SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)
Hana Gardens - 10870 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito
Join Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88138907080?pwd=IubCqZoi1RLdzTRtTYs9iboCBpUJTF.1 Meeting ID: 881 3890 7080 Passcode: 987742 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 Please note that due to the temporary meeting location, this meeting will not be broadcast or livestreamed online.
Mayor Councilmembers
Gabe Quinto William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Rebecca Saltzman Carolyn Wysinger
This information can be interpreted for you free of charge. Visit City Hall at 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530 or learn more at http://www.elcerrito.gov/LanguageAccess Esta información se puede interpretar gratuitamente. Visite el Ayuntamiento en 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530 o obtenga más información en http://www.elcerrito.gov/LanguageAccess
这些信息可免费为您解释。请访问位于 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530 的市政厅，或访问 http://www.elcerrito.gov/LanguageAccess 了解更多信息
MINUTES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2026
Public Comments:
1. In-person, by submitting a request to speak to the City Clerk.
2. Via Zoom, using the "Raise Hand" feature to request to speak.
3. By phone, dialing *9 to "raise your hand", and *6 to unmute.
4. Online, using the "Submit Comments" feature on the meeting event.
5. Via email to [email protected] indicating Public Comments – Agenda Item #.
Written comments received by 2:00 PM 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 posted after the meeting.
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 are available via zoom.
Conduct: This meeting is held pursuant to City Council Rules of Order and Procedure. 6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Quinto called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM.
Present: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Absent: None 2/17/2026 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 6
Docusign Envelope ID: B13E545D-EC45-4CDE-B162-399F24A58B43
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 - congratulated Assistant City Manager Alexandra Orologas on receiving the John H Nail award for outstanding Assistant City Manager.
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.
Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.
Jim Dogonas - spoke in support of placing the library tax measure on the June Ballot.
Lynn Watkins - spoke in support of a new library but against the proposed tax measure, and concern regarding staff accountability and transparency.
Barbara Lass - commented on the importance of public paths and trees in El Cerrito.
Steve Price - commented on concerns expressed by the City regarding the liability of volunteers conducting work on public paths.
Janet Byon - spoke regarding public paths and past actions taken to progress forward with updates.
Brian Richmond - commented on the desire for volunteer work on public paths and desire to move forward with improvements and the need to improve relationships with the City.
Justin Chang - spoke against the library tax initiative and urged Council to respond to concern of those in opposition.
Tom Schrey - spoke against the proposed library tax and concerns on the proposed language.
Margaret Cohea - spoke against the proposed library tax and Olivia Eielson - spoke against the proposed library tax
Chelsi Sparti - commented on the value and services provided by libraries, support of a new library, and thoughts on a library task force. 2/17/2026 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 6
Docusign Envelope ID: B13E545D-EC45-4CDE-B162-399F24A58B43 Barbara Chan - spoke in support of a library but in opposition of the proposed library tax and commented on proposed costs.
Clare Sheridan - spoke in support of placing the proposed library tax measure on the June ballot.
Greg Lyman - commented on misinformation on the proposed tax measure and in support of the measure.
Betsy Bashor - spoke regarding parking concerns connected to the Transit-Oriented Development option for a potential library site.
Suzanne Balmaceda - spoke in support of a new library in El Cerrito and placement of the proposed measure on the June Ballot.
Michelle Fadelli - commented in support of a new library and public engagement on how to make it the best for residents.
James Porter - spoke against the proposed library measure.
5. PRESENTATIONS
A. Recognition of 2025 Exemplary Police Employees
Action Proposed: Approve proclamations recognizing the 2025 exemplary contributions of 1) Officer Nirajan Chand (2025 Officer of the Year, 2) Executive Assistant Emily Graham (2025 Professional Staffer of the Year), and 3) Volunteer Cathy Smith (2025 Volunteer of the Year).
Contact: Paul Keith, Chief of Police, Police Department Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman Action: Approved three proclamations. 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: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Councilmember Motoyama Action:
Approved items A, B, and D as indicated below. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
A. Approval of Minutes
Action Proposed: Approve the City Council Meeting minutes from December 16, 2025; January 10, January 20, and February 3, 2026.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Approved minutes
2/17/2026 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 6
Docusign Envelope ID: B13E545D-EC45-4CDE-B162-399F24A58B43 B. Community Safety Committee Appointment
Action Proposed: Approve a Community Safety Committee
recommendation to re-appoint Howard Hickman effective March 1, 2026 Contact: Aaron Leone, Sergeant/CommSC Liaison, Police Department Action: Approved appointment
C. Community Safety Committee Recommendation
Action Proposed: Receive and file a recommendation from the Community Safety Committee.
Contact: William Cedrick Cobb, CommSC Chair; Aaron Leone, Sergeant/CommSC Liaison, Police Department
Pulled from Consent by Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman.
Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Councilmember Ktsanes Action: Received and filed, and directed staff to bring back a discussion item regarding the recommendation Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
D. Financial Advisory Board Recommendation
Action Proposed: Receive and file a recommendation from the Financial Advisory Board.
Contact: David Carvel, FAB Chair; Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer/Staff Liaison, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. POLICY MATTERS
A. Fiscal Year 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Amendments
Action Proposed: Adopt a Resolution authorizing appropriation increases to the FY 2025-26 budget totaling $1,593,905 from all funds, including an appropriation of $1,142,493 from the unassigned General Fund balance.
Contact: Claire Coleman, Budget/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 clarification of the debt write-off for the Redevelopment Agency, special revenue funds and clarification on speed survey, confirmed all actions are one-time and not ongoing expenses, and clarification of timing for dipping below minimum reserve levels.
Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.
2/17/2026 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 6
Docusign Envelope ID: B13E545D-EC45-4CDE-B162-399F24A58B43 Michael McDougell - commented on the need to evaluate revenue and expenses on all funds, not just the general fund and need to make changes to avoid future deficits.
David Carvel - spoke regarding one-time expenses and related reduction of reserve levels.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Wysinger/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-10 Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
B. Discuss and Consider the Formation of a Library Task Force Action Proposed: Consider the adoption of a resolution to form the City of El Cerrito Library Task Force to discuss and develop recommendations for options related to the modification or new construction of an El Cerrito Library.
Contact: Karen Pinkos, City Manager; Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management
Discussion - concern about misinformation out there and need to have accurate information for the public, clarification on timeframe, intent, assignment of new work, reporting mechanism, application information, and potential ways to pare down the number of applicants.
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 - commented on the need to respond to the practical and legal concerns of opponents to the proposed library measure.
Greg Lyman - spoke regarding available information regarding the proposed library measure.
Georgina Edwards - commented on prior experience participating in a task force, need for a mission statement and framework, and a variety of representation of residents.
BJ Thorsnes - spoke regarding library options, access to information, and prior experience participating in a task force.
Alan Kaplan - spoke regarding benefits and need for a new library, and support of a task force
Ira Sharenow - commented regarding misinformation, estimated costs, and proposed tax measure concerns.
2/17/2026 City Council Minutes Page 5 of 6
Docusign Envelope ID: B13E545D-EC45-4CDE-B162-399F24A58B43 Pearson Miller - spoke in support of a task force starting as soon as possible, with a clear mission, and concerns regarding the proposed tax measure.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Wysinger/Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-11 and directed staff to return with applicant selection criteria and a mission statement. 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 Ktsanes - reported on attendance at the Urban Forest Committee, and RecycleMore meetings.
Councilmember Wysinger - reported on appointment as the Second Vice-President of the National League of Cities LGBT Caucus.
Councilmember Motoyama - reported on attendance at the Contra Costa Mayors Conference, Employee recognition event, City Council Advisory body interview, and Association of Bay Area Governments Housing Committee meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman - reported on attendance at the Employee Recognition event, Line 7 Bus Party, tour of the El Cerrito pool replastering project, Human Relations Commission meeting, and El Cerrito Historical Society Meeting.
Mayor Quinto - reported on attendance at the California Foundation on the Environment and Economy Conference, and the Bay Area Air Board meeting.
10. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Tuesday, March 3rd at 6:00 p.m. at Hana Gardens (10870 San Pablo Ave)
The special meeting adjourned at 8:44 PM in memory of Reverand Jessie Jackson.
Rebecca Saltzman, Mayor Pro Tem
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the City Council meeting of February 17, 2026 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
2/17/2026 City Council Minutes Page 6 of 6
Docusign Envelope ID: B13E545D-EC45-4CDE-B162-399F24A58B43