Mayor Councilmembers
Carolyn Wysinger William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Gabe Quinto Rebecca Saltzman
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MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2025
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.
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/85681636942?pwd=9yZsJrE3vDLq7a6pt74UqRp5tAPbhT.1 Meeting ID: 856 8163 6942 Password: 050009 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 5/6/2025 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 10
Docusign Envelope ID: A37F3B82-501C-4D66-832B-225722EEE238 5:00 PM ROLL CALL - CONVENE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Wysinger called the meeting to order at 5:00 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. ORAL 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. CLOSED SESSION CONFERENCE WITH NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives: Karen Pinkos, City Manager; Alexandra Orologas, Assistant City Manager; Shannon Bassi, Senior Human Resources Analyst; Glenn Berkheimer, Labor Negotiator; and Sky Woodruff, City Attorney.
Employee Organizations: United Professional Firefighters Local 1230.
Contact: Sky Woodruff, City Attorney, City Management
City Council convened to closed session at 5:01 PM. No reportable action.
4. ADJOURN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The special meeting adjourned at 5:56 PM
6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Wysinger called the meeting to order at 6:06 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.
City Manager Karen Pinkos - announced that the city is conducting a survey regarding a new library, and DMV is expected to re-open on 5/12. 5/6/2025 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 10
Docusign Envelope ID: A37F3B82-501C-4D66-832B-225722EEE238 Councilmember Saltzman - announced today is All Aboard Transit Day.
Councilmember Motoyama - announced upcoming East Shore Alliance Football Club Fiesta event on 5/24 at Cerrito Vista park.
Councilmember Ktsanes - shared a letter of thanks and gratitude from a resident regarding the service received from the Fire Department on a recent call to her residence.
Mayor Pro Tem Quinto - remarked on the letter of thanks received from the Fire Department.
Mayor Wysinger - reported on signing a letter in support of Community Project Funding for the Hillside Natural Area Fuel Modification project and remarked on challenges with hate speech in schools.
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.
Michael McDougall - commented regarding one-time expenditures for consideration in the next budget.
Janet Byron - shared resources and information for El Cerrito Walk and Roll, thanked those involved for the recent El Cerrito Green Mobility Fair, and announced upcoming events.
Steve Price, Kathleen Wong, Gaia Sonatina - spoke in support of the Richmond Street Complete Streets project.
Ethan Kim - spoke regarding the city's Active Transportation Plan and opposition to the Richmond Street Complete Streets project.
Joe Herbert - spoke in opposition to adoption of the National Police Week Proclamation.
Jacqualine Silva - commented on the flooding of a storm drainage adjacent to her property.
Buddy Akacic - spoke regarding destruction of community Jade garden at the community center.
5/6/2025 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 10
Docusign Envelope ID: A37F3B82-501C-4D66-832B-225722EEE238
6. PRESENTATIONS
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: Mayor Pro Tem Quinto/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. Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation declaring the Month of May 2025 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the City of El Cerrito.
Contact: Shannon Bassi, Human Resources Manager, City Management Action: Approved proclamation
B. Jewish American Heritage Month Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation declaring the Month of May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month in the City of El Cerrito.
Contact: Shannon Bassi, Human Resources Manager, City Management Action: Approved proclamation
C. National Public Works Week Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation designating May 18 through 24, 2025 as National Public Works Week in El Cerrito and encouraging all residents, businesses, and community organizations to recognize the substantial contributions Public Works personnel make to protect our health, safety, and quality of life.
Contact: Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Approved proclamation
D. Bike to Wherever Day Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation declaring May 15, 2025 as Bike to Wherever Day in the City of El Cerrito.
Contact: Jennifer Bright, Management Assistant, Community Development Department
Action: Approved revised proclamation
E. National Police Week Proclamation
5/6/2025 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 10
Docusign Envelope ID: A37F3B82-501C-4D66-832B-225722EEE238 Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation recognizing May 11 through 17, 2025 as National Police Week in the City of El Cerrito.
Contact: JT Wahrlich, Lieutenant, Police Department
Action: Approved proclamation
F. Affordable Housing Month Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation designating May 2025 as Affordable Housing Month in El Cerrito.
Contact: Aissia Ashoori, Housing-Economic Development Manager, Community Development Department
Action: Approved proclamation
G. Economic Development Committee Appointment
Action Proposed: Approve an Economic Development Committee recommendation to appoint Isaac Mankita.
Contact: Aissia Ashoori, Housing-Economic Development Manager, Community Development Department
Action: Approved appointment
H. Park and Recreation Commission Recommendation
Action Proposed: Receive and file recommendations from the Park and Recreation Commission.
Contact: Troy Tyler, Chair, Park and Recreation Commission; Chris Jones, Recreation Director/Staff Liaison, Recreation Department Action: Received and filed
I. Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for March2025 Action Proposed: Receive and file the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for the month of March 2025.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
J. FY 2024-25 Third Quarter Cash and Investment Report
Action Proposed: Receive and file the City's Third Quarter Cash and Investment Report for the period January 31, 2025 to March 31, 2025.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
5/6/2025 City Council Minutes Page 5 of 10
Docusign Envelope ID: A37F3B82-501C-4D66-832B-225722EEE238 K. Authorization To Enter Into A Purchase Agreement With Glasdon, Inc. For the Purchase of Forty-Three Nexus® 52G Trash Recycling Cans
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a purchase agreement with Glasdon, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $80,000 for the purchase of forty-three Nexus® 52G Trash Recycling Cans to be installed at parks around the City.
Contact: Christina Leard, Management Analyst III; Amelia Timbers, Operations & Environmental Services Division Manager; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-24
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Annual Review and Renewal of the Military Equipment Ordinance Notice Published on 4/26/2025
Action Proposed: Conduct a public hearing, and upon conclusion, adopt a resolution approving the El Cerrito Police Department Military Equipment Report for 2024 and the Military Equipment Policy, including an updated Equipment Inventory, and renewing Ordinance 2022-01.
Contact: Paul Keith, Chief of Police, El Cerrito Police Department Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding circumstances requiring a machine or shotgun, average lifespan of drones, current condition of drones, available grant funding, inclusion of acquired date of equipment in future reporting, use and description of commercial transit van, common uses and data from drones, and data use in connection with Sanctuary City policies.
Public Hearing: Mayor Wysinger opened the public hearing.
Public Comments:
Joe Herbert - questioned spending funds on military equipment and its effects on residents given the current political climate.
Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Quinto/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Closed the Public Hearing. Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Saltzman Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-25 Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None
5/6/2025 City Council Minutes Page 6 of 10
Docusign Envelope ID: A37F3B82-501C-4D66-832B-225722EEE238 B. Public Hearing to Confirm the Diagram and to Levy the Assessment for Fiscal Year 2025-26 for Landscape and Lighting Assessment District No. 1988-1
Notice Published 4/26/2025
Action Proposed: Conduct a public hearing, and upon conclusion adopt a resolution setting the annual Landscape and Lighting Assessment for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 as $72 per single-family residential parcel, and as noted in the Engineer’s Report for other classes of properties.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Public Hearing: Mayor Wysinger opened the public hearing. No public comments.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Saltzman Action: Closed the public hearing. Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Saltzman/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-26 Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None
C. Public Hearing regarding Fiscal Year 2025-26 Storm Drain Annual Report and method of collecting storm drain fees
Notice Published 4/26/25 & 5/02/25; 2/3 vote required to pass Action Proposed: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion adopt a resolution approving the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Storm Drain Annual Report and directing that Storm Drain Fees be collected on the property tax rolls.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/Treasurer, Finance Department; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding long-term plans to meet needs.
Public Hearing: Mayor Wysinger opened the public hearing. No public comments.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Ktsanes Action: Closed the public hearing. Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None
5/6/2025 City Council Minutes Page 7 of 10
Docusign Envelope ID: A37F3B82-501C-4D66-832B-225722EEE238 Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Ktsanes/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-27 Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None
9. POLICY MATTERS
A. FY 2024-25 Third Quarter General Fund Budget Quarterly Update through March 2025
Action Proposed: Receive and file an update on City General Fund revenues and expenses for FY 2024-25 through March 2025.
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 the method of reporting quarterly information regarding expected and achieved revenues and spending, and status of reserve levels.
Action: Received and filed
B. Predevelopment Loan with El Cerrito Plaza (ECP) Parcel C East Housing Partners, LP for the El Cerrito Plaza BART Transit-Oriented Development
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City of El Cerrito to enter into a Predevelopment Loan Agreement (Loan) with El Cerrito Plaza Parcel C East Housing Partners, LP (Developer), for the property located at 6671 Fairmount Avenue, also known as Parcel C East - El Cerrito Plaza BART Transit-Oriented Development (Development) - for predevelopment activities related to the construction of 84 affordable housing units.
Contact: Aissia Ashoori, Housing-Economic Development Manager; Melanie Mintz, Community Development Director, Community Development Department
Councilmember Motoyama recused herself from item 9B and 9C and left the room at 8:05 PM.
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding depletion of the housing asset fund and plans to build it back in the future and impacts of SB79.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Saltzman/Mayor Pro Tem Quinto Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-28 Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None Absent: Councilmember Motoyama (recused due to potential conflict of interest)
5/6/2025 City Council Minutes Page 8 of 10
Docusign Envelope ID: A37F3B82-501C-4D66-832B-225722EEE238 C. A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Applicable Agreements for the Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities Program for El Cerrito Plaza, Parcel C East, for Transit-Oriented Development at the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station and submission of an application for Affordable Housing Sustainable Community Program funds as a coapplicant with the Related Companies of California Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all applicable agreements for the Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program as a co-applicant with the Related Companies of California, LLC (Developer), for El Cerrito Plaza Station Transit-Oriented Development (TOD Project) Parcel C East, located at 6617 Fairmount Avenue (Project), to construct 84 affordable housing units and associated multimodal transportation improvements and to submit an application to the AHSC Program as a co-applicant. Contact: Aissia Ashoori, Housing-Economic Development Manager; Jarrett Mullen, Sustainable Transportation Program Manager, Melanie Mintz, Community Development Director; Community Development Department
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding use of funding.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Saltzman/Mayor Pro Tem Quinto Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-29. Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None Absent: Councilmember Motoyama (recused due to potential conflict of interest)
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.
Councilmember Motoyama returned to Chambers at 8:33 PM
Councilmember Saltzman - reported on attendance at the Cal Cities Leadership Summit.
Councilmember Motoyama - reported on attendance at East Bay Wildfire Coalition meeting, Association of Bay Area Governments Executive Committee meeting, Cal Cities Lobby Day, and Contra Costa Mayors Conference.
Councilmember Ktsanes - remarked on meetings with residents and continuation of holding office ours to meet with residents.
Mayor Pro Tem Quinto - reported on attendance at the Cal Cities Leadership Summit, Cal Cities Board of Directors Meeting, Community Safety Committee meeting, and upcoming Bay Area District meetings.
5/6/2025 City Council Minutes Page 9 of 10
Docusign Envelope ID: A37F3B82-501C-4D66-832B-225722EEE238 Mayor Wysinger - reported on attendance at Cal Cities East Bay Division meeting, Contra Costa Mayors Conference, and West County Mayors and Supervisors meetings.
11. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The regular meeting adjourned at 8:52 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 May 6, 2025 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
Alexandra Orologas, Deputy City Clerk
5/6/2025 City Council Minutes Page 10 of 10
Docusign Envelope ID: A37F3B82-501C-4D66-832B-225722EEE238