Agenda packet — El Cerrito City Council, November 19, 2024 (part 2 of 2)

General Fund Budget Update
Quarter 1 FY 2024-25
07/01/24 – 09/30/24

INTRODUCTION
The City of El Cerrito is pleased to submit the Quarter 1 FY 2024-25 General Fund Budget Update, for the period 07/01/24 through 09/30/24. The report provides a high-level overview of the City's status on the budget, with expenditures by department, showing unaudited actuals.

GENERAL FUND REVENUES
FY 2024-25 General Fund revenue is budgeted at $51.4 million. Table 1 shows the year-to-date revenues by classification, and Table 2 shows the year-to-date revenues by department. As of September 30, 2024, tax revenues are at 8% of budget, primarily due to revenue cycles for property taxes—the largest income source for the City—which are received in December and April and consequently not reflected in Quarter 1 revenue actuals. Taxes partially received during Quarter 1 include business license taxes, utility users’ taxes, sales taxes, and real property transfer taxes (July and August only). Overall General Fund Revenues for Quarter 1 are at 14% of the total FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget, which is in line with the 14% received for Quarter 1 FY 2023-24.

Table 1 reflects real property transfer taxes for the months of July and August only, as September funds (totaling $287,286) were received in October and will be reflected in the FY 2024-25 Mid-year Budget Update.

Adding the September real property transfer tax funds to the Quarter 1 revenue actuals results in year-to-date revenue of $832,766 or 27% of the Adopted Budget. Property transfer taxes are performing slightly over the projected amount in the FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget, which is higher than the prior fiscal year at 9%. Staff will continue to monitor revenue streams closely and will report back to the City Council at mid-year.

Table 1
General Fund Revenue – Classification
Quarter 1
Classification Budget Amount YTD – Q1
Actuals
% of
Budget
Prior YTD – Q1
Actuals
Property Taxes $16,461,935 $- 0% $-
Sales Taxes 4,517,790 $403,823 9% $239,214
Transient Occupancy Taxes 100,000 - 0% -
Measure R Sales Tax 4,459,000 306,825 7% 309,969
Franchise Taxes 1,380,000 - 0% -
Business License Taxes 1,182,817 1,010,346 8% 964,922
Property Transfer Taxes 3,000,000 545,480 18% 403,642
Utility Users' Taxes 3,694,260 369,449 10% 503,060
Other Taxes 1,500 - 0% 1,238
Taxes Totals $34,797,302 $2,635,923 8% $2,422,045
Licenses & Permits 1,007,000 598,912 59% 320,046
Fines & Forfeitures 130,000 35,798 28% 49,828
Use of Money and Property 957,000 125,489 13% 362,475
Intergovernmental Revenues 5,334,401 741,136 14% 905,519 Charges for Services Totals 7,528,702 2,975,086 40% 2,372,305 Other Revenue Totals 630,000 63,603 10% 62,926
Other Financing Sources Totals 1,002,039 251,428 25% 245,213 Totals $51,386,444 $7,427,375 14% $6,740,357
Agenda Packet Page 196 of 248

Page 2 of 3 ends

Table 2
General Fund Revenues – Department
Quarter 1
Revenue Budget Amount YTD – Q1
Actuals
% of
Budget
Prior YTD – Q1
Actuals
Administration $11,500 $5,934 52% $2,504
Community Development 2,517,396 1,067,142 42% 1,062,808 Fire 5,384,101 746,570 14% 516,235
Non-departmental 37,083,964 2,909,808 8% 2,933,353
Police 186,000 49,781 27% 49,380
Public Works 599,132 132,899 22% 269,141
Recreation 5,604,351 2,515,241 45% 1,906,936
Totals $51,386,444 $7,427,375 14% $6,740,357

GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES
General Fund expenditures are budgeted at $51.4 million for FY 2024-25. Tables 3 and 4 show the expenditures year-to-date by classification and by department, respectively. Departments are on track for Quarter 1 at 28% of budgeted expenditures. This is slightly above the Quarter 1 FY 2023-24 expenditures at 25%.

As in previous fiscal years, Personnel is the largest component of General Fund expenditures (73%).

Departments have continued to fill vacant positions, and we are now trending at 26% of budgeted expenditures. This is slightly higher than Quarter 1 FY 2023-24 at 24%.

The City has previously paid the annual workers compensation premium in two annual installments. This year the City paid the entire $1 million premium at the beginning of the fiscal year which was allocated to departments as of the payment date; this increased expenditures by about $500,000 compared to the prior fiscal year. In Table 3, the actual expenditures reflected in the “Other Purchased Services” classification includes the one-time full fiscal year’s annual insurance premiums which are paid each year in July; in Table 4 expenditures reflected for the Administration Department include the one-time full fiscal year’s annual payments. The City also pre-paid the CalPERS UAL contribution in full for FY 2024-25 at the beginning of the fiscal year. Since the UAL payment is significant in its amount of $6.9 million, the City elected to record this as a pre-paid amount and an allocation is done monthly to show a more accurate representation for budget comparison, as this is how it was presented in previous fiscal years.

Table 3
General Fund Expenditures – Classification
Quarter 1
Classification Budget Amount YTD – Q1
Actuals
% of
Budget
Prior YTD – Q1
Actuals
Personnel $37,627,934 $9,888,132 26% $8,529,690
Purchased Professional & Technical Services 5,007,187 889,189 18% 915,970 Purchased Property Services 2,194,905 358,919 16% 277,293 Other Purchased Services 3,852,088 2,458,340 64% 2,025,341 Supplies 876,170 179,557 20% 168,400
Property & Capital 496,056 30,847 6% 53,671
Financing Costs 539,823 54,909 10% 106,631
Other Financing Uses 758,329 379,164 50% 291,382
Totals $51,352,492 $14,239,057 28% $12,368,378
Agenda Packet Page 197 of 248

Page 3 of 3 ends

Table 4
General Fund Expenditures – Department
Quarter 1
Expenditures Budget Amount YTD – Q1
Actuals
% of
Budget
Prior YTD – Q1
Actuals
Administration $7,669,160 $3,210,197 42% $2,822,721
Police 3,897,923 743,555 19% 602,907
Fire 15,213,744 4,208,967 28% 3,490,729
Public Works 882,691 309,969 35% 307,992
Community Development 14,574,609 3,469,868 24% 3,061,591 Recreation 2,463,130 471,231 19% 446,575
Non-departmental 6,651,235 1,825,270 27% 1,635,863
Totals $51,352,492 $14,239,057 28% $12,368,378

CONCLUSION
The City of El Cerrito is currently on track to meet our FY 2024-25 budget goals. Revenues are not received in equal quarterly releases, primarily due to the biannual funding cycle (December and April) for property taxes.

Expenditures are on track, with departments spending approximately 28% of their annual budget in Quarter 1.

Staff is continuously monitoring revenue and expenditure trends. Any trends indicating a need for budget adjustments are determined after the completion of Quarter 2 and will be reported to City Council at the FY 2024- 25 Mid-year budget session.

Agenda Packet Page 198 of 248

AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 9.D.

Date: November 19, 2024
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management
Subject: City Council Wall of Fame Program Revisions

ACTION PROPOSED
Consider the Wall of Fame Ad-Hoc Committee’s recommendation to adopt a Resolution revising the Policy for Nomination and Selection of Wall of Fame Inductees, and repeal Resolution No. 2017-80.

BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
On August 20, 2024 the Mayor formed an Ad-Hoc committee comprised of Mayor Rudnick and Councilmember Motoyama for the purpose of reviewing nominations received for the Wall of Fame program. On September 17, 2024 the Mayor expanded the ad-hoc purpose to include review of the Wall of Fame guidelines and procedures.

The ad-hoc met on November 2, 2024 and drafted proposed modifications to the Policy for nomination and selection of inductees. In summary, the modifications include the following:
• Shifting to a biennial application period, with nominations due by July 1st in odd numbered years.
• Creating flexibility in the review process to allow for interviews with third parties to gather additional information, rather than require them. • Aligning recognition with current practices and social media outreach, as well as recognition at a City event open to the public.
• Adding nomination priority to living residents.
• Adding the restriction of a seated member of City Council to submit a nomination.
• Clarifying that letters of recommendations should be from more than one source, as well as not solely based on letters of support from City Advisory Bodies.

Should the City Council choose to adopt the revised Resolution, Resolution 2017-80, adopted by City Council on November 21, 2017 would also be repealed.

STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
This action supports the City’s Strategic Plan Goal(s) of:
• Livability and Belonging by recognizing members of the community for their contributions.

Agenda Packet Page 199 of 248
Agenda Item No. 9.D.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
This section is not applicable to this agenda item.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
This section is not applicable to this agenda item.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
This section is not applicable to this agenda item.

Reviewed by:

Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Attachments:

1. Resolution (Redline)

2. Resolution (Clean)
Agenda Packet Page 200 of 248
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-XX

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO REVISING

THE POLICY FOR NOMINATION AND SELECTION OF WALL OF FAME INDUCTEES AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION 2017-80
WHEREAS, in 2008 the City Council formed an Ad-Hoc committee and subsequently adopted Resolution No. 2008-77 approving committee recommendations to modify the nomination and selection process for the Wall of Fame program; and WHEREAS, in 2017 the City Council formed an Ad-Hoc committee and subsequently adopted Resolution No. 2017-70 approving committee recommendations regarding program criteria and methods of display; and
WHEREAS, on August 20, 2024 the Mayor assigned an Ad-Hoc committee comprised of Mayor Rudnick and Councilmember Motoyama to review wall of fame applications; and
WHERES, on September 17, 2024 Mayor Rudnick expanded the charge of the committee to include a review of the Wall of Fame guidelines and procedures.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of El Cerrito that it hereby rescinds Resolution No. 2017-70 and adopts a revised Wall of Fame Policy as follows:

Section 1: PROCESS FOR NOMINATION AND SELECTION OF

APPOINTMENTS TO THE WALL OF FAME
A. Wall of Fame City Council Subcommittees shall consist of two members of the City Council who will be appointed on an ad-hoc basis by the Mayor for the purpose of reviewing nomination(s) for the Wall of Fame and may make a recommendation regarding an appointment to the City Council.

B. An application deadline of July 1st of every odd numbered years is established for nominations to the Wall of Fame. Any application received by the City will be held until the next application deadline for consideration. The City will advertise the program leading up to the deadline.

C. After July 1st of each year, tThe City Clerk will provide copies of all nomination packages, if any, received by the application deadline to the Wall of Fame Ad-Hoc Subcommittee.

D. Only complete applications will be passed on to the City Council Wall of Fame Subcommittee for review. The City Clerk will determine when an application is complete.

Agenda Packet Page 201 of 248
E. The City Council Wall of Fame Ad-Hoc Subcommittee shall review the nomination documents, may conduct interviews with candidates, nominators, or other individuals to gather additional information, determine whether to proceed with a recommendation and provide a written recommendation to the City Council regarding its selection, if any. No more than one candidate will be recommended for induction into the Wall of Fame each year.

F. If the City Council Wall of Fame Subcommittee identifies an individual for the City Council's consideration, the individual shall be notified of the City Council Wall of Fame Subcommittee's recommendation prior to the City Council's consideration of the Subcommittee's recommendation and will be informed of the date and time the City Council will consider the recommendation.

G. If a selection is made, formal induction into the El Cerrito Wall of Fame will occur at a regularly scheduled City Council meeting which is mutually agreeable to the honoree.

Section 2: WALL OF FAME RECOGNITION
A. Every yearFollowing formal induction, thea City City Newsletter publication will feature an article showcasing showcase the El Cerrito Wall of Fameprogram and which will highlight the most recent person inducted into the El Cerrito Wall of Fame, describe the person'’s achievements and contributions and provide a complete list of all persons on the Wall of Fame and the year they were inducted., and briefly describe why each was inducted into the Wall of Fame. City social media accounts will also be used to announce and highlight the work and contributions of the new inductee.

B. The City'’s website shall also showcase the El Cerrito Wall of Fame honorees, including information on when each person was inducted, and information regarding the reason for their induction. The most recent inductee will be prominently displayed on the website.

B. Any new inductee to the Wall of Fame shall be invited to and recognized at an Volunteer Recognition Dinnerevent sponsored by the City and open to the public.

C. The Wall of Fame gallery will transition to a virtual Wall of Fame by publishing the archive of inductee photos and resolutions highlighting inductee community contributions and achievements on the City's website and a dedicated monitor located in the City Hall Chambers Vestibule to further promote volunteerism, visibility and recognition.

Section 3: GUIDELINES/POLICY FOR NOMINATION AND

SELECTION OF INDUCTEES TO WALL OF FAME
The purpose and policy for nomination and selection of inductees shall remain as Agenda Packet Page 202 of 248
follows:

A. PURPOSE: To reaffirm the City Council's commitment to recognizing residents of El Cerrito who have made an extraordinary and significant and/or lifetime contribution to El Cerrito for outstanding community service and civic contributions by portrayal on the "Wall of Fame" and to advise employees and the public of the guidelines for nomination and City Council selection.

B. POLICY: It is the policy of the City of El Cerrito to recognize residents of El Cerrito who have made substantial civic contributions to the community over a long period of time through their work on special projects in the community and to honor their lifetime achievement and volunteer service. Any person selected by the City Council shall have their photograph, preferably in the setting of the activity for which they are most recognized, placed on the Wall of Fame located at City Hall and on the City's Wall of Fame website. The guidelines for selection are:

1. The Honoree must be a resident of the City of El Cerrito a. Posthumous awards may be considered however priority will be given to living residents.
.
b.a.

2. Nominators must identify themselves, their relationship to the nominee, and how long they have known the nominee. They must explain how they personally know about the nominee's community service, civic contributions and accomplishments.
c.a. A current member of City Council shall not be a
nominator.

3. Nomination forms and documentation must be accompanied by no a set of no less than at least two letters of recommendation from individual community members describing the breadth of impact; and and nno less than two letters from a representatives of aor community organizationss knowledgeable about the person's contributions, activities, accomplishments and achievements.
d. A letter from an individual representing themselves as well as an organization will only be considered one letter for the purposes of meeting the minimum qualifications.
a.
b. Letters may be submitted by City Advisory Bodies but cannot be the sole letters of support for representation of community organizations.

2.4. Individuals eligible for nomination to the El Cerrito Wall of Fame shall have performed outstanding volunteer service of enduring value to the residents of El Cerrito. The civic contributions and community service for which an individual is recognized must be an ongoing activity in El Cerrito for at least fifteen years. Civic contributions may be Agenda Packet Page 203 of 248
in the founding, developing, supporting or sustaining of one or (usually) more organizations or community services leading to further honor, development or recognition.

3. The event(s) or activity(ies) shall have a positive impact to the most inclusive, broad and diverse set of El Cerrito residents. must potentially be of benefit to all El Cerritans.

4.5. 5.6. The event(s), contribution(s) or activity(ies) must be volunteerbased or non-profit in nature.

6. City board, commission or committee service shall not be the sole criteria for selection.

7. 8. Recipients of this honor should have been recognized for their efforts by a citizen group or an organization in El Cerrito, West County, regionally, statewide or nationally.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall become effective immediately upon passage and adoption.

I CERTIFY that at a regular meeting on November 19, 2024 the City Council of the City of El Cerrito passed this Resolution by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:

IN WITNESS of this action, I sign this document and affix the corporate seal of the City of El Cerrito on .
________________________
Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk
APPROVED:
________________________
Tessa Rudnick, Mayor
Agenda Packet Page 204 of 248
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-XX

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO REVISING

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of El Cerrito that it hereby rescinds Resolution No. 2017-70 and adopts a revised Wall of Fame Policy as follows:

Section 1: PROCESS FOR NOMINATION AND SELECTION OF

B. An application deadline of July 1st of odd numbered years is established for nominations to the Wall of Fame. Any application received by the City will be held until the next application deadline for consideration. The City will advertise the program leading up to the deadline.

C. The City Clerk will provide copies of all nomination packages, if any, received by the application deadline to the Wall of Fame Ad-Hoc Subcommittee.

D. Only complete applications will be passed on to the City Council Wall of Fame Subcommittee for review. The City Clerk will determine when an application is complete.

Agenda Packet Page 205 of 248
E. The City Council Wall of Fame Ad-Hoc Subcommittee shall review the nomination documents, may conduct interviews with candidates, nominators, or other individuals to gather additional information, determine whether to proceed with a recommendation and provide a written recommendation to the City Council regarding its selection, if any. No more than one candidate will be recommended for induction into the Wall of Fame each year.

G. If a selection is made, formal induction into the El Cerrito Wall of Fame will occur at a regularly scheduled City Council meeting which is mutually agreeable to the honoree.

Section 2: WALL OF FAME RECOGNITION
A. Following formal induction, a City publication will showcase the program and highlight the most recent person inducted into the El Cerrito Wall of Fame, describe the person’s achievements and contributions and provide a complete list of all persons on the Wall of Fame and the year they were inducted. City social media accounts will also be used to announce and highlight the work and contributions of the new inductee.

B. The City’s website shall showcase the El Cerrito Wall of Fame honorees, including information on when each person was inducted, and information regarding the reason for their induction. The most recent inductee will be prominently displayed on the website.

B. Any new inductee to the Wall of Fame shall be invited to and recognized at an event sponsored by the City and open to the public.

Section 3: GUIDELINES/POLICY FOR NOMINATION AND

SELECTION OF INDUCTEES TO WALL OF FAME
The purpose and policy for nomination and selection of inductees shall remain as follows:

A. PURPOSE: To reaffirm the City Council's commitment to recognizing residents of El Cerrito who have made an extraordinary and significant lifetime contribution to El Cerrito for outstanding community service and civic contributions by portrayal on the "Wall of Fame" and to advise employees and the public of the guidelines for nomination and City Council selection.

Agenda Packet Page 206 of 248
B. POLICY: It is the policy of the City of El Cerrito to recognize residents of El Cerrito who have made substantial civic contributions to the community over a long period of time through their work on special projects in the community and to honor their lifetime achievement and volunteer service. Any person selected by the City Council shall have their photograph, preferably in the setting of the activity for which they are most recognized, placed on the Wall of Fame located at City Hall and on the City's Wall of Fame website. The guidelines for selection are:

1. The Honoree must be a resident of the City of El Cerrito a. Posthumous awards may be considered however priority will be given to living residents.

2. Nominators must identify themselves, their relationship to the nominee, and how long they have known the nominee. They must explain how they personally know about the nominee's community service, civic contributions and accomplishments.
a. A current member of City Council shall not be a nominator.

3. Nomination forms and documentation must be accompanied by no less than two letters of recommendation from individual community members describing the breadth of impact; and no less than two letters from representatives of community organizations knowledgeable about the person's contributions, activities, accomplishments and achievements.
a. A letter from an individual representing themselves as well as an organization will only be considered one letter for the purposes of meeting the minimum qualifications.
b. Letters may be submitted by City Advisory Bodies but cannot be the sole letters of support for representation of community organizations.

4. Individuals eligible for nomination to the El Cerrito Wall of Fame shall have performed outstanding volunteer service of enduring value to the residents of El Cerrito. The civic contributions and community service for which an individual is recognized must be an ongoing activity in El Cerrito for at least fifteen years. Civic contributions may be in the founding, developing, supporting or sustaining of one or (usually) more organizations or community services leading to further honor, development or recognition.

5. The event(s) or activity(ies) shall have a positive impact to the most inclusive, broad and diverse set of El Cerrito residents.

6. The event(s), contribution(s) or activity(ies) must be volunteer-based or non-profit in nature.

Agenda Packet Page 207 of 248

7. City board, commission or committee service shall not be the sole criteria for selection.

8. Recipients of this honor should have been recognized for their efforts by a citizen group or an organization in El Cerrito, West County, regionally, statewide or nationally.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall become effective immediately upon passage and adoption.

I CERTIFY that at a regular meeting on November 19, 2024 the City Council of the City of El Cerrito passed this Resolution by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:

SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA MATERIALS

CITY COUNCIL MEETING
November 19, 2024
(revised November 20, 2024)
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING (5:00 PM)

1. Agenda Item No. 4 – Closed Session Public Employee Performance Evaluation Public Comments
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)

1. Public Comments (Not on the Agenda and Consent Calendar)

2. Agenda Item No. 6.A. - Police Department Planned Technology Deployments Presentation

3. Agenda Item No. 7.B. – FY 2024-25 First Quarter Cash and Investment Report Public Comments

4. Agenda Item No. 7.F. – Consulting Services Agreement with Dixon Resources Unlimited to create the City of El Cerrito Parking Management Action Plan Public Comments

5. Agenda Item No. 8.A. – Temporary Outdoor Dining and Retail Program Urgency Ordinance
Presentation

6. Agenda Item No. 9.A. – Amendment to City Comprehensive Financial Policies Related to the General Fund Reserve and Emergency Disaster Recovery Fund (EDRF)
Presentation

7. Agenda Item No. 9.C. – FY 2024-25 First Quarter General Fund Update a. Presentation
b. Public Comments
Agenda Packet Page 209 of 248
From: Cordell Hindler
To: City Clerk
Subject: public comments
Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024 3:56:31 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Hello Mayor Rudnick, Council Members and Staff,
I am Submitting the Following Comment into the Record:

I think that Karen Pinkos Has done a wonderful job as the city manager Sincerely
Cordell
Agenda Item No. 4
Agenda Packet Page 210 of 248
From: Cordell Hindler
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comments
Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024 4:03:08 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Hello Mayor Rudnick, council members and staff,
I am submitting the following comments into the Record:

1. I AM in Full Support of ITEM E. on the consent calendar

2. Also to have the public to participate remotely
Sincerely
Cordell
General Public Comments
Agenda Packet Page 211 of 248
From: Michael Coan
To: City Clerk
Cc: Michael Coan
Subject: public comments - not on the agenda
Date: Friday, November 15, 2024 7:45:58 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

The election is over, and Measure G has been approved by the citizens.

You, the members of the city council, have supported an extremely deceptive campaign to pass measure G.

You claimed (falsely) that it was an extension of Measure R. You approved advertising which was designed to frighten the public if G were not passed. (Watch out for police cuts. Are you concerned about fire safety? Worried about crime?)
But it was not an "extension of R" . It included one more item that you hushed up. This measure G had no expiration date. You claimed that a survey showed that this wording was fine with the voters. But no one in the public has seen that survey. Why has it been hidden? You claimed that since the city needed the funds, this was the only way. Did you forget that the people have in the past voted for an extension when there had been an expiration date (reference Measure R)? In fact, Ms. Montoyama, in the candidate forum, admitted that expiration was not included because the city needs the money.

Why were you not upfront with the voters?
I am extremely disappointed in the deceptive actions of the city council. In private communications with some members, I have been assured to trust the city council to do the right thing and remove the measure if it were no longer needed. This would require a vote of the people, as described in Measure G.

And if the people decided (for some reason) in the future that they did not want or need this tax, or did not want a tax without an expiration, you on the council have made this just a "little burdensome". There would need to be a signature gathering campaign to place a measure on the ballot.

Why do you on the council have such a lack of trust in the people? By your actions, you have not earned the trust of the people.

Michael Coan
El Cerrito
Agenda Packet Page 212 of 248
Syserco Energy Solutions, Inc. | 215 Fourier Avenue : Suite 140 | Fremont, CA 94539 Good Evening Members of the El Cerrito City Council:

My name is Gabe Johnson and I work for an Energy Services company called Syserco Energy Solutions.

We are a Bay-Area based company with offices in Fremont and Petaluma.

The purpose of my comments is to bring to your attention an opportunity that you may want to consider taking advantage of:

We have all been feeling the pain of recent utility rate increases. I suspect that El Cerrito’s cost of electricity and natural gas has been increasing at higher rates than budgeted, but did you know it’s about to get much worse? The California Public Utility Company’s recent SB 695 report has forecasted PG&E’s commercial rates to increase by 49% over the next 4 years! This is not good news for any of us, but the City of El Cerrito has an opportunity to think outside of the box, and do something about it.

Instead of wasting a significant amount of money by continuing to over-pay PG&E, wouldn’t it make more sense to redirect this money back into the City’s infrastructure? Instead of sending the money to the utility company, why not send it back to the City of El Cerrito? This is how I can help.

The majority of Cities in CA have completed SOME amount of energy conservation work, but almost none have completed ALL there is to do. The concept is simple: Cut out the remaining energy inefficiencies and leverage the realized savings to pay for the cost of the infrastructure improvements that generate the savings. This requires ZERO capital.

The City is already spending the money. But it’s all going to the utility company. Why not get something out of it? Doing this will literally save the City money AND make El Cerrito a better place to live and work. It’s a Win-Win for the City.

If you are interested in exploring what this opportunity looks like for your City, I am offering to provide a FREE ANALYSIS and then return to present our findings, so that you can be informed. There’s nothing to lose, and likely a lot to gain.

Please let me know if you would like me to work with City staff to provide you with this information.

I have attached a 1-page summary of the energy crisis in California, and what can be done about it.

Please review it, and I would love to hear your feedback.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Gabe Johnson
Syserco Energy Solutions, Inc.

Cell: 707-227-6377
Email: [email protected]
Agenda Packet Page 213 of 248
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TAKE ACTION NOW!

STOP FUNDING THE UTILITY COMPANIES
A recent report from the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council (NEEC) revealed that investments in energy efficiency boosted the gross regional product (GRP) of Western States by hundreds of millions of dollars more than alternative spending options.

Contact Gabe Johnson, Account Executive
[email protected] | 707.227.6377
Syserco Energy Solutions, Inc.
www.syserco-es.com | 510.498.1410
Agenda Packet Page 214 of 248
From: Gary Prost
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comments - Not On the Agenda: Thank You For Your Service, Community Fire Safety Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 11:29:20 AM
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Honorable Mayor Rudnick and Council,
I would like to take this opportunity to commend the good work done over the past 4+ years by outgoing Councilmembers Fadelli and Rudnick regarding community fire safety.

Fire Chief Saylors and Public Works Director/City Engineer Ortiz should also be commended for their implementation and support of the Red Flag days parking restrictions test case just concluded. All four of these individuals have supported and encouraged city involvement as well as public and community participation in fire safety issues.

A well-deserved THANK YOU is in order. Keep up the good work, and let’s make the Red Flag parking restrictions permanent.

Sincerely,
Gary Prost, Make El Cerrito Fire Safe
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Agenda Packet Page 215 of 248
Technology
Update
El Cerrito Police
Department
November 19, 2024
Agenda Item No. 6.A.

Agenda Packet Page 216 of 248
Automated License
Plate Reader
for
Parking Enforcement
Agenda Packet Page 217 of 248
Drone Deployment – DJI Mavic 3
Agenda Packet Page 218 of 248
Drone Deployment – DJI Avata
Agenda Packet Page 219 of 248
Facial
Recognition
Technology
Agenda Packet Page 220 of 248
What is Facial Recognition
Technology?
 Facial recognition technology (FRT)
compares photographs or video of a
person with facial images against
others from a database.

Agenda Packet Page 221 of 248
How does FRT
work?
 A typical facial recognition
system uses the layout of a
subject’s facial features, and
their relative distance from one
another, for identification
comparison against a separate
image, or images, in a database
or gallery of faces.

Agenda Packet Page 222 of 248
How a FRT match is used in an
investigation?
 Once a lead has been identified
with FRT, a human examiner
determines if that image is a
potential lead in a particular case.

Agenda Packet Page 223 of 248
How would we use FRT?
• To assist in identifying investigative leads
• To assist in identifying crime victims and
witnesses whose identities are unknown
• To assist in identifying a lost child or
disoriented adult
Agenda Packet Page 224 of 248
FRT Success
cases
 Nationally: Identified multiple
suspects in the January 6th, 2021
Capitol Riots
 Locally: Identified a suspect
in a sexual battery case at El
Cerrito Safeway – June 2024
 Identified a suspect in a shooting
at McBears – Sept 2024
Agenda Packet Page 225 of 248
Policies & Best Practices
 Facial Recognition must be
used in accordance with all
federal and state laws, and all
Departmental policies.

Agenda Packet Page 226 of 248
Preferred Vendor
Agenda Packet Page 227 of 248
ECPD Contact Information
 Chief Keith: [email protected]
 Captain Warren: [email protected]
Agenda Packet Page 228 of 248
From: Kimberly White
To: City Clerk
Subject: November 19, 2024 Public Comment
Date: Monday, November 18, 2024 4:06:40 PM
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To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Kimberly White, El Cerrito Resident
Date: November 19, 2024
Subject: Quarterly Budget Report
Dear Mayor Rudnick and City Council Members,
I would like to express my appreciation for the City’s commitment to financial transparency through the quarterly budget updates. The First Quarter Cash and Investment Report for FY 2024-25 illustrates significant cash reserves of over $27 million spread across various accounts. It is reassuring to see the City's focus on maintaining liquidity and compliance with state and local investment policies.

While the report provides valuable insights, there may be an opportunity to enhance its usefulness by including additional details and addressing a few key areas of inquiry. These enhancements would further increase transparency and help residents like me better understand the City’s financial health.

Suggestions for Additional Information:

1. Quarter-to-Date Revenue and Expense Alignment:

Include a comparison of quarter-to-date revenue and expenses with the budgeted revenue and expenses for the same period. This alignment would help assess the City’s financial performance relative to its plan.

2. Year-Over-Year Comparisons:

Provide comparative metrics from previous fiscal years to identify trends in cash reserves, investment yields, and overall financial health.

3. Expenditure Breakdown:

Include an analysis of planned major expenditures for the next six months and how they align with available funds.

4. Economic Impact Analysis:

Assess how current economic conditions, such as inflation or interest rate changes, might affect the City's financial outlook.

Questions for Consideration:

Risk Management:

Are there any risks to the City’s liquidity beyond the next six months, and what Agenda Item No. 7.B.

Agenda Packet Page 229 of 248
contingency plans are in place to address unforeseen challenges? What are the City's outstanding debts, unfunded liabilities, or other financial obligations that could impact long-term stability.

Alignment with Budget:

How does the reported cash position align with the City’s projected revenues and expenditures for FY 2024-25? Are there any discrepancies or adjustments anticipated? As a resident who values financial responsibility and transparency, I encourage the Council to explore these suggestions and consider incorporating this information into future reports.

These improvements would provide a more comprehensive view of the City’s financial position and assure the community of El Cerrito’s fiscal health and strategic planning.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our city.

Sincerely,
Kimberly White
El Cerrito Resident
Agenda Packet Page 230 of 248
From: Mike Cunningham
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment - Agenda item #7F - Parking management plan Date: Friday, November 15, 2024 9:56:06 AM
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Regarding the agenda item to approve a contract with Dixon Resources Unlimited to design a parking management plan for the El Cerrito Plaza area, the description of the "preliminary parking strategy" "concept" misrepresents commitments made by Melanie Mintz in the first public engagement meeting on the TOD project (which happens to be the only public meeting so far that has accommodated open discussion). The direct and unequivocal commitment made by Ms Mintz was that: (1) existing residential parking permit zones would remain as such, and (2) residents of the new TOD apartments would be ineligible to receive residential parking permits. Being a clear commitment made to the community -- and being necessary actions to prevent the residential areas nearest BART from being swamped by new car parking, and to prevent the TOD from turning into an embarrassing joke in which residents own and drive cars rather than taking transit -- I expect that the City Council will want to ensure that these principles are honored.

Agenda Item No. 7.F.

Agenda Packet Page 231 of 248
From: Gary Prost
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comments - Agenda Item 7 F, Parking Management Action Plan Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 11:14:26 AM
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Honorable Mayor Rudnick and Council,
The Cal-Fire-designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) includes almost ½ of the area and homes in El Cerrito. Any comprehensive and effective Parking Management Plan must include 1) no parking on narrow streets in the VHFHSZ on red flag days, 2) mandatory off-street parking for ADUs in the VHFHSZ, and 3) a traffic study for emergency evacuation that examines on-street parking in the VHFHSZ.

I sincerely hope you are not hiring a consultant for $220,000 to tell you we need permit parking and parking meters on streets around the BART stations. I could tell you that for free.

Thank you,
Gary Prost, Make El Cerrito Fire Safe
Agenda Packet Page 232 of 248

TEMPORARY

OUTDOOR

DINING &
RETAIL

PROGRAM

CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 19, 2024
Agenda Item No. 8.A.

Agenda Packet Page 233 of 248
March 2020:

Local Emergency Enacted
July 2020:

City Council Established Temporary Outdoor
Dining & Retail Program
September 2022:

City Council adopted Resolution to
end the Local Emergency
December 2022:

City Council adopted
Temporary Outdoor Dining &
Retail Program Urgency
Ordinance
2024:

Staff commences
process to develop
Permanent Outdoor
Dining & Retail Program
December 5, 2024:

Temporary Outdoor Dining &
Retail Program Urgency
Ordinance Due to Expire
Background/Timeline
Los Moles El Cerrito Natural Grocery Fat Apple's
Agenda Packet Page 234 of 248
Program Overview
The Program will continue to support businesses by allowing the following uses:

1. Use of Outdoor Private Property: Sidewalks, plazas or parking lots located on private property

2. Use of Public Sidewalks: Public sidewalks adjacent to public streets and building frontages

3. Use of Public Parking Spaces: Public parking spaces are all parking on public streets that are not on Caltrans state right-of-way  This Program aims to streamline temporary use permits at no cost to the business  Digital Permit Application Form at www.el-cerrito.org/outdoorseating  The streamlined application ensures compliance with the Outdoor Dining & Retail Program Guidelines  Total of 11 applications approved since 2020
Agenda Packet Page 235 of 248
Program Guidelines & Application
 Adequate Clearance
 ADA Compliance
 Temporary Furnishings
 Outdoor Food Preparation
 Site Maintenance
 Solid Waste
 Hours of Operation
 Driveways
 Fire Safety and Emergency Access
 Electrical Extension Cords
 Space Heating
 Fire and Building Codes
 Temporary Use
 County and State Requirements
 Landlord Authorization
Program Application Requirements:

1. Site Plan

2. Pedestrian Control Plan (if utilizing public right-of-way)

3. ABC Approval (if applicable)

4. Certificate of Insurance

5. Acknowledgement of Terms/Conditions
Program Guidelines/Standards:

Proposed changes:

Outdoor food preparation is allowed under the following circumstances: (1) Food must be prepared by the business that received the Outdoor Dining & Retail Permit or by a business preparing and selling food in coordination with the business that received the Outdoor Dining & Retail Permit. (2) The business preparing food must have a permit to do so from Contra Costa County Public Health. (3) The business preparing food must have a business license from the City .

Agenda Packet Page 236 of 248
Examples
Los Moles El Cerrito Natural Grocery Fat Apple's
Agenda Packet Page 237 of 248
Next Steps
 In order to continue the temporary Outdoor Dining and Retail Program after December 5, 2024, while a permanent measure is being drafted, additional legislative action is needed. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the proposed urgency ordinance  City staff will be conducting additional engagement of stakeholders in the coming months. To begin this process, Staff has scheduled a Special Joint Meeting of the Planning Commission and Economic Development Committee on December 4, 2024, at 7:30pm to receive feedback on the permanent program
 Staff anticipates returning to the City Council for consideration of the permanent ordinance in the first quarter of 2025
Agenda Packet Page 238 of 248

QUESTIONS
& ANSWERS
THANK YOU!
Agenda Packet Page 239 of 248
General Fund – Fund Balance
Unassigned 22,957,167
Section 115 1,372,890
Unassigned 21,584,277
10% 17% Change
17% No Change
to EDRF
Reserve 5,135,249 8,729,924 3,594,674 8,729,924
EDRF 9,000,000 6,675,824 (2,324,176) 9,000,000
Discretionary 7,449,028 6,178,529 (1,270,498) 3,854,353 Min Reserves 27.5% 30.0% 34.5%
Total Reserve 42.0% 42.0% 42.0%
1 Agenda Item No. 9.A.

Agenda Packet Page 240 of 248
November 19, 2024
General Fund Budget Update
Quarter ending September 30, 2024
Agenda Item No. 9.C.

Agenda Packet Page 241 of 248
General Fund Budget Update - Revenue
• Revenue –
 Sales Tax – Report calls out Measure R separately – going forward as Measure G  Real Property Transfer Tax
• $545,480
 Use of Money and Property
• Interest income
• Rental charges
 Intergovernmental/Other Revenue/Other Financing Sources 2 Agenda Packet Page 242 of 248
General Fund Budget Update - Revenue
3 Budget Amount YTD – Q1 Prior YTD – Q1
Amount Actual Amount
Property Taxes $16,461,935 $0 0% $0
Sales Taxes 4,517,790 403,823 9% 239,214
Transient Occupancy Taxes 100,000 - 0% -
Measure R Sales Tax 4,459,000 306,825 7% 309,969
Franchise Taxes 1,380,000 - 0% -
Business License Taxes 1,182,817 1,010,346 85% 964,922
Property Transfer Taxes* 3,000,000 545,480 18% 403,642
Utility Users' Taxes 3,694,260 369,449 10% 503,060
Other Taxes 1,500 - 0% 1,238
Taxes Totals $34,797,302 $2,635,923 8% $2,422,045
Licenses & Permits 1,007,000 598,912 59% 320,046
Fines & Forfeitures 130,000 35,798 28% 49,828
Use of Money and Property 957,000 125,489 13% 362,475
Intergovernmental Revenues 5,334,401 741,136 14% 905,519 Charges for Services Totals 7,528,702 2,975,086 40% 2,372,305 Other Revenue Totals 630,000 63,603 10% 62,926
Other Financing Sources Totals 1,002,039 251,428 25% 245,213 Totals $51,386,444 $7,427,375 14% $6,740,357
Classification % of Budget
Agenda Packet Page 243 of 248
General Fund Budget Update - Expenditures
Budget
Amount YTD – Q1
Amount
% of
Budget
Prior YTD – Q1
Actual Amount
Administration $7,669,160 $3,210,197 42% $2,822,721
Community Development 3,897,923 743,555 19% 602,907
Fire 15,213,744 4,208,967 28% 3,490,729
Non-departmental 882,691 309,969 35% 307,992
Police 14,574,609 3,469,868 24% 3,061,591
Public Works 2,463,130 471,231 19% 446,575
Recreation 6,651,235 1,825,270 27% 1,635,863
Total $51,352,492 $14,239,057 28% $12,368,378
Agenda Packet Page 244 of 248
General Fund Budget Update – Conclusion
• Revenue – 14 % of budget
 In-line with prior year first quarter.
• Expenditures – 28%
 Increase in the prepayment of workers compensation
• Questions?
5 Agenda Packet Page 245 of 248
Thank you!
Agenda Packet Page 246 of 248
From: Ira Sharenow <i >
Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2024 6:27 PM
To: Crystal Reams <[email protected]>
Cc: William Ktsanes >; Lisa Motoyama <[email protected]>; Tessa Rudnick <[email protected]>; Rebecca Saltzman Subject: Item 9c: RPTT
Hi Crystal, Can you please explain? “Real property transfer taxes collected through September (cash basis) are $545,480 which is 18% of the adopted FY 2024-25 budget. This is almost double what was co Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization. sophospsmartbannerend
Hi Crystal,
Can you please explain?
“Real property transfer taxes collected through
September (cash basis) are $545,480 which is 18% of
the adopted FY 2024-25 budget. This is almost double
what was collected in the first quarter of FY 2023-24 at 9% of the adopted budget. Staff will continue to monitor revenue streams closely and will report back to the City Council at mid-year.”
According to my records, in the first quarter of FY 2024 El Cerrito received $686,808.

Also how come you are back to using the adopted
budget instead of the mid-year adjustment?
Ira
Agenda Packet Page 247 of 248
From: Ira Sharenow
Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2024 7:35 PM
To: Crystal Reams <[email protected]>
Cc: William Ktsanes Lisa Motoyama <[email protected]>; Tessa Rudnick <[email protected]>; Rebecca Saltzman Subject: Re: Item 9c: RPTT
OK. I see another document has much different numbers. It sure seems confusing to me. It would also help if for each item, there was a projection and also a clearly stated adjustment for when money co Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization. sophospsmartbannerend
OK. I see another document has much different
numbers. It sure seems confusing to me.

It would also help if for each item, there was a projection and also a clearly stated adjustment for when money
comes in or goes out faster or slower than expected as a result of some transfer occurring earlier or later than anticipated.

It looks like spending is much higher than last year.

Agenda Packet Page 248 of 248

El Cerrito City CouncilNovember 19, 2024

El Cerrito City Council
November 19, 2024