Mayor Councilmembers
Tessa Rudnick Paul Fadelli
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger Gabriel Quinto
EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2024
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 #.
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. 5:00 PM ROLL CALL - CONVENE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Rudnick called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.
Present: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger (arrived at 5:31 PM), 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
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING (5:00 PM)
Hillside Conference Room - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)
Council Chambers - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito
Closed Captions Available Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87989608293?pwd=amKTx07z0nu8asKrW18fU8jOUXA36K.1 Meeting ID: 879 8960 8293 Password: 528349 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 05/21/2024 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 8
DocuSign Envelope ID: FDD4D7A0-6F45-4E71-8DA9-8C4252C93DCF
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. 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: Police Employees Association (PEA) Contact: Sky Woodruff, City Attorney, City Management
The City Council convened to closed session at 5:01 PM, no reportable action.
4. ADJOURN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The special meeting adjourned at 5:36 PM
6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Rudnick called the meeting to order at 6:01 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
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.
Councilmember Motoyama - congratulated the El Cerrito High School Jazz ensemble and Quintet on winning the 2024 California Jazz Championship.
Councilmember Fadelli - announced fundraising efforts for upcoming El Cerrito July 4th Event, and city work on Arlington Park improvements, and new pedestrian assistance mechanisms at Stockton and San Pablo.
Mayor Rudnick - provided an update on the construction on the north side of town; announced Safety Element Community workshop on May 30th and Baxter Creek Cleanup on June 2nd; and reported letters of support submitted for 16 pieces of legislation related to retail theft.
05/21/2024 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 8
DocuSign Envelope ID: FDD4D7A0-6F45-4E71-8DA9-8C4252C93DCF
6. PRESENTATIONS
A. Revised Maps of Earthquake Fault Zones and Seismic Hazard Zones Action Proposed: Receive and file a brief overview of the recently modified maps of El Cerrito's Earthquake Fault Zones and Seismic Hazard Zones
Contact: Jeremy Lancaster, State Geologist, California Department of Conservation
(Item taken out of Order)
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding home insurance industry use, availability of the maps, landslide and liquification zones inclusion, and data sources.
Action: Received and filed
A. The Wildcat 4-H Club’s 10th Anniversary Proclamation Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation recognizing the Wildcat 4-H Club's 10th Anniversary and their years of youth focused service in El Cerrito.
Contact: Will Provost, Assistant to the City Manager, City Management (Item taken out of Order)
Pulled from Consent by Mayor Rudnick
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Mayor Rudnick
Action: Approved proclamation Ayes: None Noes: None
Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Quinto Absent: 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.
Michael Fischer - commented on the importance of a new, safe, and accessible library, announced upcoming author speaking events.
Sue Duncan - thanked city staff for work on restrict parking program on red flag warning days.
05/21/2024 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 8
DocuSign Envelope ID: FDD4D7A0-6F45-4E71-8DA9-8C4252C93DCF Rosa Esquivel - as the Contra Costa Transportation Authority Citizen Advisory Committee appointee, announced upcoming meeting and need for public comments on upcoming projects.
Buddy Akacic - commented regarding nomination of Janet Abelson to the Wall of Fame, contributions and need for a senior center, revitalization of the grounds at the community center, and announced upcoming community events.
Yuko, Fred Bialy, Toby Blome, Somaia N., - support of a city council ceasefire resolution.
Dean Kertesz, Faith M., B.L., Lucinda Casson, Dee Weiss, Samual Salkin, Dorothea Dorenz - spoke in opposition of a council ceasefire resolution.
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.
Council recessed at 7:02 PM and reconvened at 7:07 PM
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Fadelli/Councilmember Quinto Action:
Approved the consent calendar as indicated below. Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Quinto Noes: None
B. Jewish American Heritage Month Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation declaring the Month of May 2024 as Jewish American Heritage Month in the City of El Cerrito.
Contact: Shannon Bassi, Senior Human Resources Analyst, City Management
Action: Approved proclamation
C. Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation in recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Approved proclamation
D. Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for April2024 Action Proposed: Receive and file the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for the month of April 2024.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
05/21/2024 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 8
DocuSign Envelope ID: FDD4D7A0-6F45-4E71-8DA9-8C4252C93DCF E. FY 2023-24 Third Quarter Cash and Investment Report
Action Proposed: Receive and file the City's Third Quarter Cash and Investment Report for the period January 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
F. Resolution to Amend the City's ClassificationPlan
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution amending the City's Classification Plan to 1) authorize revisions to the existing classifications of Public Works Director/City Engineer, Recycling Operations Supervisor, Maintenance Operations Supervisor, Associate Engineer, Senior Engineer, Program Manager, and Senior Program Manager and 2) authorize new classifications of Environmental Services Manager and Facilities and Maintenance Manager.
Contact: Shannon Bassi, Senior Human Resources Analyst, City Management
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2024-31
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. FY 2024-25 Master Fee Schedule
Notice Published 5/11/24 and 5/17/24
Action Proposed: Conduct a public hearing, and upon conclusion adopt a resolution approving the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Master Fee Schedule.
Contact: Claire Coleman, Budget/Financial Services Manager, Finance Department
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding percent increase for last fiscal year, costs for citywide fee study, spending authority for the City Manager, clubhouse rental fees, pickle ball fees, Hana Gardens rentals, parking permits, rent registry participation, low parking violation fees, and consideration for a program to waive neighborhood public safety related permit fees.
Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger left at 7:33 PM and returned at 7:40 PM.
Public Hearing: Mayor Rudnick opened the public hearing.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Quinto/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Close Public Hearing. Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Quinto Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Fadelli Action: Approve Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, 05/21/2024 City Council Minutes Page 5 of 8
DocuSign Envelope ID: FDD4D7A0-6F45-4E71-8DA9-8C4252C93DCF Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Quinto Noes: None Absent:
Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger
B. Public Hearing to Confirm the Diagram and to Levy the Assessment for Fiscal Year 2024-25 for Landscape and Lighting Assessment District No. 1988-1
Notice Published 5/11/2024
Action Proposed: Conduct a public hearing, and upon conclusion adopt a resolution setting the annual Landscape and Lighting Assessment for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 as $72 per single-family residential parcel, and as noted in the Engineer’s Report for other classes of properties.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department; 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 shortfall covered by general fund, and proposition 218 election process.
Public Hearing: Mayor Rudnick opened the public hearing.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Quinto/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Closed the Public Hearing. Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Quinto Noes: None
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Quinto Action: Approved Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Quinto Noes: None
C. Public Hearing regarding Fiscal Year 2024-25 Storm Drain Annual Report and method of collecting storm drain fees
Notice Published 5/11/24 & 5/17/24 2/3 vote required to pass Action Proposed: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion adopt a resolution approving the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Storm Drain Annual Report and directing that Storm Drain Fees be collected on the property tax rolls.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/Treasurer, Finance Department; 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 debt service pay off.
Public Hearing: Mayor Rudnick opened the public hearing.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Quinto/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Closed the public hearing Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem 05/21/2024 City Council Minutes Page 6 of 8
DocuSign Envelope ID: FDD4D7A0-6F45-4E71-8DA9-8C4252C93DCF Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Quinto Noes: None
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Fadelli Action: Approved Resolution No. 2024-34 Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Quinto Noes: None
9. POLICY MATTERS
A. FY 2023-24 General Fund Budget Quarterly Update through March 2024
Action Proposed: Receive and file an update on City General Fund revenues and expenses for FY 2023-24 through March 2024.
Contact: 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 the timing of April property taxes received, and recreation program revenues.
Action: Received and filed
B. Fiscal Year 2024-25 and 2025-26 Budget Study Session Action Proposed: Receive a presentation from City Departments and conduct a study session on the FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26 Proposed Budget, including:
• Department Overview and Staffing
• Review of FY 2023-24 Department Highlights and
Accomplishments
• FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26 Department Focus and
Workplan/Operations
Contact: Karen Pinkos, City Manager, City Management
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding duties of the eliminated Management Assistant position in City Management, focus on financial system improvements, recreation revenues, cost recovery versus equity, transit services, next steps for pickle ball implementation, public works efforts towards vegetation management, police funding for retail theft and violent crime tools, police drone usage, civilian Fire Marshall effectiveness, status of Kensington station construction, wildfire prevention coordination, hotel development status, and affordable housing grants.
Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the 05/21/2024 City Council Minutes Page 7 of 8
DocuSign Envelope ID: FDD4D7A0-6F45-4E71-8DA9-8C4252C93DCF meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.
Dan Schulman - commented on library funding, street safety, ticketing with traffic cameras, and recreation sign up.
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.
Councilmember Motoyama - reported on attendance at Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Asian American Heritage celebration, Association of Bay Area Governments Executive Board meeting.
Councilmember - reported on attendance at community tree committee meeting, and Marin Clean Energy meeting.
Fadelli - reported on attendance at West Contra Costa Transportation Authority conference.
Mayor Rudnick - reported on attendance at Recyclemore meeting, Recreation Tea Party event, ribbon cutting for a new preschool, and Glide Memorial Church memorial for Cecil Williams.
11. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The regular meeting adjourned at 10:43
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 May 21, 2024 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
05/21/2024 City Council Minutes Page 8 of 8
DocuSign Envelope ID: FDD4D7A0-6F45-4E71-8DA9-8C4252C93DCF