Mayor Councilmembers
Lisa Motoyama Paul Fadelli
Mayor Pro Tem Gabriel Quinto
Tessa Rudnick Carolyn Wysinger
EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2023
View (Regular Meeting Only):
1. Cable T.V. Broadcast on KCRT Channel 28
2. Livestream Online at www.el-cerrito.org/CouncilMeetingMaterials 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. By Email to [email protected] identified in the subject line as Public Comments – Agenda Item #.
Please note that remote public comments have been suspended.
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/89253098256?pwd=bmZXS3dNY1ZBNGF3bTBqMXhBeVJBdz09 Meeting ID: 892 5309 8256 Password: 017431 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/83509889643?pwd=ajdWMEp3czBXb0JhcUI3N2NOUTFTdz09 Meeting ID: 835 0988 9643 Password: 149405 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 10/03/2023 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: D1BC2ECD-30D7-4746-95D5-36C3EA7D3670 5:00 PM ROLL CALL - CONVENE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Motoyama called the meeting to order at 5:01 PM.
Present: Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto Absent: Councilmember Wysinger
1. CONSIDER AND TAKE ACTION ON ANY REQUEST FROM A
COUNCILMEMBER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING REMOTELY DUE TO EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES PURSUANT TO AB 2449
2. 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.
3. COMMISSION INTERVIEWS, STATUS AND APPOINTMENTS
Action Proposed: Staff requests that City Council conduct interviews and, at the conclusion of interviews, confer with staff regarding ongoing recruitment(s), any remaining vacancies, and the scheduling of further special meetings to conduct interviews (if applicable). Council may decide to make appointments at the conclusion of the meeting.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management The City Council conducted three interviews and made the following appointments:
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Quinto/Mayor Motoyama Action:
Appointed Nate Schaffran to a partial term on the Financial Advisory Board ending 3/1/2025. Ayes: Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Fadelli, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Mayor Motoyama Noes: None Absent: Councilmember Wysinger
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Fadelli/Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick Action:
Appointed Adam Levenson to a partial term on the Arts and Culture Commission ending 3/1/2024 Ayes: Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Fadelli, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Mayor Motoyama Noes: None Absent:
Councilmember Wysinger
4. ADJOURN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The special meeting adjourned at 5:57 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, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger (arrived at 6:40 PM) Absent: None
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OR OBSERVATION OF A
MOMENT OF SILENCE
10/03/2023 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: D1BC2ECD-30D7-4746-95D5-36C3EA7D3670
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.
Mayor Motoyama – announced decision to suspend public comments via zoom.
City Manager Pinkos – commented regarding impacts of recent hate speech on staff and suspension of public comments via zoom.
Mayor Pro Tem – commented regarding need to ensure democracy prevails despite recent hat speech.
Councilmember Fadelli – announced upcoming event at Rialto theater on the fight to make streets safer; and announced the upcoming 55th high school reunion for Kennedy High.
Mayor Motoyama - announced 10/15 Harvest Festival at Harding Elementary, acknowledged the ad-hoc committee will reconvene and asked the members to report any feedback they received from their advisory body liaison assignments.
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.
Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.
Jesse Walker - requested fee waiver for building permit fees.
Myra Menicon - commented on the high cost of parking permits and the need for senior discounts, concern on speed of vehicles on Cutting Blvd.
Brian Richmond - spoke on behalf of the Trail Trekkers to install signage in the Hillside Natural Area, asked for the process to move forward and offered assistance.
Sue Duncan - provided comments regarding the fifth anniversary of the Make El Cerrito Fire Safe, shared accomplishments and continued efforts.
Gary Prost - commented regarding the need to put funds towards what is needed to control the vegetation in the Hillside Natural Area, red flag day parking restrictions, spoke in support of the action taken by council to 10/03/2023 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: D1BC2ECD-30D7-4746-95D5-36C3EA7D3670 reduce hate speech from public speakers, and suggested scenic overlook on Moeser Lane.
Stuart Sonatina - spoke regarding building protected bike lanes, and options for electric refuse trucks.
Sharon Miller - spoke regarding the lack of traffic controls on Cutting Blvd.
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/Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick Action: Approved the consent calendar as indicated below. Ayes: Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto Noes: None Absent: Councilmember Wysinger A. Filipino American History Month Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation recognizing October 2023 as Filipino American History Month in El Cerrito.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Approved proclamation
B. Cyber Security Awareness Month Proclamation
Action Proposed: At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, approve a proclamation recognizing October as Cyber Security Awareness month. Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management
Action: Approved proclamation
C. National Arts and Humanities Month Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation in support and
recognition of October 2023 as National Arts and Humanities Month in El Cerrito.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Approved proclamation
D. Indigenous Peoples Day Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation in recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Approved proclamation
E. Economic Development Committee Appointment
10/03/2023 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: D1BC2ECD-30D7-4746-95D5-36C3EA7D3670 Action Proposed: Approve an Economic Development Committee recommendation to appoint Kevin Schenthal.
Contact: Aissia Ashoori, Housing-Economic Development
Manager
Action: Approved appointment
F. 2nd Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance to increase City Council compensation from $441 to $650 per month
1st Reading 9/19/2023
Action Proposed: Waive the second reading and adopt Ordinance 2023-04 amending section 2.04.070 of the El Cerrito Municipal Code to modify the City Council's Monthly Compensation.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Adopted Ordinance 2023-04
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. POLICY MATTERS
A. Construction Contract Award and Budget Amendment for Arlington Park Improvements Project, City Project No. C3082 Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution approving plans and specifications for the Arlington Park Improvements Project, City Project No. C3082 (Project); rejecting the bids from NV Construction and JPB Designs as non-responsive and accepting the bid submitted by Streamline Builders for the Project; authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract in the amount of $336,018 with Streamline Builders and to approve change orders in an amount not to exceed $33,602 for the construction of the Project; and amending the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Adopted Budget and Capital Improvement Program to appropriate $75,000 from the General Fund Balance for the Project.
Contact: Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding space for maintenance staff to access the facilities costs to the general fund, Prop 68 grant delay, available measure H funding, availability of unrestricted funds, and location of bocci ball court.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Fadelli/Mayor Pro Tem
Rudnick Action: Approved Resolution 2023-75. Ayes: Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None B. Purchase Authorization and Budget Amendment for up to Two 10/03/2023 City Council Minutes Page 5 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: D1BC2ECD-30D7-4746-95D5-36C3EA7D3670 Residential Recycling Collection Trucks
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to purchase through the Sourcewell bid process up to two residential recycling collection trucks at a total cost not to exceed $1,100,000 and amending the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Adopted Budget to appropriate $1,100,000 from the Integrated Waste Management Fund balance for the purchase of the trucks.
Contact: Susan Kattchee, Interim Operations & Environmental Services Manager, Public Works Department; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding privatized collection services, number of vehicles authorized versus purchased, grants for electric vehicles, green hydrogen vehicles, documentation regarding unreliability and need for replacement, potential to wait to purchase and look into electric vehicles, amount authorized per vehicle, electric infrastructure needs, and cost difference between two vehicles.
Public Comments:
Howdy Goudy - spoke against the recommended action for diesel trucks and in support of purchasing an electric vehicle instead.
Linda Cain - commented on personal experience of changing to electric vehicle.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Quinto/Councilmember Fadelli Action: Adopted Resolution 2023-76 with the following
modification: Changing from two to one vehicle purchase with an amount not to exceed $550,000; and provided staff direction to look further into putting funds towards modifications for electric vehicle infrastructure. Ayes: Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
C. Amendment to City Manager Employment Agreement
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution approving a Second
Amendment to the Employment Agreement with the City Manager to extend the agreement to December 31, 2024.
Contact: City Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee Sky Woodruff, City Attorney, City Management
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding eco-vehicle allowance.
Public Comments:
10/03/2023 City Council Minutes Page 6 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: D1BC2ECD-30D7-4746-95D5-36C3EA7D3670 Howdy Goudey - spoke in support of the proposed action with more description for eco-friendly and concern regarding prior comments made by staff.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Quinto/Councilmember Fadelli Action: Approved Resolution 2023-77. Ayes: Mayor Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
9. CITY COUNCIL LOCAL & REGIONAL LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS
Mayor and City Council communications regarding local and regional liaison assignments, committee reports, and any required reporting under AB 1234 for meetings (as defined by the Brown Act) attended at the public'sexpense.
Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick - reported attendance and presentation on a panel at the Cal Cities annual conference.
Councilmember Quinto - reported attendance at the Cal Cities annual conference.
Councilmember Fadelli - announced West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Commission (WCCTAC) project grant awards in West Contra Costa County.
Mayor Motoyama - reported attendance at the Cal Cities annual conference, El Cerrito Play Like a Girl + event, library workshop, 5th Anniversary event for Make El Cerrito Fire Safe, El Cerrito Policy Swearing in Ceremony, and Dave's Hot Chicken ribbon cutting.
10. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The regular meeting adjourned at 8:08 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 October 3, 2023 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
0 Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
10/03/2023 City Council Minutes Page 7 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: D1BC2ECD-30D7-4746-95D5-36C3EA7D3670