Mayor Councilmembers
Carolyn Wysinger William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Gabe Quinto Rebecca Saltzman
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MINUTES
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2025
View:
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 PublicComments – 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/82200295144?pwd=jwxsxnlMwCiWO0YXTFsIjP7a5TOi7O.1 Meeting ID: 822 0029 5144 Passcode: 466151 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 10/21/2025 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 8D60E433-42CF-4D21-9812-8FDA345A21B3 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 - congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Quinto on his appointment as the President of Cal Cities; announced the City's receipt of a grant from California State Coastal Conservancy to assist with tree removal from Quarry Hill, El Cerrito Flavor Fest bingo event spotlighting local restaurants, Police Department holiday card art contest; and congratulated Alexandra Orologas, Assistant City Manager on receiving the Municipal Management Association of Northern California Wes McClure Outstanding Assistant Award.
Councilmember Motoyama - shared the induction of Jeanne Marie Acceturo, El Cerrito Resident, into the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame, announced the upcoming Senior Resource Fair on 10/24, and Trail Trekkers Public Paths Festival on 11/1 and 11/2.
Mayor Pro Tem Quinto - congratulated Mayor Wysinger on selection as one of the 2025 Women of the Year in Congressional District 8.
Mayor Wysinger - congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Quinto on his appointment as the President of Cal Cities, commented on the El Cerrito Flavor Fest event, and upcoming anniversary celebration at Dolly's on 10/26.
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.
10/21/2025 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 8D60E433-42CF-4D21-9812-8FDA345A21B3 Janet Byron - shared information on upcoming first annual Trail Trekkers Public Paths Festival on 11/1 -11/2.
6. PRESENTATIONS
A. 2025 Legislative Update
Action Proposed: Receive and file a presentation on the 2025 legislative session for the City's Lobbyist, California Public Policy Group. Contact:
Dane Hutchings, CEO, California Public Policy Group
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding state deficits in 2026, Prop 36 implications, legislation addressing keeping residents in their homes, SB 79 legal interpretations, timeline for implementation of SB707, process of CPPG representation of clients with opposing opinions on a particular piece of legislation, the way lobbying activities and grant support services interact with one another, and implications on changes to real property transfer tax collections.
Action: Received and filed
B. Presentation on Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) Policy and Housing Element Implementation
Action Proposed: Receive and file a presentation on Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) Policy and Housing Element implementation.
Contact: Sean Moss, Planning Manager, Community Development Department
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding parking effect with new affordable housing, applicability in the case of demolition, minimum density requirements, penalty of not complying with the requirements, implementation moving forward.
Action: Received and filed
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. Unity Day Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation declaring October 22, 2025 as Unity Day in the City of El Cerrito.
10/21/2025 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 8D60E433-42CF-4D21-9812-8FDA345A21B3 Contact: Christopher Jones, Recreation Director, Recreation Department Action: Approved proclamation
B. Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for September 2025
Action Proposed: Receive and file the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for the month of September 2025.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
C. FY 2025-26 First Quarter Cash and Investment Report
Action Proposed: Receive and file the City's Second Quarter Cash and Investment Report for the period July 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
D. Establish All-Way Stop at the Manila Avenue and Norvell Street Intersection
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution establishing an all-way stop at the intersection of Manila Avenue and Norvell Street.
Contact: Eduardo Huizar, Engineering Technician; James Mizutani, Associate Engineer; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2025-67
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Revisions to the Adopted Fiscal Year 2025-26 Master Fee Schedule Notice Published 10/11/2025 and 10/17/2025
Action Proposed: Conduct a public hearing and, upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution approving revisions to the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Master Fee Schedule.
Contact: Claire Coleman, Budget/Financial Services Manager, Finance Department
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding applicability of the West Contra Costa Transportation Commission Subregional Transportation Mitigation Program.
Public Hearing: Mayor Wysinger opened the public hearing.
No public comments.
10/21/2025 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 8D60E433-42CF-4D21-9812-8FDA345A21B3 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. 2025-67 Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None
B. 2nd Reading and Adoption of Building and Fire Code Ordinance 1st Reading and Introduction 10/7/2025; Notice published 10/11/2025 Action Proposed: Conduct a public hearing, and upon conclusion, waive the second reading and adopt Ordinance 2025-03 which adopts the 2025 California Green Code, Administrative, Building, Fire, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical, Energy, Residential, Existing Building Code, 2021 International Property Maintenance Code, and Related Construction Codes as applicable to all construction within the City of El Cerrito, with local modifications as outlined in the Ordinance.
Contact: Cindy Lucas, Interim Building Official; Melanie Mintz, Community Development Director, Community Development Department
Public Hearing: Mayor Wysinger opened the public hearing.
No public comments.
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 Saltzman/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Approved Ordinance No. 2025-03 Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Noes: None
9. POLICY MATTERS
A. Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of El Cerrito and United Professional Firefighters Local 1230 Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution approving a new Memorandum of Understanding between the City of El Cerrito and United Professional Firefighters Local 1230 modifying language on salaries and benefits, and approving an appropriation of $120,116 from the General Fund unassigned balance.
Contact: Shannon Bassi, Human Resources Manager
City Council recessed at 8:20 PM and reconvened at 8:25 PM. 10/21/2025 City Council Minutes Page 5 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 8D60E433-42CF-4D21-9812-8FDA345A21B3 Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding deficit implications with the increased expenditures.
Public Comments:
Anthony Stephens - Vice-President of Local 1230 spoke in support of adoption of the tentative agreement.
Norman La Force - spoke in support of the Fire Department and adoption of the tentative agreement.
B. Study Session - Update on Swim Center Lap Pool Renovation Options and Discussion of Capital Expenditures
Action Proposed: Conduct a study session to receive updated report on Swim Center options and provide direction to City staff regarding use of General Fund balance for FY 2025–26.
Contact: Chris Jones, Recreation Director, Recreation Department; Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Claire Coleman, Budget/Financial Services Manager, Finance Department
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding expiration of the Fire Engine quote, timing of additional pool work if moving forward with funding scenario one, implications of deck failure before funding is allocated, percentage below minimum reserve levels if opting for funding scenario three, inflation factor with the delay of completing the deck repairs, reason for the high installation cost for the purchased replacement slide, and modeling based off of no other implications to draws on the general fund reserve.
Public Comments:
Norman La Force - spoke in support of the importance of maintaining the pool as an important community amenity.
Anthony Stephens - spoke in support of the procurement of a new fire engine.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Mayor Pro Tem Quinto Action: Passed a motion to confirm staff direction to move forward with scenario one, direct staff to return with additional costs for the pool deck work and slide to be included in the Capital Improvement Plan with the next biannual budget discussion; directed staff to move forward with the AV system upgrade; and amended item 9B to add to the proposed action "…including authorizing the city manager to execute documents necessary to secure the acquisition of a new fire engine prior to the end of October 2025 and that the need to amend the item came to the attention of Council after the agenda had been posted and that there is a need for immediate action to add this to the report in order to incur the saving that are available on the fire truck prior to the end of the month.” Ayes: Mayor Wysinger, Mayor Pro Tem Quinto, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Saltzman Noes:
Councilmember Ktsanes
10/21/2025 City Council Minutes Page 6 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 8D60E433-42CF-4D21-9812-8FDA345A21B3
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 Saltzman - reported on attendance at Cal Cities annual conference, Environmental Quality Committee meeting, Car Free Happy Hour event, El Cerrito Pumpkin Splash, No Kings Rally, Harding Elementary Carnival, and Free Folk Festival.
Councilmember Motoyama - reported on attendance at Cal Cities annual conference, and No Kings rally.
Councilmember Ktsanes - reported on attendance at Cal Cities annual conference, No Kings rally, Free Folk Festival; announced upcoming RecycleMore meeting, and Saturday coffee time at El Cerrito Natural Foods.
Mayor Pro Tem Quinto - reported on attendance at Cal Cities annual conference.
Mayor Wysinger - reported on attendance at Cal Cities annual conference.
11. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
The regular meeting adjourned at 9:49 PM in memory of Miss Major GriffinGracy.
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 October 21, 2025 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
10/21/2025 City Council Minutes Page 7 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 8D60E433-42CF-4D21-9812-8FDA345A21B3