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RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA, June 17, 2025
Community Services Building
440 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
_____________________________________________________________________
A. OPEN SESSION TO HEAR PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION The Richmond City Council Evening Open Session was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda arrived after the roll was called.
C. CLOSED SESSION
C.1 LIABILITY CLAIMS (Government Code Section 54956.9)
Claimant: Noni Thomas
Claimant: Denise Alexander Smith
Claimant: Jameiz Terrell
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
D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
Cordell Hindler, John Varga, George Kabaivanov, Yvette Williams Barr, and Kevin Tisdell gave comments in person. Ben Therriault gave comments via teleconference.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
The Open Session adjourned to Closed Session at 3:41 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 5:05 p.m.
F. SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE RICHMOND HOUSING
AUTHORITY/RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Special Joint Meeting of the Richmond Housing Authority and Richmond City Council was called to order at 5:07 p.m. by Chairperson/Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
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G. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairperson/Mayor Eduardo Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
H. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners/Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Tenant Commissioner Jaycine Scott, Vice Chairperson/Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Chairperson/Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Absent: None.
I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
J. REPORT FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Housing Authority Executive Director Antoinette Terrell presented a PowerPoint: Report from Executive Director
K. AGENDA REVIEW
A motion made by Chairperson/Mayor Martinez, seconded by Tenant Commissioner Scott, to add Public Comment before the Housing Authority consent calendar passed by the following vote: Ayes: Commissioners/Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Tenant Commissioner Jaycine Scott, Vice Chairperson/Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Chairperson/Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Noes: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
Public comment ensued. Ruben Galvan gave comments in person regarding Item L.1 (Select Eden Housing & Community Housing Development Corporation as the Preferred Developer for the Redevelopment of Nystrom Village and Negotiate and Execute an Exclusive Right to Negotiate Agreement (ERNA) for the Redevelopment of Nystrom Village).
L. HOUSING AUTHORITY CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Chairperson/Mayor Martinez
Seconded by Commissioner/Councilmember Jamelia Brown
To approve all items on the Housing Authority Consent Calendar.
Ayes (5): Commissioners/Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Tenant Commissioner Jaycine Scott, and Chairperson/Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Noes (1): Councilmember Sue Wilson
Abstentions (2): Vice Chairperson/Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda and Commissioner/Councilmember Doria Robinson
Passed
L.1 Select Eden Housing & Community Housing Development Corporation as the Preferred Developer for the Redevelopment of Nystrom Village and Negotiate and Execute an Exclusive Right to Negotiate Agreement (ERNA) for the Redevelopment of Nystrom Village
ADOPT a resolution rescinding Resolution No. 2205, in which the Richmond Housing Authority initially selected Gorman & Company and Novin Development as the preferred development team and APPROVE the recommendation of the Selection Committee selecting Developer Eden Housing & Community Housing Development Corporation as the preferred development
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team, and to negotiate and execute an Exclusive Right to Negotiate Agreement (ERNA) for the redevelopment of Nystrom Village with a term not to exceed ninety (90) days with an option for one mutually approved extension of not more than thirty (30) days – Richmond Housing Authority (Antoinette Terrell 510-620- 6784/Nannette Beacham 510-621-1306).
Adopted Resolution No. 2213
M. JOINT RICHMOND HOUSING AUTHORITY / RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
BUDGET SESSION
M.1 Proposed Richmond Housing Authority Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025- 2026
ADOPT a joint resolution approving the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 Richmond Housing Authority (RHA) budget, with total estimated revenues of $4,480,249.92 and total estimated expenditures of $4,480,249.92; and APPROVE an RHA subsidy from the City of Richmond General Fund in the amount of $1,039,755, which will provide sufficient revenue to match anticipated expenditures and balance the RHA budget to $4,480,249.92 in estimated revenues and $4,480,249.92 in expenditures - Richmond Housing Authority/Finance (Antoinette Terrell 510-621-1300/Rita Martinez 510-621-1546).
Housing Authority Executive Director Antoinette Terrell introduced the item. Ms.
Terrell and Finance Manager II Rita Martinez presented a PowerPoint. Link to view presentation: Richmond Housing Authority Budget FY 25-26 Cordell Hindler gave comments in person. Discussion ensued.
Motion by Commissioner/Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Seconded by Commissioner/Councilmember Doria Robinson
To approve the item.
Ayes (8): Commissioners/Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Tenant Commissioner Jaycine Scott, Vice Chairperson/Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Chairperson/Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Passed
Adopted Resolution No. 2214
Adopted Resolution No. 69-25
N. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 5:33 p.m.
O. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Regular Meeting of the Richmond City Council was called to order at 5:33 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
P. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zeped,a and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Absent: None.
Q. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Councilmember Robinson reported a conflict of interest with the portions of Item W.1 (Review and Provide Direction on Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Proposed Budget and Fiscal
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Year 2025-30 Five Year Capital Improvement Plan) related to the Transformative Climate Communities Grant and the collaboration between the City and Rich City Rides. She announced she would recuse herself from any discussion during the item related to either subject.
R. AGENDA REVIEW
Item V .2.a (Update and Approve the Richmond Green-Blue New Deal (GBND) Top-Five Priority Projects over the Next 5 Years) was pulled from the consent calendar for discussion.
Items V .7.c (Resolution Approving On-Call Contracts with GHD, Kimley-Horn, Fehr & Peers, W-Trans for Transportation Design Services) and Y .3 (Develop and Launch a 6- month Pilot Program working-titled, “Clean Richmond” Community Maintenance Crews) were continued to the June 24, 2025, city council meeting.
A motion made by Councilmember Jimenez, seconded by Councilmember Robinson, added an emergency item (Resolution Calling for Diplomacy, Peace, and Nuclear Transparency in Response to Escalating Hostilities Between Israel and Iran) to the consent calendar, by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Noes: None. Abstain: Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda. Absent: None.
Item Y .6 (Approval of Richmond’ s Membership Fee Contribution to the East Bay Wildfire Coalition of Governments (EBWC) was moved to the consent calendar.
Item Y .8 (Development of Ordinance to Ban Land Grab Practices and Promote Housing Accessibility) was withdrawn to come back at a later date as a new item.
A motion made by Councilmember Bana, seconded by Councilmember Jimenez, added Item Y .4 (Allocation of $6,000 to Support the 2025 Juneteenth Celebration) to the consent calendar by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda.
Noes: Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Abstain: None. Absent: None.
S. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING CLOSED SESSION
Item C.1 (liability claims) was discussed. There was no reportable action.
Item C.2 (labor negotiations) was discussed. Direction given to labor negotiators.
T. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
City Manager Shasa Curl provided a report. Link to view report: City Manager's Report 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)
The following individuals gave comments in person:
Cordell Hindler gave comments regarding the recent Engineer's Report, HOA fees, and multigenerational workplaces.
Estefany Sanchez, Erick Sanchez, and Eladia Salas requested support from the City Council in relation to the denial of a street vendor permit for their business Super Churros.
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Vincent Iamiello and Kayle Catalan gave comments in support of the business Super Churros. Mr. Iamiello expressed concern regarding the conduct of City inspectors.
Antwoin Cloird gave comments regarding grants and resources for the Black community in Richmond.
Mark Wassberg gave comments regarding immigration and recent events in Los Angeles.
Cruz Arroyo gave comments in support of Super Churros.
Bryan Harris gave comments in support of Item V .7.f (Contract with Kimley-Horn Autonomous Transit Network Feasibility Study).
Don Gosney gave comments regarding building improvement costs for local schools and announced that the West Contra Costa Unified School District Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee was seeking volunteers to serve on the committee.
Liz Woods requested the City Council's support in her independent efforts to clean the City.
Jamin Pursell gave comments regarding recent local protests, diversity, and political intimidation. Mr. Pursell thanked library staff for an event held the prior weekend.
The following individuals gave comments via teleconference:
Michelle Chan, Davjanee, and Marisol Cantu gave comments regarding funds the City Council allocated towards immigrant legal services on March 4, 2025, and urged the Council to expedite processes so the funds can be put to use. Ms. Chan and Ms. Cantu advocated for the issuance of an updated request for proposals.
Julie Freestone thanked the City and community for its efforts to stop illegal fireworks.
Ms. Freestone shared details about what actions have been taken to deter illegal fireworks.
Annie gave comments regarding funds the City Council allocated towards immigrant legal services on March 4, 2025, and advocated for the funds to be used soon.
Melvin Willis gave comments regarding the funds allocated for immigrant legal services and expressed concern regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities in the community. Mr. Willis suggested that the sidewalk ordinance be amended to accommodate businesses that were operating prior to the adoption of the ordinance.
BK Williams and Jovanka Beckles urged the City Council to quickly issue a request for proposals for immigrant legal services providers. Ms. Beckles also expressed concern about illegal fireworks and gave comments in support of Super Churros.
Andrew Melendez, Carmen Martinez, and Edith Pastrano gave comments about the hardships undocumented immigrants face in the community. Mr. Melendez, Ms.
Martinez, and Ms. Pastrano expressed concerns regarding the funds allocated for immigrant legal services and urged the council to expedite the process to distribute the funds to the community.
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.)
Motion by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
Seconded by Councilmember Soheila Bana
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To approve all items on the Consent Calendar with the inclusion of Items Y .4 (Allocation of $6,000 to Support the 2025 Juneteenth Celebration), Y .6 (Approval of Richmond’ s Membership Fee Contribution to the East Bay Wildfire Coalition of Governments (EBWC), the added Emergency Item (Resolution Calling for Diplomacy, Peace, and Nuclear Transparency in Response to Escalating Hostilities Between Israel and Iran) and excluding Items V .2.a (Update and Approve the Richmond Green-Blue New Deal (GBND) Top-Five Priority Projects over the Next 5 Years) and V .7.c (Resolution Approving On-Call Contracts with GHD, Kimley-Horn, Fehr & Peers, W-Trans for Transportation Design Services).
Emergency Item (added to the end of the Consent Calendar) APPROVE a resolution calling for diplomacy, peace, and nuclear Transparency in response to escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran Adopted Resolution No. 76-25
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Passed
V .1 City Clerk's Office
V .1.a City Council Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the May 20, 2025, and May 27, 2025, regular City Council meetings - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620- 6513).
V .2 Economic Development
V .2.a Update and Approve the Richmond Green-Blue New Deal (GBND) Top- Five Priority Projects over the Next 5 Years.
RECEIVE a written update on the Richmond Green-Blue New Deal project prioritization process and APPROVE the top five priority projects - Economic Development Department (Yahna Williamson 510-620- 6574/Samantha Carr 510-620-5407/ Nannette Beacham 510-620-1306).
This item was continued to the June 24, 2025, meeting.
V .3 Finance Department
V .3.a Investment and Cash Balance Report, Monthly Overtime Reports, Documentary Transfer Tax Report, and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) and Pension Report for the Month of April 2025
RECEIVE the City’s Investment and Cash Balance Report, Monthly Overtime Reports, Documentary Transfer Tax Report, and Other Post- Employment Benefits (OPEB) and Pension Report for the month of April 2025 – Finance Department (Andrea Miller 510-620-6740).
V .4 Fire Department
V .4.a Standing Purchase Order with Municipal Emergency Services (MES) to Purchase Firefighter Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) APPROVE a standing purchase order with Municipal Emergency Services (MES), using RFP 1920/Contract # PS20120 Master Price Agreement publicly solicited by National Purchasing Partners, Government Division, to purchase firefighter self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in an amount not to exceed $200,000 for a term ending March 23, 2026, with a
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two-year extension option not to exceed an additional $200,000 for the extended term – Fire Department (Chief Aaron Osorio 510-307- 8021/Deputy Chief Rico Rincon 510-307-8041/Den Mark Marcelo 510- 307-8038).
V .5 Library and Community Services
V .5.a Approve a Contract with Pyro Spectacular North, Inc. for a Fireworks Display Show on July 3, 2025
APPROVE the production agreement contract with Pyro Spectaculars North, Inc. to provide a fireworks display show for Richmond on July 3, 2025, at the Richmond Marina in an amount not to exceed $103,000, for a term from June 17, 2025, to December 31, 2025, and AUTHORIZE a deposit payment of $51,500 to the vendor and final payment of $51,500 to the vendor on July 5, 2025 - Community Services Department (LaShonda White/Ranjana Maharaj/Kymberlyn Carson-Thrower 510-620-6828).
V .6 Mayor's Office
V .6.a Appointment of Jerry Cole to the Historic Preservation Commission APPOINT Jerry Cole to the Historic Preservation Commission, with a term that expires July 31, 2026 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
V .7 Public Works
V .7.a Abatement Report from the Public Works Director
RECEIVE a written abatement report from the Director of Public Works - Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478).
V .7.b Resolution to Award a Contract to RK Roofing & Construction, Inc.
ADOPT a resolution awarding a three-year contract to RK Roofing and Construction, Inc., for as-needed roof waterproofing, maintenance, and minor repairs, for a term beginning July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028, in a not-to-exceed amount of $450,000, with an option to extend the contract for two additional one-year terms in a not-to-exceed amount of $150,000 each additional year – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510- 620-5478/Tawfic Halaby 510-620-548/Carl Capistrano 620-6896).
Adopted Resolution No. 70-25
V .7.c Resolution Approving On-Call Contracts with GHD, Kimley-Horn, Fehr & Peers, W-Trans for Transportation Design Services
ADOPT a resolution awarding on-call contracts for transportation design services on an as-needed basis to four consultants—GHD, Kimley-Horn & Associates, Fehr & Peers, and W-Trans—for an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 per firm per year, for a three-year term beginning June 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028, with two optional one-year extensions – Public Works Department (Hillal Hamdan 510-621-1612/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477)
This item was continued to the June 24, 2025, meeting.
V .7.d Resolution to Award a Contract to Wadsworth Glass Inc. for Window Supplies and Services.
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ADOPT a resolution approving a three-year contract to Wadsworth Glass, Inc., for window supplies and services, for a term beginning July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028, in a not-to-exceed amount of $300,000, with an option to extend the contract for two additional one-year terms in a not-to-exceed amount of $100,000 each additional year – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/Tawfic Halaby 510-620-5482/Clarence Johnson 510-231-3034).
Adopted Resolution No. 71-25
V .7.e Approval of Project List for Fiscal Year 2025-26 SB 1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Funding
ADOPT a resolution approving the project list for Senate Bill 1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account funding for Fiscal Year 2025-26 – Public Works Department (Robert Armijo 510-620-5477/Dan Santos 510-620-6645).
Adopted Resolution No. 72-25
V .7.f Contract with Kimley-Horn Autonomous Transit Network Feasibility Study
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE a professional services contract with Kimley-Horn to conduct an Autonomous Transit Network Feasibility Study with a term beginning July 1, 2025, and ending on July 1, 2027, and APPROPRIATE $195,960 in ECIA Funding to facilitate payment – Public Works Department (Janney Lockman 510-307-8097/Robert Armijo 510- 620-5477).
Adopted Resolution No. 73-25
V .7.g Resolution to Award a Contract to Legacy Mechanical & Energy Services, Inc. for As-Needed Repairs and Service
ADOPT a resolution awarding a three-year contract to Legacy Mechanical & Energy Services, Inc., for as-needed major mechanical building maintenance repairs and service, for a term beginning July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028, in a not-to-exceed amount of $150,000, with an option to extend for two additional one-year terms in a not-to-exceed amount of $50,000 each additional year – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/Tawfic Halaby 510-620-548/Carl Capistrano 620-6896/Will Santana 510-620-6696).
Adopted Resolution No. 74-25
V .7.h Construction Agreement Amendment with UST Testing Services, Inc. for the Flood Risk Reduction - Rheem Creek Project
ADOPT a resolution and APPROVE a second amendment to the construction contract with UST Testing Services, Inc., increasing the contract by $242,036, for a revised not-to-exceed amount of $1,778,026, for the Rheem Creek Flood Risk Reduction Project; and ACCEPT the project as complete and AUTHORIZE the city clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the Contra Costa County Recorder’s Office - Public Works Department (Darcie DeLashmutt 672-3944 / Robert Armijo 620- 5477).
Adopted Resolution No. 75-25
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V .8 Rent Program
V .8.a Cooperative Cost Pool Agreement with Richmond Rent Board APPROVE a Cooperative Cost Pool Agreement between the Richmond Rent Board and the City of Richmond - City Manager’s Office (Shasa Curl 510-620-6512/Andrea Miller 510-620-6790).This item was continued from the June 3, 2025, meeting.
W. BUDGET SESSION
W.1 Review and Provide Direction on Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Proposed Budget and Fiscal Year 2025-30 Five Year Capital Improvement Plan REVIEW proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget, Five-Year Forecast, Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan Budget for Fiscal Years 2025-26 through 2029-30; and PROVIDE DIRECTION to staff prior to final budget adoption – City Manager’s Office/Finance Department (Shasa Curl 510-620-6512/ Nickie Mastay 510-620- 6609/ Andrea Miller 510-620-6790/ Mubeen Qader 510-412-2077).
City Manager Shasa Curl introduced the item. Ms. Curl, Director of Finance Andrea Miller, Accounting Manager Antonio Banuelos, and Assistant Deputy Director of Public Works Josef Munoz presented a PowerPoint. Link to view presentation: FY 25-26 Proposed Budget/FY 25-30 CIP Plan Discussion ensued. The Council requested/suggested the following: the addition of an Economic Development Commission event (Green and Sustainable Business Expo) to the City event list and funding in the amount of $10,000 for the event; information on what specific priority positions are included in the vacancy rate; analysis on how including additional priority positions, such as Tree Crew and Parks/Landscaping positions, would affect the vacancy rate percentage; information on the reduction in YouthWorks experience hours and options to restore hours; additional priority positions to support YouthWorks; information on whether the Capital Improvement Projects presented are funded and if there are new projects to be added to the list; $5,000-$7,000 in the budget for the El Sobrante stroll; follow up information on funding for the Task Force to End Gender Based Violence; $200,000 to the Fire department for the Pilot Project for Home Hardening; a full time prosecutor for the City; CPR and natural disaster training for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT); more personnel in the Office of Emergency Services; filling of vacant positions in Public Works Operations and Maintenance, Code Enforcement, and the Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP); clarification on the budgeted amount of funds for paving; line by line information on the funding sources used for paving; the addition of information regarding the number of staff per Fiscal year to the presentation slide showing draft historical staffing costs (all funds); clarification regarding which budgeted festivals are actually active; information on which department absorbs the budget for Arbor Day and Taste of Richmond events; information on the amount of funds budgeted for the Juneteenth, Pride, Fiestas Patrias and Cinco de Mayo festivals; clarification on whether the Ciclovia is included in the festivals budget; clarification on which events in the festivals budget are City run versus only receive funds; more information on which schools are included in the Lincoln Safe Routes to School Program; the addition of Washington Elementary School to the Lincoln Safe Routes to School Program; a priority position list for the Council to review and provide direction; monthly check-ins regarding the vacancy rate; and clarification on the difference between the vacancy rate and vacancy savings rate.
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Cordell Hindler, Michelle Hayes, Bryan Harris, and Jamin Pursell gave comments in person. Roxanne Garza, Keycha Gallon, Kevin Tisdell, Mayeli Rico, and Linda Whitmore gave comments via teleconference.
X. PUBLIC HEARINGS
X.1 Denial of the Appeal of the Encroachment Permit for Up and Under Patio Parklet
ADOPT a resolution denying the appeal and upholding the City Engineer’s denial of encroachment permit application EN23-00746 submitted by Nathan Trivers, owner of Up & Under Pub & Grill, to maintain a patio-parklet at 2 West Richmond Avenue, based on the findings and analysis contained in this staff report and the supporting exhibits – Public Works Department (Andy Cho 510- 620-6547/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477).
City Clerk Pamela Christian announced that pursuant to public notice that it was time to hold a public hearing to adopt a resolution denying the appeal and upholding the City Engineer’s denial of encroachment permit application E23- 00746.
Deputy Director of Public Works Robert Armijo introduced the item. Mr. Armijo presented a PowerPoint. Link to view presentation: Up and Under Encroachment Permit
Mayor Martinez opened the public hearing. Appellant Nathan Trivers gave a statement. Mr. Armijo gave a statement. Mr. Trivers gave a rebuttal statement.
Cordell Hindler and Mark Wassberg gave comments in person. Philip Rosenthal gave comments via teleconference. Mr. Trivers gave a rebuttal statement. Mr.
Armijo gave a rebuttal statement. Mayor Martinez closed the public hearing.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Seconded by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
To approve the recommended action.
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Passed
Adopted Resolution No. 77-25
Y. NEW BUSINESS
Y.1 Allocate Shortfall Funding to Harbour 8 Park Expansion Project DIRECT City staff to allocate $3,000,000 in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget and Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-26 through 2029-2030 for the Harbour 8 Park Expansion Project, contingent upon:
Execution of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Richmond and Pogo Park;
Submission of the original and revised project budgets, including line- item detail for each cost overrun, broken down by change order number; Resolution of the kitchen scope and identification of its dedicated funding source;
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Confirmation that all applicable grant deadlines can still be met; and A formal meeting between City staff and the Pogo Park Board to review and align on project roles, responsibilities, and expectations for this City- owned property.
If these conditions go unmet by October 31, 2025, funds may be reallocated pending further Council action - Councilmember Jamelia Brown (510-609- 5780)/Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda (510-685-5002).
Vice Mayor Zepeda and Councilmember Brown introduced the item. Pogo Park Executive Director Toody Maher gave background information on the item and presented a PowerPoint. Link to view presentation: Harbour 8 Expansion Project
Cheryl Maeier, James Anderson, Kia Walton, Bruce Yamamoto, and Antwoin Cloird gave comments in person. Emily Ross and Linda Whitmore gave comments via teleconference. Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Soheila Bana
Seconded by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
To approve the item.
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Passed
Y.2 Establish the Black Resiliency Project and Fund
DIRECT City staff to work with the City Council to allocate approximately $1.5 million for the development of a “State of Black Richmond” report; and to support the implementation of a Black Resiliency Project and Fund from the Fiscal Year 2025-26 General Fund Budget to address inequities and disproportionate impacts experienced by residents of African descent – Councilmember Doria Robinson/Councilmember Claudia
Jimenez/Councilmember Sue Wilson (510-620-6743).
Councilmember Robinson introduced the item. Councilmember Robinson and Councilmember Jimenez gave background information on the item and the intended outcome. Antwoin Cloird, Mark Wassberg, Don Gosney, and Jamin Pursell gave comments in person. Zelon Harrison, Linda Whitmore, Jovanka Beckles, BK Williams, John, Michelle Milam, and Lori Hart gave comments via teleconference. Discussion ensued.
Councilmember Wilson made a motion,seconded by Councilmember Jimenez, to direct City staff to work with the City Council to allocate $1.5 million for the development of a “State of Black Richmond” report and to support the implementation of a Black Resiliency Project and Fund from the Fiscal Year 2025-26 General Fund Budget to address inequities and disproportionate impacts experienced by residents of African descent. Councilmember Robinson offered a friendly amendment to include that any implementation of the Black Resiliency fund was in compliance with Proposition 209. The amendment was accepted.
Councilmember Brown offered a friendly amendment to include the Race Equity Officer position in the $1.5 million allocation. The friendly amendment was not accepted by the maker of the motion.
Motion by Councilmember Sue Wilson
Seconded by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
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To direct City staff to work with the City Council to allocate $1.5 million for the development of a “State of Black Richmond” report and to support the implementation of a Black Resiliency Project and Fund from the Fiscal Year 2025-26 General Fund Budget to address inequities and disproportionate impacts experienced by residents of African descent. In addition, to make sure that any implementation of the Black Resiliency fund was in compliance with Proposition 209.
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Passed
Y.3 Develop and Launch a 6-month Pilot Program working-titled, “Clean Richmond” Community Maintenance Crews
DIRECT staff to identify a funding source, and issue an Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify a nonprofit partner to launch a 6-month pilot program working- titled “Clean Richmond” Community Maintenance Crew, which will hire, train, and deploy Richmond residents to support daily cleanliness, blight reduction, and beautification of public spaces, particularly in underserved neighborhoods, and report back to City Council with quarterly progress updates – Councilmember Jamelia Brown (510-412-2050).
This item was continued to the June 24, 2025, meeting.
Y.4 Allocation of $6,000 to Support the 2025 Juneteenth Celebration APPROVE a one-time appropriation of $6,000 to support the 2025 Juneteenth Celebration, which will assist with key components of the event—including youth-centered activities, community engagement, and cultural programming - Councilmember Jamelia Brown (510-412-2050). This item was continued from the June 3, 2025, meeting.
This item was moved to the consent calendar and approved.
Y.5 Select and Adopt an Official Tree of the City of Richmond DISCUSS with City Council and PROVIDE DIRECTION to work with the sponsors of this item and the Urban Forest Advisory Committee to create a list of native trees, draft and publish an online survey, conduct survey outreach to collect votes from Richmond residents, report back on its findings to City Council by the first meeting in October and no later than Arbor Day, the third Wednesday of October, to announce the winner, and APPROPRIATE up to $5,000 towards any cost associated with the creation of the City of Richmond Official Tree Survey and survey outreach and promotion, purchasing and planting new tree at Civic Center on Arbor Day - Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593)/Councilmember Doria Robinson (510-620-6568)/Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503).
This item was continued to the June 24, 2025, meeting.
Y.6 Approval of Richmond’s Membership Fee Contribution to the East Bay Wildfire Coalition of Governments (EBWC)
APPROPRIATE the City of Richmond’s membership fee contributions of $3,250 for Fiscal Year 2025–2026 and $5,000, for Fiscal Year 2026–2027 for the East Bay Wildfire Coalition (EBWC) supporting the Coalition’s regional wildfire prevention, preparedness, and resilience activities - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672-3490).
This item was moved to the consent calendar and approved.
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Y.7 Visibility, Preservation and Protection of City-Owned Historic Buildings and Historically Significant Locations
DIRECT City staff to work with the Historic Preservation Commission and community groups to:
Formalize and publicly share a verified list of city-owned historic buildings and historically significant locations.
Create a process to accept nominations, review and if warranted, install commemorative signage on City-owned historic structures and important locations of cultural memory (e.g., the former site of the International Hotel). Additionally, the City should offer to coordinate and assist with the installation of plaques or historical markers for privately owned historic buildings and sites, provided the property owners are willing. This will help commemorate important places regardless of ownership and ensure the community's history remains visible and celebrated. Develop and implement basic preservation measures to protect city-owned historic buildings from vandalism and fire damage.
Explore grant and partnership opportunities to support preservation efforts, with support from the Historic Preservation Commission and local history organizations.
Create a staff led and City Council approved process to evaluate whether any of the identified historic buildings require additional site-specific protection measures that would involve new budget allocations. Rather than mandating uniform maintenance rules, evaluate each structure’s preservation needs individually, based on historical significance, community interest, and available resources.
Provide a status update to the City Council within 180 days on progress made, challenges encountered, and next steps for implementation - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672-3490)/Councilmember Doria Robinson (510-672-1387).
This item was continued to the June 24, 2025, meeting.
Y.8 Development of Ordinance to Ban Land Grab Practices and Promote Housing Accessibility
DIRECT City staff to study federal and state legislation regarding land grab practices by for profit corporations and investors and return to the City Council within 180 days with recommendations regarding the viability of enacting a local ordinance, at which time the City Council may decide whether to direct staff to draft an ordinance - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672-3490). This item was continued from the May 27, and June 3, 2025, meetings. (FOR PUBLIC
COMMENT AND COUNCIL DELIBERATION ONLY)
This item was withdrawn to come back at a later date as a new item.
Z. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: REFERRALS TO STAFF, AND GENERAL REPORTS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS)(limited to two minutes per Councilmember) The item was not heard.
AA. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m. in honor of Saeed Muhammad Savayat to meet again on June 24, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
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Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor