1 RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA,
February 28, 2023, 4:00 p.m.
Community Services Building
440 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
_____________________________________________________________________
A. OPEN SESSION TO HEAR PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION The meeting was called to order at 4:05 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez via teleconference.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Doria Robinson, Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: Councilmember Melvin Willis was absent the entire meeting. Councilmembers Claudia Jimenez and Cesar Zepeda arrived after roll call.
C. CLOSED SESSION
C.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9) Ferreira-Dias v. City of Richmond, et al.
DKD of Hilltop, Inc., et al. v. City of Richmond
C.2 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR (Government Code Section 54956.8)
Property: South 45th Street to the west, Wall Avenue to the south, Interstate 80 to the east, and the BART tracks to the north Agency negotiators: Anita Luck, Lina Velasco, Jesus Morales and Nannette Beacham
Negotiating parties: Miraflores Community Devco, LLC
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
Property: 1324 Canal Boulevard (General Warehouse, Port of Richmond) Agency negotiator: Dave Aleshire, Lizeht Zepeda and Nannette Beacham Negotiating parties: Richmond Grown Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
C.3 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Government Code
Section 54957.6)
Agency Representatives: Sharrone Taylor and Jack Hughes Employee organizations:
1. SEIU Local 1021 Full Time Unit and Part Time Unit
2. IFPTE Local 21 Mid-Level Management Unit and Executive Management Units
3. Richmond Police Officers Association RPOA
2 4. Richmond Police Management Association RPMA
5. IAFF Local 188
6. Richmond Fire Management Association RFMA
D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION
None.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
The meeting adjourned at 4:07 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
F. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Special Meeting was called to order at 5:38 p.m.
G. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Doria Robinson, Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: Councilmember Melvin Willis was absent the entire meeting. Councilmembers Claudia Jimenez and Cesar Zepeda arrived after roll call.
H. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
I. AGENDA REVIEW
None.
J. West Contra Costa Unified School District Update
RECEIVE an update from West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) Superintendent Kenneth Chris Hurst and WCCUSD staff on strategic planning, academics, safety, and operations – City Manager’s Office (Shasa Curl/LaShonda White 510-620-6512).
Dr. Kenneth Hurst, Sr., Koy Hill, Michael Booker, Dr. Robert McEntire, Ellen Mejia Hooper, Elizabeth Sanders, and Conrad Tanasychuk, presented a PowerPoint, which highlighted the following: Strategic Planning Process; Academics; STAR Reading & Math State Benchmark by Primary Ethnicity; Cohort Grad A-G Completion Rates; UC System Admission Rates; WCCUSD Schools Serving the City of Richmond; Career Pathway programs & VAPA; Community Schools Programs: Social, Emotional, & Physical Safety; Current Supports; WCCUSD Safety Monitoring Dashboard; Safety Resources; School Safety Tracker; Budget Changes; Opportunities and Risks to Fiscal Condition; Increased LCFF Funding Changes Assumptions; Changes to Expenditures 2022-23; Components of the Ending Fund Balance; Construction Projects 2023; 7-11 Committee; and Negotiations Update. Discussion ensued.
The city council requested statistics the number of students that graduated and those that did not; the number of college counselors at each high school; the population percentages data; community organizations serving Richmond youth to use district facilities; an MOU to collaborate with the city to utilize each other's facilities; and the social & emotional risk service criteria data.
The following individuals gave comments via teleconference: Mike Peritz, Deborah Bayer, Francisco Ortiz, Jessi Taran, and Brian Bland.
Deputy City Manager LaShonda White requested that questions from councilmembers were sent to her in order to follow up with the school district.
3 K. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:09 p.m.
L. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
M. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent:
Councilmember Melvin Willis was absent the entire meeting.
N. PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO
The Public Comment Instructional Video was shown.
O. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
P. AGENDA REVIEW
Item V.9 - Presentation on impending impact of sea level rise and Item U.1 - Resolution terminating the Declaration of the COVID-19 Local Emergency were removed from the consent calendar and moved to be heard after approval of the consent calendar.
Q. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING CLOSED SESSION
C.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9) · Ferreira-Dias v. City of Richmond, et al.
· DKD of Hilltop, Inc., et al. v. City of Richmond
City Council voted unanimously and gave direction to the city attorney to negotiate settlement agreements for both cases.
C.2 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR (Government Code Section 54956.8)
· Property: South 45th Street to the west, Wall Avenue to the south, Interstate 80 to the east, and the BART tracks to the north
Agency negotiators: Anita Luck, Lina Velasco, Jesus Morales and Nannette Beacham Negotiating parties: Miraflores Community Devco, LLC
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
· Property: 1324 Canal Boulevard (General Warehouse, Port of Richmond) Agency negotiator: Dave Aleshire, Lizeht Zepeda and Nannette Beacham Negotiating parties: Richmond Grown
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
Not discussed
C.3 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Government Code Section 54957.6)
· Agency Representatives: Sharrone Taylor and Jack Hughes Employee organizations:
4 1. SEIU Local 1021 Full Time Unit and Part Time Unit
2. IFPTE Local 21 Mid-Level Management Unit and Executive Management Units
3. Richmond Police Officers Association RPOA
4. Richmond Police Management Association RPMA
5. IAFF Local 188
6. Richmond Fire Management Association RFMA
A status report was given, and direction was given for further negotiations.
R. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
City Manager Shasa Curl reported the following: the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Mobile Disaster Recovery Center would be located at the Civic Center parking lot on March 1, 2023, to assist those impacted by the recent storms. Other locations would be at Community Presbyterian Church at 200 E. Leland Road Pittsburg, CA, and at 510 La Gonda Way, Danville, CA 94526 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from Feb. 15 to March 16. More information could be obtained at www.disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or the City Manager's office at 510- 620-6512; and Richmond residents are eligible to bring up to three (3) mattresses per month to be recycled at no cost. Mattresses or box springs can be dropped off Wednesday through Saturday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at 101 Pittsburg Avenue, Richmond. Proof of residency required ID or utility bill. For information on Household Hazardous Waste disposal visit, www.ci.richmond.ca.us/1720/Hazardous-Waste.
S. CRIME REPORT FROM POLICE CHIEF - 4th Tuesday (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
Police Chief Bisa French reported the following crime trends during the month of February 2023: 62 assaults, 19 robberies, 2 sexual assaults, 27 burglaries, 122 thefts, 65 vehicle thefts, 1 arson; 185 vehicles were towed; responded to four side shows; responded to 143 vehicle collisions; and conducted nine DUI investigations.
Significant investigations: a major injury collision on February 15th on the 34th block of Richmond Parkway which required trained traffic investigators due to the seriousness of the injuries involved; a shooting on February 17th in Cresent Park which caused a vehicle to crash into the rear of a home; a fatal hit and run on February 18th at the intersection of Cutting Avenue and Carlson Boulevard.
Vacancy information: eight police officers, two professional staff, two records specialists, and one parking enforcement staff were hired.
T. OPEN FORUM FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
The following individuals gave comments via teleconference:
Jessi Taran stated there would not be a need to hire an investigator in the police department if cameras were in place throughout the city.
Mark Wassberg gave comments regarding communists and terrorist regimes.
Deborah Bayer stated that federal assistance should also be provided to chronically unhoused persons.
Tarnel Abbott stated that part of the plan for Point Molate included soccer fields. Ms.
Abbot also urged the city to staff the Richmond Public Library so it could open on Saturdays and that the contract was renewed to enable the library to purchase books.
Joseph Puleo gave comments regarding public right of ways and the benefits of fencing in certain areas.
5 Leisa Johnson stated that the Internal Revenue Service and Franchise tax filing deadlines for California was extended to May 15, 2023, and to October 16, 2023, mainly for those who suffered losses due to the recent floods.
Rolanda Wilson from the Red Cross gave comments regarding the installation of smoke alarms in Richmond homes in partnership with the Richmond Fire Department during Red Cross Month.
U. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin
Seconded by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Ayes (6): Mayor Eduardo Martinez, Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Soheila Bana, Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, and Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Absent (1): Councilmember Melvin Willis
Passed (6 to 0)
U.1 City Attorney's Office
U.1.a Adoption of Resolution Terminating the Declaration of the Existence of a Local Emergency in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Consistent with Government Code Section 8630(d)
ADOPT a resolution terminating the Declaration of the Existence of a Local Emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, consistent with Government Code Section 8630(d) – City Manager’s Office/City Attorney’s Office (Shasa Curl/Dave Aleshire 510-620-6509).
City Attorney Dave Aleshire gave an overview. Discussion ensued.
The city council requested more information about the effect of the COVID-19 moratoriums such as the Eviction Moratorium and the impact of the continued use of parklets at businesses; consider the possibility of Board and Commission meetings remaining via Zoom; addition to the resolution to include direction to the Rent Board to develop a plan to support renters due to the end of the eviction moratorium; directed staff to facilitate hybrid meetings and clarify if ill committee or board members could also participate from home; directed staff to report back on the mitigation of the potential impacts of the end of the termination of the local emergency by also examining what other cities were doing in accordance with Brown Act provisions.
Adopted Resolution No. 22-23
Motion by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Ayes (6): Mayor Eduardo Martinez, Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Soheila Bana, Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, and Councilmember Claudia Jimenez Absent (1): Councilmember Melvin Willis
6 Passed (6 to 0)
U.2 Finance Department
U.2.a Budget Presentation
RECEIVE a written report from the City Manager, Capital Improvement Projects, Internal Services (Information Technology, Human Resources, Finance), Economic Development, City Clerk, City Council, Mayor’s Office - Finance Department (Shasa Curl/Delmy Cuellar 510-620-6790).
This item was continued from the February 7, 2023, and February 21, 2023, meetings.
U.2.b Budget Presentations
RECEIVE a written report from Community Services (Children and Youth, Employment & Training, Environmental and Community Investment Agreement Grant Administration, Library, Office of Neighborhood Safety, Recreation, Transportation), Community Development (Building, Code Enforcement, Housing Policy, Planning, Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency), and City Attorney’s Office – Finance Department (Shasa Curl/Delmy Cuellar 510- 620-6790). This item was continued from the February 21, 2023, meeting.
U.3 Library and Community Services
U.3.a Alliance Graphics Contract
APPROVE a contract with Alliance Graphics in an amount not to exceed $40,000, for graphic arts products and materials, with a term beginning February 28, 2023, through June 30, 2025 – Community Services Department (Tamara Walker/Fred Lucero 510-621-1562).
U.4 Mayor's Office
U.4.a Proclamation declaring March as American Red Cross Month PROCLAMATION declaring March as American Red Cross Month - Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503) and Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-620-6743).
U.4.b Proclamation recognizing February 28, 2023 as Rare Diseases Day in Richmond, California.
PROCLAMATION recognizing February 28, 2023, as Rare Diseases Day in Richmond, California - Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503) and Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-620-6743).
U.5 Public Works
U.5.a Proposed Contract with Chain Link Fence & Supply, Inc.
APPROVE a contract in the amount of $24,509 for the fencing project at Point Molate, with a term from February 21, 2023, through June 30, 2023 – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/Greg Hardesty 510-620-6920).
V. STUDY AND ACTION SESSION
V.1 Three-year Agreement with Flock Group, Inc.
7 APPROVE a three-year agreement with Flock Group, Inc. for the acquisition, support, and maintenance of a Fixed Automated License Plate Reader System, in an amount not to exceed $249,600, for a term beginning March 1, 2023, through February 28, 2026, and with two one-year renewal options based on the same terms - Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510-621-1802). This item was continued from the February 21, 2023, meeting.
Police Chief Bisa French gave an overview. Laura Ann Holland of Flock Safety presented a PowerPoint, which highlighted the following: How the Technology works; Mitigating Risk; Protecting Privacy; Transparency & Insights. Discussion ensued.
Mike Katz-Lacabe and Tony Sustak gave comments via teleconference.
City Council requested a Sharing of Information MOU with other agencies that would mandate their adherence to the city's Sanctuary City Policy. (11:01 p.m. - A motion made by Councilmember Jimenez, seconded by Councilmember Zepeda, extended the meeting until 11:30 p.m., passed unanimously with Councilmember Willis absent).
A motion was made, and approval of the agreement was passed.
Motion by Councilmember Soheila Bana
Seconded by Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Ayes (6): Mayor Eduardo Martinez, Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Soheila Bana, Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, and Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Absent (1): Councilmember Melvin Willis
Passed (6 to 0)
V.2 Report by the West Contra Costa Fire Safe Council
RECEIVE a presentation from West Contra Costa Fire Safe Council (WCCFSC) regarding its mission, objectives, and achievements – Fire Department (Chief Angel Montoya 510-307-8041). This item was continued from the December 20, 2022, and January 24, 2023, meetings.
This item was continued to the March 7, 2023, City Council meeting.
V.3 Community Crisis Response Program Update
RECEIVE an update regarding the development of a Community Crisis Response Program – Community Services Department (LaShonda White/Patrick Seals 510- 620-6512). This item was continued from the January 24, 2023, meeting.
Deputy City Manager LaShonda White gave an overview. David Harris from Urban Strategies presented a PowerPoint, which highlighted the following:
Community Response Elements; Engagement Explores Residents Experiences; Key Stakeholder Meetings and Briefings: Richmond Survey. Discussion ensued.
The following individuals gave comments via teleconference: Jessi Taran, Leisa Johnson, Deborah Small, and Jamin Pursell.
City council requested a timeline of when the program would be launched.
Recommendations would be presented to the City Council by early May along with a presentation from the Matrix group.
8 V.4 Chevron Hydrogen Project Legal Services Agreement APPROVE a legal services agreement with Aleshire & Wynder for legal representation related to a proposed Chevron Hydrogen Fuel project, with the term expiration date of June 30, 2024, and for a total amount not to exceed $85,000 to be paid by fees collected from the project applicant - City Attorney’s Office (James Atencio 510-620-6509). This item was continued from the February 21, 2023, meeting.
This item was continued to the March 7, 2023, City Council meeting.
V.5 Fourth Contract Amendment with the Segal Group (Western States) DBA Segal
APPROVE a fourth contract amendment in the amount of $20,000 with The Segal Group, Inc., for a total amount not to exceed $350,000, to provide consultation services regarding implementation of the classification and compensation study, with a term extending through December 31, 2023 - Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6602). This item was continued from the February 21, 2023, meeting.
Interim Human Resources Director Sharonne Taylor gave an overview.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin
Seconded by Councilmember Soheila Bana
Ayes (7): Mayor Eduardo Martinez, Councilmember Melvin Willis, Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Soheila Bana, Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, and Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Passed (7 to 0)
V.6 Contract with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) for Historic Resource Evaluations
APPROVE a sole-source contract with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE), in an amount not to exceed $250,000, for a term ending June 30, 2024, to provide evaluation and related design services of certain historic structures at Winehaven Historic District and Shipyard No. 3 Historic District – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/Lina Velasco 510-620-6841). This item was continued from the February 21, 2023, meeting.
This item was continued to the March 7, 2023, City Council meeting.
V.7 THIS ITEM HAS BEEN CONTINUED TO THE MARCH 7, 2023, CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
Finance Committee and Support Staff
APPROVE the creation of the Finance Committee and the hiring of the one staff person within the Mayor’s Office to support the Finance Committee. The deadline to create the Finance committee that includes the City staff will be March 21, 2023 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503). This item was continued from the February 21, 2023, meeting.
V.8 Contract with The Pivotal Group Consultants, Inc.
9 APPROVE a contract and draft scope of work with The Pivotal Group Consultants, Inc. to host a City Council teambuilding retreat, and assist in developing and implementing a City-wide strategic plan, in an amount not to exceed $288,796, with a term expiration of June 30, 2025. City staff will return on March 28, 2023, with an updated scope of work for review and consideration – City Manager’s Office (Shasa Curl 510-620-6512).
This item was continued to the March 7, 2023, City Council meeting.
V.9 Presentation on the impending impact of sea level rise based on scientific data and how Richmond can prepare.
RECEIVE a presentation from Dr. Kristina Hill, Associate Professor of Environmental Planning and Urban Design and Director of the Institute for Urban and Regional Develpment at UC Berkeley to further our understanding of the latest science regarding sea level rise and its impact on our city - Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin (510-620-6366).
Vice Mayor McLaughlin gave an overview. Dr. Kristina Hill made a presentation, which highlighted the following: Impacts on Richmond; Netherlands Water Plan 2.0; State of California Sea Level Rise Guidance; Icefin Robot Probe; Sea Level Rise at the Liquid Gold Superfund Site; Groundwater Hazard; and Contamination in Soil.
Mark Wassberg, Jessi Taran, Paul Carman, Stuart Flashman, Tarnel Abbott, Visa K., Jamin Pursell, and Tony Sustak. Discussion ensued.
Dr. Hill's presentation and notes would be added to the city's environmental webpage as well as recommended as an addition to the city's Environmental Action Plan.
W. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: REFERRALS TO STAFF, AND GENERAL REPORTS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS)
None.
X. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:30 p.m., to meet again on March 7, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.
Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor