MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING – CITY COUNCIL
April 21, 2025
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 April 21, 2025
Mayor Noack called a Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at 7:00 PM, in the Council Chambers, 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA, complete proceedings of which were electronically recorded. The meeting agenda was posted on the City Hall outdoor bulletin board at 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA on April 18, 2025, by City Clerk Lyone Conner.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
Attendee Name Title Status
Sue Noack Mayor Present
Zac Shess Vice Mayor Present
Belle La District 1 Councilmember Present
Andrei Obolenskiy District 2 Councilmember Present
Amanda Szakats District 5 Councilmember Present
4. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Mayor Noack reported that there was no closed session and nothing to report.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.1 Proclamation Designating the Month of April as Earth Month Mayor Noack presented a proclamation to Charlotte Fisher, Outreach Assistant with Sustainable Contra Costa, declaring the month of April as Earth Month.
Charlotte Fisher thanked Council and provided suggestions on how the community can take action to live more sustainably.
5.2 Proclamation Designating the Month of May as Building Safety Month Mayor Noack presented a proclamation to Geoff Simmons, the City’s Chief Building Official, recognizing the month of May as Building Safety Month.
Geoff Simmons addressed the Council and shared Building Safety Month activities happening in Pleasant Hill.
5.3 Pleasant Hill Police Department Annual Report
Scott Vermillion, Chief of Police, provided a comprehensive report on the crime statistics, staffing developments, services, and activities of the Pleasant Hill Police Department across the 2024 year.
5.4 Recognition of the Diablo Valley College Industrial Automation and Robotics Program for Receiving the East Bay Innovation Award for Community Impact.
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 April 21, 2025
Mayor Noack presented a certificate to the Diablo Valley College Industrial Automation and Robotics Program in recognition of their East Bay Innovation Award for Community Impact.
Professor for Industrial Design, Jeffery Smith, and Dean of Math and Engineering, Despina Prapavessi, received the award on behalf of the program and shared comments about the collective support required for production and accomplishments of the program.
6. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Ethan Bindernagel, City Manager, reported that:
• The City will celebrate Earth Month at City Hall on April 24. • The Civic Action and Diversity Commissions are seeking sponsorships for the 2025 Summer Concerts and Juneteenth celebration.
• The City of Pleasant Hill was recognized by the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano with a Hungar Hero award for its 2024 efforts during Community Service Day.
Mayor Noack announced the 100th birthday of resident Lola Landis and shared that a proclamation was signed in her honor.
7. COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS
7.1 Reports from Councilmembers on Meetings or Conferences Attended at City Expense
Mayor Noack reported her and all Council member’s attendance at the Cal Cities Division meeting.
7.2 Announcements from Councilmembers
Council member Szakats reported attendance at two MCE meetings. She also reported her and Mayor Noack’s attendance at a “Get Vocal for Victims” fundraiser.
Council member Obolenskiy reported his and City Manager Bindernagel’s attendance at the ERMA public service training. He also reported his attendance at the Chamber Business Mixer and the GAC Chamber meeting. Council member Obolenskiy additionally reported his and Council member Szakats’ attendance at the Recreation and Park Egg Hunt.
Lastly, Council member Obolenskiy announced that he will be in attendance at the Casino Royale Night for the Pleasant Hill Community Foundation and the Chamber of Commerce, as well as at the May 2, 2025 Night Market Opening.
Council member La reported her attendance at the Hidden Valley Elementary Spring Fling event and the Downtown Pleasant Hill event.
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 April 21, 2025
Council member La announced that the Library will be hosting Tinkers and Thinkers with Recreation and Park on Saturday, April 26, 2025. She also announced the inaugural Night Market event on May 2, 2025.
Vice Mayor Shess reported his attendance at the Rogers Ranch Spring Plant Sale.
Mayor Noack reported her attendance at the Women in Transportation event, where she, along with additional professionals, were recognized for their work in transportation.
Mayor Noack announced that she will attend the East Bay Leadership Council on April 24, 2025.
8. PUBLIC COMMENT
No members of the public commented.
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion (Szakats/Shess) to Approve consent items 9.1 through 9.6, carried unanimously as follows:
AYES: La, Obolenskiy, Shess, Szakats, Noack
9.1 Approve Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of April 7, 2025
9.2 Approve Checks Dated April 04, 2025; April 11, 2025
9.3 Approve Appointment Recommendations to the Commission on Aging, Education Commission, Measure K Oversight Committee, Planning Commission, and County Connection Advisory Committee
9.4 Adopt Ordinance No. 974 Amending Pleasant Hill Municipal Code Section
18.20.095, Accessory Dwelling Units
9.5 Second Reading of the Renewal of Ordinance 954 Regarding Specialized or Military Equipment Available for Use by the Pleasant Hill Police Department Pursuant to AB 481
9.6 Update and Discussion on the City of Pleasant Hill Annual Investment Policy and Performance
At 8:22 p.m., Mayor Noack called for a recess.
At 8:28 p.m., Mayor Noack reconvened the meeting.
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 April 21, 2025
10. ACTION CALENDAR
10.1 Study Session to Review a Preliminary Draft of the Comprehensive Update to the City’s Zoning Ordinance (PHMC Title 18) and Proposed Updated Zoning Map. The proposed comprehensive update to the Zoning Ordinance is necessary to implement the goals, policies and programs of the recently adopted 2040 General Plan and 2023-2031 Housing Element, as well as to address compliance with State law, and clarify and streamline existing processes. The proposed Zoning Map includes the rezoning of certain properties to comply with the underlying General Plan designation.
Haley Croffoot, Senior Planner, introduced Michael Gibbons, Consultant with Mintier Harnish, who attended remotely and provided a presentation on the various updates to the six parts of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.
City Planner, Troy Fujimoto, was available to respond to questions from Council.
The following member of the public spoke on the item: Michelle Lacy As the item was a study session, Council provided feedback to the consultant and no vote was needed.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Noack adjourned the meeting at 10:56 p.m. The next Regular City Council meeting will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
LYONE P. CONNER, CITY CLERK