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
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MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026
View:
1. Cable T.V. Broadcast on KCRT Channel 28
2. Livestream Online at www.elcerrito.gov/CouncilMeetingMaterials 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 11:00 AM 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. 05/05/2026 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
6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE REGULAR 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 and recognized Public Works staff and Public Service Recognition week.
Councilmember Motoyama - commented on the reopening of the Lap Pool.
Councilmember Ktsanes - reported on moderating an El Cerrito Democratic Club discussion on Measure C.
Mayor Quinto - presented Mayoral Proclamation to Thepo Tulku in recognition of retirement.
4. FIRST PUBLIC HEARING ON TRANSITION TO DISTRICT-BASED ELECTIONS The set start time of this public hearing is 6:15 PM. Notice was published on 4/25/2026.
Action Proposed: Conduct the first public hearing regarding transition to DistrictBased Elections for City Councilmembers, including sequencing of the election and consideration of the composition of the districts in accordance with Election Code section 10010; and providing direction on number of districts and method of election for Mayor.
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 effects of recent case law regarding the California Voting Rights Act timeline for the redistricting process, alternative voting methods, and protections under the safe harbor provision.
Public Hearing: Mayor Quinto opened the public hearing.
Public Comments:
Michael McDougell - spoke in support of four districts and a directly elected Mayor.
Betsy Bashor - commented on Hills versus the Flats and support of five districts. 05/05/2026 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
Ira Sharenow - commented on the role of the City manager and Mayor, and budget concerns.
Michael Coan - questioned the sequencing of the election of seated Councilmembers.
Kerry Schulman - spoke in support of four districts and a directly elected Mayor.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman Action:
Closed the Public Hearing. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
5. 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.
Bill Wood - commented on safety concerns with mid-block crossings of the Ohlone Greenway.
Elsa Jennie - shared concerns regarding flock, proposed library tax, Richmond Street Project, and financial concerns.
Carrie Schulman - spoke regarding the street crossing safety needs to be increased on the Ohlone Greenway, prioritize and safety fixes at Central, Lincoln and Cutting.
Sue Hansen - commented on concerns regarding communication and need to disagree without being disagreeable within the community.
Tuan Ngo - importance of public safety needs, and crime increasing.
Ira Sharnow - commented on general fund balance and financial concerns.
6. PRESENTATIONS
7. 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. 05/05/2026 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
Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Councilmember Motoyama Action:
Approved items A, C-D, F-G on the consent calendar as indicated below. Ayes:
Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
A. National Public Works Week Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation recognizing May 17-23, 2026 as National Public Works Week in El Cerrito.
Contact: A'shanti Coleman, Management Assistant; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Approved proclamation
B. Affordable Housing Month Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation recognizing May as Affordable Housing Month in the City of El Cerrito.
Contact: Aissia Ashoori, Housing-Economic Development Manager, Community Development Department
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Wysinger Action: Approved Proclamation. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
C. Jewish American Heritage Month Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation declaring the Month of May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month in the City of El Cerrito.
Contact: Shannon Bassi, Human Resources Manager, City Management Action: Approved proclamation
D. Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation declaring the Month of May 2026 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the City of El Cerrito.
Contact: Shannon Bassi, Human Resources Manager, City Management Action: Approved proclamation
E. Bike to Wherever Day Proclamation
Action Proposed: Adopt a Proclamation Recognizing Thursday, May 14, 2026 as Bike to Wherever Day in the City of El Cerrito. 05/05/2026 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
Contact: Jennifer Bright, Management Assistant, Community Development Department
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
F. Environmental Quality Committee Appointment Recommendation Action Proposed: Approve an Environmental Quality Committee recommendation to appoint Mordecai Stayton to the Environmental Quality Committee, effective May 5, 2026.
Contact: Christina Leard, Acting Senior Management Analyst; Public Works Department
Action: Approved appointment
G. FY 2025-26 Third Quarter General Fund Budget Update through March 31, 2026
Action Proposed: Receive and file an update on City General Fund revenues and expenses for FY 2025-26 through March 31, 2026.
Contact: Claire Coleman, Budget and Financial Services Manager; Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department Action: Received and filed
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Public Hearing to Confirm the Diagram and to Levy the Assessment for Fiscal Year 2026-27 for Landscape and Lighting Assessment District No. 1988-1
Notice Published 4/25/2026
Action Proposed: Conduct a public hearing, and upon conclusion, adopt a resolution setting the annual Landscape and Lighting Assessment for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 as $72 per single-family residential parcel, and as noted in the Engineer’s Report for other classes of properties.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Public Hearing: Mayor Quinto opened the public hearing.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Wysinger Action: Closed the public hearing. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
05/05/2026 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
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Wysinger/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-25 Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
B. Public Hearing regarding Fiscal Year 2026-27 Storm Drain Annual Report and method of collecting storm drain fees
Notice Published 4/25/26 & 5/01/26; 2/3 vote required to pass Action Proposed: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion adopt a resolution approving the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Storm Drain Annual Report and directing that Storm Drain Fees be collected on the property tax rolls.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/Treasurer, Finance Department; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Public Hearing: Mayor Quinto opened the public hearing.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Wysinger Action: Closed the public hearing. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-26 Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
9. POLICY MATTERS
A. Fiscal Year 2026-27 and Fiscal Year 2027-28 Biennial Budget Study Session #2
Action Proposed: Conduct a study session on the Biennial Budget for Fiscal Years 2026-27 and 2027-28, including:
• Review of budget process and Target Based Budgeting approach • Review proposed budget balancing scenarios and possible one-time expenditures
• Direct staff on preferred scenario for budget development Contact: Claire Coleman, Budget/Financial Services Manager; Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department Council recessed from 8:00 - 8:15 PM
05/05/2026 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
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding definition of "structural" deficit, recommendations from staff, options to phase into reductions, risk of underfunding infrastructure replacement plans, effects on staffing levels, section 115 trust funds, projected library costs, risk to future restrictions to Real Property Transfer Taxes, and grant and lobbying contract benefits.
Public Comments:
Carrie Schulman - spoke on prioritizing safe streets and capital improvement program.
Megan Steffen - support of ending flock over other contracts and services.
Cynthia McPherson - support of ending flock contract to fund essential infrastructure services.
Jiggy Geronimo - commented on ending flock and keeping library hours.
Rosa Esquival - spoke in support of keeping landscaping and intern program funding.
Michael McDougell - suggest a resolution for action and voting on specific items.
Tuan - spoke on prioritizing public safety and funding of flock contract.
Peter - support of public safety as a priority.
Ira Sharenow - suggested cuts to management, consultants and concerns related to city financial management.
Eric Trago - shared concerns with the flock agreement.
Leisa Johnson - spoke on prioritizing public safety and support of funding flock contract.
Jacqueline Lasahn - shared concerns with the flock agreement.
Action: City Council provided general feedback to staff to return on May 19 to discuss options and variations for Scenarios B and C. 05/05/2026 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
B. Flock Safety Agreement
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Flock Safety for the provision of license plate reading cameras to the City for a period of up to three years at a cost not to exceed $315,000.
Contact: Paul Keith, Chief of Police, El Cerrito Police Department Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act warrant response, termination terms, immutability of audit records, penalty amount for unauthorized access, and inquiry with other vendors for services.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Wysinger/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Passed a motion to extend the meeting until 12:30 AM. Ayes:
Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None 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, Talia Divido, Tamiko Panzella, Timothy, Nakiesha, Megan Steffen, Bill Barish, Jiggy Geranamo, Tova Feldmanstern, Joanna Lawrence Shenk, Cynthia McPherson, Rebecah Kenny, Jason Martens, Mike Katz-Lacabe, Rosie Fei, Brian Fogg, Melissa Newton, Kate Bolton-Schmukler, Anna Dayley, Joe Khalaf, Tomas Ringer-Silva, Chris R, Sandy Davis, Radhika G, Ron Singh, Eric Lawrence Shenk, Boris Krasnoiarov, Weihaur, Benjamin Paou, Phone Caller, Austin, Stuart Sonatina, Rocky Chau, Jacqueline Lasahn - Spoke in opposition of the item.
Jim Dolgonas, Rosa Esquival, Howard Hickman, Peter Pan, Tuan Ngo, Andre Basler, Oscar Garcia, Colin Elbasani, George Gager, Brenda Grisham, John Stashik, Denise Sangster, Laura Hill, Leisa Johnson, Eduardo - spoke in support of the item.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Wysinger/Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman Action: Passed a motion to extend the meeting until 1:00 AM. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Ktsanes Action: Passed a motion to not extend the contract. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama Noes:
Mayor Quinto, Councilmember Wysinger
05/05/2026 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
10. 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.
11. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
The regular meeting adjourned at 12:42 AM
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 May 5, 2026 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
05/05/2026 City Council Minutes Page 9 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 640C7A4A-2D13-84FC-8322-0B5F0F48ED5E