 
Mayor and Members of the City Council:
This is the combined weekly report for the weeks ending June 12th and June 19th, 2015.
The next meeting of the Richmond City Council is a special meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, 2015, beginning with a Closed Session at 6:00 PM, followed by the regular agenda at 6:30 PM. To see the most recent City Council Agenda use the following link: Agenda
- Richmond Promise Community Workshops
In July 2014, the Richmond City Council approved the Chevron Environmental and Community Investment Agreement, in which Chevron committed to invest $35 million over 10 years to fund “The Richmond Promise” scholarship program. The basic goal of the Richmond Promise is to help ensure that every Richmond child in the public school system has the financial resources and tools necessary to attend college.
On Monday, June 8th and Thursday, June 18th, the City hosted community workshops to shape the Richmond Promise. The presentations featured opening remarks from Vice Mayor Myrick as well as personal testimonies from recent college graduates who attended high school in Richmond and Pinole. Over 150 community members attended each meeting to help shape the Richmond Promise, providing input in smaller breakout groups focused on particular aspects of the program.
In the event that you were unable to attend the community workshops, you may submit your feedback, comments, or concerns at www.richmondpromise.org. All are invited to use this tool. Thank you for your participation!
Please contact the City Manager’s Office at (510) 620-6512 for more information.
- Finance Department Highlight – Balanced Operating Budget is Delivered to the City Council
This past week, the fiscal year 2015-16 Proposed Operating and Capital Improvement Budget was presented to the City Council for review. Staff presented a balanced operating budget that incorporated various cost-saving measures, including 9 percent reductions to departments’ budgets, elimination of vacant positions, and other operational savings. Moving forward, staff will attend the City Council meeting on June 23rd to develop the budget checklist of possible policy-driven budget changes based on Council discussion. Staff will return to the Council meeting on June 30th with responses to checklist items. The proposed budgets are scheduled for adoption at the same meeting.
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 included:
- Met, along with Community Services Director Devone Boggan, with Karen Harris of Richmond Swims to review the results of their pilot learn-to-swim program, which brought swimming lessons to after school programs, and to discuss next steps;
- Met with staff members from various departments to begin preparation of a multi-year program budget for the Chevron Environmental and Community Investment Agreement to bring to the City Council;
- Participated in workshop planning for the “Meeting of the Minds” Conference, which is coming to Richmond at the Craneway in October;
- Met with HUD staff members in San Francisco, and, by conference call in Washington, to discuss the City’s Community Development Block Grant and HOME programs;
- Participated in a conference call, together with Mayor Butt and various City staff members, with staff members from Congressman DeSaulnier’s office and federal advocates from Holland & Knight, to discuss issues relating to HUD;
- Attended the monthly Council of Industries luncheon;
- Met with Rochelle Monk, and the two new AmeriCorps Vista staff members, Kiana Ward and Guadalupe Morales, both of whom graduated from West County public schools (El Cerrito High and Richmond High, respectively), and are recent graduates of Brown University, and who will be assisting Rochelle on Cities of Service volunteer programs;
- Met, together with Administrative Chief Shasa Curl, with representatives from Assemblymember Thurmond’s office, Lifelong Medical, Contra Costa County Health Department, Kaiser Richmond Hospital, City of San Pablo, Hospital Council of Northern California, California Nurses Association, Doctors Medical Center, Supervisor Gioia’s office, and the California Endowment as part of a West County medical services strategy discussion;
- Attended a retirement celebration for outgoing Finance Director Jim Goins, organized by the Finance Department;
- Attended the second scheduled Richmond Promise community meeting at LaVonya DeJean Middle School;
- Made a site visit to a very active summer day camp at Shields Reid Community Center;
- Attended my regular, monthly meeting with WCCUSD Superintendent Dr. Bruce Harter.
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.
- Hacienda Relocation Update
In January, 2015 the Richmond Housing Authority received approval from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding the rehabilitation of the Hacienda public housing development and allocation of Tenant Protection Section 8 vouchers to assist in the relocation of the residents. The Housing Authority has partnered with Autotemp consulting firm to provide relocation assistance for the residents. As of the week ending June 19, 2015 the following relocation activity has occurred:
Total # of units: 101
Week ending
 |
5-15-15 |
5-22-15 |
5-29-15 |
6-5-15 |
6-12-15 |
6-19-15 |
Tenants interviewed |
97 |
97 |
97 |
97 |
97 |
97 |
Vouchers Issued |
67 |
80 |
84 |
84 |
94 |
94 |
Inspections Conducted |
3 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Request to port out of Richmond |
8 |
9 |
10 |
10 |
13 |
13 |
Applications Submitted |
16 |
21 |
32 |
39 |
44 |
47 |
Relocations completed |
3 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
7 |
7 |
Autotemp consultants are actively providing ongoing advisory assistance, rental referrals and transportation to view rentals; 95 percent of the Hacienda households have been explained their benefits, issued Notices Of Eligibility (NOEs) and informational brochures. To date, Autotemp has assisted with the permanent relocation of seven Hacienda households and an additional seven more households are in the process of moving or are awaiting inspections. Thirteen (13) other households have ported out to other jurisdictions, all but two in the Bay area. Numerous other households have submitted applications.
The Hacienda Relocation Plan was adopted by the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners at their meeting on June 16th. The next step is to start issuing the 90-day notices to those households that have already received their NOEs and Section 8 vouchers, and who were provided with a minimum of three comparable replacement referrals. For those households with whom we are currently working that have not received three comparable replacement referrals, we will issue 90-day informational notices.
- WriterCoach Connection Seeks Volunteers!
WriterCoach Connection brings trained volunteer coaches into Richmond and Kennedy High classrooms to support students on their writing assignments. In partnership with the City of Richmond’s impact volunteering program, Richmond ESC – Excellence Serving our Community and the West Contra Costa Unified School District, WriterCoach Connection expanded last year from one to two high schools, served 150 students at both sites, with 200 volunteers during the 2014/2015 school year.
WriterCoach Connection coaches care about student success. They are interested in supporting students with their writing skills. They are supportive community members who are excellent listeners and curious to ask questions. Tested and refined over the past 15 years, a cornerstone of the WriterCoach approach is to meet students where they are to help them succeed.
If inspiring students sounds like something you would like to do, we want you as part of our coaching team! To become a writer coach, register to attend one of our two upcoming trainings in Richmond:
Wednesdays, June 24 & July 1, 9:30–12:30 PM
OR
Fridays, July 10 & 17 from Noon-3:00 PM.
To register for these training sessions, or if you have other questions, contact:
June Pangelinan
Richmond Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator
june@writercoachconnection.org
510-685-7054
- Richmond Summer Youth Employment Project Update
The Summer Youth Employment Project is gearing up for another successful year with a total enrollment of 266 interns that will be placed at 52 worksites.
Pilot Projects
We have four worksites that will endeavor to hire directly from the participants assigned to their worksite this year. All participants in these areas will receive advanced training in customer service and business operations:
- TJ Maxx; Direct Entry to Retail - 15 participants
- Blue Apron; Direct Entry to Manufacturing/Meal Subscriptions - 15 Participants
- Creative Industries Incentive Network - 3-5 participants
- Hack the Hood – Web site code writing and mobile application development, 20 – 25 participants
In addition, Rising Sun Energy and Student Conservation Association have committed to additional hours above and beyond those subsidized by the SYEP. This will comprise approximately 35 participants placed in these worksites.
Youth Parent Orientation
The annual Youth/Parent orientation was attended by 190 participants and caring adults. Speakers included Vice Mayor Jael Myrick, Gabino Arredondo (City Manager’s Office), Stacy Moffit (Chevron), Lonnie Morris (College Prep Program), Sheryl Lane (“Earn”, incentive savings program) and, Diego Garcia (local businessman, activist and Richmond Sol coach).
- Officer Bradley A. Moody Memorial Underpass Project
The Bradley A. Moody Memorial Underpass Project involves the construction of a roadway underpass on Marina Bay Parkway between Meeker Avenue and Regatta Boulevard. The project 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. Project completion is scheduled for fall 2015.
During the week of June 8th, raised sidewalk concrete pours continued, resulting in this portion of the project nearing completion. While the bridge tower beam concrete was allowed to cure, the lean concrete roadway base was bead blasted to prepare the site for asphalt paving. Additionally, the last shipment of cable railing was delivered and has begun to be installed, while the generator was placed in the generator building.
Looking ahead to the week of June 15th, the bridge tower structures will be fabricated off-site. The final lift (layer) of asphalt will be placed at both the north and south conforms (note that this will require the closure of Jetty drive for the week of June 15th), roadway lighting will be installed, and the generator building roof will be constructed.
As noted in prior updates, there is a possibility that the roadway could be reopened by July 2nd if circumstances remain favorable and all elements of work are executed perfectly; however, due to the fact that many factors are beyond the project team’s control, it remains likely that the roadway will be reopened on or around July 24th. As always, the contractor (Gordon N. Ball) and the construction management consultant (The Hanna Group), are committed to reopening the roadway as soon as possible.
For additional information or 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.
- Information Technology (IT) Department Updates for the week ending June 12, 2015
Website Statistics
Top 10 Webpage visits for the week ending 06/16/2015
KCRT Datanet Screens of the Week
Think twice before spraying once. The City of Richmond cares about your health. Recently, The Richmond City Council passed a resolution that bans city workers from using pesticides, specifically those that include glyphosate. Glyphosate is known to be harmful to humans, animals, and the environment. The City of Richmond encourages our residents to join us in using non-toxic methods to reduce the number of weeds in your lawn and garden. Instead of killing weeds with sprays and chemicals, try mulching, or manually pulling weeds from the ground.
Please consider the environment in all your gardening activities.
Please take a moment to view the City of Richmond public services announcement prepared by staff at KCRT at: https://youtu.be/Vjp_Y7tOpwc
- City of Richmond NEW Mobile App Update
Great News!! The City of Richmond mobile app is now available. It provides Richmond’s community members with one-stop access to City services and information. You may watch the informational video for an overview of the app available for free at Apple App Store for IOS devices and at Google Play for Android phones.
The City of Richmond is looking forward to feedback from the community on this new Mobile APP. We welcome your comments at webservices@ci.richmond.ca.us
Civic TRAK Phone APP
Total downloads of the Mobile App to date:
- 605 IOS devices
- 44 Android devices
Issues submitted using phone app:
- 334 issues submitted
- 245 issues closed
- 14 issues in progress
- 4 issues pending investigation
Issues Reported by Source since Mobile App Go-live:
- By Phone call - 1298
- By Web report (COR Connect) - 331
- By Mobile Phone app - 334
DPRC
DPRC staff led hikes around the Lafayette Reservoir with the Adult Morning Program (AMP) students’ favorite places to go walking. DPRC staff also led exercises with the AMP students to craft coasters as Father’s Day presents pictured below.
Senior Center
Richmond Seniors spent the week at the Richmond Recreation Center while renovations to the Senior Center continue.
Annex Sr. Center
The Annex Senior Center planted a community garden to grow vegetables, including zucchini, which was used to prepare lunch for all the participants. Richmond Sanitary Service donated compost for the new garden box at the Annex Senior Center, which was coordinated by RSS Recycling Coordinator Tristan McHenry, and Alvarado GED program helped transfer the compost to the box.
For the week ending June 12, 2015:
Flags were hung at Civic Center Plaza to represent Juneteenth, Native American Pow Wow and the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender (LGBT) celebrations. All celebrations are held during the month of June and the flags will remain for the duration of June.
Representative Flags in Civic Center Plaza
The Richmond Swim Center is down to “punch-list” items, which are the finishing touches to the facility, and training of staff about the new features. The new facility is still on track to open mid-summer.
Swim Center
The Point Richmond Community Center and Library roof is also moving along. In the process of the removal of the old roof, additional damage was found. It has since been added to the list of repairs and the replacement process has begun.
Point Richmond Community Center and Library
Facilities Maintenance Division
Carpenters replaced the door leading to the welding shop of the Corporation Yard, repaired Farallon Room exterior door to the Auditorium and reconfigured work areas in the Finance Department.
Painters began their work at the Senior Center.
Stationary Engineers replaced air handling filters in the R-Transit building, replaced the dishwasher at Fire Station #64, cleared the drain line at 450 Civic Center Plaza and repaired multiple water closets at the Auditorium.
Utility workers attended a Blood Borne Pathogens Exposure Control training, replaced light fixtures at the Disabled People’s Recreation Center and maintained 29 City owned facilities.
Electricians repaired overhead lighting at the Police Department, set a traffic box for the Nicholl Park stage area, fixed an electrical problem at Point Molate, inspected Marina power infrastructure for an upcoming event, received a replacement “J” pole and repaired street lights at Marina Way and Barrett Avenue.
Nicholl Park Stage Area
Parks and Landscaping Division
General maintenance crews completed mowing at the Civic Center, as well as in high fire zones, and in preparation for upcoming City celebrations.
High Fire Zone Cutting
Hilltop Districtcrews continued work on the sidewalk near AM/PM landscaping project, and with weed abatement on Richmond Parkway. Crews also continued general maintenance on Richmond Parkway.
Sidewalk Project
Marina District crews performed vegetation management on the Bay Trail, installed directional signs at Marina Green Park and completed irrigation repairs.
Vegetation Management
Tree crews cut or trimmed trees on or around 37th Street, 34th Street, 26th Street, 17th Street, South 15th Street, Carlson Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue.
Streets Division
Paving staff repaired potholes and sidewalks on the outstanding pothole list and delivered barricades. Remaining staff assisted the Parks and Landscaping Division.
Street sweeping staff performed commercial and residential sweeping services for the second Monday through Friday in the May Valley, Vista View, Clinton Hill I – IV and East Richmond neighborhood council areas.
Signs and Lines staff installed 22 new signs and poles, repaired 55 signs and poles and fabricated 15 new signs.
Sign Installation
For the week ending June 19, 2015:
Facilities Mainenance Division:
Capenters replaced the drywall in the kitchen and conference room of the City Council area and relocated items at the Point Richmond Community Center and Library.
Painters continue painting areas of the Senior Center.
Senior Center Painting
Stationary Engineers rebuilt the flush-o-meters at Fire Station #61, repaired one of the chair lifts at the Plunge, removed and replaced the ice machine in the Auditorium and repaired the furnace in the apparatus room of Fire Station #63.
Utility workers replaced lights at the Main Library, set up a meeting room at the Nevin Community Center and maintained 29 City owned facilities.
Lighting Changes at the Main Library
Electricians repaired a traffic signal knock down at 25th Street and Barrett Avenue, picked up light debri from Fred Jackson Way and Castro Boulevard, checked all power sources for the upcoming Juneteenth festivities and installed a ground box for the power pedestal at Nicholl Park.
Traffic Light Repair 25th Street and Barrett Avenue
Parks and Landscaping Division
General maintenance continued cutting in the High Fire Zones, mowed the Richmond Greenway from 2nd Street to 23rd Street, delivered mulch to the Greenway, weed whipped in the Library Courtyard, repaired irrigation on the Greenway, fixed a bend at Tiller Park and weed whipped the medians on Castro Ranch Road.
Greenway Mowing
Hilltop District crews continued work on the sidewalk near AM/PM landscaping project, continued with weed abatement on Richmond Parkway and installed a backflow cage on Blume Drive.
Marina District crews cleaned and refreshed mulch beds in the Marina Esplanade area, continued sign installation, mowed turf and cleaned the median strips along Marina Bay Parkway.
Mulch Installation
Tree crews cut or trimmed trees on or around: South 15th Street, Carlson Boulevard, 22nd Street, Moyers Road and Santa Fe Avenue.
Pine Cutting in Hilltop Area
Streets Division
Paving staff worked on potholes and sidewalks from the outstanding pothole list and the remaining staff went to assist the Parks and Landscaping Division.
Street sweeping performed commercial and residential sweeping services for the third Monday through Friday in the North Richmond, Iron Triangle, North Belding Woods, Atchison Village, South Belding Woods, Santa Fe, Coronado, Marina Bay and Point Richmond neighborhood council areas.
Signs and Lines staff installed 17 new signs and poles, repaired 34 signs and poles, painted 343’ of curb/crosswalks and fabricated 40 new signs.
Sign Installation
Crosswalk Painting
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments about these or any other items of interest to you.
Have a great week!
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
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