Tuesday, March 17, 2026
33 items · 5 public comments · View official: Agenda
Minutes not yet published by the City Clerk — vote and comment data typically appear 4–6 weeks after the meeting.
Attendance
Begin competitive hiring process for new wastewater and stormwater operator
In Plain English
Richmond's contract with Veolia to operate the wastewater treatment plant and sewer systems expires in May 2027. The city has used Veolia since 2002 for the treatment plant and added sewer and stormwater systems in 2004. If approved, the city starts a competitive process to hire a new operator rather than extending with Veolia.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Discuss ongoing lawsuit filed by Dorn against the city
In Plain English
The city council will meet privately with their attorney to discuss legal strategy in an active court case. Someone named Dorn has sued Richmond, but the specific details are confidential. These closed-door legal discussions are required by state law to protect the city's position in court.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Meet privately with union representatives to discuss employee contracts
In Plain English
The city negotiates contracts with 6 employee unions covering police, fire, and other city workers. These closed-door meetings allow council members and union representatives to discuss wages, benefits, and working conditions without public disclosure during active negotiations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Increase housing authority gutter replacement contract by $322,000 due to hidden damage
In Plain English
The housing authority began replacing gutters at Nystrom Village public housing last year with a $270,000 contract. Workers discovered hidden dry rot and missing roof flashing that must be fixed to prevent water damage. If approved, the total contract cost rises to $592,000 using federal housing funds.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve minutes from February 3 and February 17 council meetings
In Plain English
The city clerk records what happens at every council meeting in official minutes. State law requires the council to formally approve these records before they become the official public record. This routine approval confirms the accuracy of discussions and votes from those two meetings.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve city co-sponsorship of Asian American Pacific Islander community celebration
In Plain English
Councilmember Bana requests the city officially co-sponsor an AAPI community celebration at Richmond Auditorium on May 2, 2026. The city delayed this decision from the March 3 meeting. If approved, the city provides the venue and formal endorsement for this cultural event.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Co-sponsor AAPI Community Celebration and reserve Richmond Auditorium
In Plain English
The SAFE Center requested city partnership for a free Asian American Pacific Islander cultural celebration on May 2, 2026. The city provides the Richmond Auditorium at a cost of $3,700. The event features cultural exhibits and educational activities for an expected 200 attendees.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Accept $10,000 Carnegie grant and approve $450,000 library system contract
In Plain English
Carnegie Corporation donated $10,000 to the city, with $5,000 going to the Richmond Museum Association. The library's current computer system contract expires June 2025. The new 3-year contract covers hosting, maintenance, and interlibrary loans at $150,000 per year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Accept $10,000 Carnegie Corporation gift for library history room and museum
In Plain English
The Carnegie Corporation is giving $10,000 to every library originally built with Andrew Carnegie funds to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. Richmond's original Carnegie library opened in 1910 but now houses the Richmond Museum. The city splits the gift equally - $5,000 for furnishings in the renovated Main Library's history room and $5,000 for the museum.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Renew software contract for library computer system and interlibrary loans
In Plain English
The library uses Sierra software to track books, manage patron accounts, and handle checkouts. The current contract expired in June 2025 but services continued while legal teams negotiated new terms. If approved, the city pays $450,000 over 3 years starting at $145,000 annually.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve $250,000 contract to upgrade City Hall lighting and join virtual power plant program
In Plain English
The city wants to replace lighting at City Hall with energy-efficient systems through a contract with Zero Net Energy Alliance. The project runs from February through September 2026 and includes joining Marin Clean Energy's virtual power plant program. If approved, the upgrades reduce electricity costs and help the regional power grid manage energy demand during peak hours.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hire Zero Net Energy Alliance to upgrade City Hall lighting for $250,000
In Plain English
The city received a state grant to join Marin Clean Energy's Virtual Power Plant program, which coordinates energy systems across multiple sites to reduce costs and emissions. City Hall serves as the emergency operations center during disasters. If approved, new LED lights reduce energy bills and allow the building to participate in grid management that provides additional savings.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Receive update on hiring Arts and Culture Manager and grant programs
In Plain English
The city hired a consultant to find an Arts and Culture Manager after artists complained about reduced public participation and excessive red tape in grant programs. The December complaints focused on mini-grants requiring too much insurance and paperwork. If the hiring succeeds, the new manager coordinates arts initiatives and works with the arts community to improve grant processes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Receive January financial reports and approve updated financial policies
In Plain English
The city receives monthly reports showing how much cash it has, investment earnings, overtime spending by department, and pension obligations. The Finance Department also wants to update the city's financial policies that guide how staff manages public money. These routine reports help track the city's financial health.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Receive monthly financial reports for January 2026
In Plain English
The city provides monthly reports showing cash balances, overtime spending, and tax from property sales. These standard reports track the city's investments, employee overtime costs, and revenue from real estate transfers. The city hired Meeder Public Funds in June to manage investments with a focus on safety over returns.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Adopt new policy for handling unclaimed city checks and refunds
In Plain English
The city currently lacks formal rules for dealing with uncashed checks and unclaimed refunds. The new policy allows Richmond to keep money from checks uncashed for 3 years instead of sending it to the state. If approved, the city publishes newspaper notices before claiming funds over $15.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve 3 human resources contracts totaling $269,100
In Plain English
The city needs to extend its actuarial consulting contract by 2 years for $7,600 more, bringing the total to $17,100. A new $252,000 contract would handle worker compensation disputes for police and fire departments through mediation. The third item approves a 3-year union contract with Local 188 firefighters that includes wage increases.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Extend actuarial consulting contract by $7,600 through June 2027
In Plain English
The city self-insures for liability and workers' compensation claims instead of buying commercial insurance. State law requires annual actuarial reports to calculate how much money the city must set aside for future claim payments. The current contract with Prime Actuarial expires soon. If approved, the contract extends 2 more years at $3,800 per year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Continue contract with Excel ADR to manage 40 ongoing worker injury cases
In Plain English
The city previously created an alternative dispute resolution program for police and fire employee injury claims. This program is now discontinued, but 40 cases remain in progress. If approved, Excel ADR continues managing these existing cases at $7,000 per month until they are resolved.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve new 3-year contract with firefighters union covering wages and benefits
In Plain English
The city's contract with firefighters expired in June 2025. The new agreement gives firefighters 5% pay raises each year for 3 years and increases longevity bonuses for veteran firefighters. If approved, the contract costs $1.4 million in year 1 and rises to $1.6 million by year 3.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Authorize request for proposals to update city policies and procedures
In Plain English
The city wants to hire consultants to review and modernize its internal policies and standard operating procedures citywide. Current policies may be outdated or inconsistent across departments. If approved, the city manager can begin seeking bids from consulting firms to handle this administrative overhaul.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Issue request for proposals to update city policies and operating procedures
Pulled from consent calendar for individual discussion
In Plain English
The city's current policies and operating procedures are outdated and need comprehensive review. Many departments follow different processes for similar tasks, creating inconsistencies. If approved, the city hires a consultant to standardize procedures across all departments and ensure compliance with current laws.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve $3.1 million in contracts for park improvements, environmental cleanup, and rail crossing design
In Plain English
The city will hire contractors for multiple projects including new lighting and synthetic turf at Shields-Reid Park, a new restroom at Wendell Park, and environmental monitoring at contaminated Boorman Park. The largest expense is $2.4 million for park upgrades. If approved, construction begins on recreational facilities residents have been waiting for.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hire environmental consultant to oversee Boorman Park contamination cleanup
In Plain English
The state requires environmental monitoring during cleanup of contaminated soil at Boorman Park. The city's current contract with Ninyo & Moore lacks enough funding to complete the project. If approved, the city pays up to $293,000 for oversight services until the state declares the park clean.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Accept Ferry Point sewer pump station upgrade as complete
In Plain English
The city replaced an aging pump station at Brickyard Cove Road and Dornan Drive to improve sewer service reliability. An accounting error during construction required $131,367 in additional funding to close out the project. If approved, total project cost rises from $2.7 million to $2.9 million using sewer fees.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve lighting, turf, and restroom contracts for 3 park soccer field upgrades
In Plain English
The city is upgrading soccer fields at Shields-Reid Park, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, and Wendell Park using federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. These 3 contracts cover synthetic turf and lighting for Shields-Reid Park and new restrooms for Wendell Park. Total cost reaches $2.4 million including contingencies for potential changes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve $148,781 contract with CSW|ST2 to finish rail crossing design
In Plain English
The city's previous design contract for the Harbour Way South and Wright Avenue rail crossing expired December 31, 2024, but work continued to stay on schedule. Outstanding invoices from January 2025 need approval for payment. If approved, the contractor completes design work for this busy intersection that lacks traffic signals and has blocked sightlines where trains cross.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Receive monthly report on illegal dumping, encampment and graffiti cleanup
In Plain English
Public Works removed 203 tons of illegal dumping, cleared 27 encampments, and removed 195 graffiti tags in February. The division also held neighborhood dumpster days in Point Richmond and Santa Fe, assisting 42 seniors and disabled residents. This monthly report tracks cleanup activities citywide to keep residents informed about public maintenance efforts.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Add historic landmark protection to John Haley Studio at 771 Ocean Avenue
In Plain English
The city wants to officially recognize the John Haley Studio as a historic landmark and add it to Richmond's historic register. The 1932 building served as home and studio for artist John Haley, who taught at UC Berkeley and influenced Bay Area art. If approved, the property gains historic protection but keeps its current residential zoning.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Extend Flock Safety contract for cameras, drones, and license plate readers
In Plain English
The city's contract with Flock Safety expires February 28, 2026. Police say criminal activity increased after license plate readers were disabled. The extension runs through December 2026 and covers security cameras, police drones, and automated license plate scanners that alert officers to stolen vehicles.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Receive report on city efforts to protect residents from federal immigration enforcement
In Plain English
The city council directed staff in February to report on how Richmond safeguards residents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and other federal actions. Richmond has sanctuary city protections dating back to 1990, most recently strengthened in 2025. The report covers current protocols and next steps to protect immigrant residents.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Direct staff to plan comprehensive improvements at Cheese Park including restrooms and safety upgrades
In Plain English
Cheese Park is the only community park east of I-80, serving over 12,000 residents. The park currently lacks permanent restrooms, drinking fountains, and safe toddler fencing. If approved, staff develops a work plan for these basic amenities plus sports courts and teen areas, with funding identified for the 2026-27 budget.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Create Blue Envelope Program to help disabled residents during police encounters
In Plain English
Richmond lacks a program to help residents with autism, anxiety, deafness, or other disabilities communicate their needs during traffic stops or emergency situations. The program provides free blue envelopes, decals, and other items that signal to officers the person may need extra time or accommodation. If approved, the city aims to launch in April for Autism Awareness Month.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.