Mayor and Members of the City Council:

This is the weekly report for the week ending April 25th, 2014.

1.       Meeting Notes

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6th, 2014. Enjoy the week off.

2.       Business Community Meeting and Survey Regarding the Impacts of Richmond’s Minimum Wage Increase on Businesses

The Richmond City Council is considering an ordinance that would increase Richmond’s minimum wage. The ordinance would set a minimum wage to $9.00 effective July 1, 2014 (consistent with State law) through December 31, 2014. Richmond’s minimum wage would then increase incrementally to $9.60 from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015, to $11.52 from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016, and to $12.30 starting January 1, 2017. Beginning in 2018, Richmond’s minimum wage would increase annually based on the Consumer Price Index.

The Richmond City Council is interested in providing information to and receiving feedback from the business community regarding the impacts of a minimum wage increase. We invite interested persons to participate in the Business Outreach Meeting on Tuesday, April 29th at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. Meeting participants will have the opportunity to (1) learn more about Richmond’s proposed Minimum Wage Ordinance, (2) provide input on the Ordinance’s language, and (3) share opinions about the potential impacts of the Ordinance on their business. The meeting information is below:

• Meeting Topic: Impacts of Richmond’s Minimum Wage Increase on Richmond Businesses
• Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2014
• Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
• Location: Richmond City Council Chambers – 440 Civic Center Plaza
• RSVP (for our logistical planning purposes only – not required for attendance):  http://richmondminimumwage.eventbrite.com  

There is also a survey regarding the potential impacts of the minimum wage increase on Richmond businesses that we would like Richmond businesses to complete. Please respond to the survey by midnight on Wednesday, April 30, 2014.

The survey can be completed in
English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/richmondminimumwage or
Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SalarioMinimo.

This survey should take less than five (5) minutes to complete. Business participation in this survey is voluntary, but the input is very important and will provide important context for City legislation.

The survey results will be provided to City Council at their May 6, 2014, City Council meeting when the Minimum Wage Ordinance will be brought back for discussion and will be made available on-line on the City of Richmond’s web-site.  

If you have any questions or would like to make additional comments regarding the City of Richmond’s proposed Minimum Wage Ordinance, please feel free to contact LaShonda White, Management Analyst in the City Manager’s Office, at lashonda_white@ci.richmond.ca.us.

3.       2014 Historic Preservation Awards Winner Announced!

Every year, the City of Richmond recognizes a number of individuals, organizations, businesses, and agencies whose contributions demonstrate outstanding commitment to excellence in historic preservation, local history or promotion of the heritage of the City. 

The Historic Preservation Commission is pleased to announce this year's Historic Preservation Award recipients:

·         Port of Richmond and Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates for Rehabilitating the Rigger's Loft
·         The Women's Westside Improvement Club for Producing the New Point Richmond Street Directory and Map
·         The Richmond Rotary Club and The East Bay Center for the Performing Arts for Producing "Lost Secrets of the Iron Triangle"
·         Bruce Beyaert and the Trails for Richmond Action Committee (TRAC) for Preserving Richmond's Shoreline and its History
·         Kenneth Kokka, Donna Graves, the Blossoms and Thorns Video Committee, and the Contra Costa Japanese American Citizens League for Creating the Documentary Film "Blossoms and Thorns: A Community Uprooted"

The Richmond Historic Preservation Commission and the National Park Service invite you to attend the Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony honoring this year's award recipients. The awards ceremony will take place on Monday, May 12, 2014 at 5:30 PM in the Richmond City Council Chambers located at 440 Civic Center Plaza in Richmond. The ceremony will be followed by a reception at the Richmond Art Center, catered by the Contra Costa College Culinary Department.  Feel free to download the Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony Invitation (http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/28775) and help spread the word.  Contact Hector Rojas, Senior Planner, at (510) 620-6662 or hector_rojas@ci.richmond.ca.us with any questions.

4.       Library Scholarship

The Friends of the Richmond Public Library and Richmond Public Library Teen Services are sponsoring one $1,500 and one $1,000 scholarship to high school students who will be attending a four-year college starting fall 2014.  Eligible students must reside or attend a public or private high school in West Contra Costa County.  Application forms are available on the internet at www.richmondlibrary.org, at the Richmond Public Library at 325 Civic Center Plaza, and at counseling or career offices of high schools in West Contra Costa County. 

Applicants need to provide copies of a letter of intent to attend college or registration confirmation to a college.  In addition, applicants need to submit a three-page, double-spaced, typed essay entitled, “Public Libraries in the New Millennium:  Programs and Resources That Will Attract Teenagers.”  Entries must be received by 5:00 PM on Friday, May 16th.  Applications can be delivered or mailed attention to Añgela Cox, Richmond Public Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA 94804.  For more information contact Añgela Cox at (510) 620-5516.

5.       Bike to Work Day – May 8, 2014

Bike to Work Day 2014 on May 8th is quickly approaching! Last year, Richmond had the greatest ridership increase in the entire East Bay and we are looking to build on those great numbers.  Please join the City of Richmond in partnership with the Bike East Bay, 511 Contra Costa, SunPower, Building Blocks for Kids, the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and Richmond City Rides to promote bicycling as a safe, healthy, and fun mode of transportation.  Be sure to get your bike ready and don’t miss out on the fun!  For more information on Bike to Work Day, contact Mike Uberti in the City Manager’s office at (510) 620-5502, mike_uberti@ci.richmond.ca.us or visit richmondenvironment.org.

Stop by a Bike to Work Day Energizer Station on Thursday, May 8th from 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM for a Bike to Work Day bag and refreshments at the following locations:

·         Richmond BART
·         Richmond Greenway (Harbour & Ohio)
·         Marina Bay Park (Marina Bay & Regatta)
·         San Pablo Avenue and Macdonald Avenue

Benefits of biking to work include:

·         Saving money on gas, parking and transit;
·         Bypassing traffic or transit schedules;
·         Reveling in the convenience of the door to door commute and hassle free parking;
·         Getting 40 minutes of exercise (the average commute), directly improving physical and mental health.

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6.       City of Richmond Participating in Nationwide Drug “Take-Back” Day

It is a great time to clean out your medicine cabinet!  Residents can protect kids, families and the environment by properly disposing of unwanted and expired medicines.  Medicines in the home are a leading cause of accidental poisoning and expired medications that are flushed or tossed into the trash can end up polluting our waters.  Rates of prescription drug abuse are alarmingly high - over half of teens abusing medicines get them from a family member or friend, including the home medicine cabinet.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and participating local law enforcement agencies are coordinating a nationwide drug "take-back" day on April 26th (tomorrow!) from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This one-day event will provide residents with no-cost anonymous collection of unwanted and expired medicines.

The Richmond Police Department will be hosting two sites from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM:

RICHMOND POLICE DEPARTMENT
KAISER PERMANENTE MEDICAL CENTER
901 Nevin Avenue, Richmond, CA

and/or

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
BAY STATION WEST COUNTY DETENTION FACILITY FRONT LOBBY
5555 Giant Highway, Richmond, CA

7.       5th Annual Northern California Summit on Children and Youth: Building a Just Society – Transforming Lives and Creating Equity for Boys and Men of Color

The Richmond Community Foundation will be hosting the Fifth Annual Northern California Summit on Children and Youth here in Richmond from April 30th - May 1st. The focus of this year’s summit will be “Building a Just Society - Transforming Lives and Creating Equity for Boys and Men of Color.”

The Summit is focused on the notion that our state's future prosperity and health depends on all Californians having a fair chance to thrive and succeed. Though there are significant challenges, there has also been positive change. Passionate people are removing the barriers facing boys and men of color so that they can thrive.  They are working to understand and scale up this important work so that boys and men of color can achieve their fullest potential.

The event will feature Associate Professor Bryan Brown, Stanford Graduate School of Education, as the Keynote Speaker for Thursday, May 1st, among a number of other accomplished speakers.

The Summit provides the opportunity to:

·         Hear from some of the most acclaimed experts in their field;
·         Engage in conversations about how this critical national issue impacts our local community; and
·         Enjoy time to network with colleagues.

Follow this link to learn more and register for the event:
http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e92x7ax574f7389e&llr=qyx4m6cab

8.       Chevron Refinery Modernization Project Draft EIR Available for Public Review – Comments Due on May 2, 2014 

On Tuesday, March 18, 2014, the City of Richmond Planning Division released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Chevron Refinery Modernization Project (Modernization Project or Project).  The DEIR, which is required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) evaluates the environmental impacts associated with the Project, analyzes alternatives and identifies mitigation measures to avoid significant environmental effects.  Release of the DEIR opens a 45-day comment period that closes at 5:00 PM on May 2, 2014.

Comments on the Draft EIR, sent in writing, must be received by 5:00 PM on May 2, 2014, at the following address:

Lina Velasco
City of Richmond Planning Division
450 Civic Center Plaza
P.O. Box 4046
Richmond, CA 94804

A copy of the Draft EIR is available for review online at http://chevronmodernization.com/.  Copies are also available for review at the following locations:

·         Richmond Public Library - Main Branch, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond
·         Richmond Public Library - Bayview Branch, 5100 Hartnett Avenue, Richmond
·         City of Richmond, Planning and Building Services Department, City Hall, 450 Civic Center Plaza

9.       The State Water Board Adopts the Industrial General Permit (Stormwater) – May 13, 2014

The Industrial General Permit (IGP) is a statewide, general National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit that regulates the discharge of storm water associated with industrial activity.  Storm water and urban runoff are significant sources of water pollution and can threaten aquatic life and public health.

The City of Richmond Engineering Services Department will be hosting a workshop regarding the regulations in the new permit and how industries will be affected. This unique workshop covers important compliance issues and current National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System requirements for industrial site activities and storm water discharges that may impact many larger Industrial facilities.

The workshop will be held at the Richmond Convention Center (Farallon and Governor Rooms) on Tuesday, May 13th, with both a morning session (8:30 AM to 11:30 AM) and an afternoon session (1:30 PM to 4:00 PM).  For more information, please visit our website at: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/index.aspx?nid=1735.

For a copy of the permit visit the States web site at:
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/board_decisions/adopted_orders/water_quality/2014/wqo2014_0057_dwq.pdf

10.   Food Justice Film Series: Flow

The Richmond Food Policy Council (RFPC) Food Justice Film Series is back for 2014!  The RFPC invites you to join them for an evocative evening of deep conversation, great food and film!

Their next film in the Food Justice Film Series is FLOW.  This award-winning documentary investigates what experts label the most important political and environmental issue of the 21st Century - the World Water Crisis. FLOW builds a case against the growing privatization of the world’s dwindling fresh water supply & gives viewers a look at the people and institutions providing practical solutions to the water crisis and those developing new technologies, which are fast becoming blueprints for a successful global and economic turnaround.

This film is being shown in collaboration with the Richmond Be Smarter, Drink Water project. Visit richmondhealth.org for more information.

WHEN: Thursday, May 1, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
WHERE: Nevin Center, 598 Nevin Ave., Richmond, CA
A $5 dinner donation is appreciated!

11.   City Manager Chronicles

I have listed below some of the topics for meetings that I have recently attended in the hope that it provides an idea of the varied issues with which our organization deals routinely.

Activities and meeting topics during the past week have included:

·         Met with the new owners of the former Steelscape building on Atlas Road to discuss plans for their project;
·         Participated on a conference call with Holland & Knight staff to discuss various legislative advocacy issues;
·         Attended a tour of the KIPP Bridge Charter School in Oakland at the invitation of a local education foundation;
·         Reviewed with staff the status of activities at Pt. Molate;
·         Attended the City staff’s monthly financial status report meeting with representatives from the Finance Department and financial managers from the various line departments;
·         Attended the monthly West County Mayors and Supervisors meeting;
·         Attended the official grand opening of the R-Transit (Richmond Paratransit) center at the Richmond BART station;
·         Attended the Personnel Board meeting at their invitation;
·         Attended the PLUS Forum on Mobilizing Education and Civic Leaders to Build Healthy Communities, organized by UC Berkeley’s Center for Cities and Schools, and hosted by the California Endowment (the forum included an excellent presentation by Richmond High School Students regarding their “Y-Plan” project);

These meetings were in addition to attending the regular management staff meeting, agenda planning, reviewing staff reports to the City Council, doing department head “check-ins,” having discussions on various personnel matters, and having short discussions with staff, community members, members of the press, etc.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the substance of these or any other topics.

12.   Officer Bradley A. Moody Memorial Underpass Project Update

The Bradley A. Moody Memorial Underpass Project involves the construction of a roadway underpass on Marina Bay Parkway between Meeker Avenue and Regatta Boulevard, and is intended to resolve long-standing access limitations to the Marina Bay area caused by frequent train crossings.  In early September 2013, Marina Bay Parkway was closed to traffic.  This closure is planned to remain in place until early May 2015. 

The week of April 21st, the tieback operation was fully restarted, and installation of temporary steel struts south of the railroad tracks commenced.  These are temporary braces that span the roadway near the bridge, allowing deeper excavation to continue.  Also during this week, excavation of the deep storm drain manhole near the railroad tracks was completed as well as a small retaining wall that is part of the restoration of the Department of Public Health campus.

For the week of April 28th, tieback installation will continue, the deep storm drain manhole will be stacked and temporary steel struts north of the track will be installed.  Additionally, roadway excavation will continue periodically both north and south of the tracks in advance of the tieback operation, and restoration of electrical and irrigation facilities on the Department of Public Health campus will commence.

As noted in prior reports, the fourth 24-hour a day weekend closure window is tentatively scheduled for the weekend of May 17th.  Plans for this closure window remain preliminary at this point and additional information will follow as details are developed.

For additional information and to be added to the project update contact list, please see the project website at www.moodyup.com.  You can also follow the project on twitter: @moodyunderpass, or contact the project’s public outreach coordinator Jacqueline Majors at (925) 949-6196.

13.   Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Bottoms Property Residential Project on Seacliff Drive

The City of Richmond has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Bottoms Property Residential Project on Seacliff Drive.  The project proposes to construct 60 market‐rate condominiums on a vacant waterfront parcel.  Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15105(a), a minimum forty-five-day (45) public review period is required which commenced on March 27th. All written comments on this document must be submitted to the City of Richmond Planning Department within this 45-day review period, or by Monday, May 12, 2014, by 5:00 PM.  Please submit comments to:

Kieron Slaughter, Associate Planner
City of Richmond Planning Division
450 Civic Center Plaza, 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 4046
Richmond, CA 94804

A copy of the Draft EIR is available for review online.  Copies are also available for review at the following locations:

·         Richmond Public Library - Main Branch, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond
·         City of Richmond Planning and Building Services Department, City Hall, 450 Civic Center Plaza

14.   Major Taylor Bike Fiesta at Lincoln Elementary School

On Saturday, May 24th, from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Building Blocks for Kids Richmond Collaborative hosts “The Major Taylor Bike Fiesta” at Lincoln Elementary School, 29 - 6th Street in Richmond. This event is a product of the collaboration with local government and community organizations to provide Richmond residents with the support and resources they need to be happy, healthy, and informed. Bike Fiesta encourages safe bike riding, family bonding, healthy lifestyle choices, and access to community resources. At this event, there will be free bike repairs, exercise classes, interactive games, and entertainment will be offered for families to enjoy.

15.   The Richmond Public Library Foundation presents, Hot Spring Reads: Book Talk, Lecture and Event Series.

The Richmond Public Library Foundation presents, Hot Spring Reads:  Book Talk, Lecture and Event Series. 

This FREE event will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott at 3150 Garrity Way in Richmond on Thursday, May 1st.  The event begins at 6:00 PM, and includes a free drawing and light refreshments.  Eighteen new titles will be announced.  Books discussed will be for sale by Book Passages.

For additional information, visit the foundation’s website:  www.rplf.org or you may send an e-mail to:  info@rplf.org. 

16.   Recreation Highlights

Senior Information and Health Faire

Look for flyers and further information in the mailed Commission on Aging monthly bulletin.

Summer Programs

Registration for summer programs is now open!  The summer/fall 2014 Activity Guide can be found on-line at www.ci.richmond.ca.us/recreation. You can register in the following ways:

·       on-line at https://online.activenetwork.com/richmond;
·         by phone at 510-620-6793;
·         by faxing a completed registration form to 510-620-6583;
·         by mailing a completed registration form to 3230 Macdonald Ave, Richmond, CA 94804;
·         by visiting the registration office in the 1st floor lobby at the Richmond Recreation Complex, 3230 Macdonald Avenue.

Disabled People’s Recreation Center (DPRC)

The Adult Morning participants were able to implement their “Mapping the Environment” and “Money Matters” skills for a BART excursion to Berkeley. During their weekly activities, they used computers and iPads to chart the trip, as well as estimate the time involved and cost for the day.

17.   Public Works Updates

Facilities Maintenance:  Carpenters completed safety inspections on both 440 and 450 Civic Center Plaza.

Painters completed the equipment room at Booker T. Anderson Community Center, the apparatus room doors of Fire Station #62, and started the exterior of the Native American Health Center.

Stationary Engineers serviced the cooking equipment in the Auditorium, replaced heat sensors in rooms of the Auditorium, updated the Building Management System for the Civic Center, repaired the automatic door at the Information Technology entrance, and repaired the main entrance door to 450 Civic Center Plaza.

Utility workers continued cleaning the R-Transit building at the Richmond Transit Center and maintained 29 City-owned buildings.

Cleaning at Richmond Transit Center

Electricians repaired wood poles on the ball fields of Nicholl and Booker T. Anderson Parks, moved the swim suit spinner at the women’s area of the Plunge, ran wires for hand dryers at Shields Reid Park restrooms, completed safety repair reports for various locations, repaired Barrett Avenue underpass lights, fixed the broken signal light conduit at Richmond Parkway and San Pablo Avenue, and repaired the splice box at Shamada Park.

Safety Work

Parks and Landscaping Division:  Crews completed irrigation repairs at Burg and Lamoine Parks, began treating High Fire Severity Zones, relocated the valve and sprinkler head located at the Main Library, begain improvements to Richmond Parkway landscape, performed weed abatement at Hilltop Lake, installed communication conduit in Shimada Park, and the Booker T. Anderson Park restroom is now open.

Richmond Parkway Improvements

Tree crews cut, trimmed or removed trees on the center median on Richmond Parkway, John F. Kennedy Park, Cutting Boulevard, Gaynor Avenue, McBryde Avenue, South 12th Street and Bissell Avenue.

Richmond Parkway

Streets Division:  Staff ground and paved Deseret Drive from Fran Way to Santa Rita Road as well as worked from the outstanding pothole list.

Paving on Deseret Drive

Street sweeping performed commercial sweeping services for the third Monday and the fourth Tuesday through Friday in the North Richmond, Iron Triangle, North Belding Woods, Metro Richmore Village, Pullman, Cortez/Stege, Park Plaza, Laurel Park, City Center, Richmond Annex, Parkview, Panhandle Annex, and Eastshore neighborhood council areas.

Signs and Lines crews installed 32 signs, repaired 4 signs and poles, installed 18 delineations, painted 1175 feet of curbs, fabricated 19 signs, and installed 49 buttons.

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Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments about these or any other items of interest to you.

Bill Lindsay
City Manager
City of Richmond
450 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, California 94804
(510) 620-6512
Bill_lindsay@ci.richmond.ca.us

You can sign up to receive the City Manager’s weekly report and other information from the City of Richmond by visiting: www.ci.richmond.ca.us/list.aspx

Bill Lindsay
City Manager
City of Richmond
450 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, California 94804
(510) 620-6512
Bill_lindsay@ci.richmond.ca.us