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RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA, May 19, 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 5:02 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda (Via Zoom pursuant to California Government Code Section 54953.8.3(c)(4)), Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent:
None.
C. CLOSED SESSION
C.1 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Government Code
Section 54957.6)
Agency Representatives: Sharrone Taylor, Jack Hughes, and Lisa Charbonneau
Employee organizations:
1. SEIU Local 1021 Full Time Unit and Part Time Unit
2. IFPTE Local 21 Mid-Level Management Unit and Executive Management Units
3. Richmond Police Officers Association RPOA
4. Richmond Police Management Association RPMA
5. IAFF Local 188
6. Richmond Fire Management Association RFMA
C.2 LIABILITY CLAIMS (Government Code Section 54956.9)
Claimant: Todd Kaiser
Agency Against: City of Richmond
D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
Cordell Hindler and Claudia Citroen gave comments in person.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
The Open Session adjourned to Closed Session at 5:07 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 6:04 p.m.
F. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Regular Meeting of the Richmond City Council was called to order at 6:04 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
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G. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
H. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda (Via Zoom pursuant to California Government Code Section 54953.8.3(c)(4)), Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent:
None.
I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
J. AGENDA REVIEW
Item N.1.c (Contract with Thomson Reuters Enterprise for Legal Research Subscription Services) was continued to the May 26, 2026, City Council meeting.
The following items were withdrawn from the agenda:
Item N.7.a (Approval of Write-Off of Uncollectible Accounts Receivables) Item N.12.b (Contract with Richmond Rod and Gun Club for Shooting Range Facility Rental)
The following items were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion:
Item N.5.a (Grant Award from Chevron Community Engagement Foundation) Item N.6.a (Downtown Richmond Property and Business Improvement District Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Assessment Levy)
Item N.13.b (Complete Streets Improvement Elements Project Funding Allocation Plan) Item N.13.e (Contract Amendment No. 3 with Charleston Mobility for Electric Bikeshare Operations)
Item N.13.f (Introduce Ordinance Amending Sidewalk Vendor Regulations (RMC Chapter 7.42))
Item N.6.a (Downtown Richmond Property and Business Improvement District Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Assessment Levy), Item N.13.b (Complete Streets Improvement Elements Project Funding Allocation Plan), Item N.13.e (Contract Amendment No. 3 with Charleston Mobility for Electric Bikeshare Operations), and Item N.13.f (Introduce Ordinance Amending Sidewalk Vendor Regulations (RMC Chapter 7.42)) were moved up to be heard before item O.1 (Fiscal Year 2026-27 Draft Budget Department Presentations and Budget Updates).
A motion by Councilmember Jimenez, seconded by Councilmember Bana, to add an urgency item to the consent calendar to adopt a resolution expressing profound sorrow, condolences, and solidarity with the Muslim community following the tragic May 18, 2026 mosque and school shooting in San Diego, explicitly rejecting racial hate and violence, and formally endorsing the joint statement signed by Richmond faith and community centers, including Masjid Al-Noor and Masjid Al-Rahman, passed by the following vote Ayes: Councilmembers Bana, Brown, Jimenez, Wilson, Zepeda, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Mayor Martinez. Noes: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
K. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING CLOSED SESSION
Interim City Attorney Shannon Moore reported that no final decisions were made regarding Item C.1 (conference with labor negotiators) and Item C.2 (liability claims).
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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. 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 suggested there be a community engagement manager position created for the City. Mr. Hindler thanked Mayor Martinez for appointments he has made to the City's boards and commissions. Mr. Hindler also gave comments in support of Item N.9.a (Annual Compensation Adjustment for the City Clerk).
Claudia Citroen gave comments regarding crime throughout the City and expressed concerns regarding the Office of Neighborhood Safety.
Antwon Cloird announced an upcoming event where he would be honored and invited the community to attend. Mr. Cloird expressed concerns regarding crime throughout the City and the impact on the youth.
Juan Munoz thanked the Council for its support of a recent Mother's Day event held in the Richmond Auditorium.
Tashii Johnson, Hilda Nava, Arnold Dimas, Tania Dimas, Cynthia Roman, Laura Gonzalez, and Camila Gonzalez urged the Council to allocate funds for improvements at the Humphrey Playlot.
Mark Wassberg gave comments regarding a recent news interview and immigration.
Kimberly Graves gave comments regarding a request for records she submitted. Ms.
Graves expressed concerns regarding the availability of dash cameras on police patrol vehicles.
Cinthia Hernandez and Guadalupe Enllana gave comments in support of Item N.3.a (Waiver of Auditorium Fees, Staffing Costs, and Other Associated Costs to Support the West Contra Costa Unified School District Latino/x Graduation at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center).
The following individuals gave comments via teleconference:
Julie Freestone gave comments on collaboration efforts between residents and City staff to mitigate illegal fireworks. Ms. Freestone also urged the Council to increase fines for use of illegal fireworks.
Benjamin Therriault expressed concern regarding Item P.4 (Annual Public Hearing on Vacancies). Mr. Therriault suggested that the item be continued.
N. 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.)
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Motion by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
Seconded by Councilmember Soheila Bana
To approve all items on the consent calendar with the inclusion of the added Emergency Item (resolution expressing profound sorrow, condolences, and solidarity with the Muslim community following the tragic May 18, 2026, mosque and school shooting in San Diego) and excluding Items N.1.c (Contract with Thomson Reuters Enterprise for Legal Research Subscription Services), N.5.a (Grant Award from Chevron Community Engagement Foundation), N.6.a (Downtown Richmond Property and Business Improvement District Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Assessment Levy), N.7.a (Approval of Write-Off of Uncollectible Accounts Receivables), N.12.b (Contract with Richmond Rod and Gun Club for Shooting Range Facility Rental), N.13.b (Complete Streets Improvement Elements Project Funding Allocation Plan), N.13.e (Contract Amendment No. 3 with Charleston Mobility for Electric Bikeshare Operations), and N.13.f (Introduce Ordinance Amending Sidewalk Vendor Regulations (RMC Chapter 7.42)).
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Passed
Emergency Item (added to the Consent Calendar)
ADOPT a resolution expressing profound sorrow, condolences, and solidarity with the Muslim community following the tragic May 18, 2026, mosque and school shooting in San Diego, explicitly rejecting racial hate and violence, and formally endorsing the joint statement signed by Richmond faith and community centers, including Masjid Al-Noor and Masjid Al-Rahman.
Adopted Resolution No. 63-26
N.1 City Attorney's Office
N.1.a Legal Services Agreement No. 4 with Nevers, Palazzo, Packard, Wildermuth & Wynner, PC
APPROVE a fourth amendment to the legal services agreement with Nevers, Palazzo, Packard, Wildermuth & Wynner, PC, for legal representation related to the Winehaven Legacy litigation and related matters, to increase compensation by $75,000 for a total contract amount not to exceed $450,000, extend the term through December 31, 2027, and APPROPRIATE $75,000 from the General Fund to cover associated legal fees. – City Attorney’s Office (Kimberly Chin 510-620-6709/Shannon Moore 510-620-6505).
N.1.b Legal Services Agreement with Ellis Investigations for Confidential Personnel Investigations
APPROVE a legal services agreement with Ellis Investigations to conduct confidential personnel investigations for a term of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, for a total amount not to exceed $150,000 – City Attorney’s Office/Human Resources Department (Shannon Moore/Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6509).
N.1.c Contract with Thomson Reuters Enterprise for Legal Research Subscription Services
APPROVE a contract with Thomson Reuters for legal research subscription services for Westlaw and CoCounsel Legal in an amount not
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to exceed $110,000 for the term of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, subject to non-substantive revisions approved by the City Attorney’s Office; and AUTHORIZE the city manager or their designee to execute the contract – City Attorney’s Office (Christopher Dykzeul 510-620- 6507/Shannon Moore 510-620-6509).
The item was continued to the May 26, 2026, meeting.
N.2 City Clerk's Office
N.2.a Meeting Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the March 24, 2026, and April 21, 2026, regular City Council meetings - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620- 6513).
N.3 City Council
N.3.a Waiver of Auditorium Fees, Staffing Costs, and Other Associated Costs to Support the West Contra Costa Unified School District Latino/x Graduation at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center REQUEST the city manager issue fee waivers to West Contra Costa Unified School District for the use of the Richmond Memorial Auditorium in 2026 for the Latino/x Graduation Ceremony or Ceremonies, and AUTHORIZE the city manager or their designee to expend City resources to support the graduation, which may include overtime from Police, Fire, Public Works, Community Services, and other departments as required - Councilmember Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6565).
N.4 Community Development
N.4.a On-Call Contracts with Nastich Law and Robert M. Snider, Attorney at Law for Administrative Hearing Officer Services
ADOPT a resolution authorizing on-call contracts with Nastich Law and Robert M. Snider, Attorney at Law, to provide Administrative Hearing Officer services, for an amount not to exceed $300,000 per firm, for a three-year term - Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/ Eva Mann 510-621-1283).
Adopted Resolution No. 64-26
N.4.b Contract with Makanai, LLC for Budget and Reporting Support for Housing Programs
APPROVE an on-call contract with Makanai, LLC to provide budget and reporting support related to past housing programs in an amount not to exceed $50,000, for a three-year term with a term expiration of June 30, 2029, with one one-year extension option – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Jesus Morales 510-620-6706).
N.5 Community Services
N.5.a Grant Award from Chevron Community Engagement Foundation ADOPT a resolution to ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE a $35,000 grant award from the Chevron Community Engagement Foundation for the Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS) to Enhance Street Outreach/Mobile Crises Response – Community Services Department (LaShonda White/Sam Vaughn 510-620-5404).
The item was continued to the May 26, 2026, meeting.
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N.6 Economic Development
N.6.a Downtown Richmond Property and Business Improvement District Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Assessment Levy
ADOPT a resolution authorizing the City of Richmond to levy assessments on property owners subject to the Downtown Richmond Property and Business Improvement District through the County of Contra Costa property tax rolls for Fiscal Year 2026–2027 – Economic Development Department (Jesson de Leon 510-412-2023/Antonio Banuelos 510-620-6741/Junne Garcia 510-620-6524/Nannette Beacham 510-620-1306).
Senior Business Assistance Officer Jesson de Leon introduced the item.
Richmond Main Street Initiative Executive Director Sara Wally gave background information and presented a PowerPoint: Downtown Richmond Property and Business Improvement District
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Vice Mayor Doria Robinson
Seconded by Mayor Eduardo Martinez
To approve the item.
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Passed
Adopted Resolution No. 65-26
N.6.b Contract Amendment with Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center for Small Business Beautification Pilot Program
APPROVE the first amendment to the contract with Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center to increase the total contract amount by $60,000 for a revised amount not to exceed $400,000, extend the term through June 30, 2027, and support payment administration for eligible businesses participating in the Small Business Beautification Facade Improvement Program - Economic Development Department (Jesson de Leon 510-412- 2023/Junne Garcia 510-620-6524/Nannette Beacham 510-620-1306).
N.7 Finance Department
N.7.a Approval of Write-Off of Uncollectible Accounts Receivables ADOPT a resolution authorizing the write-off of delinquent and/or uncollectible accounts receivable in the amount of $535,499.12 – Finance Department (Emily Combs/Mubeen Qader/Antonio Banuelos 510-620- 6741).
This item was withdrawn from the agenda.
N.7.b Setting Tax Rate for the Pension Tax Override Fund for Fiscal Year 2026- 27 INTRODUCE an ordinance (first reading) setting the tax rate for the Tax Override Pension Fund for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 at 0.14 percent – Finance Department (Emily Combs/Mubeen Qader/ Antonio Banuelos 510-620-6741).
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N.7.c Donation Acceptance Policy
ADOPT a resolution approving the City of Richmond Donation Acceptance Policy – Finance Department (Emily Combs/Jerry Chak 510- 620-6569).
Adopted Resolution No. 66-26
N.8 Fire Department
N.8.a Designating Officials Authorized to Execute and Submit Application for Federal and State Financial Disaster Assistance
ADOPT a resolution designating officials that are authorized to execute and submit applications to the State of California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services for state financial assistance under the California Disaster Assistance Act and the federal Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act – Fire Department (Shasa Curl 510-620- 6512/Emily Combs 510-620-6740/Chief Aaron Osorio 510-307-8021).
Adopted Resolution No. 67-26
N.8.b Interagency Agreement Amendment with Contra Costa County Health Services for Emergency Medical Services Program
ADOPT a resolution to: (1) APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the city manager, or designee to execute an amendment to the agreement with Contra Costa County Health Services for Emergency Medical Services Program, extending the term of the current interagency agreement through June 30, 2027; and (2) ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE funds in an amount not to exceed an additional $229,462 in Measure H funding from the Contra Costa County Health Services, bringing the total contract payment limit to $458,924 – Fire Department (Chief Aaron Osorio 510-307- 8021/Deputy Chief Rico Rincon 510-307-8041).
Adopted Resolution No. 68-26
N.8.c Wildfire Preparedness Ad Hoc Committee Recommendations RECEIVE a written presentation from the Wildfire Preparedness Ad Hoc Committee; PROVIDE DIRECTION to staff on the City Council’s preferred recommendation to improve the City’s wildfire preparedness and mitigation efforts during the budget checklist on proposed appropriations; and ACKNOWLEDGE the disbanding of the Wildfire Preparedness Ad Hoc Committee – Wildfire Preparedness Ad Hoc Committee (Chief Aaron Osorio 510-307-8021).
N.9 Human Resources
N.9.a Annual Compensation Adjustment for the City Clerk APPROVE a five percent (5%) salary adjustment for the city clerk effective March 2, 2026, in accordance with the IFPTE Local 21 Executive Management Memorandum of Understanding Section 6.4D – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620- 6602).
N.10 Internal Services
N.10.a Ad-Hoc Committee to Amend City Council Rules of Procedure and Order REQUEST that Mayor Eduardo Martinez appoint a City Council ad hoc committee to work with the city clerk, city attorney, and city manager to
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develop proposed amendments to the City Council Rules of Procedure and Order and other operational refinements to improve efficiency, for consideration by the full City Council within 60 days of the committee’s appointment - City Clerk’s Office/City Attorney’s Office/City Manager’s Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513/Shannon Moore 510-620- 6509/Shasa Curl 510-620-6512).
N.11 Mayor's Office
N.11.a Appointment of Darcy A. Wheeler to the Richmond Fund for Children and Youth Oversight Board
APPOINT Darcy A. Wheeler to the Richmond Fund for Children and Youth Oversight Board to a vacant seat with a term ending December 2, 2027 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
N.11.b Appointment of Aleena Ornelas to the Richmond Youth Council APPOINT Aleena Ornelas to the Richmond Youth Council to fill a vacated seat, for a term ending December 31, 2027 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
N.11.c Appointment of Cameron Smith to the Design Review Board APPOINT Cameron Smith to the Design Review Board to a vacant seat with a new term ending March 17, 2028 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
N.11.d Reappointment of Samantha Torres to the Recreation and Parks Commission
REAPPOINT Samantha Torres to the Recreation and Park Commission to a vacant seat with a new term ending October 26, 2029 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
N.11.e 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 (Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6502).
N.11.f Recognizing National Public Works Week May 17-23, 2026 PROCLAMATION recognizing National Public Works Week May 17-23, 2026, acknowledging the work of public works staff and their ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving the City’s critical infrastructure and public services – Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503) N.12 Police Department
N.12.a Contract with Verizon Connect for Police Vehicle GPS Service APPROVE a contract with Verizon Connect for monthly GPS tracking and management in an amount not to exceed $150,000 over a three-year term from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029, plus two one-year extension options not to exceed $50,000 per year – Police Department (Chief Timothy Simmons 510-621-1802).
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N.12.b Contract with Richmond Rod and Gun Club for Shooting Range Facility Rental
APPROVE a three-year sole-source contract with Richmond Rod and Gun Club for shooting range facility rentals in an amount not to exceed $25,000 annually, for a total not to exceed $75,000, for the term July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, with two one-year extension options at $25,000 per year – Police Department (Chief Timothy Simmons 510-621- 1802).
This item was withdrawn from the agenda.
N.12.c 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). This item was continued from the May 5, 2026, meeting.
N.13 Public Works
N.13.a Acceptance of the Lincoln Elementary School Safe Routes to School Improvement Project
ADOPT a resolution to ACCEPT the Lincoln Elementary School Safe Routes to School Improvement Project as complete; AUTHORIZE the city clerk to ratify the previously recorded Notice of Completion; and AUTHORIZE the city engineer to execute and release applicable bonds and retention – Public Works Department (Hillal Hamdan 621- 1612/Daniel Chavarria 620-5478).
Adopted Resolution No. 69-26
N.13.b Complete Streets Improvement Elements Project Funding Allocation Plan APPROVE the Complete Streets Improvements (Pavement Management, Streetscape Improvements, etc.) funding allocation plan – Public Works Department (Josef Munoz 510-620-6671/Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478).
Director of Public Works Daniel Chavarria introduced the item. Mr.
Chavarria presented Attachment 3 of the agenda item: Funding Allocation Plan.
Discussion ensued.
Vice Mayor Robinson made a motion to accept all the recommendations, except to divide half of the money allocated to the Richmond Parkway and use half of that to address as many projects on the list that are of high priority, that are the highest dangers, the highest kind of issue, to continue to address the issues that constituents have been bringing forward and have been waiting to be addressed.
Vice Mayor Robinson amended her motion to have the director of Public Works provide the best way to take a reasonable amount of projects from the high priority list and also accomplish something on the Richmond Parkway. Councilmember Jimenez seconded the motion.
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Councilmember Bana made a substitute motion, seconded by Councilmember Brown, to approve the item as is.
Motion by Councilmember Soheila Bana
Seconded by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
To approve the item as is.
Ayes (4): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Noes (3): Councilmembers Sue Wilson, Claudia Jimenez, and Vice Mayor Doria Robinson.
Passed
N.13.c Fiscal Year 2026–27 Senate Bill 1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Fund Project List
ADOPT a resolution approving the Fiscal Year 2026–27 Senate Bill (SB) 1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) project list and APPROPRIATE $3,251,983 in RMRA funds to SB 1 Fund 1019 - Public Works Department (Hillal Hamdan 510-621-1612/Robert Armijo 510-620- 5477).
Adopted Resolution No. 70-26
N.13.d Appropriate Funds for the Santa Fe Avenue Slope Stabilization Project ADOPT a resolution to RATIFY the transfer of $72,623.62 from the Santa Rita Road Stabilization Project; APPROPRIATE $205,502.81 from the Quick-Build project funded through California’s Active Transportation Program for Cutting/Hoffman Project to fund design and geotechnical services; and APPROPRIATE $1,000,000 from the Insurance Reserve Fund to the General Capital Fund in the Fiscal Year 2026–27 budget for construction of the Santa Fe Avenue Slope Stabilization Project - Public Works Department (Hillal Hamdan 510-621-1612/Daniel Chavarria 510- 620-5478).
Adopted Resolution No. 71-26
N.13.e 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 510-620-6606/LaShonda White 510-620- 6828). This item was continued from the April 28, 2026, and May 5, 2026, meeting.
Claudia Citroen gave comments via teleconference. Project Manager Gabino Arredondo introduced and gave background information on the item. Discussion ensued.
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Motion by Councilmember Sue Wilson
Seconded by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
To approve the item.
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Passed
N.13.f 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, and May 5, 2026, meeting.
There were no public speakers for the item.
Motion by Councilmember Sue Wilson
Seconded by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
To approve the item.
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Passed
O. BUDGET SESSION
O.1 Fiscal Year 2026-27 Draft Budget Department Presentations and Budget Updates
RECEIVE an update on departmental presentations from Community Services, Economic Development, and Fire Departments as part of the continued review of the draft Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 Annual Operating Budget and FY 2026-31 FiveYear Capital Improvement Plan, with discussions upon completion of all departmental presentations; and RECEIVE updated financial and operational considerations – City Manager’s Office/Finance Department (Shasa Curl/Emily Combs/Mubeen Qader 510-412-2077).
City Manager Shasa Curl introduced the item. Ms. Curl and Deputy City Manager LaShonda White presented a PowerPoint: Draft Budget Department Presentations/Budget Updates
(City Council took a recess at 9:42 p.m. The City Council returned from recess and reconvened at 9:52 p.m.)
(At 9:53 p.m. - a motion by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Councilmember Jimenez, to suspend the rules and extend the meeting to complete Item O.1 (Fiscal Year 2026-27 Draft Budget Department Presentations and Budget Updates) passed by the following vote Ayes: Councilmembers Bana, Brown, Jimenez, Wilson, Zepeda, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Mayor Martinez.
Noes: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.)
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Discussion ensued. Economic Development Director Nannette Beacham, Environmental Manager Samantha Carr, Management Analyst Yahna Williamson, and Senior Business Assistance Officer Lizeht Zepeda presented a PowerPoint:
Draft Budget Department Presentations/Budget Updates
The item was continued to the May 26, 2026, City Council meeting.
P. PUBLIC HEARINGS
P.1 General Plan and Zoning Text Amendments Related to 6th Cycle Housing Element Program Implementation
HOLD a public hearing; INTRODUCE (first reading) an ordinance, as recommended by Richmond’s Planning Commission, amending Articles
15.04.104, 15.04.201, 15.04.202, 15.04.203, 15.04.602, 15.04.607; Sections
15.04.610.180, 15.04.610.360, 15.04.805.040 and 15.04.806.040 of the Richmond Municipal Code (RMC); and ADOPT a resolution, as recommended by Richmond’s Planning Commission, amending the General Plan 2030 Land Use and Urban Design Element, to implement certain programs identified in the City’s adopted 6th Cycle Housing Element to align with recent changes to State Law - Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Avery Stark 510-620-6714).
The item was continued to the May 26, 2026, meeting.
P.2 Levy of Special Assessments for Unpaid Administrative Citation and Nuisance Abatement Costs
HOLD a public hearing; and ADOPT a resolution authorizing the levy of special assessments against certain properties with unpaid invoices related to administrative citation fees, and nuisance abatement costs pursuant to Richmond Municipal Code Chapters 2.62, 6.38, 9.22, and 11.76 – Community Development Department/Code Enforcement Division (Lina Velasco/Eva Mann 510-621-1279).
The item was continued to the May 26, 2026, meeting.
P.3 Master Fee Schedule Update
HOLD a public hearing; and INTRODUCE an ordinance (first reading) establishing certain fees for the proposed Master Fee Schedule – Finance Department (Emily Combs/Mubeen Qader/Antonio Banuelos 510-620-6741).
The item was continued to the May 26, 2026, meeting.
P.4 Annual Public Hearing on Vacancies
HOLD a public hearing and RECEIVE a presentation on the status of vacancies and the City’s recruitment and retention efforts in 2025 – Human Resources (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6803).
The item was continued to the May 26, 2026, meeting.
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, and May 5, 2026, meeting.
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THE PRESENTATION FOR THIS ITEM WAS RECEIVED ON MAY 5,
2026. THIS ITEM IS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT AND COUNCIL
DELIBERATION ONLY.
Don Gosney, Maureen Brennan, and Gary Hughes gave comments in person.
Genie Stowers, Tom Kunhardt, Jeff Kilbreth, Lucinda Young, Valerie Ventre- Hutton, Clair Brown, and Emma Ishii gave comments via teleconference.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Seconded by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
To approve the item.
Ayes (5): Councilmembers Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Abstentions (2): Councilmembers Jamelia Brown, and Soheila Bana Passed
Adopted Resolution No. 72-26
Q.2 Presentation from Richmond Promise: Helping to build a stronger Richmond by deeply supporting Richmond students to access and successfully complete post-secondary education (not only 4 year college)
RECEIVE a presentation from Richmond Promise on the organization’s current scope of services, how it supports youth before, during, and after post-secondary education, and the impact it has achieved to date and to highlight the program’s current needs as it continues to serve Richmond students; and DIRECT staff to explore funding to support scholarships for Richmond youth - Vice Mayor Doria Robinson (510-620-6568).
The item was continued to the May 26, 2026, meeting.
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 May 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor