13. If any term or provision of this Agreement, or the application of any term or provision of this Agreement to a particular situation, shall be finally found to be void, invalid, illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then notwithstanding such determination, such term or provision shall remain in force and effect to the extent allowed by such ruling and all other terms and provisions of this Agreement or the application of this Agreement to other situations shall remain in full force and effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any term or provision of this Agreement or the application of such material term or condition to a particular situation is finally found to be void, invalid, illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then the parties hereto agree to work in good faith and fully cooperate with each other to amend this Agreement to carry out its intent.
14. This Agreement and all work performed thereunder shall be interpreted under and pursuant to the laws of the State of California. The parties agree that the jurisdiction and venue of any dispute arising under this agreement shall be the Superior Court of Alameda County.
15. Neither party may assign or delegate any of its rights or obligations hereunder without first obtaining the written consent of the other.
16. All of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Agreement, shall be binding upon and inure the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns and legal representatives.
17. By signing this Agreement, the AGENCY and AC TRANSIT covenant that each presently has no interest, direct or indirect, which would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of the services called for by this Agreement. AGENCY and AC TRANSIT further covenant that in the performance of this Agreement no person having any such interest shall be employed by the AGENCY and AC TRANSIT.
18. This Agreement represents the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and all such agreements entered into prior hereto are revoked and superseded by this Agreement, and no representations, warranties, inducements or oral agreements have been made by any of the parties except as expressly set forth herein, or in other contemporaneous written agreements. This Agreement may not be changed, modified, or rescinded except in writing, signed by all parties hereto, and any attempt at oral modification of this Agreement shall be void and of no effect.
19. This Agreement may be executed in any number of original counterpart signature pages, and each counterpart signature page shall be attached to and incorporated in the original agreement.
20. By signing this Agreement, each signatory warrants and represents that he/she executed this Agreement in his/her authorized capacity and that by his/her signature on this Agreement, he/she or, if acting on behalf of an entity, the entity upon behalf of which he/she acted, executed this Agreement.
FINAL DRAFT
Agenda Packet Page 116 of 205
Signed by:
AC Transit Date
__________________________ ___________
Michael Hursh
General Manager
Approved as to form and content:
__________________________ ___________
Jill A. Sprague
General Counsel for AC Transit
FINAL DRAFT
Agenda Packet Page 117 of 205
City of El Cerrito Date
__________________________ ___________
Name
Title
5249248.1
FINAL DRAFT
Agenda Packet Page 118 of 205
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
Exhibit A: Proposed New Equipment As Part of the Rapid Corridors Project NO. LOCATION OWNED
MAINTAINED (IF
DIFFERENT FROM
OWNED)
Controller Cabinet
GPS
Radio
Antenna
(1)
Phase
Selector
(1)
Auxiliary
Interface
Panel (1) TSP (1)
1 Central Ave/Carlson Blvd El Cerrito - 1 - - - - GTT GPS Equipment 2 San Pablo Ave/Knott Ave El Cerrito - 1 - 1 1 1 GTT GPS Equipment 3 San Pablo Ave/Conlon Ave El Cerrito - 1 - 1 1 1 GTT GPS Equipment 4 San Pablo Ave/Ohlone Greenway El Cerrito - 1 - 1 1 1 GTT GPS Equipment Notes:
(1) TSP equipment includes: GTT 764 phase selector, GPS radio antenna, cabling, and associated accessories.
All TSP equipment will be owned, operated and maintained by the City. AC Transit will provide the necessary equipment and technical support to operate and maintain all TSP equipment .
BETWEEN CITY OF EL CERRITO AND AC TRANSIT FOR DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE OF THE RAPID CORRIDORS PROJECT
FINAL DRAFT
Agenda Packet Page 119 of 205
AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 8.A.
Date: February 21, 2023
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Will Provost, Operations and Environmental Services Division Manager, Public Works Department; Melanie Mintz, Community Development Director, Community Development Department; Karen Pinkos, City Manager, City Management
Subject: Library Study Session - El Cerrito Plaza BART TOD Project
ACTION PROPOSED
Conduct a study session to review and discuss plans to include a City-owned Library facility as part of the El Cerrito Plaza BART Transit-Oriented Development project, including the cost to the City and funding options, and provide direction to City staff.
BACKGROUND
The City has been exploring the idea of building a new Library to replace the current facility for more than two decades. The current building, constructed in 1948, has documented structural and building deficiencies and is significantly undersized, limiting the El Cerrito Library’s programming and its ability to meet current and future needs of the community. In 2016, the City requested BART enter into a MOU to study the feasibility of a potential Library and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) project at the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station (Resolution 2016-68). In 2019, the City Council requested BART include a potential Library facility in its request for qualifications from developers as part of the El Cerrito Plaza BART TOD (Resolution 2019-66).
Since that time, planning for a new Library as part of the TOD project has continued to advance through the site planning phase. The Developer, BART, and the City have been working closely to develop a Library plan that accommodates a modern public facility integrated within the ground floor of one of the affordable housing buildings (Parcel C West) at the development site.
The attached Presentation provides background information on the Library and broader TOD project, reviews the Library needs assessment, outlines the cost to include the City-owned Library facility as part of the project, reviews funding options the City could pursue, and provides next steps for City Council consideration and possible direction.
No formal action is requested as part of this item.
STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
Building a safe, modern library as part of the El Cerrito Plaza BART TOD project would help fulfill the following City of El Cerrito Strategic Plan Goals:
• Goal B: Achieve Long-term Financial Sustainability by pursuing this crossagency partnership that would result in significant cost savings to the City, as Agenda Packet Page 120 of 205
Agenda Item No. 8.A.
compared to building a stand-alone library facility.
• Goal C: Deepen a Sense of Place and Community Identity, including by identifying, promoting, and developing entertainment, recreational, and leisure activities for people of all ages and demographics.
• Goal D: Develop and Rehabilitate Public Facilities as Community Focal Points by prioritizing investment in a key public facility.
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.
Reviewed by:
Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Attachments:
1. Presentation
Agenda Packet Page 121 of 205
El Cerrito Library @ El
Cerrito Plaza TOD Study
Session
El Cerrito City Council
February 21, 2023
Agenda Packet Page 122 of 205
Agenda
1. Background on New
Library/TOD Project
2. Need for a New Library
Ø Library Features
Ø Costs
Ø Leveraging the TOD Project
3. Funding Options
4. Council Direction and Next
Steps
Flyer, August 25, 2022 Public Workshop
Agenda Packet Page 123 of 205
Planning for
a New
Library
2002 –2012 City explores potential sites for new library, completes Needs Assessment + Building Program for State Grant, potential project did not move ahead 2013 City Council confirms Library is a priority in their Strategic Plan 2014 Library Needs Assessment and Program Updated
2015 – 2016
Site options and cost models developed for ballot measure; City Council requests BART enter into a MOU to study feasibility of site for TOD and potential Library (Resolution 2016-68)
2016 Ballot measure votes: 63% YES; just short of 66.7% requirement 2018 AB 2923 (BART Transit Oriented Development) requires minimum zoning on BART owned parcels
2019 Library Workshop conducted to discuss proposed sites & partnerships City requests BART include potential library in RFQ (Resolution 2019-66) 2020
BART issues RFQ and requests developers submit two site plans, one including a library; BART Enters into Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Development Team
2021 – 2023
TOD Pre-Planning
Berkeley-El Cerrito Station Access Planning; Public Engagement (surveys, virtual and in-person meetings); Library Workshop; Site planning Agenda Packet Page 124 of 205
BART-City Goals &
Objectives
Increase BART Ridership
Access
• City to manage area parking
• Increase % of people who walk, bike & take transit
• Minimize need for BART rider parking replacement
Site Design
• Enhance Ohlone Greenway
• Active groundfloor on Fairmount Avenue
Community
• Option for integrating public library
www.el-cerrito.org/tod
www.bart.gov/about/business/tod/el-cerrito-plaza
Agenda Packet Page 125 of 205
El Cerrito Plaza BART
TOD
Concept/Site Plan
What is Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)?
• A walkable, compact, mixed-use, higher
intensity development within walking
distance of transit facilities
El Cerrito Plaza TOD:
• ~ 8.3 Acres
• 6 Buildings = ~713 Units
• 47% Below Market Rate
• Multiyear Planning & Construction Process
Aligns with City’s goals, policies and standards
• Encourage Practical and Market Friendly
Development
• Create Housing that Supports a Diverse
Population
• Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
/Vehicle Miles Traveled
• Stimulate Economic Activity
• Urban Greening/Urban Livability
• Create a Downtown and Sense of Place
Agenda Packet Page 126 of 205
Project Overview q Mixed Income Housing q Transportation/Transit Hub:
Multimodal Access Improvements
q Managed Parking ü BART patron and resident garage ü On-street commercial, visitors, BART patrons and library users
q Public Open Spaces: “Library Plaza” q Public Art q Bike Station q Small Commercial Space q New El Cerrito Library (proposed) Proposed New
Library Site
(ground floor)
Agenda Packet Page 127 of 205
7 Proposed Library in Phase 3
Agenda Packet Page 128 of 205
• Need for a New Library
• Features of a New Library
• Costs
• Leveraging the TOD
Agenda Packet Page 129 of 205
Library Needs Assessment
• Current building at 6510 Stockton Avenue was built in 1949 (expanded in 1960)
• Significantly undersized for the community, lacks
space to meet the current and future needs of a 21st
century library
• Suffers from major structural and building system
deficiencies that impact the safety, comfort and
functionality of the building
• There are numerous elements of the building and site
that are not compliant with current accessibility codes • Lack of space erodes every aspect of library service
• Collection, Seating, Technology, Programs
The library is owned and
maintained by the City.
CCC Library operates the
library.
Currently, the County
provides 40 base open
hours, and the City funds 6
extra hours for a total of 46
open hours each week.
Agenda Packet Page 130 of 205
CITY FACILITY
SIZE
POPULATION
(2010 CENSUS)
SF/CAPIT
A
2030
POPULATION
(PROJECTED)
2040
POPULATION
(PROJECTED)
SF/CAPITA YEAR BUILT
Lafayette 35,000 23,900 1.46 26,290 26,815 1.31 2009
Millbrae 26,200 21,500 1.22 26,745 27,055 0.97 2004
Los Gatos 30,250 29,500 1.03 32,560 33,050 0.92 2012
Hercules 21,500 24,150 0.89 25,885 28,500 0.75 2006
El Cerrito 20,000 23,650 0.85 28,090 29,075 0.69 Proposed Pleasant Hill 24,000 33,152 0.72 35,065 35,925 0.67 2022 Belmont 20,000 25,900 0.77 27,970 30,085 0.66 2006
San Pablo 22,000 29,100 0.76 32,845 34,090 0.65 2017
El Cerrito 6,500 23,650 0.27 28,090 29,075 0.22 Current Library Needs Assessment
Agenda Packet Page 131 of 205
Creating a Modern Library
Including space for:
• Teens
• Children
• Adults
• Group Study
• Incubator Space
• Meeting Rooms
• Technology
• Marketplace
• Friends of the Library
• Maker Space
• After-Hours Community Space
• Staff
Agenda Packet Page 132 of 205
Creating a Modern Library
Library could include:
§ Cooling/Warming/Clean Air Center
§ Community Response Center
- Connectivity/Information
§ Enhanced Service/Technology
Example technologies
• Battery power back-up
• After-hours public wi-fi
Agenda Packet Page 133 of 205
N/A
Leveraging the TOD Project to Build a Library
* ~$20-$22,000,000* *2025 Dollars
Agenda Packet Page 134 of 205
Synergies + Precedents
§ Adjacency to public transit
§ Trail/greenway connectivity
§ Downtown location
§ Trip chaining
Agenda Packet Page 135 of 205
PROJECT BUDGET- CONSTRUCTION
§ GC/CM site requirement costs, jobsite management, bonds + insurance, contractor overhead and profit
§ Soft costs (design fees, construction management, city fees, permits, testing, etc.) § Estimating contingency (15%)
§ Project contingency (10%)
§ Allowances for FF&E, signage, and technology
§ Escalation (5% per annum, for 3 years compounded rate to 2023-2025) § Draft budget includes allowances for power storage (batteries), improved technology, and after-hours access.
Agenda Packet Page 136 of 205
Draft Project Budget
Agenda Packet Page 137 of 205
Financing
Agenda Packet Page 138 of 205
Financing Options
Enhanced
Infrastructure
Financing District
(EIFD)
State Library
Infrastructure Grant
Program
Ballot
Measure
Existing Reserves
and General Fund
Financing
Developer Financing
Parking Benefit
District
Agenda Packet Page 139 of 205
Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD)
§ City Council Ad-Hoc Subcommittee formed to consider EIFD, including Mayor Motoyama and Councilmember Fadelli
§ Tax Increment Financing Tool (pay-as-you-go or future bond financing) § Incremental property tax revenues deposited into EIFD Special Fund ü Base year tax revenues continue to be deposited to General Fund ü EIFD Revenues could be used to fund broad variety of infrastructure needs, including library
ü Would not generate sufficient revenue source in time to participate in Plaza TOD Library
§ Staff Recommendation: Return with EIFD study session to consider establishing EIFD for non-Library infrastructure needs
Agenda Packet Page 140 of 205
Building Forward Library Infrastructure Grant
§ Letter of Interest submitted (December 2022)
§ Call for Full Applications: First Quarter 2023
§ Awards Announced: Third Quarter 2023
§ Maximum award amount $10M
ü Matching Funds required: 1:1
§ Future Rounds?
Agenda Packet Page 141 of 205
Voter-Approved Bond Measures
§ General Obligation Bond – Based on taxable assessed value § Proceeds must be used for "bricks and mortar" costs
§ Tax rate will decrease as total assessed value base increases over time
§ Special Tax/Parcel Tax Bond – Based on fixed formula
§ May be based on parcel/building size
§ May be based on land use type
§ Cannot be based on assessed value
§ Can fund Construction Costs, FF&E and Operations
§ Tax-exempt bonds require form of ownership of library improvements
Agenda Packet Page 142 of 205
General Obligation Bond Authorization
• March/April 2024 Election
• Bond Authorization on $20,000,000
• 2/3rds Voter Approval Required
• Bond Proceeds available within 4
months of successful election
Note on General Obligation Bond:
• Excludes furniture and related
expenses
• Cannot fund operational costs
Per $100,000
Assessed Value
$577,064 Average
Assessed Value
Average Tax $18.67 $107.74
Tax Collection Period 30-Years 30-Years
Note: Projected Tax ranges from $24 to $14 (per $100,000 A.V.) over 30-year tax collection period
Agenda Packet Page 143 of 205
Parcel/Special Tax Authorization
• March/April 2024 Election
• Annual Revenue Requirement
• Debt Service - $1,400,000
• Operational Costs - $200,000 -
$300,000 (assumes max. hours)
• 2/3rds Voter Approval Required
Note on Parcel Tax:
• Can fund both bond repayment
and operational costs
• Bond proceeds can be used for
FF&E
Bond Debt
Service
$250,000
Operational Costs
Flat Parcel Tax/Year (All Parcels) $175 $29
Building Sq. Ft. Tax/Year $0.10/sq. Ft. $0.004/sq. Ft.
Average SF Home (1,716 sq. Ft.) $166/year $7/year
Agenda Packet Page 144 of 205
• City Council Direction
• Next Steps
Agenda Packet Page 145 of 205
Library Included in Phase 3
Funding Needed by August 2024
Proposed New
Library Site
(groundfloor)
PHASE 3
PHASE 2
2 3
Agenda Packet Page 146 of 205
February 2023 Direction from City Council
March 2023 Mid Year Budget Request:
Begin Community Opinion Process
Develop Questions/Refine Tax Analysis
Spring/Summer
2023
Conduct Survey and Complete Analysis
November/ Early
December 2023
City Council Calls for Election
Spring 2024 Measure on Ballot
By Summer 2024 Funds Available to include Library
Spring - Fall 2024 Initiate Community Design Process for Library with Stakeholders and City Architect
2025 - 2028 Construction on Affordable Building C West and Library
Ballot Measure
Timeline
With BART TOD
Agenda Packet Page 147 of 205
27 Proposed Library included in Phase 3
Election
Community
Library Design
Process
Agenda Packet Page 148 of 205
Community Engagement around TOD
2021-2023:
• Berkeley-El Cerrito Station Access Planning
• Design Review Board-Planning Commission Study
Session (09/07/22)
• Public Engagement (surveys, focus groups, virtual and in-person meetings)
Upcoming Engagement:
• Parcel A South DRB (February 23)
• Project Master Plan (Joint DRB-PC TBD)
• Each Building Phase (DRB)
• Parking Program (in development)
• Community Design Process for Library
Learn More:
www.el-cerrito.org/TOD
Agenda Packet Page 149 of 205
Financial Considerations
Developing Ballot Measure, Survey and Consultant Support ($70,000 - $100,000) If the City Council approves Mid-Year FY23 Budget Adjustments and FY24 Budget Requests… Potential General Fund Impacts, Cost Estimates
Election Costs and Public Information ($100,000 - $150,000) If the City Council calls for an election in FY24…
Furniture and Related Expenses (~$800,000)
If the ballot measure is approved by the voters AND measure is a GO Bond… Increased Annual Costs for Extra Hours (~$250,000 if City pursues max. 16 hours) Increased Operations and Maintenance Costs ($25,000 to $40,000) If the library is constructed (~FY28) AND measure is a GO Bond… Agenda Packet Page 150 of 205
Potential Next Steps
• Provide Direction to Start Formally Exploring the
Development of a Ballot Measure
• City to conduct survey and prepare draft
ballot language and financial analysis for City
Council consideration
• City to Continue Planning for Library
• Site Planning with Development Team and BART
• Develop Parking Program with Library in mind
• City to Continue Community Engagement and
Begin Developing Public Information
• www.el-cerrito.org/library
Agenda Packet Page 151 of 205
City Council Questions
Public Comments
Discussion
Agenda Packet Page 152 of 205
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
February 21, 2023
(Revised on February 23, 2023)
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
PUBLIC COMMENT INDEX
1. Public Comments received
Agenda Item 8A – Library Study Session - El Cerrito Plaza BART TOD Project
1. Presentation
Agenda Packet Page 153 of 205
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
February 21, 2023
(Revised February 23, 2023)
The following Public Comments were received by 2:00:00 p.m. 2/21/2023, were provided directly to City Councilmembers in advance of the meeting, and were posted online as supplemental materials at www.el-cerrito.org/CouncilMeetingMaterials
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Public Comments – Items Not on the Agenda
1. Cordell Hindler
2. Nick Zamorano
3. Gary Prost
4. Sue Duncan
5. Scott Tipping
Agenda Item 6F – Proclamation Recognizing February 24, 2023 as the “Day of Ukrainian Solidarity” in the City of El Cerrito
1. Igor Tregub
Agenda Item 8A – Library Study Session - El Cerrito Plaza BART TOD Project
1. Steven Price
2. Rachel Rosekind
3. Charles Taylor
4. David Weinstein
5. Al Miller
6. Tom Panas (received at the meeting)
Agenda Packet Page 154 of 205
From: Cordell Hindler
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comments not on the Agenda
Date: Thursday, February 16, 2023 4:26:58 PM
Hello Mayor Motoyama, Council Members and Staff,
I Have some Comments for the Record
1. For a Future Agenda, The Council Should Invite EBMUD to provide a Presentation on the Proposed Water Rates.
2. Also To Have Danny Wan To schedule a Presentation on How the Port of Oakland is Recovering from the Pandemic
Sincerely
Cordell
Agenda Packet Page 155 of 205
From: nick zamorano
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment Not On The Agenda
Date: Monday, February 20, 2023 4:21:38 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.
Greetings: Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro-Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Fadelli and Councilmember Wysinger
As we approach yet another “high” fire season it is time to update El Cerrito’s vegetation management standards/code. This update should include the proposed “new rules” from California Board of Forestry and Contra Costa County Fire District. It is imperative that the update occur prior to the May 2023 annual property inspections performed by El Cerrito Fire Prevention Officer. Also for consideration is a series of community workshops to educate the public as to the importance of creating “defensible space” on private properties to ensure the safety of all El Cerrito residents.
Public safety (crime and fire prevention) must continue to be a top priority for El Cerrito residents.
Sincerely,
Nick Zamorano
El Cerrito Resident
sent from Mail for Windows
Agenda Packet Page 156 of 205
From: Gary Prost
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comments - NOT on the Agenda - Regarding Vegetation Management in the HIllside Natural Area Date: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 9:47:38 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.
Council Meeting Feb. 21, 2023
Honorable Mayor Matoyama and Council
Regarding: Vegetation Management in the Hillside Natural Area Every year El Cerrito sets goals and priorities. Two years ago, Council adopted a Resolution stating that "wildfire prevention is a top priority of the city and that discussions and efforts will continue locally and regionally on how best to prevent and abate fire hazards in the City". Make El Cerrito Fire Safe would like you to continue to make fire safety a goal and priority in 2023.
What does that mean? It is our understanding that a Fire Resilience and Forest Conservation Management Plan for the HNA is currently in progress. However, it will not be concluded for at least another fire season, probably two. In the meantime, the HNA has several mature eucalyptus groves that pose a city-wide fire hazard. As well, in the past year or so the City has not even cut the grassy areas, nor did we get a crew to maintain the 100 foot buffer/fire break between the park and neighboring homes.
Right now, the only thing being done in HNA besides removing dead trees is volunteers pulling broom and some of the smaller pampas grass, a slow and tedious process, but important and ultimately impactful. We propose that the city also do the following:
1) remove tall grass twice a season, renting goats as needed, 2) apply for Measure X funds to remove all small diameter (less than 12 inches at chest height) eucalyptus, and
3) maintain the 100 ft fire break around the HNA perimeter (brush removal, tree trimming, cutting grass) using available crews and by using goats to graze the grass where appropriate.
These measures are not only consistent with the City Resolution, but support the El CerritoKensington Wildfire Action Plan that was adopted by the City Council on April 18, 2017.
Thank you for your consideration.
Gary Prost, for Make El Cerrito Fire Safe
Agenda Packet Page 157 of 205
From: Sue Duncan
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment, not on the agenda
Date: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 11:58:43 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.
Good evening Honorable Mayor and City Council Members,
The city needs to improve its emergency communications with residents. This should include better and more widespread notification of Red Flag Warning days. The city should also provide resident emergency preparedness education to include why it is important and to educate residents about the wildfire hazards in and surrounding the entire city. It should be emphasized that the wildfire threat is to the entire city due to windblown embers that can ignite homes and vegetation ahead of the fire.
We would like the city to pursue Measure X funds and crews for vegetation management in HNA. The city should also find out the process for homeowners to apply for the $2,000 home hardening grants and the other available grants and then to publicize the information.
For your information, we think that there should be restricted parking on El Cerrito’s narrow streets on Red Flag Warning days. Some municipalities across the state have successfully instituted such restrictions. We are working with Chief Saylors to develop a pilot program that we hope can be implemented during the Red Flag Warning days this year.
Thank you,
Sue Duncan
Make El Cerrito Fire Safe
Agenda Packet Page 158 of 205
From: Scott Tipping
To: City Clerk
Cc: Scott Tipping
Subject: Not on Agenda - EC Wild Fire Action Plan 2017
Date: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 2:55:11 PM
Attachments: El Cerrito Kensington Wildfire Action Plan 2017.pdf Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.
Honorable Mayor Matoyama and Council members
Regarding: Hillside Natural Area vegetation management
My name is Scott Tipping and I’ve been a resident of El Cerrito for 20 years living adjacent to the Hillside Natural Area (HNA).
** In my opinion, at a minimum, the city of El Cerrito should take immediate action to create a 100 foot fire safe zone between the Hillside Natural Area and property lines on the upslope (east border) of the HNA,
in accordance with 2017 El Cerrito - Kensington Wildfire Action Plan. ** For the past 10 I’ve noticed a steady decline in vegetation management in the HNA. I’ve found this decline in very concerning due to ever increasing danger of Wildfires.
Due to the increase in Wildfire concerns, for the past five years, I’ve been much more active in learning about wildfire hazards, history of this topic in El Cerrito and efforts by the city of El Cerrito specifically in the Hillside Natural Area, and have worked with volunteer fellow citizens, in addition to various members of ECFD and El Cerrito government.
In 2017, working with Contra Costa Fire, Diablo fire council, El Cerrito, fire, chief, El Cerrito arborist, and others, put together the “El Cerrito – Kensington Wildfire Action Plan” (pdf attached). That same year El Cerrito City Council adopted the plan. Unfortunately not much has happened since. I highly encourage each of you to read this plan, especially the executive summary and section 4.
In the past, the city of El Cerrito has spent tens of thousands of dollars and funded at least two other plans specific to the Hillside Natural Area, one in 1987 and a new updated plan after the Oakland Hills fire in 1994 specific to fire vegetation management. Unfortunately, my understanding is that the city never adopted the neither 1987 nor 1994 plan. As a result, the fire danger in the Hillside Natural Area has literally been allowed to grow for decades.
That being said, at least the 2017 Wild Fire Action plan was adopted by city council.
Unfortunately, there’s been more “plan” and little “ACTION” when it comes to wildfire vegetation management in the HNA over the past 10 years, and nothing significant since the 1994 plan was created and distributed. After doing a fair amount of research I found this has been the history with this subject in the city of El Cerrito.
It’s time for ACTION regarding the Hillside Natural Area and fire safety. Much more needs to be done than is being done by the City of El Cerrito! Many of the cities own communications outline what a danger the vegetation and fuel loads are in Hillside Natural Area is with regard to wildfire safety. Even so, very little action has been taken to alleviate Agenda Packet Page 159 of 205
this growing danger.
It’s long past the time for the city of El Cerrito to do more. I and many of my fellow citizens of El Cerrito look forward to substantial progress this year in making El Cerrito Fire Safe! Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Scott Tipping
Sent from my iPad
Link to El Cerrito – Kensington Wildfire Action Plan
Agenda Packet Page 160 of 205
1 From: Igor Tregub
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2023 4:20:34 PM
To: Lisa Motoyama <[email protected]‐cerrito.ca.us>; Gabe Quinto <[email protected]‐cerrito.ca.us>; Holly Charléty <[email protected]‐cerrito.ca.us>; Tessa Rudnick <[email protected]‐cerrito.ca.us>; Paul Fadelli <[email protected]‐ cerrito.ca.us>; Carolyn Wysinger <[email protected]‐cerrito.ca.us> Subject: INVITATION: Ukrainian Natives in the Bay Area Commemorate 1‐Year Anniversary of Kremlin's Invasion through Flag Raising, Art Performance, and Fundraiser
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.
Dear Mayor Motoyama, Members of the El Cerrito City Council, and Clerk Charlety, Thank you so much for your proclamation last night. It meant the world to me and so many.
It is our honor to invite you to a series of events and commemorations starting tomorrow, 2/23, at 4 pm. Please don't hesitate to let me know if additional information can be provided.
Respectfully,
Igor
Background:
BAY AREA, CA – Starting February 23, Ukraine natives living in the Bay Area will mark the one-year anniversary of the Russian Federation's illegal invasion of the democratic, indivisible nation-state of Ukraine.
They will hold a series of flag raisings and a performance art ceremony titled "Attempt to Focus - Rebuilding Ukraine," while endeavoring to raise at least $10,000 toward a variety of nonprofits providing needed humanitarian aid and psychological support in Ukraine. In addition, the small but mobilized Ukrainian community in the East Bay was honored to receive proclamations of solidarity with Ukraine from the El Cerrito and Emeryville City Councils, with more proclamations from public bodies anticipated in the coming weeks.
Details of known events are below. All events will proceed rain or shine.
Agenda Packet Page 161 of 205
2 WHAT: Berkeley Ukraine Flag Raising ‐ Special Guests: Consul General of Ukraine in San Francisco Dmytro Kushneruk, members of the Berkeley City Council
WHEN: Thurs 2/23 4 pm
WHERE: Civic Center Park by the flagpole ‐ across the street from the Maudelle Shirek City Hall Building at 2134 MLK Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA
WHAT: Art Performance ‐ Attempt to Focus: Rebuilding Ukraine WHEN: Friday 2/24 11:30 am ‐ 2 pm
WHERE: Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco ‐ across the street from San Francisco City Hall (335 McAllister St.) Additional information at bit.ly/RebuildingUkraine
Points of Contact:
Igor Tregub, 510‐295‐8798
Nicky Watts, 702‐419‐3004
Nataliia Goshylyk, 510‐641‐6510
There are additional events taking place in SF on Friday 2/24 and Saturday 2/25 as well.
Friday, 2/24, 7-8:45 pm: Sing for Ukraine - Ukraine National Choir of Ukraine - Grace Cathedral (1110 California Street, San Francisco)
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sing-for-ukraine-ukrainian-national-choir-of-california-tickets519436286917?fbclid=IwAR3XWgglsJBTj-Z7ot8sDxAbeaY1Hfz2MnHgC49PNRs_AE_IVihCJkrH_yo Saturday 2/25, noon - 2 pm: Unite for Ukraine Rally and March - Starting at Harry Bridges Plaza in San Francisco
https://www.facebook.com/events/496457929289375/?ref=newsfeed ****
Agenda Packet Page 162 of 205
From: STEVEN PRICE
To: City Clerk
Subject: Revised library location
Date: Sunday, February 19, 2023 3:56:19 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.
Dear El Cerrito City Council,
I most likely will miss this week's study session on the proposed new library on the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station property. I'm very supportive of the library at the Plaza BART Station. I'm especially supportive of moving the proposed location for the library to the southwest corner of BART's property. Moving it from the previous mid-block location on Fairmount Ave closer to the intersection of Liberty Street and Fairmount Ave is a wise move. A location at the intersection will give it access from four directions: both directions on Fairmount, from the north on Liberty, and from the south through the Plaza shopping center. An added benefit of the intersection for pedestrian safety: that intersection has a full set of crosswalks with walk signals.
To add to the safety for bicycle riders, I wonder if a two-way separated bike lane down Fairmount from the Greenway would be in order. This might have to be carved out of the public space envisioned for the length of Fairmount. Or traffic calming measures could be incorporated into the street's redo: special paving for the roadway for this stretch, keeping travel lanes narrow (I realize that AC Transit wants no less than 11'), preserving the visual friction that trees and tree shadows provide, reversing the head-in diagonal parking to back-in diagonal parking to give motorists pulling out of spaces better view of passing bicycle riders. An example of the latter can be seen in downtown Berkeley on Kala Bagai Way (formerly a part of Shattuck Avenue.)
Sincerely,
Steve Price
El Cerrito
Agenda Packet Page 163 of 205
From: rachel
To: rachel; City Clerk; Sean Moss; Melanie Mintz; Aissia Ashoori; Diego Romero; Will H. Provost; Karen Pinkos; John Gioia
Subject: Public Comment by Rachel Rosekind, El Cerrito City Council Meeting 2/21/2023: Agenda 8A, Library Study Session - El Cerrito Plaza BART TOD Project
Date: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 6:17:31 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.
My name is Rachel Rosekind. I am an educator, writer, mentor, and activist, El Cerrito resident, and small business owner. I am also Contra Costa’s District 1 Library Commissioner and Vice Chair of our new countywide Library Foundation of Contra Costa.
Thank you, councilmembers, for holding this study session in recognition of the critical role that our public libraries play in the lives of their communities and the residents who live there.
District 1 is home to five libraries that reflect variation and diversity in size, community demographics, technological capacity, and physical condition. What they do not vary in is their vital function as a hub for social cohesion, personal enrichment, and collective well-being.
The El Cerrito Library is just a few blocks from my home. For that reason and many others, it has long held a special place in my heart. Every time I visit, I am impressed by the light, energy, and color the staff make manifest in what is in many ways a rather dark and dated space. Their book displays are always fresh and engaging, event flyers are placed strategically throughout the library to inspire excitement, and the staff are visibly engaged with patrons.
And yet, its dedicated professionals work in a building that is in dire need of repair and renewal. A complete HVAC system, space for staff and storage, more restrooms, lower shelves to meet ADA requirements, separate meeting and programming rooms, teen and maker spaces, private study areas, more public computers—these are just a few of the critical needs. And they are critical.
Libraries are the threshold of radical possibility—not just in the books that are housed there, but in the buildings that house them and the ideas that underpin their institution: accessibility, education, critical inquiry, empathy, imagination, public engagement, and social enrichment. A public library is not just a preeminent opportunity zone, it is an opportunity zone multiplier.
But to multiply the library’s capacity to serve and to catalyze opportunities for its community members means maximizing and optimizing its physical form. Quaint, homey, and lovable as it is, our current city library is not, in its present state, safe, technologically equipped, or inviting for all people.
Consider all the opportunities that can and will be created for youth, adults, and seniors alike when we capitalize on the TOD project and build a modernized, accessible, inspired community library space. A building that truly reflects the centrality, vibrancy, and aspirations of this communal symbol and gathering space.
For all of these reasons and in service to your constituents and the future of our city, I hope that Agenda Packet Page 164 of 205
both the Council and city staff will work steadfastly and in concert with all community members to realize a new and reimagined library for our city. Thank you for your time.
Joy is righteous struggle and revolutionary act.
WORDS ARE MATTER. MAKE THEM MATTER.
Rachel Rosekind, PhD, MLIS
Editorial Services | Strategic Communications | Education & Coaching Admissions Essays Assistance | Homeschool Enrichment
Agenda Packet Page 165 of 205
From: Will H. Provost
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Public Comments - Agenda Item #8A
Date: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 7:49:34 AM
Morning Holly and Lina,
FYI, it looks like the email below was intended as a comment on the agenda.
Best,
Will
---
Will Provost
Operations + Environmental Services Division Manager
City of El Cerrito
Office: (510) 559-7684
Email: [email protected]
From: Charles Taylor
Sent: Monday, February 20, 2023 9:32 PM
To: Michael Fischer
Cc: Karen Pinkos <[email protected]>; Melanie Mintz <[email protected]>; Will H.
Provost <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Public Comments - Agenda Item #8A
Hello Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, and Council members Fadelli, Quinto, and Wysinger: My name is Charles Taylor and my wife and I have lived in El Cerrito since 1984. We raised our two Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization. sophospsmartbannerend
Hello Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, and Council members Fadelli, Quinto, and Wysinger:
My name is Charles Taylor and my wife and I have lived in El Cerrito since 1984. We raised our two daughters here. One has returned and lives in our city with her family. I live about a half a mile from the existing library and a little more from the proposed new location. I am a member of the Committee for a Plaza Station Library. I strongly support the city taking steps to develop and raise funds for a new 20,000 foot library in the plaza. I use the existing library, but know it can be so much more for the citizens of our community.
Agenda Packet Page 166 of 205
Please take steps to enhance El Cerrito with a new library! Sincerely,
Charles Taylor
On Tue, Feb 21, 2023 at 10:39 AM Michael Fischer wrote:
Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, and
Councilmembers Fadelli, Quinto, and Wysinger:
My name is Michael Fischer and I have the privilege and responsibility of being El Cerrito’s Library Commissioner. The concept of a new library is strongly supported by our library community. We know that libraries are, rightly, one of the most beloved civic institutions.
A new library in El Cerrito is long overdue. Our current library is too small, too old — built in 1947, and lacking in air cooling, filtering, and heating. It has no separate meeting rooms. Yet our library is the most popular of all county library branches in West County by a large amount. A right-sized library, of some 20,000 square feet is planned with meeting rooms accessible not only for library use but for children, teen, adult, and senior programs even when the library is closed.
The new library will be an important keystone to the vibrant community area it will be part of. The possibility of this as part of the BART TOD, that will be built in any event, is a rare opportunity.
But the library will not happen by itself, as city staff and this council know by undertaking this study session, one of many Agenda Packet Page 167 of 205
events already had and to continue in the future. The library community stands ready to help ensure that the planning for this project, and both public and private funding, will be available.
We have created a group called the Committee for a Plaza Station Library and we invite all to join us — in whatever way you can help. We’re new so we just have an email account — two actually and they both go to the same place. Contact us at [email protected], which stands for Committee for a Plaza Station Library El Cerrito or [email protected], that’s the number 4 and Plaza Station Library, all one word.
Thanks and we hope to see everyone involved.
Kind regards,
Michael
Michael Fischer (he him)
El Cerrito City Designated Library Commissioner
Chair, Contra Costa County Library Commission
Secretary, Library Foundation of Contra Costa
El Cerrito Needs an Appropriate 21st Century Library
Agenda Packet Page 168 of 205
From: David Weinstein
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public comment item 8 library
Date: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 12:12:12 PM
Attachments: Historical society comment item 8 Feb. 21 2023 library.docx Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.
Mayor Motoyama and members of the City Council.
The El Cerrito Historical Society is very much looking forward to working with other parties in the community towards creating a wonderful new library for the City of El Cerrito.
As the society has discussed with policy makers and community members and library supporters in the past, we foresee a library that includes a history room and historical displays. In furtherance of this goal the society would work on fundraising and other efforts to ensure that the city gets a modern, full service library.
The historical society deeply appreciates our current relationship with the city, which includes used of the Shadi history room in city hall. We maintain limited open hours there, and are open to researchers and the general public by appointment.
We hope to retain use of that small space forever, for archival and meeting purposes. In addition, we envision a history room within the library stocked with society materials that would be more readily available to the public.
Many libraries in our area and beyond have rooms devoted to local history, some run in conjunction with local historical societies. We hope to join this contingent.
Our connection to the city library has always been close, and long-term. The former and late city librarian, Grace MacNeill, was a board member of the society and strong supporter of all our efforts.
For years the historical society board met in the library, and for years our collection was stored there, until the Shadi room opened in the new city hall.
The El Cerrito Historical Society, which will celebrate its 50th year in 1975, has long contributed to the El Cerrito community through programs, publications, exhibits, advocacy building friendships, and emphasizing the city’s sense of place. We look forward to continuing these efforts, including at the new library.
Thank you
Dave Weinstein
President
El Cerrito Historical Society
Agenda Packet Page 169 of 205
Public Comment for Agenda Item 8.A
Mayor Motoyama, MayorPro Tem Rudnick, and Councilmembers Fadelli, Quinto, and Wysinger:
My name is Al Miller and I am a resident of El Cerito. I am submitting this Public Comment as the President of the El Cerrito Library Foundation (ECLF). The ECLF was created in 2014 to increase community support for, and raise funds to support, a modern 21st century library in El Cerrito.
The ECLF strongly supports the Library Option being offered as part of the BART Transient Oriented Development at the Plaza Station. At the size of 20,000 square feet it matches the recommendations of the latest EC Library Needs Assessment. Current planning indicates that creating a new library as part of the BART TOD Project will save the City up to $10 million dollars compared with a stand-alone project at some other location.
Several Board Members of the ECLF are also members of The Committee for a Plaza Station Library (C4PSL), another community organization working to get a new library at the Plaza BART Station. Working as individuals with this group we believe we can enhance our community’s support for this new library even more.
Collectively, we ask for your continued strong support for a new 21st century library for El Cerrito, and for you to do whatever you can to ensure you are able to say YES to the Library Option as part of the BART TOD Project at the Plaza Station.
Thank you.
Al Miller
Agenda Packet Page 170 of 205
February 21, 2023
Good evening Mayor Motoyama, members of the Council, and City staff. My name is Tom Panas and I live at I'd like to thank you for your vision and support for the TOD project that BART has proposed for the El Cerrito Plaza station. Let me be clear from the start that I am a big fan of the TOD project and of a library as part of it. In El Cerrito we talk a lot about place making. BART's TOD development at the Plaza station, hopefully including a library, will be a step in that direction. However I'd like to suggest that we get much more creative and truly do the right thing for pedestrian access to the site. Visualize yourself in six or seven years, sitting in a chair on the south side of TOD project, looking towards the El Cerrito Plaza shopping center. Except that you're not noticing traffic Fairmount Avenue because we have closed the block of Fairmount Avenue between Liberty Street and the Oak Street busway.
Not only are you not looking at traffic on Fairmount Avenue, where Fairmount Avenue ran you see green space and two small rises with a saddle between them. Under this new landscape is a I limited access tunnel that provides easy access to the Plaza BART station for AC Transit busses and emergency vehicles.
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This allows people to walk between the shopping center and the TOD site without worrying about traffic on Fairmount Avenue, plus we have replaced pavement with green space. I want to say again that I live on Fairmount Avenue. I have lived on Fairmount Avenue for more than 45 years and I am certainly clear that what I am suggesting will have impacts on traffic. But is our goal to preserve the world that we have today? Or is our goal to create the pedestrian-friendly environment that we dream about?? I am very much in favor of the later. So let's not squander this amazing opportunity to do some extraordinary place making as part of this TOD project. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity that I am hoping we don't miss - or dismiss out of hand. Thank you for your time this evening.
Agenda Packet Page 171 of 205
El Cerrito Library @ El Cerrito
Plaza TOD Study Session
El Cerrito City Council
February 21, 2023
Agenda Item No. 8.A.
Agenda Packet Page 172 of 205
Agenda
1. Background on New
Library/TOD Project
2. Need for a New Library
Library Features
Costs
Leveraging the TOD Project
3. Funding Options
4. Council Direction and Next
Steps
Flyer, August 25, 2022 Public Workshop
Agenda Packet Page 173 of 205
Planning for a New Library
2002 –2012 City explores potential sites for new library, completes Needs Assessment + Building Program for State Grant;did not move ahead
2013 City Council confirms Library is a priority in their Strategic Plan 2014 Library Needs Assessment and Program Updated
2015 – 2016 Site options and cost models developed for ballot measure; City Council requests BART enter into a MOU to study feasibility of site for TOD and potential Library (Resolution 2016-68) 2016 Ballot measure votes: 63% YES; just short of 66.7% requirement 2018 AB 2923 (BART TOD) requires minimum zoning on BART owned parcels 2019 Library Workshop conducted to discuss proposed sites & partnerships City requests BART include potential library in RFQ (Resolution 2019-66) 2020 BART issues RFQ and requests developers submit two site plans, one including a library; BART Enters into Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Development Team
2021 – 2023 TOD Pre-Planning: Access Planning; Public Engagement (surveys, virtual & in-person meetings); Library Workshop; Site Planning
2023-2028 TOD Planning, Entitlement, Engagement, Financing, Construction & Possible Library Financing/Design/Construction Agenda Packet Page 174 of 205
BART-City TOD Goals & Objectives
Increase BART Ridership
Access
• City to manage area parking
• Increase % of people who walk, bike & take transit
• Minimize need for BART rider parking replacement
Site Design
• Enhance Ohlone Greenway
• Active groundfloor on Fairmount Avenue
Community
•Option for integrating public library
Affordability
www.el-cerrito.org/tod
https://www.bart.gov/about/business/tod/el-cerrito-plaza Agenda Packet Page 175 of 205
El Cerrito Plaza BART TOD What is Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)? • A walkable, compact, mixed-use, higher
intensity development within walking
distance of transit facilities
El Cerrito Plaza TOD
• ~ 8.3 Acres
• 6 Buildings = ~713 Units
• 47% Below Market Rate
• Multiyear Planning & Construction Process
Aligns with City’s Goals, Policies & Standards
• San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan,
Strategic Plan, Climate Action Plan
• Encourage Practical and Market Friendly
Development
• Create Housing that Supports a Diverse
Population
• Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
/Vehicle Miles Traveled
• Stimulate Economic Activity
• Create a Downtown and Sense of Place Concept/Site Plan Agenda Packet Page 176 of 205
Project Overview
Mixed Income Housing
Transportation/Transit Hub:
Multimodal Access Improvements
Managed Parking
BART patron and resident garage
On-street commercial, visitors,
BART patrons and library users
Community Benefits
Public Open Spaces/Public Plaza
Public Art
Bike Station
Small Commercial Space
New El Cerrito Library (proposed)
Proposed New Library Site (ground floor)
Agenda Packet Page 177 of 205
7 Agenda Packet Page 178 of 205
8 Proposed Library in Phase 3
Agenda Packet Page 179 of 205
• Need for a New Library
• Features of a New Library
• Costs
• Leveraging the TOD
Agenda Packet Page 180 of 205
Library Needs Assessment
• Current building at 6510 Stockton Avenue was built in 1948 (expanded in 1960)
• Significantly undersized for the community, lacks space to meet the current and future needs of a 21st
century library
• Suffers from major structural and building system
deficiencies that impact the safety, comfort and
functionality of the building
• There are numerous elements of the building and site
that are not compliant with current accessibility codes • Lack of space erodes every aspect of library service
• Collection, Seating, Technology, Programs
The library is owned and
maintained by the City.
CCC Library operates the
library.
Currently, the County
provides 40 base open
hours, and the City funds 6
extra hours for a total of 46
open hours each week.
Agenda Packet Page 181 of 205
CITY FACILITY
SIZE
POPULATION
(2010 CENSUS) SF/CAPITA
2030
POPULATION
(PROJECTED)
2040
POPULATION
(PROJECTED)
SF/CAPITA YEAR BUILT
Lafayette 30,000 23,900 1.26 26,290 26,815 1.11 2009
Millbrae 26,200 21,500 1.22 26,745 27,055 0.97 2004
Los Gatos 30,250 29,500 1.03 32,560 33,050 0.915 2012
Hercules 21,500 24,150 0.89 25,885 28,500 0.75 2006
El Cerrito 20,000 23,650 0.85 28,090 29,075 0.69 Proposed Belmont 20,000 25,900 0.77 27,970 30,085 0.66 2006
Pleasant Hill 25,000 33,152 0.75 35,065 35,925 0.70 2022 San Pablo 20,000 29,100 0.69 32,845 34,090 0.59 2017
El Cerrito 6,500 23,650 0.27 28,090 29,075 0.22 Current Library Needs Assessment
Agenda Packet Page 182 of 205
Creating a Modern Library
Including space for:
• Collections
• Seniors
• Adults
• Teens
• Children
• Group Study
• Incubator Space
• Meeting Rooms
• Technology
• Marketplace
• Friends of the Library
• Staff
Agenda Packet Page 183 of 205
Creating a Modern Library
Including space for:
• Collections
• Seniors
• Adults
• Teens
• Children
• Group Study
• Incubator Space
• Meeting Rooms
• Technology
• Marketplace
• Friends of the Library
• Staff
Agenda Packet Page 184 of 205
Creating a Modern Library
Including space for:
• Collections
• Seniors
• Adults
• Teens
• Children
• Group Study
• Incubator Space
• Meeting Rooms
• Technology
• Marketplace
• Friends of the Library
• Staff
Agenda Packet Page 185 of 205
Creating a Modern Library
Library could include:
Cooling/Warming/Clean Air Center
Community Response Center
- Connectivity/Information
Enhanced Service/Technology
Example technologies
• Battery power back-up
• After-hours public wi-fi
Agenda Packet Page 186 of 205
N/A
Leveraging the TOD Project to Build a Library
* ~$20-$22,000,000* *2025 Dollars
Agenda Packet Page 187 of 205
Synergies + Precedents
Adjacency to public transit
Trail/greenway connectivity
Downtown location
Trip chaining
Agenda Packet Page 188 of 205
PROJECT BUDGET- CONSTRUCTION
GC/CM site requirement costs, jobsite management, bonds + insurance, contractor overhead and profit
Soft costs (design fees, construction management, city fees, permits, testing, etc.) Estimating contingency (15%)
Project contingency (10%)
Allowances for FF&E, signage, and technology
Escalation (5% per annum, for 3 years compounded rate to 2023-2025) Draft budget includes allowances for power storage (batteries), improved technology, and after-hours access.
Agenda Packet Page 189 of 205
Draft Project Budget
Agenda Packet Page 190 of 205
Financing
Agenda Packet Page 191 of 205
Financing Options
Enhanced
Infrastructure
Financing District
(EIFD)
State Library
Infrastructure Grant
Program
Ballot
Measure
Existing Reserves
and General Fund
Financing
Developer Financing
Parking Benefit
District
Agenda Packet Page 192 of 205
Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD)
City Council Ad-Hoc Subcommittee formed to consider EIFD, including Mayor Motoyama and Councilmember Fadelli
Tax Increment Financing Tool (pay-as-you-go or future bond financing) Incremental property tax revenues deposited into EIFD Special Fund Base year tax revenues continue to be deposited to General Fund EIFD Revenues could be used to fund broad variety of infrastructure needs, including library
Would not generate sufficient revenue source in time to participate in Plaza TOD Library
Staff Recommendation: Return with EIFD study session to consider establishing EIFD for non-Library infrastructure needs
Agenda Packet Page 193 of 205
Building Forward Library Infrastructure Grant
Letter of Interest submitted (December 2022)
Call for Full Applications: First Quarter 2023
Awards Announced: Third Quarter 2023
Maximum award amount $10M
Matching Funds required: 1:1
Future Rounds?
Agenda Packet Page 194 of 205
Voter-Approved Bond Measures
General Obligation Bond – Based on taxable assessed value Proceeds must be used for "bricks and mortar" costs
Tax rate will decrease as total assessed value base increases over time
Special Tax/Parcel Tax Bond – Based on fixed formula
May be based on parcel/building size
May be based on land use type
Cannot be based on assessed value
Can fund Construction Costs, FF&E and Operations
Tax-exempt bonds require form of ownership of library improvements
Agenda Packet Page 195 of 205
General Obligation Bond Authorization
• March/April 2024 Election
• Bond Authorization on $20,000,000
• 2/3rds Voter Approval Required
• Bond Proceeds available within 4
months of successful election
Note on General Obligation Bond:
• Excludes furniture and related
expenses
• Cannot fund operational costs
Per $100,000
Assessed Value
$577,064 Average
Assessed Value
Average Tax $18.67 $107.74
Tax Collection Period 30-Years 30-Years
Note: Projected Tax ranges from $24 to $14 (per $100,000 A.V.) over 30-year tax collection period
Agenda Packet Page 196 of 205
Parcel/Special Tax Authorization
• March/April 2024 Election
• Annual Revenue Requirement
• Debt Service - $1,400,000
• Operational Costs - $200,000 - $300,000 (assumes max. hours) • 2/3rds Voter Approval Required
Note on Parcel Tax:
• Can fund both bond repayment
and operational costs
• Bond proceeds can be used for
FF&E
Bond Debt
Service
$250,000
Operational Costs
Flat Parcel Tax/Year (All Parcels) $175 $29
Building Sq. Ft. Tax/Year $0.10/sq. Ft. $0.004/sq. Ft.
Average SF Home (1,716 sq. Ft.) $166/year $7/year
Agenda Packet Page 197 of 205
• Council Direction
• Next Steps
Agenda Packet Page 198 of 205
Library Included in Phase 3
Funding Needed by August 2024
Proposed New
Library Site
(ground floor)
PHASE 3
PHASE 2
2 3
Agenda Packet Page 199 of 205
February 2023 Direction from City Council
March 2023 Begin Community Opinion Process
Develop Questions/Refine Tax Analysis
Spring/Summer
2023
Conduct Survey and Complete Analysis
November/ Early
December 2023
City Council Calls for Election
Spring 2024 Measure on Ballot
By Summer 2024 Funds Available to include Library
Spring - Fall 2024 Initiate Community Design Process for Library with Stakeholders and City Architect
2025 - 2028 Construction on Affordable Building C West and Library
Proposed
Ballot Measure
Timeline
With BART TOD
Agenda Packet Page 200 of 205
30 Proposed Library included in Phase 3
Election
Community
Library Design
Process
Agenda Packet Page 201 of 205
Community Engagement around TOD
2021-2023:
• Berkeley-El Cerrito Station Access Planning
• Design Review Board-Planning Commission Study
Session (09/07/22)
• Public Engagement (surveys, focus groups, virtual and in-person meetings)
Upcoming Engagement:
• Parcel A South DRB (February 23)
• Project Master Plan (Joint DRB-PC TBD)
• Each Building Phase (DRB)
• Parking Program (in development)
• Community Design Process for Library
Learn More:
www.el-cerrito.org/TOD
Agenda Packet Page 202 of 205
Financial Considerations
Developing Ballot Measure, Survey and Consultant Support ($70,000 - $100,000) If the City Council approves Mid-Year FY23 Budget Adjustments and FY24 Budget Requests… Potential General Fund Impacts, Cost Estimates
Election Costs and Public Information ($100,000 - $150,000) If the City Council calls for an election in FY24…
Furniture and Related Expenses (~$800,000)
If the ballot measure is approved by the voters AND measure is a GO Bond… Increased Annual Costs for Extra Hours (~$250,000 if City pursues max. 16 hours) Increased Operations and Maintenance Costs ($25,000 to $40,000) If the library is constructed (~FY28) AND measure is a GO Bond… Agenda Packet Page 203 of 205
Potential Next Steps
• Provide Direction to Start Formally Exploring
the Development of a Ballot Measure
• City to conduct survey and prepare draft
ballot language and financial analysis for
City Council consideration
• City to Continue Planning for Library
• Site Planning with Development Team and
BART
• Develop Parking Program with Library in
mind
• City to Continue Community Engagement
and Begin Developing Public Information
• www.el-cerrito.org/library
Agenda Packet Page 204 of 205
City Council Questions
Public Comments
Discussion
Agenda Packet Page 205 of 205