Tuesday, March 17, 2026

The council approved extending the Flock Safety camera, drone, and license plate reader contract through December 2026, in a 4-3 vote with Jimenez, Martinez, and Wilson voting no. Six residents spoke, raising concerns about privacy and data retention, community trust and surveillance, and reports that police shared data with 2,724 non-California agencies in alleged violation of state law SB 34.

The council voted unanimously to add historic landmark protection to the John Haley Studio at 771 Ocean Avenue, with Robinson absent. Five speakers praised the building's architectural significance and John Haley's artistic legacy, and neighbors voiced strong community support.

The council approved starting a competitive hiring process for a new wastewater and stormwater operator, moving away from the city's longtime contract with Veolia, which expires in May 2027. Speakers criticized Veolia's performance, including $600,000 in annual stormwater payments, and supported shifting to city-run operations, with one speaker suggesting the transition also create jobs for homeless residents.

Several items had no recorded vote, including closed-door talks with union representatives on employee contracts, a private discussion of the Dorn lawsuit, a $322,000 increase to the Nystrom Village gutter repair contract for hidden dry rot, plans for improvements at Cheese Park, a report on protecting residents from federal immigration enforcement, and a proposed Blue Envelope Program for disabled residents during police stops.

The council also approved a three-year contract with the firefighters union including 5% annual raises, a $250,000 lighting upgrade contract with the Zero Net Energy Alliance at City Hall, and a $148,781 design contract with CSW|ST2 for the Harbour Way South rail crossing. It accepted a $10,000 Carnegie Corporation gift for the library's history room and approved a $131,367 cost increase to complete the Ferry Point sewer pump station.

The council approved 11 routine items on consent, including the mid-year budget review and spending adjustments.