Mayor Councilmembers
Carolyn Wysinger William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Gabe Quinto Rebecca Saltzman
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MINUTES
View:
1. Cable T.V. Broadcast on KCRT Channel 28
2. Livestream Online at www.el-cerrito.org/CouncilMeetingMaterials Accommodations: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 510- 215-4305. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable accommodations. Closed Captions available via zoom.
Conduct: This meeting shall be conducted pursuant to the El Cerrito City Council Rules of Order and Procedure, including adjourning by 11:00 PM unless extended to a specific time determined by a majority of the Council.
Public Comments:
1. In-person by submitting a request to speak to the City Clerk.
2. By Email to [email protected] identified in the subject line as Public Comments – Agenda Item #.
Written comments received by 2:00 p.m. the day of the meeting will be provided to the City Council and posted online in advance of the meeting. Comments received after the deadline will be provided to the City Council and will be posted after the meeting.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2025
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)
City Council Chambers - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito Closed Captions available Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87031086339?pwd=hhjyAUD1Dn6kbsIOu1BEafmihGTU38.1 Meeting ID: 870 3108 6339 Password: 795071 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 01/21/2025 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: E3E03EA1-5C8A-4530-BF48-EE57BD9BE136 6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Wysinger called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM. Present:
Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Saltzman 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 – announced upcoming 2/1 Council Retreat, website information on Richmond Complete Streets project, and removal of item 7.E. and 6.B. from tonight’s meeting agenda.
Mayor Pro Tem Quinto – reported on attendance at event honoring 1st Filipino Japanese Mayor for the City of Pinole.
Mayor Wysinger – reported attendance at the 36th annual MLK day parade, announced upcoming El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce mega mixer on 1/27; announced upcoming deadline for City Advisory Body application of 1/31, and issuance of Mayor Certificate of Recognition to Tyra Wright for her service as 2024 President for the Contra Costa Association of Realtors.
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.
Inge Brust, Ted Devan, Shelby Holguin, Catherine Baca, Ethan Kim, Ruth Amernick, Larry Amernick - spoke in opposition to the proposed Richmond Street Complete Streets Improvement Project.
Sue Duncan - spoke regarding the need to increase resident education on wildfire safety.
01/21/2025 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: E3E03EA1-5C8A-4530-BF48-EE57BD9BE136 Gary Prost - commented regarding wildfire safety and need to make pilot program permanent for no parking on red flag warning days.
Nick Zamorano - spoke on the importance of fully funding the fire department to respond to wildfire threats.
Jim Dolgonas - spoke regarding wildfire prevention and home to home ignition.
Bill Barish - spoke representing 350 Contra Costa, commented on the adopted Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and electrification of new construction.
John Gioia - announced planned upgrades to the Veterans building in El Cerrito and desire to explore with local groups to get more public use at the building, commented on vegetation management funds allocated by Contra Costa County.
Buddy Akacic - shared comments regarding former Councilmember Janet Abelson and desire to name a street after her and announced the 1/26 2nd annual Janet Abelson walk.
Eyal Shahar - congratulated the new council members on their elections and commented on the need to keep a focus on reducing hate and divisiveness in El Cerrito.
Anne Ogonowski - commented regarding the work of Eddie Nodel in responsiveness and service to the residence, and challenges with street parking near intersections.
6. PRESENTATIONS
A. Induction of Patricia Durham into the El Cerrito Wall of Fame Action Proposed: Adopt a Resolution to induct Patricia Durham into the El Cerrito Wall of Fame, as directed by the City Council on October 1, 2024.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Public Comments:
Police Chief/Resident Paul Keith, Former Mayor Rudnick, Mina Wilson, John Gioia, Cotton Blake, Harpreet Singh as representative of Congressman John Garamendi, Ken Jones, Eevelyn Mitchell, William McDaniel, Former Mayor Leticia Moore, Michele Jackson - provided accolades and congratulations to Patricia on her induction.
Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Quinto/Councilmember Saltzman Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-01. Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember 01/21/2025 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: E3E03EA1-5C8A-4530-BF48-EE57BD9BE136 Saltzman Noes: None Absent: Councilmember Motoyama Council City Council recessed from 7:34 PM to 7:39 PM.
B. A3 Contra Costa Presentation
Action Proposed: Receive and file a brief presentation on services and response provided to El Cerrito.
Contact: Debbie Thomas, MH Program Manager; Eric Jackson, Supervisor, A3 Contra Costa
This item was pulled from the agenda and will be rescheduled for a future date.
C. Contra Costa Library Commissioner Update
Action Proposed: Receive and file a brief update on items and activities related to the Contra Costa County Library Commission from El Cerrito representatives.
Contact: Michael Fischer, Contra Costa County Library
Commissioner; Bethany Woods, Contra Costa County Library Commissioner (Alternate)
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding maximum additional hours, cities in the county that are at the maximum allowable sales tax, use of Measure X funds for additional hours.
Action: Received and filed
D. Auditor Presentation on FY 2023-24 Financial Statements Action Proposed: Receive and file a presentation on the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 basic financial statements
Contact: Sheldon Chavan CPA, Managing Partner, Chavan & Associates LLP
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding follow-up discussion on the report, and factors in long term debt interest decline.
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. 01/21/2025 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: E3E03EA1-5C8A-4530-BF48-EE57BD9BE136 Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Saltzman/Mayor Pro Tem Quinto Action: Approved items A, B, C, and D on the consent calendar as indicated below. Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None Absent: Councilmember Motoyama
A. Lunar New Year Proclamation
Action Proposed: Pass a motion to approve a proclamation recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year in the City of El Cerrito.
Contact: Shannon Bassi, Senior Human Resources Manager, City Management
Action: Approved proclamation
B. Board, Commission, and Committee Workplan(s) and/or
Accomplishments
Action Proposed: Receive and file adopted workplan(s) and accomplishments from applicable Boards, Commissions, and Committees of the City.
• Park and Recreation Commission Workplan (FY24/25-25/26) • Park and Recreation Commission Accomplishments (FY23/24) Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Received and filed
C. FY 2024-25 Second Quarter Cash and Investment Report Action Proposed: Receive and file the City's Second Quarter Cash and Investment Report for the period October 31, 2024 to December 31, 2024.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
D. Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for December 2024
Action Proposed: Receive and file the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for the month of December 2024.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
E. Spending Authority for SSP Data, CentralSquare and Dell Expected to Exceed $45,000 for FY 2024-25
01/21/2025 City Council Minutes Page 5 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: E3E03EA1-5C8A-4530-BF48-EE57BD9BE136 Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution approving spending authority for vendors expected to exceed $45,000 in Fiscal Year 2024-25.
Contact: Eric Ng, Information Technology Manager, City Management This item was pulled from the agenda and will be rescheduled for a future date.
F. Professional Services Agreement with Strategic Economics to Complete a Priority Development Area Economic Development and Affordable Housing Financial Analysis and Implementation Strategy
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Strategic Economics to complete an Economic Development and Affordable Housing Analysis and Implementation Strategy for an amount not to exceed $100,000 and authorize a contingency amount not to exceed 10% of the contract amount, for a total not to exceed $110,000.
Contact: Aissia Ashoori, Housing-Economic Development Manager; Melanie Mintz, Community Development Director, Community Development Department
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Saltzman/Mayor Pro Tem Quinto Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-02 Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None Abstain:
Councilmember Ktsanes Absent: Councilmember Motoyama
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9. POLICY MATTERS
10. CITY COUNCIL LOCAL & REGIONAL LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS Mayor and City Council communications regarding local and regional liaison assignments, committee reports, and any required reporting under AB 1234 for meetings (as defined by the Brown Act) attended at the public'sexpense.
Mayor Pro Tem Quinto - announced upcoming meetings as a Board Member of Cal Cities.
A. 2025 Local Liaison Assignments
The Mayor will announce the 2025 City Council Liaison Assignments to City Boards, Commissions, and Committees and to Regional Bodies.
Mayor Pro Tem Quinto requested removal as alternate for WCCTAC, Mayor Wysinger named as the replacement.
11. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
01/21/2025 City Council Minutes Page 6 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: E3E03EA1-5C8A-4530-BF48-EE57BD9BE136 The regular meeting adjourned at 8:26 PM in memory of community members Jean Thompson and Kelly Jo Gould.
Carolyn Wysinger, Mayor
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the City Council meeting of January 21, 2025 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
01/21/2025 City Council Minutes Page 7 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: E3E03EA1-5C8A-4530-BF48-EE57BD9BE136