Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)
Council Chambers - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito
Join Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83882312364?pwd=AN33FvFvsVsIklZfnrYKt1ulbeZMla.1 Meeting ID: 838 8231 2364 Passcode: 813859 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 Please note that due to a delay in hardware modifications to Council Chambers audiovisual equipment, this meeting will not be broadcast or livestreamed online.
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 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 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 www.elcerrito.gov/LanguageAccess 了解更多信息
MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 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. 04/07/2026 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 640C7A4A-2D13-84FC-8322-0B5F0F48ED5E Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Quinto called the meeting to order at 6:01 pm.
Present In-Person: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama Present Remotely:
Councilmember Wysinger (Just Cause due to a need related to a physical or mental disability) 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 - thanked staff for the work on the upgrades to the Council Chambers equipment.
Fire Chief Saylors - announced upcoming planned controlled burns in the Hillside Natural Area.
Councilmember Motoyama - announced Best of El Cerrito.com nominations, and Messy Art Day on 4/19.
Councilmember Wysinger - commented on Passover and Good Friday events attended, and announced Record Store Day at Down Home Music on 4/18.
Mayor Quinto - reported on attendance at recent ribbon cutting for new Taco Bell location in El Cerrito; announced El Cerrito Garden Club plant sale on 4/19, Library Task Force applications due by 4/17, issuance of Mayoral Proclamations for Centenarians David Graber and Frank Tangherlini; and presented a Mayoral Certificate of Recognition to Centenarian Omezella Gibson who turned 102 last month.
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.
04/07/2026 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 640C7A4A-2D13-84FC-8322-0B5F0F48ED5E Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
Michael Coan - commented on access to the City Attorney, and senior exemptions in the proposed library tax measure.
Bill Barish - spoke regarding statistics of public comments at prior council meetings regarding the proposed library tax measure and need for additional public discussion.
Michael Fischer, Michelle Fadelli - spoke in support of the proposed library tax measure.
Darby Falkenstine, Ira Sharenow - spoke in opposition of the proposed library tax measure.
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.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Ktsanes/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Approved the consent calendar 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 March 3 and 17, 2026.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Approved minutes
B. Adopt an Ordinance for Permanent Outdoor Dining and Retail Sales Regulations
Introduced on 3/17/2026. Exempt from CEQA pursuant to sections 15060(c)(2))and 15061(b)(3)).
Action Proposed: Adopt 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
Action: Adopted Ordinance No. 2026-1
C. Authorize Annual Report for Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District for Fiscal Year 2026-27
04/07/2026 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 640C7A4A-2D13-84FC-8322-0B5F0F48ED5E Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution directing NBS Local Government Solutions (NBS), as the designated Engineer of Work, to prepare and file the annual Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1988-1 report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-18
D. Earth Day Proclamation
Action Proposed: Pass a motion to approve a proclamation declaring April 25, 2026 as “Earth Day” in the City of El Cerrito and encouraging all residents and businesses to help make El Cerrito a greener, healthier, more sustainable place for all.
Contact: Christina Leard, Acting Senior Management Analyst, Public Works Department
Action: Approved proclamation
E. Economic Development Committee Appointment
Action Proposed: Approve an Economic Development Committee recommendation to appoint Julia Salinas, effective April 1, 2026.
Contact: Aissia Ashoori, Housing-Economic Development Manager; Community Development Department
Action: Approved appointment
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. POLICY MATTERS
A. Local Road Safety Plan Study Session
Action Proposed: Conduct a study session on key policy areas in the proposed Local Road Safety Plan and provide possible direction to City staff regarding these policies.
Contact: Jarrett Mullen, Sustainable Transportation Program Manager, Community Development Department; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding speed limits on San Pablo, automated speed enforcement, curb access, drop off activities, bikeways, pedestrian safeguards, options for immediate actions to address concerns, challenges and cross-coordination in working on Caltrans 04/07/2026 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 640C7A4A-2D13-84FC-8322-0B5F0F48ED5E Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
right of way, challenges with Carlson, adequacy of current traffic enforcement ticketing system, and effects of legislation related to removal of Jay Walking violations.
Public Comments:
Janet Byron - spoke regarding residents looking for slower, safer streets, traffic-calming measures, and the need to start implementing changes.
Ira Sharenow - commented regarding safety on the Ohlone Greenway, funding for bikeway on Richmond Street, and parking study status.
Steve Price - spoke regarding biking and pedestrian safety concerns.
Michael Coan - commented on google maps directing traffic incorrectly.
Barbara Chan - spoke on prior incidents and speeding concerns on Arlington.
Action: None
B. Library Tax Exemption Study Session
Action Proposed: Conduct a study session on proposed and alternative potential exemptions for the proposed Library Tax Initiative (Measure C) and, if changes are desired, provide direction regarding actions to expand exemptions.
Contact: Sky Woodruff, City Attorney
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding use of exemptions on existing taxes, potential revenue losses, application process, administrative workload, income levels of individuals versus households, reimbursement versus exemption, revenues and use for administrative costs, impacts of lost revenue, and approved versus applied versus qualified.
Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.
Susan Obayashi - spoke regarding misleading language in the proposed tax measure regarding senior exemptions.
Bill Barish - commented regarding expansion of exemptions and how to determine who they could apply to, and application process. 04/07/2026 City Council Minutes Page 5 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 640C7A4A-2D13-84FC-8322-0B5F0F48ED5E Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
Michael Fischer - spoke in support of potential exemptions beyond what is in the proposed tax measure.
Michelle Fadelli - spoke in support for clarification of exemptions and intent, and alternate approaches to determining income restrictions.
Ira Sharenow - commented on City Attorney's contract and fees and estimates for revenues.
Action: General direction to return with a resolution to clarify the intent and interpretation by the City of the exemption language in the proposed library tax measure, striking 40% equity and no reverse mortgage qualifications.
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 Motoyama - reported on attendance at Association of Bay Area Governments Lobbying Day, the East Bay Wildfire Coalition of Governments meeting, Cal Cities Revenue and Taxation Policy Committee meeting, and Good Friday breakfast at St. Peters Church.
Councilmember Wysinger - reported on attendance at the National League of Cities (NLC) Conference, NLC Public Safety Policy Committee meeting, and Cal Cities Public Safety Policy Committee meeting.
Councilmember Ktsanes - requested a study session at the next council meeting regarding flock cameras; reported on attendance at West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee (WCCTAC) meeting, WCCTAC finance subcommittee meeting, Passover event, and Community Safety Committee meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman - reported on attendance at meeting of Council Ad-Hoc on Advisory Bodies, City Crab Feed, West Contra Costa Transportation Commission meeting, Contra Costa Mayors Conference, Community Passover Seder at Temple Beth Halau.
Mayor Quinto - reported on attendance at meeting of Council Ad-Hoc on Advisory Bodies, and NLC conference.
10. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
The regular meeting adjourned at 9:01 PM
04/07/2026 City Council Minutes Page 6 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 640C7A4A-2D13-84FC-8322-0B5F0F48ED5E Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
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 April 7, 2026 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
04/07/2026 City Council Minutes Page 7 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 640C7A4A-2D13-84FC-8322-0B5F0F48ED5E