Bike share pilot, City Manager hire, Park Station noise, Encinal Terminals EV storage, Civic Center parking ordinance
On May 5, City Council is set to take up a wide-ranging agenda that includes a proposed West End bike share pilot program, the appointment of City Manager Gerry Beaudin, a noise dispute over outdoor music at Park Station Tavern, a temporary electric vehicle storage plan at Encinal Terminals, and improved management of the Civic Center parking structure.
Below is a summary of the issues and information on how you can participate.
Bike share pilot program
Council will consider approving a three-year bike share pilot program in West Alameda (2027–2029) as part of mitigation efforts for the Oakland Alameda Access Project construction.
The program would integrate Alameda into the regional Bay Wheels system, operated by Lyft, with eight docking stations and 53 e-bikes placed near transit hubs, commercial areas, and major destinations. Its primary goal is to provide first- and last-mile connections between ferries, the water shuttle, and local destinations during Posey Tube closures.
Funding includes approximately $757,000 in grants from the Alameda County Transportation Commission and $300,000 in local matching funds. Staff recommend Bay Wheels as the only option that offers regional connectivity and can be implemented quickly.
The pilot also advances long-term transportation and climate goals by encouraging alternatives to driving and may serve as a foundation for a future citywide bike share program.
Appointment of new City Manager
Council will again consider approving the appointment of Girard “Gerry” Beaudin as Alameda’s next City Manager, effective June 30, 2026, following a competitive recruitment process that identified him as the top candidate. Council voted to delay approval of Beaudin’s contract at their April 21 meeting, citing new information from the City’s recruiter.
The proposed employment agreement includes an annual salary of $383,111, requiring a 1% increase to the City Manager salary range to accommodate the offer. Beaudin currently serves as City Manager of Pleasanton and brings extensive local government leadership experience. State law requires the compensation be approved in open session.
Park Station Tavern permit appeal
Council will consider an appeal of a use permit issued by the Planning Board allowing Park Station Tavern at 1200 Park Street four outdoor amplified music events per month. City staff recommends upholding the appeal and modifying the permit to restrict outdoor music to levels compliant with the City’s noise ordinance—effectively limiting performances to acoustic music outdoors, while allowing indoor amplified music to continue within legal limits.
The tavern had operated under a pilot allowing limited outdoor amplified events, but generated noise complaints and documented violations. The Planning Board extended the pilot with added conditions, including monitoring and a cap of four events per month, but a nearby resident appealed.
Staff now conclude that amplified outdoor music likely exceeds allowable noise thresholds, undermining both CEQA exemption and neighborhood compatibility findings. The case highlights broader policy tensions between supporting downtown vibrancy and protecting residential quality of life.
City Council will consider the appeal at a public hearing and may affirm, reverse, or modify the Planning Board’s decision.
EV storage at Encinal Terminals
Council will consider authorizing a third lease amendment with Bayview Landing L.P. to allow temporary outdoor storage of new electric vehicles (EVs) on a City-owned parcel at Encinal Terminals, 1521 Buena Vista Avenue, through 2028.
The site is part of a larger approved redevelopment project planned for housing, commercial space, a marina, and open space, but development has been delayed due to market conditions. The interim use would generate revenue—about $54,000 annually—and help activate a vacant, blighted site while the project advances toward future milestones.
The Planning Board has already approved a two-year use permit for EV storage, with limits on operating hours and on-site truck loading. The lease amendment is required because the temporary use differs from existing lease terms.
While benefits include site security and support for EV adoption, concerns include increased truck traffic and noise. The use is temporary and does not alter the long-term development plan.
Civic Center parking ordinance
Council will consider an ordinance to update Alameda’s municipal code to improve management of the Civic Center Parking Structure and remove outdated provisions. The change is driven by safety and operational concerns, including vandalism and the inability to close the garage overnight. Surveys of more than 550 users, comparisons with nearby cities, and occupancy data showing very low late-night usage support closing the facility overnight. The ordinance also establishes enforcement rules for vehicles parked outside posted hours.
How to participate
The meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 5, at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers, located on the third floor of City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Avenue.
Members of the public are welcome to participate in person or via Zoom. They may comment on the Non-Agenda, Consent Calendar, and Regular Agenda portions of the Meeting Agenda (link downloads document).
The Non-Agenda portion of the meeting provides an opportunity for members of the public to address the Council regarding any matter not on the agenda over which the Council has jurisdiction. The Consent Calendar is intended for routine items and is approved by a single motion. The Regular Agenda is the central portion of the meeting, where each issue receives a presentation and time for Council discussion and public comment.
Complete this online form to request reasonable accommodation.
Click here for Zoom registration. The Zoom phone number for telephone participants is 669-900-9128; the Meeting ID is 863 3340 1382.
Information to assist with remote participation is available online in the Public Comment and City Council Meeting Guide. The meeting can also be viewed on the City of Alameda’s Facebook page. Note that comments posted there are not monitored.
For each issue, public speakers will have three minutes to speak if fewer than five are speaking, or two minutes if five or more are speaking.
Community members may also email Council Members on issues of interest before meetings.
Contributing writer Karin K. Jensen covers boards and commissions for the Alameda Post. Contact her via [email protected]. Her writing is collected at https://linktr.ee/karinkjensen and https://alamedapost.com/Karin-K-Jensen.
