1 RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA,
March 28, 2023, 3:30 p.m.
Community Services Building
440 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
_____________________________________________________________________
A. OPEN SESSION TO HEAR PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION The Richmond City Council Open Session was called to order at 3:31 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Melvin Willis, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Absent: None.
C. CLOSED SESSION
.
C.1 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EV ALUATION (Government Code Section 54957)
Title: City Clerk
C.2 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of Subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9)
One Case
C.3 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9) Winehaven v. City of Richmond
Guidiville Rancheria of California, et al. v. United States of America, et al. North Coast Rivers Alliance et al./Point Molate Alliance et al. v. City of Richmond
C.4 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR (Government Code Section 54956.8)
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
Property: Metro Walk Phase II at Richmond Transit Village Agency Negotiators: Nannette Beacham, Lina VelascoNegotiating Parties: Pacific West Builders, Inc., San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment (11th
Amendment/Disposition and Development Agreement)
2 C.5 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- WORKERS’
COMPENSATION CLAIMS (Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.95) (Two Employees)
Claimant: Employee - Police Department Five Claims: 18000105COR, 17000123COR, 21000065COR, 21000140COR. 21000141CORAgency Claimed Against: City of Richmond
Claimant: Employee – Fire Department Three Claims: 15000124COR, 17000099COR, 20000053COR Agency Claimed Against: City of Richmond
D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION
None.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
The Open Session adjourned to Closed Session at 3:33 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 5:59 p.m.
________________________________________________________ F. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Special Meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m. was called to order at 6:06 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
G. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
H. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Melvin Willis, Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent:
Councilmember Cesar Zepeda arrived after the roll was called.
I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
J. AGENDA REVIEW
None.
K. BUDGET SESSION
K.1 Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Mid-Year Review
REVIEW the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 mid-year budget which includes proposed budget adjustments increasing General Fund revenue by $8,460,793 and expenditures by $7,926,484 and increasing Non-General Fund revenue by $4,350,887 and expenditures by $1,530,472; and ADOPT a Resolution for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Mid-Year budget adjustments in Attachment 2 – City Manager’s Office/Finance Department (Shasa Curl/Nickie Mastay/Delmy Cuellar 510-620- 6740).
City Manager Shasa Curl introduced the matter. Ms. Curl, Deputy City Manager Internal Services Nicky Mastay, Interim Finance Director Mubeen Qader, Accounting Manager Antonio Banuelos, and Deputy Public Works Director Robert Armijo, presented a PowerPoint that highlighted the following: Adopted Budgeted Revenue in June of 2022; Budget Expenditures for June of 2022; General Fund Expenditure Budget by Department; Mid-year Budget Review of
3 General Fund Revenue and Expense; General Fund Mid-year Revenue Adjustments; General Fund Mid-year Expenditure Adjustments; Proposed Options for Councilmembers; General Fund Proposed Mid-Year Budget; General Fund Revenue Budget Comparison; Non-general Fund Revenue and Expenditures; Pending/Unfunded Budget Requests; and Engineering Grants Reimbursement Plan. Discussion ensued. Mayor Martinez asked for public comment, there were no public speakers.
A motion was made by Councilmember Jimenez seconded by Councilmember Robinson to support Option B with changes that of the proposed $850,000 for risk reserve, $750,000 should instead go towards Carlson Crosstown Connection, $100,000 towards storm related costs and direction that staff implement a five- year plan, starting in Fiscal Year 2023-2024, to increase unfunded liabilities.
Councilmember Bana offered a friendly amendment to approve the original motion with the addition of fire access in District 4. Vice Mayor McLaughlin proposed a change to the friendly amendment that $50,000 of the $3.1 million in Option B could be used for fire access in District 4 unless it could be acquired through Measure X funding. The maker of the original motion and the seconder accepted the friendly amendment with the proposed changes.
Motion by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Doria Robinson
To support Option B with changes that of the proposed $850,000 for risk reserve, $750,000 should instead go towards Carlson Crosstown Connection, $100,000 towards storm related costs and direction that staff implement a five-year plan, starting in Fiscal Year 2023-2024, to increase unfunded liabilities. With the addition that $50,000 of the $3.1 million in Option B could be used for fire access in District 4 unless it could be acquired through Measure X funding.
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Melvin Willis, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Passed (7 to 0)
Adopted Resolution No. 32-23
L. ADJOURNMENT
The Special Meeting of the Richmond City Council adjourned at 7:16 p.m.
M. JOINT SPECIAL MEETING OF THE RICHMOND HOUSING AUTHORITY /
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Joint Special Meeting of the Richmond Housing Authority/Richmond City Council scheduled for 6:25 p.m. was called to order at 7:17 p.m. by Chair/Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
N. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners/Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Melvin Willis, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Chair/Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin and Chair/Mayor Eduardo Martinez, Absent: Tenant Commission Jaycine Scott O. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
P. REPORT FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
4 Interim Executive Director Gabino Arredondo reported on the closure of Nevin Plaza, the transition to a new operator, Hacienda's upcoming grand opening and the building occupancy rate.
Q. AGENDA REVIEW
None.
R. HOUSING AUTHORITY CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Chair/Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Seconded by Vice Chair/Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin
To approve all items on the Housing Authority Consent Calendar.
Ayes (7): Commissioners/Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Melvin Willis, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Absent (1): Tenant Commissioner Jaycine Scott
Passed (7 to 0)
R.1 Housing Authority Meeting Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the Richmond Housing Authority February 21, 2023, special meeting - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
R.2 Emergency Contract with Legacy Mechanical and Energy Services for a Boiler Replacement
ADOPT a resolution authorizing an emergency contract with Legacy Mechanical and Energy Services, in an amount not to exceed $16,900 plus a 10 percent contingency of $1,690, for a total contract amount not to exceed $18,590, to replace the two heat pumps at Nevin Plaza and authorizing the payment of City permit fees in the amount of $1,795, for a total project cost amount of $20,385 - Richmond Housing Authority (Gabino Arredondo 510-620-6606).
Adopted Resolution No. 2178
S. JOINT RICHMOND HOUSING AUTHORITY / RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
BUDGET SESSION
S.1 Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-23 Amended Budget Adjustments ADOPT a joint resolution approving the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-2023 Richmond Housing Authority (RHA) amended budget adjustments with revised estimated revenues of $4,803,922 and total expenditures of $4,895,044; and APPROVE an increase in the RHA Fiscal Year 2022-2023 General Fund subsidy amount by $91,122 from $1,261,082 to $1,352,204 which will provide sufficient revenue to match anticipated expenditures and balance the RHA budget to $4,895,044 in estimated revenues and $4,895,044 in estimated expenditures – Richmond Housing Authority/Finance Department (Gabino Arredondo/Rita Martinez 510-621-1300).
Interim Executive Director Gabino Arredondo introduced the item. Mr. Arredondo and Finance Department Representative Rita Martinez presented a PowerPoint which highlighted the following: The Proposed Amended Budget Overview for Fiscal Year 2022-2023; Revenue and Expenditure Changes; Richmond Housing Authority Property Updates; Richmond Housing Authority Affiliated Property Updates; and Richmond Housing Authority Accomplishments related to Asset Repositioning/Financial Audits. Discussion ensued.
5 Chair/Mayor Martinez asked for public comment, there were no public speakers.
Motion by Vice Chair/Vice Gayle McLaughlin
Seconded by Commissioner Claudia Jimenez
To accept the staff recommendation.
Ayes (7): Commissioners/Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Melvin Willis, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Absent (1): Tenant Commissioner Jaycine Scott
Passed (7 to 0)
Adopted Housing Authority Resolution No. 2179 and City Council Resolution No. 33-23
T. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.
U. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Regular Meeting of the Richmond City Council scheduled for 6:30 p.m. was called to order at 7:41 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
V. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Melvin Willis, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Absent: None.
W. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
X. AGENDA REVIEW
Items AE.2.b. (Contract with Safe Organized Spaces (SOS) to Provide Encampment Services), and AE.3.a (Appointment to Community Police Review Commission) were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Item AE.3.b was moved to be heard under category AC (PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, AND COMMENDATIONS) and the following correction was made to the item: PROCLAMATIONS recognizing Donate Life Month, Earth Day, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Transgender Day of Remembrance Visibility. Items AF.2 (Presentation from District Attorney Diana Becton), AE.2.b (Contract with Safe Organized Spaces (SOS) to Provide Encampment Services), and AE.3.a (Appointment to Community Police Review Commission), were moved to be heard after approval of the Consent Calendar. Item AE.2.a (Authorization to execute Agreements with Grant Application partners, BART, Pacific West Communities, and AC Transit related to an AHSC Grant Application for the Metrowalk Phase 2 Project) was continued to a Special Meeting on Monday, April 3, 2023. Item AF.4 (The Latina Center & RCF Connects Presentations) was continued to April 4, 2023, and item AF.1 (Report by the West Contra Costa Fire Safe Council) was continued to April 18, 2023.
Y. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING CLOSED SESSION
C.1 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EV ALUATION (Government Code Section 54957)
Title: City Clerk
6 Discussed. No reportable action.
C.2 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of Subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9)
One Case
Status report given. No reportable action.
C.3 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9) Winehaven v. City of Richmond
Guidiville Rancheria of California, et al. v. United States of America, et al. North Coast Rivers Alliance et al./Point Molate Alliance et al. v. City of Richmond
Not discussed.
C.4 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR (Government Code Section 54956.8)
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.
Property: Metro Walk Phase II at Richmond Transit Village Agency Negotiators: Nannette Beacham, Lina Velasco
Negotiating Parties: Pacific West Builders, Inc., San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment (11th Amendment/Disposition and Development Agreement)
Status report given. Direction given to negotiators.
C.5 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- WORKERS’
COMPENSATION CLAIMS (Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.95) (Two Employees)
Claimant: Employee - Police DepartmentFive Claims: 18000105COR, 17000123COR, 21000065COR, 21000140COR. 21000141CORAgency Claimed Against: City of Richmond
Not discussed.
Claimant: Employee – Fire DepartmentThree Claims: 15000124COR, 17000099COR, 20000053COR Agency Claimed Against: City of Richmond Status report given. Direction given for settlement discussions.
Z. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
City Manager Shasa Curl gave information on storm related resources for residents, announcing that Richmond residents could fill sandbags at the Bayview Library or at the Corporation Yard next to the Greenway. Ms. Curl announced that Senior or disabled residents could call the Streets Division at (510) 231-3011 for sandbag delivery requests (limited to 10) between 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Ms. Curl mentioned the Streets Division had posted flooded signage and been active in removing debris from storm drains. She announced that for any sewer overflows or flooding, residents could call Veolia 24 hours
7 a day at 510-412-2001 and crews would be dispatched to the location to handle the incident; and for any emergency requests that residents should call 911.
Ms. Curl announced that the City of Richmond was hosting a Business Resources Summit on April 13th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., for business owners and professionals to learn about the free financial resources and tools available to help hire, train, and retain their workforce. The event would be held at RichmondWORKS 330 25th Street, Richmond, CA 94804. For further information, RichmondWORKS could be reached at (510) 307-8014.
AA. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: REFERRALS TO STAFF, AND GENERAL REPORTS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS) (limited to two minutes per Councilmember) (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
Councilmember Bana reported that she recently attended the Civicwell Policymakers Conference and encouraged the Mayor and Council to participate in the next Civicwell Policymakers Conference taking place March 14, 2024, through March 18, 2024. She also gave information regarding a Caltrans study on Richmond Parkway and a soon to come website related to gas and hazardous materials pipelines.
AB. CRIME REPORT FROM POLICE CHIEF - 4th Tuesday (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
Police Chief Bisa French thanked Mayor Martinez, Councilmember Zepeda, and the city manager for attending a swearing in, welcome, recognition, and retiring ceremony for Police Department employees earlier in the day. Chief French reported on the following significant investigations during the month of March 2023: Homicide on March 8th on the 2300 block of Aberdeen Way, 43 year old male shot to death; occurrence on March 23rd in which a suspect driving a stolen semi-truck attempted to drive over a police car with an officer inside of it.
Chief French reported that the Police department participated in a human trafficking task force meeting along with the District Attorney’s Office to address issues related to prostitution and trafficking along the 23rd St. corridor. She shared that members of the Police department, Fire department, Contra Costa Health Department, the District Attorney's office, and School District recently held an educational forum on the dangers of fentanyl.
Crime trends during the month of March 2023: 42 aggravated assaults, 14 robberies, 10 sexual assaults, 20 burglaries, 94 thefts, 86 stolen vehicles and 1 arson; 158 vehicles were towed; 123 vehicle collisions were responded to; 9 DUI investigations were conducted; and 6 sideshows were responded to.
Chief French reported that there were many unfilled vacancies. Discussion ensued.
AC. PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, AND COMMENDATIONS (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
AC.1 Proclamation commemorating community leader Mrs. Nailah Buford PROCLAMATION recognizing Mrs. Nailah Buford for her community leadership and significant contributions to the betterment of the City of Richmond - Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503) and Councilmember Doria Robinson (510-620-6824).
Councilmember Robinson introduced the item and read into the record a proclamation highlighting Nailah Buford's contributions to the City of Richmond as the owner of Snapper's Seafood restaurant. Councilmember Robinson and Mayor Martinez presented the proclamation to Mrs. Buford's daughter Jamila
8 Killingsworth. Ms. Killingsworth accepted the proclamation on her mother's behalf and expressed her gratitude for the recognition.
AD. OPEN FORUM FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
Tony Sustak gave comments via teleconference regarding needed improvements on Carlson Boulevard, the Bicycle Pedestrian Plan, and information on the Richmond Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
AE. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Councilmember Melvin Willis
Seconded by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
To approve all items on the Consent Calendar excluding Item AE.2.a, AE.2.b, AE.3.a Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Melvin Willis, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez Passed (7 to 0)
AE.1 City Clerk's Office
AE.1.a Cancellation of April 25, 2023, Regular City Council Meeting APPROVE the cancellation of the April 25, 2023, Regular City Council meeting - City Clerk’s Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
AE.2 Community Development
AE.2.a Authorization to execute Agreements with Grant Application partners, BART, Pacific West Communities, and AC Transit related to an AHSC Grant Application for the Metrowalk Phase 2 Project
AUTHORIZE the city manager to enter into an Implementation and Mutual Indemnity Agreement with BART and Pacific West Communities for Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities (AHSC) pass-through funds, totaling up to $40 million and also enter into a Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure (STI) and Transit Related Infrastructure (TRA) assistance Agreement with AC Transit to complete certain transit improvements within the City right-of-way for up to $1.2 million for a proposed AHSC application for the Metrowalk Phase 2 project, if awarded – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco 510-620-6841).
This item was continued to a Special City Council meeting on April 3, 2023.
AE.2.b Contract with Safe Organized Spaces (SOS) to Provide Encampment Services
APPROVE a contract with Safe Organized Spaces (SOS) for the term beginning March 28, 2023, to June 30, 2024, with an option to extend for one year if funding is available, for a total contact amount not to exceed $738,693.59, to provide encampment services and job opportunities for the unhoused – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Jesus Morales 510-620-6649).
Community Development Director Lina Velasco presented the item.
Housing Manager Jesus Morales presented a PowerPoint which highlighted the following: SOS contract services; Success measures and accomplishments; and the Request for Qualifications process used to select SOS. Discussion ensued. The council requested that staff find ways
9 to encourage non-profit contractors working with the City to seek diversified funding. Jamin Pursell gave comments in person. O'Neil Fernandez, Deborah Small, and Tarnel Abbott gave comments via teleconference. Further discussion ensued. The council requested that staff reach out to Contra Costa County to see if they are able to contribute funding to SOS efforts to service unincorporated areas of El Sobrante.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor McLaughlin seconded by
Councilmember Willis to accept the staff recommendation, with a change to the contract expiration date to March 31, 2024. Councilmember Bana proposed a friendly amendment that the SOS service area jurisdiction include unincorporated areas of El Sobrante. The maker of the motion and seconder agreed. Councilmember Robinson made a friendly amendment that staff include additional funding in the contract to be allocated towards a grant writer position within SOS. The maker of the motion agreed with the amendment, with a change that the additional funding be taken up in a separate action at a later date. Councilmember Jimenez made a friendly amendment that the motion include a timeline for staff to return to Council for the addition of funds towards a grant writer. The maker of the motion and seconder agreed with the friendly amendment; the original motion was amended to include direction that staff return to Council on April 18, 2023, with a contract amendment for additional funds to SOS for a grant writer position.
Motion by Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin
Seconded by Councilmember Melvin Willis
To accept the staff recommendation with a change of contract expiration date to March 31, 2024, along with the inclusion of unincorporated areas of El Sobrante within the service area jurisdiction, and direction that staff return to Council on April 18, 2023, with an amendment for additional funds for a SOS grant writer.
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Melvin Willis, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Passed (7 to 0)
AE.3 Mayor's Office
AE.3.a Appointment to Community Police Review Commission APPOINT Rachel Lorber to the Community Police Review Commission, to fill an unexpired term, Term Expires November 1, 2024 - Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
Mayor’s Office Chief of Staff Shiva Mishek introduced the item and requested to hear from the member of the public that pulled the item to address the concern. Discussion ensued. Benjamin Therriault gave comments in person expressing concerns of a conflict of interest due to the appointees' occupation and of the redactions made on the application attached to the agenda item. Further discussion ensued. Deborah Small, Luis Chacon, and Eli Moore gave comments via teleconference. Further discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Melvin Willis
Seconded by Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin
10 To approve the staff recommendation.
Ayes (5): Councilmembers Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Melvin Willis, Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez Abstentions (1): Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Absent (1): Councilmember Soheila Bana
Passed (5 to 0)
(At 10:56 p.m. a motion was made by Vice Mayor McLaughlin, seconded by Councilmember Jimenez, to extend the meeting until 11:30 p.m. which passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Jimenez, Robinson, Willis, Zepeda, Vice Mayor McLaughlin, and Mayor Martinez. Noes: None. Absent: Councilmember Bana. Abstain: None).
AE.3.b Proclamations for the month of April; Donate Life Month, Earth Day, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Transgender Day of Remembrance PROCLAMATIONS recognizing Donate Life Month, Earth Day, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Transgender Day of Remembrance - Mayor's Office (Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
Mayor Martinez moved the item from the consent calendar to be heard during the Presentations, Proclamations, and Commendations section of the agenda. Mayor Martinez introduced the item and read the Transgender Day of Visibility proclamation into the record. Mayor Martinez presented the proclamation to Jamin Pursell, Leto Green, Ashley Scarborough- Gonzalez, Stefano Gonzalez, and Joey Smith, who all gave comments and thanked the Mayor and Council for the recognition.
AF. STUDY AND ACTION SESSION
AF.1 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, January 24, 2023, February 28, 2023, and March 7, 2023, meetings.
This item was continued to the April 18, 2023, meeting.
AF.2 Presentation from District Attorney Diana Becton
RECEIVE a presentation from Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton - Councilmember Jimenez (510-620-6581).
Councilmember Jimenez introduced the item. District Attorney Diana Becton presented a PowerPoint highlighting the following: The District Attorney's Office 2023-2024 Fiscal Year Budget; Personnel Budget; Allocated Positions; The District Attorney's Office Mission; 2022 Performance; Overview of the Criminal Process, Divisions and Units of the District Attorney's Office; 2021-2022 Specialty Units and Programs, and 2021-2022 Efforts in Reducing Incarceration.
Discussion ensued. The council requested that the District Attorney's Office provide statistics on crimes committed by Richmond residents. Further Discussion ensued. Mayor Martinez called for public comment; there were no public speakers.
11 AF.3 Presentation from Center for Biological Diversity and Biofuelwatch on the impacts of the Golden State Natural Resources (GSNR) wood pellet project RECEIVE a presentation from the Center for Biological Diversity and Biofuelwatch on the wood pellet project proposed by Golden State Natural Resources (GSNR) and its pollution exposure and risk to the community and the environment - Vice Mayor McLaughlin (510-620-6636) and Councilmember Zepeda (510-620-6593).
City Attorney Dave Aleshire informed the Council of a letter the City received from Golden State Natural Resources (GSNR) expressing concerns that a presentation made without the organization's participation could sway public opinion against their project and requesting the item be heard at a later date when they can participate in the presentation. Discussion ensued. The council requested that Mr. Aleshire read the letter into the record; City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the letter as requested. The council made the decision go forth with hearing the item.
Vice Mayor McLaughlin introduced the item and the presenters. Americas Program Coordinator of Biofuelwatch Gary Graham Hughes and Climate Science Director of the Center for Biological Diversity Shay Wolf presented a PowerPoint highlighting the following: What Golden State Natural Resources (GSNR) is, Counties Represented by GSNR Board of Directors, Project Status; Information on What the Wood Pellet Project Consists of; Impact of Wood Pellets on the Community and Environment; What Wood Pellets Are; What Biofuelwatch is; Fire/Explosion Hazards to Port Communities and Workers; Fires in Wood Pellet Storage Silo located in Port Arthur, TX; Fires/Explosions in Wood Pellet Storage Warehouse in Port of Brunswick, Georgia; Environmental Justice Harms; Harms to Public Health; and Woody Biomass Energy Harms to the Climate, Environment, Communities, Forest Ecosystems, Wildlife Habitats. Discussion Ensued.
(At 11:29 p.m. a motion was made by Vice Mayor McLaughlin, seconded by Councilmember Jimenez, to suspend the rules and extend the meeting only to hear public comment which passed by the following vote: Ayes:
Councilmembers Jimenez, Robinson, Zepeda, Vice Mayor McLaughlin, and Mayor Martinez. Noes: None. Absent: Councilmembers Bana and Willis.
Abstain: None).
Janet Johnson and Jamin Pursell gave comments in person. Tony Sustak, Sara Theiss, and Leisa Johnson gave comments via teleconference.
AF.4 The Latina Center & RCF Connects Presentations
RECEIVE a presentation from The Latina Center and RCF Connects in recognition of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month – City Manager’s Office (Shasa Curl 510-620-6512).
This item was continued to the April 4, 2023, meeting.
AG. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:39 p.m., to meet again on April 4, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.
Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor