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RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA,
April 1, 2025, 3:30 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 3:30 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Jamelia Brown, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: Councilmembers Soheila Bana and Claudia Jimenez were absent for the entire meeting.
C. JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND/SURPLUS PROPERTY
AUTHORITY MEETING
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, 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.3 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9) • Winehaven Legacy LLC v. City of Richmond
• Guidiville Rancheria of California, et al. v. United States of America, et al.
SURPLUS PROPERTY AUTHORITY
C.4 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9) • Surplus Property Authority of the City of Richmond v. Riggers Loft Wine Company
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D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
Cordell Hindler gave comments regarding Riggers Loft and spoke in support of favorable union negotiations for city employees.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Open Session adjourned at 3:33 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 5:21 p.m.
F. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND HOUSING AUTHORITY
The meeting was called to order at 5:24 p.m. by Chair Eduardo Martinez.
G. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Eduardo Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
H. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Jamelia Brown, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Chair Zepeda, Chair Eduardo Martinez, and Tenant Commissioner Scott. Absent:
Commissioners Soheila Bana and Claudia Jimenez were absent for the entire meeting.
I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
J. AGENDA REVIEW
None.
K. HOUSING AUTHORITY OPEN FORUM
Cordell Hindler stated that the City Council should approve the Housing Authority Consent Calendar.
L. HOUSING AUTHORITY CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Chair Eduardo Martinez
Seconded by Commissioner Doria Robinson
Ayes (6): Commissioners Jamelia Brown, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Chair Cesar Zepeda, Chair Eduardo Martinez, and Tenant Commissioner Scott Absent (2): Commissioners Soheila Bana and Claudia Jimenez Passed
L.1 Contract with Door and Window Guard Systems, Inc. for Installation at Nystrom Village
ADOPT a resolution authorizing a contract for $150,000 with Door and Window Guard Systems, Inc., beginning April 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2028, for installation and removal of steel door and window guards at vacant units located within Nystrom Village – Richmond Housing Authority (Gregory Palomino 510- 621-1300/Antoinette Terrell 510-620-6784).
Adopted Resolution No. 2207.
L.2 On Call Contract with Net Electric for services at Nystrom Village ADOPT a resolution to approve a contract with Net Electric for on-call the residential electric services in the amount not to exceed $60,000 from April 1, 2025, to April 1, 2028, with the option to extend for up to two additional years at $20,000 per year for a total not to exceed amount of $100,000 to support unit
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turnover activities and work orders at Nystrom Village - Richmond Housing Authority (Antoinette Terrell/Gregory Palomino 510-621-1361).
Adopted Resolution No. 2208.
L.3 Housing Authority Meeting Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the December 3, 2024, regular meeting and the December 17, 2024, and January 21, 2025, special meetings - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
M. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 5:26 p.m.
N. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The meeting was called to order at 5:27 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
O. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
P. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Jamelia Brown, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: Councilmembers Soheila Bana and Claudia Jimenez were absent for the entire meeting.
Q. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Councilmember Robinson stated a conflict of interest on Item V .3.b - International Travel Request for TCC Project Coordinator. Councilmember Robinson was the executive director of Urban Tilth, who was a recipient of a TCC grant. The item was voted on separate from the other items on the Consent Calendar. City Attorney Dave Aleshire advised Councilmember Robinson to leave the dais at the time the item would be voted on by the City Council.
R. AGENDA REVIEW
None.
S. 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
The item was discussed. No reportable action was taken.
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
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5. IAFF Local 188
6. Richmond Fire Management Association RFMA
A status report was given, and direction was given to the city negotiators. No reportable action was taken.
C.3 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9) Winehaven Legacy LLC v. City of Richmond• Guidiville Rancheria of California, et al. v. United States of America, et al.
Item was not discussed.
SURPLUS PROPERTY AUTHORITY
C.4 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9) Surplus Property Authority of the City of Richmond v. Riggers Loft Wine Company
A status report was given. Direction was given to the city negotiators. No reportable action was taken.
T. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
City Manager Shasa Curl presented the report.
Link to presentation: City Manager Report
T.1 NEW EMPLOYEE REPORT - 1st Tuesday
Human Resources Director, Sharrone Taylor presented the report.
Link to presentation: New Employee Report
U. 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 stated that a portion of the Chevron settlement funds should be used for fixing buildings in disrepair. Mr. Hindler also presented proclamations to the city council.
Mark Wassberg gave comments regarding transgenders.
Jamin Pursell invited everyone to the Richmond Rainbow Pride event on June 1, 2025, at Richmond Civic Center. Mr. Pursell also requested that the increase in dog-biting incidents was investigated.
Steve Price gave comments regarding multi-modal mobility and stated there was a Go Green Mobility Fair at the El Cerrito Bart Station on April 26, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
V. 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.)
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Councilmember Robinson stated a conflict of interest on Item V .3.b - International Travel Request for TCC Project Coordinator. This item was voted on separate from the rest of the consent calendar and Councilmember Robinson left the dais at that time of the vote.
Motion by Councilmember Sue Wilson
Seconded by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
Ayes (5): Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez Absent (2): Councilmember Soheila Bana, and Councilmember Claudia Jimenez Passed
V.1 City Attorney's Office
V.1.a Legal Services Agreement with Boucher Law PC
APPROVE a legal services agreement with Boucher Law P.C. for a term of November 1, 2021, through December 31, 2025, for a total amount not to exceed amount of $125,000, for confidential personnel investigation matters – City Attorney’s Office/Human Resources Department (Dave Aleshire/Shannon Moore/Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6600).
V.1.b Fourth Amendment to the Legal Services Agreement (“LSA”) with Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP.
APPROVE a fourth amendment to the Legal Services Agreement with Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP, in the amount of $110,000 for a total contract amount not to exceed $250,000, with a term ending on December 30, 2026, to continue representing the City in municipal law matters, including personnel matters and litigation – City Attorney’s Office (Kimberly Chin 510-620-6709/Shannon Moore 510-620-6509).
V.2 City Clerk's Office
V.2.a Meeting Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the February 18, 2025, and February 25, 2025, regular City Council meetings - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510- 620-6513).
V.3 Community Development
V.3.a Contract Amendment No. 2 with Civica Law Group, APC APPROVE second amendment to the Legal Services Agreement with Civica Law Group, APC to increase the contract amount by $650,000, for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,135,600.44, for a term through June 30, 2027, to provide legal representation, advice, and assistance to the City of Richmond regarding code enforcement matters and to continue the City’s Health and Safey Receivership Program - Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Eva Mann 510-620-6841).
V.3.b International Travel Request for TCC Project Coordinator APPROVE international travel for Transformative Climate Communities Project Coordinator Ms. Beatriz Guerrero Auna to attend the 2025 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Health Leaders Network Convening in the
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Netherlands not to exceed $2,250 in funding - Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Beatriz Guerrero 510-620-5450).
Councilmember Robinson recused herself from voting on this item due to conflict of interest and left the dais during the council's vote on the item.
Motion by Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Seconded by Councilmember Sue Wilson
Ayes (4): Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Absent (3): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, and Councilmember Doria Robinson
Passed
V.3.c Contract Amendment No.1 with Contra Costa County Health for ERF–2R Program Project Management
APPROVE a contract amendment No.1 with Contra Costa Health’s Health, Housing, and Human Services (H3) Department to increase the contract amount by $2,875,440, for a total contract amount not to exceed $4,306,079, for a term extending through June 30, 2026, to provide project management, rapid rehousing services, and shelter bed services for the City’s Encampment Resolution Funding Round 2 project – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Jesus M. Morales 510-620-6649).
V.4 Library and Community Services
V.4.a Richmond Workforce Development Board Application as a Adult and Dislocated Worker Career Services Provider
APPROVE the submittal of the application to the Governor of the State of California for the Richmond Workforce Development Board to serve as a Adult and Dislocated Worker Career Services Provider – Community Service Department, Employment and Training Division (Tamara Walker 510-307-8006).
V.4.b Richmond Workforce Development Board Recertification Application APPROVE the submission of the California Workforce Development Board Local Area Subsequent Designation and Local Board Recertification Application for the Richmond Workforce Development Board for Program Year 2025-27 – Community Services Department, Employment and Training Division (Tamara Walker 510-307-8006).
V.5 Mayor's Office
V.5.a Reappointment of Tomasa Espinoza to the Richmond Rent Board REAPPOINT Tomasa Espinoza to the Richmond Rent Board, term expires March 31, 2027 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620- 6503).
V.5.b Reappointment of Elena Velazquez to the Richmond Youth Council REAPPOINT Elena Velazquez to the Richmond Youth Council, term expires October 1, 2025 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510- 620-6503).
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V.5.c Amend Ordinance No. 08-21 N.S. to Establish a Biannual Report from the Richmond Arts and Culture Division Manager
DIRECT the City Attorney’s Office to draft an amendment to Ordinance No. 08-21 N.S. requiring the arts and culture division manager to provide a biannual written report and deliver an in-person presentation to the Richmond City Council, with the proposed amendment to be prepared within 45 days - Mayor's Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-621-1275), Councilmember Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6565), and Councilmember Doria Robinson (510-620-6565).
V.5.d Declaring April 2025 as Alcohol Awareness Month
PROCLAMATION Declaring April 2025 as Alcohol Awareness Month – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
V.6 Public Works
V.6.a Accept and Appropriate One Bay Area Grant 3 Funds and Contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc..
ADOPT a resolution to ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE One Bay Area Grant 3 funds in the amount of $1,674,702.81 to the Bayview to BART Improvement Project; and AUTHORIZE the city manager or her designee to execute a contract in an amount not to exceed $565,116.36, with a term beginning March 25, 2025, through December 31, 2026, with Kimley- Horn and Associates, Inc. for engineering design services for the Bayview to BART Project – Public Works Department (Hillal Hamdan 510-621- 1612/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477/Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478).
Adopted Resolution No. 29-25.
V.6.b Appropriate Measure J Funds for Blue Curb Policy Development ADOPT a resolution to ALLOCATE and APPROPRIATE funds in the amount of $120,000 from Measure J Fund 2002 to develop a comprehensive policy for providing on-street blue curb parking spaces - Public Works Department (Janney Lockman 510-307-8097/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477/Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478).
Adopted Resolution No. 30-25.
V.6.c Preparation of the Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 for the Marina Bay Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District
ADOPT a resolution ordering the preparation of the annual engineer’s report for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 regarding improvements and costs for the Marina Bay Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District – Public Works Department (Jason Lacey 510-620-6920).
Adopted Resolution No. 31-25.
W. PUBLIC HEARINGS - NOT BEFORE 5:00 P.M.
W.1 Extension of Moratorium on New Tobacco Retailers
City Clerk Pamela Christian announced that it was time set pursuant to public notice to hold a public hearing to ADOPT an urgency ordinance, pursuant to Government Code Section 65858, extending the temporary moratorium on the issuance of new permit, license, or entitlement for any new tobacco retailer in the City of Richmond for an additional 12 months, until April 15, 2026. This
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ordinance is intended to preserve the status quo, and it will not cause a direct physical change in the environment, nor a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. The enactment of this ordinance, therefore, does not constitute the approval of a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), and it is exempt from CEQA. (Pub. Res. Code § 21065, CEQA Guidelines §§ 15060(c)(2)(3); 15061(b)(3); 15064(d)(3); 15378(a)) - Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Eva Mann 510-621-1220).
Planning Director Lina Velasco and Acting Planning Manager Avery Stark presented a PowerPoint.
Link to presentation: Tobacco Moratorium
Mayor Martinez opened the public hearing. Cordell Hindler, Mark Wassberg, Aslum, Oscar Garcia, Ahmad Anderson, Kathleen Sullivan, Monica Marquez, Arto Rinteela, and Ali Wohlgemuth gave comments.
Mayor Martinez closed the public hearing. Discussion ensued.
There were currently 83 smoke shops operating in Richmond and of those, 51 did not have a valid tobacco retailer license.
A public workshop regarding tobacco retailers would be held virtually and in the City Council Chambers on April 9, 2025.
The city council requested the following: that staff develop additional regulations; determine the definition of tobacco retailer and of new retailers; ensure compliance with proximity of businesses to each other and schools; educate vendors on new tobacco laws; look into how the city can enforce the closure of businesses who are out of compliance; develop a reasonable staffing plan to perform enforcement in house; return with a list of businesses with lapsed licenses to decide if they could be given the opportunity to come into compliance.
A motion was made by Councilmember Robinson, seconded by Councilmember Wilson to adopt the urgency ordinance to extend the moratorium with the following conditions: that any business that had a previous tobacco license between 2018-2024 would have an opportunity to renew that license even if a renewal period was missed, but the business must have a valid business license to be eligible for that condition and; must be the same owner and was not transferable; extend the moratorium for all others; and that staff return with a list of retailers that could be granted conditional permits who were not selling illicit products and support the effort to protect the health and wellness of the community; legacy tobacco vendors with a valid business license would be allowed to sell during the moratorium; any business that was discovered selling illegal goods would not be offered the same opportunity.
Mayor Martinez offered a friendly amendment that staff look into the billing process so that businesses would have an opportunity to pay their license fee in a timely manner.
Councilmember Robinson and Wilson accepted the friendly amendment.
Adopted Ordinance No. 09-25 N.S.
Motion by Councilmember Doria Robinson
Seconded by Councilmember Sue Wilson
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Ayes (5): Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Absent (2): Councilmember Soheila Bana, and Councilmember Claudia Jimenez Passed
W.2 Extension of the Keller Beach Sanitary Sewer Moratorium (2025-2027) – Adoption of Urgency Ordinance
City Clerk Pamela Christian announced that it was time set pursuant to public notice to hold a public hearing to ADOPT an ordinance, pursuant to Government Code Section 65858, extending the existing moratorium (22 months and 15 days) on the issuance of building permits requiring a new sewer connection to the Keller Beach Sanitary Sewer (KBSS) and declaring the urgency thereof pursuant to Government Code Section 65858. The ordinance is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as it maintains the existing physical environment and prevents changes in the environment, thereby having no potential for direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(a)). It is also exempt under Guidelines Sections 15060(c)(2), as the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. There is no possibility that adoption of this ordinance will have a significant effect on the environment because it maintains the existing condition of the environment Section 15061(b)(3) - Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/ Robert Armijo 510-620- 5477/Mary Phelps 510-621-1269).
Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer Robert Armijo and Water Resource Division Manager Mary Phelps presented a PowerPoint.
Link to presentation: Keller Beach Sanitary Sewer Moratorium Mayor Martinez opened the public hearing open.
Joseph John, Norm Hantzsche, and Don Mill gave comments.
Mayor Martinez closed the public hearing. Discussion ensued.
A correction would be made to the second whereas of the ordinance to correct:
WHEREAS, on February 18, 2925, to February 18, 2025.
A motion was made Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Wilson to drop the urgency clause and return with a second reading and approve the item as is. Discussion ensued and Mayor Martinez withdrew his motion.
Motion by Councilmember Sue Wilson
Seconded by Mayor Eduardo Martinez
A motion was made to adopt the ordinance. The motion failed because a two- thirds vote was required to adopt an urgency ordinance. Further discussion ensued.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Noes (1): Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Absent (2): Councilmember Soheila Bana, and Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
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Passed
Motion by Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Seconded by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
A motion was made to reconsider the failed vote. Further discussion ensued.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Absent (2): Councilmember Soheila Bana, and Councilmember Claudia Jimenez Passed
Motion by Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Seconded by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
A motion was made by Councilmember Zepeda, seconded by Councilmember Brown to adopt the urgency ordinance and direct that the vendor prioritize a feasibility analysis of re-routing sewer lines as a mitigation option.
Adopted Ordinance No. 10-25 N.S.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Absent (2): Councilmember Soheila Bana, and Councilmember Claudia Jimenez Passed
X. NEW BUSINESS
X.1 AB 481 “Military Equipment Use” Annual Report
ADOPT a resolution (1) accepting the 2024 Annual Military Equipment Report; (2) determining that the Police Department’s use of military equipment in 2024 complied with the Department’s Military Equipment Policy No. 707 and state law; and (3) to renew the authorizing Ordinance No. 12-22 N.S. / Military Equipment Use Policy - Police Department (Bisa French 510-621-1802). THIS ITEM WAS CONTINUED FROM THE MARCH 25, 2025, MEETING AND WILL BE CONTINUED TO THE APRIL 22, 2025, MEETING.
X.2 Update on Street Sweeping Sign Installation & Data Collection RECEIVE a presentation on the status of the installation of street sweeping signs citywide; and ADOPT a resolution and APPROPRIATE $564,131.17 from the fund balance in the SB1 fund for citywide sign, streetlight, and traffic signal pole data collection – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria/Tawfic Halaby/Robert Chelemedos 510-231-3008).
Deputy Director of Public Works Tawfic Halaby, Deputy Director of Public Works Robert Armijo presented a PowerPoint.
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Link to presentation: Street Sweeping
The city council requested the following: that text alerts were sent to remind residents about street sweeping days; hire more staff, if needed, for future sign installation and maintenance; make lettering for the hours on the signs larger than the other words and that the signs were red rather than white for better visibility.
Cordell Hindler, Mark Harper, Mark Wassberg, David Wee, Jonas Juhlin, Clarita Griffin, Sandy Jackson, Lori Hart. Shawn Dunning, Emily Ross, and Arto Rentilla.
A motion was made to approve the recommended action, adopt the resolution, and directed staff to investigate the feasibility of starting a text alert program to remind residents of street sweeping days.
Adopted Resolution No. 32-25.
Motion by Councilmember Doria Robinson
Seconded by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
Ayes (5): Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Absent (2): Councilmember Soheila Bana, and Councilmember Claudia Jimenez Passed
X.3 Receive Direction from City Council on Healthy Options at Point of Sale (HOPS).
DISCUSS and PROVIDE DIRECTION to City staff on the draft Healthy Options at Point-of-Sale (HOPS) ordinance in collaboration with HOPS youth advocates - City Attorney’s Office/Economic Development Department (James Atencio 510- 620-6509/Samantha Carr 510-620-5407/Yahna Williamson 510-620-6574).
Environmental Manager, Samantha Carr and Management Analyst Yahna Willamson presented a PowerPoint.
Link to presentation: HOPS Presentation
Jamin Pursell, Cordell Hindler, Elvira Martin Bautista, and Monique Blodgett gave comments.
The city council requested the following: that the list of items containing banned food dyes was taken into account per The California School Food Safety Act signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom; partner with Contra Costa County for enforcement efforts; and add HOPS enforcement to existing business inspections; clarify the definition of retailers; provide outreach and education to business owners; and hire more code enforcement staff.
X.4 Incorporate Tree Wells for Sidewalk Development to Increase Tree Canopies DIRECT staff to immediately include tree wells for all CIP projects that include sidewalks and have not yet completed their design, or where a non-cost prohibitive change order could be used to adjust the design to include tree wells where it is feasible. Feasibility should be based on our new sidewalk standards and policy once they are completed. DIRECT staff to create a clear definition of what feasibility is as it relates to ADA accessibility, legal, and safety constraints.
DIRECT staff to work with local non-profits, community groups, and residents, to
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plant trees in these new and old tree wells and create and implement a regular tree maintenance plan to take care of the trees once they are planted - Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593) and Councilmember Doria Robinson (510-620- 6568).
Vice Mayor Zepeda gave an overview.
Discussion ensued. The city council directed staff to look at the Urban Forestry Committee's guide to the city for reference.
Jamin Pursell gave comments.
Motion by Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Seconded by Councilmember Doria Robinson
Ayes (5): Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Absent (2): Councilmember Soheila Bana, and Councilmember Claudia Jimenez Passed
Y. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: REFERRALS TO STAFF, AND GENERAL REPORTS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS)(limited to two minutes per Councilmember) Councilmember Robinson reported that she attended a task force meeting to discuss the future vision for the development of Macdonald Avenue.
Councilmember Brown reported that she presented a proclamation at the unveiling of a mural at the Richmond Police Activity League building in memory of "OJ" Officer Orlando Brown Councilmember Robinson stated that she also attended the Richmond Fire Department badge pinning ceremony.
Vice Mayor Zepeda reported the following: attended the farewell event for the youth visiting from Japan; conducted the 3rd annual District 3 meeting; attended the CAL Cities Policy Committee meeting in Burbank, CA.
Councilmember Wilson reported that she attended the Personnel Board meeting where a Code Enforcement position for enforcement of sidewalk vendors was not approved.
Mayor Martinez reported the following: attended the Richmond Fire Department badge pinning ceremony; went to the Farmers Market and mobile vendor location on Macdonald Avenue; and attended the last day of Dahli Lama's 90th Birthday celebration at the Richmond Auditorium.
Z. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:17 p.m., to meet again on April 15, 2025.
Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor