El Cerrito, CA

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee is holding a special meeting to approve the July 20, 2026 minutes and discuss the status of its workplan implementation timelines. The agenda is largely procedural, with no new policy decisions or public hearings scheduled.

• Approval of July 20, 2026 regular meeting minutes
• Discussion of workplan implementation timelines
• Public oral communications (3-minute limit per speaker)
• El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce updates
• Staff/City Council liaison announcements

Arts and Culture Commission

Financial Advisory Board

Park and Recreation Commission

City Council

Design Review Board

Environmental Quality Committee

Library Task Force

Human Relations Commission

Urban Forest Committee

City Council

Planning Commission

Committee on Aging

Economic Development Committee

City Council

Financial Advisory Board

Park and Recreation Commission

Citizen Street Oversight Committee

Arts and Culture Commission

Community Safety Committee

City Council

Design Review Board

Urban Forest Committee

Environmental Quality Committee

Human Relations Commission

Economic Development Committee

City Council

Committee on Aging

Planning Commission

Financial Advisory Board

Park and Recreation Commission

Community Safety Committee

City Council

Design Review Board

Citizen Street Oversight Committee

Urban Forest Committee

Environmental Quality Committee

Economic Development Committee

City Council

Committee on Aging

Planning Commission

Arts and Culture Commission

Financial Advisory Board

City Council

Design Review Board

Community Safety Committee

Environmental Quality Committee

Park and Recreation Commission

Human Relations Commission

Urban Forest Committee

City Council

Planning Commission

Arts and Culture Commission

Planning Commission

The El Cerrito Planning Commission will hold two public hearings: one for a conditional use permit to expand a non-conforming setback at 611 Norvell St, and another for a Tier IV design review of a three-story development with 16 townhomes and 757 sq ft of commercial space at 6501 Fairmount Ave. The commission will also adopt minutes from the July 1 meeting and hear public comments.

• Public hearing: Conditional Use Permit PL26-0041 for 611 Norvell St to allow expansion of non-conforming setback (single-family dwelling)
• Public hearing: Tier IV Design Review PL26-0024 for 6501 Fairmount Ave and 412 Lexington Ave - new 3-story development with 16 townhomes and 757 sq ft ground-floor commercial space
• Adoption of July 1, 2026 meeting minutes
• Oral communications from the public (3-minute limit per person)

City Council

The El Cerrito City Council is holding a special meeting at 5:00 PM for commission interviews and a closed session on labor negotiations, followed by a regular meeting at 6:00 PM. The regular agenda includes presentations from BART and the Fire Safe Council, a consent calendar with several contracts and agreements, and a policy matter on new labor agreements for police and fire chief units. Most items are routine approvals, with the notable exception of the labor memorandums of understanding.

• $424,500 agreement with Powers Forestry LLC for invasive tree removal at Hillside Natural Area Quarry Hill fire fuel reduction project
• $54,000 purchase of 26 trash recycling cans for San Pablo Avenue, Ohlone Greenway, and parks
• $487,305 four-year contract with Knorr Systems for Swim Center maintenance and chemicals
• Resolution approving new MOUs with PSMA Police Chief and Fire Chief Units, appropriating $71,643 for salary increases
• Amendment to West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority agreement changing fiscal year to calendar year

Economic Development Committee

The regular meeting of the El Cerrito Economic Development Committee scheduled for Monday, August 17, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. has been cancelled. No items will be discussed or decided at this meeting.

• Meeting cancelled

Environmental Quality Committee

The Environmental Quality Committee will hold a regular meeting with public comment, approval of minutes, and updates on collaborations with the Urban Forest Committee and Friends of the Hillside. They will also discuss the EQC budget and calendar of events, including upcoming cleanups, and implementation of the FY 26-27 work plan. The September 8 meeting is cancelled.

• Presentation from Friends of the Hillside Natural Area (45 min)
• Discussion on collaboration with Urban Forest Committee
• Green Team 2026 Cleanups: Coastal Cleanup Day 9/19 at Creekside Park, Northern Gateways 10/11 at Del Norte Plaza, Baxter Creek 12/6
• FY 26-27 Work Plan implementation discussion
• September 8, 2026 meeting cancelled

Urban Forest Committee

The El Cerrito Urban Forest Committee is meeting to hear updates on the Hillside Natural Area wildfire resilience and forest conservation plan, as well as a progress report from Friends of the Hillside on invasive species and fire fuel reduction work. The committee will also discuss collaborations with other city bodies and plan future activities like Arbor Week 2027.

• Update on implementation of the HNA Wildfire Resilience and Forest Conservation Management Plan
• Presentation by Friends of the Hillside on invasive species management and fire fuel reduction volunteer work
• Discussion of collaboration with the Environmental Quality Committee and Park and Recreation Commission
• Preliminary planning for Arbor Week 2027
• Adoption of minutes from June 9, 2026 meeting

Design Review Board

The regular meeting of the Design Review Board scheduled for August 5, 2026, has been cancelled.

City Council

Community Safety Committee

The Community Safety Committee will receive a presentation from the Fire Department on vegetation management and the state's "Zone Zero" law. The body will also interview two candidates for committee membership and receive an update on a West Nile virus case.

• Presentation by Battalion Chief Chase Beckman on "Zone Zero" law and vegetation management
• Interviews and membership vote for Katherine "Rin" Kimsey and Tova Feldmanstern
• Update on a bird that tested positive for West Nile virus in El Cerrito
• Discussion on City Advisory Body Member Feedback Survey submission

Community Safety Committee

Financial Advisory Board

The Financial Advisory Board will discuss and document its accomplishments for the past fiscal year and establish a workplan for the upcoming year. The board will also provide collective feedback to the Council Ad-Hoc Committee on Advisory Bodies. Future agenda items include review of Internal Service Fund policy, purchasing ordinance updates, and pool funding.

• Discuss and adopt minutes from June 4, 2026 meeting
• Provide feedback to Council Ad-Hoc Committee on Advisory Bodies via survey
• Review FY 2025-26 accomplishments and set FY 2026-27 workplan
• Future discussion topics: Internal Service Fund policy, purchasing ordinance, service delivery study, pool funding, investment policy

Park and Recreation Commission

The El Cerrito Park and Recreation Commission will consider adopting minutes from May and June 2026. Commissioners will discuss the 2026 Work Plan goals, the Mid-Year Report, and updates from work‑plan groups. They will also review the status sheet of funded and unfunded capital improvement projects for parks and recreation. Additional updates from the Recreation Department will be presented.

• Approve minutes of meetings held May 27, 2026 and June 24, 2026
• Discuss 2026 Park and Recreation Commission Work Plan and Mid‑Year Report
• Review Parks and Recreation Projects Status Sheet (funded and unfunded)
• Recreation Department update on department items
• Identify topics for future agendas, including facilities projects and work‑plan group reports

City Council

The El Cerrito City Council will consider several actions, including adopting a district‑based election ordinance with a final boundary map. The council will also approve procurement resolutions for a replacement fire command vehicle (up to $100,000) and Microsoft M365 software licenses (up to $208,650). Additional items include certifying the June 2 special municipal election results, receiving an AC Transit service update, and holding a fire hazard abatement hearing.

• Adopt Ordinance establishing five council districts and adopt final boundary map (introduced 7/7/2026)
• Approve purchase of one Chevrolet Tahoe SSV command vehicle, not to exceed $100,000
• Authorize agreement with Ally Technologies for Microsoft M365 Government G3 and Business Premium licenses, not to exceed $208,650 over three years
• Adopt resolution confirming June 2, 2026 special municipal election results and defeat of Measure C
• Conduct Fire Hazard Abatement Hearing to declare certain property a public nuisance and order abatement

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will meet to discuss the status and timelines of its workplan implementation. The meeting also includes reports from city staff and the El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce.

• Discussion on workplan implementation timelines
• Approval of June 15, 2026, special committee meeting minutes

Planning Commission

The regular meeting of the Planning Commission scheduled for July 15, 2026, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for August 19, 2026.

Environmental Quality Committee

The Environmental Quality Committee will consider several agenda items, including approving the minutes from the June 9, 2026 meeting. Members will discuss collaboration with the Urban Forest Committee, the process for appointing new EQC members, and the FY 26‑27 work plan. The committee will also review the budget and calendar for upcoming Green Team cleanups and other events, and hear updates on the Electrify My Block program.

• Approve minutes of the EQC meeting held on June 9, 2026
• Collaboration updates with the Urban Forest Committee
• EQC member appointment process interview and discussion
• EQC budget and calendar of events, including Green Team 2026 Cleanups
• Discussion of support for the Electrify My Block program

City Council

The El Cerrito City Council will hold a special meeting to interview candidates for boards, commissions, and the Library Task Force. The council may decide to make appointments at the conclusion of the interviews.

• Interviews for boards, commissions, and Library Task Force
• Discussion on ongoing recruitments and scheduling future special meetings
• Potential appointments to open positions

The City Council conducted 15 interviews and appointed several residents to city boards and commissions. These appointments include positions on the Arts and Culture Commission, Civil Service Commission, Human Relations Commission, and the Library Task Force.

• Appointed Michael Kessler to Arts and Culture Commission (4-0)
• Appointed Eden Rosekind as Library Task Force Youth Member (4-0)
• Appointed Amy Chen, Chelsi Sparti, Ian Bader, and Tom Panas to Library Task Force (4-0)
• Appointed Valerie Woodson to Civil Service Commission (4-0)
• Appointed Valerie Woodson to Human Relations Commission (4-0)
• Appointed Rachel Rosekind and Bethany Woods to Library Task Force (4-0)

Urban Forest Committee

The regular meeting of the Urban Forest Committee scheduled for July 13, 2026, has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers.

• Meeting of July 13, 2026 cancelled
• Next meeting: August 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers

City Council

The El Cerrito City Council will hold its fifth public hearing on transitioning to district-based elections, with a proposed ordinance to establish five council districts, adopt a final map, and set election sequences. The council will also receive a presentation on the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan's economic development and affordable housing implementation. Additionally, a resolution honoring retiring Community Development Director Melanie Mintz for 22 years of service will be considered.

• Fifth public hearing on district-based elections ordinance and final district map
• San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan implementation update on economic development and affordable housing
• Resolution honoring retiring Community Development Director Melanie Mintz

The City Council introduced an ordinance to establish five council districts and adopted Map A2 to define their boundaries. The council also set the election sequence for these districts for 2028 and 2030.

• Failed motion to adopt map C3 (2-3)
• Adopted map A2 (3-2)
• Sequenced elections with districts 1, 3, and 5 in 2028 and districts 2 and 4 in 2030 (3-2)
• Introduced ordinance to establish district elections and adopt Map A2 (5-0)
• Received and filed San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan implementation update
• Adopted Resolution 2026-43 honoring retiring Community Development Director Melanie Mintz (4-0)

City Council

Community Safety Committee

The Community Safety Committee will discuss draft vegetation management standards for Very High Fire Severity Zones, including potential Cal Fire regulations. Members will also receive a presentation on the ad-hoc committee studying the police crime blotter and debrief the July Fourth celebration. The committee will vote on approving June meeting minutes.

• Discussion on draft vegetation management standards for Very High Fire Severity Zones
• Presentation from Member Esquivel on ad-hoc crime blotter committee work
• Debrief of July Fourth celebration participation
• Updates from ad-hoc committees on vegetation management and Red Flag Day parking program
• Approval of June meeting minutes

Design Review Board

The regular meeting of the Design Review Board scheduled for July 1, 2026, has been cancelled. No items were discussed or decided.

Planning Commission

The El Cerrito Planning Commission will hold three public hearings: a conditional use permit for a setback expansion at 611 Norvell St, a Tier II design review for a 60-unit six-story building at 921 Kearney Street, and a Tier II design review for a 78-unit eight-story building at 10167 San Pablo Avenue. The commission will also adopt minutes from March 4, 2026.

• Conditional Use Permit for non-conforming setback expansion at 611 Norvell St (RS-5 zone)
• Tier II Design Review for a 48,258 sq ft, 60-unit multi-family building at 921 Kearney Street (TOMIMU zone)
• Tier II Design Review for a 61,650 sq ft, 78-unit multi-family building at 10167 San Pablo Avenue (TOHIMU zone)
• Adoption of March 4, 2026 meeting minutes

Park and Recreation Commission

The Park and Recreation Commission will hold a special meeting to discuss and potentially approve its work plan for the next two fiscal years, including a review of 2025-26 accomplishments. Commissioners will also discuss participation in the city's 4th of July Festival.

• Discussion and possible approval of 2026-27 and 2027-28 Park and Recreation Commission Work Plan
• Review of 2025-26 accomplishments
• Updates from Work Plan Groups and Community Group Liaisons
• Discussion of commissioner participation and community outreach at the City of El Cerrito/worldOne 4th of July Festival

Arts and Culture Commission

The Arts and Culture Commission will discuss and possibly act on a $2,000 mini grant request from SunJams Foundation for the Annex Sessions. They will also hear a budget update on the Public Art Fund, review the draft workplan, discuss calendar events including United Against Hate Week, and explore a mural project at the Community Center.

• Mini grant request of $2,000 for SunJams Foundation's 'Annex Sessions'
• Public Art Fund and ACC expense budget update for FY 2025-2026
• Adoption of the ACC Draft Work Plan
• Discussion of United Against Hate Week chalk art event and other calendar items
• Exploration of a mural project at the El Cerrito Community Center

Committee on Aging

The Committee on Aging will consider adopting its FY2025-2026 Work Plan Accomplishments for submission to the City Council. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes, liaison reports from senior organizations, and public oral communications. This is a regular business meeting with one major action item.

• Discussion and possible action to adopt FY2025-2026 COA Work Plan Accomplishments for City Council submission
• Approval of minutes from May 20, 2026 meeting
• Liaison reports from Advisory Council on Aging, California Senior Legislature, West County Senior Coalition, and senior centers
• Public oral communications limited to 3 minutes per person
• Next meeting scheduled for September 16, 2026

Planning Commission

The regular meeting of the Planning Commission scheduled for June 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 1, 2026 at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers.

• Meeting cancelled; no agenda items considered.

City Council

At this regular meeting, the City Council will conduct the fourth public hearing on shifting to district-based council elections, reviewing refined draft maps and providing direction. The council also considers adopting the FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28 two-year budget, a street sweeping contract, a surface seal project, speed zone changes, and other routine items.

• Fourth public hearing on district-based elections; review of draft maps and election sequence
• Adoption of FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28 proposed budget and Gann Appropriation Limit
• Street sweeping services contract with Sweeping Corporation of America not to exceed $143,500
• Construction contract for 2026 Surface Seal Project with Pavement Coatings Co. at $1,816,415.91
• Establish speed limits on eight speed zones on Arlington Boulevard, Central Avenue, San Pablo Avenue, and others

The City Council approved the proposed budget and spending authority for Fiscal Years 2026-27 and 2027-28. The council also provided direction on draft maps for the transition to district-based elections and approved several public works contracts.

• Approved FY 2026-27 spending authority and GANN limit (4-1)
• Directed staff to bring back variations of map C2 (ID:142) and Draft A2 for district elections (5-0)
• Approved $1,816,415.91 contract for 2026 Surface Seal Project
• Approved $143,500 street sweeping agreement with Sweeping Corporation of America
• Approved $97,500 emergency storm drain repair at Cerrito Vista Park tennis courts
• Approved full-time salary schedule effective July 6, 2026 (4-1)
• Approved Resolution No. 2026-32 to call for a general municipal election on November 3, 2026
• Approved speed limits for eight speed zones (4-1)

Municipal Services Corporation

The El Cerrito Municipal Services Corporation will hold a special meeting to decide on a resolution approving the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget and spending authority. The board will also take public comment on this item before voting.

• Adoption of resolution approving the Municipal Services Corporation Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will discuss and adopt the biennial work plan for fiscal years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028, along with accomplishments for the current fiscal year. They will also hear a presentation on the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan implementation strategy prepared by Strategic Economics. Other agenda items include approval of prior meeting minutes and public comment periods.

• Adoption of biennial work plan for FY 2026-2027 and FY 2027-2028
• Approval of accomplishments for FY 2025-2026
• Presentation on San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan implementation strategy (Strategic Economics)
• Approval of minutes from May 18, 2026 special meeting
• Oral communications from the public

Environmental Quality Committee

The Environmental Quality Committee will interview and consider recommending new members to fill seats on the committee. They will also discuss collaboration with the Urban Forest Committee, review implementation of the FY 25-26 work plan, and plan logistics and expenditures for upcoming events including cleanups and the July 4th festival. A brief update on the Electrify My Block program is also scheduled.

• Interview and possible recommendation for EQC member appointments (item 6)
• Discussion on collaboration with the Urban Forest Committee (item 5)
• Review of FY 25-26 work plan implementation and accomplishments (item 7)
• Planning and budgeting for EQC calendar events, including Green Team cleanups and July 4th WorldOne Festival (item 8)
• Update and discussion on supporting the Electrify My Block program (item 9)