Mayor Councilmembers
Tessa Rudnick Paul Fadelli
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger Gabriel Quinto
EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 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, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Quinto Absent: Mayor Pro Tem 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
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING (5:00 PM)
Hillside Conference Room - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito
CONCURRENT SPECIAL MEETING OF THE EL CERRITO PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY AND 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/87527119221?pwd=U2NbY5ENdnUt9WI3zbqEplOWXweP2P.1 Meeting ID: 875 2711 9221 Password: 420247 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 06/04/2024 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 7
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); Public Safety Management Association; and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1021.
Contact: Sky Woodruff, City Attorney, City Management
City Council convened to closed session at 5:01 PM. No reportable action.
4. ADJOURN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The special meeting adjourned at 5:43 PM
6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE CONCURRENT SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
EL CERRITO PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY AND REGULAR CITY
COUNCIL MEETING
Mayor Rudnick called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM.
Present: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger (arrived at 7:22 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
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.
City Manager Pinkos - announced June 5th Town hall Zoom meeting with Police Department, update on Plaza Bart TOD ministerial approval of the masterplan, and upcoming June 11 Library workshop.
Public Works Director Ortiz - provided an update on the No Parking on Red Flag Warning days pilot program.
Councilmember Motoyama - announced June 8th Maker Faire at Hana Gardens, June 20th Stege Sanitary district public hearing for rate increases. 06/04/2024 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: FDD4D7A0-6F45-4E71-8DA9-8C4252C93DCF Councilmember Quinto - reflected on the first Pride Flag raising ceremony in 2013 as Chair of Human Relations Commission.
Councilmember Fadelli - announced June 5th El Cerrito High School Graduation.
Mayor Rudnick- announced the formal disbandment of the Advisory Body AdHoc Committee formed on 3/21/2023 as the work has concluded.
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.
BJ, Faith M., Jeff Rosenfield, Dean Kertesz - spoke in opposition of a council ceasefire resolution.
Carolyn Muth, Somaia N. - spoke in support of a ceasefire resolution.
Dilani - commented regarding auto vandalism on Navellier and the need for speed bumps and surveillance camera and
Bradley Dunn - expressed condolences for the passing of Howard Abelson, provided an update on upcoming BART construction project replacing interlocking equipment in June, and effects on red line services.
Buddy Akacic - commented regarding the upcoming senior tour of the veterans building on Stockton Ave.
Barbara Chan - provided comments regarding consideration for construction of a new library on the existing site.
Denise Sangster - expressed concerns regarding modifications to Arlington Park barbeque structure.
6. PRESENTATIONS
A. Update on the Hillside Natural Area Fire Resilience and Forest Conservation Management Plan
Action Proposed: Receive and file an update, including proposed major recommendations, for the Hillside Natural Area (HNA) Fire Resilience and Forest Conservation Management Plan.
06/04/2024 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: FDD4D7A0-6F45-4E71-8DA9-8C4252C93DCF Contact: Stephen Prée, Environmental Programs Manager; Karineh Samkian, Senior Program Manager, Public Works Department; Chase Beckman, Battalion Chief, Fire Department
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding funding sources, incorporation of additional comments, guidelines from property line versus building, bike use in Hillside Natural Area, areas included in the plan, if the scope of the grants received include pricing, public comments received, sub-consultant cost breakdown.
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 Quinto/Councilmember Motoyama Action:
Approved the consent calendar as indicated below. Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto Noes: None Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger
A. National Night Out Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation calling upon all residents of the City of El Cerrito to participate in "National Night Out" on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.
Contact: Emily Graham, Executive Assistant, Police Department Action: Approved proclamation
B. Loving Day Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation declaring June 12, 2024 as Loving Day in the City of El Cerrito, and encourage people to reflect on the Loving family and all of the pioneers who have and will continue to fight for the civil right to love.
Contact: Shannon Bassi, Senior Human Resources Analyst, City Management
Action: Approved proclamation
C. LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation declaring the month of June as Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender/Transsexual,
Queer/Questioning, Intersex and Agender/Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Pride month in the City of El Cerrito and recognize Pride Month by flying the Progress Pride flag at City Hall during the month of June.
Contact: Shannon Bassi, Senior Human Resources Analyst, City Management
Action: Approved proclamation
06/04/2024 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: FDD4D7A0-6F45-4E71-8DA9-8C4252C93DCF D. Juneteenth Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation in support and recognition of Juneteenth on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 and further recognize Juneteenth by flying the flag at City Hall June 17-19, 2024.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Approved proclamation
E. Environmental Quality Committee Reappointment Recommendation Action Proposed: Approve an Environmental Quality Committee recommendation to reappoint Paloma Pavel to the Environmental Quality Committee, effective June 5, 2024.
Contact: Christina Leard, Management Analyst III, Public Works Department; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer Action: Approved reappointment
F. Resolution to Amend the City's ClassificationPlan
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution amending the City's Classification Plan to authorize revisions to the existing classifications of Recreation Director, Recreation Supervisor, Community Development Director, Planning Manager, Senior Planner, Building Official, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Budget and Financial Services Manager, Senior Accountant, Accountant II, and Public Safety Executive Assistant. Contact: Shannon Bassi, Senior Human Resources Analyst, City Management
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2024-35
G. Consulting Services Agreements for On-Call Engineering and Project Management Services
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute consulting services agreements with three firms, BKF Engineers, CSW/Stuber-Stroeh Engineering Group (CSW), and Avila Project Management to provide On-call Engineering and Project Management services for three years with options to extend for an additional two years in an amount not to exceed $250,000 per fiscal year for each agreement.
Contact: A’shanti Coleman, Management Assistant, Public Works Department; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer Action: Approved Resolution No. 2024-36
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Annual Review and Renewal of the Military Equipment Ordinance Action Proposed: Conduct a public hearing, and upon conclusion, adopt a resolution approving the El Cerrito Police Department Military Equipment Report for 2023 and the Military Equipment Policy, including 06/04/2024 City Council Minutes Page 5 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: FDD4D7A0-6F45-4E71-8DA9-8C4252C93DCF an updated Equipment Inventory, and renewing Ordinance 2022-01.
Contact: Paul Keith, Chief, El Cerrito Police Department Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding limited drone use and need for additional units, public feedback, and use for sub-machine guns.
Public Hearing: Mayor Rudnick opened the public hearing.
Barbara Chan - commented on the reason and need for sub-machine guns.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Fadelli Action: Closed the public hearing Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Quinto Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Quinto/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Approved Resolution No. 2024-37 Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Quinto Noes: None Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger
9. POLICY MATTERS
A. Creation of New Community Safety Committee and Elimination of Crime Prevention Committee
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution rescinding Resolution 2001-105 and disbanding the Crime Prevention Committee, and forming a new Community Safety Committee
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding the perspective of current members.
Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Fadelli/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Approved Resolution No. 2024-38 Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Motoyama Noes: Councilmember Quinto Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger
B. CITY COUNCIL/PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY ITEM Proposed Fiscal Year 2024-25 and 2025-26 Biennial Budget
Action Proposed: Receive and file the Draft Proposed Fiscal Year 2024- 06/04/2024 City Council Minutes Page 6 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: FDD4D7A0-6F45-4E71-8DA9-8C4252C93DCF 25 and 2025-26 City Biennial Budget and provide direction to staff as necessary.
Contact: Karen Pinkos, City Manager; Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer; Claire Coleman, Budget/Financial Services Manager, Finance Department
Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger arrived at 7:22 PM.
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding definition of a balanced budget and million dollar surplus goal, approach to addressing how close the budget balance is and knowing other costs will be coming in the future, medical cost allocation study, importance of Measure R renewal, inclusion of the state audit response in the budget document, color scheme modifications for graphs to increased accessibility, reasons for lower expenditures in the second fiscal year, incorporation of public feedback in the document, and increased details of an assumption.
Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.
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 the Financial Advisory Board meeting, and church property walk through.
Councilmember Quinto - reported on attendance at Chevron Refinery Pride Flag ceremony.
11. ADJOURN CONCURRENT SPECIAL MEETING OF THE EL CERRITO PUBLIC
FINANCING AUTHORITY AND REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING IN
MEMORY OF HOWARD ABELSON, FORMER EL CERRITO MAYOR
The regular meeting adjourned at 8:48 PM in memory of former Mayor and Councilmember Howard Abelson.
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 June 4, 2024 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
06/04/2024 City Council Minutes Page 7 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: FDD4D7A0-6F45-4E71-8DA9-8C4252C93DCF