1 RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA,
February 20, 2024, 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 Richmond City Council Evening Open Session was called to order at 4:03 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Gayle McLaughlin, Doria Robinson, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: Councilmember Soheila Bana arrived at 4:09 p.m., after the roll was called. Councilmember Melvin Willis arrived after council adjourned to closed session.
C. CLOSED SESSION
C.1 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.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 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (Government
Code Section 54957)
Title: City Attorney
C.4 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Government Code
Section 54957.6)
Agency Representatives: Sharrone Taylor and Jack HughesEmployee organization: IAFF Local 188
D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
David Helvarg gave comments in person regarding Pt. Molate.
Sally Tobin and Jim Hanson gave comments via teleconference regarding Pt. Molate.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
The Open Session adjourned to Closed Session at 4:11 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 6:29 p.m.
2 F. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Regular Meeting of the Richmond City Council was called to order at 6:36 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, Melvin Willis, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Absent: None.
I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
J. AGENDA REVIEW
Item P.3. - (Regional Hospital Update Presentation for Alta Bates Summit Medical Center) was moved up to be heard as the first item under New Business.
Item O.3.a. - (Development of Richmond Legislative Platform) was tabled.
K. 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) · 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 Status report was given. No reportable action was taken.
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 was given. No reportable action was taken.
C.3 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (Government Code Section 54957)
· Title: City Attorney
Not discussed.
C.4 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Government Code Section 54957.6)
· Agency Representatives: Sharrone Taylor and Jack Hughes Employee organization: IAFF Local 188
Status report was given. Directions were given to city negotiators.
L. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
City Manager Shasa Curl announced the following: Remembering Mayor Irma Anderson was scheduled for Thursday, February 29, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the
3 Richmond Memorial Auditorium; 2023 City-wide Accomplishments; CalTrans Spring Job Fair was scheduled for Wednesday; February 21, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 111 Grand Avenue Oakland, CA; Love Your Block Mini Grant Application were available at www.richmondloveyourblock.org application acceptance period would close on Friday, February 23, 2024; Family Fun and Literacy at LEAP was scheduled for Friday, February 23, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 440 Civic Center Plaza; Richmond Community Clean-Up was scheduled for Wednesday, February 24, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Richmond Recreation Complex; Black History Celebration was scheduled for Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium.
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) Councilmember Willis reported that residents received 10-day notices at the St. John's Apartments, however no evictions were planned. An emergency meeting was held with the Richmond Rent Program and residents were connected with emergency counseling services and referrals to various services.
Councilmember Bana reported that she attended a Braver Angels meeting regarding how to start a non-polarizing process.
Councilmember Zepeda reported the following: attended one of Mayor Irma Anderson's memorial; went to the city of Concord to meet with individuals from a green tech company, Glideways who were interested in establishing its business in Richmond; congratulated the Chamber of Commerce for the celebration of its 100-year anniversary; attended the 23rd Annual Law Enforcement Night/Officer of the Year Awards; and invited everyone to a play of the unheard songs of Betty Reid-Soskin, "Sing My Name to Freedom" in San Francisco. More information could be obtained at www.sfbatco.org.
Vice Mayor Jimenez reported that she met with the 23rd Street Merchants and participated in karaoke night at La Bahia de Jiquilisco at 1096 23rd Street.
Mayor Martinez congratulated the Tibetan community for their recent lunar new year Losar Tashi Delek event.
N. 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)
Patricia Perez gave comments regarding the death of her grandson Pedie Perez.
Maurice Slocum requested assistance in locating a gym to practice basketball in Richmond.
SOS Director, Daniel Barth stated many formerly unhoused were working for SOS as field staff residents and urged the city for continued funding and support of the organization.
O'Neill Fernandez, formally unhoused, was grateful for the upcoming 90-day job readiness program to be launched by SOS on March 11, 2024.
SOS Director of Operations, Tomi Nagai-Rothe stated that 100 percent of the field staff were formerly unhoused residents which helped establish a better connection with the unhoused community.
The following formerly unhoused and current SOS employees Jared Soto, Jewel Morse, Angelina Pena, Donna Archuleta, Brianni Peter, Buddy Bennett, Cheryl Clem, Tshombe
4 Perkins, Leyla Williams, Herman Martinez, Mernard Washington, Moses Barreras, and Karen Garcia thanked SOS for its help and for hiring them and turning their life around.
They also asked the city for continued funding for SOS.
Gamal Palmer stated he was currently unhoused and was looking forward to joining the 90-day SOS employment program.
Carol Evans and Jasmine Hubbard thanked Councilmember Willis for assisting and meeting with the residents of the St. John's Apartments regarding potential rent increases.
Director and Founder of Motivated 2 Help Others LeJon Reese asked that the city rebuild the Santa Fe Community Center to have a safe space for local youth. Mr. Reese also stated that the streetlights were out at 4th Street and Florida Avenue and also at several city parks.
Director of Keys 2 the Future Keycha Gallon requested support for her non-profit organization from the mayor and city council.
Mark Wassberg gave comments regarding the closure of the Rich City Rides bike shop.
O. 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 Soheila Bana
Ayes (7): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Melvin Willis, Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez Passed (7 to 0)
O.1 City Attorney's Office
O.1.a Approve a Seventh Amendment to the Legal Services Agreement with Downey Brand LLP
APPROVE the seventh amendment to the legal services agreement with Downey Brand LLP, in the amount of $100,000, to represent the City in pending appeals and any further proceedings in the current Point Molate Alliance, et al. v. City of Richmond litigation involving the Point Molate property and the City’s prior CEQA and land use entitlement process(es), for a total contract amount of $1,325,000 – City Attorney’s Office (Dave Aleshire 510-620-6509).
O.2 City Clerk's Office
O.2.a City Council Meeting Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the January 23, 2024, regular City Council meeting - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
O.3 City Manager's Office
O.3.a Development of Richmond Legislative Platform
5 DIRECT City staff members to develop a Richmond Legislative Platform – City Manager’s Office (Shasa Curl/ 510-620-6512).
Item was tabled.
O.3.b Calendar Year 2023 City-Wide Accomplishments
RECEIVE an update on the 2023 calendar year City-wide
accomplishments – City Manager’s Office (Shasa Curl 510-620-6512).
O.4 Economic Development
O.4.a Construction Agreement with Rosendin Electric, Inc. for the Installation of a Shore Power System at the Point Potrero Marine Terminal APPROVE a construction agreement with Rosendin Electric, Inc. in the amount of $3,320,747, for the installation of a shore power system at the Point Potrero Marine Terminal, for a term beginning February 21, 2024, and ending June 30, 2026 – Economic Development Department (Charles Gerard 510- 620-6792).
O.4.b Painting of 1322 and 1325 Canal Blvd.
APPROVE a construction agreement with Fresh Start Painting, Co. in the amount of $107,500, for painting of 1322 and 1325 Canal Blvd., with a term ending June 30, 2024 - Economic Development Department (Charles Gerard 510-620-6792).
O.5 Finance Department
O.5.a Investment and Cash Balance Report and Monthly Overtime Reports for the Month of December 2023
RECEIVE the City’s Investment and Cash Balance Report and Monthly Overtime Reports for the month of December 2023 – Finance Department (Andrea Miller 510-620-6740).
O.6 Human Resources
O.6.a Raftelis Workforce Analysis Update
RECEIVE a report from Raftelis regarding an update on the Workforce Analysis – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6606).This item was continued from the February 6, 2024, meeting.
O.6.b Amend Staffing (Position Control) and Appropriate Funds as Required ADOPT a resolution to amend staffing (position control) for the City Attorney, City Manager’s Office, Community Development-Planning, Economic Development, Finance Department, Human Resources, and Public Works; APPROPRIATE associated salaries, wages, and benefits as required – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/ Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6602). This item was continued from the February 6, 2024, meeting.
Adopted Resolution No. 09-24.
O.7 Library and Community Services
O.7.a Land Use Agreement for Weekly Farmers’ Market at Marina Bay Park APPROVE a temporary Land Use Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Richmond Certified Farmers’ Market Association for
6 the free use of a section of the City-owned parking lot located near the Marina Bay Park to host a weekly farmer’s market on Sundays, effective March 17, 2024, and ending December 31, 2026, with two-one year extension options – Community Services Department (LaShonda White 510-620-6828).
O.7.b Funding from the Alameda County Workforce Development Board to Support the Prison to Employment 2.0 Regional Partnership Initiative ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE $81,934.17 in grant funds received from the Alameda County Workforce Development Board to provide pre- release and post-release workforce services for justice-involved job seekers in Richmond – Community Services Department (LaShonda White 510-620-6828/Tamara Walker 510-307-8006).
O.8 Mayor's Office
O.8.a Planning Commission Appointments
APPOINT Gay Timmons to the Planning Commission with a term expiring on June 30, 2024; and APPOINT Alexander Golovets to the Richmond Planning Commission with a term expiring on June 30, 2026 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
O.8.b Workforce Development Board Appointments
REAPPOINT Sarah Wally and Evan Decker to the Workplace
Development Board with terms expiring on March 1, 2028 - Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
O.8.c Richmond Youth Council Appointment
APPOINT JannVenus Espadera Monreal to the Richmond Youth Council with a term expiring on October 1, 2025 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
O.8.d Proclamation Acknowledging the 2024 Lunar New Year PROCLAMATION recognizing the 2024 Lunar New Year in the City of Richmond, which began on February 10th – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
O.9 Police Department
O.9.a Sole-Source Contract with Tactical K-9, LLC to Train and Maintain Richmond Police Department’s K-9 Unit
APPROVE a sole-source contract with Tactical K9, LLC, in the amount of $41,500, to provide continued K-9 maintenance training, for the term February 21, 2024, through February 20, 2025, with two additional one- year mutually agreed upon extension options at a cost not to exceed $41,500 per extension year – Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510- 621-1802).
O.10 Public Works
O.10.a Abatement Report from the Public Works Director
Receive a written abatement report from the Public Works Director - Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478).
7 O.10.b 6th Street and Macdonald Avenue Traffic Signal Improvement Project Fund Allocation
ADOPT a resolution to allocate and appropriate Measure J funds (Fund 2002) in the amount of $241,000 for the completion of the design and construction of the 6th Street and Macdonald Avenue Traffic Signal Improvement Project – Public Works Department (Robert Armijo 510- 620-5477/Ken Cheng 510-621-1612).
Adopted Resolution No. 10-24.
P. NEW BUSINESS
P.1 City Manager’s Amended and Restated Employment Agreement APPROVE the amended and restated City Manager Employment Agreement that extends the term of the agreement for two years to April 5, 2027, amends the compensation provisions by providing at least five percent increases, and provides detail on the performance evaluation process – City Attorney’s Office (Dave Aleshire 510-620-6509/ Heather McLaughlin 510-620-6509/Nickie Mastay 510- 620-6609).
Chief Assistant City Attorney Shannon Moore and Deputy City Manager Nickie Mastay presented a PowerPoint which highlighted the following: highlights of the agreement; evaluation process; and termination by employer. Discussion ensued.
The employment agreement was approved by the following vote:
Motion by Councilmember Melvin Willis
Seconded by Councilmember Soheila Bana
Ayes (7): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Melvin Willis, Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez Passed (7 to 0)
P.2 Drone Light Shows as an alternative to Independence Day Fireworks DISCUSS and PROVIDE DIRECTION to staff regarding alternate technology such as drone lighting technology in lieu of fireworks to celebrate Independence Day to improve the environmental impacts, cost implications, and safety – Councilmember Bana (510-620-6473).
Councilmember Soheila Bana gave an overview which highlighted the following:
Drone light shows are more inclusive, introduce a new tradition, new culture; the toll on public safety; the silent impact; illegal fireworks on pets; environmental hazards of fireworks; hidden costs of illegal fireworks; cultural shift through innovative messaging; captivating a modern audience; strategic messaging can influence behaviors; fostering community engagement; expanding celebration locations across Richmond; enhancing drone shows with music; the value of drone shows; sustainable financing; sponsorships and commercials; public safety; strong messaging through signage; and the impact on police and fire. Discussion ensued.
Councilmembers requested a cost analysis for a drone or laser fireworks show, what the potential costs savings could be for fire and police dealing with illegal fireworks and an analysis if drone shows would actually curtail illegal fireworks.
8 City Council directed staff to gather the information for presentation to the city council in July or August for consideration for the fireworks celebration in July 2025.
P.3 Regional Hospital Update Presentation for Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
RECEIVE a presentation from Sophie Hanh of City of Berkeley and Berkeley Health Department on the regional impacts of a hospital closure – Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593).
Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arrequin, Chair of the Berkeley Health Commission Andy Katz, and Berkeley Councilmember Sophie Hanh presented a PowerPoint, which highlighted the following: Alta Bates Hospital Overview; Impacts of emergency department access; Impacts on vulnerable populations; Impacts on the regional economy; Impacts on major disaster events; Impacts on West Contra Costa County. An updated study would be available as early as May 2024. Discussion ensued.
Councilmembers recommended the potential for partnering to obtain funding, involvement of stakeholders and politicians to discuss options to keep Alta Bates open and consider a hospital for all. Further discussion on this topic would be scheduled in the near future.
Q. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:37 p.m., to meet again on February 27, 2024.
Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor