Fabian Herrera

The meeting included reports from the Staff Liaison regarding City updates. Key discussion items centered on the logistics for the upcoming Black Lives Matter flag raising event scheduled for September 26, 2020. Commissioners also discussed organizing future listening forums for community members regarding social justice, including outreach to other City Boards and Commissions. Furthermore, preliminary discussions addressed potential modifications for the 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and related activities, considering options such as a car parade due to COVID-19 safety requirements.

The concurrent meeting involved several key actions and updates. The City Council directed the City Attorney to initiate legal action against the Albany Unified School District concerning the Cougar Field project compliance with CEQA. Updates included the City Hall construction being on schedule for completion in March 2008 and on budget, with staff reviewing options for potential LEED certification given the current construction phase. Public outreach meetings were announced regarding safety and video surveillance. A community meeting was scheduled to discuss unreinforced masonry and seismic hazards for property owners. The San Pablo Avenue Specific Area Plan Committee held its first meeting. The Council presented Business Recognition Awards to Windrush School, Fat Apples Restaurant and Bakery, and Music Works for their community contributions and longevity. Awards were also presented by the El Cerrito Garden Club for outstanding gardens. A proclamation honoring National Night Out was issued to the Crime Prevention Committee. A detailed conceptual design plan for the Upper Fairmont Streetscape was presented, focusing on traffic calming, gateway treatment, commercial revitalization, and streetscape beautification, which prompted significant public discussion regarding traffic impact, pedestrian safety, and maintaining neighborhood character. A resolution was adopted concerning Lt. Watada regarding free speech rights. The Council also appointed Councilmember Potter as the second alternate voting delegate for the League of California Cities 2007 Annual Conference. Liaison reports covered updates from the Financial Advisory Board and the Arts and Culture Commission, which approved a public art project for the Montessori School.

The Special Joint meeting focused on collaborative efforts between the City Council and the School District Board. Key discussion points included the description and expansion potential of the new El Cerrito High School/City of El Cerrito Internship Program. The meeting also featured an update on the Writer Coach Connection program, highlighting its benefits for students' writing skills and the importance of volunteer recruitment. Furthermore, updates were provided on the Bond Program projects, including Fairmont Elementary School, the El Cerrito High Stadium Project, and the future Portola Middle School site, with discussions covering construction timelines, public access, and community use of facilities like the stadium kitchen. A report from the Portola Disposition Subcommittee outlined discussions regarding the future use of the temporary Portola Middle School campus. Public comments addressed the importance of public access to facilities funded by bond measures and continuity of community resources.

The document details the proceedings of a Special City Council Meeting followed by a Regular City Council Meeting. The special session included conducting interviews for City Boards and Commissions, resulting in the appointment of Art Machado to the Parks and Recreation Commission and Tenzin Rangdol to the Financial Advisory Board. The regular session covered council communications regarding local conferences, Earth Day events, and regional policy committee meetings. Staff communications introduced the new Assistant to the City Manager. Public hearings addressed the disposition of property at 1718 Eastshore Boulevard for hotel development, revisions to the Master Fee Schedule (including incentives for electric vehicle charging fees), the Storm Drain Annual Report and fee collection method, and the annual Landscape and Lighting Assessment. Key actions included approving several resolutions related to Senate Bill 1 funding for road projects, opposing the Tax Fairness, Transparency and Accountability Act of 2018, amending the OpenGov, Inc. Professional Services Agreement, approving a reduced summer meeting schedule, and adopting resolutions supporting the reinstatement of the Freedom for Immigrants Advocates Program. Policy matters involved approving Memorandums of Understanding with the El Cerrito Police Employees' Association and the El Cerrito Public Safety Management Association. Finally, local and regional liaison assignments were discussed, including changes to the West County Integrated Waste Management Authority (RecycleMore) Joint Powers Authority agreement.

Discussions focused heavily on the financial viability and future of Doctors Medical Center, including operating losses, necessary capital upgrades for technology and seismic requirements, and the need for creditor settlements and multi-million dollar short-term funding to implement a business plan. Other significant topics included the National Night Out event organized by the Crime Prevention Committee. The Council also addressed public concerns regarding the safety of building new facilities on the active landslide at the Portola Middle School site, with testimony citing expert geological assessments. Furthermore, the City Council reviewed and adopted a comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, including prioritizing routes and safety improvements, and directed staff to return with a draft ADA Transition plan. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a parcel tax rate ordinance for FY 2007-08, the rejection of several claims filed against the City, and the adoption of resolutions related to classification plan amendments, Growth Management Program compliance, destruction of records, modification of red curb markings, appraisal services contracts, and a Graffiti Abatement Contract for the Redevelopment Agency.