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RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA, March 3, 2026
Community Services Building
440 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
_____________________________________________________________________
A. SPECIAL OPEN SESSION TO HEAR PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED
SESSION
The Richmond City Council Evening Open Session was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Claudia Jimenez, Jamelia Brown, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: Councilmember Soheila Bana arrived at 5:01 p.m. after the roll was called.
C. CLOSED SESSION
Emergency Item Added to Closed Session:
Interim City Attorney Shannon Moore requested the addition of a new case under Item C.2 and reported that the city had received a letter from Brian Hofer of Secure Justice regarding Item W.1 (Flock Safety Contract Extension) on the Open Session agenda. Mrs.
Moore stated that the letter was a threat of litigation and requested a discussion with the council in Closed Session.
Mayor Martinez announced that, pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(b), staff was requesting that the council add a Closed Session item that arose after the agenda was posted and required immediate action. The mayor stated that the city received the litigation threat letter on March 3, 2026, after the agenda was posted, and delaying the matter would prejudice the city's interest.
Motion by Councilmember Zepeda
Seconded by Councilmember Brown
To add said emergency item to the Closed Session agenda.
Ayes (7): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Wilson, Councilmember Zepeda, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Mayor Martinez.
Passed (7 to 0)
C.1 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EV ALUATION (Government Code Section 54957)
Title: City Clerk
C.2 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) of Subdivision (d) [as applicable] of Government Code Section 54956.9) Two Cases
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D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
Cordell Hindler gave comments in person regarding Item C.1 (city clerk performance evaluation).
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
The Open Session adjourned to Closed Session at 5:03 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
F. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND HOUSING AUTHORITY
The Regular Meeting of the Richmond Housing Authority was called to order at 6:08 p.m. by Chairperson Eduardo Martinez.
G. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairperson Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
H. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Claudia Jimenez, Jamelia Brown, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Chairperson Doria Robinson, Chairperson Eduardo Martinez, and Housing Authority Tenant Commissioner Jaycine Scott. Absent: Commissioner Soheila Bana arrived at 6:09 p.m. after the roll was called.
I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
J. AGENDA REVIEW
None.
K. HOUSING AUTHORITY OPEN FORUM
Cordell Hindler gave comments in person regarding Item L.1 (Pacific Site Management contract).
L. HOUSING AUTHORITY CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Commissioner Brown
Seconded by Tenant Commissioner Scott
To approve Item L.1 on the Housing Authority Consent Calendar.
Ayes (7): Commissioner Brown, Commissioner Jimenez, Commissioner Wilson, Commissioner Zepeda, Vice Chairperson Robinson, Chairperson Martinez, and Tenant Commissioner Scott.
Absent: (1): Commissioner Bana.
Passed (7 to 1)
L.1 Contract with Desert Parks Landscaping (dba Pacific Site Management) for Landscaping Services
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE a contract with Pacific Site Management for $36,000, to pay for outstanding invoices for landscaping services performed under the previous contract, with a new contract term ending June 30, 2026 – Economic Development Department/Richmond Housing Authority (Nannette Beacham/Antoinette Terrell 510-621-1300).
Adopted Resolution No. 2224
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M. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:11 p.m.
N. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Regular Meeting of the Richmond City Council was called to order at 6:11 p.m. by Mayor Martinez.
O. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Claudia Jimenez, Jamelia Brown, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent:
None.
P. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
Q. AGENDA REVIEW
Mayor Martinez proposed adding an emergency item to present a letter regarding the War Powers Resolution in opposition to the unauthorized military action against Iran. He stated the need to take action on the matter arose after the agenda was posted on February 26, 2026, and the item required immediate action due to Congress scheduled to take a vote on the matter during the same week. Link to view Letter Motion by Mayor Martinez
Seconded by Councilmember Jimenez
To approve the addition of said emergency item to the agenda.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Wilson, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Mayor Martinez.
Abstained: (2): Councilmembers Brown and Zepeda.
Passed (5 to 2)
Motion by Mayor Martinez
Seconded by Councilmember Jimenez
To approve under the Consent Calendar the transmittal of a letter to the United States Congress expressing the City Council's support of the Massie-Khanna War Powers Resolution and opposing any offensive or unauthorized military action against Iran undertaken without prior congressional authorization. Each member of the City Council was hereby individually and collectively authorized to sign said letter as individuals and on behalf of the City Council. City staff was hereby directed to finalize, transmit, and deliver the signed letters to the offices of Representative John Garamendi and to take all further administrative actions necessary to effectuate the intent of the action.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Wilson, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Mayor Martinez.
Abstained: (2): Councilmembers Brown and Zepeda.
Passed (5 to 2)
The emergency item was added to the Consent Calendar.
Item U.2.b (Tobacco Retailer License Amendments) was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. This item was subsequently placed back on the Consent Calendar for approval.
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Item W.3 (Cheese Park [La Moine Park] Improvements) was moved for discussion immediately following Item W.1 (Flock Safety Contract Extension).
R. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING CLOSED SESSION
Interim City Attorney Shannon Moore reported there were no final decisions made during Closed Session.
S. 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
S.1 NEW EMPLOYEE REPORT - 1st Tuesday
Director of Human Resources Sharrone Taylor presented a PowerPoint. Link to view New Employees Report
T. 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)
The following individuals gave comments in person:
Cordell Hindler requested that an item be placed on a future agenda to acknowledge the service day efforts of Salesian College Preparatory High School students. He also recommended that Chevron settlement funds be allocated toward street repairs and street safety improvements. Mr. Hindler expressed concerns regarding Richmond police staffing shortages and suggested hiring a Richmond Port marketing manager.
Soloman Ervin announced that he formed a youth basketball program in Richmond. He requested use of the Booker T. Anderson Community Center on Saturdays and additional funding for tournaments.
Claudia Citroen expressed concerns regarding the amount of time individual councilmembers spent speaking on agenda items. She urged Mayor Martinez to reinforce a five-minute speaking limit.
Ben Therriault shared the Contra Costa County District Attorney's report regarding the Richmond Police Department officer-involved shooting of Angel Alexander Montaño Magallan that occurred on August 4, 2025. He emphasized that the report concluded no further action would be taken in the case.
Mark Wassberg gave comments regarding the attack on Iran and opposed the letter to Congress added as an emergency item to the Consent Calendar. He also gave comments against radical terrorism.
Samantha Torres proposed temporarily activating the vacant lots located on Macdonald Avenue and 12th Street as soccer fields until permanent development began. She emphasized that the increased foot traffic would improve the vitality of Downtown Richmond and provide safe spaces for youth and families.
Elsa Stevens and Julia Keen gave comments in support of Item U.7.b (proclamation honoring Nicolas Traylor for distinguished service as executive director of the Richmond Rent Program). The speakers acknowledged Mr. Traylor for his public service and assistance to the senior residents at the Heritage Park Apartments.
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Don Gosney expressed concerns regarding the lack of democracy and transparency when the council added emergency items to the Consent Calendar during meetings. He urged the council to give the public an opportunity to comment on the process.
Soheila Bana expressed sadness over the attack on Iran and thanked the council for its letter to Congress supporting the Massie-Khanna War Powers Resolution. She shared images of youth casualties as a result of war and recited a poem authored by Ghassan Kanafani, wishing for the protection of children.
The following individuals gave comments via teleconference:
Nathan Lonso read the conclusion of the Contra Costa County District Attorney's report regarding the Richmond Police Department officer-involved shooting of Angel Alexander Montaño Magallan that occurred on August 4, 2025. He emphasized that the report determined the officers involved acted within policy and the law.
Devin (last name not stated) gave comments regarding Richmond's mayoral candidates and the Richmond Progressive Alliance. He also gave comments regarding the union's role in negotiating the Chevron settlement. Devin warned of the potential lack of public safety staff to establish fire evacuation routes in Council District 4.
Keycha Gallon expressed concerns regarding the protection of all citizens, a lack of inclusivity, community neglect, and ongoing disparities. She urged the council to protect and serve the entire community.
U. 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.)
Emergency Item Added
APPROVE the transmittal of a letter to the United States Congress expressing the City Council's support of the Massie-Khanna War Powers Resolution and opposing any offensive or unauthorized military action against Iran undertaken without prior congressional authorization. Each member of the City Council was hereby individually and collectively authorized to sign said letter as individuals and on behalf of the City Council. City staff was hereby directed to finalize, transmit, and deliver the signed letters to the offices of representative John Garamendi and to take all further administrative actions necessary to effectuate the intent of the action (Mayor Martinez 510-620-6503 / Councilmember Soheila Bana 510-620-6743). Link to view Letter Motion by Councilmember Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Bana
To approve the emergency item and all items on the Consent Calendar.
Ayes (7): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Wilson, Councilmember Zepeda, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Mayor Martinez.
Passed (7 to 0)
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U.1 City Attorney's Office
U.1.a Legal Services Agreement Amendment No. 5 with Ellis Investigations APPROVE the fifth amendment to the legal services agreement with Ellis Investigations to increase the payment limit by $50,000, for a total amount not to exceed $250,000, for confidential personnel investigation services – City Attorney’s Office/Human Resources Department (Shannon Moore/Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6600).
U.2 Community Development
U.2.a Ordinance Adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code ADOPT an ordinance (second reading) amending Richmond Municipal Code (RMC) Article VI, Building Regulations, Chapter 6.02 by adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code with noted local amendments – Community Development Department (Lina
Velasco/George Kabaivanov 510-620-5519).
Adopted Ordinance No. 01-26 N.S.
U.2.b Tobacco Retailer License Amendments
ADOPT an ordinance (second reading) amending Chapter 7.106 entitled “Tobacco Retailer License” and repealing Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 7.107 to comply with updates to State law relating to the sale of flavored tobacco products, establish a cap of 50 licenses that can be issued at any one time to protect against overconcentration, and to add operational prerequisites and enhanced regulations for enforcement of violations (including retailing without a tobacco retail license, sales to minors, and sales of illegal and hazardous substances), which shall aim to protect vulnerable demographics, streamline compliance standards, and enhance available enforcement tools – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Avery Stark/Eva Mann 510-621-1283).
Adopted Ordinance No. 02-26 N.S.
U.3 Community Services
U.3.a Contract Amendment No. 1 with Commercial Titan Wrap for Van Wrapping Services
APPROVE the first contract amendment with Commercial Titan Wrap for high-performance, exterior-grade vinyl film wrap to Community Crisis Response Programs vehicles increasing the contract amount by $13,095.78, for a total payment limit to $23,095.78, and extending the contract expiration date to January 1, 2027 - Community Crisis Response Program (Sam Vaughn 510-620-5404/Michael Romero 510-620- 6791/Joan Binalinbing 510-620-6531).
U.3.b Appropriate Grant Funds from the California State Library for Literacy Education
ADOPT a resolution to ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE the California State Library grant award of $137,058 for adult learner and family literacy services; and AUTHORIZE the city manager or their designee to execute the grant agreement and certify related grant reports – Community Services Department/Library Division (Kate Eppler 510-620-5452/Abigail Sims-Evelyn 510-307-8082).
Adopted Resolution No. 21-26
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U.4 Economic Development
U.4.a Contract with Gordon Huether & Partners and Sonnikson Inc. for a Public Art Sculpture Project
APPROVE a contract with Gordon Huether & Partners in an amount not to exceed $175,000 for sculpture design and fabrication, and APPROVE a contract with Sonnikson Inc. in an amount not to exceed $50,000 for sculpture installation, both for a term beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2026 - Economic Development Department/Arts and Culture Division (Nannette Beacham/Jordon Nesbitt 510-620-6787).
U.4.b Agreement with STAX Engineering for Deployment of a CARB-Approved Emissions Control Solution Barge
ADOPT a resolution appropriating $750,000 annually for three fiscal years (Fiscal Year (FY) 2026–2027, FY 2027–2028, and FY 2028–2029), for a total appropriation of $2,250,000; APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the city manager or their designee to negotiate and execute an agreement with STAX Engineering, pursuant to a previously issued Request for Proposals, for the deployment and operation of a California Air Resources Board (CARB)-Approved Emissions Control Solution (CAECS) barge at the Port of Richmond, for an annual amount not-to-exceed $750,000, and a total contract amount not-to-exceed $2,250,000, for a three-year term ending March 31, 2029 – Economic Development Department/Port (Charles Gerard 510-620-6792).
Adopted Resolution No. 22-26
U.5 Finance Department
U.5.a Special Assessment for Unpaid Garbage Liens
ADOPT a resolution authorizing placement of liens and special assessments for unpaid garbage collection service fees on Contra Costa County’s property tax records – Finance Department (Emily Combs/Mubeen Qader 510-620-6740/Antonio Banuelos 510-620-6741).
Adopted Resolution No. 23-26
U.5.b Amendment of Authorized Signatures on the Local Agency Investment Fund
ADOPT a resolution revising the authorization list on the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) accounts to reflect current staff assignments – Finance Department (Emily Combs 510-620-6740).
Adopted Resolution No. 24-26
U.6 Information Technology
U.6.a Contract Amendment No. 1 with Intuitive Municipal Solutions (iMS) for the Enterprise Community Development and Land Management (ERP) System
APPROVE the First Amendment to the agreement with Intuitive Municipal Solutions (iMS), LLC, for the City’s Enterprise Community Development and Land Management (ERP) System, to provide additional configuration, application support, and training services, increasing the contract amount by $249,610, for a total amount not to exceed $2,008,206 - Information Technology Department (Sue Hartman 510-620-6874).
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U.7 Mayor's Office
U.7.a Proclamation Declaring March 09, 2026, as Tibetan National Uprising Day
PROCLAMATION declaring March 09, 2026, as Tibetan Uprising Day in the City of Richmond – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
U.7.b Proclamation Honoring Nicolas Traylor for Distinguished Service as Executive Director of the Richmond Rent Program
PROCLAMATION honoring Nicolas Traylor for his distinguished service as Executive Director of the Richmond Rent Program – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
U.7.c Reappointment of Ode Kunthar to the Richmond Youth Council APPOINT Ode Kunthar to the Richmond Youth Council, term expires October 1, 2026 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620- 6503).
U.8 Police Department
U.8.a Purchase Carahsoft Technology Corp GrayKey Device for Forensic Evidence Extraction
APPROVE a sole-source contract with Carahsoft Technology Corp for the GrayKey device for forensic evidence commencing on January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $41,431.66 – Police Department (Chief Timothy Simmons 510-621-1802).
U.8.b Purchase of Expandable Batons from Peacekeeper Products International APPROVE the purchase of 125 Peacekeeper Expandable Batons from Peacekeeper Products International in an amount not to exceed $32,000 - Police Department (Chief Timothy Simmons 510-621-1801/Daniel Reina 510-620-1809)
U.9 Public Works
U.9.a Purchase Irrigation Supplies, Tools, and Parts from Heritage Landscape Supply Group and Blue Angel International LLC
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE the purchase of irrigation supplies, tools, and parts from Heritage Landscape Supply Group and Blue Angel International LLC, on an as-needed basis, for a three-year term, with the option to extend for up to two additional one-year terms, in an amount not to exceed $150,000, consistent with the approved budget – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/ Darin Fitzpatrick 510-231-3044).
Adopted Resolution No. 25-26
V. BUDGET SESSION
V.1 Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Audited Unspent Funds
DISCUSS and ADOPT resolutions to APPROPRIATE Fiscal Year 2024-25 audited unspent funds in the amount of $8,213,680 – Finance Department (Emily Combs 510-620-6790/Mubeen Qader 510-412-2077/Jerry Gurule 510-620-6591).
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Director of Finance Emily Combs, Deputy Director of Finance Mubeen Qader, and Accounting Manager Jerry Gurule presented a PowerPoint: Link to view Fiscal Year 2024-25 Audited Unspent Funds. Cordell Hindler gave comments in person. Keycha Gallon gave comments via teleconference. Discussion ensued.
The council requested the following: an allocation of $50,000 for an unhoused emergency response fund to address major issues with encampments and unhoused individuals on the streets, particularly along Carlson Boulevard, who did not fall within the city's existing finite grant parameters; make certain that there were resources to create tools such as hotel vouchers; verify whether the existing unhoused funding allocation for organizations had been exhausted (staff subsequently confirmed that $259,000 was available in the General Fund for unhoused intervention services); a plan to address all unsafe street intersections; a meeting with Public Works to identify appropriate plants for high fire severity zones and erosion-susceptible areas; an allocation for (only the absolutely necessary) restrooms at Cheese Park and address the park's remaining improvements at the mid-year budget review; increase tree canopies and install more solar lights equitably; restore recreation center funding for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; consider less conservative budget forecasting and enhanced city services; consider improvements to Carlson Boulevard lighting and street striping; increase Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA-compliant) curb accessibility ramps and install more stop signs; and consider the establishment of an unhoused Coordinated Outreach Referral, Engagement (C.O.R.E.) team that is centered and anchored in Richmond.
A motion made by Councilmember Bana to approve the item with a budget allocation for bathrooms at Cheese Park died for the lack of a second.
The council proposed the following: reprioritize community needs; install temporary prefabricated park restrooms; develop a holistic Parks Bathroom Plan to address the needs of the entire community; and include Cheese Park in the Capital Improvements Plan with a rating to move forward with other projects.
Motion by Vice Mayor Robinson
Seconded by Councilmember Jimenez
To approve the recommended action with a minimum allocation of $50,000 to ensure that emergency funds were available to provide services for the unhoused that did not fall within the purview of the existing grants, so people in encampments were not just moved from one street to the next, but actually had a place to offer them to go.
The $50,000 allocation could be taken from wherever it was available (including unspent funds) or staff could choose the best funding source, or it could be taken from the available $259,000 in unhoused intervention funds, if those funds could be used to service the unhoused that did not fall within the existing grants and had fallen through the net, and the funds could be used to offer unhoused services wherever they were camping in the city and not just specific areas; an emergency response fund that can respond to anybody wherever to offer services to as many people possible until the resource had been exhausted.
The motion maker restated the motion to allocate $50,000 from the proposed budget (unspent funds) towards emergency funds.
The motion maker restated and clarified that the motion was to accept the recommended action, with the adjustment of $50,000 from the unspent funds to be allocated to emergency unhoused services.
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Ayes (6): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Wilson, Councilmember Zepeda, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Mayor Martinez.
Noes (1): Councilmember Brown.
Passed (Passed 6 to 1)
Adopted Resolution No. 26-26 (with revisions)
The City Manager stated that the resolution would be amended to remove $50,000 from the Complete Streets Improvements line item, currently budgeted at $6,320,944 that would be reduced by $50,000, and would be reappropriated to $50,000 in unhoused funds that would be spent collaboratively between the Community Development and Police departments to outline the policy objectives previously mentioned pertaining to emergency unhoused services.
V.2 City of Richmond Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025
RECEIVE a report on the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2025 – Finance Department (Emily Combs/Mubeen Qader/Jerry Chak 510-620-6740)
Director of Finance Emily Combs introduced the matter. Ahmed Badawi of Badawi & Associates Certified Public Accountants presented a PowerPoint. Link to view Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. Cordell Hindler gave comments in person. Discussion ensued. The council requested that staff publish the final version of the presentation on the city's website.
Motion by Councilmember Zepeda
Seconded by Councilmember Wilson
To receive said report as presented.
Ayes (7): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Wilson, Councilmember Zepeda, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Mayor Martinez.
Passed (7 to 0)
W. NEW BUSINESS
W.1 Flock Safety Contract Extension
RECEIVE a presentation, APPROVE a transitional contract amendment, and PROVIDE direction to staff regarding the Flock CCTV system, Flock Drone as a First Responder (DFR) Program, and Flock Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) System – Police Department (Chief Timothy Simmons 510-621-1802).
Police Chief Timothy Simmons introduced the matter and presented a PowerPoint. Link to view Flock Safety Report
At approximately 9:15 p.m., a motion made by Vice Mayor Robinson, seconded by Councilmember Bana, to reduce the public comment time limit from two minutes to one minute, failed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Bana, Brown, and Vice Mayor Robinson. Noes: Councilmembers Jimenez, Wilson, Zepeda, and Mayor Martinez. Abstentions: None. Absent: None.
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The following individuals gave comments in person:
In favor: Kathy Crosby, Ahmad Anderson, Philip Rosenthal, Don Gosney, Claudia Citroen, Edward Escobar, Tuan, Ben Therriault, Oscar Garcia, Jamin Pursell, and Nate Lonso.
Against: Ryan Kazen, Rocky Chew, Jasmin Timmins, Crescent Diamond, Katherine Lee, Hope Dixon, Pedro Bernal, Carlos Juarez, Natalia Soto, Andrew Melendez, Helen Haggerson, Raymond Wendell, Julie Salamon, Elsa Stevens, and Irene Wibawa.
Neutral: Mark Wassberg and Cordell Hindler.
At approximately 9:55 p.m., a motion made by Councilmember Zepeda, seconded by Mayor Martinez, to extend the meeting until the end of Item W.1, passed by the unanimous vote of the City Council.
The following individuals gave comments via teleconference:
In favor: Willie Robinson, Chris Moore, Laura Hill, Robert, Christina Reza, and Linda Whitmore.
Against: Manny, Marisol Gomez, Sonia Decker, Brian Hofer, Edith Pastrano, Emily Ross, Lorraine Reza, Myrna Cervantes, Melvin Willis, Annie Pennell, River Allen, Vincent Iannolo, Sara Cantor, Marisol Cantu, and Reem Suleman.
Discussion ensued.
At approximately 10:56 p.m., a motion was made by Councilmember Zepeda, seconded by Councilmember Brown, to continue the meeting until the next morning of March 4, 2026.
A substitute motion made by Councilmember Bana to hold a special meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, to continue Item W.1, along with the other remaining items, died for the lack of a second.
The initial motion to continue the meeting until the next morning of March 4, 2026, failed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Bana, Brown, and Zepeda. Noes: Councilmembers Jimenez, Wilson, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Mayor Martinez. Abstentions: None. Absent: None.
Item W.1 was continued to the March 17, 2026, City Council meeting.
W.2 Update Regarding the City’s Ongoing and Planned Efforts Related to Immigration Enforcement Actions
RECEIVE an initial report regarding the City’s ongoing and planned efforts related to safeguarding residents from federal civil immigration enforcement actions, including U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) raids – City Manager’s Office/City Attorney’s Office (Shasa Curl/Shannon Moore 510-620-6512).
Item W.2 was continued to the March 17, 2026, City Council meeting.
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W.3 Cheese Park (La Moine Park) Improvements—Permanent Restrooms, Drinking Fountain, Playground Safety, Toddler-Area Fencing, Children’s Bike Garden, and Completion of Volunteer-Led Repainting ADOPT a resolution to DIRECT City staff to prepare a comprehensive work plan for improvements at Cheese Park (La Moine Park), including permanent restrooms, a drinking water fountain, playground restoration, safety fencing around the toddler area, completion of repainting started by volunteers, and the design of a children’s bike garden in collaboration with community partners such as Bike East Bay; and identify feasible funding sources in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026– 27 Capital Improvement Program and operating budget process - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672-3490) and Councilmember Claudia Jimenez (510-620- 6565).
Item W.3 was continued to the March 17, 2026, City Council meeting.
W.4 Create and Implement Blue Envelope Program in Richmond DIRECT the city manager or their designee to create and implement a Blue Envelope Program for residents, including a promotional campaign to inform police officers, first responders, and of the new program and how to participate, and aim to roll out the program in April for Autism Awareness Month - Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593).
Item W.4 was continued to the March 17, 2026, City Council meeting.
W.5 Co-Sponsorship and Venue Reservation for Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community Celebration
APPROVE an official City of Richmond community event and co-sponsorship of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community Celebration and AUTHORIZE the reservation of the Richmond Auditorium for Saturday, May 2, 2026 - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672-3490).
Item W.5 was continued to the March 17, 2026, City Council meeting.
X. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: REFERRALS TO STAFF, AND GENERAL REPORTS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS)(limited to two minutes per Councilmember) None.
Y. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:59 p.m., to meet again on March 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Pamela Christian, Clerk of the City of
Richmond
Eduardo Martinez, Mayor