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RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA, September 15, 2026
Community Services Building
440 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
_____________________________________________________________________ A. OPEN SESSION TO HEAR PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION The Richmond City Council Evening Open Session was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
B. 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 at 3:43 p.m. after the adjournment to Closed Session.
C. CLOSED SESSION
C.1 LIABILITY CLAIMS (Government Code Section 54956.9)
Claimant: Kay Maher Agency Against: City of Richmond
Claimant: Lynette Parker Agency Against: City of Richmond C.2 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT (Government Code Section 54957(b))
Title: Interim City Manager Recruitment
C.3 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT (Government Code Section 54957(b))
Title: City Manager Recruitment
C.4 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (Government
Code Section 54957)
Title: City Manager
C.5 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.6 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of Subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9)
Two cases
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C.7 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) of Subdivision (d) [as applicable] of Government Code Section 54956.9) One case
C.8 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR (Government Code Section 54956.8)
Property: 1689 Regatta Boulevard
Agency Negotiators: Nannette Beacham
Negotiating Parties: DiCon Fiberoptics, Inc.
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
Cordell Hindler and Claudia Citroen gave comments in person regarding the public employee appointment and performance evaluation items.
Kevin Tisdell gave comments via teleconference regarding the public employee appointment item.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
The Open Session adjourned to Closed Session at 3:37 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 6:19 p.m.
F. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Regular Meeting of the Richmond City Council was called to order at 6:30 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 Bana, Brown, Jimenez, Wilson, Zepeda, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Mayor Martinez. Absent: None.
I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
J. AGENDA REVIEW
None.
K. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING CLOSED SESSION
Interim City Attorney Shannon Moore stated that the City Council met in Closed Session pursuant to Government Code section 54957 regarding the appointment of an interim city manager. Ms. Moore reported that the City Council took action in Closed Session to authorize staff to proceed with negotiations with the selected candidate and, if that fell through, to a second candidate for the position of interim city manager; and to return to City Council for consideration of an employment agreement. The City Council voted unanimously in favor of the direction stated.
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L. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
City Manager Shasa Curl postponed her report to the September 22, 2026, meeting. She acknowledged the first responders who served the community during several recent incidents and expressed gratitude to the city's public safety leaders.
L.1 NEW EMPLOYEE REPORT
Continued to the September 22, 2026, City Council meeting.
M. OPEN FORUM FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
(public comment on items that remained on the Consent Calendar or items that were not on the agenda – were limited to 2 minutes unless otherwise specified - back and forth dialogue with the Council was prohibited)
The following individuals gave comments in person:
Zolina Zizi invited the community to the 16th Annual Richmond Powwow on September 19, 2026, at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium.
Cordell Hindler shared information regarding vacancies and employee recruitment. He advocated for the review of job classifications and competitive compensation. Mr.
Hindler suggested inviting Caitlin Sly of the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County to present at a future City Council meeting.
Teiceste Habtom requested assistance transferring the business license for the market he owned at 1481 Carlson Boulevard in Richmond to a potential buyer interested in purchasing the business.
Don Gosney reported that the city declined to print neighborhood council newsletters due to legal concerns, but did not provide written guidance or identify any specific information that needed to be omitted.
Najari Smith gave comments in support of transforming the newly paved lot at the Richmond Marina into a community square, including roller skating and bicycling areas.
Jessica McDowell, Cecily Hunter, and Thomas Schleis expressed concerns regarding the potential removal of trees at Nicholl Park. The group requested that the independent arborist’s assessment be released for public review before any irreversible decision was made. Ms. McDowell directed attention to the city’s General Plan 2030 and Urban Greening Master Plan regarding eucalyptus habitat and requested a biologist evaluation and report for public review. Mr. Schleis requested a follow-up to an email sent to the city from Mark Tilley requesting access to the reports.
Irania DeLa Mora encouraged residents to attend local government meetings and to vote in the General Election on November 3, 2026. She expressed opposition to high taxes and raised concerns regarding the limited neighborhood parking in the proposed Parchester Village Master Plan.
Ben Therriault gave comments regarding the September 3, 2026, incident on Key Boulevard where Richmond Police Officer Justin Church was shot during a welfare check. He raised concerns regarding the city’s lack of an armored rescue vehicle and how residents were sheltered in their homes during rapid gunfire. Mr. Therriault stated Richmond Police had to wait for borrowed armor and urged the council to provide the tools necessary to protect the public.
Mark Wassberg gave comments regarding immigration and increased crime in Ireland, Spain, and the United States. He expressed concerns regarding government policies and urged residents to prepare for potential political unrest. cc15Sep2026 – sl/prc
Jill McLemore requested a traffic speed monitor in her neighborhood on Hoffman Boulevard. She raised concerns regarding public safety, mental health, and police response times. Ms. McLemore reported individuals with behavioral issues were prowling neighborhood yards in the early morning.
Tarnel Abbott expressed concerns regarding the proposed OpenAI robotics factory coming to Richmond, and the city’s ability to regulate it. She gave comments regarding recent reports of AI being an existential threat to humanity and urged the council to take the matter seriously.
The following individuals gave comments via teleconference:
Tania Pulido and Audrey (last name not stated) gave comments in support of an outdoor roller skating rink on the freshly paved lot near Lara's Fine Dining in the Richmond Marina area. Both highlighted the success of the Craneway roller skating events and strong community interest. They proposed a family-friendly space with opportunities for bikes, dance classes, and shoreline education on a regular basis rather than for occasional events.
Jennifer Brass gave comments regarding how residents worked to elect City Council members to uphold Richmond’s values of participatory democracy. She highlighted the community’s decades-long efforts to address impacts from the Chevron refinery and a healthier planet. Ms. Brass expressed concerns regarding large-scale data centers use of community resources and potential environmental and noise impacts.
N. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
(All items placed under the Consent Calendar were considered to be routine and noncontroversial. These items were enacted upon together with a motion and second, without discussion, of any member of the City Council, and each item was deemed to have received the action recommended.)
Motion by Vice Mayor Robinson
Seconded by Councilmember Brown
To approve all items on the Consent Calendar.
Ayes (7): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Wilson, Councilmember Zepeda, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Mayor Martinez
Passed (7 to 0)
N.1 City Attorney's Office
N.1.a Legal Services Agreement Amendment No. 2 with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore for Litigation Matters
APPROVE a second amendment to the legal services agreement with Liebert, Cassidy, Whitmore for employment litigation matters, increasing the payment limit by $250,000, for a total amount not to exceed $550,000, with a term expiration of June 30, 2027– City Attorney’s Office (Kimberly Chin 510-620-6709/Shannon Moore 510-620-6509).
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N.1.b Legal Services Agreement Amendment No. 2 with McNamara, Ambacher, Wheeler, Hirsig & Gray, LLP for Litigation Matters
APPROVE a second amendment to the legal services agreement with McNamara, Ambacher, Wheeler, Hirsig & Gray LLP for pending and future police tort litigation matters, increasing the payment limit by $250,000, for a total amount not to exceed $350,000, and extending the term through December 31, 2027 – City Attorney’s Office (Kimberly Chin 510-620-6709/Shannon Moore 510-620-6509).
N.1.c Legal Services Agreement Amendment No. 1 with Oppenheimer Investigations Group, LLP for Confidential Personnel Investigations APPROVE a first amendment to the legal services agreement with Oppenheimer Investigations Group LLP for confidential personnel investigations, increasing the payment limit by $300,000, for a total amount not to exceed $600,000, and extend the term through September 30, 2029 – City Attorney’s Office/Human Resources Department (Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6803/ Shannon Moore 510-620-6509) N.1.d Legal Services Agreement Amendment No. 1 with Chiari Law for Confidential Personnel Investigations
APPROVE a first amendment to the legal services agreement with Chiari Law, PC, to conduct confidential personnel investigations, increasing the payment limit by $40,000, for a total amount not to exceed $49,999, with a term expiration of June 30, 2027 – City Attorney’s Office/Human Resources Department (Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6803/Shannon Moore 510-620-6509).
N.2 City Clerk's Office
N.2.a Contract Amendment with Carahsoft/DocuSign for E-Signature and Contract Routing Solutions
APPROVE a contract amendment with Carahsoft/DocuSign for DocuSign electronic signature, document routing, and agreement management services, piggybacking on California Multiple Award Schedules Contract No. 3-20-70-2247G between the State of California and
Carahsoft/DocuSign, for the term of September 30, 2026, through September 29, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $24,000 - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
N.2.b Meeting Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the regular June 23, July 7, 21, 28, 2026, and special August 11 and 26, 2026, City Council meetings - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
N.3 City Manager's Office
N.3.a Pre-Approved List for Group Facilitation, Staff Retreats, and Mediation Services
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE a pre-qualified eligibility list for asneeded group facilitation, staff retreats, and mediation services each for an amount not to exceed $50,000 per year, per firm for a term of three years with two one-year extension options – City Manager’s Office (Patrick Seals 510-307-8016).
Adopted Resolution No. 144-26
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N.4 Community Development
N.4.a Contract with Community Housing Development Corporation of North Richmond for Environmental Remediation for Bob Dabney Plaza APPROVE a contract with the Community Housing Development Corporation of North Richmond (CHDCNR), in an amount not to exceed $80,014.40, to support environmental assessment and remediation activities for Bob Dabney Plaza, a permanently affordable multifamily housing development located at 100 and 106 Macdonald Avenue, using funds from the City’s Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RBRLF); APPROPRIATE the remaining RBRLF balance of $42,514.39 into the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget; and AUTHORIZE the city manager, or their designee, to execute the contract – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Jesus Morales/Charice Duckworth 510-412-2052).
N.4.b 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report
RECEIVE a report and ADOPT a resolution accepting the 2025 Annual Progress Report for the City’s Housing Element 2023-2031 - Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Avery Stark 510-620-6714).
Adopted Resolution No. 145-26
N.5 Community Services
N.5.a Contract with Mark43, Inc. for Community Crisis Response Program Computer-Aided Dispatch Access
APPROVE a sole-source contract with Mark 43 for computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software for direct communication to Richmond’s Communications Dispatch Center for a term of September 15, 2026, to September 14, 2029, in an amount not to exceed $95,668 – Community Services Department (Sam Vaughn 510-620-5404/Michael Romero 510- 620-6791/Joan Binalinbing 510-620-6531).
N.5.b Contract with Treadwell LLC for Software Integration of Computer-Aided Dispatch Software and Record Management System
APPROVE a sole-source contract with Treadwell LLC to oversee the integration and maintenance of the Community Crisis Response Program’s computer-aided dispatch and records management systems, including automated data fields to improve documentation efficiency, for the term of September 15, 2026, through September 14, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $13,820 – Community Services Department (Sam Vaughn 510- 620-5404/Michael Romero 510-620-6791/Joan Binalinbing 510-620- 6531).
N.6 Economic Development
N.6.a Contract Amendment No. 2 with Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center to Administer the Amended Small Business Façade Improvement Program ADOPT a resolution amending the Small Business Façade Improvement Program Guidelines to allow limited eligible equipment-related improvements as determined by the Economic Development Department and APPROVE a second contract amendment with Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center to administer Small Business Façade Improvement Program grants for eligible permanently installed storefront equipment - Economic Development Department (Jesson de Leon 510- 412-2023/Junne Garcia 510-620-6524/Nannette Beacham 510-620-1306).
Adopted Resolution No. 146-26
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N.6.b Amendment to the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority (WCCIWMA or RecycleMore) Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement
ADOPT a resolution approving the first amendment to the Fifth Amendment and Restatement of the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority (WCCIWMA) Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement to change WCCIWMA’s fiscal year to January through December commencing January 1, 2027, and DIRECT the Mayor to execute the amendment to the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (JEPA) forming the Authority - Economic Development Department (Samantha Carr 510-620-5407/Nannette Beacham 510-621-1306).
Adopted Resolution No. 147-26
N.7 Finance Department
N.7.a Investment and Cash Balance Report, Monthly Overtime Reports, Documentary Transfer Tax Report, and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) and Pension Report for the month of June 2026
RECEIVE the City’s Investment and Cash Balance Report, Monthly Overtime Reports, Documentary Transfer Tax Report, and Other PostEmployment Benefits (OPEB) and Pension Report for the month of June 2026 – Finance Department (Emily Combs 510-620-6740).
N.7.b Investment and Cash Balance Report, Monthly Overtime Reports, Documentary Transfer Tax Report, and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) and Pension Report for the month of July 2026
RECEIVE the City’s Investment and Cash Balance Report, Monthly Overtime Reports, Documentary Transfer Tax Report, and Other PostEmployment Benefits (OPEB) and Pension Report for the month of July 2026 – Finance Department (Emily Combs 510-620-6740).
N.8 Fire Department
N.8.a Contract with TargetSolutions Learning, LLC dba Vector Solutions (“TargetSolutions”) for Fire Industry Training and Compliance Management System
APPROVE a sole-source contract with TargetSolutions Learning, LLC dba Vector Solutions for web-based fire industry training and compliance management system in an amount not to exceed $30,494, for a three-year term effective January 1, 2026, through January 1, 2029, with two oneyear extension options not to exceed an additional $12,000 per year – Fire Department (Chief Aaron Osorio 510-307-8021/Chief Rico Rincon 510- 307-8041/Den Mark Marcelo 510-307-8038).
N.8.b Legal Services Agreement with Civica Law Group, APC, for Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement Matters
APPROVE an on-call legal services agreement with Civica Law Group, APC, for services related to Fire Department fire prevention and code enforcement matters, in an amount not to exceed $45,000, with a term expiration of September 16, 2029, and two one-year extension options, each in an amount not to exceed $15,000; and AUTHORIZE the city manager, or their designee, to execute the agreement and exercise the extension options at the city manager’s discretion – Fire Department (Chief Aaron Osorio 510-307-8021/Dante J. Wiley 510-307-8090/Carolyn Conry 510-307-8044).
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N.9 Human Resources
N.9.a Side Letter with Richmond Police Officers Association Regarding Field Training Officers
ADOPT a resolution executing a Side Letter with the Richmond Police Officers Association (RPOA) regarding Field Training Officer assignments – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6602).
Adopted Resolution No. 148-26
N.9.b Side Letter with Richmond Police Officers Association Regarding Special Compensation Practices
ADOPT a resolution executing a Side Letter with the Richmond Police Officers Association (RPOA) regarding special compensation of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6602).
Adopted Resolution No. 149-26
N.9.c Amendment to Position Control List
ADOPT a resolution amending staffing and position control list and allocating the necessary salary, wages, and benefits as required – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor/Emily Combs 510-620-6602).
Adopted Resolution No. 150-26
N.9.d Amendment to the Salary Schedule
ADOPT a resolution amending the salary schedule to add the salary range for the Senior Applications Analyst classification – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6602).
Adopted Resolution No. 151-26
N.10 Information Technology
N.10.a Purchasing Agreement with Carahsoft Technology Corp. for City Standard Software Licensing
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE a piggyback purchasing agreement with Carahsoft Technology Corp., utilizing Cobb County, Georgia, OMNIA Partners Contract No. 23-6692-01 for Technology Products, Solutions and Related Services, to procure City standard software licenses, including enterprise licensing, in an amount not to exceed $500,000 per year, for the term of September 15, 2026, through April 30, 2028 – Information Technology Department (Sue Hartman 510-620-6874).
Adopted Resolution No. 152-26
N.11 Mayor's Office
N.11.a Appointment of Free Brown to the Macdonald Ave Corridor Taskforce APPOINT Free Brown to the Macdonald Ave Corridor Taskforce to a vacant seat with a new term ending December 31, 2026 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
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N.11.b Appointment of Theophilus Little to the Macdonald Ave Corridor Taskforce
APPOINT Theophilus Little to the Macdonald Ave Corridor Taskforce to a vacant seat with a new term ending December 31, 2026 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503)
N.11.c Reappointment of Gay Timmons to the Planning Commission REAPPOINT Gay Timmons to the Planning Commission to a vacant seat with a new term ending June 30, 2028 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
N.11.d Reappointment of Jon Harrison to the Planning Commission REAPPOINT Jon Harrisson to the Planning Commission to a vacant seat with a new term ending June 30, 2028 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
N.11.e Appointment of TriDuc Tran as the Youth District 4 Representative to the Richmond Fund for Children and Youth Oversight Board
APPOINT TriDuc Tran to the Richmond Fund for Children and Youth Oversight Board as the youth representative for Council District 4, upon the recommendation of Councilmember Bana, for a term ending December 2, 2027 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503)
N.11.f Appointment of Jennifer Early as the Adult District 5 Representative to the Richmond Fund for Children and Youth Oversight Board
APPOINT Jennifer Early to the Richmond Fund for Children and Youth Oversight Board as the adult representative for Council District 5, upon the recommendation of Councilmember Wilson, for a term ending December 2, 2028 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503)
N.12 Police Department
N.12.a Monthly Crime Report for July 2026
RECEIVE the monthly Crime Report from the Richmond Police Department for July 2026 – Police Department (Chief Timothy Simmons 510-621-1802).
N.12.b Contract with Peregrine Technologies for Public Safety Data Integration, Analytics, and Electronic Case Filing Services
APPROVE a sole-source contract with Peregrine Technologies for a public safety data integration and analytics platform that consolidates information from Richmond Police Department data systems and supports electronic case filing with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, in an amount not to exceed $1,200,295, for the term of November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2029, with two one-year extension options – Police Department (Chief Timothy Simmons 510-621-1802/Captain Elizabeth Bashan 510-621-1819).
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N.12.c Contract with Police Strategies LLC for Use-of-Force Data Analysis and Public Reporting
APPROVE a sole-source contract with Police Strategies LLC to analyze use-of-force data and maintain the City’s public-facing use-of-force reporting dashboard, in an amount not to exceed $73,000, for the term of September 16, 2026, through September 15, 2029, with two one-year extension options in a combined amount not to exceed $30,000, for a total contract amount not to exceed $103,000 - Police Department (Chief Timothy Simmons 510-621-1802).
N.13 Public Works
N.13.a Accept the Shields-Reid Park Improvement Project as Complete ADOPT a resolution accepting the Shields-Reid Park Improvement Project as complete; AUTHORIZE the city clerk to file the Notice of Completion with the Contra Costa County Recorder’s Office; and AUTHORIZE the city engineer to release the contractor bonds and retention payment, provided there are no outstanding liens or stop notices – Public Works Department (Darcie DeLashmutt
510-672-3944/Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478).
Adopted Resolution No. 153-26
N.13.b Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement with the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company (“BNSF”) for the Downtown Point Richmond Bicycle and Pedestrian Connectivity Project APPROVE a Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) Railway Company for a term commencing on September 16, 2026, and terminating on June 30, 2029, in an amount not to exceed $50,000 and ADOPT a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute the agreement – Public Works Department (Gail Payne 510-620-6716/Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478).
Adopted Resolution No. 154-26
N.13.c Accept the Barrett Avenue Improvement Project Subregional Transportation Mitigation Program Grant Award
ADOPT a resolution to ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE $311,931 in Subregional Transportation Mitigation Program funds from the West Contra Costa Transportation Commission for the Barrett Avenue Improvement Project and AUTHORIZE the city manager, or designee, to execute the cooperative funding agreement with the West Contra Costa Transportation Commission – Public Works Department (Hillal Hamdan 510-621-1612).
Adopted Resolution No. 155-26
N.13.d July 2026 Abatement Report
RECEIVE a report on the July 2026 abatement activities – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/Darin Fitzpatrick 510-231-3044/Hugo Mendoza 510-231-3030).
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N.13.e Accept the Boorman Park Site Remediation Project as Complete ADOPT a resolution accepting the Boorman Park Site Remediation Project as complete; AUTHORIZE the city clerk to file the Notice of Completion with the Contra Costa County Recorder’s Office; and AUTHORIZE the city engineer to release the contractor bonds and retention payment, provided there are no outstanding liens, stop notices, claims, disputes, or other unresolved contract issues – Public Works Department (Darcie DeLashmutt 510-672-3944/Daniel Chavarria 510- 620-5478).
Adopted Resolution No. 156-26
N.13.f Memorandum of Understanding Amendment No. 6 with the Contra Costa Transportation Authority for the StreetLight Data Program ADOPT a resolution to AUTHORIZE the public works director/city engineer to execute the sixth amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding 80.09.02 with the Contra Costa Transportation Authority for continued participation in the regional StreetLight Data subscription program for Fiscal Year 2026–27 – Public Works Department (Gail Payne 510-620-6716/Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478).
Adopted Resolution No. 157-26
O. BUDGET SESSION
O.1 Fiscal Year 2025-26 Quarter 4 and Quarter 3 Financial Report and Administrative Budget Adjustments
RECEIVE the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Quarter 4 (Q4) Financial Report for the period ending June 30, 2026, and the attached FY 2025-26 Quarter 3 (Q3) Financial Report for the period ending March 31, 2026; ADOPT a resolution to APPROPRIATE proposed FY 2025-26 year-end administrative budget adjustments; APPROPRIATE Environmental and Community Investment Agreement (ECIA) funds in FY 2026-27 for the Richmond Promise Program; and PROVIDE DIRECTION regarding the timing of the Limited-Term Revenue Community Engagement process and its coordination with public-safety labor negotiations and other City Council-directed plans, studies, and assessments – City Manager’s Office/Finance Department (Shasa Curl/Emily Combs/Mubeen Qader 510-412-2077).
City Manager Shasa Curl introduced the matter. Director of Finance Emily Combs, Deputy Director of Finance Mubeen Qader, and Accounting Manager Jerry Gurule presented a PowerPoint. Link to Quarter 4 Financial Report and Administrative Budget Adjustments
The following individuals gave comments in person: Cordell Hindler, Claudia Citroen, Stephanie Zhang, Megan Zapanta, Tom Viengvilai, Najari Smith, and Erika Siao. Leisa Johnson and Rei Scampavia gave comments via teleconference.
Discussion ensued. The council requested and/or suggested the following:
community engagement regarding the Chevron settlement funds and capital improvement project prioritization for the community to make decisions; past five years budget projections including Measure U (business license tax); surplus funds amount that the council allocated in the year 2015; simple chart that shows what the projected ('middle-of-road') amount for each of the budget years starting from fiscal year 2023-2024, including the projected deficit or surplus, actuals, and the amount of surplus funds that were allocated at some point of the year towards additional projects; and more details regarding the higher revene and expenditure cc15Sep2026 – sl/prc
variances listed on the presentation slides #28 and #32, including the calculations used to determine the original budget, revised budget, and actual year ends. 1ST MOTION by Councilmember Zepeda
Seconded by Councilmember Bana
To receive the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Quarter 4 (Q4) Financial Report for the period ending June 30, 2026, and the attached FY 2025-26 Quarter 3 (Q3) Financial Report for the period ending March 31, 2026.
Ayes (6): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Wilson, Councilmember Zepeda, and Mayor Martinez.
Abstained (1): Vice Mayor Robinson.
1st Motion Passed (6 to 1)
Further discussion ensued.
2ND MOTION by Councilmember Bana
Seconded by Councilmember Brown
To appropriate Environmental and Community Investment Agreement (ECIA) funds in FY 2026-27 for the Richmond Promise Program.
Ayes (7): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Wilson, Councilmember Zepeda, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Mayor Martinez.
2nd Motion Passed (7 to 0)
3RD MOTION by Councilmember Zepeda
Seconded by Councilmember Bana
To adopt a resolution to appropriate proposed FY 2025-26 year-end administrative budget adjustments.
Ayes (6): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Wilson, Councilmember Zepeda, and Mayor Martinez.
Abstained (1): Vice Mayor Robinson.
3rd Motion Passed (6 to 1)
Adopted Resolution No. 158-26
Further discussion ensued. The council requested and/or suggested the following:
staff to find a way to balance the structural budget in anticipation of the deficit shown that would reduce expenses in response to the estimated increase that was not dependent upon short-term funds; develop a process to prioritize expenses, including all spending together with all council projects; consider an "Option D" to come back with a way to balance the 2026-2027 budget using expense reduction and not short-term funds; set a near-term goal prioritizing all projects to determine how many projects can be completed at one time and create the budget from that realistic capacity; community engagement process where experts help with investment decisions; and work on balancing the next fiscal year budget without one-time resources.
4TH MOTION by Councilmember Jimenez
Seconded by Vice Mayor Robinson
To approve Option C: Proceed with the Limited-Term Revenue Community Engagement process concurrently with public-safety labor negotiations and the other City Council-directed plans, studies, and assessments. cc15Sep2026 – sl/prc
A friendly amendment was made by Vice Mayor Robinson to approve Option C:
Proceed with the Limited-Term Revenue Community Engagement process concurrently with public-safety labor negotiations and prioritize the existing list of City Council-directed plans, studies, and assessments; and create a short list that can be done within the fiscal year, with the remaining on a list for future fiscal years based on staff capacity. Secondly, direct staff to come back with a list of budget reductions across the organization that could make the budget structurally balanced, approximately $8 million in reductions across the organization, so there would be no need to dip into short-term revenue to cover the projected budget deficit.
The motion maker requested an analysis of how all the projections had been calculated before making any decisions on cuts and accepted the friendly amendment with the following revision: Approve Option C: Proceed with the Limited-Term Revenue Community Engagement process concurrently with public-safety labor negotiations and prioritize the existing list of City Councildirected plans, studies, and assessments; and create a short list that can be done within the fiscal year, with the remaining on a list for future fiscal years based on staff capacity. Secondly, direct staff to come back with a list of budget reductions across the organization that could make the budget structurally balanced, approximately $8 million in reductions across the organization, so there would be no need to dip into short-term revenue to cover the projected budget deficit.
Substitute Motion by Mayor Martinez
Seconded by Councilmember Zepeda
To provide direction regarding the timing of the entire city budget as a community engagement process and its coordination with public safety labor negotiations and other City Council-directed plans, studies, and assessments.
A friendly amendment to the substitute motion made by Councilmember Brown to pause the City Council-directed plans (not in process) and bring those items back to the council with a prioritization list was accepted.
Mayor Martinez restated the Substitute Motion: "To provide direction regarding the timing of community engagement concerning the city budget in total with the friendly amendment given by Councilmember Brown which is to pause on council-directed issues which have not been started".
Ayes (3): Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Zepeda, and Mayor Martinez.
Noes (4): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Wilson, and Vice Mayor Robinson.
Substitute Motion Failed (3 to 4)
Original 4th Motion made by Councilmember Jimenez, seconded by Vice Mayor Robinson, to approve Option C with the friendly amendment made by Vice Mayor Robinson to only include the prioritization of the council projects.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Wilson, and Vice Mayor Robinson.
Noes (1): Mayor Martinez.
Abstained (2): Councilmember Bana and Councilmember Zepeda.
Original 4th Motion Passed (4 to 3)
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(At approximately 9:57 p.m. - a motion made by Councilmember Jimenez, seconded by Councilmember Bana, to extend the meeting to 11:00 p.m. to complete Item P.1, Urgency Ordinance Imposing a 45-Day Moratorium on New Data Centers, passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Bana, Brown, Jimenez, Zepeda, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Mayor Martinez. Noes: None. Absent: Councilmember Wilson. Abstained: None). (At approximately 9:58 p.m. - a motion made by Councilmember Bana, seconded by Councilmember Brown, to reduce the public comment time limit for Item P.1 to one minute, passed by the unanimous vote of the City Council).
P. PUBLIC HEARINGS
City Clerk Pamela Christian announced that it was time, pursuant to public notice, to hold a public hearing.
P.1 Urgency Ordinance Imposing a 45-Day Moratorium on New Data Centers ADOPT an Urgency Ordinance establishing a 45-day temporary moratorium on the establishment of new data centers within the City of Richmond pending a public planning process to evaluate whether and under what regulations data centers may be permitted utilizing Government Code Section 65858(b) – City Manager’s Office/Community Development Department/City Attorney’s Office (Lina Velasco 510-620-6841).
Director of Community Development Lina Velasco introduced the matter. Ms.
Velasco and Planning Manager Avery Stark presented a PowerPoint. Link to Data Center Moratorium
Mayor Martinez declared the public hearing opened. The following individuals gave comments in person: Lauren Arnest, Laura Navarro, Liz, Lisette Castillo, Evelyn Hernandez, Miguel Diaz, Natalie Rivera, Ana Romero, Quanah Parker Brightman, Elsa Stevens, Mark Wassberg, Sheelah Bearfoot, Meya Saenz Zagar, Roger Lin, Chris Taaffe, Isabel Penman, Emi Yoko-Young, Irania De La Mora, Laura Navarro, Sarah Griffin, Erika Siao, Ruben Sahmeran, Shayna Keyles, Sonali Malik, Tarnel Abbott, Wilder Zeiser, Kaylin Fisher, Kate, and Kyara Billups. The following individuals gave comments via teleconference: Jennifer Brass, Leisa Johnson, Carson Conner, and Sara Theiss. Mayor Martinez closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilmember Jimenez, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, to approve the urgency ordinance and moratorium.
Discussion ensued. A motion by Councilmember Wilson to end debate died for the lack of a second. Further discussion ensued.
Motion by Mayor Martinez
Seconded by Councilmember Wilson
To end debate.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Wilson, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Mayor Martinez.
Noes (2): Councilmember Brown and Councilmember Zepeda.
Passed (5 to 2)
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Motion by Councilmember Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Wilson
To adopt said urgency ordinance.
Ayes (6): Councilmember Bana, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Wilson, Councilmember Zepeda, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Mayor Martinez Abstentions (1): Councilmember Brown
Passed (6 to 0)
Adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 13-26 N.S.
Q. NEW BUSINESS
Q.1 Contract Amendment with Axon Enterprise and Contract with Assure MSP, Inc. for Law Enforcement and City Facility Video Technology, Surveillance, and Support Services
APPROVE a contract amendment with Axon Enterprise to continue servicing body-worn cameras, taser devices, interview room equipment, and virtual reality training equipment, and to add license plate reader and surveillance equipment, increasing the contract amount by $3,500,000, for a total amount not to exceed $12,000,000, for the term of October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029, with two one-year extension options through September 30, 2031; APPROVE a contract with Assure MSP, Inc. for Verkada closed-circuit television camera equipment and related services at various City facilities, in an amount not to exceed $500,000, for the term of October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029; AUTHORIZE the City Attorney’s Office to negotiate and finalize the contracts; and AUTHORIZE the city manager, or their designee, to execute the contracts – Police Department (Chief Timothy Simmons 510-621-1802).
Continued to the September 15, 2026, City Council meeting.
Q.2 Update on Polluters Pay Settlement Funds’ Community Engagement Process DIRECT the city manager and/or city attorney to provide an update at the City Council meeting on September 22, 2026, on the settlement funds public consultation process, including the consultant proposal, the public consultation plan, the timeline and the current state of the funds, and DIRECT city manager and/or the city attorney to continue to provide monthly updates for upcoming city council meetings on the status of the consultant process and funds until the contract deliverables have been met - Councilmember Claudia Jimenez (510-620- 6565)/Vice Mayor Doria Robinson (510-620-6568).
Continued to the September 15, 2026, City Council meeting.
R. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: REFERRALS TO STAFF, AND GENERAL REPORTS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS)(limited to two minutes per Councilmember) None.
S. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:59 p.m., to meet again on September 22, 2026, at 10:59 p.m.
Pamela Christian, Clerk of the City of
Richmond
Eduardo Martinez, Mayor