Public meetings

Regular meeting

The regular public board meeting is divided into two segments: closed session followed by the regular business meeting at 1:15 p.m.

Closed session

Confidential sessions regarding personnel issues or legal matters are closed to the public.

Public comment

Open for public comment on non-agendized matters. State law limits board director response to only clarifying questions, brief answers, or to direct staff. 

Consent calendar

Consent items are routine/minesterial items approved with one vote, opposed to a vote per item. Any member of the board or public may request that an item be removed for separate consideration.

Determination and discussion

An opportunity for the board, staff and the public to discuss items without a formal board vote. Examples include adoption of a new regulation or consideration of a proposed law.

Directors' reports and comments

Status updates by the General Manager, board committees and Board of Directors.

Special meeting

A public board meeting outside of the regular schedule to consider a time-sensitive issue.

Public hearings

The portion of a regular board meeting during which legally-required public hearings are held, often resulting in a vote by the board.

Workshop

Public workshops to provide context to board members. No formal action is taken.

EBMUD public meetings are held in the William "Bill" Patterson Boardroom at the Administration Building, 2nd Floor, 375 11th Street, Oakland, CA 94607. Meeting times are subject to change. Check agendas and the livestream for up-to-date information. 

The public may comment on any topic at the start of the meeting, during the public comment period.

Public comment on agendized items is open when that item is before the board.

Each speaker may speak for up to 3 minutes. Members of the public who comment through interpreters are granted additional time. Speakers are called in the order in which requests are received. 

The Board President or Committee Chair has the discretion to amend public comment times.

In person

Fill out a speaker card, located at the boardroom entryway, and submit it to the Board Secretary. The Board President or Committee Chair will call your name when it is your turn to speak. At the podium, state your name and the topic you wish to speak on.

Online

Join online using the Zoom link on the website or agenda. Enter the meeting ID and access code when prompted. Use the "Raise Hand" feature when your name is called, turn on the microphone in Zoom, and state your name and topic.

By phone

Dial the number listed on the website or agenda. Enter the meeting ID and access code when prompted. Press *9 to raise your hand. When your name is called, press *6 to unmute your phone. State your name and topic.

Written comments

Written comments become part of the public record and may be subject to the California Public Records Act.

Written comments can be sent via email to SecOffice@ebmud.com. Comments should include the meeting date for which you want your comment recorded and whether the topic is on the agenda for that meeting.

Email comments should be submitted by 4:00 p.m. the day before the meeting.

All comments received before the meeting concludes will be accepted and included as part of the official public record.

Board meetings are open and accessible to all members of the public. The  William "Bill" Patterson Boardroom is wheelchair accessible.

Contact the Secretary’s Office at 510-287-0404 or SecOffice@ebmud.com at least 72 hours prior to the meeting to request accommodations or assistance with:

• Language interpretation
• Translation services
• Disability accommodations

Remote access and participation

Remote participants can comment using internet or phone via Zoom. Closed captions are available via Zoom. Click the "CC" (Closed Captions) button on Zoom for real-time captions.

Non-English speaking attendees

Non-English speaking attendees may bring an interpreter to assist in translation. Members of the public who comment through interpreters are granted additional time. To request assistance, please contact the Secretary’s Office at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.

Translation equipment
EBMUD does not provide translation equipment. To request assistance with your translation equipment, contact the Secretary’s Office at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.

Sign language

EBMUD does not offer sign language interpretation. To request assistance with sign language interpretation, contact the Secretary’s Office at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.

Legal notice on interpreting services

Although EBMUD strives to offer assistance with translations and interpretation, it is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any interpretation that is aided during the meeting. This includes information provided in the agenda generated by technological means, pursuant to Government Code section 54953.4(c)(2).

If you lose connection during the meeting, rejoin or switch to phone access.

If an EBMUD system problem occurs, the meeting may be paused while staff works to restore access. EBMUD will make a good faith effort to maintain public access.

Materials related to an item on the agenda that have been submitted to the EBMUD Board of Directors within 72 hours prior to a regular meeting are available for public inspection in EBMUD’s Office of the Secretary at 375 11th Street, Oakland, CA, during normal business hours, and can be viewed on our website at www.ebmud.com.

Materials submitted during a regular meeting will be made available to the public by contacting the Secretary’s Office at 510-287-0404 or Secoffice@ebmud.com.

Finance/Administration

Jim Oddie (Chair), Andy Katz, Valerie D. Lewis

Legislative/Human Resources

Joey D. Smith (Chair), April Chan, Jim Oddie

Planning

Valerie D. Lewis (Chair), Luz Gómez, Marguerite Young

Sustainability

Marguerite Young (Chair), Andy Katz, Joey D. Smith