1 RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA,
May 28, 2024, 4:30 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 4:35 p.m.by Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Gayle McLaughlin, Doria Robinson, Melvin Willis, and Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez. Absent: Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez arrived after adjourning to Closed Session.
C. CLOSED SESSION
C.1 LIABILITY CLAIMS (Government Code Section 54956.9)
Claimant: Carla Waters 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) Allstate Northbrook Indemnity Company A/S/O Ghamdan Abbas v.
Richmond Police Department et al.
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 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR (Government Code Section 54956.8)
• Property: 12th and Macdonald
Agency Negotiators: Nannette Beacham
Negotiating parties: SAA-EVI Richmond Partners, LLC
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
• Property: South 45th Street to the west, Wall Avenue to the south, Interstate 80 to the east, and the BART tracks to the north Agency negotiators: Lina Velasco
Negotiating parties: Artes Capital
Under negotiations: Price and Terms of Payment
2 D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
None.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
There being no further business, Closed Session adjourned at 4:38 p.m.
F. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order at 6:33 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. AGENDA REVIEW
Item S.1. - (Task Force to End Gender Based Domestic Violence) was moved to be heard before Item Q.1. - (Budget Study Session).
K. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING CLOSED SESSION
C.1 LIABILITY CLAIMS (Government Code Section 54956.9) · Claimant: Carla Waters
Agency claimed against: City of Richmond
Discussed. Direction was given to city negotiators. No reportable action was taken.
C.2 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9) · Allstate Northbrook Indemnity Company A/S/O Ghamdan Abbas v. Richmond Police Department et al.
Discussed. Direction was given to city negotiators. No reportable action was taken.
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
Discussed. Direction was given to city negotiators. No reportable action was taken.
C.4 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR (Government Code Section 54956.8)
3 • Property: 12th and Macdonald
Agency Negotiators: Nannette Beacham
Negotiating parties: SAA-EVI Richmond Partners, LLC
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
• Property: South 45th Street to the west, Wall Avenue to the south, Interstate 80 to the east, and the BART tracks to the north Agency negotiators: Lina Velasco
Negotiating parties: Artes Capital
Under negotiations: Price and Terms of Payment
Discussed. Direction was given to city negotiators. The matter was under discussion with the new owner of the property. No reportable action was taken.
L. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
City Manager Shasa Curl reported the following: Public Works Week Lunch in the Park was on May 22, 2024, at Nicholl Park; the Youth and Young Adult Career Fair was on May 24, 2024, at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium; Vibe Bisto Official Ribbon Cutting was on May 24, 2024, at CoBiz; Community Paint Days would be on select Saturdays in June and July at the Parchester Village Soundwall; Richmond Rainbow Pride event would be on June 2, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., beginning at Nicholl Park and ending at Richmond Civic Center Plaza; Booker T. Anderson Grand Reopening would be on June 6, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and the Juneteenth Parade and Festival would be on June 22, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at Nicholl Park.
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 Bana reported the following: encouraged the celebration of diversity during Asian Pacific Islander Month; and National Gun Violence Community Remembrance Day was on June 7, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Richmond Civic Center Plaza.
Vice Mayor Jimenez reported the following: thanked the Youth Works staff that organized the Youth Career Fair; joined Teamsters Local 315 in support of a fair contract for the employees; attended the Vibe Bistro Grand Opening at 1503 Macdonald Avenue; and thanked city staff who attended the 23rd street vendor's meeting.
Councilmember McLaughlin reported the following: worked on the home decarbonization project; continued to work on the Marina Bay and Civic Center Farmer's Markets; attended a fundraiser for The Practice Space; attended the Public Works Department luncheon; worked on a sea level rise summit for September 2024; and the Tiny Village Youth project would be developed by January 2025.
Councilmember Robinson reported that the Miraflores project had a new owner and possibly a new development; attended the California Food and Agriculture Commission meeting and discussed toxic sites caused by agriculture that were located in Richmond.
Mayor Martinez reported that a delegation from Zhoushan, China was in Richmond last Sunday.
N. COMMENDATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS
N.1 Proclamation for John Marquez for His Dedicated Leadership and Community Advocacy
PROCLAMATION recognizing John Marquez for his leadership, advocacy for educational access and excellence, and his continued commitment to community
4 development and success – Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503), Councilmembers Soheila Bana (510-672-3490) and Cesar Zepeda (510-620- 6593).
Councilmembers Bana, Zepeda, and Mayor Martinez read and presented the proclamation to John Marquez. Mr. Marquez gave comments.
Cordell Hindler, Micaela Ochoa, Rebecca Barrett, and Trina Jackson gave comments.
N.2 Recognizing the Month of June as Pride Month and to Celebrate Richmond Rainbow Pride 10-Year Anniversary
PROCLAMATION honoring the invaluable cultural, social, and economic contributions of LGBTQI+ individuals to our community – Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503) and Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593).
The city council presented the proclamation to Jamin Pursell.
Cordell Hindler, Mark Wassberg, and Sue Van Hattum 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)
AC Transit External Affairs representative, Ryan Lau gave comments regarding information for the community of the revised bus routes in the area. More information could be obtained at www.actransit.org.
Cordell Hindler gave comments regarding employee burnout.
Oscar Garcia and Gonzalo Ochoa gave comments regarding the 23rd Street corridor issues, such as traffic control, smoke shops, lack of enforcement, and issues with street vendors.
Mark Wassberg gave comments regarding the LGBTQ+ community.
Emiliano De la Mora gave comments regarding funding of a sidewalk to Pinole Regional Park on Richmond Parkway for pedestrian safety.
Amanda Jenkins, Tumani Eaton and Andrea McKelvy gave comments regarding housing assistance promised to former Castro encampment residents.
Jamin Pursell thanked those that assisted with organizing the Richmond Rainbow Pride event. Mr. Pursell also stated that he went on a ride-a-long with a police officer.
Sue VanHattum, John Emery, and Rion A. gave comments regarding the need for immediate traffic calming safety measures on Solano Avenue.
Vice Mayor Jimenez stated that she was working with the 23rd Street Merchants, the Contra Costa Health Department, and Supervisor John Gioia, regarding parking issues, the smoke shop moratorium, and the addition of code enforcement staff for the 23rd Street corridor.
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.)
5 Motion by Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Melvin Willis
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 City Council
P.1.a Authorize Public Bank East Bay to Apply for Regulatory Approval ADOPT a resolution of the City Council of the City of Richmond authorizing the Public Bank East Bay to apply for State regulatory approval, assuring the City of Richmond’s Investment Policy is modified as needed for entering into a Public Bank, and authorizing the City of Richmond, after regulatory approval, to provide its share of founding capital – Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin (510-620-6636), Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6565) and Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620- 6503).
Councilmember McLaughlin gave an overview.
Don Gosney, Daniel Nathan-Heiss, Jamin Pursell, and Mark Wassberg gave comments
Adopted Resolution No. 45-24.
Motion by Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Melvin Willis
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 Finance Department
P.2.a Fiscal Year 2023-24 Quarter 3 Budget Review
RECEIVE the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Quarter 3 budget report for the period of July 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024; and ADOPT a resolution to APPROPRIATE $288,726 from the General Fund – Finance Department (Shasa Curl 510-620-6512/Andrea Miller 510-620-6790/Mubeen Qader 510-412-2077).
Adopted Resolution No. 46-24.
P.3 Mayor's Office
P.3.a Memorial Day Proclamation
PROCLAMATION recognizing Memorial Day in the City of Richmond – Mayor's Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
6 P.3.b Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month
PROCLAMATION recognizing May as Asian American, Native
Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month – Mayor's Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
Q. BUDGET SESSION
Q.1 Budget Study Session on Proposed Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operating Budget and Fiscal Year 2024-29 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan RECEIVE the draft Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Operating Budget and Fiscal Year 2024-29 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan Budget presentation; and PROVIDE DIRECTION to staff prior to final budget adoption – City Manager’s Office/Finance Department (Shasa Curl 510-620-6512/ Nickie Mastay 510-620- 6609/ Andrea Miller 510-620-6790/ Mubeen Qader 510-412-2077).
City Manager Shasa Curl, Revenue Manager Antonio Banuelos, Deputy Finance Director Mubeen Qader, Deputy Public Works Director Robert Armijo, and Capital Projects Manager Josef Munoz, presented a PowerPoint, which highlighted the following: Citywide Accomplishments; FY 2024-25 Budget Development; Schedule; General Fund Revenue Assumptions; General Fund Revenues; FY 2023-24 vs. 2024-25 General Fund Revenues; General Fund Expenditures FY 2024-25 vs. FY 2023-24; General Fund FY 2024-25 Draft Budget; Historical General Fund Revenues vs. Expenditures; Pension Costs; Pension Costs: Unfunded Accrued Liability Comparison; Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB); American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA); Hilltop and Marina Bay District Updates; Traffic Calming 18 locations FY 2023-24 Update; Estimated Completion by June 2024; Estimated Completion end of 2024; and FY 2024-25 Budget Development Next Steps.
The City Council requested the following: a detailed vacancy report with the percentage of vacancies per department; data regarding the six percent vacancy rate and formula used; vehicle replacement reports; consider adding additional staff to the Information Technology and KCRT departments; a prioritization matrix for selecting traffic safety area projects; the list of positions requested by departments and budgets associated; cost of legal services, including outside legal services; ways to lower Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) liability for discussion at a future meeting; explore traffic calming measures for the entire city; consider additional staff for tree and weed removal, code enforcement, and one additional fire inspector.
(Councilmember Willis left the meeting at 10:31 p.m.)
Cordell Hindler gave comments in person. Susan Wehrle, Kelsey Linnett, Heather Bristow, and John Wehrle gave comments via Zoom.
(At 10:59 p.m. Vice Mayor Jimenez, seconded by Councilmember McLaughlin, extended the meeting until 11:30 p.m., by the following vote: Councilmembers Bana, McLaughlin, Robinson, Zepeda, Vice Mayor Jimenez, and Mayor Martinez. Noes: None. Absent: Councilmember Wills. Abstentions: None).
Further discussion of the 2024-25 Operating Budget, Fiscal Year 2024-29 Five- Year and Capital Improvement Plan would be heard at the June 18, 2024, City Council meeting.
R. PUBLIC HEARINGS
R.1 Master Fee Schedule Update
7 HOLD a public hearing; and INTRODUCE an Ordinance (first reading) adjusting the dollar amount for proposed Developer Impact Fees using the two-and four- year phase in approach and other new user fees for services – Finance Department (Andrea Miller/Mubeen Qader/Antonio Banuelos 510-620-6741). This item was continued from the May 21, 2024, meeting.
Finance Director Andrea Miller gave an overview of the matter. Revenue Manager Antonio Banuelos presented a PowerPoint, which highlighted the following: Fiscal Impact of Fee Updates; Fee Updates; Carlos Villareal, Willdan; What is a Development Impact Fee?; Mitigation Fee Act Findings; AB 602; Impact Fees - Basic Methodology; Impact Fee Categories; Growth Projections.
Cost Allocation Methods; Planned Facilities; Projected Impact Fee Revenue; Maximum Justified Impact Fee Schedule; Staff Recommendation Residential - Phase in Increase over four years; Staff Recommendation: Nonresidential Two- year phase in; Comparison: Single Family Residential - 1,600 Sq. Ft.; Comparison: Multifamily - 20 Units; Comparison: Commercial-15,000 Sq. Ft.
Retail; and Credit Policy.
The City Council requested that Opticos eConsulting provide information at a future meeting regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's) under 700 ft. (At 11:29 p.m. - a motion by Vice Mayor Jimenez, seconded by Councilmember McLaughlin, suspended the rules and extended the meeting until the end of Item R.1. The motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Bana, McLaughlin, Robinson, Zepeda, Vice Mayor Jimenez, and Mayor Martinez. Noes: None. Absent: Councilmember Wills. Abstentions: None).
Mayor Martinez declared the public hearing open. There were no public speakers.
Mayor Martinez closed the public hearing.
The first reading of the ordinance was approved.
Motion by Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin
Seconded by Councilmember Doria Robinson
Ayes (6): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Absent (1): Councilmember Melvin Willis
Passed (6 to 0)
S. STUDY AND ACTION SESSION
S.1 Task Force to End Gender Based Domestic Violence
RECEIVE a presentation on the activities of the Task Force to End Gender-Based Domestic Violence – Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-620-6743).
Miriam Wong, Executive Director and Founder of the Latina Center, Catherine Rife from the Latina Center, and Jennifer Marshall from the Family Justice Center presented a PowerPoint which highlighted the following: Planning Team; Background; Purpose; Gender-Based Violence of "GBV"; Goals; Members; Task Force Interns; Current Projects; "Dating Matters".
Mark Wassberg, and Theresa Russell gave comments in person. Amanda Jenkins and Deborah Small gave comments via Zoom.
8 The task force would return to a city council meeting in November 2024 to discuss resources needed.
S.2 Final Written Report of the Raftelis Workforce Analysis and PowerPoint Presentation
RECEIVE the final written report from Raftelis Financial Consultants regarding their workforce analysis – City Manager’s Office/Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6602).
Continued to the June 4, 2024, City Council meeting.
T. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:46 p.m., to meet again on June 4, 2024.
Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor