City of San Pablo
Meeting Minutes
City Council
5:30 PM City Council Chambers
Members of the public may view this meeting online by using this URL
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89046076519
Monday, April 6, 2026
CITY COUNCIL/LOCAL SUCCESSOR AGENCY/JOINT POWERS FINANCING
AUTHORITY
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pabon-Alvarado led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilmember Arturo Cruz, Councilmember Patricia Ponce, Vice Mayor Rita Xavier, and Mayor Elizabeth Pabon-Alvarado
Present: 4 -
Councilmember Abel PinedaAbsent: 1 -
Staff Present:
City Manager, Matt Rodriguez
City Attorney, Brian P. Hickey
Economic Development and Housing Manager, Kieron Slaughter City Clerk, Dorothy Gantt
Deputy City Clerk, Casey Erlenheim
April 6, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes
CLOSED SESSION
Adjourned to Closed Session at 5:32 PM regarding:
1. CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: 1411 Rumrill Boulevard, San Pablo, CA
Agency Negotiators:
Matt Rodriguez, City Manager; and Kieron Slaughter, Economic Development & Housing Manager
Negotiating Parties:
Community Development Partners, a California corporation Under Negotiation:
Price and Terms of Payment for Disposition of Property
26-103
Meeting Reconvened at 6:06 PM
No Public Comments were received.
ROLL CALL
Councilmember Arturo Cruz, Councilmember Patricia Ponce, Vice Mayor Rita Xavier, and Mayor Elizabeth Pabon-Alvarado
Present: 4 -
Councilmember Abel PinedaAbsent: 1 -
Staff Present:
City Manager, Matt Rodriguez
City Attorney, Brian P. Hickey
Police Chief, Brian Bubar
Community Development Director, Libby Tyler
Economic Development and Housing Manager, Kieron Slaughter Community Services Coordinator II, Paola Cubias-Shirazi Associate Planner, Mel Mackson
City Clerk, Dorothy Gantt
Deputy City Clerk, Casey Erlenheim
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Brian Hickey noted that there was no reportable action on Closed Session.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Five (5) Oral Communications were received from the following: Kevin Dimas, Paul Frank, Chivy Thath, Linda Jackson and Bielle Moore.
April 6, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
PROCLAMATIONS
2. CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF APRIL 2026 AS NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH IN
THE CITY OF SAN PABLO
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA. 26-045
No Public Comments were received.
Presented.
3. CONSIDER APPROVING AND PRESENTING PROCLAMATION
COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR ELIZABETH (LIBBY) TYLER ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT.
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA. 26-108
No Public Comments were received.
Presented.
PRESENTATIONS
4. GENERAL UPDATE TO THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO
ON MCE PROGRAMS
CEQA: With respect to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines, this update on MCE services and enrolment rates and does not require CEQA review. However, the original project, joining Marin Clean Energy Community Choice Aggregation, was determined to be exempt in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(b)(3) and Section 15378(b)(5). 26-138
No Public Comments were received.
Presented.
5. UC BERKELEY PUBLIC SERVICE INTERNSHIP ANNUAL PRESENTATION CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA. 26-100
No Public Comments were received.
Presented.
Mayor Pabon-Alvarado Called a Recess at 7:39 PM
Meeting Reconvened at 7:48 PM
April 6, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes
ROLL CALL
Councilmember Arturo Cruz, Councilmember Patricia Ponce, Vice Mayor Rita Xavier, and Mayor Elizabeth Pabon-Alvarado
Present: 4 -
Councilmember Abel PinedaAbsent: 1 -
CITY MANAGER REMARKS
City Manager Matt Rodriguez made the following announcements:
1. Commends the Community Services Department for a Successful Eggstravaganza Holiday event held on March 28, 2026. It was estimated that approximately 800 Youth and Families attended.
2. On March 26, 2026, Mayor Elizabeth Pabon -Alvarado and Economic Development and Housing Manager, Kieron Slaughter attended The East Bay Economic Development Alliance Awards and accepted an East Bay Innovation Award for the City of San Pablo Rumrill Streets Corridor Project. This marked the 6th Award received on this project.
3. The next Dumpster Day is Saturday, April 18, 2026.
4. The City is Hosting a media event on April 20, 2026 at 4:00 PM in front of City Hall, to introduce the new fleet of electric trash trucks serving San Pablo. San Pablo is the first city on the west coast and second in the nation to have an all electric trash retrieval fleet.
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager added the following remarks regarding item 14 on the Consent Calendar:
In Compliance with the Brown Act, whenever the Council is considering any action that involves Executive Management compensation, a summary of the terms is to be included on the record as part of the Meeting.
Agenda Item 14 on the Consent Calendar is an amendment to the City Attorney's Employment Contract that provides a 4% salary increase effective April 16, 2026. All other terms of the City Attorney's Contract remain the same.
MINUTES
6. CONSIDER APPROVING MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 16, 2026
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA. 26-132
Approved.
LIABILITY CLAIMS
7. CONSIDER DENYING LIABILITY CLAIM OF VLADIMIR TIRADO (DOL 1/18/26) CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA. 26-134
Denied.
April 6, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes
8. CONSIDER DENYING LIABILITY CLAIM OF BEVERLY VILLANUEVA RAMOS (DOL 3/09/26)
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA. 26-148
Denied.
CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZATION
9. CONSIDER APPROVAL TO RATIFY A LETTER FROM SAN PABLO MAYOR
PABON-ALVARADO ON CITY OF SAN PABLO COMMUNITY CAPITAL
FUNDING REQUESTS TO FEDERAL LEGISLATORS (U.S. SENATORS ALEX PADILLA (D-CA); ADAM SCHIFF, (D-CA); AND U .S. CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE JOHN GARAMENDI, D -8TH DISTRICT) FOR DISTRICT FUNDING ALLOCATION FOR 2026-27 FEDERAL BUDGET CYCLE
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA. 26-139
Approved.
10. CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SAN PABLO APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN
EXCLUSIVE NEGOTIATIONS AGREEMENT WITH COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1411
RUMRILL BOULEVARD FOR NEGOTIATION OF A DISPOSITION AND
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
CEQA: This proposed action is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(B)(5).
26-092
Adopted.
Enactment No: RES 2026-042
11. CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO (1) AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT FOR CONSULTING
SERVICES WITH CSW /STUBER-STROEH ENGINEERING GROUP, INC. FOR
AN ARTIFICIAL TURF PRODUCT AND PROCUREMENT STUDY FOR THE MCNEIL PARK PROJECT (0501) AND THE RUMRILL TURF REPLACEMENT PROJECT (0503) IN THE AMOUNT OF $ 219,013 FOR A TOTAL
COMPENSATION UNDER THE AGREEMENT AS AMENDED NOT TO
EXCEED $ 764,153; (2) INCREASING THE CONTRACT CONTINGENCY AMOUNT TO $ 76,415; AND (3) INCREASING THE CITY MANAGER ’S TOTAL
CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION FOR THE AGREEMENT FOR A TOTAL
CONTRACT AUTHORIZATIONTO AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $ 840,568
INCLUDING ALL PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED CONTINGENCY FUNDS
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April 6, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes
CEQA Compliance Statement
The McNeil Park Project (formerly known as SPARC project) is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15304 of the State CEQA Guidelines. Section 15304 exempts from environmental review “minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and /or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry and agricultural purposes .” The Project would involve alteration of the site from an empty lot with demolition debris to a park, including grading, new landscaping, and minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored. The Project would not remove any mature trees; the trees within and adjacent to the Project site would be preserved in place.
The Public Works Department filed a Notice of Exemption (NOE), dated November 11, 2023, with the Contra Costa County Clerk and the State of California Office of Planning and Research.
Adopted.
Enactment No: RES 2026-043
12. CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE JULY 1, 2025, LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH JARVIS FAY, LLP, INCREASING MAXIMUM COMPENSATION BY $ 50,000, FOR A NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $100,000
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA. 26-116
Adopted.
Enactment No: RES 2026-044
13. CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO ACCEPTING MEASURE J PROGRAM 28B FUNDS FROM
THE CONTRA COSTA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,000 AND APPROPRIATING THOSE FUNDS TO THE WILDCAT CREEK CROSSING IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (0702)
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA. 26-119
Adopted.
Enactment No: RES 2026-045
April 6, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes
14. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH BRIAN HICKEY, CITY ATTORNEY: AND
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AMENDED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, EFFECTIVE APRIL 16, 2026
26-133
Adopted.
Enactment No: RES 2026-046
15. CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO APPROPRIATING FY2025-26 GENERAL FUND
DESIGNATED RESERVES (FUND 110) IN THE AMOUNT OF $ 73,755 TO THE CITY -WIDE BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT (0505) AND AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO UTILIZE SERVICES FROM EXISTING ON -CALL CONSULTANT, WATEARTH, INC ., TO DEVELOP A FINAL CITY -WIDE
BEAUTIFICATION PLAN
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA. 26-135
Adopted.
Enactment No: RES 2026-047
16. CONSIDER RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO APPROVING AMENDMENT # 1 TO CITY COUNCILMEMBER
APPOINTMENTS BY MAYOR PABON -ALVARADO OF INDIVIDUAL CITY
COUNCILMEMBERS TO ALL TEMPORARY AD -HOC SUBCOMMITTEES,
STANDING COMMITTEES AND REGIONAL /LOCAL ASSIGNMENTS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2026 PURSUANT TO SAN PABLO MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2.16.070, INCLUDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TEMPORARY
AD-HOC SUBCOMMITTEE FOR PROPOSED CITY -WIDE BEAUTIFICATION PLAN
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
26-158
Adopted.
Enactment No: RES 2026-048
17. CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SAN PABLO AUTHORIZING AN EVENT SPONSORSHIP IN THE AMOUNT OF $ 2,500 TO UNITED BUSINESS ORGANIZATION FOR A MOTHER'S DAY
CELEBRATION EVENT
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA. 26-137
Adopted.
Enactment No: RES 2026-049
April 6, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes
Approval of the Consent Agenda
No Public Comments were received on the Consent Calendar.
A motion was made by Councilmember Ponce, seconded by Councilmember Cruz, to adopt all items in teh Consent Calendar. The Motion passed as follows:
Aye: 4 - Ponce, Cruz, Xavier and Pabon-Alvarado
Absent: 1 – Pineda
* * * * END OF CONSENT CALENDAR * * * *
Mayor Pabon-Alvarado Called a Recess at 7:58 PM
Meeting Reconvened at 8:05 PM
ROLL CALL
Councilmember Arturo Cruz, Councilmember Patricia Ponce, Vice Mayor Rita Xavier, and Mayor Elizabeth Pabon-Alvarado
Present: 4 -
Councilmember Abel PinedaAbsent: 1 -
PUBLIC HEARINGS
18. PUBLIC HEARING AND RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SAN PABLO CONSIDERING AN APPEAL OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION’S DENIAL OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A
RETAIL CANNABIS USE AT AN EXISTING COMMERCIAL BUILDING
LOCATED IN THE MIXED USE CENTER NORTH DISTRICT IN THE SAN PABLO AVENUE SPECIFIC PLAN (SP-2) AT 14501 SAN PABLO AVENUE, APN: 413-352-017.
26-105
The public hearing opened at 8:31 PM
There were 32 Public Comments received from the following: Kayli Kinghorne, Pastor Patterson, Althen Brennan, Elliot Lawrence, Heather Dolan, Pastor Marvin Crisostomo, Annabel Peterson, Michael J. Hamilton, Stephanie Wong-Ortiz, Britne Lambert, Irving Williams, Pat McAllister, Antionette Martinez, Melanie E. Beasley, Wykeishia Orr, Ibilola Soyode, Genoveva Calloway, Iris Corina, Pastor Freddie Parham, Leona Greenlow Turner, Deborah Warren
Mayor Pabon-Alvarado Called a Recess at 9:40 PM
Meeting Reconvened at 9:50 PM
ROLL CALL
Present: 4 - Councilmember Arturo Cruz, Councilmember Patricia Ponce, Vice Mayor Rita Xavier and Mayor Elizabeth Pabon-Alvarado
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Abel Pineda
Public Comments Continued: Karl Stanczak, Meghan Morrisen, Joe Summers, Yolanda (Abel) Pastor, Yesenia Melora, Jonathan Luong, Kehla Callahan, Josh Anijir, Luis Cortes, Melissa Phea, Korede Arg
April 6, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes
Public Hearing closed at 10:24 PM
It was moved by Councilmember Cruz, seconded by Vice Mayor Xavier, and approved by vote of those present, to adopt this item. The motion passed as follows:
Enactment No: RES 2026-050
19. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN
PABLO AMENDING THE SAN PABLO ZONING CODE, SECTION
17.32.030.B, RESIDENTIAL USES ALLOWED, EXCEPTIONS; SECTION
17.34.030.B, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL USES ALLOWED,
EXCEPTIONS; SECTION 17.36.030.B, PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS ALLOWED, EXCEPTIONS; AND SECTION 17.38.050, AIR
QUALITY AND HEALTH RISK OVERLAY DISTRICT, OF THE MUNICIPAL
CODE TO ALLOW FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND SENSITIVE
USES, INCLUDING SCHOOLS, DAY CARE FACILITIES, HOSPITALS, AND
PARKS OR PLAYGROUNDS TO BE LOCATED IN THE AIR QUALITY HEALTH RISK OVERLAY DISTRICT (D3) SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS CEQA: This amendment to the San Pablo Zoning Code was previously evaluated in the Addenda to the 2030 General Plan EIR (certified on April 18, 2011) prepared for the General Plan Update 2035 (adopted on July 7, 2025), which found that there would not be any new or additional significant environmental impacts due to adoption of the General Plan Update. This amendment is also exempt from CEQA pursuant to Pub. Res. Code Section 21080.085 which states that CEQA does not apply to a rezoning that implements Housing Element actions. Finally, the ordinance is also categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA, in accordance with Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no potential for causing a significant effect on the environment because it consists of minor changes to land use regulations that do not, on their own, impact the environment. Any projects proposed pursuant to the changes proposed would be separately evaluated for their environmental impacts.
26-106
The Public Hearing Opened at 10:55 PM
No Public Comments were received.
The Public Hearing Closed at 10:55 PM
A motion was made by Councilmember Ponce, seconded by Vice Mayor Xavier, that this Ordinance First Reading be Adopted. Motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Cruz, Ponce, Xavier, and Pabon-Alvarado4 -
Absent: Pineda1 -
20. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO AMENDING CHAPTER 15.04 OF THE SAN PABLO
MUNICIPAL CODE BY DELETING SECTION 15.04.020.D. IN ITS ENTIRETY CEQA: This proposed action is not a project pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 26-069
April 6, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes
Section 15378(B)(5): organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes to the environment; and is also exempt from environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
The Public Hearing Opened at 11:00 PM
No Public Comments were received.
The Public Hearing Closed at 11:00 PM
A motion was made by Councilmember Ponce, seconded by Councilmember Cruz, that this Ordinance First Reading be Adopted The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Cruz, Ponce, Xavier, and Pabon-Alvarado4 -
Absent: Pineda1 -
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION/CONSIDERATION
21. SAN PABLO PLANNING COMMISSION
A) INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS:
(1) CONDUCT INTERVIEWS, AND
(2) APPOINT ONE COMMISSIONER TO FILL ONE VACANCY BY
RESOLUTION FOR A FOUR -YEAR TERM (APRIL 2026 THROUGH APRIL 2030) OR PROVIDE OTHER DIRECTION TO STAFF
B) ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE TO NEWLY APPOINTED
COMMISSIONER.
26-125
No Public Comments were received.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Xavier, seconded by Councilmember Ponce, to amend and Adopt this Resolution Appointing Y'Anad Burrell as a Planning Commissioner. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Cruz, Ponce, Xavier, and Pabon-Alvarado4 -
Absent: Pineda1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-051
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS (IF ANY)
22. MATERIALS SUBMITTED AFTER PUBLICATION OF THE AGENDA WILL BE APPENDED AFTER THE COUNCIL MEETING. THIS IS NOT AN ACTION ITEM
BUT MERELY A MECHANISM FOR MATERIALS SUBMITTED AFTER
PUBLICATION OF THE AGENDA TO BE APPENDED TO THE PUBLISHED AGENDA AFTER THE COUNCIL MEETING.
25-522
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL ASSIGNMENTS REPORTS
(a) Councilmember Arturo Cruz
April 6, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes
(b) Councilmember Patricia Ponce
(c) Councilmember Abel Pineda
(d) Vice Mayor Rita Xavier
(e) Mayor Elizabeth Pabon-Alvarado
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 11:41 PM to the Regular City Council meeting of Monday, April 20, 2026.
Respectfully Submitted,
____________________________
Casey Erlenheim, Deputy City Clerk