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, MARCH 3, 2026
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING (5:45 PM)
Hillside Conference Room - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito Join Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85954964745?pwd=e4WpIQXdgAX8gLnyVLZWwklqugsLOE.1 Meeting ID: 859 5496 4745 Passcode: 548282 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)
Hana Gardens - 10870 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito
Join Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87652376150?pwd=5ai9G1PN8bqhwdYulJibaUZXfXIvXy.1 Meeting ID: 876 5237 6150 Passcode: 767745 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 Please note that due to the temporary meeting location, this meeting will not be broadcast or livestreamed online.
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. 3/3/2026 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: ED8A5CBF-2C3E-4BA8-98CE-F02429FEFA4A
Present: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Absent: None
1. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
All persons wishing to speak should sign up with the City Clerk. Remarks are typically limited to 3 minutes per person and to items on the special meeting agenda only.
2. COMMISSION INTERVIEWS, STATUS AND APPOINTMENTS
Action Proposed: Staff requests that City Council conduct interviews and, at the conclusion of interviews, confer with staff regarding the ongoing recruitments, any remaining vacancies, and the scheduling of further special meetings to conduct interviews (if applicable). Council may decide to make appointments at the conclusion of the meeting.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management The City Council conducted one interview and made the following appointments:
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Wysinger Action: For the Citizen Streets Oversight Committee, appointed Janet Byron to a partial term ending 3/1/2028; and appointed Benedicto Vega to a partial term ending on 31/2027.
Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
3. ADJOURN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The special meeting adjourned at 5:58 PM
6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Quinto called the meeting to order at 6:06 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 - announced upcoming community budget workshop on 4/7.
Police Chief Keith - provided an overview of the recent audit conducted on, and use of the City's License Plate Readers.
Mayor Quinto - announced signed letter of support for BART's BUILD Grant application, and issuance of Mayoral Proclamation in Recognition of March 10, 2026 as Tibetan National Uprising Day.
3/3/2026 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 7
Mayor Quinto called the meeting to order at 5:45 PM
5:45 PM ROLL CALL - CONVENE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Docusign Envelope ID: ED8A5CBF-2C3E-4BA8-98CE-F02429FEFA4A
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:
Michael Coan - commented regarding concerns on the wording used for the ballot question language for the library tax measure.
Gerald Figone - spoke regarding traffic concerns on Fairmont Ave. and Liberty St. and avoiding a library location at areas with traffic concerns.
Bill Barish - commented on ownership of a new library and terms of the initiative related to leasing the property.
Brian Richmond - provided an update on meetings with City staff regarding desired public path improvements.
Laurie Schrey - commented on concerns related to terms for senior exemptions for the proposed library tax.
Stuart Sonatina - spoke regarding hazards from traffic to bikers and pedestrians.
Zylvanio Sonatina - spoke regarding traffic and need to slow down traffic.
Gaia Sonatina - commented on need to support change for youth, lack of safe public spaces, and traffic hazard concerns.
Janet Byron - commented on public path improvements, need for traffic calming, results on traffic survey conducted, and support for a new library.
Betsy Bashor - spoke regarding the funding change on the Richmond Street project.
Kimberly White - spoke regarding concerns on the city's financial status and suggested modifications.
5. PRESENTATIONS
A. Presentation from Senator Arreguín
Action Proposed: Receive and file a presentation from Senator Arreguín regarding current legislative priorities, recent accomplishments, and opportunities for collaboration with the City of El Cerrito Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Managment
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding housing mandates and funding for infrastructure, real properly transfer tax legislation, additional funding mechanisms for pending transit-oriented development projects. 3/3/2026 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 7 Docusign Envelope ID: ED8A5CBF-2C3E-4BA8-98CE-F02429FEFA4A Action: Received and filed
(Heard Out of Order)
G. American Red Cross Month Proclamation
Action Proposed: Pass a motion to approve a proclamation declaring March 2026 as American Red Cross Month in the City of El Cerrito and encouraging all Americans to support this organization and its noble humanitarian mission.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Councilmember Motoyama 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 Wysinger/Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman Action:
Approved consent items D-F as indicated below. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Ktsanes Action:
Approved consent items A-C and H on the consent calendar as indicated below. Ayes:
Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
A. Financial Advisory Board Recommendation
Action Proposed: Receive and file a recommendation from the Financial Advisory Board.
Contact: David Carvel, Chair, Financial Advisory Board; Crystal Reams, Finance Director/Staff Liaison, Finance Department
Pulled from Consent by Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman.
Action: Received and filed
B. Environmental Quality Committee Recommendation
Action Proposed: Receive and file a recommendation from the Environmental Quality Committee.
Contact: Fred Bialy, EQC Chair, Environmental Quality
Committee; Christina Leard, Management Analyst III/Staff Liaison, Public Works Department
Pulled from consent by Councilmember Ktsanes.
Action: Received and filed
3/3/2026 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: ED8A5CBF-2C3E-4BA8-98CE-F02429FEFA4A C. Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for January 2026 Action Proposed: Receive and file the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for the month of January 2026.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department Pulled from consent by Councilmember Ktsanes.
Action: Received and filed
D. Economic Development Commitee Appointment
Action Proposed: Approve an Economic Development Committee recommendation to reappoint Sandra Mayithara, effective March 1, 2026.
Contact: Aissia Ashoori, Housing-Economic Development Manager; Community Development Department
Action: Approved appointment
E. Arbor Week Proclamation
Action Proposed: Consider a motion to approve a proclamation declaring March 7 through March 14, 2026, as El Cerrito Arbor Week, urging all community members to observe and to celebrate by planting and caring for trees and by participating in City Arbor Week activities for the benefit of all, and for the benefit of future generations.
Contact: Stephen Prée, Program Manager, Public Works Department; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/ City Engineer
Action: Approved proclamation
F. Women's History Month Proclamation
Action Proposed: Pass a motion to approve a proclamation designating March as “Women’s History Month” and March 8, 2026 as “International Women’s Day" in the City of El Cerrito.
Contact: Shannon Bassi, Human Resources Manager, City Management Action: Approved proclamation
H. Amendment to Cooperative Agreement with Contra Costa Transportation Authority for Richmond Street Complete Streets Improvement Project Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Cooperative Agreement with the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) for the Richmond Street Complete Streets Improvement Project (Project) to incorporate additional funding identified for the Project.
Contact: James Mizutani, Associate Engineer, Public Works Department; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Pulled from consent by Councilmember Motoyama.
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-13
3/3/2026 City Council Minutes Page 5 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: ED8A5CBF-2C3E-4BA8-98CE-F02429FEFA4A
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. POLICY MATTERS
A. Municipal Pooling Authority Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement Action Proposed: Receive and file a presentation on Municipal Pooling Authority (MPA) services and adopt a resolution approving the Amended and Restated MPA Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement
Contact: Alexandra Orologas, Assistant City Manager, City Management Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding structure of a selfensured entity, and ability to mitigate increasing costs.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-14. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
B. Discussion on Library Task Force
Action Proposed: Provide staff direction on an El Cerrito Library Task Force mission statement, application, and selection process.
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 application and interview questions, and options for interview and selection processes.
Public Comments:
Michael Fischer - commented on senior exemptions, and importance of the selection process for task force members.
Betsy Bashor - commented on the makeup of the task force and timeline for moving forward.
Linda Cain - spoke on forming a balanced task force, reporting mechanism for the task force.
City Council provided general direction on the Task Force mission statement, application structure, selection process, interview questions, and Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman was identified as the assigned Council Liaison Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Ktsanes Action: Directed staff to agendize a study session at a future meeting to discuss senior exemptions related to the potential library tax. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None Abstain: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman
3/3/2026 City Council Minutes Page 6 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: ED8A5CBF-2C3E-4BA8-98CE-F02429FEFA4A
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 Community Safety Committee meeting, upcoming UFC meeting, meeting with resident’s 1st and 3rd Saturdays.
Councilmember Wysinger - reported on attendance at East Bay Division meeting of Cal Cities.
Councilmember Motoyama - reported on attendance at the Police Department swearing in ceremony, and Cal Cities dinner reception.
Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman - reported on attendance at the East Bay Cal Cities Division meeting, Cal Cities dinner reception, the El Cerrito Police Department Swearing in event, and West Contra Costa Transporation Advisory Committee meeting and election as the primary alternate for the Contra Costa Tranportation Authority.
Mayor Quinto - reported on participation in gubernatorial candidate interviews.
10. ADJOURN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Hana Gardens
The special meeting adjourned at 9:27 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 March 3, 2026 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
3/3/2026 City Council Minutes Page 7 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: ED8A5CBF-2C3E-4BA8-98CE-F02429FEFA4A