1 RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA,
September 10, 2024, 5:00 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 5:02 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) One case
C.2 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.3 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR (Government Code Section 54956.8)
Property: Point Molate (site of former Naval Shipyard Depot)Agency Negotiator: Dave AleshireNegotiating Parties: East Bay Regional Park District & Tribe & Upstream Pt. Molate LLCUnder negotiation: Price and terms of payment
Property: 1689 Regatta BoulevardAgency Negotiators: Nannette Beacham, Anne LanpharNegotiating Parties: DiCon Fiberoptics, Inc.Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
C.4 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9) Winehaven v. City of Richmond
2 D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
Bruce Beyaert gave comments via teleconference.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
The Open Session adjourned to Closed Session at 5:06 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 6:35 p.m. by Mayor Martinez.
G. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
H. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Gayle McLaughlin, Doria Robinson, Melvin Willis, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent:
Councilmember Soheila Bana arrived after the roll was called.
I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Councilmember Robinson stated that she would recuse herself from discussion of Item O.1.a (Nepotism in City Boards, Commissions, Committees and Task Forces) due to a conflict of interest with her partner serving on one of the boards.
J. AGENDA REVIEW
Item M (REPORTS OF OFFICERS: REFERRALS TO STAFF , AND GENERAL REPORTS) was moved to be heard at the end of the meeting.
Items O.1.a (Nepotism in City Boards, Commissions, Committees and Task Forces) and O.5.a (Contract Amendment for Municipal Resource Group [MRG] and Peer Advocates) were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
Mayor Martinez announced that Council would return to closed session after adjournment of the regular meeting.
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) One case
Council gave direction to the City Attorney to finalize a settlement agreement.
C.2 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 3. Richmond Police Officers Association RPOA
4. Richmond Police Management Association RPMA
5. IAFF Local 188
6. Richmond Fire Management Association RFMA
Report was given. No reportable action was taken.
C.3 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR (Government Code Section 54956.8)
Property: Point Molate (site of former Naval Shipyard Depot)Agency Negotiator:
Dave AleshireNegotiating Parties: East Bay Regional Park District & Tribe & Upstream Pt. Molate LLCUnder negotiation: Price and terms of payment Property: 1689 Regatta BoulevardAgency Negotiators: Nannette Beacham, Anne LanpharNegotiating Parties: DiCon Fiberoptics, Inc.Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
Item concerning Point Molate not discussed. Discussion regarding 1689 Regatta Boulevard to resume once the Council adjourns back to Closed Session after the regular meeting.
C.4 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9) Winehaven v. City of Richmond
Not discussed.
L. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
City Manager Shasa Curl presented a PowerPoint - link to review: CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Revenue Manager Antonio Banuelos gave a presentation on Business Tax State of California Franchise Tax Board Data Exchange Program: link to review: FTB-
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
L.1 NEW EMPLOYEE REPORT - 1st Tuesday
Director of Human Resources Sharrone Taylor presented a PowerPoint - link to presentation: NEW HIRES/PROMOTIONS REPORT
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 McLaughlin reported on the following: awarded the Sea Level - Ocean Protection grant; Shoreline Sea Level Adaptation Summit would be held in the Council Chambers on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. hybrid format available via zoom; Neighborhood Scale Decarbonatization project was moving forward with the application for a community change grant, farmers markets throughout the city continue to be successful, and a housing issue will soon come to Council.
Councilmember Zepeda announced that the Fiestas Patrias event was scheduled for September 14, 2024, on 23rd Street and the Kermes fundraiser for Washington Elementary was scheduled for September 20, 2024.
Councilmember Bana announced the following: The El Sobrante Stroll was scheduled for September 15, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on San Pablo Dam Road; El Sobrante
4 Pride was scheduled for September 22, 2024, at La Moine Park, (aka Cheese Park) from12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the gender based violence task force met on September 10, 2024, and would present results of work to the City Council after one year; and a meeting regarding the Gun Violence Reduction Initiative was scheduled for September 13, 2024, at 2:20 p.m. in the basement of 440 Civic Center Plaza.
Vice Mayor Jimenez thanked staff for their work on the Homekey grant to renovate the Motel 6 at Civic Center for the unhoused.
Councilmember Robinson also thanked staff for their work on the Homekey grant.
Announced the following events in District 3: Dumpster day (Nystrom/Coronado neighborhood) on September 21, 2024, she would be hosting a series of traffic safety community meetings in each neighborhood council areas starting in Coronado 9/22 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. pullman 9/13, and more meeting schedule for October; and a Great Clean Air event which includes a bike ride across the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge and then a townhall meeting on asthma to be held in Nystrom Elementary School's Multi- Purpose Room. More information regarding events may be found at https://doriarobinson.com/
Councilmember Willis reported that he attended the neighborhood focus group at Nevin Community Center last week, attended a meeting at the Richmond Recreation Center regarding soccer fields; and attended a 911 Memorial at the Richmond fire training station on Sunday, September 8, 2024..
Mayor Martinez reported the following: a carwash to raise funds for the youth sponsored by Richmond Fire Youth was schedule for September 21, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 3506 Cutting Boulevard; as MCE director, he unveiled MCE's power plant; attended this month's Contra Costa Mayor's Conference and next month the conference would be hosted by the City of Richmond; announced commission vacancies on the Recreation and Parks Commission, Planning Commission, Design/Review Commission, Economic Development, and Housing Advisory Commission; met with the CEO of Prime Store the new owners of Hilltop Plaza; attended the grand opening of Taalia Hasan Resource Center Ribbon Cutting on Broadway; met with Healthy Contra Costa to discuss the city's equity policy; attended an event at East Brother Brewery, East Brother Brewery received an Export Achievement Certificate Presentation from Rod Hirsch Director of the U.S. Commercial Service; and also met with the CEO of Raven on updates to its waste to hydrogen operation.
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 regarding the council's priorities. Mr. Hindler also expressed concern regarding the state of the Richmond Port's conditions and revenue.
Ryan Lau gave comments regarding the AC Transit's Realign Initiative and bus line changes. He announced that the community could give comments and feedback at the website: actransit.org/realign.
Mark Wassberg gave comments regarding clarification of the rules on campaigning during public comment period.
Rick Perez gave comments regarding police de-escalation skills and the use of excessive force.
5 Francisco Espino gave comments regarding the City's use of its budget, concerns of street conditions within Richmond, and the increase in homelessness.
Ahmed Dobashi and Omar Nasser gave comments supporting Richmond Police Officer Bashan.
Jamin Pursell gave comments regarding the city's accomplishments over the last year and prioritization of the allocation of new funds.
Andrew Melendez and Rosie R. (last name not mentioned) gave comments regarding the limitations of the Community Police Review Commission and concerns of police accountability.
Jasper and Angelica Rendon shared personal experiences regarding negative interactions with police officers in emergency situations.
Sara Cantor gave comments regarding the effect of the police union on police accountability and concerns on the Community Police Review Commission's limited power.
Mateo Guzman gave comments regarding discrimination by police and suggest a restructure of the Community Police Review Commission.
Karen Duran gave comments regarding her experience with a negative police response to a domestic violence incident.
Raymond Wendell gave comments regarding a recent police violence incident and concerns on the Community Police Review Commission's ability to investigate incidents.
Davjanee Tillis and Alize Johnson gave comments regarding the hiring of officers with backgrounds demonstrating violence against community members.
Emily Ross expressed concerns of police oversight. Ms. Ross also gave comments regarding needed improvements of the Community Police Review Commission and the discipline process.
Annie Pennell gave comments regarding safety and concerns on police response when called upon to assist community members.
The following individuals gave comments via teleconference:
Amber Hatfield gave comments regarding a recent Police interaction with community members. Ms. Hatfield suggested that there was a need for more oversight.
Jessi Taran gave comments regarding the budget for Castro Encampment assistance. Ms.
Taran also expressed concerns of police oversight.
Petronila Fernandez shared her experience of a family member passing away while in police custody. She expressed concerns of police oversight.
Domenichi Morris gave comments on police misconduct. Mr. Morris also expressed concerns of the police complaint process and the community's lack of awareness of the process.
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.)
A motion by Councilmember Zepeda, seconded by Councilmember Willis to approve all items on the Consent Calendar excluding Items O.1.a (Nepotism in City Boards,
6 Commissions, Committees and Task Forces) and O.5.a (Contract Amendment for Municipal Resource Group (MRG) and Peer Advocates) pass by the unanimous vote of the Richmond City Council.
Ayes (7): Mayor Eduardo Martinez, Melvin Willis, Cesar Zepeda, Doria Robinson, Soheila Bana, Gayle McLaughlin, and Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez Passed (7 to 0)
O.1 City Attorney's Office
O.1.a Nepotism in City Boards, Commissions, Committees and Task Forces ADOPT an ordinance (second reading) preventing the appointment of immediate family members of City Councilmembers, the City Manager, or City Department Heads, from serving on Richmond boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, and limiting an individual’s participation to one such City body at a time – City Attorney’s Office (Dave Aleshire 510- 620-6509).
Councilmember Soehila Bana pulled the item from the Consent Calendar to suggest adding political affiliation to the motion/guidelines. Jamin Pursell gave comments in person. Discussion ensued. A motion by Councilmember Bana to hold the item over to the next meeting failed for lack of a second. On motion of Vice Mayor Jimenez, seconded by Councilmember McLaughlin adopted Ordinance No. 08-24 N.S. by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Bana, McLaughlin, Willis, Zepeda, Vice Mayor Jimenez, and Mayor Martinez. Noes: None.
Abstentions: None. Absent: None. Councilmember Robinson recused herself from discussion and voting on this item due to a conflict of interest.
Adopted: Ordinance No. 08-24 N.S.
O.1.b Approve a 7th amendment to the legal services agreement with Allen, Glaessner, Hazelwood & Werth LLP
APPROVE a seventh amendment to the legal services agreement with Allen, Glaessner, Hazelwood & Werth LLP increasing compensation by an amount not to exceed $250,000, for a new contract amount of $1,510,000, and term ending June 30, 2025 - City Attorney’s Office (Shannon Moore 510-620-6505/Kimberly Chin 510-620-6709).
O.2 City Clerk's Office
O.2.a City Council Meeting Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the June 4, June 18, June 24, June 25, July 2, July 12, August 13, and August 14, 2024, City Council regular and special meetings - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
O.2.b Cancellation of the September 17 and November 5, 2024, Regular City Council meetings
APPROVE the cancellation of the September 17 and November 5, 2024, Regular City Council meetings - City Clerk’s Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
7 O.2.c League of California Cities Designation of V oting Delegates and Alternates
DESIGNATE Mayor Eduardo Martinez as voting delegate and Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez as an alternate to represent the City of Richmond at the Annual Business Meeting of the League of California Cities’ 2024 Annual Conference, to be held in Long Beach at the Long Beach Convention Center, Wednesday, October 16 through Friday, October 18, 2024 – City Clerk’s Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
O.3 City Council
O.3.a Request $2,000 for the El Sobrante Stroll
APPROVE an allocation of $2,000 for the El Sobrante Stroll from the City’s Fiscal Year 2024-2025 festival budget – Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-620-6743).
O.4 Finance Department
O.4.a Investment and Cash Balance Report, Monthly Overtime Reports, and Documentary Transfer Tax Report for the Month of June 2024 RECEIVE the City’s Investment and Cash Balance Report, Monthly Overtime Reports, and Documentary Transfer Tax Report for the month of June 2024 – Finance Department (Andrea Miller 510-620-6740).
O.4.b Amendment of Authorized Signatures on The Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF)
ADOPT a resolution revising the authorization list on the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) account to reflect the current staff assignments in the Finance Department – Finance Department (Andrea Miller 510-620- 6740).
Adopted: Resolution No. 99-24
O.5 Human Resources
O.5.a Contract Amendment for Municipal Resource Group (MRG) and Peer Advocates
APPROVE contract amendments with Municipal Resources Group (MRG) and Peer Advocates in the amounts of $100,000 per contract, for the total contract limit amounts not to exceed $300,000 per contract, for a total of $600,000, for facilitation, conflict resolution, consultation and/or training services – Human Resources Department (Sharrone Taylor/Nickie Mastay 510-620-6602).
Councilmember Bana pulled the item from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Director of Human Resources Sharrone Taylor gave an overview of the item. Discussion ensued. There were no public speakers.
On motion of Councilmember Zepeda, Seconded by Councilmember Willis, approved the contract amendments with Municipal Resources Group (MRG) and Peer Advocates in the amounts of $100,000 per contract, for the total contract limit amounts not to exceed $300,000 per contract, for a total of $600,000, for facilitation, conflict resolution, consultation and/or training services by the unanimous vote of the Richmond City Council.
O.6 Library and Community Services
8 O.6.a Contract with National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform for Data Management and Visualization Services
APPROVE a contract with the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform to provide data management and visualization services for an amount not to exceed $26,400 with a contract term from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025 – Community Services Department (Sam Vaughn 510- 620-5404/Michael Romero 510-620-6791).
O.7 Mayor's Office
O.7.a Mexican Independence Day and the Independence Days of Latin American Countries in the month of September
PROCLAMATION recognizing Mexican Independence Day and the Independence Days of Latin American Countries in the month of September - Mayor Martinez (510-620-6503) and Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593).
O.7.b September as National Service Dog Month
PROCLAMATION recognizing September as National Service Dog Month - Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503) and Councilmember Doria Robinson (510-620-6568).
O.7.c Appointment of Lorene Holmes Dees to the Commission on Aging APPOINT Lorene Holmes Dees to the Commission on Aging with an unexpired term that ends May 19, 2026 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
O.7.d Appointment of Rachel Lockett to the Planning Commission APPOINT Rachel Lockett to an unexpired term on the Planning Commission with a term that expires on June 30, 2025 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
O.7.e Appointment to the Richmond Shimada Friendship Commission APPOINT Liana Ngo to the Richmond Shimada Friendship Commission with a term expiring on December 31, 2027 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
O.7.f Appointment to the Richmond Youth Council
APPOINT Jayden White to the Richmond Youth Council to fill a vacant seat with a term that expires on October 1, 2025 - Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
O.8 Police Department
O.8.a Second Amendment to the Contra Costa County Animal Services Agreement
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE funding in the amount of $1,239,566 for Contra Costa County Animal Services for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025, for a total contract amount not to exceed $3,130,321; and extend the contract termination date to June 30, 2025, for a term from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2025 – Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510-621-1802).
O.8.b Three-year Contract with Enformion to Provide Data Analytics to Richmond Police Department Staff.
9 APPROVE a three-year contract with Enformion, a data analytics company that provides public records and data solutions for government agencies, for a total of $250,000, for the contract term from September 11, 2024, through September 10, 2027, with two one-year mutually agreed upon extensions at $85,000 for each extension year – Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510-621-1802).
O.9 Public Works
O.9.a Resolution to Award a Contract to Automatic Door Systems, Inc. for As- Needed Repairs and Service
ADOPT a resolution to award a three-year contract with Automatic Door Systems, Inc. beginning on October 1, 2024, and ending on September 30, 2027, in an amount of $150,000, with two optional one-year extensions for a total amount of $50,000 for both extension years – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/Tawfic Halaby 510-620- 548/Carl Capistrano 620-6896/Will Santana 510-620-6696).
Adopted: Resolution No. 100-24
O.9.b Resolution to Award a Contract to Pestec for Routine and On-Call Pest Control, Bird Mitigation and Clean-Up Services
ADOPT a resolution to award a three-year contract for $100,000 with Pestec beginning on October 1, 2024, and ending on September 30, 2027, with two optional one-year extensions for a total amount of $50,00 for both option years – Public Works Department (Carl Capistrano 510-620- 6896/Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/Tawfic Halaby 510-620-5482).
Adopted: Resolution No. 101-24
O.9.c Resolution Approving a Temporary Waiver of Competitive Bidding and Advanced Authorization to Purchase Sixteen Pursuit-Rated Police Vehicles
ADOPT a resolution approving a temporary waiver of competitive bidding and advanced authorization to purchase up to 16 pursuit-rated police vehicles in an amount not-to-exceed $1,185,000 – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/Tawfic Halaby 510-620- 5482/Dee Karnes 510-231-3044).
Adopted: Resolution No. 102-24
P. NEW BUSINESS
P.1 Renaming the Section of Spring Street South of Cutting Blvd to Pedie Perez Avenue to Memorialize the Life of Richard “Pedie Perez III ADOPT a resolution of intent to rename a section of Spring Street south of Cutting Blvd to Pedie Perez Avenue to serve as a tribute to Richard "Pedie" Perez III, and DIRECT the city clerk to set a hearing date on the matter for September 24, 2024 - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-620-6743).
Councilmember Bana gave an overview of the item. The following individuals gave comments in person: Patricia Perez, Cordell Hindler, Mark Wassberg, and Rick Perez. Jessi Taran gave comments via teleconference. Discussion ensued. On
10 motion of Councilmember Bana, seconded by Council Willis, adopted Resolution of Intention No. 924 by the unanimous vote of the Richmond City Council.
Q. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned to Closed Session at 8:43 p.m. to discuss Item C.3 (Conference with Real Property Negotiators - Property: 1689 Regatta Boulevard). Closed Session adjourned at 9:24 p.m. and Regular Session reconvened at 9:25 p.m. City Attorney Dave Aleshire announced that there were no reportable actions.
The City Council meeting adjourned at 9:26 p.m., to meet again on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor