Tomorrow, 12-5- Regular City Council meeting, 5 PM, Hybrid. You can find the agenda packet here– note that the city is shifting to a new agenda website.

To start, there are 2 closed session items- conference with labor negotiators on Pinole Police Employee’s Association (PPEA) and ASFCME Local 1, and the same for the Management Compensation Plan. As a result, I would expect the open meeting to start at 5:30 at the earliest, and probably 6 PM or later.

For proclamations, there’s Transgender Day of Remembrance. For Presentations, there are a reading from “Imaginative Short Stories, Volume 2” by Isabella Tucker, a writing contest winner, and a recognition of Roxane Stone for achieving her Certified Municipal Clerk Designation.

Then there’s the consent calendar- There’s the normal minutes and warrants, an update on the status of Parklets and an extension of temporary use permits for existing ones until June 30th 2024, a report on development impact fees, a resolution to increase minimum wage pay rates and update the master salary schedule (net impact estimated $2205 (page 195)), a resolution authorizing the city manager to buy 2 trucks, a hybrid-plug in car, and an electric car for Public Works (total estimated cost $199,287.01, not to exceed amount $229,000 adjusting for taxes and fees (page 203), budgeted for in current FY), a resolution to award a construction contract for the first phase of Sanitary Sewer repair (total cost $1,186,237.8 including contingency, requires a shift forward of $61,237.8 from FY24/25 to the current financial year (page 233)), a resolution to adopt the changes to city council meeting procedures discussed earlier in the year, and finally a resolution to authorize the mayor to execute the employment agreement making Neil Gang the interim city manager (net cost to city $43,783 (page 307)).

Then, there’s a new subcategory- Council Reorganization. There are presentations to Mayor Murphy, Remarks by Mayor Murphy, Selection of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem by resolution, administration of oaths to the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, and transfer of Gavel and comments by the new Mayor. There will then be a recess for a reception.

Finally, there is one new business item- nominating council members to serve on various boards and commissions.

You can join the meeting by zoom direct link here, entering the webinar ID 893 3500 0272 into zoom directly, or calling +1 (669) 900-6833 or +1 (253) 215-8782 or +1 (346) 248-7799, then entering the meeting ID 893 3500 0272#. Once in the meeting by phone, you can raise your hand by pressing *9, and unmute by pressing *6 once called on. You can also attend the meeting in person at Pinole City Hall, 2131 Pear St.

Saturday, 12-2- Tree Lighting, Fernandez Park, In Person 3-5 PM, lighting proper 5:30 PM (Senior center if rain). “Join the City of Pinole as we spread some holiday cheer at *Fernandez Park on Saturday, December 2nd from 3pm-5pm. Children’s activities include holiday crafts, face painting, balloon twisting and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The tree will be turned on at 5:30pm, join the procession at Fernandez Park or meet us at the Community Corner. (San Pablo Ave and Tennent Ave.). Questions: email recreation@ci.pinole.ca.us or call 510-724-9062.

*Weather permitting, event will be moved to the Pinole Senior Center(2500 Charles Ave.) if rain is expected on the day of the event.” (https://www.ci.pinole.ca.us/news/current_news/tree_lighting_2023)

Tuesday, 11-28- Senior Food Program, Pinole Senior Center, in Person 10 AM- 11 AM.
 “The Pinole Senior Center will be partnering with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County on their Senior Food Program. Low-income senior citizens 55+ will be able to receive free groceries, including healthy pantry staples, eggs, cheese and assorted meats twice a month. The time for the distribution is 10:00 am – 11:00 am.

If you are interested in the program all individuals must complete the Senior Food Program Application. Applications are available on the City of Pinole website via the Senior Center page: https://www.ci.pinole.ca.us/city_government/senior_center

In addition, applications are available at the Front Desk of the Senior Center and can be submitted Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 am – 1 pm. Applications can also be submitted on the day of the food pick up. Individuals must bring proof of age such as an ID or Driver’s License and proof of home address which can be a PG&E bill, water bill, or statement listing out the name and residence of the individual. If you have any questions regarding the program please contact the Recreation Coordinator at ksantoyo@ci.pinole.ca.us“. (city calendar)

Tomorrow, 11-27- Planning Commission meeting, Pinole City Hall, Hybrid 7 PM. You can find the agenda packet here. There will be 2 items on the agenda- discussion of the work of the Ad-hoc subcommittee on objective development and design standards, and discussion of the Planning Commissioner’s Academy.

You can join the meeting by zoom direct link here, entering the webinar ID 865 0537 5301 into zoom directly, or calling +1 (669) 900-6833 or +1 (253) 215-8782 or +1 (346) 248-7799, then entering the meeting ID 865 0537 5301#. Once in the meeting by phone, you can raise your hand by pressing *9, and unmute by pressing *6 once called on. You can also attend the meeting in person at Pinole City Hall, 2131 Pear St.

Saturday, 11-18- Holiday Craft Fair, Pinole Senior Center, 10 AM- 3 PM, in person. “Start the Holiday season early at the Pinole Senior Center Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, November 18th. Vendors will be selling various handmade crafts and goods.” (city calendar)

Saturday, 11-18- “Community Creek Cleanup – Nov 18, 10 am – 12 pm at Fernandez Park. Hosted by PVHS Earth Team and Pinole Creek Allies! for more info: info@friendsofpinolecreek.org” (Friends of Pinole Creek, Maureen Toms)

Friday, 11-17- Parks Master Plan Workshop, Pinole Youth Center (635 Tennent), 6-8 PM, in Person. “Join us for a community workshop to help shape the vision for parks in Pinole at the Pinole Youth Center on Friday, November 17th 6-8pm!

http://www.PinoleParksMasterPlan.com <http://www.pinoleparksmasterplan.com/>” (city calendar)

Wednesday, 11-15- United We Heal, Pinole Senior Center, in Person 6-7:30 PM. “Join us for a soothing experience at the Pinole Senior Center led by Planted Energy <https://www.plantedenergy.com>. This sound bath session will be a guided meditation focused on unity and will foster spiritual healing from the painful impacts of hate in our society. Immerse yourself in the healing power of sound, as gentle vibrations wash away stress and promote relaxation. This in-person event is a unique opportunity to connect with your community and embrace the power of collective healing.

No prior experience is necessary, just bring an open mind and a willingness to let go. This event requires a still, quiet space and is intended for adults and children ages10 and up. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Bring your own mat (yoga mat or blanket), wear comfortable clothing, and arrive early to settle into your space.

All participants will receive a special plant gift to take home. Supportive resources from CA vs. Hate will be available.

Event is free, but tickets are required due to limited space. Questions? Please contact recreation@ci.pinole.ca.us or (510)724-9062.” (tickets at eventbrite here <https://www.eventbrite.com/e/united-we-heal-soundbath-tickets-744658181667?aff=oddtdtcreator>, as is source).

Tomorrow, 11-14- Senior Food Program, Pinole Senior Center, in Person 10 AM- 11 AM.
 “The Pinole Senior Center will be partnering with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County on their Senior Food Program. Low-income senior citizens 55+ will be able to receive free groceries, including healthy pantry staples, eggs, cheese and assorted meats twice a month. The time for the distribution is 10:00 am – 11:00 am.

If you are interested in the program all individuals must complete the Senior Food Program Application. Applications are available on the City of Pinole website via the Senior Center page: https://www.ci.pinole.ca.us/city_government/senior_center

In addition, applications are available at the Front Desk of the Senior Center and can be submitted Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 am – 1 pm. Applications can also be submitted on the day of the food pick up. Individuals must bring proof of age such as an ID or Driver’s License and proof of home address which can be a PG&E bill, water bill, or statement listing out the name and residence of the individual. If you have any questions regarding the program please contact the Recreation Coordinator at ksantoyo@ci.pinole.ca.us“. (city calendar)

Today, 11-13- General Produce distribution, Pinole Senior Center, in Person 9 AM- 11 AM. “The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County will be providing bags of fresh produce every second Monday of the month from 9 AM to 11 AM (or as supplies last) at the Pinole Senior Center parking lot, 2500 Charles Ave. You do NOT need to be a member of the Pinole Senior Center or a senior to receive food. Quantities are limited. First come first serve. One bag of produce per household. This will be a contact-less event, please follow the directions from staff and volunteers when you arrive. Parking or exiting your vehicle will not be allowed. Please open your vehicle’s trunk when you enter the parking lot. Food items will be placed in the trunk only by staff/volunteers. If you have any questions, contact the Recreation Coordinator at ksantoyo@ci.pinole.ca.us or call the Front Desk at (510) 724-9800.” (city calendar)