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RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA, May 26, 2026
Community Services Building
440 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
_____________________________________________________________________
A. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Special Meeting of the Richmond City Council was called to order at 3:32 p.m. by Vice Mayor Doria Robinson.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor Doria Robinson led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
C. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: Councilmember Soheila Bana arrived after the roll was called at 3:45 p.m.
D. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
E. AGENDA REVIEW
None.
F. BUDGET SESSION
F.1 Budget Study Session on Proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 Operating Budget and Fiscal Year 2026-31 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan and Department Presentations
RECEIVE the draft Fiscal Year 2026-27 Annual Operating Budget and Fiscal Year 2026-31 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan Budget presentation; RECEIVE updates on departmental operations and services from the following departments: City Attorney’s Office, City Clerk’s Office, City Manager’s Office, Fire and Internal Services; and upon completion of departmental presentations PROVIDE DIRECTION to staff prior to final budget adoption – City Manager’s Office/Finance Department (Shasa Curl/Emily Combs/Mubeen Qader 510-412- 2077).
City Manager Shasa Curl introduced the item. Ms. Curl, Senior Assistant City Attorney James Atencio, Deputy Director of Finance Mubeen Qader, and Fire Chief Aaron Osorio presented a PowerPoint: Draft Budget Department Presentations/Budget Updates
(City Council took a recess at 4:29 p.m. The City Council returned from recess and reconvened at 4:33 p.m.)
Interim City Attorney Shannon Moore, Deputy City Clerk Sabrina Lundy, and Administrative Chief Patrick Seals presented a PowerPoint: Draft Budget Department Presentations/Budget Updates
(City Council took a recess at 5:19 p.m. The City Council returned from recess and reconvened at 5:22 p.m.)
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Deputy City Manager Nickie Mastay presented a PowerPoint: Draft Budget Department Presentations/Budget Updates
(City Council took a recess at 5:40 p.m. The City Council returned from recess and reconvened at 5:44 p.m.)
Director of Public Works Daniel Chavarria, Senior Civil Engineer Wendy Wellbrook, Capital Project Manager Darcie DeLashmutt, Assistant Deputy Director of Public Works Darin Fitzpatrick, Senior Transportation Planner Gail Payne, and Director of Finance Emily Combs presented a PowerPoint: Draft Budget Department Presentations/Budget Updates
Cordell Hindler gave comments in person. Benjamin Therriault, Keri Sullivan, and Kevin Tisdell gave comments via teleconference.
Discussion ensued. The Council scheduled a special meeting on June 9, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., to discuss the budget and provide direction.
G. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 6:31 p.m.
H. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Regular Meeting of the Richmond City Council was called to order at 6:47 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
I. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: Vice Mayor Doria Robinson arrived after the roll was called at 7:37 p.m.
J. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Vice Mayor Robinson reported a conflict of interest for Item P.5.a (Submit Applications for Bay Area Air Quality Management District Grant Programs) and recused herself from the discussion and vote.
K. AGENDA REVIEW
Item P.1.a (Contract with Thomson Reuters Enterprise for Legal Research Subscription Services) was continued to the June 16, 2026, meeting.
Item P.3.a (Honoring the Richmond Emergency Communications (EmComm¹) volunteers for their leadership and service, celebrating the installation of the City Hall emergency antenna, and declaring April 30, 2026, as "Richmond Emergency Communications Volunteer Day) was continued to the June 23, 2026, meeting.
Items S.3 (Consider Amending Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 11.05 entitled “Fireworks”) and S.4 (Recommend Dedicating a Literacy Space in the Richmond Public Library in Honor of Abigail Sims-Evelyn) were moved to the consent calendar.
L. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING CLOSED SESSION
None.
M. 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
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N. COMMENDATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS
N.1 Proclamation Honoring Abigail Sims-Evelyn for Her Service and Contributions to Literacy and Community Uplift in Richmond PROCLAMATION honoring Abigail Sims-Evelyn for her compassionate leadership, dedicated service, and enduring contributions to literacy, learning, and community uplift in the City of Richmond – Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620- 6503).
Deputy City Clerk Sabrina Lundy read the item into the record and noted Mayor Martinez, Councilmember Brown, and Councilmember Jimenez as sponsors of the item. Councilmember Brown introduced the item. Councilmember Brown and Mayor Martinez read the proclamation. The Council presented the proclamation to Abigail Sims-Evelyn's daughter. Ms. Sims-Evelyn's daughter, Mayor Martinez, and Councilmember Jimenez gave remarks. Cordell Hindler gave comments in person. Kevin Tisdell gave comments via teleconference.
N.2 Proclamation Celebrating 30 years of the Richmond United Soccer Club PROCLAMATION recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Richmond United Soccer Club, the oldest soccer organization in Richmond, and its multigenerational impact and role in crime reduction, pathways to career and educational opportunities, immigrant rights to support Richmond youth and families by providing access to safe, structured extracurricular activities that have been shown to support positive youth outcomes, including improved physical health, academic engagement, and social-emotional development, in crime reduction which led to the lowest homicide rates in the history of our City - Councilmember Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6565).
Councilmember Jimenez introduced the item. Councilmember Jimenez and Mayor Martinez read the proclamation. The Council presented the proclamation to Samantha Torres on behalf of the Richmond United Soccer Club. Ms. Torres, Mayor Martinez, and Anderson gave remarks.
Cordell Hindler, Anderson, Samantha Torres, and Tulio gave comments in person.
N.3 May is National Bike Month
PROCLAMATION recognizing May as National Bike Month and encouraging residents to participate in biking events – Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620- 6503).
Mayor Martinez introduced the item. Mayor Martinez read the proclamation. The Council presented the proclamation to Maria "Downhill Diva." Maria and Councilmember Bana gave remarks.
Cordell Hindler gave comments in person.
N.4 Proclamation Declaring May 2026 as Affordable Housing Month PROCLAMATION to declare the month of May 2026, as Affordable Housing Month in the City of Richmond to draw attention to the ongoing housing affordability crisis in our region and to renew the City of Richmond’s commitment to ensuring that all community members have safe, stable, and affordable places to call home - Councilmember Claudia Jimenez (510-620- 6565).
Councilmember Jimenez introduced the item. Councilmember Jimenez and Mayor Martinez read the proclamation. The Council presented the proclamation
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to Princess Robinson on behalf of the East Bay Housing Organization. Ms.
Robinson gave remarks.
Cordell Hindler and Claudia Citroen gave comments in person.
O. 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:
Timothy Simmons commended the City for recent improvements made to Shields-Reid Park.
Cordell Hindler gave comments in support of item P.12.e (Proclamation Recognizing Juneteenth and the Contributions of African Americans to Richmond). Mr. Hindler also gave comments in support of Pride Month.
Claudia Citroen expressed concerns regarding Council meeting agendas and the manner in which meetings are conducted.
Antwoin Cloird gave comments regarding plume clouds. Mr. Cloird also expressed concern regarding infrastructure and response planning for large scale emergencies in the City.
Janice Haugan and Julie Freestone gave comments regarding enforcement for illegal fireworks.
Coire Reilly gave comments regarding Contra Costa Transportation Authority programs that support clean commutes.
Mark Wassberg expressed concerns regarding members on the Council.
Nancy Powell gave comments regarding enforcement for illegal fireworks.
The following individuals gave comments via teleconference:
Carlos Juarez and Johana Gurdian expressed concern regarding parking enforcement and street sweeping schedules on Nevin Avenue.
LZ Zephyr expressed concerns regarding illegal fireworks.
Benjamin Therriault gave comments regarding the Police department budget, staffing levels, and labor negotiations between the Police Officer's Association and the City.
P. 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.)
The Council voted on Item P.5.a (Submit Applications for Bay Area Air Quality Management District Grant Programs) separately from the rest of the consent calendar.
Vice Mayor Robinson was recused from the vote on Item P.5.a.
The Council then took a vote on the remainder of the items on the consent calendar.
Motion by Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Seconded by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
To approve all items on the consent calendar including Item S.3 (Consider Amending Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 11.05 entitled “Fireworks”) and Item S.4
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(Recommend Dedicating a Literacy Space in the Richmond Public Library in Honor of Abigail Sims-Evelyn) and excluding Item P.1.a (Contract with Thomson Reuters Enterprise for Legal Research Subscription Services), Item P.3.a (Honoring the Richmond Emergency Communications (EmComm¹) volunteers for their leadership and service, celebrating the installation of the City Hall emergency antenna, and declaring April 30, 2026, as "Richmond Emergency Communications Volunteer Day), and Item P.5.a (Submit Applications for Bay Area Air Quality Management District Grant Programs).
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Councilmember Wilson voted no on Item S.3 (Consider Amending Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 11.05 entitled “Fireworks”).
Passed
P.1 City Attorney's Office
P.1.a 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 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). This item was continued from the May 19, 2026, meeting.
The item was continued to the June 16, 2026, meeting.
P.2 City Clerk's Office
P.2.a Meeting Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the April 28 and May 5, 2026, regular City Council meetings - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
P.3 City Council
P.3.a Honoring the Richmond Emergency Communications (EmComm¹) volunteers for their leadership and service, celebrating the installation of the City Hall emergency antenna, and declaring April 30, 2026, as "Richmond Emergency Communications V olunteer Day
PROCLAMATION honoring the Richmond Emergency Communications volunteers for their leadership and service, celebrating the installation of the City Hall emergency antenna, and declaring April 30, 2026, as "Richmond Emergency Communications V olunteer Day" -
Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672-3490).
The item was continued to the June 23, 2026, meeting.
P.4 City Manager's Office
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P.4.a Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Richmond Fund for Children and Youth Participatory Grantmaking Grant Awardee Recommendation
ADOPT a resolution approving a recommendation from the Richmond for Children and Youth (RFCY) Oversight Board to award fourteen (14) RFCY grants to youth-serving public and nonprofit organizations for a total amount not to exceed $497,000 for Fiscal Year 2026-27; and AUTHORIZE the city manager, or their designee to negotiate and execute Grant Service Agreements with the approved grantees – Richmond Department of Children & Youth (Jora Atienza Washington/Patrick Seals 510-620-6512).
Adopted Resolution No. 73-26
P.5 Community Development
P.5.a Submit Applications for Bay Area Air Quality Management District Grant Programs
ADOPT a resolution to AUTHORIZE the submission of multiple applications for Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Reinvesting Penalties for Air Improvement and Resilience (REPAIR) Program grants and AUTHORIZE the city manager or their designee to adjust project budgets, scopes, and allocations as needed for application completeness and, if awarded, to execute agreements with BAAQMD and co-applicants to implement projects receiving grant funds – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Beatriz Guerrero 510-620-5450).
Motion by Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Seconded by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
To approve the item.
Ayes (6): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Recused (1): Vice Mayor Doria Robinson
Passed
Adopted Resolution No. 74-26
P.5.b Contracts for On-Call Transcription Services for Public Meetings ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE contracts with Anita L. Tucci-Smith, Mary Lynn Porter, and Sherri L. Lewis for on-call transcription services in an amount not to exceed $50,000 per vendor for an initial three-year term, with the option to extend the contracts for up to two additional years - Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Avery Stark 510- 620-6706).
Adopted Resolution No. 75-26
P.6 Economic Development
P.6.a Contract Amendment No. 5 with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. for Architectural and Structural Consulting Services at Winehaven and Shipyard No. 3
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE fifth contract amendment with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) for architectural and structural consulting services for buildings at Winehaven and Shipyard No. 3,
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increasing the payment limit by $62,280, total payment limit of $822,280, and extending the contract term to December 31, 2027 – Port of Richmond (Charles Gerard 510-620-6792).
Adopted Resolution No. 76-26
P.7 Finance Department
P.7.a Setting Tax Rate for the Pension Tax Override Fund for Fiscal Year 2026- 27 ADOPT an ordinance (second 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).
Adopted Ordinance No. 07-26 N.S.
P.8 Fire Department
P.8.a Contracts for On-call Fire Prevention Services Plan Review and Related Inspection Services
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE on-call Fire Prevention Services Plan Review and Related Inspection Services contracts with: (1) 4Leaf, Inc.; (2) BPR Consulting Group; (3) CSG Consultants, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $600,000 per firm, for a three-year contract term with two one- year extension options not to exceed an additional $200,000 per year, per firm – Fire Department (Chief Aaron Osorio 510-307-8021/Fire Marshal Dante J. Wiley 510-307-8090).
Adopted Resolution No. 77-26
P.8.b Standing Purchase Order with Municipal Emergency Services for Firefighting Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment, and Self- Contained Breathing Apparatus
APPROVE three standing purchase orders with Municipal Emergency Services (MES), under Master Price Agreements publicly solicited by Sourcewell, State of Minnesota Local Government Unit, including: (1) Solicitation/Contract #020124-MES for Firefighting Equipment; (2) Solicitation/Contract #010424-MES for Firefighting Personal Protective Equipment; and (3) Solicitation/Contract #011824-MES for Self- Contained Breathing Apparatus, for the purchase of firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, and firefighter self-contained breathing apparatus, in an amount not to exceed $750,000 per purchase order through March 15, 2028, with the option to extend each purchase order for up to two additional one-year terms in an amount not to exceed an additional $250,000 per purchase order – Fire Department (Chief Aaron Osorio 510-307-8021/Deputy Chief Rico Rincon 510-307-8041/Den Mark Marcelo 510-307-8038).
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P.9 Human Resources
P.9.a Side Letter with the Richmond Fire Management Association Regarding Special Compensation Practices
ADOPT a resolution executing a Side Letter with the Richmond Fire Management Association (RFMA) regarding special compensation of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6602).
Adopted Resolution No. 78-26
P.10 Interval Services
P.10.a Contract Amendment No. 2 with Anita L. Tucci-Smith for Transcription Services
APPROVE a second amendment to the contract with Anita L. Tucci-Smith for professional transcription services for the Community Review Police Commission, increasing the contract by $18,000, for a total payment limit of $28,000, while maintaining the term expiration of June 30, 2027 – Internal Services (Nickie Mastay/Nicole Williams 510-620-6603).
P.11 Library and Community Services
P.11.a Contract with OCLC, Inc., for Library Cataloging and Metadata Subscription Services
APPROVE a sole-source contract with OCLC, Inc., for library cataloging and metadata subscription services, for a 3-year term beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2029, for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $150,000 - Community Services Department (Yvette Williams-Barr 510-307-8165/Kate Eppler 510-620-5452).
P.11.b Accept the CalTrans Clean California Grant Funds for the Stronger Together Richmond Cleanup and Leadership Program
ADOPT a resolution to ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE grant funds in the amount of $255,000 from the State of California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) Clean California Community Clean Up and Employment Program Grant Fund; and AUTHORIZE the city manager or their designee to execute the agreement – Community Services- Recreation (LaShonda White/Ranjana Maharaj/Jene Levine- Snipes 510- 307-8132).
Adopted Resolution No. 79-26
P.12 Mayor's Office
P.12.a Appointment of Javier Cabra to the Library Commission APPOINT Javier Cabra to the Library Commission to a vacant seat with a new term ending July 1, 2029 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
P.12.b Reappointment of Kiran Agarwal to the Commission On Aging
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REAPPOINT Kiran Agarwal to the Commission On Aging to a vacant seat with a new term ending May 19, 2030 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
P.12.c Appointment of Jay Krohnengold to the Richmond Arts & Culture Commission
APPOINT Jay Krohnengold to the Richmond Arts and Culture Commission to a vacant seat with a new term ending January 31, 2030 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
P.12.d Boards and Commissions Vacancies Report
ACKNOWLEDGE vacancies on City of Richmond Boards, Commissions, and Committees as of May 26, 2026, and ask that interested individuals send applications to the City Clerk – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
P.12.e Proclamation Recognizing Juneteenth and the Contributions of African Americans to Richmond
PROCLAMATION recognizing Juneteenth and the contribution of African Americans to the City of Richmond - Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620- 6503), Vice Mayor Doria Robinson (510-620-6861), and Councilmember Jamelia Brown (510-412-2050). The proclamation will be presented at the flag raising ceremony scheduled for June 1, 2026.
P.12.f Proclamation recognizing June 2026 as Pride Month in the City of Richmond
PROCLAMATION recognizing June 2026 as Pride Month in the City of Richmond - Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503), Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6861), and Councilmember Jamelia Brown (510- 412-2050).
P.13 Police Department
P.13.a Contract with SoundThinking, Inc. for ShotSpotter Flex System Infrastructure
APPROVE a sole source contract with SoundThinking, Inc. (formerly ShotSpotter, Inc.) for the maintenance, service, and support of the Police Department’s ShotSpotter Flex gunshot detection system, in an amount of $1,242,196 for the five-year period July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031 – Police Department (Chief Timothy Simmons 510-620-1802).
P.13.b Purchase of Ballistic Armor Torso Plates from TYR Tactical APPROVE the purchase of replacement rifle-rated ballistic armor torso and side plates from TYR Tactical in an amount not to exceed $36,465.54, which includes a 5 percent contingency – Police Department (Chief Timothy Simmons 510-621-1802).
P.13.c Purchase of Ballistic Vests from Crye Precision
APPROVE the purchase of replacement ballistic vests from Crye Precision in an amount not to exceed $21,064.80, which includes a 6 percent contingency – Police Department (Chief Timothy Simmons 510- 621-1802).
P.14 Public Works
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P.14.a Contract with AAA Backflow Prevention, Inc. for On-Call Backflow Inspection, Testing, and Repair Services
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE a contract with AAA Backflow Prevention, Inc. for on-call backflow inspection, testing, and repair services with a not-to-exceed amount of $150,000, for an initial three-year term with two one-year extension options, for a total payment limit of $250,000 - Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620- 5478/Darin Fitzpatrick 510-231-3044)
Adopted Resolution No. 80-26
P.14.b Contract with Myers & Sons Construction, LLC for the Bridge Preventive Maintenance Project
ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE updated Bridge Preventive Maintenance Program (BPMP) grant funds in an amount not to exceed $3,246,395; ADOPT a resolution awarding a construction contract to Myers & Sons Construction, LLC., as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, for the Bridge Preventive Maintenance Project in an amount not to exceed $3,035,583.70, including a base bid of $2,639,638.00 and a 15 percent (15%) contingency; AUTHORIZE the city manager or their designee to execute the contract and the director of public works to approve change orders within the approved contingency amount; and APPROPRIATE additional Gas Tax Fund (Fund 1002) matching funds in the amount of $78,792 to the Project - Public Works Department (Hillal Hamdan 510- 621-1612/Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478).
Adopted Resolution No. 81-26
P.14.c April 2026 Abatement Report
RECEIVE a report on the April 2026 abatement activities – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/Darin Fitzpatrick 510-231- 3044/Hugo Mendoza 510-231-3030).
P.14.d Contract Amendment No. 2 with SCI Consulting Group to Prepare the Hilltop Assessment Districts Annual Engineer’s Report
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE the second amendment to a contract with SCI Consulting Group to prepare the Hilltop Assessment Districts Annual Engineer’s Report necessary to levy assessments for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, extending the contract term through December 31, 2026, and increasing payment limit by $11,590, for a total contract payment limit of $66,340 – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 620-5478/Darin Fitzpatrick 510-231-3044).
Adopted Resolution No. 82-26
P.14.e Ordinance Amending Sidewalk Vendor Regulations (RMC Chapter 7.42) ADOPT an ordinance (second 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/Daniel Chavarria 620-5478).
Adopted Ordinance No. 08-26 N.S.
Q. BUDGET SESSION
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Q.1 Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2026-27 for the Marina Bay Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District (MBLLMD)
ADOPT a resolution approving the Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026- 27 for the Marina Bay Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District (MBLLMD), declaring the City Council’s intention to increase the annual assessment in the MBLLMD, and setting a public hearing about the proposed increased assessment on June 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Council Chambers at 440 Civic Center Plaza in the City of Richmond – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/Jason Lacey 510-620-6920.
Director of Public Works Daniel Chavarria introduced the item. Parks Superintendent Jason Lacey, SCI Consulting Group Representative Jason Bliss, and Mr. Chavarria presented a PowerPoint: Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District
Willdan Financial Services Representative Samantha Labitan presented a PowerPoint: Marina Bay Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District Cordell Hindler gave comments in person. Kevin Tisdell gave comments via teleconference. Discussion ensued.
The Council requested and/or suggested the following: more information on the specific dollar amounts needed to provide basic level of service citywide; more information on the definition of basic level of service; and that discussion on citywide basic level of service take place during the upcoming budget item on June 9, 2026.
Motion by Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Seconded by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
To approve the item.
Ayes (6): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Abstain (1): Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Passed
Adopted Resolution No. 83-26
Q.2 Preliminary Engineer’s Report and Intent to Levy Assessments for Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District (HLMD) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 ADOPT a resolution approving the preliminary Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2026-27 for the Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District (HLMD); DECLARE the City Council’s intention to increase and collect the annual assessments; and SET a public hearing about the proposed increased assessment on June 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Council Chambers at 440 Civic Center Plaza in the City of Richmond – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/Jason Lacey 510- 620-6920).
Director of Public Works Daniel Chavarria introduced the item. SCI Consulting Group Representative Jason Bliss presented a PowerPoint: Hilltop Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District
Cordell Hindler gave comments in person. Coire Reilly and Kevin Tisdell gave comments via teleconference. Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Seconded by Mayor Eduardo Martinez
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To approve the item.
Ayes (6): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Noes (1): Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Passed
Adopted Resolution No. 84-26
R. PUBLIC HEARINGS
R.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).
This item was continued from the May 19, 2026, meeting.
Community Development Director Lina Velasco introduced the item. Ms. Velasco gave an overview of the item. Planning Manager Avery Stark presented a PowerPoint: General Plan/Zoning Text Amendments
Claudia Citroen gave comments via teleconference. Discussion ensued.
Motion by Mayor Eduardo Martinez
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
Adopted Resolution No. 85-26
R.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).
This item was continued from the May 19, 2026, meeting.
Community Development Director Lina Velasco introduced the item. Ms. Velasco gave an overview of the item. Discussion ensued.
Claudia Citroen and Kevin Tisdell gave comments via teleconference.
Motion by Councilmember Soheila Bana
Seconded by Councilmember Sue Wilson
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Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
To approve the item.
Passed
Adopted Resolution No. 86-26
R.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).
This item was continued from the May 19, 2026, meeting.
Accounting Manager Antonio Banuelos introduced the item. Mr. Banuelos gave an overview of the item.
The item was continued to the June 16, 2026, meeting.
R.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). This item was continued from the May 19, 2026, meeting.
The item was continued to the June 16, 2026, meeting.
S. STUDY AND ACTION SESSION
S.1 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). This item was continued from the May 19, 2026, meeting.
Deputy City Clerk Sabrina Lundy read the item into the record. There were no public speakers.
Motion by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Sue Wilson
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. 87-26
S.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
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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). This item was continued from the May 19, 2026, meeting.
At 9:51 p.m. - a motion by Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Jimenez, to suspend the rules and extend the meeting to 11:00 p.m. passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Bana, Brown, Jimenez, Wilson, Zepeda, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Mayor Martinez. Noes: None. Absent:
None. Abstain: None.)
Richmond Promise Executive Director Christopher Whitmore introduced the item. Mr. Whitmore presented a PowerPoint: Richmond Promise Cordell Hindler, Jasmine Gonzalez, Adriana Mendoza, Chandani Battle, Dina Masoud, and Jose Barrios Lopez gave comments in person. Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Soheila Bana
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
S.3 Consider Amending Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 11.05 entitled “Fireworks”
REQUEST the city attorney and the city manager to make recommendations and propose amendments to Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 11.05 of the Fireworks Ordinance that extends liability to hosts and increases administrative penalties and return to City Council for proposed recommendations within 90 days - Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593), Councilmember Jamelia Brown (510-609-5780), and Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672-5242).
The item was moved to the consent calendar and approved.
S.4 Recommend Dedicating a Literacy Space in the Richmond Public Library in Honor of Abigail Sims-Evelyn
REQUEST the city manager or her designee evaluate and return to the City Council within 120 days with recommendations for dedicating a literacy area, department, center, or other appropriate space within the remodeled Richmond Public Library in honor of Abigail Sims-Evelyn and her more than 40 years of dedicated service to Richmond’s Literacy for Every Adult Program (LEAP), including potential naming options such as “The Abigail Sims-Evelyn Literacy Center,” and REQUEST the city manager or her designee review and provide recommendations regarding applicable naming procedures, fiscal impacts, signage and installation needs, community engagement opportunities, and any relevant policy considerations, and return to Council with a proposed implementation plan and recommendation for consideration - Councilmember Jamelia Brown (510-609-5780), Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503), and Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593).
The item was moved to the consent calendar and approved.
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T. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: REFERRALS TO STAFF, AND GENERAL REPORTS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS)(limited to two minutes per Councilmember) The item was not heard.
U. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:54 p.m., to meet again on June 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor