What happened
- Received proclamation for Jewish American Heritage Month after hearing from 3 residents.
- Approved unanimous support for Richmond San Rafael Bridge Trail for bikers and walkers.
- Approved instant runoff voting consideration for November ballot with unanimous council support.
- Approved investment policy restrictions to avoid funding violence and war, with Zepeda abstaining.
- Received proclamations for Cinco de Mayo celebration days and National Bike Month.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: AgendaAttendance
Add restrictions to city investment policy to avoid funding violence and war
In Plain English
The city currently reviews its investment policy annually as part of budget planning. Three council members want to prevent city funds from being invested in companies that support violence, war, or apartheid. If approved, staff will research and modify the policy to exclude these investments.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to review and modify the city's Investment Policy and come up with options and recommendations for the four (4) restrictions as presented in the agenda report and the presentation, and for potentially coming up with new socially responsible investments. These options and recommendations can be through coming up with new investment groups. They should be presented to the City Council by July 2nd (or at least an update as to where we're at) and subsequently to the HRHRC (Human Rights Human Relations Commission) to come up with a framework to annually review these companies and banks we are restricting and making sure from year to year those restrictions are being implemented and followed
6 to 0
Consider putting instant runoff voting on November ballot for future city elections
In Plain English
Richmond currently uses plurality voting where the candidate with the most votes wins, even without a majority. Instant runoff voting lets voters rank candidates by preference, ensuring winners have majority support. The council would hear a presentation and potentially draft ballot language for voters to decide in November.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct the City Attorney's Office to prepare a proposed charter amendment for an IRV ballot measure to allow the City Council to place the IRV ballot measure on the 2024 General Election ballot
7 to 0
Formally support Richmond San Rafael Bridge Trail for bikers and walkers
In Plain English
The bridge already has a walking and biking trail that opened in 2019 and has seen over 375,000 trips. This formal statement supports the trail as part of the larger Bay Trail network connecting communities. The trail connects to Point Molate and provides an alternative to driving across the bridge.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0
Proclaim May 4-5 as official Cinco de Mayo celebration days
In Plain English
Richmond and San Pablo host their 16th annual Cinco de Mayo parade and festival featuring floats, performances, music, and food. The parade runs May 4th from 10 AM to 12:30 PM, followed by the festival May 5th from 10 AM to 5 PM. The proclamation officially recognizes these community events that attract thousands of residents and visitors each year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Recognize May as National Bike Month in Richmond
In Plain English
Richmond joins a nationwide celebration promoting biking for transportation and recreation. The city has built bike lanes throughout town and approved a plan in 2023 to improve safe biking. Local groups will host events like Bike-to-Wherever Day and Self-Care Sunday Rides during May.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Proclaim May as Jewish American Heritage Month in Richmond
In Plain English
The city formally recognizes May as a month to honor Jewish Americans' contributions to Richmond and American society. The proclamation celebrates the community's role in the city's cultural diversity and economic growth. Richmond's Jewish residents have been integral to local development across education, business, arts, and public service.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Increase budgets for 3 upcoming city festivals by $24,000 total
In Plain English
The city originally budgeted just $8,500 total for Cinco de Mayo, Richmond Rainbow Pride, and Juneteenth festivals this year. Event organizers need more funding to cover rising costs for permits, security, and entertainment. If approved, total festival spending rises to $32,500, with Juneteenth getting the largest increase at $10,000.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hire finance and maintenance managers for Port of Richmond operations
In Plain English
An outside auditor examined Port of Richmond operations and found the facility needs better staffing. The port currently lacks dedicated finance and maintenance management. If approved, the city adds 2 new positions and raises port fees to cover the cost.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.