1 RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA,
January 16, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
Community Services Building
440 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
_____________________________________________________________________
A. OPEN SESSION TO HEAR PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION The Open Session was called to order at 5:02 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Cesar Zepeda, Melvin Willis, Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Absent: None.
C. CLOSED SESSION
C.1 LIABILITY CLAIMS - (Government Code Section 54956.95):
• Claimant: John Bruce
Agency claimed against: City of Richmond
• Claimant: Jose Villalobos
Agency claimed against: City of Richmond
• Claimant: Dedrick Riley
Agency claimed against: City of Richmond
C.2 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9) Sandoval v. Richmond Housing Authority
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
4. Richmond Police Management Association RPMA
5. IAFF Local 188
6. Richmond Fire Management Association RFMA
C.4 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (Government
Code Section 54957)
Title: City Attorney
Title: City Manager
Title: City Clerk
Title: Confidential Investigative and Appeals Officer
2 D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
None.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Open Session adjourned at 5:02 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 6:36 p.m.
F. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Regular meeting of the Richmond City Council was called to order at 6:57 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
G. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Eduardo Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
H. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Gayle McLaughlin, Doria Robinson, Cesar Zepeda, Melvin Willis, Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Absent: None.
I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
J. ELECTION OF THE NEW VICE MAYOR FOR 2024
The Richmond City Council shall elect from among its members a vice mayor to serve for 2024. In the absence or disability of the mayor, the vice mayor shall serve as the mayor. The vice mayor shall also represent the mayor upon the mayor's request. The vice mayor shall serve for a term of one year.
Councilmember Zepeda nominated Councilmember Jimenez to serve as Vice Mayor.
Motion by: Councilmember Zepeda
Seconded by: Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin
Ayes (6): Mayor Eduardo Martinez, Councilmember Melvin Willis, Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin.
Abstentions (1): Councilmember Soheila Bana
Passed (6 to 0)
K. AGENDA REVIEW
Item Q.1.b. (Cancellation of January 23, 2024, Regular City Council Meeting) was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Item Q.5.a. (Proclamation declaring January 27, 2024, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day) was moved to the Consent Calendar to section O. (Commendations, Presentations, and Proclamations).
L. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING CLOSED SESSION
C.1 LIABILITY CLAIMS - (Government Code Section 54956.95):
• Claimant: John Bruce
Agency claimed against: City of Richmond
• Claimant: Jose Villalobos
Agency claimed against: City of Richmond
• Claimant: Dedrick Riley
Agency claimed against: City of Richmond
3 Authorized settlement agreements on all cases.
C.2 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9) · Sandoval v. Richmond Housing Authority
Authorized settlement agreement
C.3 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Government Code Section 54957.6) - (Not discussed)
· 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
Not discussed.
C.4 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (Government Code Section 54957)
· Title: City Attorney
· Title: City Manager
· Title: City Clerk
· Title: Confidential Investigative and Appeals Officer A report was given. No reportable action taken.
M. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
City Manager Shasa Curl reported the following: HAZMAT Accident on Westbound I- 80; MLK Day of Service; How to Do Business in Richmond Vendor Workshop at Richmond City Council Chambers was scheduled for Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Adult Art Classes at Westside Branch Library was scheduled for January 22, 2024, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Richmond's Main Library Renovation Community Meeting was on January 25, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.; and the Chinese New Year Celebration was scheduled for February 10, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium.
M.1 NEW EMPLOYEE REPORT - 1st Tuesday
The new employee report was continued to January 23, 2024.
N. 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) Councilmember Robinson reported that the Pullman Neighborhood Council met regarding the Pullman Hotel. Councilmember Robinson also stated that she met with the Parks & Recreation Department to help facilitate development of soccer fields and the Booker T. Anderson construction and programs.
Councilmember McLaughlin stated that she had shoulder surgery and missed some council meetings. Councilmember McLaughlin also reported the following: the Marina Bay Farmers Market would begin in mid-March 2024; the 2024 Literacy Festival was scheduled for April 13, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; she met with members of the Public Bank of the East Bay to draft the business plan; the Tiny Youth Village Farm and Garden Project was in progress; and the Commission on Aging was looking for new members.
4 Councilmember Bana thanked Councilmember Zepeda for spearheading the art program in the Council Chambers and reported the following: the City of Richmond received an Historic Preservation award; and that she attended a Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) emissions reduction meeting.
Councilmember Zepeda thanked Sala Thai from Hilltop for providing the city council meeting dinner. Councilmember Zepeda also reported the following: there would be rotating art on display in the city council chambers on a quarterly basis; Veolia would provide city council with another report about the December 4-5, 2023, incident at the January 23, 2024, city council meeting; the LGBTQI were allowed to donate blood; and announced that the Economic Development Commission had a new chair and co-chair.
Councilmember Willis reported that there was massive parking enforcement ticketing on 7th street for vehicles that were parked in the red zone and suggested that parking permits be given to residents in the area to allow parking in the red zones.
Mayor Martinez reported the following: there were three recent hires in the police department; he was appointed to the Contra Costa County Hazmat Board, with Councilmember Zepeda appointed as the alternate; he attended the Hung Lao community event; and he announced the Nepalese community Lunar New Year Celebration was scheduled for January 27, 2024.
Vice Mayor Jimenez thanked Bouakhay Phongboupha from the Employment & Training Department for assisting with organizing the Lao Community event.
O. COMMENDATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS
O.1 Proclamation Recognizing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
PROCLAMATION recognizing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and his contributions to the civil rights movement – Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510- 620-6593).
City Clerk Pamela Christian read the proclamation. The mayor and councilmembers presented the proclamation to participants and sponsors who gave comments.
O.2 Proclamation Honoring Successful Collaboration in the Reduction of Homicides
PROCLAMATION honoring Richmond’s successful collaboration in the reduction of homicides – Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez and Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6861).
Councilmember McLaughlin gave an overview and read the proclamation.
Certificates of appreciation would be sent to groups and individuals who have helped reduce homicides. Discussion ensued.
Mark Wassberg gave comments in person.
P. 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)
Kristen Pursley gave comments regarding teaching English as Second Language (ESL) students about climate change and being a sustainability partner with the adult school.
Irania De La Mora gave comments regarding the importance of supporting upcoming artists. Ms. De La Mora also stated that bike lanes should not be on main streets.
5 Wesley Alexander gave comments regarding economic injustices for businesses in Richmond.
Jamin Pursell thanked Councilmember Zepeda for assisting in the placement of art in the Council Chambers
Q. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
(All items placed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and noncontroversial. These items will be enacted upon together with a motion and second, without discussion, of any member of the City Council, and each item shall be deemed to have received the action recommended.)
Motion by Councilmember Melvin Willis
Seconded by Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Ayes (7): Mayor Eduardo Martinez, Councilmember Melvin Willis, Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin, and Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez Passed (7 to 0)
Q.1 City Clerk's Office
Q.1.a City Council Meeting Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the November 7 and December 5, 2023, Regular City Council meetings and the December 12, 2023, Special City Council meeting - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
Q.1.b Cancellation of January 23, 2024, Regular City Council Meeting APPROVE the cancellation of the January 23, 2024, Regular City Council meeting - City Clerk’s Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
Councilmember Robinson requested the removal of the item from the Consent Calendar and gave an overview of her concerns. The council requested a Google Drive document that detailed pending and upcoming closed session and open session agenda items. A motion by Councilmember McLaughlin, seconded by Vice Mayor Jimenez to hold a meeting on January 23, 2024, and cancel the meeting scheduled for January 30, 2024; move items currently agendized for the January 30, 2024, meeting to either the January 23 or February 6, 2024, city council meetings.
Motion by Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin
Seconded by Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez
Ayes (5): Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin, and Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez
Noes (2): Mayor Eduardo Martinez, and Councilmember Melvin Willis Passed (5 to 2)
Q.2 City Council
6 Q.2.a Comments on the AB 617 Draft Community Emissions Reduction Plan (CERP)
APPROVE the list of improvement requests; and DIRECT staff to submit them to Bay Area Air Quality Management District before the deadline for Public Comments on January 19, 2024 – Councilmember Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6565) and Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503).
Q.3 Community Development
Q.3.a Amendments to Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 6.48 Gas Shut-Off Devices
ADOPT an ordinance (second reading) amending Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 6.48 adding a point-of-sale trigger to add a gas shut off device, in addition to the current construction trigger – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Chris Castanchoa 510-620- 6764).
Adopted Ordinance No. 01-24 N.S.
Q.4 Library and Community Services
Q.4.a Contract with WestEd to Support Evaluation Needs for the Richmond Fund for Children and Youth
APPROVE a contract with WestEd for third-party independent evaluation services required by Article 15(d) of the Richmond Charter for the Richmond Fund for Children and Youth in an amount not to exceed $600,000, with a term commencing on July 11, 2023, and terminating on June 30, 2025 – Department of Children and Youth (LaShonda White 510- 620-6828/Patrick Seals 510-307-8016).
Q.5 Mayor's Office
Q.5.a Proclamation declaring January 27, 2024, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
PROCLAMATION declaring January 27th as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in the City of Richmond - Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503/Vice-Mayor Gayle McLaughlin 510- 620-6636).
(This item was moved to Section O. Commendations, Presentations, and Proclamations)
Mayor Martinez read the proclamation and the mayor and
councilmembers presented the proclamation to the President of the Jewish Voice for Peace Bay Area Ellen Rosky.
Mark Wassberg gave comments in person.
Sara Cantor gave comments via Zoom.
Q.5.b National Blood Donor Month 2024
PROCLAMATION declaring January as National Blood Donor Month in the City of Richmond - Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510- 620-6503/Councilmember Claudia Jimenez 510-620-6636).
Q.6 Police Department
7 Q.6.a Resolution and Appropriation to Pay for Police Department’s Service Weapon Package Replacement
ADOPT a resolution to APPROPRIATE $62,025.21 from the Police Department’s Asset Forfeiture Fund; and AUTHORIZE the increased expenditure with All State Police Equipment Co., from $45,642.38 to a new total amount not to exceed $107,667.59, to cover the remaining purchase order expenses for the Police Department’s service weapon package replacement previously approved in Fiscal Year 2022-2023 – Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510-621-1802).
Adopted Resolution No. 01-24.
Q.6.b Contract with LC Action Police Supply for the Purchase and Fitting of Ballistic Vests for Sworn Police Staff
APPROVE a contract with LC Action Police Supply in an amount not to exceed $400,000, for a term beginning January 17, 2024, through January 16, 2029, for the purchase and fitting of police officer ballistic vests – Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510-621-1802).
Q.7 Public Works
Q.7.a Fleet Maintenance Software Upgrade
APPROVE an agreement with TT Faster, LLC, dba FASTER Asset Solutions, for an upgrade of the fleet management software to Faster Web 2023, for a total amount not to exceed $157,500, including a one-time fee not to exceed $88,000, and annual support and maintenance fees for approximately $22,000 for Fiscal Year 2023-2024, $23,000 for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, and $24,500 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 - Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/Dee Karnes 510-231-3044).
Q.7.b Sole-Source Contract with Brightly Software for the City’s Water and Energy Bill Payments
APPROVE a sole-source contract with Brightly Software for a three-year subscription to their web-based utility/energy manager, for a total three- year subscription amount of $18,708.87, including $5,876.64 for the first year, $6,229.24 for the second year, and $6,602.99 for the third year, with a term beginning November 1, 2023, and ending October 31, 2026 – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria/Tawfic Halaby 510-620- 5482).
R. PUBLIC HEARINGS
R.1 THIS ITEM HAS BEEN CONTINUED TO THE FEBRUARY 20, 2024,
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
HOLD a public hearing on an appeal filed objecting to the Planning Commission’s conditional approval of a Vesting Tentative Map, Major Design Review, and Density Bonus waivers to certain development standards, including a consistency checklist under CEQA for a 94-unit townhome project on a site located on Brickyard Cove Road; and ADOPT a Resolution denying the appeal and affirming the Planning Commission’s action on the Brickyard Cove Residential Project - Community Development Department (Lina Velasco 510- 620-6841).
S. ADJOURNMENT
8 There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m., in memory of Betty Brown, and Pullman Neighborhood Block Captain Mary Robert, to meet again on January 23, at 6:30 p.m.
Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor