Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
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MINUTES
TUESDAY, JULY 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/88020395064?pwd=IspE4PsGYEZKlz6nJpEwvghPaglqYA.1 Meeting ID: 880 2039 5064 Passcode: 586974 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/82781986432?pwd=Nza67MEd13vq2oS3neKwIo9tbOebQ6.1 Meeting ID: 827 8198 6432 Passcode: 200860 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 #.
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. 7/21/2026 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 14FD24A6-BE4D-891C-8247-ADC3051C0B04 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 5:02 PM.
Present: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Absent: Councilmember Ktsanes
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) 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 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Quinto called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM.
Present: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Absent: Councilmember Ktsanes
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 - introduced Claudia Garcia, the City's new Community Development Director; announced upcoming El Cerrito 101 virtual event on 7/23 at 4 pm; announced the nomination period for City Council Candidates; and provided an update of the removal of Flock cameras.
Police Captain Caputo - announced upcoming National Night Out event on 8/4, and recognition from the Mothers Against Drunk Driving organization to Officer Sepe for arrests of impaired drivers in El Cerrito.
7/21/2026 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 14FD24A6-BE4D-891C-8247-ADC3051C0B04 Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman - encouraged participation in National Night Out and announced vigil in front of the El Cerrito Library for those who have lost their life to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Mayor Quinto announced the signing of 15 letters in support of legislation, and one in opposition, pursuant to the City Council's adopted legislative platform.
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 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 McDougall - spoke in support of adopting the quarterly cash investment report, and the fire command vehicle.
Gerald Figone - commented on the districting process and shared feedback on district boundaries and representation for the new district without an incumbent.
Karen Robinson - spoke on traffic safety concerns on Elm Street and concern about impact of Richmond Street Complete Streets project.
Howdy Goudy - shared concerns about purchase of the Fire vehicle and recommended postponing or further pursuing the purchase of an electric vehicle.
Katherine Kimsey - commented on the importance of quick removal of the Flock cameras, and upcoming vigil for those who have lost their life to ICE.
Megan Steffen - spoke regarding removal of Flock cameras, trust in local government, opportunities to increase communications with residents, and upcoming Heal the Hill event.
MJ Jawili - spoke regarding the completion of the Del Norte Complete Streets project, and traffic safety concerns.
Rebeccah Kenny - commented on the need for quick removal of Flock cameras and inclusion in future contracts timelines for removal of hardware, representation for the new district without an incumbent, and traffic safety concerns on San Pablo and need for improved signage.
7/21/2026 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 14FD24A6-BE4D-891C-8247-ADC3051C0B04 Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
Wally Nowinski - spoke regarding concern with new districts 2 and 4 being scheduled for election in 2030.
5. PRESENTATIONS
A. AC Transit Budget and Service Updates
Action Proposed: Receive and file a presentation on AC Transit's key programs, ridership trends, funding challenges, and possible service and job cuts.
Contact: Ryan Lau, External Affairs Representative, AC Transit Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding effects on line 7 and 72 routes, methods for community feedback, transit operations funding, and process to restore cut services if funding is identified.
Action: Received and filed
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: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Councilmember Motoyama Action:
Adopted the consent calendar as indicated below. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Ktsanes
A. Approval of Minutes
Action Proposed: Approve the City Council Meeting minutes from June 2, June 9, June 16, July 7, and July 14, 2026.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Approved minutes
B. Environmental Quality Committee Appointment Recommendation Action Proposed: Approve an Environmental Quality Committee recommendation to appoint UlugBeck Nurmatov (Bek Nur) to the Environmental Quality Committee, effective July 22, 2026.
Contact: Christina Leard, Acting Senior Management Analyst; Public Works Department
Action: Approved recommendation
7/21/2026 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 14FD24A6-BE4D-891C-8247-ADC3051C0B04 Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
C. Board, Commission, and Committee Workplan(s) and/or
Accomplishments
Action Proposed: Receive and file adopted workplan(s) and accomplishments from applicable Boards, Commissions, and Committees of the City.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Received and filed
D. Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for June 2026 Action Proposed: Receive and file the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for the month of June 2026.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
E. FY 2025-26 Fourth Quarter Cash and Investment Report Action Proposed: Receive and file the City's Third Quarter Cash and Investment Report for the period April 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
F. Adopt an Ordinance to Establish District-based Elections, Adopt the final Map to Establish District Boundaries, and Establish Sequence of District Elections.
Introduced on 7/7/2026
Action Proposed: Adopt the ordinance titled:
An Ordinance of the City of El Cerrito Amending Title 2 "Administration" of the El Cerrito Municipal Code to Add Section
2.04.007 "District Elections" Within Chapter 2.04 to Provide for the Election of Members of the City Council by Five Districts; Adopt the Final Map to Establish the District Boundaries and Establish the Sequence of District Elections.
Contact: Sky Woodruff, City Attorney; Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management
Action: Adopted Revised Ordinance No. 2026-2
7/21/2026 City Council Minutes Page 5 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 14FD24A6-BE4D-891C-8247-ADC3051C0B04 Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
G. Declare and Certify the Results of the June 2, 2026 Special Municipal Election
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution confirming the results of the June 2, 2026 Special Municipal Election and declaring the defeat of Measure C.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-44
H. Execute an Agreement to Purchase One Replacement Command Vehicle in an Amount Not to Exceed $100,000
Action Proposed: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Execute an Agreement for the Purchase of One Chevrolet Tahoe SSV Replacement Command Staff Vehicle in an amount not to exceed $100,000
Contact: Eric Saylors, Fire Chief; Joseph Torres, Battalion Chief; Anthony Dawson, Engineer, Fire Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-45
I. Purchasing Authority for Microsoft M365 Government G3 and Microsoft M365 Business Premium licenses
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Ally Technologies for Microsoft M365 Government G3 and Microsoft M365 Business Premium licenses for an amount not-to-exceed $208,650.00 over a three-year period.
Contact: Eric Ng, Information Technology Manager, City Management Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-46
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Fire Hazard Abatement Hearing and Declaration
Exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review (CEQA Guidelines Sections 15304 and 15308), Notice published on 7/11/2026.
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution declaring weeds, rubbish, litter, or other flammable material on certain real property identified in the resolution constitutes a public nuisance; conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a resolution overriding objections by property owners and ordering the City Manager or their designee to abate certain public nuisances pursuant to El Cerrito Municipal Code Chapter 16.26.
Contact: Thomas Wade, Fire Prevention Officer; Chase Beckman, Fire Marshal, Fire Department
7/21/2026 City Council Minutes Page 6 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 14FD24A6-BE4D-891C-8247-ADC3051C0B04 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 inclusion of potential extension language in notifications.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2026-47 (Declaring Public Nuisances) Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None Absent:
Councilmember Ktsanes
Public Hearing: Mayor Quinto opened the public hearing.
No public comments.
Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Closed the public hearing Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes:
None Absent: Councilmember Ktsanes
Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2026-48 (Overriding Objections) Ayes:
Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None Absent: Councilmember Ktsanes
8. POLICY MATTERS
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 the Del Norte Complete Streets project completion and ribbon-cutting event.
Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman - reported on attendance at the Del Norte Complete Streets project completion and ribbon-cutting event, the Historical Society and Trail Trekkers walk on the History of the Ohlone Greenway, and Contra Costa Transportation Authority Board workshop.
Mayor Quinto - reported on attendance at the Cal Cities Board meeting, and Asian American and Pacific Islander League Conference.
7/21/2026 City Council Minutes Page 7 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 14FD24A6-BE4D-891C-8247-ADC3051C0B04 Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
10. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The regular meeting adjourned at 7:40 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 July 21, 2026 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
7/21/2026 City Council Minutes Page 8 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 14FD24A6-BE4D-891C-8247-ADC3051C0B04