City of San Pablo
Meeting Minutes
City Council
6:00 PM City Council Chambers
Members of the public may view this meeting
online by using this URL
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89046076519
Monday, June 1, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pabon-Alvarado led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilmember Arturo Cruz, Councilmember Patricia Ponce, Councilmember Abel Pineda, Vice Mayor Rita Xavier, and Mayor Elizabeth Pabon-Alvarado
Present: 5 -
Staff Present:
City Manager, Matt Rodriguez
Assistant City Manager, Maria Ojeda
City Attorney, Brian P. Hickey
Police Chief, Brian Bubar
Administrative Services Director, Arturo Castillo
Human Resources/Risk Manager, Alicia Platt
Economic Development and Housing Manager, Kieron Slaughter Senior Civil Engineer, Matt Brown
Environmental Program Manager, Amanda Booth
Sustainability Fellow, Natalie Sanchez
City Clerk, Dorothy Gantt
Deputy City Clerk, Casey Erlenheim
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
No Public Comments were received for Oral Communications.
June 1, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
PRESENTATIONS
1. PRESENTATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO REGARDING THE 2025-26 RICHMOND HIGH SCHOOL EARTH TEAM ZERO
LITTER PROJECT IN SAN PABLO
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA. 26-206
No Public Comments were received.
Presented.
CITY MANAGER REMARKS
City Manager Matt Rodriguez made the following announcements:
1. Election Day is June 2, 2026; polls are open 7:00 AM–8:00 PM. San Pablo voters may use 24-hour ballot drop boxes at City Hall and Contra Costa College, 2600 Mission Bell Drive. Voter registration closed May 18, 2026.
Voters are encouraged to vote in person or return ballots by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than June 2, 2026, and voters mailing ballots on Election Day should obtain a hand -stamped postmark from a USPS employee inside the Post Office.
2.The next Dumpster Day is Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 2600 Moraga Road from 7:00 AM until dumpsters are full or 12:00 noon, whichever occurs first.
3. Community events are scheduled throughout the summer, including the annual Fourth of July multicultural event on July 4, 2026, at the San Pablo Community Center and National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 5:00–8:00 PM at the San Pablo Community Center, 2450 Road 20. Additional information is available on the City and Police Department websites.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MINUTES
2. CONSIDER APPROVING MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 18, 2026
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA. 26-258
Approved.
June 1, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes
LIABILITY CLAIMS
CONSIDER DENYING LIABILITY CLAIM OF STACY HEMPHILL (DOL 04/20/26)
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA. 26-265
Denied.
CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZATION
4. CONSIDER RECEIVING AND ACCEPTING THE INDEPENDENT CITIZENS ’ OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE REPORTS FOR PERIOD ENDING JUNE 30, 2025
FOR MEASURE S (FORMERLY MEASURE Q) AND MEASURE K
TRANSACTION & USE SALES TAX
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA. 26-245
Received and Filed.
5. CONSIDER RATIFYING LETTER FROM SAN PABLO VICE -MAYOR XAVIER (ON BEHALF OF MAYOR PABON -ALVARADO) TRANSMITTED ON MAY 18, 2026, TO CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR NEWSOM TO REQUEST SUPPORT
FOR LOCAL FISCAL FLEXIBILITY AND VOTER AUTHORITY PURSUANT TO SECTION 7251.1 OF THE CALIFORNIA REVENUE AND TAXATION CODE
PERTAINING TO TRANSACTIONS (SALES) AND USE TAX EXEMPTION 26-261
Approved.
6. REQUEST FOR ISSUANCE OF PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JULY 2026 AS NATIONAL “PARKS MAKE LIFE BETTER!®” MONTH
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA. 26-262
Approved.
June 1, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes
7. CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO (1) AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF
JILL MERCURIO TO FILL THE VACANT POSITION OF PUBLIC WORKS
DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 21221(H) AS OF MAY 1, 2026, AND DURING THE CITY ’S RECRUITMENT FOR A FULL -TIME REPLACEMENT; (2) AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A RETIRED ANNUITANT EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT WITH JILL MERCURIO PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE
CALPERS POST -RETIREMENT WORK RESTRICTIONS; AND (3) RATIFYING STAFF’S PRIOR INITIATION OF A FORMAL RECRUITMENT TO FILL THE
POSITION OF PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR /CITY ENGINEER ON A
PERMANENT BASIS AND DIRECTING STAFF TO CONTINUE SUCH
RECRUITMENT EFFORTS
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA. 26-249
Adopted.
Enactment No: RES 2026-076
8. CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO (1) RATIFYING THE CITY ’S APPLICATION FOR THE BAY AREA AIR DISTRICT ’S BAY REPAIR GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$1,335,000; (2) ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING GRANT FUNDING, IF AWARDED; AND (3) AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL
DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR CITY PARTICIPATION IN THIS GRANT
PROGRAM
CEQA: The McNeil Park project (previously called the SPARC project) has been determined to be categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15304 of the State CEQA Guidelines. Section 15304 exempts “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.
26-250
Adopted.
Enactment No: RES 2026-077
June 1, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes
9. CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO (1) APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR APPROXIMATELY $4 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDS THROUGH THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY ’S (CNRA) CALIFORNIA CLIMATE
INVESTMENTS URBAN GREENING PROGRAM FOR THE SAN PABLO
BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT (0202); (2) CERTIFYING COMPLIANCE WITH CERTAIN APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS; (3) ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING GRANT FUNDING, IF AWARDED; AND (4) AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR
CITY PARTICIPATION IN THIS GRANT PROGRAM
CEQA: Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3), the adoption of the subject resolution authorizing Public Works to submit a grant application is exempt from CEQA requirements. Under Guidelines section 15378, “project” does not include the creation of government funding mechanisms or other government fiscal activities, which do not involve any commitment to any specific project that may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment.
26-253
Adopted.
Enactment No: RES 2026-078
10. CONSIDER ADOPTING A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SAN PABLO AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE JANUARY 20, 2015, PROPERTY TAX
CONSULTING/AUDIT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HDL COREN & CONE,
A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA. 26-254
Adopted.
Enactment No: RES 2026-079
11. CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SAN PABLO ADOPTING AN ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY ESTABLISHING
AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (ACA) LOOK BACK MEASUREMENT METHOD
AND AFFORDABILITY SAFE HARBORS FOR CERTAIN UNREPRESENTED
EMPLOYEES
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA. 26-255
Adopted.
Enactment No: RES 2026-080
June 1, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes
12. CONSIDER ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO AMENDING SECTION 2.08.070 OF THE SAN PABLO
MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO THE DUTIES OF THE PUBLIC WORKS
DIRECTOR
CEQA: The proposed amendment is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with CEQA 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.
26-259
Waived Second Reading and Adopted.
Enactment No: ORD 2026-006
Approval of the Consent Agenda
No Public Comments were received on the Consent Calendar.
It was moved by Councilmember Cruz, seconded by Vice Mayor Xavier, and approved by vote of those present, to adopt all items in the Consent Calendar. The motion passed as follows:
Aye: 5 - Cruz, Ponce, Pineda, Xavier, and Pabon-Alvarado * * * * END OF CONSENT CALENDAR * * * *
PUBLIC HEARINGS
13. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 3502.3 ON THE CITY OF SAN PABLO ’S
JOB VACANCIES, RECRUITMENT, AND RETENTION EFFORTS FOR THE 2025 CALENDAR YEAR
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA. 26-252
The public hearing opened at 6:52 PM
No Public Comments were received.
The public hearing closed at 6:52 PM
Received and Filed.
Mayor Pabon called a Recess at 8:07 PM
Reconvened at 8:13 PM
ROLL CALL
*Note that Ponce returned at 8:15 PM
Councilmember Arturo Cruz, Councilmember Patricia Ponce, Councilmember Abel Pineda, Vice Mayor Rita Xavier, and Mayor Elizabeth Pabon-Alvarado
Present: 5 -
June 1, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes
14. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING TO REVIEW THE PROPOSED FY 2026-27 AND FY 2027-28 BIENNIAL (TWO-YEAR) OPERATING BUDGET AND
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) BUDGET PER SAN PABLO
MUNICIPAL CODE SECTIONS 3.04.220, 3.04.240 AND 3.04.250 CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA. 26-242
The public hearing opened at 8:44 PM
No Public Comments were received.
The public hearing closed at 8:44 PM
Approved.
It was moved by Councilmember Ponce, seconded by Councilmember Cruz, and approved by vote of those present, to: Direct the City Manager via minute order to prepare and finalize Resolutions for adoption of the FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28 Biennial (Two-Year) Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program Budget at the June 15, 2026 City Council Meeting for Consent Calendar approval action; and authorize the City Manager via minute order to pursue additional fiscal and revenue sources and operational efficiencies during FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28 periods. The motion passed as follows:
Aye: Cruz, Ponce, Pineda, Xavier, and Pabon-Alvarado5 -
ORDINANCES
15. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE REPEALING CHAPTER 9.60 (“RENT REGISTRY”) OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO MUNICIPAL CODE TERMINATING THE CITY’S RENT REGISTRY PROGRAM
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA. 26-174
No Public Comments were received.
A motion was made by Councilmember Pineda to: reject the staff recommendation to repeal the Rent Registry Program; retain the program; and direct staff to return with options to strengthen it, including enforcement mechanisms and penalties for noncompliance, integration with existing rental property registration processes, tenant and landlord rights notification requirements, and procedures to address rent increases that exceed legal limits through mediation or review The Motion failed for lack of second.
It was then moved by Vice Mayor Xavier, seconded by Mayor Pabon -Alvarado to waive First Reading and Introduce the Ordinance. The Motion passed as follows:
Aye: Cruz, Ponce, Xavier, and Pabon-Alvarado4 -
Noes: Pineda1 -
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION/CONSIDERATION
16. CONSIDER AUTHORIZING A COMMEMORATIVE FLAG REQUEST FROM
VICE MAYOR RITA XAVIER FOR THE CITY HALL FLAGPOLE LOCATION FOR THE ENTIRE MONTH OF JUNE 2026 RECOGNIZING LESBIAN, GAY, 26-257
June 1, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes
BI-SEXUAL, TRANSGENDER AND QUESTIONING COMMUNITY (LGBTQ)
PRIDE MONTH
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
There were three Public Comments received on the Consent Calendar from the following: Anna Villalobos, Jamin Pursell and Genoveva Calloway.
Approved.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Xavier, seconded by Councilmember Pineda, that this Action Item be Approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Cruz, Ponce, Pineda, and Xavier4 -
Noes: Pabon-Alvarado1 -
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS (IF ANY)
17. 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.
26-209
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL ASSIGNMENTS REPORTS
(a) Councilmember Arturo Cruz
(b) Councilmember Patricia Ponce
(c) Councilmember Abel Pineda
(d) Vice Mayor Rita Xavier
(e) Mayor Elizabeth Pabon-Alvarado
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 9:32 PM to the Special City Council Meeting of June 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
____________________________
Casey Erlenheim, Deputy City Clerk