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RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA, May 20, 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 Open Session was called to order at 3:31 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Doria Robinson, and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda arrived after the roll was called.
C. CLOSED SESSION
C.1 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT (Government Code Section 54957.6)
Title: Confidential Investigative and Appeals Officer C.2 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of Subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9)
Two Cases
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
D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
Cordell Hindler gave comments in person. Carlos Cardon gave comments via teleconference.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
The Open Session adjourned to Closed Session at 3:34 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 4:54 p.m.
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F. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Regular Meeting of the Richmond City Council was called to order at 5:03 p.m. by Mayor Martinez.
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 O.3.a (2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report) was continued to the May 27, 2025, City Council meeting.
K. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING CLOSED SESSION
Item C.1 (Public Employee Appointment, Confidential Investigative and Appeals Officer) - a report would be placed on the next public meeting agenda.
Item C.2 (Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation) - the matter of two cases was not discussed.
Item C.3 (Conference with Labor Negotiators) - the matter was deferred to a future closed session.
L. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
City Manager Shasa Curl presented the report. Link to City Manager Report presentation M. COMMENDATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS
M.1 Proclamation Declaring National Public Works Week
PROCLAMATION declaring May 18–24, 2025, as National Public Works Week in the City of Richmond - Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503).
Mayor Martinez introduced the matter and presented the proclamation. Director of Public Works Daniel Chavarria presented a PowerPoint announcing Public Works Week events and theme. Link to Public Works Week presentation. Mr.
Chavarria called for a moment of silence in memory of Public Works employees, Stefen Cincera and Sean Harrison. Mr. Chavarria gave closing remarks recognizing retired and present public works employees. Cordell Hindler gave comments in person.
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N. OPEN FORUM FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
(public comment on items that remained on the Consent Calendar or items that were not on the agenda – was limited to 2 minutes unless otherwise specified - Back and forth dialogue with the Council was prohibited)
The following individuals gave comments in person:
Cordell Hindler expressed concerns regarding the lack of lighting at Miller Knox Park.
Mr. Hindler provided information regarding a streamlined hiring process and recruitment.
Mr. Hindler requested three additional trash containers and "no littering" signage at the Nevin Plaza apartments building.
Katherine Lee, Lola Abdugapparov, Kerry Guerrin, Princess Robinson, Audrey Thiphakhinkeo-Paun, Alya Alazzani, Chris Karnsouvong, Martine Johannsen, Abtehal Alazzani, Baljaa Borgil, Harsheet Subedi, Zenaida Gomez, Elsa Stevens, Martha Gruelle, Michelle Chan, and Shiva Mishek gave comments regarding the Chevron Refinery's $550 million settlement to the city. Various members of the group expressed concerns regarding air pollution and urged the council to invest in a just transition away from fossil fuels by incorporating community input.
Ahmad Anderson, Kia Walton, and Oscar Garcia urged the council to commit $3 million to fund the completion of the Harbor 8 Pogo Park project. Mr. Anderson thanked the council for attending the Laurel Park Neighborhood Council's Walk in the Park event.
Mark Wassberg gave comments regarding the Chevron Refinery, city pension benefits, and the unhoused community.
Irania De La Mora invited the community to hear her sing on June 6, 2025, at the city's Mobile Vendor Plaza. Ms. De La Mora suggested that the city hire her to fill the empty planters near the plaza.
Jamin Pursell invited the community to the 11th Annual Richmond Rainbow Pride event on June 1, 2025. Mr. Pursell emphasized the importance of investing in the community's future and expressed gratitude for the city's support.
Bradley Dunn gave comments in support of item O.2.a (Strong State Government Support for Local Public Transportation Service). Mr. Dunn advised the council of the Bay Area Rapid Transit's budget deficit and the potential for service cuts if funding was not secured.
Liz Woods reported overgrown vegetation and trash across from the Nevin Plaza apartments building. Ms. Woods advised that she and other residents were maintaining the area at their own expense. Ms. Woods urged the council to place three additional trash containers in the area.
The following individuals gave comments via teleconference:
Ben Therriault acknowledged the council for its continued commitment to public safety and the community's well-being. Mr. Therriault highlighted findings from the 2024-2025 Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury report regarding the Richmond Police Department's understaffing, funding reallocation, crime trends, and impacts. Mr.
Therriault listed recommendations for a call to action.
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O. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
(All items placed under the Consent Calendar were considered to be routine and noncontroversial. These items were enacted upon together with a motion and second, without discussion, of any member of the City Council, and each item was deemed to have received the action recommended.)
Motion by Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Seconded by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
To approve all Consent Calendar items except Item O.3.a (2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report).
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 (7 to 0)
O.1 City Clerk's Office
O.1.a Meeting Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the April 29, 2025, special City Council meeting and the May 6, 2025, regular meeting - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
O.2 City Council
O.2.a Strong State Government Support for Local Public Transportation Services
ADOPT a resolution calling on state legislators to improve regional public transit by adopting legislation and appropriating budget to: (1) provide enough funding to preserve and increase public transit service levels across the region and distribute the funds equitably, (2) fund measures primarily with progressive sources rather than a sales tax, and (3) prioritize funding for transit operations that do not increase carbon emissions - Councilmember Sue Wilson (510-609-2111)/Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503).
Adopted Resolution No. 52-25
O.3 Community Development
O.3.a 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report
ADOPT a resolution accepting the 2024 Annual Progress Report for the City’s Housing Element (2023-2031) - Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Avery Stark 510-620-6714).
Continued to the May 27, 2025, City Council meeting.
O.4 Economic Development
O.4.a District Office Lease Agreement with U.S. Congress Member John Garamendi’s Office
APPROVE a lease with United States House of Representatives to allow Congressman John Garamendi to utilize approximately 845 square feet of office space, four cubicles, and a conference room on the second floor of 440 Civic Center Plaza as his Congressional District Office, at a rate of $1,140.75 per month ($13,689 per year), for a two-year term from January
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3, 2025, through January 2, 2027 – Economic Development Department (Craig Murray 510-307-8188). This item was continued from the March 25, 2025, and April 15, 2025, meetings.
O.5 Finance Department
O.5.a Setting Tax Rate for Tax Override Pension Fund
INTRODUCE an Ordinance (first reading) setting the tax rate for the Pension Tax Override for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 at 0.14 percent – Finance Department (Andrea Miller/Mubeen Qader/Antonio Banuelos 510-620- 6741).
O.6 Human Resources
O.6.a Annual Compensation Adjustment for the City Clerk APPROVE a five percent (5%) salary adjustment for the City Clerk effective March 2, 2025, in accordance with the IFPTE Local 21 Executive Management Memorandum of Understanding Section 6.4D – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620- 6602).
O.7 Information Technology
O.7.a Contract with Superion, LLC, for Continued Support of TRAKiT APPROVE a contract with Superion, LLC for the continued use, support and maintenance of TRAKiT, with a term beginning April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026, and a total payment limit of $60,925.70 - Information Technology Department (Sue Hartman 510-620-6874).
O.8 Library and Community Services
O.8.a Contract with Daniel McMahon for Sierra Integrated Library System Software Support
APPROVE a sole-source contract with Daniel McMahon, for a term beginning May 1, 2025, and ending April 30, 2028, to provide consulting and operations support for the Sierra Integrated Library System Software, for a total payment limit of $38,000 – Community Services Department (Kate Eppler 510-620-5452).
O.9 Mayor's Office
O.9.a Reappointment of Scarlett Perez to the Richmond Youth Council REAPPOINT Scarlett Perez to the Richmond Youth Council, term expires October 1, 2025 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620- 6503).
O.10 Police Department
O.10.a Crime Report from Police Chief
RECEIVE a written crime report from the police chief - Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510-621-1802).
O.11 Public Works
O.11.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).
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O.11.b Construction Agreement with Bauman Landscape & Construction Inc. for the Soccer Fields-Restrooms-Parks Project
ADOPT a resolution to approve a construction agreement with Bauman Landscape & Construction Inc. for the Soccer Fields-Restrooms-Parks Project at Wendell Park with a payment limit of $1,543,925, and AUTHORIZE the director of public works to approve change orders, if necessary, for a contingency amount of up to $154,392.50 which is 10 percent of the bid amount, for a total construction phase payment limit of $1,698,317.50 - Public Works Department (Darcie DeLashmutt 510-672- 3944/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477/Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478).
Adopted Resolution No. 53-25
O.11.c Appropriation of Funds for the Long-Range Transportation Infrastructure Planning Study
ADOPT a resolution to APPROPRIATE funds in the amount of $315,000 from Measure J Fund 2002 to complete a long-range transportation infrastructure planning study – Public Works Department (Janney Lockman 510-307-8097/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477).
Adopted Resolution No. 54-25
O.11.d Lease Amedment for Hilltop Landscape District Office Trailer and Yard APPROVE the amendment to lease agreement with North Richmond Properties, Inc. for the rental of two office trailers and storage space for containers and landscaping equipment used by the Parks and Landscaping Division, for a five-year term expiring June 30, 2030, at a monthly cost of $2,810.54, for an additional increased five-year total amount not to exceed $404,718 – Public Works Department (Tawfic Halaby 510-620-5482/Jason Lacey 510-620-6920/Tyron Nesbit 510-231-3019).
O.11.e Agreement with West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee (WCCTAC) for I-80/Central Avenue Improvement Project Funding ADOPT a resolution to ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE the Subregional Transportation Mitigation Program funds in the amount of $1,811,000 to the City of Richmond and AUTHORIZE the city manager to sign the cooperative agreement with West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee - Public Works Department (Hillal Hamdan 510-621- 1612/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477/Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478).
Adopted Resolution No. 55-25
P. BUDGET SESSION
P.1 Cost-of-Service Analysis and Fee Study for Community Services-Recreation RECEIVE a presentation on Recreation’s Cost-of-Service Analysis and Fee Study, and PROVIDE direction regarding Fiscal Year 2025-26 Recreation fees – Community Services Department/Finance Department (LaShonda White/Ranjana Maharaj/Antonio Banuelos/Hope Lattell 510-620-6972).
Deputy City Manager of Community Services LaShonda White introduced the matter. Mrs. White, Jesse Myott of BerryDunn, Deputy Director of Community Services Recreation Ranjana Maharaj, and Accounting Manager Antonio Banuelos presented a PowerPoint with three options for the council to consider.
Link to Recreation Cost of Service Analysis (RCSA) presentation. Discussion ensued. The council requested the following: an estimate for auditorium repairs;
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list parks as a line item under general recreation; a utilization report for all recreation resources and facilities; upload the final draft of the RCSA presentation to the city's website; consider non-resident fees; and provide an implementation plan to expand aquatics open hours. The council suggested removing fee waiver barriers that require an incorporated non-profit status and including the costs for security, insurance, and food service licenses with the use of the building. Cordell Hindler and Jamin Pursell gave comments in person. Arto Rinteela gave comments via teleconference. Further discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Seconded by Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
To approve option one, no changes to current recreation fees.
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 (7 to 0)
Q. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Q.1 Master Fee Schedule Update
HOLD a public hearing; and INTRODUCE an ordinance (first reading) establishing certain fees for the proposed Master Fee Schedule, and after the second reading of the ordinance, ADOPT a resolution setting the dollar amount for the new fees and adjusting the dollar amount for current fees – Finance Department (Andrea Miller/Mubeen Qader/Antonio Banuelos 510-620-6741).
City Clerk Pamela Christian announced that the recommended action to adopt a resolution would be returned to the council with the second reading of the ordinance. Accounting Manager Antonio Banuelos introduced the matter and presented a PowerPoint. Link to Master Fee Schedule Update presentation.
Discussion ensued. Staff acknowledged a duplication error on slide seven of the presentation for Public Works and agreed to publish a revised version after the meeting. Cordell Hindler gave comments in person.
Motion by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
To introduce the ordinance for first reading and lay over for two weeks for the second reading.
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 (7 to 0)
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R. NEW BUSINESS
R.1 Retain an Independent Legal Expert to Investigate Allegations of Ethical Breaches and Bias in the Community Police Review Commission (CPRC) Direct City Staff to hire an independent third-party legal expert to:
1. Investigate the allegations and ethical concerns raised by Jerry Threet, former Confidential Investigative and Appeals Officer (CIAO) of the CPRC, in his resignation letter dated September 10, 2024; and
2. Determine whether the CPRC has engaged in conduct that reflects bias, or a failure to meet its semi-judicial obligations—particularly as they pertain to due process protections and adherence to objective investigative standards.
Until the findings of the third-party legal expert are finalized and submitted to the City Council, the CPRC may continue its work but shall be advised to refrain from adjudicating any cases involving police officers. In addition, the CPRC, as an advisory commission, shall not bring forward any recommendations, findings, or policy proposals to the City Council during this period - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672-3490) and Councilmember Jamelia Brown (510-412- 2050).
Councilmember Bana introduced the matter and presented an oral report.
Discussion ensued. The following individuals gave comments in person: Cordell Hindler, Daniel Lawson, Don Gosney, Elsa Stevens, Jamin Pursell, Ben Therriault, Harry Wiener, Anne Norton, Jocelyn, Andrew Melendez, Lorayne, Angelica Rendon, Rosie Rendon, Jass Guzman, Ray Wendell, Carlos, and Eric Smith. The following individuals gave comments via teleconference: Oscar Garcia, Carol Hegstrom, Alex Caine, Don, Amber Hatfield, Sara Cantor, Savitri Khalsa, and Kevin Lemus. Further discussion ensued. The council requested staff to provide a training plan for the CPRC at a future meeting. Staff agreed to distribute to the council the administrative record of trainings that had been historically provided.
Motion by Councilmember Soheila Bana
Seconded by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
To direct City Staff to hire an independent third-party legal expert to:
1. Investigate the allegations and ethical concerns raised by Jerry Threet, former Confidential Investigative and Appeals Officer (CIAO) of the CPRC, in his resignation letter dated September 10, 2024; and
2. Determine whether the CPRC has engaged in conduct that reflects bias, or a failure to meet its semi-judicial obligations—particularly as they pertain to due process protections and adherence to objective investigative standards; and
OMIT the portion of the recommendation stating, "Until the findings of the third-party legal expert are finalized and submitted to the City Council, the CPRC may continue its work but shall be advised to refrain from adjudicating any cases involving police officers. In addition, the CPRC, as an advisory commission, shall not bring forward any recommendations, findings, or policy proposals to the City Council during this period."
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Ayes (3): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Noes (4): Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Failed (3 to 4)
S. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: REFERRALS TO STAFF, AND GENERAL REPORTS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS)(limited to two minutes per Councilmember) Councilmember Bana thanked the Fire Department for the National Wildfire Prevention Month Fire Station 63 Open House.
Vice Mayor Zepeda reported on the following events: Parchester Dumpster Cleanup Day; Shields Reid Neighborhood Council's building community and kite-flying; the Literacy Fair; and the Art Center's new art exposition.
Councilmember Wilson reported on the Library Commission meeting regarding the renovation plan for the Main Library; and the Laurel Park Neighborhood Council party at Braxton Park. Councilmember Wilson thanked staff for the funding that enabled neighborhood councils to host events; and Councilmember Bana for coordinating the town hall meeting regarding fireworks.
Mayor Martinez reported on the Literacy Fair and events in the Laurel Park and Shields Reid neighborhoods.
Councilmember Brown reported on the following events: United Business Organization's Mother's Day Celebration; Literacy Fair; Fire Station 63 Open House; and Mental Health Action Day.
T. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:04 p.m., in memory of former Contra Costa County District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover, to meet again on June 17, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Pamela Christian, Clerk of the City of
Richmond
Eduardo Martinez, Mayor