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RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA, June 4, 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, Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: Councilmembers Melvin Willis and Cesar Zepeda arrived after the roll was called.
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
Hanlees Hilltop Buick et al. v. City of Richmond
C.2 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) One case
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
D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
Jonathan Livingston gave comments in person. Brian Lewis and Ira gave comments via teleconference.
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E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
The Open Session adjourned to Closed Session at 4:38 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 6:33 p.m.
F. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Regular Meeting of the Richmond City Council was called to order at 6:40 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 Zepeda recused himself from the vote on Item P.1 (Approval of Engineer’s Report and Intent to Levy Assessments for Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District Fiscal Year 2024-2025).
J. AGENDA REVIEW
Item O.4.a (Update Guiding Fiscal Policy and Purchasing Policy) was continued to the June 18, 2024, meeting.
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
Hanlees Hilltop Buick et al. v. City of Richmond
Status report was given. No reportable action was taken.
C.2 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) One case
Discussed. Direction was given to the City Attorney to proceed with the matter. 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
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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
Status report was given. Direction was given to the negotiator.
L. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
City Manager Shasa Curl presented a PowerPoint that highlighted the following:
Parchester Village Community Paint scheduled for Saturdays in June and July at the Parchester Village Community Center; Bay Area Roller Derby held on June 1, 2024, at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium; Richmond Rainbow Pride held on June 2, 2024, at the Civic Center Plaza; Richmond Rising Collaborative Stakeholder Committee Meeting scheduled for June 5, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Nevin Community Center; Booker T.
Anderson Community Center Grand Reopening scheduled for June 6, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Booker T. Anderson Community Center; RPAL Carnival scheduled for June 14th from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m., June 15th and June 16th from 2:00 to 11:00 p.m. at Barrett Avenue and 25th Street; Juneteenth Parade and Festival scheduled for June 22, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Nicholl Park.
L.1 NEW EMPLOYEE REPORT - 1st Tuesday
Director of Human Resources Sharrone Taylor presented a PowerPoint that highlighted new hires in the following departments/divisions: Library; Community Crisis Response Program; Recreation; Police; Community Development; and Public Works.
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: Richmond Rainbow Pride, the Contra Costa College Pride flag-raising ceremony, the Parchester Village Community Paint event, the North Richmond Sea Level Rise meeting, and the Nystrom/Coronado 6th grade graduation.
Vice Mayor Jimenez reported attending Richmond Rainbow Pride and thanked the organizers of the event. Vice Mayor Jimenez also reported attending a District 6 resident potluck.
Councilmember Bana announced that there was a National Gun Violence Awareness day event scheduled for June 7, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Center Plaza.
Councilmember Bana also reported that she would be visiting De Anza high school to award certificates to students who completed the Dating Matters pilot training.
Councilmember Bana also reported the following: visited Via Verde where students of YES Nature to Neighborhoods were educating neighbors; and attended the MLK mural unveiling at King elementary school.
Councilmember McLaughlin reported attending Richmond Rainbow Pride and the Marina Bay Farmer's Market. Councilmember McLaughlin announced that on the second Sundays of the month the Marina Bay Farmer's Market has special activities such as art, recreation, and musicians. Councilmember McLaughlin invited the community to the
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Booker T. Anderson Community Center Grand Reopening scheduled for June 6, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Booker T. Anderson Community Center.
Councilmember Robinson reported attending the MLK mural unveiling at King elementary school and also went on a tour of the Richmond Museum of History with the Black Historical Legacy Committee. Councilmember Robinson also thanked Richmond firefighters for their efforts in fighting a major housefire in District 3.
Councilmember Willis reported attending a Prologis presentation at Hilltop Community Church. Councilmember Willis also reported attending Richmond Rainbow Pride and thanked the organizers of the event.
Mayor Martinez reported attending a senior music event at De Anza High School and an art show at Aspire school.
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)
The following individuals gave comments in person:
Cordell Hindler gave comments on smoke shops in the City and the crime rate. Mr.
Hindler expressed concerns regarding overworked City staff and the living conditions at Nevin Plaza.
Liz Woods expressed concerns regarding overgrown weeds around Civic Center Plaza.
Ms. Woods gave comments on safety and living condition at Nevin Plaza.
Rick Perez gave comments regarding a recent incident involving Richmond police. Mr.
Perez expressed appreciation for the existing cultural training for Richmond officers and suggested that law enforcement culture also needs to be addressed.
Patricia Perez expressed concerns regarding Police brutality in the City of Richmond.
Mark Wassberg gave comments regarding gun violence prevention.
Daniel Nathan-Heiss gave comments regarding new ideas to generate revenue in the City to boost economic development.
Irania DeLamora gave comments regarding the Parchester Village Community Paint event. Ms. DeLamora suggested that there be more variety in the types of community events held in the City.
Philena Cosby gave comments regarding noise issues at Nevin Plaza.
The following individuals gave comments via teleconference:
Susan Wehrle gave comments regarding road safety issues on Solano Avenue and the need for traffic calming actions to be taken.
Arto Rinteela thanked the councilmembers that attended the Prologis presentation regarding Hilltop Mall. Mr. Rinteela announced that there would be an upcoming RNCC meeting in the Council Chambers on June 10, 2024. Mr. Rinteela gave comments regarding the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Grant.
Tiffany Elvin suggested the addition of new crosswalks, improved lighting, and enhanced sidewalks to the Solano Avenue area to address safety concerns.
O. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
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(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
To approve all items on the consent calendar excluding item O.4.a (Update Guiding Fiscal Policy and Purchasing Policy).
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 Clerk's Office
O.1.a Resolution calling and giving notice of municipal election on November 5, 2024
ADOPT a resolution: (1) Calling and Giving Notice of the holding of a Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, for the election of certain officers as required by the provisions of the Charter of the City of Richmond; (2) Requesting the Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County to consolidate the Municipal Election with the Statewide General Election; and (3) Adopting regulations for candidates pertaining to the candidates’ statements submitted to the voters, cost of the candidates’ statements and other fees, word limit for candidates’ statements; and actions to be taken for a tie vote – City Clerk’s Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
Adopted Resolution No. 47-24
O.2 City Council
O.2.a Observe National Gun Violence Awareness Day and Request for Funding Allocation
PROCLAMATION observing National Gun Violence Awareness Day; and DIRECT staff to APPROPRIATE a $5,000 budget from the general fund to be used in support of activities including but not limited to a community vigil, educational outreach, and a public gathering to foster community solidarity against gun violence – Councilmember Bana (510-672-3490) and Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503).
O.3 Economic Development
O.3.a Collection of Assessments for Downtown Richmond Property and Business Improvement District (DRPBID)
ADOPT a resolution allowing the City of Richmond to levy the property tax rolls of property owners subject to assessment under the Downtown Richmond Property and Business Improvement District (DRPBID) on the annual 2024-2025 property tax rolls – Economic Development Department (Lizeht Zepeda 510-620-6653/Antonio Banuelos 510-620- 6741/Kyle Lam 510-620-6802/Nannette Beacham 510-620-1306).
Adopted Resolution No. 48-24
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O.4 Finance Department
O.4.a Update Guiding Fiscal Policy and Purchasing Policy REVIEW and ADOPT updates to the Guiding Fiscal Policy and Purchasing Policy – Finance Department (Shasa Curl/ Nickie Mastay 510- 620-6609/ Andrea Miller 510-620-6790/ Mubeen Qader 510-412-2077/ Antonio Banuelos 510-620-6741).
Continued to the June 18, 2024, City Council meeting.
O.4.b Master Fee Schedule Update
ADOPT an ordinance (second 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).
Adopted Ordinance No. 06-24 N.S.
O.4.c State Audit Supplemental Update
RECEIVE a report regarding the City’s Corrective Action Plan update to State Audit No. 2021-806 – City Manager’s Office/Finance Department (Andrea Miller 510-620-6790/Mubeen Qader 510-412-2077)
O.5 Human Resources
O.5.a Amend the Salary Schedule
ADOPT a resolution amending the salary schedule to add the senior permit technician classification, and to retitle and amend the salary for plan check engineer – Human Resources Department (Sharrone Taylor/Nickie Mastay 510-620-6602).
Adopted Resolution No. 49-24
O.6 Library and Community Services
O.6.a Accept and Appropriate Pacific Library Partnership Grant for Link+ ADOPT a resolution to ACCEPT and APPOPRIATE into the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Library budget a Pacific Library Partnership grant for Link+ in the amount of $8,130 – Community Services Department (LaShonda White 510-620-6828/Kate Eppler 510-620-5452).
Adopted Resolution No. 50-24
O.6.b ARPA-Funded Opportunities for Soccer Fields and Other Improvements at Shields Reid Park, Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, and Wendell Park.
RECEIVE an update related to soccer field and park improvements; APPROVE the recommended park design concepts at Shields Reid Park, Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, and Wendell Park, including the installation of artificial turf at Shields Reid Park; and AUTHORIZE the Director of Public Works to award the park project bid and execute the contract with the lowest responsive/responsible bidder for the stated park projects provided that the award is within the Council-approved budget – City Manager’s Office/Community Services Department/Public Works Department (Shasa Curl 510-620-6512/LaShonda White 510-620- 6828/Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478).
O.7 Police Department
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O.7.a Air Purifying Respirators for Richmond Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics Team Members
APPROVE the purchase of air purifying respirators from LC Action Police Supply for an amount not to exceed $38,338.31 – Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510-621-1802).
O.8 Public Works
O.8.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).
O.8.b Contract with Delta Grinding, Inc. for As-Needed Pavement Grinding and Sweeping Services
APPROVE a contract with Delta Grinding, Inc. in the amount of $1,500,000 for as-needed grinder and sweeper services, for a three-year period beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2027, with two additional one-year options to extend for an amount of $500,000 per extension year – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620- 5478/Rob Chelemedos 510-231-3007).
O.8.c Contract Amendment No. 1 with Verizon Connect NWF, Inc.
APPROVE a first contract amendment to the standard contract with Verizon Connect NWF, Inc., extending the term to June 30, 2026, and increasing the payment limit by $120,000, for an aggregate amount not to exceed $270,000 – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620- 5478/Dee Karnes 510-231-3044).
P. BUDGET SESSION
P.1 Approval of Engineer’s Report and Intent to Levy Assessments for Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District Fiscal Year 2024-2025
DISCUSS and ADOPT a resolution approving the Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 for the Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District; DECLARE the City Council’s intention to levy and collect annual assessments; and SET a public hearing about the proposed increased assessment for June 25, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers at 440 Civic Center Plaza in the City of Richmond – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/ Robert Armijo 510- 620-5477).
Director of Public Works Daniel Chavarria introduced the matter. President of SCI Consulting Group John Bliss presented a PowerPoint highlighting the following: background and purpose; fiscal impact; method of assessment apportionment; zone map; zone 1 overview; special and general benefits; and Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget development next steps. Cesar Zepeda gave comments in person. Discussion ensued.
Council requested a spending comparison report analyzing staffing and resources in special assessment districts versus similar nonspecial assessment district areas specifying how much staff was assigned exclusively to each. Council also asked that this report include the areas that each group of staff was assigned to (location and number of parks), and a comparison of how much money from the general fund goes to staffing and services.
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Motion by Councilmember Melvin Willis
Seconded by Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin
To adopt a resolution approving the Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 for the Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District and declare the City Council’s intention to levy and collect annual assessments and set a public hearing about the proposed increased assessment for June 25, 2024, and direct staff to report back to Council on how the City can improve service levels in general based on the discussion.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin, Councilmember Melvin Willis, Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Abstentions (1): Councilmember Doria Robinson
Conflict (1): Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Passed (5 to 0)
Adopted Resolution No. 51-24
P.2 Approval of Engineer’s Report and Intent to Levy Assessments for Marina Bay Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District (LLMD) for Fiscal Year 2024-2025
DISCUSS and ADOPT a resolution approving the Engineer's Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 for the Marina Bay Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District (LLMD); DECLARE the City Council’s intention to levy and collect annual assessments; and SET a public hearing about the proposed increased assessments for June 25, 2024, at 6:30 PM in City Council Chambers at 440 Civic Center Plaza in the City of Richmond – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/ Robert Armijo 510-620-5477).
Director of Public Works Daniel Chavarria introduced the matter. Principal Consultant of Willdan Financial Tony Thrasher presented a PowerPoint highlighting the following: boundary map; zones; improvements and services; Fiscal Year 2024-2025 rates; proposed budget; next steps. Discussion ensued.
Council requested that staff return with similar analysis information as that requested for item P.1.
Motion by Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin
Seconded by Councilmember Melvin Willis
To adopt a resolution approving the Engineer's Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 for the Marina Bay Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District (LLMD), declare the City Council’s intention to levy and collect annual assessments and set a public hearing about the proposed increased assessments for June 25, 2024, and direct staff to return with an analysis including the same type of information as the requested analysis for item P.1.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin, Councilmember Melvin Willis, Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Abstentions (2): Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, and Councilmember Doria Robinson
Passed (5 to 0)
Adopted Resolution No. 52-24
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P.3 Review and Direction on Budget Checklist and changes to Proposed Budget REVIEW the budget checklist for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Proposed Operating Budget and Fiscal Year 2024-29 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan; and PROVIDE DIRECTION to staff prior to final budget adoption – City Manager’s Office/Finance Department (Nickie Mastay 510-620-6609/Andrea Miller 510- 620-6790/Mubeen Qader 510-412-2077).
Deputy Director of Finance Mubeen Qader introduced the matter. Deputy City Manager Nickie Mastay, Deputy Director of Finance Mubeen Qader, and Director of Public Works Daniel Chavarria presented a PowerPoint highlighting the following: Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget development next steps; Councilmember questions; total general fund budget; total non-general fund revenue budget; total non-general fund expenditure budget; initial Fiscal Year 24- 25 budget adjustments.
Cordell Hindler gave comments in person. Heather Bristow, Kelsey Linnett, Sue VanHattum, and Arto Rinteela gave comments via teleconference. Discussion ensued.
Council suggested restructuring the current process on how projects were placed on the traffic calming list in order to give people from every neighborhood an opportunity to bring forward their traffic safety concerns for evaluation.
Council requested the following: comprehensive details on the overall cost of legal services, presented in a way where it was clear what vendor was being paid for the service and also specifying whether a consultant or internal staff was providing the service; details on the timeline for when temporary speed feedback trailers and enhancing crosswalks were going to be installed in the Solano Avenue area; details clarifying how much of the funds allocated for traffic calming in Fiscal Year 2024-2025 were additional funds or carry over from the prior Fiscal Year; update on previously approved council direction regarding the port in the next presentation; a breakdown of Public Works department positions and other Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) by division; and more information on surplus fund amounts. Council also suggested budgeting to purchase more traffic trailers.
Q. NEW BUSINESS
Q.1 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). This item was continued from the May 28, 2024, meeting.
Continued to the June 18, 2024, City Council meeting.
Q.2 Traffic Calming Division within the Department of Public Works RECEIVE a presentation outlining the proposal to create a Traffic Calming Division within the Department of Public Works to address street, pedestrian, and bicycle safety concerns in the City; and DIRECT the allocation of funds to hire 2 Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) in the Department of Public Works to manage the street calming, complete streets in an integrated and environmentally sustainable manner – Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6565), Councilmembers Gayle McLaughlin (510-620-6636) and Doria Robinson (510-620-6568).
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Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez introduced the matter. Othering and Belonging Institute Transportation Planner Richard Aviles presented a PowerPoint highlighting the following: work completed thus far by the Othering and Belonging Institute; what they have heard so far; case study findings; key informant interview findings; and proposal.
Cordell Hindler gave comments in person. Heather Bristow gave comments via teleconference.
Council requested that the essence of what was presented be incorporated into what was approved along with data collection in collaboration with the Police department.
Motion by Councilmember Melvin Willis
Seconded by Mayor Eduardo Martinez
To direct staff to allocate the funds for two Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) in the Department of Public Works to manage street calming, complete streets in an integrated and environmentally sustainable manner.
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)
R. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:48 p.m., to meet again on June 18, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor