From: Cordell Hindler
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments- Open Session prior to Closed Session Date: Thursday, April 21, 2022 4:25:07 PM
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Good Evening Mayor Butt, council and Staff,
I have some comments related to the Closed Session
1. Pamela Christian has done an incredible job making sure that the Agenda packets are out in a Timely Manner
2. Shasa Curl has done a Sensational Job, she has always keep the Council updated Sincerely
Cordell
From: Cordell Hindler
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: public Comments- Open Forum
Date: Thursday, April 21, 2022 4:28:26 PM
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good Evening Mayor Butt, Council and staff, I have some comments for the Record
1. for the May 24th Agenda, the Council should Invite Sabrina Landreth to Provide an Update on how CO-VID has impacted Park Services
2. Also to have DR Hurst to provide a report on the district Sincerely
Cordell
From: WILLIAM DABNEY
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Agenda Item: O.1 Ordinance Adjusting the Boundaries of Council Districts Date: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 2:09:54 PM
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This is to express disappointment and concern that the Council is adopting boundaries for Council Districts which go against the interests of the community. BY disenfranchising the minority community, and diluting the votes of those who have lived in the urban core of Richmond, you are disrespecting many of us who have helped to build this city. Please register my regrets on this matter that we have a Council that votes its own interests rather than listening to the interests of the people.
Bob Dabney
From: Cheryl Maier
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Item O.1 Ordinance Adjusting the Boundaries of Council Districts Date: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 2:19:31 PM
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This is to register discontent with the council decision to re-draw the Council District boundaries in such a way as to lessen the impact of minority voters, in Richmond. We have utilized the process that the city established by going through our neighborhood councils and identifying the boundaries that we most felt would reflect the district's capacity to meet the needs of its constituents. To disregard the very process that the City established to hear from its residents, and then to disregard what the residents themselves have requested is appalling.
We are going to work to elect representatives that are independent and can respond to the needs of the people in their districts, not tell the p[eople what their needs are and what is best for them.
Cheryl Maier
From: Cordell Hindler
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments - Q.1 Budget Session
Date: Thursday, April 21, 2022 4:36:21 PM
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good Evening Mayor Butt, Council and Staff,
I must commend the City Attorney's, City Clerk's and City Manager's Offices on their Presentations Sincerely
Cordell
From: Cordell Hindler
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments- S.1. Study Session
Date: Thursday, April 21, 2022 4:51:11 PM
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Good Evening Mayor Butt, Council and Staff,
I want to thank Councilmembers Willis and Jimenez for bringing this very important Matter on the Agenda.
I do appreciate the staff for what they do for Richmond, when I have a concern on an agenda item, I would email the staff person to explain why the item is on the Agenda Sincerely
Cordell
From: Bonnie Andrews, BRE #01085442
To: City Clerk Dept User
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Public Comments Agenda 4-26-22, Item S.5
Date: Monday, April 25, 2022 10:16:40 PM
Attachments: ANIMAL SHELTER.docx
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Please forward my letter to the Council and post it to the agenda for the above meeting 4/26.
Bonnie Andrews | Realtor
BRE License #01085442
Windermere Rowland Realty
930 San Pablo Ave. Suite A
Pinole, CA 94564
OFFICE (510) 222-9150
CELL (510) 478-8266
FAX (510) 222-9165
April 25, 2022
Dear Mayor Butt and Councilmembers:
Letter for Agenda 4-26-22, Item S. 5
After reviewing the proposed changes in Animal Services I am completely in shock. I am a resident of El Sobrante, have worked at a vet clinic for 17 years, and volunteered many of the past years for rescue groups in our area including the Martinez Animal Shelter volunteer program with Sue Underwood.
When Dr. Bachman was there, I have nothing but good memories, he was compassionate and cared so much about the animals, he always went the extra mile to help an animal be saved. As the years have past I have seen nothing but the animal shelter go down hill,our dedicated volunteers have left and the closing of the Pinole Shelter, lack of staffing to help with incidences with animals, and the care of the animals. I have continued to hear the name Beth Ward, but a lot is not great, no one wants to rock the boat with her in fear of being retaliated on. I cannot personally say as I do not know her. I recently heard that her salary is 300k with benefits and her associates is also high, shame on all of you. How can a county pay that type of salary(for one open shelter) and close a shelter that is so important to so many animals. It would appear that the financial advisor is not doing their job and the focus of helping the community animals has been lost.
First I would like to address the closing of the Pinole Shelter, on this side which services many cities, some that are not as wealthy as others, there is an increase of abandoned animals, people moving and leaving their animals or just releasing them, there is no where to take them, and most of these animal owners are not going to drive to Martinez, most don’t have transportation or gas. You have created an extremely dangerous area for us to live in with these abandoned animals and unthinkable situations for the animals. The stress you have put on the rescue groups who are trying so hard to take up the slack is enormous, and I guarantee you they are not making 300k a year with benefits. They have kept their focus on trying to save the animals, help pay for medical, spay and neutering. The shelter had stopped taking in community cats, I asked what I should tell people that were trapping and trying to help the population by spaying and neutering, I was told to release them. Really, the shelter that gets funding and has a surplus for the general fund each year, cannot accommodate the needs of our county. I am questioning whoever is in charge and making these decisions is not taking the needs of our animals seriously. I work in the complex that the Pinole Shelter is in, and I watch daily people drive their, get out of their cars to see that it is closed and leave. What happens to the welfare of those animals who were going to be surrendered anyway, I can guarantee you that most of them did not make it to Martinez! Second, as I read the time limits for the county to respond to priority 1‐3 calls is ridiculous, hire more field employees, by the time they are able to get there, an animal has already been suffering way to long, a child or someone has already gotten bit, or the animal is gone, there should be transportation for birds, there needs to be in place quick response for wild animals so that they are not dying for hours or days because we do not have staffing.
Third, there needs to be more assistance with spays and neuters for rescues or clients with these animals. The reproduction of kittens and puppies is on the rise with not being able to have enough openings for surgeries. The waiting time is allowing more dogs and cats to get pregnant; I do not remember the shelter ever turning animals away, this is a disgrace for our county. We use to have a shelter that had happy volunteers, openings for all animals, medical care, this is not how people talk about the shelter anymore.
I am asking that the Pinole Shelter be opened back up, we must have a facility in our area. Medical attention must be given to animals in need, and there must be adequate staffing to field calls. I am asking for an audit for Animal Services Budget and see why we are not staffing appropriately for the needs of the county animals and an outside person with experience be consulted to have a program put in place that will help all of our animals in need. It appears that the people running these programs are either lacking the experience in this field, or have been unable to fulfill the requirement of putting a program in place that will help the animals in need.
Thank you,
Bonnie Andrews
From: Katrinka Ruk
To: City Clerk Dept User; Tom Butt - external; Eduardo Martinez; Nat Bates; Demnlus Johnson; claudia jimenez; Melvin Willis; Gayle McLaughlin
Cc: Demnlus Johnson III
Subject: Public Comment: Item S.6 Update on Cost Recovery and Revenue Enhancement Date: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 8:06:02 PM
Attachments: 04.26.22 Council; Cost Recovery & Revenue Enhancement, Letter.docx This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
COUNCIL OF INDUSTRIES
P.O. BOX 70088, PT. RICHMOND, CA 94807
(510)215-9325
501(C)(6) FED ID# 94-0672760
04/26/22
To: City Clerk, Richmond
Cc: Council Members, City Manager
S.6 Update on Cost Recovery and Revenue Enhancement
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->RECEIVE an update on the Cost Recovery and Revenue Enhancement tracking document and Options for Long-term Fiscal Sustainability; and PROVIDE input to City staff – City Manager’s Office (Shasa Curl/LaShonda White 620-6512).
This letter is being submitted on behalf of the Council of Business & Industries.
Whereas we support the city being fiscally responsible, that the city ensures city services meet the expectations of the community and businesses that operate in the city, and, that the budget is balanced – however, focusing only on revenue enhancements is not being responsible to property owners, residents and businesses. In addition, the city needs to focus on cost containment and we have yet to see an analysis of such.
The majority of the twelve recommended “Revenue Enhancement Options” will impact property owners, residents and businesses. According to the agenda report, estimated revenues from this group (excluding the ECIA) will result in $15.5Million of the $27.3 Million estimate.
It is concerning that such an important discussion should be delegated to the end of city council agenda that is already very impacted. In addition, the material that is posted on the website – particularly “Proposed Revenue Generators” – which appears to have a great deal of information, is unreadable due to the font size.
We understand that more information will be brought back to the council, please consider providing comment regarding the following:
1) The Agenda Report notes that Management Partners were authorized to “gather best practices from around the country that might be good options for Richmond to Consider”- what local, similar cities were contacted and what was their input.
2) The Agenda Report states that the consultant will look at feedback from stakeholders and unions – has any feedback been requested from residents, the business community, and Economic Development Commission?
3) The recommendations include two parcel taxes and two additional taxes related to properties – has the city considered the impact that these will have on property owners, particularly retirees and seniors. With approximately 111,700 residents, 85930 are classified as adults of which 14,690 are identified as seniors (www.worldpopulationreview.com
). My current property taxes include 43% for parcel
taxes and bonds. Many seniors are on fixed incomes; some property owners use their rentals to support their retirement. Have you reached out to property owners to determine if they can take on this additional tax burden?
4) Regarding the option to redevelop port land for alternative revenue-generating uses, port property is designated for port usages. We would be happy to work with the city to recruit port industries to Richmond.
5) The option to increase the cost recovery on planning, building services - how does Richmond compare with other similar cities? Increasing city permitting fees beyond what other similar cities charge will not incentivize developers to consider projects in this city.
We are still recovering from the pandemic – individuals and businesses. Any additional taxes and fees need to be fully vetted and shared with the public prior to final decisions being made. This should be done in parallel with cost reductions.
Thank you for your consideration.
Katrinka Ruk
Executive Director
Cc: COI and Chamber
Katrinka Ruk
Executive Director
Council of Business & Industries
510)260-4820 cell
http://www.councilofindustries.com
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Meeting Date
Agenda Item
Name
Email
Comment
Position
Statu
City Council
4/26/2022 4:00 PM Update on the
Transportation
Division
Jim Fouché [email protected]
du
I am commenting
on Item S.7 Update
on Transportation
Department I
would like to
express my view
that Electric Vehicle
charging in the
Marina Bay
Neighborhood of
the City of
Richmond is not
adequate,
especially for those
of us living in Multi-
Family Housing. I
am in favor of an
additional unit (s)
of Solar powered
EV Charging. Multi-
Family housing
units o er
signi cant
opportunities to
expand Electric
Vehicle usage in
the City of
Richmond. Such
units also support
EV access to
underserved
populations. Solar
powered EV
chargers are
For Appro
4/27/22, 8:51 AM https://richmond.escribemeetings.com/Pages/ReportingPrintFriendly.aspx?reporting-reporttype=PublicComment https://richmond.escribemeetings.com/Pages/ReportingPrintFriendly.aspx?reporting-reporttype=PublicComment 2/3 especially desirable
in terms of
reducing
dependence on
vehicles that
pollute our
environment. I
applaud the e orts
of the
Transportation
Department of the
City of Richmond
to improve access
of our citizens to
clean, non-
polluting fuel,
especially for
residents in Multi-
family housing.
These residents
face severe
obstacles to
charging electric
vehicles which are
an increasing
segment of private
and pubic
transportation.
Electric vehicle
charging
infrastructure is a
high priority of our
current President
and Governor and,
thankfully, the City
of Richmond.
Questions of me
can be sent via
email to
[email protected]
du or mail to my
4/27/22, 8:51 AM https://richmond.escribemeetings.com/Pages/ReportingPrintFriendly.aspx?reporting-reporttype=PublicComment https://richmond.escribemeetings.com/Pages/ReportingPrintFriendly.aspx?reporting-reporttype=PublicComment 3/3 address at 1205
Melville Sq. Unit
110, Richmond
94804
From: Susan Lustig
To: City Clerk Dept User
Cc: Joe Leach
Subject: April 26th public comments- agenda item #S8 Page 386 and 387 Clean Up The City Date: Monday, April 25, 2022 11:17:28 PM
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Agenda Item: Clean Up The City - agenda item #S8
1. The unhoused and the trees:
I am asking that the City of Richmond take more responsibility to remove the blight along our roads and to liaison with Caltrans and any other appropriate organizations in order to move the unhoused individuals from our highway off ramps, public thoroughfares, and the trees to a safe and healthy location. And to somehow prevent them from returning, which has been their process to date. They leave, and they return. And the blight and destruction starts all over again.
The number of unhoused individuals living outdoors in our neighborhoods in and under the trees, using them as support stakes for their tents, blankets, and household items is increasing. It is dangerous and unhealthy. In my neighborhood near 580 and Meade the bottom third of a huge pine tree has been lit on fire and completely burned. Since then, the number of people living at the base of the tree has increased and two large tents are now in use. This is at the railroad overpass at the frontage road. See photo of street sign at Regatta and Meade. The blight is increasing daily. (See photos)
On Marina Bay Parkway at the westbound 580 exit a bicycle hangs on a tree branch for all to see. On that corner, tree branches have been cut off in order to connect tents and blankets to the trees. In other words, the trees are being destroyed. Trash is everywhere.
2. Blight:
On the east side of 580 between Regatta and Marina Bay Parkway at 34th and Hoffman, huge piles of trash are strewn all along the frontage road! Someone living there is burning a fire, smoke permeates the air. If this trash catches on fire it will be a catastrophe for the buildings across the street and the homes nearby. (See photos)
At the 580 westbound Harbor Way exit, there are more people living there than the last time I drove by. More trash and furniture scattered around.
I know there are many other areas in Richmond with these same issues that need attention. It is an emergency situation. The ones I mention are one mile from my home where I ride my bicycle and drive to get on the freeway.
3. New Marina Way bike path:
I have been using the new bike path on Marina Way. And as of today, it is covered with shattered bits of glass, dirt and rocks. Hard to ride your bike along it. Requesting regular street sweeping.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my concerns. I hope they will be taken seriously so Richmond can become a beautiful place to live.
Sincerely,
Susan Lustig
Marina Bay Resident for 34 years.
Susan Lustig
[email protected]