Mayor Councilmembers
Carolyn Wysinger William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Gabe Quinto Rebecca Saltzman
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MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 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
CONCURRENT PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY SPECIAL MEETING AND 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/83313959926?pwd=uaPsyWTYYx74NGLUlUoZnjaWoUM5T8.1 Meeting ID: 833 1395 9926 Password: 879411 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 06/17/2025 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: 8CAECEB2-89CB-41BC-A351-C8E13641BC56 5:00 PM ROLL CALL - CONVENE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Wysinger called the meeting to order at 5:02 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: Public Safety Management Association; and United Professional Firefighters Local 1230.
Contact: Sky Woodruff, City Attorney, City Management
City Council convened to closed session at 5:03 PM, no reportable action.
4. ADJOURN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The special meeting adjourned at 5:40 PM
6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE CONCURRENT PUBLIC FINANCING
AUTHORITY SPECIAL MEETING AND REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
Mayor Wysinger called the meeting to order at 6:04 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
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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 - commented on recent community events and upcoming transition of the city to elcerrito.org.
Councilmember Motoyama - announced Kensington Park Summer Field Day for Karo-Echo, and donation opportunities for July 4th event.
Mayor Wysinger - reported on letter sent to the first elected black Mayor, Michael Harris, of DeRiddor Louisiana; issued Mayoral Proclamation for the El Cerrito Tennis Club in recognition of the Arlington Park Tennis Center; and recognition of Centenarians Esther Tanizawa and Ruby Adachi Hiramoto with Mayoral Proclamations; commented on recent actions and opposition to the President's actions regarding immigration and enforcement response.
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, Elaine Fielding, Kerri Langbehn, Clifford Nuzman, Kathy Nuzman, Ann Baugh, Diane Sanford, Margaret Cohea, Linda Cain - spoke in opposition or concern regarding the Richmond Street Complete Streets project.
Stuart Sonatina, Gaia Sonatina, Henry Pinkard, Steve Price, Allison Rutland - spoke in support of the Richmond Street Complete Streets project.
Sue Duncan - commented on concerns about weeds and brushes in the Hillside Natural area and fireworks concerns.
Buddy Akacic - spoke regarding policy for public comments, and concern regarding Richmond Street.
Sean O'Connor - spoke regarding concern about light pollution from city streetlights.
Meredith McGuire - spoke regarding cyclist safety and indifference of the City Council regarding concerns.
6. PRESENTATIONS
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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 Motoyama Action: Approved items B-D and F-J on the consent calendar as indicated below Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None A. Financial Advisory Board Recommendation
Action Proposed: Receive and file recommendations from the Financial Advisory Board.
Contact: Kimberly White, Chair, Financial Advisory Board; Crystal Reams, Finance Director/Staff Liaison, Finance Department Pulled from consent by Councilmember Motoyama
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Ktsanes Action: Passed a motion directing staff to agendize a discussion item on the recommendation at a future City Council meeting. Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: Mayor Pro Tem Quinto
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.
• Arts and Culture Commission
• Human Relations Commission
• Environmental Quality Commission
• Committee on Aging
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Received and filed
C. Economic Development Committee Appointment
Action Proposed: Approve an Economic Development Committee recommendation to appoint Ahmed Qureshi, effective June 1, 2025.
Contact: Aissia Ashoori, Housing-Economic Development Manager, Community Development Department
Action: Approved appointment
06/17/2025 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: 8CAECEB2-89CB-41BC-A351-C8E13641BC56 D. Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for May 2025 Action Proposed: Receive and file the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for the month of May 2025.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
E. Juneteenth Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation in support and recognition of Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19, 2025 and further recognize Juneteenth by flying the flag at City Hall June 18-20, 2025.
Contact: Shannon Bassi, Human Resources Manager, City
Management
Pulled by Mayor Wysinger.
Moved/Seconded: Mayor Wysinger/Mayor Pro Tem Quinto
Action: Approved a revised proclamation, removing the 8th whereas clause. Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None
F. Parks Make Life Better Month Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation recognizing the importance of equitable access to local parks, trails, open space, and recreation facilities for the positive development of El Cerritans and all Californians.
Contact: Chris Jones, Recreation Director, Recreation Department Action: Approved proclamation
G. Revisions to Citywide Records RetentionSchedule
Action Proposed: Adopt a Resolution to approve an update to the Citywide Records Retention Schedule and rescind Resolution No. 2023-
33. Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-38
H. SB 1 - The Road Repair and Accountability Act, List of Projects for Fiscal Year 2025-26
Action Proposed: Approve a resolution adopting a list of projects for Fiscal Year 2025-26 to receive funding from Senate Bill 1 – The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 through the Local Streets and Roads Program.
06/17/2025 City Council Minutes Page 5 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: 8CAECEB2-89CB-41BC-A351-C8E13641BC56 Contact: Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-39
I. Designate One On-Street Parking Space for Zipcar on Kearney Street South of Manila Avenue
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution designating one on-street parking space for Zipcar on the east side of Kearney Street south of Manila Avenue, fronting the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Contact: Jarrett Mullen, Sustainable Transportation Program Manager, Community Development Department; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-40
J. Amendment to Agreement with Napa Recycling and Waste Services, LLC (NRWS) for Commingled Recyclable Materials Processing Services
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the agreement with Napa Recycling and Waste Services, LLC (NRWS) for commingled recyclable materials processing services to extend the contract term by six months through December 31, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $110,000.
Contact: Christina Leard, Management Analyst III; Amelia Timbers, Operations and Environmental Services Division Manager; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-41
K. Amendment to Agreement with East Bay Sanitary Company, Inc. for Street Sweeping Services
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the agreement with East Bay Sanitary Company, Inc. for street sweeping services to extend the contract term by one additional year through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $112,716.19.
Contact: Christina Leard, Management Analyst III; Amelia Timbers, Operations & Environmental Services Division Manager; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department Pulled from consent by Councilmember Saltzman
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Saltzman/Mayor Wysinger
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-42; and directed staff to return no later than January 2026 with an update to City Council on what is being done to improve the program. Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama,
Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None
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8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Fire Hazard Abatement Hearing and Declaration Action Proposed:
Staff requests that the City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution declaring 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 upon conclusion, 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: Thomas Wade, Fire Prevention Officer; Chase Beckman, Fire Marshal, Fire Department
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Saltzman Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-43 (Declaring Public Nuisances) with the revised Exhibit A. Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama,
Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None
Public Hearing: Mayor Wysinger opened the public hearing.
Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.
Nick Zamorano - spoke in support of approving the item and importance of the program in reducing fire hazards.
Kay Starkweather -spoke in support of approving the item.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Mayor Pro Tem Quinto 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 Ktsanes Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-44 (Overriding Objections) Ayes:
Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None B. An Ordinance regarding Defensible Space and Home Hardening Inspections within the High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones as Designated by CalFire and Designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA Guidelines Section15061(b)(3)) Notice published 5/24/2025 06/17/2025 City Council Minutes Page 7 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: 8CAECEB2-89CB-41BC-A351-C8E13641BC56 Action Proposed: Conduct a public hearing and, upon conclusion, introduce an Ordinance titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO AMENDING CHAPTER
8.30 OF THE EL CERRITO MUNICIPAL CODE TO DESIGNATE FIRE
HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 51179 AND TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR DEFENSIBLE
SPACE AND HOME HARDENING INSPECTIONS WITHIN THE HIGH
AND VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES
Contact: Chase Beckman, Fire Marshal; Eric Saylors, Fire Chief, Fire Department
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding local standards, Insurance Services Office score for El Cerrito, Firewise community insurance reductions, process for issuance of certificate of compliance.
Public Hearing: Mayor Wysinger opened the public hearing.
Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.
Sue Duncan - spoke in support of the ordinance and commented on fire hazards throughout the city.
Tyra Wright - spoke in support of efforts to protect homes and businesses, and request to consider including a process to extend the certificate of compliance requirements.
Kay Starkweather - spoke in support of the ordinance and need for home hardening efforts.
Heather Schiffman - Contra Costa Association of Realtors, spoke in support of ordinance and request to consider revisions to modify the certificate of compliance requirements to change to close of escrow.
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: Waived the first reading and introduced an Ordinance AMENDING CHAPTER 8.30 OFTHE EL CERRITO MUNICIPAL CODE TO DESIGNATE
FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT
CODE SECTION 51179 AND TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR
DEFENSIBLE SPACE AND HOME HARDENING INSPECTIONS WITHIN
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THE HIGH AND VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES
Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None City Council recessed from 7:53 to 8:05 PM.
9. POLICY MATTERS
A. CITY COUNCIL/PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY ITEM
Approval of the City's Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Update and Spending Authority by Fund for the City, Public Financing Authority, and Approval of the FY 2025-26 Annual Gann Appropriation Limit.
Action Proposed: Staff requests that the City Council:
1. Adopt a City Council resolution authorizing Fiscal Year 2025-26 spending authority by fund for the City of El Cerrito
2. Adopt an El Cerrito Public Financing Authority resolution authorizing Fiscal Year 2025-26 spending authority by fund
3. Adopt a City Council resolution approving the calculation and establishing the FY 2025-26 annual Gann appropriationlimit 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 review by the Financial Advisory Board, Richmond Streets funding, format of budget information provided, Measure H fund balance and allocations for upcoming pool maintenance, C.O.P.S grant fund balance, ending balance for Integrated Waste fund, reserve level projections, and council budget priorities.
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 Saltzman/Mayor Pro Tem Quinto Action: Approved City Resolution No. 2025-45, Public Financing Authority Resolution No. 2025-01, and City Resolution No. 2025-46.
Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: Councilmember Ktsanes B. Spending Authority for Certain Vendors Expected to Exceed $45,000 for FY 2025-26
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution approving spending authority for vendors expected to exceed $45,000 in Fiscal Year 2025-26.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
06/17/2025 City Council Minutes Page 9 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: 8CAECEB2-89CB-41BC-A351-C8E13641BC56 Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding evaluation for consideration of increasing spending limits.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Saltzman Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-47 Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None
C. Construction Contract Award for 2025 Surface Seal Project, City Project No. C3027.24
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution approving plans and specifications for the 2025 Surface Seal Project, City Project No. C3027.24 (Project); acknowledging the sole bidder, Pavement Coating Co. (Pavement Coatings), as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder; accepting the negotiated price from Pavement Coatings; and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Pavement Coatings in the amount of $2,400,898.27 and to approve potential change orders in an amount not to exceed $240,100.
Contact: Roland Lambert, Associate Engineer, Public Works Department; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Ktsanes Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-48 Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None
D. Consulting Services Agreement with Rogers Stringer & McClelland, Inc. for Swim Center Design Services
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Rogers Stringer & McClelland, Inc. (RSM) for the design of the Emery G. Weed, III Lap Pool's replaster, deck replacement, accessibility and egress improvements, parking lot electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and associated work in an amount not to exceed $220,000.
Contact: Christopher Jones, Recreation Director, Recreation 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 the cost of the installation of the slide, and the consequences of leaving in the current condition if construction were to start in 2026, patching options, and if funding is borrowed what the repayment plan would look like.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Saltzman Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-49 Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None
06/17/2025 City Council Minutes Page 10 of 11
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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.
Councilmember Motoyama - reported on attendance at Contra Costa Mayors Conference, reappointment to Association of Bay Area Governments Executive Board, attendance at the City's Advisory Body member recognition dinner, and Arlington Tennis Center dedication.
Councilmember Ktsanes - reported on attendance at RecycleMore meeting, Urban Forest Committee meeting, Arlington Tennis Center dedication, and participation in the No Kings event in El Cerrito.
Mayor Pro Tem Quinto - reported on attendance at the Air Quality Board Stationary Resource Committee meeting.
Mayor Wysinger - reported on attendance at Contra Costa Mayors Conference.
Councilmember Saltzman - reported on attendance at orientation for the El Cerrito Star Interns
11. ADJOURN CONCURRENT PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY SPECIAL
MEETING AND REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The concurrent meeting adjourned at 9:28 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 June 17, 2025 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
06/17/2025 City Council Minutes Page 11 of 11
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