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RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA, December 2, 2025
Community Services Building
440 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
_____________________________________________________________________
A. OPEN SESSION TO HEAR PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION The Richmond City Council Evening Open Session was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: Councilmembers Soheila Bana arrived at 3:31 p.m., and Jamelia Brown was absent for the entire meeting.
C. CLOSED SESSION
C.1 LIABILITY CLAIMS (Government Code Section 54956.9)
• Claimant: Terminal One Development, LLC
Agency Against: City of Richmond
• Claimant: Armando Moreno
Agency Claimed Against: City of Richmond
• Claimant: Robert Aiavao
Agency Claimed Against: City of Richmond
C.2 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Government Code
Section 54957.6)
Agency Representatives: Sharrone Taylor, Jack Hughes, and Lisa Charbonneau
Employee organizations:
1. SEIU Local 1021 Full Time Unit and Part Time Unit
2. IFPTE Local 21 Mid-Level Management Unit and
Executive Management Units
3. Richmond Police Officers Association RPOA
4. Richmond Police Management Association RPMA
5. IAFF Local 188
6. Richmond Fire Management Association RFMA
C.3 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EV ALUATION (Government Code Section 54957)
Title: City Attorney
D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
Cordell Hindler gave comments in person regarding labor negotiations and the city attorney's performance evaluation.
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E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
The Open Session adjourned to Closed Session at 3:33 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 5:53 p.m.
F. JOINT REGULAR MEETING OF THE SURPLUS PROPERTY
AUTHORITY/RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Joint Regular Meeting of the Surplus Property Authority/Richmond City Council was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
G. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
H. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: Councilmember Jamelia Brown was absent for the entire meeting.
I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Councilmember Robinson declared a conflict of interest for Item O.2.b (Regional Measure 3 Funding Allocation for Neighborhood Complete Streets and Richmond Wellness Trail Phase II) and recused herself from the discussion and vote.
J. AGENDA REVIEW
The following items were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion:
Item O.3.b (Third Quarter 2025 Update for Projects within Richmond's Green Blue New Deal)
Item O.5.a (Contract with WR Forde for the Richmond Art and Light Project) Item O.5.b (Bayview Avenue Grade Separation Safety & Bike Lane Improvements Project - Union Pacific Railroad Company Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement) Emergency Item Added to the Agenda:
Motion by Mayor Martinez
Seconded by Councilmember Jimenez
To add the following emergency item for discussion as the first New Business item:
DIRECT the City Manager to (1) work with relevant City departments to identify and implement short-term support for Richmond parents and children affected by the United Teachers of Richmond and West Contra Costa Unified School District labor negotiations; and (2) authorize the use of up to $50,000 in available funds for emergency programming, services, or other appropriate items as determined by staff – Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-62503) and Councilmember Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6565).
Ayes (6): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Wilson, Vice Mayor Zepeda, and Mayor Martinez Absent (1): Councilmember Brown
Passed (6 to 1)
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K. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING CLOSED SESSION
Chief Assistant City Attorney Shannon Moore gave the following report:
Item C.1 (liability claims) was discussed. No reportable action was taken.
Item C.2 (conference with labor negotiators) was discussed. No reportable action was taken.
Item C.3 (public employee performance evaluation) was discussed. No reportable action was taken.
L. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
City Manager Shasa Curl presented a PowerPoint. Link to view City Manager's Report L.1 NEW EMPLOYEE REPORT - 1st Tuesday
Director of Human Resources Sharrone Taylor presented a PowerPoint. Link to view New Employee Report
M. OPEN FORUM FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
(public comment on items that remained on the Consent Calendar or items that were not on the agenda – was limited to 2 minutes unless otherwise specified - Back and forth dialogue with the Council was prohibited)
The following individuals gave comments in person:
Cordell Hindler gave comments regarding the former Richmond Community Redevelopment Agency’s Fiscal Year 2008-2009 budget and housing affordability. Mr.
Hindler urged the council to reinstate the Economic Development position to assist with posting Economic Development Commission agendas and other tasks. Mr. Hindler suggested the council acknowledge Salesian College Preparatory students for their spring community cleanup efforts.
Janice Haugan gave comments regarding accidents and fires caused by illegal fireworks that occurred in June and July 2025. Ms. Haugan urged the council to enact a stronger ordinance to deter the use of illegal fireworks.
Claudia Citroen expressed concerns regarding the city's spending priorities, communication practices, placement of project items on the consent calendar, roads and infrastructure, and service fees. Ms. Citroen also reported inoperable lighting and electric vehicle chargers and expressed concerns regarding unhoused senior citizens.
Mark Wassberg shared an audio recording from family members of homicide victims and gave comments regarding the city’s homicide rates.
Andrea Chinchiolo and Chadwick Spell gave comments in support of Item N.1 (lease agreements at 1325 Canal Boulevard), expressing gratitude for the assistance their businesses received from the city during the Riggers Loft landlord transition.
The following individuals gave comments via teleconference:
Michael Mejia shared the results of a survey conducted by the Stop Illegal Fireworks group. Mr. Mejia expressed concerns regarding the auditory effects of fireworks, physical danger, and the lack of a programmatic resolution.
Nathan Lonso, Benjamin Therriault, and Khoa Nguyen expressed concerns regarding the Police Department's morale and stability, bargaining negotiation delays, low staffing levels impacting new officer training, and diminishing voluntary police assignments.
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N. SURPLUS PROPERTY AUTHORITY CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Councilmember Robinson
Seconded by Mayor Martinez
To approve the Surplus Property Authority Consent Calendar.
Ayes (6): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Wilson, Vice Mayor Zepeda, and Mayor Martinez Absent (1): Councilmember Brown
Passed (6 to 1)
N.1 Lease Agreements between the Surplus Property Authority and Far West Cider, LLC, CDK Wines, LLC dba Carica Wines, and KARIBU Lounge, Inc. at 1325 Canal Boulevard
APPROVE lease agreements with: (1) Far West Cider, LLC in the amount of $74,232 annually; (2) CDK Wines, LLC dba Carica Wines in the amount of $10,500 annually; and (3) KARIBU Lounge Inc. (formerly The Wachira Group, LLC dba Wachira Wines) in the amount of $10,500 annually; commencing December 1, 2025, ending November 30, 2026 – Economic Development Department/Port/Surplus Property Authority (Charles Gerard 510-620-6792).
O. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
(All items placed under the Consent Calendar were considered to be routine and noncontroversial. These items were enacted upon together with a motion and second, without discussion, of any member of the City Council, and each item was deemed to have received the action recommended.)
Motion by Mayor Martinez
Seconded by Councilmember Jimenez
To approve all items on the City Council Consent Calendar, excluding:
Item O.3.b (Third Quarter 2025 Update for Projects within Richmond's Green Blue New Deal)
Item O.5.a (Contract with WR Forde for the Richmond Art and Light Project) Item O.5.b. (Bayview Avenue Grade Separation Safety & Bike Lane Improvements Project - Union Pacific Railroad Company Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement) Councilmember Robinson was recused from the vote on Item O.2.b (Regional Measure 3 Funding Allocation for Neighborhood Complete Streets and Richmond Wellness Trail Phase II).
Ayes (6): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Wilson, Vice Mayor Zepeda, and Mayor Martinez Absent (1): Councilmember Brown
Passed (6 to 1)
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O.1 City Attorney's Office
O.1.a Contract Amendment to legal services agreement with Best Best & Krieger LLP
APPROVE a first amendment to the Best, Best & Krieger LLP legal services agreement, adding $150,000 for a total amount not to exceed $160,000, with term ending December 31, 2027, to provide advice and representation in general municipal law matters – City Attorney’s Office (Kimberly Chin 510-620-6709/Shannon Moore 510-620-6509).
O.2 Community Development
O.2.a Legal Services Agreement with Goldfarb & Lipman, LLC APPROVE a legal services agreement with Goldfarb & Lipman, LLP to assist the Community Development Department regarding land use, housing, and real estate matters, for a total contract amount not to exceed $250,000, with a term ending June 30, 2028 – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco 510-620-6841).
O.2.b Regional Measure 3 (RM3) Funding Allocation for Neighborhood Complete Streets and Richmond Wellness Trail Phase II
ADOPT a resolution to: (1) REQUEST an allocation for Regional Measure 3 (RM3) funds from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and (2) ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE $10,000,000 in Regional Measure 3 (RM3) funding for construction of Neighborhood Complete Streets for $7,500,000, and Richmond Wellness Trail Phase II for $2,500,000 – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Beatriz Guerrero Auna 510-620-5450).
Ayes (5): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Jimenez,
Councilmember Wilson, Vice Mayor Zepeda, and Mayor Martinez Recused (1): Councilmember Robinson
Absent (1): Councilmember Brown
Passed (Passed 5 to 2)
Adopted Resolution No. 164-25
O.3 Economic Development
O.3.a Bill Credit from Richmond Sanitary Service (dba Republic Services) for the Solidarity Strike in July 2025
ACCEPT and AUTHORIZE the city manager or their designee to sign the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Richmond and Richmond Sanitary Service, Inc (dba Republic Services) settling claims for service interruptions that occurred during the solidarity strike in July 2025 – Economic Development Department (Samantha Carr 510-620- 5407/Nannette Beacham 510-621-1306/Shasa Curl 510-620-6512).
O.3.b Third Quarter 2025 Update for Projects within Richmond’s Green Blue New Deal (GBND)
RECEIVE a report on the status of the Richmond Green-Blue New Deal projects - Economic Development Department (Jesson de Leon 510-412- 2023/Junne Garcia 510-620-6524/ Nannette Beacham 510-620-1306).
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Claudia Citroen gave comments via teleconference. Economic Development Senior Assistance Business Officer Jesson de Leon presented a PowerPoint. Link to view Quarterly Update for the GBND.
Discussion ensued. The council requested the following: publish the PowerPoint slides on the city's website; include with future reports the city's participation in the Green Empowerment Zone Committee; provide hyperlinks in the reports for additional information regarding the Buy Local Campaign and Small Business Beautification Pilot Program; consider adding battery storage and onshore wind to the plan; provide the Electric Vehicle Fleet Report; and consider battery storage safety.
Motion by Councilmember Robinson
Seconded by Councilmember Jimenez
To receive the report.
Ayes (6): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Jimenez,
Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Wilson, Vice Mayor Zepeda, and Mayor Martinez
Absent (1): Councilmember Brown
Passed (6 to 1)
O.3.c Accept Grant Funding and Approve Contract Amendment No. 1 with Momentum for Port Dock Restoration
ADOPT a resolution to ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE, contingent upon award, $11,224,449 in grant funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) and $2,806,112 in Port Enterprise Fund matching contributions into the Port Enterprise Fund budget; and to APPROVE the first amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025–26 on-call contract with Momentum in the amount of $140,000, contingent upon grant award, for post-award grant administration and management services for the Dock Restoration for Improved Vehicle Entry (DRIVE) Project – Economic Development Department/Port (Charles Gerard 510- 620-6792).
Adopted Resolution No. 165-25
O.4 Human Resources
O.4.a Year-End Closure from December 24, 2025, through January 1, 2026 ADOPT a resolution approving the Side Letters between the City of Richmond and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1021 (Full-Time and Part-Time Units) and International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) Local 21 (Mid- Management and Executive Management Units) regarding the holiday closure 2025 – Human Resources Department (Sharrone Taylor/Nickie Mastay 510-620-6602).
Adopted Resolution No. 166-25
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O.4.b Contract Amendment with Bob Murray and Associates for Recruitment Services
APPROVE a contract amendment with Bob Murray & Associates to increase the payment limit by $34,000 for a total payment limit of $68,000, and extend the term through December 31, 2026, for the purpose of conducting recruitments for specialized positions - Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6602).
O.4.c Amendments to the Position Control List
ADOPT a resolution to amend staffing and position control list and allocate the necessary salary, wages, and benefits as required – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6602).
Adopted Resolution No. 167-25
O.4.d Memorandum of Understanding between IFPTE Local 21 Mid- Management
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE a successor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Richmond and International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) Local 21 Mid-Management for the term of July 1, 2025, to June 30,2028, and DIRECT the city manager or their designee to update the publicly available salary schedule with the adopted wage increases during the term of the MOU – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6602).
Adopted Resolution No. 168-25
O.4.e Memorandum of Understanding between IFPTE Local 21 Executive Management
ADOPT a resolution approving a successor Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) between the City of Richmond and International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) Local 21 Executive Management for the term of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028, and DIRECT the city manager or their designee to update the publicly available salary schedule with the adopted wage increases during the term of the MOU – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6602).
Adopted Resolution No. 169-25
O.5 Public Works
O.5.a Contract with WR Forde for the Richmond Art and Light Project ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE a construction contract with WR Forde for the Richmond Art and Light Project in the amount of $374,000, with a term from October 1, 2025, to July 1, 2026, and AUTHORIZE the public works director to approve change orders up to $37,400 or 10 percent contingency – Public Works Department (Jene Levine Snipes 510-307- 8132/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477).
Claudia Citroen gave comments via teleconference. Deputy Director of Public Works Operations and Maintenance Tawfic Halaby introduced the matter. Assistant Administrative Analyst Jene Levine-Snipes and Consultant Jessie Maran of CSWST2 presented a PowerPoint. Link to view Safety, Art, and Lighting Project. Discussion ensued. The council
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requested staff to consider improvements to the Carlson Boulevard Highway I-80 underpass, and a light plan for dark walking and bike paths, such as the 23rd Street Bay Area Rapid Transit underpass.
Motion by Councilmember Jimenez
Seconded by Vice Mayor Zepeda
To adopt said resolution.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Wilson, Vice Mayor Zepeda, and Mayor Martinez Absent (2): Councilmember Bana and Councilmember Brown
Passed (5 to 2)
Adopted Resolution No. 170-25
O.5.b Bayview Avenue Grade Separation Safety & Bike Lane Improvements Project – UPRR Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement.
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE the Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company (UPRR) for the Bayview Avenue Grade Separation Safety & Bike Lane Improvements Project; AUTHORIZE the public works director to execute the agreement and approve minor amendments, provided the total cost does not exceed $25,000; and transfer and APPROPRIATE $37,376 in unspent funds from Project 29105 – 37th Street Improvement Close-out to Project 23040 – Bayview Avenue Grade Separation Safety & Bike Lane Improvements Project in the General Capital Fund – Public Works Department (Hillal Hamdan 510-620-1612/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477).
Claudia Citroen gave comments via teleconference. Deputy Director of Public Works Operations and Maintenance Tawfic Halaby introduced the matter. Project Manager/Senior Civil Engineer Hillal Hamdan provided a project overview. Discussion ensued. The council requested staff to continue providing project update videos with links to additional project information in the city's newsletter. The council advised that community members could review the most recent community meeting presentation slides and provide feedback at: bit.ly/bayviewavenueproject Motion by Councilmember Jimenez
Seconded by Mayor Martinez
To adopt said resolution.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Wilson, Vice Mayor Zepeda, and Mayor Martinez Absent (2): Councilmember Bana and Councilmember Brown
Passed (5 to 2)
Adopted Resolution No. 171-25
O.5.c Real estate agreements with property owners and City of Richmond, I- 80/Central Avenue, Interchange Improvements (phase 2) Project.
ADOPT a resolution to ACCEPT the required right-of-way acquisitions, including easements and grant deeds, for the I-80/Central Avenue Improvements (Phase II) Project and AUTHORIZE the city manager or designee to execute all necessary documents and DIRECT the city clerk to
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record executed instruments with Contra Costa County - Public Works Department (Hillal Hamdan 510-621-1612/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477).
Adopted Resolution No. 172-25
P. NEW BUSINESS
Emergency Item Added during Agenda Review
DIRECT the City Manager to (1) work with relevant City departments to identify and implement short-term support for Richmond parents and children affected by the United Teachers of Richmond and West Contra Costa Unified School District labor negotiations; and (2) authorize the use of up to $50,000 in available funds for emergency programming, services, or other appropriate items as determined by staff – Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-62503) and Councilmember Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6565). Link to view Staff Report.
Mayor Martinez introduced the matter. Don Gosney and Mark Wassberg gave comments in person. Francisco Ortiz and Gabrielle Micheletti gave comments via teleconference. Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Bana
To approve said emergency item as recommended.
Ayes (6): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Wilson, Vice Mayor Zepeda, and Mayor Martinez Absent (1): Councilmember Brown
Passed (6 to 1)
P.1 Contract with RDH Building Science for Craneway Pavilion Condition Assessment
APPROVE a contract with RDH Building Science to perform a condition assessment of the Craneway Pavilion, located at the historic Ford Assembly Plant, with a payment limit of $169,500, for a term ending December 31, 2026, and AUTHORIZE the city manager, with assistance of the City’s Attorney’s Office, to negotiate and execute the contract - Community Development Department (Lina Velasco 510-620-6706).
Planning Manager Avery Stark introduced the matter and presented a PowerPoint.
Link to view Craneway Update. Discussion ensued.
Motion by Mayor Martinez
Seconded by Councilmember Jimenez
To approve said contract.
Ayes (6): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Wilson, Vice Mayor Zepeda, and Mayor Martinez Absent (1): Councilmember Brown
Passed (6 to 1)
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Q. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: REFERRALS TO STAFF, AND GENERAL REPORTS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS)(limited to two minutes per Councilmember) Vice Mayor Zepeda reported attending various training sessions with the National League of Cities in Salt Lake City. He also reported attending the Tree Lighting and Turkey Shoot on Thanksgiving Day in Point Richmond.
Councilmember Robinson acknowledged staff for expediting the lighting repairs at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Councilmember Robinson reported attending meetings of the Macdonald Avenue Corridor Task Force, Governing Board of the Green Empowerment Zone, and Urban Forest Advisory Committee (UFAC). She also reported that the UFAC raised concerns regarding Integrated Pest Management and repetitive injuries from hand-pulling weeds.
Councilmember Jimenez announced that community members wishing to support teachers during the strike may do so from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Veterans Memorial Park, and on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Marina Bay Park.
Mayor Martinez reported attending the Marin Clean Energy Board meeting, where the board voted to create a Finance Committee. He also acknowledged staff for the Tree Lighting event at the Civic Center Auditorium.
R. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m. to meet again on December 16, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Pamela Christian, Clerk of the City of
Richmond
Eduardo Martinez, Mayor