What happened
The council reviewed the $252.5 million budget for next year, with 23 residents speaking mostly about Solano Avenue safety concerns. Speakers described dangerous speeding conditions and requested creating a new Traffic Calming Division within Public Works. No vote was taken on the budget, which increased $18.1 million from this year.
The council approved Public Bank East Bay to apply for state regulatory approval, passing unanimously after the city already committed $750,000 as founding capital. Six residents commented, with some supporting community investment while others criticized spending the money when the city needs 74 additional police officers. The bank would serve East Bay cities with small business loans and affordable housing financing.
A $288,726 General Fund spending appropriation was approved unanimously as part of the quarterly budget review. The council also raised development fees and city service fees to cover rising costs, passing 6-0 with Willis absent. New development projects will pay higher impact fees over 2-4 years.
Eight residents spoke about the domestic violence task force update, with survivors sharing personal experiences and supporters praising the effort. The task force launched in March with 38 attendees including the Latina Center and schools. The council received the update without taking action."}
Auto-summarized from official minutes and vote records
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