Tuesday, January 20, 2026
33 items · 73 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.
Require Mayor to complete antisemitism training and issue public apology
In Plain English
The Mayor recently shared social media posts containing antisemitic ideas. If approved, he completes training recommended by Temple Beth Hillel leaders and meets with Rabbi Saxe-Taller twice more this quarter. He also issues a public apology at a council meeting and in a local newspaper.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Receive Port of Richmond financial overview report on revenue and funding
In Plain English
The Port of Richmond operates as an independent business unit that generates revenue through fees charged to ships and cargo, plus rent from terminal operators. The port uses this money exclusively for port operations, maintenance, and improvements without relying on the city's general budget. This financial overview explains how the port makes money and funds major infrastructure projects.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Receive external evaluation of Richmond Fund for Children & Youth grant programs
In Plain English
WestEd completed an independent review of how Richmond spent $9.1 million on youth programs from 2021 to 2024. The city funded 46 organizations using money from voter-approved Measures E and K, which require 3% of city revenues go to children's programs through 2027. This evaluation helps determine if the program should continue after the 10-year period ends.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Discuss ongoing lawsuit filed by Mendoza against the city
In Plain English
The city council will meet privately with lawyers to discuss a lawsuit brought by someone named Mendoza. California law allows city councils to discuss legal cases in closed session to protect attorney-client privilege. No public details about the case are available.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Election of the New Vice Mayor
Official Agenda Text
Increase legal services contract for confidential personnel investigations by $30,000
In Plain English
The city currently has a $10,000 contract with DCI Group to investigate confidential personnel matters. This increases the contract limit to $40,000 total through June 2026. These investigations typically involve workplace complaints or misconduct allegations against city employees.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Increase DCI Group contract by $30,000 for workplace investigation services
In Plain English
The city hired DCI Group in August 2025 to investigate workplace complaints like discrimination and harassment. The original $10,000 contract proved insufficient for current investigations. If approved, the contract limit increases to $40,000 through June 2026.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve minutes from 2 recent city council meetings
In Plain English
The city clerk needs formal approval for the written records of what happened at the December 2 and January 6 council meetings. These minutes become the official record of all votes, discussions, and decisions made at those meetings.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve job posting for new city attorney and support decarbonization coalition
In Plain English
The city needs to hire a new city attorney to handle legal matters. The council also considers supporting a coalition that helps neighborhoods reduce carbon emissions through building improvements. The Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment leads this effort with 2 partner organizations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve plan to hire recruiting firm for new city attorney search
In Plain English
The current city attorney Dave Aleshire has resigned. The city needs to hire a recruiting firm to find qualified candidates to replace him. If approved, the search will cost between $30,000 to $50,000. Multiple Bay Area cities are currently searching for city attorneys, making competition tough.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Provide letter supporting Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment clean energy project
In Plain English
The Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment is going door-to-door to sign up Richmond residents for state programs that replace gas appliances with electric ones and add solar panels. The organization needs an official city letter to build trust with residents who are skeptical due to past solar scams. The city already supported this project in October 2024.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Waive auditorium fees and spend $12,000 for Betty Reid Soskin celebration
In Plain English
The city plans to honor Betty Reid Soskin, a prominent local historian, with a February celebration during Black History Month. Richmond will waive rental fees for the auditorium and provide up to $12,000 in city funds. City staff will help plan and host the public event.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Host celebration of life for Betty Reid Soskin at Richmond Auditorium during Black History Month
In Plain English
Betty Reid Soskin, a longtime Richmond resident and the oldest serving National Park Service ranger, died in December 2025. The city plans to honor her legacy with a public memorial event in February 2026. If approved, the city spends up to $12,000 on the celebration and waives usual auditorium rental fees.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Release application for $715,000 in community grants from Chevron settlement
In Plain English
Richmond receives $9 million yearly for 10 years from Chevron through a 2016 agreement. The city allocates $715,000 of this money to nonprofits and community groups serving youth and families. If approved, organizations can apply for grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 starting this spring.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Receive November financial reports and approve $15,748 software contract extension
In Plain English
The city receives routine monthly reports on investments, overtime spending, and employee benefits. The city also extends its contract with DebtBook software through March 2027. This software helps track city leases and technology subscriptions to meet accounting requirements. If approved, total contract cost rises to $70,829.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Receive monthly financial reports for November 2025 including investments and overtime
In Plain English
The city regularly tracks how it invests public money and monitors employee overtime costs. The Finance Department presents these monthly reports to ensure transparency and legal compliance. The investment report shows the city hired Meeder Public Funds in June 2025 to manage investments with a focus on safety over profits.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Extend software contract for tracking city debts and lease payments
In Plain English
The city uses DebtBook software to track all debts, leases, and subscriptions to meet state accounting rules. The current contract expires in March 2026 after 4 years of use. If approved, the extension adds 1 more year and costs $15,748, bringing total spending to $70,829.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve 3-year contract for firefighter medical exams and screenings
In Plain English
The Fire Department needs annual physical exams and medical screenings for all firefighters to ensure they can safely perform their duties. The city currently uses a different provider for these required health checks. If approved, On Duty Health will conduct these exams for $270,000 over 3 years, with options to extend the contract for 2 additional years.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hire On Duty Health to perform firefighter annual physicals for $270,000 over 3 years
In Plain English
Federal rules require firefighters who handle hazardous materials to get annual physical exams and medical screenings. The fire department currently sends personnel to outside facilities, which creates scheduling problems and takes trucks out of service. If approved, On Duty Health provides mobile exams at fire stations, allowing up to 3 fire companies per shift to get physicals without leaving their posts.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Issue MLK Day proclamation and appoint 5 residents to city commissions
In Plain English
The mayor will formally recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day and fill empty seats on 3 commissions that advise the city council. The Community Police Review Commission gets 2 new members to replace commissioners whose terms expired. The council also creates a 2-year appointment cycle for commission liaisons starting in 2027.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Recognize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with official proclamation
In Plain English
The city issues an annual proclamation honoring Dr. King and his civil rights contributions. Richmond has observed this federal holiday since 1986 when it was first established. If approved, the proclamation connects Dr. King's legacy to Richmond's ongoing work on equity and civil rights.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Change council liaison appointments from yearly to every 2 years
In Plain English
The mayor currently assigns council members as liaisons to city boards and commissions every year. Many council members keep the same assignments year after year, making the annual process unnecessary. If approved, liaisons serve 2-year terms aligned with council elections, starting in 2027.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Appoint Ana Tellez Witrago to Community Police Review Commission
In Plain English
The Community Police Review Commission investigates complaints against police officers and holds the department accountable to residents. Commissioner Carol Hegstrom's term expired, leaving an open seat. Ana Tellez Witrago is a longtime Richmond resident who applied to serve. If approved, her term runs until November 2028.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Appoint Charlene Engle to Community Police Review Commission
In Plain English
Commissioner Oscar Garcia's term expired, leaving an open seat on the commission that reviews police conduct complaints. Charlene Engle, a Richmond teacher for 2 years, applied for the position. If approved, she serves until November 2028 on the volunteer board that investigates police interactions with residents.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Reappoint Ellen Seskin to Human Rights and Human Relations Commission
In Plain English
Ellen Seskin currently serves on the commission that addresses civil rights issues in the city. She applied to continue her role for another term. If approved, her new term runs until March 2028.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Appoint Alexander Rony to Recreation and Parks Commission
In Plain English
The Recreation and Parks Commission has been inactive due to vacant seats. Alexander Rony has experience with civic organizations and interest in parks and environmental issues. If approved, his term runs until October 2028 and helps restore the commission's ability to meet and work on city parks priorities.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Pay $780,000 flood control permit fee and approve $4 million sewer repairs
In Plain English
The city owes $780,000 to the county for flood control permits related to the Via Verdi housing project. Separately, the city needs $4 million more for emergency sewer line repairs beyond the original $2.5 million budget. The city also seeks approval to pay $108,160 in overdue bills for public outreach services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Pay $780,000 to satisfy permit requirements for Via Verdi slope stabilization project
In Plain English
The city stabilized slopes along Via Verdi but damaged riparian vegetation in the process. State wildlife officials required the city to pay for fish habitat improvements to offset this environmental damage. If approved, the city pays Contra Costa County's flood control district to upgrade fish passage at Wildcat Creek.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Expand sewer repair contract by $4 million to meet legal requirements
In Plain English
Richmond must replace or repair 2 miles of deteriorating sewer pipes annually under a 2018 legal settlement. The original $2.5 million contract faced construction delays and unexpected underground problems. If approved, the total contract reaches $6.5 million to complete required repairs and avoid legal penalties.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve after-the-fact contract to pay $108,160 for public outreach work already completed
In Plain English
The city hired J. Majors & Associates to handle community outreach for sewer and pipeline construction projects. The contract expired in October 2023, but the company kept working through June 2024 due to administrative delays. If approved, the city pays $108,160 in outstanding invoices using wastewater fund money.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Formally censure Mayor Martinez for antisemitic social media conduct
In Plain English
Vice Mayor Zepeda and Councilmember Brown seek formal criticism of Mayor Martinez for sharing social media content with antisemitic conspiracy theories. The content was posted after a December 2025 attack in Australia that killed 15 people at a Jewish celebration. If approved, the censure officially condemns the mayor's conduct as inconsistent with his leadership duties.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hire consultant to gather community input on spending $550 million Chevron settlement
In Plain English
Richmond received a $550 million settlement from Chevron over 10 years for pollution damages. The city council wants residents to help decide how to spend this money on projects that reduce dependence on Chevron tax revenue. If approved, the consultant costs up to $300,000 and reports back by May 2026.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hold 6 annual community meetings to decide how to spend Chevron settlement money
In Plain English
Richmond receives ongoing settlement payments from Chevron that the city can spend on community priorities. The city council previously committed to gathering resident input each year on how to spend this money. If approved, the city manager holds 6 meetings annually across all districts before budget discussions begin.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.