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Agenda Item No. 5(A) EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING – CLOSED SESSION Tuesday, December 3, 2013 – 6:00 p.m. Hillside Conference Room CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, December 3, 2013 – 7:00 p.m. City Council Chambers Meeting Location El Cerrito City Hall 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito Greg Lyman – Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Janet Abelson Councilmember Rebecca Benassini Councilmember Jan Bridges Councilmember Mark Friedman 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Councilmembers Abelson, Benassini, Bridges, Friedman and Mayor Lyman all present. CONVENE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING – CLOSED SESSION Mayor Lyman convened the Special City Council – Closed Session at 6:00 p.m. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION A. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION – Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 Title: City Manager B. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS – Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 Agency Designated Representatives: City Council Subcommittee on City Manager Performance Designated Employee: City Manager ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC – No comments. RECESSED INTO CLOSED SESSION at 6:02 p.m. ADJOURNED SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL – CLOSED SESSION at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Councilmembers Abelson, Benassini, Bridges, Friedman and Mayor Lyman all present. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 2 of 6 Version: 12/12/2013 7:00 p.m. CONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Lyman convened the regular City Council meeting at 7:04 p.m. 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OR OBSERVATION OF MOMENT OF SILENCE was led by Mayor Lyman. 2. COUNCIL / STAFF COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Lyman reported that the City Council had concluded the performance evaluation of the City Manager during the preceding closed session. Mayor Lyman also highlighted the importance of Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) devices in saving lives. Individuals can call 911 to locate where AEDs are located in the County and also noted that an AED is available in the El Cerrito City Hall lobby. On December 18, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at City Hall the El Cerrito Historical Society invites the community to join them in recognizing the Chung Mei home. A reception will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall lobby. 3. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC Mayor Lyman re-organized the agenda by presenting the proclamation honoring Dr. Schekman prior to public comment (Agenda Item No. Kim Coles, American Cancer Society – Relay for Life, spoke about the importance of the Relay for Life Event, the fight against cancer and the celebration of cancer survivors. The next event is July 26-27, 2014 at Cerrito Vista Park. More information is available at www.relayforlife.elcerrito.org. Ms. Coles also noted that the American Medical Association also supports the work of Dr. Schekman and the other Nobel Prize winners. Karen Zien, Point Richmond, encouraged all city staff and the City of El Cerrito to become more involved in Relay for Life. Ms. Zien noted that El Cerrito shows civic pride by honoring Nobel Prize winners, by fixing sidewalks to prevent falls, and by allowing police officers and firefighters to participate in Relay for Life. Three thousand dollars has been raised in the past three years. Ms. Zien asked the City Council to honor Relay for Life with a proclamation and to encourage partnership with all employees to participate in the event and help with marketing and signs. Patricia Durham, El Cerrito, stated that she is Chair of the citywide January 2014 Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in El Cerrito. This is the event’s Silver Anniversary. Ms. Durham thanked the City Council for its leadership, for being part of the event for the past 25 years and provided a T-shirt commemorating the event to each councilmember. Judd Goodman, El Cerrito, stated that he just moved to the city and looks forward to raising a family in El Cerrito. Mr. Goodman stated that he likes his neighbors and the City’s walk- ability and open space. As a resident of Rockaway Avenue, Mr. Goodman expressed concerns with construction at El Cerrito High and frustration with the West Contra Costa County School District. There have been multiple efforts and meetings to get a clear understanding of impacts associated with construction at the high school. Sherry Drobner, El Cerrito, expressed concerns with the El Cerrito High School Stadium Project. Ms. Drobner reported that speaking with the School District has been frustrating and asked how communications with the School District can be improved and asked the City to think about ways the city can be an advocate for the neighbors. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 3 of 6 Version: 12/12/2013 4. PRESENTATIONS A. Proclamation Recognizing Dr. Randy Schekman upon the Award of the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine Celebrating and commending Dr. Randy Schekman for the award of the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his role in revealing the machinery that regulates the transport and secretion of proteins in cells and declaring December 10, 2013, Randy Schekman Day in the City of El Cerrito on which date King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden will confer the Nobel Medal, Diploma and Prize on Dr. Schekman. Action: Proclamation presented. B. El Cerrito Police Department Explorer Program – Presented by Lieutenant Robert De La Campa. Action: Received presentation. 5. ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR – Item Nos. 5A through 5D Moved, seconded (Friedman/Abelson) and carried unanimously to adopt Consent Calendar Item Nos. 5A through 5D in one motion as indicated below. A. Minutes for Approval Approve the November 19, 2013 Special City Council Closed Session and Regular City Council meeting minutes. Action: Approved minutes. B. Ordinance Amending Commission Rules and Repealing the Economic Development Board Approve by title, waive further reading and adopt Ordinance 2013–06 amending Section 2.04.220 of the El Cerrito Municipal Code – Boards, Commissions and Committees and Repealing Section 2.04.290 Economic Development Board. First reading November 5, 2013. Ayes – Councilmembers Abelson, Benassini, Bridges, Friedman and Mayor Lyman; Noes – None; Absent – None. Action: Adopted Ordinance No. 2013–06. Effective January 2, 2014. C. Federal Emergency Management Grant for the Purchase of Automatic Cardiac Compression Devices Adopt a resolution which takes the following actions: 1) Authorizes the participation of the Fire Department in a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant for the purchase of three automatic compression devices (ACCD); 2) Approves the use of $7,205 in matching funds which will come from the Fire Department budget; and 3) Authorizes payment of $7,205 to purchase three ACCD’s from Physio-Control, Inc. Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2013–69. D. First Quarter Investment Report Receive and file the City’s Quarterly Investment Report for the period ending September 30, 2013. Action: Received and filed. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None 7. POLICY MATTERS A. City Council Reorganization Annual election of City Council Officers. Mayor Lyman thanked the City Council, residents, board, commission and committee ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 4 of 6 Version: 12/12/2013 members, volunteers, community members and staff of El Cerrito for their professionalism and contributions to the City of El Cerrito. Mayor Lyman noted that as a team, the City Council accomplished many things including two redevelopment agency lawsuits, one which successfully preserved $1.75 million of the City’s general fund and another, filed in October 2013 aimed at protecting $2 million of the City’s general fund, 5 significant right-of-way projects which will make the City safer for bicyclists and pedestrians, 6 awards, both national and regional, 8 grants totaling $4.423 million, including 90% funding for a new fire truck. The City Council issued 18 proclamations including, but not limited to, recognition of the centennial of the Stege Sanitary District and the Library, recognition of resident Dr. Schekman upon the receipt of his Nobel Prize, Volunteer Day, Earth Hour, Earth Day, Bike to Work Day, Affordable Housing Week, Fall Prevention Awareness Week, Asian-Pacific Islander Month, Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender Pride Month, and Arts and Humanities Month. Twenty-four City Council meetings were convened to conduct the city’s business for not only routine matters but also to finalize the City’s first Strategic Plan, adopt the Climate Action Plan, rejuvenate the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan, initiate the Urban Greening Plan, work with Trust for Public Land to acquire seven acres of the Hillside open space, enter into an Exclusive Negotiating Rights Agreement with Build, Inc. for development of three acres located near Del Norte BART, started the weekly Off the Grid Food Truck event, ban single- use plastic bags and styrofoam food-ware containers, update policies regarding Boards, Commissions and Committees, and complete an evaluation of the City Manager that was long overdue. Mayor Lyman concluded by stating that he attended many meetings and workshops over the past year, attended ribbon cuttings and other ceremonial events and at each function, it was a real privilege to represent such a progressive community and the exceptional staff of the City of El Cerrito. Mayor Lyman noted that he could not have performed his role as Mayor without the support of the team of residents, volunteers, staff, city management and City Council. Mayor Lyman expressed appreciation for the support of his family, especially his wife, Mary. Mayor Pro Tem Abelson stated that the City Council enjoyed having Mayor Lyman as the City Council’s leader. The Council was an effective working group, really got things done and accomplished a lot as a team despite all of the financial pressures that came from outside the City. The Strategic Plan, in particular, provided a forum for the City to define who it is and who it wants to be and to also recognize that the Councilmembers have a lot in common. Mayor Pro Tem Abelson stated that Mayor Lyman was a very hard and thorough worker and that she looks forward to continuing to work with him, thanked Mayor Lyman for his service as Mayor during 2012–2013 and presented him with a commemorative plaque. Councilmember Bridges noted that Mayor Lyman is very detail oriented and improved agenda bills by catching grammar and spelling errors. He also initiated a new form for city manager evaluations and performed a re-write of commission policies. There are many things that have Mayor Lyman’s imprint on them. All the meetings were well run. Councilmember Bridges said she appreciated Mayor Lyman’s knack for summation. Councilmember Friedman recognized Mayor Lyman for being balanced, respectful and extremely gracious; for representing the City so well and for setting an exemplary tone when interacting with the public and within city and regional government. Councilmember Benassini stated that she enjoyed how Mayor Lyman kept the City Council informed about the local and regional meetings he attended. Councilmember Benassini also expressed appreciation for Mayor Lyman’s initiative in addressing issues that have not been discussed in awhile and require periodic evaluation and thanked Mayor Lyman for his hard work. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 5 of 6 Version: 12/12/2013 SELECTION OF THE MAYOR Mayor Lyman called for reorganization of the City Council. Cheryl Morse, City Clerk, declared the offices of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore vacant and called for nominations for the Office of Mayor. Councilmember Friedman nominated Mayor Pro Tem Abelson for Mayor. Cheryl Morse, City Clerk, called for further nominations for which there were none. Moved, seconded (Benassini/Lyman) and carried unanimously to close nominations. Action: The City Council, by unanimous vote, elected Mayor Pro Tem Abelson Mayor. SELECTION OF THE MAYOR PRO TEMPORE Mayor Abelson called for nominations for the Office of Mayor Pro Tem. Councilmember Lyman nominated Councilmember Benassini for Mayor Pro Tem. Mayor Abelson called for further nominations for which there were none. Moved, seconded (Bridges/Lyman) and carried unanimously to close nominations. Action: The City Council, by unanimous vote, elected Councilmember Benassini Mayor Pro Tem. Mayor Abelson stated that the City Council will build on steps taken in the past year and will also be building for the future. There are a number of planning processes underway which will conclude next year and begin being implemented. This will result in a new look on San Pablo Avenue, with vibrant new projects and vacant storefronts that will be occupied with vibrant new businesses. It will be a year of building despite difficult economic times. Mayor Abelson said that she measures how well the Council is doing not by how well everyone gets along with each other but also how the Council handles disagreement. Mayor Abelson stated that she looks forward to working with the Council and the community including acknowledging any disagreement and moving forward in a positive way. Free speech is not about how you treat someone that agrees with you but more about how you treat the person that doesn’t agree with you. If someone with an unpopular position is listened to and treated with respect then one can move forward in a positive way. Mayor Abelson thanked all of the Council for being part of a team and for making her experience of being part of the team so enjoyable. Speakers: John Gioia, Contra Costa County Supervisor, stated that he is proud to represent El Cerrito on the Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Gioia acknowledged the leadership of outgoing Mayor Lyman and incoming Mayor Abelson. The El Cerrito City Council is a good example of good governance and each member acts a role model in the community. Supervisor Gioia stated that he had opportunity to serve with Mayor Lyman at the West County Mayors and Supervisors Association meetings and noted how Mayor Lyman kept track of all the various appointments made by the Contra Costa Mayors Conference to important regional bodies. So many appointments come from Central Contra Costa County that Mayor Lyman advocated for the West County Mayors and Supervisors Association to take a more active role in getting support county-wide for West Contra Costa representation. Mayor Lyman understood how important it is for West Contra Costa County to have a voice on important regional bodies. Additionally, Mayor Lyman was usually the most thoughtful and prepared member of the West County Integrated Waste Management Joint Powers Authority. Mayor Lyman represented the City Council and city residents very well. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 6 of 6 Version: 12/12/2013 Supervisor Gioia also acknowledged Mayor Abelson’s leadership over the years not only as Mayor but also as Chair of the Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Commission (CCTA) and other regional bodies. The City is well represented by Mayor Abelson’s leadership on transportation issues. Supervisor Gioia concluded by expressing how much he appreciates and values the County’s partnership and teamwork with El Cerrito and how much the City welcomes the involvement of city commissions. Al Miller, El Cerrito, noted that over the past year the West County Times featured negative articles and reports regarding neighboring cities or its Council. Fortunately, there have only been positive articles about El Cerrito’s accomplishments. Mr. Miller thanked the Council for making the West County Times a pleasurable experience because it only says good things about the City. LaTreesa Alford, Senior Representative, Office of Congressman George Miller, read congratulations and remarks from Congressman Miller, who was in Washington D.C. Congressman Miller congratulated outgoing Mayor Lyman, incoming Mayor Abelson and the entire City Council on its reorganization and also joined in congratulating Dr. Randy Schekman for his 2013 Nobel Prize. Mayor Abelson concluded the City Council meeting by thanking friends and family members present and also expressed her hope in working together with everyone to make this a good year for El Cerrito. 8. COUNCIL ASSIGNMENTS/LIAISON REPORTS (Held over to December 17, 2013 City Council meeting.) SUPPLEMENTAL REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS Item No. 7(A) City Council Reorganization 1. Letter congratulating the City Council upon its reorganization – Submitted by LaTreesa Alford on behalf of Congressman George Miller. Other: 2. Saving Lives and Building Hope in Every Community – Submitted by Kim Coles, American Cancer Society. 3. Where to Turn When You Have Cancer – Submitted by Kim Coles, American Cancer Society. 9. ADJOURNED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING at 8:15 p.m.