Mayor Councilmembers
Carolyn Wysinger William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Gabe Quinto Rebecca Saltzman
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MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2025
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.
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/84465044999?pwd=JEWkbZ8BBTdqaEvkNoLhbEErGIYD7O.1 Meeting ID: 844 6504 4999 Passcode: 333523 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 4/01/2025 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D4DAC5F-EB60-4519-9328-D68812999939 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 Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Absent:
None
1. CONSIDER AND TAKE ACTION ON ANY REQUEST FROM A
COUNCILMEMBER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING REMOTELY DUE TO EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES PURSUANT TO AB 2449
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OR OBSERVATION OF A
MOMENT OF SILENCE
3. TELECONFERENCE AND PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
4. COUNCIL/STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Reports of closed session, commission appointments and informational reports on matters of general interest which are announced by the City Council and staff.
Councilmember Motoyama - announced upcoming events for Earth day on 4/19, and Spring Tea Party 4/10.
Councilmember Saltzman - announced upcoming Mobility Fair on 4/26, and the EL Cerrito Hillside Festival on 5/3-5/4.
Mayor Pro Tem Quinto - reported on attendance at a retirement event for Bill Whitney, outgoing CEO for the Contra Costa Building & Construction Trades Council.
Mayor Wysinger - reported on Mayoral Certificate of Recognition to El Cerrito Centenarian, David Grabber, a letter of support sent for the City's Congressionally Directed Spending request for the San Pablo Ave Affordable Housing and Green Gateway Project, a letter of support sent for BART's Congressionally Directed Spending request for their LED Lighting Program which includes the El Cerrito Plaza station, and a letter of support sent for CCTA’s application for the Last-Mile Federal Funding Account Grant.
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.
4/01/2025 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D4DAC5F-EB60-4519-9328-D68812999939 Michael Martin - spoke regarding personal history in the city and involvement with the El Cerrito Historical Society.
Janet Byron, Carrie Schulman (for Karen Long), Amelia Schmale, Coriander Reisbord - spoke in support of the Richmond Streets Complete Streets project.
Michael McDougell - spoke regarding 7G and potential to looking into expenses in advance and alternatives to filing staff shortages and providing services.
Catherine Baca - spoke in opposition of the Richmond Streets Complete Streets project.
Buddy Akacic - commented on facilities and senior participation in efforts to improve El Cerrito.
6. PRESENTATIONS
A. El Cerrito Library Update and National Library WeekProclamation Action Proposed: Receive and file an update from the El Cerrito Library and pass a motion to approve a proclamation declaring April 6-12, 2025 as National Library Week in the City of El Cerrito and encourage all residents to visit the library.
Contact: Heidi Goldstein, Senior Community Library Manager, Contra Costa County Library
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Saltzman/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Approved proclamation. Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama,
Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None
B. 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 record policies in other counties.
Action: Received and filed
4/01/2025 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D4DAC5F-EB60-4519-9328-D68812999939
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 Motoyama/Councilmember Ktsanes Action: Approved the consent calendar as indicated below. Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None
A. Earth Month Proclamation
Action Proposed: Pass a motion to approve a proclamation declaring April 2025 as “Earth Month” in the City of El Cerrito and encouraging all residents and businesses to help make El Cerrito a greener, healthier, more sustainable place for all.
Contact: Christina Leard, Management Analyst III, Public Works Department
Action: Approved revised proclamation
B. Education and Sharing Day Proclamation
Action Proposed: Pass a motion to approve a proclamation declaring April 9, 2025 as Education and Sharing Day in the City of El Cerrito and to raise awareness and strengthen the education of our children.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Approved revised proclamation
C. Transgender Day of Visibility Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation recognizing March 31, 2025 as Transgender Day of Visibility.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Approved proclamation
D. Economic Development Committee Appointments
Action Proposed: Approve two Economic Development Committee recommendations to reappoint members Eric Wright and Patrick Swen, effective March 1, 2025.
Contact: Aissia Ashoori, Housing-Economic Development
Manager, Community Development Department
Action: Approved appointments
4/01/2025 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D4DAC5F-EB60-4519-9328-D68812999939 E. Authorize Annual Report for Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District for Fiscal Year 2025-26
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution directing NBS Local Government Solutions (NBS), as the designated Engineer of Work, to prepare and file the annual Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1988- 1 report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-14
F. Spending Authority for Recreation Instructor Expected to Exceed $45,000 for FY 2024-25
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution approving spending authority for a Recreation Department Instructor, Ian McAvoy, for an amount not to exceed $75,000 in Fiscal Year 2024-25.
Contact: Taylor Melton, Recreation Supervisor; Christopher Jones, Recreation Director, Recreation Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-15
G. Spending Authority for Universal Building Services to Exceed $45,000 for FY 2024-25
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution approving spending authority for Universal Building Services expected to exceed $45,000 in Fiscal Year 2024-25.
Contact: Christopher Jones, Recreation Director,
Recreation Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-16
H. Adoption of the Contra Costa County Local MultiJurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan for the City of El Cerrito Action Proposed: Adopt a Resolution to approve the 2024 Contra Costa County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan – City of El Cerrito Annex.
Contact: Chase Beckman, Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal, Fire Department Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-17
I. 2nd Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance amending and restating Chapter 3.20 of the El Cerrito Municipal Code to Dissolve the El Cerrito Pension Board
Notice published 3/8/2025, 1st Reading 3/18/2025
4/01/2025 City Council Minutes Page 5 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D4DAC5F-EB60-4519-9328-D68812999939 Action Proposed: Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 2025-01 amending and restating Chapter 3.20 of the El Cerrito Municipal Code to Dissolve the El Cerrito Pension Board.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Adopted Ordinance No. 2025-1
J. Renewal of Library Lease and Service Agreement with Contra Costa County
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement to renew the Library Lease and Service Agreement with Contra Costa County to provide library services at the El Cerrito Library.
Contact: Alexandra Orologas, Assistant City Manager; Karen Pinkos, City Manager, City Management
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-18
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9. POLICY MATTERS
A. 2025 Legislative Platform
Action Proposed: Adopt the proposed 2025 State Legislative Platform for the City of El Cerrito.
Contact: Will Provost, Assistant to the City Manager; Alexandra Orologas, Assistant City Manager, City Management; Dane Hutchings, Founder & CEO, California Public Policy Group
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding interpretation, local control, comments of concern or support for some statements in the draft platform, checks and balances, authority for representation, and methods of approving legislative positions.
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 Motoyama/Mayor Pro Tem Quinto Action: Approved the legislative platform. Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Motoyama Noes: Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Saltzman
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. 4/01/2025 City Council Minutes Page 6 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D4DAC5F-EB60-4519-9328-D68812999939 Councilmember Saltzman - reported on attendance at the West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee meeting.
Councilmember Motoyama - reported on attendance at the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Executive committee meeting, Rosie the Riveter 25th anniversary event, Cal Cities Policy Committee meeting for Housing, Community and Economic Development, and ABAG Roadshow.
Councilmember Ktsanes - reported on attendance at the Design Review Board meeting, holding office hours with residents on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, and meeting with County Supervisor John Gioia regarding the Veterans building.
Mayor Pro Tem Quinto - announced the Richmond Country Club Rotary speaking event with State Treasurer Fiona Ma; reported on attendance at the Cal Cities Environmental Quality Policy committee meeting, and El Cerrito High School presentation for the EC STARS intern program.
Mayor Wysinger - reported on attendance at the Cal Cities Legislative priorities webinar, City training for Advisory Body members; announced tomorrow's ribbon cutting ceremony for Security Storage.
11. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The regular meeting adjourned at 8:08 PM
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 April 1, 2025 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
4/01/2025 City Council Minutes Page 7 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D4DAC5F-EB60-4519-9328-D68812999939