Mayor Councilmembers
Carolyn Wysinger William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Gabe Quinto Rebecca Saltzman
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MINUTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2025
View (Regular Meeting Only):
1. Cable T.V. Broadcast on KCRT Channel 28
2. Livestream Online at www.elcerrito.gov/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)
Council Chambers - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito
Closed Captions Available Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89207182461?pwd=z4ecA0TBJfimsQa7I7tZO3rFM86vRD.1 Meeting ID: 892 0718 2461 Passcode: 490912 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 08/19/2025 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 4A38E886-EB79-4C8E-A86A-BDCEB0EED81E 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.
City Manager Pinkos - announced advisory body vacancies and invitation to apply, thanked Assemblymember Buffy Wicks' Office and City Staff for the successful Wildfire Preparedness event last week.
Councilmember Saltzman - remarked on the first day of school in West Contra Costa.
Councilmember Motoyama - commented on recent Wildfire Preparedness and National Night Out events, announced upcoming 8/23 East Shore Alliance Football Club first annual parade at El Cerrito High School, and upcoming delays on BART between Del Norte and Richmond.
Mayor Wysinger - announced the issuance of a Mayoral Proclamation to honor the life and legacy of Christopher Pierce, former Principal at DeAnza High School; a Mayoral Proclamation honoring the life and legacy of Jewel ThaisWilliams and her extraordinary commitment to community through social justice initiative and uplifting countless lives with her unwavering dedication to equity and care; and a Mayoral Proclamation commemorating the 90th birthday of his Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and Declaring July 2025-July 2026 as the year of compassion.
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.
08/19/2025 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 4A38E886-EB79-4C8E-A86A-BDCEB0EED81E Harold Schultz - spoke in opposition to the Richmond Street Complete Streets Project.
Janet Byron, Katherine Bierce, Carrie Schulman - spoke in support of the Richmond Street Complete Streets Project.
Michael McDougall - spoke in support of approval for consent item 7B.
Buddy Akacic - commented regarding the older adult community and need for additional resources.
Hollis Campell - spoke regarding businesses on San Pablo Ave, and a new library location.
Prem Pariyar - requested a council resolution regarding Cast Equity. Joanna Pace - commented on #7 Bus Party recently held.
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: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Saltzman Action: Approved the consent calendar as indicated below. Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None
A. Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for June and July 2025
Action Proposed: Receive and file the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for the months of June and July 2025. Contact:
Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department Action: Received and filed
B. FY 2024-25 Fourth Quarter Cash and Investment Report Action Proposed: Receive and file the City's Fourth Quarter Cash and Investment Report for the period April 30, 2025 to June 30, 2025.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed with a correction to the amount of interest for the section 115 for June of $37,127.97, not $64,007.07 as indicated in the staff report.
C. Purchase of Hybrid Police Vehicles
Action Proposed: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the El Cerrito Police Department to purchase and equip one Patrol (marked) Hybrid Ford Explorer Police Interceptor and two Administrative (unmarked) Hybrid 08/19/2025 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 4A38E886-EB79-4C8E-A86A-BDCEB0EED81E Ford Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles with emergency equipment for a total amount not to exceed $231,378, including labor.
Contact: Lauren Caputo, Lieutenant, Police Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-56
D. Construction Contract Award for 2025 Access ModificationsProject Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution awarding the contract for the 2025 Access Modifications Project, City Project No. C3024.8 (Project) to FBD Vanguard Construction, Inc. as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract in the amount of $599,182.50 and to approve potential change orders in an amount not to exceed $150,000 for the construction of the Project.
Contact: James Mizutani, Associate Engineer; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-57
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Fire Hazard Abatement Hearing and Declaration
Exempt from review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15304 and 15308. Notice published on 8/9/2025
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution declaring weeds, rubbish, litter, or other flammable material on certain real property identified in the resolution constitutes a public nuisance; 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: Approve Resolution No. 2025-58 (Declaring Properties).
Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember
Saltzman Noes: None
Public Hearing: Mayor Wysinger opened the public hearing.
No public comments.
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/Mayor Pro Tem Quinto Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-59 (Overriding Objections).
Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Noes:
None
08/19/2025 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 4A38E886-EB79-4C8E-A86A-BDCEB0EED81E B. Cost Hearing Regarding Fire Hazard Abatement of a Public Nuisance for Properties Identified and pursuant to El Cerrito Municipal Code Chapter 16.26
Notice published 8/9/2025
Action Proposed: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion adopt a resolution confirming the cost of abatement of public nuisance conditions resulting from the presence of weeds, rubbish, litter or other flammable material on private properties designated in Exhibit A to the resolution as authorized by El Cerrito Municipal Code Chapter 16.26.
Contact: Chase Beckman, Fire Marshal; Thomas Wade, Fire Prevention Officer, Fire Department
Public Hearing: Mayor Wysinger opened the public hearing.
No public comments.
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. 2025-60. Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes,
Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None
9. POLICY MATTERS
A. Financial Advisory Board (FAB) Recommendations
Action Proposed: As requested by the City Council, discuss the recommendations received by the Financial Advisory Board (FAB). The City Council may choose to take action or provide direction regarding the recommendations made.
Contact: Kimberly White, FAB Chair; Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer/Staff Liaison, Finance Department Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding recommendation #1 including what is currently in place or process, clarification of current amount of City deficit, structure of the Capital Improvement Plan, clarification of information flow to City Council, the difference between the recommendation and building city reserves, clarification of intent not to cut services. Recommendation #2 including discussion on rationale for recommendation of risk level, and rate of return.
08/19/2025 City Council Minutes Page 5 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 4A38E886-EB79-4C8E-A86A-BDCEB0EED81E Public Comments:
Hollis Campell - spoke regarding structure and intent of a potential maintenance fund.
No action taken.
B. Swim Center Lap Pool Renovation Study Session - Budget Options Exempt from CEQA review pursuant to Section 15301
Action Proposed: Receive an update on the estimated costs, construction, and phasing options for the El Cerrito Swim Center Emery G. Weed, III Lap Pool Replaster, Deck Replacement, and Associated Work and provide direction to staff.
Contact: Christopher Jones, Recreation Director, Recreation Department; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department; 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 ADA compliance issues, potential to have health review for all-inclusive option regardless of how the project proceeds, slide structure, individual costs of components, other community center maintenance and ADA needs, areas of high concern in not doing option 3 or 4, fiscal impact of not providing staff direction at this meeting, timeline on pool closures, and options to borrow against another city fund.
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 on this as an acceleration of an existing plan, not a one-time cost request.
Norman La Force - spoke in favor of option one or two and expressed concern about timing of pool closure and continuing to defer maintenance.
Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Quinto/Councilmember Ktsanes Action: Motion failed to approve option two as presented. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes Noes: Mayor Wysinger, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Mayor Wysinger Action:
Provided staff direction to move forward with option two presented with direction to return to council in two months with more variations of option three and more detailed information about potential funding options.
Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: Mayor Pro Tem Quinto 08/19/2025 City Council Minutes Page 6 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 4A38E886-EB79-4C8E-A86A-BDCEB0EED81E
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.
Mayor Pro Tem Quinto - reported on attendance at the Local Area Formation Commission (LAFCO) meeting, and requested the Council meeting be adjourned in memory of former Hercules Mayor Hermon Blackmon Sr.
Councilmember Saltzman - requested the Council meeting be adjourned in memory AC Transit Director Christian Peeples.
Councilmember Motoyama - reported on attendance at the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) executive meeting, East Bay Wildfire Coalition meeting, Contra Costa Mayors Conference, National Night Out, and Wildfire Awareness Exposition.
Mayor Wysinger - reported on meeting with representatives of the office of the Dalai Lama.
11. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING IN MEMORY OF FORMER
MAYOR RICHARD MANK
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
The regular meeting adjourned at 8:53 PM in memory of Former El Cerrito Mayor Richard Mank.
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 August 19, 2025 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
08/19/2025 City Council Minutes Page 7 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 4A38E886-EB79-4C8E-A86A-BDCEB0EED81E