Mayor and Councilmembers:

This is the weekly report for the week ending June 26^th, 2009.

1.            Meeting Notes

The next City Council meeting will be on Tuesday, July 7^th, 2009 at our new City Council Chambers located at 440 Civic Center Plaza.

2.            440 Civic Center Plaza

440 Civic Center Plaza (the former Hall of Justice building) will be open for business on Monday, June 29^th at 8:30 a.m., and the first City Council meeting in the new City Council Chamber is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7^th.

Departments moving into the building include:  The Literacy for Every Adult Program (LEAP); the Redevelopment Agency; Fire Department Administration; the Police Commission staff; Housing Authority Administration; Arts & Culture; Paratransit; Office of Neighborhood Safety; and, last but not least, City Council Member offices.

With this milestone, the work remaining on Phase One of the Civic Center Revitalization Project will consist of punch list items by the contractors and some finishing touches on parking lots by Public Works.

Please join me in expressing appreciation to a long list of staff members and consultants, as well as the developer and contractors for a job well done, on time and within budget.

3.            Investment Policy Certification by the Association of Public Treasurers US & Canada

The Finance Department has been notified by the Association of Public Treasurers US & Canada (APT US&C) that the City will receive their organization’s Certificate of Excellence Award for its Investment Policy.  Having a policy that has met the certification standards assures the public and the governing body that established professional standards are being followed in the management of public funds. Entities may apply to APT US&C to review their policy to determine if they have met the standards set forth by the association.  The Investment Policy Certification Committee is comprised of 18 public treasurers and or broker/dealers who volunteer to serve as reviewers.  For the policy to receive certification, it must be approved by all reviewers in all areas spelled out in the APT US&C model policy.

Congratulations to Latha Ravinder, Treasury Manager, and Tracey Lovely, Investment Officer, for their hard work over the last three months developing the policy to bring it to certification standards.  Staff will be attending the annual APT US&C conference in Spokane, Washington in July to receive the plaque on behalf of the City.

4.            Five-Year Strategic Business Plan

Mr. Goins and staff attended the Chamber of Commerce’s Networking Breakfast on Wednesday, June 24^th.  During this breakfast, they gave a very detailed presentation about the Five-Year Strategic Business Plan.  The purpose of the meeting was to receive the Chamber of Commerce, Council of Industries, and various other organizations and businesses’ input and assistance on the implementation of the Five-Year Strategic Business Plan. Staff received questions regarding whether or not Measure T was included and its impact on the plan; what is the status of the General Plan and will it be passed during the same time as the Five-Year Strategic Business Plan?; and what is the plan for upgrading the wastewater treatment plant?  Staff is looking at the possibility of establishing a committee for continuous input from various stakeholders. 

5.            Food Ware Ordinance

The City of Richmond is considering a food ware ordinance that would require Richmond food providers (any restaurant, food vendor, organization, individual, etc. providing prepared food to the public) use only biodegradable or compostable food ware.  There will be three informational events for food providers and the community at large on:

·         Wednesday, July 1^st 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. – Point Richmond Community Center, 130 Washington Ave.

·         Tuesday, July 7^th 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. – Multi-Purpose Room, 440 Civic Center Plaza

·         Friday, July 10^th 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. – Hilltop Mall Conference Room, 2200 Hilltop Mall Rd.

More information, including the research report and draft ordinance, can be found at www.ci.richmond.ca.us/green-to-go.

6.            Recreation Highlights

§  Free Family Movie Series:  The Recreation Department began the Free Family Movie Series on Friday, June 19^th, 2009 where over 60 people enjoyed the first of three movies held at the Memorial Auditorium.

§  July 3^rd, 2009:  The Recreation Department is putting the final touches on the City-wide celebration to be held at Marina Bay Park on the 3^rd of July 2009.  Music, kids play activities, food and other concessions will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the fireworks display will start at approximately 9:30 p.m. 

7.            Public Works

Public Works completed the resurfacing of Jacuzzi Street from the City limits to Central Avenue.  Next week, Public Works will close a very successful 08/09 Fiscal Year with the paving of 40^th Street from Macdonald to Barrett Avenues and 9^th Street from Ripley to Pennsylvania Avenues this week.

Public Works’ Staff Hard at Work Paving City Streets

Public Works’ Staff Hard at Work Paving City Streets

Have a great week!

Lisa Carter, Executive Secretary II, for

Leslie T. Knight, Assistant City Manager/HRM Director, for

Bill Lindsay

City Manager

City of Richmond

450 Civic Center Plaza

Richmond, CA  94804

Phone:   510-620-6512

Fax:        510-620-6542

e-mail:   bill_lindsay@ci.richmond.ca.us