3230 MACDONALD AVENUE, RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA 94804 Telephone: (510) 620-6793 Fax: (510) 620-6583
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
RECREATION AND NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES DIVISION
September 4, 2026
Lina Velasco
Community Development Department
450 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
Dear Ms. Velasco,
On September 2, 2026, the Richmond Recreation and Parks Commission received a presentation proposing to name the garden at Unity Park in honor of Joe Lee Fischer, Sr. I'm pleased to let you know that the Commission unanimously supported and approved this request, recognizing the significance of Joe Lee Fischer, Sr.'s contributions.
If you would like to review the details of the discussion, the official meeting minutes will be available after October 7, 2026. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to me if you need any further information or have questions.
Thank you so much,
Sincerely,
Ranjana Maharaj
Deputy Director
Community Services-Recreation
Ranjana
Maharaj
Digitally signed by Ranjana
Maharaj
Date: 2026.09.04 14:59:41
-07'00'
1 CITY OF RICHMOND
Recreation & Parks Commission Meeting
AGENDA
Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 6:00 pm
Councils Chambers, 440 Civic Center Plaza
This meeting is held in a building that is accessible to people with disabilities.
Board Members: Chair, Jan Mignone; Vice Chair, Samantha Torres, Secretary, Jennifer Koscielniak; Treasurer, Mike Warren Commissioners: Vivian Gomez, Jake Rogers, Alexander Rony, Joey Smith Staff Liaison: Ranjana Maharaj, Deputy Director for Community Services-Recreation
1. Call to Order (3 min.)
▪Pledge of Allegiance
▪Land Acknowledgement
2. Mission and Roll Call (2 min.)
3. Welcome and Meeting Procedures (2 min.)
Individuals who would like to address the Recreation and Parks Commission on relevant matters not listed on the agenda or on Department Reports for Information items not pulled for discussion, may do so under Open Forum.
Public comments may be made on agenda items when the item is discussed. The standard amount of time for each speaker, in either instance, will be two (2) minutes.
4. Agenda Review and Adoption (1 min.)
The order in which items will be heard may be adjusted by Commission vote at this time. In addition, items may be removed from or placed on the Consent Calendar at this time. Individual items may be removed from Department Reports for Information for discussion, explanation, or continuance to a future meeting. In addition, the order in which items will be heard may be adjusted at this time.
5. Open Forum (10 min.; 2 min. per speaker)
Issues brought to the attention of the Commission in Open Forum cannot result in discussion or action at this meeting. Individuals who would like to address the Recreation and Parks Commission on relevant matters not listed on the agenda or on Department Reports for Information items not pulled for discussion, may do so at this time.
6. Announcementsthrough the Chair (5 min.)
2 7. Consent Calendar (2 min.)
Items on the Consent Calendar are considered matters requiring little or no discussion and will be acted upon in one motion.
a. APPROVE minutes of July 8, 2026, meeting
8. Department Reports for Information (10 min.)
Unless items are pulled for discussion during Agenda Review, all reports are considered received and accepted by the commission, requiring no further action. a. Public Works: Parks & Landscaping and Facilities Divisions – Jason Lacey, Parks and Landscaping Superintendent
b. Community Services-Recreation: Recreation and Neighborhood Services – Ranjana Maharaj, Deputy Director, Community Services-Recreation
C. Community Services-Recreation: Recreation and Neighborhood Services - Stephanie Ny, Associate Management Analyst; Jessica Walden, Lending Library Specialist; and Micah Brumfield, Lending Library Specialist
9. Presentations (15 min each)
a. None
10. Discussions and Action Items (15 minutes)
Following discussion of each item, the Commission may vote to make recommendations to Commissioners, staff and/or to the City Council.
a. Naming of the Universally Accessible Community Garden to honor Joe Lee Fischer, Sr. – Matias Eusterbrock and Beatriz Guerrero
11. Commissioner Liaison Reports/Comments (16 min; 2 min. per member) At 8:00 PM, any items remaining on the agenda that require immediate attention may be moved to this time. All other items will be tabled to another meeting or the following Commission meeting in order to make fair and attentive decisions. This meeting adjourns at 8:30 PM. The meeting may be extended by a majority vote from the commissioners.
12. Agenda Setting for Next Meeting and Future Topics (3 min.)
13. Adjournment (1 min.)
NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
3 As presiding officer, the Recreation and Parks Commission Chair has the authority to preserve order at all Recreation and Parks Commission meetings, to remove or cause the removal of any person from any such meeting for disorderly conduct, or for making personal, impertinent, or slanderous remarks, using profanity, or becoming boisterous, threatening or personaly abusive while addressing said Commission, and to enforce the rules of the Commission. Any documents produced by the City and distributed to the Commission regarding any item on this agenda will be made available at Community Services-Recreation located at 3230 Macdonald Avenue, Richmond, California during normal business hours.
Record of all public comments: Properly labeled public comments will be considered a public record, put into the official meeting record, available after the meeting as supplementalmaterials, and will be posted as an attachmentto the meeting minutes when the minutes are posted: Archive Center • Richmond • CivicEngage
Procedures for Removing Consent Calendar Items from the Consent Calendar: Members of the public who request to remove an item from the consent calendar must first discuss the item with a staff member by phone or a email discussion and state the name of the staff member when requesting removal of the item from the Consent Calendar.
Any member of the Commission who would like to remove an item from the Consent Calendar must notify the appropriate staff person prior to the meeting. Although members of the Commission are encouraged to ask questions and share concerns with staff ahead of the meeting,they are not required to do so.
Community Services-Recreation staff must be informed of any requeststo remove itemsfrom the Consent Calendar. Accessibility for Individualswith Disabilities: Upon request,the City will provide for written agenda materials in appropriate alternative formats, or disability-relatedmodification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services and sign language interpreters,to enable individuals with disabilitiesto participate in and provide commentsrelated to public meetings. Please submit a request, including your name, phone number and/or email address, and a description of the modification, accommodation, auxiliary aid, service, or alternative format requested at least two days before the meeting. Requestsshould be emailed to [email protected] or submitted by phone at 510-620-6950. Requests will be granted whenever possible and resolved in favor of accessibility.
1 CITY OF RICHMOND
Recreation & Parks Commission
MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, July 8, 2026, 6:00 PM
440 Civic Center Plaza – Council Chambers
This meeting is held in a building that is accessible to people with disabilities.
Board Members: Jan Mignone, Chair; Samantha Torres, Vice Chair; Jennifer Koscielniak, Secretary; Mike Warren, Treasurer Commissioners: Vivian Gomez, Jake Rogers, Alexander Rony, Joey Smith Staff Liaison: Ranjana Maharaj, Deputy Director for Community Services-Recreation
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Meeting called to order by Chair Jan Mignone at 6:01 pm
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Jan Mignone, Samantha Torres, Jennifer Koscielniak, Mike Warren, Vivian Gomez, Alexander Rony, Joey Smith, and Jake Rogers*
*Arrived after Roll Call at 6:03 pm
Chair Mignone provided a brief overview of the meeting procedures and the Mission of the Recreation & Parks Commission.
AGENDA REVIEW
Motion by Vice Chair Torres to approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Secretary Koscielniak, and carried unanimously by voice vote.
OPEN FORUM
• Cordell Hindler shared he informed the Richmond Youth Council of the openings on the Recreation & Parks Commission and reminded all the Contra Costa County Mayor’s Conference in San Pablo tomorrow evening, July 9th. Mr. Hindler continues to advocate for multi-language signage at the parks to address loitering after hours.
ANNOUNCEMENTS THROUGH THE CHAIR
a.) The balance of the Commission Trust Account is $413.08
CONSENT CALENDAR
Secretary Koscielniak motioned to approve the minutes for the June 3, 2026, meeting, seconded by Treasurer Warren, carried with an agreed voice vote.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR INFORMATION
Parks & Landscaping Division
Alex White, Parks Supervisor, shared visual and verbal updates, specifically showcasing the Creely Pathway enhancements. Jason Lacey, Parks & Landscape Superintendent, provided verbal updates on the new fiscal year budget and the successes on the recent special events throughout the city.
Commissioner Rony would like an update for a future meeting on how the grant landscape has changed due to federal-level shifts and how these changes will affect upcoming projects.
Community Services– Recreation
Troy Porter, Recreation Supervisor, provided oral and visual reports on upcoming and recent Recreation activities, including the Shields Reid Park Grand Reopening on July 11th, the anniversary celebrations for the Richmond Tool Library 10th Anniversary on July 25th, and the Plunge 100th Anniversary on August 15th. 2 Commissioner Torres inquired about the opening of Shields Reid Park Field for rentals in which Mr. Porter will inquire further with Administration.
Further discussion ensued on the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) for Tom Bates Fields in Berkeley and Richmond soccer clubs not being given field access.
Treasurer Warren inquired about the Richmond Tool Library and would like information about how often this service is used by the community.
DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS
a.) RECEIVE update on the Point Richmond Historic Sign Project Jené Levine-Snipes, Development Project Manager with Recreation, shared details of the upcoming celebration to honor 100 years of the Plunge. In addition, she revealed the historic sign that will be posted to commemorate this milestone in Richmond.
b.) RECEIVE update on the Richmond Asset Inventory & Management (AIM) initiative Tawfic Halaby, Deputy Director of Public Works, shared the Asset Inventory & Management (AIM) project that will better assist staff to inventory and assess parks and city buildings with the help of new software. This project will help prioritize projects, extend taxpayers’ dollars and increase proactive management workflows. Mr. Halaby provided future phase goals over the next 3-5 years, that will phase in modules for all infrastructure assets.
DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS
a.) DISCUSS implementing an August recess for the Recreation & Parks Commission meeting to be in alignment with City Council’s recess.
Chair Mignone led the discussion with an open conversation between commissioners. Vice Chair Torres motioned for the Recreation & Parks Commission to recess in August 2026, seconded by Secretary Koscielniak, the item passes with Commissioners Mignone, Gomez, Koscielniak, and Rony in favor, Commissioner Torres opposed, and Commissioners Rogers, Smith, and Warren abstaining.
COMMISSIONER LIAISON REPORTS
Chair Mignone appreciated the Parks Tour in June and will attend the Shields Reid Park Grand Reopening.
Vice Chair Torres attended the July 3 Fireworks event and thanked staff. She will be attending the Shields Reid Park Reopening ceremony and she shared photos of MLK park in which broken soccer goals need to be removed.
Secretary Koscielniak thanked staff for the Parks Tour, as she learned about the history of some parks.
She hopes the parks listing can be updated to include the newly appointed commissioners.
Treasurer Warren shared some photos of Tiller Park concerns, including a safety issue in the sand that Mr.
White and his team addressed prior to the meeting.
Commissioner Gomez inquired about the next parks tour expected in October with more info to follow.
Commissioner Rony provided an update on the gate issue at Carroll Park that has been resolved.
Commissioner Smith voiced concern about after-hours park usage and was advised by staff to contact the police as they are the only enforcement for the city. In addition, she attended the parks tour and shared positive feedback on the many improvements.
3 AGENDA SETTING
Commissioner Rogers would like feedback from staff as to their wish list or priorities, as they prepare for the next budget cycle. Also, he would like a presentation on the parks assessment timeline. Darin Fitzpatrick and Jason Lacey recommended that both matters be considered in or around December, coinciding with preparations for the mid-year budget. This timing would allow for input before the items are submitted to City Council.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:17 pm
Respectfully Submitted,
Christine George
Executive Assistant
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Recreation and Parks Commission
2026 Meeting Attendance
Term
Jan
2026
Feb
2026
Mar
2026
April
2026
May
2026
June
2026
July
2026
Aug
2026
(Recess)
Sept
2026
Oct
2026
Nov
2026
Dec
2026
Total
Absences
Vivian
Gomez Appt: 3/24/26 – 10/26/29 P P E P - 1
Jennifer
Koscielniak Appt: 9/22/25 – 10/26/26 - P E P P P P - 1
Jan
Mignone Appt: 10/07/25 – 10/26/28 - P P P P P P - 0
Jake
Rogers Appt: 12/16/25 – 10/26/26 - P P P P E P - 1
Alexander
Rony Appt: 1/20/26 – 10/26/28 P P P P P P - 0
Joey Smith Appt.: 5/02/17-10/26/19
Re-appt. 12/03/19-10/26/22
Re-appt. 11/01/22-10/26/25
- P P P E P P - 1
Samantha
Torres
Appt.: 12/20/22 – 10/26/25
Re-appt. 5/19/26 - 10/26/29 - P P P P P P - 0
Michael
Warren Appt: 8/19/25 – 10/26/28 - P P P P P P - 0
Legend
P = Present
A = Absent
E = Excused Absence
- = No Meeting
SM = Special Meeting
Excused absences are:
1. Military and related military service leave
2. Bereavement
3. Attendance of Commission related
conferences and meetings.
Naming of the Universally Accessible
Community Garden to honor
Joe Lee Fischer, Sr.
Recreation & Parks Commission Meeting
September 2, 2026
$35 million awarded to Richmond Rising in October 2022 by the California Strategic Growth Council to fund specific projects, programs, and transformative plans which provide environmental, health, and economic benefits in the Iron Triangle, Santa Fe, and Coronado neighborhoods (Project Area). Impacts from these programs will be evaluated by UC Berkeley Center for Global Healthy Cities.
Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Program
In addition, Richmond Rising partners have committed over $17.5 million in leverage funding to implement Richmond Rising and other key projects in the Project Area
4 All Projects:
1. Neighborhood Complete Streets
2. Richmond Wellness Trail
3. E-Bike Lending Library
4. Resilient Homes
5. Basins of Relations
6. Bosque del Barrio
7. Universally Accessible Community Garden
8. Orchard for All
9. Veggie Rx
10.E-Bike Share
Richmond Rising
• Design and construction of an edible, pollinator-friendly garden within Unity Park designed so that people of all ages and a wide range of physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities can comfortably access, navigate, experience, and participate in the space.
• Includes large pathways, supportive rails, raised planters, and other accessible design features
• Designed in partnership with community organizations including Urban Tilth, NIAD, VisitAbility, and Harbour View Senior Apartments
• Urban Tilth will support 5 days/week with programming, maintenance, and volunteer engagement
Universally Accessible Community Garden Project
Project Location
[INSERT PLANS]
Community Garden Site Layout and Key Features
Separate
project
- August 2023: $955K TCC grant for garden design and construction awarded - 2024 and 2025: 5 community design meetings held, as well as meetings with the City’s Recreation and Parks Commission and Design Review Board review - June 1, 2026: Building Permit Issued
- June 9, 2026: Construction Groundbreaking
- July 1, 2026: Mr. Joe Lee Fisher Sr. Passing
- Sep. 2, 2026: Rec and Parks Commission meeting on naming of garden - Sep. 15th or 22nd: Council Meeting to consider naming of the garden - Sep 29th: Opening Ceremony of the Garden @ 10AM
- More details to come!
Project Timeline
Project does not currently have a name - only referred to as Universally accessible community garden project
III. Criteria For Recognition of Individuals
A. Service Recognition
1. Living Or Deceased Individuals Who Were Not In A Pay Status For A Significant Service Contribution:
a. Contribution shall have been in a voluntary, non-pay status. b. Contributions shall have exceeded 5 years in duration. c. Contribution shall have been outside normal political duties if the individual was an appointed official.
d. Contribution shall have had a direct positive effect on the delivery of public services and/or quality of life for the citizens of Richmond.
City of Richmond Naming Criteria Policies
Nominating Mr. Fisher for the following reasons:
- Decades of neighborhood leadership
- Direct connection to Unity Park
- Greatly expanded homeownership and generational
wealth
- Legacy of community service and philanthropy
- Coronado Neighborhood Council Letter of Support
- Clear connection between
the garden, local residents,
and the community history
Joe Lee Fisher Sr. Nomination
Recommend to the City Council that the community
garden be named as “Joe Lee Fisher Sr. Universally
Accessible Community Garden” in recognition of his
significant service contributions
Recommended Motion