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RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA,
January 21, 2025, 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 meeting was called to order at 4:36 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: Councilmember Soheila Bana arrived after adjourning to Closed Session.
C. CLOSED SESSION
C.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of Subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9)
One case
C.2 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9) Guillermo Gomez v. John Temple, et al.
C.3 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Government Code
Section 54957.6)
Agency Representatives: Sharrone Taylor, Jack Hughes, Lisa Charbonneau
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 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EV ALUATION (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 the city attorney performance evaluation and for the labor negotiations.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
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The meeting adjourned at 4:38 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 6:29 p.m.
F. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE RICHMOND HOUSING AUTHORITY
The meeting was called to order at 6:32 p.m. by Chairperson Eduardo Martinez.
G. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairperson Eduardo Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
H. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, and Chairperson Eduardo Martinez. Absent: Commissioner Soheila Bana arrived after the roll was called. Housing Tenant Commissioner Jaycine Scott was absent the entire meeting.
I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
J. REPORT FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Executive Director, Antoinette Terrell presented a PowerPoint, which highlighted the following: RHA Requests for Proposals; Nystrom Village update; and Nevin Plaza I and II update.
Commissioners stated that there should be an increase in city subsidies so units could be repaired faster, and that staff provide a report at the next meeting regarding the length of time needed to renovate all of the units so that they are available as soon as possible to receive the low-income housing vouchers.
K. AGENDA REVIEW
None.
L. HOUSING AUTHORITY PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
M. HOUSING AUTHORITY CONSENT CALENDAR
M.1 As Needed Legal Services Contract with Edringtion, Schrimer, and Murphy LLP.
ADOPT a resolution authorizing a legal services contract with Edrington, Shirmer & Murphy LLP for as needed lease enforcement and unlawful detainer services in the amount of $400,000 for a three-year term, starting January 21, 2025, and ending January 21, 2028, with an option to extend for two additional one-year terms at $100,000 per year for a total amount not to exceed $600,000 - Richmond Housing Authority (Antoinette Terrell 510-620-6784/Gregory Palomino (510- 621-1361).
Motion by Commissioner Cesar Zepeda
Seconded by Chairperson Eduardo Martinez
Ayes (7): Commissioners Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, and Chairperson Eduardo Martinez.
Absent (1): Housing Tenant Commissioner Jaycine Scott.
Passed
Adopted Resolution No. 2206.
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N. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m.
O. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The meeting was called to order at 6:53 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
P. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: None.
Q. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
R. ELECTION OF THE NEW VICE MAYOR FOR 2025
R.1 Election of the new vice mayor for 2025
The Richmond City Council shall elect from among its members a vice mayor to serve for 2025. In the absence or disability of the mayor, the vice mayor shall serve as the mayor. The vice mayor shall also represent the mayor upon the mayor's request. The vice mayor shall serve for a term of one year - Mayor's Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503). PUBLIC COMMENT ON
THIS ITEM MAY BE ALLOWED UNDER OPEN FORUM
A motion was made to nominate Councilmember Zepeda as Vice Mayor.
Motion by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Doria Robinson
Ayes (7): Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Passed
S. AGENDA REVIEW
Item W.2.b - Request for Richmond Fire, including Emergency Services, Public Works, Police, and City Attorney's Office to participate in an ad-hoc committee on Wildfire Preparedness; Item W.7.a - Approve a third contract amendment with Flock Group Inc., and Item W.8.c - Resolution to request Metropolitan Transportation Commission to allocate Transportation Development Act Article 3Pedestrian/Bicycle Project funding for the Downtown Point Richmond Bicycle Connectivity Project were removed from the consent calendar for discussion.
T. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING CLOSED SESSION
C.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of Subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9)
One case
A status report was given and no reportable action was taken.
C.2 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9)
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Guillermo Gomez v. John Temple, et al.
Item was not discussed.
C.3 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Government Code Section 54957.6)
Agency Representatives: Sharrone Taylor, Jack Hughes, Lisa Charbonneau 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
A status report was given and the item was continued to a future meeting.
C.4 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EV ALUATION (Government Code Section 54957)
Title: City Attorney
Item was not discussed.
U. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
City Manager Shasa Curl presented the report.
Link to report: CITY MANAGER REPORT
V. 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 in support of the Richmond Main Street activities. Mr.
Hindler also suggested that speakers that make presentations to the city council should be moved up sooner on the agenda and requested that the Standing Committees be reinstated.
Don Gosney gave comments regarding the recent 80% wage increase for the mayor and city council.
Sherri Norris gave comments regarding housing issues she experienced.
Mark Wassberg gave comments regarding side shows in the city.
Jamin Pursell thanked staff for organizing the swearing-in ceremony and urged the community to be strong and continue to work together.
Emily Ross welcomed the newly elected Councilmembers Jamelia Brown and Sue Wilson.
Terri Hinte gave comments regarding the need for fireworks enforcement and that staff should follow the directives they were previously given regarding fireworks.
Ghaliyah Roberts-Palmer gave comments in opposition to the potential opening of the D&D Liquor store near Market Square Mall due to the potential negative impacts to the surrounding neighborhood.
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W. 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.)
The motion to approve the consent calendar did not include the following items:
Item W.2.b - Request for Richmond Fire, including Emergency Services, Public Works, Police, and City Attorney's Office to participate in an ad-hoc committee on Wildfire Preparedness; Item W.7.a - Approve a third contract amendment with Flock Group Inc., and Item W.8.c - Resolution to request Metropolitan Transportation Commission to allocate Transportation Development Act Article 3 Pedestrian/Bicycle Project funding for the Downtown Point Richmond Bicycle Connectivity Project.
Motion by Councilmember Doria Robinson
Seconded by Councilmember Sue Wilson
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez Passed
W.1 City Clerk's Office
W.1.a Meeting Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the December 17, 2024, regular City Council meeting - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
W.2 City Council
W.2.a Resolution to prohibit the purchase of products made with Prison Labor ADOPT a resolution declaring that the City of Richmond will not purchase any products produced with prison labor and DIRECT staff to conduct an analysis of current products/suppliers produced with prison labor and utilized by City and return with recommendations for alternatives to utilize suppliers that do not use prison labor to produce goods - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-620-6743).
Adopted Resolution No. 5-25.
W.2.b Request for Richmond Fire, including Emergency Services, Public Works, Police, and City Attorney’s Office to participate in an ad-hoc committee on Wildfire preparedness
DIRECT staff to provide a summary assessment of the City’s and community’s current preparedness for public disasters, it should briefly highlight key successes, gaps, challenges, and vulnerabilities and offer practical recommendations for resource allocation and actions needed to improve disaster preparedness, mitigation, and emergency response, including updates to the Richmond Municipal Code in advance of the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-620-6743).
Councilmember Bana gave an overview.
A motion was made by Councilmember Bana, seconded by Vice Mayor Zepeda, to approve the item. A friendly amendment was offered by
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Councilmember Wilson, to request for Richmond Fire, including Emergency Services, Public Works, Police, and City Attorney's Office to participate in an ad-hoc committee on wildfire preparedness.
Councilmember Robinson offered a friendly amendment to conduct immediate community meetings to have an open discussion with the affected neighborhoods.
Councilmember Bana modified her motion as follows: to establish an ad- hoc committee of councilmembers and staff to work on wildfire preparedness and mitigation, conduct community outreach for the purpose of needs assessment, and bring proposals for budget and resource allocation to enhance wildfire preparedness in the city and request that the City Attorney's Office update the city's municipal code.
Councilmember Wilson also offered a friendly amendment to only include community meetings not for the purpose of needs assessment and remove the updating of the municipal code. The ad-hoc committee would decide if necessary. Councilmember Bana accepted the friendly amendments.
Mayor Martinez appointed Councilmembers Bana, Brown, and Vice Mayor Zepeda to the ad-hoc committee.
Motion by Councilmember Soheila Bana
Seconded by Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Passed
W.3 Economic Development
W.3.a Contract with CoBiz Richmond for On-Demand Enhanced Business Services
APPROVE a contract with CoBiz and AUTHORIZE the city manager or their designee to negotiate contract terms as needed to provide on-demand enhanced business, workplace, events services and solutions to small businesses, in an amount not to exceed $95,000 with a term ending December 31, 2026 – Economic Development Department (Nannette Beacham 510-621-1306/Lizeht Zepeda 510-620-6653/Kyle Lam 510-620- 6802).
W.4 Finance Department
W.4.a Investment and Cash Balance Report, Monthly Overtime Reports, and Documentary Transfer Tax Report for the Month of November 2024 RECEIVE the City’s Investment and Cash Balance Report, Monthly Overtime Reports, and Documentary Transfer Tax Report for the month of November 2024 – Finance Department (Andrea Miller 510-620-6740).
W.5 Internal Services
W.5.a Ordinance Amending the Monthly Salary for the Mayor and Introduce an Ordinance Amending the Monthly Salary for City Councilmembers ADOPT an ordinance (second reading) amending the monthly salary for City Council members; and ADOPT an ordinance (second reading)
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amending the monthly salary for the Mayor – Human Resources Department (Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6803)/City Attorney's Office (Shannon Moore 510-620-6505).
Initially this item was adopted with the approval of the consent calendar, however separate votes were required.
A motion made by Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Robinson rescinded the previous vote, by the unanimous vote of the city council.
A motion was made to amend the salary for the mayor:
Motion by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Doria Robinson
Ayes (6): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda Abstain (1): Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Passed
Adopted Resolution No. 3-25 to amend the salary for the mayor.
A motion was made to amend the salary for the city councilmembers:
Motion by Councilmember Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Seconded by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Passed
Adopted Resolution No. 4-25 to amend the salary for the city councilmembers.
W.6 Mayor's Office
W.6.a International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2025
PROCLAMATION declaring January 27, 2025, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Richmond, California – Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503).
W.6.b Black History Month February 2025
PROCLAMATION declaring February 2025 as Black History Month in the City of Richmond – Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503), Councilmembers Doria Robinson and Jamelia Brown (510-620-6861).
W.6.c Appointment of Ashton Desmangles to the Richmond Youth Council APPOINT Ashton Desmangles to the Richmond Youth Council, with a term that expires October 1, 2025 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
W.6.d Appointment of Isabel Ziegler to the Historic Preservation Commission APPOINT Isabel Ziegler to the Historic Preservation Commission, with a term that expires July 31, 2026 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
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W.6.e Appointment of Martha Jackson to the Urban Forest Advisory Committee APPOINT Martha Jackson to the Urban Forest Advisory Committee with a term expiring November 17, 2027 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
W.6.f Appointment of Bernadette Garcia-Roger to the Urban Forest Advisory Committee
APPOINT Bernadette Garcia-Roger to the Urban Forest Advisory Committee with a term expiring November 17, 2027 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
W.6.g Appointment of O’Neill Fernandez to the Human Rights and Human Relations Commission
APPOINT O’Neill Fernandez to an unexpired term on the Human Rights and Human Relations Commission, with a term ending March 30, 2025 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
W.6.h Appointment of Gerry La Londe-Berg to the Commission on Aging APPOINT Gerry La Londe-Berg to the Commission on Aging, term expires May 19, 2028 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510- 620-6503).
W.6.i Appointment of Gregory Brooks to the Workforce Development Board APPOINT Gregory Brooks to an unexpired term on the Workforce Development Board, with a term ending September 22, 2026 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
W.6.j Appointment of Ode Kunthar to the Richmond Youth Council APPOINT Ode Kunthar to the Richmond Youth Council, term expires October 1, 2025 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620- 6503).
W.6.k Appointment of Gina Baker to the Richmond Workforce Development Board
APPOINT Gina Baker to the Richmond Workforce Development Board, term expires September 22, 2026 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
W.7 Police Department
W.7.a Approve a third contract amendment with Flock Group Inc.
APPROVE a third contract amendment with Flock Group to increase the contract expenditure by $1,000,000, for a total not to exceed $2,037,000 with a term beginning March 1, 2023, and ending on February 28, 2026 – Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510-621-1802).
Police Chief Bisa French gave an overview.
Sara Cantor and Emily Ross gave comments.
Discussion ensued.
City council requested a report on the impact of the cameras on solving crimes and recovering vehicles before and after the installation of the cameras.
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After further discussion, a motion to approve the contract was made.
Motion by Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Seconded by Councilmember Soheila Bana
Ayes (4): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Doria Robinson, and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda.
Noes (3): Councilmembers Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Passed
W.7.b Sole-Source Agreement with Royal Flooring to Install Carpeting at the Police Department.
APPROVE a sole-source agreement with Royal Flooring to replace the Police Department’s carpet throughout the first floor of the station for a total not to exceed amount of $100,000, which includes a 6.3 percent contingency – Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510-621-1802).
W.8 Public Works
W.8.a Wastewater Treatment Plant Fence Upgrades – Contract with Pisor Fence ADOPT a resolution approving a new contract with Pisor Fence Division, Inc., to satisfy payment for completing the replacement of the damaged fence at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, in an amount not to exceed $126,960 - Public Works Department (Mary Phelps 510-621-1269/Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478).
Adopted Resolution No. 6-25.
W.8.b First Amendment to Construction Agreement with W.R. Forde Associates, Inc. for the 37th Street Bicycle & Pedestrians Improvements Project to Increase Contract Amount By $121,236.30
ADOPT a resolution to approve the first amendment to the construction agreement with W.R. Forde Associates, Inc. for the 37th Street Bicycle & Pedestrian Improvements Project to increase the contract amount by $121,236.30 for the final change order that addresses unforeseen project conditions, for an amended total contract amount not to exceed $925,777.40; and APPROPRIATE funds in the amount of $46,288.37 in the SB1 RMRA Fund 1019; and ACCEPT the 37th Street project as complete to enable the City to release the contractor’s bonds and retention payment - Public Works Department (Robert Armijo 510-620-5477/Hillal Hamdan 510-621-1612).
Adopted Resolution No. 7-25.
W.8.c Resolution to request the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to allocate Transportation Development Act Article 3 Pedestrian/Bicycle Project funding for the Downtown Point Richmond Bicycle Connectivity Project.
ADOPT a resolution authorizing the city manager or their designee to submit a grant application to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for the allocation of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Transportation Development Act Funding Article 3 Pedestrian/Bicycle Project Funding and if awarded, ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE the funds to implement the Downtown
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Point Richmond Bicycle Connectivity Project – Public Works Department (Janney Lockman 510-307-8097/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477/Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478).
Public Works Director Daniel Chavarria and City Engineer Robert Armijo gave an overview.
Councilmembers expressed concern regarding the process on how projects were chosen to be funded, which should include the entire city and requested the following: that bike maps and traffic safety were prioritized with community input; look at all areas of the city for projects and map all of the planned projects and cost by district; prepare a rubric for projects to ensure equity; who was being served and was at the best place to construct the project; a study session to discuss the list of projects that were non- regional with a matrix for the prioritization of the projects.
Bruce Beyaert gave comments.
A motion was made to conduct community meetings for future projects to ensure equity for projects throughout the city.
Motion by Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Seconded by Councilmember Soheila Bana
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Passed
Adopted Resolution No. 8-25
X. 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) Vice Mayor Zepeda reported the following: he attended the Martin Luther King community event; the Canet Cuba art exhibit was displayed in the council chambers; and the Rosie the Riveter Dinner event was on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 5 pm.
Councilmember Robinson reported that she attended meetings regarding the community empowerment zone to bring green sustainable businesses to Contra Costa County.
Councilmember Jimenez reported that she attended know your rights trainings with Faith in Action and the Contra Costa County Public Defender's Office about how to protect immigrants.
Councilmember Wilson reported that she attended the Eastshore Neighborhood Council and discussed concerns about unhoused individuals near railroad tracks and safety concerns on Carlson Avenue.
Councilmember Bana reported the following: she met with West Contra Costa Transportation Authority (WCCTAC) regarding concerns with road capacity and density on roads. Caltrans allocated $1.5 million for a countywide evacuation plan; there would be a HAM Radio class at Booker T Anderson on February 1, 2025; and thanked Officer Ross for the police ride-a-long.
Y. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:37 p.m., to meet again on January 28, 2025.
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Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor