What happened
- Denied appeal of Dollar Tree store at 12300 San Pablo Avenue 6-1 (Butt dissenting).
- Approved placing vacant property tax on June 2022 ballot 6-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Approved $2.6 million contract to restore fire-damaged Booker T. Anderson Community Center.
- Approved renaming Baseball Diamond #2 at Nicholl Park to Willie Mays Baseball Field.
- Heard reports on $1.3 million state grants for economic development and cannabis equity programs.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: AgendaAttendance
Proclamation(7 items)
Declare February 28, 2022 as Rare Disease Day in Richmond
In Plain English
The mayor asks the city council to formally recognize February 28 as Rare Disease Day. This proclamation raises awareness about rare diseases that affect 30 million Americans. The recognition costs nothing and shows the city's support for residents with rare medical conditions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Declare March 2022 as Women's History Month in Richmond
In Plain English
The mayor asks the city council to officially recognize March 2022 as Women's History Month. This formal proclamation acknowledges women's contributions to Richmond's history and community. The declaration has no financial cost and follows the national observance of Women's History Month.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Declare March 2022 as Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month
In Plain English
The mayor requests a formal declaration recognizing March as a month to raise awareness about prescription drug abuse. This symbolic proclamation supports public education efforts about the dangers of prescription drug misuse. The declaration has no cost to the city and does not create new programs or services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Declare March 10, 2022 as Tibetan Uprising Day in Richmond
In Plain English
The mayor requests a formal proclamation recognizing March 10 as Tibetan Uprising Day. This date commemorates the 1959 Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule. The proclamation shows Richmond's symbolic support for Tibetan independence and human rights.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Declare February 17, 2022 as California State Parent Teacher Association Day
In Plain English
The mayor requests a formal proclamation recognizing the California State PTA on a specific date. Proclamations are ceremonial declarations that honor organizations or causes without any city spending or policy changes. This recognizes parent and teacher groups that support Richmond schools.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Declare March 2022 as Red Cross Month in Richmond
In Plain English
The mayor requests a formal proclamation recognizing the American Red Cross's disaster relief and community service work. Proclamations are ceremonial declarations that honor organizations or causes without any city spending. If approved, the city officially recognizes Red Cross volunteers and programs that help Richmond residents during emergencies.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Rename Baseball Diamond #2 at Nicholl Park to Willie Mays Baseball Field
In Plain English
The city proposes honoring baseball legend Willie Mays by renaming one of the baseball fields at Nicholl Park. This public hearing allows residents to comment on the proposal before the council votes. The rename would cost nothing and requires only new signage.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt said resolution
6 to 0
Budget(6 items)
Accept $1.3 million state grant for economic development consulting
In Plain English
The state offered Richmond $1.3 million through the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development to support local economic projects. The city hired SCI Consulting Group in 2017 to help with this work. If approved, the consultant's contract increases by $24,000 to $124,400 total and extends through December 2024.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Receive monthly report on city's cash and investments for January 2022
In Plain English
The city tracks how much cash it has and where investments are performing each month. This routine financial report shows the city's money management for January 2022. City law requires council to review these reports to ensure proper oversight of public funds.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Set new city service fees and adjust existing fee amounts
In Plain English
The city charges fees for services like building permits, business licenses, and planning applications. This proposal creates new fees for additional services and adjusts current fee amounts. If approved, residents and businesses pay updated rates when using city services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Review mid-year budget status and approve spending adjustments for fiscal year 2021-22
In Plain English
The city checks its budget halfway through each fiscal year to see how actual spending compares to planned spending. Departments may have spent more or less than expected, or received unexpected revenue. If approved, the city adjusts budget categories to reflect current financial reality and ensure proper accounting.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Review mid-year budget report for fiscal year 2021-22
In Plain English
City staff presents a routine progress report on how much money the city spent and earned halfway through the 2021-22 budget year. The report compares actual spending to planned amounts across all city departments and capital projects. This helps the council track whether the city stays within its approved budget.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt said resolution approving the mid-year budget adjustments with the understanding that the $4.2 million that was utilized from the reserves for the Richmond Housing Authority write-off should have been brought to the council before such a decision was made and should not happen in the future; the $1.3 million for Reimagining Public Safety from the reserves be corrected to state that it came from the 'excess' funds from the previous fiscal year 2020-2021; and clarification in the resolution or statement for the mid-year budget adjustments on what the funding source was for the $2.3 million the council previously voted to utilize for employee lump sum payments. The motion was withdrawn to allow staff more time to update documents to meet the council's expectations
Place vacant property tax on June 2022 ballot
In Plain English
The city wants voters to approve a new tax on vacant properties to fight blight and illegal dumping. Property owners would pay $3,000 to $8,000 annually depending on property size and type. If approved, the tax raises about $1.5 million per year for code enforcement and cleanup programs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To direct staff to make a presentation to the council on March 8, 2022, if there was a quorum; and for the council to determine, at that time, to place the measure on the June or November 2022 ballot or not at all
Substitute motion directing staff to return to the council in the spring of 2022 with a potential ballot measure on the vacant parcel tax or related information and potentially some other options for revenue generation for the council's consideration
5 to 1
Zoning(2 items)
Deny appeal of approved Dollar Tree store at 12300 San Pablo Avenue
In Plain English
The Planning Commission approved a 10,000 square foot Dollar Tree store in August. Someone appealed that decision to the city council. If the council denies this appeal, the store can proceed as planned at the former Kmart location.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To direct staff to implement conditions consistent with the intent and specific of what the Richmond Heights Neighborhood Council requested as follows: (1) address traffic safety issues by requiring a traffic safety study and implementation of safety mitigations prior to the store opening; (2) effectively control added traffic into surrounding neighborhood streets; (3) modify Condition #20 so that store closing is 8:00 p.m. throughout the year; (4) modify Condition #19 so that delivery trucks leave by 9:00 p.m.; (5) assure that neighbors have noise protection, including by adding a commercial sound absorbing wall at the loading dock that meets the zoning code noise limits; (6) modify the signage to a 24" tall sign facing San Pablo Avenue, a 30" tall lettered sign facing the parking lot, and an unilluminated Dollar Tree logo and green stripe at the top left corner facing Barrett Ave; and (7) review the brightness levels and conditions regarding lighting so that adjacent neighbors are not impacted by bright night lighting from the store's parking lot and sign. Also, review traffic merging and safety issues; receive input from the neighborhood council; and implement additional safety measures based upon the opinion of the Director of Community Development
5 to 1
Extend 10-month ban on new sewer connections at Keller Beach
In Plain English
The city currently blocks new building permits that need sewer connections at Keller Beach due to system capacity problems. This extension continues the ban for another 10 months while the city works on a permanent solution. New development in this area remains on hold until sewer infrastructure improves.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt said interim ordinance
6 to 0
Contracts(10 items)
Approve January meeting minutes and update handbook for boards and committees
In Plain English
The city council reviews and formally approves written records from their January 11 and 18 meetings. They also update the handbook that guides how the city's boards, commissions, and committees operate. These are routine administrative items that keep official city records current and ensure volunteer groups follow consistent procedures.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Accept $1.3 million state grant for cannabis equity program and expand consulting contract
In Plain English
The state awarded Richmond $1.3 million to help people harmed by past marijuana laws start cannabis businesses. The city hired SCI Consulting Group in 2017 to run this program. If approved, the consultant gets an additional $24,000 to continue work through 2024, bringing their total contract to $124,400.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Place liens on properties with unpaid garbage collection bills
In Plain English
Some residents have not paid their garbage collection fees to Republic Services. The city can place liens on these properties, meaning the unpaid bills get added to property tax records. If approved, property owners must pay these overdue garbage fees when they pay property taxes or sell their homes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt said resolution
6 to 0
Increase contract with Regional Government Services by $150,000 for temporary staffing
In Plain English
The city currently pays Regional Government Services up to $250,000 for temporary staff in human resources, finance, and accounting. If approved, the contract limit rises to $400,000. The city uses this firm when departments need extra help or specialized expertise on short-term projects.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Increase job training contract by $237,000 through June 2022
In Plain English
The city contracts with Oakland Private Industry Council to help residents find jobs and pay for training programs. The current contract expires in June 2022 and needs more funding to serve additional participants. If approved, total contract value rises from $478,000 to $714,000.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Expand contract with Oakland Private Industry Council for job training payment services
In Plain English
The city runs RichmondWORKS, which helps residents get job training through federal workforce programs. Oakland Private Industry Council currently handles payments to training providers and employers. The city needs to add $236,611 to their contract to cover more training accounts and on-the-job programs through June 2022.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve 5-year agreement with county prosecutor for electronic case filings
In Plain English
The police department currently files criminal cases with the county prosecutor using paper documents. This agreement lets officers file cases electronically through Karpel software instead. If approved, the city pays up to $25,000 over 5 years to streamline the process.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve $65,000 contract to outfit 3 fire department vehicles
In Plain English
The fire department needs to equip 3 vehicles with specialized gear and equipment. Stommel Inc. will install items like emergency lights, sirens, radios, and safety equipment. If approved, the city spends up to $65,000 to make these vehicles ready for emergency response.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve $20,000 contract to repair electrician bucket truck
In Plain English
The city's bucket truck used by electricians needs repairs. The truck helps workers reach power lines and street lights safely. If approved, Altec Industries fixes the truck for up to $20,000.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Award $2.6 million contract to restore fire-damaged Booker T. Anderson Community Center
In Plain English
The community center at 960 S. 47th Street was damaged by fire and needs restoration work. The city received bids from contractors and selected Angotti & Reilly Inc. as the lowest bidder at $2.3 million plus $235,000 contingency. If approved, insurance covers most of the $2.6 million total cost.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve said contract and appropriate the funding
6 to 0
Housing(2 items)
Receive monthly investment report and approve fee increases
In Plain English
The city reviews its January 2022 cash balances and investments. Council also votes on new fees and fee increases in the Master Fee Schedule, though specific amounts are not disclosed. Additionally, the city can place liens on properties with unpaid garbage bills and increases a consulting contract from $250,000 to $400,000.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Issue 6 ceremonial proclamations and announce board vacancies
In Plain English
The mayor issues formal declarations recognizing Rare Disease Day, Women's History Month, Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month, Tibetan Uprising Day, California PTA Day, and Red Cross Month. The city also announces open positions on local boards and commissions after recent resignations. Residents interested in serving can apply through the City Clerk.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Appointments(1 item)
Accept resignations and announce openings on city boards and committees
In Plain English
Several residents recently resigned from volunteer positions on city boards and committees. The city needs new volunteers to fill these empty seats. Interested residents can apply through the City Clerk's office.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Governance(2 items)
Revise handbook governing city boards, commissions and committees
In Plain English
The city maintains dozens of volunteer boards and commissions that advise on everything from parks to planning. The current handbook guides how these groups operate and recruit members. The proposed changes update procedures but specific revisions are not detailed in available materials.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0
Rename South 37th Street Underpass to Juneteenth Freedom Underpass
In Plain English
The Recreation and Parks Commission recommended this name change in December 2021. Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865. If approved, new signs replace current ones at no specified cost.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt said resolution
6 to 0
Public Safety(2 items)
Approve 5-year agreement for electronic police case filing services
In Plain English
The police department currently files criminal cases with the District Attorney's office using paper or outdated systems. This agreement lets officers submit cases electronically through Karpel software. If approved, the city pays up to $25,000 over 5 years to streamline case processing and reduce paperwork delays.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve 3 contracts totaling $2.7 million for fire equipment and community center repairs
In Plain English
The city needs to outfit 3 Fire Department vehicles with equipment for $65,000 and repair an electrician bucket truck for $20,000. The largest contract covers $2.6 million to restore the Booker T. Anderson Community Center after fire damage. If approved, insurance reimburses most of the community center costs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Personnel(1 item)
Evaluate job performance of City Attorney and police oversight investigator
In Plain English
The city council will review how well 2 key employees are doing their jobs in a private meeting. The City Attorney handles all legal matters for the city. The Community Police Review Commission Investigative Officer investigates complaints against police officers. These annual performance reviews determine salary increases and job security.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.