1 RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA,
October 15, 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 4:33 p.m.by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Gayle McLaughlin, Doria Robinson, Melvin Willis, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent:
Councilmember Soheila Bana was absent the entire meeting.
C. CLOSED SESSION
C.1 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (Government
Code Section 54957)
• Title: City Attorney
D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
Cordell Hindler gave comments in support of a positive performance evaluation of City Attorney Dave Aleshire.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
The Open Session adjourned to Closed Session at 4:34 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 6:27 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 Gayle McLaughlin, Doria Robinson, Melvin Willis, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent:
Councilmember Soheila Bana was absent the entire meeting.
I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
J. AGENDA REVIEW
Item N.5.a. - Amend the Position Control List and allocate the necessary funding as required was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
K. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING CLOSED SESSION
2 Chief Assistant City Attorney Shannon Moore stated there were no reportable actions taken during closed session.
L. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
City Manager Shasa Curl presented the City Manager's Report.
Link to view report: CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
M. 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)
Cordell Hindler gave comments regarding the disadvantages of holding late night city council meetings and asked that the $550M from Chevron was used to improve city infrastructure.
Zolina Zizi, Courtney Bulletti, and Marilyn Langlois invited the community to the 14th Annual Richmond Pow Wow on Sunday, November 17, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Richmond PAL.
Jack Ramos, Julie Bainbridge, and Mary Lujan gave comments in support of Jelly's Place remaining at its current site or operating at a new location.
Mark Wassberg gave comments regarding Chevron and some members of the City Council being members of the Democratic Communists of America.
Wesley Alexander CEO of Co-Biz Richmond, Mohamed Taleb, Johana Gurdian, Kerby Lynch, Jillian de la Torre, and Roxanne Carillo Garza gave comments in support of the adoption of the Race and Equity Action Plan.
Veronica Ramos gave comments regarding harassment and retaliation by her landlord regarding reporting of unsafe living conditions.
Noe Gudino spoke in support of N.2.a. - Proposition 6, to amend Article 1, Section 6 of the California State Constitution.
Jamin Pursell stated that October is LGBT history month and gave comments regarding the contributions of Duane Chapman in the community.
John Gioia gave comments in support of Item N.3.c. - Richmond Industrial Safety Ordinance Amendments (RISO) regarding Tank Terminals.
Sara Cantor gave comments regarding Item N.8.a. - Approve a purchase of ballistic shields from LC Action Police Supply. Ms. Cantor stated that police officers should be properly trained to use this type of equipment to ensure the safety of the community.
Lynne Therriault stated that the Craneway Pavilion should be used for community events rather than for pickleball.
Yenny Garcia encouraged the community to vote in the upcoming November 5, 2024, election.
N. 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.)
3 Motion by Councilmember Melvin Willis
Seconded by Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Ayes (6): Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Melvin Willis, Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Absent (1): Councilmember Soheila Bana
Passed (6 to 0)
N.1 City Clerk's Office
N.1.a Gladwell Governmental Services, Inc. First Contract Amendment APPROVE a first amendment to the contract with Gladwell Governmental Services, Inc. to provide additional analysis and reporting services requested by Human Resources for the update to the citywide records retention schedules, increasing the contract amount by $2,500, for a total contract amount not to exceed $12,500 while maintaining the term expiration of September 30, 2028 – City Clerk’s Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
N.1.b City Council Meeting Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the September 10, September 24, and October 1, 2024, regular meetings - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620- 6513).
N.2 City Council
N.2.a Proposition 6, To amend Article 1, Section 6 of the California State Constitution
ADOPT a resolution to support Proposition 6 that amends Article 1, Section 6 of the California State Constitution, to remove the exception to involuntary servitude and prohibit the forced labor and punishment of incarcerated people for withholding consent to labor and DIRECT the city clerk to send copies of the resolution of support to the Governor’s office and the additional named offices – Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez 510-620- 6565/Councilmember Soheila Bana 510-620-6743).
Adopted Resolution No. 111-24.
N.2.b Authorization for International Travel to Sister City Regla, Cuba APPROVE the request for international travel to Sister City Regla, Cuba, from December 5-15, 2024, for Mayor Eduardo Martinez, Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Cesar Zepeda and staff members Trina Jackson-Lincoln and Tony Tamayo - Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620- 6503).
N.2.c Proclamation recognizing 1st Lieutenant Bruce Howard Brown PROCLAMATION recognizing World War II Hero, 1st Lieutenant Bruce Howard Brown to honor the life, service, and sacrifice of this brave Richmond resident and hereby declare October 25, 2024, as 1st Lieutenant Bruce Howard Brown Day – Councilmember Soheila Bana (510 -620- 6743).
4 N.3 Community Development
N.3.a Contract Amendment No. 2 with RCF Connects for Short-Term Rent Assistance Program
APPROVE a contract amendment no. 2 with RCF Connects to add $510,000, for a not-to-exceed contract amount of $760,000, for a term ending June 30, 2025, to administer a rent assistance program using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the contract amendment - Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Jesus Morales 510- 620-6649).
N.3.b Resolution Approving the Issuance of Bonds for the Vue at 3600 Apartments Affordable Housing Project
ADOPT a resolution approving the issuance of the bonds by the California Municipal Finance Authority for the sole purpose of satisfying Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act requirements for the acquisition, rehabilitation, improvement and equipping of a multifamily rental housing project located at 3600 Sierra Ridge Avenue, Richmond - Community Development Department (Lina Velasco 510-620-6841).
Adopted Resolution No. 112-24.
N.3.c Richmond Industrial Safety Ordinance Amendments (RISO) Regarding Tank Terminals
INTRODUCE an ordinance (first reading) amending Chapter 6.43 of the Richmond Municipal Code to include specific requirements for tank terminals to afford additional public safety and protections against accidental releases from incidents - Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Richard Diaz 510-620-6841).
N.4 Finance Department
N.4.a Investment and Cash Balance Report, Monthly Overtime Reports, and Documentary Transfer Tax Report for the Month of August 2024 RECEIVE the City’s Investment and Cash Balance Report, Monthly Overtime Reports, and Documentary Transfer Tax Report for the month of August 2024 – Finance Department (Andrea Miller 510-620-6740).
N.4.b State Audit November 2024 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).
N.5 Human Resources
N.5.a Amend the Position Control List and Allocate the Necessary Funding as Required
ADOPT a resolution to amend staffing and position control list and allocate the necessary salary, wages, and benefits as required - Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6602).
Human Resources Director Sharonne Taylor presented a PowerPoint.
Link to view presentation: Position Control List Presentation Cordell Hindler and Jamin Pursell gave comments. Discussion ensued.
5 Adopted Resolution No.'s 113-24 and 114-24.
Motion by Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin
Ayes (6): Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Melvin Willis, Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Absent (1): Councilmember Soheila Bana
Passed (6 to 0)
N.6 Library and Community Services
N.6.a Amend Richmond Workforce Development Board Bylaws ADOPT a resolution amending the Richmond Workforce Development Board’s bylaws – Community Services Department (Tamara Walker 510- 307-8006/LaShonda White 510-620-6828).
Adopted Resolution No. 115-24.
N.7 Mayor's Office
N.7.a Bobby Winston reappointment to the Richmond-Zhoushan Friendship Commission
REAPPOINT Bobby Winston to the Richmond-Shimada Friendship Commission with a term that expires on December 31, 2026 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
N.7.b Margaret Lee reappointment to the Richmond-Zhoushan Friendship Commission
REAPPOINT Margaret Lee to the Richmond-Zhoushan Commission with a term that expires on December 31, 2026 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
N.7.c Joseph Kong reappointment to the Richmond Zhoushan Friendship Commission
REAPPOINT Joseph Kong to the Richmond-Zhoushan Commission with a term that expires on December 31, 2026 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
N.7.d Jaycine Scott reappointment to the Housing Advisory Commission REAPPOINT Jaycine Scott to the Housing Advisory Commission with a term that expires on November 1, 2026 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
N.7.e Evelyn Santos reappointment to the Library Commission REAPPOINT Evelyn Santos to the Library Commission with a term expiring on July 1, 2027 - Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510- 620-6503).
N.7.f Gay Timmons reappointment to the Planning Commission
6 REAPPOINT Gay Timmons to the Planning Commission with a term expiring on June 30, 2026 - Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
N.7.g John Dupin reappointment to the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control Board
REAPPOINT John Dupin to the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control Board with a term that expires on January 6, 2029 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
N.7.h Proclamation Declaring October 19, 2024, as Arbor Day in Richmond PROCLAMATION recognizing October 19, 2024, as Arbor Day in Richmond - Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
N.7.i Proclamation Declaring October 18, 2024 as RYSE-ING leaders day in the City of Richmond
PROCLAMATION recognizing October 18, 2024, as RYSE-ING Leaders Day in Richmond - Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620- 6503).
N.8 Police Department
N.8.a Approve a purchase of ballistic shields from LC Action Police Supply.
APPROVE a purchase from LC Action Police Supply for ballistic shields for the Police Department’s Patrol Division staff in an amount not to exceed $47,718.42 – Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510-621- 1802).
O. BUDGET SESSION
O.1 ARPA Update and Allocation Amendment
RECEIVE an update regarding the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA); and ADOPT a resolution to reallocate funding between ARPA and General Capital Fund; APPROVE the first amendment with Witt O’ Brien’s contract for ARPA Technical Assistance, removing Exhibit E - Special Conditions from the contract and increasing the not to exceed amount by $273,800 – Finance Department/City Manager’s Office (Andrea Miller 510-620-6790/Mubeen Qader 510-412-2077).
Finance Director Andrea Miller presented the ARPA update.
Link to view presentation: ARPA Update Presentation
Cordell Hindler gave comments. Discussion ensued. City Council stated that funds that were removed from projects should be returned to those projects.
Michelle Little from Witt O' Brian gave comments regarding their scope of work. (City Council took a 5-minute recess at 8:29 p.m. The City Council returned from recess and reconvened at 8:41 p.m.).
The recommended action was modified as follows: RECEIVE an update regarding the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA); and ADOPT a resolution to reallocate funding between ARPA and General Fund, including Booker T.
Anderson Phase 3 in the amount of $321,606; APPROVE the first amendment with Witt O’ Brien’s contract for ARPA Technical Assistance, removing Exhibit E - Special Conditions from the contract and increasing the not to exceed amount by $273,800. Adjustments to the resolution were also made.
7 Adopted Resolution No. 116-24.
Motion by Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin
Seconded by Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez
Ayes (6): Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Melvin Willis, Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Absent (1): Councilmember Soheila Bana
Passed (6 to 0)
P. PUBLIC HEARINGS
P.1 THIS ITEM HAS BEEN CONTINUED TO THE OCTOBER 22, 2024,
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
HOLD a public hearing to rename Virginia Playlot to Floria Evans Park and waive cost recovery fees – Councilmember Doria Robinson (510-620-6568).
Q. 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 Robinson reported that she attended the Pullman Neighborhood Council Block Party and heard concerns about the installation of a cell tower in the area, parking enforcement concerns, and issues with ADU requirements. Councilmember Robinson also stated that she attended the Historic Preservation Commision and Urban Forestry Advisory Committee meetings and invited the community to participate at Arbor Day at Southside Park.
Councilmember McLaughlin reported the following: she attended the Put Down the Guns Event at Nichol Park, the RPA's 20th Anniversary Celebration, GRIP Celebration and the 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament at Booker T. Anderson. She also reported that Carlson Boulevard traffic issues continue to be a concern and requested that staff e-mail council with timelines about Carlson.
Vice Mayor Jimenez reported the following: she attended the Harmony Walk; the Mobile Vendor Program launch was scheduled for October 24, 2024, at 12 p.m.; and District 6 held a meeting regarding speeding concerns at Solano Avenue.
Mayor Martinez reported that the Mayor's Office hosted the Mayor's and Supervisor's Conference at Hotel Mac, and there would be roller derby on October 19, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the Richmond Auditorium.
R. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:49 p.m., to meet again on October 22, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor