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RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA, October 24, 2023
Community Services Building
440 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
_____________________________________________________________________
A. OPEN SESSION TO HEAR PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION The Richmond City Council Evening Open Session was called to order at 4:32 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Doria Robinson, Melvin Willis, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: Councilmember Claudia Jimenez was absent for the entire meeting.
C. CLOSED SESSION
C.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) of Subdivision (d) [as applicable] of Government Code Section 54956.9) One case
C.2 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
4. Richmond Police Management Association RPMA
5. IAFF Local 188
6. Richmond Fire Management Association RFMA
C.3 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.4 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR (Government Code Section 54956.8)
Property: 222 Marina Way (Nystrom Village)
Agency Negotiators: Nannette Beacham, Gabino Arredondo, Susan Bloch Negotiating Parties: McCormack Baron Salazar (MBS) and Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services (RNHS)
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
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D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
There were no public speakers.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
The Open Session adjourned to Closed Session at 4:35 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 6:42 p.m.
F. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Regular Meeting of the Richmond City Council was called to order at 6:48 p.m. by Mayor Martinez.
G. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
H. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Bana, Robinson, Willis, Zepeda, Vice Mayor McLaughlin, and Mayor Martinez. Absent: Councilmember Jimenez was absent for the entire meeting.
I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
J. AGENDA REVIEW
Items L (city manager's report), M (reports of officers), N (police chief report), Q.1 (budget session), and R.2 (itemized budget for public emergency) were continued to the November 7, 2023, City Council meeting.
K. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING CLOSED SESSION
Item C.1 (anticipated litigation, significant exposure) a status report was given and no reportable action was taken.
Item C.2 (labor negotiations) no report was given nor was any action aken.
Item C.3 (anticipated litigation, initiation) a status report was given and the matter was continued to the November 7, 2023, City Council Closed Session agenda. No reportable action was taken.
Item C.4 (real property negotiation) a status report was given and the council gave direction for further negotiations.
L. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
Continued to the November 7, 2023, City Council meeting.
M. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: REFERRALS TO STAFF, AND GENERAL REPORTS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS)(limited to two minutes per
Councilmember)(public comments allowed under Open Forum) Continued to the November 7, 2023, City Council meeting.
N. CRIME REPORT FROM POLICE CHIEF - 4th Tuesday (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
Continued to the November 7, 2023, City Council meeting.
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O. OPEN FORUM FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
(public comment on items that remain on the Consent Calendar or items not on the agenda - limited to 2 minutes unless otherwise specified - Back and forth dialogue with the Council is prohibited)
The following individuals gave comments in person:
Don Gosney gave comments regarding district elections and the role of the council in serving all of the people in Richmond. Mr. Gosney suggested the council speak under the open forum regarding matters that were of their personal beliefs. Mr. Gosney recommended the council reach out further from their core group of supporters to hear disagreements and learn viewpoints.
Antoinette Siguenza stated that she served as the local government liaison for the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) External Affairs Division for Contra Costa County. Ms. Siguenza gave an overview of the CPUC's commitment, investments, and objectives for a clean and safe utility infrastructure. Ms. Siguenza urged the city to contact her with any questions or concerns at (628) 249-6467.
Mark Wassberg recited verses from the bible regarding the formation of the nation of Israel.
Marcus Faumui and Donnie Rath expressed concerns regarding excessive overtime within the Richmond Fire Department. Mr. Faumui urged the council to make a change in leadership for the Fire Department. Mr. Rath shared how the excessive work hours were unsafe for fire personnel and severely impacted their families.
Courtney Cummings invited the community to the 13th Annual Richmond Contest Pow Wow event on November 11, 2023, at the Veterans Memorial Hall. Ms. Cummings acknowledged the sponsors.
Jamin Pursell gave comments in support of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) History Month and its origin.
The following individuals gave comments via teleconference:
Mike Velazquez, Kyle Mallinger, and Frank Marin gave comments against the city's leadership, fire chief, and working conditions within the Fire Department. Mr. Mallinger expressed concerns regarding how mandatory overtime was negatively impacting his family life, in addition to the staffing crisis and ineffective leadership. Mr. Marin expressed concerns for the fire personnel's mental and physical health and urged the council to finalize a union side letter to address the mandatory overtime issue.
Philip Rosenthal urged the council to find out where the council meeting's public speakers lived, and if they represented the people of Richmond or were bussed in for political purposes. Mr. Rosenthal expressed concerns that the city's crime and city manager reports were postponed due to international affairs. Mr. Rosenthal suggested that the city's staff time and funds should be spent on city services. Mr. Rosenthal recommended that the councilmembers who wanted to participate in the world's politics, step down and work in international politics.
Yenny Garcia invited the community to the 23rd Street Community Clean-Up Day scheduled for October 26 and the Halloween Trick or Treating event on October 31, 2023. Ms. Garcia advised that volunteers were needed and to contact her if interested.
Carol Johnson expressed concerns that city business was being ignored. Ms. Johnson urged the council to visit the Richmond Bay Area Rescue Mission to see the number of unhoused individuals living on the street. Ms. Johnson advised that mentally ill
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unhoused individuals were unable to receive services from the local shelters. Ms.
Johnson requested the council to focus more on city business instead of international affairs.
Holli Thier, Tarnel Abbott, and Jonathan advised that members of the public were not allowed inside the Council Chamber to give public comment in person because the maximum capacity was reached. Ms. Thier recommended that Item R.1 (Richmond's support and solidarity with the Palestinians of Gaza) be continued to a future agenda when a larger meeting venue was available. Jonathan recommended the council allow members of the public to enter the Council Chamber to speak one by one, in compliance with the fire marshal.
George Cleveland reported human trafficking in Richmond's North and East residential neighborhood on 24th Street between McBryde and Lincoln Avenues. Mr. Cleveland suggested that the inappropriate activity needed more focus and funding to resolve.
P. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
(All items placed under the Consent Calendar were considered to be routine and noncontroversial. These items were enacted upon together with a motion and second, without discussion, of any member of the City Council, and each item was deemed to have received the action recommended.)
Motion by Councilmember Willis
Seconded by Councilmember Robinson
To approve all items on the Consent Calendar.
Ayes (6): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Willis, Councilmember Zepeda, Vice Mayor McLaughlin, and Mayor Martinez Absent (1): Councilmember Jimenez
Passed (6 to 1)
P.1 City Clerk's Office
P.1.a Cancellation of November 21, 2023, Regular City Council Meeting APPROVE the cancellation of the November 21, 2023, Regular City Council meeting - City Clerk’s Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
P.2 City Council
P.2.a Establishing a World Class Arts Corridor in Richmond DIRECT staff to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) before the end of the calendar year to consider establishing an Arts District, which includes outreach to businesses, residents, and stakeholders to build community - Councilmembers Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6565), Melvin Willis (510- 412-2050), and Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593).
P.3 Human Resources
P.3.a Resolutions Adopting the City of Richmond Salary Schedule and Position Control
ADOPT a resolution amending the City’s salary schedule to implement agreed upon changes from the classification and compensation study; and ADOPT a resolution with corresponding necessary modifications to
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position control – Human Resources Department (Sharrone Taylor/Nickie Mastay 510-620-6803).
Adopted Resolution Nos. 114-23 and 115-23
P.3.b Resolution to Approve Salary Schedules in Accordance with California Code of Regulations 570.5(a) (2 CCR § 570.5)
ADOPT a resolution amending the salary schedules for all unions to comply with California Code of Regulations, Subchapter 1, Employees’ Retirement System Regulations section 570.5 (a) (2 CCR § 570.5) for the inclusion of the Richmond Police Management Association salary increase effective January 1, 2023 (13.5%) and Richmond Fire Management Association salary increases that were effective January 1, 2023 (2%) and July 1, 2023 (2%) as required by CalPERS – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6602).
Adopted Resolution No. 116-23
P.3.c Appropriation of funds for the Fire Department Wellness Program APPROVE an appropriation of funds in the amount of $44,000 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24, $48,000 for FY 2024-25, and $50,000 for FY 2025- 26, for a total amount not to exceed $142,000 over the next three fiscal years, to establish a Fire Department Wellness Program – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor/Amy Aaronson 510-620-6602).
P.4 Public Works
P.4.a Contract with Northwest Demolition, Inc. for the Construction of the Santa Rita Road Stabilization Project
ADOPT a resolution authorizing the execution of a construction contract in accordance with the approved plans and specifications with Northwest Demolition, Inc. for the Santa Rita Road Stabilization Project in an amount not to exceed $715,500; and AUTHORIZE the Director of Public Works to approve change orders, if necessary, for a total twenty percent (20%) contingency amount up to $143,100 – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/ Ken Cheng 510-621-1612).
Resolution No. 117-23
Q. BUDGET SESSION
Q.1 FY 2022-23 Q4 Financial Report and Administrative Budget Adjustments RECEIVE the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Quarter 4 (Q4) report for the period of July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023; APPROVE proposed administrative year-end budget adjustments; and PROVIDE DIRECTION to staff regarding Estimated Unspent Funds - Finance Department (Andrea Miller 510-620-6790/Mubeen Qader 510-412-2077).
Continued to the November 7, 2023, City Council meeting.
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R. STUDY AND ACTION SESSION
R.1 Resolution Affirming Richmond's Support and Solidarity with the Palestinian People of Gaza
APPROVE a Resolution affirming Richmond's solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza - Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503) and Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin (510-620-6636).
Mayor Martinez introduced the matter and called for a moment of silence. (At 7:37 p.m., the council adjourned for a recess to restore order in the Council Chamber. The council reconvened at 7:41 p.m.) Vice Mayor McLaughlin read into the record the following amendments added to the proposed resolution:
"WHEREAS, 1,400 Israelis have been killed by Hamas on October 7th and nearly 6,000 Palestinians have been killed by the state of Israel in this escalated conflict; and"
"WHEREAS, we mourn the loss of all civilian lives lost on both sides from October 7th to the present and also throughout the decades of displacement, occupation, oppression and blockade endured in Gaza and the West Bank"; "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Richmond calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the safe passage of substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza; and"
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Richmond calls for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages taken by Hamas; and"
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Richmond calls for an end to Israeli apartheid and the occupation and blockade of Palestinian land by Israeli military forces; and"
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Richmond opposes all existing and any future military aid to Israel; and"
The following individuals gave comments in person: Don Gosney, Payman Amiri, Salahe Bakri, Balih Bakri, Lugman E., Mark Wassberg, Bader B., Jeff Ritterman, and Ed Ramano. (At 8:18 p.m., the council adjourned for a recess to allow members who had spoken in person to move out to the overflow area in the Richmond Memorial Auditorium and allow members of the public in the overflow area to enter the Council Chamber and speak in person. The council reconvened at 8:28 p.m.) The following individuals proceeded to give comments in person: Stan Woods, Juan Canman, Emil McDonald, Dhaifallah Mo, Fayza Ayyad, Reza Yazdi, Lucinda Casson, Jane Bragen, Cantor Brian, Dorothyen Dorenz, Lily Saefong, Faith Meltzer, Clio Soiffer, Morgan Condon, Theresa Russell, Susan Dewitt, Beth Zeitman, Ayesha Aabasi, Keala Uhoa, Khalid Almajjaji, Katherine Lee, Isa Flores-Jones, Elizabeth Ibarra, Alfredo A., Katt, Arnon Oren, Shawn Dunning, Paul Larudee, Luke Pickrell, Deliah Stern, Benny Zanh, Marilyn Langlois, Lucero Rios, Yousef Ayyad, Yitzchok Wagner, Askia Abdullah, Bachir Hadid, Alex Hanna, Izzy Homran, Shabana Shahboz, Dan M., Jamin Pursell, Oren Levy, Tawfic Halaby, Naomi Smoller, Matthew Lewis, Adel Somaha, Elinor Nahmani, Nour Eidy, Karen Duran, Shaun Kozolchyk, Idan Bearman, Lee Goodman-Gorgliano, Debbie Bayer, Nadia Barhoum, David Reinertson, Jessica Mitchell, Jonathan Mitzer, Holli Thier, Yumi Kabayashi, Rebecca Goodman, Jaime Perez, Tarnel Abbott, Amelah El Amin, Hamza Abid, Christina, Michael Tal, Matthew B., Ismail Imran, Raye Kahn, Marisol Cantu,
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Sara Cantor, Emily Ross, Yusuf Adam, Gus, Najari Smith, Ashanti Curry, Ly, Mark Khmelnitskiy, Aisha Chabane, Nadya Tanng, and Samir Shrestha.
The following individuals gave comments via teleconference: Sameena Usman, Musa Tariq, Oscar Garcia, Jamilah, David, Shoshana Wechler, Ahmed, Tarek Aris, Sonia Bustamante, G.M., Dejenya Kafele, Karen Franklin, Ralikhan, Lara Kiswani, Cheryl Davila, Sharon, Safaa, Syed Qadri, Alicia Polak, Paula Lavine, Nuzhat, Maria Galbo, Bissan Abusharar, orlyg0427, Hope Dixon, Level 2A, Aliza Kazmi, Jpolston, Alfa, Arial, Judy Weatherly, Rachel Kertz, Jorge Palacios, Dana Viloria, and Free Palestine. (At 10:59 p.m., a motion made by Councilmember Willis, seconded by Councilmember Bana, to extend the meeting until 11:30 p.m., passed by the unanimous vote of the City Council). The following individuals resumed giving comments via teleconference: Bill, Isaac Resendz, Eileen Lee, Eric P.W., Ella P., Mohamed Shehk, Guilia Fowler, Dena, Michael Nye, Sonya Rifkin, Sophia Sobko, Leisa Johnson, Eunice, Tourmaline, Chris Tarrant, Pathma V ., Bex, Pamela Fields, Robert Mandel, Kim Freedman, Zeid, and Walla, Alexis. (At 11:28 p.m., a motion made by Councilmember Willis, seconded by Councilmember Bana, to suspend the rules and extend the meeting until the end of Item R.1, passed by the unanimous vote of the City Council).
The following individuals resumed giving public comment via teleconference:
Sara Abu-Lebdeh, Kerry Hillis, Abby B., Mya, Hilliary Kliminik, Mujeeb Rahmani, Aya A., David Kafton, Oppressed V oice, Himadri, Sado, Aishah, Tola Asuni, George Lipman, Bita, Daniel, V .G., Ahmad, Elana Auerbach, Farid Khalafalla, Amina, U, Jena, Prophet Sereah, Nida Khalil, Sabrina E., Shaimaa Wahba, Scott, Mivrette Judeh, Lisa Malul, Isabel, Ana Tellez, Abdul, Jonah Gottlieb, Wassim Hage, Afshan Jlani, Donia, Hajer, Cindy Yob, Danielle, Gheesa, Iman Farajallah, George Cleveland, Tatiana Kerzhner, Nishat, Ali Kalaaf, and Lu.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Vice Mayor McLaughlin
Seconded by Councilmember Robinson
To adopt a resolution affirming Richmond's support and solidarity with the Palestinian people of Gaza along with the amendments as stated.
A friendly amendment made by Councilmember Zepeda to add to the title of the resolution, "and condemning the killings, kidnappings, and torture of all innocent civilians in Israel and Gaza" and "condemn Hamas for the killings on October 7, 2023", was not accepted.
The main motion passed by the following vote:
Ayes (5): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Willis, Vice Mayor McLaughlin, and Mayor Martinez
Noes (1): Councilmember Zepeda
Absent (1): Councilmember Jimenez
Passed (5 to 2)
Adopted Resolution No. 118-23
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R.2 Itemize Budget for Public Emergency Preparedness for Public Disasters- Earthquake and Wildfire
RECEIVE a presentation from Councilmember Bana; and PROVIDE DIRECTION to City staff to develop a funding plan of $1.09 million for wildfire and earthquake safety in November 2023, and return with an additional proposal for appropriations during Mid-Year Fiscal Year 2023-24 – Councilmembers Soheila Bana (510-779-7280) and Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593).
Continued to the November 7, 2023, City Council meeting.
S. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:07 a.m., in memory of all the lives that had been lost, to meet again on November 7, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.
Pamela Christian, Clerk of the City of
Richmond
Eduardo Martinez, Mayor