Mayor Councilmembers
Tessa Rudnick Paul Fadelli
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger Gabriel Quinto
EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2024
View:
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 #.
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. 6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Rudnick called the meeting to order at 6:03 PM.
Present: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Quinto Absent:
None
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
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)
City Council Chambers - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito Closed Captions available Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86962354978?pwd=PQSIueOxUVri7yNMcYdt5VQaB1O2M5.1 Meeting ID: 869 6235 4978 Password: 858934 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 03/05/2024 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: E88676B0-4F8E-4532-89A2-825A3FBF08E2
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OR OBSERVATION OF A
MOMENT OF SILENCE
3. TELECONFERENCE AND PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
4. 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.
Police Chief Keith - provided an update on arrest of individual responsible for a hate crime incident at a January protest.
City Manager Pinkos announced the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony for the Del Norte Complete Streets project.
Councilmember Motoyama - announced election and reminder to vote, polls are open until 8PM.
Councilmember Fadelli - reminder to vote tonight, thanked Dick Patterson for his 10 years of service on the City's Financial Advisory Board.
Councilmember Quinto announced an upcoming trip to the National League of Cities City Congressional Conference.
A. Police Department Employee Recognition for Officer of the Year, Professional Staff of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year.
Action Proposed: Approve 1) a proclamation commending and congratulating Officer Kenneth Hashimoto as Officer of the Year and 2) a proclamation commending and congratulating Records Specialist Veronica Ceja as Professional Staff of the Year and 3) a proclamation commending and congratulating Volunteer Allen Cain as Volunteer of the Year.
Contact: Paul Keith, Chief of Police, El Cerrito Police Department (Item heard out of order)
Public Comment:
Cordell Hindler - Spoke in support of the officers' recognition and service.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger Action: Approved the proclamations. Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Quinto Noes: None
B. American Red Cross Month Proclamation
Action Proposed: Pass a motion to approve a proclamation declaring March 2024 as American Red Cross Month in the City of El Cerrito and encouraging all Americans to support this organization and its noble humanitarian mission.
03/05/2024 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: E88676B0-4F8E-4532-89A2-825A3FBF08E2 Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management (Item heard out of order)
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Quinto/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Approved proclamation. Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Quinto Noes: None
5. 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.
Stuart Sonatina - spoke regarding the need for increased safety for bicyclists.
Cordell Hindler - suggested presentations by East Bay Regional Parks District on 30x30 initiative, the port of Oakland current initiatives, and safety concerns on Ashbury Ave. regarding speeding.
Robin Winton - commented on tree removal at the top of Moeser Lane by PG&E and the need for communication in managing the area.
Jessica N., Faith M, Dean Kertesz, Rochelle Nason, Jeff Rosenfield, Dorthea Dorenz, Elaine Stelton - spoke against a council ceasefire resolution Paola Sensi-Isolani, Miguel Gravelle, Walla Oriqat, Somaia Nassef, Toby Blume, Fred Bialy, Sonia - spoke in support of a council ceasefire resolution.
Rayah James - spoke regarding prior actions taken by council and harassment experienced in El Cerrito.
Rabbi Yanky Bell - expressed gratitude to the council for their service to the City.
6. PRESENTATIONS
B. Classification and Compensation Study
Action Proposed: Receive and file a presentation from Koff and Associates on the findings from the Citywide Classification and Compensation Study.
Contact: Shannon Bassi, Senior Human Resources Analyst; Alexandra Orologas, Assistant City Manager, City Management
03/05/2024 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: E88676B0-4F8E-4532-89A2-825A3FBF08E2 Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding new classifications, analysis on compensation trends, compaction, philosophy for addressing needs, methodology for selected comparison cities, and connection between the size of the city and compensation of the positions.
Public Comments:
Cordell Hindler - spoke in support of the action.
Action: Received and filed
7. 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 Motoyama Action:
Approved items A, C-H on the consent calendar as indicated below. Ayes:
Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Quinto Noes: None A. Women's History Month Proclamation
Action Proposed: Pass a motion to approve a proclamation designating March as “Women’s History Month” and March 8, 2024 as “International Women’s Day" in the City of El Cerrito.
Contact: Shannon Bassi, Senior Human Resources Analyst, City Management
Action: Approved proclamation
C. Arbor Week Proclamation
Action Proposed: Pass a motion to approve a proclamation declaring March 7 through March 14, 2024, as El Cerrito Arbor Week and urging all community members to observe and celebrate by planting and caring for trees and participating in City Arbor Week activities for our own benefit and for the benefit of future generations.
Contact: Stephen Prée, Environmental Programs Manager, Public Works Department
Action: Approved proclamation
D. Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Proclamation
Action Proposed: Pass a motion to approve a proclamation declaring March 2024 as Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month in the City of El Cerrito.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Approved proclamation
03/05/2024 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: E88676B0-4F8E-4532-89A2-825A3FBF08E2 E. Environmental Quality Committee Appointment Recommendations Action Proposed: Approve an Environmental Quality Committee recommendation to reappoint Fred Bialy, Sean O’Connor, and Simrun Dhoot, and to appoint Seth Shonkoff and Heather Hayashi to the Environmental Quality Committee, effective March 6, 2024.
Contact: Christina Leard, Management Analyst III; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Approved appointments
F. Authorization to Amend Professional Services Contract with 4Leaf, Inc. to Increase Contract Authority to Provide Additional and Building Services
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the professional services contract with 4Leaf, Inc. increasing their contract authority from $750,000 for fiscal year 2024, to $1,750,000 to provide staffing to cover staff vacancies and building services.
Contact: Jennifer Bright, Management Assistant, Community Development Department; Melanie Mintz, Community Development Director, Community Development Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2024-10
G. Resolution in Support of the Mayfair Affordable Project Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution supporting the issuance of Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds or Notes (Bonds) by the County of Contra Costa (County) to finance the construction of 69 affordable housing units located at 11690 San Pablo Avenue (Project) for Mayfair Affordable LLC (Developer), an affiliate of BRIDGE Housing Corporation.
Contact: Aissia Ashoori, Housing-Economic Development Manager; Melanie Mintz, Community Development Director
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2024-11
H. Resolution Authorizing the Prohousing Incentive Program Application
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing staff to apply for the Prohousing Incentive Program.
Contact: Aissia Ashoori, Housing-Economic Development Manager; Melanie Mintz, Community Development Director, Community Development Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2024-12
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
03/05/2024 City Council Minutes Page 5 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: E88676B0-4F8E-4532-89A2-825A3FBF08E2
9. POLICY MATTERS
A. Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement for Legal Services with Redwood Public Law LLP and naming Sky Woodruff to continue serving as City Attorney Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement for legal services with Redwood Public Law LLP and naming Sky Woodruff to continue serving as City Attorney.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Public Comments:
Cordell Hindler - spoke in support of the action.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger Action: Approved Resolution No. 2024-13. Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Quinto Noes: None
B. Fiscal Year 2023-24 Midyear Budget Update
Action Proposed: Receive an update on City revenues and expenditures for the first six months of the Fiscal Year through December 31, 2023 and adopt a Resolution authorizing appropriation increases to the FY 2023-24 budget totaling $3,034,754 from all funds, including an appropriation of $2,446,754 from the Unrestricted General Fund Balance, to cover a shortfall in budgeted revenues, higher-than-anticipated expenditures, and support Council-approved projects; and authorize the carry forward of $1 million from the General Fund and $651,531.55 from special revenue and enterprise funds for purchase orders authorized during FY 2022-23 but completed in FY 2023-24.
Contact: Claire Coleman, Budget/Financial Services Manager; Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding insurance rate increases, real property transfer tax, unfunded liability, timing of appropriations for authorized expenses, purchase order carry over, investment of church purchase, and monthly budget status worksheet.
Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.
Cordell Hindler - spoke regarding staffing levels and vacancies.
John Stashik - commented on the passage and revenues received under Measure R.
03/05/2024 City Council Minutes Page 6 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: E88676B0-4F8E-4532-89A2-825A3FBF08E2 Linda Cain - spoke regarding the work of the council and finance staff, and the need for a senior center.
Action: Received and filed
10. 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 Wysinger - announced upcoming meeting of West County School Systems Change Collaborative.
Councilmember Motoyama - reported on attendance at the City Arts and Culture Commission, Park and Recreation Commission meeting, Advisory Body Ad-Hoc meeting, served on a panel at Goldman School of Public Policy, and served on a panel for a local Girl Scout Troop.
Councilmember Fadelli - reported on attendance at East Bay Cal Cities event.
Councilmember Quinto- reported on attendance at East Bay Cal Cities event.
Mayor Rudnick - reported on attendance at East Bay Cal Cities event, Unity Rally in San Francisco, and Crime Prevention Committee meeting.
11. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
The regular meeting adjourned at 8:52 PM
Tessa Rudnick, Mayor
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the City Council meeting of March 5, 2024 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
03/05/2024 City Council Minutes Page 7 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: E88676B0-4F8E-4532-89A2-825A3FBF08E2