111 Civic Drive
Hercules, CA 94547City of Hercules
Meeting Minutes
City Council
Mayor Chris Kelley
Vice Mayor Alex Walker-Griffin
Council Member Dilli Bhattarai
Council Member Tiffany Grimsley
Council Member Dion Bailey
Dante Hall, City Manager
Christie Crowl, City Attorney
Eibleis Melendez, City Clerk
7:00 PMTuesday, February 24, 2026
REGULAR MEETING - 7:00 P.M
In-Person in Council Chambers or Via Zoom:
Zoom ID: 860 6186 1627 Zoom Passcode: 339226
Zoom Phone Number: 1-669-900-6833
I. SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION – CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL - NONE NONE
II. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION - CLOSED SESSION ITEMS - NONE
NONE
III. CONVENE INTO CLOSED SESSION - NONE
NONE
IV. REGULAR MEETING – CONVENE TO OPEN SESSION - ROLL CALL - 7:00 P.M.
Council Member Dilli Bhattarai, Council Member D. Bailey, Mayor C. Kelley, and Council Member T. Grimsley
Present: 4 -
Vice Mayor A. Walker-GriffinAbsent: 1 -
V. A. REPORT ON ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION-
NO CLOSED SESSION
B. CONSIDER AND TAKE ACTION ON ANY REQUEST FROM A COUNCIL MEMBER TO
PARTICIPATE IN A MEETING REMOTELY DUE TO JUST CAUSE OR EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES PURSUANT TO AB 2449
NONE
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VI. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Mayor Kelley.
VII. MOMENT OF SILENCE
NONE
VIII. INTRODUCTIONS/PRESENTATIONS/COMMISSION REPORTS
1. 26-045 Proclamation - Recognizing February 17 through March 3, 2026 as Lunar New Year in the City of Hercules
ProclamationAttachments:
Mayor Kelley read the proclamation and Council made remarks.
2. 26-046 Proclamation - Recognizing Jeff Brown, Public Works Superintendent's, Retirement and Years of Service
ProclamationAttachments:
Mayor Kelley read the proclamation. Public Works Superintendent, Jeff Brown, made remarks. Council Members and City Manager Hall, expressed their appreciation for his years of service with the City of Hercules. Pictures were taken.
IX. AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
NONE
X. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Public Comments was provided by Lyn Paleo, Tanya Little, Kendall Cauton.
This time is reserved for members of the public to address issues not included in the agenda. In accordance with the Brown Act, Council will refer to staff any matters brought before them at this time, and those matters may be placed on a future agenda.
Individuals wishing to address the City Council are asked to complete a form indicating the name and address of the speaker and the general topic to be addressed. Speakers must make their comments from the podium and will be allowed 3 minutes to discuss their concerns. All public comments are recorded and become part of the public record. A limit of 30 minutes will be devoted to taking public comment at this point in the agenda. If any speakers remain at the conclusion of the initial 30 minute period, time will be reserved at the conclusion of the meeting to take the remaining comments.
XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE
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XII. CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Bailey pulled Consent Item 2., Update on the Chief's Advisory Board (CAB), for questions. Police Chief Joe Vasquez provided a response. Action was taken on this item.
MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Bhattarai, seconded by Council Member Grimsley, to adopt the remaining six items on the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Council Member Dilli Bhattarai, Council Member D. Bailey, Mayor C. Kelley, and Council Member T. Grimsley
4 -
Absent: Vice Mayor A. Walker-Griffin1 -
1. 26-039 Meeting Minutes for the Regular Meeting of February 10, 2026 Meeting Minutes for the Regular Meeting of February 10, 2026Attachments:
APPROVE
2. 26-040 Update on the Chief’s Advisory Board (CAB)
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive an update on the Chief’s Advisory Board (CAB)
2026 Chief's Advisory Board ReportAttachments:
This Consent Calendar item was pulled and voted on separately from the other Consent Items.
MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Bailey, seconded by Council Member Grimsley, to adopt Consent Calendar Item 2, Update on the Chief's Advisory Board(CAB). The motion carried by the following vote:
Absent: Vice Mayor A. Walker-Griffin1 -
3. 26-041 Resolution Approving the Continuance of an Annual Parcel Assessment to be Adopted by the County Flood Control District for the Contra Costa Clean Water Program for Fiscal Year 2026-27
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a resolution approving the continuance of the parcel assessment rate of $35.00 per Equivalent Runoff Unit (ERU) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027 and requesting the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District adopt this annual parcel assessment for drainage maintenance under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program.
Staff Report - FY 26-27 Annual Stormwater Assessment
Attach 1 - Resolution - 2026-2027 Annual Stormwater Assessment Attach 2 - Request to MC for ERU Resolutions & Annual Budgets Attachments:
RESOLUTION 26-008, APPROVED
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4. 26-042 Adopt a Resolution to Amend the Salary Range for the City Manager Classification and Amend the FY 2025-2026 Master Salary Schedule pursuant to California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution approving an amended salary range for the City Manager classification and approving an amended Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Master Salary Schedule pursuant to California Public Employees Retirement System (“CalPERS”) effective July 6, 2025 (last updated on February 12, 2026).
Staff Report - Amend City Manager Salary Range and Salary Schedule
Attach 1 - Resolution
Attach 2 - FY 25-26 Salary Schedule
Attachments:
RESOLUTION 26-010, APPROVED
5. 26-043 Appointment of J. Patrick Tang as Interim City Manager RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution approving the Employment Agreement for the Interim City Manager and authorizing the Mayor to execute the Employment Agreement on behalf of the City of Hercules.
Staff Report -Interim City Manager
Attach 1 - Resolution
Attach 2 - Employment Agreement between City of Hercules and J.
Patrick Tang
Attachments:
RESOLUTION 26-009, APPROVED
6. 26-044 Execute a Professional Services Agreement with Kennedy & Associates, Inc. to provide Implementation Support for the Clean Water Program for Fiscal Year 2026-27
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Kennedy & Associates, Inc. (Kennedy) to provide Implementation Support for the Clean Water Program for Fiscal Year 2026-27 for a Total Cost of $54,305.35.
Staff Report - FY 26-27 CWP Annual Contract Kennedy
Attach 1 - Resolution
Attach 2 - Kennedy & Associates - FY 2025-26 Stormwater Program Attachments:
RESOLUTION 26-011, APPROVED
7. 26-052 “Shop Hercules” Yiftee Gift Card program
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve a resolution approving a fourth amendment to an agreement with
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Yiftee in the amount of $25,000 for the “Shop Hercules” digital gift card incentive program, and amending the FY 25-26 budget increasing its appropriation by $25,000.
Staff Report - Shop Hercules Yiftee program
Attach 1 - Resolution
Attach 2 - Draft Amendment No. 4 to the Original Agreement Attach 3 - Original Agreement
Attach 4 - Amendment No. 1 to Original Agreement
Attach 5 - Amendment No. 2 to Original Agreement
Attach 6 - Amendment No. 3 to the Original Agreement
Attachments:
RESOLUTION 26-012, APPROVED
XIII. DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION ITEMS
1. 26-047 Adoption of a Resolution Amending the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Operating and Capital Budgets to Reflect the Recommended Mid-year Adjustments
RECOMMENDATION:
The staff recommends that the City Council receive the FY 2025-26 Mid-Year Financial Summary Report and adopt a resolution to amend the FY 2025-26 operating and capital budgets to reflect the proposed mid-year adjustments.
Staff Report - FY 25-26 Mid-Year Budget Update
Attach 1 - Resolution
Attach 2 - Budget Request Detail
Attach 3 - General Fund Summary
Attach 4 - Non-General Fund Summary
Attachments:
Finance Director, Edwin Gato, presented the Staff Report. Council asked questions and made remarks. Director Gato, Public Works Director, Glenn Dombeck, and City Manager, Dante Hall, provided a response. No public comment. Action was taken on this item.
MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Grimsley, seconded by Council Member Bhattarai, to adopt Resolution 26-013. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Council Member Dilli Bhattarai, Council Member D. Bailey, Mayor C. Kelley, and Council Member T. Grimsley
4 -
Absent: Vice Mayor A. Walker-Griffin1 -
2. 26-054 Contract Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with Gates & Associates, Inc. for Final Design of Beechnut Park Improvement Project
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RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an Amendment No. 2 to the City’s November 6, 2023 Professional Services Agreement with Gates & Associates, Inc. to provide Design Services for the Beechnut Park Improvement Project, Increasing the Cost by $84,534 to a Total Cost of $136,329.
Staff Report - Beechnut Park - Gates Final Design - Amendment 2 Attach 1 - Resolution
Attach 2 - 23-076-CM Gates+Associates Agreement - Beechnut Park Project Amendment 2
Attachments:
Public Works Director, Glenn Dombeck, presented the Staff Report. A representative was in attendance via Zoom to answer any questions.
Council asked questions and provided comment. Director Dombeck and Parks and Recreation Director, Christopher Roke, provided a response.
No public comment. Action was taken on this item.
MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Bailey, seconded by Council Member Grimsley, to adopt Resolution 26-014. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Council Member Dilli Bhattarai, Council Member D. Bailey, Mayor C. Kelley, and Council Member T. Grimsley
4 -
Absent: Vice Mayor A. Walker-Griffin1 -
3. 26-051 Initiation of Fiscal Year 2026/27 Landscaping and Lighting Assessment Districts Proceedings
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended by City staff that City Council adopt a resolution directing the filing of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026/27 Engineer’s Reports for the City of Hercules Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 83-2, Victoria by the Bay Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 2002-1, Hercules Village Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 2002-2, Baywood Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 2004-1, and Bayside Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 2005-1 pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972.
Staff Report - LLADs Resolution of Initiation
Attach 1 - Resolution
Attachments:
Public Works Director, Glenn Dombeck, presented the Staff Report.
Francisco and Associates attended via Zoom to answer questions. Council asked questions and provided comment. Director Dombeck, City Manager Hall and Francisco and Associates provided a response. No public comment. Action was taken on this item. In addition to approving the resolution, Council requested that staff provide additional information regarding postponing the 218 process for a year and present the update at the 3/24 City Council meeting.
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MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Bailey, seconded by Council Member Grimsley, to adopt Resolution 26-015. Council also directed Staff to come back to the 3/24/26 City Council meeting with a projection of the deficit, as well as an estimate of the annual rate increase, for Hercules Village Landscaping and Lighting District NO. 2002-2, if the vote was delayed for one year. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Council Member Dilli Bhattarai, Council Member D. Bailey, Mayor C. Kelley, and Council Member T. Grimsley
4 -
Absent: Vice Mayor A. Walker-Griffin1 -
4. 26-049 FY 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program Update RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council receive an update on the status of the FY 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program.
Staff Report - CIP Update
Attach 1 - Fiscal Year 2526 Proposed CIP
Presentation
Attachments:
Public Works Director, Glenn Dombeck, presented the Staff Report.
Council asked questions and provided comments. Director Dombeck and City Manager Hall provided a response. No public comment. This was an informational item. No action was taken.
5. 26-053 Tiered Business Attraction Grant program
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive a presentation and adopt a resolution approving a Tiered Business Attraction Grant Program and approving an appropriation of $200,000 from the General Fund Reserve for the program.
Staff Report - Business Attraction Grants
Attach 1 - Resolution
Attach 2- Draft Program Guidelines
Attachments:
Community Development Director, Tim Rood, presented the Staff Report.
Council asked questions and provided comment. Director Rood and City Manager Hall provided a response. No public comment. Action was taken on this item.
MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Grimsley, seconded by Council Member Bhattarai, to adopt Resolution 24-016. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Council Member Dilli Bhattarai, Council Member D. Bailey, Mayor C. Kelley, and Council Member T. Grimsley
4 -
Absent: Vice Mayor A. Walker-Griffin1 -
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XIV. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
NONE
This time is reserved for members of the public who were unavailable to attend the Public Communications period during Section X of the meeting, or were unable to speak due to lack of time. The public speaker requirements specified in Section X of this Agenda apply to this Section.
XV. CITY COUNCIL/CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY ANNOUNCEMENTS,
COMMITTEE, SUB-COMMITTEE AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
This is the time for brief announcements on issues of interest to the community. In accordance with the provisions of the Brown Act, matters which do not appear on this agenda but require City Council discussion may be either (a) referred to staff or other resources for factual information or (b) placed on a future meeting agenda.
1. Regional Committee
a. Contra Costa Mayors Conference
b. Hercules/ Pinole - WasteWater Management
c. League of Cities
d. Water Emerg. Transportation Authority
e. WCCIWMA
f. WCCTAC
g. West Co. Mayors & Supervisors Assoc. Meeting
h. WestCat
I. MCE
j. CCTA
k. East Bay Wildfire Coalition of Governments
2. City Council Committees and Subcommittees
a. Econ. Dev. Subcommittee
b. Traffic and Public Safety Committee
c. East Bay Economic Development Alliance
d. Education Subcommittee
3. Commission Liaisons
a. Community & Library Services Commission
b. Finance Commission
c. Planning Commisison
City Manager Hall made an announcement about upcoming city events. He closed by expressing his appreciation to work for the City of Hercules and thanked everyone for their support. This was City Manger Hall's last City Council Meeting with the City of Hercules.
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There were no announcements from City Attorney Crowl.
1. Regional Committees
Council Member Grimsley reported out on the WestCat Board meeting.
Council Member Bailey reported out on the WestCat and Marin Clean Energy(MCE) Board Meeting and Mayor Kelley reported out on the Contra Costa Transportation Authority(CCTA) Board meeting.
2. City Council Committees and Subcommittees
Council Member Grimsley reported out on the Public Safety and Traffic Subcommittee meeting
3. Commission Liaisons
No reports were provided
Council Members also reported out on events that they attended throughout the city and county.
There were no Future Agenda Item Requests from Council Members.
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Kelley adjourned the meeting at 9:20pm.
_________________________________
Chris Kelley, Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________
Eibleis Melendez, City Clerk
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