Regular City Council Meeting March 19, 2024

0:00:05Alright! Good evening, everyone

0:00:07happy first day of spring. Hopefully, the Allergies aren't getting tall of you guys. Welcome to the March Nineteenth regular city council meeting. It's called to order at 602. Will the city clerk please call Roll, hey, Redneck, present? May I pretend Weisinger Council? Member Fideli Council member Motiama. Here Council Member Kinto is absent, but we do have a quorum.

0:00:27Alright, do we have any? Ab. 2, 4, 4, 9 requests we do not hear. Okay, thank you so much.

0:00:35please join me in a pledge of allegiance or moment of silence.

0:00:40I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States

0:00:45to be solid, for which it stands.

0:00:47one nation, under God, indivisible liberty and justice for all.

0:00:55Thank you so much. The next item on the agenda is teleconference and public comment. Instructions from our city clerk.

0:01:01Thank you, Mayor. This hybrid meeting provides an option to participate in in person, or via Zoom, with closed captions. Available meetings of the City Council are subject to the Brown Act, and are held for the purpose of conducting city business. The brown act also ensures the public's right to be heard, and while city council may not be able to respond to your comments directly, your comments will be heard prior to council taking action

0:01:22for members of the public who wish to provide oral testimony. The mayor will announce the time for public comment on each applicable item. Public comments will be taken in person only, and a request to speak can be submitted to the city clerk by completing a Speaker card.

0:01:35The Council's adopted rules of order and procedures, specify that public speakers address the city council in an orderly and respectful manner.

0:01:42proceed their comments with their name and city of residence, and be respectful of time limits. Time may not be yielded from one speaker to another. Disruptive behavior, such as shouting, applause, booze, speaking out of turn, or approaching the dais or podium without consent, is also prohibited. We ask that everyone be respectful in observing these rules, so that all speakers feel comfortable, providing their comments.

0:02:04Thank you, Mayor. That concludes my instructions. Alright. The next item on the agenda is Council staff Communications city Manager. Do we have any staff communications.

0:02:13Thank you, your honor. I would like to introduce Will Provost, our assistant to the city manager.

0:02:18Great good evening, Mayor and City Council. I just have a brief announcement for you this evening. As you may know, our climate action and adaptation plan is up on our city website for public comment. By April first. So I just wanted to take this opportunity to remind you all and and any of the buddy in the audience listening. We really'd like to get comments on the climate action pan public draft.

0:02:39We've had some a decent amount of community engagement thus far on our interim deliverables. Like, as we developed our greenhouse gas inventory, for example, we've had 2 public workshops 3 public meetings with the Environmental Quality Committee.

0:02:53We've assembled a stakeholder, advisory group. All to make the plan stronger and collect community input.

0:02:59But one of the goals of the plan, too, was to inspire community action through the planning process.

0:03:05And so we hope to do that by having people review the draft now and see what they might be able to do, because one thing that's clear from the plan is that the city can't do it alone, and we won't be able to reach our climate action goals without community support. So I'll stop there. If you have any questions, let me know. But just a call for the public to provide comments if they can

0:03:25thank you any questions.

0:03:28Can you just confirm that the the dates for comment are march fifth through April first? That's correct, and the public draft can be found on our website, elserito.org slash climate Action plan.

0:03:39Thank you.

0:03:41Thank you so much. We appreciate it.

0:03:43Are there any announcements from the Council members.

0:03:46and one more announcement, thank you. But thank you, your honor. I just wanted to make sure that the Council in the public were aware that, as we have been required to do every 6 months since 2,021, when the State auditor issued their original report we have provided a report as of last week to the State Auditor. It is listed with all of the other reports on our website

0:04:09at the City managers page on the side. There's a note for State Auditor, and to let you know that as you all probably saw we have

0:04:18written back to the State Auditor with our progress report that all of the recommendations that they have laid out have now been completed, and that we are requesting a removal from the High Risk program. So I'm looking forward to hearing from the State Auditor on our very significant progress. So thank you again to the City Council for your leadership and to the staff, for all the hard work that we've done in in turning things around since our 2,021. Thank you so much.

0:04:44Anything from the council members.

0:04:46I just have one thing. Okay. I just want to let the public know that the egg hunt and swim is going to occur on March thirtieth, and if you would like to attend, you can get tickets online at the city's website.

0:05:01Thanks.

0:05:02Mayor Perkin.

0:05:03Nope.

0:05:04Councilmember Fideli. Yes, I just wanted to say we had a great crab feed for our Rec. Department couple of weeks ago. Made a lot of money, so that benefits the city

0:05:15more more games and

0:05:17fixing the pool and those kinds of things, and hopefully, some

0:05:21grants to kids to to do good projects.

0:05:25I wanted to let you know that on March 20, eighth, at the Scottish right temple in Oakland.

0:05:30the Contra Costa transportation, authority's executive director, Tim Hale, will be receiving an award for for the East Bay innovation.

0:05:40the East Bay innovation award by the East Bay Leadership Council, so where anyone can go to that and celebrate that, and that's a

0:05:48very good award. And mayor I'm assuming. Will you be mentioning what we're doing tomorrow?

0:05:54We're all good. At least the 4 of us, maybe, are going up to Sacramento tomorrow to lobby our legislators here locally for things that impact El Cerrito. So the mayor is leading us, and we look forward to that. Thank you.

0:06:07We're meeting with just to Piggyback. On that we're meeting with cal oes cal trans.

0:06:14How fire Assembly, Member Wix and State, Senator Skinner. So, looking forward to those meetings, Amir, I do have actually one announcement that next next Friday St. Peters, Ame. Will be having their Good Friday celebration, their annual Good Friday celebration. I think the Mayor is a speaker. Are you? Speaker? Okay? The mayor is a speaker. It is open to all. I think it's next Friday, at 9 Am.

0:06:37At St. Peter's, Am. E. Here in Al Cerrito.

0:06:422 things from March sixth on March sixth I met with representatives from the Tibetan Association of Northern California, and I presented them with a mayoral proclamation. On March sixth. I also sent a letter of opposition to the California Public Utilities Commission regarding at and T's application to end obligations to provide landline phone service to El Cerrito. Residents we did ask for at T to come and present, so expect that at a future meeting

0:07:08so we're going to be taking next would be public comment. We're going to take it slightly out of order and in honor to represent the folks who are here. So we're going to move quickly to item 6 a. Which is the West contra cost unified school district presentation on some of their current initiatives.

0:07:36Like to say Good evening Mayor and council members. It's an honor to be here. I'm the superintendent for those who don't know me. West Contra Costa, unified school district.

0:07:44I want to just start off by saying I enjoyed a partnership with El Cerrito, and also the the Chief of police and the police department.

0:07:51and I have my team here, and Mr. Joy, let him in.

0:07:56Thank you. We're looking forward to this presentation, which is really about A cooperative effort between the school district, the 5 cities of West County and the county itself. And you'll see this. It's sort of a community schools collaborative and appreciate that that Council member, Wiesenger is the El Cerino representative on that

0:08:17go gauchos. A few gauchos on that, aren't there? A few of us? And and it's it, and you'll hear more about the purpose of this collaborative, but it's really meant to

0:08:29empower all of us in city and county government to work with schools and work together with some joint goals which you'll hear about and but also obviously else Rideau has had a history of working with the school district in the past. But this is sort of an institutional formalizing of this type of relationship.

0:08:52Hi, good evening.

0:08:53A lot of my intro was already said, so, as John Joya and Dr. Her shared, we are here to speak with you this evening about how we're working together to implement a community schools movement throughout West contra, Costa County, this work is really intended to achieve community transformation.

0:09:11And this work is also grounded in relationships across stakeholders at all levels

0:09:16within our system, to really deeply understand the needs of our community collectively, and then to also collaborate.

0:09:24to address the needs of our community together again throughout all levels in the system which will show us a little bit later how that looks.

0:09:35One of our prime examples of community school implementation in the city of El Cerrito is the wonderful James Morehouse Project Project, which is at El Cerido High.

0:09:45The James Morehouse Project Project is a really great example of community collaboration. Again, to meet the needs of our students and our families

0:09:54at the James Morehouse Project. We have, we partner with Contra Costa health services to offer reproductive health, physical health, as well as dental services to our youth.

0:10:05The James Morehouse project, also partners with community to offer counseling and clinical services to our youth and to our families. And they also offer youth development. So not only are we focused on offering services, but we're also focused on building youth, leadership and empowering our youth, and community

0:10:24lead beyond the walls of James Morehouse, project the youth that our leaders there participate in

0:10:32helping our their youth across the school system to

0:10:36learn tactics such as mindfulness, to help to mediate conflict with throughout with their peers. The James Morehouse Morehouse project also builds interns from the community to offer clinical services to other schools

0:10:50throughout the county. And then, lastly, Jmp. Also offers school wide restorative practices. So that doesn't just look like holding small groups and building community within the classroom. They also train teachers to really be intentional about building community in the classroom and implementing or offering instruction in a way that is through an anti-racist lens

0:11:13next slide, please.

0:11:14And so this is our baby through our west country through our community schools movement in West Contra Costa County. We recognize that in order to ensure sustainable, long, lasting change throughout community, that there have to be opportunities for collaboration, for implementing our transformational strategies at all levels throughout our community.

0:11:36So we have leadership bodies. That are both within our school sites across every community school where they are consistently looking at data where they are consistently monitoring implementation of community school strategies that are intended to support and bring about real school transformation. And those strategies are grounded in what we've heard from students, from parents and from our community members in regards to their needs.

0:12:03We also have a community school steering committee, where we bring together Cdos again, who are supporting school sites but leading that change. And then we have the systems change collaborative, which we'll talk a little bit more about.

0:12:17So this systems change collaborative was established through the West County Mayors and Supervisors Association, and Dr. Hurst and I co-chair it, and, as you can see, there's one elected official from each of the West County cities, Hercules, Panol, San Pablo, El Cerrito and Richmond.

0:12:33and we're grateful for the Hellman Foundation funding. And you're familiar with the Glen Price Group. They're working on helping staff. This effort and we've been meeting, are we? Meeting monthly? I think we're meeting monthly and so the purpose is to really try to

0:12:48strengthen, empower

0:12:51and institutionalize the cooperation that's currently happening. And it's great to do it in this venue next slide.

0:12:59So excuse me so as you can see, the whole idea is to coordinate our strategies, create an aligned policy. And then basically Key Point pool and align funding.

0:13:10Think the next is our

0:13:11superintendent.

0:13:13Thanks, sir, and we have 2 big parties right now. One of the first ones is the use of our district facilities, and this has really been a request and need from all of our communities.

0:13:23And I'm so grateful that we have John Joy that's been able to step in as a supervisor and really fund

0:13:28some of the pieces that we were really concerned about as a district, and that's how we're going to make sure that we keep up and maintain our district.

0:13:36Our facilities. So John Juare stepped in and gave us a considerable amount of funds to make sure that happens.

0:13:42I think the other piece that's really a big issue in our district is chronic absenteeism. And just to put it in perspective, we have about a third of our students who are chronically absent.

0:13:52and that's determined by the number of days. And that's 18 days per calendar school year

0:13:58putting in into perspective. That's about 8,500 students who have missed more than 18 days. So that's a significant issue. And we're bringing all 5 cities together to really address these 2 main issues.

0:14:14So the an example of of how we how we can all step forward in our case. What we're gonna do is provide about $400,000 a year ongoing in healthcare funding to really

0:14:26make it possible for nonprofit youth groups in West County to access sports fields. Right now, there's a there's a pretty minimal cost to use the fields, to the district. $20 an hour. However, the district's required to also have a staff person there, custodian or maintenance, and that cost is about $70 an hour or so. So under our proposal, we will pick up the cost of staffing.

0:14:51So it reduces the cost about

0:14:5375%. We pick up about 75% of the cost.

0:14:58And the whole idea

0:15:00idea is to really make the current fields used more. Whether it's Elstree, oh, high core Matsu can be any elementary, middle or high school, indoor or outdoor facility, whether it's basketball, soccer, football, baseball, whatever it is. There's as you know, there's a lot of demand for sports fields

0:15:20and it cost a lot cost millions of dollars to build new fields. We have an asset already sitting there. The school district feels, and they are available on weekends and after school hours. And so in addition, our 400,000 will cover

0:15:35that caught about 75% of the cost. For again, a a youth group to use the fields and we're gonna fund, a part-time position community based position to actually work in the school district with the school district, to actually help run this program and to and to really help make the fields more accessible to the community to nonprofit West County youth groups.

0:15:58I know cities and and the school district have various joint use agreements. Those are great. Where you can each use each other's facilities. But we're trying to respond to a need of getting

0:16:11improved health among young people by allowing them enabling them to use these field.

0:16:23Hello, everyone. So one of the other issues that we already brought up in the beginning was chronic absenteeism, and so chronic absenteeism, of course, affects all of our district. And so today we'll talk specifically about chronic absenteeism in the El Cerrito area.

0:16:41So I just want to preface that we did a root cause analysis. And what that is is, we collected a lot of qualitative data.

0:16:48So, as Dr. Hurst explained, when students in our district are absent, that triggers

0:16:54our system to log them as absent, and then say, if a parent or a guardian or family members calls in, they kind of give a reason for what's going on, and then that absence is changed theoretically to an excused absence or an unexcused absence

0:17:10at the high school level. What happens is, if students are attending say you go to first period. But you, we notice that you're not in second period or third period. What that triggers in our system is a cut. So the letter C, and that's also included when we think about truant events. So the data that we're going to present to you is our absences in our district that go over that 10% mark. And they are.

0:17:39They are, including

0:17:41excused absences, unexcused absences and cuts period cuts for our secondary students.

0:17:49So when we started our root cause analysis, we really wanted to look at like, what are the reasons that students are not able to attend school. And so really coming in with that just general question, what is happening? And why is this happening?

0:18:02And of course our district is super diverse. So what is going on in Hercules for why students may be absent is not the same reason why students may be absent in El Cerrito. So we did something called a 5 right Y protocol. And essentially, that's asking why, 5 times.

0:18:18And we had a pretty diverse group of individuals looking at all of the data and all of the reasons we've heard from families around absences. And then we kind of came up together with some

0:18:31kind of main themes that we got from our data.

0:18:34So in El Cerrito

0:18:36a huge reason for absences at the elementary level

0:18:41are parents at taking their students on extended vacations during the school year.

0:18:48Of course those absences would then trigger like excused absences, or students may be put on independent study, or or what have you? But they are still absent from school, and so they're still missing instruction. And so what we found, and even talking to our elementary school principals around the area is that in El Cerrito, particularly, families are saying, you know, we want our students to have experiences outside of school, and we want to be able to have them

0:19:16go to places and see different things that don't necessarily happen in the classroom. So we concluded that in El Cerrito. There was a disconnect between students missing instructional time, and what could potentially happen later, when students are absent from school for its extended amount of times.

0:19:35and then for our secondary students. Now. So, Rita, what we found is that there isn't a a more excessive amount of students who are cutting class and not really seeing the connection between I cut class. I'm not here. I don't get an instruction to how is this going to limit further opportunities? Because a lot of the cases that some students are are average, right? They're doing

0:19:59well. They're see they're getting C's right. And so students are saying, Well, I'm still passing my classes, I'll still graduate. So there's no connection between cutting class and not being in class and getting the instruction. And then those logical consequences for what can happen when you're not in class.

0:20:16And so then we came up with some more solutions. And we really, especially for the El Cerino community want to start a community campaign around regular school attendance in school on time every day is very vital for our elementary students and our secondary students. And we want to come up with more creative ways for students to see

0:20:41these logical consequences. If I'm here today and not here tomorrow, or if I'm missing periods throughout the day that it definitely impacts future opportunities. And we need to do a better job at clearly communicating our consequences as well as our incentives to families and to students.

0:21:06and we'll close, just sharing a word of thanks to all of you.

0:21:10just for listening, but also for El Cerrito and all of the other 4 cities that's working together in collaboration.

0:21:18And I'll just share as a superintendent. This is certainly a complex issue that we were talking about around chronic absenteeism.

0:21:25It's not anything that can be addressed alone by the district or by the superintendent. So it is going to take a collective effort. These are all of our kids, all of our students.

0:21:35So we do appreciate the collaboration

0:21:38and we do appreciate the assistance also from Supervisor Joy. I do wanna share that again.

0:21:43But we also want to share these final questions with you. Do you want to share anything additional?

0:21:51We do want to share these final reflection questions with all of you. First.

0:21:56how do these 2 priorities address the needs of your community? So thinking about? What we talked about facilities around chronic absenteeism as well.

0:22:05Then, next, how could the city of El Cerrito support our work

0:22:09towards expanding joint use and the issue around chronic absenteeism.

0:22:13Then are there other areas of focus that we can be focusing on? That's of interest to you. So we'll leave that with you for a discussion reflection, turn over to you, Mr. Joy.

0:22:25and just add, Yeah, you have a great representative and and mayor pro temer. And so as you move forward and you continue. Wanna provide direction. You can provide it to to Carolyn. And then she can reflect that at our, at our regular meetings the whole idea is getting cities and counties together. In fact, on the absenteeism issue.

0:22:45The district is working together a communication strategy that we, as municipal government cities and counties can also participate in. To to really make a public education campaign here in our cities in West County, about the importance of reducing absenteeism, greater revenue to the school district.

0:23:03And of course, better student outcome and performance. So I mean the dual win win for everybody. So there are strategies that cities and counties can play and supporting programs in the after school hours. Your own athletic, your own programs do your park and rec are complementary. There could be programs at school sites. So it's an opportunity for all of us. That's all our kids right? It's not just the school districts, kids. We all can have a role.

0:23:30One thing we did at the counties. We we actually cited a

0:23:33family navigator from our Social services department at Lavonia Dejan Middle School full time to be able to handle resource needs of families. So there are things we can do in city and county government to assist school. So thanks. And, Carolyn, thanks for your participation.

0:23:50Any questions from the Council.

0:23:53I'll go ahead and and start. Mayor. Yeah. And I do want to thank Supervisor Joey. Go! Gaucho's

0:23:59superintendent Hurst, and you know he in our meetings he actually asked all of the elected officials to give them an opportunity to bring the team out to present to our Council so they they can see the work they were doing. And I think the best part about this program. Some folks know. A while ago I used to teach at Richmond High School, and at that time I believe it was only Richmond High School and Kennedy High School that were designated as community schools.

0:24:24And so the lot of these services that we are now instituting in these schools were only being serviced there. I think the important thing in a city like El Cree. I'm gonna take this mask off the important thing in a city like El Cerrito. There's a lot of assumptions about the Socio economic background of the students that go to our schools.

0:24:40And while that is sometimes true, a lot of Mo, for the most part at El Cerrito. It's not completely true. And so now that we're building this out broadly across our district, getting the support of the county. Of all the elected of the school district together, we're able to really give better wraparound services to all of our students. I like to tell the story about when I was teaching at Richmond High School, and the first time I got a pass for a student that said he was going to. He was going to get dental work. I say, when do we start doing this in a school district?

0:25:08So I'm I'm happy to see that we're doing this. I wanna also thank Supervisor Joya, who is stepping in with the funding for the nonprofits. That's something that I've heard a lot, especially from our pee football teams which we know a lot of our El Cerino High School, Deansa High School Pinole Valley High School. Football players come out of Richmond steelers, and the San Pablo cowboys, and all of those, but they don't have the places that they can actually practice and keep our young men and women off of the street. So I'm I thank you for stepping in with that supervisor, Joya

0:25:37and lastly, I want to thank Council Member Mortiana, because it was actually her appointing me to the sister School Assistant Collaborative when she was the mayor.

0:25:44To this project, knowing that, you know, teaching is something I've done for a while. I had the opportunity to actually work at the James Morehouse project. I was at El Saluta when James Morehouse was there, so he he was. He was. He was the Dee was Deacon Morehouse when I was there. So thank you all for the work that you're doing.

0:26:03Thank you

0:26:04questions.

0:26:06sort of questions. But Ma mainly comments. I just think it's great to focus down to 2 issues.

0:26:12It's these are issues that we care, especially the fields. I always get that question, how do we get more use out of our fields and supervisors that measure X money? Where's the money? Go? Actually, it's it is money through our health department. It's not measure X funding. So and it's ongoing. So it's health funding. And you know, the linkage is clearly more the more young people are out playing sports on the field, the healthier they are. We have all sorts of data about that. And so that's the idea. So it's not Measure X. So measure X is funding

0:26:40the position at Lapaga de John, which is the the family resource navigator. Well, what a great use to put our assets to to value, to to use, and Superintendent Hirsa, I'm Gonna thank you for your efforts. We had a great tour some of us did, and I was really impressed with the

0:26:59the new school developments, the food programs, the creativeness. And John Joya knows this. I I feel a part of your district because my

0:27:08I I was the first graduating class at Kennedy High, and my brother was in the administration for 35 years, and my mother was a yard monitor at Mayra Vista Grammar School. So I'm a part of that now. The one thing I want to say on the outreach program.

0:27:23The word family is used. I'm hoping we're going to use the word parents

0:27:27are parents getting involved in this

0:27:30issue of not going to school. Let's communicate with the parents, and let's get the word out. Let's have a workshop. Let's have people at home. Say, what are you doing? Why aren't you with school?

0:27:42Yes, definitely. We use the word families, because some of our students are not being raised by their parents. So we just want it to be inclusive of students. That's a good point. But I'm saying, when we actually get to those and families, thank you very much. So thank you very much.

0:27:58So. I'm very excited to see this continuing to move forward and thank you for coming back and presenting to us. I was, you know, just a couple of questions. One is just in the relationship between district and the city. I know that in in El Cerrito there are a number of sites, particularly the Portala site. I was wondering, you know, that's gonna have a very big impact on us, and I know it's not quite this.

0:28:26It could be cools. But I was wondering if that was, you know, discussion about that site was moving forward. How do we collaborate with you, and what what is going on there? Yeah, absolutely. We have the 7 11 and committee that's in in place. But Lewis Freese, who's our director of maintenance operations. He's had to take a pause to get more membership in our board. Approve

0:28:50new members a couple of meetings ago. So they're

0:28:52we

0:28:54redoing those meetings and having those meetings. So we will be coming back in a couple of months with a recommendation to include that site that you mentioned as well.

0:29:04Okay. And then I have a question. I know Supervisor Joy is talking to somebody else. But

0:29:13It is beautiful. I was wondering. I know, that you have a a efforts around, you know, getting at people to come out in the evenings and walk every Thursday. Is there something like that planned for El Cerino high schools. No, you know we should talk about that. We, you know we obviously were doing that at Martin Luther King Park during the summer. Thrive Thursday, and we're going to do it again. But I'd love to partner on something we could do in El Cerrito. Let's talk about that.

0:29:40The whole idea, and that can be at more than one location. Just a question of take getting our efforts together, and maybe do one night at Martin Luther King with in a community in in the iron triangle where I think there's a lot of benefit to doing that, and maybe looking at doing something in El Cerrito. Be glad to talk to you about that.

0:29:57and started up. And you know we had a walk with the Doc. Some of docked county doctor walk with people talk about health.

0:30:05So yeah, I'd be be great to do something like that. Go walk again on the illustrator track like the old days.

0:30:12Thank you

0:30:14A few days ago I was at Nlc. In DC. And I was able to go to a session with the Secretary of Education Miguel Cardozan.

0:30:23Cardona. Pardon me, Cardona, and what something he said that really resonated was what we can do at cities is if we don't

0:30:31do this as cities. It's these young people, if they don't have a track, if they don't have a plan, if they don't

0:30:38have their way to contribute to this to society in the world, then it it becomes a drain on the cities, you know. And so that's what we don't want. We want every single young person in the area to be successful. So that is for me the connection. So I'm really excited that we have a great representation in this body and looking forward to all the work that you guys are going to do. You know a statistic I like to use? Because when we talk about the work we do at school sites in the after school hours

0:31:06is, you know, that that time after school is when data I had seen with when young people are most at risk for being the victims of a crime for perpetrating a crime

0:31:18or other types of negative impacts. Right? So if you think about it. The people talk about midnight basketball. Really, you know, 3 to 6 pm. Are really the important hours. And there's opportunities through your programs and school district programs working together that can really address those hours.

0:31:36Alright. Now is the opportunity of folks would like to provide public comment on this item. Do we have any public comment on this item?

0:31:46I do not have any request to speak. Mayor. Alright.

0:31:49Thank you guys so much for coming in and presenting.

0:31:52Thank you. I really appreciate your work. Thank you.

0:31:59Alright. We're going to move back to Item 5, which is oral communications from the public. Now, it's time for members of the public who wish to provide public comments regarding matters not on the agenda. Consent items and presentation items. Request to speak can be submitted to the city clerk by completing a speaker card.

0:32:18Public comments will be taken in person. Only please remember to identify yourself and your city of residence at the beginning of your comments. City clerk, how many speakers do we have

0:32:28at this time? We have 23, mayor, 23. Can we set the timeline for 2 min, please. Certainly, thank you. And before we jump into our first speaker I would actually just like to invite Supervisor John Joya. He wanted to provide a brief update to the Council.

0:32:40Thank you. Since I was gonna be here. Anyway, I thought I'd bring a check for $206,783 to the city. And it's really acknowledging it's it's the fema reimbursement that has come through Contra Costa county for our all for your work. During the pandemic, as you know.

0:32:59the LC. Rita fire department stepped up and partnered with Contra Costa County on vaccination sites, and your fire department provided mutual aid to the county and setting up vaccination sites

0:33:12back in 2021. At Valley Bible church in Hercules, at Los Padanos College, out in Brentwood, and at Bishop Branch, in San Ramon, and without this joint partnership with so many local cities

0:33:28that stepped up, we would not have been able to be as effective in serving the public. So this mutual aid from fire agencies and cities really allowed us to respond more effectively during the pandemic. You know it. It's taken a long time. We have not gotten all of our fema reimbursements. Just so, you know I know. It's been about 3 years to get this reimbursement.

0:33:51and so the county applied on behalf of the city because of the the joint partnership that we had. So since I was in Martinez today at our board meeting, I I have the check.

0:34:03I will provide it to your city clerk. But it's really more to highlight the partnership that existed. I mean, obviously, you're getting reimbursed. Your cost of providing these really important services during the pandemic, so I'll present it. I don't know if someone's here from fire or to the city clerk.

0:34:23our fire chief. Here we go. Oh, yes.

0:34:25your chief. There we go, so we'll do.

0:34:28I'm logged.

0:34:29Give him a quick while here.

0:34:39You want to be in the big bear, the mayor.

0:34:43You should you should

0:34:46get get one with me.

0:34:48we'll be fine.

0:34:58I will get.

0:34:59I get the money.

0:35:03Okay. With that we will move on to our public comment. We do have 23 speakers at this time, so I'll invite our first speaker up BL. Followed by Jessica, N. And Faith, M.

0:35:18Do we have the speaker. BL.

0:35:26I've been a resident of homeowner since 1988.

0:35:31Hello! Humanity has fallen on our own city streets. Masked brown shirts call for a ceasefire, a victory for Hamas, the barbaric Jihadi death cult that started a war on October seventh by viciously slaughtering and stealing its neighbors in the early morning hours.

0:35:51A ceasefire now is not a call for peace, but really means the genocide of Jews and the destruction of Israel. The only Jewish state. Don't be fooled. Hamas has no interest in

0:36:05in establishing an ethical, tolerant, peaceful, and democratic society. A ceasefire now, with Hamas still in power, will not bring peace to either Israelis or Palestinians. Hamas must surrender and release all hostages or be destroyed before a ceasefire can be called.

0:36:24This city council must not choose to stand with those who value life, or with those who value martyrdom and death. We do say, choose life, there can be no ceasefire until Hamas surrenders, or is no more.

0:36:40Please vote no, on any decis divisive ceasefire resolution that may be presented to you. Vote no to lot not allow this creeping brown shirt fascism to take hold in our beautiful community. In addition, remember that there are 50 million slaves in the world today. There are 32 ongoing wars and conflicts.

0:37:03as well as an actual, real, ongoing genocide of Christians throughout the Middle East and North Africa. If you're going to delve into issues of foreign policy beyond the business of this city council.

0:37:17which you shouldn't do. Don't forget the rest of the world as well. Thank you.

0:37:23Our next speaker is Jessica, N. Followed by faith, M. And Alan Mayer.

0:37:32I have a PIN in my stomach giving this comment today. It's due to what I experienced after giving my first 1. 2 weeks ago I spoke from my heart and made it clear why I felt passing a one-sided ceasefire resolution here, with no calls for return of hostages or accountability against Hamas and the tragedies of October seventh would cause more division locally, and feel the Jewish community feel unsafe. Look at Berkeley with plenty of examples of why we don't feel safe and are not safe. After I spoke I sat down and was shocked by what I experienced a row of pro ceasefire. Supporters, who, when

0:38:01spoke themselves, twisted my words, sat behind me, called me a Nazi. Numerous times for me to hear said, These people are the worst in the world. Modern day, Nazis. I sat there as they snickered, groaned, laughed, huffed, and anyone who spoke against their stance. They laughed. Numerous times when people brought up peace and kindness, huffed and groaned with annoyance when Hamas was spoken about. This is the division I'm speaking about

0:38:23one side to the room. Talk to me. I don't hate Jews last meeting, but I'm supposed to feel comfortable speaking to a stranger who called me a Nazi, and reacts the way that they do when others don't agree.

0:38:32The division is real, the hate is real, and I felt it clear as day. But I won't be intimidated. I won't give up on peaceful, meaningful conversations about this very important issue. For those who can have real, calm, respective dialogues. I want to stress a ceasefire is not unilateral. It's bilateral. It's an agreement between 2 parties to stop fighting.

0:38:49The ceasefire now calls, put only pressure on Israel and does not call for a bilateral ceasefire. It's calling for Israel to surrender to Hamas and the real threats of another October seventh. That's not peace that is not caring for all. It's pure Jewish hate.

0:39:02because they and by they I mean Hamas, Isis Al Qaeda, extremist groups, and their supporters around the world, not meaning all Palestinians or Muslims don't want Israel and Jews to exist. History and their own words make it clear. And again there was a ceasefire on October sixth. Thank you.

0:39:17Our next speaker is Faith M. Followed by Alan Mayer and Audriana. Starndolo.

0:39:28Hi! I've been at El Cerrito resident for almost 30 years. I moved here to make Tahia Day school my

0:39:36neighborhood school. Tahia is long gone, but we're still here.

0:39:41May is Jewish American Heritage Month, recognizing the contributions made by the Jewish people to American society. The month-long celebration was first recognized in 2,006.

0:39:54Today

0:39:55Jews face rising anti-semitism with a 400% increase in anti-semitic incidents since October seventh.

0:40:03Sadly, we have even experienced this. In El Cerrito.

0:40:07President Biden has stated, we have witnessed violent attacks on synagogues, bricks thrown through the windows of Jewish businesses, swastikas, defacing cars and cemeteries, Jewish students harassed on college campuses and Jews wearing religious attire, beaten and shot on the streets, anti-semitic conspiracy theories are rampant. Online celebrities are spouting anti-semitic hate.

0:40:35Jews, like so many immigrants, fled persecution, poverty and prejudice seeking a fresh start. We are an integral part of US. History and culture. We came to America with the hope of building a better life for our children, and to share responsibility in sustaining our nation.

0:40:52Now Jews are fighting for our right to exist in the land we help build and defend. The goal of Jewish American heritage month is to promote greater understanding and appreciation of Jewish history and culture, and to recognize the obstacles American Jews have faced.

0:41:08I call upon the city of El Cerrito to actively participate in Jewish American Heritage month to encourage our local schools and library to create create exhibits honoring the contributions of Jews both in the Bay Area and across America.

0:41:24Education is our best answer to hate. Thank you.

0:41:28Our next speaker is Alan Mayer, followed by Audriana, Sarandolo, and Sherry Drobner.

0:41:35I'm a resident of Kensington, just across the border.

0:41:39I asked the Council not

0:41:42to put a resolution on the Council agenda

0:41:45dealing with the Gaza War.

0:41:48I think our city council should be focused on local issues

0:41:52and should not get distracted with resolutions dealing with international conflicts and politics.

0:42:00These resolutions introduce divisiveness into our community

0:42:05and fan the flame of hatred on our streets. Thank you.

0:42:12Our next speaker is Adriana Sarandolo, followed by Sherry, Drobner and Yulio. M.

0:42:23Good evening, council. My name is Audriana and I live in El Cerrito, and this is my third time coming here to the podium to ask that we do consider a ceasefire resolution on the agenda, because, as was just shared.

0:42:36we can only counter hatred with education, and I completely agree with that. And we haven't had a space. There's a lot of heat in this room, and there's no space for us to come together and educate ourselves, because a ceasefire means that all violence and all hostages are released because there has to be peace for hostages to be able to come home. Otherwise they get bombed.

0:42:56And so that's why, right now 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, and we are on the verge of a catastrophic starvation of 1.1 million, and that's why I ask

0:43:07Ceasefire now from any audible disruptions.

0:43:19seats fire! Now

0:43:24see, spyo now

0:43:28sees fire. Now

0:43:32see, it's fire. Now

0:43:36seats fire, and

0:43:40please fire now.

0:43:44No, Januside.

0:43:48no Janice, I

0:43:52no Jenna sign.

0:43:56Let's save lives!

0:44:00Seats, fire now

0:44:04see, it's fine.

0:44:08See? It's fired.

0:44:12He's fine.

0:44:18Thank you for allowing me to speak.

0:44:20Thank you. I will remind the audience that Council rules, order and procedure. Do ask the audience to refrain from any audible disruption, so all of our speakers feel comfortable, providing comments. The comments are heard at the days, and not from the audience. Our next speaker is Sherry Drobner, followed by Yulio M. And Toby Toby Bloom. So you're lucky? But I do want to comment on the last

0:44:47presentation. I was thinking. We know why there are no children in school at Gaza. There are no more schools left.

0:44:55That's their research.

0:44:57So tonight, as citizens deeply concerned about global peace and humanitarian rights.

0:45:03it's imperative that we speak out against the atrocities that are being committed in Gaza.

0:45:08and we continue to urge you to agendize a ceasefire resolution and a call to end military aid to Israel.

0:45:18However regrettably.

0:45:20We do not believe that the City Council will discuss the ceasefire resolution for Gaza

0:45:25Y,

0:45:26because, unfortunately, political considerations

0:45:30and vested interests often overshadow

0:45:33royal imperatives in this body of officials

0:45:36more simply put.

0:45:38I believe there's a lack of courage and leadership on this council.

0:45:43So what is our city council afraid of

0:45:45alienating certain interest groups. Perhaps

0:45:48clearly we have seen vocal opposition from Pro-israeli organizations whose goal is to stifle criticism of Israel, often conflating such criticism with anti-semitism.

0:46:00Council members certainly fear this. I understand that.

0:46:03furthermore, there may be ideological divides within the Council.

0:46:07Partisan politics and entrenched beliefs

0:46:10can make consensus building difficult, and in the case of this council rather than grapple with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, a crisis impacting members of our community. Our Council chooses to sit it out. And again I ask about where your courage is.

0:46:27However, these obstacles may seem insurmountable, we must not lose hope or relent in our advocacy, for peace.

0:46:33Change begins at the grassroots level, and it is our collective responsibility as engaged citizens to continue raising our voices, amplifying calls for your time has ended. Thank you accountable.

0:46:47Please enjoy your time. Hello, please take your time

0:46:51dropping, and until all hostages are released to discuss the ceasefire resolution in Gaza, please take your seat into effect. You are disrupting this meeting. Please return to your people of Palestine. Disrupting this meeting.

0:47:14Stay in the world. You'll see a free Palestine begin removing people from this. If they do not dis disrupt

0:47:27alright

0:47:28with having a stroke here, I remember, because you told me. Get out of the way. Close the door you're making to them.

0:47:34I will never forget that I

0:47:39I will again ask that our audience please refrain from audible disruptions. We want all of our speakers to be able to feel comfortable, providing comments, regardless of the comments that they are providing. We are asking that the audience please remain silent, so that the only the person at the podium is providing comments.

0:47:56Our next speaker is Julio M, followed by Toby Bloome, and so Maya Nessef

0:48:06is Yulio here?

0:48:09Okay, we'll go to our next speaker, Toby Blohm, followed by Sam. Samaya, Nessef, and Wala, or or Keith

0:48:19do that.

0:48:29Can you start the time over? I haven't started speaking yet, please. Your your time is beginning. Get my paper ready, please start. The time over.

0:48:39Your time is is going. Please begin your comments.

0:48:46Many of the people in this room stood today to pledge

0:48:49allegiance to our flag and our country.

0:48:54Many of the people in this room today stood to pledge allegiance to the flag and all the values that supposedly our country stands for.

0:49:02One of the last few words of the pledge of allegiance that I heard was liberty and justice for all.

0:49:08If you really true, stand for those words, liberty and justice for all, all the people of gods, that the children, the elderly, the women, vast majority of people, have been killed, are women and children. You must stand for their right to live.

0:49:24That comes above everything. It doesn't matter what is important in El Cerrito, it must matters what we stand for as a country right now.

0:49:33when mass starvation is imminent.

0:49:38I want to bring Aaron Bushnell's words back to this

0:49:43meeting today.

0:49:45You all know who Aaron Bushnell is. He sacrificed his life to expose the horrible crimes that our government is complicit with.

0:49:53and you, as

0:49:54politicians, local politicians, have a duty to stand up against these crimes.

0:50:03Just hours before

0:50:05Aaron Bushnell committed his act. He posted this on his Facebook, and I didn't have the words with me last last time.

0:50:12he said.

0:50:14many of us like to ask ourselves, what would I do

0:50:19if I was alive during slavery.

0:50:22or the Jim Crow South.

0:50:25or apartheid?

0:50:27What would I do if my country was committing?

0:50:31Please take a seat, and it is

0:50:38while your country, your time. She was

0:50:46drawing the vast majority

0:50:54thing, and Israel is still bombing these poor people. Please take your seat. Are you willing to do about it? Please take your seat. You have a responsibility.

0:51:05I know that

0:51:07we shouldn't have to ask our please take your seat, and also members of the audience. Please don't address the speakers while they're speaking. Please take your seat. You are disrupting this meeting justice for all.

0:51:23If you pledge allegiance for justice, for all these children continue to disrupt the meeting, despite being asked to return to your seat and allow the meeting to come to order. Thank you very much.

0:51:33Our next speaker is Samaya Nsf. Followed by Walla, Orkit, and Sima bazeed

0:51:50for all the Islamophobes out there. Allahoga! Allah! Allah has to be a low min arm, and Wiki, please address the council, not the audience. Thank you seriously. If someone tells you 13,000 children have been killed, and your response is Bahamas, you see, need serious help.

0:52:05Since our words, since our words have been falling on deaf ears, I thought this time I would try some images and videos

0:52:22I am.

0:52:23It's not gonna work. Anyways.

0:52:28I can only assume you're not seeing what I'm seeing. If you're if you're silencing and complicate all this. Okay, how about that?

0:52:33So this is a 11 year old girl crying for her lost leg

0:52:38per limb that's been torn off by the bonds.

0:52:40So we're sending money to pay for

0:52:43how you have a daughter. Right? How old is she?

0:52:46This is 11 year old, girl, and Tim, like her every single day are getting maimed.

0:52:51We're 6 months now. It's him like her.

0:52:58This is a 4 year old girl.

0:53:01because Israel likes to use internationally banned weapons, and wants to experiments with them on the children of Palestine and Gaza.

0:53:10This is what you're complicit with.

0:53:17This is the mother that went to get flour for her children.

0:53:20came back to find her her home bond with the children

0:53:24underneath the rubble.

0:53:27This is just stuff that's coming in the past few days alone. Imagine all the stuff that isn't caught on tape.

0:53:34And just for all the people out there that call the Palestinians

0:53:38like some human animals.

0:53:41this is them trying to save a dog from under the rebels

0:53:47of a home that was bombed by the Israeli forces.

0:53:50Thank you. Your time has ended. You call us, and

0:53:54please take your seat. Your time has ended.

0:53:57but we're dropping the moms.

0:54:01Please take your seat. Your time has ended. Our next speaker is Walla or Kit, followed by Seema, buzzed

0:54:11again. I will ask the audience to please respect the Council rules of order and procedure, and refrain from any audible disruption. We do want all of our speakers tonight to feel comfortable providing their comments.

0:54:21So our next speaker is Wallah Orket, followed by Seema Bazede and Rula Ed Ronley.

0:54:28Hello! My name is Walla, or a cat. You probably know that by now I'm a Palestinian American living here in El Cerrito.

0:54:36and I've been coming here for the past few months every 2 weeks to advocate for my city, to adopt a ceasefire resolution.

0:54:44And this is not because I believe that this will instantly solve the crisis, but because it represents a moral stance that we should all take as a community

0:54:53denouncing violence and injustice while valuing, valuing human life, just like we did for Ukraine.

0:55:00And if that's not enough for you, consider the Israeli hostages. Reports from those released have highlighted their fears of being killed by Israeli airstrikes and gunfire, while in Gaza, unfortunately, 3 Israeli hostages were killed by their very own idea.

0:55:16They've spoken of being provided with food

0:55:18in the early days, but eventually dwindled to scarcity.

0:55:24Think also of the hundreds of Palestinian children

0:55:27who have been detained and imprisoned without formal charges in the west bank, where there is no Hamas

0:55:34subjected to torture and food deprivation by the idea.

0:55:38If we could allow a dialogue and the democratic process to take place you and all who oppose would understand that our call for a ceasefire and allowing humanitarian aid in is not solely for the benefit of the Palestinians. It encompasses the release of all hostages, ensuring that food and water reach those in desperate need, halting the violence affecting both sides.

0:56:04and forging a path towards peace for all involved.

0:56:07He's fire now.

0:56:13The next speaker is Sima Bazeed, followed by Rula Adronly and Najeeb Nick Oddra adronly.

0:56:25Okay. My name is Sima Bouzid. I'm a resident of El Cerrito, and I have no notes. I'm just going to talk to you.

0:56:32I loved my world history class. That was my favorite class. I was a top student. I read that stuff for fun.

0:56:40And now I listen to podcasts for fun, about history.

0:56:44And I remember at the time learning about the holocaust and being just gutted. I could not even look at the photos of

0:56:52of my world history textbook.

0:56:55and I just could not understand, and couldn't believe that something like that was allowed to happen. And I'm saying this as a Muslim American, North African

0:57:06and I just

0:57:08I just couldn't believe it.

0:57:09And obviously I do believe it. I've seen the evidence, and I think that's why it's so hard seeing what's going on in Gaza now, and seeing so many parallels in terms of the suffering and the scale of killing of children. That's why it's so hard.

0:57:23and I know that we have limited power to do anything like a city council has limited power to do anything. But I just go back to thinking about how

0:57:34the context of that conflict or the rise of Nazi, Germany in the 1930 s. From what I've learned from going back and looking at history is that so many people weren't willing to rock the boat, so many people weren't willing to speak out and

0:57:49go against the grain of what was rising, and so many Jewish politicians in Germany at the time, said, You know.

0:57:56this isn't the hell I'm gonna die on. I'm going to just kind of like this will blow over, nothing will happen, and we see with history what did happen, and it was catastrophic.

0:58:05and for me, and I I think all of us coming here and speaking to you. We don't want to see history playing out over again like this, and to us it doesn't matter who the group is. Killing children on that scale is wrong, no matter what.

0:58:19and it doesn't matter who we're fighting or what type of war it is. Killing children is wrong. We should have a ceasefire now. Thank you. Your time has ended.

0:58:31The next speaker is Rilla, Adronly, followed by Najib, Nick Adronly, and Suzanne Spurro.

0:58:38My name is Rula Adrenli a proud, long time, El Cerida, resident and proud Palestinian American. I immigrated here with my parents in 1968, so I won't tell you how old. I am right now.

0:58:50but we settled in El Cerrito, and have lived here ever since. We were attracted to the city by the diversity we found, as well as the open-mindedness of the people and the strong sense of community.

0:59:02My sister and I attended the local public schools in what was then Richmond unified school district and participated in scouts, spent countless hours at the Swim center and the El Cerino Library.

0:59:13We've raised our children here, who also attended the public schools with some of your children.

0:59:19and played youth sports attended summer camps and the El Cerrito. After school programs. I urge you to adopt a ceasefire resolution for Reza in order to support an end to the death of innocent Lyme.

0:59:32This is a humanitarian crisis, and not a time for political or personal agendas to be prioritized.

0:59:39Enough of our tax dollars have been spent on the atrocities we've all seen taking place in Redda

0:59:46as residents. We expect that our voices will be heard by our city leaders.

0:59:51and that your actions will reflect our values.

0:59:55I'm dismayed that this body has not moved to adopt a ceasefire resolution in all these months an important action that we've seen many of the cities in the area taking.

1:00:04please adopt a ceasefire resolution. Now.

1:00:08our next speaker is Najeeb Nick adronly. Please refrain from any audible disruptions. Thank you. Our next speaker is Najeeb Nick, only followed by Suzanne, Susanna Spurro, and Gary prost

1:00:25my name is Najib Adanli. I've been a president of El Cerito since

1:00:29our family migrated from Jordan in

1:00:32in 1971 for a better future.

1:00:36Our family.

1:00:37I would like to ask our city council to adopt a resolution for ceasefire in Gaza.

1:00:44There has been enough killing of innocence, people

1:00:47to die from both sides to keep going on at work.

1:00:52Water is a very bad

1:00:54for all people.

1:00:55What went on in October seventh is a result of oppression to the Palestinian people by Israel.

1:01:04There is no excuse for any killing.

1:01:07but that does not give Israel

1:01:10the green light to kill over 40,000 innocent people who are mostly civilians.

1:01:17and had nothing to do with hammers.

1:01:20Hamas has been established

1:01:22by Israel in the beginning to counter the movement of the Pl. O.

1:01:28The killing of families

1:01:30only create a vengeance by the

1:01:34survivors of the revolt against the killers.

1:01:38Peace is the only solution

1:01:40to the problem in the Middle East.

1:01:43Let let's

1:01:45not spend our tax money on wars, but to encourage peace.

1:01:50Please pass the resolution to ask for ceasefire in Gaza by both sides.

1:01:57Before the war. Gaza was the

1:02:00was the greatest open-air prison in the Middle East.

1:02:04Now Gaza is the greatest open air grave yard.

1:02:09so please adopt that resolution to for cease fire.

1:02:14Our next speaker is Susanna Spiro, followed by Gary Prost and Jeff Rosenfield.

1:02:22Please refrain from audible disruptions.

1:02:25Susannah, you may begin your time.

1:02:27Hi I'm Susannah. I've been a resident of El Cerrito for 24 years.

1:02:33I am urging you not to put a resolution for a ceasefire on your agenda according to organizations that track data from violent conflicts around the world. There are situations in Myanmar, Syria, Mexico, Haiti.

1:02:48Sudan.

1:02:49Ethiopia, Yemen, and other locations that are experiencing violence and suffering at a level that is ranked as as serious or worse than what is happening in Gaza. But I put resolution on your agenda for all of these situations around the world, not because you don't care, or that you find it acceptable.

1:03:11Please refrain from audible disruptions, or you will be asked to

1:03:16thank you. Please refrain from audible disruptions. It's because this is not an appropriate forum for discussing world affairs or solving international conflicts. It is literally not your business. You don't have the the authority expertise or the standing to get involved in in international politics. And

1:03:39I would like to say that the only reason you're considering this resolution on the conflict and between Israel and Palestine is because you are being manipulated

1:03:48in into spreading anti Israel and anti Jewish.

1:03:53Propaganda

1:03:55and I believe that it takes courage actually not to succumb to pressures from outside groups and people, many who have not even El Cerita residents who are trying to sow.

1:04:05Please refrain from your audit disruptions. Allow this before the podium to talk, trying to sow hate and division within our own community by promoting anti-semitic sentiment and hostility toward Jews, and causing law abiding citizens to fear for our safety, and feel unwelcome in our own city.

1:04:25Thank you. Our next speaker is Gary Prost, followed by Jeff Rosenfield and Michael Fisher

1:04:33before the speaker begins. I just like to remind the audience that thus far these public comment sessions for the last few meetings have been relatively peaceful.

1:04:43but the City Council does have the option under the brown act to call a recess, and, if necessary, if disturbances continue, and such that the meeting can't continue to clear the room. So I'm gonna ask the public to stop responding to the public speakers

1:04:58and for the public speakers to stop responding to the audience and let people have their 2 min to speak. Thank you very much.

1:05:05You can begin your comments.

1:05:12Mayor Rudnick, and counsel.

1:05:14I'm Gary prost a resident of El Cerrito.

1:05:17and I'm also with make El Cerrito Firesave.

1:05:21I'm not going to talk about foreign policy. I want to talk about the need to go after Measure X funding

1:05:27to manage fuel load in the city

1:05:29earlier today I forwarded you a copy of a letter that was sent to the measure export

1:05:34emphasizing priorities for Measure X funding for the East Bay Hills and El Cerido in particular.

1:05:41As you're aware, one of the many important things that Measure X does

1:05:45is fire, safety, and vegetation management.

1:05:49In the letter I called the Board's attention to the need for ongoing fuel load management in the East Bay hills, especially the removal of invasive and fire prone eucalyptus groves.

1:06:00We know that in cities like Elsrideau, Kensington, and Richmond there are many eucalyptus groves along the Ridge top and western slope from Alvarado Park Berkeley Country Club all the way to Boy Scout Camp Herms.

1:06:15There are also 4 groves in the hillside, natural area.

1:06:19Any wildfire in these, in these trees puts the entire city at risk.

1:06:25you know, an entire city is within 2 miles of the ridge top.

1:06:30well within the range of wind blown embers during the annual Diablo wind events.

1:06:36I don't know why Elserito has not received more measure. X funding.

1:06:40ongoing funding is available, I believe, to the tune of 4.4 million a year.

1:06:46I'm personally disappointed that the city's chosen, at least till now

1:06:51not to proactively go after funding.

1:06:54I sincerely hope you'll do whatever is necessary to go for that. Thank you.

1:07:00The next speaker is Jeff Rosenfield, followed by Michael Fisher and Sam Solkin.

1:07:11My name is Jeff Rosenfeld. As a longtime resident of El Cerrito.

1:07:16And I'm going to try.

1:07:21please. I want you to know how proud

1:07:24and thankful I am. But you are steadfast as leaders of this community

1:07:30in listening.

1:07:32meeting after meeting, after meeting, to so much emotion, so much anger, so much

1:07:38fear, so much

1:07:40sadness. We're all struck by incredible erosion of our world. But we're watching. But I want to be careful

1:07:47that you remember

1:07:50that in order to avoid erosion of liberty

1:07:54and justice in this room

1:07:58to keep using this room as a place for reasoned discourse and deliberation. We can't talk from

1:08:06emotion.

1:08:07from all of this. Fear. Fear is what

1:08:11denies liberty. There's no liberty with fear. I already see my kids

1:08:17feeling this fear. I know that when flags are torn down in marches in El Cerrito that there's going to be a lot of fear. Fear means no liberty for anybody to get the city on track to consider one nation

1:08:31under God. That means one city to to be unifying forces as you have been. Please continue to be steadfast. No consideration of a resolution for ceasefire in the Middle East, when, after all.

1:08:45There's no agreement on any facts without facts and truth. There can be no deliberation, no rational judgments on anything, especially not our imperialistic

1:08:55judgments about what other people in the world should be doing

1:08:59so. Please

1:09:00remember that I don't doubt your humanity. I don't think anybody should be

1:09:05doubting anyone's humanity.

1:09:07That's where liberty and justice die.

1:09:11and we're hearing it in this room. Time has ended. Our next speaker is Michael Fisher, followed by Sam Sulkin and Fred Bialy.

1:09:24Please refrain from any audible disruptions. Thank you, Michael. You can begin your time now.

1:09:30Mayor and council members. My name is Michael Fisher, and I have the honor and responsibility of being your library Commissioner.

1:09:41I've often talked with you about the benefits our library brings into our lives

1:09:47tonight. I'm here with a friend of mine

1:09:50an actual book from the El Cerino Library.

1:09:55Gonna talk about it! It's by a native of El Cerrito.

1:09:59and in part it talks about El Cerito, and even our library.

1:10:04Fortunate son! The name of the book was published in 2015,

1:10:09and written by

1:10:11John Fogerty.

1:10:13the founder and leader of Cretan's Clearwater Revival.

1:10:17He was raised in El Cerrito.

1:10:19He went to El Cerrito High School.

1:10:22The first chapter in the book

1:10:25is entitled El Cerrito Days.

1:10:28and in various parts. He refers to what life was like for him.

1:10:33In El Cerrito

1:10:34he notes, he is proudly from El Cerrito and quote, wouldn't trade his early days here with anybody.

1:10:42He talks about the inspiration for the creedent song. It came out of the sky.

1:10:49reputed to be one of the band's better songs.

1:10:52he says.

1:10:54quote as a youngster, I read every Science Fiction book in the El Cerrito Library

1:11:02as we continue to explore how to best replace our a outdated, inadequate and Decay Library.

1:11:10preferably with the Plaza Station Library.

1:11:14We need to keep in mind the many things our library has helped provide us.

1:11:19including a hit song from El Cerrito's own credence. Clearwater Revival.

1:11:25Thank you.

1:11:26Our next speaker is Sam Sulkin, followed by Fred Bialy and Miguel Gravell.

1:11:37Mayor Rudnick City Council members. My name is Sam Salkin. I'm a homeowner and a resident in El Cerrito.

1:11:45You've been accurate, accused of not having courage. I think your courage is amazing.

1:11:50There are 2 narratives here.

1:11:52Sometimes they're competing narratives that don't have room for one another. But there are 2 narratives.

1:11:59and to have a resolution from this council

1:12:02that would be able to synthesize those 2 narratives would require a degree of diplomacy that we need in Israel Gaza at the moment

1:12:12it's beyond the capacity of a city council, and we've seen, when city councils have passed resolutions in favor of a ceasefire, that they've been lopsided. They've been anti-jewish. They've been anti-semitic.

1:12:26and they have, most importantly, or more importantly, been divisive in those particular communities pitting

1:12:34teachers, unions against parents, against students.

1:12:37This is not what should be coming into these chambers. So I want to applaud you for your courage, because sometimes, when you don't know what to do, the best thing to do is to do nothing.

1:12:52One of the earlier speakers spoke about the need for everything being fact-based. I would just like to deposit a number of facts.

1:13:01On October 6, 2,023, there was a formal ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas government in Gaza.

1:13:11Hamas broke that ceasefire.

1:13:15Israel is fighting a war it did not seek

1:13:18against an enemy.

1:13:21They're being very rude

1:13:23against an enemy sworn to its destruction and holding scores at its citizens. Hostage.

1:13:30Please refrain from any audible disruptions. Thank you. Be civilized.

1:13:36There can be. There can be a ceasefire tomorrow. Your time has ended, must freeze those hostages and lace down. Thank you. Your time has ended. Please refrain from audible disruptions. You have been warned, if it continues, you will be removed. Our next speaker is Fred Bialy, followed by Miguel Gravell and Dean Kerteszi.

1:13:58So I'm Fred Bialy. I live in El Cerrito.

1:14:02and in case you have not heard the latest news from Gaza

1:14:06the UN. Just released a report stating that the entire population in the Gaza strip

1:14:12are already facing high levels of acute prude insecurity.

1:14:17Northern Gaza, where 300,000 are trapped by the fighting

1:14:21will face famine conditions sometime in the next 6 weeks.

1:14:25one in 3 children, under the age of 2, are malnourished.

1:14:28At least 27 children and 3 adults have already died of starvation.

1:14:34The food system is also being destroyed. 80% of the fishing fleet, agricultural fields, greenhouses, and orchards have been destroyed. White phosphorus, which has been used in Gaza poisons, the land making farming impossible.

1:14:49Before October seventh, 500 trucks a day were entering Gaza.

1:14:54the first 4 months of the war. This had decreased over 80%

1:14:58this month, 165 trucks a day are entering, but this is insufficient to meet the need. Air and boat shipments are not enough to fill the gap

1:15:08according to the UN High Commissioner for human rights.

1:15:12The clock is ticking.

1:15:14Everyone, especially those with influence, must insist that Israel acts to facilitate the unimpeded entry and distribution of needed humanitarian assistance and commercial goods to end starvation and avert all risk of famine.

1:15:30There needs to be a full restoration of essential services, including the supply of food, water, electricity, and fuel, and there needs to be an immediate ceasefire, that is, from the UN.

1:15:43The US. Government can do more to achieve these goals.

1:15:46We all, including the city Council, can do more

1:15:50to push our Government to do whatever it can to avert the ongoing genocide and impending famine. Thank you.

1:15:57The next speaker is Miguel Gravelle, followed by Dean Cortezi and Dorthia Durand

1:16:08greetings Council members.

1:16:10Personally, I've been, I've been perpetually disturbed by the racist rhetoric against palestinians by certain members of the public in this Council chamber over the past few months, who disguised themselves behind polite rhetoric and words of encouragement to the Council.

1:16:25This reminds me. In fact.

1:16:27I'm a history teacher

1:16:29over the white Citizens Councils that sought to enforce legalized racism in the United States. It also reminds me of the polite Southern plantation owners who illegally owned enslaved African, descended people

1:16:40of, and finally our own California Government.

1:16:44after the land was stolen from Mexico, that sanctioned the slaughter of indigenous Californian peoples, including our precious leash on Aloni people on whose land we occupy.

1:16:55Lastly, and most seriously.

1:16:57it reminds me of the rhetoric of the Jewish supremacist and white supremacist government of the State of Israel that has murdered over 40,000 Palestinian humans in Ghaza.

1:17:06causing

1:17:07the impending famine there a massive destruction to the Palestinian infrastructure and culture in Gaza

1:17:14that has endured for thousands of years.

1:17:17Don't be fooled by racists coming up with excuses for why you should or should not get involved in global human rights. They are the ones promoting division, promoting Palestinian oppression and actual racism.

1:17:29While forgetting the skyrocketing racism against Arabs and Islamophobic violence.

1:17:35But my own students have endured.

1:17:37Arabs and Jews are both Semitic peoples. By the way.

1:17:40you should look that up many universities that are Iv. Legal, tell you that

1:17:44I echo the sentiments of my majority in the beloved El Cerrito, that the council pass a resolution for a permanent ceasefire in Gassa as the start of a peaceful process of Yes, restorative and transformational justice for all

1:17:57in the historic.

1:17:58colonized, and currently occupied Palestine. The havoc. And indeed, the catastrophe where Nakba, wrecked upon Palestinian land culture, lives, and your time has ended. Thank you. Our next speaker is Dean Cortezi, followed by Dorothea Darenes and Katie Bolton Schmuller.

1:18:27My name is Dean Kerase. I'm a lifelong resident of El Cerrito.

1:18:32I come before you once again at this meeting to urge you not to put a ceasefire resolution on the agenda.

1:18:41I am certain everyone in this room

1:18:44wants the fighting to stop.

1:18:46I want it to stop, too.

1:18:48I wanted to have already stopped.

1:18:51But I don't think that's what people are asking for.

1:18:54They're asking for you to state the obvious. Put a ceasefire resolution on your agenda

1:19:00and in every city where that's happened.

1:19:03said it before, but it bears repeating Richmond, Oakland, San Francisco. Other cities.

1:19:11People will come before you.

1:19:13They won't just call for a ceasefire.

1:19:16They'll call for Israel's destruction.

1:19:18They'll declare it to be a racist, colonialist, settler colony. They will deny the Jewish narrative and the Jewish tie to the land.

1:19:29They will ask for Israel's destruction.

1:19:32and they will make

1:19:34vilifying comments, not just on Israeli Jews, but all Jews.

1:19:39When that happens, as it did in Richmond. Hate blossoms.

1:19:43We've seen it here. We've seen pro-israel demonstrators attacked

1:19:49one of my congregants 2 weeks ago in Richmond. Had a fire bomb thrown at his house. Luckily

1:19:55no one was hurt.

1:19:57and tonight we've heard the heckling in this audience with people. The ceasefire activists disagree with.

1:20:04This is a rhetorical question, but I think if the shoe were on the other foot, and Hamas's fantasy of destroying Israel had come about, and it was Israeli children who were dying. And, by the way, Israeli children were murdered on October seventh. I don't think they would be calling for a ceasefire, cause you said nothing on October.

1:20:32Please refrain from audible disruptions, or you will be asked to leave the council chambers. Our next speaker is Dorothea Darends, followed by Kate Bolton, Schmuller and Elaine Shelton. I'm really sorry you have to go through this week after week. I I want to thank you for your patience. And

1:20:52okay. So I was one of the people who was in the

1:20:56peaceful demonstration

1:20:58at the Ceasefire

1:21:00demonstration that was being held

1:21:03in El Cerrito.

1:21:04and I watched my young friend being pushed down and having her flag burned, her Israeli flag burned. I watched my other friend

1:21:12have hers wrestled from her hands, and

1:21:16have that flag burned at the time there were 4, is there? El Cerino police there? But they weren't there. They were actually in the parking lot of the

1:21:27you know this, the shopping center.

1:21:30So my request is that you actually

1:21:35devotes more money new funding to the police so that they can hire

1:21:39more police, because I know it's hard to find people. And then on the weekends schedule more police to be present

1:21:47for safety's sake, so that they don't feel intimidated to come and so and protect us. They could have stopped the violence that the Palestinian mob

1:21:57created that day, both in Albany and alter.

1:22:01So I want to say that you know my heart aches for all the people who are suffering and for the starvation

1:22:08Israelis have been displaced internally. There are about 200,000 Israelis displaced.

1:22:14If you go for the seat, the resolution idea of a ceasefire. You're wading into a huge situation because

1:22:22Israel is fighting a seven-front war. Right now

1:22:25his bowler launches 20

1:22:27200 rockets a day into Israel. From the north.

1:22:31We have Syria and Iraq participating in the war as well, and during the October seventh attack on Israeli civilians, which are war crimes, there were 20,000 rockets that Hamas launched into all civilian areas of Israel.

1:22:47So your time has ended. Thank you. Our next speaker is Kate Bolton Schmoller, followed by Elaine Stelton.

1:22:58Hello! My name is Kate Bolton Schmuckler.

1:23:02I've been here since 1989, off and on. And I'm here because, as a Jew

1:23:09whose relatives died in the holocaust, I'm here to support a ceasefire resolution nail Cerrito

1:23:15Jews are not a monolith. Israel is not Judaism. They're 2 separate entities, and it's not that cut and dry.

1:23:23I'm sorry that folks in this town don't feel safe, and I'd like to come and speak on behalf of one person who couldn't be here tonight.

1:23:31He's a Palestinian man whose cousins were killed in the recent

1:23:37goings on. We'll call it goings on

1:23:40in Israel right now. He works at the corner store over on Stockton.

1:23:46and he's not here tonight because he has to attend to his pregnant wife. It's also Ramadan, so he's he's what I told him to get here. So

1:23:53it is a local issue, because there are people here that are fleeing violence and who have suffered from the violence. And we harbor those people. You know, we're here. We're a sanctuary. You know, we try to be a sanctuary for everybody.

1:24:06and I think there's got to be a way of writing something that can put pressure on our national government to take that. That's taking our tax dollars and funding these atrocities.

1:24:16There's got to be a way of writing something that eloquently supports all lives, not just Palestinian lives, but Jewish lives everybody across the board.

1:24:24I, for one, thought that never again met, never again for anyone. And I'm seeing these atrocities happen in real time on my phone

1:24:32on the Internet, like broadcasted by 9 year olds in Palestine, and it breaks my heart. So I pray and hope that we can all come together and

1:24:42make something happen. Put pressure on our government to stop these things. Thank you for your time.

1:24:49Our next speaker is Elaine Spelton.

1:24:58Hello, honorable Merritt. City Council.

1:25:01As you know, public safety is your foremost responsibility.

1:25:07I live in a community that is is interdependent with El Cerrito for fire services, and our police are housed in Elsrito.

1:25:16My safety and the safety of 5,000 others depends on your ability to focus on local matters.

1:25:25For this reason I have come to you today to thank you

1:25:28for your stance on public safety by spending your city's valuable resources here at home, instead of investing city funds on international matters.

1:25:41I have followed the city's budget closely, so I know that El Cerido is not in a financial position to pay city staff over time to handle international matters.

1:25:53Once again. I thank you.

1:25:57Mayor, that concludes a request to speak

1:26:00right.

1:26:01We're going to take a 15 min recess or do a 10 min recess.

1:26:07There.

1:37:15Hi! I'm Yuko, and I've been living in El Cerrito for 11 years.

1:37:19and maybe you can close your eyes to picture this better. Yesterday a UN. Backed Ipc report warned that 1.1 million people in Gaza, which is half their population, have quote, completely exhausted their food supplies and coping capacities, and are struggling with catastrophic hunger and starvation. And this is the highest number of people ever recorded

1:37:41as facing catastrophic hunger by the Ipc system End quote.

1:37:45and the Ed. Of the UNS. World food program says.

1:37:49there is a very small window left to prevent an outright famine, and to do that we need immediate and full access to the North. If we wait until famine has been declared, it's too late. Thousands more will be dead. End. Quote

1:38:03a Palestinian activist in the Us. Said in a recent video that our duty as human beings is to bear witness to people suffering, and said that it's not just watching what is happening, but rather we have to feel that we are deeply connected to the land

1:38:18to the trees, the animals, the people. And it's knowing that this suffering isn't far from us, and it's connecting to that suffering to the point that you are actually moved to action.

1:38:28and in my Buddhist tradition as well, all life is deeply interconnected.

1:38:32My late mentor in life, Daisaku Ikeda characterized global citizenship as one, the wisdom to perceive the interconnectedness of all life.

1:38:402. The courage not to fear or deny difference, and 3. The compassion to maintain an imaginative empathy that reaches beyond one's immediate surroundings, and extends to those suffering in distant places.

1:38:52So how can you not feel the spear and pain deep in your bones and do something. We really are deeply connected, and not so far away from Gosen's ceasefire. Now

1:39:02give me a that ends our public comments. Alright. Thank you so much, Polly, we're going to move on to Item 6 B. Which is a presentation of our fiscal year 2223.

1:39:13Act for the annual comprehensive financial report.

1:39:19Hello, Mayor, council members, crystal reams, finance director.

1:39:24and we'd

1:39:26and took.

1:39:42Okay.

1:39:46excuse me, there we go.

1:39:55Public comment is ended. Thank you.

1:39:59Okay, Mayor. Council members, crystal reams finance director. So for you this evening we have a presentation. Our auditor, Sheldon Shavonne, is on sheldon, has practiced public accounting since 1,998, and founded Siovan and Associates, Llp. In 2,009. He holds a bachelor's of Science, and accounting from San Jose State University is a Cpa. Licensed in California

1:40:24and a member of I AI. Cpa. Cal. Cpa. Gfoa and the Government Audit Quality Control Center. His areas of expertise include compliance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. The standards set forth for financial audits by general accounting offices.

1:40:42government auditing standards, the provisions of the Federal Single Audit Act under the uniform guidance and governmental accounting Standards Board Sheldon specialized in audits of local government and nonprofit organizations.

1:40:56and with that I will turn it over to Sheldon for our presentation.

1:41:01Sheldon Chavan (Chavan and Associates): Thank you, Crystal. You made me sound very important. I appreciate it.

1:41:06Good evening to the city council, and I appreciate

1:41:10the fact that I can still zoom in. I had to address some personal issues today and pick up my son from college, otherwise

1:41:19I would have been there in person.

1:41:22and so we will move forward to present the June 30, 2023. Audit results.

1:41:27First and foremost, we like to start with the audit process, and that process includes a 4 phase approach

1:41:35in essence what we're looking at, and when we perform the audit we start with our planning and risk assessment in our office. Then we meet with your team, your management team.

1:41:45and from there we schedule our interim audit.

1:41:48which is typically in May, June or July, and during the interim audit. We're performing internal controls, documentation and testing which furthers our risk assessment, identifying significant transaction areas

1:41:59and classes and significant assertions and then moving forward from that we plan our phase 2 of the audit, the audit execution, which is the year end portion, and that includes substantive testing and compliance testing and then wrapping up any open items from the internal control interim audit.

1:42:18And then, now we're into phase 3 and phase 4, which is the audit reporting and the follow up.

1:42:23And so tonight should be the last piece of the audit reporting and follow up

1:42:28and reporting to the Council is probably typically the the last part, and sometimes we do get some. Follow up responses and questions that are that come from that meeting.

1:42:40Next slide, please.

1:42:43The standards that we follow include generally accepted auditing standards in the United States of America, generally accepted governmental auditing standards

1:42:51under those standards. We have

1:42:54really

1:42:56one main objective, and that's it, to express an opinion on the financial statements.

1:43:01Now keep in mind that the financial statements include multiple opinion units.

1:43:06Those are pending units are defined under

1:43:09governmental audit governmental accounting standards defined by Gazby

1:43:14and

1:43:15in the act for the annual comprehensive financial report. As you will see later, there are multiple opinion units. For example, you have

1:43:23a so, a government-wide presentation that consolidates

1:43:27all your governmental funds

1:43:29into

1:43:31a one statement that includes your long-term message and your long term liabilities.

1:43:35It also includes some concepts that are now becoming more familiar. It's taken a while, but they've become more familiar, and those concepts are

1:43:43are

1:43:44include deferred inflows of resources and deferred outflows of resources. So that's where we get into actuarial studies, pension liabilities, the impact of adjustments in those actuarial studies on your pension liabilities. That's just one example.

1:43:58Within that we have responsibilities as an auditor to meet that objective. Those responsibilities include the concept of reasonable assurance. It's our responsibility to provide the our opinion within a reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free of material misstatement.

1:44:18so that concept of materiality comes into play. And that's an ongoing.

1:44:23moving part of the audit, it seems because they've redefined

1:44:28th the con that they've redefined materiality over the years in the auditing standards.

1:44:33So now, when we look at materiality, it's not just the qualitative or quantitative aspect. It's also the qualitative. But they've actually narrowed in on the qualitative. It's always been a part of materiality. But now we've been given a definition of what that might mean, and it really has to do with what might be significant to others when they're reading the financial statements. But it all still comes back around to what the auditor judgment is in terms of materiality.

1:44:57Given the standards that we are required to follow.

1:45:00You'll also note that our responsibilities into include internal controls. Right? So what that responsibility is is that we have to document internal controls

1:45:09so that we can assess risk in order to plan the audit.

1:45:13We do not issue an opinion on internal controls unless we are engaged to do so separately.

1:45:19or, I should say, combined with the financial statement, audit itself.

1:45:24So that's new. We can now issue an opinion on internal controls along with the opinion on the financial statements and the opinion units.

1:45:31However, we have to be engaged to do so. And typically we're not. That's usually going to be a public company, not a local government.

1:45:39Next slide, please.

1:45:43This is just an overview of the actor.

1:45:46and the first section is the introductory section which includes your letter of transmittal, your elected officials in your organizational chart.

1:45:54That section is unaudited.

1:45:57The second section is the financial statements. With the auditor's opinion, the management's discussion and analysis.

1:46:03the notes to the financial statements required supplementary information, and then the supplementary information.

1:46:09All of these sections, and all of these pieces, these parts. These documents within the bigger document in Section 2 include audited information.

1:46:19The Mdna also includes unaudited, unaudited information, and technically the Mdna itself is defined as required supplementary information, which is also unaudited. So anything that falls under the the category of required supplement supplementary information is technically unaudited.

1:46:38That means we just don't issue an opinion on it separately, but it does include audited information. So a little confusing. But just so, you know, there's there's bits and pieces in here where we issue an opinion on something. And then there's parts where we don't.

1:46:51Section 3 is is the statistical section. That section includes 10 year history of certain information, financial information, historical information, demographic information for the city.

1:47:04That's the financial information's been audited by various firms over the years, not just mine.

1:47:10And the historical and demographic information has not

1:47:14next slide, please.

1:47:17So this slide, really, I just wanna I wanted to have this in there so we could look at some of the historical numbers, because keep in mind, we're looking at June 30, 23. So as an auditor, I'm also a history professor. Right? We're always doing history lessons if I feel, and the one thing that I would like readers to take away from this

1:47:37one particular slide and the Council to take away from this as well is the increase in the non current liabilities. You can't really miss that big bar graph going right up

1:47:46the middle of the screen.

1:47:48And what caused that? Was the pensions, right? So, Calpers pension liabilities, you're a part of that pool. And in that pool there's been a significant swing from 20 fiscal year, ending June 30, 2021 to June 30, 2023,

1:48:03and that swing was that in June 30, 21,

1:48:07the liability was following its normal curve. But then, in June 30, 2022, you had to decrease in that liability a rather significant one. It went from around 70 million to 49 million.

1:48:19Well, in June 30, 2023, we're right back up to 79 million. So it's almost like June 30, 22 did not exist right? And so what happened was that

1:48:29when the actual

1:48:32professionals are

1:48:34preparing their reports or purrs, and they're estimating what the earnings are going to be during those measurement periods that we report on in each of these fiscal years.

1:48:43They estimated the earnings to be lower than they actually turned out to be for the fiscal year into June 30, 22.

1:48:53What happened in 23 fiscal year 23. They estimated their earnings to be higher. Look sorry. I flipped that around the earnings were estimated to be lower than they actually were in 22. I did see that correctly. Their earnings were estimated to be higher than they actually were in 2023. So you had a flip.

1:49:10right? So the plan did better than expected. In 22 it did worse than expected. In 23.

1:49:16In this meeting.

1:49:18Please return to your seat and allow the speaker to continue. You are disturbing this meeting.

1:49:27You are disturbing this meeting. Please return to your seat and allow the meeting to proceed. Thank you.

1:49:34Sheldon Chavan (Chavan and Associates): So yeah, that net pension liability, it has increased because mostly of the impact of the earnings and the estimates being different for the 23 versus 22. But it's back when it's normal. Curve

1:49:45next slide, please.

1:49:47So this slide goes over the revenue. And again, just just one shot here that I wanted to point out. And that's that nice big bar right in the middle. You can't miss it again. Taxes, right property, taxes, sales, taxes, use taxes, hotel taxes biggest and most significant part of the city's revenue. That's very consistent with other cities.

1:50:05And you can see there's actually an increase there, and that's somewhat of a covid impact, as the economy is re is recovered, and then also property tax values, you know, seem to keep going up and up and up. So

1:50:17I'd say, that's a good curb to have

1:50:19government government expenses by function. So this one looks a little funny. This is also impacted by your net pension liabilities. Now keep in mind what we're presenting. What I'm presenting is the government wide financial statement numbers, not your governmental fund numbers. Right? So this is the consolidated and adjusted

1:50:38for the long term impact of your net pension liabilities, other long term debt.

1:50:44your capital assets, which includes depreciation right? And so when you see that the expenses have decreased, for example, in public safety, the most significant impact there is really

1:50:55pensions. You had a pension credit because of those swings in the investment earnings, and also some of the assumptions like that. The discount rates changed in in the first plans.

1:51:04Next slide, please.

1:51:07Business type activities. I just wanted to let you know they exist because you do have them integrated sewer

1:51:13and a slight increase in the operating expenses. There. I guess it's a somewhat of a decent increase there.

1:51:20But overall, the business type activities look healthy and sound. So I just really wanted to have this here because you do have those those type of activities.

1:51:30And then you can ask questions. If you saw something

1:51:32audit results.

1:51:34Well, they're really good. Actually. So we didn't have any exceptions in our audit opinions. Keep in mind. I talked about how the standards require us to issue an opinion on all opinion units

1:51:44and so we didn't have any exceptions. So we issue multiple opinions, multiple over multiple opinion units. And we didn't have find anything that would require us to modify a report. We did not report any material weaknesses. We did not have any disagreements with management.

1:51:58We do not have significant pass on adjustments. So you know, as we're going through that concept of materiality, we actually establish even lower thresholds for items that are trivial.

1:52:08And if we have enough of those items that are trivial. We'll report that to management, and we'll report that to council. We didn't have anything that that met that threshold.

1:52:17Where's the no, for control deficiencies. Do we have the right slide? I think we do. We have the right slide right? Because there are no control deficiencies. By the way. So last year we reported 9

1:52:29areas of weakness control deficiencies.

1:52:34In our management letter, I'm happy to say that after the procedures that we perform, not just through the fiscal year, but also subsequent to the fiscal year, for the the work that we do for our search for and record liabilities, and our subsequent event. Review that

1:52:49the personnel that you brought in this year specifically crystal, did a terrific job and

1:52:54implementing the recommendations or recommendations even better than what we brought forward, so that we're able to not have any control deficiencies in this audit.

1:53:02So now keep in mind that we perform this audit with a reasonable assurance. Right?

1:53:07So that's not absolute. So we can't look at everything so we can't find everything. We can't promise you that something didn't slip through our grass because we we just, you know, it's not possible for us to touch everything that we look at.

1:53:19That reasonable assurance is a very high level assurance of of assurance. It is not absolute. But we do test to a 90% level of confidence. When we do our testing our sampling, our population review we check for completeness. So I'd say overall with the

1:53:35process that we went through. It was very

1:53:39tedious for Crystal. I'm sure we ask a lot of questions we ask for a lot of information. We're pretty we're kind of like a hammer

1:53:48in the nail a little bit sometimes. So I do appreciate the work and the effort to get to this end result.

1:53:54Sheldon Chavan (Chavan and Associates): So with that, I'll leave you with any questions or comments that you might have would be happy to answer those questions.

1:54:04Thank you so much, Sheldon.

1:54:06Up.

1:54:07please. We had our public comment for non-agendized items.

1:54:11You you are disturbing this meeting. This is now impacting residents of the city.

1:54:18You are disturbing this meeting, and we're going to ask you several times to come order so that the City Council meeting can continue.

1:54:27If you continue to interrupt the meeting after multiple warnings we will

1:54:33either recess the meeting, or we will ask you to be removed from this space.

1:55:07Please stop disturbing this meeting

1:55:10right now. The City Council is attempting to conduct business, and you are disrupting this meeting.

1:55:15If you do not stop disrupting the meeting after being worn multiple times. We're going to either recess this meeting or we're going to have you removed from the chambers.

1:55:27We've warned. We've warned you multiple times. Mayor, would you like to call a recess? Oh, yes, I'd like to call recess. Thank you. Thank you.

1:56:50Alright. We're back from recess at 8 o'clock. Thank you so much for the presentation. Do we still have our presenter.

1:56:58Sheldon Chavan (Chavan and Associates): I'm here.

1:56:59Alright. Thank you so much. Appreciate your work, Sheldon.

1:57:01Is there any questions? Council?

1:57:06I'll start with councilmember. Motoyama. Thank you. Mayor.

1:57:12I have a new question that came up as you were presenting.

1:57:17thank you for this exciting act, for I'm really

1:57:22just thrilled that we are very far from the going concern business that we had going with our audit before.

1:57:31You had mentioned that there were 9 areas with the control deficiencies before, and I was wondering if you could tell us what they were.

1:57:39Sheldon Chavan (Chavan and Associates): Sure. Give me 1 s. Let me pull that up. It'll take more than 10 s.

1:57:57Lean

1:58:07took a little more than 10 Si had another file open that was blocking. But here it comes.

1:58:11So the areas that we had last year

1:58:15were

1:58:17procurement policies.

1:58:20And this is just I'm gonna list. The areas

1:58:22segregation of duties related to information technology controls and monitoring.

1:58:27There was some missing documentation related to accounts, payable

1:58:30financial system safeguards.

1:58:33journal entries and financial system

1:58:35payroll, processing and monitoring

1:58:38centralized record, keeping account coding and then overall financial reporting.

1:58:50Great. I I I can understand that I I know some of those issues resulted from us having just not very much staffing. And so those issues. But I am glad that we were able to have no deficiencies this year. So appreciation to staff for for taking care of those things.

1:59:10I know you explain this.

1:59:13Mr. Shaban. But can you explain a little bit more in detail how we had a 24.7 million expense reduction based on pension expense adjustment. I read it. You'd set it, and I'm still not understanding how

1:59:31something that we didn't do turns into a 24.7 million dollar reduction.

1:59:37Sheldon Chavan (Chavan and Associates): Yeah. So so keep in mind if you look at your fund statements, and if you look at the statement of revenues, expenditures, and changes in fund balance. You're not going to see that reduction, that same dollar amount. It's almost even, I think, if I remember correctly, without having to go look

1:59:51but once you do that conversion, and you start taking into account

1:59:55the pension credits and pension expenses. And well, in this case pension credits only from the changes and assumptions and from the earnings having been much less than expected in 2023,

2:00:13you you see that impact going from the conversion of your governmental fund statements to your government wide statement of activities. So once you get to that statement of activities, that's where that long term impact gets you

2:00:27the concepts a little bit difficult, because, remember, earlier on I mentioned deferred inflows and outflows.

2:00:32So you're not just seeing the impact from one year you're seeing the impact from multiple years. Right? And so that's where it's hard to really understand and judge it because

2:00:42you can have a swing year like that that has a significant impact on your government life financials.

2:00:48and it kind of defeats the purpose of the standard which is consistency and transparency.

2:00:54So you end up with a swing year because you have these deferrals, you end up with inconsistency because you have these deferrals. So on my opinion, it really kind of skews the numbers, instead of making them look more consistent year over year.

2:01:10Okay? So I I can under, I understand, like the discount rate, and how our pension obligation changes changes because of the estimate. But I still don't understand why. It's a savings of 24.7 million instead of an additional liability.

2:01:28Sheldon Chavan (Chavan and Associates): Right. It's

2:01:30oh, sorry I spoke over you my apologies. It really comes down to the prior deferrals

2:01:36catching up

2:01:38right? And that's what you're seeing. So you're actually gonna see a bigger impact from

2:01:42Sheldon Chavan (Chavan and Associates): the 2023 fiscal year next year.

2:01:46So you're gonna see another swing next year, right. So there's always a delay because of the way they set up the deferrals, and that has to do with the fact that, you know you can't really keep up with the measurement period. So the measurement periods one year behind right?

2:02:00And so they set up these deferrals and hope. And we're hoping that it would create consistency, but it actually has done the opposite.

2:02:08Okay? So so we can expect to see roughly, like a 25 million dollar upswing next year in terms of pension liability.

2:02:17Sheldon Chavan (Chavan and Associates): In theory, in terms of pension expense in terms of overall expense. In theory. Yes, your pension liability. I would expect that next year it'd be a consistent increase back on the normal curve that it was heading on previously.

2:02:30Yeah. So that's what I would expect. So your liability itself. You, you shouldn't see a huge increase, but somewhat of an increase.

2:02:38Okay? And then this question is more for crystal. But regardless of these shifts and adjustments to our liability in the audit in terms of our our summarized financials across all, all

2:02:53cost sectors.

2:02:55what we pay every year, based on our

2:03:00what our liability on an annual basis. We're still keeping up with that. That doesn't fluctuate like this. Right?

2:03:08Okay, correct, we're paying our annual required contribution by calpers.

2:03:14Currently, we're doing it monthly. The goal for next fiscal year is to to prepay it, to save a little bit on on interest. But yeah, that's completely separate, for this is the government wide focuses on, you know all the longer term whereas the government wide or the governmental statements are current. Okay.

2:03:33thank you very much.

2:03:35And I think I keep asking every year. And

2:03:40I just wanna understand the the low MoD income housing asset funds. Can you confirm how much

2:03:46we have like

2:03:49on hands?

2:03:51Act, you know, as opposed to

2:03:53sort of loans we've made in the past.

2:03:57So we have for our cash on hand. As of June thirtieth 2,023. It was $761,664 and then in the assets we do have interest receivable and the loans.

2:04:141.2 and injured

2:04:18in loans. Okay, but in terms of if we are supporting other affordable housing activity, that's the 760,000, not the correct 4 million dollars. Correct? Okay, yeah, we have, I think, for some of those we're not scheduled to receive them for years and years. I know those are residual receipts, loans. So they come at the end. Yeah.

2:04:38okay? And

2:04:42that those were my questions. Thank you.

2:04:45Sheldon Chavan (Chavan and Associates): Perfect questions.

2:04:47Any questions.

2:04:49this one? Yep.

2:04:51like councilmember. Fideli.

2:04:53Thank you. It's it's great not to hear the word tran again.

2:04:59Couple of years, anyway. Right?

2:05:02And this is the question for Mr. Siobhan. So

2:05:06We had in the last couple council meetings the issue of accounts payable brought up to us.

2:05:13and you just mentioned it as an issue of the last

2:05:17one of the 9. Is that correct?

2:05:20I'm up.

2:05:21How how did that issue? And now I'm happy that we've corrected it more on target. And

2:05:27what was different in last year's audit compared to how the accounts payable was demonstrated in this year's.

2:05:36Sheldon Chavan (Chavan and Associates): First and foremost, when we selected our sample and requested the supporting documentation.

2:05:40the city I actually had it. That's the first step.

2:05:44Did you know last time that we didn't you? So you did a an audit without that information.

2:05:49Sheldon Chavan (Chavan and Associates): We were able to get it eventually.

2:05:51we're able to get it eventually. So it took time.

2:05:55It was missing, it was found, and we're able to substantiate the numbers. But just by the fact that it it wasn't immediately and readily available. That's that's a finding right?

2:06:05That's at least a significant deficiency. And so that's what the issue was. Partly. And then other. I think we did have some areas where we were testing either controls or

2:06:16substantively, and numbers didn't tie. Timing was off things of that nature as well.

2:06:22So corrections were needed.

2:06:24No longer

2:06:25well noted. So the actual audit process

2:06:30assisted us in rec correcting correct. Okay, that's a good thing.

2:06:37May I pretend.

2:06:40Abd.

2:06:41thank you so much for the presentation. One of the things to note is that this is the first time that your firm has done an audit for the city of El Cerrito. So it's pardon.

2:06:51Is there a second? It was our second time. Oh, my gosh, well, so thank you so much. A little bit of a brain moment. But it is really important that we are, you know, cycling through. And we're really appreciative of you being able to do this for us?

2:07:09My question is.

2:07:10one public comment came in around some of our special funds, and if those are being audited specifically, measure v. And measure R. Is that a part of the scope of this audit.

2:07:21Sheldon Chavan (Chavan and Associates): Yeah. Every single fund within the city's accounts has been audited.

2:07:24Okay, thank you.

2:07:27I didn't. You know it was really thorough. And some of the questions I had Council Member Motoyama was able to hit those pretty fast.

2:07:34So

2:07:35if there's any members of the public who wish to provide public comment on this item.

2:07:39we we do not have any speakers. Mayor. Alright! Thank you for all staff across the organization. This is a really heavy lift to be able to present this and to, you know, compile all this data also to be noted again. There's no use of Tran, there's, you know, going concern has been removed, and any of the documents that were requested were provided. So those are really good steps in the right direction. I think you'll see, even from the audit that you know we

2:08:07we still have work to do, but there has been so much work that has been done, and we should not discount the work that has been done. As we are continuing to move forward. So thank you so much, Crystal. Appreciate your leadership, director reams and thank you so much for being here tonight. Virtually appreciate it.

2:08:26Sheldon Chavan (Chavan and Associates): And thank you.

2:08:29Right.

2:08:30that's 8 12, and we're moving on to the adoption of the Consent calendar.

2:08:34So we have.

2:08:36Item, a

2:08:38Crime Prevention Committee reappointments.

2:08:40Item B. Monthly disbursement and check Register Report for February 24.

2:08:45Item c. Annual Progress Report of the General Plan and Housing Element and item d. An amendment to consults. Amendment to consulting services. Agreement with God be research.

2:08:55Would anyone like to pull an item?

2:08:58No. Nope, Nope.

2:09:01I have questions.

2:09:03Okay. Good questions on an item. Yes, alright. On which item I saw I have a question on. Item 7 B.

2:09:10Alright. I have a question on 7 d.

2:09:13Right questions on B and D, let's start with quest any other questions.

2:09:17Alright, we'll start with questions for Item B,

2:09:20hey?

2:09:22So in looking at the check register. I did see that there was a laptop. It looked like it was $15,000.

2:09:31Can you just

2:09:33give an update on that? I don't think it should be for one laptop. But can you clarify for the record? Yes, Crystal Rim's finance director. So

2:09:42we print multiple invoices on one check. And so the probably the flaw with this report is that it chooses the first line as the description. So it's for multiple different items.

2:09:54I believe it was

2:09:58a couple different laptops in that one

2:10:02and along with

2:10:05monthly maintenance fees

2:10:07for Internet and TV.

2:10:09Great. Yeah. So it just it's kind of alarming to see laptop, for Anna is $15,700. So yeah, no, we're definitely looking into some other options for that, because it it does. It is kind of deceiving, and we are limited on some of the field descriptions. They're automatically generated. So we have started.

2:10:26adding more in, actually, so.

2:10:29okay, well, thank you. So I you know I do. Look at the check register. No, definitely, thank you. Hey? Alright!

2:10:36And item d 7 d. Yes, I wanted to know what the qualitative difference between a 15 min and 22 min survey is, and whether or not we're guaranteed at least a pool of 400 people to respond

2:10:50their council member. I can answer that so qualitatively. The difference between the length of the survey is just the number of questions that we're able to ask and it really let under lets us understand the feasibility more. And what the community's priorities are more. So, having more questions answered. Lets us understand, you know whether the support and why their support or vice versa. And yes, we're confident that we'll get the 400

2:11:16a number of responses, and that really determines the margin of error. So that we'll have a high confidence in the results.

2:11:23And it does is not off putting to people. Is it like a 15 min versus a 22 min survey? No, it's consistent with press practice. And we trust our pollster. Who's confident that they can get that many responses.

2:11:35Okay, thank you. Yeah, sure.

2:11:38And I just, you know, just cause I see Director Shawn Moss in the back of the room. I

2:11:44have a comment about the housing element, sure

2:11:47and item 70.

2:11:50So

2:11:51in looking at the general plan and the housing element update. I thought it was very

2:11:56surprising and kind of very positive that we have

2:11:5948 ad use listed. And so

2:12:03it sounds like that program is going well, and

2:12:07I don't know if you want to make any comments about how that's going

2:12:12since you are here.

2:12:16Yeah, thank you. Council member, Mariamma. I'm Shawn Masa City's planning manager. Sorry. I'll I'll take the temporary promotion.

2:12:28the. Yeah. I would just note that the the we've seen a very large uptick in the production of adu. Since the State laws changed in about 2,018, I believe.

2:12:40We've seen about a threefold increase So, yeah, we've yeah, it's definitely been successful. And that's continuing just to

2:12:50people are still bringing those those permit requests in and seems to be fairly stable. Yeah, I mean it, you know, fluctuates a bit from year to year, but it seems to be fairly stable.

2:13:00Great! I think it's a it's a great option for us to increase the amount of housing in the city without impacting the character of our city. So I think that's a

2:13:08very positive thing. So thank you. Thanks

2:13:12also adds a great way to keep families together, and it creates intergenerational housing, which is lovely.

2:13:19all right, so happy to entertain a motion on the consent. Item.

2:13:22I'll move. Move by Motoyama.

2:13:26Second, seconded by Weissinger. All those in favor, please say aye, aye, opposed motion carries with Councilmember King to ask absent.

2:13:34All right, we're going to move on to policy matters. 9. A adoption of revisions to City Boards Commission and committee regulations.

2:13:42Do we have a staff report? Yes, thank you, Mayor and city Council. I'm Holly Charlotte, T. Your city clerk. I'm going to give a very brief update of the action being proposed tonight, and then I will pass it over to councilmember Motiama and Council Member Fidelity. To

2:13:56fidelity! I apologize, Fideli, as members of the advisory body ad hoc. So the the item before you is adoption of revisions to city Boards, Commission and committee regulations. This is a culmination of a single resolution and an ordinance that will adopt all of the recommendations that the City Council adopted on December fifth.

2:14:17This is the culmination of almost 12 months of hard work, and I want to thank Council Member Moti, and Fideli for all of their hard work with me. On this.

2:14:26I think we have a lot of really good recommendations that we're going to put forward.

2:14:30So just in quick summary, the the resolution and ordinance cover a couple of different areas. The first is application and appointment

2:14:40modifying applicants being required

2:14:44and instead, being in strongly encouraged to attend meetings prior to submitting an application, as well as demonstrating knowledge of the current work of the advisory body, they are applying for and limiting no more than 2 concurrent appointments by the same individual with priority going to those who are not already serving in the area of meeting frequency. It covers modification for a minimum amount of meetings per year for each advisory body to monthly, from from monthly to quarterly.

2:15:13and that is a minimum that does not mean that is the maximum.

2:15:17The other area in meeting frequency is the City Council receiving annual reporting of the meetings held for all advisory bodies for the prior calendar year to kind of track. How often those bodies are meeting in the next area of work, planning and accomplishment beginning in fiscal year 2026. And I will note, this is one of the very small modifications from when the Council adopted these recommendations, it was previously 2025,

2:15:44but, given how close we are to the budget cycle. The ad hoc had moved that to fiscal year 26, to have each advisory body adopt a 2 year work plan post that on this, their website within the city's website.

2:15:58Each advisory body has a dedicated page, as well as presenting that information to city Council on consent by July first, of the applicable to 2 years. There's also some strong consider encouragement for those who do have some form of work come already in place to work towards getting a 2 year work plan adopted sooner than 2026. But the goal would be to have everyone have a 2 Year Work Plan, adopted by 2026,

2:16:26and the Council approved work, plan, template. The template containing sections for accomplishments for the prior fiscal year, would also be posted online and presented to the City Council on consent annually by July first. So 2 year work plan, but with an annual update on the prior year's accomplishment.

2:16:45and that template itself is also adopted by the Council, and so it is attached as an exhibit to the resolution.

2:16:52and then recommendations to the city Council from advisory bodies is the next area. This would categorize and more clearly define how recommendations would be received by advisory bodies. Recommendations, reference should reference. The applicable work, plan, item, or connect to an area of responsibility that the advisory body has been tasked with.

2:17:12and those recommendations will be presented to City Council on consent.

2:17:16recommendations that are not related to the work, plan, or area of responsibility would be presented as general public comment similar to what we currently do.

2:17:25And then, finally, the last section is related to youth participation. This is a informal practice that has happened in the past, but this is putting a more formal documented process of encouraging advisory bodies who feel that appointment of a youth member would be beneficial to their body.

2:17:45Yeah, it sets some parameters, such as the youth member must be between the age of 14 and 18, as well as a resident or student at El Cerrito High School, and must obtain written consent to participate.

2:17:56The appointment shall be a non voting appointment and exempt from general rules, with the exception of attendance, requirements, orientation, and handbook training, as well as 1 h of sexual harassment, prevention, training, and then, at the end of their service, the participant would be encouraged to present to the city council on their experience at the end.

2:18:16so that summarizes the recommendations that are contained within the documents that are being requested for adoption, and I'll pass it over to the members of the ad hoc, if they would like to provide any additional commentary.

2:18:28Aye.

2:18:29welcome to you are, in fact.

2:18:31Okay, thank you very much.

2:18:35So we've we've been over this material before a couple times, and former mayor motiama and I and

2:18:43Holly had several meetings, and I wanted to thank them, especially Holly. You did all the legwork. We just. We're the idea people. You put it down on paper and it and it and it worked. And you had some great ideas as well. I just wanna remind the Council and and the folks listening, that this was triggered by

2:19:01efforts of committees to communicate better with

2:19:04with us a council to get their ideas up to us, so we can deal with them and have a back and forth dialogue or take action.

2:19:13And that's based on a work plan having a work plan.

2:19:16If there's an issue in a work plan that needs to be tended to, we want to hear about it.

2:19:22and if it's another issue, then we'll see if we want to hear about it. It's basically what it's about. So there are some general cleanups of some procedures. And I like to say that we built in flexibility into this plan. It's way more flexible.

2:19:37Give some a little lightened staff, load a little bit, and allows folks who want to participate hopefully. They'll be enhanced to come to join us and work on various city assignments. So I'm looking forward to one of the issues to working with the mayor on the other committee that may have some refashioning going forward, and other than that, I would really recommend that we vote for this. Thank you. Mayor. Former Mayor, former Mayor. Yeah.

2:20:05thank you. Yes, I I wanna echo. You know the the thanks to to Holly Charlotte, our our city clerk, and it was wonderful working with you Council Member Fideli, on this issue, and having someone who's very knowledgeable about ordinances and resolutions, and where, where, prior to decisions were, was really really helpful and kind of having, you know.

2:20:30Polly, you finding out what other cities did and bringing us research so that we can understand kind of other practices as well. It's been really helpful. I hope that this does make things more

2:20:43where it's streamlined. I think it would be great to have this work plan to align all the work of the advisory buys with this strategic plan, so that we're all going in the same direction. And we really, you know.

2:20:56we can't emphasize enough the importance of the work plan in alignment with the strategic plan. Because that's really going to make everybody's work more effective.

2:21:07I think

2:21:08a couple of things that I have heard as concerns from people are about. You know the youth. Member not voting. And there's a really specific reason why a youth member doesn't vote, not because we don't want the input of the youth.

2:21:26That's why they're there, and they can vote, and they can give their ideas. It's just that they won't. We can't make somebody under 18 bound by a decision. And that's my understanding from our city attorney. So that is why the the language is, there is not to say that their voice and ideas are not as important. It is important. It's just that, you know.

2:21:51There's a legal reason for that another concern was, we are moving to quarterly meetings at a minimum.

2:21:58but that doesn't preclude any group having more frequent meetings if that's needed or wanted.

2:22:05So this just gives a little bit of flexibility.

2:22:08and the idea of a 2 year work plan is to help bridge the gap from one year to the next. You might have a meeting, or sorry advisory body, where many members transition off. This provides continuity. It doesn't mean that you don't look at the work plan for 2 years. It just means that the time span of a work plan is a little bit longer again for continuity and keeping the work going.

2:22:33So I hope that these changes are meaningful and help people participate more readily and have really good ideas come to council more easily. So again. I also encourage the rest of council to hope for this.

2:22:50Do you have any questions? I have a

2:22:522 short questions, or 1 one question, one comment. So when it comes to a biennial.

2:22:58And also I should note that biennial was incorrectly spelled on the exhibit A, with that list of the accomplishments that that folks would use. But

2:23:09if a board commission or committee, I guess maybe not boards. But if they choose to do an annual versus a biannual. Would they be able to do that?

2:23:21Does it? Are you mandating? Is this? Is this us mandating that is biennial? Or if folks choose or want to do an annual, and they agree upon an annual. Would they be able to do an annual?

2:23:35I think it just covers 2 years.

2:23:38The reason I'm asking is, public comment came in, saying that they would they? The preference was for annual. But how I interpret this is that the minimum is is Biannual.

2:23:49But if a group wanted to be annual, would they be able to be annual

2:23:53if if I made the the language is written as a 2 Year Work Plan. But there is nothing to preclude that body from updating that work plan, however frequently it may need or revisiting it to update information, got it. But it is formatted, based on conversation that it would be a 2 year work plan. Okay, thanks for the clarification. And also we're hoping that these work plans will be presented to us.

2:24:17So there's so many of them that we're hoping to stagger these things and happen every year. Every year would be a lot of work plan. Yes, that that is really important point. Thank you. And then.

2:24:27far as comment goes, you know, one of the things that I expressed, and I know a lot of us expressed was, you know, the disappointment that we can't have youth vote, but understanding that there is the legal restriction as to why they cannot. So again, I appreciate that they can vote, but that the count of the vote.

2:24:46you know, in order to kind of protect the legal implications of it, and then I'll structure also permission from parents. So I appreciate all of that that we, you know, while I think all of us would love to

2:24:57to extend that.

2:24:59And and and one of the things is, we're hoping that youth person will come and show us their experience. So what they've had come present to us, so we will hear what that their views are. So it's not going to be lost by any means. We're hoping to hear about it, and they will get some recognition at their school

2:25:15and with us so, and in practice, you know where, where I've seen the the youth member in in, you know, as a member of the Human Relations Commission. They were an active participant in the discussion. They gave a vote. You know, there was not any limitation on their participation. It's just that this legally binding part.

2:25:36It's great that we started the evening with the presentation from the district, because this could be a really great tie-in for what kids can do, or young people can do to really kind of see how it is that we do see that their decisions really do make a difference. So I hope that that's something that we can also kind of

2:25:55click in with Mayor pro tem y singer, and make sure that we can promote out to El Cerino residents, you know, whether they're at Elser High, so they can be anywhere if they're all 3 or high, or else 3 residents that they don't attend else cerrito high.

2:26:08So thank you, guys for all of your work. Thank you. Staff really appreciate this.

2:26:14So is there? I'd like to entertain if there's any public comment. Goodbye.

2:26:19We do not have any speaker cards, no speaker cards.

2:26:22alright any final comments from the Council.

2:26:26Alright.

2:26:28So I do have a question.

2:26:30If I may mayor do we have to vote separately on the ordinance and the resolution? No, they can be taken together as long as the motion made includes reading the title of the Ordinance, which is in the mayors. Script

2:26:44clarit.

2:26:47do I have a motion to approve the resolution and introduce by title and waive further readings of an ordinance amending L. Ceritos municipal code section 2.0 4.2 2 0 modifying meeting requirements and coherent service on city boards, commissions, and committees.

2:27:06I'll move by Motiama to have a second second by by Fideli. Not fidelity.

2:27:14Alright, pretty clearly. You know what happens. I just wish I was a bank, you know I haven't called anyone by the wrong name yet this year, so I think I think fidelity, you know all those in favor, please say aye, aye, any opposed motion carries with Council Member key to absent. Alright. Thank you so much. We're moving on to Item B,

2:27:36consideration of a memorandum of understanding for coordination of wildfire prevention activities to protect the East Bay Hills in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

2:27:46We have a staff report.

2:27:50Yes, good evening, Council. I'm Eric, sailors. I'm your fire chief, and I'm here to ask you to adopt a resolution authorizing the city of El Cerido, to enter into a memorandum of understanding.

2:28:00to coordinate with our surrounding fire departments and Juris jurisdictions to prevent wildfires. Now I know you have the staff report with you, and I know you have a copy of the memorandum, and I know it's been a long. So I'm here to answer questions for you anything you want to ask

2:28:17for a week.

2:28:18going, its resolution

2:28:23have a question.

2:28:26okay, thank you, Mayor.

2:28:29I have a couple of questions. One is. As I was reading this, it brought up to me that we had a pilot program for no parking on high fire danger days, and I was wondering what happened with that. We haven't heard anything for a while. We're still working on that actively, and that is a different issue. But yes, that is separate from this. Mou. Okay, but it is still in progress. Yeah, absolutely. We have identified the streets and the addresses, and we're making signs. And we're working on the process. Yes, and the goal is to get it. In effect, prior to the fire season this year.

2:28:59Great! Thank you for that update.

2:29:04I was wondering if you could tell me who exactly are the current members, and you know how how robust is this group

2:29:12right now, the current members around us and I'm going to go off memory. You have Contra Costa fire. You have Richmond, you have Berkeley next to us. You have Alameda County, and you have Oakland.

2:29:24And now we have Rodeo and Hercules.

2:29:27Okay, thank you. Yes, and Panel will be taking it up soon. So

2:29:32okay. And then the of the the mou. The language that concerned me most was about the litigation support.

2:29:41And can you give me an example of what kind of litigation we might there might be. And how?

2:29:48How does this work with our insurance?

2:29:51I'm going to hand that to sky. Thank you.

2:29:56Well, any. Yes, it would be handled by the insurance. These are all. Everything that's being done is is within the purview of got sort of normal operations for the city, so there would. So I don't want. I guess I should

2:30:09hedge slightly to say that I can't guarantee the outcome of how Mpa. Would evaluate any particular claim. But

2:30:17the activities that are being contemplated under this Mlu normal city activities. So should be covered.

2:30:26yeah, the

2:30:27types of litigation relate to, you know, potentially, you know, things that are being contemplated as part of this mou are

2:30:37for example, seeking grants that that where one of the member parties to the mou would ask as a fiscal, a act as a fiscal agent, if there were a violation of the terms of the grant because the grant funding are going to all of the parties. If the fiscal agent failed to adhere to the terms of the grant, and that was something that was actually subject to litigation. Then

2:31:03the Grand Tor Grant maker, could potentially attempt to come after all the parties to the mou.

2:31:10Okay, that's pretty hypothetical. Thank you.

2:31:14Those are my questions. Thank you. Thank you.

2:31:18Any questions

2:31:22up

2:31:23this, I mean, I don't have a lot of questions because there's been so much engagement throughout this process. I'm really appreciative that

2:31:31so many agencies recognize again that fires do not know city boundaries or county boundaries, and that having a regional approach is really important. So I appreciate that El Cerita is gonna have a seat at the table, and I know, just from other other jurisdictions that are participating there are unknowns to this process. We don't quite know.

2:31:50but what I do feel really good about is with your leadership and the leadership of the others in the region that we can really think what's best for the residents. And I know that there was a

2:32:02you know. I've talked with a lot of folks, and again we've talked about this in meetings, but I think it's important to note that

2:32:07if it was a Jpa, it would require us to go to the ballot for both Alameda and Contra Costa counties. That's more than 3 million residents. So this approach to me again. We

2:32:19we don't have the luxury of time when it comes to this type of

2:32:23work. So I really appreciate that we are getting involved. So thank you so much for all the work you put into it, and and just your region, your your ability to see this regional partnership.

2:32:35and to bring this forward to us today. Thank you.

2:32:39Right

2:32:41now is the time of public comment. So if we have any comment cards, we do have public comment. Thank you.

2:32:56Okay. Our. Our first speaker is Sue Duncan, followed by Jim Dolgan.

2:33:11Good evening, Mayor Rudnick, Council members. I'm Sue Duncan, resident of El Cerrito and co-founder of Make El Cerrito firesafe.

2:33:19We are pleased that the

2:33:21mou is finally on this evening's agenda.

2:33:25I wanna thank Council Member Fideli for his hard work participation.

2:33:31and for making this happen, and also for 2 stickers for working

2:33:34with the fire chiefs together.

2:33:38Happen also.

2:33:39We strongly encourage all of you to vote

2:33:42to accept the resolution and have else have else read, will become part of this effort, as is stated in the agenda packet, and everybody knows wildfire knows no municipal boundaries. All of the East Bay Hills are in danger of the wildfire threat, as are the rest of the areas down to the bay, due to embers that are blown ahead of a wildfire and which ignite fires ahead of the main fire.

2:34:06We know that our great fire department already works with the surrounding fire departments to coordinate better fire and other emergency responses. However, the city should join this larger regional effort to further coordinate Wildfire Prevention.

2:34:20Please vote to accept the resolution and have El Ceri to become a member of this effort.

2:34:25Thank you.

2:34:26Also, I would like to say

2:34:28that it is too bad that so many speakers tonight seem to think that rules don't apply to them. I guess their parents didn't teach them how to be polite respect. Others. Thank you.

2:34:40Our next speaker is Jim Doggonez, followed by Michael Fisher.

2:34:55Mayor City Council members.

2:34:58Jim Dolgonous, from El Cerrito.

2:35:02and just recently been reappointed to the Crime Prevention Committee.

2:35:07But I'm not here to talk about the Crime Prevention Committee. I'm here representing make El Cerrito fire safe.

2:35:17So

2:35:18everybody recognizes. And we just had the conversation about fires. Don't stop at municipal boundaries.

2:35:28Our fire chief meets with fire chiefs from the surrounding areas.

2:35:34but that's not really sufficient. And one of the ways that I measure that it's not sufficient is we haven't had

2:35:42dollars following from the State or Federal agency, even with the coordination that goes on. So so we need to do you know, we need to do something else

2:35:55a couple of years ago. Oh, boy, I'm gonna run out of time.

2:35:59Gary prost, and I, from make else rid of fire safe worked with Oakland Fire Safe Council and

2:36:09reviewed legislation.

2:36:11We were looking to see if there was legislation that we might be able to use for fire prevention, or we might be able to advocate for changes to legislation.

2:36:21During that time, we decided, oh, it'd be great to talk to our legislators. So we had a conversation with a a assembly woman.

2:36:32Wix, and with Senator Skinner.

2:36:36Senator Skinner was very direct.

2:36:39She's sad

2:36:41form a Jpa. And I'll introduce legislation

2:36:46to bring money into the communities.

2:36:50Well, we know that the the Jpa. Was a little bit too much to bite off, apparently.

2:36:59thank you. Your time has ended. Okay.

2:37:02anyway. Thank you. We want to vote for this Mou.

2:37:07The next speaker is Michael Fisher.

2:37:14Hi. Mayor and Council members. I'm Michael Fisher.

2:37:18I've lived in El Cerrito for 26 years.

2:37:22I'm a lifelong East Bay Resident and my parents house was at the zone of absolute destruction in the Oakland fire. So I'm familiar with what happened.

2:37:34I'm just very quickly, I think, Sue Dunk, I'm also a member of make. No cerito firesafe.

2:37:40And Sue Duncan said it all, and I just wanted going in her remarks. Thank you.

2:37:48Thank you, Mayor. That concludes our request to speak on this item. Alright, any more comments.

2:37:53Yes, councilmember Fideli. Yes, thank you. I'm I'm happy about this item as well on the agenda tonight, and

2:38:02thankful for all the work that's gone into it. The original effort passed when I was mayor more than 3 years ago. Now

2:38:10it's taken that long to for the group to

2:38:13organize and reorganize and figure out direction.

2:38:17It mainly will be a legislative entity with the assisting and with reference and communication with our fire chiefs and the folks that we work with.

2:38:28I'm

2:38:30and

2:38:31there's been a lot of talk about pilots tonight. We've had 2 or 3 pilot projects.

2:38:36I think it's fair to say that with Staff and our fire chief.

2:38:40we're not going into this blindly. We're going into this to to determine the value of this to our city.

2:38:47I can't imagine having actually another effort on regional fire that wouldn't be valuable to us. But one of the meters, and some of what you've talked about are grants.

2:38:57I've had the same thing with the buffy Wix's office, and

2:39:02someone who's running for her seat right now, the Mayor of Berkeley said, why aren't you guys on board on this?

2:39:08If I get to be a Senator, I'm gonna help you get grants, so we can have more money to keep this hillside protected against fire. It's like a no brainer. So I'm hoping that we will find value. The organizers know that we're a city coming back

2:39:24from so financial issues in a year or so. I think this year is going to be more reorganization. There's only one meeting a month.

2:39:33a lot of reorganization, but next year it'll be. We will be able to determine if this is a good deal, and we can start getting the Grant machine going here. And I think that's value.

2:39:45So I'm excited about this. We're going to be in Sacramento tomorrow. Maybe this is something we can also mention to those people that we've talked to about this. They need to know that we're concerned about fire.

2:39:58They need to know that. And they need to be ready to help us with these Grant efforts. And this is the mechanism to get this done. So I wanna thank Sue Duncan and the make LCD. And fire safe folks, too. They've been diligent at this working hard.

2:40:13and I just want to say, thank you.

2:40:18Alright. Well.

2:40:20a quick kind of question around logistics. I we will do the vote. But then.

2:40:27depending on the outcome of the vote

2:40:29as far as appointments for this

2:40:32role comes. Do we need to discuss that here and now?

2:40:37Or is that something? Because it is the mayor who does those appointments.

2:40:45You can have the discussion now, if you'd like to whether or not anybody is interested. But ultimately you're correct, that that these are all may oral appointments. Alright. So

2:40:54you know. Council Member Fideli.

2:40:57So a little bit of what I was gonna say, which is, you know, I'm I'm really honored to be mayor in this time that we are taking on this vote, but we should not discount the fact that it was when

2:41:08Council Member Fideli was Mayor that he really pushed this forward, that he met with the community, and that he, you know, we declared fire to be a real risk, and that we wanted to embark on this. So it would be my honor if you would be interested in serving in that role.

2:41:26I do think it's logical. I would be honored for this, at least for the rest of this year. To to be that I've had the connections and the folks, and been on the calls with the city manager and the fire chief, I would be honored. Thank you. And then Council Member Motoyama was right there during that whole conversation, so it would you be interested in serving as alternate? I would be alright. Alright! So this is all theoretical until we vote on it. But again, it's

2:41:56I appreciate the really hard work from the community. Thank you guys so much for coming to every meeting and making sure that this is something that we prioritize, and there's going to be live safe because of it. And I really appreciate it. I appreciate not only our fire chief, but our fire department. You guys are doing the work day in and day out, and I really appreciate your creativity among many of your other talents, to make sure that we are able to continue to serve this community.

2:42:23So

2:42:24I will entertain a motion. If anyone would like to.

2:42:28it would be I. I would be honored to move it as well. Alright. Move by Fideli and I I'm gonna second that one.

2:42:35All those in favor, please say aye. Any opposed motion carries with Councilmember Kinto absent.

2:42:41alright.

2:42:43the mayor and mayor.

2:42:45Noting for the record your appointment, we will add that to the local liaison appointment, so that you can make that appointment annually as long as the city is a member of the mou. Excellent! Thank you so much. Appreciate it.

2:42:56Alright. Item, 10. Local and regional liaison assignments.

2:43:00Have any reports?

2:43:02I have one. Yes.

2:43:03okay. On March thirteenth

2:43:05I attended the A back housing committee where we discuss the the Bay Area

2:43:12Housing Finance Agency bond that's to come, and that will be moving towards the Executive Board in April for approval to be placed on the November ballot right now. The discussion is around labor requirements for funding from the bond

2:43:30what?

2:43:31Any report out

2:43:34alright. Well, under ab, 1, 2, 3, 4. I'll report that I attended the National League of Cities Conference last week in Washington, DC. It was

2:43:44It was a great meeting.

2:43:47and was, you know.

2:43:49being able to speak with our Congress member being able to go to sessions with really amazing leaders. It was inspirational, and I appreciated the hard work.

2:44:00But you know, these are very challenging times in government on the local level, and so it was great to be able to hear from folks across the country. Best practices and it was a good event.

2:44:14but also you you'd mentioned the crowd feed, which was really great and good event. It was a great event. Didn't you get the President for something?

2:44:23Didn't he speak to you? President Biden was at the National League of Cities. He was the keynote speaker, so we heard that feed we did not get.

2:44:32But the President really highlighted just the importance of

2:44:36local leadership, and it was great to also hear from legislators who started at the local level. So it was, you know

2:44:46he he did. He was a city council member. Yes.

2:44:49okay.

2:44:53alright.

2:44:55And with that

2:44:588, 48, and we are adjourned. The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Tuesday, April second, at 6 pm. Thank you.