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RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA, May 5, 2026
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 Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Mayor Martinez. Absent: Councilmember Jamelia Brown arrived at 3:32 p.m. after the roll was called. Councilmember Cesar Zepeda was absent for the entire meeting.
C. CLOSED SESSION
C.1 LIABILITY CLAIMS (Government Code Section 54956.9)
Claimant: Jose Salala
Agency Against: City of Richmond
C.2 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EV ALUATION (Government Code Section 54957)
Title: City Clerk
Title: City Manager
C.3 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9) City of Richmond et al. v. Chevron Corp. et al., No. CIVMSC18-00055 (Contra Costa County, CA), In re Fuel Industry Climate Cases, JCCP No. 5310 (S.F. Superior Ct.)
C.4 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
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C.5 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.6 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT/EMPLOYMENT (Government
Code Section 54957.6)
Title: City Manager
D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
Cordell Hindler gave comments in person regarding the performance evaluations and the appointment of a new city manager.
Benjamin Therriault gave comments regarding the city manager's retirement announcement and performance evaluation process.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
The Open Session adjourned to Closed Session at 3:36 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 6:02 p.m.
F. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Regular Meeting of the Richmond City Council was called to order at 6:06 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 Bana, Brown, Jimenez, Wilson, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Mayor Martinez. Absent: Councilmember Zepeda was absent for the entire meeting.
I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
J. AGENDA REVIEW
Item N.5.d (Agreement with Contra Costa County Animal Services Department for Ongoing Animal Control Services) was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion at the end of the agenda.
Item Q.2 (Introduce Ordinance Amending Sidewalk Vendor Regulations) was moved as the first New Business item for discussion before Item Q.1.
K. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING CLOSED SESSION
Interim City Attorney Shannon Moore reported that no final actions were 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
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L.1 NEW EMPLOYEE REPORT - 1st Tuesday
Deputy City Manager Nickie Mastay 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 distributed a page from a Citywide Workforce Analysis regarding the Economic Development Department. He requested a hiring status update for the Cultural Manager position. Mr. Hindler also requested a proclamation for Salesian College Preparatory High School students service day efforts.
Claudia Citroen inquired why the Rent Board never presented its budget in person rather than placing it on a consent calendar. She requested clarification regarding whether boards and commissions that received city funds, including the Office of Neighborhood Safety, were required to present in person. Ms. Citroen stated there was a lack of clarity regarding which boards and commissions were and were not sufficiently staffed. She requested the Code Enforcement Division to provide residents with a monthly update letter regarding dragon spine vegetation.
Antwon Cloird expressed concerns regarding the safety of Richmond residents and potential air quality issues associated with the refinery and other nearby entities. He urged the council to prioritize the community by providing information and education on what to do in the event of an emergency. Mr. Cloird requested the council’s partnership in developing an air quality grant proposal. He urged the council to consider issues related to recognizing exposure, working with law enforcement, and navigating shelter locations with options for unhoused individuals.
Soloman Erwin expressed his gratitude for the use of the Booker T. Anderson (BTA) Community Center for youth basketball. He announced there was a basketball tournament at the BTA Community Center on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Mark Wassberg gave comments regarding immigration rights, changes in government financial assistance, and non-profit organizations that supported undocumented individuals.
The following individuals gave comments via teleconference:
Janice Haugan gave comments against illegal fireworks and the harmful impacts on the community. She urged the council to keep the air clean and raise fines for illegal fireworks violations.
Emily Ross expressed concerns regarding Item N.5.g (Agreement with Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to Continue the Community-based Prosecution Program). She noted that the special focus statement on improving the prosecution of “quality of life” crimes had not been updated to “violent crimes,” as approved by the council in 2023. Ms. Ross also raised concerns regarding the lack of oversight related to the dedicated services position and data.
Tarnell Abbott gave comments regarding Item N.2.b (Appropriate Funding for Sister Cities Commission Partner City Delegations). She clarified that the body for the sister city, Regla, was a committee and not a commission. Ms. Abbott suggested a higher appropriation for the Regla Sister City Committee if it did not receive an equal share of the proposed appropriation.
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N. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
(All items placed under the Consent Calendar were considered to be routine and noncontroversial. The 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 Councilmember Bana
Seconded by Councilmember Brown
To approve all items on the Consent Calendar except for Item N.5.d.
Ayes (6): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Wilson, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Mayor Martinez.
Absent (1): Councilmember Zepeda.
Passed 6 to 1
N.1 City Attorney's Office
N.1.a Legal Services Agreement with Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC for General Litigation and Municipal Advice
APPROVE a legal services agreement with Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC, for general litigation and municipal advice in an amount not to exceed $100,000, for a term of May 5, 2026, through December 31, 2027 – City Attorney’s Office (Kimberly Chin 510-620-6709/Shannon Moore 510-620-6509).
N.1.b Legal Services Agreement with Bennett, Gelini and Gelini, APC (BGG) for Representation and Liability Claim
APPROVE a new legal services agreement with Bennett, Gelini and Gelini, APC, for litigation representation and liability claims in an amount not to exceed $500,000 with a term of May 5, 2026, through June 30, 2028 – City Attorney’s Office (Kimberly Chin 510-620-6709/Shannon Moore 510-620-6505).
N.1.c Legal Service Agreement Amendment No. 5 with Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP (Burke) for Municipal Litigation Matters
APPROVE a fifth amendment to the Legal Services Agreement with Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP, in the amount of $150,000 for a total contract amount not to exceed $400,000, and extend the term to December 31, 2027, to continue representing the City in municipal law matters, including personnel matters and litigation – City Attorney’s Office (Kimberly Chin 510-620-6709/Shannon Moore 510-620-6509).
N.1.d Establishing a Commitment to Caste Equity and the Prevention of Caste- Based Discrimination
ADOPT an ordinance (second reading) amending sections 3.58.010,
3.58.020, and 3.58.060 of the Richmond Municipal Code to add caste as a protected category within the jurisdiction of the City’s Human Rights and Human Relations Commission – City Attorney’s Office (Shannon Moore 510-620-6505/Dallae Chin 510-620-5517/Brandi Robinson 510-620- 5518).
Adopted Ordinance No. 06-26 N.S.
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N.2 Finance Department
N.2.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 March 2026.
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 March 2026 – Finance Department (Emily Combs 510-620-6740).
N.2.b Appropriate Funding for Sister Cities Commission Partner City Delegations
APPROPRIATE $69,000 in General Fund to the Sister Cities Commission to support delegation activities with Zhoushan, China; Regla, Cuba; and Sebastia, Palestine; AUTHORIZE the city manager, with approval as to form by the City Attorney’s Office, to enter into agreement(s) with qualified third-party administrator(s) and take all necessary actions to administer appropriated funds in support of eligible costs associated with the Richmond–Zhoushan Sister City program; and AUTHORIZE city staff to develop and implement a scholarship program, in collaboration with the Zhoushan Sister City Commission, to support travel costs – Finance Department (Emily Combs/Nickie Mastay/Shasa Curl 510-620-6740).
N.3 Fire Department
N.3.a Purchase of Portable and Mobile Radios from Motorola Solutions, Inc.
APPROVE a standing purchase order with Motorola Solutions, Inc. to purchase portable and mobile radios in an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 for a term ending May 6, 2029, with the possibility of two one-year extension options in a not to exceed $250,000 – Fire Department (Chief Aaron Osorio 510-307-8021/Chief Rico Rincon 510-307-8041/Den Mark Marcelo 510-307-8038).
N.4 Mayor's Office
N.4.a Proclamation Recognizing May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month PROCLAMATION recognizing May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in the City of Richmond - Mayor's Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
N.4.b Appointment of Courtney Sanders to the ECIA Transportation Board APPOINT Courtney Sanders to a vacant seat on the ECIA Transportation Board with a term that expires on July 25, 2029 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
N.5 Police Department
N.5.a Contract with Enterprise Holdings Incorporated for Rental Car Services AUTHORIZE and APPROVE a three-year contract with Enterprise Holdings Incorporated for the Richmond Police Department to rent unmarked police vehicles for an amount not to exceed $540,000 for the period of May 6, 2026, through May 5, 2029, with two one-year, mutually agreed upon annual extensions for an additional total of $360,000 — Police Department (Chief Timothy Simmons 510-621-1802).
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N.5.b Monthly Crime Report for February 2026
RECEIVE the monthly Crime Report from the Richmond Police Department for February 2026 – Police Department (Chief Timothy Simmons 510-621-1802).
N.5.c March 2026 Crime Report
RECEIVE the monthly Crime Report from the Richmond Police Department for March 2026 – Police Department (Chief Timothy Simmons 510-621-1802).
N.5.d Agreement with Contra Costa County Animal Services Department for Ongoing Animal Control Services
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE a contract with Contra Costa County Animal Services Department in an amount not to exceed $7,200,000 for the continuation of Animal Control Services for Fiscal Year 2026–2027, with an additional three-year term for Fiscal Years 2027–2028, 2028– 2029, and 2029–2030, for a total contract term of July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2030 – Police Department (Chief Timothy Simmons 510-621- 1802).
Continued to the May 19, 2026, City Council meeting.
N.5.e Contract with T Jung Investigations and Steve Blanc Investigations for Pre-Employment Background Investigators
APPROVE contracts with T Jung Investigations and, separately, Steve Blanc Investigations, to provide background investigations for Police Department applicants on an as-needed basis, in an amount not to exceed $90,000 per vendor over a three-year contract term of April 15, 2026, to April 15, 2029, with two one-year extension options – Police Department (Chief Timothy Simmons 510-621-1802).
N.5.f Contract with Public Safety Family Counseling Group for Mental Health Counseling and Consultant Services
APPROVE a sole-source contract with Public Safety Family Counseling Group, Inc. for mental health counseling and consultant services in an amount not to exceed $525,000, for a three-year term from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, with two optional one-year extensions, for an annual amount not to exceed $175,000 – Police Department (Chief Timothy Simmons 510-621-1802/Captain Matthew Stonebraker 510-621- 1204).
N.5.g Agreement with Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office to Continue the Community-based Prosecution Program
APPROVE a five-year agreement with the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office for the dedicated services of a deputy district attorney who would be specifically assigned as Richmond's Community-based Prosecutor, in an amount not to exceed $300,000, for the term commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2029 - Police Department (Chief Timothy Simmons 510-621-1802).
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N.6 Public Works
N.6.a Contract with Schaaf & Wheeler Consulting Civil Engineers for the Ferry Point Pump Station Project
APPROVE a sole-source contract with Schaaf & Wheeler Consulting Civil Engineers for $29,690.43 for a term ending on January 1, 2028, for completed construction-related engineering services and APPROPRIATE $45,000 from the Wastewater Enterprise Fund for the Ferry Point Pump Station Project final expenditures – Public Works Department (Darcie DeLashmutt 510-672-3944/Tawfic Halaby 510-620-5482/Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478).
O. BUDGET SESSION
O.1 Draft Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 Annual Operating Budget and FY 2026-31 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan
ACKNOWLEDGE receipt of the draft Fiscal Year 2026-27 Annual Operating Budget and Fiscal Year 2026-31 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan; REVIEW the budget adoption schedule; and RECEIVE an update on departmental operations, with discussions upon completion of all departmental presentations – City Manager’s Office/Finance Department (Shasa Curl/Emily Combs/Mubeen Qader 510-412-2077).
City Manager Shasa Curl introduced the matter. Ms. Curl, Director of Finance Emily Combs, Deputy Director of Finance Mubeen Qader, Dr. Mia Settles-Tidwell, Director of Community Services Lina Velasco, Chief of Police Timothy Simmons, and Director of Public Works Daniel Chavarria presented a PowerPoint: Link to view Draft Budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
Cordell Hindler and Claudia Citroen gave comments in person. Jillian de la Torre gave comments via teleconference.
Discussion ensued. The council requested the following: staff to consider how to make it easier to communicate the needs of community members to prioritize with transparency and accountability; how many staff were in the Housing Division, and whether it was enough for the vision of revitalizing downtown and other projects; confirm if there was sufficient staffing to reach the goals of the Community Development Department; plans for paving surplus funds; consider breaking down large numbers in the budget; and in the future, provide a digestible scope of how to plan for getting the city where it needed to be; solutions to address homelessness; streamlined permitting process; bar charts for tables in the budget documents and list value amounts next to items; an explanation for the Rent Program allocation; consider a grant office for implementation and outsourcing the application process; results of the needs assessment; advise if the Community Crisis Response Program had helped with reducing the police load; cost and update on the police substation at Hilltop; prioritize public safety signage, painting, and fire lanes; clarity regarding CIP projects funding and implementation by year; suggestions from staff for ways to track council requests and make publicly transparent; and how the council and staff could figure out where the thirteen new positions would go considering all of the needs.
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Motion by Councilmember Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Brown
To receive said draft operating budget, Capital Improvement Plan, and update on departmental operations.
Ayes (6): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Wilson, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Mayor Martinez.
Absent (1): Councilmember Zepeda.
Passed (6 to 1)
P. PUBLIC HEARINGS
P.1 Appeal of Planning Commission Conditional Approval of Marina Point Residential Project
HOLD a public hearing to consider two appeals of the Planning Commission’s conditional approval of the Marina Point Residential Project (PLN23-117) and ADOPT a resolution Modifying the Conditions in response to the appeals and otherwise affirming the Planning Commission’s conditional approval - Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Avery Stark 510-620-6714).
City Clerk Pamela Christian announced that it was time, pursuant to public notice, to hold a public hearing. Director of Community Development Lina Velasco introduced the matter. Ms. Velasco, Planning Manager Avery Stark, and Senior Assistant City Attorney James Atencio presented a PowerPoint. Link to view Marina Point Residential Project.
Mayor Martinez declared the public hearing opened. The first appellant’s representative, Land Use Attorney Bryan Wenter, gave a statement on behalf of the project applicant, Guardian Capital. The second appellant, Trails for Richmond Action Committee (TRAC) Chair Bruce Beyaert, gave a statement and presented a PowerPoint: Link to view Approved Plans and TRAC Recommended Condition.
Discussion ensued. The Council requested that staff consider making the funding source for the landscaping and public access facilities improvements more explicit in the conditions of approval.
(At approximately 10:00 p.m., a motion made by Councilmember Jimenez, seconded by Councilmember Bana, to extend the meeting to complete Item P .1 and hear Item Q.1 [Opposition to Proposed CO2 Waste Dumping Projects & CO2 Pipelines in Richmond, Contra Costa, and Solano Counties], passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Bana, Brown, Jimenez, Wilson, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Mayor Martinez. Noes: None. Abstentions: None.
Absent: Councilmember Zepeda).
The following individuals gave comments in person: Cordell Hindler, Diane Hedler, Bruce Beyaert, Virginia Finlay, and Bruce Brubaker. The following individuals gave comments via teleconference: Margarita Mitas, Lynne Therriault, and Claudia Citroen.
Each of the appellants gave a rebuttal statement. Mayor Martinez closed the public hearing.
Discussion ensued. The council requested staff to ensure there was public engagement in the review of the designs for the public access facilities improvements.
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Motion by Councilmember Brown
Seconded by Councilmember Wilson
To adopt said resolution with the additional Condition of Approval No. 69:
"Prior to issuance of any Building Permit, the applicant shall revise all project plans, including but not limited to the site plan, circulation plan, and civil drawings, to remove any proposed guest parking spaces located along Marina Way South, including any perpendicular or on-street parking configurations." Ayes (5): Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Wilson, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Mayor Martinez.
Abstentions (1): Councilmember Bana.
Absent (1): Councilmember Zepeda.
Passed (5 to 2)
Q. NEW BUSINESS
Q.1 Opposition to Proposed CO2 Waste Dumping Projects & CO2 Pipelines in Richmond, Contra Costa, and Solano Counties
RECEIVE a presentation on proposed Montezuma CO2 Hub, a carbon waste dumping project, that would require a massive build out of pipelines through Richmond, risking the health and safety of Richmond residents and ADOPT a resolution that opposes the proposed Montezuma Carbon Sequestration Hub's CO2 pipeline waste dumping projects and CO2 pipelines in Richmond, Contra Costa, and Solano Counties - Councilmember Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6565).
This item was continued from the April 28, 2026, meeting.
Northern California Organizer of Food & Water Watch, Isabel Penman, presented a PowerPoint. Link to view Bay Area Carbon Injection & Pipeline Project Continued to the May 19, 2026, City Council meeting as the first New Business item for discussion, public comment, and council deliberation only.
Q.2 Introduce Ordinance Amending Sidewalk Vendor Regulations (RMC Chapter 7.42)
INTRODUCE an ordinance (first reading) amending Chapter 7.42 of the Richmond Municipal Code (Sidewalk Vendor Ordinance) to update administrative procedures, waiver provisions, and enforcement mechanisms - Public Works Department (Andy Cho 620-6547/Robert Armijo 620-5477). This item was continued from the April 28, 2026, meeting.
Continued to the May 19, 2026, City Council meeting.
Q.3 Contract Amendment No. 3 with Charleston Mobility for Electric Bikeshare Operations
APPROVE a third contract amendment with Charleston Mobility in an amount not to exceed $390,000 for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $3,540,341, to support the continued operation of the citywide electric bikeshare program till the end of the fiscal year to allow time to determine the future of the program during the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget process; and APPROPRIATE $390,000 from the Environmental and Community Investment Agreement (ECIA) Transportation budget to cover the cost of the contract amendment – Public Works Department/Community Services Department (Gabino Arredondo 510-620-
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6606/LaShonda White 510-620-6828). This item was continued from the April 28, 2026, meeting.
Continued to the May 19, 2026, City Council meeting.
R. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: REFERRALS TO STAFF, AND GENERAL REPORTS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS)(limited to two minutes per Councilmember) None.
S. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:02 p.m., in memory of Abigail Sims-Evelyn, to meet again on May 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Pamela Christian, Clerk of the City of
Richmond
Eduardo Martinez, Mayor