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RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA,
April 22, 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 meeting was called to order at 3:31 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent:
Councilmember Soheila Bana was absent for the entire meeting.
C. CLOSED SESSION
C.1 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EV ALUATION (Government Code Section 54957)
Title: City Clerk
Title: City Attorney
C.2 LIABILITY CLAIMS (Government Code Section 54956.9)
Claimant: Eugene “Tracy” Mollenbernd
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 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATEDLITIGATION (Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3)of Subdivision (d) [as applicable] of Government Code Section 54956.9) One case
D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
Cordell Hindler gave comments in support of the union negotiations and in support of the performance evaluations of the city clerk and city attorney.
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E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Open Session adjourned at 3:34 p.m. Closed session adjoined at 5:00 p.m.
F. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The meeting was called to order at 5:04 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 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
None.
K. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING CLOSED SESSION
C.1 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EV ALUATION (Government Code Section 54957)
Title: City Clerk
Title: City Attorney
Discussed. There was no reportable action taken.
C.2 LIABILITY CLAIMS (Government Code Section 54956.9) Claimant: Eugene “Tracy” Mollenbernd
Discussed. Direction for a settlement agreement was given to the city negotiators.
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
Discussed. No reportable action was taken.
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C.4 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATEDLITIGATION (Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3)of Subdivision (d) [as applicable] of Government Code Section 54956.9)
One case
Discussed. No reportable action was taken.
L. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
City Manager Shasa Curl presented the report.
Link to presentation: City Manager Report
M. COMMENDATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS (10 minutes per item)
M.1 Proclamation Honoring Jean Carney for 41 years of Service to the City of Richmond
PROCLAMATION honoring Jean Carney for 41 years of dedicated service and being the longest serving employee of the City of Richmond and extraordinary milestone that reflects her loyalty, integrity, and love for the City of Richmond and its people - Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593).
The mayor and councilmembers read and presented the proclamation to Jean Carney.
Cordell Hindler gave comments.
M.2 Proclamation Recognizing April 2025 as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month
PROCLAMATION Recognizing April 2025 as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month - Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503).
The Mayor and Councilmembers read and presented the proclamation.
Mark Wassberg gave comments.
M.3 Proclamation Recognizing and Honoring Mansour Taeed and Shahrzad Khorsandi for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month PROCLAMATION to recognize and honor Mansour Taeed and Shahrzad Khorsandi, co-founders of Central Stage, as outstanding Iranian American artists, and Central Stage Theater for its vital grassroots role in preserving and celebrating Iranian American culture - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672- 3490).
The mayor and city council read and presented the proclamation.
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)
Cordell Hindler gave comments in support of the city negotiating with the Riggers Loft to remain open. Mr. Hindler also suggested that the city collaborate with the UC Berkeley Chancellor’s Office.
Francisco Torres gave comments regarding Carlson Avenue accidents and safety issues.
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Mark Wassburg gave comments regarding cuts President Trump made to various programs.
Kito WIlliams gave comments regarding the non-sworn members of the police department working to separate from SEIU Local 1021.
Julie Freestone gave comments regarding the danger of illegal fireworks and the formation of a grassroots effort to stop illegal fireworks through the formation of the Stop Illegal Fireworks (SIF) group.
Janet Johnson invited the community to a meeting with the Richmond Shoreline Alliance on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. regarding the United Heckathorn site. To register participants can contact www.RichmondShorelineAlliance.org 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.)
Motion by Councilmember Doria Robinson
Seconded by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Ayes (7): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez Passed
O.1 City Clerk's Office
O.1.a Meeting Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the March 11, 2025, regular City Council meeting - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
O.2 City Manager's Office
O.2.a Approve by Legislative Action City Subpoena of Financial Records held by Chevron
ADOPT a resolution approving a Legislative Subpoena to compel Chevron U.S.A. Inc. to provide financial information to the City sufficient for it to conduct an audit and examination of Chevron’s books and records as related to its 2025 Business License Tax payment to the City - City Manager's Office (Shasa Curl 510-620-6512).
Adopted Resolution No. 40-25.
O.3 Economic Development
O.3.a RecycleMore Post-Collection Agreement
ADOPT a resolution authorizing the West Contra Costa Integrated Solid Waste Authority (RecycleMore) to: 1) enter into a new Post-Collection Agreement for the period beginning July 1, 2025, or later, through December 2026; 2) adopt, as authorized by California Law, ordinances and resolutions necessary to carry out the purposes of the Agreement; and 3) require that the Members direct all of the Solid Wastes collected by the
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City’s contractor per its Collection Agreement to the Approved Facility for the period beginning July 1, 2025, or later, through December 2026 – Economic Development Department (Shasa Curl 510-620-6512/Nannette Beacham 510-620-1306/Samantha Carr 510-620-5407).
Adopted Resolution No. 41-25.
O.4 Fire Department
O.4.a Purchase Emergency Rail Kit from All Safe Industries, Inc.
APPROVE the purchase of an Emergency Rail Kit (ERK) from All Safe Industries, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $14,000, for response and management of hazardous material leaks – Fire Department (Chief Aaron Osorio 510-307-8021/Deputy Chief Rico Rincon/Battalion Chief Anthony Woodards 510-620-6989/ Den Mark Marcelo 510-307-8038).
O.5 Mayor's Office
O.5.a Reappointment of Bruce Brubaker to the Planning Commission REAPPOINT Bruce Brubaker to the Planning Commission, term expires June 30, 2026 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
O.5.b Reappointment of Madiha Qader to the Richmond Fund for Children and Youth Oversight Board
REAPPOINT Madiha Qader to the Richmond Fund for Children and Youth Oversight Board, term expires December 2, 2026 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
O.6 Police Department
O.6.a Accept and Appropriate 2023 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant ADOPT a resolution acknowledging the acceptance of the grant from the 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program in the amount of $90,412 for police safety equipment; ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE $90,412 in grant funds for the covered period of the grant, October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2026 – Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510-621-1802).
Adopted Resolution No. 42-25.
O.6.b Contract Amendment No. 2 with Oliver’s Tow, Inc.
APPROVE a second contract amendment with Oliver’s Tow, Inc. increasing the payment limit by $50,000, for a total payment limit of $95,000 for rotational tow and automotive services for a term ending on December 31, 2025 – Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510-621- 1802).
O.7 Public Works
O.7.a Abatement Report from the Public Works Director
RECEIVE a written abatement report from the Public Works Director - Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478).
O.7.b Resolution to Accept the Final Richmond Parkway Transportation Plan
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ADOPT a resolution to ACCEPT the final Richmond Parkway Transportation Plan – Public Works Department (Janney Lockman 510- 307-8097/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477).
Adopted Resolution No. 43-25.
O.7.c Construction Agreement with Calico California Constructores, Inc. for the Soccer Fields-Restrooms-Parks Project
ADOPT a resolution to approve a construction agreement with Calico California Constructores, Inc. for the Soccer Fields-Restrooms-Parks Project at Shields-Reid Park in an contract amount not to exceed $2,288,605 and AUTHORIZE the Director of Public Works to approve change orders, if necessary, for a contingency amount of up to $228,861 which is 10 percent of the bid amount, for a potential total construction phase cost of $2,517,466 – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477/Darcie DeLashmutt 510-672- 3944).
Adopted Resolution No. 44-25.
O.7.d BNSF Railway Company Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement for the Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Richmond Wellness Trail Phase 2 Project
ADOPT a resolution authorizing the public works director and the city engineer to execute a BNSF Railway Company Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement for the Transformative Climate Communities Richmond Wellness Trail Phase 2 Project – Public Works Department (Robert Armijo 510-620-5477/Josef Munoz 510-620-6671).
Adopted Resolution No. 45-25.
O.7.e Contract with RDO Equipment Co. for Tree Chipper Repair APPROVE a contract with RDO Equipment Co. for $15,000 to pay for outstanding invoices related to the repair of a tree chipper with a contract term of August 2, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025 – Public Works Department (Tawfic Halaby 510-620-5482/Jason Lacey 510-620- 6920/Keith Rush 510-231-3071).
Adopted Resolution No. 46-25.
P. BUDGET SESSION
P.1 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Mid-Year Budget Review
RECEIVE the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Mid-Year budget presentation and report for the period of July 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024; and ADOPT a resolution approving proposed Fiscal Year 2024-25 Mid-Year budget adjustments – Finance Department (Andrea Miller 510-620-6790/Mubeen Qader 510-412-2077/Jerry Gurule 510-620-6591).
City Manager Shasa Curl, Finance Director Andrea Miller, and Revenue Manager Antonio Banuelos gave an overview, which highlighted the following: Economic Outlook; Financial Headwinds; Federal Funding Uncertainties; General Fund Mid-Year Revenue and Expenditures; Non-General Fund Mid-Year Proposed Revenue and Expenditure Adjustments; and Next Steps and Questions.
Cordell Hindler, and Jamin Pursell gave comments.
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The city council requested the following: hiring a CIP Manager; to staff Code Enforcement Department as much as possible; that funding sources were identified along with the corresponding projects; and return with more information in the report regarding bridge details.
Adopted Resolution No. 47-25.
Motion by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Seconded by Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Ayes (7): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Passed
Q. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Q.1 Unit Determination – Community Intervention Specialist HEAR an appeal by the Richmond Police Officers Association (RPOA) regarding the Unit Determination for Community Intervention Specialist and make a final determination regarding the bargaining unit – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6803). This item was continued from the April 15, 2025, meeting.
Human Resources Director/Employee Relations Manager Sharonne Taylor gave an overview.
Link to presentation: Unit Determination - Community Intervention Specialist Discussion ensued.
Appellant Johnathon Murphy, Attorney from Rains Lucia Stern, and applicant Jack Hughes, from Liebert Cassidy Whitmore each gave eight-minute statements.
Mayor Martinez opened the public hearing.
Cordell Hindler, Ben Therriault, Julie Salamon, Rosie, Andrew Melendez, Hope, Joselyn, Carlos, Sonia, Sahai, Jamin Pursell, Crescent Diamond, Raymond Wendell, Marisol Cantu, Amber Hatfield, Oscar Garcia, Carmen Martinez, Emily Ross, Sara Cantor, Kevin Tisdale, and Abigail Castillas gave comments.
Appellant Johnathon Murphy and Jack Hughes gave two-minute rebuttals.
Mayor Martinez closed the public hearing.
Further discussion ensued around clarification. Following discussion, a motion was made to reject the appeal and uphold the determination of the Employee Relations Manager.
Motion by Councilmember Sue Wilson
Seconded by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Ayes (6): Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Abstentions (1): Councilmember Soheila Bana
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Passed
R. STUDY AND ACTION SESSION
R.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.
Police Chief Bisa French and Captain John Lopez presented the report.
Link to report: Annual Military Equipment
The city council suggested the following: improve advertising to the community for future military use meetings; send future military use community meeting information to the city council to promote the meetings; include other costs associated in the report such as maintenance costs, storage costs, and personnel costs; and include in the report the locations and ethnic and racial data for the incidents.
Jamin Pursell, Andrew Melendez, Rosie, Crescent, Marisol Cantu, Carmen Martinez, Jules, and Raymond Wendell gave comments.
Adopted Resolution No. 48-25.
Motion by Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Seconded by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
A motion was made to approve the item and adopt the resolution.
Ayes (7): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Passed
Motion by Councilmember Sue Wilson
Seconded by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
An additional motion was made that for next year's community engagement meeting, the Community Polce Review Commission, the mayor's office, and the city council are all noticed two weeks in advance of the meeting and that next year's report include location and demographic information, including race and ethnicity data to be determined by mutual agreement.
Ayes (7): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Passed
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R.2 Salary Schedule Amendment
ADOPT a resolution amending the salary schedule to add the salary range for Community Intervention Specialist – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6602). This item was continued from the April 15, 2025, meeting.
Human Resources Director Sharrone Taylor gave an overview.
Cordell Hindler gave comments.
Adopted Resolution No. 49-25.
Motion by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Sue Wilson
Ayes (7): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Passed
R.3 Capital Improvement Program Update and Criteria Discussion RECEIVE a presentation and PROVIDE DIRECTION to staff on the status of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), Budget Requests, new CIP requests, proposed city-wide prioritization factors and weighing system – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/ Robert Armijo 510-620-5477).
Public Works Director Daniel Chavarria, Port Director Charles Gerard, Deputy Public Works Director Robert Armijo, Capital Projects Manager Josef Munoz, and Robert Stevens from CSW gave an overview.
Link to presentation: Capital Improvement Program Update The city council requested that Fire Station 66 receive a complete renovation.
Due to lack of time the item was continued to a Special City Council Meeting on April 29, 2025, for city council discussion only.
R.4 Design and implementation of a Ciclovia project
DIRECT staff to work on the design and implementation of the Ciclovia project and come back to the council in early May with the proposed design, budget, and implementation plan to launch the first Ciclovia during the Summer of 2025 – Councilmember Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6565).
Item was continued to a Special City Council meeting on April 29, 2025.
R.5 Increasing Fines for Fireworks in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) areas
DIRECT the City Attorney’s Office to draft an ordinance amending the Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 11.05 Fireworks to triple fines for fireworks-related violations specifically in high-risk zones to mitigate wildfire risks and enhance public safety - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672-3490).
Item was continued to a Special City Council meeting on April 29, 2025.
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S. 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) None.
T. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:01 p.m., to meet again on April 29, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor