Pinole, CA – City Council – Dec 16, 2025

Pinole's annual reorganization meeting ushered in new leadership, advanced two policy initiatives aimed at small businesses and city procurement, and revealed a split council on regional energy representation—a hint of the political dynamics that may shape 2026.

• Anthony Tave sworn in as Mayor; Devin Murphy becomes Mayor Pro Tem

• Council unanimously directs staff to develop crime prevention and facade improvement program for small businesses

• Procurement policy review ordered to clarify union printing and preference policies

• Split vote on MCE Clean Energy delegate signals emerging council factions

• Proposed change to WestCAT transit board representation fails 2–3

• Resident raises concerns about city's role in energy regulation

• Public commenter calls for improved lighting and security at Bayfront Park

New Mayor Pledges Focus on Infrastructure

The Pinole City Council unanimously approved a resolution appointing Anthony Tave as Mayor and Devin T. Murphy as Mayor Pro Tem, following the city's established rotation system. Former Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Hsu administered the oath of office to Mayor Tave, while Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton swore in Mayor Pro Tem Murphy.

In his first remarks as mayor, Tave laid out his priorities for the coming year.

"As mayor, I want to continue keeping Pinole on the positive trajectory we are currently on with a strong focus on smart forward thinking infrastructure investments," Mayor Tave said.

Why it matters: The leadership transition sets the tone for 2026 priorities. Mayor Tave's emphasis on infrastructure signals that capital projects—roads, utilities, and public facilities—will likely dominate budget discussions in the months ahead.

Decision: Resolution appointing Tave as Mayor and Murphy as Mayor Pro Tem. (For: 5, Against: 0, Absent: 0)

Council Moves to Support Small Business Safety and Appearance

Outgoing Mayor Cameron Sasai secured unanimous support for a motion directing staff to return with a framework for a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and facade improvement program targeting small businesses.

"I want to move that the city council have staff return to a future council meeting with an analysis and recommended framework for the establishment of a crime prevention through environmental design and facade improvement program for small businesses within the city of Pinole," Mayor Sasai said.

Why it matters: CPTED programs use physical design—lighting, landscaping, visibility—to deter crime. Combined with facade improvements, the initiative could help struggling retail corridors compete with regional shopping centers while addressing business owners' safety concerns.

What's next: Staff will return at a future meeting with program details, cost estimates, and eligibility criteria.

Decision: Staff direction approved. (For: 5, Against: 0, Absent: 0)

Procurement Policy Under Review

The council also unanimously directed staff to review and update the city's procurement policy, with particular attention to preference policies—including union printing—and how those policies interact when they conflict.

"I want to move that city council half staff bring back and review the city's existing procurement policy and return to a future council meeting with proposed updates, clarifications and recommendations related to preference policies, including but not limited to union printing," Mayor Sasai said, adding the motion should "clarify and clearly identify which policies govern and take precedence in those competing preference policies and procurement policy."

Why it matters: Preference policies can direct city spending toward local businesses, union shops, or disadvantaged enterprises, but overlapping rules create confusion for staff and vendors. The review could reshape how Pinole awards contracts.

What's next: Staff will present proposed updates at a future meeting.

Decision: Staff direction approved. (For: 5, Against: 0, Absent: 0)

Regional Board Assignments Expose Council Fault Lines

The council's discussion of 2026 board and subcommittee assignments revealed a divided body on two key regional appointments.

MCE Clean Energy Delegate

Mayor Pro Tem Murphy moved to appoint himself as MCE Clean Energy delegate, with former Mayor Sasai as alternate. The motion passed 3–2, with Council Members Norma Martinez-Rubin and Maureen Toms voting no.

State of play: MCE is the community choice energy provider serving Contra Costa and other Bay Area counties. The delegate represents Pinole's interests on rate-setting, renewable energy procurement, and program design—decisions with direct bill impacts for residents and businesses.

Decision: Murphy appointed MCE delegate; Sasai as alternate. (For: 3, Against: 2, Absent: 0)

WestCAT Transit Board

Mayor Pro Tem Murphy proposed changing WestCAT delegates to Sasai and himself, with Martinez-Rubin as alternate.

"I'll move approval of delegate Sy Murphy, Alternate Martinez Rubin," Mayor Pro Tem Murphy said.

The motion failed 2–3, with Martinez-Rubin, Toms, and Mayor Tave voting no. A subsequent motion to retain the current assignments—Sasai and Martinez-Rubin as delegates, Murphy as alternate—passed unanimously.

The other side: The failed motion suggests some council members wanted to maintain continuity in transit representation, where Martinez-Rubin has served as a delegate.

Decisions:

• Proposed WestCAT delegate change failed. (For: 2, Against: 3, Absent: 0)

• Status quo retained. (For: 5, Against: 0, Absent: 0)

Ordinance Outreach Plan Advances After Public Request

The consent calendar passed unanimously after a public commenter, Rafael Menez, requested that Item 9F—an outreach and implementation plan for a new ordinance—be pulled for a roll-call vote.

"Supported Item 9F but requested it be pulled from consent for a roll-call vote due to its potentially controversial nature," Menez said.

The discussion revealed the city's communications strategy will include press releases, social media, the city website, PCTV, and newsletters. A citywide mailer was also discussed, with staff estimating the cost at approximately $10,000. Mayor Sasai also highlighted the state Attorney General's misconduct reporting portal as part of the outreach.

Decision: Item 9F approved. (For: 5, Against: 0, Absent: 0)

Minor Items

• Consent calendar (excluding 9F): Approved unanimously.

• Closed session on interim city manager: No reportable action.

• City manager recruitment: Acting City Manager reported the RFP for executive search is live with a deadline of Jan. 9, 2026.

• Annual audit: FY24–25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) scheduled for Jan. 20, 2026.

• Public safety radio encryption: Council Member Toms reported regional encryption is complete, with implications for media and public access to scanner traffic.

• Holiday events: Council members praised recent tree lighting and community gatherings; Council Member Martinez-Rubin emphasized kindness as "a form of leadership that I appreciate."

Public Comment Highlights

Antonio Silva, a local property owner, questioned the city's involvement in energy regulation.

Silva expressed concerns about a new energy program, urged the city to focus on core services like storm drain maintenance, and cautioned against policies that could coerce residents into all-electric transitions.

Anthony Vossbrink requested an update on the police labor contract and called for improved lighting and security at Bayfront Park, citing safety concerns.

Debbie Long congratulated the new mayor and asked that the city acknowledge Hanukkah alongside Christmas celebrations.

Rafael Menis provided a COVID-19 and flu update, noting CDC wastewater data shows levels remain very low with a slight increase, and encouraged vaccinations.

Damian Alarcon‑Young, director of government relations for Travis Credit Union, introduced himself and expressed interest in aligning the credit union's expansion and financial education programs with city priorities.

What to Watch

The 3–2 vote on MCE representation and the failed WestCAT motion suggest the council may not operate as a unanimous bloc in 2026. Watch for whether the infrastructure-first priorities articulated by Mayor Tave align with council members who showed independence on regional assignments.

The upcoming procurement policy review could reshape how the city awards contracts—a potential flashpoint for labor, local business, and equity advocates. Staff's return with a CPTED and facade program framework will test whether the city can turn aspirational small business support into funded programs.

And with the city manager search RFP deadline set for Jan. 9, 2026, the council's most consequential decision of the year may come early.