CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
December 16, 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. Mayo oms called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at 5:03 p.m. and led the Pledge o Allegiance.
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, Ohlon 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.
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
*Attending Remotely
B. STAFF PRESENT
Melissa Klawuhn, Acting City Manager/Police Chief
Heather Bell-Spears, City Clerk
Eric Casher, City Attorney
Fiona Epps, Communications Director
Heba El-Guindy, Public Works Director
Roxane Stone, Deputy City Clerk
City Clerk Heather Bell-Spears announced the agenda had been posted on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. with all legally required written notices. Written comments had been received in advance of the meeting, posted online, distributed to the City Council and available in the Council Chambers for public review.
Following an inquiry, the Council reported there were no conflicts with any items on the agenda.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 16, 2025
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 APPOINTMENT
Gov. Code §54957
Title: Interim City Manager
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
City Clerk Bell-Spears reported there were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
PLEASE NOTE: Closed Session will cease at 7:00 p.m. and Council will resume the public portion of the agenda.
5. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION TO ANNOUNCE RESULTS OF CLOSED SESSION At 7:07 p.m., Mayor Sasai reconvened the meeting into open session. There was no reportable action for Item 4A.
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.
Debbie Long congratulated Anthony Tave on his new role as Mayor. She thanked staff for the beautiful Christmas tree that had been celebrated on December 6, 2025, and highlighted the background of the symbolic meaning of the Christmas tree. She emphasized the importance of being reminded of the true spirit of Christmas, particularly in light of the violence around the country and the world. She recognized the City of Pinole celebrated Christmas as a holiday, which was okay as long as it didn't forget the true meaning of the Christmas tree and Christ. She also hoped that Hannukah would also be acknowledged by the City and perhaps as other cities had done, there could be a meeting with the Jewish community to see how the holiday could be celebrated next year, as Hannukah had even deeper traditions in the celebration of Christmas.
She wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Damian Alarcon, Director of Government Relations and Social Impact, Travis Credit Union, a resident of West Sacramento and former resident in the affordable housing development above the Pear Street Bistro in Pinole, thanked the City of Pinole because who he was today would not have happened without the wonderful city he had been a part of where he met his husband and which had led to his current role at Travis Credit Union. He congratulated Cameron Sasai and Anthony Tave for their wonderful year as Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, and congratulated Mr. Tave on being the next Mayor.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 16, 2025
Mr. Alarcon asked the City Council to consider reaching out to Travis Credit Union, as a member- owned not-for-profit financial institution. He looked forward to future development and expansion in the City of Pinole. He pointed out Travis Credit Union's growth aligned with the City's priorities and public sector partners, with a focus on financial education and empowerment, and the credit union could offer a lot to Pinole residents. He looked forward to engaging thoughtfully with the City of Pinole as they learned more about the City's goals. He again congratulated everyone and wished everyone Happy Holidays.
Antonio "Tony" Silva, a retired electrician with 40+ years in the business and owner of Nob Hill Plaza for the past 30-years, reported he recently received an email alerting him to a new energy program the City was adopting, which raised concerns. He understood the City was getting into the energy business and energy regulation, which he personally found beyond the purview of the City since that was done at a state and federal level. He suggested the City was being redundant on doing that and more focus should be on the business of the City of Pinole and smaller important things like public works. He stated he had been required to install filters related to wastewater on his property and spent a great deal of money to install the filters since his property had a drain that traveled directly into the storm drain, although those storm drains had not been cleaned in months. While he had spoken with City staff about the issue, he had been informed there was no money and public works staff was limited. He suggested those were the types of things the City should focus on rather than an energy program. He also did not like the idea of residents being coerced, guided or pushed into having all-electric and suggested it should be allowed to happen organically. He was uncertain of the mission and what the City was doing. In this matter, he suggested the City had lost his way and again should focus on more important core basics. He was willing to speak further about the energy situation and how the program would be self- defeating.
Mayor Sasai advised the City Clerk had the speaker's contact information.
7. REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS
A. Mayor Report
1. Announcements
Mayor Sasai wished everyone Happy Holidays. He thanked City staff for hosting the Contra Costa Mayors Conference. In particular, he thanked the City Clerk and her staff for their work, and the former Mayors of the City of Pinole who attended the special occasion. He also attended the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the downtown on December 6, 2025, and noted residents and visitors were very pleased with the event. He thanked the Public Works Department and Department Heads for their hard work on the event and hoped to have that same level of excitement in future years.
Mayor Sasai also welcomed Dave's Hot Chicken to the City of Pinole and emphasized the City Council would be taking the lead to ensure it was being inclusive and protecting the community, as evidenced by Consent Calendar agenda Item 9F, to be considered later on the meeting agenda, and which was intended to protect the most vulnerable in the community, He also reported the State Attorney General's Office established an online portal for citizens to report potential unlawful activities of federal immigration enforcement officers oag.gov/reportmisconduct.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 16, 2025
Mayor Sasai also recognized the holidays were a tough time for many and commented one of the students at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony had asked him what his Christmas wish was this year. In response, he asked residents to be kind to each other, especially those with whom they may disagree.
B. Mayoral & Council Appointments: None
C. City Council Committee Reports & Communications
Mayor Pro Tem Tave reported he also attended the Christmas tree lighting ceremony and he liked the fact that San Pablo Avenue had been blocked to keep the event more intimate along with the fact that snow had been provided. He too thanked staff for the great event and looked forward to next year. In addition, he attended a West Contra Costa Transportation Commission (WCCTC) meeting, and recognized the AC Transit Director and representative for Congressman John Garamendi, Harpreet Sandhu present in the audience. He reported WCCT discussed moving forward with a call for projects, with an estimated $6 million in funds to be distributed to agencies in the service area. Some of those funds would come to the City of Pinole, potentially advancing capital projects in Pinole.
Council member Martinez-Rubin wished everyone a happy and healthy holiday. She commented she had been fortunate to be in the City and receive some of the kindness offered by the community. She reported she currently had caretaking responsibilities, which was why she was participating remotely and was doing that with a family visitor. This individual had the opportunity to walk through the City with her and she commended the kind and generous spirit of Pinole residents.
Council member Murphy wished everyone a happy holiday season and a Happy New Year. He thanked those for attending the meeting in-person and virtually.
Council member Toms reported she attended the Contra Costa Mayors Conference in Pinole and enjoyed seeing the new Mayors coming in this month from various cities. At that time, she learned about the different holiday events happening in other cities and commented that there was a food bank competition between two cities in East Contra Costa County. She later had a conversation with a Council member from the City of Hercules and she sought consideration of a similar competition with as many jurisdictions as possible in West County. She would promote that effort and was willing to lead the idea in the future. She commented when she had worked with the County prior to her retirement, there had been competitions between County departments, which had been beneficial and allowed the spreading of news in the respective communities that there were people in need.
Council member Toms also reported she too attended the Christmas tree lighting ceremony and she also liked the concept of closing the street, which had been beneficial to businesses.
Additionally, she had the opportunity to attend the Holiday Breakfast with two children ages 5 and 7 who had a great time She thanked City staff for putting together such a great event.
Council member Toms further reported she attended the East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA) Joint Power Authority (JPA) meeting and explained that the EBRCSA had been created following the Oakland Hills fires, where agencies from Berkely could not speak to agencies from Oakland, which had cost lives and significant property loss.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 16, 2025
Council member Toms stated she served on the EBRCSA Board, and as part of a recent meeting there had been a presentation on the required encryption on public safety police and fire, which was now complete and which meant information related to victims of crime or medical issues would be encrypted with only the necessary public agencies able to hear it. She added the radio systems from Motorola would only be maintained until 2032, and there would be a need to transition to new technology between now and then, which would be a costly issue for all jurisdictions. She wished everyone a happy holiday season.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED (Items 7A through 7C)
Deputy City Clerk Roxane Stone reported there were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
D. Council Requests for Future Agenda Items
Mayor Sasai offered a motion, seconded by Council member Murphy to direct staff to return at a future City Council meeting with an analysis and recommended framework for the establishment of a Crime Prevention through Environmental Design and Façade Improvement Program for Small Businesses within the City of Pinole.
On the motion, Council member Toms asked whether the item could be coordinated with the budget season and not be out of sync with the next fiscal year budget discussion.
Mayor Sasai suggested the item come back to the City Council during the start of the budget cycle to allow an estimation of cost during budget discussions.
ACTION: Motion by Mayor Sasai/Council member Murphy to direct staff to return at a future City Council meeting with an analysis and recommended framework for the establishment of a Crime Prevention through Environmental Design and Facade Improvement Program for small businesses within the City of Pinole.
Vote: Passed 5-0
Ayes: Sasai, Tave, Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, Toms
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
ACTION: Motion by Mayor Sasai/Council member Murphy to direct staff to bring back and review the City's existing Procurement Policy and return to a future City Council meeting with proposed updates, clarifications and recommendations related to preference policies, including but not limited to union printing and clearly identifying which policies governed and took precedence and those competing preference procurement policies.
Vote: Passed 5-0
Ayes: Sasai, Tave, Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, Toms
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 16, 2025
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Deputy City Clerk Stone reported there were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
E. City Manager Report / Department Staff
Acting City Manager/Police Chief Melissa Klawuhn reported a Request for Proposal (RFP) for City Manager Executive Search Consulting Services was now live on OpenGov and the submission deadline was January 9, 2026; and the City completed the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Year End Financial Audit and would issue the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) scheduled for presentation to the City Council on January 20, 2026. She thanked the hundreds of community members who donated to the Pinole Police Department (PPD) Toy Drive on December 11, 2025, with incredibly generous donations received before that date including from people shopping at Target who purchased additional toys. The toys were donated to Oakland Children's Hospital. She wished everyone a happy and safe holiday season.
F. City Attorney Report
City Attorney Eric Casher wished everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
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: None
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 or 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 December 2, 2025 B. Receive the November 29, 2025 - December 12, 2025 List of Warrants in the Amount of $1,247,959.72 and the December 5, 2025 Payroll Amount of $628,431.84.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 16, 2025
C. Adopt a Resolution to Increase Minimum Wage Rates./ Action: Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Stacy Shell, Charlene Davis) D. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing, through the FY 2026/27 Budget Cycle, Budgeting to Enroll All Municipal Energy Accounts in the MCE Deep Green Option Consistent with the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Action: Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Lilly Whalen, Kapil Amin)
E. Adopt a Resolution Accepting $309,910 in Grant Funding from the California Department of Justice Tobacco Grant Program for FY 2025/26 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Required Documents. Action: Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Lilly Whalen)
F. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance Adding Chapter 2.68 to Title 2 of the Pinole Municipal Code Restricting the Use of City-Owned or City-Controlled Property for Federal Civil Immigration Enforcement Activities. Action: Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance (Eric Casher)
Approval of Second Amendment to the Consulting Services Agreement Between the City and West Yost for Additional Services Associated with the Development of the Storm Drain Master Plan (CIP Project #IN1703). Action: Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Heba El-Guindy)
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Rafael Menis speaking to Item 9F, expressed his support for the item, but suggested it was controversial enough to not be placed on the Consent Calendar. He suggested the item should have been considered as an Old Business Item. He asked the City Council to pull the item so there was a recorded Roll Call vote of each Council member.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
Mayor Sasai pulled Item 9F for questions of staff and clarification. He entertained a motion for the remaining Consent Calendar items.
ACTION: Motion by Council member Murphy/Mayor Pro Tem Tave to approve Consent Calendar Items 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E and 9G, as shown.
Vote: Passed 5-0
Ayes: Sasai, Tave, Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, Toms
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
For Item 9F, Mayor Sasai referenced the outreach and communication strategy around the new law. He understood there were plans for social media announcements and announcements or the City website along with signage. He asked about the cost estimates for a simple 8 × 11 single- colored letter to residents about this new change in law.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 16, 2025
Acting City Manager/Police Chief Klawuhn reported a one-time simple mailer to residents and businesses cost approximately $10,000. She referenced the cost of the most recent mailer for Proposition 218, which had been a little over $9,000.
Communications Director Fiona Epps added the Communications Department followed a communication rubric for different types of events that were communicated to the community. A new ordinance would be considered special news since it was high impact news that was of public interest. The communication channels to be used for the new ordinance included a press release posted on the City website, posting on social media channels and Pinole Community Television (PCTV), and an announcement in The Pulse Newsletter.
Mayor Sasai thanked Ms. Epps for her work on the press release. He understood the mailers were costly and commented that one of the challenges with passing new laws and different programs was ensuring residents were informed. He understood if the community was only informed through social media, a segment of the community that lacked access or knowledge of around the new law, staff to consider uplifting the new reporting portal to ensure people had the opportunity to come forward and report any unlawful conduct.
ACTION: Motion by Council member Murphy/Mayor Sasai to approve Consent Calendar Item 9F, as shown.
Vote: Passed
Ayes: Sasai, Tave, Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, Toms
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
11. COUNCIL REORGANIZATION
A. Presentations to Mayor Cameron Sasai
Acting City Manager/Police Chief Klawuhn, on behalf of the City and staff, thanked Mayor Sasai for his service over the past year as Mayor. She recognized the incredible amount of time Mayor Sasai had devoted to the City in his role as Mayor. She commended his leadership, initiatives and ongoing commitment to the community at-large. She also thanked the Mayor for his open and candid conversations since she started with the City of Pinole. On behalf of City staff, she presented a gift of a gavel to the Mayor.
Mayor Sasai thanked City staff for the gift.
David Ruport, a 50-year resident of the City of Pinole, wished the City Council and staff happy holidays. He also thanked staff and the City Council for its hard work since without that hard work, Pinole would not be the City it was.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 16, 2025
Mr. Ruport particularly singled out Mayor Sasai for his great year as Mayor, and his continued efforts to move the City forward. He noted this was a dynamic period of time when things needed to move fast. He also recognized incoming Mayor Pro Tem Tave, who he hoped would continue with the same interests other Council members had proposed and work together collectively to advance the agenda to keep Pinole on the cutting edge of cities of its size in the area. He recognized the work that needed to be done, the need to possibly try something else rather than the same thing, and create more positive actions in Pinole while also considering all aspects of the community, particularly those who may be left out and who did not actively participate in City government. He hoped for a better New Year than the past year and urged residents collectively to work together. He hoped to see the City Council do a better job than the last year and in the years to come.
Vincent Salimi, former Council member/Mayor of the City of Pinole, wished everyone happy holidays and a Happy New Year. He also congratulated Mayor Sasai on the completion of his term as Mayor and thanked him for his wonderful work. He recognized Mayor Sasai had made history as the first American-Filipino elected in the City of Pinole and youngest appointed Mayor in the City of Pinole. While Mayor Sasai's mayorship was coming to an end, he had more great years to come.
Mr. Salimi also congratulated the new Mayor, Anthony Tave, who was the first African-American Council member in Pinole, with Council member Murphy the first African-American Mayor.
Anthony Tave was also the only Council member yet to serve as Mayor, but was one of the most experienced Council members on the current Council. He thanked the Tave Family for their support of Mr. Tave every step of the way and commented that public service was impossible without family support. He again congratulated outgoing Mayor Sasai, incoming Mayor Tave and incoming Mayor Pro Tem Murphy.
Rafael Menis thanked Mayor Sasai for his work as Mayor and the new perspectives he had provided more than any other prior Mayor due to his youth, energy and events chosen to highlight, such as the Filipino-American History event Mayor Sasai helped to coordinate at the Senior Center in October 2025. He understood Mayor Sasai's primary focus as Mayor was to create a more efficient City, which had been accomplished by his being fair to speakers, more inclusive and with more than just a place. Mayor Sasai's personal drive and energy made that happen and the personal sacrifices he had made over the past year while also graduating from college and building a new career, was recognized and appreciated. He thanked Mayor Sasai and congratulated him for his work as Mayor over the past year.
Irma Ruport, a 50-year resident, found Mayor Sasai to be one of the best Mayors for the City of Pinole. When she had first met Cameron Sasai, she had initially been shocked at his age and lack of political experience, but found he had courage in his heart, and had found that Mayor Sasai had been the best for the people; he never wavered to the people and the taxpayer. He was young, talented and she saw a big future for him. She thanked Mayor Sasai for his patience, emphasized he had been everything she expected him to be, believed in him and was confident he would go far in the future. She also thanked the City Council and wished everyone a happy and safe holiday.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
Council member Murphy found Mayor Sasai to be admirable and he had learned a lot about patience, discipline and detailed orientation working with the Mayor, which was truly an honor, and which was valuable, particularly given the City had been challenged as a local agency on so many issues, with challenges in partnership with state and federal agencies. Through the Mayor's leadership on the City Council, he had moved the City forward multiple decades. He noted that Mayor Sasai was the youngest Mayor in City of Pinole, which was important since young people were the future and had critical responsibility on different issues dealing with public safety, climate resiliency and health care. Having walked the City with the Mayor and having attended many events and travels, he knew the Mayor held much respect for the City and suggested the people held respect for the City due to the Mayor's leadership. He was grateful for the Mayor's leadership which said so much about who he was and what Pinole was about. The Mayor also grew up in Pinole and he again congratulated the Mayor and hoped he would spend time this holiday season in gratitude to himself and his mother who he knew the Mayor highly respected.
Mayor Pro Tem Tave recognized the pace of the City Council was set after Mayor Sasai's leadership. He suggested the Mayor was a man of principle and was determined, which struck him as a positive quality adding to his leadership to citizens, the City and the City Council. As a man of principle, the Mayor was someone with a strong moral compass, who consistently acted with integrity, honesty, fairness, and respect and adhered to a personal code of ethics even when difficult and inconvenient. He also recognized Mayor Sasai had not compromised his beliefs and personal plan, which added stabilization to the City Council when it had discussions. He commended that amount of reliability and consistency in a man of his young years and he could not wait to see what Mayor Sasai did next and what he brought to the table for the City in the future.
Council member Toms congratulated Mayor Sasai on a good year leading the City Council. She acknowledged his leadership in bringing new initiatives forward while also juggling his other commitments. She suggested Mayor Sasai should be proud and she looked forward to working with Mayor Sasai as a regular Council member in the coming year, and looked forward to the Council rotation since everyone had a different style.
B. Remarks by Mayor Sasai
Mayor Sasai stated it had been an honor to serve the City of Pinole, be a member of the Pinole City Council and serve as Mayor. Having grown up in the City of Pinole, he never thought one day he would be the Mayor of the City given he had been incredibly shy and introverted, but he had pushed himself to act on the things that mattered to him. Investing in the community and reinvesting some of his success back into the community was important to him when he ran for office. He thanked Pinole residents for their support, his colleagues for their trust, and his brother Kyle Sasai for swearing him into office and offering his support during his tenure as Mayor. His parents were also present and he expressed his appreciation for his family's ongoing support.
Mayor Sasai referred to the required commitment to the office of Mayor, noted he had moments of being fatigued, and stated his family had been a support every step of the way. He again thanked his family and emphasized he could not have gotten through the year without them. He also thanked his sister in-law Liz for her support. Being the first Filipino-American, second of Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAIP) descent and the youngest to hold the office of Mayor, he emphasized it had been an honor to serve.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 16, 2025
Mayor Sasai was content with the work he had done with the City Council and the community, suggested the Council had been responsive and led the way, and ensured keeping the most vulnerable residents at the forefront of the conversation to ensure the City's policies, programs and laws. He thanked the City Council for its great discussions and ensuring it do the work for the residents of Pinole, and while he was unable to get everything he wanted to do done, he stated some solid work had been achieved.
Mayor Sasai also recognized Mayor Pro Tem Tave as the new Mayor and an outstanding thought partner over the year who brought an incredible amount of talent to the City Council with his background in civil engineering and who had experience when discussing infrastructure and road repairs. He also recognized Council member Murphy as the next Mayor Pro Tem and thanked him for breaking down barriers. He hoped to follow in his footsteps in that way and break more barriers. He also found Council member Murphy to be a great thought partner, the second official he had met in his life, and someone who helped him to evolve and get better in the job based on Council member Murphy's knowledge and strong partnership. He wished everyone a great 2026.
Selection of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem
Deputy City Clerk Stone presented the staff report dated December 16, 2025. She recommended the City Council approve a resolution appointing Anthony Tave as Mayor and Devin T. Murphy as the Mayor Pro Tem, pursuant to the current Mayoral Rotation List.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
City Clerk Bell-Spears reported there were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
ACTION: Motion by Council member Toms/Mayor Sasai to adopt a resolution appointing Anthony Tave as Mayor and Devin T. Murphy as Mayor Pro Tem, pursuant to the current Mayoral Rotation List.
Vote: Passed 5-0
Ayes: Sasai, Tave, Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, Toms
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
D. Administer Oaths to Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem
City Clerk Bell-Spears introduced special guests to administer the Oaths of Office for the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem.
Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton administered the Oath of Office to incoming Mayor Pro Tem, Devin T. Murphy. She also expressed her appreciation to outgoing Mayor Sasai and welcomed incoming Mayor Tave. She congratulated incoming Mayor Pro Tem Murphy who she commented was accepting more than a title in that he was accepting trust at a time when people wanted to see government that listened, had integrity, delivered to everyday residents and where a willingness to serve mattered.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 16, 2025
On behalf of the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office, District Attorney Becton thanked the Mayor Pro Tem for stepping into the role and encouraged him to lead with courage, humility and a steady commitment to the public good.
Former Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su highlighted her background as part of the Biden Administration and her promise to deliver on infrastructure, clean energy and to partner with cities.
She had first-hand experience that good mayors made all of the difference and stated the City of Pinole was lucky to swear in one of the best. She had met current Mayor Pro Tem Tave years ago and stated he worked to make life better through his service on the City Council and the prioritization of investments in infrastructure, parks and housing, he had a background in civil engineering and ensured projects that started got done and that the workers who developed projects in the City were treated with dignity, respect and there was consideration of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) to ensure projects were completed on time, on task and on budget while also creating good union jobs.
Ms. Su acknowledged the current environment of distrust of the government, with some electeds who did not always put people first or act like the rules did not apply to them. She stated people deserved electeds who could be looked up to and be trusted and a Mayor Tave administration would do just that. Current Mayor Pro Tem Tave was also a family man and had family members across the state who were tuned in and watching the live stream of the City Council meeting and he was someone who would do the right thing when no one was watching, who would build an inclusive City where everyone belonged, and was valued and ensured that no one in Pinole would have to worry who came first.
At this time, Ms. Su administered the Oath of Office to Anthony Tave for the office of Mayor of the City of Pinole.
E. Transfer of Gavel and Comments by the New Mayor
At this time, the transfer of gavel was performed with the new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem taking their new positions.
Mayor Tave Chaired the meeting at this time.
Mayor Tave thanked Ms. Su for being present. He commented that she had been a true champion of the American people and a personal inspiration given her ability to always put people first in her decision making and offered the kind of leadership that inspired him to do the work and keep serving the community. He also recognized the elected officials present in the audience and his fellow Council colleagues, Harpreet Sandhu, a member of the AC Transit Board, District Attorney Becton and former City of Pinole Mayor Salimi.
Mayor Tave commented that infrastructure was about safety and building opportunities and providing quality of life, ensuring streets were safe for everyone, utilities reliable and public spaces served every resident now and for generations to come. By prioritizing infrastructure, the City would be investing in a long-term strategy, supporting local businesses, creating good jobs and building a City that worked for everyone. He thanked the residents of Pinole for trusting him and electing him in 2018 and in 2022, which faith and support he did not take lightly. He was committed to listening and leading with integrity and working every day to serve the community with care and accountability.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 16, 2025
Mayor Tave thanked his friends and family for their unwavering support and guidance and stated he was deeply grateful and looked forward to the next year. He also appreciated the community coming out and emphasized the most powerful position was the podium in the Council Chambers when the public communicated with the City Council. He encouraged members of the public to use it and let the City Council know what was going on in the community.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Harpreet Sandhu was present on behalf of Congressman John Garamendi. He offered his congratulations to newly-elected Mayor Tave and Mayor Pro Tem Murphy. He also congratulated and thanked former Mayor Sasai for his leadership and commitment to the City of Pinole, and he recognized his dedication, experience and leadership that extended outside of the region, county and state. He also expressed his appreciation to new Mayor Pro Tem Murphy for his dedication and commitment. He recognized that Mayor Tave brought a lot of experience and served on other boards and Commissions. He also recognized the families of the electeds, and recognized the time taken away from families that electeds gave to the citizenry. He added that Congressman Garamendi was here to help the City Council and the residents. He sincerely thanked the entire City Council for its dedication to the community.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
Mayor Tave declared a recess at 8:19 p.m. to allow for a brief reception in the foyer of the Council Chambers. The City Council meeting reconvened at 8:54 p.m. with all Council members present in-person and remotely.
12. OLD BUSINESS: None
13. NEW BUSINESS
A. Nominate Council Members to Serve on Boards and Subcommittees. Action:
Discuss and Provide Direction (Heather Bell-Spears)
City Clerk Bell-Spears presented the staff report dated December 16, 2025. She recommended the City Council nominate Council members to serve as City representatives on specific boards and subcommittees in 2026. The City Council would have the opportunity to approve the nominations at the next City Council meeting on January 20, 2026.
The following Board and Subcommittee Appointments were discussed and offered for 2026:
Joint Powers Authorities and other Interagency Regulatory Bodies of which the City is a Member Delegate/Primary Alternate
Association of Bay Area Martinez-Rubin
Governments (ABAG)
*Correction: General Assembly Conference to meet on Thursday June 18, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Green Empowerment Zone Murphy Toms
Board of Directors
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Mine tes - December 16, 2025
Marin Clean Energy (MCE) Murphy Sasai
Council member Martinez-Rubin offered a motion seconded by Council member Toms to retain the same Council members for Marin Clean Energy (MCE) for continuity purposes.
On the motion, Council member Sasai expressed the willingness to serve as the Alternate or Delegate but at the least he asked to be appointed as the Alternate.
Council member Murphy desired to be retained as the Delegate to MCE.
ACTION: Motion by Council members Martinez-Rubin/Toms to retain the same Council members for Marin Clean Energy (MCE) for continuity purposes.
Vote: Failed 2-3
Ayes: Martinez-Rubin, Toms
Noes: Tave, Murphy, Sasai
Abstain: None
Absent: None
ACTION: Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Murphy/Council member Sasai to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Murphy as the Delegate and Council member Sasai as the Alternate for Marin Clean Energy (MCE).
Vote: Passed 3-2
Ayes: Tave, Murphy, Sasai
Noes: Martinez-Rubin, Toms
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Pinole/Hercules Wastewater Murphy/Martinez-Rubin Toms
Subcommittee
West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Murphy Tave
Management Authority
(WCCIWMA, "RecycleMore")
West Contra Costa Transportation Sasai Toms
Commission (WCCTC)
represented at the meetings.
Mayor Tave reported he would be stepping down from WCCT and suggested Council member Toms serve as the Alternate.
Western Contra Costa Transit Sasai/Martinez-Rubin Murphy Authority ("WestCAT")
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Mine tes - December 16, 2025
Council member Sasai offered a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Murphy to appoint Council member Sasai and Mayor Pro Tem Murphy as the Delegates and Council member Martinez- Rubin as the Alternate to the Western Contra Costa Transit Authority ("WestCAT").
On the motion, Council member Toms commented due to the schedule of meetings for some of the groups, there may be a conflict for a Delegate to be named to two committees that met at the same time and same day of the month.
Council member Martinez-Rubin agreed it did not make sense for a Council member to be appointed as a Delegate for a Board or Commission that met at the same time and the same day of the month and as such one could not be two places at the same time. She reported she had been nominated to serve as the Board Vice-Chair on a night when other Council members from Pinole were not available, which meant she could serve on the WestCAT Finance Committee, which had yet to meet at the beginning of the year. She emphasized the importance of continuity, which should be respected.
ACTION: Motion by Council member Sasai/Mayor Pro Tem Murphy to appoint Council member Sasai and Mayor Pro Tem Murphy as the Delegates and Council member Martinez- Rubin as the Alternate to the Western Contra Costa Transit Authority ("WestCAT").
Vote: Failed 2-3
Ayes: Murphy, Sasai
Joes: Tave, Martinez-Rubin, Toms
Abstain: None
Absent: None
ACTION: Motion by Council members Toms/Martinez-Rubin to appoint Council members Sasai and Martinez-Rubin as the Delegates and Mayor Pro Tem Murphy as the Alternate to the Western Contra Costa Transit Authority ("WestCAT").
Vote: Passed 5-0
Ayes: Tave, Murphy, Martinez-Rubin, Sasai, Toms
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Voluntary Interagency Collaboration Bodies of which the City is a Member Bayfront Chamber of Commerce Toms
Contra Costa Mayors Conference Tave Murphy
East Bay Division League of Tave Murphy
California Cities
*Meeting dates to be updated for 2026
East Bay Wildfire Council of Governments Toms Tave
Joint Powers Authority (JPA)
*Meetings held every other Wednesday
with a 2026 calendar to be provided to staff
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 16, 2025
West County Mayors and Tave Murphy
Supervisors Association
Subcommittees of the Pinole City Council
Finance Subcommittee Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem & City Treasurer Committee on Memorials Sasai/Murphy
Planning Commission Interview Ad-Hoc Toms/Martinez-Rubin Subcommittee
TAPS & Community Services Commission Tave/Martinez-Rubin Interview Ad-Hoc Subcommittee
Ad Hoc Downtown Pedestrian Improvements
Subcommittee
*To be removed from the list and possibly brought back at a later date Public Works Director Heba El-Guindy was happy to support the Ad Hoc Downtown Pedestrian Improvements Subcommittee but reported an advisory committee would be set up as part of the San Pablo Avenue Bicycle Pedestrian Gap Closure Study led by the County, funded by Safe Routes to Transit and Bay Trail Grant funds, with a local match from the County and City. RFPs had recently been received and staff expected the results from the RFPs in the next week or so.
As soon as the advisory committee was established, the City Council would be asked to consider appointing Council members to the advisory committee. She planned to eliminate the Ad Hoc Downtown Pedestrian Improvements Subcommittee since the study would include data collection, analyses and recommendations based on that rather than separate recommendations.
The study would include the downtown area extending from the Pinole-Hercules City limits to the northern limits and the Richmond Parkway to the south and include some unincorporated areas.
Whether the name of the Ad Hoc Downtown Pedestrian Improvements Subcommittee should be changed to serve that purpose, and in response to Council member Toms, City Clerk Bell-Spears supported that recommendation. An option would be if the City Council wanted to bring back a more specific subcommittee in line with the work being done. It was clarified the scope for the Ad Hoc Downtown Pedestrian Improvements Subcommittee would be limited to six months and if it needed to come back, the Public Works Director could always do that and redefine the scope.
Council member Sasai recalled when the Ad Hoc Downtown Pedestrian Improvements Subcommittee had been established its purpose was to discuss a pilot program about prohibiting right-hand turns on reds at the intersection of San Pablo and Tennent Avenues. He asked staff to provide clarification.
Council member Martinez-Rubin recalled something entirely different.
Public Works Director El-Guindy commented there were three recommendations including:
enhancement of pedestrian crossing, with staff proceeding with that recommendation; prohibiting right turns on red at all signalized intersections which would have an effect on traffic operations in the corridor; and prohibiting right turns for all traffic, with the exception of buses from San Pablo Avenue onto Tennent Avenue, which would impact all of the circulation in the area and the reason she was suggesting it would be based on the analyses to be carried out as part of a study by the County and the City.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 16, 2025
Mayor Tave recommended the Ad Hoc Downtown Pedestrian Improvements Subcommittee be removed from the list and brought back at a later date.
City Council Procedures Martinez-Rubin/Murphy
Subcommittee
Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Toms/Murphy
Subcommittee
City Clerk Bell advised the Council assignment list would be cleaned up with the revisions to be brought back on the Consent Calendar for final approval at the January 20, 2026 City Council meeting. Any updates on meeting times and dates would also be incorporated into the revised list.
Mayor Pro Tem Murphy looked forward to ensuring updated information was provided on meeting dates and times. He pointed out the City spent money to join the Bay Front Chamber of Commerce, but meetings were not being held on a regular basis.
City Clerk Bell-Spears suggested this was a good opportunity to send out an updated list for staff members and ask for any updates in terms of schedules that could be provided to the City Council.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
City Clerk Bell-Spears reported there were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
14. 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 overall rate of COVID-19 continued to be very low pursuant to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wastewater surveillance, although there was a slight increase based on recent measurements. He encouraged everyone to get vaccinated, or boosted, I, and get the flu shot if they had not already and take the usual precautions. He also highlighted the number of religious traditions observed this time of year and reminded everyone as they faced challenges and darkness locally, regionally, nationally and globally, even after the darkest days and challenges faced, there was still light, hope and life that would come in the future, and people should remember that and hold on to it. No matter what one believed, or even if someone did not believe in anything in particular, it was important to remember the spirit of the holiday season and try to hold on to it, with hope and unity that brings one out of the darkest time of the year and into the light of the new year. He wished everyone happy holidays and New Year.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 16, 2025
Anthony Vossbrink, explained he was speaking on behalf of many residents in the City of Pinole who had raised concerns on multiple occasions about tree issues in the City that needed to be addressed. He also asked for an update on the status of the Pinole Police Department (PPD) labor contract given the PPD had been out of contract for four to five months, with no report out from the Mayor or the City Council. He emphasized that public health and safety and quality of life was very important to many residents. He also asked to revisit a request that had been made several times for hardened security around the Bay Front Park. He recommended the addition of security lights in the parking lot given it was one of the most frequently visited recreation areas in the City and at night the park was very dark and the area unsafe. He referenced a recent incident where a husband and wife had been brutally attacked in the immediate area. Lighting was needed in the park and the Mayor had only offered excuses that some residents didn't like lights or wildlife may be affected. There were no residences in the area, and plenty of lights in the area of the Corporation Yard and he suggested lights could be added and situated in a way where they would not be a nuisance to others.
Darrell Donnelly, acknowledged the appointment of Anthony Tave as Mayor. He was a fellow colleague and fraternity member, and he congratulated Mayor Tave on his appointment as Mayor, wished the City Council a successful transition as it worked to build and make the City better and wished everyone a safe and happy holiday.
Mayor Tave wished everyone happy holidays.
15. ADJOURNMENT to the Regular City Council Meeting of January 20, 2026 in Remembrance of Amber Swartz.
At 9:36 p.m., Mayor Sasai adjourned the meeting to the Regular City Council Meeting of January 20, 2026 in Remembrance of Amber Swartz.
Submitted by
Roxane Stone, CMC
Deputy City Clerk
Approved by City Council: January 20, 2026
CITY
E061* CALIFORNIA
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - December 16, 2025