Mayor Councilmembers
Tessa Rudnick Paul Fadelli
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger Gabriel Quino
EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 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 5:03 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
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/81889310146?pwd=8hJaZ49rJIMDDbU8FNi0A7jD2tp0oJ.1 Meeting ID: 818 8931 0146 Password: 250007 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 11/19/2024 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 577945AA-CFAE-462D-AA62-2F08E8F34FF6
2. AL 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. AUDIT BY CALIFORNIA STATE AUDITOR'S OFFICE
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.75
Contact: Sky Woodruff, City Attorney, City Management
City Council convened to closed session at 5:04 PM. No reportable action.
4. CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
Title: City Manager
Contact: Sky Woodruff, City Attorney, City Management
No reportable action.
5. CLOSED SESSION CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives: Mayor Tessa Rudnick, Councilmember Gabe Quinto
Unrepresented Employee: City Manager
Contact: Sky Woodruff, City Attorney, City Management
No reportable action.
6. ADJOURN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The special meeting adjourned at 5:51 PM
6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Rudnick called the meeting to order at 6:04 PM.
Present: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto Absent: Councilmember Motoyama
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 - provided an update on election results for Measure G and City Council seats, State of the City Address on 12/17, and upcoming holiday closures.
11/19/2024 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 577945AA-CFAE-462D-AA62-2F08E8F34FF6 Fire Chief Saylors - provided an update on the No Parking on Red Flag Warning Day pilot.
Public Works Director Ortiz - provided an update regarding an upcoming workshop on the Richmond Complete Streets Project on 11/21.
Councilmember Fadelli - commented on the Richmond Complete streets project and announced the Richmond Ferry free on Fridays in November.
Mayor Rudnick - announced upcoming 12/7 Pancake Breakfast and Toy Drive and presented a Mayor Proclamation of Recognition for the one year celebration of Dolly's restaurant and 12/24 Sri Lanka pop up event at the location.
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.
Gary Prost - commended outgoing Councilmembers for their support of fire safety in the community and thanked staff for the successful pilot of the No Parking on Red Flag Warning Days program.
Susan Duncan - thanked the City Council and staff for their support of the pilot program for No Parking on Red Flag Day and requested it be made a permanent program, adding home hardening projects to the Real Property Transfer Tax rebate program, and celebrated 6th anniversary of the Make El Cerrito Fire Safe.
Jim Dolgonas - commented in support of making the pilot program permanent for No Parking on Red Flag Warning Days program.
6. PRESENTATIONS
A. Police Department Planned Technology Deployments
Action Proposed: Receive and file a presentation from the Police Department on recent, upcoming, and planned technology related deployments including Automated License Plate Reading cameras for parking enforcement, facial recognition systems for criminal investigation, and the deployment of an indoor/outdoor drone.
Contact: Paul Keith, Chief of Police, Police Department Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding proposed uses of drone devices, retention of data, accuracy of facial 11/19/2024 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 577945AA-CFAE-462D-AA62-2F08E8F34FF6 recognition for individuals of color, process for ticket issuance using license plate readers, language in signage for parking enforcement.
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/Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger Action:
Approved the consent calendar as indicated below. Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Motoyama
A. Approval of Minutes
Action Proposed: Approve the City Council Meeting minutes from October 1 and 15, 2024.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Approved minutes
B. FY 2024-25 First Quarter Cash and Investment Report
Action Proposed: Receive and file the City's First Quarter Cash and Investment Report for the period July 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
C. Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for October2024 Action Proposed: Receive and file the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for the month of September 2024.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
D. Approve a Community Safety Committee recommendation to appoint Howard Hickman
Action Proposed: Approve a Community Safety Committee
recommendation to appoint Howard Hickman
Contact: Aaron Leone, Sergeant/CommSC Liaison, Police Department Action: Approved Appointment
E. 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 Information 11/19/2024 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 577945AA-CFAE-462D-AA62-2F08E8F34FF6 Technology Specialist, Assistant Recreation Supervisor, Custodian, Lead Custodian, Building Inspector I/II, Accountant I, Senior Finance Technician, Finance Technician I/II, and Environmental Specialist 2) authorize the new classifications and/or title changes of Childcare Teacher I/II, Recreation Coordinator, Recreation Leader I-IV, Senior Building Inspector, Recycling Operations Driver, Recycling Operations Worker, Maintenance Services Worker I/II, and Lead Maintenance Services Worker.
Contact: Shannon Bassi, Senior Human Resources Analyst, City Management
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2024-75
F. Consulting Services Agreement with Dixon Resources Unlimited to create the City of El Cerrito Parking Management Action Plan Exempt from review pursuant to Section 15262 of CEQA Guidelines.
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a consulting services agreement with Dixon Resources Unlimited to create the El Cerrito Parking Management Action Plan for $199,985 plus a 10% contingency for a total amount not to exceed $220,000.
Contact: Jarrett Mullen, Sustainable Transportation Program Manager; Sean Moss, Planning Manager, Community Development Department Action: Approved Resolution No. 2024-76
G. Additional Spending Authority for the Construction Contract for the Community Center Roof Repair Project, City Project No. C5055 Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution approving additional spending authority in the amount of $150,140 for the construction contract with California Roofing Company, Inc. for the Community Center Roof Repair Project, City Project No. C5055.
Contact: Roland Lambert, Associate Engineer; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2024-77
H. A Revised Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Standard Agreement for the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program for El Cerrito Plaza Parcel A South for TransitOriented Development at the El Cerrito Plaza Station Action Proposed: Adopt a revised resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement and all other required documents for the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program (AHSC or AHSC Program) with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and Strategic Growth Council (SGC) for the El Cerrito Plaza Station Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), Parcel A South (EC-PAS) located at 515 Richmond Street.
11/19/2024 City Council Minutes Page 5 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 577945AA-CFAE-462D-AA62-2F08E8F34FF6 Contact: Aissia Ashoori, Housing-Economic Development Manager; Melanie Mintz, Community Development Director
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2024-78
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Temporary Outdoor Dining and Retail Program Urgency Ordinance Four-fifths vote required to pass. Notice published 11/09/2024. Exempt from review pursuant to section 15301 of CEQA Guidelines.
Action Proposed: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion adopt an urgency ordinance extending the Temporary Outdoor Dining and Retail Program in the City of El Cerrito. A four-fifths vote of the City Council is necessary to adopt an urgency ordinance.
Contact: Diego Romero, Associate Planner; Sean Moss, Planning Manager, Aissia Ashoori, Housing-Economic Development Manager, Community Development Department
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding reduction in permit cost, timing for the permanent ordinance.
Public Hearing: Mayor Rudnick opened the public hearing.
No public comments.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Quinto/Councilmember Fadelli Action: Closed the public hearing. Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember
Quinto Noes: None Absent: Councilmember Motoyama
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Quinto/Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger Action: Approved Ordinance No. 2024-4. Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto Noes: None Absent: Councilmember Motoyama
B. Fire Hazard Abatement Declaring Public Nuisance
Notice published 11/09/2024. Exempt from CEQA review pursuant to Sections 15304 and 15308.
Action Proposed: 1) Adopt a resolution declaring that weeds, rubbish, litter, or other flammable material on certain real property identified in the resolution constitutes a public nuisance; and 2) Conduct a public hearing; and 3) Adopt a resolution overriding objections by property owners and ordering the City Manager or their designee to abate certain public nuisances pursuant to El Cerrito Municipal Code Chapter 16.26.
Contact: Traviss Crumpacker, Fire Prevention Officer; Chase Beckman, Fire Marshal, Fire Department
Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger/Councilmember Quinto Action: Approved Resolution 2024-79. Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro 11/19/2024 City Council Minutes Page 6 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 577945AA-CFAE-462D-AA62-2F08E8F34FF6 Tem Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember
Quinto Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Motoyama
Public Hearing: Mayor Rudnick opened the public hearing.
No public comments
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Quinto/Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger Action: Closed the public hearing. Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Motoyama
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Fadelli/Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger Action: Approved Resolution 2024-80. Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember
Quinto Noes: None Absent: Councilmember Motoyama
C. Cost Hearing Regarding Fire Hazard Abatement of a Public Nuisance for Properties Identified and pursuant to El Cerrito Municipal Code Chapter 16.26
Notice published 11/9/2024
Action Proposed: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion adopt a resolution confirming the cost of abatement of public nuisance conditions resulting from the presence of weeds, rubbish, litter or other flammable material on private properties designated in Exhibit A to the resolution as authorized by El Cerrito Municipal Code Chapter 16.26.
Contact: Chase Beckman, Fire Marshal, Fire Department; Traviss Crumpacker, Fire Prevention Officer, Fire Department
Public Hearing: Mayor Rudnick opened the public hearing.
No public comments
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Quinto/Councilmember Fadelli Action: Closed the public Hearing. Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Motoyama
Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger/Councilmember Fadelli Action: Approved Resolution 2024-81. Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto Noes:
None Absent: Councilmember Motoyama
9. POLICY MATTERS
A. Amendment to City Comprehensive Financial Policies Related to the General Fund Reserve and Emergency Disaster Recovery Fund (EDRF)
11/19/2024 City Council Minutes Page 7 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 577945AA-CFAE-462D-AA62-2F08E8F34FF6 Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution amending the City of El Cerrito Comprehensive Financial Policies to a) revise section 3.2 regarding the General Fund Reserve Policy; and b) revise section 4.2 regarding the Emergency and Disaster Recovery Fund (EDRF) policy.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding determination of the use of 17%,
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Fadelli/Councilmember Quinto Action: Approve Resolution 2028-82, modifying the language in policy section 3.2. to read "It is a goal of the city to maintain an unrestricted fund of ....". Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto Noes: None Absent: Councilmember Motoyama
B. Investment Strategy for Section 115 Pension Trust
Action Proposed: Pass a motion directing staff to move forward with the Section 115 Pension Trust investment strategy as presented.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding the process for getting to this recommendation, and for shifting strategy if not successful.
Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger/Council Quinto
Action: Passed a motion to direct staff to move forward with the investment strategy. Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Motoyama
C. FY 2024-25 First Quarter General Fund Update
Action Proposed: Receive and file the FY 2024-25 General Fund Budget Quarterly update through September 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 clarification on intergovernmental definition, and impact on sales tax with Barnes and Nobles closing, status and monitoring of special fund expenditures, and confidence in the Real Property Transfer Tax numbers.
Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.
11/19/2024 City Council Minutes Page 8 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 577945AA-CFAE-462D-AA62-2F08E8F34FF6 Action: Received and filed
D. 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.
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 plans for the removal of language for digital display in the lobby.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Quinto/Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger Action: Approved Resolution 2024-83. Ayes: Mayor Rudnick, Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger, Councilmember Fadelli, Councilmember Quinto Noes:
None Absent: Councilmember Motoyama
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's expense.
Mayor Pro Tem Wysinger - reported on attendance at the National League of Cities City Summit conference.
Councilmember Quinto - reported on attendance at the National League of Cities City Summit conference, and announced the selection of Patricia Durham as the El Cerrito Woman of the Year for Congressional District 8.
Councilmember Fadelli - reported on attendance at East Bay Wildfire Coalition meeting, and holiday lights display on San Pablo.
Mayor Rudnick - reported on attendance at the Cal Cities Annual conference, spoke at Local Girl Scout Troup meeting, Dolly's 1 year celebration, neighborhood pumpkin carving festival, two meetings of RecycleMore, wall of fame ad-hoc meeting, and Contra Costa County Mayors Conference.
11. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The regular meeting adjourned at 8:14 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 November 19, 2024 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
11/19/2024 City Council Minutes Page 9 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 577945AA-CFAE-462D-AA62-2F08E8F34FF6