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Mayor and Members of the City Council:
This is the weekly report for the week ending July 18th, 2014.
1. Meeting Notes
The next Special Meeting of the Richmond City Council is scheduled for Tuesday, July 22nd, 2014, at 5:30 PM. The meeting will convene in the City Council Chambers and then move across Civic Center Plaza to the Auditorium for the Public Hearing on the Chevron Refinery Modernization Project, which is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM.
2. City Council Hearing on the Chevron Refinery Modernization Project
On Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 6:30 PM, or as soon thereafter in the Richmond Auditorium (403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA), the City Council will conduct a hearing to receive comments on the certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report, Conditional Use Permit, Design Review Permit and other related approvals or agreements for the Chevron Refinery Modernization Project and any appeal(s) of the Planning Commission action on the Project.
No decision on the Project will be made by the City Council before July 29, 2014. All persons having objections to or wishing to speak in support of the Project may appear and be heard before the City Council on July 22, 2014.
The Notice of Hearing PLN11-089 Chevron Refinery Modernization Project, July 22, 2014, can be found using this link.
3. Richmond Ferry Service – Test Excursion
This past Tuesday, Capital Improvements Project Manager Chad Smalley and I had an opportunity to go on a test run for the planned Richmond ferry service, hosted by the Water Emergency Transit Authority (WETA). Fellow travelers on this excursion included approximately 30 individuals from WETA and staff from other transportation operating and planning agencies.
The 350-passenger high speed ferry left from the ferry terminal in San Francisco, and travelled at a maximum speed of approximately 35 miles per hour past Angel Island, Terminal 1, Brickyard Cove, and the Port of Richmond to Sheridan Point, adjacent to the Ford Assembly Building where Harbour Way meets San Francisco Bay. It made the round trip in approximately one hour, including some waiting time at Sheridan Point to simulate docking time. The one way trip, simulating the commute time for a ferry passenger, was approximately 25 minutes of perhaps the most enjoyable commute experience anyone could have – a smooth ride, with views of three bridges and picturesque islands on San Francisco Bay.
Part of the reason for the excursion was to understand the travel time, which impacts the type of ferry boat that needs to be procured, and which impacts the schedule, crew needs and cost of the service.
We will continue to keep you informed as plans, and policy decisions, are made regarding Richmond ferry service.
4. Belding Garcia Park Summer Activities
Building Blocks for Kids (BBK) Richmond Collaborative and parents from the Belding Garcia neighborhood are hosting free sports and fitness activities each morning in the Belding Garcia Park. The neighborhood parents were so inspired with their new park remodeled in October 2013 that they decided to continue the momentum. Park activities started June 9th and will continue through August 15th. The parent group is also part of West Contra Costa Unified School District’s summer lunch program.
On the first day of programming, 92 children were served lunch in the park. Following lunch, they were given a dose of healthy outdoor play. On July 14th, lunches were distributed to 167 kids, 19 adults participated in a one hour Zumba class, and 20 adults and children participated in a one hour yoga class. The average daily count of children coming to the park is about 100. With lunch being served Monday through Friday all summer, BBK and the parent group will likely have a “dose” of 49 lunch and healthy play days: 49 days x 100 kids per day = 4,900 visits to the park!!
5. Parchester Village Park Design Day
This past Wednesday, neighbors from Parchester Village participated in Design Day for a planned renovation of the Parchester Community Center Park. Upon arrival children and parents took a glimpse at the visual wall that had a variety of playground designs and concepts. To kick-off the evening, neighbors had a warm welcome from funders Mitzi Rivas and Amie Garcia from Livie and Luca. Following the welcome, Jared Fesler from NSP3 introduced playground designs and concepts. During the presentation there were sweet whispers, smiles, and giggles. The whispers and smiles were then illustrated by the children when paper was handed out and they were asked to design their dream playground. Imaginations went to work, and some of the outcomes included round monkey bars, a rock climber, slides, and swings. After the imagination process, dinner was served. Children were then dismissed to participate in Capture the Flag led by staff from the Boys & Girls Club of El Sobrante.
While children were busy trying to capture the flag for their team, parents discussed their wishes and dreams for their park. Parents worked in teams and had rich dialogue, with participants meeting their next door neighbors for the very first time. Adults would like to see picnic tables, BBQ area, baseball benches, and a water feature. Parents and adults also signed up to assist with the remaining part of the planning process through September, as well as the programmatic planning process upon the project’s completion.
6. Funders Visit Pilot Summer Day Camps
On Friday, July 11th, the Scully Foundation, Bechtel Foundation, and Chamberlain Family Foundation visited the two summer pilot programs being hosted at Nevin Community Center and Shields-Reid Community Center. The morning started off with the Ed Fund and the City of Richmond providing a brief summary about the pilot programs. Following this briefing, groups were escorted to each of the sites to meet the children, recreation staff, and school day teachers all who are making this pilot a success.
The City of Richmond, West Contra Costa Unified School District and the Ed Fund continue to raise awareness about the new model being introduced. Youth have been participating in a dynamic, high quality summer experience. Teachers from Verde and Peres Elementary schools are serving as the academic coaches while recreation staff are serving as the recreation coaches. The pilot programs offer a fun, project-based curriculum that incorporates social-emotional learning, academic enrichment, and physical activity. In addition to daily camp activities, children have been taking weekly field-trips to the Richmond Plunge along with attending other off-site field-trips. Camp registration is still open and will be operational through the end of the summer.
7. Music on the Main
On Wednesday, July 23rd from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Richmond Main Street will host Music on the Main on the corner of Marina Way and Macdonald Avenue. Come enjoy music, food and fun for the entire family!
8. 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 a standing organizational development team of select City staff members to discuss strategies to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness;
- Met with community members to discuss local hire provisions of the propsed Chevron modernization project;
- Met with Ric Ambrose, Executive Director, and Andi Biren, Boardmember, of the Richmond Art Center to discuss future partnership opportunities;
- Attended a “trial run” commute for the Richmond Ferry (see item 3 of this report);
- Discussed the franchise agreement renewal process with representatives from PG&E;
- Attended the quarterly update meeting for Chevron’s Economic Revitalization Initiative, together with Employment & Training Director Sal Vaca;
- Participated in a conference call with an investor/developer, together with Economic Development Manager Janet Johnson, to discuss opportunities in Richmond;
- Attended a demonstration of a mobile-app to accept and respond to resident service requests;
- Discussed ways to enhance overtime expenditure controls with Finance Director Jim Goins, Police Chief Chris Magnus, and Fire Chief Michael Banks;
- Attended my regular monthly meeting with WCCUSD School 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.
9. 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, 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 July 14th, crews continued installation of walers and permanent struts, allowing for the removal of approximately half of the temporary steel struts that were suspended above the roadway. In order to expedite this work, crews plan to work on Saturday, June 28th, and hand work (i.e. no heavy equipment) to assemble the rebar can be expected to start at 7:00 AM on most days. Also during the week of July 14th, excavation and tieback installation at the pump station was completed.
For the week of July 21st, waler and strut installation will continue, and is anticipated to continue for approximately four additional weeks. Also, the floor of the pump station will be constructed, and storm drains will be installed at Pierson Avenue (in front of PG&E).
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.
10. 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 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.
11. Information Technology (IT) Department Updates
Community Wi-Fi
Staff met with Internet Archive to install an additional Wi-Fi repeater on the City’s tower. This additional repeater will increase the coverage area in Richmond. Additional antennas are needed to build redundancy.
Website Statistics
Below are the top ten web page searches on the City of Richmond’s website for the fourth quarter ending June 30th.
IT/KCRT Image of the Week
Highlight Video of the City of Richmond’s 3rd of July 2014 Celebration
Please visit the following link to watch a wonderful video of the 3rd of July festivities:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/lvmojsdp4fti6zi/Sequence%2001%20WMP%20HD.wmv
12. How Does a Writer Coach Measure Success?
“How do we (writer coaches) know that the work we have done over the year matters? We fine tune our expectations and celebrate the victories we can pinpoint such as finally becoming comfortable with our student we have been coaching all year and unpacking the stereotype that Richmond students are unmotivated. I have discovered through my work as a writer coach that every young person wants to do their best and know that their life matters.” This is an excerpt from a blog written by Jana Haertl, Writer Coach, Richmond High School.
Sign-up to be a Volunteer Writer Coach at Richmond or Kennedy High School ~ and register for a training today!
RCH3: Thursdays, August 14 & August 21, 2014 from 9:30-12:30 pm at Kennedy High School
RCH4: Wednesday, August 20 & August 27, 2014 from 6:00-9:00 pm at Pt. Richmond First United Methodist Church
RCH5: Tuesdays, September 2 & September 9, 2014 from 12:00-3:00 pm at Richmond High School
RCH6: Wednesdays, September 10 & September 17, 2014 from 12:00-3:00 pm at Richmond High School
To register go to http://www.writercoachconnection.org/volunteer-registration.html or contact the Richmond Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator June Pangelinan at june@writercoachconnection.org or at (510) 685-7054.
13. West Macdonald Avenue Undergrounding Project
PG&E Rule 20A is an ongoing program that provides for undergrounding of overhead utility lines that is funded through a small surcharge on utility bills. A PG&E Rule 20A Electric Underground Conversion Project for the West Macdonald Avenue area between 5th Street and the Richmond Parkway is nearing completion.
The West Macdonald Avenue undergrounding project was initially brought forward to City Council by Engineering Department and Redevelopment staff in 2007 as part of the rehabilitation of Macdonald Avenue. Staff from PG&E and the City presented this approximately $4 million project to the Iron Triangle Neighborhood Council in the fall of 2013. This project provided underground electric service and utilities in the area and provided much needed area improvements that included ADA curb ramps and upgraded street lighting. The project also allowed for certain private property owners to upgrade their electrical service from 60 to 100 amperage panel units. City Public Works staff are adding the finishing touches by installing new street signs.
A summary of the West Macdonald Avenue Underground Project is as follows:
· Twenty-five new street light poles;
· Eighteen new ADA ramps installed;
· Twenty-four steel and one wooden pole removed and a number of the old metal trolley poles;
· Approximately 18,000 square feet of new cement, sidewalk work;
· Approximately 29,000 square feet of new street AC work;
· Approximately 8,500 linear feet of trenching performed to underground electric, phone and cable utilities.
Public Works Updates
Facilities Mainenance Division: Carpenters repaired the multipurpose room doors at Nevin Center, replaced broken light fixtures in the Children’s Library, and have been monitoring the water quality at the Richmond Plunge.
Painters repaired drywall and painted in the Main Library staff area, and painted in various locations within the Nevin Community Center.
Stationary Engineers performed preventative maintenance to the Library’s main boiler, repaired the apparatus door at Fire Station #64, repaired the automatic gate at Fire Station #68, cleaned the air handling tunnels at the Richmond Auditorium, and replaced the supply valve for the heating system to the City Manager’s area.
Electricians repaired the Marina Bay Trail lights, fixed the lights at the Veterans Memorial Park, attended to a damaged pole on Regatta Boulevard, and replaced a green light signal on Richmond Parkway and Gertrude Avenue.
Parks and Landscaping Division: Crews repaired the door and roof of the well pump building within Nicholl Park, fixed the fence on Carlson Boulevard, replanted the roses around the Civic Center marquee, delivered mulch for an upcoming “Work Party” event, repaired a broken irrigation line at the Plunge, started the playlot project at 9th Street and the Greenway, performed weed abatement and general maintenance on the Richmond Parkway, and performed irrigation checks/repairs at Parchester, Bay Vista, Country Club Vista and Hilltop Green Parks.
Tree crews trimmed trees along Bissell Avenue, Carlston Street, Garvin Avenue, 34th Street, Barrett Avenue, South 18th Street, and at LaMoine Park.
Streets Division: Staff grinded and paved Buena Vista Avenue and Montana Avenue, as well as worked from the outstanding pothole and sidewalk list.
Street sweeping performed commercial sweeping services for the second Monday and the third Tuesday through Friday in May Valley, Vista View, Clinton Hill I, North Richmond, Iron Triangle, North and South Belding Woods, Atchison Village, Santa Fe, Coronado, Marina Bay, and Point Richmond neighborhood council areas.
Signs and Lines staff installed 14 new signs and poles, repaired 18 signs, and installed 2 new Rosie the Riveter Signs and footings.
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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
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