City Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening everyone. Welcome to the special city council meeting for April 28th, 2026. We have a quorum. So we can begin with a roll call, please. Council member Maloney present. Vice Mayor Pearson present. Council member Mendoza here. Council member Orleans here. Mayor Mer here. Please join me in the uh pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Public comment time for tonight's items will be three minutes each. In order to ensure that all speakers feel welcome to share their views, members of the audience are kindly requested to refrain from applauding or speaking to the council from the audience without being called upon first. In addition, in order to maintain decorum and ensure that no one's sight is obstructed, public commenters are reminded not to approach the dis.

At this time, the public is permitted to address the city council on items listed on this special meeting agenda. If you're participating via Zoom, please raise your hand. If you're in person, please file a speaker card. Your microphone will be muted. If you speak on items that do not pertain to items on the agenda, I have no speaker cards in person or hands raised. Do we have a motion to recess to close session? So move. I'll second. All in favor? I I We are recessed to close session.

Good evening everyone. We're going to get started. Okay, we are coming back from our closed session. There we go. Had to do it. coming back in from close session and we have nothing to report. Um, we need a motion to adjourn close session. So, I make second. All in favor? I I close session is adjourned. Moving into our regular city council meeting. Let's begin. We have a quorum. Can we get a roll call, please? Council member Mendoza here. Vice Mayor Pearson, present. Council member Orleman

here. Council member Maloney present. Mayor Meyer here. Do we want to take roll call of the shadows, too? Are you all here? Okay. Can you all I don't know.

Sorry, I'm having an issue with the monitors showing the council chamber. Give me just one quick moment. Okay. While we're working on that, is there a way to work on the air? It's very warm in here. Thank you. We're good. Proceed. Okay. Can you please join me in the pledge of allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Before we get into public comments, we are going to start with presentations. And our first one is item C1, youth and government ebikes legislation overview. Terrence Davis, assistant city manager, will give the presentation.

I got you.

Good evening, mayor, council, and community. Terrence Davis, assistant city manager. So tonight I have a quick presentation on uh ebike legislation and this is really in honor of our youth and government uh colleagues we have with us today and a policy issue that uh we think is really relevant to their cohort and their group. So, we're going to go through um a very brief presentation, and then make some recommendations in terms of next steps, assembly bills, uh pending legislation, uh go over some Brentwood specific safety data that we um have from our Brentwood Police Department. Uh then we'll share just a couple of very quick California uh municipal policy examples to show what others are doing and then uh some considerations and next steps for the council. So uh the foundation for ebike legislation goes back to 2015 AB uh 1096 and this is the fundamental uh defining law that established the three classes of bikes class one 2 and three which you'll hear about more in the presentation. I won't go into specifics here. You can kind of see the definitions, but this is really the cornerstone and the building block that future legislation and local ordinances were developed from. What's very key to understand is that uh this determined that an ebike with a motor under 750 watts, which is important in terms of speed and also safety, is treated as a bicycle. Anything more than that is treated as a off road vehicle. In uh 2024, there was some additional uh legislation that added some more uh details in terms of the throttle reclassification.

What determined a pedal assist bike? um when operable pedals were required, battery battery safety, some labeling requirements, and then uh out in 2028, this bill also included a rental ban. And that rental ban is not an outright ban. It is a ban if uh the battery in the bicycle doesn't meet certain requirements as prescribed by previous legislation. So, this is really kind of the next phase, if you will, and we keep building. In uh 2024, Governor Nuome signed four additional bills. And these again, they're presented here as a package because they continue to refine and define uh not only what class of bikes should have particular uh legislative regulation, but also uh really just starting to do some pilots here around age. So you'll see AB178 and AB 2234, which I'll talk about a little bit later, were two pilots that are currently in effect specific to counties, Marin County and San Diego County. And those those bills both banned uh riders under a particular age. So they gave counties uh excuse me, cities in those counties the ability and the authority to pass local ordinances to restrict usage. And I'll again provide one of those examples uh shortly. Um right now in 2026 the next package if you will of bills has just come forward. These are in effect now. Uh again additional regulations around reflectors. Uh increased authority for police empoundment. also uh defining emotives. So the difference between a bike with pedals and a and something that does not have pedals and those are

now required as a off-road vehicle and require some identification plates like a motorcycle would or a vehicle or car, right? So they are no longer ebikes. And then lastly, there were further refinements in terms of banning modifications to ebikes. And uh previous legislation uh really targeted mechanical modification of ebikes. And this legislation extended that to apps apps. So, mobile apps or computer apps that can be connected into the computer of the units that could essentially make modifications to have the bikes be faster or do other things. And so, uh that was the latest package. So, now let's talk quickly about what's coming uh or in action right now and being considered. These are not adopted bills. These are all right now in the legislative process in Sacramento. So SB uh 1167 has some additional language in terms of the standards between ebikes and e-odal e- modtos, excuse me. Uh AB 2284. This this allows the attorney general to publish lists about which devices meet the requirements of the legislation and which do not. Um AB1942 again targets some illegal emotals that make it into the marketplace uh and go after um standards in terms of making sure that they meet the requirements through labeling and some other um regulatory systems there. AB569, which I'll say uh particularly for our colleagues today, um is right now passed committee and looks like it will likely

take effect and and move through the legislative process. And this uh any K through2 student must complete a CHP approved ebike safety course to park their bike on school grounds. So that is very popular uh right now with the legislature. And then finally, another pilot. San Monteo County is also moving towards having a very similar pilot that would allow uh the restrict uh children under 12 from class one and class 2 bikes. So you can see over time the kind of stacking of legislation. These are all right now either in committee or moving forward in the process. But uh I'm presenting them here. There are eight total bills that are right now in Sacramento. I'm giving you these five because these are all moving through the process and have pretty wide support. So, it's very likely that some form of these bills will be adopted. So, why are we here? So, you've heard about the legislative history in the state. Um uh I reached out to Brentwood PD for their latest statistics on uh both collisions and calls for service related to ebikes. So from 2025 January to present there have been four reported collisions and you see here one no injury, two have had minor injuries and there is one major injury and the chief can certainly speak to any of those if desired. Um there have been 50 calls for service that are categorized as miscellaneous calls and those include anything as a disturbance to others and also anytime there was reckless riding. I want to just point out this is what's reported. Obviously, you can make the assumption that there are far more incidents that went unreported, particularly related to disturbances or reckless riding, but this is what's been

captured by our uh Brentwood Police Department. Here's two quick examples of some uh very different policies based on the the legislative authority. So, uh, Carl'sbad, which is in San Diego County, they have a minimum age of 12 for all e ebikes. Uh, they have a safety over fines approach. And so, youth can have their bikes impounded if you are a youth using the bike and you demonstrate reckless behavior or public safety risk. And those bikes are then released not with a payment of a fine per se, but with the parent and the minor or the guardian completing a safety course. So, it's really trying to drive safety and training as the tool. Uh, also of note, Carlsbad has banned ebikes in several parks, two specific parks, local parks or regional parks in their area, and then also through local ordinance allowed the city manager to add additionals if uh they deemed fit. Uh, on the other side, something much closer to home in terms of what uh we could do in Brentwood if so desired in the future as we explore policy. Dublin has um really focused on areas within their existing control that are outside of the legislation that I shared. So, uh sidewalk policy right now, California Vehicle Code already gives us the authority to regulate sidewalks. And so, uh in Dublin, as an example, they prohibit ebikes on all sidewalks except for entry and exit points. They also for parks which we also currently local governments have the authority they restrict ebikes to paved trails only unpaved trails are just motori

non-motorized traditional bicycles uh just to protect the trail integrity and also that shared use and hiker safety. Here's a few menu options if you will as we contemplate this as we go forward. This is not an exhaustive list, but given what I said in terms of where the legislation is headed and also what may fit for this community, here are a few things to think about. Expanded community education. We we already have some uh educational programs, but we could potentially expand partnerships. Many municipalities partner with their local health system. So, a John Muer Sutter Kaiser to do specific outreach. I will pause just quickly to say that John Muer has reported I think it's between 24 and 25 that injuries at the trauma center there for Contracasta has doubled. So many of those are head injuries and maybe no surprise many of their people they're treating are teenage males and so definitely working with advoc advocacy groups is may be a valuable strategy. Uh, also there's a possibility to prioritize infrastructure investments, identify key corridors, and look at enhanced safety improvements and roll that into some of the other improvements that our engineering department is already contemplating. And then finally, uh, evaluate a local ordinance where the council has the authority. So again, this is a focus on parks, sidewalks, uh commercial zones, and trail speed limits where you get some slow zones. So as an example, a focus on downtown Brentwood or, uh slow zones on multi-use city and city parks. There's options for a potential local ordinance.

So now what's next? This is just a receive and file particularly for our youth and government colleagues. again. So, but you can expect this is a real policy issue in the future to get legislative updates from staff as we develop additional recommendations in the future. Immediately, the recommendation tonight is that you direct this item to the city manager sitting behind me to take to their May 4th session to gather additional feedback from his youth and government colleagues. As we go forward, based on that feedback from youth and government, we also may want to consider engaging our youth commission or other community groups for feedback as we look at policy development over time. That concludes my presentation. Thank you, mayor.

Thank you, Terrence. That was really actually very educational. Uh this might be a good time before we move into our next presentation to explain for those of you who don't know why we have extra people sitting at the dis. Tonight is our annual um partnership with the Brentwood Lions Club and the youth and government program through which um area seniors, Brentwood seniors come and join um city council and staff and shadow them. Today we spent a lot of hours together doing that. They took some tours around the city um ask a lot of questions, very very good questions. And then tonight they're shadowing us to learn a little bit more kind of on the job. And next week on Monday they're going to be hosting a mock city council. Stacy, am I missing anything? Stacy's been very, very involved. Stacy leads that on the on the city staff side. Okay, so thank you again. Our next item is going to be C2, the Contraosta County Library self-service Sundays, and Allison McKe County Librarian will present.

I'll just tell you when to Okay, great.

Good evening, uh, mayor and members of the council. My name is Allison McKe. I am the county librarian for Contraosta County. Um, as you know, the county operates your beautiful Brentwood library here. Um, and I'm ready for the first slide whenever you're ready. Um, I am here to talk about the possibility of bringing self-service Sundays to the Brentwood Library at no cost to the city of Brentwood. Um, first I'm going to talk a little bit about the history of Sunday open hours uh at libraries in Contraosta and then I'll talk a little bit about what self-service Sundays is and how it works and how we plan to roll it out in the county. Um, so prior to the pandemic, we had nine staffed Sunday libraries throughout the county. They were very uh unevenly geographically distributed throughout the county. Uh the most um noticeable unevenness was that there was not a single Sunday open hours branch in East County. Um, the way those Sunday hours were funded were the cities would uh notify the county librarian and say, "I'd like my city, my council would like my city to have Sunday open hours." And the county librarian would generate an estimate for how much it would cost to uh open those libraries on Sundays. Nobody wants to work on Sundays. they they were extremely difficult to staff. Um we had to rely on staff volunteering to work additional hours on top of their

normal schedule. So those um libraries were very difficult to staff and um resulted in uh some of our libraries being open with only two staff members. So it was uh unsafe and not really sustainable. In March of 2020, when the pandemic hit, the county administrator at the time directed all county departments to reduce their budgets by 5%. And um that reduction in staff led to the discontinuation of Sunday open hours. We just didn't have enough staff uh to continue operating in that way. Next slide, please. So, um, we've been hearing from our library patrons since March of 2020 that they would really like our libraries to be open on Sundays. And Sunday hours are a pretty standard offering for libraries all over the country. Um because we are so uh modestly funded um the only way that we have been able to figure out to bring back Sunday hours is the selfservice model which is uh financially much more within reach and this also allows us a way to distribute the open hours more evenly across the county. So, uh, self-service Sundays offers limited service, unstaffed services at the library. There is a security guard on site. The hours are 12 to 5:00 p.m. And because we want the Sundays to be evenly distributed throughout the county, that means we

want to be able to choose which libraries offer Sundays initially. And so that means that the county is going to fund fully fund the cost of those first sun first six sites in perpetuity. Um the first site opened on December 1st, 2024 at the conquered library and it has been going um strong since then and there have been absolutely no issues there. Next slide please. The services that are available, like I said, are limited. Folks can browse the collection. They can pick up holds. They can return items. Um, they can use the selfch checkckout machines to check items out and return items. They can uh hang out in the library for reading and study. And they can use our Wi-Fi. Next slide, please. Um, like I said, it's limited service since we do not have staff. So, what is not available are computers, um, printing from the computer stations, any scanning or photocopying. We uh, lock the study rooms since those are harder to monitor. Uh, link plus, which is inter library loan from other library systems throughout the state, is not available. Um there's no staff so there is no reference help. Um the community room the large any large community meeting rooms is not available so there are no programs and we don't accept donations during that time. Um so folks who are eligible for self-service Sundays must be 13 years or older. They have to have a library card in good standing. So, no lost items on

their card. They must not have been suspended uh from using the library within the past year and they need to watch an online orientation and then come into the library branch and sign a user agreement in person. And for the folks who are not adults, so anybody 13 to 18 years old needs to come in with an a parent or a guardian so that they can sign the waiver on the child's behalf. Next slide, please. So it works very simply. Um once uh folks who sign up for it come into the library and sign the waiver, the staff there change the permissions on the library card so that when they uh approach the front door, they simply scan their library card on the machine that looks just like that and then enter in their PIN and the doors automatically open and they walk in and uh enjoy the library. Next slide, please. So, um, the policies are the same as, uh, for when folks are using the library when it's fully staffed. So, they must follow all of our policies, um, so that they keep the space safe for everybody. And if they do violate the policy, they could uh lose their right to uh access self-service Sundays or be suspended from the library uh even during full service hours for a period of time. The security guards that we have on site during self-service Sundays are fully trained in our policies and library staff uh is on call on every Sunday. And I'm happy to say we have never received a call from any of the security guards on a Sunday. There have been no problems

at all. Um miners who uh don't have their own self-service Sunday card. So those who are 13 to 17 um have to come with a parent. And those who are younger than 13 can also use the self-service Sundays without their own card. they just have to be uh in the uh with their parent or guardian the entire time. Uh next slide please. Um so currently we only have conquered open uh June 15th I think uh we will be opening self-service Sundays at the San Pablo in Pittsburgh libraries. Uh, next fiscal year, the city of Arinda and town of Danville have agreed to launch self-service Sundays at their libraries. And um, we're hoping that the city of Brentwood is interested in launching this next fiscal year as well. If you do decide this is a service you would like us to implement at your library, we estimate that we'll be able to launch it in Brentwood probably um the first quarter of uh 2027. Next slide, please. And this is the last slide. After those six county funded sites are launched, any city who would like to offer selfservice Sundays at their library branch can do so. um and they would uh reimburse the county for all of the costs associated with that. That's the end of my presentation and I'm happy to take any questions or comments.

Thank you, Allison. Do we have any questions? No, I just want to say thank you and it's so nice to see you off of screen. So, it's nice to see you in person, Allison. Nice to see you, too. Thank you. I guess my question would be if this is not an item where we take action and vote, how do we determine um if we are going to accept this offer and I think that's a Herald question. Mayor, we currently have for the record to Harold Duffy, uh city manager, we currently have an agreement with uh the county where we provide extended hours. So we would look at that agreement and modify that to incorporate this in the document. Great. Thank you very much. Thank you. This is this is exciting. I like this process. Thanks a lot. Thanks for coming this evening.

Thank you. Thank you.

Okay. Our next presentation is vehicle miles traveled VMT. Alan Bealar, city engineer will introduce this presentation. This presentation presentation. Thank you, mayor, vice mayor, and city council. Uh, with us this evening is Bill Burton with Fen Pears and Matt Kelly with CCTA or Contraosta Transportation Authority, and they will be presenting BMT to us. Thank you, Alan. Good evening, mayor, council members. Matt Kelly, director of planning at the Contraosta Transportation Authority. Uh, Bill Burton is uh with our consultant who are uh what I'll call statewide experts on vehicle miles traveled um and implementation of Senate Bill 743. So, I'll get into it. Um so, where did uh VMT come from? Well, it came from Senate Bill 743, which was passed way back in September of 2013, but was actually not implemented until uh July of 2020. So uh that bill changed uh the focus of transportation impact analysis in SQUA, our California Environmental Quality Act, uh from measuring uh the impacts to drivers and you know a driver waiting in an intersection uh to switch to measuring the impacts of driving. How much is a project causing uh more people to drive or people to drive longer distances? So we used to look at this uh the the impact uh from uh a development uh as a level of service. So um if I'm sitting in an intersection before a development comes in and I wait 30 seconds. Well after the development I'm

waiting another 15 seconds. That's the level of service and level of service is A to F. So you know if you wait 30 seconds it might only be a a letter grade C. But if it's degraded further, it goes down to a DE or F. So that was pretty easy for people to understand. If I wait longer in an intersection because there's more cars from a housing development, then the, you know, it gets a worse score and that intersection then might need some help. Um, now we look at vehicle miles travel, and I'll get into exactly what that means in just a second, but the intent was to balance the needs of congestion. like you need development, you need uh to have uh congested areas in the middle of cities where there's lots of activities and office buildings and and transit and things like that. But then the state also has goals related to infill development and making sure development is around those those uh transit areas and areas with infrastructure built for uh the development. And then uh promoting public health through active transportation. uh the more people are using transit and and uh are closer to their destinations where they could bike or walk um then that can lead to uh improve public health. Um also less driving uh can uh reduce greenhouse gases. So it really shifts uh what it does is the mitigations that come out of uh development that increase the amount of travel going on um go uh switches from increasing capacity. Whereas before you would maybe want to add new lanes to a street or an intersection to really how do we um kind of reduce the demand um for those new trips and maybe create ways that people can get around without uh getting in their cars. Next slide. Um so what is VMT? VMT is the total amount of driving generated by a project um expressed in miles. So if um if and it's

it's easier to look look at it um by what it is per capita like how much am I driving? Um if uh before a new roadway went in I was um I knew there was a lot of traffic and so I was only taking two trips a day. But then this new roadway comes in, there's an extra lane, um, no traffic. I might take three or four trips per day and my total miles I drove might be jumped from 12 miles per day to 20 miles per day. So that's kind of the science behind VMT. So it can be reported in different ways as I mentioned per person, per resident or per employee if you're talking about new office buildings, commercial buildings. um or it can be expressed in the change in total VMT but total VMT is a hard way to look at something because it can be you know in the thousands or millions um so it's easier to look at it per on a per capita basis so in general projects located in places with shorter travel distance and um that means closer to destinations um and closer to transit tend to generate lower VMT that's just kind of the basics and here's how VMT is calculated. This is very kind of simplified. Um but let's say the total uh uh let's say we're looking at um generally these the two numbers on the right should add up to the number on the left. So um but let's say your home actually yeah so your homebased VMT is measured by the number of trips you're taking that result that start uh are generated from your home location. So, um, mom, dad, and two kids leave the home in the morning. Uh, mom's going to work, dad's going to work, kids are going to school. They've each, uh, started a homebased

trip. Um, and then all the trips generated, uh, from that point are part of their VMT. Um, for a commute VMT, it's it's literally just measuring uh, the trip from your house to work. So, when you're looking at say uh building an office complex, we're only looking at that one trip. But if you're looking at a residential development, you you're looking at all those homebased trips. So, it's it's really just looking about the number of trips that one takes per day from a from or to a certain destination. Um so, um and it's how is it measured? Um it's not people kind of you know with a pedometer or their phone you know measuring how they're going. It's uh measured using models. So big complex computers that have a lot of data that can kind of compute uh the types of trips people are taking where they're going in general and the number the amount of miles. Um, when you're doing a VMT analysis, which is now required under SQA, you're having to factor in um the the land use where the project is being proposed, the size of the project, uh the location, is it near transit, what are the surrounding land use patterns, is it are there just homes or there stores that that someone could walk to or ride their bike to? Um, and yeah, next uh bullet is access to jobs, housing, service, and schools. So what are the range of uh places or destinations that someone could reach? Um and that lowers VMT and then proximity to transit uh walking and bicycling options all those lower VMT. So for SQA review the analysis basically looks at um how the project would perform um against an adopted threshold. So every location either has to have an adopted threshold or utilize an adopted

threshold. And that's uh what generally what happens in Contraosta County, but I'll I'll uh explain the nuances in just a moment. So uh once again, it's uh make sure everybody understands there's the absolute value or per capita looking at it. We generally look at it in a per capita rate because then you can understand how it affects the individual and it's a smaller number that's kind of easy to understand. Um, and really what what it focuses on is the efficiency of the project and the project location. So, is the project in a transportation efficient location? Does it already have low VMT? And if so, the incoming project would also presume to have uh to be a low VMT generating project. Um, and here's a map of what VMT looks like in our fair county, Contraosta. Um, and if you know where uh you're located here, well, we're located in a kind of a medium VMT area, but surrounded by very high VMT. So, most of East East Contraosta has very high VMT rates, and that's just because, uh, it's further from the majority of jobs, further from transit, um, and other services in general. But as you get closer to the BART stations, uh, to kind of the center of town, you do see VMT going down. And then if you look in kind of central county and west contraosta, you'll see that VMT in general is is much lower out there and it's just because of of the location um and the number of destinations uh you know within a short distance or by transit. Um so I'm just going to compare the two measures that we're we're used or the measure we're used to dealing with and that's level of service. So that's that kind of just really quantifiable measure of traffic congestion and it um it's just looking at delay and it's ranked A to F uh free

flowing to gridlock. You know when you're in LOSF LOSF is highway 4 um coming east from conquered to uh Bayoint in at 5:00 pm. That's LOSF. Um so next slide. And then LOS is not VMT. So VMT is looking just at cars and light trucks. Looks at how far the driver of those vehicles are driving uh in a day or a year and um it looks at what a project generates in terms of changes to that rate. Um so next slide. Um so now I'm going to talk real quick about um how CCTA is involved. We are um what we're called what is called a congestion management agency for Contraosta County. We have a half cent sales tax that we administer for funding projects around the county. Part of that half cent sales tax is the growth management program. Um that was part of our measure, measure J. What the growth management program uh seeks to do is to uh focus transportation around existing infrastructure, reduce uh the need for green field development um and uh and protect our agricultural lands. that's been around uh since 1988. Uh VMT kind of aligns with that. Um so as part of the growth management program, we do provide guidance um and a set of uh technical procedures or procedures that uh is consistent across the county. Um so both uh developers and consultants who are working on behalf of cities or developers know how to analyze VMT. It used to be about LOS. Now it's about VMT. We still allow analysis of LOS. So local jurisdictions can take advantage of that knowledge still. They just can't deny a project because of the impact on LOS. Um so we we really we

heard from the cities that they needed support with implementation of SB743 and VMT. So we oriented our guidelines uh that are required under the growth management program to um you know make that analysis and that transition easier. So our methodology that we developed is is it's mostly informed by state rules. We did um develop some local local thresholds here that are in line with state rules but we feel um are applicable in Contraosta County. Um we've set up a whole set of processes. We have a model available for everyone to use. Um and we took impact or impact input um from all our local planning directors, engineers um around the county from the 19 jurisdictions in the county. Um so as I mentioned, those guidelines provide uh the thresholds that you all use um when you're determining impacts from a project. uh screening criteria for which projects can be screened out. Um and then all the tools and methods um on on how to do the calculations and then what types of mitigations are appropriate uh for uh for mitigating the impacts of development. Um and then here's what VMT looks like uh on a city-bycity basis. So, I'll just point you. You guys are over kind of on the right half. Um about a third of the way from the the right. Um and you're, you know, pretty average for uh for East County. Um and but and and then those lines, those horizontal lines show the um the thresholds uh for both uh commercial and residential development. So, you will see you are over the um over the uh the threshold. So, now I'm going to let Bill talk about impacts and mitigation, the exciting part.

Yeah, thanks, Matt. Um, well, since the city doesn't have their own guidelines, they're they're falling back on the CCTA's guidelines. So, let's kind of go through what those state first. You know, we the the guidelines do allow for screening. So, if a project meets any of the screening criteria, it's going to be presumed to have a less than significant impact and nothing else is needs to be done. The second uh part of the guidelines is what analysis method is appropriate for the particular development be it a retail development or office development or a residential development and then which significant threshold applies uh and the level of review obviously um is coincident with the project's land use where it is how big it is its location and sequent context and then as I'm sure you you've probably been made aware of recent state legislation has has really changed the ministerial approval for for SQA specifically AB130. Um, next slide. So, yeah, h how do we apply these uh as a consultant team? How would we apply this to projects? First, the screening criteria. So, these are things like um a fire station, a police station, a school, a small mom and pop restaurant would would meet the screening criteria. Um metrics. So, if the project does not screen out now, we got to go back and do a VMT analysis. um we're going to uh choose the most appropriate tool, the CCTA model. We're going to run the project through the model um and then evaluate it against the appropriate threshold. Um the threshold will be 85% of an average. And that average could be the countywide average, the citywide average, the the nine county Bay Area average. It will be 85%. So the project in order to not have a significant impact is going to need to be below 85% of whatever is the applicable average. And then if we do find impact then we have to find uh mitigation and SQL requires that that mitigation be feasible. We can't just throw things out there.

So this is kind of a a flowchart that's in the guidelines. It kind of describes what I just went through. First we're going to do the screening criteria. If you meet a screening criteria, you're done. If you don't, then you have to do additional analysis. you find an impact then you have to find feasible mitigation. So let's go through mitigations. This is always a hot topic. Um if you do have an impact you need to find mitigation. It has to be feasible. Um so traditionally you're focusing SP743 really was focused on the types of land use and their location. So to the extent you can change the size the characteriza the characteristics of the location that's that's going to bring things down. Subsidize or improve transit access. um get people out of their cars by improving walking and bicycle infrastructure. Um pricing of parking is is a a very effective um measure when when appropriate. So that's reducing the number of trips if we want to reduce the length of vehicle trips because there VMT is two numbers multiplied together um increase the access and locate projects in efficient BMT locations. So these are transportation demand management measures. These are things like bus passes etc. improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities, transit access, land use changes, um participation in a qualified VMT mitigation program. None of those are currently available, but but are being worked on. The CCTA has explored a VMT mitigation bank. The state of California is currently fast and furiously working on a mitigation bank. They're supposed to publish on July one of this year what the guidance on that will be and how we can all participate. Go ahead. Next slide. So I just picked a random project. Uh it it it is just a project. Let's just walk through how how this app this particular set of guidelines apply to that project. It's a cancer center. It's an employment job center in Lafayette. Um so the secret transportation study goes is done. It

concludes there's a significant V BMT impact because people have to drive too far to their job relative to the standard. So that develop the SQA document develops a mitigation measure and then it's required that that development provide subsidies for BART and bus use. They're going to have to provide either a shuttle or uh paid for car service to the BART station. Have to provide car pooling incentives and a guaranteed ride home program. And all of those measures we do calculations which show what the VMT would come down by and the the impact is reduced to a less than significant level in that example. So love to take any questions. Thank you. Any questions or comments?

Yeah, I I I just want the public to understand that your state legislators have now made it so that we cannot deny projects because of traffic and where it used to be levels of service. So, how long do you sit at a stop sign? How long does it take you to go down the road? They're now using this BMT, which they won't even give us the backup for the data because I've asked for it. and they say they have models, but they never give us the output of any of the models at the county level. Um, I understand this is your job. You have to do what you got to do. But, um, this is just frustrating from a city perspective because let's talk about the East County Service Building. You guys are saying that the BMT is coming within less than 15%. I don't agree with that. So, I believe what's going to happen is that the county is going to come present to the planning commission on the East County Service Building, if I'm not mistaken. And my request would be is to actually come with the data that you use to develop the VMT because I don't understand how our VMT is not going to get worse when you have 400 and something employees coming down and mind you you're only getting 200 and something parking spaces for them and then you have all of the people that they're going to serve which are hundreds of people a day. So I guess my frustration with the county on this is that you don't give us complete data. So I my ask is please when you come when who I don't know who's coming to present but please make a section of it with the VMT. I would love to see the files. I mean I know you said it's an all analysis but some of us can handle that. So please send the files and let us review them. Um I have really a lot of concerns about traffic in East Contraosta and I also think we're being sold short. As a council, we've been asking for our city to come up with a city specific BMT for years because our VMT is lower than the county number you're doing. So then when we're we're forced to use the county number, the 15% isn't really our 15%. It's your 15%. And I really wish you would go to bat for cities and go, you know what, we know this is the county BMT, but this city's

really different. And let me tell you why board of supervisors because right now Diane does not care about what's going to happen to our supervisor Diane Bergus does not care about what's happening with our traffic. And I just hope that as fellow neighbors and residents of Contraosta, we understand the impact that it's having on all of these families that have to drive everywhere and that now we're going to be stuck on San Creek and it's going to take like half an hour to go up and down Sand Creek. It's it's going to be insane. The other thing that I just did not like is um I understand you want to reduce people from getting in their cars. I agree like if we had a transit system like New York cities, I'd be all about it. We don't. And when your slide tells me that what I should do to my residents is charge them for parking to get them out of their cars. When you have two kids and groceries and you got to run to park, you got to run to sports and you got to drop the other one off at music. That's really frustrating. It's it's really frustrating. So, I mean, I understand it's one of the levers that could be in mitigation. I just think it's insulting to a certain extent to people who you say, "Hey, go home and take care of your kids, but then you got to do all this stuff with your kids." And I got to carry gallons of groceries home, too. I know milk. So, I I'm I just frustrated. I'm sorry that you're the here the ones taking it, but when it came to the East County Service Building, I don't think that number was right. And I do think that that as a city we have to get to our city level VMT because it is far less than the county one and I don't think the county building would have happened had we used a city level VMT and not a county BMT. I I just want to note I I do not work for Contracasta County. Um we were a transportation agency so I can't fulfill that request you made to bring the data in as part of that uh report. I can try and communicate with county staff, but I'm not sure who who's in charge. But I just want to make it clear, we provide, you know, them guidance like we provide

the city of Brentwood. Um, so we um, you know, they're applying their metrics as you said to their project. We would support uh, Brentwood in development of their own thresholds. So that's what my agency can support you on is is definitely going through that process of developing thresholds that you believe are appropriate for this city. Do we have to show thresholds or could we just use the ones that are avail?

So that's generally how it's done. we we've kind of identified what VMT is around the county and that becomes kind of the existing baseline VMT and any new developments would have to come in at 15% below that. Okay. So, you know, if the city can set a more stringent um threshold if they'd like um it's and that and that's where we'd support you if that that's your goal to develop more stringent guidelines than we're already providing.

Okay. And so did you are you the ones that pro and I'm sorry you guys I have a lot of question this has been a big you guys don't want development and this is one of the things that we use to not do development so sorry it's taking time do you provide the data to like the city or the county do you provide the raw data or just the the output generally the output but we can provide the output kind of at the finest grain detail we can tell you what went into the calculation but um generally there's a there is a lot going on. Um it's a a model that covers nine the nine county Bay Area.

Um and it does spit out a lot of data for every location, but we do have the model. It has a lot more assumptions about Contraosta County um to make the the output more accurate. Yeah. So, and I you can reach out to me anytime. I can walk you through that because it's it is a bit of a black box. Thank you. I appreciate your your feedback. I thank you.

Other comments or questions? I will say that part of our discussion with our students today was about the state legislation that comes down and is uh forced upon us. Like it's all cookie cutter. It's the same across all the counties, all the cities across the state. This is one of the very frustrating areas that does not allow us to do what's right for Brentwood specifically related to transportation. we do not have the transportation infrastructure a lot of other cities do. Um and right now we don't have the ability to build that. So this kind of thing is extremely frustrating to us and I wanted the students to get a an understanding of of that as well. Um our planning commission did make a request. We've got an item later on this uh agenda talking about pending agenda items and they they proposed uh a BMT for the city specifically um September of 2024 um and it's in progress it says. So hopefully there's going to be some discussion around this and and potentially feedback from you all as well. But the as far as the East County Service Center, the SQUA being not required by the project saying there wasn't enough that needed to be mitigated, this is part of that too. So there there's there's a lot I'm trying to kind of tie some things together to the discussion we had earlier, but this is definitely frustrating for us and as is a lot of other legislation that kind of gets shoved down our throats. Thank you though for your presentation. It was thorough and we appreciate that. Thank you,

Mayor. If I may, uh just um calling us back to the reason why the county is here today. uh the request came through staff and Allan was brought in the CTTA to be able to address this particular issue. But I think what we heard tonight was that yes uh there is the difference between uh this organization and the county and two then they will help support us on developing our own VM VMT. Okay,

which is very very welcome. Thank you for that as well. Okay. Um, no other questions or statements. We're going to move on. We're actually going to now um move up proclamations before public comments unless there's any opposition to that from council. We have quite a few proclamations. I know some of you are here for that purpose. So, uh, we're we're going to go through them fairly quickly. Please bear with us as we do that. And I would like to invite council and secondary counsel to join me at the podium to do that. Thank you. Our first proclamation today is going to be for the Brentwood Lions Club. And we'd like to invite up Fred Ginsler. And when we take a picture, maybe all the Lions can come up if they would like to. Uh Fred is the member of the Brentwood Lions who represents the partnership for youth and government and who's been leading these efforts for 17

17 years. So he worked with the students today. He worked with staff to get everything all set up for this annual event and has has just been a huge supporter of it and a huge advocate for it and believes fully in how important it is to our um local students. So this is being presented to you Fred whereas the city of Brentwood of course

come on up you can come up. You can come up now. You can come up when we do the picture. However you'd like. We'll keep going. You can decide, but maybe we take a picture. You can come up for that. Okay. Whereas the city of Brentwood, the Brentwood Lions Club, Heritage High School, and Liberty Union High School have collaborated for the past 16 years to offer youth and government program to local high school seniors. And whereas programs such as Youth and Government empower students to develop leadership skills, critical thinking, and a commitment to public service. And whereas the city of Brentwood deems it important to recognize and honor those students participating in the 2026 Youth and Government program. Now therefore, it be proclaimed that the City Council of the City of Brentwood does hereby recognize April 28th, 2026 as Youth and Government Day. And again, this is being presented to Fred Gensler. I know we're uh tight on time, but this would be my only opportunity to thank uh all the students of course for their participation, but especially city, their council and staff because uh they are an integral part of this whole program. Uh most of them that you see sitting here were at a lunchon today. Uh they uh also had the students that um went with them back to the office just so they could see a day at work. But I must tell you that this is a unique program. Uh have not found anything even similar to it. Uh and I appreciate it. We have uh a new uh director of uh public uh uh parks and recrecks. It's under his purview, his department's purview that this program uh this is his first time seeing it. We've got a new

lawyer that's offered all of his time to any questions these students may have uh that would fh benefit them in their future endeavors. We have a brand new uh city manager. We have an assistant city manager. Uh so they are all brand new to this program. Uh, we have one of the best teachers ever, Mr. Butler right there. So, I wanted to thank everyone that was involved in this and especially the city for their support.

Thank you, Fred. Uh, we would love to take a couple pictures. So, Lions, why don't you join us? It's a full crowd. You can see this is a huge undertaking for all of these students to have someone to shadow with today. And of course, next Monday there will be a mock city council meeting. the city council members that are standing in uh here today are going to be actually making votes and talking about budgets. Um and then other people here are going to be supporting them in staff roles. So this is again a lot of investment in time and effort but everyone involved just loves it. Thank you. We are now moving to Rebecca St. is it Muel?

Michelle? I don't want to pronounce that wrong. I'm so sorry. Okay, we are ready for her. You have a large fan club out here and the sign and everything. Okay, so I'm gonna say Rebecca St. Michelle is a fifth grade teacher at Brentwood Elementary. She started her teaching career in Brentwood in 1999 and has spent over 27 years in public education. Mrs. St. Michelle is known for building strong relationships with students and fostering a classroom where curiosity, confidence, and academic growth thrive, earning her recognition as Brentwood Union School District's 2025 2026 teacher of the year. And now for the whereases. Okay. Whereas teachers play a vital role in shaping the role in shaping the minds, character, and future success of students through their dedication, creativity, and care. And whereas educators inspire lifelong learning by adapting to evolving classroom needs while fostering inclusive and engaging environments for students. And whereas the city of Brentwood recognizes the profound impact teachers have on families and on the future of our society. often going above and beyond every day. Now, therefore, it be proclaimed that the city council of the city of Brentwood hereby recognizes May 4th through May 8th, 2026 as National Teacher Appreciation Week. Thank you. You don't have to.

I don't. Well, I would just like to say thank you for all of my students and friends that have come and thank you for the amazing support. Brentwood is a beautiful community that I've been happy to serve.

Principal and vice principal like to join us too.

Mrs. Mary Black, we've had a request for you to come forward as well since you hired her. And now we are moving on to Rabbi Goldmid.

Hello. We all ready for this? Okay. Whereas Jewish American Heritage Month is celebrated each May to honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans. And whereas Jewish Americans have made enduring contributions in fields such as public service, science, education, arts, and business, reflecting a legacy of innovation and commitment to community. And whereas the city of Brentwood values inclusivity and cultural awareness and recognizes that learning from one another's histories strengthens and enriches the fabric of our community. That now therefore it be proclaimed that the city council of the city of Brentwood hereby recognizes May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month. Thank you so much. This is so beautiful and so official. If I hold on to too long, I might it might the whole traffic problem might be my problem in a minute. Don't worry, it's not that long. Mayor, council members, future leaders, thank you very much for recognizing and making a proclamation for Jewish heritage. Despite our despite our small group, our community has a deep rooted history in Brentwood. To highlight just a few because we can't really highlight all of them. In in the 1870s, right about the establishment of the city of Brentwood, Simon Wolf and Leold Liieber established the very first town center or then was known as a general store. In the late 20th century when the city transformed into closer to what it is today, Mayor Nathan Fiser helped lead lead the city through its early transformation. We see this legacy to continue through families like Nathan Gerski, his sons of Fry and the and the

descendants thereafter and many other Jewish pioneers and neighbors who have quietly contributed to the fabric of the Brenwood and for generations. To me, however, heritage isn't a trophy to be displayed. It's a living legacy. It's a lesson for us all. While we cannot tell every story here today, there is a clear thread running through all of our history. A commitment to acts of kindness that we are called upon to carry forward. We see the we see the same spirit in this in our cities initiatives. Thank God today with the volunteer programs and things like that. But it has to be our goal that we transform ourselves like the stories of our heritage from a people who simply do acts of kindness to to people who take it on as identity to simply be kind people. Despite the challenges we face, our community remains committed to this ideal. Daniel just a few weeks ago while one one by doing one of his volunteer opportunities he met Arena. Arena is a is bedbound hasn't been out of bed for a very very long time and she made a simple request. It seemed to be a simple request to get a CD remember those things a CD copied or scanned. Daniel tried to do that. You could be surprised how difficult it is to do today. He wasn't being paid. took time out of his own own work and he figured out how to make a copy, run back and forth over five times and figured it out for her. Over the past two months alone, our volunteers have made over 300 unique visits and delivered about 200 gift packages to our neighbors, including homebound and the and the elderly. So, as we recognize this Jewish As we recognize the Jewish heritage, I like to

leave with a challenge. Let's move beyond just doing occasional acts of service and kindness and let's make kindness our core identity. We don't share these stories of the past to seek praise but to inspire actions in the present. Heritage is only meaningful if if if it changes how we treat each other tomorrow. May we all find the strength that we need for and that we need to be there for someone else. And may our actions, more than our words, be what defines the character of our city. Thank you. One of the times I've met with Rabbi Gold Schmidt, and I know a lot of us on council have done that, he was very specific in saying what he really believes is that you should wake up every day and have purpose and have that be a positive purpose, to really think about every day what you can do to make the world a better place, to help someone in need, that kind of thing. And it sticks with me when you say things like that. It does. Is there anyone you'd like to come up for the photo? Thank you. Come on up.

Next, we would like to welcome Mary Casey Black. Where'd she go?

Mary is today representing the East Contracasta Historical Society and she has a teacher uh a school named after her, excuse me. Whereas historic preservation strengthens community identity by honoring the people, places, and stories that have shaped Brentwood's past and continue to inspire its future. And whereas preserving historic buildings and landmarks supports sustainable growth by conserving resources, encouraging adaptive reuse, and enhancing the character of our city. And whereas Brentwood's heritage sites and cultural landscapes contribute to civic pride, education, and a shared sense of belonging across generations. Now, therefore, it be proclaimed that the city council of the city of Brentwood hereby recognizes May 2026 as National Historic Preservation Month. No one better to accept this than Mary. Um, I thank you so much. I would just like to acknowledge the city council, city staff, and certainly Mayor Mayor Susanna, who has always valued the history of the area and truly sees it as a foundation for what we are today by looking at the past. And there's no better honor than receiving this on behalf of all those people who do this wonderful work out at the museum and also spreading history throughout the community. So, uh, thank you so much for recognizing that. And we are going to actually use this as a kickoff for a year-long planning for National History Month next May. And we'll work with Downtown Brentwood Coalition. Anyone want to join?

Next, we would like to recognize Julie Elum in honor of John Elum. John Elum was a Brentwood resident with a huge heart and a an appetite for advocacy and he would write to all of us in city council on a regular basis to make sure that we were well aware of any challenges the older adult community in the city were facing. So we would like to honor that today for older Americans month. Whereas older adults are valued members of our community whose wisdom, experience, and lifelong contributions continue to enrich our civic, cultural, and economic life. And whereas maintaining independence in aging is supported through access to meaningful programs, services, and opportunities that promote well-being and social connection. And whereas older adults remain active participants in strengthening our community through volunteer service, mentorship, family support, and continued engagement in local life. And whereas the city of Brentwood proudly joins communities nationwide in recognizing older Americans month and celebrating the many ways older adults contribute to and shape our society. Now therefore it be proclaimed that the city council of the city of Brentwood hereby recognizes May 2026 as older Americans month. And again this is this is going to Julie Elim in honor of her husband John who was a huge part of this city. He was former city manager. He was involved with the seniors club. He did a lot of volunteer work across the board and I'm sure you know a lot more than that.

Thank you so much. John would be so honored and he would be the very first one to say that these people who are back here who are also on the board as John was on the board of the Senior Center Charlotte and Leslie. Yes. And um how many others? Five or six others. And Howard who's up here also with us. They're the ones doing the work. And if you've been at the senior center, it's such a vibrant, interesting place. There's always something going on every time I stop by to pick something up. Um, it's just always such a great experience to be there. And John really, really appreciated and enjoyed the work that he did there. And, uh, again, he would be so honored to have and surprised to get the call that I got yesterday asking me to do this. So, thank you.

Uh, hi, my name is Ava. I'm was a part of the youth and government program. Um, and next up we have Stacy Dempsey. Water is an essential part of life, providing recreation, wellness, and community enjoyment through pools and aquatic facilities. And communities are encouraged to strengthen awareness of safe behaviors around water to reduce preventable injuries. And through education, shared responsibility, and proactive safety practices, we can ensure that every resident has the opportunity to enjoy water activities safely and confidently. And I would just like to say thank you for the wonderful tour that she's given us today. If we could give her a round of applause, please. Of course. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the city the city council of the city of Brentwood hereby recognizes May 2026 as National Water Safety Month. Thank you.

I will go very quickly because um because I know we have a lot of proclamations, but I want to recognize our aquatics coordinator, Rachel Owen, who couldn't be here to accept the proclamation tonight because she is out on the pool deck um managing swim lessons. So, all of our staff is out working right now either at Liberty, at Heritage, or over at the aquatics complex with swim team practice and um and swim lessons. So, just a reminder, in the United States, drowning is the leading cause of death for children under four. It's 100% preventable. We offer over a thousand swim lessons every year at the aquatics complex, and it's vitally important that everybody, regardless of age, learns water competency skills. We're surrounded by water. So many homes have pools, so we open for recreation swim in two weeks on the 16th. We're open for swim lessons now, regardless of age. If you're afraid of water, if you don't know how to swim, come and see me. We'll sign you up for a swim lesson. We just want everyone to be safe um and and have fun this summer when it's a million degrees outside. So, thank you guys very much. Really good job. You did

hi. Um I'm Heaven. I'm from the Youth Government Group. So um Oh, hi. Okay. Hi. I'm Heaven. I'm from the Youth um government group. And um this award will be presented to the members of the Brentwood Police Department. Brass National Police Week honors the Come on.

Oh yeah, guys. Okay. So, National Police Week honors the service and sacrifices of law enforcement officers, including those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, while also recognizing their families who shared in that sacrifice. National Police Week observances emphasize remembrance, resilience, and appreciation for those who uphold public safety, and the city of Brentwood joins communities across the country in expressing gratitude for police officers who work every day to foster safe, welcoming, and thriving neighborhoods. Now therefore be it complained the city council of the city of Brentwood hereby recognizes it from May 10th to the 16th 2026 as National Police Week.

Can I say something? Sorry. Um first off for everyone at Brentwood PD, I just want to say thank you all for all your hard work and keeping our community safe. this week is to remember the fallen and all the hard work that you guys do and also all the sacrifices that your family do as you are working. So, thank you all.

So, I too want to thank council for their uh continued support of our public safety as well as our community city leaders. So, uh National Police Week was actually established by Congress back in uh 1962. And if we go back to 1786, we've lost more than 24,000 law enforcement officers in the line of duty. So we stand here today behind the badge uh with honor, courage, commitment, sacrifice, and to honor those that have, you know, made the ultimate sacrifice and to be here as a support mechanism for the survivors as well. So that's what it's about. Uh actually May 15th is uh law enforcement memorial day and there's a large gathering that goes back to Washington DC and um it's they they have the unfortunate task of etching the name of fallen officers at the peace officer memorial. Um, but again, it's it's it's about um recognizing those that have made the ultimate sacrifice and we'll continue to do our absolute best to uh honor them as well as provide the highest level of public safety to our community. So, thank you for this recognition.

We'd also like to invite our city uh clerk back up standing. Yes. And where's Amanda and Sid? And Sid. Where's Yeah, exactly. Okay. to speak. Okay. already up here. I just

start um we're presenting this to Amanda McVey and Sid Debra. Municipal clerks serve as the trusted stewards of local government records, safeguarding transparency and accountability, and demonstrate expertise in ongoing training in elections, public meetings, and administrative support, ensuring effective functioning of local government, as well as playing a vital role in fostering public trust by promoting civic participation and adapting to the evolving needs of our community. Now therefore, therefore, be it proclaimed that the city council of the city of Brentwood hereby recognizes May 3rd through 9th, 2026 as professional municipal clerk's week.

Thank you. Sure. It definitely takes a team effort and I'm glad that you've been a part of it tonight. I hope you're enjoying yourself at the dis here. Um I just want to say thank you. It really is an honor to work and live in the city of Brentwood and raise my family here. So, I truly do appreciate serving. Thank you. Thank you everyone for bearing with us through that. It was a lot, but it was very special to us. So, we appreciate your patience. And we're going to now move back into the regularly scheduled program.

Oh, no, we're not. Not quite. Sorry. Can we have our director of human resources, Sakaria Bashers, come on down, please? And if we have any other members of human resources, Teresa, come on down.

So many residents may not know, but Sakari is this is our last council meeting with Sakari and we could not let this day go by without first saying that we thank you. We appreciate you for all your hard work, your diligence, your expertise, your class, your professionalism, and just how wonderful you executed the duties of the human resources department. And so all of the council wanted we couldn't send you off without anything. And we want to say thank you for everything. And if you change your mind, we're okay with that right now. You can just say okay tonight. But thank you. You are amazing. And it's been a pleasure to serve with you. And I'm sure my colleagues have something they want to say to you.

Um, so I actually had a few words with you when we got here and I again I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you and everything you've done for me. This is a hard role and you have always been a rock for me. So, thank you. When times have been tough, you are somewhere I could call and you would step out of your office and have conversations with me. So, I appreciate you. When I first met you, Sakari, it was it was a very scary day for me because I had just been elected and was thinking, "What on earth did I just do?" and you sat us down, Hovita and I came in at the same time and you sat us down and walked us through a lot of the parts that were just really confusing and we needed to understand moving forward the this other part of being on city council which had nothing to do with being up here. So that was really helpful and since then I have been able to reach out to you many times and ask for your confidentiality on issues I needed some support with and some guidance on and you always give it and you always give it with class and we're going to miss you very much. You've been an just an incredibly I mean classy, beautiful professional, just an example of leadership for our city. And so we wish you the absolute best and we will miss you. Sakari, you were basically my first onboarding contact here. You were the face of the city when I first came on and you did so much for me and you helped me. And throughout just the falling down on your face and getting right back up, you've always been such a stable support for me. And there's been so many times where I just contact you and I could just go into your office and

tell you anything confidentially and you completely just supported me in any way. And I've seen you do that for employees. I've seen you do that for other council members. I think the common theme here is class. You're beyond such a classy person inside and out and I beyond appreciate you and I hope you go shopping with me. So thank you Sakari. You onboarded me as well when I first came on in council and it was a very scary process. Pat Tanisha and I had a million one questions for you. The majority of my experience working with you here at the city of Brentwood is your support for the city of Brentwood. We truly appreciate everything you've done for every single employee within this city and it wouldn't be where it is without you. So, thank you very much for your service. This is about Sakari. Um, folks may not know, but Sakari started the department of human resources for the city of Brentwood. And to see a department that that was just that came about what was it maybe eight, nine years ago. And to see how she's transformed the human resources function into being a collaborative development teaching environment. I'm so fortunate that she picked me to come be the next HR manager a few years ago and the last two and a half years have flown by and I have learned so much from Sakari and her loss is huge and so I appreciate everything you've done for me, for the department, the city of Brentwood and for the community.

Okay, let me just I'm gonna keep it short. I just want to say thank you. Thank you for the opportunity. Thank you for embracing me. Thank you for just being open. Um, this entire nine years that I've had here at the city of Brentwood, um, I always I was told by one of my mentors, when you leave an organization, if you leave it better than what you found it, then you've done a good job. Thank you. So, I believe that I have I am leaving this in a better place than which I found it, and I'm so grateful. Thank you. What council is this cohesive about one person? We all are loving you. We all agree on that. And we have a little token for you on your next journey. We wish you well. Yeah.

Returning to our regular council meeting. Um, at this point, I'd like to offer to any youth and government students that would like to leave if they feel like uh the night's already running a bit long. No shame. You can leave now if you'd like. You can wait a little longer. We're about to go into public comments. Totally up to you. What you'd like to do, right? Nobody wants homework needs to be a priority.

Okay. Um All right. So, I guess we have people sticking around, but again, if you have to leave, not a big deal. Okay. So, moving into public comments. Um we're getting into this rather late. I'm going to say the public comment time for tonight's items will be two minutes each. In order to ensure that all speakers feel welcome to share their views, members of the audience are kindly requested to refrain from applauding or speaking to the council from the audience without being called upon first. In addition, in order to maintain decorum and ensure that no one's sight is obstructed, public commenters are reminded not to approach the dis.

At this time, the public is permitted to address the city council on items that are not listed on the agenda. Items that are listed underformational reports or on the consent calendar. Request for future item agenda items. new requests. Comments for the meeting's detailed agenda items or business items should be made when those items are called. Please limit your remarks to two minutes. The microphone will be muted when the timer expires. First speakers I have are Megan and Sahil. Madame Mayor, can I ask if our youth commissioners if they can have two minutes each so they can get through what they have to say to us. Thank you.

Thank you. Okay. Good evening, honorable mayor and esteemed city council members. Thank you for your time today and your continued support of the Brentwood Youth Commission. I am Commissioner Dowy with Commissioner Narula and we are pleased to report on our recent youth friendly business of the month recipients. We first recognized Tulsa Drew, a bakery famous for their pastries and for providing a welcoming community for all students. And we also honored Getty's Music, known for their dedication to music education and for providing a flexible working schedule for our local youth. And furthermore, as most of you may know, we hosted our multicultural fair on April 25th, and it was a great success. The event brought together the community of all ages, local vendors, and food trucks. These efforts directly support our mission to foster a more inclusive and connected environment for the youth of Grantwood. Thank you. Moving on to the commissioner. And also right before we transition into from what we have done to what we are going to do, uh I just want to personally thank uh Mayor Meyer and Council Member Mendoza for showing up and attending our multicultural fair. It was really great seeing you both there. And now let's move on. Right now, the youth commissioner is prioritizing new recreational events tailored for our youth and fundraisers to keep the commissioner's coffer going. New events that are now being worked on are a career fair for older youth, which is going to be somewhere later this year, which intends to feature large amounts of businesses and mentors. We also have been working on a completely unrelated STEM fair taking place on May 9th with meant for younger audiences and having a large space for exhibitors all across the city of Brentwood from all ages and all different categories of STEM. Along with this, we recently launched the youth commission civic essay competition on the 8th of January. I'm pretty sure

applications will be closing on May 1st. So yeah, and it will be able to be accessed through this summer activities guide registration page. This competition will serve as a way to foster youth engagement, allow us to give back to the community, and receive from much neededed funds as there is an entry fee. We also plan to I think we did actually open up applications for term limited seats for the youth commission in the coming couple of months or I'm pretty sure we did. Yeah. Finally, we'd just like to give a big thank you to Madame Mayor Meyer and to the whole city council for again allowing the commission to exist and supporting our initiatives all these years. Now, with that, thank you city council staff and city council members. We yield the floor.

Next up, we have speaker Melissa Van Ruden. No. Next time.

Next speaker is Leaky. Good evening, Mayor. Good evening, council members. I want to share what life has been like on Chandler Drive. It's 3:00 in the morning. You're asleep and then something wakes you up from deep sleep. Not gradually, not gently. A commercial truck slams into the loading dock two 20 feet from your bedroom wall. The backup alarms cut through the quiet of the night. Metal containers crash against each other. And then the vibration, earthquake like tremors. They move through the ground. You lie there awake. You won't. You wait for it to stop. Maybe it does. Maybe it doesn't. Maybe you drift back off to sleep. But the guarantee is it starts again and again and again. This has been the life on Chandler Drive for more than two and a half years. We made the largest financial investment in our lives in homes that are slowly killing us through sleep deprivation, through air pollution, through conditions that were known well before an a single home was ever built or sold. The noise. There was an acoustical report prepared here in TW in 2016 during the entitlement process before a single home was built or sold document that nighttime noise peaks of 73 dB at our boundary. The city's own limit is 65. Decibel scale is not linear does not work like the volume on your TV. The eight dB represent six times greater energy. that is three times louder to the human ear. This the report itself stated compliance cannot be guaranteed while WCO continues nighttime deliveries. The city approved the development anyway. Second is the air pollution. Diesel exhaust contains more than four 40 toxic

air contaminants including carcinogens like benzene, formaldahhide, ar excuse me arsenic, cadmium. Their international agency for research on cancer classifies diesel exhaust as group one carcinogen the highest possible classification. These carcinogens bypass all hepoiltr filtration systems almost entirely. California air resource board and its air quality and land use handbook advis

I I believe staff is aware of the situation. There have been some emails on this and so um there's going to be some followup with the resident.

Okay, thank you. For our next speaker, we have Raza and city council members. Um I'm also a resident of Chandler Drive in Brenford and uh I and my family that includes a kid who's barely like a month old. uh we have been exposed to like carcinogenic fumes coming out of diesel engines of vinco trucks and sometimes literally like uh standing right next to the wall. Uh the noise the many earthquakes are like in addition to that. So we have been waking up like 3:00 a.m. in the morning recording making the video uh writing emails uh for help and we haven't been getting any significant help. So I will continue from where Lisha left and um we are presenting to the city council three formal demands. The first one is permanent relocation of the loading dock and trash shoot to the commercial side of Binkco property where they already have uh um that that facility available but for some reason they are not using it. Um this should be away from the Chandler Drive uh residential boundary. uh this is the only solution that addresses the source. Uh the second demand is uh we are requesting full disclosure of every environmental study including air quality assessment uh conducted before approval of this development. We are making this formal request under the California public records act. Um we the residents have the legal right to see what the city knew. Um and third and final demand is a specific and committed timeline for relocation communicated directly to the residents of Chandler Drive, not buried in the case files. A real timeline uh from city leadership

presented to us uh directly. Um the city council has the authority to act under California civil code section 3479 3480. Uh this council has the obligation to act. I will just um repeat uh requate the loading dot. The speaker's timer has expired. Amanda, do you need the request for the uh public records in writing or I can accept the information that they're requesting here and play back for an official request.

Thank you. For our next speaker, we have Sam. Good evening, council. Members of the council, the evidence is on the record. The law is on our side. The harm is personal, and the time for action is now. The council has the authority to act under California civil code section 3479 and 3480. This this council has the obligation to act. Relocate the loading dock. Relocate the trash chat and remove the source. Honor your obligation. Me and my wife and my two kids, we invested $800,000 in a property on Chandler uh for uh to have a piece of life in there. And now, uh, all four of us live in one bedroom because the noise is extremely loud. And my kids, they wake up 2:00 a.m. in the morning and they come run to our room and we all sleep in one master bedroom. The all the other rooms are useless because nobody can sleep there. It's super loud and noisy and the ground shakes. Thank you. For our next speaker, we have Danny.

Wow. Okay. Well, first let me start off by Can we restart Mr. Dorman's clock? His his light wasn't on.

Thank you. You must have seen what I got ready to read here. Uh, but I want to start by thanking the kids for staying because this is your voice. You get to speak to the people that you will be voting for and good, bad or indifferent, they have to hear you here. Trust me, they have to hear you here. Let me start by saying last year was a hot mess. Just a couple of examples. We lost $500,000. We lost the trust of the police and the council slipped a bit. Fast forward to today. We've cleaned house to my left with the exception of Amanda who deserves a raise. Harold, she deserves a raise. And we have a great interim chief. I really wish get rid of that dog on adjective. There are those who focus on issues such as the fifth beat. It's my understanding we've hire hired five new cops. Oh, not even going to look at me now. Geez. All right. And I believe there are two that are going into the pipeline. Uh I was asked about the fifth beat and I said, "Would you rather have a good cop or just a badge?" We have extremely high standards and we have new cops again thanks to our interim chief. I witnessed an instance last year when a group of kids were acting like kids at the streets. The Brentwood of 2003 would have had a terrible outcome. Trust me, I know I had to deal with the chief in 2006 because the cops wanted to arrest my kid for mayhem. So, trust me and for me to support the police based upon

what I just said. They wanted to arrest my son for mayhem. Should be a testament to what they're doing. Thank you.

Next, we have Tracy.

Well, hello. It's good to see you all. Um, I want to be I was going to ask talk about my um my issue, but I did want to thank um Miss Mendoza about the VMT questions because that was a part of this community service center and their environmental negative impact study um that I've been objecting to because of their their reports are just faulty. um just about everything they're issuing these days has mistakes. So anyway, I want to thank you for that because that's another part part of my issues. But I'm also here is because I want to invite anyone of you if you want to sign the notice of intent to recall Supervisor Diane Burgess. I have my clipboard and I can wait for you if you all are interested in it. So, we're still collecting signatures. We may not need these signatures, but we're more than happy to collect as many as we can get. So, I just invite you all.

Next is Paul. Good evening. An activist stated in this chamber that the police have killed 7,000 people in the last year. I believe forcing division and mistrust between the community and police is part of the national defund the police movement. These activists will never give out their cards to call them if you are being attacked or if you have a medical emergency. The police do. For the record, in 2025, 1,024 people were killed during police encounters. 45 police were killed. 347 were injured. 98 unarmed people were killed. This is out of 50 million encounters. Does anyone on the council or our city manager think about asymmetrical warfare here in Brentwood? What does that mean? There are four basic principles. Disrupt, divert, overwhelm, and defeat. A flash mob is an example. We have had these on occasion in the streets of Brentwood. This is also a common protest tactic. Are we ready for it? We are in a time of war with insurgents already in our country. We cannot def depend on the state of California to respond to countywide or statewide emergencies that caused by terrorist cells. I've asked the council and police on multiple occasions if there is a plan in place to mitigate a massive outage say the water system and to harm our infrastructure. So far I'm not aware of a response. Have you taken any action joining with other other municipalities to lobby the

Democrats in Sacramento who have engineered the highest cost of gasoline in the nation to provide badly needed cost relief to us in Brenwood? Thank you. Next is Stephanie. Good evening, mayor, council, staff, all others present in the chamber and those online. If you're looking for an opportunity to get outdoors, have some fun, and be part of something positive, I've got the event for you. Saturday, June 20th is race day for Miles for Mayo 5K. Miles for Mayo began in 2022, born out of loss and grief, but we chose to turn that pain into purpose. What started in heartbreak has grown into an annual tradition centered on movement, community, and giving back. Miles for Mayo 5K is more than a race. It's an experience. Kids sprinting to the finish. Families walking together. Friends laughing on the trail. Competitive runners chasing trophies and medals. Neighbors cheering. Great energy all morning long. Miles for Mayo is for all ages, all paces. Everyone is welcome. And every registration helps make a difference. Since Miles for Mayo began in 2022, we've donated more than $60,000 to Brentwood schools, students, and youth runners. So, if you want to move your body, support local kids, or get involved, join us on June 20th. To learn more, register, sponsor, or volunteer, please visit miles foro at www.mmileforo.org.

We're also on Instagram, Facebook, and Tik Tok. Thank you and I hope to see you all there. We have no more additional speakers. Thank you very much. We're going to take a very short break.

Okay, we are starting the meeting up again and moving into consent calendar. Anything to pull or do we have a motion? I'd like to just talk quickly about F20. Okay, so we're pulling F20. Any others? I make a motion to approve consent absent all of the uh uh the pro the pulling of F20. Second. Second F20. What you said? Yeah. Huh? What? We can't understand. Okay. Do you have Okay, so we had a first and a second. Yes. Yes. All in favor? I.

So consent moves forward minus F20. Uh, Council Member Maloney.

No, they left. Um the question from staff had arose about um if we wanted to have the residents do a pre-qualification prior to um actually applying or being pulled and then I remember the city attorney said that would make it a little bit difficult for residents to do that. So did we want to actually do with the pre-qualification or just keep it the way it is? I I if I can I I think the city attorney's comment wasn't that was going to be difficult, but I'll let him speak for himself. I didn't So So I think um what I said specifically is if you implement the pre-qualification um requirement, you're likely to have a a smaller waiting list. And so if the objective is to cast a broader net and have the most people possible apply, then without the pre-qualification would cast a broader net. If you use the pre-qualification, you may have fewer people on the waiting list, but those people who are on the waiting list are more likely to meet the qualification criteria. And so it depends on how you're thinking about this. Um what do you uh like what what your objectives are if you're seeking the broader sort of number of people on the list uh recognizing that when it comes to time for qualification that that that broad number there may not be um at a high an equally high qualification percentage that's you know the broad net is without it. If you want the higher qualification percentage, but recognizing fewer people be on the list, then that's using the pre-qualification requirement.

It sounds like it's just a question. Do you want to preload the work or do the work after the fact, right? It's just you're shifting the timing and um I mean, it didn't I think I was more concerned about the buckets and people being pulled off the list more than I'm just worried about the pool. So, if we make our pool a lot smaller, since we said that if you get picked by the lottery, you go to the next top list or qualifying list, would this just limit how many people apply for this process because they're not going to get this pre-qualification service done, but they won't get a house anyway if they don't qualify?

Yeah. Well, and I think too that one of the concerns that the council had is that we had people that were on the waiting list, pulled the number, and then they started the qualification pro they start the qualification process and they didn't qualify. And so by by having the people do the work ahead of time, it's a it may be a smaller list, but you'll have an applicant pool that that will most likely be eligible for the for the for the for the for the program. So less likely to have someone who never started that process uh who got pulled from the lottery and then finding out they're they're not going to be they don't they don't qualify. And so that so this was just as part of the discussion the council had uh one of your members indicated that I talked about supporting this but in the final motion it was not there and so I put it back on just to make sure the council if they wanted to include that they can they can consider it. I have no objections to the pre-qualification. I think the only benefit to not doing a pre-qualification is that we provide people more time as they sit on the list to become qualified. But again, um like council member Mendoza said, it's either we do it at the beginning or the end. And I also don't want to give false hope to people who may not qualify. We open up the list multiple times um whenever how many cycles we do it. So if at that time they are not able to qualify when they at the beginning when they pre-qualify then later um at at another time but I think and to me it dwindles down a list for we don't so we're not pulling people and says haha you you get the house and then they find out they they don't qualify which is what happened.

I'm okay with that. I just wasn't sure we didn't include it in the last motion on purpose. So I just wanted to make sure it was raised. Yeah. Thank you. Council member Mendes Lson on. Okay. So, is our do you want to move that item forward? Yes, we can move that item forward. And do we have a second? I second. All in favor? I I don't know if that counts. Council member Maloney, is that a Did you motion for that one? I'll make the motion to move F20 forward, the consent calendar. My second still stands.

All in favor? I. And that moves forward. Thank you. takes a couple pages to get through consent to the next item. Okay. Um, moving into public hearings. And by the way, I'm moving theformational to the end of the meeting. I I didn't disclose that before, but if there's objections, you can share that. Otherwise, we'll move into the public hearings. Jennifer Hagen, principal planner, will give the presentation for the next item on the municipal code. updates related to gas stations, stream setbacks, and PA1 specific plan related to private and public schools. Thank you, mayor, and members of the city council. If you could please share my screen. Tonight, we're here to consider text amendments to the Brandwood Municipal Code related to state legislative updates, gas station stream setbacks, as well as updates to our priority one, our priority area one specific plan, also known as PA1. Um, on January 24th of 2023, the city council re uh reinitiated the city zoning code update, including focused and phased approach that included these three main tasks to be completed. Tonight's agenda item is related to both task two as well as task three. Um sorry very um the other amendments tonight um include specific zoning code updates related to priority area one specific plan and all of these are to better reflect the community's values based on feedback from the community and the city council including changes to some of the permitted and conditionally permitted uses throughout the city. The first recommended update is related

to our state legislative updates. Recent years have seen numerous changes in state law as well as various legal decisions that have created inconsistencies between the city's current zoning ordinance and state law. In order to create consistency throughout the zoning ordinance and to better reflect the state law, staff has drafted updates as summarized in the staff report and identified here related to the signed ordinances, processing and reviewing procedures, appeal procedures, microenterprise home economic operations, also called Mikos, our public hearing notices, as well as electrified fences. The second um recommended update is related to auto service stations or gas stations. On November 12th of 2024, the city council decided against prohibiting all future gas stations or their expansions and instead directed staff to draft an ordinance that capped the total number of stations. Based on this direction, staff is currently recommending that this limit be set at 20 um stations throughout the city. There are currently 19 existing stations um in operation, licensed within the city at this time. The third recommended update is related to strain setbacks. On October 22nd, 2024, staff presented the city council an update and requested direction on ongoing implementation and action items of the general plans conservation and open space element. One of the specific actions related to the discussion was action COS4F which is shown here. And since the city requires substantial creek setbacks and riperian habitat protections already through the participation of our East Contraosta County habitat conservation plan, it is recommended that these requirements simply be reaffirmed by reference as part of the city's focus zoning update. Sorry, here is the conservation open space easement as stated. And the fourth and last recommended

update is related to our PA1, including public and private schools. The current requirements within the specific plan have created inconsistencies between the city's current specific plan of state laws outlined in the agenda report, as well as inconsistencies between the city's current specific plan and existing land uses creating non-conforming um conditions. In order to create consistency throughout the specific plan, staff is recommending updates to the specific plan to in to eliminate all mentions of public schools and return private schools back to conditionally permitted uses in table 4.2 under the allowed uses. With these final recommended amendments to the zoning code, staff believes that the city code will continue to reflect the community's values, will be consistent with state law and professional best practices, will update and streamline development review processes, and will be written to be easily read, understood, and implemented. Based on this, staff is recommending that the city council approve approve amendments to the Brentwood municipal code related to state legislative updates, gas stations, stream setbacks, as well as updates to the priority area 1 specific plan related to public and private school facilities. And with that, that concludes staff's report. Um staff is available for any questions or comments related to any of the above mentions.

Thank you. Any questions for staff? I just want to say thank you for all your work on the design standards that you mentioned. I've been watching all those meetings and it is a lot of work and a lot of detail. So, thank you for all of your work on that.

Okay, with no questions, we are going to open up the public hearing. At this time, the public is permitted to address the city council on this agenda item. If you're participating via Zoom, please raise your hand. If you're in person, please file a speaker card. Your microphone will be muted if you speak on items that do not pertain to this agenda item or after the timer has expired. We received zero written public comments in advance of this meeting. I have no speaker cards in person and no hands raised in Zoom. Thank you, Amanda. I will now take a motion to close the public hearing. Moved. Second. All in favor?

I. Public hearing is closed. Any council discussion on this or a motion for that matter? I'll make a motion. As detailed in the staff report, I move to introduce and wave the first reading of the ordinance approving zoning text amendment to the Brentwood Municipal Code. Second. Amanda, can you

Yep. And I need just one moment. Apologies. That was a much quicker discussion. And for clarification, this is in relation to the state legislative update portion. This will be for motion. So, I'm making sure that we have the correct one. So yes, for the an ordinance of the city council of the city of Brentwood approving a text amendment RZ26-001 to the Brentwood municipal code amending and adding regulations for signs microeconomic home kitchen operations, public hearing notices, electrified fencing and application review and appeal procedures to ensure consistency with state and federal law.

And the first and the second were announced. Do we all all in favor? I I Motion passes. Thank you. Oh, second one. That's right. I can make the second. Just turn the page. Go ahead, Amanda. As detailed in the staff report, I move to introduce and wave the first reading of an ordinance approving a zoning text amendment to the Brentwood Municipal Code. And this was is an ordinance of the city council of the city of Brentwood approving a text amendment RZ26-001 to the Brentwood municipal code to limit the total number of automobile service stations gas stations within the city. A second. All in favor? I. Motion passes. Next one. I might as well do the next one. And then she reads it.

As detailed in the staff report, I move to introduce and wave the first reading of the ordinance approving a zoning text amendment to the Bwood Municipal Code. This is an ordinance of the city council of the city of Brentwood approving a text amendment RZ26-001 to the Brentwood municipal code to add regulations and de development standards related to stream setbacks. I'll second it. All in favor? I I motion passes and the last vote I think. Did we get to the last one yet? I'll do the last one if you last one. Okay. As detailed in the staff report, I move to adopt a resolution approving an amendment to the PA1 specific plan updating regulations related to private and public schools. Second. All in favor?

I.

And it passes. Thank you. For item G2, Terresa Fairbanks, human resources manager will present this item regarding vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts. Thank you. Good evening, mayor, vice mayor, and members of the council. My name is Teresa Fairbanks, human resources manager, and I'm here to present the public hearing on AB2561 for the city of Brentwood's vacancies and retention efforts. As part of tonight's presentation on AB2561, we will cover key aspects of the bill, status of the city's vacancies and recruitment efforts, city efforts in addressing hard to fill vacancies, and the city's retention trends and strategies. Staff recommends that the city council receive and file the city's presentation to be compliant with Assembly Bill 2561. AB 2561 was introduced to address the issues of job vacancies in local government which adversely affects the delivery of public services and employee workload. The bill mandates that public agencies conduct a public hearing to present the status of vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts before the agency's governing body at least once per fiscal year prior to the adoption of the next fiscal year's budget and to also identify any necessary changes to policies, procedures, and recruitment activities that may lead to obstacles in the hiring process. The bill also requires the city to allow recognized employee organizations for each of the bargaining units an opportunity to present during the public hearing concerning vacancies in recruitment and retention efforts. The human resources department did

notify the represented bargaining units of the opportunity to present and did not receive any statement of interest from any of the units to do so. Lastly, if a vacancy rate in a bargaining unit is at or above 20%, the employee group may request more comprehensive reporting to be provided during the public hearing. AB2561 was enacted in to law effective January 1st, 2025 and is codified as government code section 3502.3. This slide shows the vacancy rate by employee groups at the end of 2025. All of the vacancy rates are under the 20% for all of the bargaining units and unrepresented employee groups. Therefore, the city is not needing to provide any additional reporting as part of this public hearing for the Brentwood Police Officer Association with vacancies. We currently have two trainees in the academy that upon graduation will fill two of the current officer vacancies. Staff would like to share with city council that as of today, April 28th, the vacancy rates for the Brentwood Employees Association miscellaneous office division has decreased from 7% to 3%. Brentwood Supervisors and Professional Employees Association has decreased from 14% to 7%. We did see an increase in the vacancy rate for the Brenwood Employee Association public works division from 0% to 2%. This was due to retirement and promotional opportunity. We also saw an increase in the Brentwood Managers and Confidential Employees Association from

5% to 16% again to uh due to retirements. And then we also saw for the Brentwood Police Officers Association an increase from 8% to 15% resulting from promotions, a retirement, and voluntary separations. When addressing vacancies, the city has been utilizing social platforms such as LinkedIn and Job Elephant and targeted and more robust advertising. The city has an active launch internship program where the city is seeing an increase in interest from within the community. Human resources has implemented an employee engagement and retention platform, Beacon, where employees can recognize their peers, receive recognition for their years of service, submit nominations for employee awards, and much more. Additionally, the city provides flexible scheduling to employees that include alternate work schedule and teleworking options. And the city also provides a variety of health, wellness, and employee engagement offerings to city staff. This is a high-level overview of the city's recruitment process beginning from when a vacancy is created to the requisition to fill the vacancy to a job posting application screening by human resources. An examination phase and the establishment of an eligible list. From there, the hiring department conducts their interviews. A conditional job offer is made. Candidate goes through the pre-employment process and then we have a candidate start date. So looking at the city's recruitments for 2025, there were 39 position vacancies. We posted 32 job postings and we filled 54 vacancies. The average time to fill these vacancies were 97 calendar days.

And this is based on the date the position was open became vacant to the candidates's hire date. Of the vacancies created in 2025, 23% of these were filled by internal promotions. For 2025 vacancies, 23 were a result of a of a sorry, 23 were a result of separation, one was a new budgeted FTE, and again, 15 were from internal promotions. For 2025, the city ended the year with more employees than when it started the year. This indicates a high retention rate for the calendar year 2025. In review of the city's policies, procedures, and recruitment activities, we identified potential obstacles and solutions that could be remedied more immediately. These included department selection and timing and impacts to the hiring process and then also identifying additional support needed to optimize the testing process. Solutions to help address these are continuing providing annual recruitment and selection training to our hiring managers and then highlighting HR's role as a collaborative partner. The city's current approach to effectively recruit and retain include targeted recruitment strategies for hard to fill positions. The launch internship program to market local government as a career choice. Provide opportunities um for employees to grow and develop and give them the tools and resources. Foster a positive work culture. Look for more opportunities to recognize employees through the Beacon employee engagement platform. and support employees by providing a work life integration and continue to look for more training opportunities for employees to enhance their growth and development.

In closing, key takeaways are as a result of AB2561, the city plans to continue to monitor vacancy rates for the agency and employee groups, evaluate any changes needed to policies, procedures, and recruitment activities, and continue to comply with AB2561 and make annual presentations to city council. This concludes my presentation. and I'm available to answer any questions the council may have. Thank you. Teresa question.

I just have one question like when I go on to the website and I've been asked this by people. Um they only see I only see like seven roles. I mean I know police officers it's duplicative but um are there roles that we don't post or we have to wait to post them because sometimes I feel like there might be a timing issue. Correct. So due to when the employment requisition is received, so there might be a vacancy and so we're just waiting for that employment requisition to go through the process um and then from there once it's approved we're able to meet with the hiring manager and come up with a plan to get those posted. Great. So there just could be a delay. Thank you. I just wanted to say thank you for the report.

Okay, moving into uh public comments or sorry opening a public hearing. At this time, the public is permitted to address the city council on this agenda item. If you're participating via Zoom, please raise your hand to speak. If you're in person, please file a speaker card. Your microphone will be muted. If you speak on items that do not pertain to this agenda item or after the timer has expired, we receive zero written public comments in advance of tonight's meeting. I have no speaker cards in person and there are no hands raised in Zoom. Thank you. Could I have a motion to close the public hearing? Make a motion of close public hearing. All in favor? I I I Any council discussion? No. Thank you, Teresa, for your report. Thank you, Teresa. Okay, so there's no motion for this or

Yeah, no further action. All right. Thanks, Teresa. Moving into item G3. Um, this is a to continue a public hearing for the unlawful, loud, or unruly gathering ordinance. The item is a request to continue the public hearing for the unlawful loud or unruly gathering ordinance. So to continue it, we will now open up the public hearing. On the continuation, at this time, the public is permitted to address the city council on the continuation of this agenda item. If you're participating via Zoom, please raise your hand to speak. If you're in person, please file a speaker card. Your microphone will be muted. If you speak on items that do not pertain to this agenda item or after the timer has expired, we receive zero written public comments in advance of tonight's meeting.

I'm I'm sorry. Why are we continuing this item? I thought we were going to do it tonight. I might have misunderstood. No, absolutely. Uh the purpose of the continuation is this item is still currently being worked on with uh the subcommittee and it was notice for tonight's meeting. By council's direction, it was to come back tonight and so we're still in process of completing the ordinance. And so we're asking for it to be continued to the next city council meeting on May 12th. Can I ask a question real quick about this ordinance? And I don't if I'm out of line, Thomas, please tell me. Do we need We can follow the Yeah. Right. It is a public hearing. So at this time, I did not have any cards in person or hands raised in Zoom.

Okay. Can we close to close the public hearing? Thank you. Second. Second. All in favor? I. Thank you. It is closed. We're moving into council discussion. Um my question is if this is um unlawful, loud and unruly gatherings, could this help us with our WCO issue? Do you think

Thomas? I don't know. um the the Chandler Drive. Um that that might be a question we can handle offline outside of this agenda item. And if the ad hoc wanted to reconvene on that particular question, we can certainly do that. Okay. Or just um if you could I'm not sure if it covers it, but if you could just let them know yes or no. I don't think it does. How is that okay with the city attorney? I think that there's a specific noise um ordinance that could benefit the WICO issue, but not necessarily this one. Okay. Okay. Thank you.

And I appreciate you bringing that. I think the whole issue is that it's agenda is to continue and not to actually hear it. So, uh maybe just on the 12th we can talk about if we can add that to the agenda on the 12th to see if we can cover. So bad she's waiting for this. Not going to talk about

we could do that with a future agenda item at the end. Oh, correct. This item is still with the committee. So, it's absolutely something within that committee's purview that they can discuss. The for tonight, we would just need to know which date to continue to. We can continue to May 12th as stated in the staff report. You can also continue to the following meeting, May 24th. No, I can't recall. I I would s recommend I can follow up with the two members of the committee tomorrow and let you know uh answer your question about this particular ordinance and then um we have planned to bring it back on 512 and then the ad hoc committee can let me respond to my email and let me know if that's still okay or if you want to proceed in another manner.

Got it. Okay. So then when the motion comes forward if you could include whatever needs to be included here. I I'll move to continue the public hearing um for the unlawful loud and unruly gathering ordinance to city council meeting of May 12th, 2026. I'll second. All in favor? I Did that cover everything, Amanda? Yes, it does. Thank you. The next item, H2. Sakari Basher's human resources director will present the next item regarding an employment agreement with Thomas Lloyd Smith.

We did skip H1. too excited about H2. All right, moving into H1, Sakari Basher, human resources director, will present the next item regarding amending and retitling city council administrative policy number 20-23.

Thank you. Good evening, mayor, vice mayor, council member, and staff. The item before you tonight for consideration is retitling our current policy and also adding more language that makes it more robust in terms of there was some discussion previously by council about anti-racism and since this policy already covers that the ask was just to make that part of the policy more robust. So there was a lot of discussion after council asked uh the Debbie committee to take a look at this and I worked directly with the Debbie committee. The executive committee uh the executive staff has reviewed the policy. It was also reviewed by the bargaining groups. And so what you see is a collaborative effort and um of of those of those different individuals part of this conversation to make this policy what you see tonight for for your review. It also has some legal updates too. So there were some legal changes that are here and this policy was also reviewed by outside legal. So if you have any questions, I am available.

Any questions for Sakari? Okay, moving into public comments.

At this time, the public is permitted to address the city council on this agenda item. If you're participating via Zoom, please raise your hand to speak. If you're in person, please file a speaker card with the city clerk. Your microphone will be muted if you speak on items that do not pertain to this agenda item or after the timer has expired. We received zero written public comments in advance of tonight's meeting. I do have one speaker card in person. Melissa, good evening, mayor, council members, and staff. I want to begin by expressing my support for the updates made to this policy, and many thanks to the Debbie committee. That's why we have them. It is clear that a great deal of thought and care has gone into strengthening the city's commitment to a workplace that is respectful, professional, and accountable. The clarity around harassment, retaliation, and protected classifications matters, and it sets an important baseline for how people show up for one another as colleagues and public servants. At the same time, I want to speak to the reality of implicit bias and microaggressions. Not all harm is loud. Not all harm is intentional. And yet, it is still harm. A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to hear a phenomenal woman speak on the topic of micro microaggression and implicit bias, which are topics that often live just beneath the surface of policies like these. We know that bias doesn't always announce itself in overt discrimination. It can show up in small cumulative ways. Who is interrupted? Who is overlooked? Who is described as difficult versus passionate? or whose ideas are heard only after they are repeated by someone else. These moments may seem minor in isolation, but over time they shape workplace culture in profound ways. This policy takes an important step by recognizing that intent does not determine impact. Equally important is how we respond when someone speaks up. When a colleague tells us that something we said or did was harmful, even if we didn't mean it that way, the moment is

an opportunity to listen, reflect, and to grow. Dismissing those experiences or becoming defensive only reinforces the exact harm this policy seeks to prevent. Truly, listening is part of accountability. When individuals are subject to hateful or demeaning language day in and day out, it takes a real toll. It impacts mental health, a sense of safety, and the ability to fully participate in the workplace. Over time, that kind of environment erodess dignity and well-being in ways that are deeply consequential. This is a strong step forward and my hope is that the implicitation continues to center not just compliance. Thank you. I have no additional speaker cards or hands raised in Zoom.

Thank you. Moving into council discussion. Go ahead F. She has no question. I'll make the motion.

Okay. Well, I just wanted to say to Robert Bill, who is not here, and to Sakari Bashers, director Bashiers, thank you so much for just staying the course with the Debbie committee um for making sure that this came to fruition on social media. There was a lot of slack with lack of understanding. People read the topic and don't go further to dig about what this was. But this was really to provide a space where all of our employees here at the city of Brentwood were were treated with uh respect, dignity, to create spaces that are equitable. And I am so thankful for your diligence and your hard work. Um and I'm grateful to my council members. Um, to all four of you, I am so grateful that you were a yes and that you all have exhibited and been consistent about supporting this policy to make sure um that we create spaces that will incl be be inclusive for all people. So, thank you so much. And with that, did you want to go ahead? I'm sorry.

Um, sorry. I I wanted to make one comment. There was there was a section a protected classification where it says um use the uses of age and in parenthesis 40 years and over. And I didn't I wasn't I'm not feeling like the the actual years 40 years and over need to be in there. And I say that because people are also discriminated against for being young. Um someone can start a job and people mistreat them thinking that they don't know anything because they look young. So it could be like a perceived age. But I don't know if I think the number 40 actually belongs there or needs to be there. Is that for our is that because we're aligning oursel with title 7 regulations?

Yes, it is based on law. So that's why we have the 40 years in there. Okay. Yes. So do we need to say anything about I mean because I I feel like people do get discriminated against for for being young too or for whatever their perceived age is. But it's not something we can just okay disregard.

And I want to acknowledge that you're correct. People do get discriminated against um because of their youthfulness. I remember when I first started practicing law, someone came into the office and said they did not want to see me one because I didn't have enough gray hairs. And so they perceived my age. I thank God they thought I was younger than I was, but um they didn't know that the person that had the gray hairs didn't was practicing less years than I had been practicing. So I understand, but I think as long as we're align I think it's more safe for us to align ourselves with title 7. But I appreciate that because I want to acknowledge that people are discriminated too for being younger. Um and do you guys mind if I do you all not guys do you all mind if I bring the motion? This one means a lot to me. Um, so, um, as detailed in the staff report, I move to adopt a resolution approving the amended and retitled city council administrative policy number 20-23 retitled as prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

I'll second. All in favor? I I. And the motion passes. Congratulations, Debbie members and staff who were involved. This one's a long time coming. Okay. Item number H2, Sakari Basher's, human resources director will present the next item regarding an employment agreement with Thomas Lloyd Smith.

Yes. This item before you tonight for consideration is one of the hires that council can make. They hire directly the city manager and the city attorney. So, this contract is for the city of Burntwood and Thomas Lloyd Smith to be the city's next city attorney. The city worked with the Peekom and McKini to do an exe an executive firm to do a recruitment. Based on the outcome of that, council elected to move forward with a contract that you have before you tonight. That contract includes negotiations between the city Thomas Lloyd Smith and also our outside legal who reviewed this. Uh, city staff, I'm available if you have any any questions.

Any questions for staff? Okay, moving into public comments. At this time, the public is permitted to address the city council on this agenda item. If you're participating via Zoom, please raise your hand. If you're in person, please file a speaker card. Your microphone will be muted if you speak on items that do not pertain to this agenda item or after the timer has expired. We receive zero written public comments in advance of tonight's meeting. I have no cards in person and I have no hands raised in Zoom. Thank you, Amanda. And to discussion,

I just want to say that there were a lot of internet trolls who had a lot of comments to make about Mr. Lloyd's um Lloyd Smith's uh coming to the city of Brenwood. I could not be any more honored to have you as a city attorney. I'm so grateful. Um some of the comments that don't don't require a lot of discussion um because they are what I call them trolls. uh who did not have the courage to show up either on public comment on Zoom or in person. Um we're about your qualifications and those of other candidates. I want to say that Mr. uh we're very lucky and blessed in the city of Brenwood to have you and he is beyond qualified and I look forward to working with you. I think that your um your career just shines light on who you are, your demeanor, uh your persona, your education, your knowledge. We've all I can say that I've heard the council all say we're grateful for how you present um and how you show up for us. And so I I'm excited. I'm so excited. I almost gave you a at the very beginning when they called this out. I I feel like it deserved a a wolf how or something. But thank you, sir, for being here. Thank you for accepting our offer and and and I appreciate you. I'm I'm so grateful to have you.

Other Yeah, I'm going to echo a lot of those same sentiments. Um when we found out we needed an interimm city attorney, I didn't hesitate. I knew who I thought would be the best fit for our council and for the city of Brentwood. I've seen you in action. I've sat in the chambers when you've been doing your work and I've always been beyond impressed. Um I mean people don't know but when there was an item I needed help on you help the person that I've reached out to and I've always been grateful and I've always been impressed with your work. Um I have nothing but good things to say about you from before and from since you've been um doing the job as interm. I don't think the public sees what we require of our city attorney and our city manager. And um I mean you're both are great, but talk about you. I am just beyond impressed with the work that you produce. I mean we are a demanding council. I mean you probably noticed that

and we all have very different skill sets. And for you to be able to write something that fits the need of each of us five, that is a gift and you have that gift and you are so intelligent and um I am just so like just so happy that you're here and so thankful that you decided to come and be interm and then when the opportunity came, you decided to apply. So I thank you very much. I am so excited about what's to come to Brentwood with you there in that seat. So thank you. And when it's time for the motion, I want to make it. Yeah.

Um, first off, I've told you already, I am so grateful that you're working here in such a short period of time that you've been here, your leadership, your communication style, your emotional intelligence, the way you're able to navigate these adversities that whether we're going through and just kind of navigating every other thing that's happening in the city, it's been amazing to watch. So, um, thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your support. I'm really looking forward to working with you and thank you to your family for lending you to us as well.

Again, I would like to reiterate what everybody's already said. I'm a man of very few words. I don't I don't say a whole lot sitting up here, but I was truly appreciative of the way you treated all five of us for the two months, two and a half months as when you were the interim city attorney. Uh the best interview process we could have ever had was watching what we were going to get and I'm very excited to work with you. The agenda reviews we've already attended. You're very uh indepth with all your explanations. Uh you take the time to make sure we understand where you're coming from and we don't get that all the time. So thank you very much. I really appreciate it and welcome aboard.

And my turn. And I want to I want to actually also jump on the bandwagon when we first started about uh talking about our interim. My mind immediately went to you um because I had seen you in action years in years ago through other positions that I held and and watching you back then. I was so impressed with your intelligence and professionalism and your the ability to kind of stay in a in a very calm space even when things get rough and contentious around you really said said something to me. So, I was looking forward to bringing you in as an interim um and then just to watch you in action from then on. It's it's incredible what you've been able to do for us. And I think one of the really really beautiful things about a good city attorney is when they can speak to everyone differently um and make nobody feel stupid or uninformed or uneducated because we all don't have the degrees that you have. Um maybe some do similar but but you you explain things in a way that makes sense that is not in any way shape or form condescending and that is relatable. Um and now seeing you with the students today kind of watching you with the youth in government was a great experience too and I think you'll probably bring people into your world that way. Um I'm very very happy that you've joined us. I look forward to new beginnings for all of us. I think what we're showing here is that we do know exactly what we want. We were all in consensus here obviously um and we have strong beliefs about the leadership team we've brought in. We we feel like Brentwood has an incredible future. Thanks to both of you and and a lot of you know everyone else here too. But you are a welcome addition to this team and I'm so so glad you joined us.

Thank you. Thank you. I Yeah. Thank you. And with that we'll take a motion and I want to second it. Sorry. As detailed in the staff report, I move to adopt a resolution approving the employment agreement between the city of Brentwood and Thomas Lloyd Smith. And I will second it. Yes. All in favor? I It is official. Welcome to the team officially.

Item H3. Sorry, not quite as exciting. Casey, with no less enthusiasm, we welcome you to this. Casey Wiker, public works director, will present the next item regarding solid waste collection services and water rates. But by the time he's done, you might be equally as excited.

Thank you for that. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Staff is presenting this item seeking direction on a couple of things tonight. Um the first is related to service levels for the solid waste collection services and the second is potential changes to upcoming scheduled water rate adjustments. We'll start by discussing the water rates. In 2023, council adopted a 5-year utility rate study that set the rates through fiscal year 2728. Finance staff continuously monitors the financial condition of the enterprise funds and last year determined that the water enterprise was healthy enough that the planned increase of 6.5% for fiscal year 2526 was not needed. Instead, staff recommended and council approved a 4% increase for water rates. This year, staff's analysis has again determined that the water enterprise fund is healthy enough that the full planned increase of 6.5% for fiscal year 2627 is not needed. This is due in large part to savings from the Los Fiveros dam expansion project cancellation and from higher thanex expected revenues from increased water usage. Staff is once again recommending council approve reducing the increase from 6.5% to 4%. So that's the simple one. The more complicated item tonight is the solid waste service levels. As you are aware, requirements of SP 1383 have resulted in significant changes to the solid waste collection operations. In particular, organic material, including food waste, can no longer be disposed of in landfills. So now food waste is required to go in the green cart instead of the brown cart. Throughout the roll out of this change, staff has received significant resident feedback about these new requirements, and most of the feedback are concerns with frequency of collection of the green cards. Many residents are worried that bi-weekly collection of the green carts will result in excessive odors and

insects during the hot summer months. Staff's financial analysis of the solid waste enterprise has determined that the solid waste fund is in a financial position to offer increased collection of the green waste without causing additional rate increases. This is due in part to additional revenues collected to support anticipated debt service for the abandoned solid waste organics project and to some cost savings due to delayed implementation of SP 1383 requirements. Staff has outlined three scenarios for council to consider, including staff's recommendation and two alternatives. Staff's recommendation tonight is to increase the green waste collection from bi-weekly to weekly and keep the planned solid waste rate increase of 3 to 5%. This would result in weekly service of the brown and green carts and bi-weekly collection of blue carts. This option would require onetime costs of approximately $4.5 million for the purchase of five new garbage trucks and ongoing costs of approximately 1.7 million per year. The ongoing cost would cover three new solid waste drivers, one garbage truck mechanic, and the associated operating and maintenance costs like fuel, vehicle maintenance and repairs, insurance, etc. This enhanced service can be accomplished with no increases to the currently adopted rates, which include 3.5% for various services beginning July 1st. Implementation of this recommendation would take 12 to 18 months due to the time that it takes to procure garbage trucks. An alternative option for council's consideration is to leave the solid waste service levels unchanged, meaning continued weekly brown cart service and bi-weekly service for the green and blue carts. This option would not provide any additional service enhancements, but it does offer the benefit of limiting costs to residents and local businesses. Should council prefer this option, the

previously approved rate increases for fiscal year 26 27 and 2728 could be eliminated and rates could remain unchanged through June 2028. A final alternative for consideration is to increase the service levels to weekly for all three carts. Many other nearby agencies have adopted this model as it makes it easier for residents. However, this option comes with additional costs. Onetime costs of approximately 6.3 million would be needed to purchase seven new garbage trucks. Ongoing costs of approximately 2.4 million would be needed to cover five new drivers, one new truck mechanic, and the associated operating and maintenance costs. This option would require the full implementation of the 3 to 5% increase scheduled for the next two fiscal years and would likely require an increase of 1 and a half to 2% above inflation during the next rate study that will be up for adoption in 2028. This table shows a side-by-side comparison of staff's recommendation and the alternatives. Staff's recommendation allows council to capitalize on the financial health health of the solid waste enterprise to address the main concern expressed by residents during the implementation of the SB 1383 compliance program. This option puts Brentwood more in line with the surrounding city's service levels while still maintaining Brentwood's rates as the lowest of the surrounding agencies. Alternative one would further cement Brentwood's rates as the lowest in the area, but will also result in the residents getting less services than those in other cities. Alternative two would match the highest service levels, but would come with burden of additional cost for residents. So, in summary, staff is recommending that council provide direction tonight for staff to prepare and return with resolutions to implement a 4% water rate increase instead of the previously adopted 6.5% increase. and to increase solid waste service levels to include weekly green waste collection. And with

that, I'm happy to take any questions. Thank you, Casey. Any questions? Yes. I think when we discuss and for public comment, can we leave up this slide before the summary so that we can so they can see what the all the alternatives are we're going to be discussing. Please thank you and thank you for your presentation. Uh I actually just have one question and that is in the discussion around increasing recycling as well to weekly. Do we ever have complaints about that outside of the inconvenience? I mean,

no, we don't get complaints from residents, but from an operational perspective, there are some efficiencies that we can gain that and have residual benefits for residents. We have a lot of blue carts and if we only collect them bi-weekly and we collect the other two weekly, that's going to be extra carts that are on the curbs um each week and some neighborhoods have issues with enough space for the carts and for on street parking. Uh if we went to weekly blue carts, we would eliminate several thousand carts throughout the city. It might free up some of that on street parking. So there's a little bit of benefit to it. Um but there is a significant cost to it as well. And if we're looking at specifically some neighborhoods that would really benefit from that, but not all neighborhoods would benefit from it. That's correct.

Okay. Thank you. If no other questions, uh moving into public comment, please. At this time, the public is permitted to address the city council on this agenda item. If you're participating via Zoom, please raise your hand to speak. If you're in person, please file a speaker card. Your microphone will be muted if you speak on items that do not pertain to this agenda item or after the timer has expired. We receive zero written public comments in advance of tonight's meeting. I have no speaker cards in person and I have no hands raised in Zoom. Thank you. Council discussion. Um I think just for clarification on the financials, the 4 and this is for the public, the 4.5 million we already have in the enterprise fund. Is that where it's coming from?

That's correct. There are additional uh reserve funds above the 30% target that are currently there that we have access to now. Okay, cool. So, we can use those. So, there's no added for that. The 1.7 million of ongoing that is um headcount fully loaded plus it says some other electricity fuel maintenance. What portion of it is um headcount related? And my second part to that is you'll be asking for that headcount during the budget if we approve this or is that being approved tonight if we do it? No, you're correct. We will come back in July with that headcount. But uh to to give you an idea of how much of it is headcount, the majority of it is headcount.

Um there's probably a h 100,000 per year per additional truck that would is associated with ongoing costs. The rest of it is personnel related. Okay. Just so that when it comes back, I don't want us going, "What? Why are you asking for another three headcount?" We know why you're asking for the three headcount. It's for this purpose. Correct. It would be four headcount, three drivers. It would create three new routes. Uh and we would have to buy trucks for that. And it would it also add a headcount for a mechanic to deal with the garbage truck breakdowns and maintenance. Okay. Thank you. Any other discussion or a motion?

Uh maybe just another question for Casey. Just to make it 100% clear, you kind of breezed past it really quickly. Should we pass uh weekly collection of the green cards? This isn't going to take effect next week, right? It's going to take us a little bit making it through this summer. Yeah, that's correct. It'll it'll take us roughly a year to a year and a half to actually get the trucks. There's a severe shortage of truck chassis on the market. Uh, and it and it just takes time to get those trucks ordered and then received and that that will be the majority of the delay.

Yeah. And I will say that um the mayor and I presented to Trilogy what about 70 80 people last Friday night and when we told them this might be a possibility. They all were ecstatic. Almost as ecstatic as the stop sign, but they were very, very, very ecstatic. So, they're gonna you're going to be their favorite person. So, when you're doing um any kind of outreach about this, I'm I'm sure you'll be talking about the fact it's going to take a while to implement all of it. Yeah, we'll certainly roll it out through the social media uh and all the updates and we'll be very transparent with how long this is going to take.

So, um I wanted to say thank you for you and your staff coming to do a presentation to our Rotary Club. We'll try to spread the word. It was a really great presentation as it pertains to I know a lot of times the different departments say we'll roll out on social media but I do know some of our residents don't access our social media. What will be the other outlets that we'll utilize to get this information to people? Sure. Great question. Uh we'll send out notifications in the billing cycle. So we'll send out inserts so everybody that has an account with us will get notification of it. We also have access to emails. Uh for many of the account holders that's not a requirement, but for those people that we do have emails, we'll send a direct message to them in addition to all the social media and posting on our website.

I want to thank you for just bringing this forward and I really like the staff's recommendation on the slide that does not add an increase of price to the residents. So that's my favorite. Do we have a motion? Um I can make a motion. I move to provide um following direction to the staff. Oh, you just took them off the screen. I was going to agree that the screen. So it's the staff recommendation is what I would like to make the motion to move forward with. That does not add any extra expense to the residents, adds um the new trucks and the three headcount and the mechanic. I'll second. All in favor?

I I motion passes. Thank you for all your work. Thank you for lowering our water rates. Okay, moving into item H4. Ricardo Nggera, economic development manager, will present the next item regarding the economic development grant program priority projects.

Good evening, madame mayor, members of the council. I'm hoping um my friend on the other side we set up Amanda Is my screen set? Okay. Can I hit it? Perfect. Okay. Well, thank you. Thanks for your patience. So this evening I'm going to share with you the 26 to 28 priority projects as recommended by the LUD committee which met last week. So, I'll provide some highlights first for the 2627. First, council will consider a two-year budget for the priority projects um for these next two years. And for 2627, a total of $277,375 is available to support both priority projects and competitive grants. For this fiscal year, you'll have approximately 204,863 available for competitive grants. And that'll be coming back before you next before the LU committee next month. Um, for these two years, staff is um, excuse me, the proposal is for $72,512 for both fiscal years. Looking back over the past two years from 2425 and 2526, there were a total of um five projects

approved by the um council. The first is the holiday parade for 8,500. The second is the hometown Halloween for 4,000. The third was the harvest time trail map for 10,000. The fourth was the summer concert series for 50,000. and the fifth combining the movies in the park and the annual holiday tree lighting for 79 thou 7,900 for a total of 80,400 per year. The LUD um committee met on the 20th as I shared and these were the three recommendations that came out of the LUD. The first the harvest time trail map will be funded from the aggro will be recommended to be funded from the agriculture land fund in the amount of 10,000 per year for the next two years through a reimbursement agreement with harvest time. This will leave approximately $10,000 to support competitive grants andor council's proposed winter market. Secondly, the city should maintain the same level of funding for priority projects for the two-year budget period. And then thirdly, all grant recipients are required to provide receipts for all expenditures associated with the intended purpose of grants as well as supply attendance figures for those events. Moving forward, the two fiscal years we're looking at are a total of four projects. The Holiday Parade at 8,755, the Hometown Halloween at 4,120, summer concert series at 51,500, and movies in the park and annual holiday tree lighting at 8,137 for a grand total of 72,512

for the two fiscal years. So, what we're asking for this evening is for council to approve the attached resolution and propose allocation of funds for the economic development grant program priority projects category and funding sources in the amount of 72,512 for both fiscal years 2627 and fiscal years 2728 and approve allocation of funds for the UPIC harvest time at Brentwood trail map in the amount of10,00 000 for both um fiscal years 2627 and fiscal year 2728 from the agricultural land fund as recommended by Lud and authorize the city manager or his designate to execute all grant reimbursement documents. Thank you.

Thank you, Ricardo. Any questions? Okay, moving into public comments. At this time, the public is permitted to address the city council on this agenda item. If you're participating via Zoom, please raise your hand. If you're in person, please file a speaker card. Your microphone will be muted. If you speak on items that do not pertain to this agenda item or after the timer has expired. We receive zero written public comments in advance of tonight's meeting. I have no speaker cards in person and no hands raised in Zoom.

Thank you. Council discussion. I will say I'm very glad we're bringing back the accountability piece. I think it I mean speaking as a in my professional life work with a lot of grants and I've never ever seen anyone implement a grant and award a grant without having a really strong accountability and followup to make sure that if you're going to renew that there's data to to recommend that. So I'm very glad we're bringing that back. If no other discussion, we could use a motion.

I'll make it. As stated in the staff report, I move to adopt a resolution approving the funding of the priority project category for the economic development grant program for fiscal years 2026 to 2027 and 2027 to 2028. Approving funding for the harvest time and Brentwood trail map for the agriculture land fund and authorizing the city manager to execute necessary related documents. A second. Actually, I'm I'm sorry. I have a question really quickly. Should it say agricultural administration fund? I'll correct that to agriculture administration fund. Okay. And we have the second. All in thank you. All in favor? I

I. And that motion passes. Thank you, Ricardo. Item F5, Haralem, Director of Parks and Recreation, will present this item regarding city council administrative policy number 50-1, naming and dedication of city facilities. Submit. Madame Mayor, we have a request from a councilman. Um, do you want to move this one and the next one to next week? I was going to suggest the next one, but I am fine with both. Do we want to move these items to the next meeting? I second that motion. So, the request is to move item H5 and H6 to our next available meeting.

And I I will say the um the only um is there any time sensitivity around Hope Park because that went against our policy? Okay, perfect. Thank you. Okay. So, we don't need a motion for that. We're just going to make it happen. Um, at this point, we're going to move back intoformationals and we will start on my left with council member or Lemons. Since the last uh meeting on April 14th, uh I attended the swearing in ceremony for Lieutenant Mike Manau, Sergeant Zeke Sepeda, and Sergeant Matt King, who were all promoted from their lower ranks up to those ranks, some of them being a little bit retroactive. The event took place on the 15th, but I think they're effective the first. Uh, I attended the John March Historic Trust board meeting. Um, I got the opportunity to play in the Rotary Club Poker tournament.

Um, amazing event. I think there were 120 participants and the Rotary did a phenomenal job of taking care of everyone. We had a great time and it was it was good seeing everybody just relaxing and having fun. Um I attended the wine trolley event. The majority of my time spent out at serendipity. Uh I had a pal meet uh board meeting. Um I had several residents calling and asking to get together and have discussions about city events. So I just made it uh coffee and we got together and a lot of great questions, a lot of great ideas came out of it. So, uh, I appreciate the phone calls and the requests. Um, yesterday afternoon or yesterday all day, PAL had their annual golf tournament which has taken place for the last 20 plus years out at Discovery Bay. They we started out there 6:30 in the morning set up. I think tea time was 11:00. I I had to leave a right after that and then it went well uh past dinner, but I understand it was a phenomenal event the entire day. Did a great job of of raising mon money for PAL and then agenda review uh yesterday.

Thank you, Council Member Maloney.

Um myformational report is going to be short and quick. I was away on vacation this past um this past week. So, um I've met with members of the Contra Costa Wine Growers Association to discuss connecting them with various uh restaurant associations. I also met with um and spoke with members of the downtown Brentwood Coalition and the historical society in regards to the historical preservation month and a potential collaboration for them. So, I'm super excited about that. Um Mary Black talked about it earlier. Um, I also had a meeting with the director of marketing of Streets of Brentwood, Dana Duray, and provided her with all the information from the Bay Area Host Committee in regards to any type of FIFA showings um for the upcoming FIFA that's coming around here. And um I've also visited I missed the um soft opening for Handles, so I stopped by when I got back to just check out their place and it was awesome. So, thank you,

Council Member Mendoza.

Thank you. Since the last time I met, attended a Cal City's Latino Caucus um members meeting, attended uh the SRO Optimus Scholars Dinner um where they uh honored a lot of the high school, local high schoolers. Um community day of service. Thank you to staff, everyone in Park and Wreck. Thank you so much. Uh to the mayor, to Julie Deck, and to Amy Tilly for all of the work that they do. and um it's a great day where you bring together so many people that give back in one day. Um attended our LUD meeting. Uh I was in Sacramento for two days for Cal's legislative legislative advocacy on behalf of the Latino caucus and the city of Brentwood. Um I did mention of housing and local control um as much as I could. Um again, we were at Trilogy on Friday night and it was an amazing group of ladies that we were supposed to be there like 45 minutes, I think, and I think we're probably there for an hour and a half. Um, they had so many questions about what goes on in the city and I cannot tell you how many times they said thank you for the stop sign. I I just can't I mean it's been so long and they still like it is the highlight of their year I think. So thank you for that stop sign. Um went to the youth commission multicultural day. Thank you to the youth commission. They do such a good job. Um attended the Isaac Montangius car show. And I think that is about it. Thank you.

Thank you vice mayor. Um, I attended the LUD meeting. Um, attended, uh, participated in the fundraiser with Rotary for the Texas HODMe drive. I was happy to see um, council member Orleman's there. I didn't know what the heck I don't know how to play uh, poker, but I actually was one of the top winners at the table. Um, so until I gave all my chips away because my husband, I thought he was ready to go. Anyway, it's a lot great time, great charity, um, great for polio and eradication worldwide. Um, attended today the East Bay Business Expo, which is always well put together by the Chamber of Commerce and all of our community representatives, businesses came together and um, I went to the recording of our state of the city. I um, would like to shout out really fast. I got to go to the Adams Middle School as a chaperone for a a choir competition. Daughter happens to be in choir. And I just wanted to shout out the Adams Middle School choir, jazz band, and orchestra. They all won first place among schools um all around Northern California. But one of our middle school bunch of kids, we drove them two big buses. I think there were at least 80 kids in Chaperon. So, shout out to Miss Greff and Mr. Fallon for all their hard work with our youth. And then I really want to take a moment to say uh thank you to Julie Deck, Amy Tilly, but thank you to Mayor Meyer for creating a space where we're reminded of how important it is for each of us um to give back. Many hands make light work is what I said that day. I had the privilege of bringing and more showed up when we got to the veterans building to pull weeds. um about 20 children, majority of them students from Brentwood um from our Jack and Jill of America and their parents. And it was it started in

our household from my kids ordering gloves for E-host Campos for my my kids going in their closet and pulling clothing to donate for the clothing drive. It was a household production. My husband flipped pancakes with Rotary. And so I appreciate you creating space in our city to do so much. And um it that meant a lot to us um to be here. And act actually after we did the community day of service, I had the opportunity to bring all the kids in the chamber and they sat here and took photos and they all wanted your chair which was really cute. So um thank you so much. Um and it was a great one. So

one thing I forgot. Can we just say congratulations to two Liberty High graduates? uh Payton Zoric who was drafted by the LA Rams this weekend and Jacob Bomber who was um drafted by the LA Chargers and I have I went to elementary with Jacob's mom who now lives out here in Brentwood. So I've known her since I was 5 years old. So we're very proud of him and what he's doing.

Congratulations to them for sure. Okay. Um since the last time we met, I also attended the promotion ceremony at the police department. Um, Lieutenant Manau and Sergeant Zeda and Sergeant King, major congratulations. It was um, so heartwarming to see families there supporting their loved ones and being proud of them and and uh, filming them and every it just was really really nicely done. Um, had a final planning meeting for the community day of service. I attended the first annual all abil all abilities fair at the senior center. So many staff members came. Harriet, your team was phenomenal on that. Terrence and Harold, thank you for showing up. I don't know I don't know if I missed anybody on that one, but a lot of work went into that and for the first annual it was packed. There was clearly a lot of people looking for those specific resources. And what really um touched me too is there was a lot of families who brought their either their children or their adult dependent um children with disabilities and everyone was welcome and they were just kind of maneuvering around and chatting up with everyone. It was really well done. um attended the Soptimus of the Delta student awards dinner. Uh I watched the LED meeting and the planning commission meeting. I attended a victim's rights recognition ceremony hosted by DA Beckton. Try Delta transit board meeting. Um I did attune attend the get the scoop town hall with the city manager. Again, very well done. Was very uh very very proud of our city manager for um being bold and standing up and and making the comments that he did and loved to see so many staff there. really helping to support that work and stepping up and answering questions when needed. Um the trilogy presentation to the w women of wisdom. Wow. Uh with council member Mendoza and yes it was a huge success in Casey. Not only were they excited when that news came through but it had just it was just made public in the agenda the day before so we felt we could share it. There was actually

applause. They were very excited about that. Um the youth commission annual multicultural fair. Uh they did a great job. again. They always do. They always come through and make this a really special event. I attended the Liberty Union Hall of Fame awards. Of course, today the Brentwood Lions Youth and Government Day. Um, another really, really great Everyone comes together to make this a very special thing. Uh, we still have one Youth and Government representative here. Yes. Yes. He's sticking it out. Thank you. Very nicely done. Um, questions were fantastic. Thomas and I did some tag teaming for part of it and people just came forward with this really great curiosity and interest and I I was just so impressed and I can't wait to come to the mock city council meeting. People should join us if you're listening next Monday. Um the state of the city filming uh I have to thank Harold and his team and Weblletive for this whole process. It's been, you know, we did a we did the video for the first time last year and Harold had some goals about making things different and bringing more community into it. And so you'll see when you watch it, hopefully if you haven't registered yet, please register. Go to the website brentwoodca.gov on the carousel. You'll see state of the city. Click on that and you can register for Monday, May 18th, 6 p.m. at the Delta. So please register. I think we're at 80 people now or so. So it's filling up. Um, but it's been a really great experience and I appreciate all of your input on that. Um, let's see. Oh, also going back for a moment to the trilogy event. I just have to say thank you to staff because this was a very, as council member Mendoza uh mentioned, it was kind of it was a very large crowd, 70 to 80 people, a lot of expectations. They had a lot of things that they wanted us ahead of time to prepare. We showed them last year's state of the city, but staff came through with economic development information, finance information, printed activities books, harvest time magazines. I don't think I'm forgetting anything that staff prepared for us.

The concert in concerts in the park flyers. So, really, really helpful with all of that. Thank you so much for that. Um, and then back to the third annual community day of service. We had um the numbers came in, it looks around 500 volunteers and 20 nonprofit projects. Um, yeah, really, really great. And I and I also want to thank Amy Tilly and Julie Deck. But I also want to thank um Amanda Cheney who was the parks and rec representative to help with this process. She was part of our team. Um, changed the entire thing in really incredible ways to bring efficiencies and bring more just kind of um just like layers of preparation. It was really well done. There were so many I I'm going to thank a few people so please bear with me. There were so many volunteer groups and the Jack and Jill of America was definitely one with Tongan Lions, Rotaries, Sopimist, Working Wonders, Youth Commissioners, I think we had Amazon, we had Girl Scouts, hope I'm not forgetting too many people, but Rotary and the Pancakes, Lions on the Fruit and Coffee, Dutch Brothers donated that. Um, we had Farm21 sanitation, Grocery Outlet donated, um, Best Day Ever Photos, Contra Custom Wine Growers Association, Dutch Brothers, and then Tri Delta Transit helped with promotion. I think I've covered it all. Um, it was a long list. There was so many people in the community involved with this. A lot of staff showed up. Thank you so much if you were able to do that. Can't wait to do it again next year. Um, it just keeps getting more and more like heartwarming and fulfilling and just to see people coming together and supporting nonprofits and what they do in our city is just wonderful. So, with that, I think that's it. Yes. Oh, and I was going to ask Carol to speak too when you're done, Thomas.

Oh, I was just going to recommend when you're ready, I was going to recommend a motion to postpone for items H5 and H6 until the May 12th meeting. Yeah. Yes, absolutely. and vice may be fair. I just wanted to say because we won't be back. Um, got a wonderful presentation by Brunwood Pal. Please come out to the parade on May 2nd. The unified prom is amazing. You when you brought up that at So I think it begins at 5 or 5:30. Yeah. Star Wars theme, which is really cool. So yeah, we don't we're not going to wait till May the 4th be with us. We're going to come out May 2nd and support all of our youth and the unified prom and our our families who have um children who are differently aabled.

Harold mayor, I attended much of the same events that you guys had attended and so I'll just go ahead and pass. Okay. So, can someone make a motion at the request of Thomas? I make a motion for us to move to the next I make a motion make a motion to postpone items H5 and H6 to the May 12th meeting. Thank you so much. I'll second. All in favor? I. Those items are postponed. Any requests for new agenda items? If not, we need a motion to adjurnn. I'll make the motion to adjurnn. I will second that.

All in favor? I. We are adjourned. Thank Thank you. Good night.