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RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA, March 26, 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 4:31 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Gayle McLaughlin, Doria Robinson, Melvin Willis, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Absent: None.
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) Three cases
C.2 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9) Hanlees Hilltop Buick et al. v. City of Richmond
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.3 LIABILITY CLAIMS (Government Code Section 54956.9)
C.4 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EV ALUATION (Government Code Section 54957)
Title: City Attorney
Title: City Clerk
C.5 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
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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)
None.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
The Open Session adjourned to Closed Session at 4:33 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 6:49 p.m.
F. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Regular Meeting of the Richmond City Council was called to order at 6:55 p.m. by Mayor Martinez.
G. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor 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
Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Robinson, and Mayor Martinez recused themselves from the vote on Item Q.3 (Prevent Nepotism During the Appointment Process for Richmond Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces, and City Hiring and Employment).
J. AGENDA REVIEW
Item Q.4 (Presentation from The Urban Forestry Advisory Committee) was moved up to be heard as the first item under Study and Action Session.
K. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING 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) Three cases
Discussed. No reportable action taken.
C.2 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9) Hanlees Hilltop Buick et al. v. City of Richmond
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 not discussed. Status of all other items were discussed. No reportable action.
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C.3 LIABILITY CLAIMS (Government Code Section 54956.9)
Not discussed.
C.4 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EV ALUATION (Government Code Section 54957)
Title: City Attorney
Title: City Clerk
Not discussed.
C.5 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
Not discussed.
L. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
City Manager Shasa Curl presented a PowerPoint that highlighted the following:
Coronado Neighborhood dumpster day event held on March 23, 2024; Richmond- Shimada Friendship Commission youth ambassadors' visit to Fire Station 64 on March, 21, 2024; Community survey to help improve Richmond Parkway open until April 28, 2024, at https://fp.mysocialpinpoint.com/richmond-parkway; Bike to Wherever Day and bike champion nominations open through March 29, 2024, at https://tinyurl.com/yhw46pd4; Best Businesses of Richmond nominations open through March 29, 2024, at www.rcoc.com/best-of-richmond-2024/; Richmond's business hiring needs assessment open through July 2024, at www.rcoc.com/best-of-richmond-2024/; and Contra Costa County Housing and Non-Housing 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan survey open through July 2024, at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/10000/2025-2030- Consolidated-Plan.
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 Zepeda reported attendance to the following events: Cal Cities Transportation, Communications, and Public Works Policy Committee meeting in Burbank, California and the Richmond-Shimada Friendship Commission youth ambassadors' visit. Councilmember Zepeda also invited the community to the Richmond- Shimada Friendship Commission Sayonara party for the visiting youth ambassadors on March 28, 2024, at the library. Councilmember Zepeda invited the community to his second Annual District 2 Strategy Meeting scheduled for April 6, 2024, at the Bridge Art
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Space. Councilmember Zepeda also reported attendance to the Point Richmond Spring Fling and the Public Safety Awards dinner.
Councilmember Bana wished the community a Happy Nowruz. Councilmember Bana invited the community to the launch event for the Richmond Task Force to End Gender- Based Violence on March 28, 2024, and thanked Mayor Martinez for his support of the upcoming event. Councilmember Bana thanked Councilmember McLaughlin for her role in bringing forward a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the counties of Contra Costa and Alameda for wildfire prevention and announced that there would be upcoming meetings in April.
Councilmember McLaughlin announced that the Marina Bay Farmers Market launch date was scheduled for April 7, 2024, in the parking lot of Marina Bay Park and that it would take place on Sundays thereafter. Councilmember McLaughlin advised that the location of the Barrett Avenue Farmers Market was moved to the parking lot across from the Richmond Main Library. Councilmember McLaughlin invited the community to the Literacy Festival in the Richmond Memorial Auditorium scheduled for April 13, 2024.
Councilmember Robinson expressed her appreciation of the upcoming launch of the Marina Bay Farmers Market and changes to the location of the Barrett Avenue Farmers Market. Councilmember Robinson reported on NURVE (Nystrom United Revitalization Effort) meeting discussions regarding the Nystrom Village redevelopment plan, the Martin Luther King Center conceptual design plan, and ARPA allocations set aside for improvement to Richmond fields and parks.
Councilmember Willis acknowledged the Wendell Area Action Team, members of the Richmond Police Department, and the Richmond Police Explorers for their efforts in a cleanup event held on March 16, 2024, in the Wendell Park area. Councilmember Willis announced a neighborhood dumpster day cleanup event for the Belding Woods-Garcia area scheduled for March 30, 2024.
Mayor Martinez announced the launch of the 2024 Best of Richmond contest and invited the community to cast their vote. Mayor Martinez announced that his office would be hosting two satellite art exhibits and were in the process of selecting new works. Mayor Martinez expressed his appreciation at being selected as a judge for the West Contra Costa County Unified School District student art show. Mayor Martinez announced that once the West Contra Costa County Unified School District student art show ended, his office would be receiving more art and invited the community to come view the art once up for display.
Vice Mayor Jimenez thanked local businesses on San Pablo Avenue who organized the Neighborhood Market Fair held on March 24, 2024. Vice Mayor Jimenez encouraged the community to visit and support new local businesses.
N. COMMENDATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS
N.1 Proclamation honoring the Baha’i’s steadfast commitment to defend freedom of thought, human rights and religion.
PROCLAMATION honoring the Baha’i’s steadfast commitment to defend freedom of thought, human rights, and religion - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-620-6743) and Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6565).
Councilmember Bana read the proclamation. Councilmember Bana, Vice Mayor Jimenez and Mayor Martinez presented the proclamation to members of the Baha’i community who gave comments.
Mark Wassberg gave comments in person.
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N.2 Recognizing the Richmond Steelers U9 Football Team
COMMENDATION recognizing and celebrating the achievements of the Richmond Steelers U9 Football Team in 2023 - Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510- 620-6503) and Councilmember Doria Robinson (510-620-6568).
Mayor Martinez read the commendation. Mayor Martinez and Councilmember Robinson presented the commendation to the Richmond Steelers U9 Football Team and its coaches who gave comments.
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:
Mark Wassberg gave comments regarding religious beliefs, immigration, and lawmakers.
Irania De La Mora gave comments regarding bicycle lanes on Richmond Parkway and throughout the City. Ms. De La Mora expressed concerns of increased traffic on main roads where bicycle lanes are present.
Jamin Pursell expressed pride in the inclusivity and advocacy for diverse communities throughout the City of Richmond.
P. 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 Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez
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.1 Finance Department
P.1.a Ordinance Creating New Business Activity Classification, Class P – Wholesale, and the Corresponding Rates
ADOPT an ordinance (second reading) amending Chapter 7.04.103 of the Richmond Municipal Code by creating a new Business Activity Classification, Class P – Wholesale, and the corresponding rates – City Attorney's Office/Finance Department (Dave Aleshire 510-620- 6509/Andrea Miller, Mubeen Qader, Antonio Banuelos 510-620-6741).
Adopted Ordinance No. 02-24 N.S.
P.2 Mayor's Office
P.2.a 2024 Appointments to Committees and Liaison Positions
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APPROVE appointments for the Mayor and Councilmembers to Regional Committees, Ad-Hoc Committees and Liaison Positions for the year of 2024 - Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620- 6503).
P.2.b Richmond Arts and Culture Commission Appointment
APPOINT Tobin Richmond to an unexpired term in the Richmond Arts and Culture Commission, Term Expires June 19, 2025 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
P.2.c Richmond Arts and Cultures Commission Appointment APPOINT Sandra Benjamin Richmond to the Richmond Arts and Culture Commission, Term Expires June 19, 2025 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
P.2.d Youth Council Appointment for Andrea Martinez Alvarez APPOINT Andrea Martinez Alvarez to the Youth Council, term expires, October 1, 2024 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620- 6503).
P.3 Public Works
P.3.a San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority Grant Resolution ADOPT a resolution accepting and appropriating the $4,600,000 in grant funds from the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority for Terminal Four Wharf Removal Project – Public Works Department/Community Development Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/Lina Velasco 510-621-1231).
Adopted Resolution No. 22-24
Q. STUDY AND ACTION SESSION
Q.1 Update on the Craneway Pavilion Request
PROVIDE update regarding the Craneway Pavilion and the proposed use. Dave Aleshire, City Attorney (510-620-6509).
City Attorney Dave Aleshire introduced the matter. Mr. Aleshire presented a PowerPoint that highlighted the following: the Craneway Pavilion property; background on the property's prior uses, projects, and agreements; land use approvals; uses permitted; usage/permit history; State Lands Consistency finding; the revised project; new site plans - A; new site plans - B; Orton's position per his March 11, 2024, email; current question; and proposed compliance agreement.
Mac Lingo, Kym Sterner, Dave Sterner, Sue Wilson, Bill Powning, Jamin Pursell, and Deborah Bayer gave comments in person. Lynne Therriault, Beth Conklin, Terri Hinte, Shawn Dunning, Jessie West, Paul Carman, and Tania Pulido gave comments via teleconference. Discussion ensued. The council gave direction to the City Attorney to work towards a compliance agreement that preserves public events, to look into the legality of the ground lease agreement for the Craneway Pavilion and explore options to terminate or renegotiate the ground lease agreement.
Q.2 Amendment No. 1 to Contract with Safe Organized Spaces (SOS) APPROVE an Amendment No. 1 to the contract with Safe Organized Spaces to extend the contract term through June 30, 2025, and increasing the contract amount by $1,463,415.23, for a total contact amount not to exceed $2,202,108.82,
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to provide encampment support services, including outreach, showers, laundry services, and job opportunities for unhoused residents – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Jesus Morales 510-620-6649). This item was continued from the March 19, 2024, meeting.
Community Development Director Lina Velasco introduced the matter. Housing Manager Jesus Morales presented a PowerPoint that highlighted the following:
SOS contract scope of services; SOS debris, clean up and outreach assistance; key performance indicators for SOS services (contract period April 2023 to March 2024); key performance indicators for SOS engagement and workforce development (contract period April 2023 to March 2024); project outcomes and alignment with Homelessness Strategic Plan; request for qualifications process; and questions received regarding the SOS contract. Discussion ensued. (At 10:57 p.m. - a motion by Councilmember Zepeda, seconded by Councilmember Bana, to extend the meeting to complete Item Q.2 passed by the unanimous vote of the City Council).
Further discussion ensued. Mark Wassberg, Marilyn Langlois, Teri Edlinger, Alohilani Black, Oneill Fernandez, and Daniel Barth gave comments in person.
John Knox, Dominique Kauffman, Braunz Courtney, John Toki, and Cheryl Maier gave comments via teleconference.
(At 11:30 p.m. - a motion made by Councilmember Willis, seconded by Councilmember Zepeda, to suspend the rules and extend the meeting to complete Item Q.2, passed by the unanimous vote of the City Council).
Further discussion ensued. A motion was made by Councilmember McLaughlin, seconded by Councilmember Willis to approve the staff recommendation of amendment number one to the SOS contract with the added requirement that SOS include demographics in their reports. A friendly amendment was made by Councilmember Robinson to include a line item in the contract in the amount of $100,000 from the general fund for an internal SOS fund development staff member. The maker of the original motion and seconder accepted the friendly amendment.
Motion by Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin
Seconded by Councilmember Melvin Willis
To approve the staff recommendation of amendment number one to the SOS contract with the added requirement that SOS include demographics in their reports and the inclusion of a line item in the contract in the amount of $100,000 from the general fund for an internal SOS fund development staff member.
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)
Q.3 Prevent Nepotism During the Appointment Process for Richmond Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces, and City Hiring and Employment.
DISCUSS and PROVIDE direction to the City Attorney’s Office to draft and for staff to implement a City policy preventing City Council Members from appointing family members to Richmond boards, commissions, committees, and task forces - Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593) and Vice Mayor
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Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6565). This item was continued from the March 19, 2024, meeting.
Continued to the April 2, 2024, City Council meeting.
Q.4 Presentation from The Urban Forestry Advisory Committee RECEIVE a presentation from the Urban Forestry Advisory Committee - Councilmember Doria Robinson (510-620-6568).
Councilmember Robinson introduced the matter. Urban Forestry Advisory Committee member Rebecca Orme presented a PowerPoint that highlighted the following: urgent issues in Richmond's urban forest; known hot spots in Richmond City Council Districts requiring prioritized hazard tree care; Urban Forestry Advisory Committee recommendations to City Council; hazard tree mitigation budget and plan; staffing needs for the Parks and Landscaping Tree Crew; and state of the urban forest report. Discussion ensued. The council requested that staff provide Urban Forestry Advisory Committee members monthly reports on trees planted/removed and major tree maintenance efforts, as well as access to the City's ForestMetrics database when it becomes available.
Jamin Pursell gave comments in person. Further discussion ensued. The council suggested that the City try to collaborate with community based organizations, the Urban Forestry Advisory Committee, the California State Coastal Conservancy, and the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District on a plan for the City.
R. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:47 p.m., to meet again on April 2, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor