marina Area Specific Plan 

March 14 – Annual Crime Report at 4 pm 

March 21 - Civic Arts Grantmaking Process & Capital Grant Program at 4 pm, Civic Center Vision Project 

May 16 - Fire Facilities Study Report 5/16/2023 

Unscheduled Presentations: 

Climate Action Plan and Resilience Update 

Zero Waste 5-Year Rate Schedule (February 2023) 

Kelly Hammargren’s summary on what happened the preceding week can be found in the Berkeley Daily Planet under Activist’s Diary at: www.berkeleydailyplanet.com. 

This meeting list is also posted 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 wish to stop receiving the weekly summary of city meetings please forward the email you received to kellyhammargren@gmail.com with the request to be removed from the email list. 

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* The Land Use Calendar / Notice of Decision (NOD) and Use Permits with the End of the Appeal Period 

webpages with easy to find listing of building projects in the appeal period has been removed as another casualty of the conversion to the new City of Berkeley website. 

Here is the old website link (no longer functional), Please ask for it to be restored. 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/planning_and_development/land_use_division/current_zoning_applications_in_appeal_period.aspx