SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)
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
TUESDAY, MARCH 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. 3/17/2026 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 6
Docusign Envelope ID: ED8A5CBF-2C3E-4BA8-98CE-F02429FEFA4A 6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM. Present:
Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama Absent: Mayor Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger
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.
Assistant City Manager Orologas - announced upcoming Community Budget Workshop on 3/25.
Councilmember Motoyama - announced upcoming East Bay Wildfire Meeting 3/25, and recognized the 5-year anniversary of the COVID-19 lockdown.
Mayor Pro Tem - formally disbanded the City Council Ad-Hoc Committee to recommend Council Policy revisions; reported on 12 letters sent by Mayor Quinto in support of the City's Community Funding Project Requests for Fiscal Year 2027; and announced applications deadline for the Library Task Force of 4/17/2026.
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.
Michael Coan - spoke regarding concerns about senior exemption language in the proposed library tax measure.
Dianne Brenner - spoke in opposition to the proposed library tax measure.
Ira Sharenow - commented on estimated revenues, senior exemptions, and questions regarding financials related to a new library.
5. PRESENTATIONS
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. 3/17/2026 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 6
Docusign Envelope ID: ED8A5CBF-2C3E-4BA8-98CE-F02429FEFA4A Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Ktsanes Action:
Approved the consent calendar as indicated below. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger
A. Approval of Minutes
Action Proposed: Approve the City Council Meeting minutes from February 10, February 17, February 19, and February 24, 2026.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Approved minutes
B. Transgender Day of Visibility Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation recognizing March 31, 2026 as Transgender Day of Visibility.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Approved proclamation
C. Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for February 2026 Action Proposed: Receive and file the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for the month of February 2026.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
D. General Plan Annual Progress Report
Action Proposed: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Progress Report on the General Plan and Housing Element.
Contact: Diego Romero, Associate Planner; Sean Moss, Planning Manager, Community Development Department
Action: Received and filed
E. A Resolution Authorizing a Prohousing Incentive Program Application Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for the Prohousing Incentive Program.
Contact: Aissia Ashoori, Housing-Economic Development Program Manager Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-15
F. Annual Parcel Assessment for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program and Drainage Maintenance Activities for Fiscal Year 2026-27
3/17/2026 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 6
Docusign Envelope ID: ED8A5CBF-2C3E-4BA8-98CE-F02429FEFA4A Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution establishing the annual parcel assessment for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program and Drainage Maintenance activities at the current rate of $38.00 per Equivalent Runoff Unit (ERU) and authorizing the Contra Costa County Flood Control & Water Conservation District to adopt Stormwater Utility Area (SUA) levies based on said amount for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27.
Contact: Christina Leard, Management Analyst III/Acting Operations & Environmental Services Manager and Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-16
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Introduce an Ordinance to Adopt Permanent Outdoor Dining and Retail Sales Regulations
Published on 3/7/2026. Exempt from CEQA pursuant to sections 15060(c)(2))and 15061(b)(3)).
Action Proposed: Conduct a public hearing and introduce the ordinance titled:
An Ordinance of the City of El Cerrito to Amend Title 19 of the El Cerrito Municipal Code by Amending Section 19.20.150 and Repealing Section
19.20.160
Contact: Diego Romero, Associate Planner; Sean Moss, Planning Manager, Community Development Department
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding the number of participating businesses, utilization of the public right of way permitting process, electrical generator prohibitions, information regarding policies for generators in the city in general, and food truck permitting processes.
Public Hearing: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman opened the public hearing.
Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.
Howdy Goudey - commented on electric and fossil fuel generator regulations.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Ktsanes Action: Closed the public hearing. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama Noes: None Absent:
Mayor Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger
3/17/2026 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 6
Docusign Envelope ID: ED8A5CBF-2C3E-4BA8-98CE-F02429FEFA4A Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman Action: Introduced the ordinance, correcting section 19.47.020 Definitions - Outdoor Retail to read "outside area"; and modify section 19.20.150 A. and B.2. to delete "adopted by the City Council and" with regard to the program guidelines. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama Noes: None Absent: Mayor Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger
8. POLICY MATTERS
A. Fiscal Year 2026-27 and 2027-28 Budget Study Session Action Proposed: Receive a presentation from City Departments and conduct a study session on the FY 2026-27 and 2027-28 Proposed Budget, including:
• Department Overview and Staffing
• Review of FY 2025-26 Department Highlights and
Accomplishments
• FY 2026-27 and 2027-28 Department Focus and
Workplan/Operations
Contact: Karen Pinkos, City Manager, City Management
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding vehicle pursuit ordinance, DUI data points, surveillance measures, artificial intelligence in police reports, project kick-start deadlines, regulations surrounding condos, and safety and traffic calming efforts.
Public Comments:
Michael McDougall - commented on avoiding strictly additive budgeting and the need to prioritize through the budget process.
Ira Sharenow - spoke regarding the need to address risks related to library tax, interest rates, and tax revenues.
Action: Received and filed.
B. Amendments to the City Comprehensive Financial Policies Action Proposed: Consider the Financial Advisory Board's recommended changes to the City of El Cerrito Comprehensive Financial Policies and adopt a resolution to revise the Policies to include grammatical and minor language edits.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding notification in advance of issuance of a Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note (TRAN) and intent of reserves.
Public Comments:
David Carvel - Financial Advisory Board (FAB) Chair, clarified the intention of the recommendation made.
3/17/2026 City Council Minutes Page 5 of 6
Docusign Envelope ID: ED8A5CBF-2C3E-4BA8-98CE-F02429FEFA4A Michael McDougall - FAB Vice Chair, spoke in support of the City's position on the recommendation.
Kimberly White - FAB member, commented on concerns regarding the staff recommendation against the modification.
Ira Sharenow - commented regarding financial concerns and referenced prior events related to prior ballot measures.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Ktsanes Action: Approved. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama Noes: None Absent: Mayor Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger
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 Community Budget Workshop, Urban Forest Committee meeting, Police community meeting regarding Flock Cameras, Marin Clean Energy meeting, resident meeting regarding street safety, RecycleMore meeting, and Economic Development Committee meeting.
Councilmember Motoyama - reported on attendance at Groundbreaking event at El Cerrito Plaza BART station, City Lobbying Day in Sacramento, Association of Bay Area Governments Housing Committee meeting, and 25th Elks Club Law Enforcement Dinner event.
Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman - reported on attendance at the Community Budget workshop, City Lobbying Day in Sacramento, Groundbreaking event at El Cerrito Plaza BART station, and Planning Commission
meeting.
10. ADJOURN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
The special meeting adjourned at 9:54 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 17, 2026 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
3/17/2026 City Council Minutes Page 6 of 6
Docusign Envelope ID: ED8A5CBF-2C3E-4BA8-98CE-F02429FEFA4A