Mayor Councilmembers
Lisa Motoyama Paul Fadelli
Mayor Pro Tem Gabriel Quinto
Tessa Rudnick Carolyn Wysinger
EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2023
View (Regular Meeting Only):
1. Cable T.V. Broadcast on KCRT Channel 28
2. Livestream Online at www.el-cerrito.org/CouncilMeetingMaterials Teleconferencing: Consistent with the Brown Act as amended by AB 361 (2021), all individuals may participate in-person at the location listed above, or remotely via zoom.
In-person attendance limited to available seats and designated accessible spaces only (no standing room). Masks are strongly recommended (full in-person protocols available here.)
Accommodations: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 510- 215-4305. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable accommodations. Closed Captions available via zoom.
Conduct: This meeting shall be conducted pursuant to the El Cerrito City Council Rules of Order and Procedure, including adjourning by 11:00 PM unless extended to a specific time determined by a majority of the Council.
Public Comments:
1. In-person by submitting a request to speak to the City Clerk.
2. Via Zoom using the “Raise Hand” icon to request to speak.
3. By Phone at 1-408-638-0968, dial *9 to "raise your hand".
4. By Email to [email protected] identified in the subject line as Public Comments – Agenda Item #.
Written comments received by 2:00 p.m. the day of the meeting 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 will be posted after the meeting.
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING (5:00 PM)
Hillside Conference Room - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito Join Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85380752378?pwd=K1Q1SjJRMGVIZDlTR21jVS9KMHJOZz09 Meeting ID: 853 8075 2378 Password: 781931 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)
Council Chambers - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito
Join Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85936897758?pwd=VlBOaEppa0xCL0xIb05vcnJzeTBIZz09 Meeting ID: 859 3689 7758 Password: 887875 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 02/21/2023 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 8
DocuSign Envelope ID: B90BAE38-3C51-4889-804E-829054E25216 5:00 PM ROLL CALL - CONVENE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Motoyama called the meeting to order at 5:03 PM.
Present: Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger Absent: None
1. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
All persons wishing to speak should sign up with the City Clerk. Remarks are typically limited to 3 minutes per person and to items on the special meeting agenda only.
Cordell Hindler - commented in favor of hearing from union representatives.
2. CLOSED SESSION CONFERENCE WITH NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives: Karen Pinkos, City Manager; Alexandra Orologas, Assistant City Manager; Shannon Bassi, Senior Human Resources Analyst; Glenn Berkheimer, Labor Negotiator; and Sky Woodruff, City Attorney.
Employee Organizations: Public Safety Management Association Contact: Sky Woodruff, City Attorney, City Management
City Council convened to closed session at 5:06 PM. No reportable action.
3. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The special meeting adjourned at 5:40 PM
6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Motoyama called the meeting to order at 6:03 PM .
Present: Mayor Motoyama (absent from 6:37 - 8:13 PM), Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger Absent: None
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.
City Manager Pinkos - announced upcoming memorial for former Mayor and Councilmember Janet Abelson.
Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick - announced AC Transit proclamation for Mayor and Former Councilmember Abelson.
Councilmember Fadelli - announced community appreciation day at Macaroni Grill.
Mayor Motoyama - recognized Tibetan New year; announced Green Team Baxter Creek Cleanup Day, buy a brick fundraiser with El Cerrito Tennis Club; announced no reportable action from 5:00 PM closed session, and Mayoral letter 02/21/2023 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 8
DocuSign Envelope ID: B90BAE38-3C51-4889-804E-829054E25216 sent in support of the expansion of the Not in Our Town campaign.
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.
All written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting were posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record. Written public comments for matters not on the agenda were received from Cordell Hindler, Nick Zamorano, Gary Prost, Sue Duncan, and Scott Tipping.
Oral Public Comments:
Al Miller - commented on the speed of electric powered vehicles on the greenway.
Gary Prost - with Make El Cerrito Fire Safe spoke regarding vegetation management in the Hillside Natural Area.
Susan Duncan - with Make El Cerrito Fire Safe spoke regarding needed improvements to emergency preparedness, use of measure X funds, and home hardening grants.
Igor Tregub - spoke on behalf of Bay Area Ukrainians and thanked the City Council for their reaffirmed support of the Ukrainian people. Announced Flag Raising ceremony event in Berkeley, Performing Art Ceremony event in San Francisco and Fundraising efforts.
Buddy Akacic - spoke regarding the roles of the City Council, and communication between Council and city committees.
Cordell Hindler - expressed concern regarding the lack of installation of speed bumps on Ashbery Avenue.
5. PRESENTATIONS
6. 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.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Fadelli/Councilmember Quinto Action: Approved consent calendar items A-E and G-J on the consent calendar as indicated below. Ayes: Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
02/21/2023 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 8
DocuSign Envelope ID: B90BAE38-3C51-4889-804E-829054E25216 A. Approval of Minutes
Action Proposed: Pass a motion to approve the minutes from the meetings of November 15, December 5, December 6, December 20, 2022, January 17, February 4, and February 7, 2023.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Approved minutes with the following revisions: 11/15/22 - item #3 correct spelling from Lavana to "Lavonna" Martin; 1/17/2023 - correct call to order from Mayor Quinto to Mayor Motoyama, correct item #7A second motion language from electronic methods to "electric methods"; and 2/7/2023 - item #8A first line to read recused to "avoid any potential conflict of interest...", and item #9 correcting reference to West Contra Costa "Advisory Committee" and correct re-appointment to "appointment" to serve.
B. Committee on Aging Appointment
Action Proposed: Approve the Committee on Aging recommendation and re-appoint Dr. Pansy Kwong to the Committee, effective February 22, 2023.
Contact: Bridget Cooney, Recreation Supervisor, Recreation Department Action: Approved appointment
C. Urban Forest Committee Appointment Recommendation
Action Proposed: Approve an Urban Forest Committee recommendation to reappoint Yan Linhart to the Urban Forest Committee, effective March 1, 2023.
Contact: Stephen Prée, Environmental Programs Manager/City Arborist; Will Provost, Operations and Environmental Services Division Manager; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Approved appointment
D. Environmental Quality Committee Appointment Recommendation Action Proposed: Approve an Environmental Quality Committee recommendation to reappoint Howdy Goudey and Mark Miner to the Environmental Quality Committee, effective March 1, 2023.
Contact: Christina Leard, Management Analyst III; Will Provost, Operations and Environmental Services Division Manager; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department Action: Approved appointment
02/21/2023 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 8
DocuSign Envelope ID: B90BAE38-3C51-4889-804E-829054E25216 E. Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for October 2022 through January 2023
Action Proposed: Receive and file the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Reports for the months of October 2022 through January 2023.
Contact: Sandra Dalida, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
F. Proclamation Recognizing February 24, 2023 as the “Day of Ukrainian Solidarity” in the City of El Cerrito
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation declaring February 24, 2023 as the “Day of Ukrainian Solidarity” in the City of El Cerrito.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Pulled from Consent by Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Quinto/Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick Action: Approved Proclamation Ayes: Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
G. Resolution Opposing Initiative No. 21-0042A1, the California Business Roundtable "Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act"
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution in Opposition to the California Business Roundtable "Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act " (Initiative No. 21-0042A1) that would amend the California Constitution with provisions that limit voters’ authority and input, adopt new and stricter rules for raising taxes and fees, and make it more difficult to impose fines and penalties for violation of state and local laws.
Contact: Karen Pinkos, City Manager, City Management
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2023-11
H. Authorize City Council and City Advisory Body Meetings to be Held Via Teleconference Pursuant to Assembly Bill 361 (AB 361) Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing City Council and City Advisory Body meetings to be held via teleconference through February 28 2023, and making related findings pursuant to AB 361.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Approved Resolution No. 2023-12
I. Amendment to Consulting Services Agreement with Tripepi Smith Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution to authorize the City Manager to execute an extension to the consulting services agreement with Tripepi Smith for Communication Services.
02/21/2023 City Council Minutes Page 5 of 8
DocuSign Envelope ID: B90BAE38-3C51-4889-804E-829054E25216 Contact: Alexandra Orologas, Assistant City Manager, City Management Action: Approved Resolution No. 2023-13
J. Cooperative Agreement between the City and AC Transitfor Design, Construction, Operations and Maintenance of the Rapid Corridors Project
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a Cooperative Agreement between the City of El Cerrito (City) and the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) for Design, Construction, Operations and Maintenance of the Rapid Corridors Project.
Contact: Roland Lambert, Interim Engineering Manager/Senior Engineer; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2023-14
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. POLICY MATTERS
A. 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.
Contact: 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
Mayor Motoyama recused herself to avoid any potential conflict of interest and left the council chambers at 6:37 PM.
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding county support, size of proposed library, accommodations for expected future growth in city population, next steps, requested action, estimated funding assumptions, increasing bond rating, ballot options, survey questions and tools, and cost offset by combining the project with BART development.
All written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting were posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record. Written public comments for this item were received from Steven Price, Rachel Rosekind, Charles Taylor, David Weinstein, and Al Miller.
02/21/2023 City Council Minutes Page 6 of 8
DocuSign Envelope ID: B90BAE38-3C51-4889-804E-829054E25216 Oral Comments
Al Miller - on behalf of the El Cerrito Library Foundation, spoke in support of a library as part of the BART project.
Tom Panas - spoke in support of the project with an increased focus on pedestrian access to the site.
Michael Fischer - commented as the El Cerrito Library Commissioner in support of a new library.
Greg Lyman - spoke in support of a city-owned library as part of the Plaza Bart project, and a ballot measure for funding in March 2024.
Dan Schulman - spoke in support of a library as part of the transitoriented development, inquired about a plan if ballot measure fails, and options for matching funds.
Rachel Rosekind - commented on the importance of libraries, equity in action, community connection, and need for robust outreach.
Howdy Goudey - spoke in support of the library project, leveraging savings to reinvest in the project, need to focus on the interactions of surrounding areas, and expressed concerns about the project layout.
Rochelle Wheeler - spoke in support of the project, identification of grant funding, and ways to include contributions of neighboring Richmond constituents.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Wysinger/Councilmember Fadelli Action: Passed a motion directing staff to move forward with exploring a ballot measure for library funding. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None Absent: Mayor Motoyama (recused due to potential conflict of interest)
9. CITY COUNCIL LOCAL & REGIONAL LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS Mayor and City Council communications regarding local and regional liaison assignments and committee reports.
Mayor Motoyama returned to the Council Chambers at 8:13 PM.
Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick - announced her appointment as Chair for RecycleMore, and reported on a meeting with Make El Cerrito Fire Safe Group.
Councilmember Quinto - reported the upcoming Cal Cities Board meeting and announced his appointment as Vice Chair for Marin Clean Energy.
Mayor Motoyama - reported attendance at the East Bay Economic Development Alliance meeting, the ribbon cutting for CapeQueen Salon, Environmental Quality Commission, Association of Bay Area Government executive board meeting, and spoke at Rosie the Riveter Day of Remembrance event. 02/21/2023 City Council Minutes Page 7 of 8
DocuSign Envelope ID: B90BAE38-3C51-4889-804E-829054E25216
10. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The regular meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.
Lisa Motoyama, Mayor
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the City Council meeting of February 21, 2023 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
02/21/2023 City Council Minutes Page 8 of 8
DocuSign Envelope ID: B90BAE38-3C51-4889-804E-829054E25216 Certificate Of Completion
Envelope Id: B90BAE383C514889804E829054E25216 Status: Completed Subject: Meeting Documents from 3.7.2023 Council meeting Source Envelope:
Document Pages: 32 Signatures: 18 Envelope Originator:
Certificate Pages: 5 Initials: 0 Lina Huang
AutoNav: Enabled
EnvelopeId Stamping: Enabled
Time Zone: (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US &
Canada)
Stamps: 5 10890 San Pablo Ave
El Cerrito, CA 94530
[email protected]
IP Address: 66.122.109.130
Record Tracking
Status: Original
3/22/2023 2:06:25 PM
Holder: Lina Huang
[email protected]
Location: DocuSign
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HCharlety
[email protected]
City Clerk
City of El Cerrito
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Signed: 3/22/2023 2:28:23 PM
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Not Offered via DocuSign
Lisa Motoyama
[email protected]
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Signed: 3/22/2023 7:26:37 PM
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
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