SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING (9:00 AM)
Hana Gardens - 10870 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito
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Mayor Councilmembers
Gabe Quinto William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Rebecca Saltzman Carolyn Wysinger
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MINUTES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 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 Wednesday, February 18, 2026 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. 2/19/2026 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 4
Docusign Envelope ID: B13E545D-EC45-4CDE-B162-399F24A58B43 9:00 AM ROLL CALL - CONVENE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Quinto called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.
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. POLICY MATTERS
A. Receive a Report and Call an Election for the Citizen Initiative Petition titled "The El Cerrito Library Initiative"
Action Proposed: Receive and file a report prepared pursuant to Election Code Section 9212 on the Citizen Initiative Petition titled "The El Cerrito Library Initiative" and adopt a Resolution to place the proposed measure on the ballot.
Contact: Karen Pinkos, City Manager; 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 eligibility for construction costs already incurred, prohibited uses of funding, state programs for senior exemptions, options for use towards operating costs, other authorized uses, ownership if library constructed at the Plaza Bart site, pending initiative by Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, effect on project if agreements are in place and BART goes bankrupt, and process to amend exemptions by Council if proposed initiative is passed.
Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.
Greg Lyman - spoke in support of the initiative and placement on the June ballot.
Michael Fischer - commented in support of the initiative, positive financial impacts of placement on the June ballot.
Paul Fadelli - spoke in support and proposed Plaza station location.
Betty Buginas - expressed concerns regarding city government and elected officials and intended approach.
Tom Panas - spoke in support of the initiative and a June election date.
Justin Chang - spoke in support of a November election and an additional community task force.
2/19/2026 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 4
Docusign Envelope ID: B13E545D-EC45-4CDE-B162-399F24A58B43 James Porter - spoke regarding divisiveness of residents and distrust of elected officials, and support of a November election.
Bill Barish - spoke in support of a November election, concern about funds collected if a library is not built.
Michael McDougell - questioning expenses related to the initiative, and support of a November election.
Wally Nawinski - commented in opposition to the initiative and remarked on pending initiatives put forward by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.
Georgina Edwards - spoke regarding the commitment of the City Council and staff, and support of a June election.
Barbara Chan - commented in opposition to the initiative and support of a November election.
Betsy Bashor - commented on construction cost estimates and eligible uses under the initiative.
Mark Friedman - spoke in support of a new library and a June election. Iliana Go - spoke in support of a new library.
Michelle Fadelli - commented on cost impacts of a June versus November election.
Gina Brussatori - commented regarding prior large projects and opposition to the proposal and associated costs.
Waynette Duty - expressed concerns regarding expected costs, impact on seniors, and spoke in support of a November election.
Ira Sharenow - spoke in support of a November election, opposition to the proposed options for a new library, and concerns on cost estimates Rebecca Milliken - spoke in support of a June election and support of a new library.
Pearson Miller - spoke regarding lack of trust with city officials and city financials, and support of a November election.
Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2026-12, calling a June 2, 2026 special election. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: Councilmember Ktsanes 2/19/2026 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 4
Docusign Envelope ID: B13E545D-EC45-4CDE-B162-399F24A58B43
4. ADJOURN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The special meeting adjourned at 11:07 AM
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 19, 2026 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
2/19/2026 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 4
Docusign Envelope ID: B13E545D-EC45-4CDE-B162-399F24A58B43