1 RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA,
September 23, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
Community Services Building
440 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
_____________________________________________________________________
A. OPEN SESSION TO HEAR PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda. Absent: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez arrived after the roll was called.
C. JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND/SURPLUS PROPERTY
AUTHORITY
C.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9) • Surplus Property Authority of the City of Richmond v. Riggers Loft Wine Company
CITY COUNCIL
C.2 LIABILITY CLAIMS (Government Code Section 54956.9)
• Terminal One Development, LLC
• Agency Against: City of Richmond
D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
Cordell Hindler and Mark Wassberg gave comments regarding the Riggers Loft Wine Company.
Sally Tobin and Pam Stello gave comments regarding Terminal One.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Open Session adjourned at 5:09 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 6:31 p.m.
F. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The meeting was called to order at 6:33 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, Jameila Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent:
None.
2 I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
J. AGENDA REVIEW
Item P .3 - Presentation from the Contra Costa County Building Trades Council to expand opportunities in Richmond was continued to the October 21, 2025, City Council meeting. Item M.3 - Proclamation recognizing September as Suicide Awareness and Prevention month & honoring the Richmond Fire Department's Peer Support Team was moved up to be heard as the first item under Commendations, Presentations, and Proclamations.
K. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING CLOSED SESSION
JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND/SURPLUS PROPERTY
AUTHORITY
C.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9) • Surplus Property Authority of the City of Richmond v. Riggers Loft Wine Company
A status report was given. No reportable action was taken.
CITY COUNCIL
C.2 LIABILITY CLAIMS (Government Code Section 54956.9) • Terminal One Development, LLC
• Agency Against: City of Richmond
A status report was given. No reportable action was taken.
L. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
City Manager Shasa Curl presented the report. Link to report: City Manager Report M. COMMENDATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS
M.1 Proclamation Recognizing Community Advocate Cordell Hindler PROCLAMATION recognizing community advocate Cordell Hindler who serves as a critical link to voice community needs and concerns while consistently advocating for social justice, equity, and for the inclusion of all community members - Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593).
Mayor Martinez and councilmembers presented the proclamation to Cordell Hindler. Cordell Hindler and Jamin Pursell gave comments.
M.2 Proclamation Recognizing October 2025 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Richmond, Honoring Survivor Farrah Green, Recognizing the K Stewart Foundation, and Remembering Lives Lost
PROCLAMATION recognizing October 2025 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Richmond, honoring local survivor Farrah Green for her courage and advocacy, recognizing the K Stewart Foundation for their commitment to outreach and survivor wellness, and remembering all those who have lost their battle to breast cancer - Councilmember Jamelia Brown (510-620-6910) and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593).
3 Mayor Martinez and councilmembers presented the proclamation. Cordell Hindler gave comments.
M.3 Proclamation Recognizing September as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month & Honoring the Richmond Fire Department’s Peer Support Team PROCLAMATION recognizing September as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month and honoring the Richmond Fire Department’s Peer Support Team - Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503), Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593), and Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-620-6743).
Mayor Martinez and Councilmembers presented the proclamation.
Mark Wassberg gave comments.
M.4 Proclamation Recognizing Latino Heritage Month, September 15 – October 15, and Honoring the Organizers of 2025 Fiestas Patrias Parade PROCLAMATION Recognizing September 15 – October 15 as Latino Heritage Month and Honoring the Organizers of 2025 Fiestas Patrias Parade – Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503) and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda (510-620- 6593).
Mayor Martinez and councilmembers presented the proclamation. Cordell Hindler and Arto Rinteela gave comments.
N. OPEN FORUM FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
(public comment on items that remain on the Consent Calendar or items not on the agenda - limited to 2 minutes unless otherwise specified - Back and forth dialogue with the Council is prohibited)
Cordell Hindler gave comments regarding the need to fill city vacancies. Mr. Hindler also gave comments in support of the establishment of a task force to assist businesses in the city.
Samantha Torres gave comments regarding the poor conditions of the parks in the city; the need to appoint members to the Parks and Recreations Commission; and the need to establish an agreement with West Contra Costa Unified School District for the use of their sports fields.
Larry Lewis invited everyone to the Josh and Elaina Genser Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Richmond Police Activities League on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Mark Wassberg and Chris Taaffe gave comments regarding the shooting of Angel Montano.
Soheila Bana invited the community to El Sobrante Pride 2025 Event on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at La Moine (Cheese Park) from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Jamin Pursell thanked the councilmembers and staff for recently attending various events throughout the city and for helping to build the community.
Katrina Natale spoke in support of Item O-6 Interagency agreement with Contra Costa County to provide serves in connection with the Human Trafficking Operational Support Fund.
The following two individuals gave comments online:
Julie Freestone thanked those who supported the stop illegal firework campaign.
4 Andrew Melendez requested an update on the $1 million allocated for the immigration support fund.
City Manager, Shasa Curl stated that updates regarding the immigration support fund and the soccer fields would be provided to the city council via e-mail.
O. 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 Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Seconded by Councilmember Sue Wilson
Ayes (7): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez Passed
O.1 City Clerk's Office
O.1.a Meeting Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the August 19 and 26, 2025, regular City Council meetings - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
O.2 City Council
O.2.a Proclamation Honoring Bishop Tom H. Watson and Mother Hazel Watson of Gloryland Apostolic Cathedral for Over 50 Years of Service PROCLAMATION honoring Bishop Tom H. Watson and Mother Hazel Watson of Gloryland Apostolic Cathedral for over 50 years of ministry and community service – Councilmember Jamelia Brown (510-620-6910).
O.3 Human Resources
O.3.a Contract Amendment No. 3 with Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc.
APPROVE a third amendment to the contract with Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc. for an additional $50,000 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $150,000, with a term through June 30, 2026, to support employment outreach and recruitment – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6602).
O.4 Library and Community Services
O.4.a Purchase of Hand and Mobile Encrypted Radios from Motorola Solutions, Inc. for the ROCK Program
APPROVE the purchase of six (6) hand encrypted radios and two (2) mobile radios from Motorola Solutions, in an amount not to exceed $43,406.21 for the Community Crisis Response Program – Community Services Department (Sam Vaughn 510-620-5404/Michael Romero 510- 620-6791/Joan Binalinbing 510-620-6531).
O.4.b Contract with Jumpstart Mastery for Crisis Intervention Training APPROVE a contract with Jumpstart Mastery for on-site 3-day training sessions on de-escalation and crisis intervention for an amount not to
5 exceed $41,500, and for a contract term from October 1, 2025, to October 31, 2026 - Community Crisis Response Program (Sam Vaughn 510-620- 5404/Michael Romero 510-620-6791/Joan Binalinbing 510-620-6531).
O.5 Mayor's Office
O.5.a Reappointment of Andre Jackson to the Community Police Review Commission
REAPPOINT Andre Jackson to the Community Police Review
Commission, with a term that expires on November 1, 2026 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
O.5.b Reappointment of Orrian Willis to the Economic Development Commission
REAPPOINT Orrian Willis to the Economic Development Commission with a term that expires on March 30, 2028 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
O.5.c Reappointment of Sahai Burrowes to the Community Crisis Response Program Advisory Board
REAPPOINT Sahai Burrowes to the Community Crisis Response Program Advisory Board with a term that expires on December 31, 2027 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
O.5.d Appointment of Sonia Decker to the Community Crisis Response Program Advisory Board
APPOINT Sonia Decker to the Community Crisis Response Program Advisory Board with a term that expires on December 31, 2028 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503)
O.5.e Appointment of Jennifer Koscielniak to the Recreation and Parks Commission
APPOINT Jennifer Koscielniak to the Recreation and Parks Commission with a term that expires on October 26, 2026 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
O.5.f Establishment of the Macdonald Avenue Corridor Task Force DIRECT the city manager to work with the mayor to establish a Macdonald Avenue Corridor Task Force (a Brown Act body), which is for a limited duration, composed of Mayor Eduardo Martinez, Councilmember Doria Robinson, staff, and stakeholders – Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503) and Councilmember Doria Robinson (510-620- 6565).
O.5.g Reappointment of Jason Lindsey to the Workforce Development Board REAPPOINT Jason Lindsey to the Workforce Development Board with a term that expires on March 1, 2029 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
O.6 Police Department
O.6.a Interagency Agreement with Contra Costa County to Provide Services in Connection with the Human Trafficking Operational Support Fund ADOPT a resolution and APPROVE the Interagency Agreement with Contra Costa County and ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE the funds
6 received from Contra Costa County to the Police Department’s budget for the duration of the grant period, September 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026 – Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510-621-1802).
Adopted Resolution No. 134-25.
O.6.b Accept and Appropriate Grant Funding from the California Highway Patrol, Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program to Address Impaired Driving ADOPT a resolution to ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE $171,222.58 in grant funding from the California Highway Patrol, Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program awarded to the Police Department to purchase two (2) DUI enforcement vehicles to reduce and mitigate the impacts of impaired driving in the community - Police Department (Bisa French 510-620- 1802).
Adopted Resolution No. 135-25.
O.7 Public Works
O.7.a Summary vacation for a portion of South 27th Street ADOPT a resolution approving the summary vacation of a portion of South 27th Street between Maine Avenue and the southern boundary of Boorman Park – Public Works Department (Robert Armijo 510-620- 5477/Darcie DeLashmutt 510-621-1332).
Adopted Resolution No. 136-25.
O.7.b Purchase Green Seal-Certified Cleaning Products from Universal Building Services & Supply Co. and Nelson Building Maintenance, Inc.
APPROVE the purchase of Green Seal-certified cleaning products, trash bags, hand soap, and paper products from Universal Building Services & Supply Co. and Nelson’s Building Maintenance, Inc. for three-year terms, in an amount not to exceed $135,000, with an option to extend for two additional one-year terms, in an amount not-to-exceed $45,000 per year.
The total for both firms over a total of 5 years may not exceed $450,000 – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/Tawfic Halaby 510-620-5482/Darin Fitzpatrick 510-231-3044/Will Santana 510-620- 6696).
O.7.c Purchase of Three (3) Fleet Vehicles from National Auto Fleet Group ADOPT a resolution and APPROVE a purchase with National Auto Fleet Group for one (1) 2026 Freightliner 114SD Plus Lowboy Tractor; and, two (2) 2026 Freightliner M2106 Plus Dump Trucks in an amount not-to- exceed $735,690 - Public Works Department (Darin Fitzpatrick 510-231- 3044/Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478).
Adopted Resolution No. 137-25.
O.7.d Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Cooperative Agreement with Caltrans for the Central Avenue I-80 Undercrossing Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements Project.
ADOPT a resolution and AUTHORIZE the city manager to execute a cooperative agreement with Caltrans for the City of Richmond’s $50,000 contribution to the Central Avenue I-80 Undercrossing Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements Project - Public Works Department (Hillal Hamdan 510-621-1612/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477).
7 Adopted Resolution No. 138-25.
P. STUDY AND ACTION SESSION
P.1 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). This item was continued from the September 16, 2025, meeting - Public comment is closed - for council deliberation and vote only.
A motion was made by Councilmember Robinson, seconded by Councilmember Jimenez as follows:
DIRECT the city manager to work with Police Chief French and the Richmond Police Department (RPD) staff to update the existing RPD policy or create a new RPD policy to clearly prescribe the timing, frequency, and transparency of officer involved shooting (OIS) communications.
The plan should include and make the following official policy:
• A maximum 24-hour window to issue the first press release • A minimum frequency (not more than every 30 calendar days) of communications whether or not there are new developments in the case or investigations
The first press release should include:
• Clear information regarding all agencies who will be involved in or conducting investigations
• A clear overview of the sequence of investigations
• A link to the Community Police Review Commission and a short explanation of their purpose
• Information about how to access body cam footage under Assembly Bill 748 • Information about how those directly affected by the incident can access support services
Any and all footage of an officer-involved shooting that is released should include only those edits and redactions that are necessary to protect privacy and safety as defined in California Government Code 7923.625.
DIRECT the city manager to work with staff and consultant(s) to conduct an assessment of mental health services available in Richmond. This assessment would offer a set of recommendations for how the city can commit resources to improve access to mental health services by 1) increasing services, 2) addressing any other access barriers, and 3) improving outreach, especially to those undergoing crisis such as experiencing an OIS incident. The final project report with recommendations should be completed with six months of an executed consultant contract.
This comprehensive plan, including the draft recommendations for all three directions, should come back to council within 45 days for review and vote for approval.
8 Councilmember Bana offered a friendly amendment to include other departments regarding the press release policy and to keep both versions of the body cam policy and that both versions should be released at the same time. Councilmember Robinson did not accept the friendly amendment.
Mayor Martinez called the question, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, which failed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Jimenez, Wilson, and Mayor Martinez. Noes: Councilmembers Bana, Brown, Robinson, and Vice Mayor Zepeda.
The motion passed and Resolution No. 139-25 was adopted.
Motion by Councilmember Doria Robinson
Seconded by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Ayes (5): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Noes (2): Councilmember Jamelia Brown, and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda Passed
P.2 Amend the Council Rules of Procedures and Order
ADOPT a resolution to amend the Council Rules of Procedures and Order including:
(1)Reduce the number of meetings from three to two per month; (2) Regular meetings of the City Council shall be held on the first and third Tuesday of each month provided that, if any Tuesday falls on a legal holiday, the meeting shall be held on the following Tuesday at the same hour; (3) Closed Session shall begin at 3:30 p.m. and Open Session shall begin at 5:00 p.m.; (4) Meetings shall adjourn by 9:00 p.m. with one option to extend the meeting to 10:00 p.m. by a 2/3 vote (5 votes);and (5) Meetings shall adjourn by 10:00 p.m. with no additional options to extend the meeting – City Attorney's Office/City Clerk's Office/City Manager's Office (Dave Aleshire 510-620-6509/Pamela Christian 510-620-6513/Shasa Curl 510-620-6512).
Deputy City Clerk Sabrina Lundy, Chief Assistant City Attorney Shannon More, and Deputy City Manager, La Shonda White presented a PowerPoint. Link to presentation: Council Rules of Procedure
Cordell Hindler, Don Gosney, Michael Fitzhugh, Daniel Chavarria, Tim Simmons, and Arto Rinteela gave comments.
Councilmembers suggested the following: that the third city council meeting would only be for Closed Session matters from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; increase the city manager's contract approval amount; the changes suggested would be for a six-month trial period; consider the third meeting of the month "as needed"; that the Report from the city manager would be presented only once per month; and that more items were placed on the consent calendar. The proposed increase of the city manager's contract approval authority would require a charter amendment.
Motion by Councilmember Sue Wilson
Seconded by Councilmember Soheila Bana
A motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Bana to have a six-month pilot for three meetings per month with the third meeting for closed session matters only from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; that the first and third council
9 meetings would .begin at 3:30 p.m. and end at 5:00 pm; that the end time of the city council meetings would be 10:00 p.m. with an option to extend the meeting until 11:00 p.m. by a majority vote.
Councilmember Robinson offered a friendly amendment to hold closed session from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Councilmember Wilson did not accept the friendly amendment.
Councilmember Brown offered a friendly amendment to ensure that the third closed session meeting was a two-hour meeting. The friendly amendment was not accepted.
The original motion passed.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, and Councilmember Sue Wilson Noes (3): Councilmember Doria Robinson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Passed
Motion by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
Seconded by Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Clarification of the meeting time was requested and a motion to reconsider the vote was made by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Vice Mayor Zepeda, which passed unanimously.
Ayes (7): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Passed
Motion by Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Seconded by Councilmember Doria Robinson
A motion by Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Robinson to keep three meetings per month with the change that closed session was from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with the council meeting ending at 10:00 p.m. with an option to extend the meeting by a super majority (five) votes until 11:00 p.m. This would be a permanent change to the rules of procedure and order and if the change was not working an item would be placed back on the agenda for further discussion.
Councilmember Brown offered a friendly amendment to end at 9:00 p.m. with an option to extend to 10:00 p.m.by a super majority vote was not accepted.
The motion made by Mayor Martinez passed.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Noes (3): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Passed
10 P.3 Presentation from the Contra Costa County Building Trades Council to expand opportunities in Richmond
RECEIVE a presentation from the Contra Costa County Building Trades Council to expand opportunities in Richmond by way of a Public Lands Policy; and DIRECT staff to establish a Public Lands Policy to close loopholes, raise job standards, ensure enforceability, and provide more opportunities for career pathways - Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593).
The Item was continued to the October 21, 2025, City Council meeting.
Q. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: REFERRALS TO STAFF, AND GENERAL REPORTS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS)(limited to two minutes per Councilmember) Councilmember Bana announced that there was an East Bay Wildfire Coalition of local governments meeting on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
Councilmember Jimenez reported that she attended the groundbreaking of the full renovation of Richmond High School, the Spirit and Soul Festival, and the Eastshore Alliance meeting where Councilmember Robinson received an award.
Vice Mayor Zepeda announced that the puppy he was fostering was adopted.
Mayor Martinez reported that he attended the Spirit and Soul festival; the Richmond Hackathon at CoBiz, and the Eastshore Alliance meeting.
R. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m., in honor of Betty Reid Soskin's 104th birthday, to meet again on October 7, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor