Subject: City Manager’s Weekly Report for the Week Ending June 13th, 2014
 
Mayor and Members of the City Council:
This is the weekly report for the week ending June 13th, 2014.
1. Meeting Notes
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17th, 2014, beginning with a Closed Session at 5:00 PM, followed by the regular Council agenda
at 6:30 PM. Please note that there is a Special Meeting of the City Council scheduled for Wednesday, June 18th beginning at 6:30 PM to begin discussions on the City’s FY 2014-15 budget.
2. Chevron Richmond Refinery Proposed Modernization Project Community Workshop #2
This past Thursday, the City hosted a discussion regarding potential Chevron-funded community health and wellness conditions of approval to be associated with the proposed Chevron Refinery Modernization Project. This was a follow-up to the workshop held on May 28th on this topic. The presentation that was made at this workshop, and the discussion draft of specific health and wellness conditions of approval, are provided in the links below:
Health and Wellness Conditions of Approval Presentation_6-12
Discussion Draft: Health and Wellness Conditions of Approval
The next stage in the project review process will be at the Planning Commission on July 9th and 10th. In the meantime, for more information, please call (510) 620-6512, or visit http://www.chevronmodernization.com.
3. Richmond Ferry Service – An Update
The Richmond Ferry Terminal project, which would be located at Sheridan Point at the base of Harbour Way across from the Ford Building, is expected to receive final California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) clearance from the Water Emergency Transit Authority (WETA) by summer 2014. In addition, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) will review a ferry service “white paper” at its meeting next Wednesday, June 18th. This “white paper” evaluates each of the proposed Contra Costa terminal sites – Richmond, Antioch, Martinez, and Hercules.
This white paper shows that the Richmond terminal site would have more passengers, a higher farebox recovery (and therefore a lower operating subsidy), lower operating expenses, and the least terminal and vessel costs, than the three other Contra Costa sites. And, the differences in these attributes are not small: average daily boardings would be nearly three times greater in Richmond than the next best site in Contra Costa County; farebox recovery percentage would be twice the amount in Richmond as compared with the next best site; terminal and vessel capital costs would be $17 million lower in Richmond (at $34 million) when compared with the next best site ($51 million) in Contra Costa County. It would be difficult to justify any conclusion that Contra Costa ferry service should not be in Richmond.
As mentioned above, the CCTA Board will review this ferry study at its meeting of Wednesday, June 18th. While it will be presented as a study session – not as an action item, it is the next of several important steps in the process to bring ferry service to Richmond. The decision is of interest to CCTA because the operating cost of the ferry service will need to be subsidized by Measure J funds.
I will keep you informed as this project moves forward.
4. 2013 Supplemental Web Survey Results (Non-Scientific Survey)
As part of its participation in The National Citizen Survey™ (The NCS), the City of Richmond conducted a mailed survey of 3,000 residents. Surveys were mailed to randomly selected households in April 2013 and data was collected through early June 2013. After the official data collection period was over and the data were reported, the City made available the web-based survey to its residents through a link on the City’s web site. Visitors to the site were able to complete the survey from June 2013 through December 2013, and 282 surveys were received. The results from the non-scientific survey are included in the 2013 Supplemental Web Survey Report at http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/index.aspx?nid=2745.
5. Improvements to the San Pablo Dam Road Interchange at I-80
In preparation for future improvements to the San Pablo Dam Road Interchange at I-80, El Portal Drive, near Glenlock Street in the City of San Pablo, will be temporarily closed to allow for the advance relocation of underground utilities.
The roadway closure is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 23rd, 2014, and is anticipated to continue into August 2014. The closure limits on El Portal Drive will be between Glenlock Street and the entrance ramp to westbound I-80 (towards San Francisco), near the Shell Gas Station. Access to/from Glenlock Street from/to El Portal Drive and all entrance and exit ramps will remain open at all times during construction. The sidewalk on El Portal Drive within the road closure segment will remain open at all times, except as needed, when construction activities require temporary closure for public safety.
Detour signs will be posted to inform drivers of alternative routes to reach their destination during the roadway closure. Electronic changeable message signs will be placed in strategic locations on city streets to minimize traffic delays and public inconvenience.
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and project partners, including the cities of San Pablo and Richmond, Contra Costa County, and Caltrans, are making every effort to provide opportunities for project neighbors to stay informed about this construction work.
More information about the project can be found at:
http://www.ccta.net/projects/project/38.
The project hotline’s number is (510) 277-0444.
Thank you for your cooperation during this essential work.
6. WriterCoach Connection is Coming to a Richmond High School Near You…
WriterCoach Connection, working in partnership with the City of Richmond’s impact volunteering program, Richmond Excellence Serving Our Community, and funding from Cities of Service, has recruited over 100 volunteers for Richmond High School in 2013-14 to work with 184 students, and is poised to recruit another hundred volunteers as the program prepares to expand to Kennedy High School in the fall of 2014.
WriterCoach brings volunteer writer coaches into classrooms to work one-on-one with high school students to improve their writing skills. The organization has partnered with dynamic teachers, motivated students and talented community partners all working to ensure that students get the support they need to strengthen their writing skills.
All we need now is for you to step up to become a volunteer too!
Upcoming Trainings: Wednesdays, June 11th & June 18th from 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM.
If you are interested in becoming a writing coach, please contact June Pangelinan at june@writercoachconnection.org or (510) 685-7054; or register directly at
http://www.writercoachconnection.org/volunteer.html.
7. City’s Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS) and Peacemaker Fellowship featured by International Media Outlet Al Jazeera America News – America Tonight
The City of Richmond Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS) and its Peacemaker Fellowship was recently profiled for its approach to reducing firearm assaults and associated injury in the City of Richmond. The efforts of the ONS continue to attract positive attention and inform the field of violence intervention and interruption through the development and implementation of promising practices.
To read, view and listen to the recently aired interview click on link below:
http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/america-tonight.html
8. Parchester Park Project 2014
Please join Parchester Neighborhood Council on Wednesday, July 16th at 5:30 PM to help design a new play space at Parchester Park. The planning team continues to meet every Wednesday from 10:30 AM to 12:00 NOON at Parchester Community Center. Together City personnel are working with Parchester residents, Boys & Girls Club of El Sobrante, and NSP3 playground company to identify ideas to present to the residents at Design Day!
9. Free Mural Classes for Teens at the Richmond Art Center
The Richmond Art Center is offering a free mural painting class for teens, age 13 - 18. Teens will learn traditional and urban mural painting techniques from leading Bay Area muralist Fred Alvarado. Mr. Alvarado will lead teens in designing and painting a Richmond-themed mural. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
Class will be held from June 9th - July 31st on Tuesdays & Thursdays, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This free class is part of the Richmond Art Center's traveling Art in the Community Program which brings art experiences to people all across Richmond.
Learn more and apply at: http://www.therac.org/mural.html or call (510) 620-6772.
10. 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.
A substantial amount of time was spent on issues related to the FY 2014-15 budget. Other activities and meeting topics during the past week have included:
- Meeting with representatives from the City’s art organizations (Richmond Art Center, NIAD, East Bay Center for the Performing Arts) to discuss the City’s financial situation;
- Meeting with representatives from the Water Emergency Transit Authority (WETA) to discuss the status of the work to bring ferry service to Richmond;
- Attendance at the quarterly meeting with the City’s Emergency Operations Center working group;
- Attending the monthly Contra Costa County Public Managers Association (which consists of city managers of the nineteen cities in the County and the County administrator);
- Meeting with staff from the Finance Department and the Housing Authority to review internal procedures for timely cash transfers from the Housing Authority to the City for City-provided services;
- Meeting with Be a Mentor and Richmond Police Activities League (PAL) to discuss ways in which to promote volunteer mentoring in the City.
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.
11. Opening Reception at the Richmond Art Center
Stop by the Richmond Art Center on Saturday, June 14th from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, to enjoy the new summer exhibitions featuring the work of emerging and established Bay Area artists, including many Richmond artists, at the opening reception. “Ruth Braunstein: Focus on Clay,” featuring works from Bay Area art icon Ruth Braunstein’s private collection of clay objects with works by Peter Voulkos, Robert Brady, Richard Shaw, Win Ng and Robert Arneson; “Sculpture!;” “Slusky and Sullivan: Sculptures, Drawings and Related Antics;” and the “Annual Members Show.” Plus live music by Yolanda Alicia, Lichi Fuentes and Javier Trujillo. More information can be found at www.therac.org.
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.
During the week of June 9th, roadway excavation was completed, remaining mass excavation is limited to Jetty Drive and the pump station. Storm drain installation continued, and is approximately 75% complete.
The fourth 24-hour a day weekend closure window will take place the weekend of June 14th. During this closure window, a crane will be placed on the new railroad bridge for placement of two 14 foot long approach slabs, made of precast concrete and weighting 18,000 lbs. each. Also during this window, a concrete fascia beam will be installed, and waterproofing materials will be placed on the bridge underneath the tracks. Work can be expected from 8:00 AM on Saturday, June 14th through 6:00 AM Monday, June 16th. The approach slabs are scheduled to be installed beginning Saturday evening, with waterproofing installation during warmer hours of the day on Sunday. The railroad will be also be performing work of their own during this closure window, in order to minimize disruption to the community.
For the week of June 16th, storm drain installation will be completed, the roadway subgrade will be lime treated, and the third level of tiebacks will be installed at the pump station.
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. Literacy for Every Adult Program (LEAP) is Looking for You!
LEAP will celebrate 30 years of service on September 21, 2014. We want to thank the many volunteer tutors and students, as well as community service providers, who have supported and shaped LEAP’s success. Who are the LEAPster’s? What are their stories? In the next three months we will be collecting stories and photos to create a memorable timeline and history of the program. Are you part of this history? Please let us know and tell us the part that you played. Feel free to submit your information by email to leapvolunteerinfor@gmail.com with the subject heading: LEAP 30 Year Story. If you have any questions or want to assist with our plans, feel free to contact Sherry Drobner at (510) 307-8082 or sherry_drobner@ci.richmond.ca.us.
14. Recreation Highlights
Richmond Tennis
The Richmond Tennis Association (RTA) TGIF Socials in April and May at Nicholl Park were a great time had by all; however due to scheduling difficulties, the June RTA Tennis Social has been cancelled. Please mark July 11th on your calendar for the next fun event!
15. Public Works Updates
Facilities Mainenance Division: Construction of the housing for the Main Library Emergency Generator has begun. The generator will be enclosed to prevent damage and/or theft, as well to keep the library functional during times of power loss.
Construction of Emergency Generator
Carpenters installed large display panels in the Richmond Auditorium lobby, repaired entrance doors of the Auditorium, resolved an exit door issue at the Main Library, and addressed inspection concerns at the Auditorium.
Painters continued painting the canopy framework at Civic Center Plaza, as well as wall assemblys in the Auditorium.
Stationary Engineers restored the air conditioning at the May Valley Police Substation, replaced water heater supply lines at Fire Station #63, changed the water closet at the Emergency Communications Center, cleared waste line for the Main Library, cleared the shower drains at the Plunge, and completed furnace maintenance at the Fire Stations.
Utility Workers cleaned carpets in 440 Civic Center Plaza, cleaned the windows at Civic Center Plaza, set up Council Chambers for testing, and maintained 29 City owned buildings.
Council Chambers Set-up for Testing
Parks and Landscaping Division: Crews continued work cutting in the High Fire Severity Zones, trimmed shrubs at Lamoine and Nicholl Parks, repaired the irrigation on the bowling green at Nicholl Park, completed irrigation repairs at the Main Library, completed weed abatement on a portion of the Richmond Parkway, and continued work on the pathway project along the Richmond Parkway.
Shrub Trimming at LaMoine Park
Richmond Parkway Pathway Project
Tree crews cut, trimmed or removed trees along Macdonald Avenue and at the Richmond Plunge.
Streets Division: Staff grinded and paved on San Benito Street and on a portion of 13th Street. Crews also worked from the outstanding pothole and sidewalk list.
Paving on San Benito Street
Street sweeping performed commercial 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 fabricated 110 signs and decals, installed 13 new signs and poles, repaired 31 signs and poles, and repainted 20 feet of curbs.
Equipment Services Division: Staff repaired and/or serviced 19 Police cars, 15 Public Works vehicles and 6 Fire Department vehicles. Staff also decommissioned 4 cars to send to auction and placed 2 new Richmond Police Department patrol cars into service.
New Caprice Police Vehicle
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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
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