Mayor Councilmembers
Gabe Quinto William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Rebecca Saltzman Carolyn Wysinger
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MINUTES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 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.
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/81633024551?pwd=mYgw0xUnbzByKTxd2y2z39iQN9O3NG.1 Meeting ID: 816 3302 4551 Passcode: 293336 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 2/03/2026 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 8
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 6:00 PM.
Present In-Person: Mayor Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama Present Remotely: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman (Just Cause due to a contagious illness), Councilmember Wysinger (Just Cause due to a contagious illness) 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 a reminder of the location change for upcoming City Council meetings in Hana Gardens through 3/24.
Councilmember Motoyama - announced the 2/10 discount day for El Cerrito Summer Camp.
Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman - announced the 2/7 bus party on Line 7 starting at Del Norte Bart.
Councilmember Wysinger - commented on the 2/7 bus party on Line 7 starting at Del Norte Bart.
Mayor Quinto - announced National League of Cities meeting and US Conf. of Mayors event canceled due to weather.
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 nonagenda, 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.
Joanna Pace - spoke regarding the upcoming event on bus line 7.
Ira Sharenow - spoke in opposition to the proposed library ballot measure and commented on the city's finances.
Laurie Schrey - spoke in opposition to the proposed library ballot measure.
Greg Lyman - spoke in support of the proposed library ballot measure. Michael Fischer - spoke regarding the need for a new library.
2/03/2026 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 4F559BA3-8B39-4030-9D6C-8CD8037EA9A2 (Item Heard out of Order)
6C. Proclamation Recognizing Mario Ubalde
Action Proposed: Pass a motion to approve a proclamation recognizing Mario Ubalde for his outstanding performance in the 2025 Olympic Hopes International Youth Diving Championship in Budapest, Hungary.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Ktsanes Action:
Approved Proclamation. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
5. PRESENTATIONS
A. Auditor Presentation on FY 2024-25 Audit and Financial Statements Action Proposed: Receive and file a presentation from the City's auditor, and transmittal of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director, Finance Department; Sheldon Chavan CPA, Managing Partner, Chavan and Associates, LLC Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding pension fund liability, Financial Advisory Board recommendation, recycling revenue figures, and the portion of pension costs covered.
Action: Received and filed
(Item Heard out of Order)
6D. Proclamation Honoring Firefighter/Paramedic James Van Wyck Firefighter of the Year
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation honoring Firefighter/Paramedic James Van Wyck as Firefighter of the Year in the City of El Cerrito.
Contact: Eric Saylors, Fire Chief, Fire Department
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Ktsanes Action:
Approved Proclamation. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
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 the consent calendar as indicated below. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
2/03/2026 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 4F559BA3-8B39-4030-9D6C-8CD8037EA9A2 A. Black History Month Proclamation
Action Proposed: Pass a motion to approve a proclamation declaring February as Black History Month in the City of El Cerrito.
Contact: Shannon Bassi, Human Resources Manager, City Management Action: Approved proclamation
B. Lunar New Year Proclamation
Action Proposed: Pass a motion to approve a proclamation recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year in the City of El Cerrito.
Contact: Shannon Bassi, Senior Human Resources Manager, City Management
Action: Approved proclamation
D. 2025 Meeting Report for Boards, Commissions, and Committees Action Proposed: Receive and file a report of meetings held by City Board, Commission and Committees for the Calendar Year of 2025. Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management
Action: Received and filed
E. FY 2025-26 Second Quarter Cash and Investment Report Action Proposed: Receive and file the City's Second Quarter Cash and Investment Report for the period October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
F. A Resolution Expressing Solidarity with the City of Minneapolis Action Proposed: At the request of Councilmember Ktsanes, adopt a Resolution expressing solidarity with the City of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and its residents in the aftermath of recent United State Immigration and Customs Enforcement related shootings, and affirming the City of El Cerrito's commitment to Human Rights, Public Safety, and Accountability.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk City Management
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-5
G. Amendment to Existing Agreement with Avila Project Management for On-Call Engineering and Project Management Services
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing agreement with Avila Project Management for on-call engineering and project management services, increasing the contract amount by $200,000, bringing the total not-to-exceed amount to $450,000 in Fiscal Year 2025-26.
2/03/2026 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 4F559BA3-8B39-4030-9D6C-8CD8037EA9A2 Contact: A’shanti Coleman, Management Assistant; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-6
H. Amendment to Existing Professional Services Contract with TRB + Associates for On-Call Inspection, Plan Check, and Other Jurisdictional Services
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the professional services contract with TRB + Associates increasing their contract authority from $500,000 to $950,000 for fiscal year 2026 to provide inspection, plan check and other jurisdictional services.
Contact: Jennifer Bright, Management Assistant; Melanie Mintz, Community Development Director, Community Development Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-7
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. POLICY MATTERS
A. 2026 State Legislative Platform
Action Proposed: Adopt the proposed 2026 State Legislative Platform for the City of El Cerrito.
Contact: Alexandra Orologas, Assistant City Manager, City Management; Dane Hutchings, Founder & CEO, California Public Policy Group Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding status update for Grant work performed by the consultant, and concern regarding the process proposed for the legislative platform.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Wysinger Action: Approved the Legislative Platform with the following revisions: add #7 under High Performing Organization to read "Monitor allocation of e-commerce sales and use taxes and advocate for such taxes to be allocated to point of delivery"; and add #12 under Livability and Belonging to read "To support regional housing funding measures to increase resources for and enhance the ability of El Cerrito to provide housing for all." Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes
B. FY 2025-26 Second Quarter General Fund Budget Update through December 31, 2025
Action Proposed: Receive and file an update on City General Fund revenues and expenses for FY 2025-26 through December 31, 2025. 2/03/2026 City Council Minutes Page 5 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 4F559BA3-8B39-4030-9D6C-8CD8037EA9A2 Contact: Claire Coleman, Budget and Financial Services Manager; 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 nodepartmental expenditures, and reduced demand and revenues for the swim center.
Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.
Ira Sharenow - spoke regarding need for funding for policing and other maintenance needs on Ohlone Greenway, lack of a Senior Center, and timing of election for proposed tax measure.
Action: Received and filed
C. Award of Construction Contract for the Swim Center Accessible Parking Improvements Project, City Project No. C3050.10 Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution awarding the contract for the Swim Center Accessible Parking Improvements Project, City Project No.
C3050.10 (Project) to GradeTech Inc. as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder; authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract in the amount of $662,090.28 and to approve potential change orders in an amount not to exceed $100,000, for the construction of the Project; and appropriating a one-time allocation from the General Fund in the amount of $762,100 in Fiscal Year 2025-26.
Contact: Roland Lambert, Associate Engineer, Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department; Christopher Jones, Recreation Director, Recreation Department
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding disclosure to potential bidders of the engineer's estimate, process for lowest bid selection, and clarification of the role of Swinerton consultant.
Public Comments:
Betsy Bashor - asked questions regarding the timing of the project and parking lot closure, and potential grants for the Electric Vehicle charger portion of the project.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Ktsanes Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-8. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
2/03/2026 City Council Minutes Page 6 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 4F559BA3-8B39-4030-9D6C-8CD8037EA9A2 D. City Council Policy Subcommittee Report and Recommendations Action Proposed: Conduct a study session on proposed revisions to the City Council Policies and Rules of Order and Procedure and 2) Adopt a Resolution to approve the proposed revisions as presented or provide staff direction to return with additional modifications and 3) consider forming an Ad-Hoc Subcommittee to Discuss Advisory Body Policies and implications of SB 707.
Contact: Mayor Wysinger and Councilmember Motoyama, City Council Policy Ad-Hoc Subcommittee; 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 continued items, response by Councilmembers to public comments, and reduction of per speaker and total time for public comments.
Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.
Ira Sharenow - spoke regarding the process and response to public comments.
Mayor Quinto announced intention to create an ad-hoc committee for Advisory Bodies and intends to announce appointed members at the next Council meeting.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Wysinger Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-9 with the following modifications:
Section B3, Adjournment (last paragraph) modified to read "... or by a majority vote of the City Council to a future meeting date."; and Section D1, Responses to Public Comment modified to read (first paragraph) "Councilmembers will not generally respond to comments..." and at the end of the first paragraph, adding "After any public comment, Councilmembers may request staff to address or follow-up on a concern, questions, or request heard by a member of the public." Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama,
Councilmember Wysinger Noes: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman
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 Cal Cities Public Safety Policy Committee, and appointment to the Race, Equity, and Leadership Committee with National League of Cities.
Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman - reported on attendance at the West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Commission meeting and election as the Chair. 2/03/2026 City Council Minutes Page 7 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 4F559BA3-8B39-4030-9D6C-8CD8037EA9A2 Councilmember Motoyama - reported on attendance at the Cal Cities Revenue and Taxation Policy Committee, and Financial Advisory Board meeting.
Mayor Quinto - reported on attendance at the Bay Area Air Board retreat, the El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce installation and luncheon, meetings with leadership in the California Assembly and Senate, Cal Cities Peninsula Division meeting, and upcoming Cal Cities Board meeting in El Cerrito.
10. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. and will be held at Hana Gardens (10870 San Pablo Ave) The regular meeting adjourned at 9:00 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 February 3, 2026 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
2/03/2026 City Council Minutes Page 8 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 4F559BA3-8B39-4030-9D6C-8CD8037EA9A2