PLEASE NOTE: HYBRID MEETING FORMAT

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

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 5:00 P.m. - 6:00 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

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

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9)

• Washington v. City of Richmond
• Gutzalenko v. City of Richmond, et al.

C.2

CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Government Code Section 54957.6)

• Agency Representatives: Sharrone Taylor, Jack Hughes, and Lisa Charbonneau

Employee organizations:

1.    SEIU Local 1021 Full Time Unit and Part Time Unit
2.    IFPTE Local 21 Mid-Level Management Unit and Executive Management Units
3.    Richmond Police Officers Association RPOA
4.    Richmond Police Management Association RPMA
5.    IAFF Local 188
6.    Richmond Fire Management Association RFMA

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 CITY COUNCIL

6:00 p.m.

G.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

H.

ROLL CALL

I.

STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

J.

AGENDA REVIEW

K.

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

L.

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

M.

COMMENDATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS

M.1

Proclamation Honoring the 2025 Richmond Women of the Year

• PROCLAMATION recognizing the 2025 Richmond Women of the Year – Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593).

N.

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)

O.

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.)

O.1

City Council

O.1.a

Resolution in Solidarity with the People of Iran in Their Struggle for Human Rights, Economic Justice, and Democratic Freedoms

• ADOPT a resolution expressing the City of Richmond’s solidarity with the people of Iran in their ongoing struggle for human rights, freedom, and economic justice; condemning violence against peaceful protesters; and affirming the City's commitment to a "Hands Off Iran" policy that opposes foreign military intervention and supports the Iranian people’s right to self-determination - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672-3490).

O.1.b

Proclamation Honoring the Legacy of Douglas Ellison and Inez Watson and Recognizing the Work of the Watson Ellison Foundation in Alzheimer's and Dementia Awareness

• PROCLAMATION honoring Douglas Ellison and Inez Watson for their distinguished service and lasting contributions to the Richmond community and recognizing the work of the Watson Ellison Foundation in raising awareness and supporting families impacted by Alzheimer's disease and dementia - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672-3490).

O.2

Finance Department

O.2.a

Fiscal Year 2025-26 Quarter 1 Budget Report

• RECEIVE the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Quarter 1 (Q1) report for the period of July 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025 – Finance Department (Emily Combs 510-620-6790/Mubeen Qader 510-412-2077/Jerry Gurule 510-620-6591).

O.3

Human Resources

O.3.a

Approve Salary Schedules in Accordance with California Code of Regulations 570.5(a) (2 CCR § 570.5)

• ADOPT a resolution amending the salary schedules for all unions to comply with California Code of Regulations, Subchapter 1, Employees’ Retirement System Regulations section 570.5 (a) (2 CCR § 570.5) as required by CalPERS – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6602).

O.3.b

Amend Salary Schedule

• ADOPT a resolution amending the salary schedule to add the salary range for the City Attorney classification – Human Resources Department (Nickie Mastay/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6602).

O.3.c

Approve Salaries and Benefits of Unrepresented Executive Management Classifications

• ADOPT a resolution to approve changes to salaries and benefits of Unrepresented Management employees, consistent with the changes to salaries and benefits of represented management, Executive Management International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) Local 21 Bargaining Unit employees and DIRECT the city manager or their designee to update the publicly available salary schedule – Internal Services (Nickie Mastay 510-620-6602).

O.4

Library and Community Services

O.4.a

Contract Amendment No. 1 with Nor-Cal Moving Services for Additional Moving and Storage Services

• APPROVE the first contract amendment with Nor-Cal Moving Services increasing the payment limit to $44,500, and modifying the service plan to include storage services, and extending the contract expiration date to June 30, 2028 - Community Services Department (Kate Eppler 510-610-5452/LaShonda White 510-620-6828).

O.5

Mayor's Office

O.5.a

Proclamation recognizing January 27, 2026, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

• PROCLAMATION recognizing January 27^th as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in the City of Richmond – Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503) and Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593).

O.5.b

Proclamation recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month in Richmond

• PROCLAMATION declaring February 2026 as Black History Month in the City of Richmond – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510- 620-6503).

O.5.c

Appointment of Lorene Ransbottom to the Commission on Aging

• APPOINT Lorene Ransbottom to the Commission on Aging with a term that expires on May 19, 2030 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).

O.5.d

Appointment of Beverly A. Dynes to the Commission on Aging

• APPOINT Beverly A. Dynes to a vacant seat on the Commission on Aging with a term that expires on May 19, 2030 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).

O.5.e

Appointment of Regina Whitney to the Commission on Aging

• APPOINT Regina Whitney to the Commission on Aging with a term that expires on May 19, 2030 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).

O.5.f

Appointment of Linda Whitmore to the Richmond Zhoushan Friendship Commission.

• APPOINT Linda Whitmore to the Richmond Zhoushan Friendship Commission with a term that expires on December 31, 2028 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).

O.5.g

Appointment of Free Brown to the Workforce Development Board

• APPOINT Free Brown to the Workforce Development Board with a term that expires on March 1, 2030 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).

O.5.h

Appointment of Ana Tellez Witrago to the Community Police Review Commission

• APPOINT Ana Tellez Witrago to the Community Police Review Commission to fill a vacant seat with an unexpired term ending November 1, 2027 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).

O.6

Police Department

O.6.a

Richmond Police Department Monthly Crime Report for December 2025

• RECEIVE the monthly Crime Report from the Richmond Police Department for December 2025 – Police Department (Chief Tim Simmons 510-621-1802).

O.7

Public Works

O.7.a

Reimbursement Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for the Barrett Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements Project

• ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE a Reimbursement Agreement for Preliminary Engineering Services with Union Pacific Railroad Company (UPRR) for minor amendments to the Barrett Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements Project for a total cost not to exceed $25,000 and AUTHORIZE the public works director to execute the agreement - Public Works Department (Hillal Hamdan 510-620-1612/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477).

O.7.b

Bicycle Circulation Modifications near West Cutting Boulevard and South Garrard Boulevard

• ADOPT a resolution to APPROPRIATE $125,000 from the General Capital Fund (Fund 2001) for circulation modifications at West Cutting Boulevard and South Garrard Boulevard in Point Richmond to improve operational concerns affecting cyclists, pedestrians, and motor vehicles – Public Works Department (Hillal Hamdan 621-1612/Robert Armijo 620-5477).

O.7.c

Purchase with Jesse Mack Company and Sterling May Equipment Company for Three (3) Fuel-Reduction Mowing Units

• ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE a purchase with Jesse Mack Company and Sterling May Equipment Company for the acquisition of one (1) Green Climber LV600 remote mower and two (2) Raymo Torpedo electric slope mowers (including accessories and one spare battery) in an amount not to exceed $269,747.62 – Public Works Department (Darin Fitzpatrick 510-231-3044/Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478).

P.

STUDY AND ACTION SESSION

P.1

Modification of City Council Liaison Appointment Cycle for Boards and Commissions

• DIRECT the city clerk to work with the Mayor’s Office to implement a two-year council liaison appointment cycle for boards and commissions, aligned with the council election cycle, while maintaining the Mayor’s authority to appoint or remove liaisons at their discretion, and DIRECT that the current liaisons remain in effect through December 31, 2026, with new appointments to be made in the first quarter of 2027 following installation of new City Council – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503). This item was continued from the January 20, 2026, meeting.

P.2

Contract Amendment for the Fiscal Year 2024–25 Grade 5 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project

• ADOPT a resolution and APPROVE the issuance of Task Authorizations to Veolia Water, on behalf of the City, to manage subcontracts with APB General Engineering, VW Housen, and Questa Engineers for additional sanitary sewer line replacement and rehabilitation work, with a contract amendment amount of $4,030,385, thereby increasing the total payment limit to $6,554,348, including applicable markups – Public Works Department (Bradley Harms 307-8094/Robert Armijo 620-5477). This item was continued from the January 20, 2026, meeting.

P.3

Consultant Engagement for Community Input on Polluters Pay Settlement Funds

• DIRECT the city manager to engage a consultant to collaborate with City staff, City Council, and community stakeholders to conduct community engagement and gather input on a framework for the expenditure of new General Fund revenues generated by the Polluters Pay Settlement, with the consultant reporting back to the City Council by May 26, 2026 - Councilmember Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6565), Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503), and Vice Mayor Doria Robinson (510-620-6568). This item was continued from the January 20, 2026, meeting.

P.4

Community Meetings to Gather Community Input on How to Spend the Community Money; Chevron Settlement Funds

• DIRECT the city manager, or their designee, to schedule and lead a minimum of six community meetings each year, all around the City in each district, to gather input from the community on how to spend The Community Money: Chevron settlement funds, prior to the annual budget meeting – Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593). This item was continued from the January 20, 2026, meeting.

P.5

Update on Advanced Life Support (ALS) First Responder Services, Fire Station Upgrades and Replacements, Associated Five-Year Financial Forecast, and Develop Revenue Enhancement Recommendations

• RECEIVE an update on the Advanced Life Support (ALS) First Responder Services, Fire Station Upgrades and Replacements, and associated Five-Year Financial Forecast; and DIRECT the city manager to develop revenue enhancement and financing recommendations for City Council consideration – Fire Department/Finance Department/City Manager’s Office (Chief Aaron Osorio 510-307-8021/Emily Combs 510-890-5534/Shasa Curl 510-620-6512).

Q.

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

R.

ADJOURNMENT