1 RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA,
May 6, 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 3:30 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: Councilmember Doria Robinson was absent for the entire meeting.
C. CLOSED SESSION
C.1 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR (Government Code Section 54956.8)
Property: 222 Marina Way (Nystrom Village) Agency Negotiators:
Nannette Beacham, Antoinette Terrell, Susan Bloch Negotiating Parties:
Gorman & Company and Novin Development/ Eden Housing, Inc. and Community Housing DevelopmentUnder negotiation: Price and terms of payment
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 - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of Subdivision (d) 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 the need to complete the required work at Nystrom Village.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
2 Open Session adjourned to Closed Session at 3:33 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
F. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND HOUSING AUTHORITY
The meeting was called to order at 5:03 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 Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Vice Chairperson Cesar Zepeda, and Chairperson Eduardo Martinez. Absent:
Commissioner Doria Robinson and Tenant Commissioner Jaycine Scott were absent for the entire meeting.
I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
J. REPORT FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
None.
K. AGENDA REVIEW
None.
L. HOUSING AUTHORITY OPEN FORUM (public comment on items that remain on the Housing Authority Consent Calendar or items that are not on the agenda, but regarding Richmond Housing Authority issues only)
Cordell Hindler stated that the commissioners should approve the consent calendar as presented.
M. HOUSING AUTHORITY CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion by Vice Chairperson Zepeda
Seconded by Commissioner Brown
Ayes (6): Commissioners Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Vice Chairperson Cesar Zepeda, and Chairperson Eduardo Martinez.
Absent (2): Commissioner Doria Robinson and Tenant Commissioner Jaycine Scott.
Passed
M.1 Contract with Bureau Veritas North America, Inc. for Nystrom Village Physical Needs Assessment
ADOPT a resolution approving a contract with Bureau Veritas North America, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $10,430, with a term beginning, April 15, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, for the physical needs assessment of Nystrom Village - Richmond Housing Authority (Antoinette Terrell/Gregory Palomino 510-621- 1361).
Adopted Resolution No. 2211.
M.2 Meeting Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the April 1 and 15, 2025, special Housing Authority meetings - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
N. HOUSING AUTHORITY PUBLIC HEARINGS
3 N.1 Richmond Housing Authority (RHA) 2025 Annual Plan Pursuant to public notice, Housing Authority Secretary Pamela Christian announced that it was time to HOLD a public hearing to ADOPT a resolution approving the Richmond Housing Authority (RHA) Annual Plan and AUTHORIZE submission of the proposed 2025 Annual Plan to the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Richmond Housing Authority (Antoinette Terrell 510-620-6784).
Housing Authority Executive Director Antoinette Terrell presented the report.
Chair Eduardo Martinez opened the public hearing.
Cordell Hindler gave comments.
Chair Martinez closed the public hearing.
Link to report: Annual Plan Report
Motion by Commissioner Sue Wilson
Seconded by Commissioner Soheila Bana
Ayes (6): Commissioners Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Vice Chairperson Cesar Zepeda, and Chairperson Eduardo Martinez.
Absent: (2) Commissioner Doria Robinson and Tenant Commissioner Jaycine Scott
Passed
Adopted Resolution No. 2212.
O. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
P. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Q. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: Councilmember Doria Robinson was absent for the entire meeting.
R. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
S. AGENDA REVIEW
Items W.3.a - Update on the Sanctuary City Contracting and Investment Policy Ordinance and W.6.b - Mayor's Appointment of Ad Hoc Committee for review CPRC report with recommendations to the City Council 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 REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR (Government Code Section 54956.8)
Property: 222 Marina Way (Nystrom Village) Agency Negotiators: Nannette Beacham, Antoinette Terrell, Susan Bloch
4 Negotiating Parties: Gorman & Company and Novin Development/ Eden Housing, Inc. and Community Housing Development
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
A report was given. 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 Unit2. IFPTE Local 21 Mid- Level Management Unit and Executive Management Units3. Richmond Police Officers Association RPOA4. Richmond Police Management Association RPMA5. IAFF Local 1886. Richmond Fire Management Association RFMA A report was given. No reportable action was taken.
C.3 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of Subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9)
One Case
No action was taken.
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
U.1 NEW EMPLOYEE REPORT - 1st Tuesday
Human Resources Director Sharrone Taylor presented the report.
Link to report: Employee 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 stated that the city council should schedule a joint meeting with the school district. Mr. Hindler also stated that the public works department presented last at the city council meeting last week and the item was not completed due to lack of time.
Frederick Franklin from the Shields Reid Neighborhood Council presented Councilmember Brown with a souvenir from the Iron Triangle Black History Month Event program and thanked her for her attendance.
Cheryl Maier, Bruce Yamamoto, Toody Maher, Rita Cerda, and Ron Holthuysen gave comments in support of a funding allocation of $3M to complete the Pogo Park Harbor Hall construction.
Kim Graves gave comments regarding unfair ticketing in the area of 20th Street near the Shields Reid nursing home.
Alex Pinigis Pedro Bernal, Edith Pastrano, Alma Gutierrez, Raul Vasquez, Irma Beltran, and Estella Carillo, gave comments regarding the housing element, fair housing policies,
5 and the Housing Equity Road Map Collaborative in reference to the Fair Chance Housing.
Daniel Barth gave comments regarding the need to build housing equity in Richmond and thanked Jesus Morales and Michelle Milam for their efforts dealing with homelessness in the city.
Jamin Pursell stated that he attended the Cinco de Mayo festival, and that it was well attended. Mr. Pursell also announced the following: invited the community to the LGBTQ Mother's Day Brunch at CoBiz scheduled on Sunday, May 11, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Drag Storytime at the Multicultural Bookstore scheduled on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.; and the Richmond Rainbow Pride Event scheduled on June 1, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Richmond Civic Center Plaza.
Mark Wassberg gave comments regarding judges who allegedly aided and abetted immigrants.
Irania De La Mora stated she would perform at an event and that she was selling her book.
Julie Freestone gave comments regarding the need for enforcement of illegal fireworks in the city.
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.)
Items W.3.a - Update on the Sanctuary City Contracting and Investment Policy Ordinance and W.6.b - Mayor's Appointment of Ad Hoc Committee for review CPRC report with recommendations to the City Council were not included in the motion and vote.
W.1 City Clerk's Office
W.1.a Meeting Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the March 25, April 1,15, and 22, 2025, regular City Council meetings - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620- 6513).
W.2 Community Development
W.2.a Contract with 4LEAF, Inc. For As-Needed Code Enforcement Services APPROVE a contract with 4LEAF, Inc. for as-needed code enforcement services, for a total contract amount not to exceed $550,000, for a term beginning April 22, 2025, through January 30, 2027 – Community Development Department/Public Works Department (Lina Velasco/ Eva Mann 510-621-1283).
W.3 Finance Department
W.3.a Update on the Sanctuary City Contracting and Investment Policy Ordinance
RECEIVE a written update regarding the steps taken to ensure compliance with the Sanctuary City Contracting and Investment Policy Ordinance; and ADOPT a resolution waiving requirements of Ordinance No. 12-18 as applied to Motorola Solutions, as no reasonable alternative exists –
6 Finance Department (Andrea Miller/ Mubeen Qader/ Ofelia Alvarez 510- 620-6699).
Finance Director Andrea Miller, Assistant Police Chief Tim Simmons, and Fire Chief Aaron Osorio gave an overview.
Discussion ensued.
Adopted Resolution No. 50-25.
Motion by Councilmember Sue Wilson
Seconded by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Ayes (6): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Absent (1): Councilmember Doria Robinson
Passed
W.3.b Investment and Cash Balance Report, Monthly Overtime Reports, and Documentary Transfer Tax Report for the Month of March 2025 RECEIVE the City’s Investment and Cash Balance Report, Monthly Overtime Reports, and Documentary Transfer Tax Report for the month of March 2025 – Finance Department (Andrea Miller 510-620-6740).
W.3.c Fiscal Year 2024-25 Quarter 3 Budget Report
RECEIVE the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Quarter 3 budget report for the period of July 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025 – Finance Department (Shasa Curl 510-620-6512/Andrea Miller 510-620-6790/ Mubeen Qader 510-412- 2077/Jerry Gurule 510-620-6591).
W.4 Human Resources
W.4.a Amend the Salary Schedule
ADOPT a resolution amending the salary schedule to add the salary range for Paratransit Coordinator and V ocational Building Construction Instructor – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6602).
Adopted Resolution No. 51-25.
W.5 Library and Community Services
W.5.a Contract Amendment with NOMAD Transit (dba Via, LLC) to Expand Richmond Moves Shuttle Service City-Wide
ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE a grant from Clean Mobility Options (CMO) in the amount of $300,000 to expand Richmond Moves shuttle program city-wide, and APPROVE a first contract amendment with Nomad Transit, LLC (Via) for expanded city-wide shuttle service through Richmond Moves to add $300,000 to the contract for a total contract limit not to exceed $6,535,000, maintaining the existing term of July 7, 2027 – Community Services Department (LaShonda White 510-620-6828).
W.5.b Third amended contract between the City of Richmond and Trans Metro Inc. for on-call paratransit services
7 APPROVE the third amended contract with Trans Metro Inc., to support paratransit van services for seniors and individuals with disabilities residing in Richmond and in municipalities in West County, in an amount not to exceed $250,000, for a total contract amount not to exceed $650,000, and extend the contract term through June 30, 2026 - Community Services Department (LaShonda White 510-620-6828).
W.5.c Contract with OverDrive, Inc. with Libby Application for eBooks APPROVE a sole-source contract with OverDrive, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $450,000, for a three-year term beginning January 10, 2025, and ending January 9, 2028, to provide Library patrons free access to the Libby application for digital e-books and magazines - Community Services Department (Kate Eppler 510-620-5452/Christopher Larsen 510- 620-5524).
W.6 Mayor's Office
W.6.a Proclamation Honoring the 17th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival PROCLAMATION honoring the 17th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival - Mayor's Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
W.6.b Mayor’s Appointment of Ad Hoc Committee for Review CPRC Report with Recommendations to the City Council
APPOINT an Ad Hoc Committee comprised of Mayor Eduardo Martinez, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, the City Attorney, the Police Chief, and a representative of the Community Police Review Commission (CPRC) to review and discuss recommendations before presentation to the City Council - Mayor's Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
Mayor Martinez and City Attorney Dave Aleshire gave an overview.
Discussion ensued.
Don Gosney, Jamin Pursell, Eric Smith, Leslie Eisenberg, Andrew Melendez, Carlos Juarez, Jules Saloman, Raymond Wendell, Sara Cantor, Emily Ross, Oscar Garcia, Ben Therriault, and Carmen Martinez gave comments.
A motion was made by Mayor Eduardo Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez to approve the item.
Motion by Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Seconded by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Ayes (3): Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Sue Wilson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Noes (3): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Absent (1): Councilmember Doria Robinson
Failed
W.6.c Reappointment of Isabel C. Ramos Zaragoza to the Richmond Human Rights and Human Relations Commission
8 REAPPOINT Isabel C. Ramos Zaragoza to the Richmond Human Rights and Human Relations Commission with a term that expires March 30, 2028 - Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
W.6.d Reappointment of Whitney Tipton to the Richmond Rent Board REAPPOINT Whitney Tipton to the Richmond Rent Board with a term that expires on March 31, 2027 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
W.6.e Reappointment of O’Neill Fernandez to the Human Rights and Human Relations Commission
REAPPOINT O’Neill Fernandez to the Human Rights and Human Relations Commission, with a term ending March 30, 2028 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
W.6.f Reappointment of Connie He to the Richmond-Shimada Friendship Commission
APPOINT Connie He to the Richmond-Shimada Friendship Commission, term expires December 31, 2028 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
W.6.g Appointment of Kate Baker to the Richmond Library Commission APPOINT Kate Baker to the Richmond Library Commission, term expires July 1, 2028 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
W.6.h Appointment of Liz Bittner to the Urban Forest Advisory Committee APPOINT Liz Bittner to the Urban Forest Advisory Commission, term expires November 17, 2026 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
W.7 Police Department
W.7.a Purchase of a Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid
APPROVE the purchase of one new 2023 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in van from Hilltop Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in an amount not to exceed $60,000 to support the Crime Prevention Unit – Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510-621-1802).
W.8 Rent Program
W.8.a Rent Program Annual Report for Fiscal Years 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24
RECEIVE the Rent Program Annual Report for Fiscal Years 2021-22, 22- 23, and 23-24 - Rent Program (Nicholas Traylor 510-234-7368).
X. BUDGET SESSION
X.1 Acknowledge Receipt of the Draft Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Operating, and FY 2025-30 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan Budgets
ACKNOWLEDGE receipt of the draft Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual Operating Budget and Fiscal Year 2025-30 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan – City Manager’s Office/Finance Department (Shasa Curl/Andrea Miller/Mubeen Qader 510-412-2077).
9 City Manager Shasa Curl, Finance Director Andrea Miller, Revenue Manager Antonio Banuelos, and Deputy Finance Director Mubeen Qader gave an overview.
Link to presentation: Draft Budget Report
Cordell Hindler and Jamin Pursell gave comments.
The city council requested the following information: the effect of tariffs on sales tax revenue with the percentage and dollar amount for businesses, port, car sales, etc.; the impact of the Section 8 vouchers; explain the refinery property tax as zero to 4%; what was "other revenue"; detail the worst case scenario for the decrease in federal funds; use bar charts to show trend information; assumptions for the revenue from the business license tax Measure U and include what Chevron would pay; what was the current vacancy rate and why was an 11% vacancy rate being proposed; detail the $24M; what was done with the $3.3M from last year and what was budgeted that wasn't expended; general fund investment plan from the Chevron settlement funds; include percentages in all assumptions listed for revenue and expenses; clarity on the position listing if 800 was not the actual number; clarify the 10-year forecast in attachment 6; define the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) five-year plan process for prioritization and budget planning; explain the decrease in firefighters; percentage of current personal ; and detail the vacancies by department.
The city council acknowledged receipt of the reports.
Motion by Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Seconded by Councilmember Soheila Bana
Ayes (6): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Absent (1): Councilmember Doria Robinson
Passed
Y. NEW BUSINESS
Y.1 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). This item was continued from the April 22, 2025, and April 29, 2025, meetings.
Andrew Melendez presented the project proposal.
Link to presentation: Ciclovia Project Report
The implementation timeframe was changed to June 2026 in order to solicit more community involvement and to allow more time for project budget and analysis.
Cordell Hindler, Mark Wassberg, and Don Gosney gave comments.
The city council suggested the following: implement Ciclovia to Distinct 2 also; partner with the Farmers Markets; launch as a pilot in various districts; and schedule Ciclovia on National Night Out.
10 The recommended action was amended as follows: Direct staff to work on the design and implementation of the Ciclovia project and come back with an update in November or October 2025 and come back to the city council in late April 2026 with the proposed design, budget, and implementation plan to launch the first Ciclovia during the Summer of 2026.
Motion by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Seconded by Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Ayes (6): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Absent (1): Councilmember Doria Robinson
Passed
Y.2 Initial Findings of Point Potrero Marine Terminal Facilities Assessment RECEIVE a presentation from the Port of Richmond staff and Moffatt & Nichol regarding the initial findings of the facilities assessment at Point Potrero Marine Terminal – Economic Development Department (Charles Gerard 510-620-6792).
Economic Development Director Charles Gerard and Damilola Taiwo from Moffatt & Nichol presented the report.
Link to presentation: Point Potrero Marine Terminal Assessment Report Cordell Hindler and Jamin Pursell gave comments.
Discussion ensued.
The city council requested the cost of improvements and the level of improvements.
Z. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: REFERRALS TO STAFF, AND GENERAL REPORTS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS)(limited to two minutes per Councilmember) Councilmember Bana reported that there would be an open house with a focus on wildfire safety at Fire Station 63 on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Councilmember Brown thanked all involved in planning the Cinco de Mayo festival.
Councilmember Brown also thanked both the Iron Triangle and Shields Reid Neighborhood Councils for presenting her with the souvenir program form its Black History event.
Vice Mayor Zepeda reported the following: attended the Department of Toxic Substances Control meeting; thanked staff for organizing the Park RX meeting; and attended the Cinco de Mayo festival.
Councilmember Jimenez reported that she attended the Cinco de Mayo festival and thanked staff for all of their hard work.
Mayor Martinez thanked Discolandia and El Mexicano Restaurant who provided him with a meal during the Cinco de Mayo festival. Mayor Martinez closed the meeting in memory of Councilmember Robinson's father, Vernon Robinson, and activist Barbara Strauss.
AA. ADJOURNMENT
11 There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:32 p.m., to meet again on May 20, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor