Development News for Oakland, California

Oakland Committee Approves Budget Adjustments, Vendor Contracts, and Sideshow Ordinance Amendments

The committee reviewed and approved several items related to budget and fiscal matters. This included adopting minutes from a previous meeting, discussing and approving scheduling for the rules pending list, and a series of new scheduling items. Notably, item 3.1 involved amending a resolution for a multi-purpose senior service program, waiving competitive processes for specific vendors, and scheduling it for the Life Enrichment Committee. Item 3.2 focused on adopting the mid-cycle budget for fiscal year 26-27, appropriating funds, authorizing transfers, and accepting additional funds for capital improvement projects. Item 3.3 authorized the use of one-time revenues to balance the fiscal year 26-27 mid-cycle budget, declaring a state of extreme physical necessity, and suspending various requirements including minimum staffing for the public ethics commission and park maintenance of efforts. Item 3.4 involved authorizing the city attorney to settle a real property acquisition case for a fire station project and authorizing the city administrator to negotiate a lease for property at 71475 14th Avenue. Item 3.5 was an informational report on the Oakland Police and Fire Retirement Systems Investment Portfolio. Item 3.6 involved waiving competitive processes for professional services related to budget implementation support. Item 3.7 recommended exemptions for employee and labor relations classifications from civil service and amended salary schedules. Item 3.8 awarded purchase contracts for asphalt and concrete disposal services. Item 3.9 involved a title change for an ordinance amending the sale of city-owned parcel at 319 Chester Street. Item 3.10 authorized negotiating an exclusive negotiating agreement with Costco Wholesale Corporation for property development. Item 3.11 accepted Planning Oversight Committee recommendations for awarding OFCY grants. Item 3.12 was an oral informational report on the recruitment process for Chief of Police. Item 3.13 proposed a title change for the sideshow penalty ordinance to increase penalties and strengthen enforcement. Additionally, a verbal and written annual report on Measure MM spending was added as a new item. During public comment, concerns were raised about waiving rules for taxes, specifically the sugar beverage tax, and the potential for public lack of support when rules are repeatedly waived, citing Measure E as an example. The committee also noted moves for Finance and Management Committee items one and three to November 17th, and moved the Code Enforcement semi-annual report to the CED pending list for June 23rd. A title change was approved for PSC item number one. The committee approved item three as amended, with four ayes and one excused.