On the Agenda: council to tackle human trafficking, immigrant protection, and security contracts
The Richmond City Council’s January 28 meeting will include a presentation on human trafficking efforts in Richmond, a moratorium on new parklets, and measures to enhance security at city facilities. Other agenda items address protections for undocumented immigrants, staffing changes, and an electric bikeshare program expansion.
Combating human trafficking in Richmond
District 4 Councilmember Soheila Bana has the only action item on the January 28 agenda: a presentation from the Family Justice Center, the Contra Costa County Human Trafficking Task Force Director, and the Richmond Police Department on the current state of and efforts to combat human trafficking in Richmond.
Bana says human trafficking remains a critical issue in Richmond, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and posing significant public safety concerns in the agenda report.
“Addressing this issue requires coordinated, community-driven solutions involving law enforcement, service providers, and community organizations,” Bana said.
The Family Justice Center, the Contra Costa County Human Trafficking Task Force, and the Richmond Police Department have been working to combat human trafficking. The Family Justice Center has proposed Phase Two of a Community Safety and Cohesion Lighting Project, focusing on installing lighting and necessary infrastructure in areas most impacted by street-level commercial sex work and human trafficking.
The item also includes a proclamation declaring January 2025 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Richmond.
On the consent calendar agenda
All items on the Consent Calendar are considered routine and non-controversial. Any member of the council can enact them together with a motion and a second without discussion.
Exploring legal protections for undocumented immigrants
Councilmembers Claudia Jimenez and Doria Robinson have an item to direct the City Attorney’s Office to review the City of Richmond’s current legislation protecting undocumented immigrants, examine legislation and current activity at the federal, state, and local levels in other jurisdictions, and provide recommendations on ways to provide additional protections for undocumented immigrants.
Soren Hemmila
Security for BTA, Civic Center, and The Port
The council will consider approving a three-year, $1,916,153.99 contract with Allied Universal Security Services to provide security services throughout the city.
Allied Security will provide security at the Civic Center, Port of Richmond, and Booker T. Anderson Community Center. According to the agenda report, security guards will ensure a safe environment for residents and visitors to access city services and public spaces.
The Port of Richmond has faced theft and vandalism in its historic buildings at the Point Potrero Terminal and Terminal One. The proposed security measures aim to protect these assets and prevent further damage.
The Booker T. Anderson Community Center, located at 960 South 47th Street, has undergone significant repairs after fire damage and vandalism forced its closure. To prevent further incidents, security guards will patrol the site during non-operational hours.
Also from the police department is a written crime report from Police Chief Bisa French.
Bikeshare contract amendment with Charleston Mobility
Library and Community Services has a $577,484 contract amendment with Charleston Mobility for $2,750,341 to support the continued operation of the citywide electric bikeshare program.
Soren Hemmila
Terminal 4 wharf removal
Public Works seeks a contract amendment with Swinerton Management & Consulting for the Terminal 4 Wharf Removal project.
The Terminal 4 Wharf Removal Project involves demolishing derelict pilings, decking, and two buildings, as well as constructing enhanced rock slope protection and monitoring at Terminal 4, located at Point San Pablo, north of Point Molate.
Staffing reallocations
Human resources has an item amending staffing to reallocate existing positions in the police department, city manager’s office, and recreation departments.
HR also has a resolution to increase parental leave from one week to four weeks. The city is establishing a parental leave policy to ensure employees have adequate paid time for baby bonding and support once they return to work.
Parklets put on a 45-day timeout
An interim urgency ordinance to establish a 45-day moratorium on the establishment of new parklets, expansion of existing parklets, or the extension of the term of existing parklets within city limits to allow for the city’s review and adoption of permanent zoning regulations for such uses to ensure public health, safety, and welfare.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire’s agenda report says parklet structures created without careful planning can result in threats to public health, safety, or welfare because they encroach upon the public right-of-way, including roadways, which may undermine traffic safety and create nuisances of various kinds.
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