Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
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MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2026
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING (5:00 PM)
Hillside Conference Room - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito and 1441 Quivira Road San Diego, CA
Inquire at the front desk for room # to participate at this location Join Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82058814895?pwd=xO2xblb3iMFTBWhbY1tHm5QDl3FL29.1 Meeting ID: 820 5881 4895 Passcode: 433682 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)
Council Chambers - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito and
1441 Quivira Road San Diego, CA
Inquire at the front desk for room # to participate at this location Join Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89210584426?pwd=IxIVrq1hQKeVwdRATphZT4aYm97oCW.1 Meeting ID: 892 1058 4426 Passcode: 866507 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 View (Regular Meeting Only):
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 #. 06/16/2026 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: 11E6B753-1396-8B99-8322-E450B0EEAD8A Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
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. 5:00 PM ROLL CALL - CONVENE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Quinto called the meeting to order at 5:03 PM.
Present In-Person: Mayor Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama Present Remotely: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Wysinger (Just Cause due to a need related to a physical or mental disability) 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 NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives: Karen Pinkos, City Manager; Alexandra Orologas, Assistant City Manager; Shannon Bassi, Senior Human Resources Analyst; Glenn Berkheimer, Labor Negotiator; and Sky Woodruff, City Attorney.
Employee Organizations: Police Employees Association (PEA); and Public Safety Management Association (Police Chief, Fire Chief).
Contact: Sky Woodruff, City Attorney, City Management
No reportable action.
3. ADJOURN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The special meeting adjourned at 5:48 PM
6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE CONCURRENT SPECIAL PUBLIC
FINANCING AUTHORITY/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Mayor Quinto called the meeting to order at 6:10 PM.
Present In-Person: Mayor Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama Present Remotely: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, 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
06/16/2026 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: 11E6B753-1396-8B99-8322-E450B0EEAD8A Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
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 slight delay of curbside recycling pickup due to temporary staff shortages, and Juneteenth flag raising event on 6/18 at 5:00 PM.
Councilmember Motoyama - thanked City staff for support in answering questions regarding the budget.
Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman - requested information be sent to Councilmembers to answer questions regarding recycling pickup delays.
Councilmember Wysinger - inquired about the status of the canceled Flock contract and updates regarding removal of cameras.
Mayor Quinto - announced recognition of El Cerrito Centenarian Nahoma Kats who turned 100; and presented El Cerrito resident Ruby Adachi Hiramoto with a Mayoral Certificate in recognition of her 105th birthday.
4. FOURTH PUBLIC HEARING ON TRANSITION TO DISTRICT-BASED ELECTIONS – PRESENTATION OF REFINED DRAFT MAP(S) AND
SEQUENCE OF ELECTIONS
The set start time of this public hearing is 6:15 PM. Notice was published on 6/6/2026, draft maps were publicly posted 6/10/2026 at www.elcerrito.gov/districts.
Action Proposed: Conduct a fourth public hearing regarding transitioning to district-based elections for City Council members, including reviewing draft maps, soliciting public input, and providing direction to staff on the draft maps and sequence of elections for district-based Council elections in accordance with Elections Code § 10010; and upon conclusion direct staff on a final map to bring forward for adoption at the fifth public hearing scheduled for July 7, 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 differences between C2 and A2, selection implications to the redistricting process every 10 years, use of precincts versus census blocks, timing and next steps, representation of communities of interest in the draft maps, deviation regulations, and public submission 109 map consideration.
Public Hearing: Mayor Quinto opened the public hearing. 06/16/2026 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: 11E6B753-1396-8B99-8322-E450B0EEAD8A 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 Coan - commented on the open space within city boundaries, concern with San Pablo area all in one district and lower voting percentage in the area, and implications of recent case law on related federal laws.
Richard Brooks - commented on process driven as a result of inaction, shapes of proposed districts, and distribution of wealthier areas.
Chelsi Sparti - spoke in opposition to district-based elections, and if districts formed should equally consider schools, renters, business, parks, transit stops, and places of worship; shared support of Maps B, 47, 70, 65, 80, and 130.
Sally Goodman - spoke regarding work on Civil Rights compliance, more meaningful context needed online, and racial equity.
Grant Ricketts - shared need for additional time needed to digest information, support of moving more than one map forward for consideration, Jerry Figone - commented on schools’ attendance in neighborhoods and correlation to some proposed districts, and support of two Councilmembers in the San Pablo Ave corridor.
Neil Tsutsui - shared comments on public map 109 and 129 in connection to communities of interest, school zones, and planned development areas.
Ira Sharenow - spoke regarding sequencing of the election and connection to the outcome of the 2026 election.
Howdy Goudey - spoke in favor of map C2 and 60 but improvements could be made.
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: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Councilmember Wysinger Action:
Provided staff direction to bring back the variations made to C2 (ID:142) and Draft A2 map for final consideration at the next hearing. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
06/16/2026 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: 11E6B753-1396-8B99-8322-E450B0EEAD8A Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
City Council recessed from 8:45 PM to 8:56 PM.
(Policy Item Heard out of Order)
A. CITY COUNCIL/PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
Approval of the City’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 and 2027-28 Proposed Budget and Spending Authority by Fund for the City and Public Financing Authority, and Approval of the FY 2026-27 Annual Gann Appropriation Limit.
Action Proposed: 1) Adopt a City Council resolution authorizing Fiscal Year 2026-27 spending authority by fund for the City of El Cerrito; 2) Adopt an El Cerrito Public Financing Authority resolution authorizing Fiscal Year 2026-27 spending authority by fund; and 3) Adopt a City Council resolution approving the calculation and establishing the FY 2026-27 Gann Appropriation Limit.
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 decisions for contributions to the 115 Trust, unfunded liability, capital improvement program funding, unanticipated expenses, one-time versus ongoing expenses, funding options for large projects and capital improvements, ECSTARS program, and additional library hours.
Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.
Grant Ricketts - commented on implementation of Financial Advisory Board recommendations, Measure C, transparency, and State Auditor recommendations.
Richard Brooks - spoke on union negotiations, employee overtime, employee salaries, and concern regarding the process of the consent calendar.
Ira Sharenow - commented on presentation information, employee compensation and overtime, possible elimination of Real Property Transfer Tax, lack of funding for sidewalk repairs and Ohlone Greenway maintenance.
Megan Steffen - spoke regarding transparency in council discussions and need to take more action by motion.
06/16/2026 City Council Minutes Page 5 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: 11E6B753-1396-8B99-8322-E450B0EEAD8A 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 Resolution No. 2026-39 (Spending Authority), PFA Resolution 2026-01, and Resolution No. 2026-40 (GANN Limit).
Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: Councilmember Ktsanes
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 non-agenda, 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 a need for improved communications between residents and Councilmembers.
Barbara Chan - commented in support of holding City Council town hall meetings, reporting benefits and cost of meetings and conferences attended, public safety needs assessment, cost of maintaining church property purchased by the city, and city salaries.
Richard Brooks - spoke regarding management salary reductions, overtime, and hiring practices.
Ira Sharenow - commented on lack of transparency and Richmond Street Bike lane funding.
Megan Steffen - spoke regarding timing of council comments, council salaries, management salaries, and revisiting the Strategic Plan.
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.
Moved/Seconded: Mayor Quinto/Councilmember Motoyama
Action: Extended the meeting to 11:30 PM. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
06/16/2026 City Council Minutes Page 6 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: 11E6B753-1396-8B99-8322-E450B0EEAD8A Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Ktsanes/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Approved items A-F and H-L on 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 April 13, April 21, May 5, and May 19, 2026.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Approved minutes
B. Juneteenth Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation in support and recognition of Juneteenth on Friday, June 19, 2026 and further recognize Juneteenth by flying the flag at City Hall from June 18–21, 2026.
Contact: Shannon Bassi, Human Resources Manager, City Management Action: Approved proclamation
C. Financial Advisory Board Recommendation
Action Proposed: Receive and file recommendations from the Financial Advisory Board.
Contact: David Carvel, Chair, Financial Advisory Board
Action: Received and filed
D. Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for May 2026 Action Proposed: Receive and file the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for the month of May 2026.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
E. Delegation of Design Review Board Powers and Duties to the Planning Commission in Certain Circumstances
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution delegating powers and duties of the Design Review Board to the Planning Commission when the Design Review Board does not have sufficient members to constitute a quorum.
Contact: Jeff Ballantine, Senior Planner; Sean Moss, Planning Manager, Community Development Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-31
06/16/2026 City Council Minutes Page 7 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: 11E6B753-1396-8B99-8322-E450B0EEAD8A Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
F. Call, Consolidate and Request Election Services for a November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election for the Purpose of Electing Two Members of City Council
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution to call for a general municipal election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 for the purpose of electing two members of the El Cerrito City Council, each for a term of four years; and to request the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors consent and direct the Registrar of Voters to provide specified services to the City related to the conduct of the election.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-32
G. Establish Speed Limits for Eight Speed Zones on Arlington Boulevard, Central Avenue, Cutting Boulevard-Elm Street-Richmond Street, Potrero Avenue, San Pablo Avenue, and Stockton Avenue Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution establishing speed limits for eight identified speed zones to allow for radar, lidar, and other electronic device-based enforcement in conformance with State of California requirements.
Contact: James Mizutani, Associate Engineer; Jarrett Mullen, Sustainable Transportation Program Manager; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Pulled from Consent by Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Ktsanes Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-33. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman
H. Agreement with Sweeping Corporation of America for Street Sweeping Services
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Sweeping Corporation of America in an amount not to exceed $143,500 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27, to provide street sweeping services effective July 1, 2026, for a period of five years with an option to annually extend five years thereafter.
Contact: Karineh Samkian, Senior Program Manager; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-34
06/16/2026 City Council Minutes Page 8 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: 11E6B753-1396-8B99-8322-E450B0EEAD8A Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
I. Construction Contract Award for 2026 Surface Seal Project, City Project No. C3027.26
Exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review (CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301)
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution acknowledging the sole bidder, Pavement Coating Co. (Pavement Coatings), as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, for the 2026 Surface Seal Project, City Project No. C3027.26 (Project); accepting the negotiated price from Pavement Coatings; and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Pavement Coatings in the amount of $1,816,415.91 and to approve potential change orders in an amount not to exceed $182,000.
Contact: Roland Lambert, Associate Engineer; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-35
J. Spending Authorization for Contra Costa County Forensic Services Division
Action Proposed: Authorize the City Manager or designee to spend up to $70,000 on forensic services completed by the Contra Costa County Forensic Services Division in the current fiscal year, ending June 30, 2026.
Contact: Paul Keith, Chief of Police, El Cerrito Police Department Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-36
K. Urgent Repair of Storm Drain Pipe at Cerrito Vista Park Tennis Courts
4/5 Vote Required to Pass
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution determining the existence of an emergency and the need to perform emergency repairs to a storm drain pipe at the Cerrito Vista Park tennis courts and authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with FJ&I Engineering in the amount not to exceed $97,500 and to approve potential change orders up to $10,000 for such emergency repair work.
Contact: Roland Lambert, Associate Engineer; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-37
L. SB 1 - The Road Repair and Accountability Act, List of Projects for Fiscal Year 2026-27
Action Proposed: Approve a resolution adopting a list of projects for Fiscal Year 2026-27 to receive funding from Senate Bill 1 – The Road 06/16/2026 City Council Minutes Page 9 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: 11E6B753-1396-8B99-8322-E450B0EEAD8A Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 through the Local Streets and Roads Program.
Contact: Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-38
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
NOTICE OF RESCHEDULING: The noticed public hearing on Fire Hazard Abatement has been rescheduled from June 16, 2026 to July 21, 2026
9. POLICY MATTERS
B. Spending Authority for Certain Vendors Expected to Exceed $45,000 for FY 2026-27
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution approving spending authority for vendors expected to exceed $45,000 in Fiscal Year 2026-27.
Contact: Claire Coleman, Budget/Financial Services Manager; Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer; Finance Department Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-41. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
C. Annual Adoption of the City's Full-time Salary Schedule, Effective July 6, 2026
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution to approve the City's full-time salary schedule, including approval to establish and modify two classifications.
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 confirmation of no new budgeted positions with inclusion of the new position.
Public Comments:
Ira Sharenow - commented on Measure C, allocation of city funds, and reduction of management salaries.
Lisa Martinengro - spoke in opposition of approval of the proposed salary schedule and increase to management salaries.
Richard Brooks - spoke in opposition of the salaries presented. 06/16/2026 City Council Minutes Page 10 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: 11E6B753-1396-8B99-8322-E450B0EEAD8A Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-42. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: Councilmember Ktsanes
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.
Councilmember Motoyama - reported on attendance at Cal Cities Revenue and Taxation Policy Committee meeting, Contra Costa County Mayors Conference, Association of Bay Area Governments Housing Committee meeting, City Advisory member appreciation dinner, and presentation at El Cerrito STARS Intern orientation.
Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman - reported on attendance at a tour of El Cerrito Plaza Bart Transit Oriented development project modular units.
Councilmember Wysinger - reported on attendance at the Cal Cities Public Safety Policy Committee meeting.
Mayor Quinto - reported on attendance at the US Conference of Mayors, Bay Area Air Quality board meeting, and Cal Cities Centra Valley Division meeting.
11. ADJOURN CONCURRENT SPECIAL PUBLIC FINANCING
AUTHORITY/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
The regular meeting adjourned at 11:29 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 June 16, 2026 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council. 06/16/2026 City Council Minutes Page 11 of 11
Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
Docusign Envelope ID: 11E6B753-1396-8B99-8322-E450B0EEAD8A