Politics & Government

On the Council Agenda: The Southside Plan, DUI Fees and Women's Suffrage

Tuesday's city council meeting starts at 7 p.m. Watch live on local channel 33 or online.

Watch the Berkeley City Council meeting live from 7 p.m. online here. The full agenda is available here.

Tuesday's city council meeting will include a public hearing about the Southside Plan — a redevelopment initiative for the "southside" area defined as immediately south of the UC campus, bounded by Prospect Street on the east, Shattuck Street on the west, Bancroft Way on the north and Dwight Way on the south. The aim is to encourage more jobs and housing close to campus, improve pedestrian and bicycle routes, enhance the commercial district and improve public safety. 

New DUI fees may be instituted if the council goes ahead with a system similar to the one in Oakley, where those convicted of a DUI must pay for all city expenses related to their crime. 

Find out what's happening in Berkeleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

On the consent calendar is a recommendation to increase the maximum wage level that qualifies households of one to two people for "very low income" or VLI status. 

Currently, Berkeley residents are eligible for exemption from specified local taxes and fees if they earn less than $35,700, which is below the level set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The new wage cap would be set at $36,950. Participants must re-certify annually to qualify for a VLI exemption based on their maximum household income. 

Find out what's happening in Berkeleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The council will recognize the 100th anniversary of California women obtaining the right to vote. October also marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany, Emeryville (LWVBAE).

The Berkeley Film Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and the council will adopt a proclamation in honor of the milestone. 

The council will consider sending a letter in support of Verizon workers to protest the company's labor practices. 

The council will consider a proclamation of support for National Coming Out Day 2011, which is Oct. 11. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here