Summary

Housing and development actions advance

San PabloApr 7, 20262 min read

At a glance

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The City Council approved a deal-making step for 1411 Rumrill Boulevard, adopted zoning changes tied to housing and air-quality rules, and appointed Y'Anad Burrell to the Planning Commission.

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What this means

The council moved forward with negotiations for a property at 1411 Rumrill Boulevard and approved a consulting-services amendment for the McNeil Park and Rumrill turf projects. It also adopted a zoning change that allows some housing and sensitive uses in the air quality health risk overlay district under certain conditions. The council appointed Y'Anad Burrell to the Planning Commission and approved a citywide beautification plan, a $2,500 sponsorship for a Mother’s Day celebration, and a 4% salary increase for the City Attorney effective April 16, 2026.

Key decisions

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Approved an exclusive negotiations agreement with Community Development Partners for 1411 Rumrill Boulevard.
Approved a first reading of an ordinance to amend zoning rules for residential development and sensitive uses in the air quality health risk overlay district.
Approved a first reading of an ordinance deleting Section 15.04.020.D from Chapter 15.04 of the municipal code.
Appointed Y'Anad Burrell to fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission for a four-year term.
Approved a $219,013 amendment to the CSW/Stuber-Stroeh Engineering Group consulting agreement, with total compensation not to exceed $764,153 and total contract authorization not to exceed $840,568.
Approved a first amendment to the legal services agreement with Jarvis Fay, LLP, increasing maximum compensation by $50,000 to $100,000.
Accepted $60,000 in Measure J Program 28B funds for the Wildcat Creek Crossing Improvements Project.
Appropriated $73,755 in general fund designated reserves for the citywide beautification project and authorized work with WATEARTH, Inc.
Approved a $2,500 event sponsorship for United Business Organization for a Mother's Day celebration event.
Approved an amendment to the City Attorney's employment agreement, effective April 16, 2026, including a 4% salary increase.

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Meeting information

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City Council

Apr 7, 2026, 12:30 AMCity Council Chambers Members of the public may view this meeting online by using this URL https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89046076519completed

CITY COUNCIL/LOCAL SUCCESSOR AGENCY/JOINT POWERS FINANCING AUTHORITY

Agenda

*IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT PUBLIC COMMENTS AND MEETING PARTICIPATION*
NOTICE:
PUBLIC COMMENT
AGENDA MATERIALS
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT:
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 Property: 1411 Rumrill Boulevard, San Pablo, CA Agency Negotiators: Matt Rodriguez, City Manager; and Kieron Slaughter, Economic Development & Housing Manager Negotiating Parties: Community Development Partners, a California corporation Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment for Disposition of Property
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
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CEREMONIAL MATTERS
PROCLAMATIONS
CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF APRIL 2026 AS NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH IN THE CITY OF SAN PABLO CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
CONSIDER APPROVING AND PRESENTING PROCLAMATION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR ELIZABETH (LIBBY) TYLER ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT. CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
PRESENTATIONS
GENERAL UPDATE TO THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO ON MCE PROGRAMS CEQA: With respect to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines, this update on MCE services and enrolment rates and does not require CEQA review. However, the original project, joining Marin Clean Energy Community Choice Aggregation, was determined to be exempt in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(b)(3) and Section 15378(b)(5).
UC BERKELEY PUBLIC SERVICE INTERNSHIP ANNUAL PRESENTATION CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
CITY MANAGER REMARKS
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CONSENT CALENDAR
MINUTES
CONSIDER APPROVING MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 16, 2026 CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
LIABILITY CLAIMS
CONSIDER DENYING LIABILITY CLAIM OF VLADIMIR TIRADO (DOL 1/18/26) CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
CONSIDER DENYING LIABILITY CLAIM OF BEVERLY VILLANUEVA RAMOS (DOL 3/09/26) CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZATION
CONSIDER APPROVAL TO RATIFY A LETTER FROM SAN PABLO MAYOR PABON-ALVARADO ON CITY OF SAN PABLO COMMUNITY CAPITAL FUNDING REQUESTS TO FEDERAL LEGISLATORS (U.S. SENATORS ALEX PADILLA (D-CA); ADAM SCHIFF, (D-CA); AND U.S. CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE JOHN GARAMENDI, D-8TH DISTRICT) FOR DISTRICT FUNDING ALLOCATION FOR 2026-27 FEDERAL BUDGET CYCLE CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
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CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN EXCLUSIVE NEGOTIATIONS AGREEMENT WITH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1411 RUMRILL BOULEVARD FOR NEGOTIATION OF A DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT CEQA: This proposed action is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(B)(5).
CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO (1) AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT FOR CONSULTING SERVICES WITH CSW/STUBER-STROEH ENGINEERING GROUP, INC. FOR AN ARTIFICIAL TURF PRODUCT AND PROCUREMENT STUDY FOR THE MCNEIL PARK PROJECT (0501) AND THE RUMRILL TURF REPLACEMENT PROJECT (0503) IN THE AMOUNT OF $219,013 FOR A TOTAL COMPENSATION UNDER THE AGREEMENT AS AMENDED NOT TO EXCEED $764,153; (2) INCREASING THE CONTRACT CONTINGENCY AMOUNT TO $76,415; AND (3) INCREASING THE CITY MANAGER’S TOTAL CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION FOR THE AGREEMENT FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AUTHORIZATIONTO AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $840,568 INCLUDING ALL PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED CONTINGENCY FUNDS CEQA Compliance Statement The McNeil Park Project (formerly known as SPARC project) is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15304 of the State CEQA Guidelines. Section 15304 exempts from environmental review “minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry and agricultural purposes.” The Project would involve alteration of the site from an empty lot with demolition debris to a park, including grading, new landscaping, and minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored. The Project would not remove any mature trees; the trees within and adjacent to the Project site would be preserved in place. The Public Works Department filed a Notice of Exemption (NOE), dated November 11, 2023, with the Contra Costa County Clerk and the State of California Office of Planning and Research.
CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE JULY 1, 2025, LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH JARVIS FAY, LLP, INCREASING MAXIMUM COMPENSATION BY $50,000, FOR A NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $100,000 CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO ACCEPTING MEASURE J PROGRAM 28B FUNDS FROM THE CONTRA COSTA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,000 AND APPROPRIATING THOSE FUNDS TO THE WILDCAT CREEK CROSSING IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (0702) CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH BRIAN HICKEY, CITY ATTORNEY: AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AMENDED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, EFFECTIVE APRIL 16, 2026
CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO APPROPRIATING FY2025-26 GENERAL FUND DESIGNATED RESERVES (FUND 110) IN THE AMOUNT OF $73,755 TO THE CITY-WIDE BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT (0505) AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO UTILIZE SERVICES FROM EXISTING ON-CALL CONSULTANT, WATEARTH, INC., TO DEVELOP A FINAL CITY-WIDE BEAUTIFICATION PLAN CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
CONSIDER RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO APPROVING AMENDMENT #1 TO CITY COUNCILMEMBER APPOINTMENTS BY MAYOR PABON-ALVARADO OF INDIVIDUAL CITY COUNCILMEMBERS TO ALL TEMPORARY AD-HOC SUBCOMMITTEES, STANDING COMMITTEES AND REGIONAL/LOCAL ASSIGNMENTS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2026 PURSUANT TO SAN PABLO MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2.16.070, INCLUDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TEMPORARY AD-HOC SUBCOMMITTEE FOR PROPOSED CITY-WIDE BEAUTIFICATION PLAN CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA. CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO AUTHORIZING AN EVENT SPONSORSHIP IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,500 TO UNITED BUSINESS ORGANIZATION FOR A MOTHER'S DAY CELEBRATION EVENT CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
* * * * END OF CONSENT CALENDAR * * * *
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
PUBLIC HEARING AND RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO CONSIDERING AN APPEAL OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S DENIAL OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A RETAIL CANNABIS USE AT AN EXISTING COMMERCIAL BUILDING LOCATED IN THE MIXED USE CENTER NORTH DISTRICT IN THE SAN PABLO AVENUE SPECIFIC PLAN (SP-2) AT 14501 SAN PABLO AVENUE, APN: 413-352-017.
CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO AMENDING THE SAN PABLO ZONING CODE, SECTION 17.32.030.B, RESIDENTIAL USES ALLOWED, EXCEPTIONS; SECTION 17.34.030.B, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL USES ALLOWED, EXCEPTIONS; SECTION 17.36.030.B, PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS ALLOWED, EXCEPTIONS; AND SECTION 17.38.050, AIR QUALITY AND HEALTH RISK OVERLAY DISTRICT, OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ALLOW FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND SENSITIVE USES, INCLUDING SCHOOLS, DAY CARE FACILITIES, HOSPITALS, AND PARKS OR PLAYGROUNDS TO BE LOCATED IN THE AIR QUALITY HEALTH RISK OVERLAY DISTRICT (D3) SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS CEQA: This amendment to the San Pablo Zoning Code was previously evaluated in the Addenda to the 2030 General Plan EIR (certified on April 18, 2011) prepared for the General Plan Update 2035 (adopted on July 7, 2025), which found that there would not be any new or additional significant environmental impacts due to adoption of the General Plan Update. This amendment is also exempt from CEQA pursuant to Pub. Res. Code Section 21080.085 which states that CEQA does not apply to a rezoning that implements Housing Element actions. Finally, the ordinance is also categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA, in accordance with Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no potential for causing a significant effect on the environment because it consists of minor changes to land use regulations that do not, on their own, impact the environment. Any projects proposed pursuant to the changes proposed would be separately evaluated for their environmental impacts.
CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO AMENDING CHAPTER 15.04 OF THE SAN PABLO MUNICIPAL CODE BY DELETING SECTION 15.04.020.D. IN ITS ENTIRETY CEQA: This proposed action is not a project pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(B)(5): organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes to the environment; and is also exempt from environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION/CONSIDERATION
SAN PABLO PLANNING COMMISSION A) INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS: (1) CONDUCT INTERVIEWS, AND (2) APPOINT ONE COMMISSIONER TO FILL ONE VACANCY BY RESOLUTION FOR A FOUR-YEAR TERM (APRIL 2026 THROUGH APRIL 2030) OR PROVIDE OTHER DIRECTION TO STAFF B) ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE TO NEWLY APPOINTED COMMISSIONER.
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SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS (IF ANY)
MATERIALS SUBMITTED AFTER PUBLICATION OF THE AGENDA WILL BE APPENDED AFTER THE COUNCIL MEETING. THIS IS NOT AN ACTION ITEM BUT MERELY A MECHANISM FOR MATERIALS SUBMITTED AFTER PUBLICATION OF THE AGENDA TO BE APPENDED TO THE PUBLISHED AGENDA AFTER THE COUNCIL MEETING.
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL ASSIGNMENTS REPORTS
Councilmember Arturo Cruz
Councilmember Patricia Ponce
Councilmember Abel Pineda
Vice Mayor Rita Xavier
Mayor Elizabeth Pabon-Alvarado
ADJOURNMENT
Staff Present: City Manager, Matt Rodriguez City Attorney, Brian P. Hickey Economic Development and Housing Manager, Kieron Slaughter City Clerk, Dorothy Gantt Deputy City Clerk, Casey Erlenheim
ROLL CALL
Staff Present: City Manager, Matt Rodriguez City Attorney, Brian P. Hickey Police Chief, Brian Bubar Community Development Director, Libby Tyler Economic Development and Housing Manager, Kieron Slaughter Community Services Coordinator II, Paola Cubias-Shirazi Associate Planner, Mel Mackson City Clerk, Dorothy Gantt Deputy City Clerk, Casey Erlenheim
ROLL CALL
Approval of the Consent Agenda
Mayor Pabon-Alvarado Called a Recess at 7:58 PM Meeting Reconvened at 8:05 PM
ROLL CALL
Respectfully Submitted, ____________________________ Casey Erlenheim, Deputy City Clerk
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Housing and development actions advance

At a glance

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