Tuesday, February 28, 2023

The consent calendar includes 9 routine items totaling approximately $1.2 million, with the largest being a $289,000 contract with a consultant to plan the City Council retreat and citywide strategic plan. This strategic planning topic has appeared on 32 past meetings, making it one of the most frequently discussed issues. Other notable consent items include $249,600 for automated license plate cameras and $250,000 to evaluate repairs for deteriorating historic buildings.

The council will end Richmond's COVID-19 emergency declaration that has been in place since March 2020. This declaration gave city leaders extra powers to respond quickly to the pandemic by closing buildings, requiring remote work, and implementing health measures. California's state emergency has already ended, and Richmond will now formally conclude its local emergency status.

Several budget presentations from city departments are scheduled after being delayed from February meetings. The Finance Department will present routine reports covering all city operations, while Community Services, Community Development, and other departments will present their proposed spending plans for the coming year. These presentations cover programs from youth services to building permits.

Two small contracts are on the agenda: $40,000 with Alliance Graphics for graphic arts supplies and $24,509 for fencing repairs at Point Molate. The Point Molate site has appeared on 15 past agendas in recent months, and this contract addresses vehicle damage to security fencing along Stenmark Drive.

A closed session with lawyers is scheduled to discuss ongoing lawsuits against the city, including cases involving Ferreira-Dias and DKD of Hilltop Inc.