What happened
- Approved $16 million in quarterly budget spending unanimously.
- Approved $430,000 street sweeper to replace 2017 unit.
- Approved $160,000 for 4 BMW police motorcycles to replace damaged fleet.
- Approved bioenergy facility appeal that converts food waste into hydrogen fuel.
- Approved tenant safety protections and youth workforce training contracts.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: AgendaAttendance
Contracts(17 items)
Approve 2 consulting contracts for environmental reviews and property analysis
In Plain English
The city needs environmental consultants to review development projects under state and federal laws. One contract with Nichols Consulting costs up to $984,296 through June 2024. The second contract increases funding for David Paul Rosen & Associates by $150,000 to $200,000 total for analyzing property deals and projects through October 2024.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve $984,296 environmental consulting contract with Nichols Consulting Engineers
In Plain English
The city's previous contract with this Richmond-based firm expired accidentally in 2022. The Planning Division needs environmental reports for new development projects to comply with state and federal laws. If approved, the firm handles environmental reviews on an as-needed basis through June 2024.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Add $150,000 to financial consulting contract for development project reviews
In Plain English
The city hired David Paul Rosen & Associates in 2022 to analyze developer budgets and property deals for $50,000. The firm is currently reviewing 2 projects including Metrowalk Phase II and helping with a potential homeless housing grant application. If approved, the contract increases to $200,000 total and extends through October 2024.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Extend lease with Point San Pablo Harbor through 2029
In Plain English
The city currently leases part of Terminal 4 to Point San Pablo Harbor through May 2024. If approved, the company gets 5 additional one-year extension options that could keep the lease running until May 2029. This gives the harbor operator flexibility to continue operations while allowing the city to review terms annually.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Extend Point San Pablo Harbor lease at Terminal 4 through 2029
In Plain English
Point San Pablo Harbor currently leases a small waterfront area at Terminal 4 for boat and equipment storage. The current lease expires May 31, 2023. If approved, the city extends the lease 1 year with 5 additional yearly options, potentially running through 2029. Annual rent increases 7-9% based on inflation, generating about $9,600 per year for the city.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Change city fee updates from quarterly to yearly and hire consultant for state reimbursements
In Plain English
The city currently updates various fees 4 times per year but proposes switching to annual updates. A separate $30,000 contract with David Wellhouse & Associates helps the city file claims to recover money from the state for mandated programs. If approved, the consultant works through 2026 with an option to extend 2 more years for $20,000.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hire consultant to recover $100,000 yearly from state reimbursement programs
In Plain English
The city pays for programs the state requires but funds through reimbursements. The city hires David Wellhouse & Associates for $10,000 yearly to file paperwork for these claims. If approved, the city recovers about $100,000 annually for programs like storm water management and crime reporting.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Accept $500,000 EPA grant for job training and approve $53,353 youth workforce contract
In Plain English
The city received federal funding to train unemployed Richmond residents for environmental jobs through RichmondBUILD certification classes. A separate contract provides job training specifically for youth under a state grant program. Both programs aim to connect local residents with employment opportunities.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Contract Youth Finance Institute to train 10 youth in financial literacy and career skills
In Plain English
The city received a $3 million state grant to provide job training for Richmond residents ages 16-30. This contract pays Youth Finance Institute $53,353 to train 10 youth in financial literacy, public speaking, and workplace skills. If approved, participants earn $20 per hour for up to 500 hours each.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve said contract
7 to 0
Expand Data Ticket contract to handle false alarm permits online
In Plain English
Richmond currently uses Data Ticket for parking ticket collections and wants to add false alarm permit services to the same contract. The city requires alarm system owners to get permits and pay fees when their systems create false alarms. If approved, residents can apply for permits online instead of visiting city offices, and the $30,000 cost gets covered by permit fees collected.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Contract with Richmond Police Activities League for youth job training program
In Plain English
The city received a $2.97 million state grant to provide job training for Richmond youth ages 16-30. Richmond Police Activities League will train 20 youth through their Ambassador and Explorer programs. If approved, participants earn $20 per hour for up to 500 hours of work experience and skills training.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve said contract
7 to 0
Purchase 4 BMW police motorcycles for $160,000 to replace damaged fleet
In Plain English
The police department's 4 existing motorcycles from 2015 have exceeded their 7-year useful life, and 3 are damaged beyond repair from crashes. The city will buy 4 new BMW motorcycles through a shared purchasing contract with Los Angeles County. If approved, the new bikes meet updated emission standards and cost $40,000 each including contingency funds.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve the purchase of four 2023 BMW motorcycles from Long Beach BMW; start an electric vehicle pilot program with Richmond Police Department and electric vehicle companies; direct staff to look into the future of electric street sweepers; approve the purchase of the proposed street sweeper; seek ways to utilize Environmental and Community Investment Agreement funding for the infrastructure; and consider all alternative non gas-powered vehicles
7 to 0
Purchase street sweeper to replace 2017 unit for $430,000
In Plain English
The city needs to replace a 2017 street sweeper that has exceeded its 5-year useful life and requires costly repairs. The new Elgin Crosswind sweeper meets updated air emission standards and will be used to clean city streets. If approved, the city spends $430,000 from its fleet maintenance budget.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve the purchase of four 2023 BMW motorcycles from Long Beach BMW; start an electric vehicle pilot program with Richmond Police Department and electric vehicle companies; direct staff to look into the future of electric street sweepers; approve the purchase of the proposed street sweeper; seek ways to utilize Environmental and Community Investment Agreement funding for the infrastructure; and consider all alternative non gas-powered vehicles
7 to 0
Hire Raftelis Financial Consultants to analyze city workforce for $200,000
In Plain English
A state audit recommended the city examine its workforce structure and staffing. The analysis will review how many employees the city has, what they do, and whether departments are properly staffed. If approved, the study runs from June 2023 through March 2024 and could lead to changes in city hiring or department organization.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hire consulting firm to evaluate and stabilize deteriorating historic buildings
In Plain English
The city owns vacant historic buildings at Point Molate and Shipyard No. 3 that have damaged roofs and walls. Water and animals are getting inside, causing more damage to these historic structures. If approved, the consultant assesses needed repairs and designs a 5-year stabilization plan.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve said contract with the condition that the contract language be revised by the city attorney to explicitly state that the contract authorization was for immediate repairs to the roof
7 to 0
Extend landscaping contract for public housing properties through June 2025
In Plain English
The Richmond Housing Authority currently pays Pacific Site Management to maintain landscaping at public housing properties. The city needs to extend this contract for another year and add $117,900 to cover rising costs. If approved, total contract value reaches $342,900 to keep housing authority grounds properly maintained.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Increase emergency contract for Nevin Plaza heat pump replacement by $33,908
In Plain English
The city already hired Legacy Mechanical to replace 2 broken heat pumps at Nevin Plaza public housing. The original emergency contract needs more money to finish the work. If approved, total project cost reaches $55,698 including city permit fees.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Governance(5 items)
Add new surcharge to PG&E franchise fees for electricity and gas services
In Plain English
The city charges PG&E franchise fees for using public streets to deliver utilities to residents. These laws increase those fees and add new surcharges. PG&E typically passes franchise fee costs to customers through monthly bills.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Raise PG&E franchise fees to collect additional city revenue
In Plain English
The city has charged PG&E 0.5% of electric revenues and 1% of gas revenues since 1958. After arbitration, the city reached a settlement that adds surcharges and increases fees. If approved, the city collects $800,000 over 4 years plus $500,000 in 2023-24 and $3.3 million in 2024-25.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Change city fee updates from quarterly to yearly schedule
In Plain English
The city currently requires fee updates every 3 months under municipal law but actually updates fees once per year like other California cities. A state audit recommended fixing this mismatch due to staffing constraints and labor costs. If approved, the law matches current practice and adds a requirement for comprehensive fee studies every 5 years.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Update city job titles and add one grant-funded position
In Plain English
The city needs to correct some employee job titles in its official records and add one new position paid for by grant money. The changes also move one existing employee to a different role within the city. If approved, the city sets aside money to pay wages and benefits for these staffing adjustments.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Raise city fees by 6% to 9% to adjust for wage inflation
In Plain English
The city increases fees for services like permits and licenses annually using a federal inflation index. Fees not updated in 2022 rise by 9.1% while recently updated fees increase by 6.4%. If approved, the city collects an additional $846,000 per year from residents and businesses.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Litigation(2 items)
Pay $69,000 penalty for 23 wastewater treatment violations from 2019-2022
In Plain English
The Water Board fined the city $69,000 for violating pollution limits at Richmond's wastewater treatment plant between November 2019 and April 2022. Storm events overwhelmed the plant, causing treatment failures that took weeks to correct. The city must pay by May 19, 2023.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Meet privately with lawyers about 3 ongoing lawsuits
In Plain English
The city faces lawsuits over Winehaven development, tribal gaming rights, and Point Molate projects. City council meets in closed session to discuss legal strategy with attorneys. These private meetings are allowed under state law when litigation is pending.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Housing(4 items)
Adopt resolution supporting state bill to prevent homelessness
In Plain English
The city council will vote on supporting Senate Bill 567, which aims to prevent homelessness statewide. The item was postponed from a May 2023 meeting. If approved, Richmond formally endorses the legislation but does not commit city funds.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Support state bill to strengthen tenant protections and prevent homelessness
In Plain English
California homelessness increased 30% from 2017 to 2022, with Richmond seeing larger homeless encampments. Senate Bill 567 would close eviction loopholes and lower rent increase caps in state law. Richmond already limits rent increases to 3% annually, but many residents still pay over half their income on housing.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
7 to 0
Direct city attorney to update rental housing inspection laws
In Plain English
The city currently has laws requiring landlords to maintain rental properties and allow inspections. City officials want to strengthen these rules and create a new Tenant Habitability Plan. If approved, the changes could give renters more protections and improve how the city inspects rental housing conditions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Update rental property inspection law to improve tenant safety protections
In Plain English
Richmond has required rental property inspections since 2005, but tenants report safety problems with the current system. Landlords can currently self-certify that their properties meet safety standards without actual inspections. If approved, the city will rewrite the law to require more inspections and create a tenant habitability plan.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve said direction to staff
6 to 0
Budget(3 items)
Pay $69,000 penalty to Water Board for West County Agency violations
In Plain English
The city must pay mandatory penalties on behalf of West County Agency for water regulation violations. The Water Board issued these penalties through a formal legal order. The $69,000 comes from the current year budget and settles the agency's compliance issues.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Accept $500,000 EPA grant for job training at RichmondBUILD
In Plain English
The EPA awarded Richmond $500,000 to expand job training programs for unemployed residents. RichmondBUILD will offer new certification classes in solar installation, electric vehicle charging, lead abatement, and construction skills. Richmond was 1 of only 25 cities nationwide to receive this competitive federal grant.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Receive quarterly budget report and approve $16 million in spending
In Plain English
The city received $27.7 million in federal pandemic relief funds in 2021. Staff reports on progress spending this money on projects like community center repairs and direct cash assistance. If approved, $15 million goes to upgrade the Main Library and $1 million completes the 13th Street road project.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To accept the staff recommendation and adopt said resolution
To table this matter and bring it back to the council on May 23, 2023, after its strategic planning and prioritizing meeting scheduled for Monday, May 22, 2023
7 to 0
Personnel(3 items)
Correct job titles, add grant-funded position, and reallocate existing position
In Plain English
The city received a $35 million environmental grant that requires a new Project Coordinator to manage it. A Housing Services Supervisor position focuses on homelessness programs while reallocating a Planner position costs $17,345 annually. The Police Department changes an administrative role title to better reflect its duties.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Receive presentation on pension funding policies per state audit requirements
In Plain English
A 2022 state audit found Richmond's retirement funding needs improvement and issued 11 recommendations. The auditor specifically wants the city to create a formal policy for funding its CalPERS pension obligations by June 2023. Richmond hired a consultant to help develop policy options that could reduce long-term pension costs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hire recently retired Finance Director Delmy Cuellar for special projects
In Plain English
Delmy Cuellar retired as Finance Director on March 31 after 16 years with the city. The Finance Department needs her expertise to complete critical projects including the state-required audit response, next year's budget, and new software implementation. CalPERS normally requires a 180-day waiting period before retired employees can return to work.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Proclamation(1 item)
Honor Marinda Keith for 35 years running Richmond family daycare
In Plain English
Marinda Keith has operated a daycare on Campbell Street since 1988, serving 400 children and families. She prepares preschoolers for elementary school and provides after-school care. The proclamation celebrates her dedication to the Richmond community.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Public Safety(1 item)
Expand false alarm enforcement contract to include online payments
In Plain English
The city currently contracts with Data Ticket to manage its false alarm reduction program. The expanded contract adds online payment options for alarm permit fees and violations. If approved, the contract limit increases from $30,000 to $60,000 through 2026.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Zoning(1 item)
Consider appeal of approved bioenergy facility that converts food waste into hydrogen fuel
In Plain English
The Planning Commission approved a permit for Raven Bioenergy to build a facility at the West Contra Costa landfill that turns food and green waste into hydrogen fuel. Environmental groups Communities for a Better Environment and Natural Resources Defense Council appealed this decision. The city council must decide whether to uphold the approval, send it back to planning commissioners, or deny the project entirely.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt a resolution approving the Raven Bioenergy Project with the changes to Conditions of Approval as represented in Exhibit C of the resolution and to allow the city attorney to make changes to the resolution based on the modified conditions
7 to 0