REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)
City Council Chambers - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito Closed Captions available Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82568843935?pwd=0jXaS27DJnhJB9qIGzLuaHVU71L0vm.1 Meeting ID: 825 6884 3935 Passcode: 115415 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 Mayor Councilmembers
Gabe Quinto William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Rebecca Saltzman AGENDA Carolyn Wysinger
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MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026
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 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. 1/20/2026 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 4F559BA3-8B39-4030-9D6C-8CD8037EA9A2 6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Quinto called the meeting to order at 6:04 PM.
Present: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Absent:
None
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OR OBSERVATION OF A
MOMENT OF SILENCE
2. TELECONFERENCE AND PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
3. 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 - provided an update on the A/V upgrades to Council Chamber, the status of the pool replastering project, and upcoming 1/29 application deadline for advisory bodies.
Councilmember Wysinger - announced St. John the Baptist Elementary School Crab Feed on 2/1.
Councilmember Motoyama - announced El Cerrito City Crab Feed on 3/21.
Mayor Quinto - announced letters sent on 1/9 regarding equal access to nonopioid pain treatments for medical patients, 1/20 regarding concerns on the City's pending earmarks for the Hillside Natural Area Fuel Modification Project; and El Cerrito Chamber ribbon cutting event for SPORTS THEREx and Recovery on 1/17.
4. 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:
Michael McDougall - spoke in support of awarding the Central Square contract.
Charles Taylor - commented regarding the National Community Survey and support for a new library.
Emeline Schreiner - spoke about the need for a new library.
Chuck Monroe - commented on the need and support for a new library.
Michael Fischer - spoke regarding the deficiencies of the current library and need for a new one.
1/20/2026 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 4F559BA3-8B39-4030-9D6C-8CD8037EA9A2 Alan Kaplan - spoke in support of placing the proposed library tax on the ballot in June.
5. PRESENTATIONS
A. Citizens Street Oversight Committee Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2023-2024
Action Proposed: Receive and file the Citizens Street Oversight Committee Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 to the City Council and Citizens of El Cerrito.
Contact: Kathy Fleming, Citizens Street Oversight Committee Chair; 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 inclusion of the report presented to the Committee in the report presented to the City Council.
Action: Received and filed
B. 2025 El Cerrito National Community Survey Presentation Action Proposed: Receive and file a presentation of results from the 2025 National Community Survey conducted in El Cerrito.
Contact: Grace Arneson, Senior Project Manager, Polco; Will Provost, Assistant to the City Manager, City Management
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding clarification on use of the terminology "utilities".
Action: Received and filed
6. 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/Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman Action: Approved items A and D-I on the consent calendar as indicated below.
Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None A. Committee on Aging Appointment
Action Proposed: Approve the Committee on Aging recommendation and appoint Melissa Newton to the Committee, effective January 20, 2026.
Contact: Bridget Cooney, Recreation Supervisor, Recreation Department Action: Approved appointment
1/20/2026 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 4F559BA3-8B39-4030-9D6C-8CD8037EA9A2 B. Committee on Aging Recommendation
Action Proposed: Receive and file a recommendation from the Committee on Aging.
Contact: Bridget Cooney, Recreation Supervisor, Recreation Department Pulled from Consent by Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman.
Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Councilmember Ktsanes Action: Passed a motion to receive and file the recommendations and directed staff to return with an analysis of the recommendations, what is already planned, and what funding would be required. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes,
Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None C. Park and Recreation Commission Recommendation
Action Proposed: Receive and file a recommendation from the Park and Recreation Commission.
Contact: Chris Jones, Recreation Director, Recreation Department Pulled from Consent by Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman.
Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Received and filed Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
D. Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for November 2025
Action Proposed: Receive and file the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for the month of November 2025.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
E. Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for December 2025
Action Proposed: Receive and file the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for the month of December 2025.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
F. Letter of Support for El Cerrito Police Participation in the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement Program Administered by Georgetown Law
1/20/2026 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 4F559BA3-8B39-4030-9D6C-8CD8037EA9A2 Action Proposed: Pass a motion authorizing the Mayor to sign a letter, on behalf of the City Council, in support of the El Cerrito Police Department's participation in the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) program administered by Georgetown Law.
Contact: Paul Keith, Chief of Police, El Cerrito Police Department Action: Approved letter
G. Amendment to Consulting Services Agreement with California Public Policy Group for Grant Writing and Legislative Advocacy Services
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the consulting services agreement with California Public Policy Group (CPPG) in an amount not to exceed $82,500 for grant writing and legislative advocacy services in Fiscal Year 2025-26, and not to exceed $86,900 in Fiscal Year 2026-27 and $90,980 in Fiscal Year 2027-28.
Contact: Alexandra Orologas, Assistant City Manager; Will Provost, Assistant to the City Manager, City Management
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-1
H. Approve an Agreement with CentralSquare Technology for Community Development Permitting and Licensing Software Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to approve a five-year agreement with CentralSquare Technologies LLC (CentralSquare) for permitting and licensing software solutions used by the Community Development and Public Works Departments in an amount not to exceed $345,905 over a five-year term.
Contact: Eric Ng, Information Technology Manager, City Management Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-2
I. Extension of Subregional Transportation Mitigation Program (STMP) Cooperative Funding Agreement with the West Contra Costa Transportation Commission for the El Cerrito del Norte TransitOriented Development Complete Streets Improvement Project Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an addendum to extend the expiration date of the Subregional Transportation Mitigation Program (STMP) Cooperative Funding Agreement with the West Contra Costa Transportation Commission (WCCTC) for the El Cerrito del Norte Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Complete Streets Improvement Project.
Contact: Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-3
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1/20/2026 City Council Minutes Page 5 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 4F559BA3-8B39-4030-9D6C-8CD8037EA9A2
8. POLICY MATTERS
A. Accept Certification of Sufficiency of Citizens Initiative Petition for "The El Cerrito Library Initiative" and Consider Options Related to the Election on the Ordinance Proposed by the Initiative Petition Action Proposed: Approve a Resolution to accept the certification of the sufficiency of the Citizens Initiative Petition titled "The El Cerrito Library Initiative" (referred to in this report as "the Initiative"); and take action to 1) Request a report on potential impacts of the Initiative as authorized by California Elections Code section 9212, or 2) Approve a resolution to submit the proposed ordinance to the voters without alteration at the next regular election for the City of El Cerrito to be held on November 3, 2026, or at a special election to be held not less than 88 days nor more than 103 days from the order of the election.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding allowable modifications, clarification on the fiscal year impacted by the election date, impact and timing of the election date, and source of ongoing library operating costs.
Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.
Bill Barish - spoke regarding survey results and options for the location of a new library.
Suzanne Balmosada - recommended the City Council place the measure on the June ballot.
Michael Fischer - spoke regarding funding for a new library and need to improve library amenities.
Greg Lyman - spoke in support of placing the measure on the June 2 ballot and requesting the impact report.
Debra Morrison - spoke in support of the proposed property tax and need for a new modern library.
Charles Taylor - commented on the community support and need for a new library, and support of requesting an impact report and placing the proposed tax on the June 2 ballot.
Tom Parks - spoke in support to move the initiative forward as soon as possible.
1/20/2026 City Council Minutes Page 6 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 4F559BA3-8B39-4030-9D6C-8CD8037EA9A2 Dianne Brenner - spoke in opposition to the proposed tax measure as written.
Denise Sangster - commented on the need to develop an alternative plan, and opposition to placing the measure on the June 2 budget.
Janet Byron - spoke in support of and need for a new modern library.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Wysinger Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-4 and directed staff to prepare an impact report on the initiative. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes:
Councilmember Ktsanes
B. El Cerrito Library Facility Update
Action Proposed: Receive a presentation on the El Cerrito Library, including status and limitations of the current facility and an overview of conceptual scenarios and associated cost ranges for a modern, accessible, full-service library; and provide staff direction if applicable.
Contact: Will Provost, Assistant to the City Manager, City Management; 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 parking assessment and needs, purpose of a resident task force, location options, methodology for property acquisition estimates, costs for an alternative locations for scenarios renovating the existing library, assumptions related to construction costs, and specifics of a potential lease at the TOD site, and clarification that square footage is not usable square feet.
Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.
Paul Fadelli - spoke in support of a library at the El Cerrito Plaza location.
Jim Dolgonas - spoke in support of scenario 3 and challenges with other proposed scenarios.
Georgina Edwards - spoke in support of a modern library and the amenities and services that it could provide.
Tom Schrey - spoke in support of a modified library at the existing site.
Marti Snell - spoke in support of a new library and concern on a proposed site at the Plaza and an additional property tax, support of a new library task force, and a November election for the proposed tax. 1/20/2026 City Council Minutes Page 7 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 4F559BA3-8B39-4030-9D6C-8CD8037EA9A2 Michael Coan - commented on prior failed tax measure for library funding, and concern regarding the proposed new tax without a confirmed site or plans.
Steve Price - commented on the importance of libraries, and support of a proposed site at the Plaza.
BJ Thorsnes - spoke in opposition of a tax increase to fund a library, the initiative language and process for the initiative.
Greg Lyman - spoke regarding the proposed ballot measure providing funding needed, and clarified the measure text and use of the funds collected.
Michael Fischer - commented regarding the need for access by public transit to the site of a new library, costs of relocating to an alternative site in scenarios to modify the existing site, and challenges with accessibility for a two-story site.
Rebecca Milliken - spoke in support of a new library and need for clear communication regarding viable options.
Laura Lent - spoke regarding experience in San Francisco with revitalizing library locations, and usage and impact studies showing a high return on investment, need for a larger library with expanded services, and support of placing the initiative on the June 2 ballot.
Michelle Fadelli - spoke in support of a new, larger modern library with a fair public process.
Linda Cain - commented on the need for a library, lack of funding to build a library, and implications of a new tax.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman Action: Directed staff to bring back a proposal for a task force. Ayes:
Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
9. 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 Wysinger - reported on attendance at the Marin Clean Energy meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman - reported on attendance at the Contra Costa Mayors Conference, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade and Rally. 1/20/2026 City Council Minutes Page 8 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 4F559BA3-8B39-4030-9D6C-8CD8037EA9A2 Councilmember Motoyama - reported on attendance at the Contra Costa Mayors Conference, City Council Retreat, Fire Recovery meeting, Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Finance Committee meeting and election as ViceChair, ABAG Executive meeting, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade and Rally.
Mayor Quinto - commented on upcoming leadership meetings with Cal Cities in Sacramento.
A. 2026 Local Liaison Assignments
The Mayor will announce the 2026 City Council Liaison Assignments to City Boards, Commissions, and Committees and to Regional Bodies.
Mayor Quinto thanked the Councilmembers for their leadership on the regional appointments for 2026.
10. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
The regular meeting adjourned at 10:15 PM
Gabe Quinto, Mayor
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the City Council meeting of January 20, 2026 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
1/20/2026 City Council Minutes Page 9 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 4F559BA3-8B39-4030-9D6C-8CD8037EA9A2