CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
October 21, 2025
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 and broadcast) from the Pinole Council Chambers, 2131 Pear Street, Pinole, California. Mayor Sasai called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at 5:04 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Before we begin, we would like to acknowledge the Ohlone people, who are the traditional custodians of this land. We pay our respects to the Ohlone elders, past, present and future, who call this place, Ohlone Land, the land that Pinole sits upon, their home. We are proud to continue their tradition of coming together 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.
3. 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.
A. COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT
Cameron Sasai, Mayor
Anthony Tave, Mayor Pro Tem*
Norma Martinez-Rubin, Council Member
Devin Murphy, Council Member
Maureen Toms, Council Member
*Arrived after Roll Call
B. STAFF PRESENT
Melissa Klawuhn, Acting City Manager/Police Chief
Heather Bell, City Clerk
Eric Casher, City Attorney
Heba El-Guindy, Public Works Director
Keith Marks, Chief Building Official
David Hanham, Planning Manager
Roxane Stone, Deputy City Clerk
Estrella Silva, ADU Outreach & Implementation Intern
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
City Clerk Heather Bell announced the agenda had been posted on October 16, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. with all legally required written notices. The agenda had been subsequently amended to add Items 4A and 9J, with the final version posted on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 3:05 p.m. Written comments had been received in advance of the meeting, distributed to the City Council and staff, posted to the City website and made available to the public to view 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
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.
A. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Gov. Code § 54957
Title: City Manager
B. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Gov. Code § 54957.6
Agency designated representatives: City Manager Kelcey Young, Human Resources Director Stacy Shell, Finance Director Markisha Guillory and Gregory Ramirez, IEDA Employee organizations: The Pinole Police Employees Association Mayor Sasai reported the Closed Session items would be taken of order with Item 4A to be considered at the conclusion of the public portion of the meeting agenda following Item 13, Citizens to be Heard.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
City Clerk Bell reported there were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
5. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION TO ANNOUNCE RESULTS OF CLOSED SESSION At 6:03 p.m., Mayor Sasai reconvened the meeting into open session. There was no reportable action from the Closed Session.
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 Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Mainetes -October 21, 2025
John Bender, speaking as a private citizen and resident of San Pablo Avenue, reported residents and business owners on San Pablo Avenue had been dealing with very large trucks traveling to and from the Richmond Distribution Center along the Richmond Parkway over the past two years.
He had spoken to members of the City Council and the City Manager in the past about this issue, and the City Council had been provided a number of signatures from residents and businesses along San Pablo Avenue. As a resident along the eastern edge of San Pablo Avenue, his home shook when the trucks came through since they were not traveling 25 miles per hour (MPH). In fact, he followed a truck when leaving Kaiser, which was traveling 45 MPH from Pinole Valley Road onto San Pablo Avenue to the City of Hercules. A number of residents and businesses had been impacted on a daily basis and often into the night. While he understood there could be challenges and aware of a San Leandro lawsuit from the 1980s, he suggested there were ways to avoid this issue in Pinole. Ideally, he would like to see the City ban trucks of a certain weight from using San Pablo Avenue, which could be the first step to rehabilitate Old Town Pinole.
Ann Moriarty, thanked Public Works Director Heba El-Guindy for her commitment to Complete Streets, advocating for a revised Active Transportation Plan (ATP) and keeping up with maintenance of City streets and operations and maintenance division work. The maintenance of City streets had been impacted by heavy truck and commute traffic speeding along San Pablo Avenue into the City of Hercules and points beyond and/or going in the other direction. Residents constantly heard gravel and dump trucks careening up and down San Pablo Avenue and commute traffic speeding through the area ignoring lights. She too would like the City to explore the possibility of keeping large trucks off of San Pablo Avenue, slowing traffic down and revisiting the idea of a road diet. When in Old Town Pinole and during popular street events, one felt part of the community. She wanted to see the City address this situation to make these community events safer and stronger. She hoped the pending bridge construction over the railroad would be the perfect opportunity to reestablish Old Town Pinole as a livable, pedestrian and bicycle safe community and she would like to see the City work towards that possibility.
David Harlow, reported he had grievances with multiple businesses in Pinole. On March 28, 2024, he had been subject to police brutality, with the police slamming him onto the ground, dragging him to a nearby street and suffocating him, which occurred due to manipulation from Keenan Howard, Keenan Howard Realty which business was not the only one he had a problem with. He explained that he had a lot to say, three minutes was not enough to summarize the problems, but he hoped to pull back the cover of these issues and hoped people were at least listening. He was tired of the bad precedent being set and hoped a solution could be provided.
Mayor Sasai advised he would follow-up with the speaker following the meeting.
REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS
A. Mayor Report
1. Announcements
Mayor Sasai reported he attended the League of California Cities Conference in Long Beach and was pleased to see Contra Costa County represented with City of El Cerrito Mayor Pro Tem Gabe Quinto sworn in as the first Filipino-American President of the League of California Cities.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
Mayor Sasai stated he also attended the Memorial Subcommittee along with Council member Murphy to discuss a request to rename Bay Front Park in recognition of the Ohlone and working hand-in-hand with members of the Ohlone community along with student partners at Pinole Valley High School (PVHS), and he looked forward to having that conversation soon. He had also attended Oktoberfest at St. Joseph's Church and thanked Father Geoffrey Baraan and the church staff for making the event possible. He thanked City staff and the City's partners for the recent Filipino-American History event at the Pinole Senior Center, and thanked Council member Martinez-Rubin for joining him at the event, which included a number of guest speakers, electeds and other officials who made it a great event.
B. Mayoral & Council Appointments
1. City Council Procedures Subcommittee
City Clerk Bell presented the staff report dated October 21, 2025, and recommended the City Council appoint a subcommittee of two Council members to review the City Council procedures.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
City Clerk Bell reported there were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
Council members Martinez-Rubin, Murphy and Mayor Sasai expressed the desire to serve on the City Council Procedures Subcommittee.
ACTION: Motion by Council members Toms/Martinez-Rubin to appoint Council members Martinez-Rubin and Murphy to serve on the City Council Procedures Subcommittee.
Vote: Passed 4-1
Ayes: Tave, Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, Toms
Noes: Sasai
Abstain: None
Absent: None
2. Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Subcommittee
Acting City Manager/Police Chief Melissa Klawuhn reported the City's Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) was outdated and required revision. In 2024, the City contracted with a consultant to assist with the revisions and a Draft EOP was provided to staff in October 2024. The EOP consisted of multiple volumes. The main volume was Volume 1 the EOP. Volumes 2 and 3 consisted of supplemental materials including additional annexes and tools and supporting documents for the EOP. City staff recently completed the final draft of the first volume of the EOP with subsequent volumes to be presented at a later date.
A City Council EOP Subcommittee would be helpful to review the final draft of the EOP before the documents were brought back to the full City Council for approval.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
The scope of the subcommittee would be limited to the review of Volume 1 and it was anticipated the work would take one month to complete. The Police Chief would support the Subcommittee and any recommendations would then be reviewed by the City Manager prior to presentation to the full City Council and public at a future meeting.
Staff recommended the City Council appoint a subcommittee of two Council members to serve on the EOP Subcommittee and review the draft EOP.
In response to the Mayor, Acting City Manager/Police Chief Klawuhn clarified the City Council Subcommittee duration would last approximately one month, with meetings to consist of reviewing the EOP and possibly with a follow-up meeting or two with her to discuss revisions.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Deputy City Clerk Roxane Stone reported there were no comments from the public.
Council members Murphy and Toms expressed the desire to serve on the City Council EOP Subcommittee.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
ACTION: Motion by Mayor Sasai/Council member Martinez-Rubin to appoint Council members Murphy and Toms to the City Council Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Subcommittee.
Vote: Passed 5-0
Ayes: Sasai, Tave, Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, Toms
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
C. City Council Committee Reports & Communications
Council member Murphy reported that after two more years of public discussion, there had been some technical assistance and refinements to Plan Bay Area 2050, and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) had released the Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+, which included an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for review and comment. He highlighted the numerous strategies contained in the plan with the plan including a review period for residents. Residents of Pinole were encouraged to submit a review of the plan at planbayarea.org/draftplan by December 18, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. He encouraged residents to participate and provide comments on the draft plan by the deadline.
Council member Murphy also reported Marin Clean Energy (MCE) held a recent Special Meeting and Board Retreat to discuss key highlights for 2025, and address affordability issues MCE had been discussing all year, now moving forward to identify a new approach to market participation and identification of new pillars of the power supply portfolio. Information had also been provided on MCE's formation with this its 15' year and there was also engagement in a virtual power plant bidding situation.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
Council member Murphy thanked Council member Toms for joining him at the Board Retreat. He also reported MCE held its Executive and Technical Committees meetings and would continue to seek new funding resources to support the overall cost of MCE programs. MCE accepted a $35,000 grant from Chevron to cover the cost of electrification upgrades for 15 homes in its service district; discussed and moved forward with a recommendation for a Finance Committee at the Board level to discuss a number of topics; approved and signed two new power purchase agreements, one for a 15-year energy storage service agreement that would include $100,000 in community benefits for the Pinole area, and another $30,000 in community benefits to Clark County, Nevada where the energy storage service would be built. MCE also approved a power purchase agreement for the Buena Vista Wind Farm Project in Alameda County, with $100,000 to go towards community benefits in the MCE service district.
Council member Murphy further reported the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) Systems Change Collaborative named WCCUSD Superintendent Cheryl Cotton as the co-chair of the Systems Change Collaborative. Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioa, the other co-chair, had shared the County's intent to continue with the facilities partnership with the WCCUSD. A report was also received on WCCUSD Superintendent Cotton's 100-day plan.
He looked forward to continuing to serve on the group and work with WCCUSD Trustee, Ward 1, Jamela Smith-Folds on those efforts.
Council member Toms reported on the events she had attended, including National Night Out and commended the Pinole Police Department for hosting the event and all City staff who attended; Bike the Bridges, which was supported through the Law Enforcement Torch Run with former Commander/Interim Police Chief Matt Avery having planned the event, and the PVHS Wall of Fame, which recognized former graduates and coaches for their work in athletics who she highlighted at this time. She had also attended the League of California Cities Conference in Long Beach and highlighted the many sessions attended including cybersecurity for cities with information provided to the City Manager to consider for the City of Pinole, centralizing community communications and making crime solving more efficient by maximizing resources.
Council member Toms stated she had also attended the St. Joseph Oktoberfest event and MCE Board Retreat. The highlight of the MCE Board Retreat was the technology that staff was starting to work on which involved real time response to power being used in the home as part of Virtual Power Plant, where some appliances in homes may communicate to an app to identify energy usage. In addition, she attended part of the festivities for the PVHS Homecoming and an Open House for Senator Jesse Arreguín for his new office in the City of Richmond. Additionally, she participated in round table discussions with other leaders in West County that Senator Arreguin was asked to address moving forward. She also reported to Senator Arreguín about the issue of trash making its way into Pinole Creek from the on and off-ramps in Pinole.
Council member Martinez-Rubin took the opportunity to thank everyone both in and out of Pinole who participated in local events including the recent Coastal Cleanup and a Town Hall hosted by the City of Pinole along with a number of non-profits that served West Contra Costa County and Supervisor Gioia related to the issue of food insecurity. She reported the City of Pinole offered Food Distribution at the Senior Center on certain days of the month, with more information available in the City Manager's Weekly Report.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
Council member Martinez-Rubin also attended the Special City Council Financial Workshop on October 14, 2025 and participated in an East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) update with information provided on maintaining the Pinole Creek Watershed, minimizing water usage and how EBMUD fire hydrants were aligned and able to access water when needed. There was also discussion with the Southern California area used as an example of the fact there would not be sufficient firefighters and water in the event of a catastrophic event, which emphasized the importance of everyone doing their best to make changes around their homes and create hard space rather than green foliage that may be a fire hazard.
Council member Martinez-Rubin further reported she had attended the Filipino-American History Month celebration at the Senior Center and emphasized the importance of culture and heritage.
She hoped to see others not of the same culture join in future celebrations to be able to learn about each other and see the things everyone shared. Additionally, she attended the League of California Cities Annual Conference and thanked the City Council for appointing her to the Subcommittee that would review the City Council Procedures. Lastly, she highlighted her attendance at a workshop in advance of the League of California Cities Conference on Governing Amid Rising Instability, which emphasized the need to provide a venue for the public to feel safe enough to participate and voice one's opinion without feeling threatened.
D. Council Requests for Future Agenda Items
Council member Toms requested as a future agenda item that staff take a look at the weight limits on San Pablo Avenue, which was a road of regional significance, to determine whether there were any limitations that would prevent the City from restricting vehicles of a certain weight or whether the City would be restricted based on the funding for the bridge replacement. She sought a brief memorandum from staff to determine whether or not the City could move forward with weight limits.
Mayor Sasai disagreed with the request since he had requested a discussion item in December 2023, and while a memorandum would be great, a discussion with the public was important as well and he sought a forum for residents to discuss their experiences.
Council member Toms was open to that.
In response to the Mayor, City Attorney Eric Casher clarified staff had already starting working on a memorandum on this issue that could be brought back in the form of a Council level presentation in the November/December timeframe, date to be determined by the City Manager and City Clerk.
Mayor Sasai requested a Council level presentation on the City's ability to place restrictions on the size and weight of vehicles on the San Pablo Avenue Corridor, subject to the concerns mentioned in the public comment, within the City of Pinole. He offered this as a motion. He also asked that the motion reflect the City Attorney's comments to have the item come back to the City Council before the end of December.
Council member Martinez-Rubin seconded the motion.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
ACTION: Motion by Mayor Sasai/Council member Martinez-Rubin for a Council level presentation on the City's ability to place restrictions on the size and weight of vehicles on the San Pablo Avenue Corridor, subject to the concerns mentioned in the public comment, within the City of Pinole, and with the item to come back to the City Council before the end of December.
Vote: Passed 5-0
Ayes: Sasai, Tave, Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, Toms
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Mayor Pro Tem Tave asked staff whether Finance Committee meetings had been scheduled yet since he would like them to be held earlier than in the past to discuss the upcoming budget.
City Clerk Bell stated no meetings had been scheduled, but an update could be provided to the City Council.
Council member Martinez-Rubin offered a motion, seconded by Mayor Sasai for a staff presentation on the City's comprehensive technology plan, if there was one, specifically how Artificial Intelligence (Al) was being used, what was working well to increase efficiencies in the City and possible threats to security, which would allow the City Council and the public to know the level of the City's preparedness.
Mayor Sasai clarified the request was separate from the City's Al Policy.
ACTION: Motion by Council member Martinez-Rubin/Mayor Sasai for a staff presentation on the City's comprehensive technology plan, if there was one, specifically how Artificial Intelligence was being used, what was working well to increase efficiencies in the City and possible threats to security, which would allow the City Council and the public to know the level of the City's preparedness.
Vote: Passed 5-0
Ayes: Sasai, Tave, Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, Toms
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
E. City Manager Report / Department Staff
Acting City Manager/Police Chief Klawuhn reported the Compost Give-a-Way had been a success with 40 yards of textured organic compost offered free to the community from October 17 through 19, 2025, with the purchase of the compost funded through a CalRecycle Grant. The Public Works Department maintenance team staged the compost at the parking lot of the northern soccer field at Pinole Valley Road and Savage Avenue with a second give-a-way event planned for November. In addition, the Floating Pumpkin Patch event over the weekend was well attended with over 100 participants and there was more information on the City website for future events to recognize Veterans Day, Tree Lighting and Holiday Breakfast.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
Acting City Manager/Police Chief Klawuhn also provided an update on Pinole Community Television (PCTV) activities with PCTV having covered five public meetings and two workshops since October 1, 2025. PCTV also hosted the Spooky Studio Tours on National Night Out, filmed the Filipino-History Month celebration, Beat of Pinole and VHS Homecoming, with more PCTV programs found on the City website. In addition, the next Pinole Accessible Living (PAL) Program would be held on October 23, 2025 from Noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Senior Center, with a special presentation on hiring contractors and avoiding scams; Special Workshop hosted by the Planning Division on October 28, 2025 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers on Parklets and Outdoor Dining in Pinole; and the Housing Survey was now live on Pinole Speaks, with a series of events planned during the month of November for the public to engage about housing in Pinole.
Also, residents may meet with Housing Fellow Jared Murti on October 24, 2025, at the last Street Eats event at the Community Corner.
F. City Attorney Report: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED (Items 7A through 7F)
Deputy City Clerk Stone reported there were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
8. RECOGNITIONS / PRESENTATIONS / COMMUNITY EVENTS
A. Proclamations
1. Code Enforcement Officer Week
The City Council read into the record a proclamation recognizing October 13 through 17, 2025 as Code Enforcement Officer Week, with the proclamation presented to Chief Building Official Keith Marks, who accepted the proclamation on behalf of colleague Code Enforcement Officer Sarrah Patton, who was out injured
2. Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month
The City Council read into the record a proclamation recognizing September 15 through October 15, 2025, as National Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month, with the proclamation presented to former City of Pinole Mayor, Maria Alegria and former President, League of California Cities and current Chair of the Pinole Planning Commission, Gabriel Sandoval.
Maria Alegria detailed her family's history and the fact she was the first woman in her family to graduate from U.C. Berkeley. She thanked Pinole citizens for allowing her to serve the City of Pinole over 16-years on the City Council and as Mayor. She was grateful and thankful to her family and the City Council for its calling to serve the community, a humble and rewarding experience in public service. She was proud to be represented by the most diverse City Council in the history of Pinole and she urged the City Council to continue to work together to stand united protect residents and democracy, which was a powerful message that could be sent to the state legislature and federal government.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
Ms. Alegria also congratulated Gabriel Sandoval for accepting the challenge to serve as Senator Arreguin's District Representative, and as the youngest Chair of the Pinole Planning Commission.
Gabriel Sandoval thanked the City Council for recognizing Latino heritage, which involved a large portion of the State of California population and the City of Pinole. It was important to unite and recognize one's heritage and have that representation on City government. He referred to the President's desire to call in the National Guard to the City of San Francisco, and standing up for the Latino community was important as ever since the federal government was coming for people that looked like him. He was standing up for those who could not and to make a difference and truly serve the community.
Mayor Sasai thanked both speakers for their comments. He emphasized the proclamation not only recognized National Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month, it was also a call to action. He commented that this had been a tough year for the community, including the Filipino community, and the City of Pinole had reaffirmed its inclusive values and willingness to protect every resident of the City.
3. LBGTQ+ History Month
The City Council read into the record a proclamation recognizing October 2025 as LGBTQ+ History Month.
Mayor Sasai advised the proclamation would be presented to the Executive Director of the Rainbow Community Center of Contra Costa since he planned to participate in a facility tour later in the month. This prociamation was also a call to action and he stood by the City of Pinole's policies.
4. Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The City Council read into the record a proclamation recognizing October 2025 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with the proclamation presented to Acting City Manager/Police Chief Klawuhn, whose leadership and strength during challenges was recognized.
Acting City Manager/Police Chief Klawuhn thanked the City Council for the proclamation. Since she started in the City of Pinole she had been supported by all staff and the Police Department.
It had been challenging at the start given her diagnosis, but it had been caught very early, she was doing well, with all members of the Police Department covering her when needed which had been an overwhelming and positive response. She thanked everyone.
5. Indigenous People's Day
The City Council read into the record a proclamation recognizing October 13, 2025 as Indigenous People's Day.
Mayor Sasai recognized WCCUSD Trustee Ward 1, Jamela Smith-Folds, Michele Lamons- Raiford and the PVHS Native American Student Union (NASU), who had advocated for the renaming of Bay Front Park in recognition of the Ohlone.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
Elena Novak, a member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe and President of the PVHS NASU, sincerely thanked the City Council for issuing the proclamation, recognizing Indigenous People's Day, not only acknowledging the past but affirming the ongoing presence, resilience and rights of native peoples. NASU was proud to be part of the growing movement to honor indigenous voices, cultures and histories in meaningful ways, including supporting the education of others about the importance of restoring both cultural recognition and access to ancestral lands. NASU was excited and proud about the City's future renaming of Bay Front Park to Rookoš — the Ohlone word for tule, a plant vital to the land and Native life here for generations. For generations the name reflected and honored the relationship between land and people that went back thousands of years. She thanked the City Council for its leadership and for continuing to take steps to honor the original people of the land. NASU was grateful and looked forward to being part of future collaborations with the City.
Naomi Schulke, President PVHS Forensics Speech and Debate Team and a member of NASU, also thanked the City Council for the proclamation, which recognition created real awareness ana promoted a deeper understanding of City of Pinole land, a history not too often told. Pinole was located on Ohlone land, the original inhabitants and caretakers of the land, who deserved ongoing acknowledgement, honor and respect. By issuing the proclamation, the City Council ensured Ohlone indigenous history and presence was not overlooked but recognized and respected. It sent a message to the community, especially to youth, that truth mattered, inclusion mattered and that native voices belonged at the centers of conversations, past, present and future. NASU deeply appreciated the City Council's leadership and support.
Michele Lamons-Raiford, acknowledged parents in the audience and a few members of the PVHS football team also present in the audience, who were also members of the African-American Student Union who were present in support. She took the opportunity to honor her Cherokee ancestry, her great-grandmother, and uplift the legacy of her best friend, mentor, sister and colleague Gena Stewart, whose legacy continued to inspire and uplift the work done today. As the Coach of the Forensics Speech and Debate Team and sponsor of NASU, she proudly supported the proclamation recognizing Indigenous People's Day. As an educator, her purpose was to help students find their voices, speak truth, stand for justice, and believe in the power of their advocacy. Two years ago, she had the honor of guiding students in their research and organization to successfully advocate to have Indigenous People's Day officially added to the WCCUSD academic calendar, which had shown the students their voices were powerful, they could make a difference and be the driving force behind real meaningful change. She was proud of the City's plans to rename Bay Front Park in honor of the Ohlone and their enduring connection to this land.
Ms. Lamons-Raiford thanked and acknowledged Corrina Gould, Co-Founder, Sogorea Te Land Trust and the Ohlone elders for their blessings on the plan, with the decision more than symbolic, it was a step towards restoring visibility and respect for the original stewards of the area. In honoring indigenous history in language and culture, the City of Pinole helped to ensure future generations grew up knowing whose land they stood upon and why that was so important and why it mattered. She thanked the City Council for its continued commitment to acknowledging, honoring and celebrating indigenous people of the past, present and future.
Jamela Smith-Folds, WCCUSD Trustee Ward 1, commented on what real activism and real education looked like.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
Ms. Smith-Folds stated that PVHS had taught its students their voices were mandatory to use but it set a precedent for everyone else in the district, with PVHS students the biggest and best advocates in the WCCUSD. She thanked their teachers, administrator and the entire community that let them know it was okay and mandatory to use their voices. She suggested this was what it looked like to have self-accountability, City accountability and accountability in the educational system, which owed the students continued support to make sure in the future they were able to make policies, procedures and protocols and make the world a better place.
6. Filipino History Month
The City Council read into the record a proclamation recognizing October 2025 as Filipino History Month.
7. Larry Itliong Day
The City Council read into the record a proclamation recognizing October 25, 2025 as Larry Itliong Day.
Mayor Sasai reported the Filipino History Month and Larry Itliong Day proclamations would be presented to City Attorney Eric Casher.
City Attorney Casher thanked the City Council for the proclamations and for celebrating Filipino History Month and Larry Itliong Day. He was honored to be recognized along with his predecessor Benjamin Reyes II and Mayor Sasai. He also appreciated the recognition of Filipino veterans who had served and fought in World War II. He reported his grandfather was one of those veterans who grew up as a citizen of the Philippines and enlisted in the U.S. Armed Services to fight with the U.S. Army. It was a reminder of shared values with communities around the world and the idea of freedom and liberty, truly worth defending and fighting for. He accepted the proclamation on behalf of his late grandfather and Filipino-American veteran, Angel Belisario Pabrua, all Filipino-American Freedom Fighters throughout history and Filipino-American Farmworkers for their contributions to the farmworker movement, and whose stories were invaluable and deserved to also be recognized.
Mayor Sasai declared a recess at 7:34 p.m. The City Council meeting reconvened at 7:45 p.m. with all Council members present.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED (Item 8A 1-7)
Irma Ruport, thanked the Mayor for the proclamation honoring National Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month. She reported she and her husband, a retired private attorney, had been invited to attend a performance for the Delano Grape Strike on September 13, 2025 at the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek by the Contra Costa County Bar Association and Contra Costa County Justice for All, 60- years from the birth of the Civil Rights Movement. The purpose of the performance was the re- enactment that set the stage for a lawsuit from May 1965 to 1970. The cast was comprised of lawyers and judges with guest speaker Dolores Huerta. Her experience meeting Ms. Huerta had been very rewarding, brought back memories of living with her aunts and uncles in Salinas, particularly since her uncle was very involved in the farmworkers' movement in 1970.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
Ms. Ruport explained that work inspired her to become involved and fight for the causes that affected her and to never give-up, which message should be promoted to future generations. She congratulated all of the recipients and encouraged them to continue to fight injustices occurring today.
David Ruport, thanked all of the recipients of the proclamations which were well earned, did not happen overnight, and with hours of work involved. This was an ongoing cause and they had to keep the momentum going. He noted he and his wife were pre-civil rights in terms of their age, and he referenced the Civil Rights Movement and the work of the late John Lewis. He thanked the City Council for allowing the groups to present those events, which helped to reinforce what was happening, but they also had to understand the efforts at the national level to minimize the actuality of having such events and he leaned on the City Council to ensure no matter the outside pressure, the City Council would do what was right. He referenced John F. Kennedy's Profiles in Courage and the effort to do what was right. He urged the City Council to keep this going no matter the external pressures, suggested the City Council was on the right track and should continue that track and ensure future generations and youth celebrated diversity, which made this country great.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
B. Presentations
Community Development Department ADU Outreach & Implementation Intern Estrella Silva's Presentation on Summer Internship Planning Manager David Hanham introduced Estrella Silva, Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Outreach & Implementation Intern, who had been with the City of Pinole for approximately four and half months and who provided a PowerPoint presentation on the ADA Outreach & Implementation Program. The presentation included an overview of the background and goals for the program; phases of her internship; outreach strategy; details on pop-ups and promotional material; lessons learned and next steps which included the continuation of the outreach campaign, ADA Webinar scheduled for October 23, 2025, ADA Outreach Campaign analysis to be conducted shortly thereafter and analysis reports, flyers, and other ADU documents to be compiled and organized to be handed off as advised.
Responding to comments from the City Council, Intern Silva clarified:
• The purpose of her research was to become familiar with the City's Housing Element and Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) goals on how ADUs could support those goals. The RHNA goal was to construct five ADUs per year from 2023 to 2031. As noted, more than one survey was in progress; one for renters and homeowners to get their opinions and see how homeowners were utilizing ADUs if they had them, while another survey was for designers and architects to submit plans for ADUs to make it easier for residents to choose the ADU they wanted and which could be pre-approved making the process faster. (Martinez-Rubin)
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
• The lessons learned as part of the outreach analysis was again highlighted and it was found that there had been better interaction when residents were allowed to show their interest first. Also, clarified that tiny homes, as an example, would require review by the Planning Department to verify whether or not they would be permitted. (Martinez-Rubin) • The proposed webinar would be recorded, posted on Pinole Speaks and later transferred to the City webpage. (Mayor Pro Tem Tave)
• The outreach efforts were again highlighted. Feedback from residents included questions about the financial side of things, and questions about grants and other allocations for financing. There was recognition that ADUs had a lot of positivity for homeowners, but ADUs were mostly for personal use at this time and not seen as a way to provide affordable housing. One way to emphasize the housing need was to indicate ADUs could would allow for informed decisions. (Mayor Sasai)
When asked by the Mayor, Intern Silva reported on her background and her last year as an Environmental Policy and Management Masters Student at U.C. Davis. Her internship with the City of Pinole would be complete at the end of October.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Deputy City Clerk Stone reported there were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
The City Council thanked Intern Silva for the presentation, thanked her for interning with the City of Pinole and described her as another successful example of the City's Intern Program.
Presentation from the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California - Chris Lodgson
Chris Lodgson, Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC), thanked the City Council for the opportunity to make the presentation. He thanked Council member Murphy, who he had known for years. He provided an update on the State of California's current reparations efforts and the status of the State Reparations Task Force. The CJEC was the state's leading reparations organizer/mobilizer and advocate for reparations at the state level. CJEC worked specifically for residents who were descendants of those who had been enslaved and emancipated in the United States, American Freedmen, Organization of Black Americans and those in the City of Pinole whose ancestors had built this country through hundreds of years of free labor.
Mr. Lodgson thanked the entire City Council for allowing an update to be provided on the efforts at the state level that may impact what was occurring at the city level. More information could be found at www.cjec.official.org and CJEC social media pages. He noted that regular briefings on the reparation efforts would be provided across the state.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
Mr. Lodgson reported in the last week there had been several bills signed or vetoed by the Governor, and last week the Governor decided on seven bills that were either based on recommendations from the State Reparations Task Force or based on concepts related to the State Reparations Task Force recommendations.
Mr. Lodgson provided an overview of several bills of note:
• Senate Bill (SB) 437, California State University: claim eligibility: genealogy and descendancy, which had been signed by the Governor, and which would create another reparations study. Colleges would be asked to do more study on reparations to determine genealogy to confirm whether or not someone was a descendant of people who had been enslaved in this country. The CJEC opposed the bill since it was of the opinion more study was not needed.
• SB 518, Descendants of enslaved persons: reparations, would create a new state bureau, the Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery within the Department of Justice, which would be responsible for administering reparations when and if the state actually created an actual reparations system/program. The CJEC opposed this bill due to some of the wording in the bill.
• SB 515, Local Government: collection of demographic data, had been written by the CJEC, signed by the Governor, and would require every city and county in California to create a new category of data collection, specifically for people/residents who were descendants of those who had been enslaved in this country, which would be a multiyear effort. The CJEC would like to help the City of Pinole implement SB 515. • Bills that were vetoed by the Governor were also highlighted and included Assembly Bill (AB) 57, California Dream for All Program: descendants of formerly enslaved people; AB 7, Postsecondary education: admissions preference: descendants of slavery, and AB 62, Civil Rights Department: racially motivated eminent domain.
The role of the State Reparations Task Force was also highlighted and included education of the public, documenting the harms of slavery and the things that came after and recommendations The State Reparations Task Force made hundreds of recommendations with bills based on these recommendations introduced in 2024. Seven of the bills were introduced in 2025.
Mr. Lodgson also detailed what reparations meant and explained that although some of the bills had been vetoed by the Governor, the CJEC did not consider those bills reparations but things the state should do no matter what. Reparations meant direct, financial, economic, monetary compensation, cash payment, the return of stolen property, stolen labor and wages, and that a specific type of redress was needed to be directed at residents and descendants.
Responding to comments from the City Council, Mr. Lodgson clarified:
• Legislation that had been signed or vetoed by the Governor. SB 515, 437 and 518 were due to become law as of January 1, 2026. There was some uncertainty about the details of some of the bills that had yet to be worked out. (Murphy) Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
• As part of SB 515, the state would ask cities and counties to update their hiring forms, specifically the part of the form requesting racial, ethnic or demographic information and specifically in the Black African-American category, to be revised to include a category to self-identify as a descendant of someone enslaved in this country. The state had undergone a process that was being implemented at different speeds in different departments, with the CJEC helping to speed that process and get as much data as possible. The CJEC could assist the City of Pinole in implementing this requirement and possibly create a model for other cities. Responsibility of informing employees of this option and how to handle employees who may want to update old forms were also questions the CJEC was working with the state to resolve. (Murphy) • As part of SB 518, the creation of a new state bureau, was by law to be housed under the Civil Rights Department of California. There was currently a Director of the Civil Rights Department and the new state bureau would also have a Director who would be responsible for working with the Director of the Civil Rights Department, and report to the Governor. The new state bureau would have five offices, including Genealogy, Education and Legal Affairs Offices. The CJEC recommended something similar, although the State Reparations Task Force recommended a new agency whose job would be the Reparations Agency, to implement reparations and with that agency to have satellite offices throughout the state; however, that detail was not in the bill and whether there would be an office in Pinole, as an example, was also not in the bill. As a result, follow- up legislation may be required. (Murphy)
• As to whether there was a common thread for the bills vetoed by the Governor, the veto statements for each bill were different and were highlighted at this time. Some bills were vetoed in 2024 and there may be a common thread between them and those vetoed in 2025. Acknowledged a recommendation for a yearly update from the CJEC on the status of bills placed forward. (Mayor Sasai)
• The City of Pinole was encouraged to join the Mayors Organized for Reparations and Equity Coalition (MORE), which had been supporting reparation efforts. Recommended the City consider the Task Force recommendations, and make them a "City size" version, with a list of all recommendations included in the Final Report from the State Reparations Task Force, and which were available on YouTube. It was recommended the City start the process of collecting the data of who in the City of Pinole were descendants of enslaved or emancipated from slavery and that the City start collecting that demographic data now and add the new category earlier mentioned, since before anything could be done more had to be known about the residents being targeted. Anywhere the City was collecting data, that new category should be asking whether one was a descendant, which was important. Cities may also consider resolutions in support of real reparations for descendants that could be provided to the capital and would be helpful for this effor Additionally, the state recommended the creation of a new state office, the California Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
• The State Reparations Task Force also recommended the equivalent of a guaranteed income program, cash payment program, with many cities in the state providing such programs. The State Reparations Task Force recommended cities and the state create a Guaranteed Income Program for residents of descendants of those who were enslaved in this country, starting with seniors first and working backwards. (Mayor Sasai) • Clarified the City of Pinole would not have to create categories themselves, those categories had already been designed and created, with the City to copy the state form and paste it to the City's copies, although the City could create other categories. It was described as a copy and paste process to existing forms, with the exception that they were working with state employes who had already been hired and who did not have this opportunity when hired to resurvey themselves, refill the form and check the new category, which was an offer the CJEC was making to work with the City. The CJEC had sent specific categories and language to the State Office of Management and Budget and the Census Bureau, for use and to potentially update the 2030 Census. Specific category data collection at the federal level had also been requested. It was recognized that the federal government, state, counties and cities should consistently use the same language and there was consideration from the federal government to update the 2030 Census to include a category specifically for those who were descendants of those enslaved in this country. (Martinez-Rubin)
The State Reparations Task Force held numerous public hearings over the years and had discussed ways to update the tax code to help fund and support reparations with specific recommendations provided. SB 1007, Housing: homeowner assistance: Homeowner's Assistance for Descendants of Enslaved Persons Program, or SB 1013, Taxation:
Property Tax Assistance for Descendants of Enslaved Persons, was intended to provide property tax relief for residents who were descendants of those enslaved in this country, who owned or rented property. There were other discussions on possible tax relief including the creation of a specific tax incentive or ways for people to give through their taxes to support and fund reparations. There had also been discussions about eliminating taxes for those who were descendants of those enslaved in this country. (Mayor Pro Tem Tave)
The Final Report from the State Reparations Task Force included information on property and real estate law, one describing the harms and one providing remedies. The type of generational wealth transferring that happens when one passed and gave the wealth to the next generation upon death, which was important in terms of wealth transfer; but, work had shown generational wealth transfer that was not given enough attention was the type of wealth transfer occurring while people were still alive. There was uncertainty how that could be evaluated, but it was important. Acknowledged a request for language for resolutions the City Council may consider in the future. (Mayor Pro Tem Tave)
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Deputy City Clerk Stone reported there were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
City Council members thanked Mr. Lodgson for the report.
Mayor Sasai thanked Mr. Lodgson for the information and opportunity to address the City Council virtually. As someone who was Japanese-American and had Japanese-American grandparents who benefitted and received reparations for being incarcerated in camps during World War I!, he was familiar with one of the members of the State Reparations Task Force and he stood in solidarity with the CJEC to take actual steps in the City of Pinole and the state to repair harm and provide reparations to the African-American community. He would also reach out to Mr. Lodgson to get more contact information on MORE and any resolution language that could be provided to the City Council to support this effort.
3. Flood Forecasting Tool and Flood Control - Mark Boucher, PE Public Works Director Heba El-Guindy introduced Mark Boucher, PE, Senior Hydrologist with the Contra Costa County Flood Control & Water Conservation District, who provided a PowerPoint presentation which included an overview of the history of the Flood Control District, a Special District of the State, Pinole Creek Watershed, flood control facilities in Pinole, rain gauge system in 2025 and the Pinole Creek at San Pablo Stream Rain Gauge, and who walked through the use of the RainMap, which data was available to the public and included up-to-date information on flood stages.
Responding to questions from the City Council, Mr. Boucher clarified:
• Flood Control Zone 9 had been impacted by Proposition 13 and had limited funds given how property taxes were distributed. The Flood Control District was responsible for things within its right-of-way ((ROW). A demonstration project had been done in the lower reach area of Pinole Creek where a trail was installed and money spent to install white flood walls and with a Risk and Uncertainty Analysis done to set the elevations. The Flood Control District was aware of the needs of the creek and had tried to be creative with funding. Clarified that after Proposition 13, a Special District Augmentation Fund had been formed at the state level, with state monies set aside and allocated, but a former Governor had written off the fund to balance the state budget. Since that time, the Flood Control District zones, which were low or at zero rates, were in a bind. The Flood Control District hoped to have more conversations to be creative about needed maintenance. (Mayor Pro Tem Tave)
As to whether a study could be done to consider a secondary conveyance on the City's road system since the creeks may not be appropriately maintained in the foreseeable future, the Flood Control District had not done such a study. Modeling of the creeks and the ability to model with more detail and take into account overland flow outside the creek was exponential. There was the possibility for that kind of aesthetic to be done, which was worth looking at. (Mayor Pro Tem Tave)
• Vegetation overgrowth and clearing was the responsibility of the Flood Control District within its ROW, but that had been hampered due to funding. The exact location of the Flood Control District ROW would have to be further clarified by Flood Control District management.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
• Acknowledged concerns with people throwing items over the fence into the creek area since it turned into debris that flowed downstream or may plant vegetation that could grow into an invasive plant material difficult to remove. Communication was key that items not be placed in the creek. Some cities had annual creek cleanups. When the Flood Control District does work in the creek, or if someone gets a permit for work, particularly if it involved natural vegetation, the Flood Control District speaks with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulatory branch to obtain permits, and those agencies' permit requirements may involve different restrictions.
• The Flood Control District conducted monthly meetings with the Bay Area Flood Agencies, the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the RWQCB. Concerns with the condition of Pinole Creek near San Pablo could be raised with Flood Control District Management to determine what could be done, with the knowledge that limited funding, other agency regulations or environmental restrictions may hamper efforts. (Martinez-Rubin) • Unaware of any effort to reinstate the Special District Augmentation Fund, the Public Works Association (PWA) had pushed for specific legislation to help maintain the channels and some zones had a good tax rate when Proposition 13 came through than others, which were detailed. Proposition 218 set the bar higher with a two thirds majority vote required for passage of increases. More details could be provided in the future Acknowledged a recommendation there may be ways to push legislation through the League of California Cities Policy Committees. (Toms)
• Clarified and walked through how to download the RainMap App. (Toms)
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Rafael Menis, asked about a segment of the creek bank, which was within the Flood Control District ROW, south of Sprouts, that had collapsed multiple times over the past few years. When he asked the City about it, he was told the issue was the Flood Control District's issue and they had to deal with it. The second to last time the area collapsed the Flood Control District made some repairs with a pipe of some kind but it collapsed again. He asked whether the Flood Control District had a more permanent plan for mitigation or whether the area would just be shored up when it collapsed again given the limited funds.
Mr. Boucher confirmed the area was within the Flood Control District's ROW and near Henry Avenue. He suggested the work done by the Flood Control District was probably the best that could be done to shore up the area, and he was uncertain whether it was near an outfall. The Flood Control District sometimes received permission from the Department of Fish and Wildlife to conduct emergency work but a full engineering plan would be limited by available resources. He was unaware of the specifics of the Flood Control District's response to the area in question but residents may call the Flood Control District main number to report any issues within the area.
He also understood there was a maintenance review almost every mile of the creek after storms and once in a while there would be a wash out of the silt collected over the past year, and while not storm damage, it was a natural process trying to work its way out.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
Council member Martinez-Rubin asked if the area under discussion was different from the Erosion Repair Project planned for Pinole Creek in 2026, as shown on Slide 21 of the PowerPoint presentation, and Mr. Boucher confirmed the project referenced looked like the area the speaker referenced with the slide presented to the City Council at this time.
The City Council thanked Mr. Boucher and Public Works Director El-Guindy for the presentation and education about this issue and looked forward to continued partnerships.
Anthony Vossbrink, commented he and others had reported the problem discussed by Mr. Menis with the City and the County for several years and were told that was not their priority or jurisdiction. The area had been remediated by placing a large tarp on the area, with a larger tarp subsequently placed another year due to erosion on the side of the bank, from the bottom of the creek all the way almost to the top of the sidewalk near the bowling alley fence behind the garbage bins, and near the retail stores/restaurants running parallel to the Sprouts parking lot. There was more erosion across the street at Henry Avenue and erosion along the ballfields down to the primary school. The Flood Control District had not installed a pipe but should have gone in with a backhoe to scoop out an island in the middle of the creek where the bank was eroding so the creek could flow naturally downhill. He suggested the area could be further damaged by a future storm and the City could be faced with lawsuits if adjacent businesses/properties were impacted.
Mr. Vossbrink added no one wanted to cut down the old rotten trees under the bridge near the dog park and soccer fields where mosquitos were breeding due to the still water. Although Vector Control, the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the County have been contacted, nothing had been done. He sought action with Pinole to be placed on the top of the County's priority list.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
Mr. Boucher appreciated the comments, questions and passion about this topic and confirmed it was a Flood Control District responsibility, not the County, since the Flood Control District was a Special District separate from the County. As to the area under discussion, the Flood Control District planned to do something more permanent in 2026, pursuant to the information in the PowerPoint presentation. He appreciated the comments and welcomed the public to contact the Flood Control District directly at 925-313-2000 with any concerns.
Commissioner Toms clarified that Zone 9 was the only portion of the creek maintained by the Flood Control District. Zone 9 began just south of 1-80, with everything upstream of that including the dog park area of Pinole Valley Park not the responsibility of the Flood Control District, which Mr. Boucher confirmed.
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and noncontroversial. These items will be enacted by one motion and without discussion. If, however, any interested party o Council member(s) wishes to comment on an item, they may do so before action is taken on the Consent Calendar. Following comments, if a Council member wishes to discuss an item, it will 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 Meeting on September 16, 2025.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
Receive the September 13, 2025 - October 17, 2025 List of Warrants in the Amount of $2,591,091.93; the September 26, 2025 Payroll in the Amount of $576,725.41; and the October 10, 2025 Payroll in the Amount of $565,385.74.
C. Adopt Resolutions to Fix the Employer's Contribution at an Equal Amount for Employees and Annuitants Under the Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act With Respect to Elected Officials, Management, Confidential, American Federal State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Union Locals 1 and 512, and International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Union. Action: Adopt Resolutions per Staff recommendation (Stacy Shell)
D. Adopt a Resolution to Approve Master Salary Schedule Updates. Action: Adopt a Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Stacy Shell, Charlene Davis) E. Placement of Liens for Delinquent Unpaid Waste Collection Charges Falling Delinquent Between September and December 2025. Considered at an Administrative Hearing on October 2, 2025. Action: Adopt Resolutions per Staff Recommendation (Roxane Stone)
F. Public Convenience Necessity for Quick Mart located at 1477 Fitzgerald Drive, Suite 107. Action: Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (David Hanham)
G. Adopt a Resolution to Authorize the Receipt and Expenditure of $187, 253 in Board of State and Community Corrections - Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (BSCC - Byrne SCIP) Grant Funds. Action: Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Melissa Klawuhn)
Public Convenience Necessity for Yo Sushi located at 2432 San Pablo Avenue.
Action: Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (David Hanham)
1. Amendment to the City of Pinole Conflict of Interest Code. Action: Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Heather Bell)
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Deputy City Clerk Stone reported there were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
ACTION: Motion by Council members Toms/Martinez-Rubin to adopt Consent Calendar Items 9A through 9J, as shown.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
Vote: Passed 5-0
Ayes: Sasai, Tave, Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, Toms
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to Adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Code and Update the City's Building and Fire Codes. Action:
Introduce and Waive First Read of Ordinance (Keith Marks) Chief Building Official Marks presented the staff report dated October 21, 2025. He asked that the City Council introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Code and update the City's Building and Fire Codes.
Responding to questions from the City Council, Chief Building Official Marks clarified:
• AB 130, Housing, as detailed in the staff report, was again clarified which reads in part "cities and counties are subject to a six-year moratorium on new or amended local building standards and affecting residential occupancies," which meant that cities could not do anymore Reach Codes and require anything more than what the code required with the exception of what the City had already established as Reach Codes, until 2031. As noted in the staff report: The moratorium is effective October 1, 2025, through June 1, 2031, except for limited statutory exceptions such as (1) previously filed local amendments with no material change in regulatory effect; (2) emergency standards necessary to protect public health and safety; (3 and 4) amendments related to home hardening or Wildland- Urban Interface fire-resistance standards; or (5) amendments necessary to implement a local greenhouse-gas reduction strategy consistent with a general plan approved on or before June 10, 2025, that both permits mixed-fuel residential construction consistent with federal law and incentivizes all-electric construction as part of an adopted climate action framework. The City was currently working on its Reach Codes and reaching out to the public for input. (Martinez-Rubin)
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED
Rafael Menis, referenced Page 280 of 319 of the agenda packet, Table B105.2 Required Fire- Flow for Buildings Other than One - and Two-Family Dwellings, Group R-3 and R-4 Buildings and Townhouses, for the Minimum Fireflow (Gallons per Minute), for Section 903.3.1.1 of the California Fire Code, which required 50 percent of the value in Table B105.1(2)a but Section 903.3.1.2 of the California Fire Code, reads: % of the value in Table B105.1(2)a. He asked for clarification if a number was to be included or whether it was some value that had not been defined
Chief Building Official Marks clarified a member of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (CCCFPD) was present in the audience and may provide clarification.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
Council member Murphy understood the item would return at the next City Council meeting, and Chief Building Official Marks and City Clerk Bell confirmed the item could return at the next meeting of the City Council on November 4, 2025.
Council member Murphy asked for an answer to the speaker's question at that meeting.
CCCFPD Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal Chris Bachman clarified in response to the public comment that when the table referenced had been submitted to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, some text had been cut off from the Word document when transferred to a PDF file. He clarified "50 percent" should have been shown in the columns under Minimum Fireflow (Gallons Per Minute) for Section 903.3.1.1 and Section 903.3.1.2 of the California Fire Code.
ACTION: Motion by Council members Murphy/Toms to introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Code and Update the City's Building and Fire Codes.
Vote: Passed 5-0
Ayes: Sasai, Tave, Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, Toms
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
B. Conduct a Public Hearing and Adopt a Resolution Ordering the Levy and Collection of the Annual Assessment for the Pinole Valley Road Landscape and Lighting Assessment District for Fiscal Year 2025/26. Action: Conduct Public Hearing and Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation. (Heba El-Guindy) Public Works Director Heba El-Guindy provided a PowerPoint presentation for Pinole Valley Road Landscape and Lighting Assessment District (LLAD) for Fiscal Year 2025/26 and the Levy of Assessments for FY 2025/26 which included an overview of the background of the Pinole Valley Road LLAD for Zones A and B; details for Zone A: North of 1-80 and Zone B: South of 1-80; highlights from the September 16, 2025 City Council public hearing and Assessment Summary for FY 2025/26.
Public Works Director El-Guindy recommended the City Council declare the intention to levy and collect assessments, conduct a public hearing concerning the levy of assessments and consider any objections and approve assessment amounts for FY 2025/26 and order collection of those assessments. She added that starting in 2026, staff would start with a more comprehensive approach to assess conditions with the LLAD, identifying deficiencies, coming up with an improvement plan, hold consultation with all commercial property owners and revise the methodology utilized within the reports and update them accordingly.
Responding to questions from the City Council, Public Works Director El-Guindy clarified:
• Staff planned to start with a more comprehensive approach, as described, around January/February 2026 in order to bring it forward for City Council consultation in time for approval for FY 2026/27, and be able to collect the assessed amount through the County. (Murphy)
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
• Staff received no comments via email or public service requests on the public hearing process. Both the September 16 and October 21, 2025 public hearings had been noticed to the public 11-days in advance of the public hearing date with proper notification in advance of the public hearings provided. (Martinez-Rubin)
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED
Deputy City Clerk Stone reported there were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
ACTION: Motion by Council member Toms/Mayor Sasai to adopt a resolution ordering the levy and collection of assessments for the Pinole Valley Road Landscape and Lighting Assessment District for Fiscal Year 2025/26.
Vote: Passed 5-0
Ayes: Sasai, Tave, Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, Toms
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
11. OLD BUSINESS: None
12. NEW BUSINESS: None
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 or 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 on the COVID-19 rates based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, but due to the government shutdown, no data beyond September 29, 2025 was available. Based on the level of information available, and while rates declined for everyone including the State of California during that time period, the current rate of transmission was unknown given unavailable data. Everyone was encouraged to take precautions and get Mr. Menis also reported that weather permitting a protest was planned for Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 11:00 a.m.to 12:00 p.m. at the intersection of Tennent and San Pablo Avenues, with more information at the mobilize. us website. In addition, he thanked everyone who participated in the No Kings protest in the City of Hercules, throughout the State, country and the world this past weekend, which gave him hope there were people out there that saw what was going on and were willing to stand up for basic principles, like America does not have or need a King.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
Anthony Vossbrink, asked what had been done to claim public health and safety at Bay Front Park with regard to hardening security in the area after the mauling and killing of Pinole residents and their dog near Pinole Creek. He had asked City staff about the situation who informed him the accident occurred near the Twin Bridges, near the creek, back towards the Fernandez Park area. The Public Works Director stated that two to three cameras would be directed at the Public Works Administration/Pinole-Hercules Wastewater Treatment Plant building, but that was not sufficient to screen over the tall trees along the trail line by the Bay headed towards the over-ramp or the entry. Cameras should be placed in this area and near the outdoor restrooms in the area He commented the Public Works Department had over a dozen more cameras in the Wastewater Treatment Plant area and they were to harden the security of the area with more patrols, but he and other members of the public were afraid to be in the area given the recent incident. Residents had not seen a police presence in the area other than one patrol vehicle briefly parked near the railroad track and bridges
Mr. Vossbrink added that no lights were on in the parking lot which should be illuminated at night and he questioned how many security traffic cameras were currently operational and how they were being used to protect the public health and welfare of citizens since he understood not all cameras were working
Acting City Manager/Police Chief Klawuhn clarified the Police Department added some cameras to the City Corporation Yard area that had been positioned in a way to capture ingress/egress from the trail areas. The cameras themselves were intended to deter some crimes from happening and allow the City to collect evidence after a crime had happened. The cameras did not cover the entire area, with some restrictions due to power availability. She requested that Police Officers increase patrols in the Bay Front Park area and when they had the opportunity to go down to the area they did so, may write reports in their vehicle when in the park or take lunch at that time. She asked that the community keep in mind that there were generally two or three officers at a time on patrol for the entire City and officers were also being called to other Calls for Service, and being pulled in multiple directions at all times. She emphasized the Bay Front Park area was an area of focus and she understood the community's concerns.
Acting City Manager/Police Chief Klawuhn asked if anyone saw anyone suspicious or had any concerns to call dispatch. If an emergency, dial 911 or the non-emergency line at 510-724-1111.
By calling dispatch, an officer would respond to the location.
Mayor Sasai further clarified the issue of lighting during the nighttime at Bay Front Park was a conversation he had with the former City Manager and with Elizabeth Echols, Ward I representative for the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD), but there were concerns with light pollution in the area as well as impacts to wildlife, although it was possible something could be done with proper shielding.
Mayor Sasai reported the City Council would reconvene to a Closed Session for Item 4A and adjourn to the next City Council meeting on November 4, 2025 in remembrance of Amber Swartz.
Any reportable action from the Closed Session would be reported out at the next City Council meeting
14. RECONVENED to Closed Session Item 4A and ADJOURNED to a Regular City Council Meeting of November 4, 2025 in Remembrance of Amber Swartz.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025
At 10:08 p.m., Mayor Sasai reconvened to Closed Session Item 4A and adjourned to a Regular City Council Meeting on November 4, 2025 in Remembrance of Amber Swartz.
Submitted by:
Heather Bell-Spears, CMC
City Clerk
Approved by City Council: November 4, 2025
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Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - October 21, 2025