Agenda packet — El Cerrito City Council, April 15, 2025 (part 2 of 2)

HARDSHIP WAIVER
If any recipient of an administrative citation is financially unable to meet the advance deposit amount as described above, but wishes to appeal the Citation, they must complete an Administrative Hardship Waiver Request Form. This form is available on the City website at elcerrito.org or in-person by visiting the main lobby of City Hall, 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530.

CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO PAY THE PENALTY AMOUNT AND CORRECT VIOLATIONS Please contact the Code Compliance Officer identified on the Citation promptly to communicate your intended course of action to correct the Violation. The Code Compliance Officer must confirm that the Violation(s) has been corrected before the deadline specified in the Citation if you wish to avoid the consequences described below. Unless you come into compliance with the City Code or other provisions of law identified in the Citation and correct the Violation(s) described in the Citation by the deadline specified, the following will occur:

1. This Citation May Be Recorded Against the Property - Pursuant to El Cerrito Code, if the Violation(s) described in the Citation pertains to real Property, and if not corrected by the deadline specified in the Citation, the Enforcement Officer may cause this Citation to be recorded with the recorder division of the County's assessor-recorder-clerk department, which, when recorded, shall provide constructive notice of the Violation(s) to all prospective buyers, lenders, and successors in interest in the Property, under California Civil Code Sections 1213 and 1215.

2. You Will Be Liable for Payment of an Administrative Penalty Amount - The Administrative Penalty ("Penalty") specified in the Citation is hereby imposed unless you correct all Violations by the deadline specified in the Citation. Pursuant to El Cerrito Code, et seq., unless you correct the Violation(s) by the deadline specified or successfully contest this Citation, you must pay to the City the Penalty in the amount specified in the Citation by the deadline specified for such payment.

3. The Possibility of Civil Enforcement Proceedings in Court - Depending on the circumstances, including but not limited to the nature and severity of the Violation, if you fail to correct the Violation, the matter may be referred to El Cerrito Council or to the Contra Costa County District Attorney for filing of civil enforcement proceedings in court. Pursuant to El Cerrito Code, during such litigation, the City may seek civil penalties up to $1,000.00 for each day that the Violation has existed and/or continues to exist.

If You Need Further Clarification - about payment or appeal of this Citation, you may call (800) 969-6158.

Agenda Packet Page 299 of 339
10890 San Pablo Ave
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Tel.: (510) 215-4363
[email protected]
Neighborhood Preservation
Community Development Department

REQUEST FOR ENTRY TO ABATE

IRENE M RUNIONS EN TRUST
February 21, 2025

VIA US POSTAL FIRST-CLASS AND CERTIFIED
Re: 6327 Conlon Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530 (“Property”) [APN: 501-243-016], Ref. No. CE24-0071 Dear Irene M. Runions,
On August 14, 2024, the City of El Cerrito issued a courtesy notice via United States Postal Service first-class mail to the mailing address on record with the County tax office. This notice informed you of multiple violations of the El Cerrito Municipal Code, including the accumulation of dirt, litter, and debris, and provided you with fifteen (15) calendar days to abate the violations.

As the nuisances were not abated by the deadline, the City subsequently issued a Compliance Order on August 29, 2024, via USPS first-class and certified mail, requiring corrective action within ten (10) calendar days. Follow-up site inspections conducted on September 9, October 3, and October 14, 2024, confirmed that the violations remained unaddressed.

As a result, the City issued an administrative citation on October 14, 2024, for penalties associated with unabated nuisances. Due to continued noncompliance, additional administrative citations were issued on November 4, 2024, and again on November 13, 2024.

Due to your failure to respond to requests to correct the nuisance conditions, the City intends to enter the Property and abate the nuisance conditions by private contract. The costs of such abatement work shall be billed to you per El Cerrito Municipal Code Section 8.34.140. If you fail to remit such costs within the time period required, in addition to other available legal remedies, the City may collect such costs via a special assessment of your Property, which shall be due at the same time and in the same manner as property taxes.

Consequently, the City requests your consent to its entry and abatement of the nuisance conditions described herein by completing the attached Consent to Entry and Abate form and returning it to the City within five (5) business days of the date of this letter.

Please be aware that, if you fail to return a completed form within five (5) business days from the date of this letter, the City will consider it a refusal to consent to enter and abate the nuisance and will, thereafter, seek an abatement warrant the legal costs of which shall also be billed to you per El Cerrito Municipal Code Section 8.34.140. In such case, if you fail to remit such costs within the time period required, in addition to other available legal remedies, the City may collect such additional legal costs via a special assessment on your Property, which shall be due at the same time and in the same manner as property taxes.

You can reach me at (510) 215-4363 or [email protected].

Steven Mello
Neighborhood Preservation Officer II
Community Development Department
ATTACHMENT:CONSENT TO ENTER AND ABATE FORM
Agenda Packet Page 300 of 339
City of El Cerrito
Citation Processing Center
P.O. Box 7275
Newport Beach, CA 92658-7275
www.CitationProcessingCenter.com
CITATION (EL CERRITO CODE CHAPTER 1.14)

ORDER TO CORRECT VIOLATION
CITATION NUMBER:

EL241126
CASE NUMBER:

CE24-0071
CITATION DATE:
11/26/2024
CITATION TIME:
9:58 AM
ADDRESS/ LOCATION OF VIOLATION(S):
6327 CONLON AVE, EL CERRITO, CA 94530
ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NUMBER(S):
501243016
RESPONSIBLE PARTY ___ BUSINESS OWNER _X__ PROPERTY OWNER ___ TENANT ___ OTHER (______________) NAME: (LAST, FIRST, MIDDLE INITIAL)

RUNIONS, IRENE M

DOB DRIVER'S LICENSE / STATE ID

RESIDENCE ADDRESS OR MAILING ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP
Violations of the El Cerrito code or other provisions of law exist or have occurred on the Property described and identified below. To gain your voluntary compliance in correcting the Violation (s), city staff previously informed you of the Violation (s) and gave you a reasonable amount of time to fix the Violation (s). Unfortunately, the Violation (s) has not been corrected, and this Citation is being issued under El Cerrito code chapter 1.14. Accordingly, you are hereby cited for and ordered to discontinue, not repeat, and correct the Violation (s) described below. The City of El Cerrito provides for the issuance of administrative citations. There are three escalating levels of fines that can be issued for a violation. The penalties are indicated on the front of the Citation. These fines are cumulative, and citations may be issued each day the Violation exists. You may be subject to receiving notices of additional Penalties in amounts that will escalate for any further Violations that occur or continue during 12 months following the first Violation.

CITY OF EL CERRITO NON-BUILDING/SAFETY VIOLATIONS
CODE SECTION DESCRIPTION OF VIOLATION 1ST

VIOLATION
2ND

VIOLATION
3RD +

VIOLATION
1 ECMC 8.34.040(L) DIRT, LITTER, DEBRIS (COMMERCIAL LOT) $100 $200 $500 2 ECMC 8.34.040(I) BROKEN OR DISCARDED FURNITURE $100 $200 $500 3 ECMC 8.34.040(N) MAINTENANCE OF PREMISE DETRIMENTAL TO HEALTH, SAFETY, OR GENERAL WELFARE $100 $200 $500
ADMINISTRATIVE FEE $21
PAY THIS TOTAL AMOUNT $1,521
CORRECTION(S) REQUIRED: By the deadline indicated, you are ordered to remove and dispose of all accumulated junk, debris, rock, dirt, soil, furniture, hazardous waste, automotive parts, construction debris, etc., following all local and state laws. You are required to show proof of lawful disposal by receipt.

DEADLINE TO CORRECT VIOLATION(S):
12/11/2024 BEFORE 2:00 PM

FOR ALL VIOLATIONS

CODE OFFICER ISSUING CITATION
Signature: _______________________________ ID: Mello Phone: (510) 215-4363 Email: [email protected] PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING ADDENDUM CAREFULLY. YOU FACE THE ENFORCEMENT MEASURES DESCRIBED BY THE

ADDENDUM UNLESS YOUPROMPTLY CORRECT THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED CODE VIOLATIONS Agenda Packet Page 301 of 339

CITATION ADDENDUM

IMPORTANT- PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
The City's remedies and procedural steps for enforcement of the City Code and other statutes and regulations enforced by the City, as described herein, are cumulative, alternative, and not mandatorily followed. The City, in enforcing the City Code and other statutes and regulations, has prosecutorial discretion to select -- based on the circumstances -- the appropriate enforcement measures to be taken, as permitted by the City Code and other laws.

PAYMENT
Payment can be made online at www.CitationProcessingCenter.com by credit/debit card or by calling (800) 969-6158.

Payment must be made in full within thirty (30) calendar days of the issuance of the Citation. Payment may be in the form of a cashier's check, money order, or personal check. Do not send cash. Checks should be made out to the City of El Cerrito. Please indicate the citation number on your check.

City of El Cerrito
C/O Citation Processing Center
P.O. Box 7275
Newport Beach, CA 92658-7275

RIGHT TO APPEAL
Pursuant to El Cerrito Code, any recipient of an administrative citation may contest the Violation (s) by filing an appeal. The total amount of the fine, along with your appeal, must be received within ten (10) calendar days of the issuance of the Citation. File your written request to appeal this Citation, include the total amount of the fine, and mail to the same above address or online at www.CitationProcessingCenter.com. Please include your reasons for the appeal. The failure to pay the total amount of the fine shall render the appeal incomplete. The violator shall then be responsible for the total amount of the fine. You will be notified upon the acceptance of your appeal and of your hearing date. Please note: Pursuant to El Cerrito Code, if you contest the Citation, the recordation of the Citation, or the imposition of the Penalty unsuccessfully, you may be subject to an order to reimburse the City for its administrative costs, staff time costs, and reasonable attorney's fees incurred in the hearing process.

If You Need Further Clarification - about payment or appeal of this Citation, you may call (800) 969-6158.

Agenda Packet Page 302 of 339
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING – EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL

TO DETERMINE EXISTENCE OF PUBLIC NUISANCE AND
ORDER ABATEMENT FOR 6327 CONLON AVE
TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2025 – 6:00 P.M.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the El Cerrito City Council will conduct a public hearing to determine whether certain premises situated in the City of El Cerrito, known and designated as 6327 Conlon Ave (APN 501-243-008-7 and 501-243-016-0) (“Premises”), constitute a public nuisance subject to abatement pursuant to Chapter 8.34 of the El Cerrito Municipal Code (“ECMC”).

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that said hearing will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., or thereafter, in the City Council Chambers, located at El Cerrito City Hall, 10890 San Pablo Avenue and available for viewing only using the video conferencing platform Zoom. Additional information can be found in the meeting materials at www.elcerrito.org/CouncilMeetingMaterials available at least 72 hours before the meeting.

You are hereby ordered to appear to show cause why the Premises should not be declared a public nuisance and the same abated in accordance with the ECMC.

Failure to appear shall be deemed a waiver of your right to appear and present evidence.

The public nuisance conditions on the Property consist of the following:

1. Broken or discarded furniture and household equipment on the Premises for unreasonable periods, visible from the street or nearby property, which constitutes visual blight or is detrimental to nearby property or property values. (ECMC §8.34.040(I)).

2. Maintenance of Premises in such condition as to be detrimental to the public health, safety or general welfare or in such manner as to constitute a public nuisance as defined by state Civil Code Section 3479. (ECMC §8.34.040(N)).

3. Maintenance of Premises in such conditions as to become so defective, unsightly, or in such conditions of deterioration or disrepair that the same causes appreciable diminution of the property values of surrounding properties or is materially detrimental to proximal properties and improvements. (ECMC §8.34.040(P)).

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Said methods of abatement available are:

1. Removal of all refuse, junk, garbage, and other discarded materials on the Premises; and

2. Disposal of all collected refuse, junk, garbage, and other discarded materials from the Premises in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations; and

3. Installation of a fence with a secure gate on the perimeter of the Premises to prevent illegal use of the Premises in the future.

If you choose to voluntarily abate the conditions described above, you must advise the City Manager in writing of the date for completion of such abatement. You may request a continuance of the hearing if, for good cause, the voluntary abatement cannot be completed prior to the hearing date.

If said Premises, in whole or in part, are found to constitute a public nuisance, you shall be ordered to abate the conditions constituting the nuisance by rehabilitation, removal, repair or demolition.

If said conditions constituting the nuisance are not abated within the time schedule as established by order of the City Council, such nuisance may be abated by City authorities.

In addition, if said Premises, in whole or in part, are found to constitute a public nuisance, you may be required to reimburse the City of El Cerrito for its full actual and reasonable costs of identifying this nuisance and ordering its abatement, or, if necessary, conducting such abatement. The City of El Cerrito has elected to include its full actual and reasonable attorneys’ fees as part of the costs for which you may be responsible.

All persons having any objection to, or interest in, said matters are hereby notified to either submit testimony in writing to [email protected] by Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 5:00 p.m., or attend the public hearing in person on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 6:00 p.m when their testimony and evidence will be heard and given due consideration. For further information on public participation, please contact the City Clerk at [email protected].

For further information on the public hearing, please contact the Community Development Department at (510) 215-4361 or [email protected].

Published March 26, 2025
_______________________
Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk, (510) 215-4305. Notification five days prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title I).

Agenda Packet Page 304 of 339
Agenda Packet Page 305 of 339
April 15, 2025
FY 2025-26 Budget Study Session
Agenda Item No. 9.A.

Agenda Packet Page 306 of 339
Biennial Budget
Public
Engagement
Process in 2024
2 • December 5: Strategic Plan Adopted by City Council
• January 13: Budget Priority Setting Workshop
▪ Online Survey Launched (175 responses received)
• March 5: Mid-Year Budget Update
• March 19: FY 2022-23 ACFR Presented to Council
• April 6: Community Budget Workshop
• April 23: Financial Advisory Board Budget Workshop
• May 7: City Council Budget Study Session
• May 21: Department head presentations, Assessment
hearings, Master Fee Schedule adoption
• May 28: Financial Advisory Board meeting and budget
discussion
• June 4: First Budget Hearing
• June 6: FAB Special Meeting
• June 18: Second Budget Hearing and Adoption
Agenda Packet Page 307 of 339
Budget Process –
FY 2025-26
3 • Feb 4: FY 2023-24 Audit presented to
Council
• March 4: Mid-year update to Council on
FY 2024-25
• April 15: Council study session on General
Fund for FY 2025-26
• Mid-Cycle update and formal adoption of
FY 2025-26 Budget in June 2025
Agenda Packet Page 308 of 339
FY
2021-22
Actual
FY
2022-23
Actual
FY
2023-24
Actual
FY
2024-25
Adopted
FY
2025-26
Adopted
Measure R
Revenue $3,632,337 $4,651,914 $4,322,227 $4,459,000 $4,581,000 Highlighte
FY
2021-22
Actual
FY
2022-23
Actual
FY
2023-24
Actual
FY
2024-25
Adopted
FY
2025-26
Adopted
Real Property
Transfer Tax $4,863,035 $4,157,840 $3,129,523* $3,000,000 $3,200,000 FY
2021-22
Actual
FY
2022-23
Actual
FY
2023-24
Actual
FY
2024-25
Adopted
FY
2025-26
Adopted
Cannabis
Revenue $330,425 $448,514 $519,098 $440,000 $550,000
General Fund Cannabis Revenue
Real Property Transfer Tax
Highlighted Revenue Trends
Measure R/G
FY 2023-24
Month Properties Sold Amount Received
July 12 $ 173,868
August 17 $ 235,014
September 19 $ 266,855
October 21 $ 278,220
November 27 $ 360,954
December 16 $ 224,868
January 10 $ 120,038
February 18 $ 254,166
March 13 $ 172,536
April 30 $ 531,408
May 27 $ 366,174
June 17 $ 228,642
Total FY23-24 227 $ 3,212,743
*Actual total includes RPTT rebates of $83,220
Agenda Packet Page 309 of 339
5 General Fund Budget
Agenda Packet Page 310 of 339
Updates to FY 2024-25 After Adoption
Updates with FY 2024-25
Budget Impact
• Roll-forward of purchase
orders from FY 2023-24
• New labor contracts signed
(SEIU, PEA, PSMA, City
Manager)
Updates with no FY 2024-25 Budget Impact
• Measure G passes with 81% approval
▪ No change to current Biennial Budget but supports
long-term sustainability
• FY 2023-24 year-end finalized, ACFR presented –
update to fund balance from budget estimates
• General Fund Reserve policy level increased
from 10% to 17%
• El Cerrito recognized by the Government Finance
Officers Association (GFOA)
▪ Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
▪ Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
6 Agenda Packet Page 311 of 339
Adjustments
required for
FY 2025-26
7 • Updated personnel estimates
▪ SEIU, PSMA, PEA and City Manager contracts
▪ Position reclassifications
▪ Conversion of Fire Inspector to full-time
• Updated General Liability and Worker’s
Compensation insurance estimates
• Updated utilities cost estimates
• Increased costs for Library additional hours
• Unbilled expenses from County for East Bay
Regional Communications System Authority
(EBRCS) for 2017-2018
• All adjustments incorporated into proposed
FY25-26 budget - no change to General Fund
Expenditure totals
Agenda Packet Page 312 of 339
Changes to FY 2025-26 by Department
FY 25 Amended
Budget
FY 26 Originally
Proposed
FY 26 Updated
Proposed Change
Administration 7,729,678 8,021,609 8,233,564 211,955
Police 15,052,742 15,465,725 15,297,985 (167,740)
Fire 15,338,246 15,825,790 16,026,892 201,102
Public Works 2,481,847 2,676,030 2,604,358 (71,672)
Community
Development 4,133,728 4,018,641 4,003,277 (15,364)
Recreation 6,728,467 6,884,848 6,708,767 (176,081)
Non-Departmental 882,691 871,374 889,174 17,800
Total 52,347,399 53,764,017 53,764,017 -
8 Note: No change to General Fund expenditure or revenue totals Agenda Packet Page 313 of 339
Impacts to Department and City Operations
• Little to no capacity for unbudgeted projects and initiatives • Prioritization of urgent and immediate needs, less capacity for emergency or unexpected requests
• Limited capacity to respond to unexpected legal and
employee-related claims
• Impacts to departments may change, with possible
readjustments at midyear depending on economic conditions and revenue and expenditure trends in each department
9 Agenda Packet Page 314 of 339
General Fund Forecast – Updated April 2025
10 • Forecast includes:
• Conservative revenue and expenditure
growth assumptions
• Labor increases from existing contracts
and historic averages
• Forecast does not include:
• Assumption of a recession
• Section 115 Trust
• Issuance of new debt or uses of fund balance
• Equipment or vehicle purchases beyond those
budgeted
• Additional contributions to Internal Service Funds
Agenda Packet Page 315 of 339
One-Time Expenditures for Consideration
• Not able to be included in
FY 2025-26 budget
• Would require use of
Unassigned General Fund
Balance
Recommendation:
• Allocate funds to Vehicle
Replacement and
Deferred Maintenance
ISFs
• Allocate to Section 115
Trust
• Appropriate funds for
Service Delivery Study
11 Description Amount
Fire Engine 152 Replacement 1,600,000
Fire Mandated SCBA Replacement 400,000
Service Delivery Study 140,000
Pool Replaster 800,000
Pool ADA upgrades (triggered by replaster & previous projects) 1,000,000 Office/Admin Building demolition at 10936 SPA (former
Church site) 50,000
HNA & Parks - High Priority/Hazard Tree & Vegetation
Management Work 80,000
Public Works Utility Truck/Van Purchase 60,000
Council Chambers AV Overhaul 350,000
Total 4,480,000
Agenda Packet Page 316 of 339
Key Highlights
12 • Second year of Biennial Budget, developed
in Spring 2024
• Uncertain and turbulent economy
• No changes recommended to bottom line
(difference between revenues and
expenditures) for General Fund
▪ Some adjustments among departments
• List of possible one-time expenses not
included in FY 2025-26 budget
Agenda Packet Page 317 of 339
Next Steps
• Staff to make any updates based on Council feedback
• FAB review of budget in April
• Final budget adoption for FY 2025-26 in June 2025
13 Agenda Packet Page 318 of 339
CITY HALL 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Telephone (510) 215-4305 Fax (510) 215-4379 http://www.el-cerrito.org

SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA MATERIALS

CITY COUNCIL MEETING
April 15, 2025
(revised April 17, 2025)
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)
Public Comments (Not on the Agenda and Consent Calendar) Agenda Item No. 8.A. – Public Nuisance Abatement Hearing for 6327 Conlon Avenue Presentation
Agenda Item No. 9.A. – Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Study Session Public Comments
Agenda Packet Page 319 of 339
Allow sender | Block sender
From: Kai Shen
To: City Clerk
Subject: public comments – not on the agenda
Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 6:30:56 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

To City Council Members,
I am writing to ask you to reject the proposal to add a bike line to Richmond Street.

As a resident near Gladys Ave. and Richmond Street, I rode my bike to work in Berkeley for months. I rode without any problems on the Ohlone Greenway.

A bike lane on Richmond Street, however, would create so many problems. Cars turning on and off Richmond would have to look for cyclists. In my experience, cars usually veer into the oncoming lane to get around cyclists even if there is a dedicated bike lane.

The Ohlone Greenway is literally a 3-block detour from Richmond Street. Why can't cyclists continue using what is a working and safe space already dedicated to them? Thank you for your attention and for rejecting this bad proposal. - Kerry Shen
General Public Comments
Agenda Packet Page 320 of 339
From: Cordell Hindler
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comments
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025 12:29:16 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Hello Mayor Wysinger, Council Members and Staff,
I am submitting the following Comments into the Record:

1. I am In Full Support of the items on the Consent Calendar

2. Also for the Council to Reconsider Participation for the Public Sincerely
Cordell
Agenda Packet Page 321 of 339
Resident comments for City Council Meeting of 4/15/25
Issue: Richmond Street “Complete Streets” project
Thank you for continuing to accept comments on the Richmond Street “Complete Streets” project.

I am a 78-year old resident of Elm Street who will be affected by this project on a daily basis, even though the project management team has seemingly decided that only the residents of Richmond Street are entitled to a special hearing (per a reply I received from the project manager to a letter I wrote back in December).

My primary worry is that the current planning seems to prioritize bicyclist safety over the safety of pedestrians and of less able-bodied users of the street and sidewalks.

My concerns are informed by my 18 years of experience as the principal driver and ride-arranger for my late husband, after his mobility was compromised by a stroke.

My main points of concern are these:

1. Encouraging/forcing residents to use driveways instead of streets will NOT improve pedestrian safety. Reasons include:
--Backing out is dangerous for pedestrians—be they children, or elders, or anyone with mobility challenges.
-- Vehicles protruding onto the sidewalks are obstacles to pedestrians, and can be insurmountable barriers to wheelchair users or those with walkers.

2. The current plan to restrict parking will make it less safe and more onerous for mobility-impaired residents and visitors to access vehicles—whether driven by themselves or others (including ride services or paratransit). Any plan to restrict parking needs to take into consideration things like the following:
--Access must be convenient—at all times, but especially in rainy weather, because just the physical transfer to and from the vehicle often requires full participation by everyone, with no hands free to hold onto things like umbrellas. --Plenty of transfer time must be allowed for. This is true in any case, but even more so if a wheelchair must be folded/unfolded and brought around or stowed. --Ride services and paratransit must be allowed to park in front of residences.

Driveways seldom provide enough room for the needed maneuvers.

Agenda Packet Page 322 of 339
--In assigning parking, provision must also be made for those with future impairment.

Overall, I share the plea of the Richmond Street residents who are advocating “safe streets for ALL.” I think bike riders should have safety too—and I can relate, because I enjoyed biking myself until quite recently. But I hope the City does not prioritize the safety of able-bodied bikers over that of other users of the street and sidewalks.

I very much appreciate your consideration of my comments.

Ann Baugh
Agenda Packet Page 323 of 339
Allow sender | Block sender
From: Laura Lent
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comments - Not on the Agenda
Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025 11:52:40 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

I want to register my support for the Richmond Complete Streets design that includes bike lanes between Moeser and Hill. From my home near the Community Center I frequently bike, drive and sometimes walk on Richmond to go to Giovanni's, to visit friends, to go to parks on the northern side of town etc On my trips I observe that most Richmond Street residents park their cars in their driveways and there are often long stretches of space between parked cars. There is also a decent amount of available parking space on cross-streets near Richmond.

I'd like to speak up about some of the arguments I'm hearing against the bike lane plan. First of all, the argument that bikes should use the greenway and that it's not that far from Richmond Street. Just as vehicles enjoy the use of so much public land dedicated to streets, bicyclists should similarly have options to safely use many streets. We are very lucky to have the Greenway, but it is a much slower and often more congested route, also, I don't feel particularly safe biking alone on it at night. The smaller streets parallel to Richmond often have poor visibility at intersections or in the case of the streets north of Moeser, don't go through to Moeser and points south.

I understand that change can be difficult, but the proposed changes to the street in my opinion will make it both much more attractive and safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers - this affects the entire community, not just current residents of this eight block stretch, although I believe they will benefit too. I also live on a busy street - Moeser - and while it can still use some more traffic calming measures, it currently feels safer to me to bike on and walk across the street on Moeser, also a major artery, but which has bike lines, is wide enough to include a center divider (I realize Richmond is not wide enough for that) and has a more greened up appearance that I believe has a beneficial psychological effect on all of the users and residents along the street .

Agenda Packet Page 324 of 339
Because of the proposed design where half of each side of each block will remain accessible to parking and there are side streets that often have available parking, many or most residents who don't have access to space in their driveways for any all of their vehicles will still be able to park and go to their homes without crossing a street.

The increasing use of cargo ebikes by families to transport their kids as well as groceries etc makes these safety improvements even more urgent. Change can be hard, but the interests of the entire community in having a safer and more multimodal street in this case are critically important, particularly with the proximity of El Cerrito's public middle school.

Sincerely,
Laura Lent
Agenda Packet Page 325 of 339
Allow sender | Block sender
From: Ira Sharenow
To: Holly Charléty; City Clerk
Cc: Lisa Motoyama; William Ktsanes; Rebecca Saltzman
Subject: Items not on the agenda
Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025 12:15:55 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

When will the community be allowed to participate via
Zoom?
Ira Sharenow
El Cerrito, CA
Agenda Packet Page 326 of 339
Public Hearing:

Public Nuisance Abatement for
6327 Conlon Avenue
El Cerrito City Council
April 15, 2024
Aissia Ashoori, Housing-Economic Development Manager
Steven Mello, Neighborhood Preservation Coordinator
Agenda Item No. 8.A.

Agenda Packet Page 327 of 339
Agenda
• Background
• El Cerrito Municipal Code
• Public Nuisance
• Next Steps
• Questions & Answers
2 Agenda Packet Page 328 of 339
Background:

Neighborhood Preservation Program
3 Works collaboratively to
protect public health and
safety, promote civic pride,
and preserve
commercial/residential
properties in El Cerrito;
NPP ensures that building
codes and zoning ordinances
are followed to protect public
health and safety; and
NPP relies on partnerships
with residents, businesses and
property owners to maintain
an attractive community with a
high quality of life that
supports economic vibrancy.

Agenda Packet Page 329 of 339
Background:

Neighborhood Preservation Program
4 NPP initially seeks
voluntary compliance
through verbal and
written warnings.

El Cerrito Municipal
Code Chapter 1.14 –
Administrative Penalties,
establishes an
enforcement mechanism
to address uncured
violations
First Violation:
$100
Second
Violation:
$200
Subsequent:
$500
Agenda Packet Page 330 of 339
Background:
6327 Conlon Avenue
5 • Property: 6327 Conlon Avenue,
Assessor Parcel Numbers 501-
243-016-0 and 501-243-008-7
• Vacant Property comprised of

0.06 acres adjacent to San Pablo
Avenue
• Property Owner: The Irene M.
and James A. Runions Trust
• Assessed Property Value: As of
Jan. 1, 2024, $36,021
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Background:
6327 Conlon Avenue Property Notices
6 Aug. 14, 2024
Initial Code Violation
Notice
Aug. 29, 2024
Compliance
Order to
Correct
Oct. 14, 2024
First Citation Order to
Correct Violation
Nov. 4, 2024
Second
Citation
Order to
Correct
Violation
Feb. 21, 2025
Request for Entry
to Abate
March 13, 2025
NPP Inspector
confirmed violations
unaddressed
March 26, 2025
Notice of Public
Hearing
Nov. 26, 2024
Third Citation
Order to Correct
Violation
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El Cerrito
Municipal Code
7 Chapter 8.34 - Nuisance Abatement
El Cerrito Municipal Code Chapter 8.34 – Nuisance
Abatement (ECMC) Establishes procedures that may be
used for the purpose of abating a public nuisance.

ECMC 8.34.060 – Abatement by Proceedings Before
City Council and Notice of Public Hearing
ECMC 8.34.070 – Notice of Hearing before City Council
ECMC 8.34.100 – Hearing by City Council
ECMC 8.34.110 – Decision of City Council Resolution
Ordering Abatement
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Public Nuisance: 6327 Conlon Avenue
• The Property conditions constitute a significant public nuisance and has been used as an illegal dumping site, accumulating excessive refuse, junk, and other discarded materials, in violation of Nuisance Conditions, ECMC 8.34.040(I), (N), and (P).
8 Agenda Packet Page 334 of 339
Public Nuisance: 6327 Conlon Avenue
• On March 26, 2025, a Notice of Public Hearing, was posted at the Property and sent to the Property Owner with a request to submit a written response by April 9, 2025, or appear at the tonight's Public Hearing.
• The Notice of Public Hearing provides the following abatement methods:

1. Removal of all refuse, junk, garbage, and other discarded materials on the Premises; and

2. Disposal of all collected refuse, junk, garbage, and other discarded materials from the Premises in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations; and

3. Installation of a fence with a secure gate on the perimeter of the Premises to prevent illegal use of the Premises in the future.
• If the Property Owner does not voluntarily request to abate the Property tonight, then the City shall conduct the Public Nuisance Abatement without further notice to the Property Owner 9 Agenda Packet Page 335 of 339
Next Steps
10 If the Property Owner fails to reimburse the City upon request, the costs may be imposed as a special assessment against the Property.

Once completed, staff will return to the City Council for the Abatement Costs Hearing to costs. If the City Council adopts the resolution confirming the costs, then the City can proceed to impose a special assessment on the Property.

If abated by the City, staff will seek reimbursement of the full actual and reasonable costs of the abatement from the
Property Owner.

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Financial Considerations
11 • Staff is seeking budget authority not to exceed $35,000 based on the estimates below.

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Questions & Answers
Thank you!
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Allow sender | Block sender
From: Ira Sharenow
To: City Clerk; Holly Charléty
Cc: William Ktsanes; Lisa Motoyama; Rebecca Saltzman
Subject: Item 9A Budget presentation on April 15, 2025
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025 1:06:30 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

I am concerned about the inability of management to
make accurate predictions with respect to General Fund
expenditures.

From Table 2-8 from the 2023 budget book, the
prediction for FY 2025 was $47,597,000.

From the five year prediction from the 2024 budget book, the prediction for FY 2025 was $49,915,000.

The April 15, 2025 update for FY 2025 is: $52,347,399
I am also concerned that General Fund expenditures
have increased rapidly in the last few years.

FY 2018$37,121,415
FY 2021$39,112,000
FY 2025$52,347,399
In the last four years, GF expenditures have increased
by 7.6% per year even though the CalPERS UAL has
increased, there is no senior center, the Ohlone
Greenway has been badly degraded, and the pavement
condition index has continued to decline.

Ira Sharenow
El Cerrito, CA
Agenda Item No. 9.A.

Agenda Packet Page 339 of 339

El Cerrito City CouncilApril 15, 2025

El Cerrito City Council
April 15, 2025