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RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA, September 16, 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 5:00 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 arrived after the roll was called.
C. CLOSED SESSION
C.1 AUDIT BY CALIFORNIA STATE AUDITOR’S OFFICE (Government Code Section 54956.75)
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 LIABILITY CLAIMS (Government Code Section 54956.9)
Claimant: Elisa Montano and Jose MagallanAgency Claimed Against:
City of Richmond
D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
Cordell Hindler, Miles Bailey, Daniel Sanchez, Khoa Nguyen, Alyssa Alvarado, Nicolas Caracter and Ben Therriault gave comments in person.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
The Open Session adjourned to Closed Session at 5:13 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 6:34 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 6:35 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
The status of Item C.1 (Audit by California State Auditor's Office) was discussed. No reportable action was taken.
The status of Item C.2 (Labor Negotiations) was discussed. No reportable action was taken.
The status of Item C.3 (Liability Claims) was given. No reportable action was taken.
L. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
None.
M. 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 funding received from the Chevron settlement agreement. Mr. Hindler suggested funding be allocated towards the Youth Council's activities and the hiring of additional personnel. Mr. Hindler also expressed appreciation regarding the length of recent City Council meeting agendas.
Juan Munoz gave comments in support of allocating funding to hire more police officers in the City.
Sergio Rios gave comments regarding crime in the City and the need for more police officers.
Mark Wassberg gave comments regarding the City's budget and sanctuary policies.
Norberto Guevara gave comments regarding staff shortages in the Police department and urged the council to hire more Police officers. Mr. Guevara also gave comments regarding crime in the City.
George McLoughlin gave comments regarding a recent officer involved shooting in the City. Mr. McLouhglin gave comments in support of the officers involved.
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(City Council took a recess at 6:50 p.m. The City Council returned from recess and reconvened at 6:56 p.m.).
Donell Jones gave comments regarding the Coalition of Black Excellence. Mr. Jones thanked Councilmember Doria Robinson for bringing the Black Resiliency Project and Fund item forward at a previous meeting.
Antwoin Cloird gave comments regarding the Black Resiliency Project and Fund. Mr.
Cloird also gave comments regarding resources in the City of Richmond for the Black community and unity in the community.
Talicia Moore and Demiond King gave comments in support of the work of the Coalition of Black Excellence. Mr. King gave comments in support of Richmond Police officers.
Lynne Tingle gave comments regarding the Milo Foundation's fundraising efforts for the Spay Neuter Imperative Project. Ms. Tingle and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda gave comments regarding dogs available for adoption at the Milo Foundation.
Don Nelson gave comments regarding a recent Proclamation honoring Richmond Police department officers. Mr. Nelson also gave comments regarding Councilmember fairness and impartiality.
Michael Pagaling gave comments in support of Richmond Police department officers.
Ben Therriault gave comments regarding the City Council's relationship with the Police department.
The following individuals gave comments via teleconference:
Davjanee Tillis advocated for an increase in funding for social services and alternatives to policing.
Jesus Pedraza, Sara Cantor, and Leslie Becerra gave comments regarding a recent officer involved shooting in the City. Ms. Cantor also gave comments regarding the Richmond Police Officers Association.
N. 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 Jamelia Brown
To approve all items on the consent calendar.
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Passed
N.1 City Clerk's Office
N.1.a Approve a Contract Amendment with Carahsoft/DocuSign for E-Signature and Contract Routing Solutions
APPROVE contract amendment with Carahsoft/DocuSign piggybacking on CMAS contract #3-20-70-2247G between the State of California and Carahsoft/DocuSign for the term of September 30, 2025, through September 29, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $15,170.70, for e- signature solution - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
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N.2 Community Development
N.2.a Contract Amendment No. 1 with Hillmann Development Advisors, LLC (HDA)
APPROVE a contract amendment no. 1 with Hillmann Development Advisors, LLC (HDA), increasing the contract amount by $160,000, for a total contract amount not to exceed $169,500, to continue providing Owner's Representation oversight of the City’s Homekey Project, located at 425 24th Street, during the Construction and Post-Construction phases, for a term ending December 31, 2026 – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Jesus Morales 510-620-6706).
N.2.b PermiTech Solutions Contract Amendment No. 1
APPROVE a contract amendment no. 1 with PermiTech Solutions Corporation to add an additional $140,000, for a total contract amount not to exceed $149,900, for a term ending on June 30, 2026, with two, one- year, $150,000 extension options (totaling $449,900 over a three-year term if options are exercised), to provide on-call wireless permit application review and support to be paid using applicant fees – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Avery Stark 510-620-6714).
N.3 Economic Development
N.3.a Port Amendments to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Tariff No. 3 for Environmental Compliance and Fees
ADOPT a resolution to amend the Port of Richmond Federal Maritime Commission (FCM) Tariff No. 3 to increase rates on selected items, add necessary environmental compliance language, and establish new California Resource Board (CARB) at-berth regulation fees – Economic Development Department (Charles Gerard 510-620 6792).
Adopted Resolution No. 127-25
N.4 Finance Department
N.4.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 July 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 July 2025 – Finance Department (Emily Combs 510-620-6740).
N.5 Mayor's Office
N.5.a Correction to Term Expiration Date for Historic Preservation Commissioner Caitlin Hibma
AMEND the expiration date for Caitlin Hibma’s current term to the Historic Preservation Commission, from November 31, 2029, to the correct date of July 31, 2029 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
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N.5.b Appointment of David Robinson to the Economic Development Commission
APPOINT David Robinson to the Economic Development Commission with a term that expires on March 30, 2028 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
N.6 Police Department
N.6.a Crime Report from Police Chief
RECEIVE a written crime report from the Police Chief - Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510-621-1802).
N.7 Public Works
N.7.a Approval of License Agreement with the East Bay Regional Park District for the Point Molate Bay Trail Project
ADOPT a resolution and AUTHORIZE the city manager or their designee to execute a 25-Year License Agreement with the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) granting permission to use a twenty-foot-wide portion of the surface of the property for multi-use trail purposes – Public Works Department (Darcie DeLashmutt 510-672-3944/Robert Armijo 510-620- 5477).
Adopted Resolution No. 128-25
N.7.b Contract with R&S Doors and Gates for Commercial Roll Up Door and Automatic Gate Repair Services
ADOPT a resolution and APPROVE a contract with R&S Doors and Gates of Richmond, Inc., for commercial roll up door and automatic gate repair services, for a three-year term in a not-to-exceed amount of $225,000, with two one-year extension options in a not-to-exceed amount of $75,000 per year; and AUTHORIZE the city manager or their designee to execute the contract and any necessary amendments – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/Darin Fitzpatrick 510-231- 3044).
Adopted Resolution No. 129-25
N.7.c Contract with San Francisco Elevator Services, LLC for As-Needed Elevator Maintenance, Service, and Repairs.
ADOPT a resolution approving a contract with San Francisco Elevator Services, LLC, for elevator maintenance, service, and repairs for a three- year term, in a total not-to-exceed amount of $225,000, with the option to extend for up to two additional one-year terms in a total not-to-exceed amount of $150,000, and AUTHORIZE the city manager or their designee to execute the contract and any necessary amendments – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria/Darin Fitzpatrick/Will Santana 510-231- 3008).
Adopted Resolution No. 130-25
N.7.d Accept Grant Funds and Contract with CSW-ST2 for Engineering and Design Services for the Downtown Point Richmond Bicycle and Pedestrian Connectivity Project
ADOPT a resolution to: (1) ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE Housing Incentive Pool (HIP) grant funding in the amount of $1,078,000 for the
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Downtown Point Richmond Bicycle and Pedestrian Connectivity Project; and (2) to APPROVE a contract with CSW-ST2 for engineering and design services for the Downtown Point Richmond Bicycle and Pedestrian Connectivity Project in a not-to-exceed amount of $254,665; and (3) AUTHORIZE the director of Public Works, or their designee, to approve any change orders or amendments, if necessary, in an amount not-to- exceed $38,335, with a term beginning upon execution and ending December 31, 2027 – Public Works Department (Janney Lockman 510- 307-8097/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477).
Adopted Resolution No. 131-25
N.7.e Contract with Earth Island Institute for a Supplemental Environmental Project to Promote Awareness of Environmental Quality
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE a contract in the amount of $168,000 with Earth Island Institute (Kids for the Bay) to implement a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) that raises awareness of water quality and non-point source pollution, pursuant to Water Board Order No. R2-2025- 1019 and AUTHORIZING the city manager or designee to execute the contract - Public Works Department (Mary Phelps 510-621-1269/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477).
Adopted Resolution No. 132-25
N.7.f Accept the Cutting, Hoffman, and Harbour Way South Cycletrack Project by W.R. Forde as Complete
ADOPT a resolution accepting the ATP Quick Build – Cutting, Hoffman, and Harbour Way South Cycletrack Project as complete, AUTHORIZE the city clerk to record the Notice of Completion with the Contra Costa County Recorder, and AUTHORIZE the release of the contractor’s bonds and retention payment – Public Works Department (Dan Santos 510-620- 6645/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477).
Adopted Resolution No. 133-25
O. NEW BUSINESS
O.1 League of California Cities Designation of Voting Delegates and Alternates DESIGNATE a voting delegate and alternate to represent the City of Richmond at the Annual Business Meeting of the League of California Cities’ 2025 Annual Conference and Expo, to be held in Long Beach at the Long Beach Convention Center, Wednesday, October 8 through Friday, October 10, 2025 – City Clerk’s Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
City Clerk Pamela Christian introduced the item and gave background information on why the item was brought forth. Discussion ensued. Cordell Hindler gave comments in person. There were no volunteers on the Council to attend the conference, therefore, no motion was carried out, and no action was taken.
O.2 Presentation of Draft Land Plan for the Hilltop Horizon Specific Plan RECEIVE a presentation on the Draft Land Plan Concept (Attachment 2) to be used as the basis for the preparation of the Draft Hilltop Horizon Specific Plan; and PROVIDE feedback on the Focus Questions - Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Avery Stark/Michele Morris 510-620-6841).
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Community Development Director Lina Velasco introduced the item. Senior Planner Michele Morris, SITELAB Urban Studio representative Woody Hanson and Environmental Science Associates (ESA) representative Beverly Choi presented a PowerPoint. Link to view presentation: Hilltop Horizon Specific Plan
Don Gosney, Cordell Hindler, and Jamin Pursell gave comments in person. Arto Rinteela, Coire Reilly, and Hope Dixon gave comments via teleconference.
Discussion ensued.
Council requested and/or suggested the following: creating a path for walking/biking that connects the Hilltop area and the area on the opposite side of the freeway; further planning around emergency evacuations in the area; further collaboration between the City, Prologis, and the community; more information on how the sewer system in the area would be planned; a high percentage of affordable housing units; the inclusion of affordability/anti-displacement policy documents and a timeline in the next version of the plan; connecting the development area, Contra Costa College, and the Richmond BART station by using Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) or other forms of rapid transit; and connecting the development area to the lake.
O.3 Communication to the public and counseling for families and witnesses of officer involved shootings or an in-custody death
DIRECT the city manager to develop a plan to (1) revise the current communication protocol after an officer involved shooting or an in-custody death, (2) modify guidelines for released officer body-cam footage, and (3) issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to provide counseling and therapeutic services for families and witnesses directly affected by officer-involved shootings or in- custody deaths - Councilmember Sue Wilson (510-609-2111) and Councilmember Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6743).
Councilmember Jimenez and Councilmember Wilson introduced the item and went over the intended outcomes. PIO Lieutenant Donald Patchin, Crime Prevention Manager Michelle Milam, and Police Chief Bisa French, presented a PowerPoint. Link to view presentation: Police Presentation Mark Wassberg, Tai Tran, Alexander Caine, Mi De Orian, Nicholas Brown, Daniel Sanchez, and Ben Therriault gave comments in person. Davjanee Tillis, LoRayne Reza, Carolina Avelar, Carlos Juarez, Annie Pennell, Jesus Pedraza, Sara Cantor, Sabrina Socorro, Emily Ross, Hope Dixon, Raymond Wendell and Andrew Melendez gave comments via teleconference. Discussion ensued. (At 10:59 p.m. - a motion by Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Jimenez, to extend the meeting to 11:30 p.m., passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Bana, Brown, Jimenez, Robinson, Wilson, Vice Mayor Zepeda, and Mayor Martinez. Noes: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None).
Discussion resumed. A motion by Councilmember Bana, seconded by Councilmember Brown, to direct the city manager to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to provide counseling and therapeutic services for families and witnesses directly affected by gun violence including officer-involved shootings or in- custody deaths, failed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Bana, Brown, and Vice Mayor Zepeda. Noes: Councilmembers Jimenez, Robinson, Wilson, and Mayor Martinez. Absent: None. Abstain: None. (At 11:30 p.m. - a motion by Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Jimenez, to suspend the rules and extend the meeting to complete item O.3
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(Communication to the public and counseling for families and witnesses of officer involved shootings or an in-custody death), failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Jimenez, Robinson, Wilson, and Mayor Martinez. Noes:
Councilmembers Bana, Brown, and Vice Mayor Zepeda. Absent: None.
Abstain: None).
The item was continued to the September 23, 2025, meeting.
P. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: REFERRALS TO STAFF, AND GENERAL REPORTS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS)(limited to two minutes per Councilmember) The item was not heard.
Q. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:32 p.m., to meet again on September 23, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor