Cc24Feb2026 – jc/prc
RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA, February 24, 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 Special Open Session was called to order at 4:02 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: Councilmember Soheila Bana and Vice Mayor Doria Robinson arrived after the Council adjourned to Closed Session.
C. CLOSED SESSION
C.1 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
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
D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
Cordell Hindler gave comments in person. Nathan Lonso gave comments via teleconference.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
The Open Session adjourned to Closed Session at 4:07 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
Cc24Feb2026 – jc/prc
F. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Regular Meeting of the Richmond City Council was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
G. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Eduardo Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
H. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent:
None.
I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
J. AGENDA REVIEW
Item P.2 (Tobacco Retailer License Amendments) was moved up to be heard as the first item under Public Hearings.
K. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING CLOSED SESSION
Interim City Attorney Shannon Moore reported that Item C.1 (conference with legal counsel - anticipated litigation) and Item C.2 (conference with labor negotiators) were discussed. No reportable action was taken.
L. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
City Manager Shasa Curl provided a report. Link to view report: City Manager's Report M. COMMENDATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS
M.1 Proclamation Honoring the Richmond Steelers Dance Team “Rich Girlz” as JAMZ National Champions
PROCLAMATION honoring the Richmond Steelers Rich Girlz for their national championship achievement and recognizing their excellence, leadership, and positive representation of the City of Richmond - Councilmember Jamelia Brown (510-412-2050).
Councilmember Jamelia Brown introduced the item. Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, Mayor Eduardo Martinez, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Councilmember Claudia Jimenez read the proclamation and presented it to the members of the Richmond Steelers Rich Girlz. The Richmond Steelers Rich Girlz performed. Cordell Hindler gave comments in person.
N. OPEN FORUM FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
(public comment on items that remain on the Consent Calendar or items not on the agenda - limited to 2 minutes unless otherwise specified - Back and forth dialogue with the Council is prohibited)
Cc24Feb2026 – jc/prc
The following individuals gave comments in person:
Cordell Hindler thanked the Mayor's office for bringing forward Item O.3.a (Proclamation Recognizing March 2026 as Red Cross Month in Richmond). Mr. Hindler also expressed concerns regarding City staffing levels, street conditions, and street safety.
Irania DeLaMora gave comments regarding communism in other countries.
Matt Stonebraker gave comments regarding officers recently placed on leave.
Ruthie Dineen expressed appreciation for the support to youth programs throughout the City provided by the Richmond Fund for Children and Youth.
Elizabeth Bashan gave comments regarding officers recently placed on leave. Ms. Bashan also gave comments regarding morale in the Police department and police officer retention.
Savannah Stewart gave comments regarding a recent officer involved shooting and expressed concerns for the parties involved.
Ben Therriault gave comments regarding officers recently placed on leave. Mr. Therriault also gave comments regarding morale in the Police department and police officer retention.
Rolanda Wilson gave comments regarding Item O.3.a (Proclamation Recognizing March 2026 as Red Cross Month in Richmond) and the work the Red Cross does in the community.
Mark Wassberg gave comments regarding the City's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) free safe zones.
Kathleen Cosby expressed concerns regarding recent sideshows that took place in her neighborhood.
Jaime R. and Nat C. expressed concerns regarding officer involved shootings.
The following individuals gave comments via teleconference:
Michael Pagaling gave comments regarding officers recently placed on leave and staffing levels in the Police department.
Alexander Caine gave comments regarding labor negotiations between the Police Officer's Association and the City. Mr. Caine also gave comments regarding officers recently placed on leave and police officer retention.
Mark gave comments regarding the upcoming primary election.
O. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
(All items placed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and noncontroversial. These items will be enacted upon together with a motion and second, without discussion, of any member of the City Council, and each item shall be deemed to have received the action recommended.)
Motion by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
To approve all items on the consent calendar.
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Passed
Cc24Feb2026 – jc/prc
O.1 City Clerk
O.1.a City Council Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the January 27, 2026, Regular City Council meeting - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
O.2 Human Resources
O.2.a Amendments to the Position Control List
ADOPT a resolution amending staffing and position control list and allocating the necessary salary, wages, and benefits as required – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor/Emily Combs 510-620-6602).
Adopted Resolution No. 20-26
O.3 Mayor's Office
O.3.a Proclamation Recognizing March 2026 as Red Cross Month in Richmond PROCLAMATION declaring March 2026 as Red Cross Month in the City of Richmond – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
O.4 Public Works
O.4.a January 2026 Abatement Report
RECEIVE a report on the January 2026 abatement activities – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/Darin Fitzpatrick 510-231-3044/Hugo Mendoza 510-231-3030).
O.4.b Contract with ChargePoint, Inc. for Electric Vehicle Charging Network Services
APPROVE a sole-source contract with ChargePoint, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $32,900, consisting of a base contract amount of $26,400 and a $6,500 contingency, for network cloud services and warranty coverage for City-owned electric vehicle charging stations, for the term of June 30, 2025, through November 10, 2028 - Public Works Department (Gabino Arredondo 510-620-6606).
P. PUBLIC HEARINGS
P.1 Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance Adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code
HOLD a public hearing to INTRODUCE an ordinance (first 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).
Community Development Director Lina Velasco introduced the item. Building Official George Kabaivanov presented a PowerPoint. Link to presentation: CA Building Standards Code
Mayor Martinez opened the public hearing. There were no public speakers. Mayor Martinez closed the public hearing. Discussion ensued.
Motion by Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Seconded by Councilmember Soheila Bana
Cc24Feb2026 – jc/prc
To approve the recommended action.
Ayes (6): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Absent (1): Vice Mayor Doria Robinson
Passed
P.2 Tobacco Retailer License Amendments
HOLD a public hearing to INTRODUCE an ordinance (first 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).
Planning Manager Avery Stark introduced the item. Mr. Stark, Code Enforcement Officer Kevin Tisdell, Contra Costa Health Representative Mayra Lopez, Code Enforcement Manager Eva Mann, and Community Development Director Lina Velasco presented a PowerPoint. Link to presentation: Tobacco Retailer License Amendments
Mayor Martinez opened the public hearing. Aileen Paz, Brianna Avila, Natalia Vasquez, Hannah Cobrador, Ben Therriault, Cynthia LeBlanc, Raymond Chimezie, Nabila Oliver, Oscar Garcia, Rocio Martinez, and Claudia Citroen gave comments in person.
(Vice Mayor Robinson left the meeting at 7:58 p.m.)
Bryan Lam, Carlo Shihady, Amaya Wooding, Blythe Young and Mya Richmond gave comments via teleconference. Mayor Martinez closed the public hearing.
Discussion ensued. The Council suggested and/or requested the following: an assessment of staffing needs in the Code Enforcement division; the development of a method for residents to report violations; and clarification on what results within a livescan would disqualify a retailer.
Motion by Councilmember Sue Wilson
Seconded by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
To approve the recommended with an amendment that staff consider recommendations from the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and LGBTQ Minus Tobacco organizations.
Ayes (6): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Absent (1): Vice Mayor Doria Robinson
Passed
Cc24Feb2026 – jc/prc
Q. STUDY AND ACTION SESSION
Q.1 Establishment of a Safe Walk Zone Along the 23rd Street Corridor and Identification of Child-Sensitive Areas
DIRECT the city manager and city attorney to study and bring an ordinance back to City Council that establishes a Safe Walk Zone along the 23rd Street corridor, with identification of child-sensitive areas surrounding schools, parks, libraries, and other youth-serving facilities – Councilmember Jamelia Brown (510-412- 2050).
(At 9:50 p.m. - a motion by Councilmember Zepeda, seconded by Councilmember Jimenez, to suspend the rules and extend the meeting to complete Item Q.1 (Establishment of a Safe Walk Zone Along the 23rd Street Corridor and Identification of Child-Sensitive Areas) passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Bana, Brown, Jimenez, Wilson, Zepeda, and Mayor Martinez. Noes: None. Absent: Vice Mayor Robinson. Abstain: None.).
Councilmember Brown introduced the item. Councilmember Brown presented a PowerPoint. Link to presentation: Safe Walk Zone
Cordell Hindler, Claudia Citroen, Barbara Ropati, and Leilani Bailey gave comments in person. Discussion ensued.
Councilmember Bana made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Jimenez, that instead of an ordinance, city staff and the city attorney work with organizations that were involved with the Richmond Task Force to End Gender Based Violence and come up with possible solutions to bring back to the Council.
Councilmember Zepeda made a substitute motion, seconded by Councilmember Brown, to accept the item as is, and in addition work with public works department staff on creative engineering solutions and with community-based organizations that are already working on the issue of local prostitution.
Councilmember Jimenez offered a friendly amendment to the substitute motion that staff work with organizations that have worked on the subject to see what kinds of programs can be coordinated, to bring engineering solutions that make it difficult for cars to pass in areas where prostitution is taking place, and to have public annual reporting on enforcement outcomes. The amendment was partially accepted; it was agreed that public annual reporting on enforcement outcomes would be added to the motion. Councilmember Wilson offered a friendly amendment that staff also study enforcement towards the men who procure women, who are managing them, or who are the clients. The amendment was accepted.
Motion by Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Seconded by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
To accept the item as is, and include the following additional direction: to work with public works department staff on creative engineering solutions; to work with community-based organizations that are already working on the issue of local prostitution; to have public annual reporting on enforcement outcomes; and to direct staff to study enforcement towards the men who procure women, who are managing them, or who are the clients.
Ayes (6): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Absent (1): Vice Mayor Doria Robinson
Cc24Feb2026 – jc/prc
Passed
R. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: REFERRALS TO STAFF, AND GENERAL REPORTS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS)(limited to two minutes per Councilmember) The item was not heard.
S. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:54 p.m. to meet again on March 3, 2026.
Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor