Agenda packet — El Cerrito City Council, April 5, 2022

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AGENDA

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 5, 2022 – 7:00 p.m.

Members:

Mayor Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama · Councilmember Janet Abelson Councilmember Paul Fadelli · Councilmember Tessa Rudnick Join Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87834939037?pwd=Tk1WSzlUbnFiZzA0bk1DcXl0Rk9LUT09 Meeting ID: 878 3493 9037 Password: 409664
or Dial in: 1-408-638-0968
The City Council may continue to meet by teleconference, consistent with the Brown Act as amended by AB 361 (2021). Under the amended rules, the City will not provide a physical location for members of the public to participate in the teleconference meeting.

Members of the public can watch or listen to City Council meetings as follows:

1. Cable T.V. Broadcast on KCRT Channel 28

2. Radio Broadcast on FM 88.1 Or 97.7

3. Livestream Online at www.el-cerrito.org/CouncilMeetingMaterials

4. Via Zoom using the meeting information listed above (Closed captioning available )
Each period for public comment will be announced. Public Comments may be submitted one of two ways:
 Via Zoom using the “Raise Hand” icon to request to speak. If joining by phone, dial *9 to "raise your hand", and when prompted by the host, *6 to unmute/mute.  Via email to [email protected]. Email must contain in the subject line Public Comments – Not on the Agenda or Public Comments – agenda item #.

To ensure City Council receives your written comments prior to taking action, they must be received by 4:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. All written comments received by this deadline will be provided to the City Council and posted online in advance of the meeting. Comments received after the deadline will be provided to the City Council and included with supplemental materials after the meeting. No written comments will be read into the record.

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7:00 P.M. ROLL CALL – CONVENE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OR OBSERVATION OF A

MOMENT OF SILENCE

2. TELECONFERENCE AND PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS

3. COUNCIL/STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Reports of closed session, commission appointments and informational reports on matters of general interest which are announced by the City Council and staff.

4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Remarks are typically limited to 3 minutes per person. The Mayor may reduce the time limit per speaker depending upon the number of speakers and may limit the total time for public comment to facilitate the completion of business on the agenda. Comments regarding non-agenda, presentation and consent calendar items will be heard first.

Comments related to items appearing on the Public Hearing or Policy Matter portions of the Agenda will be heard prior to the City Council taking action on each item.

5. ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR
All items on the consent calendar shall be acted upon in one motion, unless a member of the City Council or staff request separate consideration.

A. National Library Week Proclamation
Action Proposed: Pass a motion to approve a proclamation declaring April 3-9, 2022 as National Library Week in the City of El Cerrito and encourage all residents to visit the library.

Contact: Heidi Goldstein, Senior Community Library Manager, Contra Costa County Library
B. Proclamation Recognizing Education and Sharing Day
Action Proposed: Pass a motion to approve a proclamation declaring April 12, 2022 as Education and Sharing Day in the City of El Cerrito and to raise awareness and strengthen the education of our children.

Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management C. Earth Day Proclamation
Action Proposed: Pass a motion to approve a proclamation declaring Saturday, April 23, 2022 as “Earth Day” in the City of El Cerrito and encouraging all residents and businesses to help make El Cerrito a Agenda Packet Page 2 of 124

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greener, healthier, more sustainable place for all.

Contact: Will Provost, Operations + Environmental Services Manager, Public Works Department
D. Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation declaring April 2022 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the City of El Cerrito, and encouraging everyone to support anti-sexual violence advocates and service programs in the belief that all community members must be part of the solution to end sexual violence.

Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management E. Alcohol Awareness Month Proclamation
Action Proposed: Pass a motion to approve a proclamation designating April 2022 as Alcohol Awareness Month in El Cerrito.

Contact: Holly M. Charlety, City Clerk, City Management F. Letter of Support for Assembly Bill (AB) 1814
Action Proposed: At the request of Mayor Quinto, pass a motion to authorize the Mayor to sign a letter of support for AB 1814 related to funding for transportation electrification.

Contact: Holly Charléty, City Clerk, City Management
G. Letter of Support for MCE Federal Funding Request
Action Proposed: At the request of Mayor Quinto, pass a motion authorizing the Mayor to sign a letter in support of MCE's federal funding request for three projects designed to confront the climate crisis by eliminating fossil fuel greenhouse gas emissions and to create equitable, environmental, and economic community benefits.

Contact: Holly Charléty, City Clerk, City Management
H. Letter of Support for Senate Bill (SB) 847
Action Proposed: At the request of Mayor Quinto, pass a motion authorizing the Mayor to sign a letter in support of SB 847 pertaining to rental assistance for landlords and tenants who do not qualify for assistance under the state Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Agenda Packet Page 3 of 124

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I. Economic Development Committee Appointment
Action Proposed: Approve one Economic Development Committee recommendation to appoint a new member, Christopher Bunting, effective April 5, 2022.

Contact: Aissia Ashoori, Senior Program Manager, Community Development Department
J. Resolution Declaring May 7, 2022 as “National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day”
Action Proposed: At the request of Councilmember Fadelli, adopt a Resolution Declaring May 7, 2022 as “National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day” in the City of El Cerrito.

Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management K. Resolution in Support of Ukraine
Action Proposed: At the request of Mayor Quinto, adopt a resolution condemning the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine and Expressing Support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian People.

Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management L. Amendments to Existing Agreements with Multiple Firms for On-Call Building Services
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute amendments to the existing professional services agreements with four consulting firms providing on-call building services to extend the terms an additional 18 months; and to increase the amount for FY 2021- 22 for one firm by $250,000.

Contact: Keith Marks, Building Official; Jen Bright, Management Assistant; Melanie Mintz, Community Development Director, Community Development Department
M. Authorize Annual Report for Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District for Fiscal Year 2022-23
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution directing NBS Local Government Solutions (NBS) to prepare and file the annual Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1988-1 report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-23.

Contact: Sandra Dalida, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
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6. PRESENTATIONS
A. El Cerrito Library Update
Action Proposed: Receive and file a brief update on Contra Costa County Library activities, resources, and National Library Week.

Contact: Heidi Goldstein, Senior Community Library Manager, Contra Costa County Library
B. Urban Forest Committee Work Plan
Action Proposed: Receive and file a presentation from the Urban Forest Committee on Fiscal Year 2020 and 2021 Accomplishments, and Fiscal Year 2022 and 2023 Work Plan.

Contact: Robin Mitchell, Chair, Urban Forest Committee; Stephen Prée, Environmental Programs Manager, Public Works Department

7. PUBLIC HEARINGS

8. POLICY MATTERS
A. Amendment to Agreement for Services between the Kensington Fire Protection District and the City of El Cerrito
Action Proposed: Adopt a Resolution approving the Fourth Amendment to the Agreement for Services between the Kensington Fire Protection District and the City of El Cerrito that establishes a six-month financial reserve.

Contact: Michael Pigoni, Fire Chief, Fire Department; Karen Pinkos, City Manager, City Management; Bill Hansell, General Manager, Kensington Fire Protection District

9. CITY COUNCIL LOCAL & REGIONAL LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS
Mayor and City Council communications regarding local and regional liaison assignments and committee reports.

10. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.

The City of El Cerrito serves, leads and supports our diverse community by providing exemplary and innovative services, public places and infrastructure, ensuring public safety and creating an economically and environmentally sustainable future.

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 Council Meetings can be heard live on FM Radio, KECG – 88.1 and 97.7 FM and viewed live on Cable TV - KCRT- Channel 28. The meetings are rebroadcast on Channel 28 the following Thursday and Monday at 12 noon, except on holidays. Live and On-Demand Webcast of the Council Meetings can be accessed from the City’s website http://www.el-cerrito.org/CouncilMeetingMaterials and is streamed with closed caption. Copies of the agenda bills and other written documentation relating to items of business referred to on the agenda are on file and available for public inspection in the Office of the City Clerk, at the El Cerrito Library and posted on the City’s website at www.el-cerrito.org prior to the meeting.
 In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk, 510-215-4305. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. (28 CFR

35.102-35.104 ADA Title I).
 The Deadline for agenda items and communications is eight days prior to the next meeting by 12 noon, City Clerk’s Office, 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA. Tel: 510-215–4305, email [email protected]
 IF YOU CHALLENGE A DECISION OF THE CITY COUNCIL IN COURT, YOU MAY BE LIMITED TO RAISING ONLY THOSE ISSUES YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE RAISED AT THE COUNCIL MEETING.

ACTIONS CHALLENGING CITY COUNCIL DECISIONS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE TIME LIMITATIONS CONTAINED IN CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE SECTION 1094.6.  The City Council believes that late night meetings deter public participation, can affect the Council’s decision-making ability, and can be a burden to staff. City Council Meetings shall be adjourned by 11:00 p.m., unless extended to a specific time determined by a majority of the Council.

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Agenda Item No. 5.A.

EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL PROCLAMATION
Recognizing April 3-9, 2022 as National Library Week in the City of El Cerrito WHEREAS, libraries are accessible and inclusive places that foster a sense of connection and build community; and
WHEREAS, libraries connect people to technology, providing access to broadband internet, computers, and training that are critical for accessing education and employment opportunities; and
WHEREAS, libraries offer opportunities for everyone to connect with new ideas and become their best selves through access to multimedia content, programs, and classes – in addition to books; and
WHEREAS, today’s libraries and their services extend far beyond the four walls of a building and everyone is welcome to use their resources; and WHEREAS, in times of crisis, libraries and library professionals play an invaluable role in supporting their communities both in person and virtually; and WHEREAS, libraries strive to develop and maintain programs and collections that are as diverse as the populations they serve and ensure equity of access for all; and
WHEREAS, to adapt to our changing world, libraries are expanding their resources and continuing to meet the needs of their patrons; and WHEREAS, libraries have long served as trusted and treasured institutions for all members of the community regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socio-economic status; and WHEREAS, libraries are cornerstones of democracy, promoting the free exchange of information and ideas for all; and
WHEREAS, libraries, librarians, and library workers are joining library supporters and advocates across the nation to celebrate National Library Week.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito does hereby proclaim April 3-9, 2022 as National Library Week and encourages all residents to connect with their library by visiting online or in person to access resources and services.

Dated: April 5, 2022
___________________________
Gabe Quinto, Mayor
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Agenda Item No. 5.B.

EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL PROCLAMATION
Designating April 12, 2022 as Education & Sharing Day in El Cerrito WHEREAS, a quality education is one of the significant foundations for the continuing success of our state, our country, and our society at large; and in the city of El Cerrito we strive for the betterment of all of our citizens through an increased focus on education and sharing; and
WHEREAS, through providing the possibility of an excellent education for all, especially children, with which to gain knowledge through rigorous study, we can create hope for a brighter, kinder and more united and prosperous future in the lives of so many; and
WHEREAS, the educational system must also focus on building character by emphasizing the cultivation of universal moral and ethical values that have been the bedrock of society from the dawn of civilization; and
WHEREAS, one of the leading global advocates for the advancement of education, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, of righteous memory, stressed the importance of moral and ethical education as the bedrock of humanity and the hallmark of a healthy society, and strongly urged that education be reinforced by the inculcation of strong moral values; and WHEREAS, in recognition of the Rebbe's outstanding and lasting contributions toward improvements in world education, morality, and acts of charity, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, and the United States Congress has established his birthdate as a national day to raise awareness and strengthen the education of our children; and
WHEREAS, April 12, 2022 will mark 120 years since the Rebbe’s birth, and the date will be celebrated across these United States and around the globe in tribute to the Rebbe’s vision, guidance and leadership; and WHEREAS, for more than forty years the President of the United States has recognized and honored the Rebbe's vision each year on that day by proclaiming it "Education & Sharing Day USA".

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito, does hereby proclaim April 12, 2022, as Education and Sharing Day in the City of El Cerrito and call upon government officials, educators, volunteers, and residents to reach out to those within your communities and work to create a better, brighter, and more hopeful future for all.

Dated: April 5, 2022
Gabe Quinto, Mayor
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Agenda Item No. 5.C.

EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL PROCLAMATION
Designating Saturday, April 23, 2022 as El Cerrito Earth Day WHEREAS, the first Earth Day was proclaimed just over 50 years ago, in 1970, in order to foster public awareness of the need to protect the environment and conserve resources; and
WHEREAS, notably, around the same time, the City of El Cerrito’s Recycling Center was founded by community volunteers; and
WHEREAS, the City of El Cerrito has celebrated Earth Day every year in keeping with the spirit of the initial Earth Day; and
WHEREAS, in the interest of safety as the COVID-19 pandemic begins to ease, during this year’s Earth Day celebration the City is again encouraging community members to participate in self-guided cleanup activities around the city or in their own back yards; and WHEREAS, the City is also encouraging residents and businesses to take actions on Earth Day, and throughout the month of April, to help the environment by incorporating environmental practices into their day-to-day activities, through: weeding their gardens, planting drought-tolerant plants, giving up meat for a period of time, starting a garden that supports pollinators, adjusting thermostats to use less energy, opting up to MCE’s “Deep Green” 100% renewable energy option, and/or learning more about the City’s environmental programs at www.el-cerrito.org/Green; and
WHEREAS, the Environmental Quality Committee’s Green Teams also invite the community to attend a socially-distanced work party on Saturday, April 23 at 10 a.m., to remove invasive French broom from the Hillside Natural Area, starting at the north end of Regency Court; and
WHEREAS, the City also invites community members to donate their time and money to: clean up and restore habitats in all City parks, greenways, creeks, and schools; pick up litter along streets and in commercial areas; and take further steps to reduce water and energy use in public spaces and at home; and
WHEREAS, the City of El Cerrito seeks to involve all community members in these activities with the goal of improving our local environment, becoming more aware of the global environment, and addressing adverse environmental impacts which historically have been spread disproportionately around the community and around the region.

NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito does hereby proclaim Saturday, April 23, 2022 as “Earth Day” in the City of El Cerrito and encourages all residents and businesses to help make El Cerrito a greener, healthier, more sustainable place for all.

Dated: April 5, 2022
___________________________
Gabe Quinto, Mayor
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Agenda Item No. 5.D.

EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL PROCLAMATION
Recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the City of El Cerrito WHEREAS, In California there were 13,439 forcible rapes in 2020 and 283 forcible rapes reported in Contra Costa County in the same year; with an increasing number affecting adolescents; and
WHEREAS, sexual assault affects every person of Contra Costa County as a victim/survivor or as a family member, significant other, neighbor or co-worker of a victim/survivor; and
WHEREAS, many citizens of Contra Costa County are working to provide quality services and assistance to sexual assault survivors; and dedicated volunteers help staff 24-hour crisis hotlines, respond to emergency calls and offer support, comfort and advocacy during forensic exams, criminal proceedings, and throughout the healing process; and
WHEREAS, staff and volunteers of Community Violence Solutions and its Rape Crisis Center, Children's Interview Center, Prevention Department, HOPE Therapy Services and Anti-Trafficking Project programs in Contra Costa County are promoting education by offering training to schools, churches, and civic organizations, as well as medical, mental health, law enforcement, education, and criminal justice personnel regarding sexual assault issues; and
WHEREAS, it is vitally important that continued educational efforts to provide information about prevention and services for sexual assault be supported and enhanced; and
WHEREAS, it is critical to intensify public awareness of sexual assault, to educate people about the need for citizen involvement in efforts to reduce sexual violence, to increase support for agencies providing sexual assault services, and to increase awareness of the healing power of creative expression; and WHEREAS, Community Violence Solutions requests public support and assistance as it continues to work toward a society where all women, children, and men can live in peace, free from violence and exploitation.

NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito does hereby proclaim April 2022 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the City of El Cerrito and encourages everyone to support anti-sexual violence advocates and service programs in the belief that all community members must be part of the solution to end sexual violence.

Dated: April 5, 2022
________________________
Gabe Quinto, Mayor
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Agenda Item No. 5.E.

EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL PROCLAMATION
Designating April 2022 as Alcohol Awareness Month in El Cerrito WHEREAS, an estimated 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes annually, putting alcohol in the top three preventable causes of death in the United States; and WHEREAS, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for over 30 percent of overall driving fatalities; and
WHEREAS, within Contra Costa County alcohol is the most widely used substance among youth - 41 percent of West Contra Costa Unified School District 11th graders report that they have used alcohol; and
WHEREAS, 29 percent of these students report that alcohol is “very easy” to access; and
WHEREAS, families need and deserve both support and assistance in preventing underage drinking and the harmful consequences of alcohol abuse; and WHEREAS, it is imperative that visible, unified prevention efforts by community members be launched and local policies be enhanced to eliminate access to alcohol for underage persons; and
WHEREAS, across the country, the acknowledgement of Alcohol Awareness Month – April, 2022 – promotes an increase in outreach and education regarding the dangers of alcoholism and issues related to alcohol addiction and encourages residents to demonstrate their commitment to preventing abuse of alcohol.

NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito does hereby proclaim the month of April 2022, as “Alcohol Awareness Month” as a way to show a strong commitment to help the families of El Cerrito to lead healthy lives, encourage residents to help prevent underage drinking, and be aware of the dangers of alcohol abuse.

Dated: April 5, 2022
___________________________
Gabe Quinto, Mayor
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Agenda Item No. 5.F.

CITY HALL 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Telephone (510) 215-4305 Fax (510) 215-4319 http://www.el-cerrito.org April 6, 2022
The Honorable Eduardo Garcia
Chair, Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee
RE: AB 1814 (Grayson) - SUPPORT
Dear Assemblymember Garcia,
The City of El Cerrito is pleased to support Assembly Bill 1814, a narrow bill that would allow Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs) to submit applications to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to receive funding to support transportation electrification. The City of El Cerrito is committed to creating an environmentally sustainable future and a member of Marin Clean Energy (MCE). It supports efforts to ensure that CCAs have a full suite of tools necessary to confront the climate crisis by eliminating fossil fuel greenhouse gas emissions and to create equitable community benefits.

Transportation electrification (TE) is a vital component of California’s climate change mitigation strategy, as well as a key environmental priority for the City of El Cerrito. With an ambitious state goal of achieving at least five million zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) on the road by 2030 and 250,000 electric vehicle charging stations by 2025, the City of El Cerrito seeks to ensure that an appropriate share of these investments is located in and benefits El Cerrito residents. CCAs, as local government agencies themselves, are particularly well-suited to deploy TE infrastructure in ways that best benefit local communities and residents.

Today, all customers pay into the programs administered by the CPUC, but only investor-owned utilities (IOUs) can access those funds to support their programs. Importantly, under AB 1814 CCAs would have to apply for the funds in the same manner that IOUs do. The City of El Cerrito supports AB 1814 because it would correct this funding inequity and allow all customers to fully benefit from the programs their monthly bills support. By adding effective and nimble additional administrators to the CPUC’s programs, AB 1814 will make the CPUC’s TE programs more successful as well.

CCAs have a proven track record of serving our customers and communities with programs and service options tailored to meet local needs and priorities. AB 1814 will help to expand upon already-successful CCA TE offerings and ensure ratepayer fairness for CCA communities.

For these reasons, the City of El Cerrito is pleased to support AB 1814. Thank you for your leadership on this important issue.

Sincerely,
Gabe Quinto, Mayor
City of El Cerrito
cc: The Honorable Assemblymember Tim Grayson
Honorable Members of the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Laura Shybut, Consultant, Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee City Council
Agenda Packet Page 12 of 124

ASSEMBLYMEMBER TIM GRAYSON
AB 1814
Transportation Electrification Funds: Community Choice Aggregators Summary:

AB 1814 would authorize Community Choice
Aggregators (CCAs) to submit applications to the
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to
receive funding to administer transportation
electrification programs in their service areas.

Background:

California has held lofty initiatives of meeting
stringent air quality and climate change targets. A
major component in meeting these targets are the
state’s transportation objectives to achieve five million zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) on the road by 20301
and 250,000 electric vehicle charging stations by
20252. These are essential because the transportation
sector contributes a large percentage of nitrogen
emissions, diesel particulate matter, and statewide
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The CPUC plays a critical role in achieving these
emission targets. Under their authority to regulate
Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs), they are directing
strategic investments for transportation electrification projects, designing electricity rates, adopting vehiclegrid integration policy and pilot programs, and conducting program evaluation and interagency
coordination to ensure strategically coordinated ZEVs
investments.3
Alternative to IOUs, CCAs are local government
entities that supply energy needs for their
communities, offering an alternative and tailored
choice in the market and serve over 11 million
customers in more than 200 cities and counties. CCAs
can provide the communities that they serve with
competitively priced, clean energy choices while
reinvesting revenues into projects and programs,
supporting the local economy, such as offering
complementary programs such as EV charging and
battery storage.

1 https://www.ca.gov/archive/gov39/2018/01/26/governor-brown-takesaction-to-increase-zero-emission-vehicles-fund-new-climateinvestments/index.html 2 https://www.ca.gov/archive/gov39/2012/03/23/news17472/index.html Problem:

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has
assessed California’s electric vehicle charging
infrastructure rollout and determined that the state will be almost 1 million chargers short of what will be
required to support the state’s 2035 EV adoption goals.

While CPUC authorizes IOUs to file applications to
receive ratepayer funded transportation electrification program funding, CCAs are not explicitly authorized
in existing law to access these funds, despite CCA
customers also paying into these same funds. As a
result, local leaders have little ability to tailor electric vehicle infrastructure and programs to serve residents
and businesses, particularly in traditionally
underrepresented areas.

Solution:

AB 1814 would explicitly authorize CCAs to file
applications for programs and investments to
accelerate widespread transportation electrification. In order to submit these applications, CCAs would be
regulated to meet all of the same requirements that
IOUs are currently required to meet.

In order to meet the state’s EV adoption goals, CCAs
must also be included in the solution. CCAs should be
given the opportunity to apply for funding through
CPUC for transportation electrification projects as a
means of potentially addressing energy needs as
identified by specific communities. By creating parity
within IOUs and CCAs, the state may be able to meet
our GHG emission reduction goals in the
transportation sector.

Support:

California Community Choice Association
(Sponsor)
Staff Contact:

Samantha Yturralde
[email protected]
(916) 319-2014
3 https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/electricalenergy/infrastructure/transportation-electrification Agenda Packet Page 13 of 124
Agenda Item No. 5.G.

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY HALL 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Telephone (510) 215-4305 Fax (510) 215-4319 http://www.el-cerrito.org April 6, 2022
The Honorable John Garamendi
2368 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Eric Swalwell
174 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Mark DeSaulnier
503 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Jerry McNerney
2265 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Jared Huffman
1527 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Dianne Feinstein
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
The Honorable Mike Thompson
268 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Alex Padilla
112 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
To whom it may concern:

The City Council of the City of El Cerrito respectfully writes in support of the Fiscal Year 2023 Federal funding request submitted by MCE for three projects designed to confront the climate crisis by eliminating fossil fuel greenhouse gas emissions and to create equitable, environmental, and economic community benefits.

As you know, MCE is a not-for-profit public agency that has been setting the standard for clean energy in our communities since 2010. We offer more renewable power at stable rates, significantly reducing energy-related greenhouse emissions and reinvesting millions of dollars in local energy programs. MCE provides electricity service and cutting-edge energy programs to more than one million residents and businesses in 37 member communities across Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano counties. Since our launch in 2010, MCE has reduced over 700,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide, saved our customers more than $68 million on their bills, and built over 900 MW of renewable resources in California. MCE has a proven track record of developing and implementing programs that produce tangible results for equity and the environment. To help address MCE’s goals for the Bay Area counties and member communities, MCE is seeking community project funding to expand the following programs:
 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations ($2 million requested) – The expansion of the electric vehicle charging stations program allows MCE to help Californians access both vehicles and charging stations. Low–income customers can access additional rebates for new vehicles while multifamily and workplace properties can receive help installing new charging infrastructure. The MCEv program offers:

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April 6, 2022

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MCE Funding Request
CITY HALL 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Telephone (510) 215-4305 Fax (510) 215-4319 http://www.el-cerrito.org o Up to $3,500 per networked Level 2 charging port;
o Up to $875 per networked Level 1 charging port;
o Bonus incentives for charging stations with 100 percent renewable energy; o Support to align and combine with other incentives; and o Free project technical assistance and employee or tenant engagement for more holistic electric vehicle and charging education to speed up adoption. MCE has already installed or committed funding to over 1,400 Level 2 charging ports in its service area, representing over half of these chargers throughout its four-county footprint.
 Energy Storage Program ($3 million requested) – This project aims to reduce the impact of Public Safety Power Shutoff outages by providing subsidized energy storage for MCE customers. MCE prioritizes various households and other facilities based on specific criteria, which includes low–income households, life threatening medical needs, living in a high fire–threat district, and offering essential services during community emergencies (i.e. police, fire, shelters, grocery). The program also offers local workforce development training and job placement to help lower barriers to entry into green careers. The Energy Storage Program helps customers through:
o Dispatchable, behind–the–meter battery storage
o End–to–end project development and management
o Supplemental funding to reduce upfront capital costs for customers o $20 monthly bill credit for every 20 kilowatt–hours of storage installed, up to $200 per month
o Competitive financing through National Energy Improvement Fund  Healthy Homes Expansion ($1 million requested) – MCE Healthy Homes has improved the health, safety, and efficiency of over 150 low–income households over the past few years by:
o Providing comprehensive assessments for improvements to the overall efficiency of a home;
o Mitigating health and safety hazards that prevent access to energy upgrades; and
o Installing comprehensive energy measures to improve home efficiency and enable electrification technologies.

While MCE has been able to provide comprehensive upgrades to over 150 homes through this program, additional funding would allow MCE to serve more single and multifamily customers with:
o Electrifying home appliances to improve air quality;
o Updating electrical panels to mitigate fire hazards and enable electrification upgrades;
o Properly sealing homes including mold removal and drywall replacement; and o Roof repair to allow for solar panels.

The City Council of the City of El Cerrito greatly appreciates your support and Agenda Packet Page 15 of 124
April 6, 2022

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MCE Funding Request
CITY HALL 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Telephone (510) 215-4305 Fax (510) 215-4319 http://www.el-cerrito.org consideration of MCE’s projects. If you have any questions, please contact Jim Davenport with Thorn Run Partners at (703) 597-2009 or Shalini Swaroop, MCE’s Chief Legal and Policy Officer at (415) 464-6040.

Sincerely,
Gabe Quinto, Mayor, City of El Cerrito
Cc: El Cerrito City Council
Agenda Packet Page 16 of 124
Agenda Item No. 5.H.

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
April 6, 2022
The Honorable Melissa Hurtado
California State Senate
1021 O Street, Room 7310
Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: SB 847 (Hurtado) – COVID-19 – Support Letter
Dear Senator Hurtado:

On behalf of the City of El Cerrito City Council, I am writing to inform you of the City Council’s strong support of SB 847. This bill would provide rental assistance for landlords and tenants who do not qualify for assistance under the state Emergency Rental Assistance Program (“Program”). SB 847 creates a commonsense grant program administered by the Housing and Community Development Department to distribute state funds on behalf of tenants who are unable to pay rent due to a COVID19 hardship and do not qualify under the Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (“FERAP”).

Thank you for your very important bill that makes tremendous strides to keep tenants housed and close the existing loopholes within the FERAP.

Sincerely,
Gabe Quinto, Mayor
City of El Cerrito
cc. City Manager
City Council
Agenda Packet Page 17 of 124
Senate Bill 847
Homeowners Relief Act
Introduced Jan 13, 2022

SUMMARY
SB 847 closes the coverage gap for tenants
and homeowners who have applied and been
rejected from the state rental assistance
program.

THE PROBLEM
As of July 2021, more than 1.8 million
homeowners were behind on their
mortgages. Many of these homeowners own
rental property. When federal mortgage
forbearance ends, they may be forced to
remove their rental units from the market
and sell them in order to avoid foreclosure.

BACKGROUND
The Federal Emergency Rental Assistance
Program has provided $5.2 Billion to
California to pay rent for some low-income
tenants who have been unable to pay their
rent. The Program only provides rental
assistance for tenants who make less than or
equal to 80% of the area median income
(“AMI”).

There are property owners with tenants who
are behind on their rent but will never
receive any form of government rental
assistance because they earn too much
money to qualify for the Program.

At the same time, California law allowed
tenants to pay just 25 percent of their past
rent, and in return, they received permanent
protection from eviction for the remainder of
the unpaid rent. They are not required to
apply for funding through the Rental
Assistance Program. Rental property owners
can attempt to collect unpaid rent from the
tenant by filing a small claims court action,
but they are not allowed to evict the tenant.

Local governments continue to enforce even
stricter eviction bans. In the City of Los
Angeles, homeowners are not allowed to
evict a tenant who has claimed a COVID
hardship for nonpayment of rent or collect
until June 2023, even if the tenant has not
paid the 25 percent required by state law. In
Alameda County, homeowners are
prohibited from ever evicting any tenants for
non-payment of rent due during the
moratorium period – which is in effect
indefinitely – even if the tenant did not
experienced a COVID hardship.

SOLUTION
SB 847 establishes a grant program,
administered by the Department of Housing
and Community Development that allows
for distribution of funds to homeowner
applicants, upon appropriation by the
Legislature.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Marisol Ibarra, Legislative Director
Office of Senator Melissa Hurtado
[email protected]; (916) 651-4014
Agenda Packet Page 18 of 124

AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 5.I.

Date: April 5, 2022
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Aissia Ashoori, Senior Program Manager, Community Development Department
Subject: Economic Development Committee Appointment

ACTION PROPOSED
Approve one Economic Development Committee recommendation to appoint a new member, Christopher Bunting, effective April 5, 2022.

Mr. Bunting has been an El Cerrito resident for three years. By day, he works as an engineering manager at Twitter and is also a trained radio broadcaster. As a lifelong Bay Area resident, he is looking to contribute to his community through service on the EDC. He has made connections with both residents and businesses in El Cerrito, and looks forward to building further with the Committee.

Mr. Bunting has demonstrated through his participation in EDC meetings that he is committed to keeping with the mission of the Committee and bolstering economic growth in our community.

The Economic Development Committee voted unanimously to recommend the appointment of Mr. Campbell at its regular meeting on March 21, 2022.

If the City Council approves this recommendation for appointment, the number of committee members will be 9 out of a possible membership total of 15, as established by Resolution 2013-66.

STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
The recommended appointment fulfills the City's Strategic Plan Goal C: Deepen a sense of place and community identity.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
This section is not applicable to this agenda item.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
This section is not applicable to this agenda item.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
This section is not applicable to this agenda item.

Agenda Packet Page 19 of 124
Agenda Item No. 5.I.

Reviewed by:

Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Attachments:

Application(s) on file with the City Clerk
Agenda Packet Page 20 of 124
Agenda Item No. 5.J.

RESOLUTION 2022-XX
RESOLUTION DECLARING SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022 AS “WILDFIRE COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS DAY” ENCOURAGING ALL RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES, AND

COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO PREPARE FOR AND WORK TO PREVENT POSSIBLE

WILDFIRES IN OUR COMMUNITY
WHEREAS, the City of El Cerrito constantly lives with the risk of a wildfire disaster because of its location in a Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) and that almost half of the City geographically has been designated a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire); and WHEREAS, California remains in the midst of a mega-drought as declared by climate scientists with no correction in sight; and
WHEREAS, the dry hot Diablo Winds that occur annually in the late summer can produce fire embers that blow ahead of a wildfire and become significant hazards to homes and businesses throughout the entire City; and
WHEREAS, the City of El Cerrito annually undertakes a Fire Hazard Reduction Program to identify, correct, and cause abatement of fire hazards on properties to lower possible ember and fire dangers; and
WHEREAS, the El Cerrito City Council declared wildfire prevention and safety a top priority of the City on July 20, 2021 by Resolution 2021-37; and WHEREAS, each year the first Saturday in May has been declared as “Wildfire Community Preparedness Day” by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and by FirewiseUSA to encourage people and organizations everywhere to come together on a single day to take action to raise awareness and reduce wildfire risks; and WHEREAS, the City of El Cerrito has identified a variety of fire abatement, prevention, and response actions that can be taken by community members to better prepare for a wildfire and possible evacuation, which can include:
 working to conform landscaped vegetation to the City’s Vegetation Management Standards;
 preparing “go-bags” and other personal property for a rapid evacuation;  determining at least two ways out of your neighborhood to a larger main escape route and work with neighbors on evacuation planning including identifying people who may need additional assistance;
 hardening homes by applying 1/8’ metal screen to attic and crawlspace vents, enclosing eaves, and more;
 clearing the first five feet of area around a house and deck of almost all vegetation, removing all combustible plants like junipers from landscaping, maintaining ten feet of space between tree canopies;
Agenda Packet Page 21 of 124
 checking the City’s website at www.el-cerrito.org/vegetationmanagement, Cal Fire’s website at www.readyforwildfire.org, and the NFPA website at www.nfpa.org/Public-Education for more ideas on how to prepare, stay safe, and prevent wildfires.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of El Cerrito declares May 7, 2022 as “Wildfire Community Preparedness Day” and encourages residents, business owners, and all community members in El Cerrito to undertake projects on this day, and throughout the year, to harden their homes and buildings against wildfire risk and to raise awareness to prepare for and prevent possible wildfires in our community.

I CERTIFY that at a regular meeting on April 5, 2022 the City Council of the City of El Cerrito passed this Resolution by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:

IN WITNESS of this action, I sign this document and affix the corporate seal of the City of El Cerrito on April , 2022.
________________________
Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk
APPROVED:
________________________
Gabe Quinto, Mayor
Agenda Packet Page 22 of 124
Agenda Item No. 5.K.

RESOLUTION NO. 2022–XX
RESOLUTION CONDEMNING THE 2022 RUSSIAN INVASION OF UKRAINE AND

EXPRESSING SUPPORT OF UKRAINE AND THE UKRAINIAN PEOPLE
WHEREAS, Ukraine is a sovereign, autonomous, democratic state whose borders and territorial integrity cannot be changed by force and whose citizens have an inherent right to make their country’s decisions and determine their country’s future; and
WHEREAS, on February 24, 2022 Russia launched a large-scale military invasion of Ukraine, potentially the largest conventional military attack in Europe since World War II; and
WHEREAS, in the first weeks of the invasion, the Russian military has conducted multiple bombings and attacks across Ukraine, killing and injuring soldiers and civilians; and
WHEREAS, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is unprovoked and unprecedented in a time of relative peace across Europe; and
WHEREAS, the staunch Ukrainian resistance to the Russian invasion represents a Ukrainian desire to be independent from Russian control and to continue existing as a sovereign, autonomous state; and
WHEREAS, our Ukrainian neighbors are undergoing a period of significant hardship and grief during this time; and
WHEREAS, more than 3 million men, women, and children have already been displaced in Ukraine; and
WHEREAS, leaders of the international community including the United States, European Union, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Council of Europe, and members of the United Nations and International Criminal Court have denounced the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of El Cerrito condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine who are inspiring the world with their incredible heroism, bravery, and resilience as they defend their homeland in the face of overwhelming aggression and military force.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of El Cerrito hereby signals its support of Ukraine by displaying the Ukrainian flag at City Hall.

I CERTIFY that at a regular meeting on April 5, 2022 the City Council of the City of El Cerrito passed this resolution by the following vote:

Agenda Packet Page 23 of 124
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:

AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 5.L.

Date: April 5, 2022
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Keith Marks, Building Official; Jen Bright, Management Assistant; Melanie Mintz, Community Development Director, Community Development Department
Subject: Amendments to Existing Agreements with Multiple Firms for On-Call Building Services

ACTION PROPOSED
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute amendments to the existing professional services agreements with four consulting firms providing on-call building services to extend the terms an additional 18 months; and to increase the amount for FY 2021-22 for one firm by $250,000.

BACKGROUND
The Community Development Department issued between 1,000-1,300 building permits per year over the last five years. This number has remained reasonably steady in both strong and weak economic years and throughout the pandemic. During this time, the Department has relied heavily on consultants and temporary staffing to augment staffing levels, provide staff to fill vacancies, and perform specialized work related to commercial and multifamily development that has resulted from adoption of the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan in 2014.

Staff augmentation is needed to fill vacancies or backfill for vacations and illness in order to maintain timely services, to perform plan check and inspection services on new multifamily and commercial development, and complement the City’s sole plan checker to accommodate volume and maintain turnaround times. In addition, to accommodate the increase in solar permits over the past year, outside consultant services have been utilized to meet statutory deadlines requiring a turnaround time of 3 days or less without compromising plan check turnaround times for non-solar building permits. For reference, the City issued 79 solar permits in FY 2015-16 which increased steadily over time to 156 solar permits in FY 2020-21. For the current fiscal year 2021-22, 209 solar permits have been issued so far.

To be prepared to efficiently meet the needs of the Building Division that Specific Plan projects were anticipated to bring, staff issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) on March 20, 2017 to seek qualified persons or firms (Consultants) to establish an on-call bank of consultant firms to work with. Firms were invited to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) demonstrating their ability to perform building services on an oncall basis. Staff received ten responses for on-call building services.

Agenda Packet Page 25 of 124
Agenda Item No. 5.L.

Pursuant to Government Code Section 4526 State and local agencies are allowed to select professional services firms such as these on the basis of demonstrated competency and professional qualifications versus only using the lowest bidder. That approach is also consistent with the City’s procurement policy. Resolution 2017-24 authorized the City Manager to execute professional services agreements with ten consulting firms to provide building services on an on-call basis for an amount not to exceed $250,000 per year. Each agreement was authorized to have an initial term of three years with the option to extend for up to two additional years.

Because the anticipated amount of work is variable in scope and the timing of building submittals are hard to predict, on-call agreements with consultant firms are appropriate to allow for rapid procurement of services. Many cities choose to enter into on-call agreements with multiple firms in order to assure that specialties are met and that any one consultant’s workload limits will not prevent a city from meeting its needs. For certain projects, a city may ask for task proposals from more than one of their on-call firms to further ensure compatibility.

ANALYSIS
Staff entered into contracts with all ten firms on April 17, 2017. All selected firms possessed key areas of expertise and demonstrated experience handling building oncall services for municipalities. All firms also submitted fee schedules for the various skill levels and specific team members listed in their SOQs along with other cost-related issues such as direct costs and mileage. Due to staff availability and qualifications for tasks at hand, the Division has used four of the contracted firms throughout the term for services and is currently satisfied with the services provided by all four firms. The list of firms consists of:

1. CSG Consultants

2. Four (4) Leaf, Inc.

3. TRB+ Associates

4. West Coast Consultants, Inc.

Table 1 below notes the amount of funds spent on each contracted firm, and the services each firm was used for, spanning FY 2018-19 to current.

TABLE 1
Firm FY 2018-19 FY 2019-20 FY 2020-21 FY 2021-22
(to date)
CSG $ 59,002.90 $ 3,352.25 $ 9,343.50 $ 91,094.95
Plan Check Services Only
TRB+ $ 48,156.64 $ 152,044.61 $ 242,467.15 $ 16,966.56
Plan Check and Inspection Services
Agenda Packet Page 26 of 124
Agenda Item No. 5.L.
4Leaf $ 268,222.15 $ 46,230.81 $ 154,678.94 $ 319,805.25 Solar Plan Review, Plan Check, Permit Tech Services
WC3 $ 100,602.74 $ 128,506.77 $ 167,871.57 $ 85,617.96
Plan Check, Inspection, and Solar Services
The initial professional services agreements were crafted as master agreements, deferring the specific scope of each task and cost to be determined on a task order basis. The agreements had an initial term of three years and were extended, as authorized, for two additional years. The contract amendments to extend the master contract term will expire on April 17, 2022, and staff is requesting to extend the term for an additional 18 months. This time frame will allow the City to issue a new RFQ, giving new and currently contracted firms the opportunity to submit updated SOQ’s (Statements of Qualifications). Staff is also requesting additional contract authority of up to $250,000 for 4Leaf for the current fiscal year, as that firm has provided temporary staff throughout the year to fill vacancies and staffing needs. It is anticipated that the Permit Technicians will soon be filled by permanent staff and $250,000 per year will be adequate going forward.

STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
Completing all necessary review and analysis of proposed development projects in a professional and timely manner is consistent with the Strategic Plan Goal of Delivering Exemplary Government Services.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
This proposed action will not result in a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). No further environmental review is needed.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
There are no funds being requested as a part of this action. All expenses are covered by revenue in the form of fees and the additional contract amount was approved by the City Council within the FY 2021-22 mid-year budget amendment.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
The City Attorney has reviewed this action and found that legal considerations have been addressed.

Reviewed by:

Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Attachments:

Agenda Packet Page 27 of 124
Agenda Item No. 5.L.

1. Resolution
Agenda Packet Page 28 of 124
RESOLUTION NO 2022-XX

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO AUTHORIZING

THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AMENDMENTS TO EXTEND FOUR EXISTING

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS TO PROVIDE ON-CALL BUILDING SERVICES AND TO AUTHORIZE UP TO $250,000 ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE FOR 4LEAF INC.

WHEREAS, the City requires the services of consultant firms to perform on-call building services; and
WHEREAS, it is common for cities to enter into one or more agreements for these services on an as-needed basis; and
WHEREAS, Resolution authorized 2017-74 authorized the City Manager to execute contracts with ten Firms to provide on-call building services; and WHEREAS, the authorization allowed an initial term of three years with an option to extend for up to two additional years; and
WHEREAS, the extensions are due to expire April 17, 2022 and City staff needs to continue the services provided by four consulting firms while initiating and completing the Request for Qualifications process; and
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 4526 allows State and local agencies to select professional services firms such as these on the basis of demonstrated competency and professional qualifications, and selection on that basis is consistent with the City’s procurement policy; and
WHEREAS, ten firms for on-call building services were contracted in 2017 to support the City’s building services, only four firms were used for these services. The list of those firms are as follows:

1. CSG Consultants

2. 4Leaf Inc.

3. TRB+ Associates

4. West Coast Code Consultants
WHEREAS, the costs of these services are covered by fees and included in the Community Development Department’s budget; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of El Cerrito that the City Manager is hereby authorized to amend the professional services agreement with 4Leaf, Inc. to extend the term by 18 months, in an amount not to exceed $250,000 annually, bringing the total contract to an amount not to exceed $500,000 annually.

Agenda Packet Page 29 of 124
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is hereby authorized to amend the professional services agreements with CSG Consultants, TRB+ Associates, and West Coast Code Consultants, to extend the respective terms by 18 months, with no change to the current not-to-exceed amount of $250,000 annually.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall become effective immediately upon passage and adoption.

I CERTIFY that at a regular meeting on April 5, 2022 the City Council of the City of El Cerrito passed this Resolution by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:

AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 5.M.

Date: April 5, 2022
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Sandra Dalida, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department Subject: Authorize Annual Report for Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District for Fiscal Year 2022-23

ACTION PROPOSED
Adopt a resolution directing NBS Local Government Solutions (NBS) to prepare and file the annual Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1988-1 report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-23.

BACKGROUND
In 1988, the City Council established Assessment District No. 1988-1 pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972. This act requires the preparation and filing of an annual report of the assessment district activities.

In November 1996, the voters of El Cerrito approved by a two-thirds majority the continuation of the Landscaping and Lighting Assessment. Since the voters approved the assessment prior to the passage of Proposition 218, this assessment is exempt from Proposition 218’s additional voter requirements. Therefore, the City follows the same annual approval process as in previous years.

California Street and Highway Code §22622 requires the City Council to authorize by resolution the filing of the annual report of the Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District. The annual report includes the various components required to develop the tax roll related to the assessment district. The Council must adopt this report prior to the time that a decision is made about whether or not the assessment will continue in the next fiscal year.

It is expected that NBS, the designated Engineer of Work, will submit the annual report at the April 19, 2022 City Council meeting. At that meeting, the time and place of the public hearing regarding continuation of the assessment district will be set.

ANALYSIS
Without the adoption of the annual report and authorization of the assessment, the City would lose approximately $801,646 in FY 2022-23 that would be used for landscaping and lighting purposes.

NBS was selected in February 2009 through a Request for Proposal process and the agreement was extended for NBS to continue to prepare and file the report this year.

The cost to prepare and file the report is $10,742.26 and is included in the budget for the Landscape and Lighting Assessment District fund.

Agenda Packet Page 31 of 124
Agenda Item No. 5.M.

STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
Approving the attached resolution meets Goal B: Achieve long-term financial sustainability, by providing funding for the Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Program that benefits all residents and businesses of the City.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
This section is not applicable to this agenda item.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The FY 2022-23 budget that will be adopted in June 2022 will recognize Landscaping and Lighting Assessment revenue of $801,646 to pay for budgeted expenses in Fund 203. The assessment revenue will cover $249,578 of personnel costs, $388,868 of nonpersonnel costs, and $163,200 for overhead in connection with administering the program.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
The City Attorney reviewed the proposed action and found that legal considerations have been addressed.

Reviewed by:

Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Attachments:

1. Resolution

2. FY 2022-23 Budget
Agenda Packet Page 32 of 124
RESOLUTION NO. 2022–XX

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO DESIGNATING

NBS LOCAL GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS AS THE ENGINEER OF WORK FOR THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1988-1 AND

DIRECTING NBS TO PREPARE AND FILE THE ANNUAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-23.

WHEREAS, the City of El Cerrito, by Resolution No. 88-53, dated June 6, 1988 adopted Assessment District No. 1988-1 pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972; and
WHEREAS, said Landscaping and Lighting Act requires the preparation and filing of an annual report defining the charges to the assessment district for Fiscal Year 2022- 23; and
WHEREAS, California Street and Highways Code §22622 requires that the filing of the annual report be authorized by resolution of the City Council; and WHEREAS, the cost to prepare and file the report is included in the budget for the Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District fund.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of El Cerrito that it hereby directs NBS Local Government Solutions, the firm designated by this Council as the Engineer of Work for Assessment District No. 1988-1, to file an annual report in accordance with the provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution is adopted pursuant to California Street and Highways Code §22622.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall become effective immediately upon passage and adoption.

I CERTIFY that at the regular meeting on April 5, 2022, the El Cerrito City Council passed this resolution by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS
IN WITNESS of this action, I sign this document and affix the corporate seal of the City of El Cerrito on April , 2022.

Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk
APPROVED:

Gabe Quinto, Mayor
Agenda Packet Page 33 of 124
Agenda Packet Page 34 of 124
Agenda Item No. 6.A.

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Agenda Packet Page 37 of 124
Agenda Packet Page 38 of 124
Agenda Packet Page 39 of 124

NEW DIGITAL RESOURCES
Agenda Packet Page 40 of 124
El Cerrito Library’s top titles
Most checked out
adults’ title
Most checked out
teens’ title
Most checked out
kids’ title
Agenda Packet Page 41 of 124
Some of El Cerrito Library’s 2021-2022 fun
Agenda Packet Page 42 of 124
Thank you from El Cerrito Library!
Agenda Packet Page 43 of 124
El Cerrito Library
Tuesday: 10am-8pm
Wednesday: 10am-8pm
Thursday: 10am-8pm
Friday: 9am-5pm
Saturday: 9am-5pm
Sunday: closed
Monday: closed
Agenda Packet Page 44 of 124
Urban Forest Committee
Accomplishments
& Work Plan
El Cerrito City Council
April 2022
Agenda Item No. 6.B.

Agenda Packet Page 45 of 124
History & Mission
The Urban Forest Committee was established in 2007 by City Council Resolution to:
• Advise City Council on growth, maintenance and location of trees
• Promote the City’s Master Street Tree List and Urban Forest Management Plan
• Promote public awareness, education and support for
urban forestry efforts, foster volunteer opportunities for tree planting
• Foster public awareness and education about the
appropriate tree species to avoid hazards from utility lines Agenda Packet Page 46 of 124
Urban Forest Management Plan 2007
• Social benefits: creating a sense of place,
connections to the natural world, memorable
nodes or entry points, sense of community
• Environmental benefits: reducing heat, pollutants
and sequestering carbon dioxide
• Economic benefits: increase in property values,
attraction of businesses and shoppers
Agenda Packet Page 47 of 124
2013 El Cerrito
Tree Inventory & Benefit Analysis
• El Cerrito's public trees provide annual benefits of $1.3M. • For every $1 spent on public trees, the residents of El Cerrito receive $4.28 in benefits.
• El Cerrito’s public trees are reducing annual electric energy consumption by 797-megawatt hours and annual natural gas consumption by 16,859 therms.
• City trees remove 1.1 tons of pollutants from the air and they reduce annual storm-water runoff volume by 9 million gallons. • They sequester 551 tons of atmospheric CO2 per year.

Agenda Packet Page 48 of 124
2013 El Cerrito
Tree Inventory & Benefit Analysis
The study identified more than 4,000 vacant
public planting sites throughout the City.
2022-2023 Work Plan proposed activities:

Work with residents to identify tree planting and
tree care funding opportunities.

Agenda Packet Page 49 of 124
Accomplishments
Agenda Packet Page 50 of 124
Local Fire Hazard & Risk Education
• Wildfire Mitigation & the El Cerrito Urban Forest
Joe McBride, Professor Emeritus, UC
Presentation to Urban Forest Committee
February 2020
• Fire Hazard Reduction 2020
El Cerrito Fire Marshall, Battalion Chief David Gibson
August 2020
• Make El Cerrito Fire Safe & Firewise USA
Susan Duncan
October 2020
• Managing challenges of the Wildland Urban Interface
Jerry Kent, Retired EBRPD Assistant General Manager
February 2021
Agenda Packet Page 51 of 124
Arbor Day
President Theodore Roosevelt’s
Arbor Day Proclamation to the school children of the United States, 1907 It is well that you should celebrate your Arbor Day thoughtfully, or within your lifetime the Nation's need of trees will become serious. We of an older generation can get along without what we have, though with growing hardship; but in your full manhood and womanhood you will want what nature once so bountifully supplied, and man so thoughtlessly destroyed; and because of that want you will reproach us, not for what we have used, but for what we have wasted.

Agenda Packet Page 52 of 124
March 2020
Arbor Week Events
• Tree City USA plaque
awarded to the City Council
(Feb 2020)
• Tree City USA Flag
raising event
• San Pablo Ave Tree planting
Agenda Packet Page 53 of 124
March 2020
Arbor Day Planting
Persimmon tree planted in the school
garden at Fairmont Elementary
Gold, Green
Let it be
On a day in March
California;
When the grass is green
On the rolling hills
And the snow
Is deep in the mountains —
Let it be
On a day like this
That we plant a tree
California
For the years to come
For the little ones
and the lakes
Will be pure in the mountains —
Let it be gold and green
California;
That we touch the ground
That we heal the land
From the mountains to the sea.
— Gary Snyder
Agenda Packet Page 54 of 124
March 2021
Arbor Day Events
Ask an Arborist online event
Agenda Packet Page 55 of 124
March 2021
Arbor Day Planting
Three trees were planted in the school garden at
Fairmont Elementary
https://www.fairmontgrows.com/2021/03/tree-week-2021.html ● a buckeye tree
● an oak tree
● a fig tree
Agenda Packet Page 56 of 124
March 2021
Arbor Day Planting
Events like this are so important, not only to the students who are able to participate in person, but for all the students and families still at home. They keep us connected, inspire families to explore our neighborhoods together, and help folks feel seen and supported by the district and the city in these trying times.

In every class I zoom-visited these past few weeks, students raised their hands to excitedly tell everyone how they helped plant a tree last year with "that nice man who read a poem," (Stephen).

We talked about trees, explored the city's tree mapper, discussed tree selection and care, and learned how valuable our city trees are to our communities: estimated $1.6 million in yearly benefits to the city (and property owners) from cleaner air and reduced crime (estimated 10-15% drop in crime for every 10% increase in tree canopy)! Thanks again,
Claire, Fairmont Elementary School Garden Manager
Agenda Packet Page 57 of 124
June 2021 / March 2022
Redwood Mulching Work Party
Community work party to mulch drought-stressed
Coast Redwood trees in Memorial Grove
Agenda Packet Page 58 of 124
March 2022
Tree City USA Signs
Signs installed at all the major
entrances to El Cerrito At the
Richmond and Albany borders
• Barrett Ave
eastbound on the Richmond border
• San Pablo Ave
southbound at the Richmond border
• Ashbury
northbound at the Albany border
• Carlson Blvd
southbound at the Richmond border
Urban Forest Committee member Robert Hrubes
with Tree City USA sign on
Barrett Avenue, bordering Richmond
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Workplan 2022-2023
Agenda Packet Page 60 of 124
2022-2023
Work Plan Goals

1. Fire vegetation management & ecosystem
restoration plan for HNA

2. Financial support for Urban Forest activities

3. Tree City USA Growth Awards

4. Coordinate with El Cerrito Boards and plans

5. Education and Web Presence

6. Recruit Members
Agenda Packet Page 61 of 124
Fire Vegetation Management &
Ecosystem Restoration for HNA
• Applied for Coastal Conservancy grant:

Hillside Natural Area Fire Resilience and Forest
Conservation Management Plan
• Work with Make
El Cerrito Fire Safe
Agenda Packet Page 62 of 124
Financial Support for
Urban Forest Activities
• Pursue state, federal and private grant
opportunities
– Caltrans Environmental Enhancement and
Mitigation Program
– CalFire Urban Forestry
Agenda Packet Page 63 of 124
Maintain Tree City USA status
Pursue Growth Awards
Requirements:
• City Tree Board or Department
responsible for public trees
• Dedicated annual budget of $2 per
capita on trees
• A tree care ordinance
• Community urban forestry program
• Arbor Day observance and
proclamation
Agenda Packet Page 64 of 124
Coordinate with El Cerrito Boards
• Environmental Quality
Committee
• Park and Recreation
Commission
• Input on city plans such as Climate Action Plan
(Carbon sequestration from trees)
Agenda Packet Page 65 of 124
Education & Web Presence
• Curate and develop useful tree resources and
educational materials, both general and specific to
El Cerrito
• Support City in producing
outreach content to be
shared via the El Cerrito
website, social media and
other channels identified
by the communications
audit
Agenda Packet Page 66 of 124
Recruit Members
• 8 open UFC
positions
• Develop and
implement
outreach
strategies
Agenda Packet Page 67 of 124
Urban Forest Committee
Chair:

Robin Mitchell
Vice-Chair:

Robert Hrubes
Members:

Cathy Bleier
Cassie Hughes
Jennifer Kaczor
Susan Kuchinskas
Yan Linhart
Staff Liason:

Stephen Prée
Agenda Packet Page 68 of 124
1 Urban Forest Committee
FISCAL YEARS 2022 and 2023 WORK PLAN
AND
FISCAL YEARS 2020 and 2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Members: Robin Mitchell Chair, Robert Hrubes Vice-Chair, Cathy Bleier, Catherine (Cassie) Hughes, Jennifer Kaczor, Susan Kuchinskas, Yan Linhart MISSION STATEMENT:

Resolution No. 2007-96:

The Urban Forest Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council, other commissions, and the citizens of the City with regard to the growth, maintenance, and location of trees within the City:
● To recommend programs, policies, and ordinances to implement and promote the City's Master Street Tree Plan and Urban Forest Management Plan and coordinate with Public Works Department staff regarding management and maintenance efforts; ● To promote and foster public awareness, education, interest and support for urban forestry efforts, foster volunteer opportunities for tree planting and irrigation along the city's streets and in residential front yards, and educate El Cerrito residents regarding selecting, planting and maintaining trees; and ● Promote and foster public awareness and education about potential hazards of trees near underground and above ground utilities and the appropriate tree species for avoiding such hazards.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:

The Tree Committee (later renamed to Urban Forest Committee) was established by Council Resolution 2007-96. The Committee’s first five members (Ralph Boniello, Sheauchi Cheng, Janet Hittle, Steve Price and Mike Srago) were appointed to terms starting 9/11/12 through 1/1/2016. Since that time, additional members included Karen Christian, Shannon Lee-Rutherford, Cathy Bleier, Michael Charlton, Yan Linhart, Robert Hrubes, Mary Torrusio, Robin Mitchell, Jennifer Kaczor, Catherine (Cassie) Hughes, Melissa Feudi.

Agenda Item No. 6.B.

Agenda Packet Page 69 of 124
2 TWO YEAR FY 2022 and 2023 WORK PLAN

GOAL/OBJECTIVE PROPOSED ACTIVITIES PRIORITY

RANKING

TIMELINE FOR

COMPLETION
A. Cultivate financial support for
Urban Forest activities and
priorities.

Review the adequacy of City Budget and Grants High ongoing Explore the viability of a 501(c)3 group to support community urban forestry in El Cerrito.

Low ongoing
B. Pursue recognition for El Cerrito
Urban Forest Activities
Plan annual Arbor Week activities High March 2022-
February 2023
Explore Tree City USA growth awards.

Pursue if appropriate
Medium mid-2022
C. Provide UFC related input on City
plans
Support development/update of City plans, e.g., Urban Greening Plan (EQC), Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and/or Climate Action Plan Medium to
High
as needed based on
plan schedule
D. Foster development of a
comprehensive vegetation &
ecosystem restoration and
management Plan of El Cerrito
urban forest.
(see F. below)
Review and revise the city Urban Forest Management Plan to include street trees, city parks and HNA
Medium end of 2022
Review and revise Master Tree list as needed Medium/
Low
end of 2022
E. Develop and establish volunteer
tree care corps for EC residents.

Identify and work with interested residents and provide necessary training.

Low to
Medium
ongoing
Work with residents to identify tree planting, tree care and funding priorities and opportunities
Low to
Medium
ongoing
F. Work with community, EC Fire
Department and others to address
fire hazard and risks in our urban
forest (see D above)
Subcommittee will look for grants to revise the HNA vegetation management plan in order to reduce fire hazards.

High early to mid 2022
Update Master Tree List for fire prone trees, as needed. (liability issues and conflicting information may limit this)
Medium/
Low
ongoing
Agenda Packet Page 70 of 124
3 Consider use of films, workshops, or other methods to evaluate fire hazard mitigation options (prescribed burn, goats, plantings, etc.) for protecting Hillside Natural Area and surrounding urban forest Low to
Medium
ongoing
G. Enhance Urban Forest Committee
communication and messaging
to promote public engagement
and education
Create education and outreach subcommittee to develop an overall strategy for messaging, education, outreach
High end of 2022
Communication audit and development of new/improved
communication methods (Instagram and other social media) High mid-end of 2022
Work with staff to develop and add content to EC web site, e.g. FAQs, educational publications, links to arboriculture and urban forest research websites.

Medium mid-end of 2022
Improve public use of tree inventory Low to
Medium
ongoing
H. Collaborate and coordinate with
other City of El Cerrito
committees, boards and
commissions, as well as other
cities
Establish contacts/liaisons with appropriate committees to facilitate future collaboration, and review agendas and minutes to identify policies and activities relevant to the Urban Forest Committee.

Medium ongoing
Explore collaborations with other cities and groups in the Bay Area, e.g.

Richmond Trees, Friends of 5 Creeks
Medium ongoing
I. Recruit more Urban Forest
Committee members
Develop outreach strategy to inform the public about ECUFC and recruit more members. Three new members by December 2022 Medium end of 2022 J. Educate residents on urban
forestry topics through events.

Inform the public about the new Tree and Shrub ordinance. High end of 2022 Put on a tree care workshop, e.g. pruning or disease.

Research existing materials.

Medium
Host a film on a current urban forestry topic. Low
School engagement – Arbor Week, other occasions High
K. Enhance Committee expertise and
understanding through
educational opportunities
Invite public, Council, agency and technical speakers to address issues of current interest.

High to
Medium
ongoing
Agenda Packet Page 71 of 124
4 Attend urban forestry related workshops, presentations, conferences, etc. to enhance technical expertise.

Medium
High
ongoing
Create orientation “packet” for new members, including review of key committee documents and accomplishments (e.g., work plan, tree list, outreach materials)
High Spring 2022
L. Tree planting Identify and work with residents to plant trees on residential property and street trees
Medium ongoing

ONGOING PROJECTS

PROJECT ACTIVITIES
Secure funding and public support for
urban forestry activities
Evaluate and respond to various state, federal and private grant opportunities, such as Caltrans Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program (EEMP), CALFIRE Urban Forestry and Air Resources Board grant application opportunities.

Input on El Cerrito policies and plans
affecting trees
Review and comment on City land use and planning documents relevant to urban forest concerns.

Provide and participate in
educational outreach to community
● Develop and distribute materials related to Master Tree List, tree inventory, tree care, etc. ● Participate in community events (e.g., April Earth Day, Hillside Festival, July 4th).

Arbor Day Celebration Plan and operate yearly Arbor Week event, March 7-14 Enhance Committee expertise and
understanding through educational
opportunities
● Invite public, Council, agency and technical speakers to address issues of current interest. ● Attend urban forest related workshops, presentations, conferences, etc. to enhance technical expertise. ● Create orientation “packet” for new members
● Review and revisit important committee documents (workplan, tree list, etc) Update El Cerrito approved tree
species list as needed
Keep apprised of community concerns, related to invasive species, nuisance plants and fire-related issues.

PRIOR YEARS ACCOMPLISHMENTS

GOAL/OBJECTIVE ACTIVITIES SUPPORTING GOAL STATUS
A. Become a Tree City USA Complete application to receive the Tree City USA designation. Done, City was awarded TCUSA in 2019 , and maintained for 2020, 2021
B. Revised El Cerrito’s Master Tree List Developed and used criteria to identify suitable tree species for parking strips and other public green spaces. Arborist also secured input and review by outside experts.

Done, approved by the City, and
posted 2017.

Agenda Packet Page 72 of 124
5 C. Promoted and provided input to the
new Tree Ordinance to protect and
enforce City street trees.

UFC Committee identified objectives and practices to support increased tree protection, provided input and reviews to City’s development of ordinance, and recommended its adoption to Council.

Ordinance adopted June 2019.

D. Participated in community events ● Members Mitchell and Torrusio participated in “Ask the Arborist” online presentation with City Arborist Preé and the El Cerrito Garden Club.
● March 2019, Arbor Day tree planting in Poinsett Park. ● April 2019, Earth Day clearing of Eucalyptus debris and duff at Hillside Natural Area.
● Ivy clearing at Canyon Trail Park for Earth Day, 2018. ● Cerrito Vista Park planting for Arbor Week, 2018.
● Held table at July 4th EC festival.
● Tree Circus at Harding After School Enrichment Program, March 2018.
● Planted memorial tree for EC Centennial in fall, 2017. ● Participated in Centennial parade and held table at
community event
● Provided table at 2017 July 4th EC festival.

Complete and ongoing
E. Provided input to EC policies affecting
trees.

Developed comments on Parks and Recreation Plan. Complete F. Educated Urban Forest Committee on
tree health and urban forest care and
management
● Joe McBride presentation on wildfire prevention plans for Strawberry Canyon to ECUFC.
● Jerry Kent, formerly with EB Parks, made a presentation on wildfire to ECUFC.
● Sue Duncan presentation on Make El Cerrito Fire Safe and also on Firewise to ECUFC.
● Amos White presentation on his 100k Trees for Humanity to ECUFC.
● Member Hrubes made presentation on Forest Sustainability Certification (FSC).
● Members Mitchell, Feudi and Bleier attended CA Urban
Forest Council online conference.
● City Arborist Prée and Members Bleier surveyed EC Hillside Natural Area for Sudden Oak Death (SOD) for 2012- 2021 UC annual surveys.

Complete
Agenda Packet Page 73 of 124
6 ● City arborist Prée made presentations on pruning, planting and other tree care issues.
● Committee members Bleier, Linhart, Price, and Srago
attended The Impact of Climate Change on Urban Forest
Trees a seminar by Dr. Joe McBride (Professor Emeritus, UC Berkeley), hosted by the East Bay Municipal Utility District. ● Committee member Srago attended the California Forest Pest Council annual meeting, focusing on “Tree Mortality in Urban and Rural Communities.”
● PG&E Vegetation Program Manager, Matthew McLane, gave a presentation about the Urban Forest and Utility Delivery Interface in El Cerrito.
● Battalion Chief David Gibson provided a presentation to the UFC on Wildfire Prevention and Preparedness: “Mega-Fire, The New Norm” and El Cerrito’s fire prevention work in the Hillside Natural Area.
● PRESENTATION: A HISTORY OF THE FRIENDS OF EL CERRITO
TREES by Ann Thrupp.

Developed and/or provided educational
materials and outreach to community
● Member Torrusio made presentation on personal Instagram account, #elcerritotrees, created to promote urban forests. ● Provided guidance to the City for updating website tree and urban forest materials.
● Provided information at 2019 July 4th EC festival, including summary handouts about Master Tree List.

Complete
Agenda Packet Page 74 of 124

AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 8.A.

Date: April 5, 2022
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Michael Pigoni, Fire Chief, Fire Department; Karen Pinkos, City Manager, City Management; Bill Hansell, General Manager, Kensington Fire Protection District
Subject: Amendment to Agreement for Services between the Kensington Fire Protection District and the City of El Cerrito

ACTION PROPOSED
Adopt a Resolution approving the Fourth Amendment to the Agreement for Services between the Kensington Fire Protection District and the City of El Cerrito that establishes a six-month financial reserve.

BACKGROUND
The Agreement for Services provides the foundation for the provision of fire prevention, fire suppression, and emergency services by the City of El Cerrito to the Kensington Fire Protection District. Generally, the agreement covers the scope of services the City provides and specifies the determination of the annual fee paid by the Kensington Fire Protection District. This Agreement for Services has been in effect for nearly 25 years and has been mutually beneficial to both the El Cerrito and Kensington communities.

The Kensington Fire Protection District (KFPD) and the City of El Cerrito first entered into an agreement in August of 1995 by Resolution 95–81 for the provision of fire services. In July 2005, the term of the Agreement was extended for an additional ten (10) years and the First Amendment to the Agreement was completed. The City and KFPD entered into the Second Amendment to the Agreement in 2009 extending the Agreement through June 2020, and entered into the Third Amendment to the Agreement in 2019 extending the Agreement through June 2030.

Subsection VI.J of the original 1995 agreement established a requirement that the District would establish a capital reserves account as well as a financial reserve account. At that time, the financial reserve account was “to provide sufficient financial resources to pay for the fire protection services provided for herein for a period of six months." In the Second Amendment in 2009, this subsection was revised so that the financial reserve amount was increased to a period of twelve months.

KFPD has been working diligently to plan the renovation of the Kensington Public Safety Building at 217 Arlington Avenue for several years, so that the El CerritoKensington Fire personnel at Station 65 will be housed in a seismically safe structure with the resources and space needs of a contemporary essential services facility.

Seismic and safety issues were identified during renovations in the late 1990s, and updated geotechnical reports in 2016 with further analysis in 2021 confirmed the Agenda Packet Page 75 of 124
Agenda Item No. 8.A.
seismic vulnerability of the structure and danger to its occupants. Evidence of the Building’s movement due to the slow-motion geologic slide of the site is visible in various locations, the instability of the soil conditions exacerbates the building’s vulnerability to seismic damage, and engineers have determined that substantial portions of the building must be removed and replaced in order to stabilize the structure.

More information and details on the Building’s renovation can be found on the KFPD website at www.kensingtonfire.org/public-safety-building. The District hopes to finalize their building permit by the summer, and have their temporary facilities ready for a Fall construction start date.

KFPD staff has worked with NHA Advisors, who have previously worked with the City on various financing issuances, on their financing strategy for renovating the Public Safety Building. The District has built substantial cash reserves through good fiscal stewardship for this very purpose, though construction inflation over the last couple of years has increased the estimated building cost dramatically. However, KFPD’s use of reserves is limited by the amount that KFPD is required to maintain per the Agreement for Services with the City. During the NHA analysis, it became clear that reducing the amount of the required financial reserve and using those funds for the renovation, would reduce the District’s financing costs.

ANALYSIS
NHA Advisors provided a presentation to the KFPD Board of Directors showing the base strategy (Attachment 3), in which the District maintains the current level of twelve months of reserves (approximately $3.2M) and employs their remaining available reserves to fund the project. The result would be:
 $4,860,000 Reserves + $4,640,000 Bond (30yr) = $9,500,000 Project Cost  $9,500,000 Project Cost + $4,052,000 Interest, Fees, etc. = $13,552,000 Total Cost
However, if the requirement for financial reserves was reduced to the original Agreement amount of six months (approximately $1.5M), and the balance was used for the project, the reduced bond would save $941,000 over 30 years, or an average of $31,367 per year, as follows:
 $6,000,000 Reserves + $3,500,000 Bond (30yr) = $9,500,000 Project Cost  $9,500,000 Project Cost + $3,111,000 Interest, Fees, etc. = $12,611,000 Total Cost
By amending the Agreement to allow for a six-month reserve instead of twelve months, the lower bond results in an annual debt service of $229,000 per year for the District, compared to $300,000 per year for the higher bond. The $71,000 saved each year would create a larger cushion between revenues and expenditures, thereby leading to higher reserves for unexpected costs and/or other projects over the next three decades.

Agenda Packet Page 76 of 124
Agenda Item No. 8.A.

KFPD has been financially stable for many years and the NHA projections show that they can continue to reliably pay the Agreement fee, maintain prudent reserves, and afford the renovation expense. City staff agrees with KFPD staff that a six-month operating reserve is more than adequate, indeed the reduced amount of $1.5 million would represent 33% of their FY 2021-22 expenditure budget—well above the GFOA recommended 17% for government agencies.

All other provisions of the Agreement would remain in effect.

This Fourth Amendment is slated to be heard by the Kensington Fire Protection District Board at its regular meeting on April 13, 2022.

STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
The approval of the Fourth Amendment to the Agreement for Services fulfills Goal E:

Ensure the Public’s Health and Safety and Goal B: Achieve Long-Term Financial Sustainability.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
This section is not applicable to this agenda item.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
There are no financial impacts to the City of El Cerrito with this action. The Kensington Fire Protection District will continue to maintain appropriate financial reserves in case of an emergency and City staff has no concerns about the District’s ability to continue to make payments in accordance with the current Fire services agreement.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
The Fourth Amendment to the Agreement for Services has been reviewed by the City Attorney.

Reviewed by:

Alexandra Orologas, Assistant City Manager
Attachments:

1. Resolution

2. Exhibit A to Resolution

3. KFPD-NHA Financing Presentation
Agenda Packet Page 77 of 124
Agenda Item No. 8.A.

RESOLUTION NO. 2022–XX

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO APPROVING

THE FOURTH AMENDMENT TO AN AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES BY AND

BETWEEN THE KENSINGTON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
WHEREAS, the City of El Cerrito Fire Department and the Kensington Fire Protection District began shared emergency response in 1972; and WHEREAS, the City of El Cerrito and the Kensington Fire Protection District joined with other fire agencies in a joint emergency response system that included dispatch and training services in 1982; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 95-81, the City of El Cerrito and the Kensington Fire Protection District first entered into an agreement for services in 1995; and WHEREAS, in 2005 the City of El Cerrito and the Kensington Fire Protection District extended the term of the agreement for 10 years and approved the first amendment; and
WHEREAS, in 2009 the City of El Cerrito and the Kensington Fire Protection District extended the term of the agreement to July 1, 2020 and approved the second amendment; and
WHEREAS, in 2019 the City of El Cerrito and the Kensington Fire Protection District extended the term of the agreement to July 1, 2030 and approve the third amendment; and
WHEREAS, this Agreement for Services by and between the City of El Cerrito and the Kensington Fire Protection District has served the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors of both communities well; and
WHEREAS, the Kensington Fire Protection District seeks to renovate the Public Safety Building at 217 Arlington Avenue in order to make Station 65 a seismically safe structure with the resources and space needs of a contemporary essential services facility; and
WHEREAS, the second amendment of the agreement included a revision to require a financial reserve to provide sufficient financial resources to pay for the Fire protection services provided for a period of twelve months, an increase from the original requirement of six months; and
WHEREAS, the Kensington Fire Protection District would be able to save on financing costs to renovate the Public Safety Building if they are able to decrease the required reserve amount to the original six month requirement; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that approving this amendment is in the best interests of the City and for the community of Kensington.

Agenda Packet Page 78 of 124
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of El Cerrito that the Mayor and the City Manager are hereby authorized to sign the Fourth Amendment to the Agreement for Services By and Between the Kensington Fire Protection District and the City of El Cerrito, herein incorporated by reference and made a part of this resolution as Exhibit A.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall become effective immediately upon passage and adoption.

I CERTIFY that at a regular meeting on April 5, 2022 the City Council of the City of El Cerrito passed this resolution by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:

IN WITNESS of this action, I sign this document and affix the corporate seal of the City of El Cerrito on April ____, 2022.
______________________
Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk
APPROVED:
________________________
Gabe Quinto, Mayor
Agenda Packet Page 79 of 124
Fourth Amendment to Agreement for Services By and Between the Kensington Fire Protection District and the City Of El Cerrito

Page 1 of 2 ends

Exhibit A

FOURTH AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES

BY AND BETWEEN THE KENSINGTON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

AND THE CITY OF EL CERRITO

THIS FOURTH AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES BY AND BETWEEN THE KENSINGTON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT AND THE CITY OF EL CERRITO ("Fourth Amendment") is hereby entered into this ____day of_____ 2022 by and between the City of El Cerrito, a charter city ("CITY"), and Kensington Fire Protection District, a public agency ("DISTRICT").

RECITALS
A. CITY and DISTRICT are parties to an Agreement for Services, dated August 7, 1995, as amended by the First Amendment to said agreement, dated March 1, 2005, and the Second Amendment to said agreement, dated September 2009, and the third agreement dated July 2019 ("the Agreement").

B. The parties desire to amend the Agreement pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth below.

NOW, THEREFORE, CITY and DISTRICT hereby agree as follows:

Section 1. Amendment to Subsection VI.J of the Agreement: Size of Reserve Account.

Subsection VI.J of the Agreement is amended to read as follows (with text in strikethrough indicating deletion and text in double underline indicating addition):
"J. As soon as practical, the District shall build up and maintain a capital reserves account to satisfy equipment replacement costs in consideration of the amount recommended by the El Cerrito Fire Chief. The District shall also establish to the extent practicable a reserve account to provide sufficient financial resources to pay for the fire protection services provided for herein for a period of twelve six months."
Section 2. All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date and year first above written.

Agenda Packet Page 80 of 124
Fourth Amendment to Agreement for Services By and Between the Kensington Fire Protection District and the City Of El Cerrito

Page 2 of 2 ends

KENSINGTON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT CITY OF EL CERRITO
___________________________________ ___________________________________ Larry Nagel, President Gabriel Quinto, Mayor
___________________________________ ___________________________________ Bill Hansell, General Manager Karen Pinkos, City Manager Approved as to form:
___________________________________ ___________________________________ John Bakker, District Counsel Sky Woodruff, City Attorney Attest:
___________________________________
Holly Charléty, City Clerk
Agenda Packet Page 81 of 124

KENSINGTON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

FACILITIES FUNDING DISCUSSION
February 9, 2022
Agenda Packet Page 82 of 124
10 Yr Cash Flow Projection – For Financing w/ $300K Annual Debt Service  Total Project Cost =
$9.5M consisting of
$7.4M Renovation +
$2.1M Temp Facility
 $300K of annual debt
service is estimated
to generate $4.64M
for projects
 Fund project balance
with $4.86M of
Reserves
Revenues & Bond Proceeds
$0
$2,000,000
$4,000,000
$6,000,000
$8,000,000
$10,000,000
$12,000,000
Operating Expenses Rolling Stock Outlays Debt Service Building Outlays Agenda Packet Page 83 of 124
10 Yr Reserves Projection – For Financing w/ $300K Annual Debt Service  Annual debt
service of $300K
would:
 Fund $4.64M of
building projects
 Fund project
balance with
$4.86M of
Reserves
Total Reserves
(Debt Service: $300,000)
-$6,000,000
-$4,000,000
-$2,000,000
$0
$2,000,000
$4,000,000
$6,000,000
$8,000,000
$10,000,000
$12,000,000
$14,000,000
$16,000,000
Fiscal Year Ending
Emergency Operating Reserve Rolling Stock Reserve Building Reserve Bond Proceeds Building Projects Agenda Packet Page 84 of 124
Conclusion
Emergency Operating Reserve
(El Cerrito Contract)
Rolling Stock Reserves
Additional Reserves
$0
$1,000,000
$2,000,000
$3,000,000
$4,000,000
$5,000,000
$6,000,000
$7,000,000
$8,000,000
$9,000,000
$10,000,000
Categories of District Reserves  Maintains sufficient reserves to cover:
 Emergency Operating Reserve (El Cerrito Contract)
 Rolling stock reserves
 Additional reserves
 Fund $9.5M Project with Loan + Reserves
 $4.64M Loan + $4.86M Reserve results in a
total 30yr financed project cost of $13,552,000.
 Cost Saving Option:
 If the El Cerrito Contract Reserve is reduced to $1.5M, or about 6 months instead of 12 months, then
Kensington will save $941,000 in interest over 30
years, or $31,367 per year:
 $3.50M Loan + $6.00M Reserve results in a
total 30yr financed project cost of $12,611,000.

Agenda Packet Page 85 of 124
CITY HALL 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Telephone (510) 215-4305 Fax (510) 215-4379 http://www.el-cerrito.org

SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA MATERIALS

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
April 5, 2022

PUBLIC COMMENT INDEX

1. Public Comments received
Agenda Item 6B – Urban Forest Committee Work Plan

1. Revised presentation
Supplemental Packet Page 1 of 39
Agenda Packet Page 86 of 124
CITY HALL 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Telephone (510) 215-4305 Fax (510) 215-4379 http://www.el-cerrito.org

SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA MATERIALS

PUBLIC COMMENT INDEX

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
April 5, 2022
The following Public Comments were received by 4:00 p.m. 4/5/2022, were provided directly to City Councilmembers in advance of the meeting, and were posted online as supplemental materials at www.el-cerrito.org/CouncilMeetingMaterials Public Comments – Items Not on the Agenda

1. Dick Patterson, Chair, Financial Advisory Board

2. Howdy Goudey

3. Cordell Hindler
Agenda Item 5J – Resolution Declaring May 7, 2022 as “National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day”

1. Kay Starkweather

2. Gary Prost

3. Dianne Brenner

4. Sue and Paul Duncan

5. Nick Zamorano
Supplemental Packet Page 2 of 39
Agenda Packet Page 87 of 124
Dear Mayor and City Council,
Please find below a recommendation approved by the Financial Advisory Board at their March 22,2022 meeting.

Motion/Second: Member William Ktsanes/Vice Chair Farhad Farahmand Action: Passed a motion to recommend a new section (3.6) on Responsible Investing be added to the El Cerrito Investment Policy and rescind the Financial Advisory Board's previous recommendation. Section 3.6 to read as follows:

3.6 Responsible Investing: The City of El Cerrito recognizes that it has a shared responsibility to protect the lives and livelihoods of its inhabitants from the catastrophic threat and societal costs of climate change. The City believes that its financial investments should support a future where all its residents can live healthy lives without the negativenvironmental, economic and/or health impacts of global -"t:lt"estments
are encouraged in entities that are involved in the
production of renewable, sustainable energy and have
demonstrated a commitment totransparent, accountable
corporate governance.
. No direct investments are to be made in publicly-traded companies or private entities that engage in the direct exploration, drilling, production, refining, or marketing of fossil fuels.
, All investments inthe State of California's Local Agency Investment Fund ("LAlF") are exempt from section 3.6.

Ayes: Vice-Chair Farhad Farahmand; Member Ruth Cazden, William Ktsanas, Kimberley White Noes: Chair Dick Patterson
Attached please find the request submitted by Member William Ktsanes. lfyou have any questions, please contact me.

Regards,
Dick Patterson, Chair
Financial Advisory Board
Supplemental Packet Page 3 of 39
Agenda Packet Page 88 of 124
To: City Finance Manager/Treasurer Sandra Dalida
City Attorney Sky Woodruff
Mayor Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Councilmember Janet Abelson
Councilmember Paul Fadelli
Councilmember Tessa Rudnick
From: City of El Cerrito Financial Advisory Board
(Drafted and Proposed by Member William Ktsanes)
Date: March 22, 2022 (Revised)
September 28, 2021 (Original FAB Recommendation)
Revised Investment Policy Addition – Fossil Fuels
The City of El Cerrito’s Financial Advisory Board (“FAB”) recommends that the El Cerrito City Council adopt an amended Investment Policy with language (1) encouraging socially responsible investing and (2) prohibiting investments in entities that engage in the direct exploration, drilling, production, refining, or marketing of fossil fuels.

El Cerrito – like nearly 2,400 municipalities, counties, special districts, nonprofits and quasi-governmental agencies throughout California – makes short-term, pooled deposits in the State of California’s Local Agency Investment Fund (“LAIF”). While under the direction of current California State Treasurer Fiona Ma the LAIF does not directly invest in the fossil fuel industry, FAB recognizes that political climates change and that the LAIF is an appropriate, highly-liquid, low-risk, low-cost investment vehicle for cities such as El Cerrito. As such, investments in the State of California’s Local Agency Investment Fund (“LAIF”) are exempt from the restrictions of section 3.6.

An earlier, broader recommendation that included prohibiting investments in both the fossil fuel and tobacco industry was approved by FAB in September 2021 but never forwarded to the City Council for consideration. To encourage action and focus more directly on environmental justice and the importance of mitigating climate-related financial risk posed by global warming, the prior FAB recommendation is revised and resubmitted.

To this end, the Financial Advisory Board recommends that the following language be included in the City of El Cerrito Investment Policy:

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2 3.6 Responsible Investing: The City of El Cerrito recognizes that it has a shared responsibility to protect the lives and livelihoods of its inhabitants from the catastrophic threat and societal costs of climate change. The City believes that its financial investments should support a future where all its residents can live healthy lives without the negative environmental, economic and/or health impacts of global warming.
• Investments are encouraged in entities that are involved in the production of renewable, sustainable energy and have demonstrated a commitment to transparent, accountable corporate governance.
• No direct investments are to be made in publicly-traded companies or private entities that engage in the direct exploration, drilling, production, refining, or marketing of fossil fuels.
• All investments in the State of California’s Local Agency Investment Fund (“LAIF”) are exempt from section 3.6.

The Financial Advisory Board asks that City Finance Manager and Treasurer Sandra Dalida and City Attorney Sky Woodruff review and opine upon FAB’s proposed “3.6 Responsible Investing” amendment. We also strongly encourage the City’s elected Councilmembers to provide their review, bring forth any questions or concerns they may have, and add the City’s Investment Policy to the Council agenda for public discussion and a vote. (El Cerrito’s Investment Policy was last reviewed and approved by the City Council in December 2019; per policy, it is to be reviewed and approved annually.)
Acknowledgements: Considerable time and effort went into researching the socially responsible investment (SRI) policies of various California municipalities and counties. The goal was to identify core principals; be explicitly clear in purpose and intent; avoid unsubstantiated claims and inflammatory accusations; and adopt concise language that has already been vetted by the legal counsel of various other similarly-sized California cities. William Ktsanes thanks the growing multitude of government entities that have adopted a wide range of SRI policies and the following individuals for their contributions: Carlos Zapata, Professor of Sustainability Management at the University of San Francisco and environmental, social and governance (ESG) focused portfolio manager; Howdy Goudey, El Cerrito resident and Environmental Quality Committee member; Dr. Severin Borenstein, Professor of Business Management and Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley and energy policy expert; Ed Harrington, Professor of Public Finance at the University of San Francisco and former (retired) Controller for the City and County of San Francisco; and Allan Moskowitz, El Cerrito business owner and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) specializing in socially responsible investing.

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From: Howdy Goudey
To: City Clerk
Subject: Comment for Council - with FAB investment policy letter Date: Tuesday, March 22, 2022 9:06:34 PM
Please include this as a public comment to Council when the FAB investment policy recommendation is entered into the Council record as a letter.

Dear Mayor Quinto and Council members,
I am supportive of the FAB's current recommendation to include socially responsible investment language regarding fossil fuels in the City's investment policy. The Council adopted a Climate Emergency Declaration in 2019. It is appropriate to act on that declaration by following up with documenting climate action in other policies, including the investment policy.

In addition to the language recommended by the FAB, I suggest the following complimentary addition to your adopted investment policy.

The definition of climate-related financial risk below is the same as that in SB964 (adopted CA law regarding the investments for public employee pension funds).

Update to the last sentence in 3.1 to read:

The City shall seek to preserve principal by mitigating credit risk, market risk and climate-related financial risk.

Insert the following definition at 3.4 to read (and promote existing 3.4 to 3.5 and

3.5 to 3.6, and add the FAB language as 3.7):
“Climate-related financial risk” means risk that may include material financial risk posed to the fund by the effects of the changing climate, such as intense storms, rising sea levels, higher global temperatures, economic damages from carbon emissions, and other financial and transition risks due to public policies to address climate change, shifting consumer attitudes, changing economics of traditional carbon-intense industries.

I know that El Cerrito has a limited scope of investments and this change to the policy may not have substantial impacts. However, given the Council's Climate Emergency Declaration, it is worthwhile and prudent to include attention to Climate Action in your financial policy, because there will be significant and growing financial impacts resulting from climate change if it is not given attention. It is important to recognize climate-related financial risk as a risk to principle that must be mitigated just like other financial risks facing the City that are called out in the investment policy. It should be an easy decision to add language from adopted state law that already applies to the investments of the state public pension system.

Thanks,
Howdy Goudey
El Cerrito
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From: Cordell Hindler
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comments- Not on the Agenda
Date: Thursday, March 31, 2022 1:11:23 PM
Good Evening Mayor Quinto, Council Members and Staff, I have a couple of items to Place on the May 3rd Agenda

1. to have Sabrina Landreth to provide an Update on how Co-VID has impacted Park Services

2. Also to have Rebecca Saltzman to provide an Update on Bart Services and Beyond.

Sincerely
Cordell
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From: Kay Polivka STARKWEATHER
To: City Clerk
Subject: Agenda/Consent Calendar 5J-CORRECTED LETTER
Date: Monday, April 4, 2022 3:29:04 PM
Dear Council,
I am writing in strong support of the resolution for the May 7 National Wildfire Communication Preparedness Day, and also to encourage the City to initiate and manage public informational campaigns on the topics of Wildfire Prevention/Preparedness. Years ago there was a presentation on this topic at the Kensington Youth Hut by the Fire Chief in conjunction with Diablo Fire Safe Council and before that a presentation on Emergency Preparedness at Arlington Park (along with some CERT trainings later). Public programs at a few of the meeting venues around town on Wildfire Prevention/Preparedness are needed.

There is a dearth of information available citywide on this topic. As we know, the content on the El Cerrito website discussing Fire Prevention/Preparedness/Vegetation Management Standards needs updating and streamlining. Currently there are 5 different documents, some with conflicting information. Make El Cerrito Fire Safe drafted some suggested changes last Fall but have not heard back regarding an update. Recently I wrote to the El Cerrito newsletter, Green Happenings, to ask if they could run articles on Wildfire Prevention/Preparedness. I offered to have Make El Cerrito Fire Safe send in articles if that would be helpful. I have had no response to date.

I took the attached photos last month at the Information table inside the El Cerrito Recycling Center. There are tables and wall mounted flyer holders with information on everything from wearing masks, garage sales, recycling options, green cleanups on trails, parks and waterways, artist-in-residence program, painting utility boxes, haiku contests, composting, illegal dumping, reducing carbon footprints, native plantings, and other public and city program information. There is a sign up sheet for residents wishing to be on an email list for monthly environmental updates.

There is no information nor flyers on Wildfire Prevention/Preparedness, yard cleanup, or home hardening, nor email signups for fire information.

I request the City use these same vehicles for a massive information campaign to support the Wildfire Resolution and vegetation management programs and practices.

Best,
Kay Starkweather
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From: Gary Prost
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comments -Agenda item 5J, Resolution recognizing May 7, as National Wildfire Communication Preparedness Day
Date: Tuesday, April 5, 2022 11:55:40 AM
Honorable Mayor Quinto and City Council:

Fire season is upon us, and we continue to be in a severe drought. Almost daily we hear about fires in the Wildland-Urban interface from California to Colorado. This is not something happening somewhere else: it has happened in the East Bay Hills before, and will happen again.

The public needs to be educated and made aware of the dangers inherent in living in an urban forest. The city must inform and encourage all residents to work on wildfire preparedness and prevention. I strongly support all such actions and urge Council to make every effort to be proactive to save our community. It's not a matter of if, but when. We must be prepared with an educated public, a strong vegetation code, and strong enforcement.

Thank you,
Gary Prost, Make El Cerrito Fire Safe
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From: DIANNE BRENNER
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment agenda item 5J
Date: Tuesday, April 5, 2022 2:33:19 PM
Good evening Mr. Mayor, City Council members, and staff.

I’m Dianne Brenner, a resident of El Cerrito. I am writing today in support of Agenda Item 5J, the Resolution Declaring May 7, 2022 as “National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day” in El Cerrito.

It is not only appropriate but necessary to promote public awareness of the wildfire hazards that are present here in El Cerrito, and this resolution is a step in supporting that goal. But the community also needs specific information about the things that they can and should be doing themselves to reduce those wildfire hazards, to benefit both individual households and the community at large.

In connection with designating National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, I would like to see El Cerrito undertake a visible, energetic, public campaign to educate residents about what they can and should be doing to reduce wildfire risk.

Information available on the City of El Cerrito website can be unified into one location/page, simplified, clarified and strengthened. A flyer could be distributed to every household in the city, with clear, simple information about how to reduce wildfire hazards – practices that need to be maintained year-round. This will also help people understand what the Fire Department is looking for when they conduct vegetation inspections. The information could include both the “must do” items as well as “recommended” items.

I would recommend that this campaign be developed as a joint effort between the Fire Department and representatives of the public who will receive it, such as Make El Cerrito Fire Safe, so that the language and organization of the materials is easy for the public to understand.

I’ve lived in El Cerrito for about 27 years and given the ongoing drought and wildfire conditions, we can’t wait any longer to develop public awareness and to very publicly expect community buy-in to these goals.

Thank you.

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From: Sue Duncan
To: City Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 5J
Date: Tuesday, April 5, 2022 3:37:09 PM
Honorable Mayor and City Council Members,
Thank you for recognizing May 7, 2022, as National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. It is extremely important that the city as a whole, residents, businesses and the city itself, recognize that there is a very real threat of wildfire to our area and that all parts start to or continue to prepare for a wildfire especially as climate scientists have said that most of California is now in a mega-drought.

Preparation can take many forms. Making the community aware of and educating them about the importance of preparing, educating them on how to prepare and encouraging them to prepare should be started now by the city and this effort needs to continue.

Preparations take different forms, from adopting best vegetation practices, registering for the CWS, preparing go-bags, making sure important papers are safe to hardening homes and other buildings. Preparations should include talking to neighbors to identify any that will need help with evacuation if it becomes necessary. A neighborhood plan should be made to make sure those who need help getting out will have someone to get them out and have a backup.

May 7, is Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. All of us need to work as a community to keep everyone safe and to decrease the possibility of a catastrophic wildfire here.

Thank you,
Sue and Paul Duncan
Make El Cerrito Fire Safe
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From: nick zamorano
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment Agenda Item 5J
Date: Tuesday, April 5, 2022 4:01:28 PM
I am writing in support of item 5J. In addition to declaring May 7, 2022 as National Wildfire Preparedness Day, I would also advocate for a community workshop that would reinforce the importance of wildfire preparedness in El Cerrito. Such a workshop would be conducted by ECFD and ECPD to help prepare the community for a potential wildfire that could result in mass evacuation.

More importantly, it would reinforce the reasons for the city’s vegetation management ordinance and serve as an opportunity for discussion between community members and city staff.

Most property owners have by now received a letter from ECFD reminding them to start cleaning up any overgrown vegetation to comply with the city’s vegetation management standards. Such an endeavor by property owners would be beneficial in preventing a wildfire from burning their property and properties of their neighbors. Perhaps some property owners do not understand or comprehend the importance of maintaining their properties from the threat of a wildfire. That’s why it would be important to conduct a community workshop to educate the public and allow for public discourse. I would also suggest that the Urban Forest committee members also attend the workshop to provide insight into their efforts to clean up the HNA. Other community groups such as MECFS, Cal Fire, CCCFD and Firewise could be asked to participate to lend their expertise in this very important matter.

Thank you all for taking the time to read my comments.

Nick Zamorano
El Cerrito Resident
Sent from Mail for Windows
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Urban Forest Committee
Accomplishments
& Work Plan
El Cerrito City Council
April 2022
Agenda Item No. 6.B.

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History & Mission
The Urban Forest Committee was established in 2007 by City Council Resolution to:
• Advise City Council on growth, maintenance and location of trees
• Promote the City’s Master Street Tree List and Urban Forest Management Plan
• Promote public awareness, education and support for
urban forestry efforts, foster volunteer opportunities for tree planting
• Foster public awareness and education about the
appropriate tree species to avoid hazards from utility lines Supplemental Packet Page 16 of 39
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Urban Forest Management Plan 2007
• Social benefits: creating a sense of place,
connections to the natural world, memorable
nodes or entry points, sense of community
• Environmental benefits: reducing heat, pollutants
and sequestering carbon dioxide
• Economic benefits: increase in property values,
attraction of businesses and shoppers
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2013 El Cerrito
Tree Inventory & Benefit Analysis
• El Cerrito's public trees provide annual benefits of $1.3M. • For every $1 spent on public trees, the residents of El Cerrito receive $4.28 in benefits.
• El Cerrito’s public trees are reducing annual electric energy consumption by 797-megawatt hours and annual natural gas consumption by 16,859 therms.
• City trees remove 1.1 tons of pollutants from the air and they reduce annual storm-water runoff volume by 9 million gallons. • They sequester 551 tons of atmospheric CO2
per year.

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2013 El Cerrito
Tree Inventory & Benefit Analysis
The study identified more than 4,000 vacant
public planting sites throughout the City.
2022-2023 Work Plan proposed activities:

Work with residents to identify tree planting and
tree care funding opportunities.

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Accomplishments
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Local Fire Hazard & Risk Education
• Wildfire Mitigation & the El Cerrito Urban Forest
Joe McBride, Professor Emeritus, UC
Presentation to Urban Forest Committee
February 2020
• Fire Hazard Reduction 2020
El Cerrito Fire Marshall, Battalion Chief David Gibson
August 2020
• Make El Cerrito Fire Safe & Firewise USA
Susan Duncan
October 2020
• Managing challenges of the Wildland Urban Interface
Jerry Kent, Retired EBRPD Assistant General Manager
February 2021
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Arbor Day
President Theodore Roosevelt’s
Arbor Day Proclamation to the school children of the United States, 1907 It is well that you should celebrate your Arbor Day thoughtfully, or within your lifetime the Nation's need of trees will become serious. We of an older generation can get along without what we have, though with growing hardship; but in your full manhood and womanhood you will want what nature once so bountifully supplied, and man so thoughtlessly destroyed; and because of that want you will reproach us, not for what we have used, but for what we have wasted.

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March 2020
Arbor Week Events
• Tree City USA plaque
awarded to the City Council
(Feb 2020)
• Tree City USA Flag
raising event
• San Pablo Ave Tree planting
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March 2020
Arbor Day Planting
Persimmon tree planted in the school
garden at Fairmont Elementary
Gold, Green
Let it be
On a day in March
California;
When the grass is green
On the rolling hills
And the snow
Is deep in the mountains —
Let it be
On a day like this
That we plant a tree
California
For the years to come
For the little ones
and the lakes
Will be pure in the mountains —
Let it be gold and green
California;
That we touch the ground
That we heal the land
From the mountains to the sea.
— Gary Snyder
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March 2021
Arbor Day Events
Ask an Arborist online event
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March 2021
Arbor Day Planting
Three trees were planted in the school garden at
Fairmont Elementary
https://www.fairmontgrows.com/2021/03/tree-week-2021.html ● a buckeye tree
● an oak tree
● a fig tree
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March 2021
Arbor Day Planting
Events like this are so important, not only to the students who are able to participate in person, but for all the students and families still at home. They keep us connected, inspire families to explore our neighborhoods together, and help folks feel seen and supported by the district and the city in these trying times.

In every class I zoom-visited these past few weeks, students raised their hands to excitedly tell everyone how they helped plant a tree last year with "that nice man who read a poem," (Stephen).

We talked about trees, explored the city's tree mapper, discussed tree selection and care, and learned how valuable our city trees are to our communities: estimated $1.6 million in yearly benefits to the city (and property owners) from cleaner air and reduced crime (estimated 10-15% drop in crime for every 10% increase in tree canopy)! Thanks again,
Claire, Fairmont Elementary School Garden Manager
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March 2022
Arbor Day Planting
Tree planting with
the after-school
program of second
graders at Harding
Elementary School
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June 2021 / March 2022
Redwood Mulching Work Party
Community work party to mulch drought-stressed
Coast Redwood trees in Memorial Grove
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March 2022
Tree City USA Signs
Signs installed at all the major
entrances to El Cerrito At the
Richmond and Albany borders
• Barrett Ave
eastbound on the Richmond border
• San Pablo Ave
southbound at the Richmond border
• Ashbury
northbound at the Albany border
• Carlson Blvd
southbound at the Richmond border
Urban Forest Committee member Robert Hrubes
with Tree City USA sign on
Barrett Avenue, bordering Richmond
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Workplan 2022-2023
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2022-2023
Work Plan Goals

1. Fire vegetation management & ecosystem
restoration plan for HNA

2. Financial support for Urban Forest activities

3. Tree City USA Growth Awards

4. Coordinate with El Cerrito Boards and plans

5. Education and Web Presence

6. Recruit Members
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Fire Vegetation Management &
Ecosystem Restoration for HNA
• Applied for Coastal Conservancy grant:

Hillside Natural Area Fire Resilience and Forest
Conservation Management Plan
• Work with Make El Cerrito Fire Safe
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Financial Support for
Urban Forest Activities
• Pursue state, federal and private grant
opportunities
– Caltrans Environmental Enhancement and
Mitigation Program
– CalFire Urban Forestry
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Maintain Tree City USA status
Pursue Growth Awards
Requirements:
• City Tree Board or Department
responsible for public trees
• Dedicated annual budget of $2 per
capita on trees
• A tree care ordinance
• Community urban forestry program
• Arbor Day observance and
proclamation
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Coordinate with El Cerrito Boards
• Environmental Quality
Committee
• Park and Recreation
Commission
• Input on city plans such as Climate Action Plan
(Carbon sequestration from trees)
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Education & Web Presence
• Curate and develop useful tree resources and
educational materials, both general and specific to
El Cerrito
• Support City in producing
outreach content to be
shared via the El Cerrito
website, social media and
other channels identified
by the communications
audit
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Recruit Members
• 8 open UFC
positions
• Develop and
implement
outreach
strategies
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Urban Forest Committee
Chair:

Robin Mitchell
Vice-Chair:

Robert Hrubes
Members:

Cathy Bleier
Cassie Hughes
Jennifer Kaczor
Susan Kuchinskas
Yan Linhart
Staff Liason:

Stephen Prée
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El Cerrito City CouncilApril 5, 2022

El Cerrito City Council
April 5, 2022