October 7, 2025
DocID #53711v1
Public Works
DATE: October 7, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Daniel Chavarria, PE, Director of Public Works
Robert Armijo, PE, Deputy Director of Public Works / City Engineer
Hillal Hamdan, PE, Senior Civil Engineer
Subject:
Regional Measure 3 Funding Allocation for Point
Richmond Cut-Through Traffic Design
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The City has been awarded $180,000 in Regional Measure 3 (RM3) funding for the design (Plans,
Specifications, and Estimates) phase of the Point
Richmond Traffic Improvements Project. No local match
is required, and there is no impact to the General Fund. If approved, the funds will be appropriated to the
Engineering Grant Fund (Fund 1054). City staff will return to City Council later regarding allocation of RM3 funds for the construction phase.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
City staff recommends that the City Council approve a
resolution requesting an allocation of Regional Measure 3 (RM3) funds from the Metropolitan Transportation
Commission (MTC) and accepting the Contra Costa
Transportation Authority’s (CCTA) designation of the City of Richmond as the project sponsor for the Point
Richmond Traffic Improvements Project. This action will secure funding for the design phase of improvements
intended to deter I-580 westbound motorists from cutting through the Point Richmond neighborhood during periods
of congestion.
AGENDA
REPORT
524
October 7, 2025
DocID #53711v1
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
ADOPT a resolution to: (1) REQUEST an allocation for
Regional Measure 3 funds from the Metropolitan
Transportation Commission; (2) ACCEPT the Contra
Costa Transportation Authority’s designation as project sponsor for Point Richmond Traffic Improvements; and, if awarded (3) ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE Regional
Measure 3 funds in the amount of $180,000 for Point
Richmond Traffic Improvements – Public Works
Department (Hillal Hamdan 510-621-1612/Robert Armijo
510-620-5477).
DISCUSSION:
Regional Measure 3 (RM3), approved by Bay Area voters in 2018, finances highway and transit improvements by increasing tolls on the region’s state-owned bridges. As part of the RM3 Expenditure Plan, funding was specifically set aside for transportation projects in the City of Richmond to improve access to the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge.
A portion of this allocation has been designated for a project that discourages traffic on I-580 from diverting through the Point Richmond neighborhood when the freeway is congested. RM3 funds are administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA), and the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) (Attachment 1). To receive this funding, MTC requires the City of Richmond to adopt a resolution both requesting the allocation and accepting designation as the project sponsor
The current allocation of $180,000 in RM3 funds will be used for engineering design services to implement the recommendations of a December 2024 Fehr & Peers study (Attachment 2). That study evaluated cut-through traffic in the Point Richmond neighborhood and identified a set of signal timing and traffic calming improvements to discourage drivers experiencing congestion on westbound I-580 approaching the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge from diverting through Point Richmond.
The project will implement several strategies for disincentivizing cut-through traffic, including changes to signal timing on Cutting Boulevard to increase delay for cut- through turning movements, narrowing and restriping of lanes on Railroad Avenue, and installation of speed humps, raised crosswalks, and a new all-way stop in the neighborhood. Collectively, these measures are intended to lengthen perceived travel times for cut-through drivers, discourage speeding, and improve conditions for people walking and bicycling.
Both design and construction of the improvements will be fully funded through RM3.
The City filed a CEQA Notice of Exemption for the project in July 2025. As the designated project sponsor, the City of Richmond will be responsible for ensuring delivery and completion of the project consistent with RM3 funding requirements, the California Streets and Highways Code, and the California Environmental Quality Act 525
October 7, 2025
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(CEQA). City staff will return to City Council and to MTC at a later date with an allocation request for the construction phase.
This project will be coordinated with the Downtown Point Richmond Bicycle and Pedestrian Connectivity Project to ensure safety for all travel modes and to maintain effective access for emergency response.
If RM3 funding is not accepted, other funding sources would need to be identified to address cut-through traffic from I-580 in Point Richmond. City staff therefore recommend that the City Council adopt the resolution to request allocation of RM3 funds, accept designation as project sponsor, and, if awarded, accept and appropriate RM3 funds for the Point Richmond Traffic Improvements Project (Attachment 3).
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Resolution
Attachment 2 – Memorandum: Addressing Morning Peak-Period Cut-Through Traffic in Point Richmond
Attachment 3 – RM3 Allocation Request and Initial Project Report Forms 526
Regional Measure 3
Allocation Request
RM3 Project Information
Project Number 25
Project Title Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Access Improvements (Contra Costa County)
Project Funding Amount $75,000,000
Subproject Information (if different from overall RM3 project) Subproject Number 25.5
Subproject Title Point Richmond Traffic Improvements
Subproject Funding
Amount
$780,000
RM3 Allocation History (Add lines as necessary)
MTC Approval
Date
Amount Phase
#1:
#2
#3
Total: $
Current Allocation Request:
Request submittal date Amount Phase
August 2025 $180,000 PS&E
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I. RM3 Allocation Request Information
a. Describe the current status of the project, including any progress since the last allocation request or IPR update, if applicable.
The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge (RSRB) along Interstate 580 (I-580) is a critical interregional route connecting the City of Richmond and the East Bay to Marin County. Congestion on the westbound I-580 approach to the RSRB contributes to vehicles cutting through the Point Richmond neighborhood to avoid the congestion on the freeway mainline, with those vehicles rejoining westbound I-580 at the Castro Street interchange.
Site observations indicate that morning congestion on westbound Interstate 580 approaching the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge and the relative travel time savings by using local streets incentivizes drivers to use local cut-through routes to avoid the congestion.
During the morning peak, multiple local routes have a lower real and perceived travel time than staying on the freeway. Multiple context-specific strategies will be implemented for disincentivizing cut-through traffic, including changing signal times along Cutting Boulevard for cut-through turning movements, narrowing and striping lanes on Railroad Avenue, and adding speed humps, raised crossings, and a new all-way stop in the Point Richmond neighborhood to slow vehicle traffic. Furthermore, the Interstate 580/Richmond Parkway projects, currently underway, will help address other cut- through routes near Canal Boulevard and Castro Street.
The purpose of these strategies is threefold: to modify the actual travel time along cut- through routes, modify the perceived travel time, and improve conditions for people walking and bicycling in the area. These strategies are targeted at the average morning peak period; highly congested mornings due to above average vehicle volumes or a collision on the freeway may still result in cut-through traffic. However, by adjusting the habits of drivers on the average morning, these strategies reduce the likelihood drivers will choose to take local cut-through routes on highly congested mornings.
The City completed a study in December 2024 to evaluate cut-through traffic and identify the aforementioned strategies to reduce the attractiveness of these routes during the morning peak period in Point Richmond. The City filed the CEQA Notice of Exemption on August 8, 2025.
b. Describe the scope of the allocation request. Provide background and other details as necessary. The scope must be consistent with the RM3 statute. If the scope differs from the most recent IPR for this project, please describe the reason for any changes here; a revised IPR may be necessary.
The allocation request is to complete the design phase of the proposed projects described above.
c. Deliverable segment budget – please fill out attached Excel file. If the budget differs from the most recent IPR for this project, please describe the reason for any changes here; a revised IPR may be necessary.
The scope and cost of the project have been refined.
528
d. Schedule – what is the expected completion date of the phase for this allocation? Describe any significant milestones.
April 2026 – complete final design
e. If the project received an RM3 Letter of No Prejudice, how much has been spent against the approved RM3 LONP amount? (Note: the scope and RM3 amount for this allocation request should match the approved LONP)
N/A
f. Request Details
Amount being requested $180,000
Project phase being requested PS&E
Are there other fund sources involved in this phase? ☐ Yes ☒ No Date of anticipated Implementing Agency Board approval of RM3 Allocation Request resolution for the allocation being requested Sep 24, 2025 Month/year being requested for MTC commission approval of allocation Oct 2025
Note: Allocation requests are recommended to be submitted to MTC staff for review sixty (60) days prior to action by the Implementing Agency Board
g. List any other planned bridge toll allocation requests in the next 12 months CON: $600,000 – April 2026
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Regional Measure 3
Initial Project Report
Project/Subproject Details
Basic Project Information
Project Number 25
Project Title Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Access Improvements (Contra Costa County)
RM3 Funding Amount $75,000,000
Subproject Information
Subproject Number 25.5
Subproject Title Point Richmond Traffic Improvements
RM3 Funding Amount $780,000
I. Overall Subproject Information
a. Project Sponsor / Co-sponsor(s) / Implementing Agency
Sponsor: BATA
Implementing Agency: City of Richmond
b. Detailed Project Description (include definition of deliverable segment if different from overall project/subproject)
The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge (RSRB) along Interstate 580 (I-580) is a critical interregional route connecting the City of Richmond and the East Bay to Marin County. Congestion on the westbound I-580 approach to the RSRB contributes to vehicles cutting through the Point Richmond neighborhood to avoid the congestion on the freeway mainline, with those vehicles rejoining westbound I-580 at the Castro Street interchange.
Site observations indicate that morning congestion on westbound Interstate 580 approaching the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge and the relative travel time savings by using local streets incentivizes drivers to use local cut-through routes to avoid the congestion. During the morning peak, multiple local routes have a lower real and perceived travel time than staying on the freeway. Multiple context -specific strategies will be implemented for disincentivizing cut-through traffic, including changing signal times along Cutting Boulevard for cut-through turning movements, narrowing and striping lanes on Railroad Avenue, and adding speed humps, raised crossings, and a new all-way stop in the Point Richmond 530
Regional Measure 3 Initial Project Report
neighborhood to slow vehicle traffic. Furthermore, the Interstate 580/Richmond Parkway projects, currently underway, will help address other cut- through routes near Canal Boulevard and Castro Street.
The purpose of these strategies is threefold: to modify the actual travel time along cut - through routes, modify the perceived travel time, and improve conditions for people walking and bicycling in the area.
These strategies are targeted at the average morning peak period; highly congested mornings due to above average vehicle volumes or a collision on the freeway may still result in cut-through traffic.
However, by adjusting the habits of drivers on the average morning, these strategies reduce the likelihood drivers will choose to take local cut-through routes on highly congested mornings.
c. Impediments to Project Completion
N/A
d. Risk Management (describe risk management process for project budget and schedule, levels of contingency and how they were determined, and risk assessment tools used) No risks identified at this time.
e. Operability (describe entities responsible for operating and maintaining project once completed/implemented)
The City of Richmond will be responsible for operating and maintaining the project
f. Project Graphic(s) (include below or attach)
531
Regional Measure 3 Initial Project Report
532
Regional Measure 3 Initial Project Report
II. Project Phase Description and Status
a. Planning tasks is complete. CEQA CE is anticipated.
b. Design
Design will be required.
c. Right-of-Way Activities / Acquisition
Right-of-way acquisition not anticipated.
d. Construction
Construction will be required.
III. Project Schedule
Phase-Milestone
Planned
Start Date Completion Date
Environmental Studies, Preliminary Eng. (ENV / PE / PA&ED) 6/2025 8/2025 Final Design - Plans, Specs. & Estimates (PS&E) 10/2025 4/2026 Right-of-Way Activities /Acquisition (R/W) n/a n/a
Construction (Begin – Open for Use) / Acquisition (CON) 5/2026 9/2026
IV. Project Budget
Capital
Project Budget
Total Amount
- Escalated to
Year of Expenditure (YOE)-
(Thousands)
Environmental Studies & Preliminary Eng (ENV / PE / PA&ED) $5 Design - Plans, Specifications and Estimates (PS&E) $180 Right-of-Way Activities /Acquisition (R/W) n/a
Construction / Rolling Stock Acquisition (CON) $600
Total Project Budget (in thousands) $785
533
Regional Measure 3 Initial Project Report
V. Project Funding
Please provide a detailed funding plan in the Excel portion of the IPR. Use this section for additional detail or narrative as needed and to describe plans for any “To Be Determined” funding sources, including phase and year needed.
These improvements are eligible for RM3 Project funds. RM3 funds are the sole source of funding for the project, except for the $5,000 in local funds that will be utilized to environmentally clear the project.
VI. Contact/Preparation Information
Contact for Project Sponsor
Name: Michelle Go
Title: Principal Planner
Phone: 415.778.6649
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address: 375 Beale St. Ste 800, San Francisco, CA 94105
Person Preparing Initial Project Report (if different from above) Hillal Hamdan
Title: Senior Civil Engineer, Public Works
Phone: (510) 621-1612
Cell Phone (510) 631-1398
[email protected]
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100 Pringle Avenue | Suite 600 | Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | (925) 930-7100 | Fax (925) 933-7090 www.fehrandpeers.com
Memorandum
Date: December 2, 2024
To: Robert Armijo, City of Richmond
From: Kevin Zamzow-Pollock, Purva Kapshikar, and Ian Barnes, PE, Fehr & Peers Subject: Addressing Morning Peak-Period Cut-Through Traffic in Point Richmond WC22-3874.03
The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge (RSRB) along Interstate 580 (I-580) is a critical interregional route connecting the City of Richmond and the East Bay to Marin County. Congestion on the westbound I-580 approach to the RSRB contributes to vehicles cutting through the Point Richmond neighborhood to avoid the congestion on the freeway mainline, with those vehicles rejoining westbound I-580 at the Castro Street interchange. This memorandum summarizes Fehr & Peers’s study of cut-through activity and strategies to reduce the attractiveness of cut-through routes for morning peak period RSRB traffic volume. The study was conducted within the context of other ongoing projects led by MTC/BATA, as described later in this memorandum.
Extent of Cut-Through Activity
This analysis relies on direct observation and big data resources to assess the extent of , and reasons behind, cut-through activity in the Point Richmond area.
Site Observation
The project team visited the area during an average morning peak period in May 2024 and a more highly congested morning peak period in October 2024 to observe traffic conditions and cut-through activity.
For the average morning peak, the project team observed substantial back-ups on westbound I- 580 (queue spillback to about Harbour Way South) and on the approaches to the Castro Street on-ramp, including both approaching from the north via Castro Street and from the south via Tewksbury Avenue in Point Richmond. During the average morning peak, the project team observed a maximum queue of about 1,600 feet (0.30 miles) southbound on Castro Street waiting to turn left, and a maximum queue of 580 feet (0.11 miles) from Tewksbury Avenue onto 535
Robert Armijo
December 2, 2024
northbound Castro Street to the base of the on-ramp. These peak conditions were observed between 7 am and 8 am.
During the more highly congested morning peak period, queue spillback on westbound I-580 spilled back as far as the Regatta Boulevard interchange. Queues along Tewksbury Avenue in Point Richmond spilled as far back as Washington Avenue. However, other roadways in Point Richmond that could be used as cut-through routes were lightly utilized (likely due to the presence of turn restrictions at Castro Street/Tewksbury Avenue).
The project team saw evidence of three cut-through routes during the average morning peak period:
• Cutting Boulevard: Vehicles traveling westbound on Interstate 580 exiting at Cutting Boulevard and using local routes through Point Richmond such as Railroad Avenue and Tewksbury Avenue to get back on the freeway at Castro Street. • Canal Boulevard: Vehicles traveling westbound on Interstate 580 exiting at Canal Boulevard and immediately getting back on the freeway.
• East Standard Avenue: Vehicles traveling southbound on Castro Street avoiding the left turn onto the freeway by continuing on Castro Street and approaching the on-ramp from the south via East Standard Avenue.
StreetLight Data
The project team also collected vehicle flow metrics from StreetLight Data, a big data company that uses connected vehicle data (CVD) to generate various traffic metrics. In this case, the analysis incorporated StreetLight Data’s origin-destination analyses, which tracked vehicle trips from Interstate 580 at Marina Bay Parkway to Interstate 580 west of the Castro Street on -ramps.
This analysis tracks vehicles between these two points, including any route deviations onto local streets.
The analysis used the most recent year of data, from June 2022 through May 2023, and was able to analyze average morning peak conditions. The StreetLight Data analysis showed both the Canal Boulevard and East Standard Avenue cut-through routes as described in the Site Observation section. In particular, the StreetLight Data analysis showed vehicles traveling southbound on Castro Street using Chevron Way and East Standard Avenue to approach the freeway on-ramp from the south. The StreetLight Data analysis did not indicate any cut-through traffic using the Cutting Boulevard cut-through route during an average morning peak period. However, as discussed in the Site Observation section, this cut-through pattern does in fact develop. It is possible that traffic conditions have changed since the connected vehicle data was collected (i.e. congestion on I-580 has worsened, thus providing more incentive for cut-through traffic using Cutting Boulevard).
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December 2, 2024
INRIX Travel Time Data
The project team also used INRIX, a big data company that relies on location-based service (LBS) data from mobile phones, to obtain speed and travel time metrics for road segments in the vicinity of Point Richmond. The INRIX analysis used data from May 2023 through April 2024. The analysis indicated that, typically, the identified potential cut-through routes are slower than remaining on Interstate 580. However, from roughly 6:30 am to 8:30 am, using the Canal Boulevard cut-through route to bypass the freeway mainline can be faster by up to a minute.
While taking the Cutting Boulevard cut-through route is about 4.5 minutes longer than remaining on the freeway, between 7:00 am and 8:00 am, it can be 1.5 to 2.5 minutes faster than remaining on the freeway.
This analysis indicates that there is a travel time incentive to use the cut-through routes. On particularly congested days, the travel time savings on these routes may be even higher than the average conditions shown in the INRIX data. The most effective means to discourage travel on these cut-through routes is to restrict access to them, or to increase the perceived and actual travel time to dissuade freeway drivers from leaving the freeway to use a cut-through route.
Near-Term Intersection Conditions
The project team modeled five of the intersections along Cutting Boulevard and in Point Richmond in the Synchro software to assess the current level of delay experienced by drivers. 1 Then, the project team incorporated the vehicle trip estimates for two nearby projects north of the study area to produce near-term intersection conditions, which serve as baseline conditions for this study.2
The results of this near-term conditions analysis are shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Near-Term Intersection Conditions
Intersection Name Control
Type
Intersection
LOS
Cut-Through
Movement
Cut-Through
Movement LOS
Cut-Through
Movement
Delay (sec)
Westbound I-580
Ramps/Cutting Boulevard Signal A Northbound
Left B 12.2
Canal Boulevard/Cutting
Boulevard Signal B Westbound
Through C 20.8
1 Analysis conducted in Synchro 12 using the HCM 6th edition methodology 2 Projects included in near-term baseline:
• CenterPoint Properties Warehouse Project:
https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/73291/Appendix -I---Transportation-Supporting-Info-PDF • Scannell North Richmond Development: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/71268/Appendix -I-- -Transportation-Supporting-Information-PDF
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S Garrard Boulevard/Cutting
Boulevard
All-Way
Stop B Westbound
Left B 11.1
Castro Street/Tewksbury
Avenue
All-Way
Stop A Westbound
Right A 7.7
Castro Street/Westbound I-
580 Ramps Signal F Northbound
Right F 339.7
Source: Fehr & Peers, 2024.
Strategies for Reducing Cut-Through Traffic
To reduce the attractiveness of leaving the freeway during the morning peak, Fehr & Peers recommends a suite of changes along the identified cut-through routes to decrease the travel time incentive and increase the actual/perceived travel time along such routes. These strategies are targeted at the average morning peak period and provide sufficient travel time increase to bring the cut-through routes in-line with freeway travel times, according the INRIX data.
Figure 1 and Figure 2 show the extent of these strategies, which are described below.
Signalization Changes
Fehr & Peers proposes changing the signal timing at two signalized intersections along Cutting Boulevard to increase travel times in the direction of cut-through traffic. • At Westbound I-580 Ramps/Cutting Boulevard, reduce the northbound movement green time from 21 seconds to 12 seconds
• At Canal Boulevard/Cutting Boulevard, reduce the westbound movement green time from
24.5 seconds to 19 seconds
At both intersections, Fehr & Peers proposes setting the recall mode of the non cut-through movements to maximum recall, ensuring the other signal phases are always called for their full duration. Fehr & Peers also proposes eliminating right turns on red at Cutting Boulevard/Canal Boulevard, which reduces the incentive for unsafe vehicle movements to bypass the signal timing changes. Signal timing changes are an appropriate strategy for Cutting Boulevard, where the industrial land use context precludes the sort of complete streets improvements described below for the Point Richmond area. Additionally, the presence of these signalization changes earlier on the cut-through route helps disincentivize using the route before drivers are fully committed to it .
The Synchro modeling described above indicates that these timing changes would increase travel times along cut-through routes without substantially degrading overall intersection operations (relative to General Plan goals and polices) or producing queue spillback that cannot be accommodated by existing lane geometries. The green time removed from the cut-through movements could be added to other movements to improve traffic flow in other directions. 538
Figure Title
Figure 1
Cut-Through Strategies: Corridor
Figure 1
W:\Walnut Creek N Drive\PROJECTS\_WC22\WC22-3874.03_Point_Richmond_Cut-Through\Graphics\AI\Figure2.ai Chevron Way
Eddy St
Castro St
Western Dr
Washington Ave
Bishop Ave
Redwood Way
Canal Blvd
Tewksbury Ave
S Garrard Blvd
W Cutting Blvd
Railroad Ave
Canal BlvdE Ri chmond Ave
S Garrard Blvd
W Richmond Ave
Terrace Ave
W
ine St
Crest Ave
Tunnel Ave
Dornan Dr
Nevada Ave
Marine View Ave
Bishop Aly
W Ohio Ave
Chanslor Ave
Ohio Ave
S 2nd St
S 4th St
S 1st St
Maine Ave
S 2nd St
Cutting Blvd
S 1st St
S 7th St
Florida Ave
S 6th St
S 5th St
S 9th St
Wright Ave
Virginia Ave
Standard Ave
Castro St
Harbour W
ay S
Richmond
Point
580
580
I-580/Richmond Parkway Projects Signal Timing Changes New Raised Crosswalk New All-way Stop New Striping and Speed humps 0 0.1 0.2 Miles0.05
New Marked Crosswalk
539
Figure Title
Figure 1
Eddy St
Castro St
Ocean Ave
Pacific Ave
Tewksbury Ave
S Garrard Blvd
Santa Fe Ave
Cottage Ave
W Cutting Blvd
Railroad Ave
W Richmond Ave
E Richmond Ave
Tunnel Ave
Park PI
Scenic Ave
580
Richmond
Point
Cut-Through Strategies: Point Richmond
Figure 2
W:\Walnut Creek N Drive\PROJECTS\_WC22\WC22-3874.03_Point_Richmond_Cut-Through\Graphics\AI\Figure1.ai 0 250 500 Ft125
I-580/Richmond Parkway Projects New Marked Crosswalk New Raised Crosswalk New All-way Stop New Striping and Speed humps 540
Robert Armijo
December 2, 2024
At Cutting Boulevard/Canal Boulevard, the realigned signal timing could be used for a leading or fully-dedicated east-west bicycle phase, to complement the recently completed bikeway improvements along Cutting Boulevard.
Point Richmond Streets Improvements
In addition to signal timing changes, Fehr & Peers recommends improvements to streets in the Point Richmond neighborhood to slow vehicle traffic as well as improve conditions for people walking and bicycling in the area. These improvements complement the Richmond Ferry to Bridge to Greenway (F2B2G) project which envisions these streets as primary bicycling routes between Cutting Boulevard and Tewksbury Avenue.
Fehr & Peers proposes narrowing lanes along Railroad Avenue from 12 feet to 11 feet and adding a striped centerline; both strategies that have been shown to reduce vehicle speeds. The additional two feet should be reallocated to the perpendicular parking and the back of the parking stall marked to indicate the edge of the driving lane. Fehr & Peers also proposes adding speed humps along Railroad Avenue similar to the one already present on Tewksbury Avenue to further reduce vehicle speeds and increase the perception of Railroad Avenue as a neighborhood street inappropriate for cut-through traffic. These speed humps should be placed roughly 250 feet apart, starting 250 feet north of the intersection with West Richmond Avenue ; based on existing geometrics, this would result in three speed humps along the segment. These speed humps could be added without removing parking along the street. Finally, adding painted “sharrow” markings in line with the F2B2G project would emphasize the presence of bicycles along the roadway.
At the intersection of Railroad Avenue and West Richmond Avenue, the F2B2G project already proposes improvements to the northeast corner of the intersection to formalize currently installed temporary pedestrian improvements. This study supports those changes and also recommends converting the pedestrian crossing of Railroad Avenue at West Richmond Avenue to a raised crosswalk; this intervention would slow vehicles turning right from West Richmond Avenue onto Railroad Avenue.
Fehr & Peers also proposes the following improvements to promote slow vehicle travel, support pedestrian and bicycle safety, and discourage cut-through traffic in the center of Point Richmond:
• A new all-way stop at the current side-street stop at West Richmond Avenue and Tunnel Avenue
• A raised crosswalk across Park Place at West Richmond Avenue • A marked (not raised) crosswalk across West Richmond Avenue at Park Place 541
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These treatments interfere with cut-through movements while avoiding conflict with key emergency access routes from Richmond Fire Station No. 61.3 The new all-way stop at West Richmond Avenue and Tunnel Avenue would require an engineering study to implement per the California MUTCD Section 2B.07, but is likely to meet Option C based on the skew of the intersection preventing northbound traffic on Tunnel Avenue from seeing westbound vehicles on West Richmond Avenue.
Concurrent Projects
The Canal Boulevard and East Standard Avenue cut-through routes described in the Site Observation section overlap with the study area for the Interstate 580/Richmond Parkway MTC/BATA project currently underway. The MTC/BATA project will be proposing changes to these locations which should reduce the ability and/or incentive for vehicles to leave the freeway. In order to complement these projects and avoid conflicts, Fehr & Peers does not propose any additional changes to these locations at this time and presumes that whatever changes are made by the Interstate 580/Richmond Parkway projects will be sufficient to address existing cut-through patterns.
Conclusions
Site observations indicate that morning congestion on westbound Interstate 580 approaching the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge and the relative travel time savings by using local streets incentivizes drivers to use local cut-through routes to avoid the congestion. During the morning peak, multiple local routes have a lower real and perceived travel time than remaining on the freeway.
Fehr & Peers proposes multiple context-specific strategies for disincentivizing cut-through traffic, including changing signal times along Cutting Boulevard for cut-through turning movements, narrowing and striping lanes on Railroad Avenue, and adding speed humps, raised crossings, and a new all-way stop in the Point Richmond neighborhood to slow vehicle traffic. Furthermore, the Interstate 580/Richmond Parkway projects, currently underway, will help address other cut - through routes near Canal Boulevard and Castro Street.
The purpose of these recommendations is threefold: to modify the actual travel time along cut- through routes, modify the perceived travel time, and improve conditions for people walking and bicycling in the area. These strategies are targeted at the average morning peak period; highly congested mornings due to above average vehicle volumes or a collision on the freeway may still result in cut-through traffic. However, by adjusting the habits of drivers on the aver age morning, these strategies reduce the likelihood drivers will choose to take local cut-through routes on highly congested mornings.
3 Richmond Fire shared that the primary access routes for Station No. 61 are East and West Richmond Avenue, Garrard Boulevard, Washington Avenue, Tewksbury Avenue, and Western Drive. 542
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RESOLUTION NO. XX-25
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND REQUESTING AN ALLOCATION OF REGIONAL MEASURE 3 FUNDS FROM THE METROPOLITAN
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION AND ACCEPTING DESIGNATION BY THE
CONTRA COSTA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (CCTA) AS PROJECT SPONSOR FOR SUBPROJECT 25.5 POINT RICHMOND TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS,
AND IF AWARDED, ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING FUNDING
WHEREAS, SB 595 (Chapter 650, Statutes 2017), commonly referred to as Regional Measure 3, identified projects eligible to receive funding under the Regional Measure 3 Expenditure Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) is responsible for funding projects eligible for Regional Measure 3 funds, pursuant to Streets and Highways Code Section 30914.7(a) and (c); and
WHEREAS, MTC has established a process whereby eligible transportation project sponsors may submit allocation requests consistent with procedures and conditions outlined in MTC Resolution No. 4404; and
WHEREAS, allocation requests to MTC must be submitted consistent with procedures and conditions as outlined in Regional Measure 3 Policies and Procedures (MTC Resolution No. 4404; and
WHEREAS, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is the sponsor of Project 25, Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Access Improvements under the Regional Measure 3 Expenditure Plan; and
WHEREAS, Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Access Improvements and Subproject 25.5 Point Richmond Traffic Improvements is eligible as identified in the Regional Measure 3 Expenditure Plan, as identified in California Streets and Highways Code Section 30914.7(a); and
WHEREAS, CCTA has designated the City of Richmond as eligible to request Regional Measure 3 funds for the Project 25, Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Access Improvements and Subproject 25.5 Point Richmond Traffic Improvements; and
WHEREAS, the Regional Measure 3 updated Initial Project Report (IPR) and allocation request, attached hereto and incorporated herein, lists the project, purpose, schedule, budget, expenditure and cash flow plan for which the City of Richmond is requesting that MTC allocate Regional Measure 3 funds; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends that the City Council accept and appropriate the RM3 funding in the amount of $180,000 for the design phase (Plans, Specifications, and Estimates) of Subproject 25.5 Point Richmond Traffic Improvements if awarded. 543
Reso. No. XX-25
DocID #53712v1
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Richmond as follows:
Section 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct.
Section 2. The City of Richmond accepts CCTA’s designation as implementing agency for the project.
Section 3. The City of Richmond accepts CCTA’s delegation of responsibility for certifying the project and allocation request(s) comply with the requirements of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Regional Measure 3 Policies and Procedures.
Section 4. The City of Richmond, and its agents shall comply with the provisions of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Regional Measure 3 Policies and Procedures.
Section 5.The City of Richmond certifies that the Point Richmond Traffic Improvements Project is consistent with the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP).
Section 6. The year of funding for any design, right-of-way and/or construction phases has taken into consideration the time necessary to obtain environmental clearance and permitting approval for the project.
Section 7. The Regional Measure 3 phase or segment is fully funded, and results in an operable and useable segment.
Section 8. The City of Richmond approves the allocation request and updated IPR, attached to this resolution.
Section 9. The City of Richmond approves the cash flow plan, attached to this resolution.
Section 10. The City of Richmond has reviewed the project needs and has adequate staffing resources to deliver and complete the project within the schedule set forth in the allocation request and updated IPR, attached to this resolution.
Section 11. The City of Richmond is authorized to submit an allocation request for Regional Measure 3 funds for Project 25, Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Access Improvements and Subproject 25.5 Point Richmond Traffic Improvements in accordance with California Streets and Highways Code 30914.7(a).
Section 12. the City of Richmond certifies that the projects and purposes for which RM3 funds are being requested is in compliance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Section 2l000 et seq.), and with the State Environmental Impact Report Guidelines (l4 California Code of Regulations Section l5000 et seq.) and if relevant the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 42 USC Section 4-1 et. seq. and the applicable regulations thereunder.
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Section 13. There is no legal impediment to the City of Richmond making allocation requests for Regional Measure 3 funds.
Section 14. That there is no pending or threatened litigation which might in any way adversely affect the proposed project, or the ability of the City of Richmond to deliver such project.
Section 15. The City of Richmond indemnifies and holds harmless MTC, BATA, and their Commissioners, representatives, agents, and employees from and against all claims, injury, suits, demands, liability, losses, damages, and expenses, whether direct or indirect (including any and all costs and expenses in connection therewith), incurred by reason of any act or failure to act of the City of Richmond, its officers, employees or agents, or subcontractors or any of them in connection with its performance of services under this allocation of RM3 funds. The City of Richmond agrees at its own cost, expense, and risk, to defend any and all claims, actions, suits, or other legal proceedings brought or instituted against MTC, BATA, and their Commissioners, officers, agents, and employees, or any of them, arising out of such act or omission, and to pay and satisfy any resulting judgments. In addition to any other remedy authorized by law, so much of the funding due under this allocation of RM3 funds as shall reasonably be considered necessary by MTC may be retained until disposition has been made of any claim for damages.
Section 16. The City of Richmond shall, if any revenues or profits from any non- governmental use of property (or project) that those revenues or profits shall be used exclusively for the public transportation services for which the project was initially approved, either for capital improvements or maintenance and operational costs, otherwise the Metropolitan Transportation Commission is entitled to a proportionate share equal to MTC’s percentage participation in the projects(s).
Section 17. That assets purchased with RM3 funds including facilities and equipment shall be used for the public transportation uses intended, and should said facilities and equipment cease to be operated or maintained for their intended public transportation purposes for its useful life, that the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) shall be entitled to a present day value refund or credit (at MTC’s option) based on MTC’s share of the Fair Market Value of the said facilities and equipment at the time the public transportation uses ceased, which shall be paid back to MTC in the same proportion that Regional Measure 3 funds were originally used.
Section 18. The City of Richmond shall post on both ends of the construction site(s) at least two signs visible to the public stating that the Project is funded with Regional Measure 3 Toll Revenues.
Section 19. The City of Richmond authorizes its City Manager or designee to execute and submit an allocation request for the design phase with MTC for Regional Measure 3 funds in the amount of $180,000, for the project, purposes and amounts included in the allocation request attached to this resolution.
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Section 20. The City Manager or designee is hereby delegated the authority to make non- substantive changes or minor amendments to the allocation request or IPR as he/she deems appropriate.
Section 21. The City Council hereby accepts and appropriates RM3 funding if awarded in the amount of $180,000 for the Point Richmond Traffic Improvements Project into the Engineering Grant Fund (Fund 1054); and be it further
Section 22. A copy of this resolution shall be transmitted to MTC in conjunction with the filing of the City of Richmond allocation request referenced herein.
Section 23. This Resolution shall take effect upon its passage.
*********************
I certify that the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Richmond at a regular meeting thereof held October 7, 2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
PAMELA CHRISTIAN
CLERK OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND
(SEAL)
Approved:
EDUARDO MARTINEZ
Mayor
Approved as to form:
DAVE ALESHIRE
City Attorney
State of California }
County of Contra Costa : ss.
City of Richmond }
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I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of Resolution No. XX-25, finally passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Richmond at a regular meeting held on October 7, 2025.
Pamela Christian, Clerk of the City of Richmond
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October 7, 2025
Public Works
DATE: October 7, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Daniel Chavarria, Director of Public Works
Jason Lacey, Parks & Landscaping Superintendent
Gabino Arredondo, Project Manager
Valerie Li, Office Aide
Subject:
Official City of Richmond Native Tree
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact for receiving this item.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
June 17, 2025
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
On June 17, 2025, the City Council directed staff to begin a process to adopt an official tree to help celebrate and define our City. City staff worked with the sponsors of the item and the Urban Forest Advisory Committee (UFAC)
to create a list of native trees and publish an online
survey to select the City of Richmond official native tree.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: ADOPT a resolution designating the Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) as the official native tree of the City of Richmond – Public Works Department (Jason Lacey 510-
620-6920).
DISCUSSION:
On June 17, 2025, the City Council directed staff to begin a process to adopt an official native tree to help celebrate and define the City of Richmond. City staff worked with the sponsors of the item and the Urban Forest Advisory Committee (UFAC) to create a list AGENDA
REPORT
548
October 7, 2025
of native trees and publish an online survey to select the City of Richmond official native tree (Attachment 2).
The UFAC is made up of Richmond residents who are passionate about the City's urban forest. Its mission is to support the implementation of the Urban Greening Master Plan. A subcommittee was tasked with recommending California native trees that would be appropriate for selection of the official native tree for the City of Richmond.
The subcommittee decided on the following criteria: the tree should be drought tolerant, versatile in terms of microclimates it can grow in, somewhat versatile in terms of landscape use, be trained to a single trunk, and be relatively disease resistant. The subcommittee also considered interesting and attractive features, such as flowering and value to pollinators and wildlife.
Finally, the subcommittee wanted to nominate trees that were distinctive enough from each other, to provide the public with various options to select from. Several features are included that show why native trees are important to the wildlife food web, especially their ability to provide food for native caterpillars which are in turn essential food for birds raising their babies.
Four species were included in the community survey:
California Buckeye (Aesculus californica)
Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia)
Ray Hartman Ceanothus (Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman')
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia)
A Google survey was published online and promoted to Richmond residents from August 25, 2025, to September 22, 2025, through the City’s social media, website, email listservs, City Manager Weekly Report, local news, fliers and distributed by community partners. A total of 597 responses were collected. The Coast Live Oak received the highest number of votes, emerging as the clear choice of the community.
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The Coast Live Oak is an iconic California tree species, ecologically significant for supporting over 160 species of moths and butterflies, providing food and shelter for countless birds and mammals. As a long-lived, drought-tolerant evergreen tree, it is also a symbol of strength, resilience, and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for Richmond’s official native tree. Once adopted, City staff will work on a ceremonial planting at Civic Center Plaza.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Survey Sample
Attachment 2 – Resolution
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City of Richmond Native Tree Survey
The City of Richmond wants your input to decide Richmond's official native tree.
On June 24, 2025, the Richmond City Council approved the creation and publication of an online survey. The official tree will be a native tree that will thrive in the City. Upon the selection of the tree, a space at Civic Center Plaza will be made to celebrate the newly selected official Richmond native tree.
How this list was created by the Urban Forest Advisory Committee (UFAC):
The UFAC is made up of Richmond residents who are passionate about the city's urban forest. Its mission is to support the Urban Greening Master Plan by protecting trees in our communities. A subcommittee was tasked with recommending California native trees that would be appropriate for selection of the official native tree for the City of Richmond. The subcommittee decided on the following criteria: the tree should be drought tolerant, versatile in terms of microclimates it can grow in, somewhat versatile in terms of landscape use, be trained to a single trunk, and be relatively disease resistant. The subcommittee also considered interesting and attractive features, such as flowering and value to pollinators and wildlife. Finally, the subcommittee wanted to nominate trees that were distinctive enough from each other, to provide the public with various options to select from. Several features are included that show why native trees are important to the wildlife food web especially their ability to provide food for native caterpillars which are in turn essential food for birds raising their babies. Historic uses by native people show how trees have contributed to our quality of life here for thousands of years (Please note that use information is from Native American Ethnobotany Database and has not been confirmed by living members of these nations. Also, please consult with an expert before exploring any food uses on your own).
Below please choose one tree. Pictures and descriptions of the trees are listed to inform your decision.
Background information provided by Urban Forest Advisory Committee (UFAC) and Calscape - California Native Plant Society.
Final Submissions for Survey: Monday, September 22nd, 2025 at 4:00 PM PST * Indicates required question
551
1. Mark only one oval.
California Buckeye (Aesculus californica)
Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia)
Ray Hartman Ceanothus (Ceanothus ‘Ray Hartman’)
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus ilicifolica ssp. ilicifolia)
Vote on the City of Richmond's Official Tree
(background information is described below)
*
552
California Buckeye (Aesculus californica)
California Buckeye (Aesculus californica) - A lovely spreading tree with spikes of fragrant (some would say grape scented) creamy white to pale pink flowers in the spring/summer. Butterflies love them. It has beautiful fan shaped leaves that drop in the fall, revealing the silvery white trunk of the tree, which over time becomes dappled with orange lichens - so colorful! In the fall and winter the round buckeye nuts hang from the tree like ornaments. Squirrels and other creatures benefit from this food source.
Size: Can grow to 39 ft high x 40 ft wide, depending on conditions.
Best time to prune: Late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Water: Low to very low water needs. Drought tolerant and summer-dry. Leaves last longer with more water.
Native range: All of California, especially northern California, Coast ranges and Sierras.
Leaves are food for caterpillars: 13 species of moths and butterflies according to Calscape.org.
Pollinator importance: Blooms can extend from April into July. Abundant flowers are an important resource for native bees.
Historic significance and use by Native American people: Nuts were used for food after extensive process of boiling and leaching to make them edible as a flour. Used for fire drills, tinder and fuel.
According to the Native American Ethnobotany Database, California Buckeye had and has several uses including bark for toothaches, seeds for poison for fishing, processed seeds as a food source (especially when other food is scarce), and wood for making friction fire sticks. 553
California Buckeye (Aesculus californica)
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Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia)
Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) - Beautiful and majestic, this evergreen tree has leaves year-round and is home and host to a vast number of birds and other animals, including up to 143 moth/butterfly species (according to Calscape.org). It provides copious shade for people, reduces the reflective heat of paved surfaces, and improves the air quality of our environment through carbon capture and filtering other toxic particulate matter.
Size: Grows up to 82 ft tall x 35 ft wide depending on conditions.
Water: Very low, low, moderate, prefers summer dry after establishment. Best not to plant this tree near summer irrigation.
Native range: Costal California and Coast Ranges from the Bay Area to San Diego.
Leaves are food for caterpillars: Hosts up to 162 species of moths and butterflies according to Calscape.org.
Pollinator importance: An early bloomer from February to April.
Historic significance and use by Native American people: Oak acorns were the primary protein source for most California native people. Soaked to leach out tannins, then ground into a flour that was often mixed with flour from many other types of seeds. Bark and leaves were used medicinally.
Wood used for tools, containers and fuel, and galls were used for dye. According to the Native American Ethnobotany Database, in addition to using processed acorns for food, some Native American Nations have used/use the wood for firewood, acorns for necklaces or children’s games, and a decoction of bark for sores.
555
Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia)
556
Ray Hartman Ceanothus (Ceanothus ‘Ray Hartman’)
Ray Hartman ceanothus (Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman') - A small tree that bursts with fragrant blue flowers in the late winter to early spring, hosting a large number of pollinators. It is a handsome evergreen with small, glossy, dark green leaves year round. To keep it more tree than shrub, early pruning and shaping are helpful. It is a hybrid of Ceanothus arboreus and Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. Griseus and therefore is likely to support approximately 20-80 moth/butterfly species. Ray Hartman Ceanothus is versatile due to its compact size, getting up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide, and requiring little to no water. Ceanothus can be short lived trees (approx. 30 years).
Size: Can grow to 30 ft tall x 10 ft wide, depending on conditions Best time to prune: prune spring-flowering varieties immediately after they finish blooming.
Water: Low water use, prefers summer-dry.
Native range: This garden hybrid of island ceanothus (Ceanothus arboreus) and Carmel ceanothus (Ceanothus griseus) is available in nurseries statewide.
Leaves are food for caterpillars: A close relative, blueblossom ceanothus, hosts 93 species of moths and butterflies according to Calscape.org.
Pollinator importance: Abundant blossoms in March and April.
Historic significance and use by Native American people: Flower seeds were used as food, leaves used medicinally, roots used as dye and flowers used as soap due to their saponin content. According to the Native American Ethnobotany Database, some Native American Nations use/have used flowers for soap and wood for firewood.
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Ray Hartman Ceanothus (Ceanothus ‘Ray Hartman’)
558
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus ilicifolica ssp. ilicifolia)
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia) - A petite, rounded evergreen tree or shrub with small white flower spikelets in spring. The shiny leaves are an attractive deep green and are reminiscent of holly leaves - that’s where it gets its name! To keep it more tree than shrub, early pruning and shaping are helpful.
The tree produces small cherry-like fruit that provide a food source for wildlife. Humans can eat the fruit, too, if they are motivated enough to teeth-scrape the thin amount of flesh from the large seed.
Size: Grows to 49 ft high x 20 wide depending on conditions.
Best time to prune: mid to late summer (June or July) to reduce the risk of silver leaf fungal disease.
Pruning in the summer allows cuts to heal quickly, before the fungal spores become a problem. You can remove dead or diseased branches at any time they are noticed, but major pruning for shaping or maintenance should occur in midsummer.
Water: Very low, low or moderate. Tolerates irrigation or summer dry conditions.
Native range: Coastal California from the Bay Area south to San Diego.
Leaves are food for caterpillars: 144 species of moths and butterflies according to Calscape.org.
Pollinator importance: Blooms from March to June or longer depending on conditions.
Historic significance and use by Native American people: Fruit is prized by birds, and by people, ground into a meal for porridge and cakes or fermented into a beverage. Bark and roots were infused for medicinal uses. Pruned by native people to produce more abundant fruit. According to the Native American Ethnobotany Database, in addition to food, some Native American Nations have used/use the wood for bows and an infusion of leaves to ease coughs. 559
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus ilicifolica ssp. ilicifolia)
Section 2 - Additional Questions
* Required
2. Mark only one oval.
I currently reside in the City of Richmond, CA
I do not currently reside in City of Richmond, CA
3. Please choose the best option that describes you.*
First Name*
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4. 5.
6. Mark only one oval.
94801
94802
94803
94804
94805
94806
I do not know
None of the above / Not applicable
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Last Name*
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F o r m s
561
Reso. No. _____
RESOLUTION NO. ______
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND,
CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING THE COAST LIVE OAK (QUERCUS AGRIFOLIA)
AS THE OFFICIAL NATIVE TREE OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND
WHEREAS, the City of Richmond does not currently have an official native tree; and
WHEREAS, on June 17, 2025, the Richmond City Council approved the creation of a community survey to identify and select an official native tree; and
WHEREAS, the Urban Forest Advisory Committee (UFAC), composed of Richmond residents dedicated to supporting the City’s urban forest, developed a list of candidate native trees based on criteria such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, wildlife value, and cultural significance; and
WHEREAS, the City conducted a community survey from August to September 2025, and the Coast Live Oak ( Quercus agrifolia) received the most votes in the survey and was strongly supported as the community’s choice; and
WHEREAS, the Coast Live Oak is a native evergreen tree that supports hundreds of wildlife species, improves air quality and provides shade; and
WHEREAS, the Coast Live Oak symbolizes resilience, longevity, and sustainability, qualities that reflect the spirit and aspirations of the City of Richmond.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Richmond that the Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) is hereby designated as the official native tree of the City of Richmond.
******************
***THE CLERK’S OFFICE WILL COMPLETE THE INFORMATION BELOW****
I certify that the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Richmond at a regular meeting thereof held on Mmmm dd, yyyy, by the following vote:
AYES: AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
CLERK OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND
(SEAL)
Approved:
Mayor
Approved as to form:
City Attorney
562
Reso. No. _____
State of California }
County of Contra Costa : ss.
City of Richmond }
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of Resolution No. _____, finally passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Richmond at a regular meeting held on Mmmm dd, yyyy.
_______________________________________
Pamela Christian, Clerk of the City of Richmond
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October 7, 2025
DocID #53458v1
Public Works
DATE: October 7, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Daniel Chavarria, PE, Director of Public Works
Robert Armijo, PE, Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer
Hillal Hamdan, PE, Senior Civil Engineer
Subject:
Public Hearing to Amend the Boundaries of Underground
Utility District No. 2022-1 (Pierce Street / San Mateo
Street)
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The cost of undergrounding the main utility lines will be funded through PG&E’s Rule 20A Replacement of
Overhead with Underground Electric Program.
Accordingly, there are no anticipated impacts to the City’s General Fund.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
July 5, 2022
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
In 2022, the City Council held a public hearing and
adopted Resolution 102-22 establishing Underground
Utility District No. 2022-1 along Pierce Street and San Mateo Street, facilitating the undergrounding of overhead utilities as part of Phase II of the I-80/Central Avenue Interchange Project. When the District was initially
formed, the boundary line was drawn at the Central
Avenue right-of-way, which unintentionally excluded eight adjacent parcels that are served by PG&E poles within
that right-of-way. To ensure these parcels are expressly included in the District and the undergrounding work can proceed without ambiguity, City staff recommends that
City Council conduct a public hearing and approve a
resolution amending Underground Utility District No.
2022-1 to incorporate the eight parcels. This represents a AGENDA
REPORT
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October 7, 2025
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minor boundary amendment consistent with the original
intent of the District.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
HOLD a Public Hearing to ADOPT a Resolution
amending the boundaries of Underground Utility District No. 2022-1 on Pierce Street and San Mateo Street to
incorporate eight adjacent parcels, ensuring consistency with the original intent and supporting completion of the I- 80/Central Avenue Interchange Project – Public Works
(Hillal Hamdan 621-1612/Robert Armijo 620-5477).
DISCUSSION:
In 2022, City Council conducted a public hearing and approved a resolution to establish an Underground Utility District on Pierce Street and San Mateo Street (Attachment 1).
An Underground Utility District must be created in order to underground overhead utilities, which is a crucial component of the I-80/Central Avenue Interchange Project Phase II. This is a grant-funded project and the proposed undergrounding can be funded by the grant, but only within the project area. The I-80/Central Avenue Interchange Project Phase II will ease congestion at the I-580/I-80/Central Avenue area by increasing space between signalized intersections east of I-80. This will be done by building a new road to connect Pierce Street and San Mateo Street converting the Pierce Street access at Central Avenue to “right-in, right-out”, removing the traffic signal at the intersection, and installing a new traffic signal and westbound left-turn lane at the San Mateo Street intersection to provide full access to and from Central Avenue.
Undergrounding overhead utilities will complement the planned traffic improvements for the area.
When Council adopted Resolution 102-22 in 2022, creating Underground Utility District (UUD) No. 2022-1, the district boundary line was drawn at the Central Avenue right-of- way. While this was logical from a mapping standpoint, it had the effect of excluding eight adjacent parcels immediately north of Central Avenue, even though those parcels are served by PG&E poles within the Central Avenue right-of-way. The intent at the time was that undergrounding would occur at those poles; therefore, to ensure the affected parcels are explicitly included in the UUD, City staff recommend amending the boundary to incorporate them. This represents a minor boundary amendment rather than a substantive expansion of the district.
The proposed amendment will place these parcels under the same district as neighboring properties, ensuring consistency in how utility services are converted. It also ensures that undergrounding work can proceed without ambiguity, avoiding any risk of delay to the I-80/Central Avenue Interchange Project or jeopardy to associated grant funding.
In order to modify the boundaries of the undergrounding utility district, the City must update Resolution 102-22 which established the utility district, notify all property owners 565
October 7, 2025
DocID #53458v1
in the area, including utility companies who may be affected by the proposed underground work, and conduct a public hearing (Attachment 2). The public hearing will give property owners and other interested parties an opportunity to comment on the proposed amendment to the boundaries of the underground district along Pierce Street and San Mateo Street.
The following parcel numbers would be added to Underground Utility District No. 2022-1 (Attachment 3). A map of these parcels is included in Exhibit 1 of the resolution (Attachment 4):
1. 510044021
2. 510044022
3. 510044023
4. 510160001
5. 510160002
6. 510160003
7. 510160004
8. 510160005
The cost of undergrounding the main utility lines in the street will be funded principally by Pacific Gas & Electric’s (PG&E’s) Rule 20A, Replacement of Overhead with Underground Electric Program. PG&E will conduct the undergrounding work, in coordination with the City of Richmond.
If this public hearing is delayed and the amendment to the underground utility district is not approved, it will delay construction on the I-80/Central Avenue Interchange Project, which could cause the City to miss existing grant funding deadlines (Attachment 5).
City staff recommends that City Council hold a public hearing and adopt the resolution to amend the underground utility district to support completion of the transportation congestion relief and safety improvements of the I-80 / Central Avenue Interchange Project Phase II.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Resolution 102-22 Adopting the Pierce Street/San Mateo Street Underground Utility District.
Attachment 2 – RMC, Chapter 12.48 Underground Utilities Attachment 3 – Parcel List for Notification
Attachment 4 – Resolution (Proposed)
Attachment 5 – Notice of Public Hearing
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567
568
569
EXHIBIT 1
570
APN Address Notification Address City State ZIP
510044021 5515 CENTRAL AVE - RICHMOND 3434 SANTA CLARA AVE EL CERRITO CA, 94530-3825 510044022 5509 CENTRAL AVE - RICHMOND PO BOX 6444 ALBANY CA, 94706-0444 510044023 3012 SAN LUIS ST - RICHMOND 3434 SANTA CLARA AVE EL CERRITO CA, 94530-3825 510160001 3009 SAN LUIS ST - RICHMOND
1600 SHATTUCK AVE STE
106 BERKELEY CA, 94709-1647
510160002 3011 SAN LUIS ST - RICHMOND PO BOX 53695 IRVINE CA, 92619-3695 510160003 3015 SAN LUIS ST - RICHMOND PO BOX 53695 IRVINE CA, 92619-3695 510160004 3007 SAN LUIS ST - RICHMOND PO BOX 53695 IRVINE CA, 92619-3695 510160005 3005 SAN LUIS ST - RICHMOND 3005 SAN LUIS ST RICHMOND CA, 94804-5947 510160005 3005 SAN LUIS ST - RICHMOND PO BOX 53695 IRVINE CA, 92619-3695 571
572
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Reso. No. XX-25
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Internal
RESOLUTION NO. XX-25
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND CLARIFYING THE BOUNDARIES OF UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 2022-1 ON
PIERCE STREET AND SAN MATEO STREET PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION (CPUC) RULE 20.
WHEREAS, on July 5, 2022, the City of Richmond (City), adopted Resolution 102-22, authorizing the City Council to designate areas within which all existing overhead poles, overhead wires and overhead equipment associated with the distribution of electric power, telecommunication services and cable television should be removed and replaced with underground wires and facilities, resulting in the creation of Underground Utility District No. 2022-1 on Pierce Street and San Mateo Street; and
WHEREAS, the original boundary line of the District was drawn at the Central Avenue right-of-way, which unintentionally excluded eight adjacent parcels north of Central Avenue that are served by PG&E poles within that right-of-way.
WHEREAS, To ensure consistency with the original intent, these parcels (shown in Exhibit 1) are now expressly included in the existing Underground Utility District in order to complete undergrounding of overhead electric utilities on Central Avenue; and
WHEREAS, the Director of Public Works for the City has determined, after consultation with PG&E and after holding public hearings on the subject, that such undergrounding is in the general public interest for one or more of the following reasons: 1) Such undergrounding will avoid or eliminate an unusually heavy concentration of overhead electric facilities; 2) The street or road or right-of-way is extensively used by the general public and carries a heavy volume of pedestrian or vehicular traffic; 3) Wheelchair access is limited or impeded in a manner that is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act; 4) The street or road or right-of-way adjoins or passes through a civic area or public recreation area or an area of significant scenic, cultural, and/or historic interest to the general public; or 5) The street or road or right-of-way is considered an arterial street or major collector as defined by the California Department of Transportation’s California Road System functional classification system; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Richmond has now received the report from the Director of Public Works recommending that the area identified in Exhibit 1 should be formally recognized as part of the underground utility district within which all existing overhead poles, overhead wires and overhead equipment associated with the distribution of electric power, telecommunication services and cable television should be removed and replaced with underground wires and facilities; and
WHEREAS, the City has notified all affected property owners within the clarified area of inclusion to the Pierce Street/San Mateo Street Underground Utility District shown in Exhibit 1 and invited same to attend a public hearing to discuss amending boundaries of the district; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Richmond held a public hearing at which time the Council did receive and consider the recommendation of the Director of Public Works and did hear any and all objections or protests that were raised by the owners of property within the above-described district pertaining to designating this area an underground utility district.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Richmond that:
Section 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are hereby adopted as findings of the City Council.
Section 2. The public interest requires the removal of all existing utility poles, except those poles supporting streetlights, traffic signals, or trolley lines, together with all overhead wires and associated overhead structures, and the installation of underground wires and facilities for supplying electric power, communication, or similar associated services within the areas shown in Exhibit 1, attached hereto, with such parcels being formally included within the boundaries of the Pierce Street/San Mateo Street Underground Utility District. 576
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Internal
Section 3. That the utility companies, cable television services and other affected services shall commence work on installation of underground facility installation in the Pierce Street/San Mateo Street Underground Utility District, including the eight added parcels, and that as each phase of the project is complete and ready for conversion from overhead to underground utility facilities, all fronting property owners shall be notified by first class letter, postage pre-paid, of the schedule for conversion of all utility service lines.
Section 4. That upon notification, as specified in Section 2 all property owners in the Pierce Street/San Mateo Street Underground Utility District shall have underground electrical entrance facilities installed and inspected pursuant to the City of Richmond Electrical Code within sixty (60) days and that should any property owner fail to install satisfactory underground electrical entrance facilities by the date specified in the notice, the electric utility shall notify the Director of Public Works who shall, within thirty (30) days direct the electric utility in writing to discontinue electrical service to the property, without recourse, pursuant to CPUC Rule 11 until electrical entrance facilities are ready to accept underground electrical conductors and have passed the necessary inspection requirements.
Section 5. That all other conditions of Resolution 102-22 shall remain in effect and be extended to the eight added parcels in Underground Utility District No. 2022-1 upon passage of this resolution.
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I certify that the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Richmond at a regular meeting thereof held October 7, 2025 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
PAMELA CHRISTIAN
CLERK OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND
(SEAL)
Approved:
EDUARDO MARTINEZ
Mayor
Approved as to form:
DAVE ALESHIRE
City Attorney
State of California }
County of Contra Costa : ss.
City of Richmond }
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of Resolution No. XX-25, finally passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Richmond at a regular meeting held on October 7, 2025.
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Reso. No. XX-25
DocID #53613v1
Internal
Pamela Christian, Clerk of the City of Richmond
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Distribution Pole
Services
LEGEND
Transformer(s)
Richmond Added Parcels
El Cerrito Added Parcels
Original Boundary
Pierce Street/San Mateo Street Undergound Utility District 579
CITY OF RICHMOND
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the hour of 6:30 p.m., or as soon as thereafter as the matter may be heard, the Richmond City Council will conduct a public hearing in person at 440 Civic Center Plaza, and via Zoom video conference to consider the following item:
ADOPT a Resolution amending the boundaries of Underground Utility District No. 2022-1 on Pierce Street and San Mateo Street to include eight additional parcels, as part of the I- 80/Central Avenue Interchange Project.
At the public hearing described in this notice, the City Council may receive a staff presentation of the need to establish this Underground Utility District in coordination with the I-80/Central Avenue traffic improvements pursuant to PUC Rule 20A.
All interested persons are invited to give public co mment in person, by mail, eComment, email and/or Zoom video conference in the manner that follows, provided that no member of the public may submit more than one verbal comment per agenda item:
In Person: Meeting location, 440 Civic Center Plaza, Council Chambers, Richmond CA 94804.
Via mail: received by 1:00 p.m. the day of the meeting, sent to 450 Civic Center Plaza, 3rd Floor, Office of the Clerk, Richmond, CA 94804.
Via eComments : eComments are available once an agenda is published. Locat e the meeting in "upcoming meetings" and click t he comment bubble icon. Click on the item you wish to comment on.
Email your comment to [email protected] should you have difficulty submitting an eComment during a meeting.
Via email: to [email protected] by 1:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. Email MUST contain in the subject line 1) public comments – A genda Item #. All such em ail with correctly labeled subject lines will be posted on-line and emailed to the City Council before the meeting is called to order.
Email received after 1:00 p.m. will be posted on-line following the meeting as part of the supplemental materials attached to the meeting minutes.
Via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/99312205643?pwd=MDdqNnRmS2k4ZkRTOWhIUIdQOUF1Zz09 Meeting ID: 99312205643
Passcode: ccmeeting
By Order of the Richmond City Council:
Pamela Christian
City Clerk
Dated: September 11, 2025 Published: September 23, 2025
AVISO: Para obtener ayuda interpretative con esta noticia, por favor llame a la oficina de la Secretaria Municipal, al (510) 620-6513.
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