1 CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY MINUTES
August 26, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL
Mayor Meyer called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
Roll Call found the following members present: Maloney, Pierson, Mendoza, Oerlemans, and Mayor Meyer.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Meyer led the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. PRESENTATION
C.1 Recognition of Police Chief, Tim Herbert, upon the occasion of his retirement
The Council and Interim City Manager, Darin Gale, honored Police Chief, Tim Herbert, upon the occasion of his retirement.
Vice Mayor, Pierson and Nicole Cuellar-Nelson presented a Certificate of Recognition from the State of California on behalf of Assembly Member Anamarie Avila Farias and Senator Cabaldon's office to commemorate Chief Herbert's 23 years of service with the City of Brentwood's Police Department.
D. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Meyer opened public comments.
Tom Gregory provided comments regarding moving the ice rink from Brentwood to Oakley.
Youth Commissioner, Sahil Narula, provided an update on behalf of the Youth Commission.
Ralph Hernandez provided comments requesting that the Council look at the food industry.
Olga Vidriales provided comments urging the Council to find a way to keep the ice rink in Brentwood.
Danny Dohrmann provided comments regarding the ice rink moving from Brentwood to Oakley.
There being no additional speakers, Mayor Meyer closed public comments. 2 E. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS, COMMITTEES,
LIAISONS, AND STAFF
Council Member Oerlemans reported on attendance at a Tri Delta Transit Meeting; Police Activities League bowling event; Ad-Hoc Budget and Debt Management Committee Meeting; Wastewater Treatment presentation; Tri Delta Transit Agenda Review; Town Hall meeting at A Steep In Time; City Council Agenda Review; Farmer's Market; and a Car Show at Studio 71 benefiting the Police Activities League.
Council Member Maloney reported on attendance at two meetings regarding an upcoming Youth Wellness Summit; follow-up with Supervisor Burgis' office to inquire about updates and renovations needed for the Veteran's Hall and to ensure communication had been established; meeting with City of Livermore's Community Development Team and the Downtown Brentwood Coalition regarding their Downtown Specific Plan; meeting with residents off of Highland regarding concerns about criminal activity in the area; meeting with Interim City Manager, the Police Department and Engineering Department regarding quality of life strategies; meeting with residents of Garin Ranch regarding e-bikes on the trails; meeting with residents regarding performance arts in Brentwood; meeting with Government Outreach branch for National University regarding how to enhance education for future elected officials; and the soft opening for Eight Acres Kitchen and Bar.
Council Member Mendoza reported on attendance at Ad-Hoc Budget and Debt Management Committee Meeting; presentation from League of Women Voters regarding online fake news; Senior Center Open House; Town Hall meeting at A Steep In Time; and the soft opening for Eight Acres Kitchen and Bar.
Vice Mayor Pierson reported on attendance at a Choice in Aging joint Antioch Chamber Lunch and Learn; Rotary Meeting; the soft opening for Eight Acres Kitchen and Bar; participated in the KTVU Zip Trip series highlighting Brentwood; Town Hall meeting at A Steep In Time; and the Delta Association of Realtors Social Reception for Elected Officials.
Mayor Meyer reported on attendance at a presentation to Summerset residents with Interim City Manager, Darin Gale regarding the soundwall; participated in the KTVU Zip Trip series highlighting Brentwood; presentation of the National Korean War Day Proclamation at the home of a local veteran; meeting with Governor Gavin Newsom's External Affairs Department to discuss Brentwood's priorities; Community Day of Service 2026 planning meeting; City's Virtual Workshop Non-Profit Strategies Meeting; meeting with CenterCal regarding developments at the Streets of Brentwood; the soft opening for Eight Acres Kitchen and Bar; and an interview with The Chronicle regarding the commute to work for Brentwood residents.
Interim City Manager, Darin Gale, reported on attendance at the All Employee Quarterly Meeting; Public Managers Association Meeting; New Employee Orientation; Town Hall meeting at A Steep In Time; a presentation to 3 Summerset residents with Mayor Meyer regarding the soundwall; and a meeting with the Veterans group regarding moving their storage containers.
He also reported that the County is undergoing a traffic study but nothing has been released publicly. The County is still going through their California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process and the City will be reviewing that and providing comments as needed. Thank you to staff who extinguished another fire in one of the City's Solid Waste trucks. Thank you to Parks & Recreation staff upon the completion of the City's summer concert series, summer kids camps and summer sports programs. Thanked Administrative Assistant, Brittney Ossowski, for her assistance with an incident at City Hall, and congratulated Police Captain, Walter O'Grodnick, on his appointment to Interim Police Chief, effective September 5, 2025.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Meyer requested to pull item F.7 to be considered at a later date.
Moved by: Jovita Mendoza, Council Member
Seconded by: Tony Oerlemans, Council Member
The Council adopted the Consent Calendar as recommended by staff, with the exception of item F.7.
Ayes (5): Jovita Mendoza, Council Member, Susannah Meyer, Mayor, Pa'tanisha Pierson, Vice Mayor, Tony Oerlemans, Council Member, and Faye Maloney, Council Member
Motion Approved (5 to 0)
F.1 A Proclamation Recognizing Chief Tim Herbert for 23 Years of Dedicated Service to the City of Brentwood
The Council, by Proclamation, recognized Chief Tim Herbert for 23 Years of Dedicated Service to the City of Brentwood.
Mayor Meyer presented the proclamation to Police Chief, Tim Herbert.
F.2 A Proclamation Recognizing September 7-13, 2025 as National Suicide Prevention Week
The Council, by Proclamation, recognized September 7-13, 2025 as National Suicide Prevention Week.
F.3 A Proclamation Recognizing September 2025 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
The Council, by Proclamation, recognized September 2025 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Mayor Meyer presented the proclamation to the families of Police Officer David Smith and Community Services Officer Alan Scheffield.
F.4 A Proclamation Recognizing September 2025 as National Senior Center Month
4 The Council, by Proclamation, recognized September 2025 as National Senior Center Month.
Mayor Meyer presented the proclamation to Recreation Supervisor, Lindsay Pinell and Recreation Coordinator, Devan Campos.
F.5 Meeting Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of August 12, 2025
Approved Meeting Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of August 12, 2025.
F.6 Setting the General Obligation Bond Tax Rate of .0048% for the 2025/26 tax roll
Adopted Resolution 2025-93 adopting the General Obligation Bond Tax Rate of .0048% for the 2025/26 property tax roll and requesting submittal to Contra Costa County.
F.7 Approval to Distribute Community Survey on Public Art per Arts Commission Recommendation
Mayor Meyer pulled Item F.7 for consideration at a later date.
F.8 Consideration of an appointment to the Contra Costa County Mosquito and Vector Control District Board of Trustees
Reappointed Vinoy Mereddy to the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District Board of Trustees for a four-year term commencing October 10, 2025, and expiring October 10, 2029.
G. PUBLIC HEARINGS
G.1 Adoption of Chapter 5.76 (‘Tobacco Retailers’) and Adoption of Tobacco Retail License Fee
Linda Shale, Senior Code Enforcement Officer, presented the item.
Mayor Meyer opened the Public Hearing.
There were eleven comments submitted in writing to the City Clerk in advance of the City Council meeting.
There were three comments submitted in support of the item, from:
Dr. Mekuria, Mirna Mayorquin and Nancy Benvavides.
There were eight comments submitted in opposition of the item, from:
Amber Zulawski, Ashley Freitas, Fred White, Linda Morse-Robertson, Linda Stadlbauer, Matthew Gonzales, Jack Zulawski and Stephanie Beaman.
Amber Zulawski, Corrine, Robert Buch, Marc Strauch and Matt Strauch co-owners of Arco AM/PM, Estrella Juarez, R. Leanos, Sean Boston, Ashley Freitas, Eldon Price, Ralph Hernandez, Byanca Gaeta, Eduardo Zuragota, Leann Spooner, Isabella Arias, Maria Cordova, Clay Hawley, 5 Nick Zulawski, Leigh Martin, Bryan Lam, Hari Thind, Danny Dohrmann, Leticia Ramirez, Joseph Hayden, Jasmid Enciso, Ian Cohen, Lara, Resident/owner of Arco AM/PM, and Carla provided comments in opposition of this item as it is written.
Celine Su, Sheel Gandhi, Emily, Isabelle Kirske, Amaya Wooding, Ronak Shrawagi, Kaiya Yasaki, Rod Flohr, Hind Lalami, and Flora provided comments in support of this item.
Mayor Meyer closed public hearing.
The Council recessed at 9:50 p.m.
The Council reconvened at 10:08 p.m.
City Clerk, Amanda McVey, read the Ordinance title into the record.
Moved by: Pa'tanisha Pierson, Vice Mayor
Seconded by: Jovita Mendoza, Council Member
The Council waived the first reading and introduced Ordinance No. 1088 adopting Chapter 5.76 of the Brentwood Municipal code, entitled ‘Tobacco Retailers’, creating new regulations related to tobacco sales in Brentwood and establishing a Tobacco Retail Licensing program, with the following amendments:
"Youth-Oriented Establishment" means a parcel in the City that is occupied by any publicly or privately owned and operated elementary school, middle school, secondary school, high school, or other institution providing academic instruction for students from kindergarten through twelfth (12th) grade pursuant to the California Education Code, not including any alternative educational facilities, day care facilities, or tutoring facilities.
Proximity to Youth-Oriented Establishment: No License may be issued, and no License may be renewed, to authorize Tobacco Retailing within five hundred (500) feet of a Youth-Oriented Establishment as measured by a straight line from the nearest point of the property line of the parcel on which the Youth Oriented Establishment is located to the nearest point of the property line of the parcel on which the Licensee’s business is located.
At any time a Youth-Oriented Establishment moves within five hundred (500) feet of a licensed Tobacco Retailer, the existing License shall remain valid and may be renewed upon expiration pursuant to all other requirements of this Chapter.
The adoption of the ordinance is not subject to further review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA,” codified at Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., as further governed by the State CEQA Guidelines, found at 14 CCR §§ 15000, et seq.) pursuant to 14 CCR § 15358 because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly. Further, the adoption 6 of this ordinance is exempt under CEQA pursuant to 14 CCR § 15061(b)(3) because this ordinance will not cause a change in any of the physical conditions within the area affected by the ordinance.
Ayes (5): Jovita Mendoza, Council Member, Susannah Meyer, Mayor, Pa'tanisha Pierson, Vice Mayor, Tony Oerlemans, Council Member, and Faye Maloney, Council Member
Motion Approved (5 to 0)
Moved by: Jovita Mendoza, Council Member
Seconded by: Pa'tanisha Pierson, Vice Mayor
Adopted Resolution 2025-94 amending the Cost Allocation Plan and Schedule of City Fees to implement a new Tobacco Retail License Fees.
Ayes (5): Jovita Mendoza, Council Member, Susannah Meyer, Mayor, Pa'tanisha Pierson, Vice Mayor, Tony Oerlemans, Council Member, and Faye Maloney, Council Member
Motion Approved (5 to 0)
G.2 Adopt a Resolution Making Findings Pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 21455.5(c)(2)(A) and Authorize Staff to Prepare for Implementation of the Automated Traffic Enforcement Systems at 9 Designated Intersections throughout the City
Mayor Meyer postponed Item G.2 to a date uncertain.
H. BUSINESS ITEMS
H.1 Discussion and Direction on Proposed Amendments to the Priority Area One (PA-1) Specific Plan
Mayor Meyer postponed Item H.1 to a date uncertain.
H.2 Farmers’ Market Expansion Update
Amanda Chaney, Recreation Supervisor, presented the item.
Mayor Meyer opened public comments.
There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Meyer closed public comments.
The Council received the informational report and there was no further direction provided, nor motion required.
H.3 Evaluation and Recommendation on the 5th Beat
Mayor Meyer postponed Item H.3 to a date uncertain.
H.4 Award Professional Consulting Services to Brown and Caldwell for Various Water Planning Efforts
Casey Wichert, Director of Public Works presented the item. 7 Mayor Meyer opened public comments.
There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Meyer closed public comments.
Moved by: Tony Oerlemans, Council Member
Seconded by: Faye Maloney, Council Member
Adopted Resolution 2025-95 approving and authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute an Agreement for consulting services with Brown and Caldwell for various water planning efforts in the notto-exceed amount of $642,293.
Ayes (5): Jovita Mendoza, Council Member, Susannah Meyer, Mayor, Pa'tanisha Pierson, Vice Mayor, Tony Oerlemans, Council Member, and Faye Maloney, Council Member
Motion Approved (5 to 0)
H.5 Authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into a funding agreement with Contra Costa Transportation Authority for the Countywide Smart Signals Project, and approve amending the 2025/26 – 2029/30 Capital Improvement Program Budget
Anju Pillai, Engineering Manager, presented the item.
Mayor Meyer opened public comments.
Ian Cohen provided comments in support of this item.
There being no additional speakers, Mayor Meyer closed public comments.
Moved by: Faye Maloney, Council Member
Seconded by: Pa'tanisha Pierson, Vice Mayor
Adopted Resolution 2025-96 authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute the Funding Agreement between the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (“CCTA”) and the City of Brentwood for the Countywide Smart Signals Project (“Project”), CIP Project No. 336- 31706, and approved amending the 2025/26 – 2029/30 Capital Improvement Program Budget.
The Project is categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review under Guidelines Sections 15301 – Existing Facilities, 15302 – Replacement and Reconstruction, and 15304 – Minor Alterations to Land, as the subject improvements are Class I, IV or II projects, consisting of repair and maintenance of an existing street and sidewalks, and involving minor alterations to land. https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/title-14/division6/chapter-3/article-19 8 Ayes (5): Jovita Mendoza, Council Member, Susannah Meyer, Mayor, Pa'tanisha Pierson, Vice Mayor, Tony Oerlemans, Council Member, and Faye Maloney, Council Member
Motion Approved (5 to 0)
H.6 Approve and Authorize Updates to the Management Incentive Pay section in the Compensation Summary for the City of Brentwood Unrepresented Executive and Senior Management Employees Teresa Fairbanks, Acting Director of Human Resources, presented the item.
Mayor Meyer opened public comments.
There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Meyer closed public comments.
Moved by: Jovita Mendoza, Council Member
Seconded by: Faye Maloney, Council Member
Adopted Resolution 2025-97 approving and adopting updates to the Management Incentive Pay section of the Compensation Summary for the City of Brentwood Unrepresented Executive and Senior Management Employees.
Ayes (5): Jovita Mendoza, Council Member, Susannah Meyer, Mayor, Pa'tanisha Pierson, Vice Mayor, Tony Oerlemans, Council Member, and Faye Maloney, Council Member
Motion Approved (5 to 0)
I. REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - NEW REQUEST(S)
There were no requests for Future Agenda Items.
J. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by: Pa'tanisha Pierson, Vice Mayor
Seconded by: Faye Maloney, Council Member
The Council, by motion, moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:35 p.m.
Ayes (5): Jovita Mendoza, Council Member, Susannah Meyer, Mayor, Pa'tanisha Pierson, Vice Mayor, Tony Oerlemans, Council Member, and Faye Maloney, Council Member
Motion Approved (5 to 0)