[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.] [0:01] Good evening, everyone. Today is Tuesday, February 3, 2026. We will call the regular meeting in [0:13] place and let's have a pledge of allegiance. [0:23] It's allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for [0:29] which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [0:35] Just [0:40] came out of the closed session. We'll ask our legal counsel to do a report. [0:46] Yeah, Madam Mayor, we do have a report out this evening by a vote of three to two with Mayor Hu and Vice Mayor Josie Voting-No. [0:54] The council voted to refrain from seeking appellate review of the Save Mount D'Avolo versus City of Dublin case. That's the end of my report. [1:02] Thank you. Let's move on to agenda item 3, Presentations and Proclamations. [1:10] 3.1, Presentation of the Ramadan Proclamation. [1:16] Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar year, [1:22] and is the annual holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal. [1:27] It is a time to reflect spirituality, build community, and those in need spend time with [1:38] friends and families and celebrate and express gratitude. [1:44] So Masha, we have a public comment for this item, right? [1:48] I do have a public comment for this item, Mayor, and that's Brent Sanji. [1:51] Thank you. [1:59] So I don't want to offend anybody, but this is part of the DEI calendar. [2:03] And I think it's offensive to Americans and Christians. They're not on the DEI calendar, and I don't think that's an accident [2:09] So it's like a good thing that we're celebrating the Muslim holiday [2:12] But most people don't celebrate this holiday [2:13] We don't know anything about it and I can't really like celebrate with people that we don't even know their culture or anything [2:21] that I want the city to celebrate Christmas and Thanksgiving and [2:25] Fourth of July and that's not on the DEI calendar [2:27] So it's not like it doesn't make sense to ask to put that on the calendar [2:31] I think it's left off the calendar on purpose [2:33] So I think the whole DEI should be thrown out with the whole calendar. [2:35] We shouldn't be celebrating religious holidays of these people. [2:39] No offense. [2:40] That's just my opinion. [2:41] Thank you. [2:45] Masha, do we have any additional comments? [2:47] I have no other speakers left on that item here. [2:49] Thank you. [2:50] Thank you. [2:51] So we have a Dublin Muslim Cultural Society, [2:56] Rabia Bader, to accept the proclamations. [3:00] And also, there's a Muslim Community Center [3:04] East Bay, we want both of you come to accept the proclamations and then take photos with [3:12] us. [3:17] And also, if you have anything you want to say, please. [3:21] Thank you. [3:24] So good evening, Mayor and respective council members. [3:29] First of all, thank you so much for recognizing Ramadan with this proclamation. [3:33] On behalf of the – as a board member of the MCC East Bay, I'm very deeply grateful [3:38] to you and grateful for the City of Dublin for this proclamation and for a continued commitment [3:44] to, for inclusion of our community and our partnership. Ramadan is a very sacred time [3:50] for us as Muslims. It's a month of reflection, gratitude, service, and at MCC East Bay, these [3:56] values guide our work year-round. Our example is our food pantry, which now serves hundreds [4:03] of households in the Tri Valley serving Dublin, Pleasanton, and all across the Bay Area. [4:09] Through these partnerships with the Alameda County Food Bank and local organizations, [4:13] we provide fresh produce, staples, and essential items ensuring families can access food with [4:18] dignity, especially during these challenging times. Beyond food security, MTC supports [4:23] refugee families, provides emergency assistance, offers educational and youth programs, [4:28] and engages in an interfaith and civic work all rooted in the belief that [4:33] caring for our community is a shared responsibility. This work would not be [4:37] possible without your support so we thank you so much for continuing to [4:40] support us and we we really stand with you for for recognizing our values and [4:46] the values that Ramadan represents. Before I conclude I'd like to uplift [4:51] the next generation of leaders in our community I'm honored to introduce [4:55] my daughter, Rabia. She's an 18-year-old student from Averwes High School. She was the recipient [4:59] of the Three Valley Community Salvation Next Gen Award, the Enthalantropus Award, [5:04] and she's going to speak on behalf of the Dublin Muslim Cultural Society. Thank you. [5:11] Good evening, Mayor, Council members, community staff, and members of the community. [5:17] My name is Rabia, and I'm a senior at Averwes High School. It's an honor to accept the [5:23] Ramadan proclamation on behalf of the Muslim Cultural Society of Dublin. [5:29] Ramadan is a month rooted in reflection, generosity, connection, and we're grateful to the City [5:37] of Dublin for recognizing it and for fostering a community where people of all backgrounds [5:42] feel like they belong. [5:45] The spirit of connection is at the heart of our upcoming events. [5:50] This Ramadan, we're bringing neighbors together at our community FTR on Friday, [5:56] February 20th at 5.30 p.m. at Meza and Mocha in Liverbore, hosting a food [6:04] drive to support the Dublin Unified School District food and assistance [6:08] pantry from March 9th to March 23rd, and celebrating Eagle Fitter with the [6:15] City on April 21st at the Civic Center, followed by Eid al-Adha on May 30th at the Dublin Senior [6:25] Center. Each of these moments is about service, celebration, and building relationships across [6:32] our city. As a young person involved in community service, it means a great deal to see our city [6:40] uplift faith communities and celebrate people and to come together in meaningful [6:46] waves. Thank you to the City of Dublin for this proclamation and for your [6:52] partnership and for helping make Dublin a place where everyone feels welcome. [6:58] Thank you and Ramadan Mubarak. Thank you very much. So we have proclamation for [7:04] you to accept that we made two for each of you. Great work. [7:12] Let's start from here together. [7:34] That item for public comment. At this time the public is permitted to address the City Council [7:43] on non-agendaized items. Please step to the podium and clearly state your name for the record. [7:52] Mayor, I have 18 speakers left right now for this item and so we will start with those [7:56] person and then we will go to those on Zoom. So our first speaker is Shirley [8:00] Lewandowski. [8:08] Good evening council staff. My name is Shirley Lewandowski and this [8:15] is my helper today. Todd Benson. We're both Dublin residents. This is [8:21] This is Dulin Canyon. I think I got my wrong glasses. Can I switch? [8:28] Yeah. Oh, God. [8:33] I'll just stand here and look pretty. [8:36] That's what happens when you get old. [8:39] Okay. Anyway, sorry about that. Thank you. [8:42] This picture is Dulin Canyon. It's located in Alameda County, unincorporated land. [8:47] and one of the last beautiful and breathtaking open space and agricultural [8:51] area left in the Tri Valley. It is protected from development under the [8:56] 2014 open space initiative and serves as a green belt barrier between Dublin and [9:01] Livermore. Now the second slide shows all the existing animals and plants in [9:06] the canyon. Their habitat will be destroyed or disrupted by any type [9:12] of development. The open space initiative does not mandate a road to [9:16] connect Dublin and Livermore. It only says that the city may consider one. If that is [9:22] the case, then it becomes a question of what the road will look like and at what financial [9:27] and environmental costs. Within the Dulin Canyon is a cross-bic property where the [9:35] proposed Dublin extension will cut through 80 acres of the cross-bic property here [9:41] And it's going to use up open space to connect to Livermore. [9:46] The extension is one and a half miles long and depicted by this dotted line here, starting [9:52] from Fallon Road going east all the way to North Gaines Parkway in Livermore. [9:57] It's going to consist of 12 six-to-car lanes wide and a bike and pedestrian lane. [10:02] And it's going to be sitting 1200 feet above and parallel to 580 here. [10:07] Our proposed option is the solid line here, the yellow line here, which is a two-lane [10:15] road, which is called Road, and it starts on Fallon, it goes south, and you only have to [10:20] build a third of a mile road to connect it to another existing two-lane road called Collier [10:25] Canyon Road, to Livermore, okay. And our proposed lane also includes a bike and pedestrian lane. [10:33] Next one. [10:37] The city's design is estimated to cost $160 million. [10:42] Building it means losing 80 acres of Crosby property open space and a major disruption [10:48] to the biodiversity of the area. [10:50] Its multi-lanes means more traffic with more added from 580 and creating more air pollution. [10:56] This design is currently not completely funded. [10:59] The city is borrowing $71 million from general funds to jumpstart it. [11:04] To help offset the cost, the city wants to commercially develop along the road on the [11:09] Crosby property, but this must be voter approved. [11:12] Commercial development would eliminate any financial support from Livermore and require [11:16] annexation of the Crosby property. [11:19] Our alternative to lane design is estimated to cost $44 million. [11:24] dollars. It can be fully funded within the city's capital improvement budget. It saves open space, [11:31] minimal impact to the existing biodiversity. Two-lane means less traffic, less pollution, [11:36] no commercial development or annexation needed. This is the more cost-effective and responsible [11:42] use of taxpayer money. If a road is considered to connect Dublin to Livermore, this is the [11:47] design the city should build. Thank you. [11:50] Thank you. [11:54] Here is Brad Dabrinsitsky. [12:03] Good evening. My name is Brad Dabrinsitsky. [12:06] Good evening, Mayor Hu and distinguished members [12:07] of the Dublin City Council. [12:09] It is my honor to serve as the proudly elected representative [12:11] and leader of the diligent, tenacious, and adaptable members [12:14] of the Dublin Teachers Association. [12:16] Normally I restrict my comments to the school board meetings, [12:19] but tonight I'm reaching out to our larger community. [12:21] Your Dublin educators need our community's help to protect our students. [12:26] Please demand that Dublin Unified School District Management [12:29] reprioritize their budget to invest in students and avert a potential strike. [12:35] For over 18 months, the members of the Dublin Teachers Association [12:37] have been advocating for ways to enhance the revenue of our school district [12:40] so that we can invest in Dublin students. [12:42] We have suggested early retirement incentives and update to independent study [12:46] that would align with state laws allowing our district to recover funds [12:49] that are lost when students are absent and medical billing for publicable services. [12:54] While your educators have been advocating for ways to invest in students, I'm sad to report [12:58] that in December, Superintendent Funk revealed that an accounting error, for which he has [13:02] claimed full responsibility, has resulted in an additional $3.6 million deficit. [13:08] This would be scary news to any concerned stakeholder. However, when placed in context [13:12] of past behavior, it really raises questions about how effective Dublin Unified School [13:16] district management is at managing taxpayer dollars. Based on the unaudited actuals in [13:21] 2021-22, management underestimated the revenue by over $11 million. In 22-23, they underestimated [13:28] revenue by almost $18 million. 23-24, they underestimated revenue by over $9 million. [13:34] And in 24-25, it will come as no surprise that the pattern continues with revenue [13:37] again being underestimated by over $8 million. This context begs two questions. First, [13:43] First, how many millions of dollars is DOSD management [13:45] off by in their accounting this year? [13:47] As a teacher, I am so happy to be able [13:49] to answer your question. [13:51] Currently, DOSD management has not accounted [13:53] for nearly 19 million in additional state revenue. [13:56] The second question is, where did all the money go [13:58] for the last four years? [14:00] Some of that money is spent in ways [14:01] that are not student-centered like outside contractors [14:04] and the rest may language in unrestricted reserves. [14:07] Based on Superintendent Funk's presentation [14:09] recommendation, the Board of Trustees [14:10] for Dublin Unified School District [14:11] recently voted to approve several cuts. These cuts managed nearly $6 million, $6.8 million, [14:17] and there are plans for more cuts at the meeting on February 10th. What you might [14:20] notice in these cuts, however, is that none of them are to senior management salaries. [14:24] If superintendent Funk does take full responsibility as he claims, why are none [14:28] of the cuts touching his salary or the salary of the assistant superintendents [14:31] who share the responsibility of managing the district budget appropriately? [14:35] Our neighbors to the east in Livermore also had a draft to propose cuts. Out of [14:41] pages almost exclusively kept cuts away from student-facing employees and programs. [14:46] Indeed, the entire first page of Livermore's proposals are cuts to senior management salaries [14:49] via furlough days. Sadly, Dublin's district management have not made those same student-centered [14:54] choices. Instead, cuts from DOC management teams protect their salaries while gutting the [15:00] Reports and services for our students. Should the superintendent of our Dublin schools, a [15:05] man who earns more than the governor of California, have his salary protected at the expense of [15:09] the health and well-being of Dublin students? This pattern of decision making and mismanagement [15:14] is why. [15:15] Time is over. [15:16] Thank you. [15:18] Next speaker is Tom Evans, followed by Janine Gillingerton and then Mike Grant and then [15:24] John Cameron. [15:24] Good [15:34] evening, Mayor and Council, staff. [15:37] My name is Tommy Evans, a long-time resident. [15:39] I just want to show support for Shirley Lewandowski's efforts to find a better solution for the [15:48] Dublin Boulevard Extension. [15:50] We could find something that fits our budget better, is more friendly to the environment, [15:57] for example, and doesn't need to involve the Crosby property. We can probably effectively [16:06] accomplish all the requirements that we're trying to get by having a good road built through there, [16:15] but we don't need to hang on to the expensive one that we're looking at now. Thank you very much. [16:22] Thank you. Next speaker is Jeanine Gillinggarden. [16:31] Good evening everyone. My name is Jeanine [16:34] Gillinggarden and I would like to address the staff report from the first January meeting on the [16:40] sale of safe and sane fireworks in the City of Dublin. I was saddened to see that of the [16:46] options offered to the City Council for their consideration, the option of choosing not to [16:52] out the sale of fireworks was not present. I believe the comparison cities should have [16:59] only included those of our neighbors in the Tri-Valley and Benton counties to the east [17:05] of the hills that separate us from the bay. Even our weather forecast put us in a separate [17:10] category than the communities surrounding the bay. We are an inland valley. We are [17:16] hotter and drier than communities on the other side of the foothills. And let [17:20] us not forget the Dublin wind, which is a factor. [17:24] Looking at this in terms of climate and vegetation, we can see that we are more at risk here in [17:29] the Tri Valley area because of a drier climate, a hotter climate, and a substantial shared [17:34] boundary with rural landscape, especially in West Dublin and the hills of East Dublin. [17:40] Exactly those single family home neighborhoods that make up one of the three designated [17:46] areas where these fireworks are allowed. [17:48] I know that some people will be concerned that this opportunity to raise funds for nonprofits serving Dublin and Dublin residents is very significant. [17:58] When I look through the report, the cost of the program, the 2025 program for the sale of these fireworks to the city was $79,000. [18:08] The revenue to the city was $5,000. [18:11] The report also notes that the costs to the nonprofits have risen and it is [18:16] becoming harder for them to earn as much money as they had in the past for the sale [18:21] of fireworks. So I have a couple of possible ideas I would like you to also [18:26] consider. BAM the sale of all fireworks. Consider using the funds to have a [18:34] carnival where local nonprofits can have booths to raise funds or let the [18:38] non-profits use the current lottery system to secure booths at events like Splatter and St. Patrick's Day. [18:45] Another idea, ban fireworks except at the allowed parks. [18:51] Require a California ID to buy the fireworks, to prove the buyer lives in Dublin, [18:56] and add a surcharge to each sale to pay for the cost of police and fire. [19:00] and this is just an idea of mine, limit the sale to 10 booths in front of the [19:07] police department. That gives us possibilities. Ban the sale of all [19:13] fireworks. Why not take the money that would have been spent? We had 15 booths, [19:19] so divide it by 15, which is the average number of booths that were allowed, and [19:24] give the nonprofit groups each one-fifteenth of the money. You can [19:29] do something that is helpful we can be safer in our homes and the non-profits [19:33] can continue their good work. Thank you very much. The next speaker is Mike Grant [19:41] followed by John Cameron and then Linda Milanese. [19:54] Good evening Mike Grant long-time [19:56] resident owner Guns Unlimited Repair Dublin. I'd like to comment on the [20:00] item you brought up on January the 20th about the indoor gun range and gun [20:05] dealerships. So you all know, I'm a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and do support [20:11] someone having the right to open a gun quality gun range or gun store in Dublin. I think [20:18] that all of us should know that gun dealers are highly regulated by the ATF and the [20:24] DOJ. We're also inspected for these items like securing guns and proper paperwork being [20:31] filled out per the law each year. Now on the other hand handgun gun ranges are not [20:39] regulated or inspected by the DOJ or the ATF, only Cal OSHA. If they have an air [20:46] quality complaint or an employee has to see a doctor then that trips a workman's [20:51] comp claim and that's when they come out. Quality ranges start with good air [20:56] handling equipment, indoor ranges can will produce high levels of burnt powder and lead [21:02] in the air. [21:03] This is why you need a building that is almost tight is basically negative air box, what [21:10] it boils down to. [21:12] Contamination out of the air is pulled through two sets of high high high filters, rating [21:18] from Merch 15 to a Merch 17, which is HEPA filters. [21:21] safety for the shooting. The shooters is also very important and that's ballistic [21:27] panels between the lanes. So if you have an AED it doesn't shoot the guy next to [21:33] you. I'm going to talk about suicide. We always bring suicide up which is [21:37] rightfully so. I was at a seminar in recently a suicide prevention seminar. [21:44] keynote speaker was VA Doug Collins. He had a great point and he said veteran [21:51] suicide he said everyone can just do one thing and maybe we can save a life so [21:57] think about that. On the panel there was a member who ran a gun range and she was [22:02] in Colorado where her husband had a shooting in 2022. The person came in an [22:09] older gentleman. He passed the SNF test. They rented him a gun. He hit my box ammo. He shot [22:19] almost the whole box up. Then he turned the gun on himself and he killed himself. So what [22:25] I'm saying here is another thing to prevent suicides is I'm against renting guns. If [22:31] you don't own a gun, [22:34] then go buy one legally and then you can go ahead and shoot. But [22:38] Rending guns and not having supervision on a range [22:41] is very dangerous. [22:43] Thank you. [22:46] Next speaker is John Cameron, [22:49] followed by Linda Milanese and then Carol Silva. [23:02] John Cameron, longtime resident. [23:05] Right now in America we're seeing growing resistance [23:08] spreading quickly against authoritarianism [23:11] and fascism all across the country. [23:14] People realize democracy is like a muscle. [23:17] You don't use it, it will atrophy. [23:20] From the presidency to the sycophants in Congress and the Supreme Court down to local D leaders who lost sight of the privilege and [23:27] responsibility they've been given a [23:29] correction is coming [23:32] There have always been fascists here always will but now we've seen what happens when they have power [23:39] Families broken up. No due process. No accountability [23:43] murder [23:45] People are rising and resisting who never have they're watching closely [23:50] as to who is full of BS and who the real leaders are. [23:54] We're finding who caters to the rich and powerful [23:56] and who is concerned about doing the right thing [23:59] for the good of the many, [24:00] despite the efforts of the powerful, [24:02] special interests only concerned with getting more. [24:06] Locally, I think we need to pick up the pace, [24:09] meet this challenge head on, [24:11] offer to buy that federal land, FCI sits on, [24:15] take away the opportunity for ICE [24:17] to get a foothold in our community. [24:20] Use imminent domain if you have to or any other way, [24:24] but we need to get that away from them. [24:26] One very practical use for this site, [24:28] and I've already talked to firefighters [24:29] about this in the area who think it's a great idea [24:33] is to construct a park that the land sits on [24:36] with a considerable size reservoir [24:38] for aerial fire crews to access from. [24:42] It's centrally located in Dublin [24:44] to hit everything equally. [24:46] It's a great location for that. [24:47] aerial fire crews. What the helicopters do they can come they can extract nearly a [24:53] thousand gallons of water in less than a minute. Instead of spending money on an [24:58] unnecessary road most Dubliners don't want, Livermore definitely doesn't want [25:02] and special interests are written all over it. Buy that land and put a park [25:06] on it. You'll be preserving beautiful open space for everyone to enjoy and [25:10] decompress from the pressures of everyday life. Protect our vanishing [25:15] wildlife and give us a tremendous tool in combating a potential catastrophe. [25:21] Quickly when we have the best chance to stop it, it'll save lives, save property and potentially [25:27] billions of dollars. [25:28] We all hope to never need such a tool. [25:31] But don't wait to say, I wish it was something we had done before fire ripped through our [25:37] city. [25:38] It's, um, I've been concerned about fire for a long time, the changing weather [25:43] conditions we have here, the way the wind acts and the heat. I've never seen it before. [25:48] This February, the amount of frost we used to have was considerable. Now it's almost non-existent. [25:56] So it is happening. And I agree with the fireworks. It's time to give those up. [26:02] I mean, we are in a powder keg. And I think this park idea with the reservoir is a great idea. [26:08] Just to prepare. Thank you. [26:13] Next speaker is Linda Milanese, followed by Carol Silva, followed by Todd. [26:23] Good evening, Linda Milanese. [26:27] As the Livermore resident, I am really annoyed that Dublin wants to contaminate the open space between it and Livermore, [26:37] with a six-lane, one-and-a-half-mile extension of Dublin Boulevard. For what [26:43] purpose? A shortcut to LPC or Costco? Or a permanent shortcut for more traffic [26:50] during congested commute hours? Measure II misled voters into believing it was [26:58] a clean air open space preservation initiative. Dublin voters were duped. Who's going to pay [27:07] for this $160 million intrusion on our open space, not live or more? The people of Dublin [27:16] will end up footing the bill for something that benefits them in no way. Dublin residents would [27:23] benefit more if your efforts and money were directed at developing a downtown, a real center [27:30] for Dublin, instead of sprawling all over our open space. Dublin voters didn't get what they [27:37] thought they were getting, and the courts agree that it's a questionable piece of legislation, [27:44] so why not let it go? Let the appeal go and look at the sensible alternative plan [27:51] for one-fourth the cost of one-third mile extension that connects already existing [27:59] two-lane roads. You'll have both your connecting road as well as the open [28:04] space you promise voters in Measure II. As a Livermore resident, I'm more than [28:12] annoyed by the mega extension plan for Dublin Boulevard. But if I were a [28:18] Dublin resident, I'd be furious. Don't waste their money and destroy what remains of their [28:25] open space. Let the appeal go. Let it go and consider the alternative plan. Thank you. [28:35] Next speaker is Carol Silva, followed by Todd, followed by Juan Pablo Dalvin Mulfine. [28:42] Good [28:51] evening, Mayor and City Council, Members and City staff. [28:57] On July 15, 2024, Livermore Mayor's John Marshawn sent a letter to Dublin City's Mayor, who's [29:07] now the former Mayor of Dublin, favoring the road extension but prioritizing preserving [29:14] serving open space and maintaining a considerable visual buffer between the two communities. [29:21] Mayor Marchand was concerned that the video that Dublin used to convince its residents [29:28] to support the extension shows the road bounded by open space. [29:34] Mayor Marchand states, even more quote, even more cynical is the name Dublin Open Space [29:41] initiative. Since it eliminates open space, at the same time, Dublin staff [29:48] maintains that in order to fund the expressway, there will be solid industrial [29:54] and commercial buildings from Fallon Road to Dolan Road. Why doesn't the video [30:00] The video showed the voters what this will really look like, unquote. [30:05] Livermore City Council directed Livermore staff to conduct a citywide poll regarding preserving [30:12] open space and the scenic corridor north of 580. [30:17] The poll results showed that Livermore favors a road extension, but prioritizes open space [30:28] and a visual buffer between our communities. Respondents were much less likely to support [30:35] a road project if commercial and industrial development were constructed. [30:42] On April 23, [30:45] 23, 2025, Dublin Mayor's Sherry Hugh held a state of the city launcheon. She noted [30:54] that the five-year capital improvement program budget is projected at $104.9 million, which amounts [31:05] to approximately $21 million per year, with the city's proposed six-lane extension of double and [31:14] bowl of art estimated at that time a hundred at a hundred and sixty million this including this [31:24] well separately another item is the city's vision for the downtown Dublin project [31:32] also the large regional event center and other street parks and general improvement projects [31:39] projects, how does the proposed road make economic sense for Dublin taxpayers? [31:46] Thank you. [31:49] Next speaker is Todd, followed by Juan Pablo Galvan-Wolfine, followed by G.O.T. [31:56] Sharma. [31:59] Good evening, Dublin City Council. [32:01] My name is Todd Benson, longtime resident in Dublin. [32:04] And what I'm here to speak about is in support of Shirley's proposal to come up [32:11] with a $44 million option for the road extension as opposed to $160 million. That would be [32:17] a considerable saving but still meets the need of this road that I guess is still being [32:21] planned. I'm thinking about money savings. There's a lot of good things we could do for [32:26] that in Dublin. And on a selfish note, I can just talking about my own street. Along [32:33] Stagecoach Road, we have multiple roads that feed off of it and people are blowing [32:39] by it. They're just going right through the stop signs. Specifically, Jade Circle and Topaz Circle. [32:48] Around our area, we have two police officers at Park of the Stop Sign. These guys are making bucks. [32:55] People are not even stopping at these stop signs. They're not even looking at them. And the [32:59] problem here is that it's a safety issue. I'm surprised nobody's been killed yet. We did [33:05] have a neighbor's dog that was hit by a car because the guy couldn't bother to stop or [33:10] even go the speed limit. [33:11] So what I'm proposing with this money savings with this option that maybe we put in some [33:16] safety into some of our streets, put in speed bumps. [33:20] For example, to install one speed bump is about $1,000 to $7,000. [33:26] And if you look at what type it is, asphalt is $3,000 to $7,000. [33:30] even cheaper are rubber refurbished speed bumps. We could use that money for [33:36] something good to save lives because I can tell you along stagecoach they think [33:40] it's a raceway and it's a lawsuit waiting to happen. I'm surprised nobody's [33:44] been killed there yet. So that's one option I thought that we could use that [33:48] money that we save on this other option. The other one is an iron horse [33:52] trail right behind Dublin High School. It's a beautiful area. A lot of people [33:57] use it. A lot of people use it at night. I've seen high school kids walking over there, joggers, [34:03] bikers, scooters. But it's really dark. And it's a safety issue. I've seen near-collisions because [34:09] people can't see each other. Partly their fault. They should wear reflective vests. They should [34:13] wear lights. They don't. So I'm proposing with some of this money maybe put some safety lights [34:18] out there. And maybe for the summertime when people use it too, it's like an oven there. [34:25] people are baking. It's direct sun. Let's put some trees over there. You guys have [34:29] already put a nice beginning of a nice park over there with that nice little [34:34] kind of walking trail. Let's let's pretty it up and let's make it safer. [34:39] And looking at my time, the one that's not as selfish is let's look at a [34:45] door-tea overpass walkway right along door-tea parallel to the scarlet [34:51] drive. Iron Horse goes right through there. Let's do an overpass rockway over [34:58] door teeth that connects on Iron Horse and ends up at the Don Bridal Community [35:03] Park. This area has a lot of foot traffic. It would improve the public safety and [35:09] function of that area. Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker is Juan Pablo [35:16] Galvan Mulfine, followed by Jyoti Sharma, and then Trepti Sagair. [35:23] Good evening, Dublin [35:25] City Council, Ms. Mayor, Dublin City staff. My name is Juan Pablo Galvan Martinez, [35:31] senior land use manager for Seymour Diablo. Sorry, I should learn to write a [35:35] little better, but yeah, that is my name. No big deal. Just up here to say [35:40] thank you so much to the majority of the City Council that voted to not [35:45] appeal the court's decision from this past fall that measure II did require [35:50] environmental review before putting it on the ballot. We think it's a wise [35:54] decision, takes a long-term view that it's the correct decision, and we [35:58] absolutely agree with it and are very appreciative. One of our utmost [36:02] priorities in the entire Diablo Range, which spans 200 miles, is the [36:05] preservation of the green belt between Dublin and Livermore, the last open [36:09] space remaining in those two cities, and our efforts in 2014 that created [36:13] the east side of the limit line that Dublin enjoys today always allowed a road connection between [36:20] Dublin and Livermore. I think there's quite a bit of passion in the community for a road [36:24] alternative that could be more economically feasible and be a lot easier in a lot of respects to [36:30] what the city is currently contemplating, but we appreciate city leadership that takes its [36:36] decisions after a lot of thought and follows the rules. So thank you very much for the [36:41] decision tonight. And we look forward to working with all of you in the future for Dublin's [36:46] prosperity and the protection of open space in the region. Thank you. [36:51] Next speaker is Jyoti Sharma, followed by Trepti Sagar, followed by Sarisha Ludiniri. [37:07] So good evening, Mayor and the councilmember. Pretty much our request is the same, but [37:13] from the different perspective. So my name is Jyoti Sharma, and I have been the resident [37:19] Dublin from past 15 years. My beautiful kids, they have grown here. And I live in a summer [37:27] Glen community, which is one of the oldest community on the east side of the Dublin. [37:32] I'm also a former special ed teacher with Dublin Unified School District. And through [37:40] both my professional and personal experience, I deeply value accessibility, inclusion [37:45] and community well-being. [37:46] After collaborating with our tight neighborhood group [37:49] who support this idea of building a pedestrian bridge [37:53] on the Tassahara Creek connecting the Summerglen neighborhood [37:57] to the Emerlgen Park. [37:59] We seek your guidance regarding the improved [38:03] safe and accessible access to the Emerlgen Park. [38:07] For around 1,000 of Summerglen residents, [38:12] This access could greatly benefit senior residents, individuals with mobility challenges, [38:19] families with stroller, and children helping them to enjoy the park without safety concerns. [38:25] Most importantly, access to the farmers market in no time. Earlier there was stairs which [38:33] used to pass through the stairs, but this accessibility has been blocked from past [38:38] two years because of flooding. [38:42] So as a long-time resident and educator, I have seen first-hand [38:47] how thoughtful infrastructure can significantly improve the quality of life and promote the [38:53] independence of all the members of my community. I'm happy to share the photos of the current [38:59] condition of the stairs and along with a few innovative ideas which we can develop. [39:06] many people are talking about the if we can stop spending towards that road and [39:13] how many millions of dollars we can save and beautiful pedestrian bridges are [39:20] there in Don Riddle Park very accessible very neat with a new technology [39:25] nothing very fancy but I hope you can support our request to conduct a cost [39:32] analysis for the pedestrian bridge and promote and provide a report back to us [39:40] whenever possible. Thank you. The next speaker is Trupti Sagar. Actually it's [39:47] okay I'd like to go ahead. I'm Sarisha. We've talked among ourselves. Hi my name [39:51] is Sarisha Sinha. I'm a local real estate broker. I live within the [39:54] Assembler Glen neighborhood and you know we're all neighbors. So we're all [39:58] part of this initiative. I'm here to support this initiative because I [40:01] I strongly believe in this. [40:03] Jordan brought up a lot of great points here. [40:06] There's been a lot of suspicious, [40:07] not a lot of, there's been some suspicious activity [40:09] around that area, and we're pretty vigilant [40:11] within our communities, so we're always keeping an eye out [40:13] to see something that we don't recognize, [40:16] people that we don't recognize, [40:17] something that doesn't seem right to us, [40:19] we always call it out within our WhatsApp group, [40:21] and that's how we all kind of get together [40:22] and coordinate on things, collaborate. [40:25] So anyways, we do that, [40:27] but I think it would be really helpful [40:28] to have that bridge connecting our community [40:31] to Emeril Glen Park because there's so many community events that happen there and it's [40:37] just something that will help senior citizens and differently able people access the park [40:42] much easier because otherwise you have to go all the way around and it's actually, you [40:45] know, it's quite a bit of a walk for someone who's, you know, not able to. [40:48] So I'm here to support this initiative. [40:51] I'm also here to give you my perspective from a real estate angle. [40:55] Again, like I said, I'm a real estate broker. [40:56] I've been doing this full time for over 20 years. [40:58] and in the summer, a resident of Summer Glen for more than seven years now. [41:02] So I see that addition of this bridge making it, making the neighborhood, [41:07] making it accessible for the neighborhood residents to go across to Summer Glen Park [41:12] will greatly increase the attractiveness of our neighborhood, [41:16] the desirability of this particular neighborhood, [41:18] which is already in a great location because it's walking distance to Safeway, [41:22] to the movies, to parks, to the local schools, et cetera. [41:25] So I think it's a great initiative, and adding some lighting along that gravelly part there, [41:30] which is pretty dark right now, will certainly deter any unsavory characters from hanging out [41:36] there. So I'm here to support that initiative. And again, like Jyoti said, we're happy to put [41:40] together a proposal. If this is something that you're willing to encourage us to kind of take [41:46] this forward from this point onwards. Thank you. And then the next speaker is Trepti Sagar. [41:52] Thank you. Good evening, Ms. Mayer, as well as City Council member and city staff. Thank you for [41:58] giving the opportunity to just share my perspective with regards to this particular Permisson bridge, [42:05] which will be connecting to the Imragerin Park area. This is a very lively area at this moment, [42:13] and this particular bridge will bring, especially it will be the photo-worthy community [42:18] destination for the not only for the young kids but for the this community [42:24] people as well. The bridge become will be the recognizable landmark for the visual [42:29] asset perspective to the city and the community and it will serve as a backdrop [42:35] for the prom photos, graduation photos and the family portrait because that [42:39] area as I said it's very lively. From the education standpoint also and from [42:45] the nature appreciation perspective also. This will provide a safe and engaging outdoor [42:51] learning extension to the Daughty Elementary School. This will act as a pause point for [42:56] the students, to the observers, toward the creek and the wildlife. And apart from that, [43:02] it will support the environment, education, STEM learning and appreciation of the nature's [43:08] resources. This particular bridge will encourage and increase the foot traffic [43:15] to the nearby park and the amenities too. As already shared by Jyoti, this will [43:23] encourage this for the walking as well as biking for the casual [43:28] exploration. It will connect to the resident more directly to the park's [43:32] trail and the open spaces. This will boost the park users and in terms of [43:38] recreation as well as with the community health as well and I think I from the as I'm living in [43:45] this community for last 18 plus year that area especially for the emeraldine park this will [43:52] be very very useful bridge not only for the community where we are living but whoever is [43:58] coming from the emeraldine area to the community this will be a really connecting bridge to [44:03] all the communities. Thank you. [44:07] Next speaker is David Buley. [44:23] Good evening. She just heard my name is David Buley and I have been living in Dublin for [44:27] quite some time. I am the co-author of the 2014 Open Space Initiative. That is before [44:35] you and the work is being done on that as well as major M that was done on the west [44:39] side of the city. I have had some experience dealing with this legislation and wrote the [44:45] language and created some of that for us. And I'm here to tell you that as to 2014 [44:50] open space initiative, being one of the co-authors, the intent was to keep it open [44:55] space. Guaranteed I'm the author, co-author. [45:00] What can be done and what should be done and what's in that legislation, and it's really [45:05] the only appropriate thing to do if you want a connection to go across, is not a separate [45:09] road with a commercial development. That was not the intent. I can tell you that. I'm [45:13] the writer. What can be done, if that's what you feel you need, is you can extend if [45:19] it's necessary. The Frontage Road, about a third of the mile. That'll serve the [45:25] purpose of getting across that area. If you put a road that has commercial development [45:31] across that main open space area, you are violating the intent of that open space initiative [45:41] that was never intended. [45:44] I can tell you that and that's really the way it is. I wrote [45:49] part of it. So I hope that you will take that very seriously. And if you are watched [45:56] to have an extension feel as necessary for for purpose of safety all those things connecting [46:02] across to the road that goes up towards Costco up there dueling Canyon do it by the front [46:07] approach do that not an expensive extension across the open space that was not intended [46:14] by that legislation I guarantee you I wrote it thank you someone left their glasses up here [46:22] by the way [46:26] now we're going to go to zoom for our next speaker so our next speaker on [46:31] Zoom is Norm Lewandowski. [46:38] Good evening. My name is Norm Lewandowski, a resident of Dublin. [46:45] Today about the proposed Dublin Extension Road and Measure II, which are relevant to each other. [46:53] There was a recent ruling by the Alameda Court on the lawsuit that was filed by [46:58] save Mount Diablo and Friends of Livermore against the city of Dublin on Measure I.I. [47:06] The judge ruled against Dublin on the city's argument that there was no project associated [47:12] with Measure I.I. and therefore no environmental impact report was required. [47:19] The judge said in his decision that an EIR was necessary and further stated that this [47:27] This city misled the public on the wording of Measure II. [47:30] He ruled that Measure II is invalid. [47:34] Why is it that the city and the City Council in 2024 chose to mislead the public on the [47:42] ballot wording and not just state the city's actual intended plan to eliminate 80 acres [47:48] of open space and build a $160 million elaborate 64-lane road with commercial development? [47:55] it. It's obvious. If you would have put the actual project on the ballot, it would most [48:01] likely not have passed. So the city labeled the ballot for Measure I.I. as Dublin Traffic [48:08] Relief, Clean Air, Open Space Preservation Measure. Heck, who wouldn't vote for this? [48:16] The elaborate $160 million roadway is only 1.5 miles of road and is not [48:23] necessary. It's meant to benefit the landowners and developers. It offers very [48:29] little benefit to the public and will impact the endangered species that [48:35] occupy this beautiful open space. Our city can easily build a simple two-lane [48:40] Connector Road just like all the other neighboring cities have done for a fraction of the cost. [48:48] The city staff claims this project will be paid back in 10 years from traffic impact fees, grants [48:54] and other development fees. The reality is these calculations were based on a lot of wishful [49:01] assumptions to justify the plan. It will take decades to actually pay back the money for this [49:08] project. The money the city will spend or have tied up on this project can [49:16] certainly be put to much better use to benefit the residents. Thank you. [49:24] The next speaker is Melissa Pocacci. [49:36] Good evening. [49:42] We can hear you. You can go [49:43] ahead. Can you hear us? Yes, thank you very much. Good evening, Mayor Hugu, City [49:49] Council members and dedicated city staff. My name is Melissa Picacci, a dedicated resident [49:55] and active Summer Glen community member for the past 15 years. I've had the honor of being [50:01] the neighborhood watch captain for the Persimmon Drive neighborhood within Summer Glen for the [50:07] past 11 years. We've seen great improvements to our city during my time here and tonight [50:14] we look to our city council for directed assistance in improving accessibility and safety in our neighborhood. [50:22] After long neglect, Perciven Path along the eastern perimeter of Emel Glen Park has recently been repaved. [50:29] However, the path and the abandoned stairs across Tassahara Creek, mentioned by neighbors tonight, [50:35] remains to be a dark and dangerous area in the evenings. [50:40] More lighting needs to be provided along Persimmon Path and extended to the gravel path at the northeast corner of the park. [50:48] This gravel path, which connects Persimmon Drive and Gleason Drive, needs to be paved for safety reasons, [50:55] and most importantly, to provide accessibility to the elderly and all our Dublin citizens. [51:01] Having this along the area, there are things from happening, like this past Sunday, or [51:10] the Sunday morning, where that area was targeted specifically in the community, being in an [51:15] abundant contest from more cars, shown Oakland the night before. [51:27] Melissa, [51:36] you're breaking up. [51:37] we are not able to hear you at this time. [51:42] Can you hear me? Yes. Hello? Yes, can you hear us? [51:49] Yes, I'm not quite sure where I broke up, but maybe I'll just repeat the last portion of my [51:58] the last portion of what I just said. Melissa, we need to do it cars. [52:02] Are [52:12] you there still Melissa? I'm still here. I'm sorry if the reception is not working out. [52:22] You [52:25] can go ahead and continue your comments if you, we can hear you maybe. [52:32] Okay, having this all along the area would deter things from happening like early Sunday [52:37] morning where that area was targeted specifically by car thieves emptying in a bag full of [52:47] hours. [52:51] One example of the safety issues this darkened is caused through the [52:56] years. Our Dublin neighborhood thanks you for your attention and for your service. [53:02] Thank you. [53:06] The next speaker is Charvi Koviru. [53:14] Good evening mayor and council [53:17] members. My name is Charvi Koviru and I am a sophomore at Emerald High School. [53:21] I've come here today to speak about an issue that many people have also spoken about this [53:27] evening, which is about the Dublin Boulevard and Livermore Road Extension, also known as [53:32] the Fallon 580 Project. [53:34] I want to provide the perspective of a student who goes to Emerald High School to everyday. [53:39] So past Emerald High School, like when you drive more beyond, there is the construction [53:46] construction of the Dublin Center, which is in the middle of many roads. [53:52] And I've also noticed there's a construction of a new neighborhood called Francis Ranch. [53:57] So with all these, I've noticed that Dublin has been emphasizing the importance of more [54:05] urban development. [54:06] However, as a suburban city, I believe that we shouldn't just strive to constantly [54:13] develop into natural habitats. We are known as a suburban city for a reason. [54:21] This road extension, the Dublin, Boulevard and Livermore one, will cut into [54:27] the natural habitats that have stayed, such as Dewan Canyon, and disrupt many [54:31] special species in the area. For example, according to the Alameda County [54:35] Government, the Alameda Whipsnake, the Loggerhead Shrike, and the California [54:39] and tiger salamander are just some of the species that are considered to be these special [54:44] status species. These species are so critical from maintaining the biodiversity of our environment [54:49] as that makes our habitats more resilient to change. With this road, that chance of resilience [54:56] is diminished. Regents across the U.S. have already experienced the devastating impacts [55:01] of over-development into natural habitats. In Florida, for instance, projects to create [55:07] numerous homes as well as roads have reduced critical habitats and post threats to Florida [55:13] cougars making it difficult for these animals to roam and recover. In fact, according to the WSF [55:19] public media, 36 of these Florida cougars have died in 2024, many from traffic collisions. [55:26] Past experiences like these must be considered if we don't want to repeat mistakes that [55:31] that usually come with over-development. [55:34] So in conclusion, I urge you to make a decision [55:39] that will allow future generations [55:41] to take into account the significance [55:43] of our natural habitats and species. [55:46] Thank you for your time. [55:50] And the last speaker on Zoom is Adia Ragunanthan. [56:03] Can you hear me? [56:04] So we can hear you. [56:08] Hello, Distinguished Dublin City Council. [56:10] My name is Aadiraganandan and I'm a sophomore at Emerald High School, where my club, Emerald [56:15] Eco Impact, was brought into an issue raised by the Sierra Club. This concerns a one-and-a-half [56:19] mile-long road that has plans to be built to connect North Canyon Parkway and Dublin Boulevard. [56:25] The main issue with this is that the placement of the road would cross through a very sensitive [56:29] ecosystem and has the potential to harm special status species in the area. [56:35] Dublin has also failed to do an economic review under the California Environmental [56:39] Equality Act, otherwise known as CEQA, and do a roadway ballot measure tied to development, [56:45] both of which are procedures that need to be followed in order to move the urban line limit [56:49] and have not been done. This project poses a major problem not only for the environment, [56:55] but for the city of Dublin, since moving the ULL without going through these procedures [57:00] leaves the city open to litigation and the possibility of CEQA forcing a much [57:04] more costly, full environmental review on the city. Our proposed solution to this [57:09] is a 1.0.3 mile long road with two lanes that would only cost around [57:14] $44 million which is far less than the $160 plus million dollar current [57:19] plan for the project. It will also save around 80 acres of land from [57:23] commercial development. It does not have significant impact on the biodiversity [57:26] diversity of the area, all while maintaining the Dublin ULL. [57:30] The money used for this project could do so much more good for our community, and the current [57:34] proposal does not consider the environment, the reality, or the people's opinions. [57:39] Please consider our solution. Thank you for your time. [57:43] I have no more speaker slips, Mayor. [57:45] Thank you very much. Thanks for all the comments. [57:49] So we are going to agenda item 5, [57:53] consent calendar. So consent calendar items are typically non-controversial in [58:01] nature and are considered for approval by the council with one single action. So I [58:08] want to ask council members, do you have any discussions, any comments? But good, [58:14] Good. Good. Okay. So, I look forward to Moshi. [58:22] Second. Second. So, all in favor, say aye. [58:27] Aye. Aye. So, all the Boston, Canada items are passed. [58:34] Agenda item six is a public [58:36] hearing, nine, seven, and finish the business, nine. Agenda item eight, new business eight [58:44] Good [58:48] evening, Honorable Mayor and City Council members, Jordan Foss, Senior Management Analyst and this evening I'll be giving a presentation on the 2026 City of Dublin Legislative Platform. [59:04] So the City Council adopts an annual legislative platform that guides the city's legislative advocacy efforts for the upcoming year. [59:10] The platform itself is structured into three tiers, guiding principles, which are the broader [59:15] foundational goals for advocacy efforts, public policy priorities, which are guiding categories [59:20] for areas of the city's support and opposition to legislation, and advocacy positions, which [59:27] provide more specific positions on each given public policy priority. [59:32] The advocacy positions list is by no means exhaustive, and in those instances when [59:36] a piece of legislation comes up that is not listed in the advocacy positions, the guiding [59:41] principle will inform the city's action. In rare cases and if needed, staff may bring [59:46] recommendations on specific legislation to the city council for direction. [59:53] The 2026 platform is very similar to last year's platform. The 2026 platform makes [59:58] modifications to account for [1:00:00] changes in state law, anticipated issues for the upcoming legislative session, as well as [1:00:04] grammatical and or word changes, wording changes. I would like to mention as well that towns and [1:00:10] public affairs who supports the city's lobbying and government affairs work reviewed the draft [1:00:14] platform to ensure it contains appropriate language for proposed and future legislation. [1:00:20] Additionally, department heads reviewed the platform and made recommendations in their [1:00:25] areas of expertise. [1:00:29] So diving into the changes in the platform, the 2026 platform modifies [1:00:33] five existing priorities from the 25 platform. Priority number 1.7 was modified to add the [1:00:39] words without burdening city resources to address future Brown Act or open government [1:00:44] initiative legislation that may negatively impact city resources. Priority 7.1 is [1:00:50] modified to reference greenhouse gas emissions as opposed to global warming pollution levels. [1:00:55] This updated language is in line with the language that we see used in our current legislation. [1:01:02] Priority number 7.3 is modified to include the added language of assisting local governments, [1:01:07] as well as replacing local compliance efforts for meeting compliance obligations. [1:01:12] Priority 7.4 is modified to reference water purveyors and local governments to allow for flexibility [1:01:17] in supporting local water agencies or other municipal operators. [1:01:21] And lastly, Priority 7.10 has modified to include the added language of local governments [1:01:27] to specifically protect local agencies from unfunded mandates related to environmental [1:01:31] programs and regulations. [1:01:36] New additions were also made to the platform, of which all eight were for supporting legislation. [1:01:41] So the draft platform proposes additions that include supporting legislation that provides [1:01:45] for equitable funding distribution from regional transit measures. [1:01:49] And this position is in response to SB 63, which authorized a regional transit funding measure to stabilize operations and then prevent service cuts. [1:01:58] So by supporting this, we'd basically be supporting equitable funding distribution to ensure the local jurisdictions and local transit operators receive a fair share of the regional revenues. [1:02:11] Next is supporting legislation that would promote planning and implementation of regional transit improvements and supporting legislation that would promote maintenance and rehabilitation of aging infrastructure. [1:02:22] And then we'd also, another addition is supporting legislation that would provide state incentives for affordable transit oriented and mixed income housing while still preserving local planning authority. [1:02:33] And that position is in response to SB 79, which did pass in 2025, and incentivizes high-density transit-oriented housing development statewide. [1:02:44] This advocacy position would support the development of affordable and mixed-income housing while still preserving the local authority over design or community planning and other things. [1:02:55] So, to continue moving forward to supporting legislation that invests in safe active transportation [1:03:04] infrastructure and local flexibility to manage e-bike use in sensitive areas and supporting [1:03:09] legislation that provides a balanced statewide approach to e-bike safety and supporting legislation [1:03:15] that advocates for clear and consistent e-bike definitions, use standards and safety measures [1:03:20] that are enforceable and practical. [1:03:22] These e-bike additions are important because e-bikes have become more prevalent. [1:03:29] The popularity has increased. There's more usage. [1:03:31] The legislature is taking a more comprehensive look at ways to regulate safety and usage with enforceable policies. [1:03:39] And the last position is supporting legislation that encourages state-level cybersecurity investments [1:03:43] and responsible artificial intelligence standards that enhance city operations. [1:03:49] So for next steps, if approved this evening, the legislative platform will be published [1:03:53] on the city's website and staff will begin utilizing the platform during the 2026 legislative [1:03:58] cycle. [1:03:59] Staff will also be proposing a shift from a one-year platform to a two-year platform [1:04:03] that is aligned with the California legislative cycle. [1:04:07] So the next two-year California legislative cycle does begin on January 1, 2027 and [1:04:12] runs through December 31, 2029. [1:04:14] So staff anticipates bringing a proposed draft to your legislative platform to the City Council in November 2026 for your consideration to ensure that it will be ready by January of 27. [1:04:29] So staff's recommendation is to receive the report and adopt the resolution approving the 2026 City of Dublin legislative platform. And that concludes my presentation. [1:04:37] I'm happy to take any questions or comments that you may have. [1:04:40] And I do want to also mention that Carly Shelby from Townsend Public Affairs is also [1:04:44] on the call this evening, and she can answer any questions you may have. [1:04:47] Thank you. [1:04:48] Thank you, Jordan. [1:04:50] Any questions? [1:04:53] Go ahead. [1:04:54] Thank you. [1:04:55] Thank you, Jordan. [1:04:56] I appreciate all the work on this. [1:04:58] I only have one question, nothing about the additions, but one about a potential item [1:05:03] we might want to look at, and I'm glad that Townsend is on the line as well. [1:05:06] Now, AB 32 that is currently under litigation is AB 32 banned private companies from running [1:05:21] prisons in the state of California. [1:05:22] That's been appealed and it's continuing to work its way through. [1:05:28] Do you feel it is appropriate for us to have something in our platform that takes [1:05:33] a support position around the prevention of private prisons, particularly given the discussion [1:05:44] of FCI Dillon? [1:05:46] So I actually wish Carly was online. [1:05:49] She's not online right now. [1:05:50] She's at another meeting. [1:05:51] So hopefully she'll be able to join shortly. [1:05:55] She would be the best person, I believe, to Ask Townsend would have a good idea if [1:05:58] it would be appropriate for us to put that within the platform. [1:06:01] And again, we utilize them for a lot of the time to review this to make sure the language that we're using is appropriate. [1:06:09] So I'll have to check with her. [1:06:10] If she does jump on the call before we're done, then we'll definitely circle back to that. [1:06:15] But I would like to check with her. [1:06:16] Okay. I know it's not a new bill that's moving this legislative cycle, so it may not have been on their radar. [1:06:23] But given that the Bureau of Prisons isn't tending to transfer control of that property, [1:06:29] which then makes it so that it's a possibility of it being up for sale. [1:06:33] It seems like it might be something we would want to weigh in on. [1:06:38] I mean, it doesn't mean we can't weigh in on if it's not in our legislative platform, [1:06:41] but it seems like we might want the nimbleness of staff, [1:06:44] so we can talk about that more at discussion time. [1:06:47] Thank you. [1:06:48] Thank you. [1:06:49] Questions? [1:06:51] Who wants to do it? [1:06:53] You want to do it? [1:06:54] Go ahead. [1:06:55] Just got two basic questions for you. First, is this informs our ledge policy or positions [1:07:03] at the county, state, and federal level, if I'm correct? [1:07:08] Correct. It'll cover all. Traditionally, it's focused on the state, but yes, it covers all [1:07:13] different levels. [1:07:14] And last time this was brought up in terms of our ledge platform, we were pushing for [1:07:21] for certain stances and there was some pushback around that, how if, or I guess, has the climate [1:07:28] changed and if so how? [1:07:30] Yeah, that would be a great question for Carly, but I did speak, I've spoken to her about [1:07:35] this. [1:07:36] The climate has changed at this point towns and fields like it's appropriate to add certain [1:07:42] language into the platform, both from like the state perspective as well as the federal [1:07:47] perspective that there is not as much ethnic backlash necessarily for certain [1:07:52] terms when it comes to funding opportunities or you know grant [1:07:58] opportunities those types of things so I've got some suggestions but I'll [1:08:01] wait for after a public comment any questions question yeah go ahead yeah [1:08:09] thank you mayor good evening mr. Foss good evening good to see you I have one [1:08:14] question I want to ask on behalf of residents and then my own question [1:08:17] after that. So, the very first one is actually more of an administrative question. So, if [1:08:23] I may ask this, which is the – by the way, this was a lot to go through. So, thank you [1:08:29] for doing that job for me. I appreciate it. The – I had that preamble because the [1:08:35] question that I have from the resident was, given that we have a lot here in terms [1:08:40] of our legislative platform, could you share with us how our strategic plan may or may [1:08:47] not tie into how we support some legislation or vice versa. So just give us an overview [1:08:52] if you may. [1:08:53] Yes, so I mean our legislative, they don't tie directly, right? So the legislative platform [1:08:57] is going to align with our mission vision and values. It's going to align with council [1:09:02] priorities and council goals. So there is overlap in that sense, but the public policy [1:09:09] priorities do not tie directly to a strategic plan, goal, or objective. [1:09:17] But again, that being said, the policies of the City Council are taken into consideration [1:09:24] when developing the legislative platform. [1:09:27] Okay. [1:09:27] Thank you very much. [1:09:28] That's the clarity I was looking for. [1:09:30] Then let me get to my question, which is on legislative platform item six under [1:09:37] Parks and Community Services, item number 10, so 6.10, it states that we will – we're [1:09:49] supporting – sorry – it states that expands the protection of natural resources and strengthens [1:09:57] the safety and scrutiny of these resources, which I'm all for. [1:10:02] Would it be appropriate, considering the number of folks who are up here this evening [1:10:07] providing public comment, that some of an interpretation could also be rendered towards [1:10:12] the definition of open space because of 6.10? [1:10:17] I believe you could interpret it that way. If the direction of council is to add specific [1:10:22] language, then that's the direction of council. Obviously, staff will be able to make those [1:10:27] changes. But yes, the idea of natural resources, again, we're talking about open space. [1:10:33] we're talking about waterways, natural habitats, those types of things, air [1:10:39] quality, those types of things. Thank you for the [1:10:41] affirmation. Appreciate it. No further questions? [1:10:44] Thank you. No question from you? No. Okay, so I have a one quick question too. So [1:10:51] this is our city's legislative platform but we work with Townsend to [1:11:01] So my question is, does it also work with all the other tri-valley cities? [1:11:06] Do other cities have a similar legislative platform as what we have? [1:11:12] So not all of the cities within the tri-valley coalition have legislative platforms. [1:11:17] A couple do, and they are going to be relatively similar to us. [1:11:21] We do follow the TDC framework, which are very high level points that then we kind [1:11:27] to build our more specific Dublin detail around in our platform. So the framework is a guiding [1:11:34] principle that we get about every two years. And then we again, we tailor it towards Dublin. [1:11:40] And each city does the same thing. Okay. Thank you. So we get all our questions [1:11:46] asked. Do we have a public comment? I do have two speakers, Mayor. The first one is [1:11:52] Dan Morley. [1:12:03] Hello mayor and city council. Thank you for your time. I'm generally supportive of [1:12:09] this resolution acknowledging the fact that local government does not exist on an island. [1:12:14] I appreciate that the city has the foresight to create this platform because legislation [1:12:19] enacted at the federal state and county levels all have an effect on cities and the residents. [1:12:25] Cities need to know where they stand in relation to policies and enforcement of said [1:12:30] policies. As we have been seeing in Minnesota, when faced with policies enforced by a reckless [1:12:36] federal government agency acting with impunity, residents on the ground look to their local [1:12:42] neighborhood organizers, cities, counties, and states for support. So I thank you for having this [1:12:50] package. Specifically, I want to applaud the part in [1:12:54] 2.11 that supports legislation lowering the supermajority from two-thirds to 55 percent [1:13:03] to approve local general obligation bonds and special taxes for affordable housing. [1:13:09] We need affordable housing. [1:13:11] And on one wordsmith correction, I think in section 4.2 that you mean citing starting [1:13:19] with an S instead of citing starting with a C. That's it. [1:13:26] And the next speaker is Liz Schmidt. [1:13:38] Madam Mayor, City Council staff, [1:13:40] it's true that we have a flow from this government state to this county to the city, [1:13:45] but I want to let you know that it also can go the other direction [1:13:48] because of the bravery and the principle of this council. Alameda County has now declared [1:13:56] the county an ice-free zone and it's considering making setting a resolution [1:14:02] that will allow not allow a detention center in Dublin. I commend you and I [1:14:06] tell people I am proud to be in the city to be in the forefront of any [1:14:10] organization and we'll have the courage to stand up and say what is [1:14:13] happening is wrong and we need to change it. Thank you. [1:14:18] I have no other [1:14:19] speaker slips. Thank you for the comments. We'll come back for additional [1:14:23] additional comments. You have additional comments? [1:14:26] Sure. Appreciate the public comment and the background. I actually wanted to propose three changes. [1:14:35] The first two are adding the phrase regardless of immigration status. [1:14:41] So the first one is 1.3 currently reads, assures every person the right to equal treatment in and access to all [1:14:48] government-sponsored benefits or funded programs. [1:14:53] And my suggestion here is to add, regardless of immigration status, to the beginning of that. [1:15:00] Every person regardless of immigration status, the right to equal treatment and in and access [1:15:05] to all government sponsored benefits or funded programs. So this is under the general admin [1:15:10] section. The second one is to section 5.13, which is under the public safety. And so currently [1:15:21] reads provides for public safety reforms that prioritize the safety, dignity and fair treatment [1:15:26] of all individuals and my suggestion is to again add regardless of immigration status at the end of [1:15:30] that. And then the third suggestion that I had was under Section 8 technology would be to add [1:15:43] a line item which would be supports protecting our residents information [1:15:49] from being used for surveillance and targeting. [1:15:55] That would be a new one, yes. [1:15:56] Can you say that wording for me one time? [1:15:59] Supports protecting our residents' information from being used for surveillance and targeting. [1:16:27] Comments? [1:16:28] Yeah. [1:16:30] I'm going to want to wordsmith that. [1:16:33] I'm generally supportive of your proposed changes, definitely all in on your changes [1:16:40] to 5.13. [1:16:43] We definitely need to add, regardless of immigration status to that one, I would [1:16:47] I would like to hear staff's thoughts on 1.3 before I'm fully supportive of that only [1:16:53] because that could, I just want to make sure that there's no unintended consequences to [1:17:00] that one, because of funding being used for people who may not be documented, so I want [1:17:08] to hear staff's take on that one. [1:17:09] But I do, I would like to see us add a 5.16, I guess, with wording that supports legislation [1:17:25] that limits the transfer of federal or state assets to organizations that would use them [1:17:32] for for-profit prisons of any kind. [1:17:43] Yeah, for 8.7, I'm generally supportive of your thought process. [1:17:51] Yeah, I think, first of all, it was really well done, a lot of good work, very comprehensive. [1:18:00] And I will say I'm also supportive of, first of all, adding a 5.16 limiting transfer of assets. [1:18:09] I like that a lot. [1:18:11] I also like your new eight point, whatever it's going to be. [1:18:18] I think that's necessary. I think we need to clarify targeting surveillance. [1:18:24] We just need to define that a little bit more. [1:18:28] And I would be supportive of the minor addition to 513 at this point. [1:18:35] So I'm good with those so far, but I'd like to see what we can do with your new Section 8 and, you know, how 516 might look like, too. [1:18:50] Yeah. [1:18:51] Yeah. [1:18:58] I'm digesting this for a moment. [1:19:03] So for the addition to Item 8, I think I'm pretty good with that. [1:19:09] that I would like to also learn about how does that not come back at us in the situation [1:19:18] of a crime, right, if we need to use surveillance and target somebody to observe them in a crime [1:19:26] situation. [1:19:27] So, let me ask a general question, administrative question, is tonight or right now, are we [1:19:34] Are we asked to deliberate this and then make a [1:19:38] Approver decline a resolution or can we make a motion to defer for further research because these items are very heavy [1:19:45] like [1:19:47] Tonight the it's to receive the report and to adopt the resolution approving the platform [1:19:52] So if you you would need to make a motion to defer to another meeting to bring the edits back [1:19:59] Can I ask you a quick question on that? [1:20:02] Jordan, what would be the consequences of us deferring this? [1:20:04] The legislative calendar is off and running. [1:20:08] Deferring it to another meeting would be... [1:20:12] We would still be under the existing legislative platform. [1:20:17] So the changes that you have proposed that came from Townsend [1:20:21] and our other Tri-Valley partners would not be in effect. [1:20:25] So, the bills that they are specifically meant to engage on, you would not be able to engage [1:20:31] on fully until we adopt the resolution set, correct? [1:20:35] Yeah, we would not be able to, staff would not be able to support and or oppose any legislation [1:20:40] without, without that language in there if it was, you know, specific around that bill. [1:20:45] But anything from the previous platform would roll over. [1:20:48] Okay. [1:20:48] I wouldn't be supportive of deferring at this point. [1:20:50] Jordan, are we in violation of any compliance if we defer it for further research? [1:20:56] No. [1:20:58] No, there'd be no. [1:20:59] As the Vice Mayor or Josie mentioned, we would just utilize the 25 platform until the 26 platform is adopted. [1:21:07] So if there's any legislation that either Dublin and or the Tri Valley Coalition would like to take action on, [1:21:13] We would not, that was not currently covered in the 25 platform, we wouldn't be able to [1:21:19] without bringing it back to you for special consideration. [1:21:21] Okay. [1:21:23] See, where I'm headed with this is we have one answer questions and we have specialists [1:21:29] and consultants who can answer these questions for us. [1:21:32] So we deliberate this in a silo this evening and we pass a resolution without having [1:21:38] the full breadth of answers I feel is impartial. [1:21:42] So, like he just said, there's no cost to deferring this or making a motion to defer [1:21:49] for subsequent review because we can and there's no financial penalty to this nor legislative [1:21:55] or compliance penalty to this. [1:21:58] So what's the rush? [1:22:00] I guess is my question. [1:22:01] Is there one? [1:22:02] Did I miss something? [1:22:03] Jordan? [1:22:06] There's not necessarily, I mean the rush is that the legislature is working currently [1:22:11] on proposing bills and we like to make sure we're at the front of that and that we're having [1:22:17] conversations early and that we're speaking to these offices. We're unable to do that [1:22:21] from our capacity without this document unless again it's something that falls within the 2025 [1:22:28] platform. Are any of the items presented by our council member cadre for modification [1:22:34] or the questions that were asked by Vice Mayor items that are up for the debate and [1:22:39] legislation at this moment or this week? That would be a question for Townsend so [1:22:43] unfortunately we don't have an answer for this week specifically you know we if [1:22:47] something were to come back to the next meeting you know that would again that [1:22:52] would be the sooner the better of course getting anything approved because [1:22:56] it just allows us to act faster. Okay so missing Townsend right now [1:23:01] is a pillar that we really need them here. Yes unfortunately she's stuck [1:23:05] right currently at another meeting and hopefully she'll be able to join an [1:23:08] answer any questions before the deliberation is done. I just want to [1:23:15] address something that John said. [1:23:20] So what I want to understand is, and this is [1:23:23] more procedural too, so is there anything in this document aside from what [1:23:28] we've talked about tonight that you have a need for further discussion? Okay, [1:23:33] Okay, so from a procedural standpoint, this may sound too simplistic, but I want to understand, [1:23:39] if we were to adopt something subject to what it is now and then have further amendments, [1:23:47] is that procedural possibility? [1:23:52] If we came back in another week and said, okay, we're going to look at these other [1:23:56] items here and digest them and come up with addendums or additions to this document. What [1:24:06] I'm saying here is this provides us with a means. There might be something that's very [1:24:10] essential in this tonight that's coming up, right, and that you're going to need those [1:24:15] tools. We're going to need that, right? So I just want to make sure that from a [1:24:21] procedural standpoint we have a little flexibility. Yeah, if there's no issues [1:24:25] use what we see here, we move forward with something like this and we come back with these [1:24:31] five items or so and seriously get into this because I think there's some really good items [1:24:36] here. [1:24:39] I just wanted to ask the question. [1:24:42] Your question to him said, is there any urgency or are there any bills moving based [1:24:46] on the amendments that we are asking for staff's report? [1:24:49] But I'm more concerned with passing what staff presented to us and I wanted to [1:24:54] make sure you weren't losing sight of that that there's there's a lot of new [1:24:57] things in here that are not in the 2025 legislative platform and I want to make [1:25:01] sure that we are moving on that quickly because the reason they're in here is [1:25:05] because there are bills moving on those issues like SB 63 and those other [1:25:09] issues that are that are moving forward and so I don't want to delay the [1:25:14] recommendations that we're getting from staff that we are all I think we [1:25:17] haven't heard from everybody's full position but but most of us were [1:25:20] quite receptive when that came forward from us so I just want to [1:25:23] And make sure that we haven't lost sight of that, that those changes we're talking about [1:25:26] to our ledge platform are not just the things, you know, what we want to pass tonight, not [1:25:30] just the things that we're adding, yes, and so I want to make sure that that was fully [1:25:35] understood. [1:25:35] That's kind of what I said. [1:25:37] Right? [1:25:37] That's what it was. [1:25:42] Very clear in terms of our ledge package. [1:25:45] And if you don't know what I'm referring to, feel free to turn on the news or [1:25:48] read the newspaper. [1:25:49] I mean, it's a very tragic situation what's happening. [1:25:52] Yeah, and I, so first I'll address the, yes, I understand the baseline that we have, so [1:25:58] I'm okay with it, because we can, it sounds like we can come up for a special review again [1:26:04] to make modifications. [1:26:05] Okay. [1:26:05] Fine. [1:26:07] Look, I'm not, I'm not ambivalent to what's happening in the world right now. [1:26:12] Okay. [1:26:12] But what I also am very strongly considering is that what is the constitutionality of [1:26:19] what's being requested? [1:26:21] So I don't have time to do that unless I go and chat GPT right now, but we apparently [1:26:26] have a city norm that I can't be really on my computer looking at things, so I want the [1:26:32] time to review and understand the customer channel or the request that's being presented. [1:26:37] That's all. [1:26:38] And I'm not saying yes or no, I'm just, you got to give me some time because that's [1:26:42] a very heavy lift item that's being presented. [1:26:44] I'm sure attorney can weigh in given this very similar language has been [1:26:50] approved by other cities, local cities. [1:26:56] Yeah, I'm not concerned about the [1:26:57] constitutionality of such a statement being included in your legislative [1:27:01] platform. I think there has been legislation that says similar, has [1:27:07] included similar phrasing and I haven't heard about any constitutional [1:27:09] challenges. If I could just add, last year we had a similar conversation and we [1:27:17] had some language proposed related to immigration status and the direction then [1:27:23] was to go back and review it with Townsend which we did and given the [1:27:28] climate at the time Townsend didn't feel comfortable without language and we [1:27:32] talked about how the climate has changed and so I'd like to ask Jordan [1:27:36] to speak about any conversations he's had with Townsend about that change in the climate. [1:27:42] Yeah so I referenced it a little bit earlier but when we had last year when we had talked about [1:27:47] that language Townsend was concerned about using that language again due to the unknown surrounding [1:27:53] the federal administration coming in and what that would mean for grant funding for federal [1:27:58] funding etc. They do not currently share the same concerns that they had just from what they've [1:28:05] been able to see, and they do not believe that adding any language similar to what was [1:28:12] requested last year, that adding that language would be a concern this year. [1:28:17] So they were in favor of us adding that language if it did come back up within discussion. [1:28:30] Working with all of our tribal cities, and I had some time with other mayors last week [1:28:39] when we went to Washington D.C. for legislative advocacy trip and also mayor's conference. [1:28:47] I kind of sense some of the languages we just talked about may not appear in other cities [1:28:58] platform. If that's the sense, if Thompson has to act for all of our cities, if we have language [1:29:07] different from other cities' language, what would be the consequence? [1:29:13] So I guess that would really depend. [1:29:16] It's the interpretation of the language, right? [1:29:19] So if certain cities, and I don't specifically know what Livermore or Danville has in their [1:29:24] legislative platform, but if they have language that's maybe more broad, they'll be able [1:29:29] to interpret it one way and then their staff will be able to interpret it one way and [1:29:33] then react, you know, our language is currently written the way it is and it allows staff [1:29:40] to act that way. So, you know, really it's just kind of boils down to does it fit with [1:29:48] kind of what the TVC collectively is working on. That's what we really think about when [1:29:52] we work on things regionally. Does it fit really within our framework? And then we [1:29:55] start to look at the nuance things to make sure we're comfortable signing on to [1:30:02] I would say two, and thinking more about this, you know, the two items that councilmember [1:30:09] Caudry is looking at 1.3 and 5.13 already say everyone. So they already capture everyone. [1:30:21] So I think what the councilmember is getting at about putting words in your mouth is a point [1:30:26] of emphasis here on, given what's happening around us. [1:30:33] Sorry, I just wanted to correct myself. [1:30:36] I left off the words for immigration enforcement cooperation for the last part of that, and [1:30:42] I don't know if that was your question. [1:30:43] I'm sorry. [1:30:44] All right. [1:30:44] That would you say? [1:30:45] It was supports protecting our residents' information from being used for surveillance [1:30:52] and targeting for immigration enforcement. [1:30:55] Oh, for 8.1. [1:30:56] I apologize. [1:30:57] for leaving that piece out. [1:31:00] Thank you. [1:31:00] That makes a big difference for me because my concern, [1:31:03] so I've got a couple of concerns. [1:31:05] I am 100% on board with you and I will champion your point of view [1:31:10] on 5.13, absolutely 100%. [1:31:14] 1.3 is a little bit different only in that it talks about [1:31:19] all government-sponsored benefits and funded programs. [1:31:23] It does say, assures every person the right to equal treatment [1:31:27] 100% but then it goes on to say and access to all government sponsored benefits and funded programs. [1:31:34] I don't know that that's the position that the council wants to take when we're talking about supporting state legislation [1:31:40] that funds whatever the benefit programs are or using state taxpayer funding to support potentially people who are undocumented. [1:31:56] I think that that's a little bit more nuanced. [1:31:59] I think that there are some programs where I would be absolutely in favor of that and [1:32:05] there would be some programs that would give me slight pause on that. [1:32:08] So I'm a little uncomfortable with adding it to that section, but I'm 100% with you [1:32:18] on 5.13. [1:32:19] I think it absolutely should be there for the emphasis that safety, welfare and dignity [1:32:24] of all persons absolutely regardless of their immigration status. [1:32:30] And I think it mostly covers what you had, the point you're trying to make, that on a [1:32:35] health and welfare basis, it does not matter what somebody's status is. [1:32:41] We support legislation that provides a public safety net. [1:32:46] On the 8.7, protecting our residents' information from being used for surveillance [1:32:51] and targeting for immigration enforcement having those words makes all the difference because I [1:32:56] was concerned with the unintended consequences perhaps to our LPRs but with those words added [1:33:03] I'm with you a hundred percent so I appreciate that and I hope that you're also on board with the [1:33:12] sale or transfer properties for a proper present. How does that wording go? Mine? [1:33:17] Mine. [1:33:17] Mine. [1:33:18] It would be 5.15. [1:33:22] 5.16, yeah, which would say, so it's under the supports, so it would be the item would [1:33:28] start with the words limits, but it's basically saying we support legislation that limits the [1:33:32] transfer of federal or state assets to organizations that would use them for for-profit prisons. [1:33:40] Thank you. [1:33:41] Do [1:33:47] you want to limit it to just assets or just limit or profit? [1:33:56] I worded it that way because that is very specifically a Dublin issue. [1:34:00] I mean, I think that I don't know that we would want to weigh in as a city on, we wouldn't [1:34:08] take a position really unless it affects us. [1:34:12] And I think that transfer is what is going to affect us. [1:34:16] And so that's why I worded it that way. [1:34:18] I mean, I think it would also it's fairly clear that we support legislative. I mean that we don't we're not in favor of for-profit prisons [1:34:23] But as far as the bills that we would weigh in, I don't think we would take a position on something that was not really [1:34:30] In our area, so that's why I worded that way, but I'm open to other suggestions [1:34:34] But I think that that gives a clear nexus to Dublin and what we're doing. I [1:34:40] Think we should that's a good good comment like a focus on things related to our devilies position [1:34:48] So, Mayor and Council members, we might not have agreement on 1.3, but do we have enough [1:34:54] agreement to move forward with 5.13, the new 8, and the new 5.16? [1:35:07] I'm okay with that, if that's the will of the council. [1:35:09] I can go along with that. [1:35:10] I wanted to also introduce this other idea to give us all flexibility. [1:35:16] As I said, I want to make sure that we get what we need out the door. [1:35:19] But if it's the will of the council, I'm fine. I'm also listening to another council member who has a very reasonable ask, and I didn't see any harm in it. [1:35:31] But look, I'll go with the flow here if that's what we're doing here, but I respect his positions because there is a lot in this thing. There is absolutely a lot. [1:35:42] Yeah, I kind of understand that. And I also want to check with Townsend before we pass something [1:35:49] additionally. So I would like to propose we pass what we already have the staff recommended today [1:35:56] so you can move on with your work for additional amendments, things we have Townsend in the call [1:36:03] or we have time to discuss with them before we approve additional amendments. [1:36:09] Thank you. Is there anything, John, in the proposed amendments that you feel that you [1:36:18] could get through tonight? There's some really good stuff, right? And I was just wondering, [1:36:24] is there anything in there that you feel that we could throw in here that we can just [1:36:30] move forward with and then come back to some, you know, whatever is left over, whatever [1:36:35] it is? [1:36:35] Yeah, so thank you for that and I really appreciate the dialogue and thank you for the considerations, everybody. [1:36:41] I'm okay with actually everything other than 1.3. [1:36:45] I just need more time on that because that's really tough for me. [1:36:55] It's 5.1 seconds. [1:36:58] one second. If we're all good. I know that I'd love to make a motion wait for a second I didn't [1:37:05] understand what you do say like which one you it's the one the item is a 1.3 council member [1:37:12] country which states that something about programs and regardless of immigration status [1:37:20] forget which one it was 3 1.3 so you already made the change to 1.3 right [1:37:26] Mayor, no, the three items that Council Member Morata is saying that he agrees with are changes [1:37:34] to 5.13, 8.8, is it, or 8.7, and 5.16. [1:37:42] So we'll be modifying 5.13 to add language, and then we have two new support positions. [1:37:54] Not 1.3. I think that's fine. [1:38:00] I have to make a motion to go back to the very beginning to receive and adopt. [1:38:10] Where are we? [1:38:13] I am so sorry. I had it queued up. [1:38:16] But to adopt the resolution approving the 2026 City of Dublin legislative platform [1:38:23] with one, two, three amendments, the first one being 5.13 adding comma regardless of [1:38:32] immigration status, adding 5.16 limits, the transfer of federal and state assets for for-profit [1:38:39] prisons and adding an item in section eight, which would be supports protecting our residents [1:38:46] information from being used for surveillance and targeting for immigration enforcement. [1:38:52] And I will second that motion. Okay so all in favor say aye. Aye. So the motion passes unanimously. [1:39:03] So [1:39:11] let's move on to agenda item 8.2 proposed amendments to the city's noise regulations. [1:39:18] Good [1:39:43] evening, City Council Mayor. Jennifer Bias, planning manager here to talk a little [1:39:49] bit about proposed amendments to the city's noise ordinance. And we're pulling up the [1:39:55] presentation here. And a little bit of background of why we're here tonight to talk to you [1:40:02] about this at your December 2nd meeting, City Council approved outdoor live entertainment [1:40:07] statement in the downtown. At that meeting, council raised concerns regarding the existing [1:40:13] noise ordinance and some subjectivity around that area and regulations. Council directed [1:40:20] us to return with this report. That's what we're here tonight to talk about what we [1:40:25] discovered. And in addition, at that meeting, council also directed us to adjust the complaint [1:40:34] process for making complaints on noise to make it simpler and just wanted to [1:40:38] report back to you that we have added noise as an issue if you're going in to [1:40:44] fix it Dublin so you can provide a complaint if you have a noise related [1:40:48] issue and then you also requested that staff come back in a year's time to [1:40:53] check in on the status of any kind of complaints we received regarding the [1:40:58] changes to outdoor live entertainment in the downtown area so we expect we'll be [1:41:04] back probably December of 2026 with that report and just a little refresher [1:41:10] background the existing noise ordinance for the city does prohibit noise [1:41:16] that's loud and necessary and natural unusual or habitual the enforcement is [1:41:22] based on a reasonable person standard and a reasonable person standard is [1:41:27] judged by whether an average person can find it unreasonably loud or disturbing under the circumstances. [1:41:37] So with that, based after the December 2nd meeting, staff went back and reviewed the surrounding cities [1:41:45] for some comparison on how other jurisdictions regulate noise. [1:41:50] We looked at Livermore Pleasanton, San Ramon, Danville, and Walnut Creek. [1:41:55] Then we found that there's two ways typical to regulate. [1:41:59] One is an activity-based regulation, which Ceremon, Livermore, Danville, Walnut Creek [1:42:05] all have. [1:42:06] And then there's another way that is decimal-based, where you have a more technical decimal-based [1:42:13] set on an activity or a land use. [1:42:15] The activity-based approach again provides that balance with flexibility and enforceability, [1:42:24] and it is really based on community needs. [1:42:29] So for example, one thing that you might find in an activity-based approach is lawn [1:42:35] equipment being used, and they might establish hours that activity can go on or be prohibited [1:42:42] prohibited, and days of the week where those activities might go on and be prohibited. [1:42:47] Also historically in our research, Dublin's complaints have been fairly limited. [1:42:53] We did go back and pull the data 12 years. [1:42:56] We've had about 35 complaints, all of which have been resolved under our current ordinance. [1:43:02] But the common themes that we saw in some of those complaints were related to concerns, [1:43:07] again, related to typical lawn equipment, leaf blowers, [1:43:11] and late night parties that might disturb [1:43:15] residential neighborhoods. [1:43:20] Based on what we found and kind of looking [1:43:23] at some of our surrounding communities [1:43:24] and how they look at activities and the direction [1:43:28] we received, we went back and staff is looking at [1:43:32] and wanting to discuss tonight some changes [1:43:34] to our noise ordinance. [1:43:36] Those would be adding in some activity-based regulations based on the lawn, excuse me, [1:43:44] landscape equipment, like leaf blowers. [1:43:47] And we'd be looking at adding days as well as hour restrictions for those types of activities, [1:43:52] as well as, again, amplified music and noise looking at days and activities. [1:43:57] So for example, or what we're suggesting staff is recommending, we would limit landscape equipment use [1:44:04] Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and that's when you can use your equipment. [1:44:12] Also, you could use it Saturday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. [1:44:16] We've had a little bit of discussion around 10 p.m. on Sunday. [1:44:20] Might be a little late. [1:44:22] So, could hear some discussion around maybe that hour on a Sunday. [1:44:27] Again, amplified noise and parties. [1:44:29] we would be suggesting days Sunday through Thursday, [1:44:34] 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., as well as Fridays and Saturdays, [1:44:41] 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. [1:44:49] Tonight I'm here again bringing back this report to you, [1:44:53] to seek your direction and regards to the proposed changes [1:44:57] that I just presented. [1:45:00] The next steps for staff would be going back and then rolling up our sleeves and making those [1:45:04] changes based on tonight's discussion in your direction and then bringing that back in a [1:45:09] form of an ordinance. With that, I'm available for any question. [1:45:13] Thank you so much, Jennifer. And questions? [1:45:18] And I know we'll get into this discussion and get into the weeds here, but oh, that's [1:45:22] pun, huh? Never mind. So you made a point about the leaf blowers or the landscape [1:45:33] equipment on Saturday night. Who's doing that stuff at 10 p.m. at night? What's [1:45:39] going on there? I think that's a question. I want to know where you came up [1:45:42] with that number. You know it varies. It varies based on community needs and [1:45:45] bases. You know, I occasionally will work late in the evenings in the [1:45:52] summertime. So, you know, again, am I out there at 10 o'clock at night? Probably not. [1:45:56] But this is just, again, a basic basis to start the discussion of what might be reasonable [1:46:03] and see where we would want to head with do we want to have hours? Do we want to talk [1:46:09] about activities? Right? How do we want to look at addressing some of the concerns [1:46:13] of the communities that we see? [1:46:15] Thank you. Appreciate it. [1:46:19] Thank you. I appreciate it. I have one question. I think you alluded to [1:46:23] but I'm not sure this the staff report actually laid it out very explicitly is the intention here [1:46:29] that we're only talking about these things in residential areas as opposed to citywide. [1:46:35] They would be citywide but yes our suggestion would be for these two items with the suggested [1:46:40] changes that they would be limited to resident residential activities. Yeah the Norse ordinance [1:46:45] obviously would be citywide but the but these changes would specifically be at residences. [1:46:50] Right. [1:46:51] Okay. [1:46:52] Thank you. [1:46:52] That's my only question. [1:46:54] Questions? [1:46:56] I've got two questions. [1:46:57] I guess how, for a context, how big of a problem is this within our city? [1:47:04] How many complaints do we typically get in a year, for instance? [1:47:09] Yeah. [1:47:09] Again, we don't receive very many noise complaints. [1:47:13] We do have, I have the kind of breakdown for the last 12 years. [1:47:18] years. But I think I said 35 in my presentation since 2012 was the count. It seems like the [1:47:25] last 2024 and 2025, the numbers have gone up from maybe like 6, 10 to maybe 13. So there's [1:47:35] a little bit of an uptick in the last few years. But normal data that we were able to [1:47:42] provide is maybe three to four a year. [1:47:46] And then, second question was just around enforcement. [1:47:49] What does that typically look like? [1:47:51] I mean, who's enforcing this code? [1:47:55] Yeah, good question. [1:47:57] Our code enforcement staff would be responsible for addressing or receiving any complaint [1:48:03] and then any kind of follow-up that would be needed if the complaint to address the [1:48:07] complaint. [1:48:12] Go ahead. [1:48:13] Okay. [1:48:13] Thank you. [1:48:14] Good evening, Ms. Bios. [1:48:16] So I'm actually looking at Table 2, [1:48:19] and it's hard for me to support this, [1:48:22] considering you have nothing about rolling your trash bins [1:48:24] into your driveway at 3 o'clock in the morning. [1:48:27] And I think we need something about that. [1:48:29] I'm joking. [1:48:30] All right, real question. [1:48:32] Which is, there are plenty of folks who contract [1:48:38] their landscaping work, [1:48:40] work, and therefore it may be written in the contract that they can start sun up or work [1:48:48] until sundown. [1:48:49] How will we as part of the enforcement process or next steps educate either the contractors [1:48:56] or homeowners so that they know what the times, the limitations are that will be put [1:49:00] on noise in the residences? [1:49:04] Good question. I think part of this process is once we get some information around the [1:49:11] direction we want to go, we'll be developing the process for any kind of outreach that would [1:49:16] be needed to let residents or let, again, commercial operators know that these are the [1:49:20] rules and that's how we would address that. [1:49:25] Okay. Thank you. Thank you very much, Jennifer. So I just have some other comments. I heard [1:49:35] from residents. There's two things I heard about their noise complaint. One is the school [1:49:42] district. Somehow they said they have a place. We heard of that. But it's not, I don't think [1:49:51] it's the noise from this leaf blower or noise from these parties. [1:49:57] It's more like operations, like trucks, those kind of noise. [1:50:01] Do we have any regulation to regulate those kind of noise? [1:50:08] With these changes, we're not suggesting regulating [1:50:10] commercial noises or activities that generate noise [1:50:15] with commercial or industrial uses. [1:50:18] Again, that hasn't been an area [1:50:19] that we've seen a lot of complaints around, we will still have our existing noise ordinance [1:50:24] in effect. [1:50:25] So if somebody is concerned and complaining about that, our code enforcement officers will [1:50:31] still address those complaints. [1:50:33] These changes would just simply make it that if the complaint was this activity that [1:50:39] we've specified, we now have a day and a time limit around, that it would become [1:50:45] less subjective and more direct. [1:50:47] like, hey, you're unrolling your trash cans, you're blowing your lawn at 3 a.m., that's [1:50:53] outside of the time that that's allowed, and then they would need to address and not do [1:50:57] that activity anymore. [1:50:59] Does that help? [1:51:00] So for the commercial noise, what's our current regulation? [1:51:05] It's just based on a reasonable standard. [1:51:09] Based on, like, do we have, like, you said, present has a decibel-based, what kind of [1:51:18] current our community, what kind of standard we have? [1:51:23] Yeah, we don't have a decimal-based standard or an activity-based standard that would [1:51:29] address any industrial or commercial activities. [1:51:32] So if somebody calls, they would be required to comply with the reasonable person standard. [1:51:42] Resonable. I don't got this. [1:51:46] Well, Mayor, we talked about, this is one of the reasons we went back and looked at this issue is because when we were talking about the downtown live music, [1:51:56] the vice mayor brought up the fact that we have this very general subjective vague noise [1:52:04] ordinance, right? And so that's why we researched other ways of doing it. And given the fact [1:52:10] that we don't really experience complaints about commercial activities, I mean, you have [1:52:15] one-offs, what we chose to focus on was noise from residences. And those are the [1:52:20] things that we've we've heard about okay yeah got it okay yeah and as a [1:52:26] company I heard is about I think it's a military bugle cause right like as a [1:52:32] many military the bugle calls yeah well the system is going under maintenance [1:52:38] right now so I hate to tell you this it's not gone away it's going to come [1:52:42] back but the hope is that they'll have more control over the volume and the [1:52:47] But it's coming back and it will be in use. [1:52:51] Okay. [1:52:51] Got it. [1:52:52] Okay. [1:52:53] Thank you so much. [1:52:55] That's all the questions we have. [1:52:56] Are there public comments? [1:52:59] I have no speaker slips on the side of Mayor. [1:53:01] Great. [1:53:01] Okay. [1:53:02] So any additional comments you want to make? [1:53:04] Yeah. [1:53:05] Thanks. [1:53:05] Go ahead. [1:53:06] First of all, thank you for the outreach and the comparison from other cities. [1:53:13] I am an agreement that 10 a.m. or 10 p.m. Excuse me on Saturdays and Sundays is maybe a little outside the [1:53:19] Scope of what we would want to do if we decided we wanted to go forward with this [1:53:23] Maybe just Saturdays and Sundays 8 a.m. To 8 p.m. I was struck by your comment that you're only getting 6 to 80 [1:53:30] Year because I think they must all be coming to me. I think I'm getting that many per year [1:53:35] So I appreciate that we're at least taking a look at this [1:53:42] Certainly there are other things that people complain about the noise [1:53:45] Some of those things we don't have any control over the bugle calls. For example, the city doesn't really have control over [1:53:51] You know noise from the football stadiums band practice, you know [1:53:55] We have a second high school now that is right in the middle of a neighborhood [1:53:58] Now that I'm working at both high schools their band metronome at four o'clock in the afternoon [1:54:02] If I lived right next door to that would be certainly [1:54:07] I'm not sure I would be considered a reasonable person in that circumstance, but there are things that we can't really [1:54:12] That's not our property. That's not anything we can do about that [1:54:15] But I think from the landscaping at the crack of dawn, I think we can certainly put that in there. I think to John's point, like, how do we tell people about that? [1:54:26] We do, quote, enforcement on a complaint basis, correct? [1:54:29] Right. [1:54:30] So for example, we have, off the top of my head, I'm thinking we have an ordinance that says you can't have a basketball hoop that's in the street that's at your curb. [1:54:39] but we don't drive around to every, you know, we wait for people to, to their [1:54:43] neighbors to say these kids are playing basketball in my court. Code enforcement, [1:54:47] you know, that's not okay. I would imagine this would be similar is the [1:54:51] approach we would take. I mean we would certainly want to let everybody know [1:54:53] that we've taken that, that we've done that, but we would be taking [1:54:59] complaints, correct? Not driving around it, we wouldn't have code enforcement [1:55:03] out there driving around at 6 a.m. on a Saturday check and to see if [1:55:05] anybody's running a leaf blower. Correct. Our code enforcement program is [1:55:08] It's Monday through Friday, 8 to 5. [1:55:12] And if a complaint comes in outside of that, we address it, but we're not actively looking [1:55:15] for violations on weekends. [1:55:17] Let's follow up based on the complaint. [1:55:20] So I'm generally supportive of this. [1:55:22] I think it is a baby step towards addressing the things that affect people's quality [1:55:28] of life. [1:55:28] I think the amplified noise, I don't know whether we want to put the word parties [1:55:33] in there. [1:55:34] I think we would want to just leave it as amplified noise, because I don't think we're [1:55:39] trying to regulate people chatting in their backyards, so much as we are them playing [1:55:43] noise through their Bluetooth speaker or whatever, that is keeping the neighbors awake. [1:55:48] And I think the rest of it can sort of fall under reasonable person standard. [1:55:52] But you know, you got to turn the music off. [1:55:55] You got to turn the amplified speeches off at whatever time we set in this. [1:55:59] I think these are good suggestions. [1:56:02] I wouldn't want it to say your party has to end at 10 p.m. on a Saturday night. [1:56:07] There might be, you know, graduation parties or whatever that people, you know, that doesn't happen all the time. [1:56:12] Taking the word parties out and having the amplified noise to me, that seems like a good balance between, you know, just turn the music off, keep doing what you're doing. [1:56:23] But the reasonable person standard continues to be applicable if you live next door to [1:56:28] somebody who has parties every week and is out there having, you know, 20 people in the [1:56:32] yard playing in the pool or whatever until midnight every weekend. [1:56:36] So I'm supportive of this. [1:56:37] I would love to see us change the Saturday, Sunday, leaf blower lamp escaping equipment [1:56:42] to an 8 p.m. and or even 9 p.m. I don't know in the summer, you know, maybe sundown [1:56:48] as the end point but the 7 a.m. weekday 8 a.m. weekend start time I think is [1:56:55] perfect and the amplified noise I think the times are right so that would be my [1:57:00] my preference thank you any clarification so if we went back to the [1:57:08] ordinance itself and 528 020 it's as regards to what you're trying to add to [1:57:16] this amplified noise, where would you – I'm just curious as to how you would – would [1:57:20] that be a separate section in there, because it's got a lot going on in A, and you would [1:57:26] create a separate section within there to describe specifically amplified noise. [1:57:34] That's my only question. [1:57:35] Correct. [1:57:36] Yeah, we would probably – [1:57:37] With those times. [1:57:38] A separate section, maybe a little table, or just a sentence of what the requirement [1:57:43] would be. [1:57:44] We will come back with that ordinance and those changes as we do and present that information [1:57:52] to you and what the actual language will be and where it will be inserted. [1:57:56] But yes, it will be inserted in that section. [1:57:59] Thank you. [1:58:00] Okay. [1:58:00] Thanks. [1:58:01] Thank you, Jim. [1:58:02] Ms. Biow, it's just a recommendation, if I may, for the next version that you'll [1:58:06] be presenting to us. [1:58:08] And actually, parlaying off of Weissmeyer's point here, which is the table two, if we add [1:58:15] another column that said examples, that would actually, I think, give a perspective to folks [1:58:20] of what that means. [1:58:22] That way, in column A, you could generalize that state, make them more general statement, [1:58:27] and then column C would be the examples hereof. [1:58:31] Okay. [1:58:32] That's all. [1:58:34] Comments? [1:58:35] I'm not particularly adamant about this one. [1:58:37] I mean, I think some of the changes that you suggested seem reasonable, doesn't seem like [1:58:44] a huge issue at the moment. [1:58:48] I'm not particularly strong about it, but I'm okay with what's being presented. [1:58:55] So I agree with data 8 p.m. during the first one, Sunday to Sunday. [1:59:02] Second one, amplify the noise without parties. I think that's great. So that would be our [1:59:09] direction to you. Today we just need direction. And thank you so much. That's good work. And [1:59:16] I'm looking forward to next time when you'll come to bring the more detailed language [1:59:22] there. [1:59:23] All right. Thank you very much. [1:59:24] Thank you Jennifer. [1:59:27] So moving on to agenda item 9, city manager and the city council [1:59:32] reports. [1:59:34] Mayor and council members, I want to respond a little bit to the residents that came out [1:59:39] from Summer Glen, appreciate their feedback on, you know, needing pedestrian bridge there. [1:59:45] I did communicate with one of them and maybe she didn't see it before she came to the [1:59:50] meeting but that that property is owned by zone 7. Having said that, city staff [1:59:57] will go out there and take a look at the lighting. [2:00:00] And see what's happening on the trail to see if there's anything that we can do. We are [2:00:04] responsible for portions of the adjacent trail, so we will do that. Four new pickleball courts [2:00:12] have been installed at Wallace, so at least one of you is happy about that. And you're going to see [2:00:21] information coming out about this very soon. It will be included in the summer activity guide, [2:00:25] But we are planning a community party on July 4th, so don't plan anything for that day except to show up at Dublin Sports Grounds [2:00:32] And it'll be a good old-fashioned American party right in your backyard. That's all [2:00:37] Thank you. So [2:00:39] John you want to start? Thank you mayor for myself [2:00:44] Attended Ava board meeting as well as their finance meeting as well. Nothing new to report there [2:00:51] Also, I did get the opportunity to go to Sacramento for the League of California City's Governance [2:00:56] Transparency Labor Relations Policy Committee. [2:01:01] I want to let everybody know that it was ratified to have an artificial intelligence policy [2:01:07] by the GTLR. [2:01:10] So there will be one now that is officially from that agency. [2:01:15] And then, also, I had the pleasure and honor to attend the ribbon cutting for the Iron Horse Trail, [2:01:21] which I actually learned quite a bit about the railway that we used to have, but no longer have, [2:01:26] and a good commemoration to what we have now. [2:01:29] So with that, that's all I have for now. [2:01:31] Thank you, Michael. [2:01:34] Sure. I had a few things. [2:01:36] had a HACA meeting, labor negotiations, had a LAPTA finance administration meeting, nothing [2:01:46] to really report on those. What I really enjoyed with the accompanying men of Councilmember [2:01:54] Morata was installing the new board of the chamber. That was fun. You felt very, you [2:02:00] know, empowered. No, it was fun. Anyway, and a couple of ribbon cuttings. The men [2:02:06] Nassino Farms, I think a couple of us were there, very impressed, and guys, Jim, and I [2:02:14] think, oh yeah, Iron Horse Trail, that was great. [2:02:18] So we were all over the place, yeah, yeah, I'm good, you know. [2:02:22] Castle Member. [2:02:23] Yeah, two had a pretty busy couple weeks, so the League of California Cities Community [2:02:28] Services Policy Committee meeting, the Iron Horse Trail opening, the East Bay Leadership [2:02:34] Council leadership series dinner. That event was fantastic. Yesterday we had the [2:02:41] Mendocino Farms event which was also great. Earlier had an I-Gate board meeting [2:02:47] and I'm happy to share that I'm now the vice, selected the vice chair of that [2:02:52] board and the MLK Fellowship Breakfast in a words hosted by the Three [2:02:59] Values Community Foundation another really great event and finally the [2:03:04] federal military community committee meeting. So very busy a couple weeks. [2:03:10] Thanks. Thank you. Also a busy few weeks. I was done up in Sacramento for the Cal [2:03:16] Cities Public Safety Policy Committee meeting. They are also doing a e-bike [2:03:23] task force for Cal Cities and Public Safety will have two or three members [2:03:28] from public safety on the task force and I did put in for that I don't know [2:03:34] when we'll hear the deadline to apply for it was yesterday so we'll see I'd [2:03:38] love to be able to have Dublin's voice heard on the e-bike task force that'll [2:03:42] be statewide. Obviously the Iron Horse Trail Park grand opening was amazing [2:03:47] and as always our historian Steve Menier is an amazing person to talk about [2:03:52] all the history of the things that used to be once were. I have had two [2:03:57] You'll have to committee meetings and also stop waste. [2:04:00] Want to alert folks that stop waste board did pass a new revenue measure that will go [2:04:09] on everybody's, all the jurisdictions within Alameda County, their haulers, and it will [2:04:13] be 30 cents a month for residential and a little bit more for commercial to help recover [2:04:22] stop wastes, regulatory costs for helping to deliver the programs that they deliver [2:04:27] to all of Alameda County, so a very tiny increase on everybody's bills. [2:04:33] And then East Bay Leadership Council dinner, that dinner was truly amazing. [2:04:38] Stacey Abrams was the keynote speaker and I'm hoping that that was recorded somewhere [2:04:42] for folks that didn't get a chance to go because it really was truly an amazing evening. [2:04:47] And that was it for me. [2:04:48] Thank you. [2:04:48] Thank you. Thank you. Very busy week for seems for a lot of people here. And I was in a lot of ribbon cutting as well. There's one ribbon cutting. I think it's a gym guys. [2:05:02] gym guys was a good one too. Beyond this iron horse nature park and open space [2:05:10] ribbon cutting and we were pretty proud. I think in the past four months we have [2:05:16] opened three parks. The what is ranch park, the nature park and this [2:05:23] iron horse nature park and community like open space. So three parks in [2:05:30] four months. That's what I would say they have done. I'm so proud of that. And beyond that, [2:05:36] for last week, the whole week, I was in Washington, D.C., with all the other mayors from Trivali. [2:05:43] So we had legislative advocacy. We actually got to meet a lot of people. And we actually [2:05:55] to meet both senators from our California [2:05:57] and with all the other mayors from California. [2:06:03] So that was a good meeting as well. [2:06:05] And the mayor's conference, [2:06:07] there's a lot of good topics, safety. [2:06:10] And then in one of the launch meeting, [2:06:13] the mayor of Minneapolis actually went to speak to us. [2:06:18] That was like a highlight. [2:06:20] But one quick thing I want to share with you [2:06:22] is another mayor who's in suburb of Minneapolis [2:06:26] also spoke in one of our sessions. [2:06:29] So we heard from them in real person [2:06:34] and they just confirmed whatever we have seen on TV. [2:06:39] The situation was pretty severe. [2:06:42] They confirmed with us. [2:06:44] Sometimes you heard all the news from TV, [2:06:46] from social media you still don't know [2:06:49] you know, if it's just like in TV, but it's real. [2:06:56] That's the message I heard from both mayors from that area. [2:07:01] Quite alarming. [2:07:02] So that's my last week. [2:07:05] It was freezing cold, snowing, storm, [2:07:09] like all the things happened on a Sunday [2:07:11] and then the rest of the week was cold, [2:07:14] but weather was okay. [2:07:16] So with that said, thank you everybody [2:07:18] for your great work and will adjourn the meeting at 9 0 8. Thanks for all the [2:07:25] audience.