City of Berkeley

The City Council will convene to conduct a closed session regarding the appointment of a new Director of Public Works, as specified under Government Code Section 54957(b). Following the closed session, there will be an open session to report any actions taken.

The council conducted a hybrid meeting covering numerous items. Key business included the approval of several contracts for services including online campaign reporting, animal care, and various infrastructure and consulting projects. The council also addressed referrals to city departments regarding the renaming of city locations, the development of a citywide local density bonus program, and amendments to the green code. Additionally, the council approved a resolution limiting the use of city property and considered revisions to procedures for designating landmarks and historic districts.

This document outlines the priorities and a five-year rate study for the Zero Waste Division, covering the period from fiscal year 2023 through 2027. It addresses enhancements in customer service, including improving satisfaction and diversion rates, and resolving high vacancy rates. A core focus is on ensuring financial sustainability through proposed rate adjustments to mitigate rising operational costs, comply with new regulations (SB 1383), and fund critical infrastructure projects such as the replacement of the Solid Waste and Recycling Transfer Station. The plan details a transition to an integrated zero waste service rate model, with new rates becoming effective July 1, 2022, aimed at ensuring the fiscal health of the Zero Waste Fund while maintaining and improving service delivery and achieving regulatory compliance.

The work session focused on the partnership between the City and the Water Emergency Transportation Authority regarding the Berkeley Ferry Service project. The presentation covered the public engagement process, the preferred waterside and landside concepts, and a detailed business plan including ridership forecasts and operational assumptions. Discussion also addressed community concerns regarding the impact on the waterfront, environmental and regulatory processes, and potential funding sources for the Design Development phase. The Council evaluated next steps, which include securing funding, cost-sharing agreements, and integrating the ferry project into the Berkeley Marina Specific Plan.

This document provides a comprehensive update on the City of Berkeley's climate action and resilience initiatives. It details progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions across transportation, building, and waste sectors, and outlines strategic priorities including advancing equity outcomes, promoting electric mobility, transitioning to clean energy in buildings, achieving zero waste, and strengthening community resilience. The overarching goal is to achieve zero net emissions by 2045 or sooner, while ensuring equitable and adaptive responses to climate change.