Meeting Overview

The Berkeley City Council meeting on November 18, 2025, led by Mayor Adena Ishii, focused on key discussions surrounding fiscal responsibility, public safety technology, and community policies. The meeting began with updates from the city auditor on the city's financial status and audit implementations. The council also deliberated on the integration of drone technology for public safety, the Mills Act's financial implications, and updates to city ordinances.

Main Agenda Items

• City Audit Report: The city auditor presented the 2025 audit follow-up report, revealing a $28 million deficit but also identifying $30,000 in additional savings. The auditor noted a 48% implementation rate for audit recommendations since 2020, with 48 recommendations still pending.

• Public Safety Drone Proposal: Councilmember Terry Taplin introduced the potential adoption of drones for the Berkeley Police Department (BPD) and Fire Department. The discussion highlighted drones' benefits in enhancing situational awareness, reducing response times, and optimizing resource allocation. Concerns about privacy, data management, and community engagement were also addressed.

• Mills Act Discussion: The council debated pausing the Mills Act, a program offering tax incentives for historic property preservation, due to budget constraints and its perceived regressive nature. Public opinions were divided between preserving architectural heritage and exercising fiscal responsibility.

• Sanctuary City Contracting Ordinance: Councilmembers expressed support for aligning the Contracting Ordinance with the Sanctuary City Ordinance to better protect immigrant communities.

• Building Codes and Zoning Amendments: The council reviewed updates to building codes and zoning ordinances to ensure compliance with state laws, focusing on seismic safety and electric vehicle infrastructure.

Decisions Made

• Drone Technology: The council approved the proposal to develop a comprehensive policy framework for drone usage by BPD and the Fire Department. This framework will align with community values and address privacy and civil liberties concerns, with a commitment to transparency and community engagement.

• Mills Act: The council decided to pause new Mills Act applications while allowing existing contracts to expire unless reauthorized, reflecting a cautious approach to managing financial resources.

• Sanctuary City Ordinance Update: The council expressed unanimous support for updating the Contracting Ordinance to align with the Sanctuary City Ordinance, enhancing protections for immigrant communities.

• Building and Zoning Code Updates: The council adopted updates to building codes and zoning ordinances, maintaining stringent requirements for seismic safety and electric vehicle infrastructure.

Overall, the meeting emphasized balancing fiscal responsibility with community needs, modernizing public safety operations, and ensuring alignment with state regulations. The council's actions reflect a commitment to strategic planning and community engagement as Berkeley navigates its future challenges.