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The Berkeley City Council continued its public hearing on proposed amendments to the West Berkeley Plan this Tuesday, carried over from the January 25^th meeting. Sixty speakers came to the podium to comment on the proposal, which is aimed at increasing the amount of economic activity in West Berkeley, especially research and development. It is focused on the reuse of existing buildings, the development of large multi-parcel sites, and start-up of new types of industrial activities. There is concern about the proposed 75-foot height limit for buildings and the preservation of the arts in the area. Council moved to carry over the public hearing once again to the regular meeting on February 22. 

The council returned to the labor dispute between the KPFA union and Pacifica Radio, calling for all parties in the dispute to “negotiate or mediate in good faith” to reach a fair and speedy resolution. All Councilmembers voted aye on the resolution except Councilmember Wengraf, who left the meeting at 10:30. 

Council unanimously approved a resolution supporting California State Assemblymember Nancy Skinner's bill (153) requiring online-only out-of-state retailers to apply California's sales tax when selling in California. 

The City Manager changed the agenda by removing item 8, establishing Early Bird parking fee schedules for Berkeley parking garages. 

The complete video of the meeting, including the public hearing, can be found here.