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RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA, December 16, 2025
Community Services Building
440 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
_____________________________________________________________________ A. OPEN SESSION TO HEAR PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION The Richmond City Council Evening Open Session was called to order at 3:31 p.m. by Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Jamelia Brown, Sue Wilson, and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda. Absent: Councilmember Soheila Bana arrived at 3:55 p.m. Mayor Eduardo Martinez 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: Jose Salala
Agency Claimed Against: City of Richmond
• Claimant: Esteban Barragan
Agency Claimed Against: City of Richmond
• Claimaint: Richard Muro Salazar
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. Unrepresented Executive Management
4. Richmond Police Officers Association RPOA
5. Richmond Police Management Association RPMA
6. IAFF Local 188
7. Richmond Fire Management Association RFMA
D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
Cordell Hindler gave comments in person regarding Item C.2 (labor negotiations).
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E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
The Open Session adjourned to Closed Session at 3:34 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 5:46 p.m.
F. JOINT REGULAR MEETING OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
RICHMOND COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/RICHMOND CITY
COUNCIL
The Joint Regular Meeting of the Successor Agency to the Richmond Community Redevelopment Agency/Richmond City Council was called to order at 6:01 p.m. by Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda.
G. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor Zepeda led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
H. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Jamelia Brown, Sue Wilson, and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda. Absent: Mayor Eduardo Martinez was absent for the entire meeting.
I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
J. AGENDA REVIEW
Item P.4.a (Contract with Liftech Consultants, Inc. for Planning and Design Services for the Relocation of the SS Red Oak Victory) was continued to the January 6, 2026, City Council meeting.
Item R.1 (State of the City Address) was moved to the Consent Calendar for approval and would be presented by the mayor at a future meeting in January 2026.
Item P.8.e (Proclamations Recognizing Long-Standing Retiring Staff: Mary Phelps, Robert Chalamedos, and Laura Canelowas) was moved under Item M (Commendations, Presentations, and Proclamations).
The following items were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion at the end of the agenda in the order listed:
Item P.4.f (Neighborhood Public Art Mini Grant Awards Selection for Fiscal Year 2025- 26)
Item P.7.b (Evaluation Report by WestEd on the Richmond Fund for Children & Youth) Item P.4.c (Port of Richmond Enterprise Fund Financial Overview Report) Item P.10.k (Accept and Appropriate the Hellman Foundation Grants) was subsequently placed back on the Consent Calendar for approval.
The following New Business items were re-ordered on the agenda as follows:
Item S.2 (Legislative Update from State Senator Jesse Arreguin regarding Bills and Budget Action Taken in 2025)
Item S.5 (Richmond Arts and Culture Manager and Commission) Item S.4 (Biannual Arts and Culture Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025) Item S.1 (Actions Related to City Attorney Resignation and Interim Legal Services) Item S.3 (Presentation from the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority (RecycleMore) on the new Solid Waste Post-Collection Agreement and rates)
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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.
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 M. COMMENDATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS
M.1 Proclamation Honoring Chief Bisa French for Her Distinguished Service and Enduring Contributions to the Richmond Community
PROCLAMATION and PRESENTATION of a key to the City that honors Chief Bisa French for her trailblazing leadership towards justice and equity, profound contributions to public safety, and unwavering dedication to community safety and well-being in the City of Richmond. Her long-standing commitment to fairness, accountability, youth advocacy, and community partnerships reflects her unwavering dedication to Richmond—its residents, its families, and its future - Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-621-1302)/ Councilmembers Soheila Bana (510- 672-3490)/Jamelia Brown (510-620-6910).
The council presented the proclamation and key to the city to the honoree.
Cordell Hindler and Patricia Perez gave comments in person. Amanda Eicher and Samantha Torres gave comments via teleconference.
N. 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 distributed the NeoGov report titled “2025 Diversity Report: Building Inclusive, Public Sector Workforces” to the council. He suggested inviting representatives from Bikes East Bay to a future City Council meeting to present their programs and plans to increase ridership. He also urged the council to approve items P.6.a and P.6.b. (memorandums of understanding with the city's general employees units). Mr. Hindler recommended that the council acknowledge Salesian College Preparatory students for their service-day cleanup efforts.
Maria Gutierrez reported that her family was violently attacked in a residential area. She expressed concerns regarding ongoing criminal activity and public safety in her neighborhood. Ms. Gutierrez urged the council to take action.
Janice Haugan commented on air pollution caused by illegal fireworks and its harmful impact on individuals with respiratory diseases. She urged the council to enact a stronger ordinance to deter the use of illegal fireworks.
Claudia Citroen expressed concerns regarding the number of items on council agendas, alleged Brown Act violations, and the mayor's ability to preside lawfully. She also reported an alleged employee theft involving banned vaping products. Ms. Citroen demanded compliance with the law, transparency, and basic protection.
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Juan Murillo expressed concerns regarding criminal activities, speeding, lack of lighting, and negligence in his neighborhood. Mr. Murillo requested the council's help to address the issues.
Ruthie Dineen gave comments in support of Item P.4.g (Contract Amendments with East Bay Center for the Performing Arts [EBCPA], Nurturing Independence through Artistic Development, and Richmond Art Center for Annual Arts Allocation). Ms. Dineen provided an overview of the free services the EBCPA provided to youth. She expressed her gratitude for the city's long-standing commitment, critical funding, and support for arts initiatives.
Mark Wassberg gave comments regarding Richmond's historic homicide rates.
Jamin Pursell gave comments in support of Item P.2.a (Proclamation Recognizing Transgender Day of Remembrance 2025). He urged the council to finalize all city labor contracts, including public safety.
Fayza Ayyed expressed concerns regarding recent mass shootings around the world and disagreed with the media’s depiction of such incidents. She stated that labeling some as antisemitic, others as acts of terrorism, and some as the result of mental illness targeted Muslim people and Islam.
Samantha Torres gave comments regarding the soccer community’s 2023 request to the council for investment in soccer fields and the ongoing shortage in Richmond. She expressed concerns regarding the use of insufficient spaces, as well as damage and vandalism to the only regulated soccer field at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. Ms. Torres urged the council to consider developing a sports complex with soccer fields in Richmond through partnerships with other agencies.
The following individuals gave comments via teleconference:
Arleide Santos gave comments in support of Item P.4.f (Neighborhood Public Art Mini Grant Awards Selection for Fiscal Year 2025-26) and the Visual Artists of Richmond organization.
Amanda Eicher gave comments in support of Item P.4.g and provided an overview of the services offered by the Nurturing Independence through Artistic Development (NIAD) organization. She thanked the city for its commitment to the arts and expressed concerns regarding NIAD's projected revenue decrease due to federal changes.
Tarnel Abbott highlighted several accomplishments of the Richmond–Regla Friendship Committee, including the Connect+Collect program art display in the Council Chamber, a tour with the Human Rights and Human Relations Commission, the distribution of Spanish-language books to the Regla Provincial Library, and advocacy efforts to remove Cuba from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.
Lynne Therriault expressed concerns regarding the Marina Bay area, including the city’s handling of the former pickleball club at the Richmond Craneway Pavilion and the proposed Marina Point development. She stated that feedback at a neighborhood council meeting indicated the project was poorly planned with respect to fire safety, parking, and building design. Ms. Therriault urged the council to reconsider allowing the planned development to proceed.
Michael Mejia acknowledged the council and staff for working with the Stop Illegal Fireworks group in support of solving the problem, and their commitment to an educational campaign.
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Benjamin Therriault acknowledged the city’s retirees and expressed concerns regarding unresolved delays in returning officers on leave of absence to full duty, the impact on patrol resources following the Greenwood Academy shooting, and ongoing police staffing issues.
O. SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE RICHMOND COMMUNITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Councilmember Brown
Seconded by Councilmember Bana
To approve Item O.1.
Ayes (6): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Wilson, and Vice Mayor Zepeda Absent (1): Mayor Martinez
Passed (6 to 1)
O.1 Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule and the Administrative Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27
ADOPT a resolution approving the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS 26-27) and the Administrative Budget for the Period July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027 – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco 510-620- 6706/Rita Martinez 510-620-1546).
Adopted Resolution No. 25-1
P. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
(All items placed under the Consent Calendar were considered to be routine and noncontroversial. These items will be enacted upon together with a motion and second, without discussion, of any member of the City Council, and each item shall be deemed to have received the action recommended.)
Motion by Councilmember Robinson
Seconded by Councilmember Brown
To approve all items on the City Council Consent Calendar, including: Item R.1 (State of the City Address), and excluding:
Item P.4.a (Contract with Liftech Consultants, Inc. for Planning and Design Services for the Relocation of the SS Red Oak Victory)
Item P.4.c (Port of Richmond Enterprise Fund Financial Overview Report) Item P.4.f (Neighborhood Public Art Mini Grant Awards Selection for Fiscal Year 2025- 26)
Item P.7.b (Evaluation Report by WestEd on the Richmond Fund for Children & Youth) Item P.8.e (Proclamations recognizing long-serving retiring employees) was moved under Item M.1 (Commendations, Presentations, and Proclamations) Ayes (6): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Wilson, and Vice Mayor Zepeda Absent (1): Mayor Martinez
Passed (6 to 1)
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P.1 City Clerk's Office
P.1.a Calling for the November 2026 Primary Municipal Election ADOPT a resolution: (1) Calling and Giving Notice of the holding of a Primary Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, for the election of certain officers as required by the provisions of the Charter of the City of Richmond; (2) requesting the Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County to consolidate the Primary Municipal Election with the Statewide Primary Election; and (3) adopting regulations for candidates pertaining to the candidates’ statements submitted to the voters, cost of the candidates’ statements and other fees, word limit for candidates’ statements; and actions to be taken for a tie vote – City Clerk’s Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
Adopted Resolution No. 173-25
P.1.b Meeting Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the November 4 and November 18, 2025, regular City Council meetings - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510- 620-6513).
P.2 City Council
P.2.a Proclamation Recognizing Transgender Day of Remembrance 2025 PROCLAMATION recognizing Transgender Day of Remembrance 2025 that honors the memory of those whose lives were lost in acts of anti- transgender violence and to continue to invest in efforts to promote acceptance and to end violence towards transgender individuals – Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593) and Councilmember Jamelia Brown (510-609-5780).
P.3 Community Development
P.3.a Establish a On-call List for Building Plan Check and Inspection Services ADOPT a resolution establishing a list of on-call consultants for Building Plan Check and Inspection Services contracts, for an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 per firm over a three-year period from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028, with two options to extend the contracts for an additional year – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco 510-620-6841/George Kabaivanov 510-620-5519).
Adopted Resolution No. 174-25
P.3.b Contract Amendment No. 1 with Canopy Mapping, Inc. for Interactive Zoning Map GIS Application and Interface
APPROVE a contract Amendment No. 1 with Canopy Mapping, Inc. to add an additional $90,000 for a total contract amount not to exceed $99,900, for a term ending on June 30, 2028, to support the development of web-based visualization tools, including a project pipeline map, an interactive “Shovel Ready Richmond” platform, and related GIS-based applications to enhance transparency and efficiency in the City’s planning processes – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Avery Stark 510-620-6706).
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P.3.c Contract Amendment No. 3 with Keyser Marston Associates (KMA) for Financial Analysis and Advice on Real Property
APPROVE contract Amendment No. 3 with Keyser Marston Associates (KMA) for $250,000, not to exceed a total amount of $285,000, through December 31, 2028, to assist the City in preparing market, financial, and feasibility analyses to support the City's commercial, residential, and redevelopment efforts – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco 510-620-6706).
P.4 Economic Development
P.4.a Contract with Liftech Consultants, Inc. for Planning and Design Services for the Relocation of the SS Red Oak Victory
APPROVE a contract with Liftech Consultants Inc. in the amount of $299,797 for planning and preliminary design of the relocation of the Red Oak for a term ending June 30, 2027 - Economic Development Department/Port (Charles Gerard 510-620-6792).
Item P.4.a was continued to the January 6, 2026, City Council meeting.
P.4.b Construction Agreement with Penkor Wrecking for Selective Demolition and Site Security at Terminal 1
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE a construction agreement with Penkor General Contracting dba Penkor Wrecking for selective demolition and site security improvements at Terminal 1 warehouse, in an amount not to exceed $283,000, for a term ending June 30, 2026; and APPROPRIATE $283,000 from the Port Enterprise Fund to fully fund the project – Economic Development Department/Port (Charles Gerard 510-620-6792).
Adopted Resolution No. 175-25
P.4.c Port of Richmond Enterprise Fund Financial Overview Report RECEIVE the Port of Richmond Financial Report and presentation, which provides an overview of Port revenue sources, tariff structures, and funding mechanisms for larger infrastructure projects – Economic Development Department/Port (Charles Gerard 510-620-6792/Rita Martinez 510-621-1546).
Item P.4.c was continued to the January 6, 2026, City Council meeting.
P.4.d Amendment No. 1 to the Golden Bear Transfer Station Agreement.
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE the first amendment to the Exclusive Franchise Agreement with Golden Bear Transfer Services, Inc. extending the term through December 31, 2035, and AUTHORIZE the city manager to execute the agreement – Economic Development Department (Samantha Carr 510-620-5407).
Adopted Resolution No. 176-25
P.4.e Contract with Moffatt & Nichol for the California Energy Commission Offshore Wind Project Grant
ADOPT a resolution to ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE $750,000 in grant funds from the California Energy Commission (CEC) and Port Enterprise Fund matching contributions in the amount of $105,610 into the Fiscal
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Year 2025–2026 Port Enterprise Fund budget; APPROVE a contract with Moffatt & Nichol in an amount not to exceed $750,000, with a term from December 16, 2025, through June 30, 2030; and AUTHORIZE the port director, or their designee to execute all grant-related documents and agreements required – Economic Development Department/Port (Charles Gerard 510-620-6792).
Adopted Resolution No. 177-25
P.4.f Neighborhood Public Art (NPA) Mini Grant Awards Selection for Fiscal Year 2025-26
APPROVE a recommendation from the Richmond Arts and Culture Commission (RACC) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 to award grants to thirteen selected artists, for a total combined amount not to exceed $160,000, for a term beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2026; APPROPRIATE an additional $50,000 from the General Fund; and AUTHORIZE the city manager or their designee to negotiate and execute agreements with approved grantees in a form substantially similar to the draft agreement attached hereto as Attachment 1 - Economic Development Department/Arts & Culture Division (Nannette Beacham 510-621- 1306/Jordon Nesbitt 510-620-6787).
Economic Development Director Nannette Beacham and Administrative Assistant Jordon Nesbitt presented a PowerPoint. Link to view Neighborhood Public Art Mini Grant Fiscal Year 25-26. Claudia Citroen and Free Brown gave comments via teleconference. Discussion ensued. The Council requested information on the remaining public art funds following the grant award disbursements.
Motion by Councilmember Bana
Seconded by Councilmember Brown
To approve the recommended award grants.
Ayes (6): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Wilson, and Vice Mayor Zepeda
Absent (1): Mayor Martinez
Passed (6 to 1)
P.4.g Contract Amendments with East Bay Center for the Performing Arts, Nurturing Independence through Artistic Development, and Richmond Art Center for Annual Arts Allocation
APPROVE amendments to the Annual Arts Organization Allocation Agreement with following organizations: (1) APPROVE the first amendment with East Bay Center for the Performing Arts (EBCPA) to increase the annual allocation from $150,000 to $200,000 for each of the remaining two fiscal years through June 30, 2027, and to increase the total not-to-exceed contract amount from $450,000 to $550,000; (2) APPROVE the second amendment with Nurturing Independence through Artistic Development (NIAD) to increase the annual allocation from $150,000 to $200,000 for each of the remaining two fiscal years through June 30, 2027, and to increase the total not-to-exceed contract amount from $450,000 to $550,000; and (3) APPROVE the first amendment with the Richmond Art Center (RAC) to increase the annual allocation from
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$150,000 to $200,000 for each of the remaining two fiscal years through June 30, 2027, and to increase the total not-to-exceed contract amount from $450,000 to $550,000 – Economic Development Department/Arts & Culture (Nannette Beacham 510-215-4600/Jordon Nesbitt 510-620-6787).
P.4.h Contract Amendment No. 1 with Independent Arts & Media for Strategic Plan for Arts Corridor and Status Update
RECEIVE an update on the Richmond Arts Corridor Project, and APPROVE contract Amendment No. 1 with Independent Arts & Media, serving as fiscal sponsor for Richmond Renaissance, adding $15,000 to the approved not-to-exceed contract amount for a new total amount not-to- exceed $65,000 with a term ending June 30, 2026, to provide additional community outreach for the development of the Richmond Arts Corridor Strategic Plan – Economic Development Department/Arts & Culture (Nannette J. Beacham 510-621-1306/LaShonda White 510-620-6828).
P.4.i Health in all Policies (HiAP) 10 Year Report, 2025 RECEIVE the 2025 Richmond Health in all Policies (HiAP) 10-Year Report – Economic Development Department (Yahna Williamson 510- 620-6574/Samantha Carr 510-620-5407).
P.5 Finance Department
P.5.a Investment and Cash Balance Report, Monthly Overtime Reports, Documentary Transfer Tax Report, and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) and Pension Report for the Month of October 2025 RECEIVE the City’s Investment and Cash Balance Report, Monthly Overtime Reports, Documentary Transfer Tax Report, and Other Post- Employment Benefits (OPEB) and Pension Report for the month of October 2025 – Finance Department (Emily Combs 510-620-6740).
P.5.b Contract with ClearGov, Inc. to Provide Budget Book Compilation Services
APPROVE a contract with ClearGov, Inc. to provide budget book compilation services, in an amount not to exceed $78,117, over a three- year term from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028 – Finance Department (Emily Combs 510-620-6790/ Mubeen Qader 510-412- 2077/Jerry Gurule 510-620-6591).
P.5.c Compliance with Developer Fees Reporting Requirements of Sections 66006 and 66001 of the Government Code
RECEIVE the annual year-end developer fee report as required pursuant to Section 66006 of Government Code – Finance Department (Emily Combs 510-620-6790).
P.6 Human Resources
P.6.a Memorandum of Understanding between SEIU Local 1021 General Employees Unit and the City of Richmond
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE a successor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Richmond and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1021 General Employees for the term of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028, and DIRECT the city manager or their designee to update the publicly available salary schedule
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with the adopted wage increases during the term of the MOU – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6602).
Adopted Resolution No. 178-25
P.6.b Memorandum of Understanding between SEIU Local 1021 Part-Time Unit and the City of Richmond
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE a successor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Richmond and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1021 Part-Time and Intermittent Employees 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. 179-25
P.7 Library and Community Services
P.7.a Contract Amendments with Imperial County Office of Education for Library Broadband Services
APPROVE the amendments to the contract with the Imperial County Office of Education for Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California (CENIC) broadband services for the Richmond Library with a term ending June 30, 2030 - Community Services Department (Kate Eppler 510-620-5452/Christopher Larsen 510-620-5524/LaShonda White 510-620-6828).
P.7.b Evaluation Report by WestEd on the Richmond Fund for Children & Youth
RECEIVE the WestEd evaluation report, a third-party external evaluator, assessing the impact of the Richmond Fund for Children & Youth grant programs from Fiscal Years 2021–2024 – Richmond Department of Children & Youth (Patrick Seals/LaShonda White 510-307-8016).
Item P.7.b was continued to the January 6, 2026, City Council meeting.
P.8 Mayor's Office
P.8.a Direction to Establish a Sister City Commission and Draft Bylaws DIRECT staff to work with the Mayor’s Office to establish a Sister City Commission and develop its bylaws through an ordinance - Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
P.8.b Recreations and Parks Commission Appointment
APPOINT Jake Goldman Rogers to fill an unexpired term on the Richmond Recreation and Parks Commission, with the term ending on October 26, 2026 - Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620- 6503) .
P.8.c Appointment of May Cooper to the Workforce Development Board APPOINT May Cooper to the Workforce Development Board with a term that expires on March 1, 2029 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
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P.8.d Expansion of the Macdonald Avenue Corridor Task Force Membership APPROVE the addition of four (4) new stakeholder positions to the Macdonald Avenue Corridor Task Force which will be filled through the standard boards and commissions process — Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
P.8.e Proclamations Recognizing Long-Standing Retiring Staff: Mary Phelps, Robert Chalamedos, and Laura Canelo
PROCLAMATION recognizing long-serving retiring employees Mary Phelps, Robert Chalamedos, and Laura Canelo – Mayor's Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503).
The council presented the proclamations to the retirees following Item M.1.
P.9 Police Department
P.9.a Crime Report from Police Chief
RECEIVE a written crime report from the Police Chief - Police Department (Assistant Chief Timothy Simmons 510-621-1802).
P.9.b Contract Amendment No. 2 with Serological Research Institute for Forensic DNA Testing and Analysis
APPROVE a second contract amendment with the Serological Research Institute (SERI) for advanced forensic DNA testing and analysis laboratory services, increasing the payment limit by $100,000, for a total payment limit of $159,000, and extending the term expiration of the contract to April 16, 2028 – Police Department (Assistant Chief Timothy Simmons 510-621-1802).
P.9.c Contract with Bay Marine Boatworks Inc. dba Svendsen's Bay Marine to Provide Repair and Maintenance Services
APPROVE a three-year sole-source contract with Bay Marine Boatworks Inc. dba Svendsen's Bay Marine to provide repair and ongoing maintenance services for a total contract amount not to exceed $300,000, for a three-year term effective December 17, 2025, through December 16, 2028, with one two-year extension options not to exceed an additional $200,000, for a total contract up to $500,000 – Police Department (Assistant Chief Timothy Simmons 510-620-6651/Lieutenant Joseph England 510-620-6661).
P.10 Public Works
P.10.a Abatement Report from the Public Works Director
RECEIVE a written abatement report from the Public Works Director - Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478).
P.10.b Construction Agreement with FJ&I Engineering, Inc. for the Macdonald Avenue Pedestrian Crossing Improvements Project (Nicholl Park) ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE a construction agreement with FJ&I Engineering, Inc. for the Macdonald Avenue Pedestrian Crossing Improvements Project (Nicholl Park) in an amount not to exceed $240,671; AUTHORIZE the public works director to approve change orders in an amount up to $36,101 (a 15 percent contingency), for a total contract amount not to exceed $276,772; and TRANSFER and
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APPROPRIATE $39,268 in unspent funds from the Metrowalk Transit Village Close-out Project to the Macdonald Avenue Pedestrian Crossing Improvements Project (Nicholl Park) - Public Works Department (Hillal Hamdan 510-621-1612/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477).
Adopted Resolution No. 180-25
P.10.c Contract Amendment No. 1 with Nema Construction for The Yellow Brick Road Supplemental Street Lighting Project
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE the first contract amendment with Nema Construction for the Yellow Brick Road Supplemental Street Lighting Project, in the amount of $33,900, for a revised not-to-exceed contract amount of $1,175,600 - Public Works Department (Wendy Wellbrock 510-307-8108/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477).
Adopted Resolution No. 181-25
P.10.d Authorize Change Order Authority for the Miraflores Sustainable Greenbelt Interpretive Signage Project
ADOPT a resolution to AUTHORIZE the community development director to approve change orders for the Miraflores Sustainable Greenbelt – Interpretive Signage Project in an amount not to exceed $84,450 (equivalent to 15 percent of the base construction contract) with Mark Lee & Yong Kay, Inc. dba Bay Construction, Inc., for a total project authorization of $647,450 - Public Works Department/Community Development Department (Darcie DeLashmutt 510-672-3944/Lina Velasco 510 620-6841).
Adopted Resolution No. 182-25
P.10.e Contract Amendment No. 2 with Macks Craic, Inc. dba Mack5 for Project Management for the Shields-Reid Improvement Project
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE contract amendment No. 2 with Macks Craic, Inc. dba Mack5 for construction management services for the Shields-Reid Park Improvement Project in the amount of $110,000, for a total contract amount not to exceed $797,700, with a term ending December 31, 2026 – Public Works Department (Darcie DeLashmutt 510- 672-3944/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477).
Adopted Resolution No. 183-25
P.10.f Contract with Interwest Consulting Group, LLC for On-Call Construction Management Services
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE a contract with Interwest Consulting Group, LLC for as-needed construction management and inspection services, in an amount not to exceed $3,750,000 over a period from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, with two optional one-year extension years, for a total amount not to exceed $2,500,000 for the extension period - Public Works Department (Hillal Hamdan 621- 1612/Robert Armijo 620-5477).
Adopted Resolution No. 184-25
P.10.g Cost Sharing Agreement for 2025 with Caltrans for State Highway Electrical Facilities within the City
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE the 2025 Electrical Facilities Cost Sharing Agreement (EFCSA) with the California Department of
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Transportation (Caltrans), establishing cost-sharing responsibilities for State Highway electrical facilities within the City of Richmond, with the City’s annual commitment of $125,000, and AUTHORIZE the city manager to execute all necessary documents - Public Works Department (Hillal Hamdan 510-621-1612/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477).
Adopted Resolution No. 185-25
P.10.h Contract with Alten Construction, LLC for Revitalizing the Historic Richmond Main Library Project
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE a construction contract with Alten Construction, LLC for the Revitalization of the Historic Richmond Main Library Project in an amount not to exceed $24,263,643.00 (Base Bid of $22,037,158.00 and Additive Bid Alternate 1A of $20,700.00; plus a City- controlled contingency of $2,205,785.00, equal to ten percent of the contract amount); AUTHORIZE the city manager or their designee to execute the agreement; and AUTHORIZE the director of public works to approve change orders, if necessary, up to the contingency amount - Public Works Department (Wendy Wellbrock 510-307-8108/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477).
Adopted Resolution No. 186-25
P.10.i Contract Amendment No. 4 with Noll & Tam Architects for architectural design for Revitalization of the Historic Richmond Main Library ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE the fourth contract amendment with Noll and Tam Architects for additional architectural design and construction administration services for the Revitalization of the Historic Richmond Main Library Project in the amount of $382,909 for an amended total not-to-exceed amount of $3,668,781; AUTHORIZE the city manager or their designee to execute the contract and approve any amendments, if necessary, for up to a 15 percent contingency in the amount of $67,091 for a total payment limit of $3,735,872, with a term ending June 30, 2028; and APPROPRIATE $450,000 from the Library Fund to the Project - Public Works Department (Wendy Wellbrock 510- 307-8108/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477).
Adopted Resolution No. 187-25
P.10.j Contract with SewerAI Corp for Stormwater and Wasterwater Inspection and Data Management Services
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE a contract with SewerAI Corp for inspection and data management services of the wastewater and stormwater programs, including consolidation of the City’s historical CCTV inspection library and implementation of the PIONEER® platform, for a three-year term from December 16, 2025, through December 15, 2028, with two optional one-year extensions, and AUTHORIZE the city manager or their designee to execute the contract - Public Works Department (Bradley Harms 510-307-8094/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477).
Adopted Resolution No. 188-25
P.10.k Accept and Appropriate the Hellman Foundation Grants ADOPT a resolution to ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE two $1,000,000 Hellman Foundation grants received by the City to support the development of an urban forest management plan and to support further
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design development of the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, and AUTHORIZE the city manager or their designee to execute all necessary documents – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco 510- 620-6841/LaShonda White 510-620-6828/Tawfic Halaby 510-620- 5482/Josef Munoz 510-620-6671).
Adopted Resolution No. 189-25
Q. BUDGET SESSION
Q.1 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Quarter 4 Financial Report and Administrative Budget Adjustments
RECEIVE the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Quarter 4 (Q4) report for the period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025; ADOPT a resolution to APPROPRIATE proposed administrative year-end budget adjustments in FY 2024-25; and ADOPT a resolution to APPROPRIATE Unspent Funds in FY 2025-26 – City Manager’s Office/Finance Department (Shasa Curl 510-620-6512/Emily Combs 510-620- 6790/Mubeen Qader 510-412-2077).
City Manager Shasa Curl introduced the matter. Director of Finance Emily Combs and Deputy Director of Finance Mubeen Qader presented a PowerPoint.
Link to view Financial Report and Budget Adjustments. Cordell Hindler gave comments in person. Claudia Citroen and Benjamin Therriault gave comments via teleconference. Discussion ensued. The council requested the following:
percentage of the General Fund budget that was allocated to public safety; $50,000 allocation for approximately twenty (20) small business owners to get professional facade consultations and support; overview of a five-year comparison of the Employment and Training Department's grants; information regarding Chevron Measure U (gross receipts business tax) revenue; funding allocation with the mid-year budget review for Humbolt Park renovations to address flooding; architectural building facade standards or options for each business area; separate the fire and police departments in future budget reports; and a report on the impact of Measure U. The council encouraged the community to participate in the city's Streetlight Master Plan Survey to report streetlight issues and needs.
Motion by Councilmember Robinson
Seconded by Councilmember Jimenez
To accept the staff recommendation with the adjustment that the allocation for lighting be reduced from $3,000,000 to $2,950,000, and the $50,000 difference be allocated to the city’s facade program; and to direct staff to return to the council with a mechanism to effectuate the reallocation.
Ayes (6): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Wilson, and Vice Mayor Zepeda
Absent (1): Mayor Martinez
Passed (6 to 1)
Adopted Resolution No. 190-25
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R. STATE OF THE CITY
R.1 State of the City Address by Mayor Eduardo Martinez RECEIVE the Annual State of the City Address from Mayor Eduardo Martinez – Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503).
Item R.1 was approved with the Consent Calendar, and the presentation would be heard at a future meeting in January 2026.
S. NEW BUSINESS
S.1 Actions Related to City Attorney Resignation and Interim Legal Services ACCEPT the resignation of Dave Aleshire/Aleshire & Wynder, LLP as City Attorney; APPROVE a legal services agreement with Aleshire & Wynder, LLP, for ongoing legal services in an amount of $150,000 for a term ending December 31, 2026; APPROVE an Agreement with Shannon Moore for interim City Attorney services; and AUTHORIZE a request for proposals for the city attorney recruitment – Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503)/Councilmember Doria Robinson (510-620-6568)/Councilmember Sue Wilson (510-609-211).
Interim Assistant City Attorney Heather McLaughlin introduced the matter.
Cordell Hindler gave comments in person. Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Wilson
To accept the resignation, approve said agreements, and issue a request for proposals.
Ayes (6): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Wilson, and Vice Mayor Zepeda
Absent (1): Mayor Martinez
Passed (6 to 1)
S.2 Legislative Update from State Senator Jesse Arreguin regarding Bills and Budget Action Taken in 2025
RECEIVE a presentation from State Senator Jesse Arreguin regarding the 2025 Legislative Session – Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6502).
State Senator Jesse Arreguin presented a PowerPoint. Link to view State Legislative Update. Mark Wassberg and Jamin Pursell gave comments in person. Benjamin Therriault gave comments via teleconference. Discussion ensued. Senator Arreguin added that two assembly bills were recently passed that would apply to Richmond: (1) to increase penalties for trafficking minors and provide more resources for victims; and (2) to increase penalties for copper theft.
S.3 Presentation from the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority (RecycleMore) on the new Solid Waste Post-Collection Agreement and rates
RECEIVE a presentation from West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority (RecycleMore) on the new solid waste Post-Collection Agreement (PCA) and rates starting January 1, 2026, and ADOPT a resolution acknowledging receipt of the presentation– Economic Development Department (Samantha Carr 510-620-5407/Nannette Beacham 510-620-1306).
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Environmental Manager Samantha Carr introduced the matter. RecycleMore Executive Director Cliff Feldman presented a PowerPoint. Link to view Post Collection Agreement and Rates.
Motion by Councilmember Robinson
Seconded by Councilmember Brown
To receive the presentation and adopt said resolution.
Ayes (6): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Wilson, and Vice Mayor Zepeda
Absent (1): Mayor Martinez
Passed (6 to 1)
Adopted Resolution No. 191-25
S.4 Biannual Arts and Culture Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 RECEIVE and ACCEPT the biannual written report and presentation regarding art projects being developed in the city from the Richmond Arts and Culture Division in collaboration with art stakeholders – Economic Development Department/Arts & Culture Division (Nannette J. Beacham 510-621-1306/Jordon Nesbitt 510-620-6787).
Director of Economic Development Nannette Beacham and Administrative Assistant Jordon Nesbitt presented a PowerPoint. Link to view Arts & Culture Biannual Report Fiscal Year 2024-2025. Cordell Hindler gave comments in person. Claudia Citroen gave comments via teleconference. Discussion ensued.
The Council requested the following: the public art fund balance; the public art ordinance; and publication of the updated PowerPoint presentation on the city’s website.
Motion by Councilmember Brown
Seconded by Councilmember Robinson
To receive and accept the biannual report.
Ayes (6): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Wilson, and Vice Mayor Zepeda
Absent (1): Mayor Martinez
Passed (6 to 1)
S.5 Richmond Arts and Culture Manager and Commission
DIRECT the city manager to develop a transparent community process on hiring an Arts and Culture Manager and to report back to the arts community and City Council on the results of the hiring process; and DIRECT the city manager to meet and work with the Richmond artist community, Richmond Arts and Culture Commission, and city council liaison to address the challenges presented tonight and to develop a plan on how to improve the whole grant process, including contracts and requirements that the City asks of artists – Councilmember Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6565).
Councilmember Jimenez introduced the matter. Artists and representatives of the Richmond Art Advocates and Visual Artists of Richmond, Kaelen Van Cura and Rebeca Garcia-Gonzalez, presented a PowerPoint. Link to view Improving
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Opportunities for Richmond Artists. The following individuals gave comments in person: Cordell Hindler, John Wehrle, Dewayne Oakley, Tiara Amar, Allison Dang, Michelle Seville, and Kate Sibley. Mario Guarneri and Claudia Citroen gave comments via teleconference. Discussion ensued. The council suggested providing blanket insurance coverage for all artists and art-related events and reviewing procurement practices used by neighboring cities for arts programs.
Motion by Councilmember Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Wilson
To approve said directives to staff and also direct staff to return to the council with recommended actions by the mid-year budget discussion in 2026.
Ayes (6): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Wilson, and Vice Mayor Zepeda
Absent (1): Mayor Martinez
Passed (6 to 1)
(At approximately 9:44 p.m. - a motion by Vice Mayor Zepeda, seconded by Councilmember Brown, to limit public comment for the remainder of the meeting from two minutes to one minute failed by the following vote: Ayes:
Councilmembers Bana, Brown, Jimenez, and Vice Mayor Zepeda. Noes:
Councilmembers Robinson and Wilson. Abstained: None. Absent: Mayor Martinez).
(At approximately 9:58 p.m. - a motion by Vice Mayor Zepeda, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, to extend the meeting to hear items S.3, P .4.f, and as many remaining items as possible until the meeting end time, passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Bana, Brown, Jimenez, Robinson, Wilson, and Vice Mayor Zepeda. Noes: None. Abstained: None. Absent:
Mayor Martinez).
T. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: REFERRALS TO STAFF, AND GENERAL REPORTS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS)(limited to two minutes per Councilmember) None.
U. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:56 p.m., in memory of Arts and Culture Manager Winifred Day, to meet again on January 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Pamela Christian, Clerk of the City of
Richmond
Eduardo Martinez, Mayor