Mayor
Gabe Quinto
Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca Saltzman
Councilmembers
William Ktsanes
Lisa Motoyama
Carolyn Wysinger
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MINUTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 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/87162135998?pwd=nUWSPhIB6oPnpU3ABm6C3IqquV7DuD.1 Meeting ID: 871 6213 5998 Password: 827477 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/81088838800?pwd=ace6dIhueQcnijOqaxappuCsubSbi6.1 Meeting ID: 810 8883 8800 Passcode: 176681 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/MeetingsandAgendas 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. 8/18/2026 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 5:03 PM.
Present In-Person: Mayor Quinto, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama Present Remotely: Mayor Pro Tem
Saltzman (Just Cause - Contagious illness), Councilmember Wysinger (Just Cause - Caregiving for a Family Member) 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. COMMISSION INTERVIEWS, STATUS AND APPOINTMENTS
Action Proposed: Staff requests that City Council conduct interviews and, at the conclusion of interviews, confer with staff regarding the ongoing recruitments, any remaining vacancies, and the scheduling of further special meetings to conduct interviews (if applicable). Council may decide to make appointments at the conclusion of the meeting.
Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management City Council conducted 3 interviews and made the following appointment(s).
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Councilmember Ktsanes Action:
Appointed Erin Gillett to the Design Review Board for a partial term ending 3/1/2027. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Appointed Arsh Hothi to the Design Review Board for a full term ending 3/1/2030 Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Appointed Arsh Hothi to the Citizen Streets Oversight Committee for a full term ending 3/1/2030 Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
3. 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.
8/18/2026 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
Employee Organizations: Police Employees Association (PEA); and Public Safety Management Association (PSMA)
Contact: Sky Woodruff, City Attorney, City Management
No reportable action.
4. ADJOURN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The special meeting adjourned at 5:56 PM
6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE 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 (Just Cause - Contagious illness), Councilmember Wysinger (Just Cause - Caregiving for a Family Member) 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 Local Road Safety Plan public draft comments due by 8/21, El Cerrito Plaza Parking Management Survey open online, upcoming Library Task Force meeting 9/8.
Police Chief Keith - provided an update on the status and process to remove the Flock Cameras, and upcoming Community Police Academy still accepting applications.
Mayor Quinto - reported on appointments made and closed session from the 5 pm special meeting and commented on success of National Night Out.
Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman - remarked on the first day of school.
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.
8/18/2026 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
Mike McDougall - commented on the monthly check register process, requested agenda item for findings from Council Ad-Hoc committee on City Advisory Bodies.
Sue Duncan - commented on recent El Cerrito Fire Safe Council meeting, and wildfire safety.
Ry Crawford - spoke regarding concerns on surveillance and data collection contracts in EL Cerrito and pledges for no surveillance.
Chelsi Sparti - commented on community interactions and concern about surveillance companies, including Flock.
Brian Fogg - expressed concerns regarding the delayed removal of Flock cameras and concern they are still collecting data.
Ryan Maniquez - commented on challenges with request for reasonable accommodation requested at the Mayfair building for wheelchair access, and consideration for better access at future development in El Cerrito.
Kate Bolton - expressed concerns regarding the delayed removal of Flock cameras and concern they are still collecting data.
Josh Saunders - commented regarding safety concerns surrounding the speed of electric bikes on the Ohlone Greenway.
Cindy McPherson - expressed concerns regarding the delayed removal of Flock cameras and concern they are still collecting data, and no surveillance pledge efforts.
Rebecca Kenny - expressed concerns regarding the delayed removal of Flock cameras and concern they are still collecting data.
Mary Ann Jawili - commented on the success of National Night Out event, need to consider increasing barriers for street closures, and support of speed limits on the Ohlone Greenway.
Megan Steffen - expressed concerns regarding the delayed removal of Flock cameras and concern they are still collecting data, and community engagement processes.
Hank - spoke regarding removal of Flock Cameras and concern about continued surveillance.
8/18/2026 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
5. PRESENTATIONS
A. Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Alternative Service Plan Presentation
Action Proposed: Receive and file a presentation from BART on their Alternative Service Plan.
Contact: Henry Symons, Principal Government and Community Relations Representative, BART
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding the effect on stations in El Cerrito if Richmond line is reduced or eliminated, effect on the transit-oriented development (TOD) projects at El Cerrito stations, and parking removal implications at TOD sites.
Action: Received and filed
B. El Cerrito Fire Safe Council
Action Proposed: Receive and file a brief presentation from the El Cerrito Fire Safe Council on the award of a PG&E Grant
Contact: Eric Saylors, Fire Chief, Fire Department
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding group website information.
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: 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. Advisory Body Youth Member End of Service Reflection Action Proposed: Receive and file a written reflection on youth participation on the Environmental Quality Committee.
Contact: Holly M. Charlety, City Clerk, City Management Action: Received and filed
8/18/2026 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
B. Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for July 2026 Action Proposed: Receive and file the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for the month of July 2026.
Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed
C. Amendment to the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement forming the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution approving the First Amendment to the Fifth Amended and Restated Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement for the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority, to which the City of El Cerrito is a party, and authorizing the Mayor to execute the Amendment to change the Fiscal Year from July 1 through June 30 to January 1 through December 31, commencing January 1, 2027.
Contact: Christina Leard, Acting Senior Management Analyst and Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-49
D. Authorization To Enter Into A Purchase Agreement With Glasdon, Inc. For Twenty-Six Trash Recycling Cans
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a purchase agreement with Glasdon, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $54,000 for the purchase of twenty-six trash recycling cans to be installed along San Pablo Avenue, the Ohlone Greenway, and parks around the City.
Contact: Christina Leard, Acting Senior Management Analyst; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-50
E. Agreement with Powers Forestry LLC for the Hillside Natural Area Quarry Hill Fire Fuel Reduction Project, G3012
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Powers Forestry LLC to provide invasive tree removal services for the Hillside Natural Area Quarry Hill Fire Fuel Reduction Project, G3012 in the amount of $424,500, including a contingency amount not to exceed $24,865.
8/18/2026 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
Contact: Stephen Prée, Environmental Programs Manager; Karineh Samkian, Senior Program Manager; Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-51
F. Authorization To Enter Into a General Services Agreement With Knorr Systems, Inc. for Swim Center Maintenance, On-Call Services, and Chemicals
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the award of a General Services Agreement to Knorr Systems, Inc. (KSI) for quarterly equipment maintenance, on-call repair services, and the purchase of pool chemicals, equipment and parts for the El Cerrito Swim Center based on the firm's specialized experience and expertise, use of proprietary equipment and systems, and participation in Sourcewell Contract No. 012226-AQUA; and authorizing the City Manager to execute the contract in a not-to-exceed amount of $105,000 for Fiscal Year 2026-27 for a total contract not-to-exceed amount of $487,305 over the full four-year contract term.
Contact: Chris Jones, Recreation Director, Recreation Department Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-52
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. POLICY MATTERS
A. Adoption of Memorandum of Understandings between the City of El Cerrito and the El Cerrito Public Safety Management Association - Police Chief Unit and Fire Chief Unit
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution approving agreements between the City of El Cerrito and the El Cerrito Public Safety Management Association - Police Chief Unit (PSMA - Police Chief Unit) and Fire Chief Unit (PSMA - Fire Chief Unit) modifying language on salaries and benefits and creating new Memorandums of Understanding, amending the City's salary schedule, and appropriating additional funds from the General Fund unassigned balance for FY 2026-27 in the amount of $71,643 for increased salary costs.
Contact: Shannon Bassi, Human Resources Manager, City Manager's Office Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding salary range increases and applicability to the incumbent, effects of the increase to the approved budget and use of fund balance, potential requirements for vehicles issued to be electric vehicles, and timing of adjustment to the funding forecast.
8/18/2026 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
Public Comments:
Megan Steffen - remarked on the timing of Councilmembers’ feedback for alternative budget decisions.
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman Action: Approved. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: Councilmember Ktsanes
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 East Bay Wildfire Coalition meeting, National Night Out event, and Association of Bay Area Governments Housing Committee,
Councilmember Wysinger - reported on attendance at Cal Cities Public Safety Committee meeting,
Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman - reported on attendance at the West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Commission WCCTAC meeting, Vigil for those who lost their lives to ICE, National Night Out event, Local Road Safety Management Plan open house, Lobby Day in Sacramento against transit and affordable housing cuts, and Council Ad-Hoc committee meeting on Advisory Bodies.
Mayor Quinto - reported on attendance at the Contra Costa Mayors Conference, Cal Cities South San Joaquin Valley division meeting, Local Area Formation Commission meeting.
10. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The regular meeting adjourned at 8:33 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 August 18, 2026 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.
Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
8/18/2026 City Council Minutes Page 8 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 14FD24A6-BE4D-891C-8247-ADC3051C0B04