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RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA, March 4, 2025
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 3:36 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: Councilmember Soheila Bana and Councilmember Doria Robinson arrived after adjourning to Closed Session.
C. CLOSED SESSION
C.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9) Orellana, et al. v. City of Richmond
C.2 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 Unit
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)
Cordell Hindler gave comments in person.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
The Open Session adjourned to Closed Session at 3:38 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 4:47 p.m.
F. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Regular Meeting of the Richmond City Council was called to order at 5:01 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
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G. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
H. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent:
None.
I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
J. AGENDA REVIEW
Item N.3.b (Transfer Management of Point Richmond Community Center from Recreation to the Richmond Public Library) was removed from the consent calendar for discussion.
Item P.1 (Presentation from Healthy Options at Point of Sale (HOPS) Youth Advocates) was moved up to be heard after approval of the consent calendar.
Item P.3 (Immigrant Legal Services and Resources) was moved up to be heard after item P.1 (Presentation from Healthy Options at Point of Sale (HOPS)Youth Advocates) and before item O.1 (California Portsmouth Square Association (CPSA) Emergency Housing (PLN23-360) Public Hearing to Consider an Appeal of the Denial of Conditional Use Permit).
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) • Orellana, et al. v. City of Richmond
Direction given to the City Attorney's Office for settlement discussions.
C.2 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
Discussed. No reportable action taken.
L. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
City Manager Shasa Curl provided a report. Link to view report: City Manager's Report
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L.1 NEW EMPLOYEE REPORT - 1st Tuesday
Human Resources Director Sharrone Taylor provided a New Employee Report.
Link to view report: New Employee 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)
The following individuals gave comments in person:
Cordell Hindler gave comments regarding the relationship between City staff and councilmembers. Mr. Hindler gave comments regarding Item N.4.b (Proclamation Declaring March 2025 Women’ s History Month). Mr. Hindler suggested the City collaborate with the school district and reinstate standing committees.
Mark Wassberg gave comments regarding Richmond Police department's code of ethics.
Mr. Wassberg shared his personal experiences with the Police department.
Elsa Stevens gave comments regarding recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. Ms. Stevens expressed concerns regarding racial profiling, unlawful seizures, and human trafficking.
Rolanda Wilson gave comments regarding Item N.4.a (Proclamation Recognizing March 2025 as Red Cross Month in Richmond). Ms. Wilson thanked the City Council for its support of the American Red Cross and gave background on some of the organization's contributions to the community.
The following individuals gave comments via teleconference:
Michael Fitzhugh expressed concerns regarding the manner in which City Council meeting times were changed. Mr. Fitzhugh also expressed concerns regarding the community's opportunities to provide input on the upcoming budget.
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.)
Motion by Councilmember Doria Robinson
Seconded by Councilmember Sue Wilson
To approve all items on the consent calendar excluding Item N.3.b (Transfer Management of Point Richmond Community Center from Recreation to the Richmond Public Library).
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Passed
N.1 City Attorney's Office
N.1.a 10-Day Report on the Interim Urgency Ordinance Regarding Parklets RECEIVE the 10-Day Report on the Interim Urgency Ordinance regarding Parklets – City Attorney’s Office (Dave Aleshire 510-620-6509).
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N.2 Finance Department
N.2.a DebtBook Management Software Contract Amendment No. 2 APPROVE second contract amendment with DebtBook for software using the National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance (NCPA) contract, to aid the City in meeting Governmental Accounting Standard Board (GASB) 87 Accounting for Leases and GASB 96 Subscription-based Information Technology Arrangements for a term of one year beginning March 15, 2025, through March 15, 2026, and increasing the payment limit by $14,581, for a total contract amount not to exceed $55,081 – Finance Department (Andrea Miller 510-620-6790/Mubeen Qader 510-412- 2077/Jerry Gurule 510-620-6591).
N.2.b NHA Advisors, LLC Contract for Municipal Consulting Services APPROVE a two-year contract with NHA Advisors, LLC to provide municipal advisory and consulting services on an as-needed basis, in an amount not to exceed $81,743 with a two-year term beginning March 4, 2025, and ending March 3, 2027 – Finance Department (Andrea Miller 510-620-6740/ Mubeen Qader 510-412-2077/ Jerry Gurule 510-620-6591) N.3 Library and Community Services
N.3.a Contract with West Contra Costa (WCC) Public Education Fund for Fiscal Sponsorship
APPROVE a contract with the West Contra Costa Public Education Fund (EdFund West) for a term beginning March 10, 2025, and ending March 9, 2028, for an amount not to exceed $3,500 annually, comprising compensation of 10 percent per transaction on total annual transactions not to exceed $35,000, for a three-year compensation total not to exceed $10,500; and AUTHORIZE the transfer of funds to EdFund West, not to exceed $35,000 annually, for the term of the contract to enable performance of the contract – Community Services Department (Kate Eppler 510-620-5452/LaShonda White 510-620-6828).
N.3.b Transfer Management of Point Richmond Community Center from Recreation to the Richmond Public Library
ADOPT a resolution approving the transfer of control of the Point Richmond Community Center from the Recreation Division to Richmond Public Library effective April 1, 2025; and AMEND the Master Fee Schedule to reflect the transfer to the Richmond Public Library and a reservation rate of $12.50/hr for community use of the Point Richmond Community Center – Community Services Department (Kate Eppler 510- 620-5452/Ranjana Maharaj 510-620-6972/LaShonda White 510-620- 6828).
Deputy Director of Community Services Kate Eppler introduced the item.
At 10:59 p.m. Councilmember Bana left the meeting.
(At 11:00 p.m. - a motion by Councilmember Jimenez, seconded by Vice Mayor Zepeda, to extend the meeting to finish Item N.3.b (Transfer Management of Point Richmond Community Center from Recreation to the Richmond Public Library) passed by the following vote: Ayes:
Councilmembers Brown, Jimenez, Robinson, Wilson, Vice Mayor
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Zepeda, and Mayor Martinez. Noes: None. Absent: Councilmembers Bana. Abstain: None).
Discussion ensued. Jamin Pursell gave comments via teleconference.
Motion by Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Seconded by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
To approve the item.
Ayes (6): Councilmembers Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Absent (1): Councilmember Soheila Bana
Passed
Adopted Resolution No. 17-25
N.4 Mayor's Office
N.4.a Proclamation Recognizing March 2025 as Red Cross Month in Richmond PROCLAMATION declaring March 2025 as Red Cross Month in the City of Richmond – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
N.4.b Proclamation Declaring March 2025 Women’s History Month PROCLAMATION declaring March 2025 as Women’s History Month in the City of Richmond – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510- 620-6503).
N.4.c Reappointment of Andrea Martinez Alvarez to the Richmond Youth Council
REAPPOINT Andrea Martinez Alvarez to the Richmond Youth Council, term expires October 1, 2025 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
N.4.d Appointment of Regina Gilligan to the Urban Forest Advisory Committee APPOINT Regina Gilligan to the Urban Forest Advisory Committee, term expires November 17, 2027 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
N.5 Public Works
N.5.a January 2025 Abatement Presentation
RECEIVE a presentation on the January 2025 abatement activities – Public Works Department (Hugo Mendoza 510-231-3030 / Tawfic Halaby 510-620-5482 / Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478).
O. PUBLIC HEARINGS
O.1 California Portsmouth Square Association (CPSA) Emergency Housing (PLN23-360) Public Hearing to Consider an Appeal of the Denial of Conditional Use Permit (not before 6:30 p.m.)
HOLD a public hearing and ADOPT a resolution denying the appeal submitted by Lonnie Holmes of the Planning Commission’s denial of a conditional use permit to convert an existing office building into an emergency shelter at 207 37th Street and uphold the Planning Commission’s decision denying Planning Application
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No. PLN23-360 – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Avery Stark 510-620-6706).
Community Development Director Lina Velasco and Acting Planning Manager Avery Stark introduced the item. Mr. Stark presented a PowerPoint. Link to view presentation: California Portsmouth Square Association (CPSA) Emergency Housing (PLN23-360).
Mayor Martinez opened the public hearing. Appellant Lonnie Holmes' legal representative gave a statement. Opponent Roxanna Molina gave a statement.
Pam Saucer, Ronald Sanchez, Amanda Jenkins, Robert Sloat, Patricia Rodriguez, Clarita Griffin, Mark Wassberg, and Cordell Hindler gave comments in person.
Sara Cantor, Debbie Bayer, John Halcomb, and Jonas Juhlin gave comments via teleconference.
Mr. Holmes gave a rebuttal statement. Opponent Roxanna Molina gave a rebuttal statement. Mayor Martinez closed the public hearing. Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Soheila Bana
Seconded by Councilmember Doria Robinson
To adopt a resolution denying the appeal submitted by Lonnie Holmes of the Planning Commission’s denial of a conditional use permit to convert an existing office building into an emergency shelter at 207 37th Street and uphold the Planning Commission’s decision denying Planning Application No. PLN23-360.
Ayes (6): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Abstentions (1): Councilmember Jamelia Brown
Passed
Adopted Resolution No. 18-25
P. NEW BUSINESS
P.1 Presentation from Healthy Options at Point of Sale (HOPS) Youth Advocates RECEIVE a presentation from Healthy Options at Point of Sale (HOPS) youth advocates; and DIRECT the City’s Attorney’s Office to prepare an ordinance within 60 days, requiring large retail stores to stock healthier items at checkout areas - Councilmember Jamelia Brown (510-412-2050) and Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620- 6503).
Councilmember Brown introduced the item. Ileana Miranda-Uch and Elvira Martin Bautista presented a PowerPoint. Link to view presentation: Healthy Options at Point of Sale (HOPS) Youth Advocates
Andrew Noers, Ashley Trousdell, Stefan Silver Wiese, Diana Nevarez, Amiya Jackson, Eama Khan, Miki Masui, and Mark Wassberg gave comments in person.
Ali Wohlgemuth and Allie Reimold gave comments via teleconference.
Discussion ensued. The City Council requested the following: that City staff and youth advocates conduct more outreach to the businesses that may be affected to receive their input; more information on how much enforcement and implementation efforts would cost; a refined definition of what would constitute healthy options.
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Motion by Councilmember Doria Robinson
Seconded by Mayor Eduardo Martinez
To direct City staff and the City Attorney's office to work with the Healthy Options at Point of Sale (HOPS) youth advocates to come back to council within 30 days with options on how to move forward with the ordinance addressing the concerns that were expressed during the discussion with a focus on cost implementation and enforcement.
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Passed
P.2 Richmond Municipal Identification (ID) Access and Equity DIRECT the City Attorney to amend Ordinance No.16-11 N.S. and Richmond Municipal Code 2.64 to allow the City to fund a no-cost Municipal Identification program and DIRECT staff to assess the total cost for the City of Richmond to administer the Municipal Identification program at no cost for vulnerable populations - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672-3490).
Councilmember Bana introduced the item. Councilmember Bana gave background information on why she brought the item forward. Brian Hofer gave comments in person. Discussion ensued. Sara Cantor and Michael Fitzhugh gave comments via teleconference. Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Sue Wilson
Seconded by Councilmember Soheila Bana
To continue the item to a future date and direct staff to come back to council with revisions to the ordinance that address security implications and other issues of the Municipal ID program.
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Passed
P.3 Immigrant Legal Services and Resources
DIRECT staff to allocate up to $1,000,000 from Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 surplus funds for immigrant legal services and a public awareness campaign for immigrants in Richmond to know their constitutional rights and issue an Request for Proposal (RFP) to select a fiscal sponsor to distribute the allocated funds to nonprofit organizations that will provide such services - Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593), Councilmembers Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6565), and Doria Robinson (510-620-6568).
Councilmember Jimenez introduced the item. Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Robinson, and Vice Mayor Zepeda gave background information on why they brought the item forward.
Mark Wassberg, Maria Teresa Franco, Tomasa Espinoza, Berta Alvarez, Elsa Stevens, Jasmin Timmons, Chris Taffe, Crescent Diamond, Denis Perez, Rosie, Andrew Melendez, LoRayne Reza, Joselyn Diaz, Amber Hatfield, John Gioia, and Pam Saucer gave comments in person. Ali Saidi, Marisol Cantu, Johana Gurdian, Melvin Willis, Michael Fitzhugh, Sara Gurdian, Sara Cantor, Encian
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Pastel, and Abigail Esquivias gave comments via teleconference. Discussion ensued.
Councilmember Jimenez made a motion to direct staff to allocate up to $1,000,000 from Fiscal Year 2023-24 unspent funds for immigrant legal services and a public awareness campaign for immigrants in Richmond to know their constitutional rights and issue a Request for Proposal to select a fiscal sponsor to distribute the allocated funds to nonprofit organizations that will provide such services. In addition, to direct staff to return to council on April 15, 2025, with the awarded recommendation and also allocate $10,000 of the $1,000,000 to provide free municipal IDs to residents. Councilmember Wilson seconded the motion.
Discussion ensued. Mayor Martinez made a motion calling the question to end the discussion and vote on the matter. The City Council agreed to end debate without a vote and proceed to take a vote on the original motion.
Motion by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Sue Wilson
To direct staff to allocate up to $1,000,000 from Fiscal Year 2023-24 unspent funds for immigrant legal services and a public awareness campaign for immigrants in Richmond to know their constitutional rights and issue a Request for Proposal to select a fiscal sponsor to distribute the allocated funds to nonprofit organizations that will provide such services. In addition, to direct staff to return to council on April 15, 2025, with the awarded recommendation and also allocate $10,000 of the $1,000,000 to provide free municipal IDs to residents.
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Passed
P.4 Request for Additional Funding for Nowruz Spring Equinox Celebration APPROVE an additional $3,000 to be funded from the Festivals/Community Events Budget to support the Nowruz Spring Equinox Celebration and ensure a successful and inclusive event - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672-3490).
Councilmember Bana introduced the item. Councilmember Bana gave background information on why she brought the item forward. Discussion ensued.
The City Council suggested establishing a process to review the City's festivals list annually to determine which will be funded or removed from the list.
Cordell Hindler gave comments in person. Sara Cantor gave comments via teleconference.
Motion by Councilmember Soheila Bana
Seconded by Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
To approve an additional budget of $2,000, plus a $1,000 contingency to be funded from the Festivals/Community Events Budget to support the Nowruz Spring Equinox Celebration.
Ayes (3): Councilmembers Jamelia Brown, Soheila Bana, and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda.
Noes (3): Councilmembers Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Abstentions (1): Councilmember Doria Robinson
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Failed
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) The item was not heard.
R. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:14 p.m., to meet again on March 11, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor