City Council - Regular Meeting

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Hello everybody. Where's the gabble? So, I'm calling to order the city, Richmond City Council meeting for April 6. Um, we are going to hear do roll call. April 7th. Can we have a roll call, please? Yes. A roll call. Council member Brown here. Council member Jimenez presente. Council member Wilson here. Council member Zapena here.

Vice Robinson here.

For the record, Council Member Bonnie and Mayor Martinez are absent for roll call. Okay. During close session, the council will discuss the following items. Item C1, public employee performance evaluation. Title City Clerk. Item C2, conference with real property negotiator. Property is located at 1414 Harbor South. Agency negotiator Lena Bolasco, Emily Combmes, and Dave Alshshire. Negotiating parties Orton Entertainment LLC. And under negotiation are the price and terms of payment. Item C3, conference with labor negotiators, agency representatives Chiron Taylor, Jack Huge, and Lisa Charbonet. Employee organizations include SEIU Local 1021, IFPTE Local 21 Mid Leo Management and Executive Management Units, Richmond Police Officers Association, Richmond Police Management Association, IIAFF Local 188, and Richmond Fire Management Association. For the record, Mayor Martinez is present. We do have two requests to address the council. Cordell Hendler and Nate Lonzo, you'll have two minutes. Please begin.

Okay. So, good afternoon, Mayor Martinez. Council, for the record, I am Cordell Henland. I have two comments to share with you all today. So, number one, I think Pamela Christian has done an outstanding job as the city clerk. So when you go back in there, you you better put in all the she put in a lot of time to make sure that the agendas is prepared and the minutes as typed perfectly. So she has staff too, but when you go back in there, think of all the contributions that she has done for the to making sure that the meetings are running in a timely manner. So that's when you go back there. Now number two, we are in a staffing shortage. Once again, we want Detective Hodgeges to return because the his case load is like this stick. And so I'm thinking to myself, do we want Detective Hodgeges back? Yes, we do. Cuz if we if we want if we want the the Richmond Police Department to like to maintain uh officers, we need Detective Hodes back as soon as possible. So when you go back in there, think of all think about what I just said. So, and with that, Nate Lonzo.

Our next speaker is Nate Lonzo, and if there's anyone joining us online that would like to address the council, please raise your hand at this time.

Good afternoon, mayor and city council members. My name is Nate Lonzo and I'm speaking on behalf of the Richmond Police Officers Association and the officers who serve this city every day. I'm here for two reasons. First again to just to ask this council to support a fair, competitive, and marketable contract for Richmond police officers. Second, to demand accountability from city manager Curl to return Detective Hajes to work immediately. Uh we cannot properly serve this city from the public safety aspect the way the citizens deserve being understaffed, not being able to retain and recruit the best possible officers. Um I believe you all were provided with comp surveys from uh POA President Tero. We're in the bottom quarter of that comp survey. Okay. When we when we were in the top half many many years ago, we used to have hundreds of applications from potential candidates from all over the state, lateral officers, academy graduates, uh people seeking to get into law enforcement, and we could choose the very best of the best. Now we might have six, maybe 10. Um, and I know this because I used to be part of the personnel and training section. I wasn't part of recruitment, but I was the FTO coordinator. All right? and not being able to recruit the best candidates, we suffer because it used to be the norm when I started where people would enter the training program and they'd go through some challenges, not much. But

now people get extended. That's because we're not getting the best of the best. Thank you. Have a good afternoon. Okay, that was our last inerson speaker. We have two online speakers and those speakers are Bentio and Sam. Bentio, please unmute yourself and you may begin.

Bentio, president of the Richmond Police Officers Association. Um, I sent in provided to all your city email addresses uh significant amount of documents and data. You know that analysis again is important to the list. There's this I blic a RPOA 30-year historical list which is our list that we've used for 30 years in addition to adding San Francisco and BART. I've also used that salary schedule with the city council's list and uh then another one with all those cities combined, both council and the POA and SF and BART. in all of those, all three, the POA is in the bottom third of or sorry, bottom quarter of all of those charts. Um, and that's what matters because the data is unambiguous. It's not a minor discrepancy for a mid-career officer with 10 years of service um that our package essentially lags behind. and further requests. I've also provided all since 2015 the POA's tracking of folks who have departed Richmond and are lateral to other places which mostly include reasons of pay benefits, retirey health and lack of support from inside the police department and the city council. Uh also per request provide information about retirey medical oped trust and what we're looking for on that. And last but not least, the uh RPOA 555 bargaining brief uh and is issues on step and longevity. There's a lot of information there, a lot to unpack, but there's plenty I think to cut through the fog of what has actually been sent to you or what has not been sent to you. And then lastly, again, we asked for Detective Hodgees to be returned to work. Um, my understanding is the city manager has

all the information that she has requested and yet here we are still with Detective Hodgees not return to work. Your time is expired. Thank you. Thank you. The next speaker is Sam. Sam, please unmute yourself. Please state your last name for the record and you may begin.

Yes. Uh, my name is Sam Lee. I'm u you guys probably know me from Fillerburgger here at 1123rd Street. Uh, yeah. First of all, uh you know, I I was actually tuning in for an entirely different reason, but it's it does regard safety, and I'd like to thank the the staff of the Richmond Police Department, uh you know, the the the dispatchers and the officers out there, uh that are, you know, really putting in hard work to keep our city safe. And um unfortunately, I had to call upon their services for a recent incident uh where my elder father, a senior citizen, was attacked uh by a member of the community. and uh and I had to come to his defense and and thankfully the region police were able to uh come out and respond to the call as well. Uh so the uh Richmond Fire Department uh to help address some of the other safety issues that were related to this. Uh Miss Brown, uh Councilman Brown, I I tried reaching out to you by email and by phone a couple of times. Uh I even tried to seek you out on Instagram, but I haven't heard anything. But, uh, you know, we're in district one and I spoke to the neighbors up and down the street and and we fought a lot of safety issues, uh, lately and, uh, we've been trying to get a hold of you. If you have some time, please, uh, respond to the email or stop by here and visit me at the shop so uh, we can discuss in detail how to make our community safer. Uh, but u, that was mostly why I wanted to get get a hold of uh, the city council here to address some of the safety issues that are going on in district 1. And uh Miss Brown, if you can, like I said, get back to me so we can uh figure out how we can uh best respond to this. And thank you very much. And thank you, Richmond PD. And thank you, Richmond Fire.

Thank you. And that was our last speaker. With the last speaker, uh we close public comment and we will adjourn to close session.

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right, welcome everyone. Uh the It's on. Okay. Well, um

thank you everyone for uh putting up with uh sound difficulties. Uh we will do the best that we can until we get the sound uh working. Uh we will begin the regular uh city housing authority meeting with the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Roll call.

Commissioner Bono, I'm here. Commissioner Brown here. Commissioner Jimenez. Commissioner Wilson here. Do it again. Here. All right. Commissioner Zapada here. Vice Chair Robinson here. Tenny Commissioner Scott here. and chair Martinez here.

Our next item, the statement of conflict of interest. Are there any hearing? None. Next item is agenda review. This is for the Richmond Housing Authority. Okay. Hearing no changes, our next item is open forum for the housing authority. We have one speaker, Cordell Hendler. So, uh, is this on? Oh, yeah. So, good evening, Chair Martinez, commissioners. For the record, I am Cordell Hendler and I'm a Richmond resident. So, I looked at the March 3rd minutes and I think it looks fine. So, I'm asking the commission to approve it as presented. That's it.

Okay. We're having problems with our timer. Hold on one second. Okay, that was our only speaker for the housing authority um open forum. Now we'll move to the housing authority public hearing and pursuant to public notice. It's time to hold a public hearing to adopt a resolution approving the Richmond Housing Authority annual plan and five-year plan and authorized submission of the proposed annual plan and five-year plan to US Department of Housing and Urban Development. KCRT, can you please bring up the PowerPoint? Good evening, chair, commissioners, and public. My name is Antonet Terrell, executive director of the Richmond Housing Authority. This evening, I will be presenting Richmond Housing Authorities 2026 annual plan along with updates to our 5-year plan covering 2026 through 2020. Next slide, please. As you can see, this is our recommended action that the city clerk just read. Next slide, please. The annual plan is required by HUD by HUD to document and serves as our application for capital funding. It outlines our key activities, policy updates, and progress towards our agency goals for RHA. This plan reflects continued progress under our public housing authority recovery and sustainability agreement, FARS, while advancing our asset repositioning efforts. Next slide, please. While the annual plan focuses on the upcoming year, the five-year plan provides our broader strategic roadmap through 2030. It defines our mission, goals, and priorities, and guides how we manage housing programs, advance redevelopment, and enhance resident services while aligning with federal requirements and local housing needs. Next slide, please. These plans set a clear direction for the authority, focusing on improving

housing quality, maintaining compliance, and learn long-term sustainability. Guided by the FARS agreement, we are modernizing our portfolio through tools like RAD in section 18 while preserving affordability. Next slide, please. As part of this process, the authority completed all required public participation steps. Notice of the public hearing was published on February 2nd, 2026, and the draft plans were made available online and at our administrative office. The housing advisory commission was unable to take action due to lack of a quorum. Next slide, please. At Nevin Plaza phase one, construction is complete with 140 units fully renovated and leasing is underway. For phase two, we have executed the land lease disposition and development agreement, submitted a Senate Bill 35 streamlined application, and initiated environmental review. Next slide, please. Nestern Village remains our top priority as we move forward with redevelopment while maintaining safe and habitability conditions for our residents. Over the past year, we've made strong progress including a RAD resident meeting in 2025, selection of our development partner in June and execution of the exclusive rights to negotiate agreement in October. Most recently, in March 2026, we received the commitment to enter into a housing assistance payment contract, CHAP, from HUD, and executed the land lease, disposition, and development agreement, allowing this project to move forward. Looking ahead, we will expand community engagement in April, which is this month, while advancing environmental review and section 106 consultation. These are our key steps towards construction. We are also leveraging external funding including ARPA funds to support ongoing efforts. Next slide please.

This slide highlights how ARPA funding is for supporting Nestrom village redevelopment through key predevelopment activities and targeted site improvements addressing health and safety needs. To date, 176,000 has been expended with an additional 571,000 pending draw down toing about 747,000 or 37% of allocation which is in progress. Next slide, please. Repositioning of Richmond Village is underway. We are currently in a due diligence phase including environmental review and physical needs assessments to inform our financing plan which we anticipate submitting to HUD by September of 2026. Next slide please. Finally, as part of our FARS requirement, the authority completed the close out of the housing choice voucher program. The final compliance requirement, the 2019 audited financial data schedule was approved by HUD in September of 2025. With that approval, all closeup requirements have been completed and no further no further action is needed. Next slide, please. To close, we are requesting that the board hold a public hearing and adopt a resolution approving the Richmond Housing Authorities's annual and five-year plan and authorize submission of proposed annual and 5-year plan to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Next slide, please. Thank you. Thank you. Um, it's now time for the public hearing. So, the public hearing is now open. Do we have speakers? We have one inerson speaker. And if there's anyone joining us online that would like to address the council on this item, please raise your hand at this time. You want me to call the speakers?

Yes. Okay. Cordial Hendler. Hey. So, good evening, Chair Martinez, Commissioners. For the record, I am Cardell Hanland. I'm a Richmond resident. So, thank you, Antonet, for that report. So, I I like the report as presented. So, now, as it was stated, so it's up to the commission to approve the report as presented. That's it. We have two online speakers and those speakers are Jesse Tran and Andrew Wilk. Jesse, please unmute yourself and you may begin. Jesse. Yes. Can you hear me?

Yes.

Okay. So, my name is Jesse Tran. I have been an unhoused resident of Richmond for the past five years. I am severely disabled. I have five herniated discs in my low back in addition to other health issues. Um, I have been at the supposedly at the very top of the housing priority list for this entire five years. I have had at least six housing coordinators. For some reason, they keep getting fired or reassigned. Um, and the whole approach that Richmond takes and has been taking to housing the homeless is so chaotic and confusing that even the coordinators don't know how to get people housed. And the people who are housed keep falling out of housing because they have no ability to pay the rent or the utilities. And I cannot stress enough um how important it is to get this stuff organized to get everyone on the same page. Also, you have all these groups, the housing task force, the um you know, Council on Homelessness, but none of the groups talk to the city council to each other or and the city council doesn't talk to the county. So, there's all these pockets of money. um that are not being used or are not being used correctly and and work that's being done over. You know that the same things are being done. There's a an adjudicated rapist who is working for um the only the only group that tends to the homeless. and he's being sent to

campsite where there's vulnerable women and he's being sent out there by himself. In addition to that, yesterday my husband and I, Richmond police officers came to our encampment with guns drawn, okay? Put my husband in handcuffs up against the car for nothing. We had done nothing. Our car was similar to a car that was used in a crime, but neither my husband or I have any criminal record. And yet he was slammed up against the car and put in handcuffs. Okay. The way that Richmond is treating the homeless not only is inhumane. It's not working and it's expensive. You're talking about money from HUD. You might want to mention that HUD started to withhold funds from Richmond because of mismanagement. Remember that.

So may I suggest a accountant to oversee this expenditure. Thank you. Thank you. And that was our last speaker. There are no online speakers. That was a no online speaker. Okay. Oh, okay. Thank you. All right. Then uh in that case, the uh uh public hearing is now closed. So, do we have any questions for staff? Yes. The only thing is that can we get the presentation online because it's not currently online. If we can just get it up there so we can review it again. Thank you.

All right. So, if that's the only question, then um it's time to vote. Uh but we need a motion. I make a motion to pass. Yeah, these are not working. I move to pass the item. Second. And I will second the motion. Okay, we have a motion by Commissioner Bana, second by Ten and Commissioner Scott. Commissioner Brown, yes. Commissioner Bana, yes. Commissioner Jimenez, C. Commissioner Wilson, yes. Commissioner Zapeda,

yes. Tenny, Commissioner Scott, yes. Vice Chair Robinson, yes. And Chair Martinez, yes. The vote is unanimous. Okay. And we need to move backwards in this agenda because we skipped the housing authority consent calendar. We need a motion to approve. I move the item to approve the minutes. Same time. We have a motion by commissioner vice chair, no chair, sorry, Martinez. and a second by Commissioner Jimenez. Commissioner Brown, yes. Commissioner Bana,

yes. Commissioner Jimenez, yes. Commissioner Wilson, yes. Commissioner Zapena, yes. Vice Chair Robinson, yes. Tenny Commissioner Scott, yes. And Chair Martinez, yes. The vote is unanimous. All right, with that, uh, the regular meeting of the Richmond Housing Authority is now adjourned. It's time to move on to the regular meeting of the Richmond City Council. Roll call, please. Council member Bono, here. Council member Brown,

here. Council member Jimenez. Council member Wilson here. Council member Zapeda here. Vice Mayor Robinson here. And Mayor Martinez here.

Our next item is statement of conflict of interest. Are there any hearing? None. Our next item is agenda review. And I do have a couple of announcements. Item B1A and that's the it's being continued to April 21st. That's the records retention schedule update. Item V4A, that's a contract with Wild Dan Financial Services that has been removed from the consent calendar for discussion be placed at the end of the agenda. Which item? Sorry. Sorry. One more time.

V1A that's continued to April 21st. That's the record's retention schedule update. V4A and that's a contract. It's under finance contract with wild financial services that has been removed from the consent calendar will be placed at the end of the agenda for discussion. That's all I had.

All right. Report for the city attorney. Good evening, mayor and city council. No final actions were taken during tonight's close session. Our next item is a report from the city manager. Good evening, council and good evening, city council. I will now pass the microphone to Chiron Taylor for the new employee report.

Good evening, mayor, city council members. Chiron Taylor, human resources director. I'm pleased to present you our March hires and our promotions. Next slide, please. Noah Russell, police officer. Russell Lopez, police officer. Gail Payne, senior transportation planner. Rosie Vangelene Darla, learner coordinator. Crystal Barton, learner coordinator. Derek Treya, parks supervisor. Sophia Montenegro, administrative analyst. Tanaya Payton, learner coordinator. Pedro Gonzalez Guisa, maintenance A2. Christian Cabrales Ruiz, maintenance A2. Milan Ashley, administrative student intern. And we have two promotions. Carolyn Connory, deputy fire marshal, and Fred Tran, executive director of rent program. Thank you for your support. Okay. Our next item is open forum. Okay. An open forum is an opportunity to address the council on items that remain on the consent calendar or items that are not on the agenda. Tonight we have two items that were removed from the consent calendar. See item V1A and that was continued to April 21st. Item B4A is a contract with welldown and that will be discussed at the end the agenda during open forum dialogue with the

council and the speaker is prohibited. Tonight we have 50 inperson speakers. We have five in the auditorium and if you're joining us online and would like to address the council under open form, please raise your hand at this time. So far we have two speakers online. We'll start with the auditorium speakers and then we'll move to the in-person speakers. When your name is called, please come forward and line up behind the speaker podium. When you're called for in person, you need to line up closest to the wall. And for your safety, all the aisles, including the area behind the speaker's podium and staff presentation area, must remain clear. When you're when you are called to address the council, state your name and your city of residence is optional. Please terminate your address to the council when your time expires. Each speaker will be allowed up to Is it two minutes still?

Two minutes. One minute. Our council rules reflect one minute. Okay. One minute to address the council. The city of Richmond welcomes your comments and requests that you present your remarks in a respectful and appropriate manner with an established one minute time limit. Jess, please call the speakers in the auditorium. Thank you. Okay. And the five speakers are Caesar. Okay. Just we can't hear you. Okay. Can you hear me now? Barely. Can you hear me now? Better. Okay. Is this better? Where is she? Is she yelling from over there?

KCRT, can we help Chessboro with the volume? Check, check, check, check. I don't know if this mic is better. Sounds a little better.

Okay. So, we have five speakers. If you guys will stand up and line up behind me, there's Caesar Cortez, Manil Batch, Rad Shariah, Jesus Perez, Ryan Kasin, and Daffodil Alani. And just as a reminder, you'll have one minute to speak. Once your time concludes, please step off from the mic and let the next person speak. Caesar

Cortez, start up. Okay. Well, um, hello everyone. My name is Caesar Cortez. I am a resident of, uh, Richmond for about 10 years or so now. Um, I'm currently an unhoused resident, but before this, I was studying in college since I was about 15 over at Middle College High School. Before I came into my circumstance right now, I was a financial officer for a real estate company. I want to explain to you guys and plead with you, please, everyone here at the city council, please stop interacting with cartel associates and anyone involved in organized crime in any way, shape, or form. As an investigative reporter here living on the streets and figuring out more about the operation, I've been attacked with a machete uh by someone by the name of Marco Lande. uh during the police report that I filed where I was running the investigation across Richmond PD in multiple areas of the Bay Area and seeing how they're connected and linked up to these different cel cartel factions including Indian factions, Sri Lankan factions for human trafficking and also just the drug networks that are operating and I know that there is some compliance between multiple agencies, police agencies, politicians here inside of the state. I'm pleading with you do not work with them. Thank you. Yeah, thank you. Hi, my name is Manil Bacharia and uh I've been working with the city as a consultant for the last uh 20 years I uh close to and I'm here uh to thank the council, the mayor's office and the city of Richmond for uh the pro uh proclamation recognizing the Nepali new year. Uh I am uh I am from Nepal and I've been uh in the Bay Area for the last 25 years. So I really wanted to thank uh come up here and uh thank the council, the mayor, the council and the and the city for u putting this proclamation on the on the city council agenda. Thank you.

Hello. Good evening. This is Kus Perez. um the uh with the first stand right in front of our valley and 23rd. I just want to ask you guys please to give me some more space so I can have some more product for you know for the uh neighborhood because all I'm doing is you know is bringing fresh fruit for everybody you know and I love the people support and but I need a little more space so I can bring a lot of more stuff and uh you know my permit is just a little for one table so I need more space so I can bring more stuff like I said and I want ask you guys please give me some more space and another favor. Uh, I don't know who, but they keep sending the city over to me. If it's, it ain't one thing, it's another. I got all my permits. You know, I'm, you know, I'm complying with all the permits and trying to do everything right. But I don't know. Somebody just keep sending sending the city that they just people showing up all the time, you know. So, just just please. Oh. Hi there, Ryan Kasin. Um, so I swear this has nothing to do with a specific agenda item. This is a general comment, but I did want to speak um to the council and anyone in a leadership position that a demographic of people that I think don't get enough credit or that isn't talked enough about and their disfranchisement is the youth. And I think if you're in a position of leadership and you have a bunch of young kids coming out and speaking out against something, I think it's the job of those of us in power to

step back and to listen. So I urge you, regardless of anything discussed tonight, but also going forward to listen to the youth voice because you have the power to give them more. Thank you.

Hello, my name is Daffodil Alan. Um, I'm a journalist by training, but tonight I am here as a parent. Um, I'm here to express my unwavering support for the diploma program at the BP Space Center for the Performing Arts, where our two children take a variety of classes and where our daughter is completing her second year as a diploma student. My husband and I are the children of Latino immigrants and we're raising our children on the border of San Pablo and Richmond. We've worked hard for our education and careers. However, the earning first in our families. However, that hard work does not necessarily translate to immediate generational wealth and affordability for the sophisticated top tier musical and artistic training our daughter receives as a diploma student at the East Bay Center. the scholarship she receives as a diploma student, which includes a five-week um summer intensive, which is eight hours a day, classes year round, and private classes would add up to about $10,000 a year, something we cannot afford at this moment. Um, okay. I just want to say that this is an in incredible program that supports community on all levels for so many children. Thank you. And now we'll move to the Zoom speakers. We have five Zoom speakers online. Jesse Tran, Andrew Wilk, Benjamin Tero, Nathan Lonzo, and Marquez. Jesse, please unmute yourself and you may begin.

Hi, I'm Jesse Tran. Again, I am uh I've been unhoused in Richmond for about the past five years. And I just wanted to point out that the city of Richmond has received millions of dollars. Okay? There's the Measure X funds, there's the MeasureU funds, there's the and that, you know, there's grant money. There's the Chevron money. And yet homeless people are seen as not doing anything for the economy. But you receive so much money for our benefit. What we need is a safe parking area and or a tiny home community. It would cost a fraction of what you're spending now on putting us in permanent housing and it would be safe and it would be cheap and it would be fast. Basically a trailer park. That's how they housed survivors of the earthquake. That's how they house World War II veterans when they came home from the war. It

Thank you. And that your time is expired. The next speaker is Andre Wil Andrew, excuse me, Andrew Wilk. Please unmute yourself and you may begin.

Yeah. Hey, this is uh Andrew Wilkey. Um director of the Richmond High School Music Department. Um also Richmond resident. Um my great great-grandparents immigrated here from the Azors in Portugal. Been here forever. Um, I just wanted to shout out our music students and our marching band students in particular for recently representing Richmond High School in front of hundreds of thousands of people and on television at the Chinese New Year parade in San Francisco and then two year two days later driving down to Anaheim to represent our city and community um at Disneyland marching and doing some workshops down there. And I just want to thank you guys. Your deep investments in our youth clearly are paying off. That shows in your in our crime rates decreasing. Um, I know as as a person who went to panol and and grew up in panol myself, even though my family has lived in Richmond forever, a narrative is slowly starting to change where our school Richmond High School is becoming a school with very high performing programs that's desirable and attractive to our community. Um, so I just want to thank this city for supporting us and allowing us to represent you. Have a good evening.

Thank you. And the next speaker is Benjamin Tero. Please unmute yourself and you may begin. being council Ben Terry, president of the Richmond Police Officer Association. Richmond resident deserve, you know, a city government that takes public safety seriously and respects its workforce and understands that you can't keep cutting corners when it comes to policing, staffing, and labor stability. Our officers continue to show up, do the job, protect the city under difficult conditions. And what they need is a return is a straightforward, fair treatment, competitive pay, lawful decision-making from city management and leadership that understands the value of retaining experienced officers instead of pushing them away. When this city delays, disregards working conditions and the MMBA and other lawful labor laws and fails to keep up with the market, the result is predictable. Lower morale, staffing issues, and greater risk to the community. This is not complicated. Richmond wants a safer city. It's got to support the people who do the work. That means respecting labor law, bargaining in good faith, and making public safety real priority, not just a talking point. And free detective Hodges. Bring them back.

Thank you. Your time is expired. And that appears to be our last speaker. I don't see any other hands raised at this time.

Okay. Now, we'll move to the inerson speakers. We have 52 speakers. I'll call your name. Please line up behind the speaker's podium closest to the wall in groups of 10. Cordio Hendler, Dongaz, Brun Simmons, Fahima Zaman, Maria Picanto, Vico, Allayia Alzani, Alias Savalos, Darren Allen, Ronaldo Svantes, and Annayia Jones. You have one minute. Okay. Okay.

So, good evening, Mayor Martinez, Council. Um, for the record, I am Cordel Hendler and I have some gifts for you all. So, number one, as Benjamin Teros pointed out, we are in a staffing shortage because I was just talking to our neighbors in El Salo and from what the state auditor told them, they had done a class and comp study. So to align how they pay their employees. And so it got me thinking. It's like if I had $550 million, I would allocate to hire two consultants to do just that, organizational assessment and filling certain positions. So that's one. And the other picture is um I thought about you council me for your love of animals. And so I was thinking that in the future that we need to acknowledge the Legion College Preparatory High School for their service day that they did in March. So it just got me thinking. It's like they need to be acknowledged. So I'm putting as a request to have it agendaized for next month because they have their graduation 3 days after that. So with that, it's all your John Gossman. came here tonight with a prepared speech to try to offer to the good people of Richmond career opportunities with extremely high pay, great benefits, and what feels good having a career. But cutting me off with only one minute, I can't say give it give it justice. I apologize for that. But please take a look at the numbers here. Call me 510-685243. 510-685-2403 doncom.net and I can help change your life.

Run Simmons.

Hello, my name is Run. I grew up in Richmond. I'm here for the Richmond's East Bay Center for the Performing Arts. Um, I'm an alumni of the diploma program and just wanted to say that um, this program is an incredible thing. I came in and um had my eyes open to um a lot of uh music and people um and this has kind of shaped the way that I interact with the world now. It's given me the tools to look within. It's given me the courage to be seen. Um, and I see in my peers, I see in the kids that I work with now, um, a sort of unfolding, a learning. Um, I see something that is really unique. Um, and I'm doing my best to be as specific as I can in this time, but um, just want to say through my own personal experience, um, this is a a work of of many lifetimes that is going to carry forward. All right. Thank you,

Fahheima.

Fahheima. No.

Hi, my name is Fahheima and I'm the health justice program manager at RISE. I've been working with my interns in our how many times we got to say internship for the past 2 years as part of our listening campaign 2.0 know that's really sought to understand what youth have been experiencing in Richmond and Contraosta County. What has become clear is that youth are tired of feeling unheard and tired of adjusting themselves to fit the needs of adults. And yet it feels like that is their only choice. Case in point, today my interns were planning to host a community convening that was a celebration and culmination of their findings, something that they had been prepping for for months. However, when the need for them to be here instead to talk with you all arose, they chose to pivot. Within two weeks, they organized this room of young people to help present their listening campaign 2.0. And I truly hope that you will take time to listen to what they have to say today because how many more times do they have to say it till you all listen? Maria Mendo City Council. My name is Maria and I'm a proud member of Rise and and most importantly the youth community of Richmond. Rice launched its listening campaign 2.0 in 2024 in partnership with series policy. This is part of Rice's legacy of listening, learning, and leading. We started an internship program called how many times we got to say it center around the over surveying and overinting of young people during COVID and the racial reckoning. This internship was born from young people telling us they are tired of being surveyed and asked what they need and how they feel only to be ignored, neglected and blamed. Through this initiative, US health justice interns explored key challenges facing youth in

Contraosta County, including issues within schools, limited community and ordos spaces, and a lack of accessible resources. Thank you. Allayia Alazani.

Good evening, city council. My name is Aaliyah and I'm also an intern at How many times We got to say it and interns connected with peers and adults identifying areas where young people have not been included and listened to. Interns presented their research to public sectors, academic professionals on homelessness and housing injustice, food insecurity at school, and a lack of resources and historical uninvestment. The listening campaign 2.0 O engaged with over 150 young people ages 14 to 20 across RISE local schools and community centers. We use surveys, interviews, focus groups, a method called photov voice to hear from multiple youth. Through their voices, we gain deeper insight into their struggle and the struggle they face, the resources they lack, how they are treated by adults, and what it's truly feeling like to grow up in the Bay Area today. As a part of listening campaign 2.0, You know, we conducted a lot of research that we want you guys to take into consideration. Thank you.

Elias Abalos.

Uh good evening board. My name is Elias Avalos and I'm also um I'm also an intern at Howard Say. So for the last month, we've been working on a community convening to present our findings to other youth in our community. However, um what we've grown to realize is that there are some adults in this room that would really benefit from hearing us from us today. So, just like how so many youth have talked about in our research, we are adjusting ourselves to meet once again the needs of the adults. We are here today instead of the convening. We worked so hard to plan to present the findings from our listening campaign 2.0. We've gathered a room full of young people today to talk to you about what young people have been saying they want, need, and deserve. We hope you remain mindful and open to hearing from them because one thing is clear. We are tired of asking adults to listen to us and being met with empty promises that they are. The listening campaign 2.0 findings and recommendations are are an offering ask and insistence for adults and systems to collectively consider and cultivate what it will take to show up for young and with young people. Thank you Darren Allen. Darren Allen.

Hello. The first theme that becomes clear in our research is that young people young people's spaces are neglected and underresourced. A main problem that this stems from is that youth are not considered as much in society as they deserve to be. once stated, "One of the biggest things that gets in the way of young people getting support is not being taken seriously. The belief that children should be seen and not heard has negatively affected young people of every generation and has continued to do so in this city." Others note how transportation is not always accessible or safe, a barrier that keeps them from school, jobs, or support programs. Our library is always locked. One participant noted how even basic resources can be out of reach. We get blamed for falling behind in school, but we do not even have access to basic resources that would help us succeed. Another youth noted, "These areas are not developed. There's no spaces to hang out. Youth are getting pushed away from their own.

Your time is expired."

Huh? Oh, sorry. I tried to read that. Our next speaker is Ronald Cvantes. He'll be followed by Annayia Jones. Will the following individuals please line up behind the speakers podium closest to the wall? Calvin Crump, Sage Holland, Sammy Pandy, Da Angelica, Tayana, Alise, and I was wondering what that might be. Could someone explain it?

It's a listening campaign.

Hello, council. Um, some of you remember over 10 years ago listening campaign 1.0 0 where we talked to over 500 young people about their experiences of trauma, violence, coping, and healing. So, this is the next iteration which young people brought to us saying, "We're sick and tired of you surveying us over and over again, and you're not doing anything, but we are still going to have hope in you, and we're going to do this again and bring to you what we need with solid recommendations and the hopes and expectations that you all listen." So, the 2.0 builds off of 1.0. And so we actually invite you to our shareout session next Wednesday at Rise from 9:30 to 1. We'll have breakfast, food. It's going to be a good time, time to reflect, to really reckon with what it takes to really get us to move. So come on through and you're welcome for these young folks organizing to be here and preach.

Okay. I think I I believe I called Tanaya, Elise, Cole, Haley, and Abaho. The next thing to show up amongst youth is that youth are exhausted and feel ignored and abandoned by adults in systems that are meant to support us. If you stated, we get we get told to ask for help, but help is always there. Even when youth do reach out, it feels like no one takes us seriously. This disconnect creates a cycle where you stop asking altogether. Not because the need disappears, but because the effort doesn't seem worth the dismissal. What may look like disengagement from the outside is actually exhausting after getting shut down again and again like today undermine. As we know, usu can show up to city council, advocate for what we want to see happen or change for our city and still be passed over. The phrase burnout is actually a trauma response. Capture the death of what's at stake. We burn out from everything once. One youth said Bentley and there's no break. Burndown isn't just exhaustive for many youth. It's a response to constantly extreme stress, pressure, and lack of support. Thank you.

Annayia Jones.

Finally, the third theme that continues to be evident is that a lot of youth are creating their own coping mechanisms, learning how to take care of themselves in their own ways, especially when support isn't always there. People who find comfort in things like skating, nature, and music. Others turn to their faith saying, "Sitting on my prayer mat talking to God about my day." Adding that prayer feels free and always available. Being outside helps, but like someone who shared, they go to a grass mountain to meditate. Overall, all of this shows a bigger issue. There always there aren't always enough resources to support systems for young people. Because of that, a lot of youth have to figure out things on their own. While some coping meth methods are healthy, not everyone has access to a safe of positive options. And sometimes the ways people cope aren't always the best for them. It highlights how important it is to have more support so young people don't have to carry everything by themselves. Youth are asking for more coping methods like access to therapy, counselors, and mentors, and access to safe outdoor spaces, etc. But instead of being heard, adults place even greater barriers in place to expire.

Thank you. Calvin Crop.

So now what? You've you know the issues. What are the solutions? You'll be hearing about six recommendations that youth have in order for adults and systems to serve us better. The first recommendation adults working with youth to focus on building relationships and grounded trust, consistency, and care. Youth are not asking for perfection. They are asking for presence. What they are asking is for what they're asking is for action and intention. The action to do what is right for the future generation. The intent to not let these kinds of cycles stay. These are they are asking for consistent invested invested adults who show up even when it's uncomfortable or inconvenient because that should never get in the way of the well-being of you. Sage. Is it Sage?

Hi, my name is Zage Hollands. Um, I'm part of the BYOP membership at RISE and I've been resident in Richmond for three years. They don't just need anybody doing the work. One participant said, "Make sure people are really committed to young people. Uh, uh, LC 2.0 reveals that while language around youth management has evolved, they continue to encounter adults who cycle in and out of programs and service providers who speak more than they listen. One p one one youth put it plainly. It's hard to talk to adults who look like they're not listening. That was unfortunately been the reality for a lot of people because they don't because many don't even have someone they can comfortably and safely confide in. Invest in free, safe third spaces for youth. In LC 2.0, young people didn't describe their neighborhoods as sites for possibility, but rather as spaces defined by absence. These areas are not developed. There is no spaces to hang out. And yet those spaces when those spaces exist, they matter. Another one said, "I feel more safe at Rise because it's cool. It's a chance to meet nice people. Sense the sense of safety goes beyond security. Thank you.

Sam, youth are asking for third spaces, not home, not school, but somewhere else entirely. This isn't this isn't threatened by authority. Places where they can decompress, create, and be in community. But not just any space, one that reflects their identities, interests, and rhythms. That means music, tech, food, comfy seating, and room to be loud or silent. These spaces matter because they affirm identity and foster belonging. Investing in these door spaces mean investing in the future for everyone. Thank you.

Da youth aren't asking for support. We are asking for schools to become places that actually prepare us for our future while also supporting our wellbeings. Schools should be healing, centered, and future building, not just places we're expected to go through. In a planning session, youth said they're actually excited, optimistic, and they want to run it up and be energetic. Code for earning their own money, gain independence through paid internships or guaranteed job programs. The energy is there, but the system around us just aren't meeting it. Thank you,

Angelica. As one one participant summed up clearly, I need financial aid, housing, and opportunities to help me succeed. That's what we are asking for. Not unrealistic changes, but real practical support. We need schools that combine emotional safety with real resources. That means access to mental mental health support and also college counseling, housing, guidance, career pathways, and paid work opportunities. Without these, students aren't moving forward. We're just trying to get by. If we actually invest in our youth in this way, we won't just be surviving school. We'll be building futures with purpose. Recommendation four, embed youth voice in governance and budgeting. Youth voices need to be genuinely heard from school districts. We're tired of being asked questions with no action to follow. Too often, youth speak up, organize, and even rally to for change and still get ignored or swept under the rug. The reality is that we are going to schools that are underresourced and understaffed. Teachers are underpaid and counselors are responsible for entire schools which means that students aren't getting the support that they expired.

Thank you. Thank you. Tamaya, what's possible when um what's possible when you when youth voices are being heard? moments where young people are listened to and taken seriously. Show us what real success can look like. Thank you. Police

um youth need the youth needs community and the support they receive. Even though the youth in LC 2.0 didn't directly talk about system coordinations, their experiences made it very clear. Many spoke about the exhaustion of having to repeat their trauma over and over and the lack of consistent and support consistent support and the feeling that even when someone tries to help, it doesn't fully stick because everything feels disconnected. This isn't about one person or organization failing. It's about a bigger issue with how systems are set up. Support is often temporary and depends too much on an individual instead of a strong connected system. Because this young people aren't getting the steady reliable support that they need. We need care navigators where adults carry the burden of connecting us to the various supports that we need at rise. We have seen how helpful it is when when a caring adult helps us and navigates us to various challenging systems versus forcing us to figure it out by ourselves. Cole Cole. Finally, recommendation six. Power held by adults need to be fundamentally restricted to allow true youth voice. A big issue is that adults still hold most of the power and it needs to actually change if youth voices are going to matter. A lot of young people are saying they don't just want to be more advisory points. They want adults to hand over more control and actually reflect youth needs and empower with real decision making. Right now, it still feels like youth are only being included on the surface. Like someone said, youth voices are still heard only in spaces adults. That means that even when we're invited to speak, we're not really the ones in

control. and our ideas don't always turn into real change. Thank you. Our next two speakers are Haley and Abdahal. And will the next group of speakers please line up? Abdullah Hassan, Larry, Eden, Micah, Jayla, Jenny, Jean, Norc, Nora, please come forward and line up, please. Haley.

Good morning, City Council. My name is Haley Se. I've been a resident for in Contra Costa for a little over a year now. You have heard now heard how what young people have been asking for in order to go from surviving here to being able to thrive in our community. Yet sometimes, unfortunately, our words are not enough. We also are here to show you our lived experience as well. The following youth will be sharing images that represent our current realities along with reflection so that you can truly understand what it is like to be a young person growing up here. The following will be excerpts from our video voice or photo voice project. Success to me is having a community that can support and have shared similar experiences to you to you and have seen you grow through throughout period of time. Sharing the same struggles are being there as you struggle and being able to see us reaching the goals we have set up for ourselves. This type of support led me to flourish as a person. I've grew to become a leader and understand now that I'm going to continue that growing across the country. Not one but two full rides school fully paid to Washington University in St. Louis.

Thank you. Thank you. Optal.

Hello everyone. My name is Opal and I'll be reading a comment by a previous student. So this is a photo of his of their cousin taking his feelings in music during a big function. Do you guys know what gets in the way of young people receiving the support we need? It is a system that was never built for us in the first place. Whether it's school counselors who are too overwhelmed to check in or adults who only focus on our mistakes instead of our struggles. Youth pe youth young people especially those from immigrant and low-income communities are constantly overlooked or misunderstood. In Richmond, I've seen how budget cuts, underfunded schools, and racial bias all contribute to youth being left behind. Instead of care, we often get discipline. Instead of opportunities, we also get silence. As a youth use internet pen and someone who's worked with groups like Safe Return, Project CBE, I've seen firsthand how much potential young people have. If only we were given the chance. Many of us want to lead, want to speak, want to heal. But we can't do that if our basic needs aren't met. We need space where we're trusted, supported, and seen as partners, not problems. Thank you, Abdullah. Abdullah. Good evening. Good evening, council members. My name's Abdullah, and if I had the power to introduce one thing, one new thing to my community, it would be Rise. Rise is an incredible space where young people can access valuable resources like laptops, art supplies, a music studio, and more. It's more than just a resource center. It feels like a safe and supportive environment. Thanks to the staff and members who are always there to help. For youth who need someone to talk to, Rise offers access to medical and mental health professionals. If someone is going through challenges at home or just need a break, there are relaxing spaces where they can unwind. Rise also helps young people build their futures by offering internship opportunities throughout the year in spring, summer, fall, and winter. This internship focuses on areas

like physical health, food justice, and community organizing. It's a place where youth are not only welcomed but empowered to grow. Hassan.

Hey, city councils. One thing I believe this community needs is a third place. A safe park could be one, but the problem is that these parks are mostly used and enjoyed by young kids, and teenagers need a place to hang out, too. Park should be a big place and have a lot of green open spaces where the community can enjoy fun activities. Creating a room, creating a place that can easily serve as a third place. Richmond residents need a space where they can simply enjoy being without having to spend money. The limited parks here in Richmond are usually very small. This image is from Oakland Park in Berkeley. And a bigger park with a walking trail would help people relax and ease their minds. There could be an electrical, bicycle, or scooter station nearby so teenagers can have fun along with skateboard and roller skating area. I would love a roller skating a roller skating rink because going to one is too expensive and I don't want to have to pay every time um in in the Bay Area are far from Richmond. So, we need somewhere nearby and safe. Thank you, Hassan. This What's this Hassan? Larry.

Hello. Y'all can hear me, right? All right. Um, hey, city council. My name is Larry. Uh, I'm going to be talking about success. So, uh, we would need access to quality education, tutors, and clear guidance and career, uh, mental health support, and more. Um, community programs that help young people prepare for the real world, and uh, mentorships and job trainings, and also accessible scholarships that will help a lot. When a community invests in youth, it creates a path for all of us to thrive, not just survive. With the right support, we gain better access to real opportunities and this is a picture of what thriving for us will look like. You know, all the communities getting together setting up this in our school. Wouldn't y'all love to see that? So, yeah. Uh also, it's a stable and fulfilling. It also means having my dream job uh job career and doing something that I love that also allows me to support myself and family. Um, I see success as being able to afford uh basic necessities like housing, food, and healthcare while still providing providing my family with good education and opportunities. So, yeah, that's all. Thank you,

Eden. Eden.

Hello, my name is Eden. One thing that really helps me calm down is being in the presence of nature. A a clean green place to just sit and rest. It doesn't have to be to sleep, but a place to just sit and look up at the leaves and sky, to think, to dream, to meditate, or to even just breathe if everything is too much. A dedicated sanctuary with flowers and berries to pick at and nibble on. I think also to have a big tree with a wide log. That would be great to have because we because we could sit by the roots and be grounded with them. This would also be helpful because it could have a community garden which could distract people's mind and take people's minds off stress and you can relax and garden. It can also teach the community to become cleaner because if everyone agrees that this little patch of nature is calming for them, then they would want to keep it clean. Thank you,

Michael. Micah.

Hi, my name's Micah. Um, I didn't grow up from Richmond or anything, but I'm here to support. So, success to me looks like graduating high school, moving on to college, and wanting to keep growing, learning, and making my family proud. Reaching that goal means means staying staying focused, doing my best in school, and not giving up when things get hard. To reach that success, I need I need support from my community, people who push me toward towards greatness and believe in me, whether it's teachers, mentors, friends, programs like this one in the photo or and having the encouragement to help me stay motivated and on track. Thank you,

Jayla. Good evening, city council members. My name is Jayla. Excuse me. Um, some of the council members are complaining that the cats see the photo. So, if you could move the photo over to this side so it's visible to everyone.

Okay, my apologies. It wasn't a complaint. It was a suggestion. And that's that's the power of language, you know. So, we need to be circumspect when we use language. And I apologize. Good evening. My name is Shayla. When I'm feeling stressed or having a rough day, I usually listen to music, take time alone, or talk to someone I trust. It helps me calm down, and feel more in control. I found some ways to deal with stress, but I don't always have everything that I need. That's why spaces like Rise are so important. They give people a safe place to relax, talk, and try new things. Rise creates a sense of community and belonging that a lot of people are missing. It is a place where you don't have to hide what you're going through. More places like that will help people feel seen, supported, and less alone. Everyone deserves a space where they can be themselves. It can really change someone's lives for the better. Not everyone has a strong support system at home, and having a space like Rise give people a sec second chance to find that support. It's not just about the activities. It's about being around people who care and want to see you grow. That kind of environment makes it easier to keep going even on your hardest days. Thank you all so much. Jenny.

Good evening, Mayor Martinez and city council members. My name is Jenny Mahalen Beers and I am a co-founder and on the planning and facilitation team of the Richmond Outdoors Coalition, a network of organizations providing nature-based programming for youth enrichment. I'm here today to share a bit about the impact that we have seen these programs have on youth enrichment. Each year, more than 1,400 children, youth, and families from TK through 12th grade take part in our programs with each participate participant spending an average of 34 hours outdoors engaging in five unique experiences. These experiences include gardening, birding, outdoor science, inquiry, and field trips to locations near and far, including the snow in Tahoe and Angel Island. These programs are led by our 10 incredible program partners. Our data shows that the Richmond Outdoors Coalition programs have measurably improved academic engagement, social emotional growth, mental and physical wellness, quality of social bonds, and connections to the outdoors, access and belonging to the outdoors and community. Thank you for your time.

Okay, our next two speakers are Jean and then Nora. And then will the following individuals please line up? Alejandro, Andrea, Kuaku, Juliana, Claudio, Lola, Anna, Kiara, Ian or Ian, Jean. Um, good evening, Mayor Martinez and city council members. My name is Jean Kincher and I'm a teacher at Birdie Elementary. My community receives programs for the Richmond Outdoor Coalition, including snow trip led by Headwater Science Institute, classroom instruction and field trips led by Bay Kids for the Bay, playground activities and family camp led by, yes, nature to neighborhoods. I am here today to share the impact that I have witnessed on the youth that I work with. Their excitement and their wonder to learn about the creek in the environment. That magical moment when it starts to snow and they've never experienced snow before. The excitement and the fun that shock students and families that they can have camping and being unplugged. And the joy and tranquility that Nia Dance provides my students. My students deserve these experiences and many more. Thank you. Nora, good evening, Mayor Martinez and city council members. My name is Nora Isela Castella. I'm a student at Richmond High School and I re I received programs through Richmond Outdoors Colle including an overnight field trip in Lake Tahoe led by the headwater science industry. This trip was

important because the opportunity for students to learn new things and to be inspired what they learn and to spread the information to other students to to use this opportunity. Thank you for listening to me. Alejandro Good evening, Mayor Martinez and city council. My name is Alejandro Casetta. I'm in sixth grade at Verde. I received programs through the Richmond ADO outdoors coalition like an overnight field trip to the snow in Lake Tahoe with headwater science in institute and classroom sessions and a field trip to Toaden Park with the water head water Water project. These are exciting. These are experience are important to me because we spend less time on our phones. We have fun and we learn about science in the snow. It helps our community to pick up more trash. Thank you. Andrea.

Hi, good evening. My name is Andrea. I'm a District 4 Richmond resident, a parent, a professional musician, and a proud Eastpay Center staff member. I have one of our youngest East Bay Center students with us tonight, my my coworker daughter. Um, but we did want to say how much of an impact it makes. Um, knowing every day that the city is investing in our work, investing in myself, my family, our students, and I think it makes a difference for our students, knowing that every day the city is supporting what they're doing. It makes them want to stay in Richmond. It makes them want to give back, and so many of our students are giving back. So, thank you so much for your support, and please continue to invest in our young kaku. Hello, good evening. My name is Quum. I work with the East Bay Center for Performing Arts as a West African music and dance specialist and I co-direct the West African music and dance company. Uh I've been working since 2012 with the center. The center is unique in the Bay Area for its deep commitment to providing teaching free, high quality and diverse um art education to underserved young children in our community. It teaches traditional art forms specifically West Africa. Um currently we have about 90 students from 3 to 18 years who are in the West African pathway. Uh we also have 53 students waiting to get into the program. The center is so important because it serves as a second home and a safe place for young children to express themselves through the arts. Students come to the center to learn more about other cultures or discover more of their own culture.

My kids are in the program, too. Thank you, Juliana. Juliana.

Good evening, council. My name is Juliana Espinosa. I am 20 years years old. I reside within Parkchester Village, a part of district 2 in the northwestern sector of Richmond. It's a small community of workingclass people surrounded by industrial buildings, railroad tracks, and the Richmond Parkway. It can get quite noisy at times, but there's a place where I can find solace. A place where I can call my home away from home. The East Bay Center for the Performing Arts. Located in the heart of this very special city, it has cemented itself within my heart as well. The arts has taken me on a journey of opportunity and self-discovery. Along this path, I've met a cast of diverse people who have shaped my reality. That although we are all different, there are things that s succeed in uniting us all. Without the services the arts brings to us, I truly believe that we would be lost. Or at the very least, I know I would be. So I ask all of you here tonight, do not take this from us when you have the power to stop it. When we are all being taken advantage of by a corrupt system,

it is imperative we Thank you. Thank you,

Cladio. Hello, my name is Eden. I'm a senior at Richmond High School and I'm here in support of the Rise Listening campaign. Uh, and at times when school gets overstimulating with loud rallies and increasingly high academic expectations, I've often taken the time to relax out in the park surrounded by greenery and passing rivers. However, considering the lack of maintenance for outdoor areas, another helpful alternative has been the support I felt as a Rise member. Rise has provided me with the opportunity connect to connect with like-minded individuals in my age group while also offering mental health services by qualified adults. Rise has changed mine and the lives of many other youth and that cannot be overlooked. Remember that the youth are future adults. Thank you. is Richmond Center. Fore St. Luc.

Lois. Hi, my name is Lis. I have been working at the East Space Center for the Performing Arts. Um, I am a staff, faculty, and alumni, and it has been my second home for 30 years. again. Thank you.

Excellent. That was an excellent way to extend your time beyond one minute. Anna. Anna.

Good evening. My name is Kira Burbage and I am a student at East Bay Center for the Performing Arts. Um, the Eastpace Center has so many different kinds of art forms that I would have not learned um if I didn't if my dad didn't get the job at the program. And it introduced me to so many different things. Um, one experience I'm involved in at the East Center is Capua. And I would not have known I wouldn't have heard of it if I didn't see it at one of the performances at East Bay Center um where my sister was performing in something else. And so I saw it and I immediately fell in love with it. I've been doing it since a couple summers ago and it has become a part of my identity. I am also in the West African dance program um there and I'm also in so many different kind of art forms and it some places have those things separately but they don't have them all in one place especially for free. Anna. Anna.

Is there Anna or Lana? So, first I should clarify that is my mother. I'm coming I'm coming up for her. She signed me up and never changed the name. So, I apologize for that confusion. And what's your name? Franklin.

Okay. Good evening, city council members. My name is Franklin. I'm a student at Richmond High School. I received field trips and school inschool activities with headwater science institution, the watershed project. And yes, I want to I want to share why I think these programs are important. Uh to me these programs are important for two main reasons. One being health. You go outside and that's healthy. I think that's a given answer. It's facts, right? The second thing is they give the opportunity for other people to eat and go outside. For me, I am fortunate enough that I can go and to all these different nature areas around the bay. Other people I'm aware don't have that. I can't think of the word, but they don't have that. All right, my time's up. I can't really say anything else.

So, we leaving?

Okay, our next speaker is Ian. Ian. And will the following individuals please come forward? Ruthie Denny, Roxanne, Claudia Citro, Cindy Hayden, Angela Lucia, Mark Wasber, Julieta, Misha, and Delilah. Ian, your turn.

Mayor Martinez, council members, thank you for taking the time to listen to us today. Uh, my name is Ian Burbage. I am the proud parent of two children, one who just spoke at the East Bay Center for Performing Arts, and I just wanted to thank you for your the city's investment in this program. uh the fact that it is through your investment has helped make it a free program to everybody is a total game changer. As a parent raising a family here in the East Bay, I don't need to tell anybody that it's a very expensive area to live in. And one of the first things that we all want to invest in our children, but one of the first things to probably go is investment in their extracurricular activities. But what I've learned is these are not extracurricular activities. These are essential activities into forming them into the people that they can be. Uh they get to meet people uh from all around the area from uh different walks of life that they would not meet in their siloed uh experiences at school or in the different programs that we might have outside. Thank you. Ruthie,

good evening. My name is Ruthie Denine. I'm the executive director at Eastpace Center.

Yeah. I want to remind us of the importance of children and youth tonight. Um, you have so many coming up and speaking to you about the gems in Richmond. Um, these are really important safe spaces, activities for them. I'm a licensed clinical social worker. It doesn't take a license to understand the importance of safe places for our youth. I also ask you as our leaders to look them in their eyes, to smile at them, to show them your heart. They're coming up in their evening to be here tonight to speak to you as their leaders. I want to remind us too that it's a difficult funding landscape. Places like East Space Center only receive 10 to 15% of government funding. Oftentimes, parents ask me how we make it happen. I don't know what to say to them. It's a hustle, right? It's a mad hustle to make all this happen. And I know it takes all of us. So, I just want to thank you all tonight. Good evening, city council. What a night. What a night you got to hear about the listening campaign 2.0. I can't wait to collaborate with some of the youth that spoke tonight and said what they had learned from their peers and what impact it has. This this discussion about investing in youth couldn't be more important, more consequential. Our district is facing a huge deficit, has already put in notices for folks to be laid off, critical positions, and it's more important than ever for these investments for youth to continue and grow in our city. So I just want you I know this is a lot of folks coming out and it messed up your flow and I want to say what a wonderful ecosystem we have built in this city and I want you to celebrate with these youth

and really treasure what each one of them said. Thank you

Claudia Citroen. Claudia Sig.

Um, so there were a lot of young speakers here today and I know you have budget uh decisions coming up. I just uh hope that you really reconsider who gets the funding that the funding stays in the city so it really gets these kids. Um I also h I know there's another topic coming up tonight with um uh the undocumented residents. We really need to consider Dhaka uh students. I haven't heard that tonight. I really want this to be part of the conversation. And we also need to consider the homelessness. Kids here said that they have difficulties paying their bills. I know the finance department wants to raise more fees and adduction of fees. um as you go into the budget session, take what this can say and consider how you generate revenues and how you burden families with fees and garbage fees and you know fees. So that's all I have to say. Thank you.

Cindy Hayden. Cindy Hayden. My name is Cindy Hayden and I'm a Richmond resident. I'm here to ask that when Brandon Hodes is cleared, you bring him back ASAP and not keep him out the unprecedented amount of time you've kept out officers that were left out before. um Nicholas Ramik and Colton Stocken, they were kept out an inordinate amount of time and I don't think Brandon Hodes should be kept out that long. Our police officers are it's not really a job for them. It's more like a calling. They all want to serve. They all want to help people. It's not what they are. It's who they are at their core. They want to they want to make their communities better. So I ask again that you bring um Detective Hajes back ASAP, please. So he can be who he is.

Thank you. Thank you. Angel Angela, sorry.

Hi. Hello, my name is Angela Rebecca Hernandez Levon. I'm a former How many times We got to say intern. I'm currently a culture builder intern at Rise Youth Center. Um, success to me looks like where people can safely and freely express themselves as they are and to know that they can be supported by people of their own and of different communities as well as as being safe when doing so. I think to achieve that there should be centers and specific clubs and programs for different communities. this picture of me wrapping in a rap in a trans flag shows. This is why um this way because not only can I be be expressing my true authentic self, but also feel safe enough to express myself that way. Granted, I was at a pride event, but that also shows how it goes to a point where we are safe enough to have events like that. Having safe places for minorities communities is a great way to show that a

time is expired. Sorry. Lucia.

Hello. Good evening. Uh, Mayor Martinez, City Council. My name is Lucia Cono and I'm a parent at third K8. I'm here to share the deep impact the Richmond Outdoors Coalition has had on my family and our school community. Our family recently uh attended a camp through the coalition and it was uh was a very truly special experience uh provided us rare qual quality time in nature together that strengthen our family bonds and in a way that our daily life rarely allows. These experiences, trips to regional parks, hands-on science, and overnight camping would simply not be possible for our kids without this coalition. For students at Verde, these programs are a vital bridge to nature. Uh uh they allow our children to build confidence, learn outside the classroom, and develop a sense of belonging in their own community. I urge you to continue prioritizing these partnerships that bring such joy and opportunity to Richmond's youth. Thank you, Mark Wber. Mark Wber, willingness to enforce the law. So, there are a lot of people that have been harmed by illegal immigration. There have been people that have been harmed by trend day aragua gang members who should not be in this country in the first place. So let's just be clear. Who are you fighting for? But I will let folks at ICE respond to your accusation.

Well, the first thing I'll say is that I think the governor's words really stand on their own. The men and women of ICE are working every single day to protect the the communities, working with state and local officials to do our very best to protect the communities after the Biden administration opened our borders, allowed people to come into this country that should have never came into this country in the first place, jeopardizing our families and our communities in harm's way on a daily basis, the men and women of ICE and women in these communities to be able to do. Could you please cover your cover your cough every single day that the president has given us? Where is this information?

Look, I'll stand by the fact that if you're in this country illegally, you are a criminal. You will be deported. I told you, Julieta. Good evening. My name is Julieta Munos. I am a mom and Richmond resident. When I move Hello.

Good evening. My name is Julieta Munos. I am a mom in Richmond resident. When I moved here in 2010, I was looking for a place where my daughters could build the community, learn, and grow as individuals. This is what we found at the Eastbase Center. It became their home away from home. The center provides significant support for my daughters, especially with college. My younger daughter, Minelli, was able to receive the Eastbay Center scholarship to support her with college expenses. My older daughter, Katali, received significant support and mentorship in her application for university. She is now UC Berkeley graduate and will return to UC Berkeley to get her master this fall. This is due to the immense support from the Eastbay Center and staff and programs. The center helped shape their futures, gave them a sense of belong and surround them with a community that continues to unflip them. For that, I am forever grateful. Thank you. We have two last speakers. Mishak Benor, followed by Dallion.

Hello, my name is Mishak and I'm a member of Rice. If I had the power to introduce one new thing to my community to help people deal with stress and tough times would be to encourage more people to go biking, especially nature. Biking helps you get fresh air, clear your mind, and stay active, which are all important when you're feeling overwhelmed. When you're riding, you can focus on the movement, the wind, and the road ahead. It becomes easier to let go of whatever's been bothering you. It's not just an exercise, it's a way to reset. One of the best parts about biking is the views you can find. Riding near the water at the sunset, it's like a photo. It's peaceful and calming. It gives you a break from screens, school, and whatever else might be stressing you out that day. I think more people in our community should have access to bikes and safe trails to explore. It's a simple way to take care of your mental health and enjoy the world around you. Whether you're with friends or riding alone, biking is a great way to feel better and reconnect with yourself.

Our last our last speaker is Delilah Hendrickson. Hello, my name is Delilah. Um, I just like to say that whenever I'm having a stressful day, I really like to find my some time in my day to go to the gym. When I go to the gym, I'm able to channel my stress into lifting weights to give me a sense of control. I feel that going to the weight room is very therapeutic. It keeps my mental and physical health in check. Doing a workout when I'm stressed makes me feel grounded and reminds me that I'm capable of pushing through challenges throughout my day. This photo that I have shared here is the weight room that I have at my school, a space that I'm extremely grateful to have every single day. This space is not just for athletes, but for everybody who wants to become a better version of themselves and be more fit and capable. This place is something I use every single day. I think that this is essential in managing stress. Currently, I feel that I have a great space to help cope with tough days and other stressful moments in my life. I also understand that mental health should not be dealt with alone. I think that it would be great to have more support in the gym and have a support group where all students can connect in the gym. Thank you for your time.

That was our last speaker.

Actually, uh be before we go on to the next item, uh I want to ask all of you to listen to everyone. Even if you disagree with them, even if you think what they're saying is rubbish, you should still listen. We need to respect each other. And uh I have to listen to a lot of stuff that I disagree with, but uh I sit here and I listen attentively. I listen respectfully. And I would plead for all of you to do the same. So I appreciate all of you. You did a fantastic job in speaking out and I appreciate that. And I heard you. I listened to you. and only one person uh mentioned the kids first item and which is amazing considering that uh that's why you're all here.

I listened.

Our next item is approval of the consent calendar. And as a reminder, there are two items that will not be included in this vote. Item B1A, that's a records retention schedule update that has been continued to April 21st. Item B4A, contract with Wilden with Wilden Financial Services, has been removed from the consent calendar for discussion at the end of the agenda. We need a motion to approve. Doria moves the item and Claudia seconds. Okay. Council member Brown, yes. Council member Bana, yes. Council member Himemenz, yes. Council member Wilson,

yes. Vice Mayor Robinson, Council Member Zepeda, yes. And Mayor Martinez, yes. The vote is unanimous.

Okay. Our next item item under budget session is item W1. That is to receive a presentation on article 15 of the charter regarding the Richmond fund for children and youth and provide direction regarding renewal provisions and options. This item was presented at the March 24th meeting. The public comments was heard and tonight the item is for council deliberation and vote only.

Thank you. So, uh this is a time for uh questions and uh commentary and I'd like to start uh to clarify the conversation that's surrounding this item. Uh discussion about the Richmond Fund for children and youth naturally evokes strong emotions in our community because both residents and elected officials deeply care about the well-being of our youth and our children. It's important to emphasize that this conversation is not about questioning the value or impact of the organizations providing their essential services. Rather, our focus is on the fiduciary responsibility we carry as elected leaders to provide proper oversight of voter approved funds. We are entrusted with upholding the will of the people by ensuring that the measure they supported is implemented as intended and continues to serve its original purpose. These responsibilities are not always popular, but they are fundamental to public service. We must take the necessary time to ensure that oversight aligns fully with the language approved by our residents. The ballot measure clearly outlines nine designated categories for children's first funding and it is our duty to ensure that these categories are reflected in both oversight and budgeting decisions. At the same time, the measure also sec specifies certain excluded services. However, in 2021 and 2023, uh the Richmond uh uh funds for you children and youth awarded funds to two organizations that fall within those explicitly prohibited categories. Our current effort is to are part of our due diligence to ensure accountability and to uphold the will of the voters.

So, uh, this is not I don't think we're going to be, uh, I think the conversation is going to be around, uh, the oversight of how these funds are spent. Uh, are there other people who have comments? elaborate.

Uh, council member Bonnet wanted me to elaborate on the uh two uh organizations that uh that fell within the uh explicitly prohibited categories. And that is part of the problem. the language is is a bit um uh murky and needs to be uh um better defined. Uh so so I have to find the um um the language here. But um um actually you know uh I don't think uh I I think it's better uh I don't want to call out any any organizations uh at this point. Uh I think it's better to discuss um the the language of Yeah.

Oh. Uh let's see. Um the organizations that are excluded are um jeez. Uh do you know what page it's on? Uh, you want me to read?

Yeah. So, I'm not I'm also unaware of the the uh services, but I can read 5B, which says services provided by the West Contraosta Unified School District, Richmond Libraries, Office of Neighborhood Safety, Richmond Province Scholarship Program, Richmond Housing Authority, and Youthwork Works, except for collaborations between the above mentioned entities and community-based organizations. ations and programs that meet the goals and eligible uses of the fund.

Right? So, so the question is um uh what defines collaboration and uh and actually you know what there are several versions of this uh yours is is an amendment correct? I'm sorry, the question what you just read is an amendment to the original.

Well, the original was amended by the voters in June of 2018. And what I'm reading is was was codified by the city council and then sent to the cottifiers via our municipal code. And what I printed is the municipal code and is on the city's web page within the MUN code. and I'm prepared to answer any questions. So if you have questions about except for collaborations, I'm prepared to answer that or if there are other questions I'm prepared to answer.

So I wonder what the desired language is and whether we can approve it and instead of sending the whole thing to the voters's approval have an uh amendment and put that on the ballot. So what is it that we would like to add to it to make it better? I I'm I'm unsure of the question. What question are you asking me? So the mayor said there are some categories that are excluded and apparently some people want him to be included. Is that my understanding of what the problem is? So um am I correct in my understanding?

I'm not sure. Okay. So if you have a question for me. So my question to please explain well what the problem is. Um

oh okay. Yeah. No. Um uh in 2021 Richmond Promise received funding for for from education support and employment training support. Uh, in 2023, the Richmond Public Library received funds for from education support and employment training support. So, so um I uh I don't know how that collaboration works. So, the Richmond Public Library is providing services in collaboration with a local with a nonprofit to provide tutoring hours. And so, that is they fulfill the language in the charter that says that these organizations or entities are excluded except in the cases that they work in collaboration with a nonprofit. And both of these organizations did do work in collaboration with nonprofits. So although on their own they are excluded from an application

if they are working with a nonprofit to provide services they meet the exception and then are eligible to apply understood and ultimately eligible eligible to receive fundings and in this particular cases they did. So, so the name of the organization is Education Support and Employment. I'm not sure of the the question. Uh, well, it says the Richmond Public Library received funds from Education Support and Employment and Training Support, but it doesn't mention the nonprofit that it worked with. So, I'm not sure where you're reading from.

Okay. Well, let me pose it as a question. what nonprofit did the Richmond Public Library work with when they received the funds?

So, we could definitely get back to you on that. Um, we have this information and when we met with and so um for clarity when we met with uh some of the anchor organizations that were central to the establishment of the Richmond Fund for Children and Youth. this question of collaboration was raised and there are different ways of defining and operationalizing this. And so when we met with those organizations, they wanted at the very least that for the for the organizations to have been in communication in meeting with local nonprofits to support around design and implementation and operationalizing the work that they did. And so that's how they were defining collaboration. And that's how we move forward. Some organizations not only do work which is in in collaboration and support with local nonprofits, they also are partnering with those local nonprofits to actually provide those direct services. So, if there are some questions regarding which particular nonprofits for Richmond Promise and the uh excuse me, the Richmond Public Library, we would be happy to send an email to you all with that information.

That would be fantastic. Uh the other uh issue is um the oversight committee. Yes. Um, there are supposed to be um um there are supposed to be you define the page here. Um the yeah the the total right. Okay. So, so the um the question what what number is quarrel?

So, that's a very good question and so the when we establish the board um we establish bylaws which is in under the purview of the oversight board and those bylaws are posted on the web page. And so what we have is we have what is considered and is actually standard practice for many other boards is what we have a rolling quorum. And so that means that quorum is established based on the number of seated individuals on that board. So in a situation where hypothetically you can have up to 15 members, let's say you have a situation where you only have seven, right? So quorum in that particular situation would be four. And that that as a as a practice is something that many other boards and commissions that the city oversees operationalizes so that boards don't find themselves in positions where they can no longer function. Because there are historic examples that you all may be familiar with where other boards or commissions have found themselves strapped because they've established a a static quorum based not on those who are seated but on the number of seats that exist as a whole. So to avoid that problem because the fund and the oversight board have such a responsibility to give out dollars and there are date and time restrictions on how we facilitate and operationalize the dispensation of those dollars. We had to be quite creative and establish a work not inconsistent with how other boards and commissions within the city and your purview also function.

Yes. and and uh uh I agree with you. I think all the other uh commissions should run the same way uh which uh I have uh uh been an advocate for. Now the other question is the number of meetings uh it says the oversight board shall meet a minimum of six times per year. Yes sir.

Uh that has not happened u in 2025. there's only u uh a listing of three meetings in 2026. There's only a listing of three meetings. So, um how can we as as a city council ensure that uh the oversight board has has the number of meetings that are required by the uh by the statute.

I think there may be a misunderstanding. So, um, currently we're in 2026. So, we've met three times this year thus far. So, we have until the end of the the the year to understood. Okay. So, so what about 2025? So, I think there is also a misunderstanding there because according to our records, we didn't we've met seven times on average every year since the board was established. Um well it's not listed or I couldn't find it and there's we would we would be happy to share okay that information with you.

All right so so these are the kind of questions that that need to be available to anyone who is curious. No no no I I appreciate the questions we want to provide adequate responses to the council members questions. We want to make sure that folks feel confident that we are doing what we need to do. Okay. And and then the other thing is um we need a better mechanism to uh let city council members know when um when when they need to appoint someone. Uh I know I need to appoint one youth.

Yes. you know, but um uh in the minutes that I found, there's been nine members out of a total of uh 15. So, so so you know uh council members need to know uh when when they uh need to appoint someone. So, so, so if we can find some way to to clean that up so that uh we have a efficient and uh functional uh oversight board, it would be uh fantastic. We appreciate that feedback. Any other comments?

No. No. Uh, I I don't have a Okay. Uh uh council member Bana asked me if if I had any issues with passing this item and I said no. My issue is with making sure that we can make amendments to make this item run more uh uh what's the word? A lot. Yeah. Thank you. So, um, first off, I wanted to say, um, just thank you to every single youth who came tonight and tried to get your voices heard for your minute. I can never speak within a minute. So, you guys did a really good job. Like, really good job. You're you're really heard. And I am going to be there um this coming Wednesday to listen to the whole uh session. And I I would really love to actually have y'all come and present to city council as well so everyone in the city who watches it online can also see what you're what you want to share. Um that said uh I also wanted to say thank you so much to the staff who have been administering this program. It is quite clear. It is quite clear the positive impact that this program has been making. And um I am I am here to just really advocate for option one to reauthorize the program as it stands. Um and and I I I do want to um to just have a couple of qual uh clarifying questions for our

city attorney um just so that everyone is on the same page. Um, if we wanted if anyone wanted to make an amendment to this legislation, to this ordinance, they would need to go to the voter. Is that correct? That's correct.

Right. And, you know, this is a a real concern for me. Um, especially in this moment in time. If we were to take I believe if we were to take this item and bring it out to the voters at this moment in time because it's asking for a reauthorization for a considerable amount of funds, I think it would have a good op it would it would it may fail considering the environment that we're in and all the demands on people's money, the sales tax that's going to be coming up and I want to protect this work and I want to protect the impact. So I believe there are mechanisms within uh the design of the program like the advisory board where you know you can adjust focuses and things like that. But one of the questions that I had is that if at a later date, if we were to if we were to vote for option one tonight and at a later date we wanted to make minor adjustments to the scope or something like that with the help of the community advisory committee. Um do we have to reauthorize the whole program or could we take a a small scope to the voters that doesn't ask whether or not to have the program but rather asks can we adjust this element? Yeah, I think it depends on how you want to craft the initiative language, but yes, I think you can have minor um amendments to the charter uh language without asking the question up or down on the program itself. So, I think you can you can do the minor scope adjustments without

Yeah, but the first thing we need to do is reauthorize the program because there's a time limit on that. Is that correct? Yes. The reauthorization needs to take place before what's the specific date, Patrick? December 31st, 2027 is the deadline. That's not what we're um proposing as an internal deadline, but according to the charter, December 31st, 2027 is the hard stop.

Yeah. So, I'm I'm probably running out of time here, but I I just wanted to say there there are always ways that you can make a program better. You can make a program stronger. I think that we can do that while securing the program today. And I'd like to move that we approve option one and reauthorize this program.

I second that. And I second that. And I second that. Um and then it's my turn. Okay. Thank you. Um so there is a motion and a second but still we are discussing. Um I just wanted to say thank you to all the young folks uh here. uh at the council. I really enjoy all the comments even though I am a little worried because we had the ice free zone that we need to pass as well. But I think like this is also important. Um and also I want to thank all of those who make time yesterday to meet with me and share your dreams about what Richmond could be if we really invest in young folks in the community.

You were there. Yeah, I want to acknowledge and and I think I I have one question and then I will say a little thing but my question is that one of the things that uh the ballot initiative calls for is the creation of the children and youth department. Yes. Right. Um under the opaces of the city manager, right? So we had that. Yes.

How many how many staff do we have? So, I'm grateful that you asked this question um because I would like to acknowledge some of my staff who are here currently. Um and I also want to thank Vice Mayor Robinson for acknowledging the staff. Um we work really hard to do the work that we do. Um and not only am I serving the city of Richmond, I was born here. My mother was born here and my grandmother was born here. My father was a neighborhood council president and he was also on the RC RNC. I came to council chambers when it was in HR in my pajamas as a child. I was a part of Richmond programming as a child. I was a part of our pal for 10 years and I knew how Hol personally who that building is on that gym. Cizel, spent a decade of my life with him. CA Robertson, whom some of you may not know at all, who was very instrumental in the PAL program. And so my staff here, I would like to recognize Jurora Atencia Washington, Guadalupe Morales, Alexis Grace, and also I have staff online, Nicholas Delgado, and also Caitlyn Burnham. We do We we work really hard and have formed, I think, very positive relationships. And so the work that we do, although it is um impactful, we take it quite personally because of the impact that it has in our community because we're from Richmond, too.

Thank you. Thank you. And are all the the the members full-time? Yes.

Okay. Thank you. And I and I just asked that because one of the things that if we really want to expand the services uh and improve the services within the city, we will need also a bigger department. I I I think like children and youth has to be a bigger department and combine other things that we are doing. So thank you. Um I just wanted to say that I want to recognize the progress city has made uh allocating more funds than before to support the young residents. That is important to say but it's I recognize that is still not enough. right now um the program the first kids allocate 3% of the fund uh while other many other departments get many many more um and I believe that um we must commit to invest more resources uh to support the youth to improve the services that we provide um to have more auras on the swimming pools to have the gyms for youth that uh some of you were talking to me yesterday and to have more quality spaces where people can go and feel safe. I think like we have rice center uh but we also need to have the public spaces uh to be as good as as the rice center place uh to be able to ser as many everybody in the city. So um this is has to be the commitment because as I always say the budget represent our values and if we value young people in our community uh we need to make sure that the city as a

whole is also doing their best to uplift um all the young folks in our community. So I think like the partnership with the the nonprofits is great and also there is a lot of work in our side to improve and to provide more um quality recreational um services. So we have all of you here coming after and said the the dream that I have is become a reality. So, thank you so much.

Um, I am so glad that you're all here and I'm asking all of you to put in the application to be on the oversight board because we're we're low on youth and you are the kind of people we need. So, sign up.

Yes. And and and not only that, uh people forgot to mention Yes. who also provides youth services. Uh so so uh uh um and and as an elementary school teacher, I appreciated Eastpace Center for the Performing Arts who came to Downer Elementary and provided services for all the grades there. uh it was invaluable and we need to continue doing that. In fact, we need to expand that.

Thank you so much and I echo everything all the sentiments that I'm so excited to see the young folks here on this evening. Uh Malcolm X said, "Education is the passport to the future for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for today." And so today, I feel honored for the opportunity to um vote in favor of continuing to pour into our young people and and support the organizations that do as well. I do have one question regarding um the learning needs category.

Yes. And so I just want to would like to know to what extent are current grantees under the learning needs uh category required to partner directly with school sites. I'm asking that question because of the test scores. Um the standardized test scores in our district um some of the lowest performing schools unfortunately are located in Richmond. And so I want to make sure that the learning needs category is shifted in the way or going in a direction to where we are tackling literacy and math improvements and having measurable outcomes.

Absolutely. So the learning needs category I believe is probably one of our largest funding blocks. Um, if I'm not sure if you recall the presentation we provided, but we are awarding conservatively well over $2 million and it might be near 2.7 million to organizations who are providing work directly in schools. There is no requirement that those that apply under the learning needs category have to do so in collaboration with the school district. However, right? And so what we find though are those that are committed to providing learning needs, the the overwhelming majority of them are providing services in schools. But to answer your question, there's no there is no requirement in our guidelines that that they do so in direct collaboration with school district.

Okay. And if that was to become a requirement, it would have to go back to the voters or is that something I defer to the city attorney's office? I think generally around amendments I defer this to the attorney's office. Sorry, can you can you repeat your question? I'm asking about uh prioritizing the grantees or I'm asking about um the learning needs category

and I know that there's no requirement for grantees to be in partnership with schools but I was saying according to the you know west contracasta school district's test scores that it would seem you know the best route it would seem more beneficial for grantees to partner with schools in particular um helping with literacy and math outcomes improving those outcomes. So I thought the coordination with schools you had it had to be the school district had to be in collaboration with a non nonprofit. Right.

They do. That's if so um uh council member Brown I think to your point um that is true. So if the school district were going to apply they would need to apply in collaboration with the nonprofit. But I think what you're saying if other way around one of the things that could be done is we could incentivize that type of participation.

Okay. within our grant guidelines. So it could be an opportunity for us to identify via our needs assessment and strategic investment plan an opportunity that says hey our needs assessment which will include you all right when we initiate our needs assessment this year you all are considered key interest holders. So our consultants are going to we'll reach out to you and leverage the city council office to say hey meet with all the council members so they can provide input. We'll host focus groups so they can provide input. We'll host community forums and conduct surveys so they can provide input. And out of that needs assessment process, what might come out of that needs assessment process and strategic investment plan from your input as well as community is hey we want learning needs to um prioritize

yes collaboration with the school district. And that is something that we could we could write into the grant guidelines as a as a prioritization and we could figure out a way to incentivize that type of um that type of partnership. Yeah. Um as a consequence of the needs assessment. Yes, I would appreciate that just because it's spelled out in our strategic plan that we are wanting to deepen our partnerships and connection with the schools. So, I think that that would just be a great incentives, a great incentive for organizations to partner with schools, especially, you know what I mean, improving those test to help improve those test scores. Absolutely. Okay. Thank you.

So, um it works. Yeah, I think so. So, uh be before I talk, I have a question. Um, and that is, do I get my t-shirt before I speak? Thank you. So, thank you everyone for coming. Very exciting. I'm glad for you to fit.

Large or extra large? So, I'm glad you came practice your public speaking skills. But honestly, I'm still confused why we had to delay it until now. We could have voted and should have voted last time. Um, having said that, I'm glad we're here. We're making a decision tonight. I worked with Yes. Uh, students, Rice, Eastbay Center for Performing Arts, they come to District 4 as well. I'm very proud of all the dedication that goes into these organizations and all the students that benefit from them. So you may know I'm from Iran. I was 16 when the revolution happened. We were very energetic and uh rebellious and it was very empowering. uh we we uh broke all the rules of the society, tradition, everything, made a revolution, but it was very dangerous too because there were no other channels to put our energy into. There were studies that said because of the large population of youth participating in the revolution, it led into instability, tension and ultimately political violence, more political violence in the society. So guiding all that energy of the youth uh which is very empowering into the right channels um into learning skills, creativity, community building, peace building is our duty and I'm very glad we're doing it. Uh I I love this one and it's wonderful. And I just I just wanted to say a special thanks to Patrick. I've seen his dedication. I bucked him I think more than any other city council member. Put him in touch with people who reach out to me and ask for grants. He gives out his personal cell phone number. Connects with each one of them and it

spends time to make sure they learn. So thank you so much for whatever uh you and your office are doing for the community. I appreciate it and my vote is yes. Thank you everyone. All right. Thank you. And I am small, so I'll take that. Uh Patrick, first thank you for the emails you have sent us uh to remind us that we have to appoint. I know that I replied back to one of those emails. You did.

Uh and I I wanted to make sure that see if we had any updates for the website. I don't know this is for later, but I want to make sure that the website reflects uh each council member district so we know kind of where they're from and you have my email so I'm not going to go that my comment was more for thanking you for the emails you sent us and I know probably we've all lost them and all the emails we get but we'll send them again.

I want to acknowledge that piece there though. Uh now with that I do have a couple of questions and I'm just trying to follow through and I want to see if any of these questions may or may not be needed to uh amend. So as we're talking about so I agree with Vice Mayor Robinson that if we were to put this at the ballot most likely will not pass. There's going to be a lot of other measures being put up both in June and in November and I think people are going to get very tired of checking things off and giving money. So, I think it's important to move forward with it, but it's also important that we try to make any fixes if possible or any amendments. And here, I've been trying to follow some of the wording here. Okay.

So, the original Burbage and then versus the amendments. So in the original verbiage for example it it says that and I'm trying to find my own notes but more or less it says public agencies are not eligible or qualified to apply for funds. Yes. In the amendments we then scratch that off and say public agencies are allowed to apply for funds. Yes. So with that there West County Unified School District is a public agency.

Yes. So in one era we are saying they're not eligible to apply but in the amendments we are now saying public agencies are able to apply even though we didn't scratch West County Unified School District out of the original verbiage. We did amend to say public agencies can apply. Correct. So I just want to make sure because there was prior conversation saying that potentially they weren't able to apply but it sounds like they can.

Yes. if they apply. So for for clarity again if at your to your question um certain public agencies are are restricted from applying only if right and there is an exception that they are eligible to apply only if they apply in collaboration with nonprofits. So these public agencies cannot apply in and of themselves alone. So actually yes they can according to the amendments and let me read this here again and this is great and I'm not I don't want to debate you. I just want to make sure there's opportunities to try to clear out the language. Sure. So in page five of the amendments Yeah.

It says entities eligible to receive funding shall be public agencies. What section are you reading? Uh uh uh page so I'm in page five of the PDF there in the section C. Okay. Let me scroll up and see section section five. So capital section five not lowercase section cuz that's another thing that we need to figure out different verbiage. So it's sec which stands for section. Yes. So SEC5 under section 4.

Okay. So again you see section five under section 4 area C as in Caesar entities eligible to receive funding shall be public agencies and nonprofit community-based organizations including organizations with a nonprofit fiscal agent. And we scratched out the portion that says and public agencies in partnership with a nonprofit organization. So we scratched that part out. So now it says so public agencies dot dot dot that serve children, youth and disconnected transitional age young adults. Correct.

So by how I am reading this then the West County Unified School District would be eligible because they are a public agency that is serving youth because they're a school district.

No. So I think it provides larger parameters. this language speaks to the broader parameters and that there are circumstances because we have a section five excluded I mean excuse me section five excluded services right so that section C that you're reading speaks to what are the boundaries of the or types of organizations that could receive funding and it includes nonprofits and public agencies section 5C says the conditions under which a public agency can then access those funds.

So you're confusing me there because this says section so section four says eligible uses. Yes. And then under eligible uses it does say entities eligible to receive the funding shall be public agencies that serve children, youth, and disconnected transitional young adults.

Correct. So, how does the West County Unified School District not a public agency or how are they not serving children and youth? They they very well are um council member Zapeda. But if you if we continue to read in section five subp part B, it says services provided by a public agency, an example of which is the West Contraosta Public Unified School District, Richmond Libraries, the Office of Neighborhood Safety. These are all public agencies can apply in collaboration. And and that's where my question is that I think needs a little bit of clarifying because in

and that may be true. In the original document, it says something, right? Is what you're reading. You're reading from the original document. No, sir. I'm reading from what's on the web page in the charter. Okay. Well, I'm reading for the from the verbiage that was presented to us in the attachments, which I'm assuming was more or less the ballot measure that was presented to the voters. And then I know that we then take that and then we put it into our charter. Correct. Right. And we might clear it up a little bit. But I believe that the original documents are the main intent. So is that not how it's

I'm trying to read. So now I'm trying to read three documents, right? And I haven't read the what you're reading there. So then they all kind of say kind of different things. So we got to figure out the original plus the amendments plus whoever wrote the amendments to the amendments. No, I I think you need to just for reference, I think you need to be reading from the newest the latest version that included the 2018 um amendments. So what that's that's where I'm reading from. That's the attachment. Right. Right. So I So do you have article 15 in front of you? The most recent article 15 that's included within the city of Richmond charter. So I went to the attachments on the agenda. It says revisions to Richmond kids first initiative.

I can go look. Okay, let me pull it up here. So, I'm just reading from that attachment there. So, and I don't want to belabor this, but I just feel like there's an opportunity to just clarify one way or the other, whichever way it goes, just to clarify because if this is the document we are supposed to be reading and asking questions from, then that's where so I think the focus and I think the focus should be on section five excluded services section B section five capital SEC section five because when I'm reading section five in the amendments. Yeah, it's unclear what you're referencing. I I can't hold my mic and look at my computer. So, one moment.

I'll come over or you can come over mine. But again, I'm reading from the attachments that provided coming over. Yeah. So, so um uh Patrick, I want to apologize if I if if I seem like I was attacking you. I I was basically just trying to clarify. So, so apologies if I came off that way. I don't take any of this person. I think this conversation uh between between you and SSR points to the fact that that we do need to review and and uh clean up the language of this.

So anyway, I do appreciate all the work that you do. I I want you to know that. Thank you. So this is so so attachment one that's included on the um in the agenda item is so what is this revision to Richmond kids first I assume I don't he's he's looking at an a um it's an attachment to the agenda

additions to kids first initiative I assume this is the 2018 um uh charter amendment so what that is is so what they did is they attached the legislative history, but attachment one is the is the um the document that's in force right now that includes all the amendments. So look at attachment one for reference. So in the amendment we remove public agencies then I haven't comp Yeah. Patrick can you

No. So, C may I suggest that we take a vote because it doesn't have anything to do with the vote and then get it resolved later and then bring it back to the council if needed.

So, can I can I just clarify one thing? So just to clarify and going back to Vice Mayor Robinson's question around scope is that Patrick and can you elaborate here on kind of the role of the oversight board and in coll and and the and the role of um the strategic investment plan and and kind of just going over what that includes and entails and and also um you know community input. Can you talk about I know we we spoke briefly about it uh in our today but can you can you please expand?

Sure. So the power of this measure is that it is iterative. the the the the item has in it a three-year cycle of funding and then what it does is it says every 3 years you need to do a needs assessment and strategic investment plan so that you can be responsive to the context of the day when we initially started this work we were in the midst of COVID as a consequence of that there was so much desire and demand from the research that the primary data collection that we as a department collected for mental mental health services because kids felt isolated, they were alone. And as a consequence of that, what we did was we elevated mental health services. Today, we are initiating a new community needs assessment process. Not today technically, but right this year, right, we're going to bring on a consultant and we're going to initiate that process. You all will be a part of that needs assessment process throughout the entirety of that process to weigh in and provide input and give give us your perspective based on the fact that you engage with residents to the extent that you do. Not only will you do that, the residents as well will do that, the young people will do that, service providers will do that. And guess what will happen as a context of what we are experiencing at this time? We will be able to uplift what the needs are to support residents based on your experience and based on residents experiences and that will include a list of things not only the interviews with you as well as executive directors and others who are anchors in our organization providing services to young people. We host focus groups with a myriad of priority populations which are identified within our young people. We will also do interviews and then we will draft a guideline and we will be happy to bring those to you and say, "Hey, here's how we're thinking about um

allocating funds in this. This is what our oversight board is considering. How do how does that sit with what you're hearing and where you feel the needs are?" There's going to be a lot of points throughout this process to provide input and give your perspective because we know that you are hearing about these pressing needs from your constituents. And so I want you to feel confident that there's going to be a lot of opportunities for you to provide your input based on where you are hearing and it's reflected to you the need exists. Thank you. I don't know that that was question.

All right. Thank you. So I'm going to move away from from that public sector stuff because sounds like the other document is the one that we should be reading. So from that one from that document then the quorum uh what is and this is will be for our city attorney. What does the what is the definition of a regular member?

You asked a question and that was it. No you didn't ask for a vote. You asked for a you asked for a point of order because you were asking for a process and the mayor just responded. So right now I'm still in the middle of my questioning. So city attorney no point of trying to figure out a process.

Exactly. So your question is what constitutes a regular member? If you look at the charter initiative and there's no no definition section that defines regular member. Okay. But I I would I would based on context clues uh it would be a member of the oversight board as opposed to there's I don't think there's any special members of such board. There are not. Okay. just because you had mentioned the rolling quorum and this just says a majority of the regular members. So maybe it's the same again just another piece that we want to make sure that we clarify if needed in there. Um

and we could that could get clarified in the the bylaws. Okay. They are what they are in the bylaws. Okay. That in the bylaws that are that were created. Okay. I just wasn't sure if what the voters approved if that takes precedence over the bylaws because the bylaws should not correct what the voters or change what the voters approved. I just want to make sure that we have clarification of what regular members means on there.

We have a lot of questions on on the language. I don't think this is a time and place to go over it. Uh I think what we need to do is to uh compile our questions. Uh send them to you please so that uh uh you can begin to get an understanding of of the issues that that the council has with the language of of the uh uh document. So So if you don't mind, it would be uh better for the process to save the questions and send them to Patrick as as as I will be doing. Are you bringing back? the item for any amendments.

That that could be part of the uh well um we would have to make make an agenda item for that and and we can we can do that. But um um okay the what what I think we need to do is is to clean up the language. Um I I excuse me, mayor.

I believe this item wasn't so much to clean the clean up the language, but the item was to whether the whether or not to reauthorize like that is the agenda item. I think I think we have to bring in a different agenda item to consider. That's what I was saying. Yeah. Right. Yeah. So uh but um one one other thing you said provide direction so as to receive the presentation and provide direction. So this is part of the um

yeah so I think the motion on the floor is to approve option one which is the city council reauthoriz reauthorizes the article without amendment keep as is if that's my understanding of vice mayor's motion. Right.

Right. So yeah, we we can write something up that comes back. Now uh one one other thing um in terms of the uh appointments um we need more youth uh and uh we need people we need people in district two which is the district and people in uh council member I mean Vice Mayor Robinson's district. So um and then um uh people in Bana's district uh a youth. So so um uh I'm sure Patrick sent out notices of uh who needs to um apply for people. So I it's it's it's time. Oh, okay.

Okay. Hi. Um wow. Uh, so yeah, I'll I'm gonna vote yes on this. But

but I do I you know I I am convinced that the couple of things concerns that I have are things that we can address administratively after the vote, but I'm going to say them out loud just so that they're on record on record. Um, one, and Patrick, you've been extremely helpful with this, is I do have a concern that the services provided have a good geographic distribution around the city, and I know there's some great programs, you know, up on McDonald's, but I want to make sure that, you know, because transportation is an issue for some people. I do want to make sure that when we um approve funding for organizations to do work that we're taking a look at a map of where we have kids in the greatest need and making sure there's neighborhood based programs for them as well. So, that's number one. in a second. And this is gonna sound petty. Yeah, this is my time to shine. Um, this is gonna sound a little petty, but I'm gonna say it is that I would like to see since this is public money and it's taxpayer dollars, I would like to see some kind of requirement that that organizations that take this money have to sort of put a little not a disclaimer exactly, but but but acknowledge that it's, you know, your taxpayer dollar is at work. And I realized from talking to folks that um when when when philanthropists give money, they don't want the credit. But when the city gives money, we do want the credit. So if that can kind of be built into it because truly like I didn't know that that the city helped pay for some of these great programs until I started sitting up here and and so that might just have been my ignorance. But anyways, I want to

no taxpayer no well taxpayer money that comes to the city and then what we're doing here is redistributing it. Um so at any rate I think we're I think we're in agreement. Um so no okay at any rate um so those are the things that I I feel like we can have these conversations with with the the various governing boards and and and city staff. So thank you. That's it. I think let's call a question. We don't have to call a question. It's time for a vote. Council member Brown, yes. Council member Bonn, yes. Council member Jimenez, yes. Council member Wilson, yes.

Vice Mayor Robinson, yes. Council member Zapeda, yes. And Mayor Martinez,

yes. Yes. Heat. Heat. The vote is unanimous. We are going to discuss the ice free zone and I would love for you to stay for a little longer.

Next item. Okay. Not sure if I'm not sure if you guys heard, but the vote is unanimous on that item.

Testing. Hey, I think you're up to Should I start on the next item? Can you hear me? Can you hear me? Should we move to the next item?

Yeah. Okay, I'm ready. I'm ready. Are you uh

item item X1 under new business? Item X1 is to introduce an ordinance for first reading amending Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 2.30 to clarify limitations on the use of city property personnel and resources for civil immigration enforcement and develop implementation procedures including communication plans and reporting requirements. We have two inerson speakers. There's anyone joining us online that would like to address the council on this item? Raise your hand at this time, please.

Okay. I'd like to Can anyone hear me?

Okay, great. Um, this is in response to council direction to strengthen our municipal code section or chapter 2.30. Um, here tonight I have Kimberly Chen, my colleague, who has spent a lot of hours and time working with her, with Gabina Ardondo and and others on city staff to create what we believe to be a strong ordinance and um that provides uh protections uh to to the immigrant community. So, if we can, I'm going to turn it now to uh Miss Chen to go over the presentation. KCRT Thank you, KTRT. Can you put up the PowerPoint, please?

Uh, good evening, mayor, council members. My name is Kimberly Chin. I'm the senior assistant city attorney, and with me is Gabard Ardondo, project manager.

Uh, and so, as Shannon said, we are here to present um, uh, to introduce an ordinance, the first reading amending the Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 2.30. 30 to clarify limitations on the use of city property, personnel, and resources for civil immigration enforcement, and to develop implementation procedures, including communications plan and reporting requirements. Next slide, please. So, we're first going to go over the council direction and then we'll go through the proposed amendments to RMC chapter 2.30 Brio and then Gabino will go through the draft implementation and communication plans and then we will also talk about next steps. Next slide please. So as you may recall at the February 3rd, 2026 meeting there was direction to the city manager and the city attorney to return with a proposed ICE-free zone ordinance. And that proposed ordinance shall restrict the use of city-owned or city-controlled property, facilities, personnel, and resources for federal civil immigration enforcement, including staging areas, processing or detention locations, and operation bases, and establish non-ooperation and resource denial policies consistent with applicable law and require the development of a coordinated implementation strategy, including interdep departmental protocols, staff training, and a community-f facing preparedness and communications plan. Next slide. So, as you know, last year in 2025, the city council passed ordinance 8-25NS, which added chapter 2.30 to the Richmond and Municipal Code. That ordinance specifically added section 2.30, 3030, which specifically stated that no city resources, including city personnel and city property, shall be utilized to assist in the enforcement of federal

immigration law, among other things, unless required by uh federal or state statute, regulation, or court decision. And so now we're bringing you proposed amendments to uh Richmond Municipal Code uh chapter 2.30. And those include um clarifying the scope of limitations on the use of city property property including explicitly prohibiting the use as a staging area processing location or operational base for civil immigration enforcement activities. Further defining and clarifying what constitutes quote the use of city resources for purposes of enforcement restrictions. establishes departmental responsibilities for implementation, including training employees on the provisions of RMC chapter 2.30 and associate administrative procedures, formalizing the development and imple implementation of a community-f facing communications and preparedness plan and establishing reporting requirements to monitor and document implementation of RMC chapter 2.30. So now I'm going to quickly go through those changes with you. So next slide please. So the proposed amendments um amend certain portions of chapter 230. Um we amended section 2.30.010 to add additional findings and declarations and to amend one finding and declaration to provide more support for the amendments that we are introducing. We also added additional definitions in section 2.30.0. 02. Specifically, we added a definition for city personnel, city property, non-public areas of city property, and staging areas. Those are to support the further restrictions and clarifications um that we've included. And then

specifically in section 230.030, 030 which is the limitations on the use of city resources. We amended one section and added two sections to provide further examples of how the use of city property and city resources is limited for immigration enforcement actions. And so now specifically um that section will say that among the limitations is that um city property cannot be used as a staging area processing location or operational base for immigration enforcement. And it also clarifies that um the city is not allowed to provide city personnel funds, equipment storage, communication systems, data systems, office space, parking access or other resources for immigration enforcement. So that further clarifies what um city the limitations on city resources. And then we have also added section 2.30.070 relating to communications. Next slide, please. This section adds um the establishment of the creation of the communications plan that the city council directed and that would provide information to the public in the event of a verified immigration enforcement action within the city of Richmond. And then we also added section 2.30.080 which relates to implementation and reporting. So in this section it establishes the development of procedures to implement the chapter including the communications plan and requires training related to those procedures. It memorializes the designation of non-public areas of city property and signage and requires that city personnel promptly report immigration enforcement activities. These are all things that we are already doing but now it's codified in the municipal code. And then this lastly it

establishes an annual reporting to the city council on the implementation which you will receive every uh by May 1st of every year starting with uh May 1st of 2027. So next slide

and uh to give uh more details related to the implementation and communications plan here are the current draft sections that we will we will have a physical written uh implementation plan. Uh the sections that are derived are both from the council direction and also from the community meetings. We've had two community meetings uh related to input uh related to this updated other ordinance and also I've met with one group individually who also asked for to give more input. So currently our draft plan sections for our coordinated implementation and community uh uh community implement implementation strategy would be one section on background and history uh one section on the existing policies and procedures which we uh presented here in the last uh meeting. Uh we will have a section internally to what the city of Richmond is doing. So that's more related to the limited assistance protocol, how city staff members are trained, the frequency, uh also the actual signage we will be using on city properties. Um there's different counties and different uh cities that are implementation similar ordinances that have took in different methods. So we will actually have samples there. The next section will include citywide uh communication related to immigration enforcement activities. So calling out the existing rapid response networks what ex uh exactly they're focusing on. One feedback that I learned about is even though it says rapid response network or or phone number they focus on different things. So some focus more on uh when there's deportation uh incidents some of the rapid response networks uh uh more focus on debunking myths or appro or or doing uh background to see if uh immigration enforcement activities are actually happening. Um and then also internally we currently have an internal informal way that we're also uh trying to verify incidents. So

uh actually have it written and how we're doing it currently. Another section in uh next slide. Additional sections and these also come from um the community meeting input is to include all the regional and local resources related to uh immigration um and also include how families and neighborhoods could create immigration safety plans. So there are different uh method there are different already immigration safety plans that different immigrant rights organizations have created but we could also link to that and also see if there's any additions that we need to do in the enrichment context. um also have all these uh implementation and communication plan strategy translated in multiple uh manners and also explicitly talk about how we're going to collaborate with other systems from the school district uh you know Contraosta College and neighboring cities. So our goal is to have uh a draft implementation and communication plans two weeks after approval. Um and then uh we could share with the community, have another community meeting and also share it with the ad hoc to get more feedback to be ready for when the ordinance is actually u in effect which is believe 30 days after its second reading. Next slide. So for the next steps, if this ordinance is uh there's no significant changes today, it will come back on April 28th for second reading and then the ordinance would take in effect 30 days thereafter on May 28th. Uh draft implementation plan 2 weeks after the the second reading and then uh we will have continued community input meetings and engagement. Next slide. And that's our update.

Yeah. And now we uh as a reminder, the attachment to the staff report, we did include a red line that shows the changes to the ordinance. And then there's also a clean version that shows you what the ordinance or what the RMC chapter 2.30 would look like um if the ordinance is adopted. And with that, if you have any questions, we're happy to answer. And uh public, do we have public comments? Yes, we have two inerson speakers and we have six online speakers. Okay, two inerson speakers are Cordel Hendler and Mark Wsber.

There we go. So, good evening, Mayor Martinez, council. For the record, I am Cordell Hendler. I have looked at the clean version that staff presented. I don't have no problem with the um the red line, but I I do I do like the clean version of it. So, Mayor Martinez approved the clean version as presented and that's it.

Mark Wasber. Okay. You are not going to stop the federal government from doing anything. I said they are kidnapping dictators and overthrowing governments. The Richmond PD is going to detain ICE and National Guard to get the information so they could press charges against ICE. This is what the police chief said. Now, you think you have some type some type of powers over the federal government, you're wrong. Now, I don't know where you get this stupid idea from this ordinance that you're going to stop the federal government from doing anything cuz you're not going to do it. And you think the rich PD is stupid enough to detain ICE and National Guard to get the information. Your own chief out there is AD Benny Cromos from the law. This how stupid he is. He knows the law, but he's just playing stupid politics. That's all he's doing. And you, it's unbelievable how stupid you people are. You like this said, you stood up for criminals, your 80 betting criminals, and you're laughing. What do you uh what's going to happen when ICE comes in anyway? What are you going to tell the people? Cuz they're going to come in their homes. They're going to come in the churches. They're coming to the schools. You ain't going to stop nobody from doing anything. See, this is how stupid you are, lady. And you think that stupid chief over there is going to have his men go after ICE and you think the district attorney is going to file charges cuz that's the only way she's going to do it. The only way she's going to get information if Richmond PD detains these people get the information then they got to give it to the district attorney. And if she file charges I guarantee Trump's going to give her a new when he gets done with her.

because you think it's funny. You wait till the feds come here with full force, you won't be laughing much longer. I guarantee you that. It's just amazing how stupid the Brisbane PD is. They think they're going to go ahead and tackle ICE. If you want to start a fight with the federal government, go ahead cuz I'll guarantee you you're going to leave and your lady you're talking stupid.

Okay, we have six online speakers. Please call the speakers. Those speakers are Crescent followed by Chris Tafe, Andrew Melendez, Noah Cantou, Sonia Decker, and Carlos will be the last speaker. Crescent, please unmute yourself, state your last name for the record, and you may begin.

Hi. Uh, my name is Crescent Diamond, and I am a Richmond resident, District 1, and a member of Reimagine Richmond. I want to applaud you all, the city council, for passing the ordinance because I know our community is strongest when we protect the most vulnerable among us. I love my immigrant friends, family, and neighbors. I think you would agree with me that immigrants make this city the awesome place that it is, and I want to do anything in my power to protect them. I am a descendant of Holocaust survivors, and I grew up with the phrase never again. The recent events in Minnesota, Chicago, and LA have demonstrated that we're all facing real danger and that Richmond needs to prepare as if it's an impending natural disaster. This ordinance strengthens community safety and protects our constitutional rights. Protecting immigrants is also about protecting community stability and economic stability. Protecting immigrants is protecting all of us. My fear is whether the city will be prepared if there is a largecale operation in Richmond before June 1st. It's my understanding that staff cannot get started until 30 days after the second reading is approved. So, thank you in advance for approving the draft so that the staff can get started on implementation. And really, please make sure that the second reading on April 28th is not delayed because if it's delayed another week or 2 weeks or 3 weeks, then that's, you know, pushing it out however long, you know, another 3 weeks. So, I I think everyone knows this is super urgent and I really thank you for doing this work.

Thank you. The next speaker is Chris Tate. Please unmute yourself and you may begin. Hi, my name is Chris Taff. I'm a preschool teacher in Richmond and I work with Reimagine Richmond. I support these amendments to chapter 2.30. I thank you for your support for this uh uh this ordinance in the past. Um I'm concerned for my students. I'm concerned for the children and families in Richmond. Uh as a trained ICE lookout, I circle Home Depot 4 hours a week. I see the faces of the day laborers who must balance fear with the necessity to go to work and support their families. It's it's moving. It's humbling. Uh tomorrow morning when I bike around Home Depot, I want my city council to have affirmed these preparations to protect everyone in our community, not just undocumented people. These amendments do pair nu n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n non-ooperation with emergency planning, communications and neighborhoodbased preparation preparedness. Crucially, they include spaces that the city leases as well as controls directly. Please do adopt this ador ordinance as amended. Keep being a beacon city for the whole nation. Thank you.

Thank you. Next speaker is Andrew Melendez. Please unmute yourself and you may begin. Amazing. Um, thank you so much. Good evening, Mayor and City Council. Um, my name is Andrew Melendez. I'm a lifelong Richmond resident. Um, and I'm speaking in proud and strong support of this ordinance. I'm really grateful to this council for approving the initial draft for this ordinance back in March. Um, and I'm really excited that we're taking another step to protect our immigrant communities here. Um these protections, as we all know, are really needed, especially in a time where um there continues to be so much fear and panic within our immigrant communities. Um you know, we've seen in our deep outreach to immigrant communities across Richmond, like our um day laborers, families, um our youth and business owners, and and more who are um looking for support um from our local governments to keep us safe. And I think by ensuring that we're using the powers given to us by state law to restrict immigration activity, um we can send a really strong message to our Richmond immigrants that we continue to stand with them. Um the language that's been presented um looks really strong and I really love the inclusion of protections not just for um city- owned property um but also city leased and city controlled properties too. Um and I'm really looking forward to hearing more from the city about the citywide communication protocol. Um, all this is going to help ensure that Richmond remains protected and that we remain ready if ICE or the National Guard were to mobilize in our communities. And so again, I'm just really thank you so much to this council and I hope that you will vote in favor of this um ordinance amendment. Thank you very much.

Thank you. The next speaker is Noel Cantu. Please unmute yourself and you may begin.

Hi, my name is Nois Canu. Uh, I'm a third generation Richmond resident and I want to just take a moment to thank you to the city attorney's office. Incredible work on this ordinance. Thank you attorney and more. I read through the red line version, the clean version, and I am so excited that this is the strongest protection that we can give our immigrant community. Uh to the point where cities across Contracasta, across South Bay are reaching out to learn more about how Richmond is creating and strengthening these type of ordinances. Every week we have gotten somebody else reaching out because we're in the news and we are setting a precedent for our entire Bay Area, for the larger California as well. And so, thank you for honoring this commitment. Thank you to the council for protecting our immigrant communities. I am proud to be a return. Thank you.

Thank you. The next speaker is Sonia Decker. Please unmute yourself and you may begin. Hello, my name is Sonia Decker. Um, and I'm a Richmond resident. I grew up in Richmond and I live here now. Um, I live in District 6 and I'm also a member of Reimagine Richmond. Um, and I want to speak in strong support of this ordinance and approving this draft. Thank you so much to everyone who has taken the time to put this together. I'm really grateful that you've taken the time to gather community feedback and impact from folks directly impacted. Um, and thank you to council for your support. This ordinance really clarifies and strengthens the existing policies and builds on them to create um a plan that can is really in line with our values and can really support our immigrant communities and honestly all of us when any one group is targeted all of our constitutional rights are in danger. Um, I'm a rapid respon I work at a or I do rapid response in the community and I really see and hear the fear that immigrants are experiencing right now and it's very real dayto-day. I'm also a therapist and I really see this as a public health issue. This is acute trauma that folks are dealing with and the stress of this is very intense. And by putting through this ordinance, you're helping to decrease fear and help people feel empowered, help build trust and clarity and strong leadership so that we can feel in this together. Um, city spaces spaces should be a place of support and safety, not used to inflict harm on our communities. So, I really appreciate the um infrastructure, the planning, and also uplifting and supporting the organizing that's happening as well as the education. I think all of the pieces of this are really strong. Um and thank you so much for moving this forward hopefully today.

Thank you. And the next speaker is Carlos. Carlos, please state your last name for the record and you may begin.

Yeah. Good evening, mayor and council members. My name is Carlos Huarez and um I'm a member of Reimagine Richmond. Thank you for moving forward with the ice free zone amendments. Um I'm here today to speak uh to the importance of getting the language right. We've already taken an important step by voting to strengthen the ordinance, but how it's written will determine whether it truly protects our community or leaves gaps that can be exploited. This policy must be clear and enforceable. That means no loopholes that allows federal immigration enforcement to use city spaces whether directly or indirectly. City facilities should never become staging grounds for detention or enforcements especially in nonpublic spaces where residents expect safety and privacy. Language matters because implement uh because implementation matters. Without strong definitions, accountability and clear limits, policies like this can fall short in practice. I also want to uplift what this or ordinance represents. For many families in Richmond, fear of in uh enforcement is real. It affects whether people seek services, show up to school, or engage with their own city. When people don't feel safe accessing public resources, our entire community is impacted. This is about making sure our libraries, community centers, and city buildings remains uh remain spaces of care, not fear. I urge you to adopt the strongest possible language, language that is clear, accountable, and truly protective. So, this ordinance lives up to its uh intent. Richmond has the opportunity to lead here. Let's make sure we do it right. Thank you.

Thank you. And that was our last speaker. All right. Um so, public comment is closed and it is uh time for questions, uh comments from the council. Can I just make one point of clarification? So the second reading, the second reading would be um April 21st, not the 28th. So it would be sooner than the timeline outlined in the PowerPoint. So going into effect May 21st. Okay. Thank you.

Thank you so much and Kimberly and Gabino for working on this. Um I know you had been putting a lot of work. Um I have couple of question. One of the question is that in section 23070 communication in the paragraph the last paragraph said nothing in this section shall be constructed as mandatory duty. What does it mean?

Yeah. So there's a government code pro provision that allows the city to be sued for quote unquote mandatory duties and we didn't want to create liability for the city by implementing this ordinance. So while it has strong language, we wanted to make sure that it was very clear that we weren't imposing a mandatory duty that would give rise to liability against the city if there was any failure to do something in here. Um while we understand that we want the strongest language, we're not also interested in opening uh the city up to liability. So that's why that language is there. Thank you. Um, how can police enforce this ordinance?

I just want to can you repeat the question again? We have how can the police department enforce this ordinance from a very uh thank you for the question uh uh Councilman Menace. From a very practical standpoint, if there were federal officers that were staging in any of our locations, for example, we would tell them they need to leave. Perfect. Pretty pretty plain and simply. Okay. So, you had the mandate and you will just follow. Thank you so much. Yep.

Uh my last question is Gabino, um you are putting the protocols. Thank you so much. It looks really great and I saw um the events uh we created uh council member Robinson, Major Eduardo Martinez and I are part of a task force. how you see the work that you are doing with uh related to us giving input or how how do you see that us working together to finalize the protocol?

Yes, I was how I envisioned it was that the first meeting of us would be the draft uh implementation plan and communications plan that we could get direct feedback from. So once city staff even if we have it sooner that we could uh convene the group to get feedback but then we would also have it available in the public for uh you know on our website and also maybe hold one more community meeting to bring back the people that have been part of the other two committee meetings to give their feedback and see if they have any more questions but I think that would be the first meeting uh uh of the group.

Okay, thank you. I just wanted to say thank you so much and this is important to send uh a clear message to our community and especially the immigrant community that is under attack right now uh with this administration to say that we are doing as much as we can uh to protect them. Um as you know um and this is really important for us the protocols and to have the certainty that our police department and the officers are know in collaboration with ICE. What happened in San Francisco airport was that a TSA employee shared the data of um of the mom and the girl that got deported. They are from Richmond. they were from Richmond because now they got deported. Um so um I just wanted to convey this because as we may think that nothing is happening, things are happening and this is a a good way to strengthen what we uh or power of what we can do to protect our community. Thank you. I also wanted to say thank you for all your work on this. I know it's a lot especially right now with all of the things happening in the world. Um I had one area that I wanted to ask some questions about just to make sure I understand it clearly and that is um in this uh version we've identified some nonpublic public space and I would really like to understand better um what's the function of that? How how would that be used? I have an idea but I just want to make sure I'm understanding it correctly. Can you help me understand how how that would function if um say ICE or immigration officials were going

to come and want to access a non-public city space?

Sure. So, um one of the definitions that we did add or clarify was non-public areas of city property and we've defined that as city property that is not generally open and accessible to the public. And we've given some examples of that. And I think a good example would be if you go to city hall right now. Um there are areas within the city where there is already signage that says this is not open to the public. Um and in those areas um in order for federal immigration um officials to enter those areas, they would need a judicial warrant to enter. So, there are certain areas already in city hall and around different city properties where they've been designated to be um they are city property, but they're not open and accessible to the public. And so, in those areas, if federal immigration officials were to visit city property, those areas, they would need a judicial warrant in order to enter those areas.

Right. So, are we going to be um designating non-public uh areas in kind of all of our public spaces? Because I think what we're what I'm trying to get at is that we informally know that there's staff areas or or whatnot, but they're not always labeled. Um and if they're not labeled, then I believe currently they would be considered a part of the public access, right? I don't know about the last part that you just mentioned, but currently we have labeling like on 450 and 440 and then we're going through all the community centers, but most of the spaces that are in this category are city staff work spaces. Um, and like the corporation yards, the parks yard, you know, the public can't just go in there. There's certain sections that that they can. And so those are the the areas where we have the signage that uh you cannot you know um you cannot pass this area without like a warrant or other permissions.

Mhm. Yeah. I'm just thinking of uh of an example where there was somebody who was delivering um they were they were an Uber driver and they were delivering a package to somebody's house. It wasn't their house and um and the immigration officials were kind of chasing them and they ran into the house. Wasn't their house but be they ran into p private property, right? And so at that point they would need a warrant to come in.

It it would depend. So under your hypothetical scenario, the person ran to someone else's private home. the person who has the privacy right there is the homeowner,

not the person who ran in. So, the issue would be whether the homeowner grants federal immigration um officials into the house access on their own. If they did not, then they would have to come back with a warrant. So, in that scenario, it depends. And so in a similar scenario, something similar happened with a city property where somebody came into a nonpublic space. Who would be the person to determine whether or not those other people the immigration officials could follow? I think it's a I think that's a difficult question because some of the non city the non-public citys are already they are not open to the public. So there are certain places in city hall that are behind a badge that even members of the public would not be able to kind of run in into um there are some areas where um they could be open to the public and have access to non-public areas. It the it would still be the same. We have designated those places as areas where ice cannot enter without and we hold in that scenario the city would hold the privacy right. we have the right to allow people to enter and we would say that area is not a place where um officials could enter but again if they went back and got a warrant then and it was a valid

and of course we would never want to aid in a bed right like this would not be something where city staff would be like come seek shelter but if someone happened to be back there then the city would have the right to say whether or not there was private space and that they needed to seek a warrant correct and that was one of the additions And the findings that we did articulate, we did say that the purpose of the chapter was to ensure effective policing to protect the safety, well-being, and constitutional rights, but it was not intended to impede or interfere with lawful federal authority. Thank you.

And if that would occur, if people would go into city property, then that triggers the hopefully, you know, the training we have for city staff would call the city attorney the the hotline. So then city attorney's office and all the internal staff would be you know present to be able to um to attend to the situation. We recommend staff to video record and all that all those different things that we have added.

Thank you so much for the presentation. I really answered a lot of my questions and um and for the amendments that really spelled out things cuz I think that we were I don't know I I don't mean like we were but like it was giving a false pretense like vice mayor mentioned that we are saying like hey come over here and seek you know shelter and to avoid any type of federal agents who do have uh warrants. So thanks for clarifying that. I do also have a question regarding the ordinance. It says that the city manager will develop a community plan with input from the public uh to inform residents in the event of a verified enforcement. And so is that is that accurate? Is she going to create the community plan, the communications plan?

You can start and then I'll

Yeah. So that is codifying what is already occurring. So the two community meetings and you can talk about this a little bit more. The two community meetings that were held prior to the when we gave our report uh I can't remember two weeks ago and now this um that that was already the start of the city manager's office or his or her designate that's what the ordinance says to develop that communication plan. So this is now codifying the process that was already in place. Um, and so, uh, that is the communications plan that we kind of previewed at our last city council meeting, and that's the same communications plan that Gabino was talking about today in terms of next step. Like, we've actually started that process knowing that the ordinance was coming. And so, we've already started doing and having those community meetings and developing that communications plan. And because we already started doing that before the ordinance was introduced, we can now wrap up that up in the next like 30 to 45 days.

Okay. And so, thank you. Cuz I know he said um he answered that 2 weeks after the approval, then we'll have the plan second reading, right? Second read.

So, will that be brought back to the council for any sort of adjustments or amendments at that point or you can't make adjustments? I think we're allowed to make adjustments internally according to the ordinance at at times. So we will have a draft and get feedback. Um that's why we try to be a little broader on the ordinance. So we wanted to do any individual changes. Um like say we have a section on um you know verification like how currently we do it. You know rapid response networks outreach to the city to help with verification. Then we have staff internally talk to public safety and different departments if it's true. And then we we um we go back and then communicate it out through the mayor's office. That's been our current practice, right?

So say that say something different like another group shows up that we need to add to this rapid response network during the whole year. It it allows us to make some changes administratively versus having to come back here all the time to make changes as the situations change.

Okay. Cuz that's what my concern is. So, I love the fact that we've strengthened the ordinance, but my major concern is that we're sending out any type of alarming messages, citywide messages, because it didn't clearly uh define like who confirms like what an actual verified enforcement uh would be. Like, is there a chain of command, who drafts the message, um who signs off on the release before we send out something um like that? and is law enforcement going to be involved to kind of like verify it all. Um, I just want us to handle these situations cuz they're so sensitive. I just want us to handle them in the best way possible so we're not um, you know, putting fear out there or sending out mixed messaging and things like that. So, just want to kind of understand the chain of command.

That's exactly what we'll be putting in the communications plan, the chain of command and how we will how we will uh, project the messaging. uh for single incidents versus say uh uh community meetings people had concerns for these masses in incidents like Minnesota. So what's the trigger when it actually disrupts the whole city? Then maybe that's the activation of our EOCC, right? So uh what are the individual incidents versus larger incidents? We'll have that in the plan on how we are going to be doing that internally. So we'll see at the next readings like a an a step by step of the implementation on like how that's all going to be spelled out. Okay. Great. Thank you. And you could give us feedback from that.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. May I go my next? All right. Thank you. Thank you for bringing this uh and working on this and being in the various community meetings as well. So, thank you for all your work on this. Couple of questions uh in the definitions. I'll start off with the city property. We don't list and I don't know if it's if it's alluded to, but we don't list sidewalks and streets as an example, roadways, anything in Bridgemond. Are those all excluded? Those are public. So they're public right of way. So we can't those are not things that we exclusively control. They're open to the public all the time. We can't not let certain people use the roads. So there's a reason why city property is defined in the way it is and we've given some examples of what it is, but typically roadways and streetways are public right ofways.

Thank you. And then what would happen if um and this might be a question for the chief if there are some ICE people uh maybe they're parking on the sidewalk because we have some really large sidewalks or they just decide to double park on the street because we're not giving them access to our city property which is our uh buildings, our parking lots, our garages. So what stops them from just double parking?

Yeah. If we got called to the scene of something like that, we would ask them to move their vehicles the same way we would ask any resident that's in violation of the vehicle code. Just because you're conducting some type of uh operation does not give you the right away to just violate vehicle codes and block public roadways and block public uh walkways. Thank you. And then from there, how are we then enforcing that? So, they're blocking somebody's front uh uh sidewalk and the street cuz they're double parked and you come in and they say, "Well, whatever. We're doing something."

We would document it in a police report and probably try routing it through city attorney's office or things of that nature. like we're not what we're not going to do is get into a confrontation with another law enforcement agency that's operating in some sort of legal capacity. We would document it, but that's also how we would handle it with a resident as well.

Okay. Thank you. Thank you. I just want to cuz I didn't see streets and sidewalks on there, so it is somewhat exclude, but this gives a good explanation. Thank you for that. And then what I also saw under the definition of city personnel, it excludes volunteers and contractors. And I wanted to see why are we excluding I somewhat get volunteers but

legally independent contractors and volunteers are not considered personnel. They're not considered employees of the city. And also the reason why is a practical reason uh because the way city personnel is used here we're talking about what city people who are employed with the city can and should do. So for example like uh the one of the section uh calls for the training of city personnel. That's easy to train personnel who work here. It's not easy to always train volunteers, nor could we require independent contractors to come and be trained. So from a legal perspective, um independent contracts and volunteers are typically not considered public employees. And so that's why the uh definition is for city and personnel. Now, would it warrant maybe having a another section because I believe the the intent is so a city personnel to not open the door, for example, for someone to walk in and arrest somebody else. But then that means that a contractor could potentially open it. There's somebody doing some work HVAC system somewhere.

I guess like hypothetically. I mean, these are all hypothetical stuff in a way. Again, there there are the protocol the response protocol places it on a city. So, like for example, let's say the city attorney's office is a non-public area. There's it's designated and let's say a contractor was working on a door on our door. We would not let the officer in. The the contractor might, but we would not. that would activate the city protocol, the limited access protocol, and city employees would then stop the federal in now, you got to get them out versus telling them you can't come in if the door is closed.

I mean, I think this is a little bit I just I just think that maybe there's some wording that we can say if contractors come into the city of Richmond, it's hard to enforce. Just be aware, but it's hard to enforce everything else, right? because we also have the mandatory duty. So I I'm we can place responsibilities on city employees, but once we start to control independent contractors, they're no longer independent contractors, and that exposes the city to liability. So we want to have independent contractors stay independent contractors. We also want volunteers to stay volunteers so they don't give rise to liability against the city for the actions that they do.

Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Um, so pretty much the non-public signage that we're going to be putting in is pretty much it's only protecting employees, right? Because we're not creating, as this vice mayor was some somewhat alluding to, we're not creating a sanctuary area where people can just run in there and say, "You can't get me." And so, it's more or less for our employees within our buildings only.

The sign the signage serves two purposes. One is to identify for anybody really the areas of the city that are not generally open to the public and especially for federal immigration officials where they cannot access without a judicial warrant. Second is to identify the city property that cannot be used for non city uh reasons. So like parking lots or if we had parking garages, you know, things like that, we could mark all of those spaces as city property and say you cannot use them for non city purposes. That can expand to more than just immigration enforcement. It can expand to a lot of things and it's protecting our property, protecting our resources. So the signage serves two purposes. It's one to, you know, it is on some level to provide um safety for our employees, but it is also to inform the public, anybody really, including federal immigration officials, of where there is city property, where when uh the public has access to it and doesn't, and when there will need to have judicial warrants um to be able to access the property.

Okay. Uh thank you. Um, my other question. No, I think I'm good. Thank you so much. Thank you. Um, are we ready for Oh, we have another speaker. I just wanted to thank you for doing it quickly. I really appreciate the hard work you put into it. Thank you. All right. I move the item. I second. Council member Brown, yes. Council member Bana, yes. Council member Jimenez, yes. Council member Wilson,

yes. Vice Mayor Robinson, yes. Council member Zepen, yes. And Mayor Martinez, yes. The vote is unanimous. Which uh takes us to the last uh item reports. B4A. There was one item that was removed from the consent calendar. And the person that removed it is no longer in the chambers. And if um there's anyone that would like to address the council on this item joining us online, please raise your hand at this time.

I'm going to call you come down here just to prove how stupid you are. We have one speaker online. Okay. Let me call the call speaker. Yes. Sabrina, please call to speak. That speaker has the initial C. Please state your first and last name for the record. Unmute yourself and you may begin.

Hi, it's Claudia Citroen. You guys thought you get off the hook early tonight, huh? So, um I I pulled this item because I just think it's really important that you give more direction um to the finance department as they reach out to get a consultant um to come up with the next five-year plan on raising 4% all the fees and come up with new fees and so forth. Um you need to discuss this in the public. You can't just do this quietly and then the last minute say well here is the findings. Um there's a serious transparency concerns and Brown act violation. You know we always say that um because you limit public participation in um deciding how these fees are being calculated. especially nowadays where um families are really you know squeezed and how more how much more can you squeeze as um Miss Robinson has already earlier mentioned how much more money can you ask uh constituents to uh bring in so um any finance reformated increases without legitimate legitimate cost of service analysis and a much overdue social economic impact study of low lowincome household exposures um is just a risk and it's just not it it it just you know I I spare my my words you know what I mean um do better because you can't applaud yourself to supporting the youth and then turning around and making running a business even more difficult here u involve this the the community get the youth in have them help you figure out what fees that you you could charge. You know, get

creative. Don't hire consultants. Um, that's all I have to say. Thank you. Thank you. And that was the last speaker. All right. Um, are there any questions on this item? Just a little presentation. Sure. KCRT, please bring up the presentation. do it.

Is it Is it on? Okay. Um I can Okay. I don't see it. Can Oh, thank you so much, Shannon. I appreciate it. That's over on this side.

That's fine. I I I I only need that much. Thank you so much. This is Mubin Cod, the deputy director of finance. And uh we know it's April 7th today. Next slide please. Uh this is the quick agenda of the presentation and I would move on to the next slide please. And the recommended action is approve a contract with Wilden Financial Services for preparation of the traffic impact fee study and comprehensive user fee study in an amount not to exceed $59,230 for the period of April 1, 2026 through June 30, 2022. Next slide, please. The purpose of the contract is to request uh is to ask uh council to approve a contract with this uh building financial services and uh the scope is to conduct a traffic impact fee study and comprehensive user study and the amount we mentioned earlier and so did we the term the term of the contract and why do we need these studies. Uh this is u studies needed to update the fee structure to reflect the true cost of the city services just so we're not charging more or less than what we should be and uh it is consistent with the state law basically. So it's a compliance issue as well and also it's it is to connect the impact fee study with the development development impact that is potentially uh need to happen due to the development in the city. So there's a nexus between the developments happening and the fee we charge to them. And this particular city is primarily about the traffic impact. So um and also it does support the updates to the city's masterpiece schedule just so we are charging transparently and uh realistically and uh u also

sorry to interrupt this is Antonio. Can we go to the next slide please? Oh please next slide. Thank you Antonio. Antony's online by the way totally ignored him.

Um yes so and you know to some degree it does you know reduce the reliance on the general fund because wherever we can recover whatever cost we can fairly and equitably we we try to do that. And uh uh the next slide, this is uh just a a summary of the uh RFP process and evaluation. Uh 1,260 vendors were notified when the RFP was published and 16 vendors downloaded and we received three proposals from DTA, Matrix and Wen. And the qualification criteria was work plan was 40% of age experience experience and performance 25% references 10% and fee schedule 25% and will then ranked highest overall based on qualifications and scope alignment. Recommended action. Next slide please. Next slide please. This is duplicate one. Recommended action is again a reminder. approve a contract with Wildan Financial Services for preparation of the traffic impact fee study and comprehensive user fee study in an amount not to exceed $59,230 for the period of April 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028. Any questions? And thank you so much. Oh, there's question.

I move the item. Great. I second it, but I have a question. Sure. Well, then it's time for the discussion. My question is um who pays for these fees? Like normally is every resident in the city of Richmond or developers like who pays it? Absolutely. The traffic impact fee will be the developers. The master fee study is uh basically review of all the fees that we have in the city providing services. Uh so it's it's uh whoever the users of those fees are they would be paying.

Thank you. And uh how how are the fees determined? based on the cost the cost of uh master fee yes that is based on the cost of the service and uh about the traffic impact fee that is basically potential developments that are happening and there is a nexus of those future developments and it's it's far more complex you know math above my pay scale definitely so that's why we're having the consultant right yeah that makes sense but it it is the nexus is the amount of traffic that the development brings.

Uh that seems like a very good question. But for the for for the the vendor who will be doing the study like when they are done with the analysis, we can definitely you know have the have them explain how is the fee and is determined what were the criterias and qualificate. Yeah. All right. If there's no other comments, it's time to go for the vote. Okay. We have a motion by Council Member Wilson, second by Council Member Jimenez to approve the item as written. Uh, Council Member Brown, yes. Council member Bana, yes. Council member Jimenez, yes. Council member Wilson, yes. Vice Mayor Robinson, yes. Council member Zapeda,

yes. And Mayor Martinez, yes. The vote is unanimous. Thank you. Our last item is the reports of officers, referrals to staff, and general reports, including AB1234 reports limited to two minutes per council member.

All right. Um, I'll start since I had uh a lot of things to do. Um, I went to a a readathon at Washington Elementary on the 26th. Uh, it was a fantastic event. I mean, it was amazing. Uh there was a Shamada Sarinara uh uh dinner u and that was on the 27th uh with TAC meeting on the 27th. U on April 4th uh there was a Holly Festival at the uh Nickel Park and at Booker T. Anderson there was an Easter egg hunt. Um on the 31st uh I went to a progressive Jewish theater which was uh a fantastic experience and then on the 28th there was a taste of Richmond. So

okay um this uh Saturday uh from uh 10 to 1 I'll be having my fourth annual district 2 strategy meeting. This time around we'll be in the Point Richmond uh area. So it'll be at the Point Richmond uh community center. Uh everyone is welcome to come out. Uh we'll be having conversation about things that are going on in the district and around the city. So hopefully everyone is able to join. And then I wanted to give a quick update or I attended uh I went up to the capital uh and there I spoke uh in regards to one of the bills that is up uh to try to go after individuals that are continuing to steal our copper wire. And this time around, they're going to be looking to put more enforcement into the individuals that are buying the copper wire. So, right now, we have a lot of laws that are already that's already illegal to steal it. Uh, but there were some gray areas around the the laws. So, I went out there uh for AB1941 and I testified uh in in front of the committee and then it passed the committee and now we'll be making its way over and hopefully the governor will sign. Um but I believe that is a new tool that hopefully we'll be able to use to go after these individuals that are continuing to steal our copper wire. Um so that is it for now. Thank you. So, quickly, um, I just wanted to to say I also went to a taste of Richmond and I really wanted to give um props and gratitude to the Chamber of Commerce and all of the the folks on the um, uh, economic development commission who helped to make that happen. It was a really successful event, really full, lots of different um Richmond

restaurants and artisans there and it was just a really really great event. Um I also wanted to say speaking of copper wire um many of many folks have have noticed that Carlson Boulevard now has new lights. Um, folks in my district have asked if the northern part of Card Carlson are going to um receive more than three lights and I just wanted to say that I got the answer. The answer is yes. There are more lights coming. Um, so stay tuned. Uh, I think that that there we should be seeing um eight or so additional lights added to that section of Carlson and um those that section never had them before. So, this is an addition and to address a long long time problem along that stretch. Um, I also spent time with the Pullman Neighborhood Council Subcommittee for beautifification, walking around the neighborhood with them and identifying some issues that have been again long-standing issues. Um, one of which is going to be fixed soon, which is the broken fence along the Carlson Meadow and just better maintenance over there. So really good time out in the community and um yeah, thanks.

Oh, I have one more thing. Sorry. Um one more thing in the time since the last time we had opportunity to to do this section of the agenda. Um I was actually appointed um as representative for Richmond on the executive board for the GEZ for the green empowerment zone. So, I just wanted to make sure that people know that Richmond will be playing that role along with the two other refinery cities helping to set the agendas and to um respond and kind of proactively move the green empowerment zone forward.

Well, if there's no one else then Oh, no. No. You said you can go ahead. I already turned.

No, no, no. I I just wanted to quickly report that I represent City of Richmond at the East Bay Wildfire Coalition and uh we found um a consulting group to spend um with a budget of $50,000 to um educate the public and raise public awareness about wildfire safety. Uh hopefully that will be effective. also as a woman elected official in the city of re Richmond. I teamed up with 13 other elected women officials across America, one at the Congress, some at different senates, different mayors, city council members, and issued a statement against the war of aggression on Iran because usually these wars are in the name of liberation of women. And we just said no to war and stop. And I'm glad there is a stop. Hopefully, it will last forever. And the last thing is um I'm also member of the hazmat commission because there is no liaison. The meetings are not as effective as they used to be. Uh one of the issues I hope will be discussed. There are batteries. It was in the news that the battery caught fire and somebody died. I'll bring an item to the city council to ban um non-certified batteries in the city sale of them. And that's it. And with that this meeting is adjourned.

Nice. How long