Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Presiding: Mayor Eduardo Martinez · Called to order: 4:31 p.m. · 43 items · 26 votes · 28 public comments
What happened
- Approved allowing private fence to remain in public right-of-way 6-1 (Bana dissenting).
- Approved $975,000 to purchase 20 police SUVs for the department.
- Approved $600,000 in contracts with 3 consulting firms for workplace training and conflict resolution.
- Approved $549,000 contract to upgrade hydrogen sulfide monitoring system at wastewater plant.
- Approved exploring creation of Public Bank East Bay with Berkeley and Oakland.
Attendance
Contracts(15 items)
Approve 3 legal agreements totaling $140,000 for housing and energy projects
In Plain English
The city needs legal help for a Chevron hydrogen fuel station proposal, a settlement with former employee Jim Nantell, and affordable housing work. Chevron pays the $85,000 cost for their project's legal review. The housing attorney contract increases by $55,000 to $355,000 total through June 2024.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hire law firm for up to $85,000 to handle Chevron hydrogen plant proposal
In Plain English
Chevron plans to apply for permits to modify its Richmond refinery to produce hydrogen fuel for vehicles. The city needs specialized legal help to review this complex environmental application. Chevron pays all legal costs through fees, so this costs Richmond taxpayers nothing.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Increase legal contract by $55,000 for housing authority and affordable housing work
In Plain English
The city hired Burke, Williams & Sorensen law firm in 2022 to help restructure Richmond Housing Authority properties and work on affordable housing projects citywide. The original contract has grown from $300,000 to $355,000 total. If approved, the firm continues this work through June 2024.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0
Approve $600,000 in contracts with 3 consulting firms for workplace training and conflict resolution
In Plain English
The city wants to hire 3 consulting companies to provide workplace training, conflict resolution, and consultation services for city employees. Each firm receives a $200,000 contract limit over 3 years. The total cost is $600,000 through June 2026.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0
Renew $51,000 software contract for online job postings and applications
In Plain English
The city has used NEOGOV software for over a decade to handle all job postings and applications online. The current subscription expires and needs renewal to continue operations. If approved, the 3-year contract costs $51,000 and runs through January 2026.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0
Extend consultant contract for employee pay study by $20,000 through 2023
In Plain English
The city hired Segal Group in 2020 to study and restructure employee pay scales across all departments. The original $250,000 contract has grown to $330,000 through previous amendments. If approved, the consultant receives an additional $20,000 to continue helping implement the pay changes through December 2023.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Authorize grant application for California food and community resilience centers
In Plain English
The city wants to apply for state funding to create community centers that provide food assistance and emergency services. The California Department of Food and Agriculture offers grants to cities for these multipurpose facilities. If approved, the city can submit its application and work with local partners on the project.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Apply for up to $10 million state grant to upgrade community facilities for emergencies
In Plain English
The city wants to apply for a state grant that provides up to $10 million to improve community facilities for emergency preparedness and climate disasters. The grant also funds workforce development and year-round community services. If approved, the city partners with 7 local organizations including Groundwork Richmond and YES Nature to Neighborhoods.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0
Apply for $47,500 state grant for Carlson Boulevard bike path and safety education
In Plain English
The city seeks state funding to build a pedestrian and bike path along Carlson Boulevard plus educational programs. The Transportation Development Act provides annual grants to cities for bike and pedestrian projects. If approved, Richmond receives the money and can start construction without using city funds.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0
Purchase 20 police SUVs for $975,000
In Plain English
The city plans to buy 20 new Dodge Durango police vehicles from Elk Grove Auto Group. Each SUV costs about $48,750. These all-wheel drive vehicles will replace older patrol cars in the police fleet.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0
Approve $549,000 contract to upgrade hydrogen sulfide monitoring system at wastewater plant
In Plain English
The city must monitor hydrogen sulfide gas emissions at its wastewater treatment plant under a 2011 agreement with air quality regulators. The existing monitoring system needs upgrades and maintenance. If approved, Sonoma Technology operates 2 monitoring stations and maintains a public website showing emission levels through 2025.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0
Hire consultant to evaluate historic buildings at Winehaven and Shipyard No. 3
In Plain English
The city needs professional assessments of historic structures in 2 districts before making renovation decisions. Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates specializes in historic building evaluation and design services. The contract runs through June 2024 and costs up to $250,000.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Allow private fence to remain in public right-of-way at 130 E. Scenic Avenue
In Plain English
A property owner at 130 E. Scenic Avenue built a fence that extends into city-owned land next to the street. The city requires a formal agreement to allow the fence to stay. If approved, the agreement gets recorded on the property deed so future owners know about the encroachment.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt the resolution, make the findings in the staff report and add reflectors to the fence
6 to 1
Approve fence encroachment agreement for 8 Western Drive property
In Plain English
A property owner at 8 Western Drive built a fence that extends into city-owned land next to the street. The city requires a formal agreement when private structures cross onto public property. If approved, the fence can stay but the agreement gets recorded on the property deed.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve 3-year contract for automated license plate reader cameras
In Plain English
The police want to install cameras that automatically scan and record license plates of passing cars. The system costs $249,600 over 3 years and includes equipment, support, and maintenance. If approved, police can track vehicle movements throughout the city to help solve crimes and locate stolen cars.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Public Safety(2 items)
Approve $670,000 in consulting contracts for HR services and job posting software
In Plain English
The city needs outside help with workplace conflicts, training, and hiring processes. Three consulting firms would provide conflict resolution and training services for $200,000 each through 2026. The city also needs software to post job openings and track applications for $51,000 over 3 years. If approved, total spending reaches $670,000 for these HR support services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Appoint 8 residents to city commissions and task forces
In Plain English
The mayor fills vacant seats on 7 different city boards that advise the council on issues like arts, parks, police oversight, and senior services. These volunteer positions help residents shape city policies in their areas of expertise. Terms range from 1 to 4 years depending on the commission.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Governance(7 items)
Approve meeting minutes and extend remote participation for city meetings
In Plain English
The city needs formal approval of minutes from 3 recent council meetings. The second item extends the current policy allowing residents and officials to join meetings remotely through video calls. Without this extension, all future meetings would require in-person attendance only.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Allow city council and boards to keep meeting virtually for 30 more days
In Plain English
The city has held virtual meetings since March 2020 due to COVID-19. State law requires the council to vote every 30 days to continue remote meetings instead of returning to in-person only. If approved, all city boards and commissions can keep meeting virtually through March 2023.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0
Urge President Biden to remove Cuba from terrorism sponsor list
In Plain English
The council wants to send a formal letter asking the federal government to change Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. This resolution expresses Richmond's position on foreign policy but has no direct impact on city operations or services. The council also approves travel for 2 members to attend a community development conference in Texas.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Urge federal government to remove Cuba from terrorism sponsor list
In Plain English
The city council wants to formally ask President Biden and Congress to take Cuba off the U.S. list of countries that sponsor terrorism. Richmond would join other cities making this request. The resolution has no direct impact on city services or spending.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0
Halt new sewer connections in Keller Beach for 45 days
In Plain English
The Keller Beach sewer pipeline is 64 years old and located underwater during high tides. A previous building permit moratorium expired accidentally in January. The city needs 45 days to address public safety concerns before allowing new development that requires sewer connections.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extend the meeting until 11:30 p.m.
Suspend the rules and extend the meeting until the conclusion of current Item X.2
Adopt the urgency ordinance and schedule a community meeting to be held no later than the first week of April 2023
7 to 0
Authorize staff to explore creating Public Bank East Bay with Berkeley and Oakland
In Plain English
Richmond would join Berkeley and Oakland in planning a publicly-owned bank that serves all 3 cities. Public banks are owned by government instead of private shareholders and focus on community lending rather than profit. If approved, city staff begins formal discussions about structure, funding, and regulatory requirements for this regional bank.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 21-23
7 to 0
Create Finance Committee and hire 1 staff person to support it
In Plain English
The city currently lacks a dedicated Finance Committee to oversee budget matters. The new committee must be formed by March 21, 2023, with city staff included. If approved, the mayor's office adds 1 employee to help run committee operations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Appointments(8 items)
Revise council member assignments to committees and liaison positions
In Plain English
The city council made appointments to committees and liaison positions in January. Two changes are needed: Councilmember Robinson replaces Councilmember Jimenez on the Recreation and Parks Committee due to a scheduling conflict. The appointments also add a new committee for coordinating with AC Transit.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0
Appoint Carole J Porter to Richmond Arts and Culture Commission
In Plain English
The Arts and Culture Commission has a vacant seat that needs filling. Porter has a journalism and organizational development background. If approved, she serves a 4-year term ending January 2027 and helps guide city arts programming and cultural events.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0
Appoint Dani Lanis to Recreation and Parks Commission
In Plain English
The mayor nominated Dani Lanis to serve on the commission that advises the city council on parks and recreation programs. The Recreation and Parks Commission reviews city park policies and makes recommendations about recreational services. If approved, Lanis serves a 2-year term through October 2026.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0
Appoint Michael Caesar to Community Police Review Commission
In Plain English
The Community Police Review Commission investigates complaints about police conduct and recommends policy changes. Michael Caesar would serve until November 2026. The mayor nominates commissioners and the city council confirms them.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Appoint Christina Kenney to Economic Development Commission
In Plain English
The Economic Development Commission advises the city council on business attraction, job creation, and economic growth policies. Christina Kenney would serve a 2-year term ending March 2026. The commission meets monthly to review development projects and recommend strategies to strengthen the local economy.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0
Appoint Scarlett Perez to Youth Council
In Plain English
The Youth Council has a vacant seat that needs filling. Scarlett Perez serves as secretary for her school's Freshman Committee and participates in Raices, a club promoting Hispanic culture awareness. If approved, her term runs until October 2023.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0
Appoint Darlene Drapkin Rios to Commission on Aging
In Plain English
The Commission on Aging advises the city council on programs and services for older residents. This appointment fills a vacant seat on the 7-member commission. If approved, Rios serves until May 2027 and helps guide city policies affecting seniors.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0
Appoint 2 members to Reimagining Public Safety Task Force
In Plain English
The city created this task force to review and recommend changes to public safety programs and spending. Two current positions are vacant and need to be filled. If approved, Lea Murray and Jamin Pursell serve until June 30, 2024.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0
Budget(5 items)
Increase fire equipment spending limit by $250,000 and add $148,470 for academy staffing
In Plain English
The fire department needs more money to buy protective gear, tools, and safety supplies. The current spending limit of $466,000 gets raised to $716,000. The city also pays overtime costs so 3 firefighters can teach at the fire academy for 12 weeks while other staff cover their regular duties.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Increase fire safety equipment spending limit by $250,000 and allocate $199,500 from city funds
In Plain English
The fire department needs more protective gear and tools for a March 2023 training academy that will graduate 12 new firefighters. The city currently has a $466,000 spending agreement with LN Curtis & Sons for fire equipment. If approved, the spending limit rises to $716,000 and the city allocates an additional $199,500 from general funds for gear that was not included in this year's budget.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0
Approve $148,470 in overtime to backfill 3 firefighters training at fire academy
In Plain English
The fire department runs its 2023 Fire Academy from March through June to train 12 new firefighters. Three current firefighters must temporarily leave their regular shifts to serve as instructors for 12 weeks. If approved, the city pays overtime to other firefighters who cover the vacant shifts to maintain minimum staffing levels.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0
Receive budget presentations from city departments and mayor's office
In Plain English
City staff will present their proposed budgets for the upcoming year to the council. Each department explains how much money they need and what services they plan to provide. This meeting was postponed from February and helps council members understand spending priorities before making final budget decisions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Receive budget presentations from Community Services and development departments
In Plain English
City departments are giving mid-year budget updates on their current programs and spending. The presentations cover services like housing policy, libraries, employment training, and building permits. Council members hear how tax dollars are being used and what departments accomplished so far this fiscal year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Litigation(2 items)
Meet privately with lawyers about potential lawsuit
In Plain English
The city council will discuss a legal matter in closed session with their attorneys. California law allows councils to meet privately when discussing potential lawsuits to protect legal strategy. No public details are available about the specific case or dispute.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Pay $71,660 settlement to former retired city employee Jim Nantell
In Plain English
Jim Nantell worked as a retired annuitant for the city in 2021-22, but CalPERS found his hiring violated retirement rules. CalPERS sought $202,000 in penalties from Nantell and threatened to reinstate him from retirement. The settlement pays Nantell $71,660 to resolve all employment claims and help him settle with CalPERS for much less.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0
Personnel(2 items)
Approve travel for 2 councilmembers to attend housing symposium in Austin
In Plain English
Councilmembers Soheila Bana and Cesar Zepeda want to attend the Community Village Symposium in Austin, Texas in April. The symposium focuses on community housing solutions and development strategies. If approved, the city pays their travel expenses including flights and hotel costs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0
Add new staff positions to Community Services, City Attorney, and Police departments
In Plain English
The city wants to create new positions across 3 departments to handle growing workloads. The resolution formally adds these jobs to the city's official staffing plan. If approved, the city allocates funding to cover salaries and benefits for the new hires.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0
Housing(1 item)
Approve 5 public works contracts totaling $2.1 million for police cars, bike paths, sewers, and historic buildings
In Plain English
The city needs to replace aging police vehicles, maintain sewer monitoring equipment, and evaluate historic structures. The largest expense is $975,000 for 20 new police SUVs to replace older patrol cars. Other contracts cover bike path grant applications, sewer repairs at Brickyard Cove, air quality monitoring equipment, and architectural assessments of historic Winehaven and Shipyard buildings.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Infrastructure(1 item)
Approve $16,200 grant for sewer pipe repairs at Brickyard Cove condos
In Plain English
The city runs a grant program that helps property owners replace old sewer pipes that connect buildings to the main sewer system. Brickyard Cove Association Number 2 applied for help fixing multiple failing sewer connections. If approved, the city pays $16,200 toward repairs that prevent sewage backups and protect water quality.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
6 to 0