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 19, 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. 05/19/2026 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 8
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: 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 public works service week, modified deadline of 11:00 to submit comments for distribution to City Council prior to taken action.
Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman - announced upcoming Pride month celebration at Flag Raising on June 1st at 4:00 PM at City Hall followed by events at Castro Park.
Councilmember Motoyama - announced upcoming Makers Faire.
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.
(Heard out of order)
Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.
Mike McDougall - commented on the Financial Advisory Board recommendation and discussion at recent meeting, and consideration of reducing extended library hours.
Ira Sharenow - spoke regarding related costs and misinformation related to costs of the library project.
Megan Stephan - spoke regarding distrust in local conversation and communications.
05/19/2026 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 640C7A4A-2D13-84FC-8322-0B5F0F48ED5E Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
4. SECOND PUBLIC HEARING ON TRANSITION TO DISTRICT-BASED
ELECTIONS
The set start time of this public hearing is 6:15 PM. Notice was published on 5/9/2026.
Action Proposed: Conduct the second public hearing regarding transition to District-Based 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 the process for seated councilmembers when transitioning to a directly elected Mayor or from at-large to a district seat, neutrality in drawing maps, consideration of communities of interest, consideration of school districts,
Public Hearing: Mayor Quinto 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.
Sue Duncan - spoke in support of five districts and a rotating Mayor.
Michael McDougall - commented on challenges with five districts and sufficient candidates interested in running, potential to have a Mayor's race separate from the race for the district seats, consideration for increasing pay and responsibility if a directly elected mayor.
Barbara Chan - spoke in favor of five districts and a rotating Mayor, and concern with a directly elected Mayor seat becoming too politicized.
Megan Stephan - commented on options to have a more flexible seat with no additional power with an at-large council seat and retaining a rotating Mayor process.
Ira Sharenow - spoke in support of five districts and option to be Mayor for a year could be a driver for candidates to run.
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
05/19/2026 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 8
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 Wysinger Action: Motion to proceed with 5 districts and a rotating Mayor Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
6. PRESENTATIONS
A. Marin Clean Energy Presentation
Action Proposed: Receive and file a presentation on Marin Clean Energy operates in California’s energy system and what it delivers for its communities, including the City of El Cerrito community.
Contact: Kiara Donato, Bilingual Community Development Manager, Marin Clean Energy
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding bill payment programs available, and e-bike rebates.
Action: Received and filed
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.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman Action: Approved the consent calendar as indicated below. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
A. LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation declaring the month of June as Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender/Transsexual, Queer/Questioning, Intersex and Agender/Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Pride month in the City of El Cerrito and recognizing Pride Month by flying the Intersex Inclusive Progress Pride Flag at City Hall during the month of June.
Contact: Will Provost, Assistant to the City Manager, City Management Action: Approved proclamation
B. Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for April 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
05/19/2026 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 640C7A4A-2D13-84FC-8322-0B5F0F48ED5E Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
C. Financial Advisory Board Recommendation
Action Proposed: Receive and file a recommendation from the Financial Advisory Board.
Contact: David Carvel, Chair, Financial Advisory Board
Action: Received and filed
D. Amended and Restated Contra Costa Clean Water Program Agreement Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution approving the City’s continued participation in the Contra Costa Clean Water Program for implementation of the Municipal Regional National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit and authorizing the City Manager to execute the Amended and Restated Contra Costa Clean Water Program (CCCWP) Agreement effective July 1, 2026.
Contact: Christina Leard, Acting Senior Management Analyst and Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-27
E. Group Program Inspection Activities Agreement between the City of El Cerrito, the West County Wastewater District, and the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute the Group Program Inspection Activities Agreement between the City of El Cerrito, the West County Wastewater District, and the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District effective July 1, 2026.
Contact: Christina Leard, Acting Senior Management Analyst and Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-28
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Annual Public Hearing on Vacancies, Recruitment and Retention Efforts Action Proposed: Conduct a public hearing to receive and file a report on workforce vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts in compliance with Assembly Bill 2561.
Contact: Shannon Bassi, Human Resources Manager, City Management Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding timing for receiving the Service Delivery Study report, addressing outstanding vacancies, timing of reduction for janitorial positions, and budget implications of vacancies.
05/19/2026 City Council Minutes Page 5 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 640C7A4A-2D13-84FC-8322-0B5F0F48ED5E Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
Public Hearing: Mayor Quinto opened the public hearing.
Public Comments:
Ira Sharenow - spoke regarding reducing management, increase of open hours, and reduction of positions.
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
Action: Received and filed.
B. Public Hearing and Approval of Fiscal Year 2026-27 Master Fee Schedule
Notice Published 5/9/26 and 5/15/26
Action Proposed: Hold a public hearing and, upon conclusion, adopt a resolution approving the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Master Fee Schedule.
Contact: Claire Coleman, Budget/Financial Services Manager; Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding reduction to the tree planting fee, comparison of swim center fees for residents and non-residents in surrounding facilities, and Accessory Dwelling Unit fees.
Public Hearing: Mayor Quinto opened the public hearing.
Public Comments:
Michael McDougell - spoke regarding tree planting fees, rationale for subsidies, capabilities of fee tracking and data.
Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Councilmember Wysinger 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 Ktsanes Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-29; revising the Street Tree Planting by Property Owner Permit fee to $150; and directed staff to provide an update on street tree planting data and information regarding determination regarding subsidized fees, prior to the next Master Fee schedule adoption.
Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None 05/19/2026 City Council Minutes Page 6 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 640C7A4A-2D13-84FC-8322-0B5F0F48ED5E Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
9. POLICY MATTERS
A. Fiscal Year 2026-27 and 2027-28 Budget Study Session #3 Action Proposed: Conduct a study session on the FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28 Biennial Budget, including:
• Review of the City Council budget for adoption
• Review of updated budget balancing scenarios B+ and C+ • Direct staff on preferred scenario for budget development Contact: Claire Coleman, Budget/Financial Services Manager; Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer; Finance Department Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding the benefits of the Tom Bates Joint Powers agreement, options for variation and use of a Council retreat facilitator, reduction and potential roll forward of travel allotment, landscape maintenance reduction concerns, additional library hours, summer intern program, and position reductions.
Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.
Megan Stephan - spoke in support of parks and removing reductions to landscape maintenance, commented on Measure C and additional library hours.
John Stashik - spoke in support of cutting Christmas lights on San Pablo funding and return to private donations.
David Carvel - spoke regarding need to discuss options that were not recommended by staff.
Ira Sharenow - spoke in support of a reduction to library hours, library costs, and credit card charges.
Action: General direction provided to staff.
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.
Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman - reported on attendance at Contra Costa Transportation Authority workshop.
05/19/2026 City Council Minutes Page 7 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 640C7A4A-2D13-84FC-8322-0B5F0F48ED5E Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
Councilmember Motoyama - reported on attendance at Tom Bates JPA meeting, Contra Costa Mayors Conference, and Association of Bay Area Governments Housing Committee meeting.
Mayor Quinto - reported on upcoming travel for division meetings for Cal Cities.
11. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
The regular meeting adjourned at 10:40 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 May 19, 2026 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
05/19/2026 City Council Minutes Page 8 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 640C7A4A-2D13-84FC-8322-0B5F0F48ED5E