What happened
- Approved 80% salary increases for mayor and council members, with Martinez abstaining.
- Approved new lower business tax rates for automobile dealerships unanimously.
- Approved police military equipment report and policy updates, with Zepeda and Robinson abstaining.
- Approved $100,000 annual contract with two photography companies for city projects.
- Paused new parklet permits while staff updates unclear rules.
Attendance
Accept annual report on police military equipment use and update related policy
In Plain English
State law requires cities to track and approve police use of military equipment like armored vehicles and flash-bang devices. The city reviewed Richmond police's 2023 equipment use in May and asked for policy changes. Police completed most requested changes but say tracking every time equipment is displayed would require too much paperwork.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the item
Adopt the resolution accepting the 2023 annual military equipment report and when the 2024 report comes back to Council it should include a process for tracking and reporting both the displaying and deployment of military equipment in 2025
5 to 0
Raise mayor salary 80% and city council salaries 80%
In Plain English
The mayor currently earns $3,875 per month and city council members earn $1,403 per month. These salaries have not increased since 2007 despite rising Bay Area living costs. If approved, the mayor's salary rises to $6,975 per month and council salaries rise to $2,525 per month at an annual cost of $118,000.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Introduce an ordinance amending the monthly salary for City Council members
7 to 0
Introduce an ordinance amending the monthly salary for the Mayor
6 to 0
Authorize hiring 2 photography companies for city projects up to $50,000 each annually
In Plain English
The city needs photographers for brochures and employee headshots. After reviewing proposals from 17 interested companies, staff selected My Legacy Matters and Paper Crane Design. If approved, each company can receive up to $50,000 worth of work per year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 2-25
7 to 0
Pause new parklet permits while updating unclear rules
In Plain English
Richmond has allowed restaurants and businesses to build parklets since 2016. The current rules create confusion about permits, locations, and how long parklets can stay. If approved, no new parklets are permitted until October 2025 while staff rewrites clearer regulations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the item
7 to 0
Review liability claim from Terminal One Development company
In Plain English
Terminal One Development filed a legal claim against the city for unspecified damages. The city council will meet in closed session to discuss the claim with attorneys. If the claim involves significant money, the city may need to settle or prepare for a lawsuit.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Report on new city employees hired since last meeting
In Plain English
The city routinely updates the council on recent hires across all departments. This monthly report lists new employees, their positions, and start dates. The information helps track staffing changes and ensures transparency in city hiring practices.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Create new business license category for automobile dealerships
In Plain English
Richmond currently licenses car dealerships under a general business category. This law creates a specific license class for auto dealers with their own fee structure. If approved, dealerships pay different rates than other businesses when renewing their city permits.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Create separate auto dealership business tax class with lower rates
In Plain English
Auto dealers on the Hilltop sued the city in 2022, claiming Richmond's business tax discriminated against them. The city settled the lawsuit in July 2024 by agreeing to create a separate tax category for auto dealerships. If approved, the new rates reduce city revenue by approximately $500,000 per year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
7 to 0
Award 3-year landscaping contract to Forster & Kroeger for $360,000
In Plain English
The city needs a new landscaping contractor starting January 2025. Forster & Kroeger would maintain city properties for $120,000 per year through 2027. If approved, the city can extend the contract 2 more years for $240,000 total.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Award 3-year vegetation management contract for Point Molate open space parcels
In Plain English
The city owns multiple open space parcels at Point Molate that require ongoing vegetation management including invasive plant removal and wildfire fuel reduction. The city has used contractors for this work since 2021 due to limited staff. If approved, the new contract costs $120,000 per year and includes 2 optional extensions through 2029.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve minutes from 3 recent city council meetings
In Plain English
The city clerk prepared written records of what happened at the November 19, November 26, and December 3 council meetings. State law requires the council to formally approve these minutes before they become the official record. This is routine business that happens at most council meetings.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Support federal recognition of local Chochenyo-speaking tribes and direct tiny house village contract preparation
In Plain English
The city asks federal agencies to officially recognize 3 East Bay tribes including the Muwekma and Lisjan Nation. Staff will also prepare a 2025 contract with Hope Solutions to provide services at the tiny house village on 23rd Street. The tiny house project helps homeless residents transition to permanent housing.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Urge federal government to recognize 3 local Native American tribes
In Plain English
The federal government removed 3 East Bay tribes from official recognition in 1927 without due process, despite maintaining a trust relationship since 1906. These Chochenyo-speaking tribes are descendants of Native Americans who lived here for centuries before Spanish missions arrived. If approved, Richmond asks Congress and federal agencies to restore their official tribal status.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Contribute $300,000 to Hope Solutions for tiny house village supportive services
In Plain English
The city approved a tiny house village at 175 23rd Street in 2023 for 6 unhoused youth ages 18-24. The village is nearly complete but needs funding for social services like job training and mental health support. If approved, Hope Solutions provides these services for calendar year 2025.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Eliminate self-certification option for rental unit inspections
In Plain English
Richmond currently allows some landlords to inspect their own rental units instead of using city inspectors. The new law requires all rental properties to use official city inspections. More affordable housing units must now participate in the inspection program.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Eliminate self-inspection option for rental properties and expand mandatory inspections
In Plain English
Richmond currently allows some landlords to inspect their own rental units instead of hiring certified inspectors. This change requires all rental property owners to use professional inspectors every 3 years. More affordable housing units will also need inspections. Landlords pay inspection fees, so this costs the city nothing but increases costs for property owners.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve 4 contracts totaling $732,000 for small business support and Buy Local campaign
In Plain English
The city plans to spend $732,000 over 2 years on business development programs. Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center gets $340,000 to help small businesses with training and consulting. Empower Soul Studios gets $156,000 for marketing the Buy Local campaign, while Bludot Technologies gets $200,000 to create the software platform. If approved, the city also hires 1 AmeriCorps fellow for $36,000 to support economic development work through 2025.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Contract with Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center to administer small business beautification pilot program
In Plain English
The city received a $35 million state climate grant in 2022 that includes money for helping small businesses improve their storefronts and interiors. Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center will manage the pilot program, which focuses on the Iron Triangle, Santa Fe, and Coronado neighborhoods. If approved, the 2-year contract costs $340,000 and aims to prevent displacement by helping local businesses thrive.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Contract with Empower Soul Studios for Buy Local Campaign marketing
In Plain English
The city launched a Buy Local Campaign to help small businesses in the Iron Triangle, Santa Fe, and Coronado neighborhoods avoid displacement from gentrification. Empower Soul Studios would handle event planning, marketing, and community outreach to encourage residents to shop locally. If approved, the 2-year contract costs $156,000 and is funded by a state climate grant.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve $200,000 contract for Buy Local software platform with rewards program
In Plain English
The city launched a Buy Local campaign to support small businesses in 3 neighborhoods through a state climate grant. This software creates an online business directory and rewards platform where residents earn points for shopping locally. The 2-year contract helps prevent neighborhood displacement by strengthening the local economy.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hire AmeriCorps fellow to work on climate programs for $36,000
In Plain English
Richmond has used AmeriCorps fellows for 10 years to help with climate change and environmental projects. The current fellow works on the city's Climate Action Plan, illegal dumping reduction, and community education programs. If approved, the contract runs through December 2025 and costs $36,000.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Write off $376,246 in unpaid bills the city cannot collect
In Plain English
The city is owed $376,246 from residents and businesses who have not paid their bills. These debts are now considered uncollectible after repeated collection attempts. Writing them off removes them from the city's financial records but does not forgive the debt.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Write off $376,246 in unpaid city bills from 2007-2024
In Plain English
The city tried to collect unpaid fees for services like building permits, rent control inspections, and encroachment permits dating back to 2007. After multiple collection attempts, these debts are considered uncollectible. If approved, the city removes these amounts from its books to comply with accounting standards.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Introduce law to change monthly salaries for mayor and city council members
In Plain English
The city is proposing to adjust how much the mayor and council members are paid each month. This requires two separate votes on new laws before any salary changes take effect. The current salary amounts and proposed changes are not specified in the agenda.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Authorize $100,000 annual spending on on-demand photographers from 2 pre-approved vendors
In Plain English
The city needs photographers for events, meetings, and promotional materials throughout the year. This agreement lets the Information Technology Department hire photographers quickly without going through lengthy bidding each time. The city can spend up to $50,000 per vendor annually, totaling $100,000 for photography services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Accept annual report on police military equipment and approve policy changes
In Plain English
State law requires police departments to report annually on military equipment like armored vehicles and surveillance tools. The report covers 2023 and confirms Richmond police followed proper policies. If approved, the city accepts the report and updates the equipment policy with staff recommendations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Create funding program for neighborhoods without formal councils or homeowner associations
In Plain English
Richmond received a $750,000 state grant to strengthen neighborhood connections after COVID-19. The city gave $15,000 each to neighborhoods with formal councils, but 21 of Richmond's 41 neighborhoods lack councils and received nothing. If approved, staff creates a framework so all neighborhoods can access city funding and mailing services for community events and improvements.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Direct staff to install traffic calming measures at 6 locations by January 2025
In Plain English
The city faces frequent sideshows and high-speed racing that cause injuries, property damage, and deaths. Staff must evaluate solutions like speed bumps or barriers throughout the city, including Canal Boulevard. If approved, anti-sideshow measures get installed at 6 intersections by January 31st.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Grant LexisNexis exception from sanctuary city compliance for police software
In Plain English
Richmond police use 3 software programs from LexisNexis to analyze cell phone data, generate traffic reports, and let residents file online police reports. LexisNexis refuses to sign the city's sanctuary city compliance form but remains the only provider of these tools. If approved, police can continue using software that saves staff time on manual tasks.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.