CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
December 17, 2024
CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IN HONOR OF THE US MILITARY TROOPS
The City Council Meeting was held in a hybrid format (in-person and via Zoom videoconference Before we begin, we would like to acknowledge the Ohlone people, who are the traditional custodians o his land. We pay our respects to the Ohlone elders, past, present and future, who call this place, Onlone Land, the land that Pinole sits upon, their home. We are proud to continue their tradition of coming together Lang the and hy any pot and growing as a community. We thank the Ohlone community for their stewardship and support, and we look forward to strengthening our ties as we continue our relationship of mutual respect and understanding.
ROLL CALL, CITY CLERK'S REPORT & STATEMENT OF CONFLICT
An official who has a conflict must, prior to consideration of the decision; (1) publicly identify in detail the financial interest that causes the conflict; (2) recuse himself/herself from discussing and voting on the matter; and (3) leave the room until after the decision has been made, Cal. Gov. Code § 87105.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT
Maureen Toms, Mayor
Cameron Sasai, Mayor Pro Tem
Norma Martinez-Rubin, Council Member
Devin Murphy, Council Member
Anthony Tave, Council Member
B. STAFF PRESENT
Kelcey Young, City Manager
Heather Bell, City Clerk
Eric Casher, City Attorney
Roxane Stone, Deputy City Clerk
City Clerk Heather Bell announced the agenda had been posted on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. with all legally required written notices. No written comments had been received in advance of the meeting.
Speaking to Consent Calendar Item 9A, City Clerk Bell noted there had been some highlighted text in the draft meeting minutes for the November 19 and December 3, 2024 meetings for staff to confirm speaker names which were identified as follows:
November 19, 2024 City Council meeting minutes: Page 6, correct the spelling of the name Jonay Brownlee and Page 10 confirm the name and spelling for Manelle Sablan Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 17, 2024
• December 3, 2024 City Council meeting Minutes: Page 2, confirm the name Michael Baum; Page 4, correct the spelling for Tracy Walker and Page 5, confirm the name Captain Ludwick.
City Clerk Bell advised all changes would be reflected in the final version of the approval of the two sets of meeting minutes. She added the attachment for Item 12A had been revised, distributed to the City Council, posted for public review online and made available in the Council Chambers.
Following an inquiry, the Council reported there were no conflicts with any items on the agenda.
4. CONVENE TO A CLOSED SESSION: None
Citizens may address the Council regarding a Closed Session item prior to the Council adjourning into the Closed Session, by first providing a speaker card to the City Clerk.
5. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION TO ANNOUNCE RESULTS OF CLOSED SESSION There were no Closed Session Items.
6. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD (Public Comments)
Citizens may speak under any item not listed on the Agenda. The time limit is 3 minutes and is subject to modification by the Mayor. Individuals may not share or offer time to another speaker.
Pursuant to provisions of the Brown Act, no action may be taken on a matter unless it is listed on the agenda, or unless certain emergency or special circumstances exist. The City Council may direct staff to investigate and/or schedule certain matters for consideration at a future Council meeting.
Irma Ruport, reported she received an email about shaping the future of community media in the City of Pinole from David Snell, Pinole Community Television (PCTV) which she read into the record and which sought feedback from the community on PCTV via a survey available on the City website. Mr. Snell has been with the City of Pinole for 27 years, and she appreciated everything he has done for the City and for the community. She asked the City Council to acknowledge the work of Mr. Snell and the importance of PCTV. She emphasized Mr. Snell was needed now more than ever and she urged the community to participate in the survey and help PCTV be better.
Harpreet Sandhu, Senior District Representative, representing Congressman John Garamendi, took the opportunity to congratulate Maureen Toms and Devin Murphy on their re-election to the City Council and welcomed the new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. He emphasized the importance of the City of Pinole to Congressman Garamendi who desired to continue to work with the City and incoming City Council, Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. He thanked the City Council for its service.
REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS
A. Mayor Report
Announcements
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 17, 2024
Mayor Toms reported she attended the Mayors' Conference at which time reports from representatives from various committees had been provided along with acknowledgment of a number of retirements of Mayors' and Council members representing a number of cities in Contra Costa County. As a result, there are a number of openings for committee assignments. Council members were able to self-nominate with the deadline this week for those interested.
Mayor Toms also reported she had been appointed to the League of California Cities Housing Community and Economic Development Committee and she hoped other Council members had the opportunity to volunteer for some of the Policy Committees. She also attended the NIMS Overview for Senior Officials at the Office of Emergency Services (OES), a free training opportunity where everyone learned about the different roles of emergency responders to the OES and when the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) would be activated. She encouraged staff and other electeds to attend the training sessions when offered. In addition, she attended an East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA) meeting and she highlighted the approval of a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) which would increase rates for all jurisdictions over the next five years due to equipment replacement needs. mi l Mayoral & Council Appointments: None
C. City Council Committee Reports & Communications
Mayor Pro Tem Sasai announced his appointment to the League of California Cities Transportation Communication and Public Works Policy Committee. He also reported the West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee (WCCTAC) meeting for the month of December had been canceled with the next meeting scheduled for January 24, 2025.
Council member Murphy wished everyone Happy Holidays; thanked City staff for the coordination of the Annual Tree Lighting ceremony and Holiday Breakfast; thanked the Community Services Department staff for its work to ensure the holidays had joy and pleasantry and reported he would continue to serve on the League of California Cities Transportation Communication and Public Works Policy Committee. He also reminded everyone of the Green Empowerment Zone, a new regional body that builds upon the comparative advantage provided by the regional concentration of highly skilled energy workers by providing access to grants, loan programs, workforce training program, and private sector investment in the renewable energy sector, noting the largest industrial zone in Northern California was Contra Costa County. He highlighted the significant challenges Contra Costa and Solano Counties face and emphasized both counties would be engaged with the Green Empowerment Zone.
Council member Tave wished everyone Happy Holidays and he looked forward to the New Year.
Council member Martinez-Rubin wished everyone a Happy and Healthy Holiday. She reported she attended the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) School Tour at which time she met the new Principal for Pinole Valley High School who spoke to the initiatives the WCCUSD had initiated over the past calendar year and would continue to foster into the future; Tree Lighting ceremony and thanked City staff for making such a delightful and happy event at Fernandez Park and participated in the League of California Cities Municipal Finance Institute over a two-day period. She briefed the City Council on the presentations provided with the slide sets able to be viewed at www.calcities.org/mfi.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 17, 2024
Council member Martinez-Rubin also looked forward to serving on the League of California Cities Revenue and Taxation Policy Committee, having received a Presidential appointment for one year. This group would continue to review taxation reform and establish communication ano connection among different cities that face an ongoing need to secure financing and revenue and explore new opportunities for financing into the future.
Council member Martinez-Rubin further referencing the recent tsunami alert, and encouraged the public to sign up with the County system for emergency alerts along with the regular communication channels in the City of Pinole with more information available at www.cwsalerts.com.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED (Items 7A through 7C)
Deputy City Clerk Stone reported there were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
Council Requests for Future Agenda Items
ACTION: Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Sasai/Mayor Toms for a new annual proclamation acknowledging Fred Korematsu Day, to be celebrated on January 30 of each year.
Vote: Passed 5-0
Ayes: Toms, Sasai, Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, Tave
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
ACTION: Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Sasai/Council member Murphy for the City Council to discuss and consider the adoption of a resolution reaffirming the City's commitment to supporting and valuing all members of the Pinole community and to protecting its democratic values, the rule of law and the civil rights and liberties of Pinole's residents, workers and visitors.
Vote: Passed
Ayes: Toms, Sasai, Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, Tave
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Mayor Pro Tem Sasai advised when asked by the Mayor he had provided staff draft language for both of his future agenda item requests.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Deputy City Clerk Stone reported there were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 17, 2024
E. City Manager Report / Department Staff
City Manager Kelcey Young thanked City staff for all of the community events over the past couple of months and the City Council for attending the events. While many events had concluded over the year, Glow Pinole would continue through December 20, 2024, where residents were encouraged to participate in decorating their homes for the holidays with multiple awards possible.
She added the year end audit for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023/2024 had concluded with the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) to be issued by December 31, 2024 with the auditor scheduled to present the report at the January 21, 2025 City Council meeting and she thanked Finance Director Markisha Guillory and her team for getting the work done.
City Manager Young also reported City Hall would be closed December 24, 2024 through January 2, 2025, although some City staff in public works and public safety would continue to work in various capacities; the Public Works Director position had closed with interviews scheduled in early January 2025, with an announcement hopetully to be provided at the next City Council meeting and the presentation of the new Police Chief was expected at the next City Council meeting. She thanked Interim Police Chief/Commander Jeremy Crone for taking on the role during the interim and Acting Police Chief Matt Avery who will retire at the end of the month was thanked for his service to the City. She wished everyone Happy Holidays.
F. City Attorney Report
City Attorney Eric Casher wished everyone Happy Holidays.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED (Items 7E through 7F)
Deputy City Clerk Stone reported there were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
8. RECOGNITIONS / PRESENTATIONS / COMMUNITY EVENTS
A. Proclamations: None
B. Presentations
Creekside Park Presentation by Friends of the Pinole Creek Watershed City Manager Young introduced Ann Moriarty and Jon Jarvis with Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed and students from Pinole Valley High School who would provide a presentation on Creekside Park.
Ann Moriarty, Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed, provided a PowerPoint presentation on the Creekside Park Project, which included an overview of Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed and the City of Pinole's collaboration on projects which included: Demonstration Project, restoration of tidal marsh and riparian vegetation along 1,000 feet of lower Pinole Creek which had been completed in 2010; Steelhead Trout Fish Passage completed in 2016; Pinole Library Native Plant Garden; Pollinator Garden in Upper Watershed and trash and engagement efforts.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 17, 2024
Jon Jarvis, Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed, highlighted the Creekside Park Project, a proposal to create a gathering place at the pedestrian bridge which serves to provide visual access to the creek, a place for high school students to gather and patrons of the Pinole Valley Shopping Center Mall to bring food and sit and enjoy Pinole Creek. The land status and ownership of the project area was clarified along with the details of BASE Landscape Architecture having sent a team to meet with Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed and Pinole Valley High School students to develop native plants, art, trail tread, signs and picnic tables and benches.
Mr. Jarvis explained that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had contacted Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed and visited the Creekside Park Project and encouraged Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed to apply for grant funds through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funded Notice of Funding Opportunity, to fund projects that have measurable positive impacts in underserved communities of the San Francisco Bay Area, including improving the land and water of communities with environmental justice concerns and addressing climate change and with proposals due by April 17, 2025.
Natalie Szumlas, Senior, Pinole Valley High School, Intern Earth Team, provided an overview of litter assessments of the creek and suggested if the trail were to become a Creekside Park, students would take ownership of the space and respect it. Earth Team had helped with community outreach efforts for the park, tabling at the trail and at Peet's Coffee and with ideas having been presented on the potential for the park with feedback encouraged. All responses have been positive from the local community and schools. Since Pinole Valley High School would be the main users of the park and trail, making sure the students respect the space was the largest concern, with discussions in collaboration meetings with teachers and Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed, on how to enforce mindful behavior. The many benefits to students with the space upgraded were noted and may encourage students to care for the space out of respect for peers and the community alike.
Ms. Moriarty welcomed any questions from the City Council.
City Manager Young commented although the City was taking the lead on the grant application, there was no way the City would be able to complete this effort without the exceptional work of Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed and the benefits to the community would be exceptional.
Responding to questions from Council member Martinez-Rubin, Ms. Moriarty clarified the Principal of Pinole Valley High School had been introduced to the project and there had been discussions about working together and engaging Pinole Valley High School students, with the Principal interested in further collaborations. She also acknowledged a request to discuss with the Principal of Pinole Valley High School "his focus would be on 45 students since that was his capacity" and she recognized Pinole Valley High School included students not only from Pinole but from the Cities of Richmond and San Pablo and students of the high school represent the community.
Mayor Toms thanked Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed for its ongoing work and highlighted the monthly Creek Cleanups with the next event scheduled for Saturday, December 21, 2024 with information available on social media and the Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed website.
Council member Tave thanked the Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed team for its work over the years.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 17, 2024
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Deputy City Clerk Stone reported there were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
items will be enacted by one motion and without discussion. If, however, any interested party or Council members) wishes to comment on an item, they may do so before action is taken on the be removed from the Consent Calendar and taken up in order after adoption of the Consent Calendar.
A. Approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meetings on November 19, 2024 and December 3, 2024
B. Receive the November 23, 2024 - December 13, 2024 List of Warrants in the Amount of $947,263.56 and the December 6, 2024 Payroll Amount of $534,202.13 C. Adopt a Resolution to Accept a Two-Year Policy Fund Grant from the Partnership for the Bay's Future, including Authorization for the City Manager to Execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the San Francisco Foundation and Coro, to Support the Implementation of Key Programs in the City's Certified Housing Element and Enhance the Effectiveness of the Residential Health and Safety Rental Inspection Program. Action: Adopt a resolution per Staff Recommendation (Lilly Whalen)
D. Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 10.56 "Speed Zones" of the Pinole Municipal Code. Action: Waive Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance per Staff Recommendation (Eric Casher, Faby Guillen) E.
to Exceed $25,000 for a Total Contract Amount of $73,000. (Action: Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Faby Guillen)
Resolutions Necessary for Implementation of Recent Transaction and Use Tax Measure by CDTFA. Action: Adopt Resolutions per Staff Recommendation (Eric Casher, Markisha Guillory)
G. Accepting and Declaring the Results of the Canvass of the November 5, 2024 Municipal Election. Action: Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Heather Bell)
H. Republic Services Annual Rate Adjustment. Action: Approve the rate increased by Republic Services starting January 1, 2025 (Kelcey Young) Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 17, 2024
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Deputy City Clerk Stone reported there were no comments from the public.
ACTION: Motion by Council members Murphy/Martinez-Rubin to approve Consent Calendar Items 9A, subject to the amendments read into the record by the City Clerk and Items 9B through 9H, as shown.
Vote: Passed 5-0
yes: Toms, Sasai, Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, Tave
loes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
10. COUNCIL REORGANIZATION
A. Presentations to Mayor Toms
City Manager Young expressed her appreciation to Mayor Toms for her work and commitment over the past year and her assistance during several key staff transitions. She also recognized the Mayor's constant support of City staff and she was pleased they would continue to have the opportunity to work together over the next four years. At this time, she presented a small gift (gavel) in appreciation.
Mayor Toms acknowledged this had been a year of transition with staff and she thanked City staff, the City Council and everyone for seeing them through this transitional period. She also recognized her family present in the audience and acknowledged serving on the City Council was a significant time commitment and having family support was very important.
Mayor Toms also recognized the diversity in approach and opinions of the City Council and effort to work together for a common goal, to serve the community. She highlighted the staff changes including welcoming City Manager Young in August 2024 and Melissa Klawuhn, the new Chief of Police currently serving with the Contra Costa County Sherrif's Department, who would start with the City in January 2025. It was anticipated a new Public Works Director would be hired in January 2025, with recruitment for a new City Engineer continuing. Also, a new CIP Manager had been recently welcomed. There have also been some departures and upcoming retirements.
During the December 3, 2024 City Council meeting, Acting Police Chief Avery had been recognized for his service and upcoming retirement and she again thanked him for his service along with Interim Police Chief Crone for filling the gap between now and when the new Police Chief starts her employment with the City. She thanked all of the City staff for their service to the community.
Mayor Toms also highlighted a number of community events over the past year which included:
EGG-Stravaganza Easter event for children at Fernandez Park, Earth Day Walk, Pinole Pride, Fourth of July Drone Show, Car Show, Annual Tree Lighting and Glow Pinole. She also highlighted the efforts of all involved in the creation of the new City seal and logo, release of the public review draft and implementation of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), approval of a Plastic Foodware Ordinance, Environmental Preferable Purchasing Policy and Pinole Energy Enhancement Rebate Program.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 17, 2024
Mayor Toms also referenced the adoption of the Housing Element in 2023 and the beginning of implementation efforts with an application to the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for the approval of a Prohousing designation and the award of grant funds to provide affordable housing, along with updates of City ordinances, work on streamlining the City's permitting process, repair of roads from storm damage from the last two winter seasons and work with the County OES on a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). She encouraged everyone to sign up for CWS alerts and sign up for the Pinole Mobile App.
Additional accomplishments for 2024 include the continued collaboration with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (CCCFPD) and ceremony at Station 74 to name Station 74 after two cherished Fire Captains from the Pinole Fire Department, Captains Rich Voisey and Robert Mayor Toms emphasized the City was striving to make the City safer through the adoption of a new ordinance requiring residents to store firearms in locked containers or secured with a trigger lock when not in use, a number of safety improvements had been completed or recently approved, and there were a number of housing developments either completed, in the process of development or approved along with tenant improvements and other commercial uses in the City.
Mayor Toms commented the City had been working on community engagement and completed the Pinole Mobile App and she again encouraged everyone to download the app to be aware of any events. In addition, she thanked the voters of Pinole for trusting the City Council with their tax dollars with the approval of Measure I which would help address the City's budget constraints.
Mayor Toms further congratulated the incoming leadership on the City Council and she looked forward to supporting the new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem and continuing to support the community.
Mayor Pro Tem Sasai recognized this was a year of uncertainty and he too recognized the effort to pass Measure I and the staff transitions with a new City Manager and Police Chief. He thanked Mayor Toms for her steady hand and leadership. It had been an honor working with her the past four years and he looked forward to the next four years.
Council member Murphy also expressed his appreciation to Mayor Toms, thanked her for her leadership and getting the City Council through the year, pushing them forward, working on environmental issues, being a critical partner and he looked forward to the next four years.
Council member Tave thanked Mayor Toms, it had been an honor working with her and he appreciated he had been able to call her and rely on her leadership and guidance on many issues in Pinole. He was pleased to see Mayor Toms and Council member Murphy had been reelected to keep the same City Council moving forward and ensure that consistency particularly after all of the work the past four years. He looked forward to working with Mayor Toms in the new year.
Council member Martinez-Rubin also appreciated working alongside Mayor Toms over the years, appreciated the expertise she had shared of her experience over time as a Planner in Contra Costa County and thanked her for the fact they had a rotation on the City Council and had the ability to enjoy as a City, the representation of leadership from backgrounds and different levels of experience.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 17, 2024
Council member Martinez-Rubin appreciated the Mayor's ongoing emphasis on service to the community as a purpose for serving on the City Council and her presence in local community activities as well as her involvement with local businesses and business leaders who have noticed that level of involvement. She looked forward to continuing to serve with Mayor Toms over the next couple of years.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Vincent Salimi, thanked Mayor Toms for her leadership and dedication during her tenure as Mayor. He congratulated both Mayor Toms and Council member Murphy on their reelection to the City Council. He also congratulated new Mayor Cameron Sasai, as the first Filipino Council member/Mayor for the City of Pinole which was a historical and proud moment in the community.
He was also proud of Council member Tave who would become the Mayor Pro Tem and was confident he would continue to serve with dedication. He wished everyone a Happy New Year.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
At this time the City Council moved to Item 10. D. Administer Oaths to Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem City Clerk Bell introduced special guest, Council member Murphy's mother, Hadiya Williams who presented the Oath of Office to her son, Council member Devin Murphy.
Council member Murphy explained he had decided to run for office due to his mother who always taught him they were beings of humanity and they live their truth and help people live their truth.
He ran for office since he wanted to be a part of the City of Pinole's future and see people that looked like him and his family who should be seen and heard. He was grateful for his mother's resilience, dedication, love and the authenticity she brought daily to herself and to her family and because of that he wanted her to present the Oath of Office. He also presented her flowers since she meant so much to him, with this moment about her, since she had pushed him to be here.
City Clerk Bell presented the Oath of Office to newly reelected Council member Maureen Toms.
C. Selection of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. Action: Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Heather Bell)
City Clerk Bell presented the staff report dated December 17, 2024, and recommended the City Council approve a resolution appointing Cameron Sasai as Mayor and Anthony Tave as Mayor Pro Tem per the current Mayoral rotation list.
Council member Murphy commented it was an honor to have the audience present in the Council Chambers, noting the City Council took this journey seriously. Council members have a vision to ensure Pinole was a gold standard that continued to grow and produce. The City Council has done a tremendous amount of work to acknowledge shared history and the vision of what it looks like for the City to become a City for everyone. It was an honor to work together as a Council to bring in new opportunities and with this diversity bring in new traditions.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 17, 2024
Council member Murphy looked forward to supporting the new leadership and continuing to make strides in the City's financial security and ensuring sustainability for future generations. Past years have been about progress, accountability, transparency and inclusion to build a better Pinole. He thanked the public for its trust, collaboration and vision and the City Council for its leadership. He was pleased to offer the motion to move the staff recommendation.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Deputy City Clerk Stone reported there were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
ACTION: Motion by Council member Murphy/Mayor Toms to adopt a resolution appointing Camerson Sasai as Mayor and Anthony Tave as Mayor Pro Tem per the current rotation Ist
Vote: Passed 5-0
Ayes: Toms, Sasai, Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, Tave
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
D. Administer Oaths to Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem
Assemblymember Anamarie Avila Farias presented the Oath of Office to Mayor Pro Tem Anthony Tave and she congratulated him on his leadership, expertise and community engagement. She looked forward to working with the Mayor Pro Tem and his colleagues.
Mayor Pro Tem Tave was excited and honored to take on the role of Mayor Pro Tem and he took the opportunity to thank those who have supported and guided him along the way, including community members, former Council members and City staff some of whom were present in the audience. He looked forward to listening to one another, engaging in meaningful debate and making decisions together for the betterment of the community.
Mayor Pro Tem Tave was honored to serve the citizens of Pinole, promised to keep shared values at the forefront of every discussion to ensure transparency and encouraged residents to reach out to City staff or the City Council with any concerns whether through email or a telephone call, with the City Council to strive to provide answers as needed when they can. He suggested Pinole was at a pivotal moment in its history, with a clear vision in the General Plan, but with challenges facing the City many of which have been topics of discussion for years. He looked forward to fostering economic growth, strengthening partnerships with the business community and local organizations and was ready to move forward on initiatives that once seemed out of reach.
In addition to these efforts, Mayor Pro Tem Tave was committed to ensure Pinole remained a vital part of regional conversations regarding resources and allocation of those resources. By working collaboratively with neighboring cities and regional leaders, they could continue to advocate for the needs of the community and he was confident together they could build a thriving, connected and forward-looking Pinole.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 17, 2024
Mayor Pro Tem Tave thanked his wife and children for their understanding and support for his role on the City Council which takes time away from family and recognized their patience during this time with that patience and encouragement meaning everything. He also was grateful to Assemblymember Avila Farias, and thanked her for her support and mentorship and thanked a number of former City of Pinole Mayors for their leadership and contributions along with other respected members of the community he thanked all by name.
Kyle Sasai, brother to Cameron Sasai, presented the Oath of Office to Mayor Sasai, and acknowledged what this oath meant to the City of Pinole and the community. He highlighted his family history, with his brother the second Japanese-American Mayor in the City of Pinole, the first Filipino Mayor in the City of Pinole, the youngest Mayor in the City of Pinole and youngest Mayor across the United States. He asked everyone to take part in the Unity Clap, which originated with the United Farm Workers, comprised of Latino and Filipino laborers who had language barriers and closed their meetings in this way without needing words.
E. Transfer of Gavel and Comments by the New Mayor
Mayor Toms transferred the gavel to new Mayor Sasai.
Mayor Sasai thanked God for this moment and for always providing. He commented earlier in the year he had a bad car accident and was appreciative to be alive and not severely injured. He thanked his extended family present in the Council Chambers and his friends who traveled a long way to be present for this special moment. Having been elected to the City Council in 2022, his mother had provided the Oath of Office and his father later provided the Oath when he had been sworn in as Mayor Pro Tem. Having his brother provide the Oath as Mayor was an honor.
Mayor Sasai recognized the support of his brother who had been present when he changed tact from pre-med to public service and advocacy and who reminded him of the people whose shoulders he stands on, including his grandparents who worked in the fields picking vegetables day and night, had dreams in life but sacrificed so much to allow him to live his dream and serve his community. He did not have a policy advisor or Chief of Staff, but his brother had always been there when he had to make tough decisions and who encouraged him to do the right thing.lt was an honor to have him swear him in as Mayor.
Mayor Sasai acknowledged they were going into four years of a new Presidential Administration and as the Mayor of the City of Pinole, he suggested it was okay to feel worried and concerned, but they could and should focus on what they could control, and what was happening locally and at the state level and where the community comes into play. He urged continued engagement at Council meetings and extending kindness to people they may disagree with politically.
Regardless of immigration status, gender or sexual orientation, everyone was welcome in Pinole and the City would fight to ensure everyone was equally protected in the community, loved ones were safe and civil rights upheld and everyone had a sense of belonging.
Mayor Sasai commented when elected he had been encouraged to listen and learn in the first term and in the second term start to push. When elected he had established and funded a paid program for high school students to intern the Mayor and the City Council, obtain valuable skills, and a closer look at City government.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 17, 2024
The City Council tackled the housing crisis with the adoption of a Certified Housing Element, the City of Pinole was given a prohousing designation by the state, along with breaking ground on hundreds of units including housing for seniors and veterans. The City Council also adopted the CAAP and an ordinance prohibiting single use plastics.
Mayor Sasai stated he had championed the Bay Area's first ever ban on new gas stations pushing towards climate goals, protecting children, seniors and vulnerable groups against air pollution and climate change. The City Council took action on public safety by passing one of the state's strictest gun safety and storage regulations, reducing aggressive gun violence in the City and for those at risk of hate crimes expanded state resources with information posted in all public facilities in the City and on every bus in the WestCAT transit system.
Mayor Sasai emphasized he would work to continue that progress, with top of mind for the next year, the deferred maintenance on roads and sewers. With the passage of Measure I, it was hoped the City could invest in its roads as soon as humanly possible and ensure investments in pedestrian safety. Downtown revitalization had been discussed for some time and he would like to see a hard push for aesthetic improvements in the downtown, support of local businesses and filling of vacant sites with the possibilities for retail or housing, and ensure they address racial and economic justice, address inequities in every issue area which was paramount of importance and confront the hard issues and discuss them and have the community involved in that process which was how they could move the community forward.
Mayor Sasai stated he had the benefit of being born and raised in the City of Pinole. He had seen the way the community had evolved and changed and where it remained stagnant. He would like to address long term growth and also address the issues that impacts residents the most. He suggested the next year would be great, this was a historic moment for the entire community and it was more than a symbol of progress. He wanted to be a Mayor that was laser focused on substantive issues and progress on those issues. While Council members have not always been in agreement, they had more in common that not. He looked forward to working hard in 2025 and alongside everyone every step of the way to get the work done.
11. BRIEF RECESS FOR RECEPTION
The City Council took a recess at 6:39 p.m. for a brief reception and reconvened at 7:16 p.m. with all Council members present.
12. NEW BUSINESS
A. Nominate Council Members to Serve on Boards and Subcommittees Action:
Discuss and Provide Direction (Heather Bell)
City Clerk Bell presented the staff report dated December 17, 2024, and recommended the City Council nominate Council members to serve as City representatives on specific boards and subcommittees in 2025. The City Council would have the opportunity to approve the nominations at the next City Council meeting on January 21, 2025.
In response to the Mayor, City Clerk Bell confirmed the Ad-Hoc Subcommittees for the City Seal and Municipal Code Update were no longer active with both to be removed from the final version of the appointment list.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 17, 2024
The following Board and Subcommittee Appointments were discussed and offered for 2025:
Joint Powers Authorities and other Interagency Regulatory Bodies of which the City is a Member Delegate/Primary Alternate
Association of Bay Area Murphy Martinez-Rubin
Governments (ABAG)
Marin Clean Energy (MCE) Murphy Toms
Pinole/Hercules Wastewater Tave/Murphy Martinez-Rubin
Subcommittee
West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Tave Murphy
Management Authority
(WCCIWMA, "RecycleMore")
West Contra Costa Transportation Sasai Tave
Advisory Committee (WCTAC)
Mayor Sasai would like to serve as the Delegate for WCCTAC, Mayor Pro Tem Tave was willing to serve as Alternate, Commissioner Toms was interested in serving as the Delegate given her availability was changing, she had attended the meetings for the past 20 years as a staff member and was interested in serving and the City has had no representative the last three meetings.
Mayor Pro Tem Tave noted that WCCTAC had experienced difficulties reaching a quorum.
ACTION: Motion by Council members Martinez-Rubin/Toms to appoint Council member Toms as the Delegate to the West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee (WCCTAC).
Vote: Failed 2-3
Ayes: Toms, Martinez-Rubin
Noes: Sasai, Tave, Murphy
Abstain: None
Absent: None
ACTION: Motion by Council member Murphy/Mayor Pro Tem Tave to appoint Mayor Sasai as the Delegate and Mayor Pro Tem Tave as the Alternate to the West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee (WCCTAC).
Vote: Passed 3-2
Sasai, Tave, Murphy
Toms, Martinez-Rubin
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Western Contra Costa Transit Sasai/Martinez-Rubin Murphy Authority ("WestCAT")
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Page les - December 17, 2024
Green Empowerment Zone Board of Murphy Toms
Directors*
*Meetings are on the second Friday bi-monthly
Voluntary Interagency Collaboration Bodies of which the City is a Member Bayfront Chamber of Commerce Toms
Contra Costa Mayors Conference Sasai Tave
East Bay Division League of Sasai Tave
California Cities
West County Mayors and Sasai Tave
Supervisors Association
Subcommittees of the Pinole City Council
Finance Subcommittee Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem & City Treasurer Committee on Memorials Sasai/Murphy
Council member Murphy expressed interest serving on the Committee for Memorials.
ACTION: Motion by Council members Toms/Martinez-Rubin to appoint Mayor Sasai and Council member Martinez-Rubin to the Committee on Memorials.
Vote: Failed 2-3
Ayes: Toms, Martinez-Rubin
Noes: Sasai, Tave, Murphy
Abstain: None
Absent: None
ACTION: Motion by Council members Murphy/Mayor Sasai to appoint Mayor Sasai and Council member Murphy to the Committee on Memorials.
Vote: Passed 3-2
Sasai, Tave, Murphy
Toms, Martinez-Rubin
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Municipal Code Ad-Hoc Subcommittee*
*To be removed from the list as no longer active
Planning Commission Interview Ad-Hoc Toms/Martinez-Rubin Subcommittee
TAPS & Community Services Commission Tave/Martinez-Rubin Interview Ad-Hoc Subcommittee
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 17, 2024
Participants in Formation Process of East Bay Toms/Tave Wildfire Prevention and Vegetation Management
Joint Powers Authority
Technology and Communication Murphy/Tave
Subcommittee
Mayor Pro Tem Tave offered a motion, seconded by Council member Murphy to remove the Technology and Communication Subcommittee from the List of Council Appointments to Boards and Subcommittees. The subcommittee had not met for some time, with some supplemental staff for that effort and there had been a discussion about other technology components and therefore he suggested this was something that could be picked up later in the year, if needed.
Council member Murphy agreed with the recommendation since the City now had a Public Intormation Officer (PIO), completed its Communication and Public Engagement Plan and Information Technology (IT) Plan with excellent work by staff to implement those items and he commended the work of the Assistant to the City Manager in that effort.
Mayor Pro Tem Tave recalled there had been an issue with the usage of PCTV, and there had been some political usage where PCTV was to be public access and he was uncertain whether that had been resolved.
Council member Murphy noted that policy had been updated.
Council member Martinez-Rubin inquired of the policy.
Mayor Pro Tem Tave again recalled a question on the usage of PCTV and there were some components that he was unsure had been resolved, but some edits were to be made to that policy to be brought back, which was something staff could check on.
City Manager Young expressed the willingness to look into the issue and get back to the City Council.
ACTION: Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Tave/Murphy to remove the Technology and Communication Subcommittee from the List of Council Appointments to Boards and Subcommittees to be revisited, if needed.
Vote: Passed 5-0
Ayes: Sasai, Tave, Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, Toms
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Ad-Hoc Downtown Pedestrian Improvements Martinez-Rubin/Toms Subcommittee
City Clerk Bell advised the list would be cleaned up with the revisions to be brought back on the Consent Calendar for final approval at the January 21, 2025 City Council meeting.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Fage tes - December 17, 2024
13. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD (Continued from Item 6) (Public Comments) Only open to members of the public who did not speak under the first Citizens to be Heard, Agenda Item 6.
Citizens may speak under any item not listed on the Agenda. The time limit is 3 minutes and is subject to modification by the Mayor. Individuals may not share or offer time to another speaker.
Pursuant to provisions of the Brown Act, no action may be taken on a matter unless it is listed on the agenda, or unless certain emergency or special circumstances exist. The City Council may direct staff to investigate and/or schedule certain matters for consideration at a future Council meeting.
Rafael Menis, reported the rate of COVID-19 had increased sharply over the past week, identified the statistics, the highest it had been since early October and urged people to be aware the rate was rising and would likely continue to rise based on past experience and taking precautions such as getting vaccinated, booster shots and wearing masks in indoor settings continued to be advisable.
Mr. Menis added the Republic of South Korea managed to impeach its President thanks to the courage of several members of the People Power Party (PPP). A small portion of the party had been willing to vote for impeachment even after the President refused to resign and do anything to make the situation more stable and those members had been willing to stand up and uphold their oaths and to do what was necessary even though they would undoubtedly face backlash.
He emphasized the importance of loyalty to the community as a whole and the constitution, as reflected by the Oath Council members took this evening. He was pleased the City Council requested future agenda items which show dedication to those things given the future potential challenges they may face as a nation and they had to be ready to confront those challenges.
14. ADJOURNMENT to the Regular City Council Meeting of January 21, 2025 in Remembrance of Amber Swartz.
At 7:40 p.m., Mayor Sasai adjourned the meeting to the Regular City Council Meeting of January 21, 2025 in Remembrance of Amber Swartz.
Submitted by:
Heather Befl, CMC
City Clerk
Approved by City Council: January 21, 2025
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Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 17, 2024