PLEASE NOTE: HYBRID MEETING FORMAT

- SPECIAL OPEN SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
- REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND HOUSING AUTHORITY
- REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, March 03, 2026 at 5:00 P.m. - 11:30 P.m.

Community Services Building

440 Civic Center Plaza

Richmond, CA 94804

Members:

• Eduardo Martinez, Mayor at Large
• Jamelia Brown, Councilmember District 1
• Cesar Zepeda, Councilmember District 2
• Doria Robinson, Vice Mayor, District 3
• Soheila Bana, Councilmember District 4
• Sue Wilson, Councilmember District 5
• Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember District 6
• Jaycine Scott, Housing Authority Tenant Commissioner

NOTICE:   MASKS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED!!

 

***REGISTER TO VOTE HERE!!***

https://registertovote.ca.gov/

The last day to register to vote for the June 2, 2026, Primary Election is May 18, 2026

The last day to register to vote for the November 3, 2026, General Election is October 19, 2026

Link to City Council Agendas/Packets
http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/4157/City-ofRichmond-Council-Meetings

 

Register to receive notification of new agendas, etc.
http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/list.aspx

 

 

HOW TO WATCH THE MEETING FROM HOME:

1. KCRT – Comcast Channel 28 or AT&T Uverse Channel 99
2. Livestream online at http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3178/KCRT-Live

 

HOW TO SUBMIT PUBLIC COMMENTS:

 

In Person: Anyone who desires to address the City Council on items appearing on the agenda, including Open Forum, must complete and file a pink speaker’s card with the City Clerk prior to the City Council’s consideration of the item.  Once the City Clerk has announced the item, no person shall be permitted to speak on the item other than those persons who have submitted their names to the City Clerk.  Each speaker will be allowed up to TWO (2) MINUTES to address the City Council on NON-PUBLIC HEARING items listed on the agenda. Speakers are allowed up to THREE (3) minutes on PUBLIC HEARING items.

 

Via Zoom: Anyone who desires to address the City Council on items appearing on the agenda, including Open Forum, must raise their hand once public comment is open.  The public speakers attending in person will be called first, followed by Zoom participants.  Only those public speakers that have their hand raised once the speakers are called will be recognized.

 

Open Session and City Council: Please click the link below to join the webinar:

https://zoom.us/j/99312205643?pwd=MDdqNnRmS2k4ZkRTOWhlUldQOUF1Zz09

 

Passcode: ccmeeting

 

By iPhone one-tap:  US: [phone],,99312205643#  or [phone],,99312205643# 

By Telephone:   Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):  US: [phone] or [phone] or [phone] or [phone] or [phone] or [phone] 

 

Webinar ID: 993 1220 5643

 

International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/aehrwCgISx

 

To comment by video conference: click on the Participants button at the bottom of your screen and select the “Raise Your Hand” button to request to speak when Public Comment is being asked for. When called upon, press the unmute button. After the allotted time, you will then be re-muted.  **

 

To comment by phone: you will be prompted to “Raise Your Hand” by pressing “*9” to request to speak when Public Comment is asked for. When called upon, you will be asked to unmuted by pressing *6.  After the allotted time, you will then be re-muted. Instructions of how to raise your hand by phone are available at: 

https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362663 -Joining-a-meeting-by-phone. **

 

**The mayor will announce the agenda item number and open public comment when appropriate. 

 

Via mail: received by 1:00 p.m. the day of the meeting, sent to 450 Civic Center Plaza, 3rd Floor, Office of the Clerk, Richmond, CA 94804.

 

Via eComments: eComments are available once an agenda is published. Locate the meeting in "upcoming meetings" and click the comment bubble icon. Click on the item you wish to comment on. eComments can be submitted when the agenda is published and until the conclusion of public comments for the agenda item. Email your comment to  should you have difficulty submitting an eComment during a meeting.

 

Via email: to by 1:00 p.m. the day of the meeting.

Emails MUST contain in the subject line 1) public comments – Open Session prior to Closed Session; 2) public comments – Open Forum; or 3) public comments agenda item #__ [include the agenda item number]. 

 

Properly labeled public comments will be considered a public record, put into the official meeting record, available after the meeting as supplemental materials, and will be posted as an attachment to the meeting minutes when the minutes are posted: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/Archive.aspx?AMID=31

 

The City cannot guarantee that its network and/or the site will be uninterrupted. To ensure that the City Council receives your comments, you are strongly encouraged to submit your comments in writing in advance of the meeting.

 

Procedures for Removing Items from the Consent Calendar: Members of the public who request to remove an item from the consent calendar must first discuss the item with a staff member by phone or a back-and-forth email discussion, and state the name of the staff member when requesting removal of the item from the consent calendar (by 2 p.m. the day of the meeting).  The procedures for discussion do not apply to items sponsored by the mayor or councilmembers.

 

Any member of the City Council who would like to remove an item from the consent calendar must notify the appropriate staff person and the City Clerk’s Office prior to the meeting. Although members of the City Council are encouraged to ask questions and share concerns with staff ahead of the meeting, they are not required to do so.

 

The Clerk’s Office must be informed of any requests to remove items from the Consent Calendar. Items removed from the Consent Calendar shall be placed at the end of the agenda for consideration.

 

CONDUCT AT MEETINGS:  Richmond City Council meetings are limited public forums during which the City strives to provide an open, safe atmosphere and promote robust public debate. Members of the public, however, must comply with state law, as well as the City’s laws and procedures and may not actually disrupt the orderly conduct of these meetings. The public, for example, may not shout or use amplifying devices, must submit comment cards and speak during their allotted time, may not create a physical disturbance, may not speak on matters unrelated to issues within the jurisdiction of the City Council or the agenda item at hand, and may not cause immediate threats to public safety.

 

Click here for City Harassment Policy

 

Accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities:  Upon request, the City will provide for written agenda materials in appropriate alternative formats, or disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services and sign language interpreters, to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in and provide comments at/related to public meetings. Please submit a request, including your name, phone number and/or email address, and a description of the modification, accommodation, auxiliary aid, service or alternative format requested at least two days before the meeting.  Requests should be emailed to or submitted by phone at 510-620-6513, ext. 9, or 510-620-6509.  Requests made by mail to City Clerk’s Office, City Council meeting, 450 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA 94804 must be received at least two days before the meeting. Requests will be granted whenever possible and resolved in favor of accessibility.

 

Unless otherwise noted in an agenda description, all actions taken by the Council include a determination that CEQA does not apply (i.e., the action is not a project and therefore exempt from CEQA).

 

Disclaimer:  The City Clerk's Office translates agendas to enhance public access.  Translated agendas are provided as a courtesy and do not constitute legal notice of the meeting or items to be discussed.  In case of discrepancy, the English agenda will prevail.

 

 

 

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A.

SPECIAL OPEN SESSION TO HEAR PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION

5:00 p.m.

B.

ROLL CALL

C.

CLOSED SESSION

C.1

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (Government Code Section 54957)

• Title: City Clerk

C.2

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)

• Two Cases

D.

PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)

E.

ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION

________________________________________________________

F.

REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND HOUSING AUTHORITY

5:55 p.m.

G.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

H.

ROLL CALL

I.

STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

J.

AGENDA REVIEW

K.

HOUSING AUTHORITY OPEN FORUM

L.

HOUSING AUTHORITY CONSENT CALENDAR

L.1

Contract with Desert Parks Landscaping (dba Pacific Site Management) for Landscaping Services

• ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE a contract with Pacific Site Management for $36,000, to pay for outstanding invoices for landscaping services performed under the previous contract, with a new contract term ending June 30, 2026 – Economic Development Department/Richmond Housing Authority (Nannette Beacham/Antoinette Terrell 510-621-1300).

M.

ADJOURNMENT

_______________________________________________________

N.

REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

6:00 p.m.

O.

ROLL CALL

P.

STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Q.

AGENDA REVIEW

R.

REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE DURING CLOSED SESSION

S.

REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)

S.1

NEW EMPLOYEE REPORT - 1st Tuesday

T.

OPEN FORUM FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

(public comment on items that remain on the Consent Calendar or items not on the agenda - limited to 2 minutes unless otherwise specified - Back and forth dialogue with the Council is prohibited)

U.

CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR

(All items placed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and noncontroversial. These items will be enacted upon together with a motion and second, without discussion, of any member of the City Council, and each item shall be deemed to have received the action recommended.)

U.1

City Attorney's Office

U.1.a

Legal Services Agreement Amendment No. 5 with Ellis Investigations

• APPROVE the fifth amendment to the legal services agreement with Ellis Investigations to increase the payment limit by $50,000, for a total amount not to exceed $250,000, for confidential personnel investigation services – City Attorney’s Office/Human Resources Department (Shannon Moore/Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6600).

U.2

Community Development

U.2.a

Ordinance Adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code

ADOPT an ordinance (second reading) amending Richmond Municipal Code (RMC) Article VI, Building Regulations, Chapter 6.02 by adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code with noted local amendments – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/George Kabaivanov 510-620-5519).

U.2.b

Tobacco Retailer License Amendments

Ben

Thank you for your concern around this topic and for considering my comment. I work in Richmond and am a proud contributor to our community. While I fully support the city looking into the "Tobacco Retailer" licensing and best practices, I do not think that the current proposed updates I was able to read online are a sufficient deterrent. These fines can amount to one profitable transaction for these establishments. New York City had a very successful program that involved license suspensions, but also had enough teeth to physically lock the businesses, essentially evicting the tenants and depriving the landlords of rent income. I would encourage you to look at a program like that to have true deterrent to the underground illicit markets that are operating at certain bad actors in our smoke shop community.

ADOPT an ordinance (second reading) amending Chapter 7.106 entitled “Tobacco Retailer License” and repealing Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 7.107 to comply with updates to State law relating to the sale of flavored tobacco products, establish a cap of 50 licenses that can be issued at any one time to protect against overconcentration, and to add operational prerequisites and enhanced regulations for enforcement of violations (including retailing without a tobacco retail license, sales to minors, and sales of illegal and hazardous substances), which shall aim to protect vulnerable demographics, streamline compliance standards, and enhance available enforcement tools – Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Avery Stark/Eva Mann 510-621-1283).

U.3

Community Services

U.3.a

Contract Amendment No. 1 with Commercial Titan Wrap for Van Wrapping Services

• APPROVE the first contract amendment with Commercial Titan Wrap for high-performance, exterior-grade vinyl film wrap to Community Crisis Response Programs vehicles increasing the contract amount by $13,095.78, for a total payment limit to $23,095.78, and extending the contract expiration date to January 1, 2027 - Community Crisis Response Program (Sam Vaughn 510-620-5404/Michael Romero 510-620-6791/Joan Binalinbing 510-620-6531).

U.3.b

Appropriate Grant Funds from the California State Library for Literacy Education

• ADOPT a resolution to ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE the California State Library grant award of $137,058 for adult learner and family literacy services; and AUTHORIZE the city manager or their designee to execute the grant agreement and certify related grant reports – Community Services Department/Library Division (Kate Eppler 510-620-5452/Abigail Sims-Evelyn 510-307-8082).

U.4

Economic Development

U.4.a

Contract with Gordon Huether & Partners and Sonnikson Inc. for a Public Art Sculpture Project

• APPROVE a contract with Gordon Huether & Partners in an amount not to exceed $175,000 for sculpture design and fabrication, and APPROVE a contract with Sonnikson Inc. in an amount not to exceed $50,000 for sculpture installation, both for a term beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2026 - Economic Development Department/Arts and Culture Division (Nannette Beacham/Jordon Nesbitt 510-620-6787).

U.4.b

Agreement with STAX Engineering for Deployment of a CARB-Approved Emissions Control Solution Barge

• ADOPT a resolution appropriating $750,000 annually for three fiscal years (Fiscal Year (FY) 2026–2027, FY 2027–2028, and FY 2028–2029), for a total appropriation of $2,250,000; APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the city manager or their designee to negotiate and execute an agreement with STAX Engineering, pursuant to a previously issued Request for Proposals, for the deployment and operation of a California Air Resources Board (CARB)-Approved Emissions Control Solution (CAECS) barge at the Port of Richmond, for an annual amount not-to-exceed $750,000, and a total contract amount not-to-exceed $2,250,000, for a three-year term ending March 31, 2029 – Economic Development Department/Port (Charles Gerard 510-620-6792).

U.5

Finance Department

U.5.a

Special Assessment for Unpaid Garbage Liens

• ADOPT a resolution authorizing placement of liens and special assessments for unpaid garbage collection service fees on Contra Costa County’s property tax records – Finance Department (Emily Combs/Mubeen Qader 510-620-6740/Antonio Banuelos 510-620-6741).

U.5.b

Amendment of Authorized Signatures on the Local Agency Investment Fund

• ADOPT a resolution revising the authorization list on the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) accounts to reflect current staff assignments – Finance Department (Emily Combs 510-620-6740).

U.6

Information Technology

U.6.a

Contract Amendment No. 1 with Intuitive Municipal Solutions (iMS) for the Enterprise Community Development and Land Management (ERP) System

• APPROVE the First Amendment to the agreement with Intuitive Municipal Solutions (iMS), LLC, for the City’s Enterprise Community Development and Land Management (ERP) System, to provide additional configuration, application support, and training services, increasing the contract amount by $249,610, for a total amount not to exceed $2,008,206 - Information Technology Department (Sue Hartman 510-620-6874).

U.7

Mayor's Office

U.7.a

Proclamation Declaring March 09, 2026, as Tibetan National Uprising Day

• PROCLAMATION declaring March 09, 2026, as Tibetan Uprising Day in the City of Richmond – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).

U.7.b

Proclamation Honoring Nicolas Traylor for Distinguished Service as Executive Director of the Richmond Rent Program

• PROCLAMATION honoring Nicolas Traylor for his distinguished service as Executive Director of the Richmond Rent Program – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).

U.7.c

Reappointment of Ode Kunthar to the Richmond Youth Council

• APPOINT Ode Kunthar to the Richmond Youth Council, term expires October 1, 2026 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).

U.8

Police Department

U.8.a

Purchase Carahsoft Technology Corp GrayKey Device for Forensic Evidence Extraction

• APPROVE a sole-source contract with Carahsoft Technology Corp for the GrayKey device for forensic evidence commencing on January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $41,431.66 – Police Department (Chief Timothy Simmons 510-621-1802).

U.8.b

Purchase of Expandable Batons from Peacekeeper Products International

• APPROVE the purchase of 125 Peacekeeper Expandable Batons from Peacekeeper Products International in amount not to exceed $32,000 - Police Department (Chief Timothy Simmons 510-621-1801/Daniel Reina 510-620-1809)

U.9

Public Works

U.9.a

Purchase Irrigation Supplies, Tools, and Parts from Heritage Landscape Supply Group and Blue Angel International LLC

• ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE the purchase of irrigation supplies, tools, and parts from Heritage Landscape Supply Group and Blue Angel International LLC, on an as-needed basis, for a three-year term, with the option to extend for up to two additional one-year terms, in an amount not to exceed $150,000, consistent with the approved budget – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/ Darin Fitzpatrick 510-231-3044).

V.

BUDGET SESSION

V.1

Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Audited Unspent Funds

• DISCUSS and ADOPT resolutions to APPROPRIATE Fiscal Year 2024-25 audited unspent funds in the amount of $8,213,680 – Finance Department (Emily Combs 510-620-6790/Mubeen Qader 510-412-2077/Jerry Gurule 510-620-6591).

V.2

City of Richmond Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025

• RECEIVE a report on the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2025 – Finance Department (Emily Combs/Mubeen Qader/Jerry Chak 510-620-6740)

W.

NEW BUSINESS

W.1

Flock Safety Contract Extension

• RECEIVE a presentation, APPROVE a transitional contract amendment, and PROVIDE direction to staff regarding the Flock CCTV system, Flock Drone as a First Responder (DFR) Program, and Flock Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) System – Police Department (Chief Timothy Simmons 510-621-1802).

W.2

Update Regarding the City’s Ongoing and Planned Efforts Related to Immigration Enforcement Actions

• RECEIVE an initial report regarding the City’s ongoing and planned efforts related to safeguarding residents from federal civil immigration enforcement actions, including U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) raids – City Manager’s Office/City Attorney’s Office (Shasa Curl/Shannon Moore 510-620-6512).

W.3

Cheese Park (La Moine Park) Improvements—Permanent Restrooms, Drinking Fountain, Playground Safety, Toddler-Area Fencing, Children’s Bike Garden, and Completion of Volunteer-Led Repainting

• ADOPT a resolution to DIRECT City staff to prepare a comprehensive work plan for improvements at Cheese Park (La Moine Park), including permanent restrooms, a drinking water fountain, playground restoration, safety fencing around the toddler area, completion of repainting started by volunteers, and the design of a children’s bike garden in collaboration with community partners such as Bike East Bay; and identify feasible funding sources in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026–27 Capital Improvement Program and operating budget process - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672-3490) and Councilmember Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6565).

W.4

Create and Implement Blue Envelope Program in Richmond

• DIRECT the city manager or their designee to create and implement a Blue Envelope Program for residents, including a promotional campaign to inform police officers, first responders, and of the new program and how to participate, and aim to roll out the program in April for Autism Awareness Month - Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593).

W.5

Co-Sponsorship and Venue Reservation for Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community Celebration

• APPROVE an official City of Richmond community event and co-sponsorship of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community Celebration and AUTHORIZE the reservation of the Richmond Auditorium for Saturday, May 2, 2026 - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672-3490).

X.

REPORTS OF OFFICERS: REFERRALS TO STAFF, AND GENERAL REPORTS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS)(limited to two minutes per Councilmember)

Y.

ADJOURNMENT