December 16, 2025
Mayor's Office
DATE: December 16, 2025
TO: Members of the City Council
FROM:
Mayor Martinez
Subject:
Proclamations Recognizing Long-Standing Retiring Staff:
Mary Phelps, Robert Chalamedos, and Laura Canelo
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact on receiving this item.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The Mayor’s Office seeks to recognize long-serving City of Richmond employees who are entering retirement.
Mary Phelps, Robert Chalamedos, and Laura Canelo
have each provided many years of dedicated service to
the community. This item presents proclamations
honoring their contributions.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
PROCLAMATION recognizing long-serving retiring
employees Mary Phelps, Robert Chalamedos, and Laura
Canelo – Mayor's Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-
620-6503).
DISCUSSION:
Mary Phelps, Robert Chelemedos, and Laura Canelo are concluding long careers with the City of Richmond, each contributing decades of service in Public Works Department and the Richmond Police Department.
AGENDA
REPORT
December 16, 2025
Mary Phelps retires after 34 years, during which she advanced from Industrial Waste Inspector to Water Resource Division Manager, providing leadership in environmental compliance, enterprise fund management, and wastewater and stormwater program oversight. Her institutional knowledge and cross-departmental work have strengthened the City’s environmental and financial stewardship.
Robert Chelemedos retires after more than 35 years of service in Public Works, culminating as Streets Maintenance Superintendent. His retirement also represents the continuation of an 82-year, multigenerational Chelemedos family legacy, totaling 126 years of combined service to the City. His work developing and mentoring the next generation of maintenance leaders has had a lasting operational impact.
Laura “Chach” Canelo-Tirado retires after 33 years of service in the Richmond Police Department’s Communications Center. Known for her professionalism, steady leadership, and dedication as a dispatcher, trainer, and mentor, she supported thousands of residents and strengthened the department’s service to Richmond.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Robert Chelemedos Proclamation
Attachment 2 – Mary Phelps Proclamation
Attachment 3 – Laura Canelo Tirado Proclamation