cc6Feb2024 – sl/prc
RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA, February 6, 2024
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, Gayle McLaughlin, Doria Robinson, Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: Councilmember Melvin Willis was absent for the entire meeting. Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez arrived after adjourning to closed session.
C. CLOSED SESSION
C.1 LIABILITY CLAIMS (Government Code Section 54956.9)
Claimant: Janet Brandi-Routt
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) Bryant v. City of Richmond, et al.,
Martinez v. City of Richmond, et al.
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
Hanlees Hilltop Buick et al. v. City of Richmond
Riggers Loft Wine Company v. City of Richmond et al.
C.3 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EV ALUATION (Government Code Section 54957)
Title: City Attorney
C.4 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Government Code
Section 54957.6)
City Designated Representative: Heather McLaughlin
Unrepresented employee: City Manager
Agency Representatives: Sharrone Taylor and Jack Hughes
cc6Feb2024 – sl/prc
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
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 4:34 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 6:38 p.m.
F. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND HOUSING AUTHORITY
The Regular Meeting of the Richmond Housing Authority Board of Commissioners was called to order at 6:44 p.m. by Chairperson Eduardo Martinez.
G. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairperson Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
H. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Soheila Bana, Gayle McLaughlin, Doria Robinson, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Chair Claudia Jimenez, Chair Eduardo Martinez, and Housing Authority Tenant Commissioner Jaycine Scott. Absent: Commissioner Melvin Willis was absent for the entire meeting.
I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
J. REPORT FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Richmond Housing Authority Executive Director Gabino Arredondo presented a PowerPoint that highlighted an update on the Nevin Plaza renovation. Mr. Arredondo advised Nevin Plaza tenants to call (510) 374-4658 with questions or concerns.
K. AGENDA REVIEW
None.
L. HOUSING AUTHORITY OPEN FORUM
Mark Wassberg expressed concerns regarding numerous complaints against a disruptive resident at the Hacienda senior housing complex.
M. HOUSING AUTHORITY CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Commissioner Zepeda
Seconded by Commissioner McLaughlin
To approve both items on the Housing Authority Consent Calendar.
cc6Feb2024 – sl/prc
Ayes (6): Commissioner Bana, Commissioner McLaughlin, Commissioner Robinson, Commissioner Zepeda, Vice Chair Jimenez, Chair Martinez, and Housing Authority Tenant Commissioner Scott.
Absent (2): Commissioner Willis.
Passed (6 to 2)
M.1 Housing Authority Meeting Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the November 7, 2023, regular meeting and the December 19, 2023, special meeting of the Richmond Housing Authority - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
M.2 Express Professionals Contract Amendment #4
ADOPT a resolution authorizing a fourth contract amendment with Express Professionals for as-needed staffing services to support unit turnover activities at Nystrom Village in an amount of $300,000, for a new total not to exceed amount of $750,000 – Richmond Housing Authority (Gabino Arredondo 510-621-1300).
Adopted Resolution No. 2194
N. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
O. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Regular Meeting of the Richmond City Council was called to order at 6:50 p.m. by Mayor Martinez.
P. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Bana, McLaughlin, Robinson, Zepeda, Vice Mayor Jimenez, and Mayor Martinez. Absent: Councilmember Willis was absent for the entire meeting.
Q. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
R. AGENDA REVIEW
Item X.10.a (street sweeping signs) was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion at the end of the agenda. Items Y .3 (Raftelis workforce analysis) and X.7.a (staffing position control) were continued to the February 20, 2024, City Council meeting. Item Y .1 (monthly salary for mayor and councilmembers) was continued to the February 27, 2024, City Council meeting.
S. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Dave Aleshire reported the following:
Item C.1 (liability claim), the Brandi-Routt claim was discussed and direction was given to the city's negotiator for settlement discussions.
Item C.2 (existing litigation), in the Bryant case the council voted unanimously (with Councilmember Willis and Vice Mayor Jimenez absent) to authorize a $34,000 lawsuit settlement. The Martinez case was discussed and no reportable action was taken. A status report was given for the Winehaven, Guidiville, and North Coast Rivers/Point Molate cases and no reportable actions were taken. The Hanlees Hilltop Buick case was
cc6Feb2024 – sl/prc
not discussed. The Riggers Loft Wine Company was discussed and there was no reportable action taken.
Item C.3 (performance evaluation) was not discussed.
Item C.4 (labor negotiations) was not discussed.
T. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
City Manager Shasa Curl presented a PowerPoint that highlighted the following:
honoring the legacy of former Mayor Irma Anderson and the remembrance website (https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/4621/Remembering-Mayor-Irma-Anderson); Literacy for Every Adult Program community poetry event on February 16, 2024; Love Your Block mini-grant applications were due February 23, 2024, via https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3107/Love-Your-Block; and 2024 Richmond Promise Scholarship applications were due April 12, 2024, via
www.richmondpromise.org/scholarship.
T.1 NEW EMPLOYEE REPORT - 1st Tuesday
Director of Human Resources Sharrone Taylor presented a PowerPoint that highlighted the January 2024 new employees and promotions within the following departments/divisions: Fire; Finance; Planning and Building; Police; Public Works; City Attorney's Office; and Recreation.
U. 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 Bana acknowledged the Perez family for gifting her a handcrafted drinking mug. Councilmember Bana acknowledged her council colleagues for signing a petition requesting the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to underground power lines in high fire zones. Councilmember Bana also shared the CPUC's response to the petition. Councilmember Bana commended staff for filling police and fire personnel vacancies. Councilmember Bana acknowledged staff for including Hasford Heights in the neighborhood dumpster days program. Councilmember Bana acknowledged Councilmember McLaughlin for representing Richmond in gatherings for wildfire safety in the East Bay hills and the adoption of a memorandum of understanding.
Councilmember McLaughlin reported that she received some good information and concerns from residents at a recent Laurel Park Neighborhood Council meeting.
Councilmember McLaughlin acknowledged staff for the prompt response to the residents concerns.
V. COMMENDATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS
V .1 Proclamation Honoring former Richmond Mayor Irma L. Anderson PROCLAMATION Honoring the life and legacy of former Richmond Mayor Irma L. Anderson - Mayor's Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
The council presented a proclamation to Irma Anderson's son, Ahmad Anderson.
Mr. Anderson gave comments and noted that his mother was the first African-American woman elected to a major city in the state of California.
Harpreet Sandhu on behalf of Congressman John Garamendi gave comments in person. Michelle Milam and Tarnel Abbott gave comments via teleconference.
cc6Feb2024 – sl/prc
W. OPEN FORUM FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
(Public comment on items that remained on the Consent Calendar or items not on the agenda were limited to two minutes unless otherwise specified. Back and forth dialogue with the Council was prohibited).
The following individuals gave comments in person:
Rick Perez gave comments in memory of former Mayor Irma Anderson. Mr. Perez expressed concerns regarding police law enforcement, enforcement against police officers when they break the law, and abuse of authority.
Patricia Perez expressed the need for police and her disagreement with defunding. Ms.
Perez recommended that police, especially those with former military service, needed specialized de-escalation training. Ms. Perez acknowledged the right of police to defend themselves against armed suspects, but not to kill unarmed individuals, due to lack of police cultural competence training.
Mark Wassberg shared an audio recording of a disruptive resident at the Hacienda senior housing complex. Mr. Wassberg advised there had been no assistance to address the issue or ensure the safety of the other residents.
Fayza (last name not stated) acknowledged the council for its favorable actions on matters. Fayza extended her condolences to the Anderson family. Fayza gave comments against racism. Fayza also gave comments regarding the current status of Gaza.
Wesley Alexander acknowledged the council for addressing the city's hiring needs. Mr.
Alexander also acknowledged the Anderson family for their contributions to the city. Mr.
Alexander requested the city to focus on small business development and prioritize future agenda items to discuss the matter. Mr. Alexander urged the council to distribute American Rescue Plan Act funds to assist Richmond businesses. Mr. Alexander expressed concerns that there had been no investment in downtown Richmond since CoBid opened.
Jamin Pursell expressed concerns that there was no location in the city to learn about its trailblazers such as former Mayor Irma Anderson. Mr. Pursell requested the council solicit to have a dedicated section for the black community at the Richmond Museum.
Mr. Pursell supported the idea of making the former Richmond Pullman International Hotel a black history museum and a place to honor Mrs. Anderson.
The following speakers gave comments via teleconference:
Judy Stoyer gave comments regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, and freedom of speech.
Christy Barry gave comments regarding the First Amendment right to freedom of speech.
Arto Rintella shared his background and acknowledged Richmond's historic African- American communities. Mr. Rintella also acknowledged the mayor, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and others for Richmond's recognition at the NAACP awards ceremony. Mr. Rintella extended his condolences to Ahmad Anderson.
cc6Feb2024 – sl/prc
X. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
(All items placed under the Consent Calendar were considered to be routine and noncontroversial. The 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 McLaughlin
Seconded by Vice Mayor Jimenez
To approve all items on the Consent Calendar excluding items X.7.a (staffing position control) and X.10.a (street sweeping signs).
Ayes (6): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember McLaughlin, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Zepeda, Vice Mayor Jimenez, and Mayor Martinez Absent (1): Councilmember Willis
Passed (6 to 1)
X.1 City Attorney's Office
X.1.a Legal Services Agreement with Bertrand Fox Elliot Osman & Wenzel APPROVE a legal services agreement (LSA) with Bertrand Fox Elliot Osman & Wenzel in the amount of $100,000, for City Attorney services, with a term from February 6, 2024, to June 30, 2026 – City Attorney’s Office (Dave Aleshire 510-620-6509).
X.2 City Clerk's Office
X.2.a City Council Meeting Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the December 19, 2023, and January 16, 2024, Regular City Council meetings - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
X.3 City Council
X.3.a Supporting the right of members of the public to offer aid to animals in distress and opposing any legal penalties for such actions.
ADOPT a resolution that encourages the Sonoma District Attorney to dismiss such prosecution and exercise leniency, of non-violent activists who were investigating and attempting to expose the abuses of animals in commercial animal operations – Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672- 3490).
Adopted Resolution No. 6-24
X.4 City Manager's Office
X.4.a City of Richmond Hosted Celebration of Life Event for Former Mayor Irma Anderson in Conjunction with Black History Month
APPROVE the waiver of fees associated with the use of the Richmond Auditorium in the month of February 2024 to host a celebration honoring the life of Former Mayor Irma Anderson; AUTHORIZE City staff to support the planning and hosting of the historical acknowledgement; and APPROVE the use of City funds to support the public event during Black
cc6Feb2024 – sl/prc
History Month, in an amount not to exceed approximately $12,000 – City Manager’s Office (Shasa Curl 510-620-6512).
X.5 Community Development
X.5.a Contract Amendment No. 1 with CSW/ST2 for Miraflores Project APPROVE Contract Amendment No. 1 with CSW/ST2 to increase the contract by $98,406, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $315,729, for a term ending December 31, 2025, for professional design services for the interpretative signage at the Miraflores Sustainable Greenbelt, preparation of construction plans and bid documents for the rehabilitation of certain historic resources, and multi-year monitoring related to Baxter Creek at Miraflores – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco 510- 620-6841).
X.6 Finance Department
X.6.a Investment and Cash Balance Report and Monthly Overtime Reports for the Month of November 2023
RECEIVE the City’s Investment and Cash Balance Report and Monthly Overtime Reports for the month of November 2023 – Finance Department (Andrea Miller 510-620-6740).
X.7 Human Resources
X.7.a Amend Staffing (Position Control) and Appropriate Funds as Required ADOPT a resolution to amend staffing (position control) for the Community Development-Planning, Human Resources, City Attorney, Economic Development, and Finance Departments; and APPROPRIATE associated salaries, wages, and benefits as required – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/ Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6602).
Continued to the February 20, 2024, City Council meeting.
X.8 Library and Community Services
X.8.a Appropriate $400,000 in Environmental and Community Investment Agreement Funds to Support the Purchase of an Electric Bookmobile ADOPT a resolution to appropriate $400,000 in Environmental and Community Investment Agreement Funds from the transportation category for construction of an electric bookmobile and installation of associated charging equipment – Community Services Department (Kate Eppler 510- 620-5452/LaShonda White 510-620-6828).
Adopted Resolution No. 7-24
X.9 Mayor's Office
X.9.a Appointment to the Environmental and Community Investment Agreement (ECIA) Transportation Oversight Committee
APPOINT Richard T. Johnson to a vacant seat on the Environmental and Community Investment Agreement (ECIA) Transportation Oversight Committee, Term Expires July 25, 2027 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
cc6Feb2024 – sl/prc
X.10 Public Works
X.10.a Citywide Installation of Street Sweeping Signs
APPROPRIATE $550,000 from the General Fund (Fund0001) to the General Capital Fund (Fund2001) for the effort to install street sweeping signs equitably throughout all City neighborhoods – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria/Tawfic Halaby 510-620-5482).
Councilmember Bana advised that residents requested "no parking" signs on red flag days when there was a danger of fire. Tarnel Abbott gave comments via teleconference. The council requested the following: small signs to address residents concerns; information regarding the previously purchased signs; and a future email reminder system alerting residents to move their cars.
Motion by Vice Mayor Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Robinson
To approve the staff recommendation.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember McLaughlin, Councilmember Robinson, Vice Mayor Jimenez, and Mayor Martinez Absent (2): Councilmember Willis and Councilmember Zepeda Passed (5 to 2)
Adopted Resolution No. 8-24
Y. NEW BUSINESS
Y.1 Ordinance Amending the Monthly Salary for the Mayor and City Councilmembers.
INTRODUCE an ordinance (first reading) amending the monthly salary for the Mayor and City Council members – City Attorney’s Office (Shannon Moore/Kimberly Chin 510-620-6509).
Continued to the February 27, 2024, City Council meeting.
Y.2 City of Richmond Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2023
RECEIVE a report on the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2023 – Finance Department (Andrea Miller/Mubeen Qader/Jerry Chak 510-620-6740).
City Manager Shasa Curl introduced the matter. Director of Finance Andrea Miller and Ahmed Badawi of Badawi & Associates presented a PowerPoint that highlighted the following: engagement team; deliverables and scope of audit; primary audit emphasis; auditor's report; financial statements; General Fund; pension plan; other post-employment benefits; required communications; and new accounting standards. Discussion ensued. The council requested the remaining balance on the Port bond and payoff timelines.
cc6Feb2024 – sl/prc
Y.3 Raftelis Workforce Analysis Update
RECEIVE a presentation from Raftelis regarding an update on the Workforce Analysis – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510- 620-6606).
Continued to the February 20, 2024, City Council meeting.
Y.4 Overview of the City’s Roadway Pavement Condition
RECEIVE a report on the status of the City’s roadway pavement condition; and DIRECT staff to utilize the StreetSaver® pavement management system to optimize the use of paving funds for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2024-25 – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/Tawfic Halaby 510-620- 5482).
City Manager Shasa Curl and Public Works Deputy Director Operations and Maintenance Tawfic Halaby introduced the matter. NCE Engineering Consultants Margot Yapp and Shahram Misaghi presented a PowerPoint that highlighted the following: the city's roadway asset value of $742 million; road functional classes; street conditions and the city's paving condition index (PCI) average of 61; PCI comparisons and historical data; repairs cost and preventive maintenance; funding scenarios, current levels, and sources; and pavement damage. Discussion ensued.
The council requested the following: anticipated amount from grant sources and state/federal funding; consider how streets could be changed to become more safe and pedestrian, bicycle, and sidewalk friendly; research other cities ordinances that mandate property owner responsibility for sidewalk repairs; utilize vehicle sideshow deterrents; seek opportunities to utilize recycled paving materials; consider a truck impact fee; incorporate existing street safety plans; provide detail showing funding sources; provide information for how the paving proposal aligns with existing plans and activity uses; consider impacts to roads from increased warehouses and distribution centers in the city; consider bonds as a funding source; provide the streets to be paved showing the connection to the specific existing street safety plan; add criteria to the capital improvement plan for each project description to show how the engineer incorporated existing plans and traffic calming; and provide a future council presentation to prioritize streets to be paved.
Motion by Councilmember Robinson
Seconded by Vice Mayor Jimenez
To accept the staff recommended action and add to the capital improvement projects plan criteria addressing traffic calming and other existing plans to make it explicit with clear direction.
A friendly amendment was made by Councilmember McLaughlin to add the eighteen traffic calming projects.
The motion maker further clarified the motion to accept the staff recommendation to use the StreetSaver® Program to select streets to improve, and in that process of selecting streets once selected, and for projects that were street projects that were in the capital improvement plan, add the synergistic policies as criteria to the projects when listed in the capital improvement plan; and they should be listed in the capital improvement plan once the program was used, and any other capital improvement program like the eighteen traffic calming projects should also be
cc6Feb2024 – sl/prc
included in the capital improvement programs; and include the synergistic policies.
Ayes (6): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember McLaughlin, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Zepeda, Vice Mayor Jimenez, and Mayor Martinez Absent (1): Councilmember Willis
Passed (6 to 1)
Z. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:38 p.m., in memory of Irma Anderson and Steve Bischoff, to meet again on February 20, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
Pamela Christian, Clerk of the City of
Richmond
Eduardo Martinez, Mayor