El Cerrito, California
Upcoming
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
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
Urban Forest Committee
City Council
Environmental Quality Committee
Planning Commission
Economic Development Committee
City Council
Park and Recreation Commission
Financial Advisory Board
Community Safety Committee
City Council
Design Review Board
Urban Forest Committee
Environmental Quality Committee
Economic Development Committee
City Council
Planning Commission
Arts and Culture Commission
Financial Advisory Board
Park and Recreation Commission
City Council
Design Review Board
Environmental Quality Committee
Human Relations Commission
Urban Forest Committee
City Council
Committee on Aging
Planning Commission
Economic Development Committee
City Council
Financial Advisory Board
Park and Recreation Commission
Arts and Culture Commission
Citizen Street Oversight Committee
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
Human Relations Commission
Park and Recreation Commission
Urban Forest Committee
City Council
Planning Commission
Arts and Culture Commission
Recent meetings
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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)
City Council
The City Council will hold a third public hearing regarding the transition to district-based elections for City Council members. The session includes reviewing initial draft maps and determining the sequence of elections.
- Third Public Hearing on Transition to District-Based Elections
- Presentation of Initial Draft Maps and Sequence of Elections
Urban Forest Committee
The Urban Forest Committee will consider adopting the May 11, 2025 meeting minutes, hear an update from the Friends of the Hillside, and discuss collaboration with the Environmental Quality Committee and Park and Recreation Commission. The committee will also review its work plan, including donations and fundraising, fire-wise restoration updates, and outreach for the July 4 World One Festival.
- Adopt minutes from May 11, 2025 meeting
- Report from Friends of the Hillside
- Discussion on collaboration with Environmental Quality Committee
- Discussion on collaboration with Park and Recreation Commission
- Work plan items: donations/fundraising, fire-wise restoration, July 4 World One Festival outreach
Financial Advisory Board
The Financial Advisory Board will review the draft FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28 biennial budget presented to Council on June 2, 2026. The board may make a recommendation to the City Council for its June 16 meeting. Other business includes approval of previous meeting minutes and discussion of future agenda items such as the Internal Service Fund policy and purchasing ordinance.
- Review of draft FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28 biennial budget
- Consider making a budget recommendation to City Council
- Approval of minutes from May 26, 2026 FAB meeting
- Discussion of FAB workplan and Internal Service Fund policy
- Updates on purchasing ordinance, service delivery study, pool funding, and investment policy
Design Review Board
The regular meeting of the El Cerrito Design Review Board scheduled for June 3, 2026, has been cancelled. No items were discussed or decided.
City Council
The special meeting includes closed sessions for labor negotiations with police employee organizations and existing litigation. The regular meeting consent calendar features a $115,000 purchase of a Ford E-Transit paratransit van, a Loving Day proclamation, and an Economic Development Committee appointment. The policy matter is receiving the draft proposed biennial budget for FY 2026-27 and 2027-28 for staff direction.
- Closed session: labor negotiations with Police Employees Association and Public Safety Management Association
- Closed session: litigation David Ciappara v. City of El Cerrito
- Consent item: purchase of 2023 EV Ford E-Transit 350 paratransit van for Easy Ride program, not to exceed $115,000
- Consent item: approval of Loving Day proclamation for June 12, 2026
- Consent item: appointment of UlugBeck Nurmatov to Economic Development Committee
Community Safety Committee
The Community Safety Committee will hear a presentation from Police Chief Paul Keith on using Peregrine Technologies as an investigative tool. They will also discuss involvement in the July Fourth celebration, review CalFire maps of fire severity zones, and check the status of a recommendation to City Council about changing the time residents have to comply with vegetation management notices. Additionally, they will review and approve the committee's accomplishments for the fiscal year.
- Presentation on Peregrine Technologies investigative tool by Police Chief Paul Keith
- Discussion of committee's role in July Fourth celebration
- Discussion of fire severity zones in El Cerrito with CalFire maps
- Status of recommendation to City Council on vegetation management notice compliance time
- Review and approval of CSC accomplishments for fiscal year 2025-2026
Park and Recreation Commission
The Park and Recreation Commission will discuss and possibly recommend the Recreation Department budget and capital improvement projects for fiscal years 2026-27 and 2027-28. They will also receive an update on the Hillside Natural Area Fire Resilience and Forest Conservation Management Plan, including a tree removal project in Quarry Hill. Other agenda items include approving minutes, reviewing the commission's work plan, and discussing participation in the Fourth of July Festival.
- Presentation and possible recommendation of Recreation Department budget for FY 2026-27 & 2027-28
- Review and possible recommendation of parks-related Capital Improvement Program projects for the same period
- Update on Hillside Natural Area Fire Resilience Plan, including Quarry Hill tree removal and restoration
- Discussion and possible approval of the 2026-27 & 2027-28 Park and Recreation Commission Work Plan
- Discussion of commissioner participation in the City of El Cerrito/worldOne 4th of July Festival
Financial Advisory Board
The Financial Advisory Board will review the City Council's budget study session from May 19 and the draft FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28 biennial budget. The board may make a recommendation to the City Council for its June 2 meeting. The board will also approve minutes from its May 7 meeting and hear public comments.
- Review of City Council budget discussion for FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28 biennial budget
- Review of draft budget book published May 22, 2026
- Consider recommendation to City Council for June 2, 2026 meeting
- Approval of minutes from May 7, 2026 meeting
- Future agenda items: Internal Service Fund policy, Purchasing Ordinance updates, Service Delivery Study, Pool funding, investment policy review
Planning Commission
The El Cerrito Planning Commission regular meeting scheduled for May 20, 2026 has been cancelled. No items were discussed or decided. The next regular meeting of the Community Safety Committee is scheduled for June 17, 2026.
- Meeting cancelled with no business conducted
Committee on Aging
The El Cerrito Committee on Aging will discuss and possibly adopt the Biennial Work Plan goals for FY2026-2027, as well as finalize accomplishments for FY2025-2026. Other items include reviewing missing/faded street signs for repair recommendations and considering publicity survey findings to improve outreach to older adults and adults with disabilities.
- Discussion and possible action to adopt Biennial Work Plan goals for FY2026-2027
- Discussion and possible action to adopt Biennial Work Plan accomplishments for FY2025-2026
- Review of missing/faded street signs to recommend repair or replacement to Public Works
- Presentation of COA internal publicity survey findings and possible new outreach protocols
City Council
The City Council will hold a second public hearing on transitioning to district-based elections, including deciding the number of districts and method for electing the Mayor. They will also conduct a study session on the FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28 biennial budget and consider approving the updated Master Fee Schedule. Other items include a proclamation for LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, adoption of the consent calendar with several routine actions, and receipt of various reports.
- Second public hearing on transition to district-based elections; direction on number of districts and mayoral election method
- Fiscal Year 2026-27 and 2027-28 Budget Study Session #3; review of scenarios B+ and C+
- Public hearing and resolution approving Fiscal Year 2026-27 Master Fee Schedule
- Proclamation declaring June as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and flying the Intersex Inclusive Progress Pride Flag
- Adoption of resolution approving Amended and Restated Contra Costa Clean Water Program Agreement effective July 1, 2026
The City Council voted to proceed with a transition to five district-based seats and a rotating Mayor. Additionally, the council approved several resolutions regarding water programs, inspection agreements, and the upcoming fiscal year fee schedule.
- Approved transition to 5 districts and a rotating Mayor (5-0)
- Approved LGBTQIA+ Pride Month proclamation
- Approved Resolution No. 2026-27 regarding Contra Costa Clean Water Program
- Approved Resolution No. 2026-28 regarding Group Program Inspection Activities Agreement
- Approved Resolution No. 2026-29 for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Master Fee Schedule
- Revised Street Tree Planting by Property Owner Permit fee to $150
- Received and filed report on workforce vacancies, recruitment, and retention
- Received and filed Marin Clean Energy presentation
Economic Development Committee
The Economic Development Committee will consider a recommendation to the City Council to appoint UlugBeck Nurmatov to the committee. The committee will also discuss workplan implementation timelines and hear updates from staff and the Chamber of Commerce. Minutes from the April 27 meeting are up for approval.
- Consider recommending appointment of UlugBeck Nurmatov to the EDC
- Discuss status of workplan implementation timelines
- Approve minutes of April 27, 2026 special meeting
- Reports from staff and City Council liaison
- Update from El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce
Arts and Culture Commission
The Commission will review the draft Work Plan and consider its adoption. Members will also discuss event planning for United Against Hate Week, October Arts Month, and the 4th of July. Additionally, the body will consider a $12,000 request for the City of El Cerrito/worldOne 4th of July Festival.
- $12,000 request for the City of El Cerrito/worldOne 4th of July Festival
- Review and possible adoption of the Arts & Culture Commission Draft Work Plan
- Update on the 2026 Call For Poets which closed April 14, 2026
- Nomination and approval of one-year terms for Chair and Vice Chair
- Discussion of upcoming City Hall Gallery Shows and Farmers Market Music
Human Relations Commission
The Human Relations Commission will discuss and possibly take action on planning the 2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Event, a 2026 Loving Day Event, and a 2026 United Against Hate Week Event. The commission will also consider the flag schedule and rotation at City Hall and ongoing workplan planning. The meeting includes approval of minutes from February and April 2026 meetings.
- Discussion and possible action on 2027 MLK Parade/Event
- Discussion and possible action on 2026 Loving Day Event
- Discussion and possible action on 2026 United Against Hate Week Event
- Discussion and possible action on City Hall flag schedule and rotation
- Discussion and possible action on HRC workplan
Environmental Quality Committee
The Environmental Quality Committee will hear updates and discuss possible action items on supporting the Electrify My Block program, collaborating with the Urban Forest Committee and Friends of the Hillside Natural Area, and implementing the FY 25-26 work plan. The committee will also consider canceling or relocating the June 9 meeting to Hana Gardens and review the calendar of events including cleanups and festivals.
- Discussion on support for Electrify My Block program (Item 10)
- Presentation and collaboration with Friends of the Hillside Natural Area (Item 6)
- Collaboration with the Urban Forest Committee (Item 5)
- FY 25-26 work plan implementation and accomplishments (Item 7)
- Consider canceling or relocating June 9 meeting to Hana Gardens (Item 9)
Citizen Street Oversight Committee
The Citizens Street Oversight Committee will review fiscal year 2024-25 revenues and expenditures, receive the city council-adopted 2025-26 expenditure plan, and elect a vice chair. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and public comment.
- Review and discuss Fiscal Year 2024-25 revenues and expenditures
- Receive Fiscal Year 2025-26 Expenditure Plan adopted by City Council
- Elect Vice Chair of the committee
- Approve minutes from December 15, 2025 meeting
- Public oral communications on street-related matters
The Citizens Street Oversight Committee reelected Chair Kathy Fleming and Vice-Chair Vanessa Hill. The committee approved the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Expenditure Plan Status Report. No substantive policy decisions were made.
- Reelected Chair Kathy Fleming (3-0)
- Reelected Vice-Chair Vanessa Hill (3-0)
- Approved Fiscal Year 2023-24 Annual Report Memorandum (3-0)
- Approved Fiscal Year 2024-25 Expenditure Plan Status Report (3-0)
- Approved minutes from December 9, 2024 meeting (3-0)
Urban Forest Committee
The Urban Forest Committee will discuss and consider action on several items including adopting meeting minutes, updates from Friends of the Hillside, and collaboration with other city commissions. A major focus is the 60-minute discussion on the committee's work plan, including a debrief of Earth Day 2026, accomplishments due to City Council in June, and a report on Firewise Restoration. No votes on ordinances or contracts are scheduled.
- Adoption of minutes from April 13, 2025 meeting
- Report from Friends of the Hillside
- Collaboration discussions with Environmental Quality Committee and Park and Recreation Commission
- Work plan accomplishments due to City Council in June
- Firewise Restoration report from ad-hoc subcommittee
Financial Advisory Board
The Financial Advisory Board will hold a special meeting to review the FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28 Biennial Budget presentation and City Council discussion. The board will consider making a recommendation to the City Council at its May 19 meeting. Also on the agenda are election of officers, approval of March 24 minutes, and review of the 3rd Quarter General Fund update for FY 2025-26.
- Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for a one-year term
- Review of FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28 Biennial Budget study session presentation to City Council on April 21
- Consider recommendation to City Council on May 19 regarding the biennial budget
- Review of 3rd Quarter General Fund Update for FY 2025-26 (provided with May 5 Council materials)
- Future agenda items: Purchasing Ordinance, Service Delivery Study, Pool funding discussion, investment policy review
Design Review Board
The May 6, 2026 regular meeting of the Design Review Board has been cancelled. No items were discussed or decided.
City Council
The City Council will hold its first public hearing on transitioning to district-based elections, including the number of districts and mayoral election method. They will also consider a $315,000 agreement with Flock Safety for license plate reading cameras, approve several proclamations, and conduct hearings on landscape/lighting assessment fees and storm drain fees. A budget study session is also scheduled.
- First public hearing on transition to district-based elections under Election Code section 10010
- Agreement with Flock Safety for license plate reading cameras, up to $315,000 over three years
- Landscape and Lighting Assessment District fee set at $72 per single-family parcel for FY 2026-27
- Public hearing on FY 2026-27 Storm Drain Annual Report and collection of fees on property tax rolls
- FY 2025-26 third quarter General Fund budget update through March 31, 2026
The City Council unanimously approved a resolution confirming the diagram and levying the annual landscape and lighting assessment at $72 per single-family residential parcel for Fiscal Year 2026-27. They also adopted a resolution approving the Storm Drain Annual Report and directing collection of storm drain fees on property tax rolls. The consent calendar was approved, including proclamations for National Public Works Week, Affordable Housing Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Bike to Wherever Day, an appointment to the Environmental Quality Committee, and a third-quarter budget update. A first public hearing on transitioning to district-based elections was held but no decision was made; the hearing was closed with direction to staff.
- Approved Resolution No. 2026-25 setting landscape and lighting assessment at $72 per single-family parcel (5-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 2026-26 adopting Storm Drain Annual Report and fee collection method (5-0)
- Approved National Public Works Week proclamation (5-0)
- Approved Affordable Housing Month proclamation (5-0)
- Approved Jewish American Heritage Month proclamation (5-0)
- Approved Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month proclamation (5-0)
- Approved Bike to Wherever Day proclamation (5-0)
- Appointed Mordecai Stayton to Environmental Quality Committee (5-0)
Municipal Services Corporation
The El Cerrito Municipal Services Corporation will consider approving a contract with Contra Costa Health for Coordinated Outreach Referral Engagement (C.O.R.E.) services and Housing Security Funds for FY 2026-2027, up to $128,074. The board will also adopt the consent calendar including approval of minutes from November 4, 2025.
- Approval of contract with Contra Costa Health for C.O.R.E. services and Housing Security Funds, not to exceed $128,074
- Adoption of consent calendar including minutes from November 4, 2025
Community Safety Committee
This regular meeting includes discussion of fire severity zones using CalFire maps, the committee's involvement in the upcoming July 4th celebration, and a review of its official charge. Members will also approve April minutes, review fiscal year accomplishments, and decide on dissolving ad hoc committees.
- Discussion of fire severity zones with CalFire maps (item 6)
- July Fourth Celebration involvement (item 5)
- Review of committee charge documents (item 7)
- Approval of minutes from April meeting (item 3)
- Discussion of dissolving ad hoc committees (item 9)
Financial Advisory Board
The regular meeting of the Financial Advisory Board scheduled for April 28, 2026 has been cancelled. No items were discussed or decided. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers.
- Meeting cancelled; no agenda items were considered
Economic Development Committee
This special meeting of the El Cerrito Economic Development Committee includes election of the Chair and Vice Chair, approval of minutes from March 16, 2026, and a discussion of workplan implementation timelines. The committee will also hear public comments and updates from staff, the City Council liaison, and the Chamber of Commerce. All items are procedural or informational.
- Appointment of Chair and Vice Chair via nomination and election
- Approval of minutes from the March 16, 2026 special meeting
- Discussion of workplan implementation timelines and status
- Oral communications from the public (both non-agenda and agenda items)
- Staff/City Council liaison announcements and Chamber of Commerce updates
Park and Recreation Commission
The El Cerrito Park and Recreation Commission will discuss and possibly approve its Work Plan for fiscal years 2026-27 and 2027-28, reviewing accomplishments from the prior year. Commissioners will also review the status of parks capital improvement projects, consider participation in the Fourth of July festival, and elect a Chair and Vice Chair for the upcoming year.
- Review and possible approval of the 2026-27 and 2027-28 Park and Recreation Commission Work Plan
- Discussion of capital improvement projects related to parks and recreation (funded and unfunded)
- Consideration of commissioner participation in the City’s Fourth of July Festival
- Reorganization: election of Chair and Vice Chair for 2026-2027
- Approval of minutes from March 25, 2026 meeting
City Council
The City Council will hold a special meeting at 5 PM for a closed session on anticipated litigation, followed by a regular meeting at 6 PM. Key actions include renewing a $315,000 Flock Safety license-plate camera agreement, reviewing the police military equipment ordinance, and discussing the biennial budget. A resolution to transition from at-large to district-based elections for the November 2028 election will also be considered.
- Renewal of Flock Safety agreement for license plate reading cameras at $315,000 over three years
- Purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV work truck for up to $70,000
- Public hearing and renewal of the Military Equipment Ordinance and Police Department report
- Resolution to begin transition from at-large to district-based City Council elections starting November 2028
- Adoption of Landscape and Lighting Assessment District report for FY 2026-27 with a public hearing set for May 5
The City Council approved the 2025 Police Department Military Equipment Report and renewed the associated ordinance. The council also authorized the purchase of an electric work truck and adopted a resolution clarifying senior exemptions for the proposed Measure C library tax.
- Approved Resolution No. 2026-23 renewing the Military Equipment Ordinance and 2025 report (5-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 2026-19 clarifying senior exemptions for Measure C (5-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 2026-21 to purchase a Chevrolet Silverado EV not to exceed $70,000 (5-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 2026-20 for an MOU with RecycleMore regarding SB 1383 (5-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 2026-22 for Landscape and Lighting Assessment FY 2026-27 (5-0)
- Approved proclamation for Education and Sharing Day (5-0)
- Approved proclamation for National Library Week (5-0)
- Approved proclamation for California Cities Week (5-0)
Economic Development Committee
The regular meeting of the Economic Development Committee scheduled for April 20, 2026, has been cancelled. No items were discussed or decided.
Planning Commission
Committee on Aging
The El Cerrito Committee on Aging will discuss and possibly approve its biennial work plan for FY 2025-2026 and FY 2026-2027, including findings from a member publicity survey and interest in tabling at community events. The committee will also elect a Chair and Vice Chair for the coming year and accept the resignation of member Elisa Montemayor. Routine items include approval of March 18, 2026 minutes and liaison reports from senior-related organizations.
- Discussion and possible approval of Biennial Work Plan goals and accomplishments for July 2025 to date
- Review of COA Member Publicity Survey findings
- Consideration of tabling at July 4th and worldOne Festival
- Announcement of Elisa Montemayor's resignation from the committee
- Election of Chair and Vice Chair for April 2026 – April 2027
Environmental Quality Committee
The Environmental Quality Committee will discuss collaboration with the Urban Forest Committee, conduct interviews for member appointments, and elect a Chair and Vice-Chair for an annual term. They will also receive updates on the Electrify My Block program and discuss work plan implementation, accomplishments, and the committee's budget and calendar of events. No binding ordinances or contracts are on the agenda.
- Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for annual term beginning April 2026
- Interview and appointment of new committee members
- Discussion of support for the Electrify My Block program
- Review of FY 25-26 Work Plan implementation and accomplishments
- Finalization of budget and calendar of events including Earth Day, Hillisde Festival, and Bike to Wherever Day
Urban Forest Committee
The El Cerrito Urban Forest Committee will hold a special meeting to elect a chair and vice-chair, and consider a motion to reimburse members for Arbor Week 2026 event contributions. Commissioners will hear a presentation on volunteer efforts in the Hillside Natural Area and discuss collaboration with the Environmental Quality Committee and Park and Recreation Commission. Planning items include Earth Day 2026 preparation and a review of the city's tree planting agreement and related ordinances.
- Annual election of Chair and Vice-Chair
- Motion to reimburse UFC members for Arbor Week 2026 event contributions
- Presentation: Volunteer Efforts in the HNA (Hillside Natural Area) – past, present, future
- Earth Day April 25, 2026 – planning and debrief
- City Tree Planting Discussion – review of City Tree Care Agreement, ordinances, and SOPs
City Council
This special meeting consists entirely of three closed-session items: a conference with legal counsel on anticipated litigation (one potential case), a performance evaluation for the City Manager, and negotiations with the City Manager as an unrepresented employee. No public action is scheduled on open-session agenda items.
- Closed session discussion of one potential litigation case (Gov. Code §54956.9(d)(2))
- Closed session performance evaluation for the City Manager (Gov. Code §54957)
- Closed session negotiations with City Manager as unrepresented employee (Gov. Code §54957.6)
The El Cerrito City Council held a special meeting on April 13, 2026, that consisted solely of closed sessions: anticipated litigation, city manager performance evaluation, and negotiations with the city manager. No reportable actions were taken. No substantive decisions were made during the meeting.
Human Relations Commission
The Human Relations Commission will discuss and possibly take action on planning the 2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Event, a 2026 Loving Day Event, a 2026 United Against Hate Week Event, honoring Juneteenth 2026, and the HRC workplan.
- Discussion and possible action on 2027 MLK Parade/Event planning
- Discussion and possible action on 2026 Loving Day Event
- Discussion and possible action on 2026 United Against Hate Week Event
- Discussion and possible action on honoring 2026 Juneteenth Holiday
- Discussion and possible action on HRC workplan
City Council
The City Council will consider adopting an ordinance to permanently allow outdoor dining and retail sales, amending the municipal code. Other consent calendar items include approving minutes, authorizing the annual Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District report, an Earth Day proclamation, and an appointment to the Economic Development Committee. The council will also hold study sessions on a Local Road Safety Plan and on potential exemptions for the proposed Library Tax Initiative (Measure C). Due to a hardware delay, the meeting will not be livestreamed.
- Adopt ordinance establishing permanent outdoor dining and retail sales regulations (amend Title 19)
- Authorize annual report for Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1988-1 for FY 2026-27
- Pass proclamation declaring April 25, 2026 as Earth Day in El Cerrito
- Appoint Julia Salinas to the Economic Development Committee
- Conduct study session on proposed Local Road Safety Plan policy areas
The City Council approved a permanent ordinance for outdoor dining and retail sales, adopted a resolution for the Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District, and passed an Earth Day proclamation. The meeting also included a study session on the proposed Library Tax Initiative.
- Approved minutes from March 3 and 17, 2026
- Adopted Ordinance No. 2026-1 for permanent outdoor dining and retail sales
- Approved Resolution No. 2026-18 for Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District FY 2026-27
- Approved Earth Day Proclamation for April 25, 2026
- Approved appointment of Julia Salinas to Economic Development Committee
- Provided general direction to return with a resolution clarifying Library Tax Initiative exemption language