Michael B. Barnes

The primary focus of this special work session was the City's budget situation, including a projected budget deficit of $32.5 million in 2027, even after accounting for Measure C funding. Key discussion points involved analyzing the causes of the fiscal challenges, which staff attributed to increased staffing funded by one-time grants, labor contracts not aligned with fiscal realities, declining market-related revenues, and failure to adhere to financial best practices such as inaccurate budgeting for overtime and over-reliance on police overtime savings. The council heard public comments urging fiscal prudence and transparency. Discussions also covered impacts of service reductions, such as reduced library hours, eliminating community grants, a reduction of two fire companies, and longer response times for illegal dumping removal and permit reviews. The session aimed to gather council direction on service priorities, cost savings measures, and revenue options to balance the budget for the upcoming fiscal year and beyond, emphasizing a path to recovery while attempting to maintain high-quality service delivery.

The meeting included the pledge of allegiance and established teleconference participation protocols for Council Member Bonia Jr. Public comment segments focused extensively on street safety and recent traffic fatalities, with several speakers demanding immediate action, quick build solutions, and accountability for dangerous corridors, including Foothill, Tennis, and Mission Streets. Concerns were also raised regarding the handling of abandoned railroad tracks and calls for accountability on shelved safety projects like those on Hayward Boulevard and Roose Road. One commenter discussed the confusing road design of the Hayward loop and the need for better pedestrian safety measures, including lighting and red light cameras. Another topic addressed was the city's budget deficit, noting that financial health requires reviewing both revenue and expenditure reports, and highlighting negative personal impacts due to neglected property/trash cleanup near rail lines.

The meeting agenda included discussion and action items, following a public comment period. A key presentation detailed a ten vesting tentative tractm site plan review and density bonus application for a 58-unit townhouse style condominium project located at 24041 Amadore Street. The presentation covered site context, which is located in North Hayward near transit access, and noted the existing vacant office building and parking lot proposed for demolition. The proposed project includes five deed-restricted affordable units. Staff detailed the project's consistency with zoning and the general plan, including requests for density bonuses, waivers, and concessions due to the inclusion of affordable housing. The project was noted as qualifying for an urban infill housing exemption under CEQA, with no requests for tribal consultation received. Commissioner discussions focused heavily on energy efficiency, specifically solar installations and battery backup capability for the all-electric units, and bicycle parking placement. Commissioners also discussed REEDNA goals, the city's commitment to affordable housing compared to market-rate development, and the availability of local financing incentives like the SKIP and BOLD programs to assist developers with impact fees.

The meeting involved the review of a conditional use permit application to replace one of six existing self-service bays at Bubble Machine Car Wash with touch-free automatic car wash equipment. Discussion centered on compliance with zoning and general plan policies, noise levels, and the legal non-conforming status of the existing car wash use. Conditions of approval included requiring on-site vehicle queuing, limiting operating hours from 24 hours to 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, and constructing a new masonry wall to replace an existing wooden fence for noise reduction. Commissioners also discussed ADA accessibility requirements, confirming modifications to a driveway, and addressed water reclamation and storm drain runoff related to the upgrade.

The meeting involved a work session to review proposed municipal code and zoning map revisions related to the BusinessFriendly Hayward project, aimed at streamlining permitting and activating vacant storefronts. Key proposals included consolidating eight commercial code sections into one, simplifying land uses into broader categories (office, retail, personal services), and relaxing permit requirements for selling beer/wine/cider, allowing distilleries in the downtown core, and permitting tattoo shops by right in certain areas. Stricter controls were recommended for massage establishments by requiring a Conditional Use Permit citywide and for data centers by requiring a CUP and limiting their location to the General Industrial Zoning District. Additionally, the commission reviewed a proposal to simplify the zoning map by consolidating three small commercial zoning districts into larger ones. Discussions also covered zoning conformance permits for Accessory Commercial Units (ACUs) in specific districts, focusing on low-impact uses like beauty salons and fitness studios, while excluding restaurant dining to mitigate sidewalk bending challenges.