Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
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 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 21, 2026
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING (5:00 PM)
Hillside Conference Room - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito Join Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83763836711?pwd=Fw6a1W8IltIQDpVq9cki2dubWGmkcW.1 Meeting ID: 837 6383 6711 Passcode: 144245 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)
Council Chambers - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito
Join Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85489680070?pwd=RqMd0Dd7uajWlzP451Ojv9ADlapHn6.1 Meeting ID: 854 8968 0070 Passcode: 693281 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.
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. 04/21/2026 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 640C7A4A-2D13-84FC-8322-0B5F0F48ED5E Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
5:00 PM ROLL CALL - CONVENE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Quinto called the meeting to order at 5:05 PM.
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. CLOSED SESSION CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION: ONE POTENTIAL CASE
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Contact: Sky Woodruff, City Attorney, City Management
No reportable action.
3. ADJOURN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The special meeting adjourned at 5:40 PM
6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Quinto called the meeting to order at 6:03 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.
Senior Management Analyst Christina Leard - provided an update on upcoming Earth Day activities.
Mayor Quinto - reported on speaking engagement at San Francisco Climate Week.
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.
04/21/2026 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 640C7A4A-2D13-84FC-8322-0B5F0F48ED5E Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
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 Fischer - commented on the senior exemption parameters in the proposed library tax.
James Silvey - spoke in support of the proposed library tax, Measure C.
Charles Taylor - spoke regarding the intent of senior exemptions in the proposed library tax.
Barbara Lass - commented on the Trail Trekkers and desired trail improvement projects.
Eve Ma - spoke regarding ducks at Arlington Park.
Bill Barish - commented on the need to further clarify the senior exemptions in the proposed measure.
Michael McDougell - commented on the quarterly investment report and expected additional funding contributions into the section 115 trust.
Wade Huntley - spoke regarding relationship between the City and Trail Trekkers.
Sherry Drobner - shared information regarding Oakland airport and shipping of weapons.
Ira Sharenow - commented regarding the proposed library tax and use of revenues.
Sevgi Fernandez - commented regarding concerns on surveillance and the proposed flock agreement.
B. Education and Sharing Day Proclamation
Action Proposed: Pass a motion to approve a proclamation declaring March 29, 2026 as Education and Sharing Day in the City of El Cerrito and to raise awareness and strengthen the education of our children.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management (Heard out of Order)
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman Action:
Approved the Revised Proclamation. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
04/21/2026 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 640C7A4A-2D13-84FC-8322-0B5F0F48ED5E Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
5. PRESENTATIONS
A. El Cerrito Library Update and National Library Week Proclamation Action Proposed: Receive and file an update from the El Cerrito Library and pass a motion to approve a proclamation declaring April 19-25, 2026 as National Library Week in the City of El Cerrito and encourage all residents to visit the library.
Contact: Heidi Goldstein, Senior Community Library Manager, Contra Costa County Library
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding the tech exchange, number of heat closures in 2025, and LGBTQIA collection.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman Action: Approved the 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 Motoyama/Councilmember Wysinger Action:
Approved items A and C-H on the consent calendar as indicated below. Ayes:
Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
A. California Cities Week Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation recognizing April 19- 25, 2026 as California Cities Week in El Cerrito.
Contact: Holly Charléty, City Clerk, City Management
Action: Approved proclamation
C. Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for March 2026 Action Proposed: Receive and file the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for the month of March 2026.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
D. FY 2025-26 Third Quarter Cash and Investment Report
04/21/2026 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 9
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: Receive and file the City's Third Quarter Cash and Investment Report for the period January 1, 2026 to March 31, 2026.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
E. Measure C Senior Exemptions Resolution of Clarification and Intent Action Proposed: Adopt a Resolution of clarification and intent regarding senior exemptions for Measure C, if approved by voters. Contact: Sky Woodruff, City Attorney, City Management
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-19
F. Senate Bill 1383 Memorandum of Understanding with the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority, also known as RecycleMore, outlining the roles and responsibilities of both parties in implementing the Short-lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Act (Senate Bill 1383) regulations; and authorizing the City Manager to execute the MOU.
Contact: Christina Leard, Acting Senior Management Analyst; Karineh Samkian, Senior Program Manager; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-20
G. Authorization for purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV (CT35843) e4WD Crew Cab Standard Range Work Truck
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a purchase agreement with National Auto Fleet Group, through a Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement (Contract No. 081325-NAF), for an amount not to exceed $70,000 for the purchase and upfitting of a Chevrolet Silverado EV (CT35843) e4WD Crew Cab Standard Range Work Truck with emergency warning lights.
Contact: Jaime Lew, Recycling Operations Supervisor; Christina Leard, Acting Senior Management Analyst; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-21
H. Adopt Landscape and Lighting Assessment (LLAD) for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and Adopt Resolution of Intent to Order Improvements; and Set the Public Hearing as May 05, 2026
04/21/2026 City Council Minutes Page 5 of 9
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: Accept the Engineer's Report specifying assessments for Landscape and Lighting Assessment District No 1988-1 for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and adopt a Resolution of Intention to order improvements pursuant to the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972, and set the time, date, and place of the public hearing as May 05, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-22
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Annual Review and Renewal of the Military Equipment Ordinance Notice Published on 4/11/2026
Action Proposed: Conduct a public hearing, and upon conclusion, adopt a resolution approving the El Cerrito Police Department Military Equipment Report for 2025 and the Military Equipment Policy, including an updated Equipment Inventory, and renewing Ordinance 2022-01.
Contact: Paul Keith, Chief of Police, Police Department Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding use of teargas and other projectiles, use of drones and location of manufacturing, oversight of policy use of drones and tracking of use and data related to use.
Public Hearing: Mayor Quinto opened the public hearing.
Public Comments:
Jason Martens - spoke regarding banned use of teargas.
Ira Sharenow - commented on the library presentation and statistics regarding library usage.
Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Closed the public hearing. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-23 Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
8. POLICY MATTERS
A. Flock Safety Agreement Renewal
Action Proposed: Authorize the City Manager to renew an agreement with 04/21/2026 City Council Minutes Page 6 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 640C7A4A-2D13-84FC-8322-0B5F0F48ED5E Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
Flock Safety for the provision of license plate reading cameras to the City for a period of three years at a cost not to exceed $315,000.
Contact: Paul Keith, Chief of Police, Police Department Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding additional public outreach, potential hacks into El Cerrito online system information, third party authorized requests made in our system, inclusion of the aggregated data provision in revised agreement, impact of federal law changes, reason for delay in identifying unauthorized access, potential legal risks, and city positions that have access to data.
Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.
Katherine Kimsey, Ry Crawford, Cindy McPherson, Talia Davidow, Sandy Davis, Laura Palin, Joanna Lawrence Shenk, Eric Lawrence Shenk, Tom Parks, Destry Miller, Destry Miller, Roshi, Stephanie Singer, Jiggy Geronimo, Bill Barish, Tora Feldmanstern, Nakieshia Kos, Yuko, Kate BoltonSchmukler, Timothy Keller, Brian Fogg, Miguel Gravelle, Rayah Long, Ariel Gold, Leah Carroll, Kamal Mutiani, Sherry Drobner, Jason Martens, Peter, Hope Dixon, Jane Hood, Nina - spoke regarding concerns or opposition to renewal of the contract.
Action: General direction provided to bring the item back on May 5 for further discussion and additional options to move forward.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Ktsanes/Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman Action: Passed a motion to invite the ACLU to provide a presentation at the May 5th Council meeting. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
City Council recessed from 8:59 PM to 9:10 PM
B. Fiscal Year 2026-27 and Fiscal Year 2027-28 Biennial Budget Study Session
Action Proposed: Conduct a study session on the Biennial Budget for Fiscal Years 2026-27 and 2027-28, including:
• Feedback from the Budget Survey and Budget Workshops
• Revenue and Major Expense Projections
• Preliminary Capital Improvement Program
Contact: Claire Coleman, Budget/Financial Services Manager; Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer
04/21/2026 City Council Minutes Page 7 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 640C7A4A-2D13-84FC-8322-0B5F0F48ED5E Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding potential changes to Real Property Transfer Tax revenues, and Capital Improvement Projects oversight and labor tracking.
Public Comments:
Janet Byron - requested funds be allocated for public paths improvement projects
Ira Sharenow - commented on transparency in the budget process No action taken.
C. Transition from At-Large to District-Based Elections for City Council beginning with the November 2028 General Municipal Election Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution declaring the City Council's intention to transition from at-large to district-based elections beginning with the November 2028 General Municipal Election; and set the first public hearing for May 5, 2026.
Contact: Sky Woodruff, City Attorney; 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 process, and intention of the law.
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 McDougall - spoke in support of adopting the action proposed and suggestions for drawing district boundaries.
Jeffrey Wright - commented on the diversity of El Cerrito and questioned the merits of the complaint filed, lobby for legislation changes.
Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-24. 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.
04/21/2026 City Council Minutes Page 8 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 640C7A4A-2D13-84FC-8322-0B5F0F48ED5E Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
Councilmember Ktsanes - reported on attendance at the Urban Forest Committee, RecycleMore meeting, and meetings with constituents.
Mayor Quinto - reported on attendance at the Bay Area Air Quality Board Stationary Source Committee meeting, and Cal Cities Gubernatorial interviews.
Councilmember Motoyama - reported on attendance at the Association of Bay Area Governments Housing Committee meeting, meeting with Cal Fire, and City Council closed session meeting.
10. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
The regular meeting adjourned at 10:28 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 April 21, 2026 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
04/21/2026 City Council Minutes Page 9 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 640C7A4A-2D13-84FC-8322-0B5F0F48ED5E