What happened
- Approved 3-member council committee to oversee city wastewater and storm drains after 2 public comments.
- Approved $75,000 settlement with contractor over Booker T. Anderson Center dispute.
- Approved $300,000 contract with Witt O'Brien's to manage $27.7 million in federal pandemic relief funds.
- Received annual independent audit report for city finances ending June 2022.
- Heard formal decision supporting UN women's rights treaty but took no vote.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: AgendaAttendance
Contracts(25 items)
Hire Veritone Inc. to manage police racial profiling data reporting to state
In Plain English
California law requires police to report racial profiling data to the state. The current system requires manual data entry and has errors. Veritone can automatically fix existing bad data and electronically submit reports to the state, making the city eligible for state reimbursement.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Add $30,000 to police hiring polygraph contract, extend through November 2024
In Plain English
California requires polygraph tests for all police applicants and certain civilian positions. Richmond is hiring 30 new officers and has almost spent its current $30,000 polygraph budget. If approved, the contract total rises to $60,000 and continues through late 2024.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Buy $183,000 litter vacuum sweeper for sidewalk cleaning
In Plain English
The city currently has no equipment specifically designed to clean sidewalks and public spaces like Civic Center Plaza. The new Madvac machine combines sweeping and vacuuming to remove litter and debris. If approved, streets crews use it to maintain sidewalks around downtown and transit areas.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Purchase 3 replacement mowers for city parks for $217,000
In Plain English
The Parks division has 3 mowers from 2008-2014 that need replacement because they exceed the 7-year useful life. One has been broken for 6 months because replacement parts are unavailable. The new mowers meet updated air emission standards and will maintain city parks.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Extend engineering contract for Terminal Four wharf demolition project
In Plain English
The city is removing a deteriorating wharf at Terminal Four that poses environmental hazards to San Francisco Bay. Toxic creosote pilings harm fish spawning and create marine debris. If approved, the engineering firm receives $108,910 more to oversee construction through December 2024. State grant funds cover all costs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve 3-year contract for security and fire alarm services at city buildings
In Plain English
The city needs security and fire alarm monitoring at all city buildings. Security Signal Devices has provided these services for several years and scored highest among 3 bidders. If approved, the contract costs $450,000 over 3 years with an option to extend 2 more years for $300,000.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Replace 2 miles of high-risk sewer lines to meet court settlement requirement
In Plain English
Richmond must repair at least 2 miles of its worst sewer lines each year under a 2018 settlement with environmental group Baykeeper. The city contracted with 3 companies to replace pipes that pose the highest risk of spills or breaks. If approved, the total cost reaches $2.1 million, paid from wastewater fees rather than general taxes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Finalize fence agreement allowing homeowner to keep fence in public right-of-way
In Plain English
The homeowner at 130 E. Scenic Avenue built a fence that extends into city property. The City Council already approved letting them keep it there in February after a public hearing. This formally completes that agreement and records it on the property deed forever.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve 3 housing and environmental contracts totaling $1.7 million
In Plain English
The city needs to fix paperwork for a housing development's fee payment plan, continue environmental cleanup at Terminal One through August, and hire a new law firm for code enforcement. The attorneys handling property violations moved to a new firm called Civica Law Group. If approved, total spending reaches $1.7 million across all 3 contracts.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Correct paperwork error in Terraces at Nevin affordable housing fee agreement
In Plain English
The city originally agreed to defer impact fees for a 271-unit affordable housing project called Terraces at Nevin. A drafting error listed the total fees as $4 million instead of the correct amount of $3.5 million. If approved, the amendment fixes this paperwork mistake to match the actual fees invoiced.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Extend environmental consulting contract by $163,800 to monitor contamination at Terminal One site
In Plain English
The city must monitor groundwater contamination at Terminal One under a state cleanup order issued in 2004. This contract covers required testing through August 2024, including repairing damaged monitoring wells and completing a tidal study. If approved, the total contract value reaches $1 million.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hire law firm for code enforcement and unsafe property rehabilitation program
In Plain English
The city's attorneys for code enforcement and the receivership program left their old firm to start Civica Law Group. The receivership program fixes abandoned and dangerous properties that threaten public safety. If approved, the city pays up to $486,000 through June 2024 to continue working with the same attorneys at their new firm.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve environmental cleanup contract and $580,000 in public art for Shields Reid Park
In Plain English
The city must hire Remediation Risk Management to handle ongoing environmental cleanup at the corporation yard, as required by state water regulators. The $182,446 contract runs through 2025. Separately, 5 artists receive contracts totaling $580,000 to create large artworks for the Shields Reid Park renovation project.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve $182,446 contract for environmental cleanup at city corporation yard
In Plain English
The corporation yard has petroleum and chemical contamination that state regulators require the city to monitor and clean up. The city has used the same environmental consultant since 2006 for this ongoing work. If approved, the 3-year contract costs $87,532 in year 1 and $47,457 each following year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hire 5 artists to create large artworks for Shields Reid Park renovation
In Plain English
The city is renovating Shields Reid Park and adding 5 new art installations throughout the space. Each artist will design, create, and install artwork at different locations in the park. If approved, the total cost is $580,000 over 3 years, with individual contracts ranging from $70,000 to $200,000 per artist.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hire GovInvest for $336,400 to manage pension and financial planning software
In Plain English
The city struggles to track its pension obligations and retirement benefits owed to former employees. This contract provides specialized software to forecast labor costs and create financial projections. If approved, the tools help the city meet 4 recommendations from the State Auditor to improve financial planning.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hire consultant to forecast city tax revenue for next 10 years
In Plain English
A state audit found the city needs better financial planning tools including economic downturn scenarios. Beacon Economics will predict income from property tax, sales tax, utility tax, business tax, and real estate transfer tax through 2033. The 3-year contract costs $60,000 with annual updates to help city budget more accurately.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve 3 technology contracts totaling $328,000 for generator repairs, mapping software, and permit system
In Plain English
City Hall's backup generator transfer switch needs emergency repairs costing $26,500. The city also renews its mapping software contract for up to $250,000 per year through 2027. A third contract extends the permit and business licensing system for $51,463, bringing total system costs to $410,046.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hire Contra Costa Electric to fix City Hall backup generator switch
In Plain English
City Hall's backup generator switch broke down and needs emergency repairs to protect essential technology equipment. The generator keeps city computers and public safety systems running during power outages. If approved, the city pays up to $26,500 for repairs through June.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Renew software maintenance agreement with Esri for city mapping systems
In Plain English
The city uses Esri software to create digital maps for planning, public works, and emergency services. This agreement allows city staff to quickly buy software updates and technical support as needed. If approved, the city can spend up to $250,000 per year through 2027 on this mapping software.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Extend TRAKiT software contract for permits and code enforcement for $51,463
In Plain English
The city uses TRAKiT software to manage building permits, business licenses and code violations. The current contract expires March 31st and needs renewal for another year. If approved, the city pays an additional $51,463 to continue the service and add phone scheduling for building inspections plus 5 new user accounts for rent control staff.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve 3 training and consulting contracts totaling $426,323
In Plain English
The city needs specialized training for job programs and federal compliance oversight. One contract provides hazardous materials training for RichmondBUILD participants. Another trains job seekers in neighborhood cleanup through a state grant. The largest contract hires consultants to ensure proper use of $300,000 in federal pandemic relief funds through 2027.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve $31,000 contract for hazardous materials safety training at RichmondBUILD
In Plain English
The Environmental Protection Agency awarded Richmond a $200,000 grant to train 80 students for environmental jobs. The grant covers 234 hours of instruction including HAZWOPER safety certification and construction skills. If approved, Universal Safety & CPR Solutions provides the training through June 2025 at no cost to the city.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hire Rubicon Programs to train job seekers in neighborhood cleanup for $95,323
In Plain English
The city received a $2.97 million state grant to provide job training for Richmond residents ages 16 to 30. Rubicon Programs will train participants in blight removal and neighborhood revitalization skills through the Beautify Richmond Project. If approved, participants work up to 500 hours at $20 per hour while gaining job experience.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hire Witt O'Brien's for $300,000 to manage $27.7 million in federal pandemic relief funds
In Plain English
Richmond received $27.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds that must be spent by December 2026. The city needs help managing complex federal rules and distributing grants to local businesses and organizations. If approved, Witt O'Brien's handles applications, ensures compliance, and manages the remaining $19.15 million in unallocated funds.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve said contract as recommended by staff
To approve said contract for two years instead of four years
7 to 0
Governance(5 items)
Approve meeting minutes from February 21 and 28, 2023
In Plain English
The city clerk asks council to formally approve written records from 2 meetings held in February 2023. State law requires cities to keep official minutes of all council meetings. Once approved, these minutes become the permanent public record of what the council discussed and decided.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Adopt resolution supporting UN women's rights treaty
In Plain English
The United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women is an international treaty promoting gender equality. The city has no current policy position on this UN agreement. If approved, Richmond formally endorses the treaty's principles but creates no new local programs or spending requirements.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Adopt formal decision supporting UN women's rights treaty
In Plain English
Richmond became a Human Rights City in 2009 and wants to strengthen its commitment to women's equality. The UN treaty against discrimination toward women passed in 1979, but the US never ratified it. San Francisco adopted it locally in 1998 and saw more women reach leadership roles in major departments.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Proclaim March 10 as Tibetan Uprising Day and March 21 as Persian New Year
In Plain English
The mayor requests formal recognition of 2 cultural observances in Richmond. Tibetan Uprising Day commemorates the 1959 uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet. Persian New Year celebrates the traditional spring holiday observed by Iranian and other communities.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Create 3-member council committee to oversee city wastewater and storm drains
In Plain English
The city wants better oversight of its sewage treatment plants and storm drain system. The new committee studies infrastructure problems, hunts for state and federal grants, and improves public communication about water system issues. If approved, 3 council members form this working group.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To create said ad hoc committee
7 to 0
Proclamation(2 items)
Declare March 10, 2023 as Tibetan Uprising Day in Richmond
In Plain English
The proclamation recognizes the 64th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising against China's occupation of Tibet. Richmond has a vibrant Tibetan American community that gathers annually to raise the Tibetan flag and commemorate this day. The proclamation honors Tibetans who lost their lives in their struggle for freedom and acknowledges ongoing human rights concerns in Tibet.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Recognize March 21 as Nowruz (Persian New Year) in Richmond
In Plain English
Richmond officially recognizes the Persian New Year celebration that marks the beginning of spring. The Bay Area has a large Persian community, and Nowruz is celebrated by millions worldwide across different faiths and ethnicities. The proclamation also expresses solidarity with Iranian women fighting for equality and democratic rights.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Budget(3 items)
Approve 2 financial software contracts totaling $396,400 and receive monthly reports
In Plain English
The city needs specialized software to track pension costs, forecast revenues, and manage finances. The first contract with GovInvest costs $336,400 over 4 years for pension and budget planning tools. The second contract with Beacon Economics costs $60,000 over 3 years to predict tax revenue from property, sales, and business taxes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Receive January 2023 investment balances and overtime spending reports
In Plain English
The city tracks its cash investments and employee overtime costs each month. January reports show the city spent 62% of its annual overtime budget by mid-year. Police overtime accounts for most spending at $3.3 million so far.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Receive annual independent audit report for city finances ending June 2022
In Plain English
State law requires the city to publish an annual financial report audited by independent accountants. The audit firm could not complete a full opinion because the Richmond Housing Authority's books remain unaudited since 2019. If received, this provides residents assurance about how the city manages tax dollars.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Personnel(1 item)
Hire budget analyst for City Council in Mayor's Office
In Plain English
The city faces fiscal challenges after a state audit showed it remains high risk in pension and employee benefits funding. City Council members have become more involved in budget decisions, overwhelming the Finance Department with detailed questions. If approved, the new analyst costs $90,192 to $109,068 annually and helps council make data-driven budget decisions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Litigation(3 items)
Meet privately with city attorney about starting a lawsuit
In Plain English
The city council plans to discuss filing a new lawsuit in closed session with their legal counsel. California law allows councils to meet privately when discussing potential litigation to protect legal strategy. The council has not disclosed what type of case they are considering or who they might sue.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve settlement with law firm and restore construction contract
In Plain English
The city terminated Angotti & Reilly's contract for Booker T. Anderson construction in August 2022. The law firm apparently disputed this termination. If approved, the city settles the dispute and restores the original contract.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Settle lawsuit with contractor and pay $75,000 over Booker T. Anderson Center dispute
In Plain English
The city fired contractor Angotti & Reilly in August 2022 during reconstruction of the Booker T. Anderson Community Center. The contractor sued for $386,000 claiming wrongful termination, while the city counterclaimed for $584,200 in extra costs. If approved, the city pays $75,000 to settle and formally withdraws the firing.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
7 to 0
Public Safety(1 item)
Approve $45,000 software contract and expand $30,000 polygraph testing contract
In Plain English
The police department needs specialized software to comply with state laws requiring racial profiling reports. The 3-year Veritone contract costs $45,000 total. The department also wants to double its polygraph testing budget from $30,000 to $60,000 for screening new officer candidates through November 2024.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Infrastructure(1 item)
Approve $3.4 million in public works purchases and contracts
In Plain English
The city needs new equipment and services to maintain parks and city buildings. Major purchases include a $183,000 street sweeper, $217,000 in lawn mowers, and a $450,000 security system contract. If approved, the city also spends $2.1 million on sewer pipe repairs and extends an engineering contract for wharf removal.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.