On the agenda: bicycle connectivity, council pay, and fire preparedness
The Richmond City Council’s January 21 meeting has a packed consent calendar, including a proposal to seek $213,100 in grant funding for the Point Richmond Bicycle Connectivity Project, which aims to improve safety and access for cyclists and pedestrians.
All of this week's items are on the consent calendar and are considered routine and non-controversial, to be enacted together with a motion and second without discussion.
Councilmembers will hold a second reading of an ordinance increasing their salaries by 80 percent. The council will also elect a new vice mayor for 2025. In the mayor’s absence or disability, the vice mayor serves as mayor and, upon the mayor’s request, represents the mayor.
Richmond to seek funding for Point Richmond Bicycle Connectivity Project
The Richmond City Council is set to vote on a resolution Tuesday to authorize staff to apply for $213,100 in grant funding from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) for the Point Richmond Bicycle Connectivity Project.
The project aims to enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety and connectivity linking the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, the Richmond Ferry Terminal, and the Bay Trail. Improvements include protected two-way cycle tracks, high-visibility crosswalks with ADA-compliant ramps, sidewalk extensions, and upgraded bus stop facilities.
The resolution is required to apply for the MTC’s Transportation Development Act Article 3 funds, designated for bicycle and pedestrian projects in Contra Costa County for fiscal year 2025-2026.
“This project will construct bicycle and pedestrian improvements on Tewksbury Ave., Railroad Ave., West Richmond Ave., and S. Garrard Blvd., closing a gap in bicycle connectivity,” Richmond Public Works Director Daniel Chavarria wrote in a staff report.
Community and stakeholder outreach for the project will begin later this year, with updates provided to the City Council throughout the process.
Staff says if successful, this funding will bring Richmond closer to realizing a safer, more accessible bicycle network, supporting the city’s sustainability and mobility goals.
A second reading of the ordinances increasing the mayor & council salary
Richmond councilmembers unanimously voted to give themselves an 80 percent increase earlier this month, citing the financial challenges faced by leaders who juggle public service with personal responsibilities.
Soren Hemmila
At the January 8, 2025, meeting, when former Councilmember Melvin Willis was still a councilmember, he stated his personal commitment: He would not discuss raising wages for the council until all other bargaining units were taken care of.
“As of last year, we cut deals with all of our bargaining units after going through class and comp negotiations,” Willis said. “They’re done. Now it’s time to take care of the council.”
Councilmember Claudia Jimenez underscored the importance of fair compensation to enable single parents and individuals from underrepresented communities to run for office.
“How can we ask a single mom to be running for city council when the pay is that little, and even with this increase, she’s not going to be able to pay for rent and pay for the kids, food, and other things,” Jimenez said. “Even with this raise, the people who are able to do this job well are more privileged rich people, retired people, or people who are supported by their spouses.”
Resolution to prohibit the purchase of products made with prison labor
Councilmember Soheila Bana has a resolution to prevent the City of Richmond from purchasing products produced with prison labor and direct staff to conduct an analysis of current products/suppliers produced with prison labor and utilized by the city and return with recommendations for alternatives to utilize suppliers that do not use prison labor to produce goods.
Request for wildfire mitigation and public disaster preparedness
Councilmember Bana has requested a presentation on Wildfire Mitigation and Public Disaster Preparedness from the Richmond Fire Department, Emergency Services Department, Public Works, and Police Department.
According to a staff report, experts warn that Northern California faces similar risks to the devastation caused by the wildfires in Los Angeles County. The conditions fueling Southern California fires are a perfect storm of dry fuels, warm weather, and high winds. All of those factors are part of Northern California’s climatology, too, and they can and will align someday up here again.
Business and Development
The council is set to OK a $95,000 contract with CoBiz Richmond to provide on-demand business and workplace solutions for small businesses through 2026. The Economic Development Department highlighted the partnership’s potential to enhance small business support and event services.
Financial Oversight
City officials will review the Investment and Cash Balance Report for November 2024. The report includes overtime expenditures and the Documentary Transfer Tax summary, ensuring transparency in municipal finances.
Proclamations
Mayor Eduardo Martinez will issue two proclamations:
- January 27, 2025, is declared International Holocaust Remembrance Day, honoring the victims and ensuring their memory is preserved.
- February 2025 is Black History Month, recognizing the contributions of Black Americans to Richmond and beyond.
Appointments
The council will confirm several appointments, including:
- Richmond Youth Council: Ashton Desmangles and Ode Kunthar.
- Historic Preservation Commission: Isabel Ziegler.
- Urban Forest Advisory Committee: Martha Jackson and Bernadette Garcia-Roger.
- Human Rights and Human Relations Commission: O’Neill Fernandez.
- Commission on Aging: Gerry La Londe-Berg.
- Workforce Development Board: Gregory Brooks and Gina Baker.
Police and Public Works
The council is set to approve:
- A $1 million contract amendment with Flock Group Inc. for Automated License Plate Readers and Pan Tilt Zoom cameras.
- A $100,000 sole-source agreement to replace carpeting at the Police Department.
- A $126,960 contract with Pisor Fence Division for upgrades at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
- A resolution to increase funding by $121,236 for the 37th Street Bicycle & Pedestrian Improvements Project, completing unforeseen changes to the project scope.
Housing Authority will select an eviction attorney
On the Richmond Housing Authority consent calendar before the city council meeting is a resolution authorizing a legal services contract with Edrington, Schirmer, & Murphy LLP for lease enforcement and unlawful detainer services for a total amount not to exceed $600,000.
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