What happened
- Approved sanctuary city law limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
- Approved $7 million in leftover 2023-24 budget funds for housing and city projects.
- Extended 10-month ban on new parklets while the city writes permanent rules.
- Received $1 million grant and will hire BKF Engineers to design McBryde Avenue bike lanes.
- Heard discussion about adding $200,000 to law firm contract for police lawsuit defense.
Attendance
Adopt sanctuary city law limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement
In Plain English
Richmond already has some sanctuary city protections from 1990 and 2018. The new law would strengthen these policies amid federal threats of mass deportations. If approved, approximately $62 million in federal funding could be at risk if the federal government retaliates.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To accept the recommended action with the addendum that the City Attorney's office review data protection items sent to some councilmembers and the City Attorney's Office, to be considered for incorporation into the ordinance in the future. In addition, to direct City staff to come back with an item to establish safe spots
7 to 0
Allocate $7 million in leftover 2023-24 budget funds to housing and city projects
In Plain English
The city finished last fiscal year with $5.6 million in unspent funds from various departments. Staff proposes spending this money plus $1.4 million more on the Homekey Project, which converts hotels into affordable housing. If approved, the city commits $7 million total to address budget shortfalls in parks, infrastructure, and housing projects.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To accept the staff recommendation to adopt resolutions to appropriate Fiscal Year 2023-24 audited unspent funds in the amount of $5,571,504 and committing an additional $1,400,000 to the Homekey Project loan, for total unspent funds of $6,971,504 with the following edits: to allocate $500,000 to begin to address Parchester Village flooding issues, using money from the Booker T. Anderson Community Center Phase III funds allocated for Fiscal Year 26-27, and to replace those funds in the next Fiscal Year. In addition, to direct staff to return to Council before the Fiscal Year 25-26 budget cycle ends, with a plan to address the Parchester Village flooding issues
7 to 0
Extend 10-month ban on new parklets while city writes permanent rules
In Plain English
The city already banned new parklets for 45 days in January after complaints about safety and design problems. Current permit rules only require 5 basic questions and 2 photos. If approved, the ban extends through January 2026 while staff studies other cities' parklet laws and writes comprehensive regulations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve the item
7 to 0
Meet privately with union representatives to discuss employee contracts
In Plain English
The city council will enter closed session to negotiate with 6 employee unions representing police, fire, and city workers. These unions cover everyone from part-time staff to executives and firefighters. Contract negotiations typically involve pay raises, benefits, and working conditions that affect the city budget.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
City Attorney's Office
Official Agenda Text
APPROVE amendments to Section II (Meetings) of the City Council Rules and Procedures to 1) formally change the start time of Open Session to 3:30 p.m. and Regular Session to 5:00 p.m. on a six-months trial basis; and 2) to end all Richmond City Council meetings no later than 11:00 p.m. without the option of extending the meeting - City Attorney’s Office/City Manager’s Office/City Clerk’s Office (Dave Aleshire 510-620-6509/Shasa Curl 510-620-6512/Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
APPROVE
a fifth amendment to the Orbach Huff & Henderson, LLP Legal Services Agreement in the amount of $200,000 for a total contract amount not to exceed $770,000, with a term ending on June 30, 2027, to continue representing the City in police and tort cases – City Attorney’s Office (Kimberly Chin 510-620-6709/Shannon Moore 510-620-6509).
Amendments to the City Council Rules and Procedures
Official Agenda Text
Votes
Approve consent calendar
7 to 0
Add $200,000 to law firm contract for police lawsuit defense
In Plain English
The city has used Orbach Huff & Henderson since 2020 to defend lawsuits against police and other city liability cases. The firm currently handles multiple active lawsuits at rates of $295 per hour for partners. If approved, total contract value rises from $570,000 to $770,000 through June 2027.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve $1,500 for printed materials to promote immigrant rights meeting
In Plain English
The Human Rights and Human Relations Commission plans to hold a public meeting about immigrant rights. Commissioners want to print flyers, posters, and other materials to advertise the event and encourage more residents to attend. If approved, the city spends $1,500 on outreach materials.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve $1,500 for Human Rights Commission outreach materials
In Plain English
The Human Rights and Human Relations Commission wants to host a public meeting about immigrant rights. The commission needs printed flyers and educational materials to promote the event, plus business cards for ongoing community outreach. If approved, the city pays $1,500 from its general fund.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Accept $97,500 federal grant for Miraflores interpretive signs
In Plain English
The National Park Service awarded Richmond a grant to install historical signs at Miraflores, a former Japanese American detention site during World War II. The grant expires on April 30, 2025, so the city manager needs immediate authority to hire contractors. If approved, the project costs nothing to Richmond taxpayers.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Accept $97,500 grant for interpretive signs at former Japanese American nursery site
In Plain English
The city received this National Park Service grant in 2020 to create educational signs about Japanese American families who ran flower nurseries at the Miraflores site before World War II. All Japanese American residents were forcibly removed during the war. If approved, the city manager can hire contractors to complete the project before the grant expires on April 30, 2025.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Place liens on properties with unpaid garbage collection fees
In Plain English
The city bills property owners directly for garbage collection services. When owners don't pay these fees, the city can place liens on their properties through the county tax system. If approved, unpaid garbage fees become part of property tax bills and must be paid before properties can be sold.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Place unpaid garbage bills totaling $597,122 as liens on property tax records
In Plain English
Property owners who are 5 months behind on garbage bills receive final notices before administrative hearings. If bills remain unpaid after the hearing, the city places liens on their properties. If approved, 1,100 properties owe a total of $597,122 that gets added to their county property tax bills.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Accept $47,000 Chevron grant for street outreach and crisis response teams
In Plain English
The Office of Neighborhood Safety runs teams that respond to mental health crises and connect people with services on the street. Chevron's Community Foundation awarded this grant to expand these mobile response programs. If approved, the city adds this money to its community services budget without using local tax dollars.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Accept $35,000 Chevron grant to expand street outreach and crisis response
In Plain English
The Office of Neighborhood Safety received funding from Chevron Community Engagement Foundation to help people in crisis. The money pays for groceries, emergency housing, transportation cards, clothing, hygiene items, and official documents for Richmond residents. If approved, the grant supports the city's new Community Crisis Response Program, which sends mobile responders with local connections to help residents in non-stigmatizing ways.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Accept $1 million grant and hire engineers for McBryde Avenue improvements
In Plain English
The city received a $1 million regional transportation grant to improve McBryde Avenue. BKF Engineers will design the improvements for $539,200 over 2 years. If approved, the project moves forward with engineering work starting in February 2025.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Accept $1 million grant and hire BKF Engineers to design McBryde Avenue bike lanes
In Plain English
The city received $1 million in regional grant funds to redesign McBryde Avenue from Wildcat Canyon Regional Park to 37th Street. BKF Engineers will design protected bike lanes, improved crosswalks, and new street trees along this key bike route. If approved, the design work costs $560,000 and runs through December 2026.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.