Hon. Mayor and Members of the City Council:

This is the report for the week ending August 5th, 2022.

1.    Meeting Notes

The Richmond City Council is on their August recess, and will return to session on Tuesday, September 13, 2022. Enjoy the time off!

2.    Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Monkeypox Updates

The following information is an ongoing list of resources and significant updates regarding COVID-19. Please click on the images or visit the hyperlinks below for further information.

Impact to City Services and Facilities

Health Information and Community Resources

Contra Costa County Coronavirus Updates

California Department of Public Health

Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. It belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox, although monkeypox tends to be milder than smallpox. Monkeypox spreads to through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact. The virus can be spread from the time symptoms start until all sores, including scabs, have healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. This can take several weeks.

Contra Costa County Health Services has a limited supply of the monkeypox vaccine and is currently offering it to people at higher risk of exposure. Contra Costa Health recommends that anyone who has had a potential exposure to monkeypox call (925) 313-6740 for an appointment at an upcoming vaccination clinic.

For further information regarding monkeypox, please view the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Contra Costa Health Services websites. Please view the images for further information.

3.    Upcoming Events

Food Bank Update

The Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano is continuing the bi-monthly Richmond Civic Center Drive-Thru Distribution. Listed below are the highest number of households served within the one-hour service. The constant growth at this site speaks about the ever-growing need for food assistance.

Here are the 7/28/2022 distribution statistics:

280 Households served

• 1057 Individuals served
• 8,128 Pounds of total food distributed

• 281 Supplemental Boxes
• 1381 Pounds of fresh produce
• 565 Pounds of bread

Next Distribution Date: 8/11/2022

Distribution time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Address: Barrett Avenue & 25th Street, Richmond 94804

Each client will be able to pick up a box of non-perishable foods and fresh produce, all from within the safety of their car. These supplementary boxes include a balanced variety of proteins, vegetables, fruits, and milk.

Clients will enter the lot on 25th Street and follow the traffic cones. Clients will remain in their vehicles the entire time. Each vehicle can pick up for TWO families max. Please wear a mask when arriving on site. Walk-ups are not encouraged, limited quantities available.

Looking to volunteer opportunities? The Food Bank is always looking for those in our community to feed our neighbors: https://volunteer.foodbankccs.org/   

For more food resources in Richmond, Click here: https://www.foodbankccs.org/map-city/richmond/

Questions? Email gdinoso@foodbankccs.org

Workshop for Multi-Family Property Owners in Contra Costa County 8/17

The City Manager's Office, Economic Development Department, is pleased to announce MCE's Energy Improvements in Multifamily Properties virtual workshop for property owners and managers, which will take place on Wednesday, August 17th  from 10:00 AM -11:00 AM. Gain access to generous rebates for energy efficiency and water saving upgrades, electric vehicle charging station rebates, and no cost technical assistance for properties in Contra Costa County.

With California looking to ban the sale of all new gas-fueled cars by 2035, and toward carbon-free buildings by 2045, there are programs in Contra Costa County that can help prepare your multifamily property. In the workshop you will learn:

• How to install EV charging for tenants
• How to get directly installed energy efficiency upgrades and solar
• How Richmond residents can access a network of electric vehicles

We will be joined by experts who will share their knowledge of available financial assistance and incentive programs:

Space is limited so reserve your virtual seat today. Have questions? Email Tyla Brown, MCE Community Development Manager at tbrown@mceCleanEnergy.org .

To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/future-proof-your-multifamily-property .

Note: You will receive an email with the virtual workshop link and phone number a few days before the event.

Richmond Community Block Party and Resource Fair

Please come out to the Richmond Community Block Party and Resource Fair on Friday, August 19, 2022, at 450 Civic Center Plaza, City Hall Atrium from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Register as a community-based organization or vendor at www.richmondcommunityblockparty.eventbrite.com  .

For questions contact Elisandro Garcia Jr. At (510) 307-8045 or egarcia@richmondworks.org

Please view the flyer for more information.

4.    City Clerk’s Office

November 8th Election News

The nomination period is open from July 18 through August 12, 2022.

Seats up for election: Mayor, Council Districts 2, 3, and 4.

Contact the City Clerk’s Office to make an appointment to pull nomination papers at cityclerkdept@ci.richmond.ca.us  or call (510) 620-6513, Ext. 9

New Public Records Request Portal

The Clerk’s Office is happy to announce the launching of NextRequest for electronic processing of public records requests.

Link to the portal: https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/4331/Public-Records-Request

5.    City Manager’s Chronicles

Meetings and events of note in the past week include the following:

• Participated in the August 1st City Council Special Meeting
• Participated in a site visit of clean up efforts in North Richmond along with staff from Public Works and the City Manager’s Office
• Listened to the Contra Costa Mayor’s Conference
• Interviewed the finalists for Deputy Director of Public Works position
• Attended National Night Out and toured several neighborhood community block parties
• Participated in the bi-weekly Richmond Housing Authority Financial updates
• Participated in several meetings regarding the closing of the pension obligation bonds

Continued one-on-one weekly meetings with members of the City Council, community members, the Management Leadership Team, Department Heads in our one-on-one check-ins, City Attorney’s Office, and various City staff members. 

6.    City Manager’s Office

California Clean Air Day Microgrant Applications NOW OPEN

The City Manager’s Office, Economic Development, is excited to announce that the California Clean Air Day Microgrant Applications are now open. The Coalition for Clean Air is offering microgrants of up to $1000 to throw an event to drive action towards clean air during California Clean Air Day on October 5th, 2022.

Examples of events they’ve funded include art projects, electric vehicle test drives, transit parties, tree plantings, community bike rides, no idling campaigns, open street events, transit appreciation giveaways, and more - there's no limit to what you can do!

For more information, eligibility requirements, and to apply, visit CCAir Microgrant Application . Applications are due by August 10, 2022, at 5 PM. To sign up for Clean Air Day and sign the Organizational Pledge, visit CCAir Pledge .

Micro Business Grant $2,500 – Application is OPEN

The California Office of the Small Business Advocate has awarded funding for a Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. Grants are available for businesses located Alameda, Amador, Contra Costa, and El Dorado counties. This program will provide grants of up to $2,500 per microbusiness. To be an eligible business, your business must have fewer than five (5) employees and earn less than $50,000 per year. The website includes additional information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Applications are OPEN.

For more information visit: https://sites.google.com/swccd.edu/clpccd/home  

Grants will be given on a first come first serve basis with priority given to minority, women, or Veteran businesses.

Summer Youth Bus Pass

The Summer Youth Pass  offers kids a great way to get around town, all summer long. For just $30, passholders ages 6-18 can take unlimited bus rides on County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, and WestCAT from June through August 31st. On sale now at 511cc.org/youthpass

These programs encourage the use of sustainable transportation options and are funded by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority and BAAQMD’s Transportation Fund for Clean Air

West Contra Costa School District (WCCUSD) Summer Meal for Kids 2022

The WCCUSD Summer Food Service Program provides FREE HEALTHY meals to children and teens 18 years of age and younger when school is out. Meals are available at parks, libraries, community centers and other locations throughout West Contra Costa. All children and teens 18 years and younger eat free. NO SIGN-UP OR PAPER REQUIRED!

Link to WCCUSD Food Services and locations:

https://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/index.php?sid=1481576684998

7.    Community Development

Richmond is Requesting Qualifications for A Variety of Services in Support of Unhoused Residents in Richmond

The City of Richmond Housing Division has released a Request for Qualifications from service providers; qualified firms, agencies, project teams, or individuals (contractors) who can provide certain services to unhoused residents in the City of Richmond. The qualified firms will be listed on an on-call list which will be used to solicit specific proposals for specific projects and/or funding, including Richmond’s Castro Encampment Resolution Funding Project.

Contractors will provide services aimed at resolving encampments by providing services to encampment residents for safety, sanitation, and connecting residents into stable housing. There are several categories of services and associated subtasks that contractors can provide qualifications for. Contractors must clearly identify which service category they are submitting for and submit a 1) staffing plan, 2) budget, and 3) narrative descriptive plan for accomplishing stated objectives.

The City is seeking contractors for seven Service Categories: 1) Operation of Emergency Intervention To End The Unsheltered Status Of Individuals And Families (Emergency Shelter / Community Cabins/ Safe Parking Programs); 2) Storage For Encampment Residents; 3) Employment Programs; 4) Hygiene Interventions to increase health and wellness of unsheltered individuals.; 5) Training and Technical Assistance; 6) Street Outreach; and 7) General Homeless Services.

Bid Details are provided below:

Project Title: Request for Qualifications; Services in Support of the Unhoused  
Posted: August 1, 2022
Bid Due Date: September 1, 2022 4:00 PM (Pacific)

Please visit the bid details for more information. A vendor profile is required to view and/or download the RFQ. 

As part of the City’s plan to assist and address the needs of unhoused residents and to abate encampments throughout the City, the City is developing an on-call service providers list to solicit bids for specific tasks or projects.

For more information, please feel free to email Jesus M. Morales, Housing Manager at jesus_morales@ci.richmond.ca.us

8.    Internal Services

Information Technology

Website Statistics

KCRT Spotlight Video of the Week

Spotlight Video of The Week - National Night Out 2022

KCRT Newsbyte of the Week

KCRT TV Channel 28 - New Episodes of Current Programming

New “NewsBytes” and Regular Series Episodes: 

·         NewsBytes; Highlights of Juneteenth 2022.

·         New episode of “Creature Features” and “The Jet Set”.

·         Multiple new episodes of “Sidewalks Entertainment” during the week.

Recent Segments:

• “NewsBytes” Segments: July 3rd Fireworks, RFD Fire Alarm installation, CoBiz spotlight on Downtown Richmond, Juneteenth Underpass Mural, National Drive Electric and RichmondMOVES, Easter Egg Hunt, City Manager Swearing In Ceremony, Highlights of the Richmond Poetry event (piece provided by and edited by Doug Harris), Tibetan Flag Raising, Mayor’s State of the City, Police / Fire Toy Drive, Coffee with the Chief, Transgender Flag Raising, Fire Chief Swearing-In Ceremony, Clean Air Day, National Night Out 2021, Ookwe Park Celebration, Yellow Brick Road, Transit Re-Grand Opening and BOLT Bike Sharing.
• ”Your Future, Your Choice: Life after High School,” six short presentations that cover options and resources for four-year colleges, community colleges, and the building trades (video courtesy of Library and Doug Harris).
• Revised edition of GRIP Alternatives No-Cost Solar Workshop.

You may find the full schedule at http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3176/Schedule

9.    Library and Community Services

Community Services

Volunteer at Dirt World Bike Park Every Wednesday!

Friends of Dirt World and Bay Area BMXers will be hosting weekly volunteer events at Dirt World Bike Park every Wednesday, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, starting July 27, 2022.

Volunteers will be cleaning, weeding, digging, sweeping - and probably doing some riding!

Dirt World will provide shovels, brooms, trash bags, and other tools for the group, but participants are also welcomed to bring their own tools.

The aim is to keep the park in decent shape until the major state-funded rebuild takes place later this year. Big improvements to the dirt pump track and BMX track are planned for August as well.

All this work is being funded by a Love Your Block mini-grant from the City of Richmond City Manager’s Office, Economic Development and Community Services.

Become a Lifeguard!

Join our Aquatics Team! Lifeguards are still needed for year-round shifts. Certified Lifeguards or strong swimmers of all ages with flexible schedules are encouraged to apply. Apple here ! We can train those who are qualified and available when we need it.

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program

Come find out if you are eligible for the California’s Department of Food & Agriculture Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. Eligible seniors will receive a total of $50 in vouchers to buy produce in various nearby farmers markets. Visit the Richmond Senior Center on August 18th, 2022, from 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. to see if your eligible. Vouchers will be given out that day

For more information, call (510) 307-8087 or (510) 620-6812. 

Karaoke at the Richmond Senior Center

Have a go-to karaoke song you want to show off to everyone in Richmond? Join us for our karaoke afternoons at the Senior Center! Call (510) 307-8085 to find out more!

Qigong at the Senior Center

Qigong is an ancient practice developed centuries ago that now is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a gentle practice that anyone can do, even from a seated position if necessary. Our class starts with some warmup exercises and then a combination of three forms of Qigong (pronounced Chee Gong).  Some self-massage is presented, and quiet meditation is introduced. 

Come join us at the Annex Senior Center every Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. Call (510) 620-6812 for more information!

Meals for Seniors

Do you know that the Richmond Senior Center in conjunction with the Contra Costa County has a meal program for Seniors? Seniors can receive five frozen meals on a weekly basis. Seniors must pre-register and call in their order weekly. For more information call the Richmond Senior Center at (510) 307-8087.

Please call the Senior Center to join the lunch program at (510) 307-8085.

Love Your Block In-Kind Sponsorship Program: Supplies for Volunteer Events

The Love Your Block In-Kind Sponsorship Program is now accepting requests for sponsorship! The sponsorship program aims to make supplies for volunteer clean-up and beautification projects available to residents and groups that want to make a difference in Richmond. Sponsorships are limited to $1,000 of supplies only.

Examples of supplies that can be sponsored include trash bags, gardening and landscaping supplies, painting supplies, personal protective equipment, and drinks, snacks, and refreshments for volunteers.

Check out the program guidelines, application, and more at www.richmondloveyourblock.org , and contact Love Your Block staff at (510) 620-6563 or volunteer@ci.richmond.ca.us  if you have any questions!

The Love Your Block In-Kind Sponsorship Program is funded by a partnership between Community Services and City Manager’s Office, Economic Development.

Nevin Achieve Summer Camp Week 8 Recap

This week is the last week of our eight-week Summer Camp Program hosted by the Richmond Community Services Recreation Division, partnered with the West Contra Costa Ed Fund. This week was packed with a lot of fun activities and surprises that the campers deserved for all their hard work throughout the summer. 

On Monday, our youngest campers read books with our read aloud volunteers.  The other campers played gaga ball, kickball, and hotspot. On Tuesday, the campers got pizza from the staff for all their great work over the course of summer camp. The campers also played Steal the Bacon 4.0, Red Light Green Light, and our chess providers wrapped up the Chess Fundamentals where the campers had to put together everything they have learned to the test. East Bay Center for The Performing Arts also wrapped up their program, and the campers came a long way from where they started!In the beginning of the summer, they were shy to dance, but by week eight, they were busting out moves like it was second nature, and their confidence rose to the skies.

Campers had their last field trip to Keller Beach on Wednesday. We told the campers to make sure to bring extra clothes and a towel. Unfortunately, a lot of the campers did not bring extra clothes or towels because they thought they were not going in the water, but they saw how much fun their friends were having, and at the end of the day most of the campers got into the water. We left around 2:00 P.M. and a lot of the campers had to air dry for an hour, then we walked back to Nevin at 3:00 P.M.

On Thursday, Youth Code NOW surprised the campers with a pizza and ice cream party during lunch for all their participation in the summer. The Bay Area Creative provider, Tino, came and did his last class. The campers also played medic dodgeball and number run.

Thank you again to all our participants, in-class providers, and all the Recreation staff! We made this summer a fun one! Be sure to catch us for the after-school programs!

Richmond Achieve and Elevate After-School Programs

On another note, summer is wrapping up and school is going to start real soon.  Consider signing up for one of our Richmond Achieve and/or Elevate After-School Programs. The program helps participants with homework, group activities, arts & crafts, and much more!

Call (510) 620-6793 for more information or register online at tinyurl.com/richmondrecreation

Tiny Heroes Training Camp for 6 months old – 5 years! Starts September 2022

It’s back! This program starts in September 2022! Call (510) 620-6793 for more information or register online at tinyurl.com/richmondrecreation

 Employment and Training

RichmondWorks

RichmondWorks provides various opportunities for employment needs. Please view the flyer to learn more about the services we provide for job seekers.

Library

Richmond Public Library Welcomes New Library Deputy Director

The Richmond Public Library is pleased to announce the appointment of Diana Lopez as our new Deputy Director of Community Services for the Library! Diana has nearly 10 years in public library management and holds a Master of Library and Information Science degree from San Jose State University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Cal Poly Pomona.

Originally from the Pasadena area of Southern California, she has managed the Marin City Library for the past eight years. She is dedicated to promoting early literacy, closing equity and opportunity gaps for all, and serving families. She created and grew many community partnerships during her tenure at Marin City Library, including a collaboration to help families build home libraries. Diana was named a Mover and Shaker, Advocate by the Library Journal in 2019. Diana is excited about joining the City of Richmond and looks forward to serving the community.

National Night Out Success on Tuesday, August 2nd!

The West Side Branch celebrated National Night Out with the Pt. Richmond neighborhood. Volunteers from PRAM (Parents Resources and More) offered a variety of fun kids’ games, from super-sized checker boards to obstacle courses to hopscotch.

Since we stayed open until 7:00 PM for the occasion, more people discovered the library. Some checked out materials with their new library cards!

Kids and their families enjoyed the outdoor storytime and songs, as well as take-home craft kits.

We are looking forward to the fall! For author visits, outdoor crafts and other kids’ activities at the West Side Branch, check our Facebook  page. If you have questions, call the West Side Branch at (510) 620-6567.

For story times and programs at the Main Library, and the next Story Stroll  at Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline, call the Children’s Department at (510) 620-6557. Also check the Children’s Department Facebook  page.

10. Public Works

Abatement

Abatement crews removed weeds and debris from the Richmond Parkway, abated debris near encampments, removed illegally dumped debris and graffiti from various locations throughout the City.

Richmond Parkway Maintenance

Encampment Debris Abatement

Illegal Dumping & Graffiti Removal

Building Maintenance

Stationary Engineers performed daily pool maintenance and Civic Center Plaza boilers and pumps inspections, replaced the p-trap drain and cleared the drain at Fire Station #64’s kitchen, replaced the evaporator fan motor in City Hall, adjusted the condenser fan motor in the Police trailer, repaired the kitchen sink faucet and reset the aft apparatus door controller at Fire Station #63, repaired a urinal at the Recreation Complex and repaired and automatic sliding door and assisted a structural engineer to operate and leveled off main floor at the Auditorium.

Evaporator Fan Motor Replacement

Utility Workers assisted the Housing Authority with maintenance and removal of debris from parking lots, began a deep cleaning project at 450 Civic Center Plaza which included cleaning of all windows at 440 and 450 Civic Center Plaza, power washed all common rest areas at 450 Civic Center Plaza, cleaned the front of the Recreation Complex, washed the courtyard of the Main Library, cleaned the Transit Center and provided cleaning services for 27 City owned buildings daily.

450 Civic Center Deep Cleaning

Parks and Landscaping

General fund crews’ drug and spiked baseball fields at John F. Kennedy Park, repaired irrigation ground valves at Boorman Park, repaired broken sprinkler heads at Booker T. Anderson Park, prepared Hilltop Green and Lamoine Parks for National Night Out, trimmed a City tree at 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue and abated weeds at the Kennedy Swim Center, Judge Carrol Park, the 24th Street lot and along the Macdonald Avenue underpass.

        Macdonald Avenue Maintenance               Tree Trimming Pennsylvania Avenue

Marina Districtcrews repaired a broken rotor in the lawn area of Marina Bay Park, picked up trash from all parking lots and lawns, emptied all trash receptacles in the Marina Bay area and hauled the debris away.

Rotor Repair

Hilltop District crews continued weed abatement at Hilltop Lake and removed debris from various locations.

Hilltop Lake Maintenance

Streets

Pavement Maintenance crews installed speed humps at 4233 and 4400 Center Avenue, delivered and posted no parking signage on selected streets for National Night Out festivities and paved the bike path entrance at Macdonald Avenue between the Target store and Interstate-80.

Speed Hump Installation

Bike Path

Street Sweeping crews swept in the following neighborhood council areas on the first Monday through Friday in the; Parchester Village, Hilltop Bayview, Hilltop Green, Fairmede/Hilltop, Carriage Hills North Side, El Sobrante Hills, Greenbriar, Hansford Heights, Via Verda, San Pablo Dam Road, Bristole Cone, May Valley, Vista View and Clinton Hill I.

Water Resource Recovery

Water Resource Recovery Division – Fats, Oils, & Grease (FOG) 

PLEASE! DO NOT POUR GREASE DOWN THE DRAIN! Grease continues to be a problem in the sanitary sewer system and the Richmond Wastewater Treatment Plant. Grease clogs pipes and can be detrimental to the function of the plant. It can also lead to sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs).

For more information about Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG), please call (510) 620-6594.

Planta de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales – Aceites y Grasas (FOG) 

¡POR FAVOR! ¡NO PONGA GRASA POR EL DRENAJE! Se ha reportado grasa pesada en la planta de tratamiento de alcantarillado de Richmond. La grasa obstruye las tuberías y puede ser perjudicial para la función de la planta. 

Para obtener más información sobre aceites y grasas (FOG), llame al (510) 620-6594. 

Sewer Lateral Grant Program

The City of Richmond’s Water Resource Recovery Division administers the Sewer Lateral Grant Program. The program reimburses eligible homeowners in the Richmond Municipal Sewer District (RMSD No. 1) for some of the cost to replace their sewer lateral.

The program is open and accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 for sewer lateral work completed between 7/1/2022-6/30/2023.

For more information about the Sewer Lateral Grant Program, please visit www.ci.richmond.ca.us/2130/Sewer-Lateral-Grant-Program  or call (510) 620-6594.

High Priority Critical Improvements Projects

The City of Richmond and Veolia Water (Veolia) are implementing High Priority Critical Improvements Projects at the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), which is managed and operated by Veolia. The purpose of the projects is to replace aging and unreliable infrastructure, improve treatment operating efficiency, comply with future discharge regulations and improve the functionality of the existing WWTP. The improvements were identified through previous planning efforts, including the 2010 WWTP Master Plan and the 2016 WWTP Facility Plan Update, to construct the following elements of the WWTP Critical Improvements Projects: (1) New screening and grit removal facilities; (2) Aeration upgrades; and (3) Demolition of existing facilities and site clearing in preparation for future WWTP Facilities. The projects are expected to take approximately 2 ½ years to complete.

Shimmick continued working on the biofilter installing the wall’s rebar. They also continued working in the fine screening facility, installing forms, rebar and concrete of walls 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B and started backfilling around the Pista Grit structure. In the blower building’s electrical room, they continued the installation of the drywall. Additionally, Shimmick continued their work with the medium voltage cables. Finally, in the aeration basins, the Contractor installed the blanking plates and sump cans.

Pista Grit: Shimmick using a conveyor belt to backfill around the Pista Grit Structure.

Pista Grit: The Contractor is using the native soils, which were previously treated with lime in order to be reused on site. Shimmick is also compacting to 95% according to project specifications; this activity is filling the voids between structures and around them to return to grade level.

Pista Grit: Shimmick is using remotely controlled equipment for compaction. On the left, the operator (blue hardhat) is moving the equipment with the remote control.

Pista Grit: installing the forms for the remaining column of wall 2D.

Pista Grit: On the left, Shimmick is installing the forms for the remaining column of wall 2D; on the right and below, Shimmick is pouring the concrete of said column.

Pista Grit: (L) forms and waterstop for the future expansion cap; (R) Shimmick during the concrete placement of the future expansion caps, east of the Pista Grit structure.

Yard piping: Shimmick started the excavation for the new manhole 17.

Pista Grit: Shimmick stripping the forms of the remaining column of wall 2D.

Screening facility: Conco (Shimmick’s rebar sub) continued installation of the rebar for the walls.

Screening facility: RMA’s special inspector during the rebar inspection.

Screening facility: Shimmick during the concrete pour of walls 5A & 5B.

Screening facility: walls 5A & 5B after forms had been stripped.

Screening facility: Shimmick getting ready for the concrete pour of walls 4A and 4B.

Screening facility: Shimmick during the concrete pour of walls 4A and 4B.

Biofilter: Conco (Shimmick’s rebar sub) continued installation of the rebar for the walls.

Blower building: Kirk Builders (Shimmick’s drywall sub) taping and mudding the joints inside the electrical room.

Blower building: Jefco (Shimmick’s coating sub) painting a sample on the joists in preparation for the adhesion testing.

Aeration basins: installation of the blanking plates to cover the overflow openings of basin 3.

Aeration basins: installation of the blanking plates to cover the overflow openings of basin 3. Below, Shimmick is caulking around the blanking plates.

Aeration basins: Shimmick during the installation of the sump can in basin 3A.

Yard electrical: Shimmick is pulling/terminating the medium voltage cables from the 15kv building to an existing electrical manhole (XMFR-4)

First Street Sanitary Sewer Pipeline Rehabilitation Project

The First Street Relief Sewer and Pipeline Rehabilitation Project is the final of four design projects from the comprehensive 2016 Collection System Design Project, which also included the construction of the Cutting/Carlson and Hoffman Project (originally two projects), and the Macdonald and Virginia Wet Weather Improvement Project. The Project consists of approximately 3,743 lineal feet of open cut replacement of existing 6-inch sewer, approximately 1,696 lineal feet of open cut replacement of existing 8-inch sewer, approximately 631 lineal feet of open cut replacement of existing 10-inch sewer, and approximately 125 lineal feet of open cut replacement of existing 18-in sewer. This project began in July 2021 and is expected to be completed well ahead of the Baykeeper due date of July 2023.

To date, D’Arcy & Harty Construction has completed replacement of the entire 6,195 total lineal feet of sewer main line piping included in the project scope. Review of post CCTV videos and As-Built Drawings is nearing completion in July 2022. The next step will be to schedule final pavement restoration.      

High Priority Sewer Line Replacement Project

The High Priority Sewer Line Replacement Project replaces (8) pipelines with a combined length of around 2,700 lineal feet. Scope of work includes reconnection of existing laterals at mains, connection to existing manholes and hardscape and pavement restorations.

To date, D’Arcy & Harty Construction has completed sewer main replacement installations at Potrero and 41st, 12277 San Pablo Ave, 1903 Garvin Avenue, 311 - 341 E Richmond, Dimm Street (right of way in street) between Barrett & Humboldt and 1460 Rifle Range Road.

2021 Grade 5 RAA Line Replacement Project

The 2021 Grade 5 RAA (Risk Assessment Analysis) Replacement Project replaces seven sewer pipelines with an approximate combined length of 760 lineal feet. The work includes replacement of deteriorated sewer pipe segments within the collection system using pipe bursting or open cut methods. This project was competitively bid to be performed on a "design-build" basis: the Contractor is responsible for engaging the services of an engineering firm to issue design drawings for lines with utility conflicts and other constructability issues and also prepare final, as-built drawings.

W.R. Forde has completed installations at 21st Street and Potrero; Rheem and 23rd Street; 4925 Macdonald (“Planet Fitness”); Virginia and 22nd Streets, 1600 Chanslor; AC Transit / 21st Street between Bissell and Carlson and 403 McLaughlin.

Marina Bay Parkway Force Main Extension Project

The Marina Bay Parkway Force Main Extension Project extends the existing Marina Bay Parkway force main to a new manhole at the intersection of Pierson Avenue and Marina Bay Parkway and installs a new gravity sewer pipeline from the Pierson/Jetty Drive intersection, across Marina Bay Parkway. This piping reconfiguration will eliminate sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) that occur from depressed manholes located at the intersection of Marina Bay Parkway and Pierson Avenue.

The project work was initially completed in December 2021. The Task Authorization for additional scope to alleviate future SSOs by adding 991 LF of 8” gravity sewer main and three (3) new manholes with bolt down covers along 27th Street was submitted to the City for review. This critical scope is targeted for inclusion in a future agenda in a future City Council meeting.

Sodium Bisulfite (SBS) Facility Improvements Project

The City of Richmond (COR) and West County Agency (WCA) issued Amendment #5 to the existing Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) on July 27, 2020, to share the design and construction costs associated with the new Sodium Bisulfite (SBS) Facility construction and system upgrade. During the design of the new SBS Facility, WCA and the COR agreed to upgrade the SBS mechanical, electrical, plumbing, instrumentation, and SCADA system, as well. Myers & Sons Construction, LLC is the Contractor. The SBS Facility Improvements Project includes the following major elements:

●     New sodium bisulfite and sodium hypochlorite chemical metering and instrumentation systems to replace the existing chemical metering and instrumentation systems.

• Sodium bisulfite and sodium hypochlorite improvements include civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and SCADA system and facility improvements.
• Demolition of existing facilities for project improvements.

Myers & Sons worked on the concrete placement of the containment area stairs. They demolished an old/abandoned electrical duct bank, installed the door frames of the new SBS building and they started preparations for the chemical injection quill system on West County’s effluent line. The Contractor also resumed the installation of the new 3 water piping that will supply the new facility with plant/service water.

SBS Facility Tank area: Aerial view of the Wet Weather Storage Tank and the existing chemical farm.

SBS containment area: aerial view of the project's progress.

SBS containment area: Myers & Sons installing pipe supports.

Yard piping: Myers & Sons removing an old abandoned electrical duct bank.

SBS facility: Myers & Sons working on the door frames of the new building.

Myers & Sons working on West County’s effluent line, preparing for the installation of the chemical injection quill.

SBS containment area: Myers & Sons during the concrete placement of the stairs.

Yard piping: Myers & Sons trenching and preparing for the new 3 water pipe installation.

SCADA Upgrade Project

The SCADA project (an acronym for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) will standardize, replace and configure the existing SCADA Network communication, the majority of which is outdated, failing and has exceeded its useful life. An upgraded SCADA system is crucial to allow for Veolia Staff at the City of Richmond’s Wastewater Treatment Plant to monitor and control processes locally and at remote locations, including remote telemetry of the City’s lift stations.

The Contractor is Calcon Systems, Inc. The project is 100% complete. Two conditions were discovered by Veolia and Calcon towards the end of Calcon's contract, for which Veolia has submitted a Task Authorization request for a change order to correct (repair). The first includes battery backup power systems to eliminate power failure conditions, which occurred recently and resulted in WWTP system outages. The second includes repairing blower communication faults. But these two items do not affect the programming, which is complete.

Trash Capture Project, Bayview (currently in design)

In 2017, Caltrans and the City of Richmond collaborated to implement the Trash Capture Project. The Contech Engineered Solutions CDS system is a below-ground, flow-through treatment device that uses multiple treatment processes including swirl concentration and continuous deflective separation (CDS) to screen, separate and trap trash, debris, sediment, hydrocarbons and other pollutants from stormwater runoff. Veolia Water, in conjunction with the City of Richmond, successfully installed four such devices in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021; another device is being installed in 2022 on Bayview.

Design meetings continue to be held every other Tuesday at 2:30 PM. The “End of the Pipe” Location at the Bayview Outfall has been determined to be the most feasible location for the new Double Chambered CDS Units. The configuration will be similar to the Meeker Ditch Project of 2019. Final sizing is being confirmed from updated Flow and Drainage information. A meeting in the field was held on June 15th with the County’s CORE Outreach Team to assist with arrangements for unhoused residents living in the vicinity of the proposed installation. Coordination with CalTrans and Environmental Studies and permitting are underway. A kick-off meeting with NCE (Environmental) was held July 11, 2022. Field studies will be performed the week of August 8, 2022. (See photos below for soil sampling testing.)

A technician from Questa Engineering collects soil samples for laboratory analysis at the Outfall.

Thank you for keeping up with the activities in the City of Richmond.  Feel free to contact the City Manager’s Office if you have any questions or comments about these or any other items of interest to you.

Thank You!

Shasa Curl
City Manager
City of Richmond
450 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, California 94804
(510) 620-6512

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

Irene Lozano
Executive Assistant to the City Manager
City Manager’s Office
450 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA  94804
Email: Irene_Lozano@ci.richmond.ca.us

Direct: 510-621-1264
Main: 510-620-6512