cc21July2026 – ud
RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA,
July 21, 2026, 5:00 p.m.
Community Services Building
440 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
_____________________________________________________________________
A. SPECIAL OPEN SESSION TO HEAR PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED
SESSION
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: None.
Vice Mayor Robinson joined the meeting remotely from Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown 110 6th Avenue N. Seattle, WA
C. CLOSED SESSION
C.1 LIABILITY CLAIMS (Government Code Section 54956.9)
Claimant: Christopher MacGregor
Claimant: Erin Perez
D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
None.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Open Session adjourned to Closed Session at 5:01 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 5:43 p.m.
F. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The meeting was called to order at 6:01 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 Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: None.
Vice Mayor Robinson joined the meeting remotely from Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown 110 6th Avenue N. Seattle, WA
I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
J. AGENDA REVIEW
cc21July2026 – ud
Councilmember Bana requested that Item Q.5 - (Implementing Wildfire Taskforce recommendation regarding enforcing weed abatement ordinance) was moved to the Consent Calendar and requested that she was appointed to the ad hoc committee in relation to agenda Item N.5.a - (Ad hoc committee formation for City Council Rules of Procedure and Order amendments). Mayor Martinez stated that the items would have to be pulled from the Consent Calendar in order to consider Councilmember Bana's appointment.
Mayor Martinez announced that agenda items would be heard as follows; Item Q-1 - (2025 Annual Military Equipment Use Report) was heard directly after approval of the Consent Calendar; Item O.1 - (Resolution determining necessity and introduction of an ordinance ordering the submission of a general obligation bond measure for fire station improvements); Item P.1 - (Zoning Text amendments related to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units)
Councilmember Brown requested that Item Q.6 - (Richmond Government Accountability, Transparency, and Ethics Act (Richmond GATE Act placing a ballot initiative on the November 2026 Ballot to adopt an ordinance that establishes an independent ethics commission) was heard after Item Q.2 - (Resolution to establish a Public Lands Policy).
A motion was made as follows to move Item Q.6 after item Q.2 Motion by Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Seconded by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
Ayes (5): Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, and Vice Mayor Doria Robinson
Noes (2): Councilmember Soheila Bana, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez Passed
A motion was made as follows to move Item Q.5 before Item Q.3 - (Contract amendment No,2 with Just Cities, LLC for completion of the Housing Equity Roadmap as specified in the Housing Element) as follows:
Motion by Councilmember Soheila Bana
Seconded by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
Ayes (3): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, and Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Noes (4): Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Failed
A motion was made as follows to remove Item N.5.a - (Ad Hoc Committee formation for City Council Rules of Procedure and Order Amendments) from the Consent Calendar:
Motion by Councilmember Soheila Bana
Seconded by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
Ayes (6): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, and Vice Mayor Doria Robinson
Noes (1): Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Passed
cc21July2026 – ud
K. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING CLOSED SESSION
C.1 LIABILITY CLAIMS (Government Code Section 54956.9) Claimant: Christopher MacGregor
Claimant: Erin Perez
Interim City Attorney Shannon Moore stated that all items were discussed, and no reportable action was taken.
L. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
Deputy City Manager Nickie Mastay stated there was no 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 gave comments regarding the city's employee vacancy rate and the need to hire more employees.
Sharlee Battle requested donations for the Richmond Urban Unity Project to purchase back to school supplies.
Travis Keeton gave comments regarding his experience with skateboarding in the streets of Richmond.
Mark Wassberg gave comments regard the Democratic Socialists.
Kimberly Graves stated that Richmond police department vehicles should be equipped with dash cams.
Malavika Divdkar spoke against police participation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the demilitarization of the police department.
Claudia Citreon stated that the city and city council do not follow proper procedures.
The following individuals gave comments via Zoom:
Julia Freestone gave comments regarding illegal fireworks.
Graciela Lechon gave comments regarding the importance of demilitarizing the police, and the lack of maintenance on the highways.
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.)
To approve all items on the consent calendar with the exception of Item N.5.a (Ad Hoc Committee Formation for City Council Rules of Procedure and Order Amendments), which was removed from the agenda for discussion.
Motion by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Sue Wilson
cc21July2026 – ud
Ayes (7): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez Passed
N.1 City Clerk's Office
N.1.a Canvass of Returns, June 2, 2026, Primary Municipal Election ADOPT a resolution Declaring the Canvass of Returns and Results of the Primary Municipal Election held on June 2, 2026 – City Clerk’s Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
Adopted Resolution No. 119-26
N.1.b Meeting Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the May 26, 2026, regular City Council meeting - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
N.2 Community Development
N.2.a Contract with Ramboll Americas Engineering Solutions, Inc. to Support Annual Compliance Report Monitoring
APPROVE a contract with Ramboll Americas Engineering Solutions, Inc. for an amount not-to-exceed $263,400, to support the Planning Division’s annual review of the Chevron Richmond Refinery Modernization Project conditional use permit compliance monitoring, for a term ending June 30, 2031 – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Avery Stark 510-620-6841).
N.3 Economic Development
N.3.a Contract with Nichols Consulting Engineers for Environmental Consulting Services
APPROVE a sole-source contract with Nicholls Consulting Engineers for environmental consulting services associated with Operable Unit 1, Operable Unit 2, and other environmental compliance and monitoring activities at the Port of Richmond, in an amount not to exceed $120,487, for a term expiring December 31, 2027 – Economic Development Department/Port (Charles Gerard/510-620-6792)
N.3.b Proposed Updates to Port Tariff No. 3 Rates and Fees ADOPT a resolution approving amendments to Port of Richmond FMC Tariff No. 3 Port and Marine Terminal Operator Schedule reflecting a two and nine-tenths percent (2.9%) General Rate Increase, establish an environmental Clean Port Program and Clean Air Program Fee of $200 per hour, and a comprehensive rewrite of the Port of Richmond Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Tariff No. 3, removing outdated provisions, modernizing language, standardizing document structure and formatting, as approved by the Executive Committee Members of the Tariffs & Practices Committee of the California Association of Port Authorities (CAPA) – Economic Development Department (Charles Gerard 510-620 6792).
Adopted Resolution No.120-26
cc21July2026 – ud
N.3.c Contract with Community Fire Protection for Fire Flow Testing APPROVE a contract with Community Fire Protection for fire flow testing and related services at the Port of Richmond, in an amount not to exceed $11,760, for a three-year term from July 7, 2026, through June 30, 2029 – Economic Development Department/Port (Charles Gerard/510- 620-6792).
N.3.d Standard V oluntary Agreement for Marina Bay Environmental Reporting with the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC)
APPROVE a Standard V oluntary Agreement for Marina Bay
environmental reporting with the Department of Toxic Substances Control that includes two privately- owned and nine City-owned deed restricted properties in Marina Bay – Economic Development Department/Real Estate (Nannette Beacham/Craig Murray 510-621-1264).
N.3.e Contract with NV5 Environmental, L.P. for Environmental Reporting Services at Marina Bay to the Department of Toxic Substances Control APPROVE a sole-source contract with NV5 Environmental, L.P. for environmental consulting services related to Area FM, Area T, and nine deed-restricted properties in Marina Bay, including $196,140 for general environmental consulting services for Area FM, $83,400 for enhanced groundwater remediation, monitoring, and reporting for Area T, and $110,460 for annual inspections and a five-year review of the Marina Bay deed-restricted properties, as required by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, for a total amount not to exceed $390,000 through June 30, 2029 – Economic Development Department/Real Estate (Nannette Beacham/Craig Murray 510-621-1264).
N.3.f Contract with All Star Painting KD Inc. for Graffiti Removal of Historic Concrete
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE a contract with All Star Painting KD Inc. for graffiti removal from the historic concrete surfaces of the General Warehouse Building, for a term expiring December 31, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $87,777 – Economic Development Department/Port (Charles Gerard 510-620-6792). This item was continued from the June 16, June 23, and July 7, 2026, meetings.
Adopted Resolution No. 121-26
N.4 Finance Department
N.4.a Contracts with Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP and Vasquez & Company LLP, for on-call Financial and Grant Auditing Services
Adopted Resolution No. 122-26
N.5 Mayor's Office
N.5.a Ad Hoc Committee Formation for City Council Rules of Procedure and Order Amendments
APPOINT the mayor, vice mayor, city attorney, city clerk, and city manager to an ad hoc committee to develop proposed amendments to the City Council Rules of Procedure and Order, along with other operational refinements, to bring forward to the full City Council for approval within
cc21July2026 – ud
60 days of its formation – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510- 620-6502).
Item was removed for discussion; however, it was not discussed due to lack of time and was continued to the July 28, 2026, City Council meeting.
N.5.b Appointment of Amanda Campbell to the Richmond Fund for Children and Youth Oversight Board
APPOINT Amanda Campbell 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/Councilmember Soheila Bana 510-620-6743).
N.6 Public Works
N.6.a Roadway Modification at Glenn Avenue and McBryde Avenue for the McBryde Avenue Safe Routes to Park Project
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE a roadway modification associated with the McBryde Avenue Safe Routes to Park Project, including closure of the direct vehicular connection between Glenn Avenue and McBryde Avenue to improve traffic safety, reduce cut-through traffic, and support pedestrian and bicycle connectivity – Public Works Department (Hillal Hamdan 510-621-1612/Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478). This item was continued from the June 16, June 23, and July 7, 2026, meetings.
Adopted Resolution No. 123-26
N.6.b Accept and Appropriate the California Department of Transportation Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant for the Richmond Greenway Gap Closure Project
ADOPT a resolution to ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE the Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant award in the amount of $700,000 for the Richmond Greenway Gap Closure Project; APPROPRIATE $90,693 in Measure J as matching funds, for a total project budget of $790,693; and AUTHORIZE the City Manager or their designee to execute the grant agreement, any amendments thereto, and related documents with Caltrans necessary to implement the grant-funded planning project – Public Works Department (Janney Lockman 510-307- 8097/Gail Payne 510-620-6716/Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478).
Adopted Resolution No. 124-26
N.6.c Appropriate Marina Bay Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District Fund Balance Reserves for Emergency Lighting Repairs
ADOPT a resolution to APPROPRIATE the Marina Bay Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District (MBLLMD) fund balance reserves in an amount not to exceed $141,746.00 for emergency lighting repairs associated with wire theft and vandalism within the Marina Bay area and AUTHORIZE the city manager or their designee to take any further actions necessary to complete the repairs - Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/Darin Fitzpatrick 510-231-3044).
Adopted Resolution No. 125-26
cc21July2026 – ud
O. BUDGET SESSION
O.1 Resolution Determining Necessity and Introduction of an Ordinance Ordering the Submission of a General Obligation Bond Measure for Fire Station Improvements
ADOPT a resolution determining that the public interest and necessity demand the acquisition, construction, and improvement of certain municipal improvement projects and their financing through the issuance of general obligation bonds; and INTRODUCE an ordinance (first reading) ordering the submission of a proposition authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds to the qualified voters of the City of Richmond at the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election – Fire Department/Finance Department/City Manager’s Office (Chief Aaron Osorio 510-307-8021/Emily Combs 510-890-5534/Shasa Curl 510-620- 6512).
Finance Director Emily Combs, Fire Chief Aaron Osorio, Bond Counsel Juan Galvan, and Municipal Advisor Lyndsey Fox, gave a presentation.
Link to presentation: Bond Measure for Fire Station Improvements Discussion ensued.
A motion was made as follows to adopt the resolution, introduce the ordinance, and to return to the city council with options for a lease revenue bond in case the voters do not pass the bond measure.
After further discussion, Councilmember Zepeda withdrew the second part of his motion regarding lease options.
Adopted Resolution No. 126-26
Motion by Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Seconded by Councilmember Soheila Bana
Ayes (7): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez Passed
P. PUBLIC HEARINGS
P.1 Zoning Text Amendments Related to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units
HOLD a public hearing; and INTRODUCE (first reading) an Ordinance, as recommended by the Planning Commission, amending Sections 15.04.104.020,
15.04.201.030, 15.04.201.050, and 15.04.610.020 of the Richmond Municipal Code updating the regulations for accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units to conform with State law – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Avery Stark 510-620-6714).
City Clerk Pamela Christian stated that it was the time set pursuant to public notice to approve Zoning Text Amendments Related to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units.
Community Development Director Lina Velasco, Senior Planner Avery Stark, and Senior Planner Michelle Morris made a presentation.
Link to presentation: Zoning Text Amendments
cc21July2026 – ud
Mayor Martinez opened the public hearing. There were no public speakers. Mayor Martinez closed the public hearing.
A motion was made as follows and first reading of the ordinance was approved.
Motion by Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Seconded by Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Ayes (7): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez Passed
P.2 Ordinance Modifying Chapter 12.19 of the Richmond Municipal Code entitled “Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems.”)
INTRODUCE an ordinance (first reading) amending Chapter 12.19 of the Richmond Municipal Code entitled "Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems" to establish temporary sewage holding tank construction standards and a permitting process for properties unable to connect to the sanitary sewer system – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/Tawfic Halaby 510-620- 5482/José Valenzuela 510-620-6955). THIS ITEM WAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE AGENDA.
Q. NEW BUSINESS
Q.1 2025 Annual Military Equipment Use Report
ADOPT a resolution approving the Richmond Police Department’s 2025 Annual Military Equipment Use Report and authorizing the continued use of approved military equipment consistent with Government Code sections 7070 through 7075, Policy Manual section 707, and the findings required by Government Code section 7071(d) – Police Department (Chief Timothy Simmons/Captain John Lopez 510-621-1802). This item was continued from the June 16, and July 7, 2026, meeting. Public input on this matter was received during the July 7, 2026, meeting. The Council will now discuss this item without additional public comment.
Link to presentation: 2025 Annual Military Equipment
Discussion ensued.
A motion was made as follows to accept the report with the following amendments: that the police department return to the city council regarding the option of the acquisition of an armored Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) instead of a Bearcat vehicle; to modify Section 5 of the resolution to direct the police chief to work with the Community Police Review Commission regarding an updated drone policy and patrol rifle policy.
Councilmember Robinson offered a friendly amendment that staff return to the city council with all vehicle types for the armored vehicle, not limited only to SUV type vehicles.
The friendly amendment was accepted, and Resolution No. 127-26 was adopted.
Motion by Councilmember Sue Wilson
Seconded by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
cc21July2026 – ud
Ayes (7): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez Passed
Q.2 Resolution to Establish a Public Lands Policy
ADOPT a resolution that establishes a Public Lands Policy and DIRECT the city manager and city attorney to deliver and implement the policy effective immediately – Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593).
EJ Sairam, Sheet Metal Workers Local 104, Tim Sarina of the Contra Costa County Building Trades, and Rick Solis with the North Coast States Carpenters Union made a presentation.
Link to presentation: Public Lands Policy
Discussion ensued.
Deputy City Manager of Community Services, LaShonda White, Director of Economic Development Nannette Beacham, Port Director Charles Gerard, and Community Development Director Lina Velasco made a presentation.
A motion was made as follows to table the matter and bring it back once there was a better understanding and a timeline of the matter which would allow city staff and the unions the opportunity to discuss the differences:
Motion by Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Seconded by Vice Mayor Doria Robinson
Ayes (6): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Noes (1): Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Passed
Q.3 Contract Amendment No. 2 with Just Cities, LLC for completion of the Housing Equity Roadmap as specified in the Housing Element APPROVE a second contract amendment with Just Cities, LLC to support completion and implementation of the Housing Equity Road Map increasing the payment limit by $49,999, for a total payment limit of $209,994, and extending the term through December 31, 2027– Community Development Department (Lina Velasco 510-620-6841/Jesus Morales 510-620-6649). This item was continued from the June 16, June 23, and July 7, 2026, meetings.
Community Development Director Lina Velasco gave a presentation.
Link to presentation: Just Cities Housing Equity Road Map Claudia Citreon gave comments via Zoom.
Discussion ensued.
A motion was made as follows to approve the contract:
A motion was made as follows to extend the meeting until 11:00 p.m. to complete Items Q.3 and Q.5, and if time permitted, Items Q.4 and N.5.a. also.
cc21July2026 – ud
Motion by Councilmember Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Bana
Ayes (7): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez Passed
Motion by Councilmember Sue Wilson
Seconded by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Ayes (7): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez Passed
Q.4 23rd Street Ciclovía Pilot Project
Public Works Director Daniel Chavarria and Senior Transportation PlannerGail Payne gave a presentation.
Link to presentation: Ciclovia Pilot Project
Claudia Citreon gave comments via Zoom.
City Council suggested that the Ciclovia pilot program started with the Fiestas Patrias in September in collaboration with business owners and organizations who could take the lead for future events to make them more robust.
Due to lack of time to complete the item, it was continued to the July 28, 2026, City Council meeting.
Q.5 Implementing Wildfire Taskforce Recommendation Regarding Enforcing Weed Abatement Ordinance
ADOPT the recommendations of the Wildfire Preparedness Ad Hoc Committee and DIRECT the City Attorney's Office, in collaboration with the City Administration, to implement the following actions and return to the City Council within 90 days with any necessary ordinances, resolutions, contracts, budget appropriations, and additional implementation plans:
1. Defensible Space Appeal Process
Direct the City Attorney's Office to evaluate the current appeal process for enforcement of defensible space violations under the Richmond Municipal Code, including whether appeal timelines can be shortened for parcels located within the Local Responsibility Area (LRA) and the City's designated wildfire hazard zones, and return to the City Council with recommendations for any necessary amendments to the Richmond Municipal Code.
2. Vegetation Management Contract
Direct staff to establish an on-call vegetation management services contract for parcels within wildfire hazard zones where property owners fail to comply with defensible space requirements following all applicable enforcement procedures, and determine the appropriate department to administer and oversee the contract.
cc21July2026 – ud
3. Resident Assistance Program
Direct staff to develop a one-year pilot Resident Assistance Program to assist eligible homeowners with weed abatement ordinance and defensible space improvements within 0–30 feet of structures, with priority given to hazards located within Zone 0, and return to the City Council with program guidelines, eligibility criteria, funding options, and implementation recommendations.
4. Implementation Report
Direct staff to return to the City Council within 60 days with an implementation plan, including proposed ordinances or policy amendments, estimated costs, potential funding sources, staffing requirements, and a proposed implementation schedule for each recommendation – Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-620- 6743)/Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593). This item was continued from the July 7, 2026, meeting.
Councilmembers Bana and Zepeda gave an overview.
Discussion ensued.
Claudia Cireon gave comments via Zoom.
A motion was made as follows to direct staff to bring a draft ordinance to the City Council by the end of the year to include the Con-Fire model, with an implementation outline; the legality of weed abatement in very high fire severity zones within 90 days; and to also include the source of the budget during the mid- year budget review process.
Motion by Councilmember Soheila Bana
Seconded by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Ayes (6): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, and Vice Mayor Doria Robinson
Noes (1): Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Passed
Q.6 Richmond Government Accountability, Transparency, and Ethics Act (Richmond GATE Act) Placing a Ballot Initiative on the November 2026 Ballot to Adopt an Ordinance that Establishes an Independent Ethics Commission
RECEIVE a presentation on the Richmond Government Accountability, Transparency, and Ethics Act (Richmond GATE Act); DIRECT the city attorney to prepare an ordinance and related ballot measure documents for City Council consideration; and DIRECT staff to calendar this item to adopt the ballot initiative resolution on July 21, 2026 and in no event later than July 28, 2026, to meet the November 2026 ballot deadline, this item must be heard before final adjournment — Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6590)/Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672-3490)/Councilmember Jamelia Brown (510-412-2050). This item was continued from the July 7, 2026, meeting.
Councilmembers Zepeda and Brown gave an overview of the item.
Link to presentation: Richmond GATE Act
Ahmad Anderson, Pam Saucer, and Jamin Pursell gave comments in person.
cc21July2026 – ud
The following individuals gave comments via Zoom: Carol Hegstrom, Claudia Citreon, Eunice Tumbrell, Leslie Ross, Jose Luis, Isabella, Raj S, and Arto Rinteela.
Discussion ensued.
A motion was made and the item failed as follows:
Motion by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
Seconded by Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Ayes (3): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, and Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Noes (4): Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Failed
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 11:00 p.m., to meet again on July 28, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor