Mayor and Members of the City Council:

This is the weekly report for the week ending March 3, 2017.

• 1. Meeting Notes

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 7th beginning with a Closed Session at 5:00 PM, followed by the regular meeting at 6:30 PM. The agenda may be found by clicking this link: Richmond City Council Agenda Packet.

• 2. Landslide Impacting Via Verdi Roadway

 The City of Richmond is currently monitoring a landslide that originates on private property above Via Verdi (near El Portal) and is impacting the roadway. To date, there is no indication of a catastrophic failure, and the City will maintain the roadway and the sidewalk to ensure continuous, safe vehicular and pedestrian access to the neighborhood.

The slope movement uphill from, underneath, and downhill from the Via Verdi roadway has the potential to impact buried utilities. The City is working with East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), West County Wastewater District (WCWD), and Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) to ensure that utility services in the area remain uninterrupted.

The City has also hired a geotechnical engineering team to investigate the slope movement for at least a period of several weeks. The City will then continue to monitor the slope movement and will work with the geotechnical team to develop a remediation and mitigation program based on the results of the geotechnical investigations.

To receive future Via Verdi email updates, please send your email address to Tawfic Halaby, Senior Civil Engineer, at tawfic_halaby@ci.richmond.ca.us.  Tawfic can be reached at (510) 621-1612 if you have any questions.

• 3. Help Build a Park in ONE Day!

Join Richmond volunteers on March 17th from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM as they transform Wendell Park with all new play structures, fun activities, and more!

You’re invited to help us make Richmond more playful by creating a new place for kids to play with the help of the City of Richmond, Richmond Friends of Recreation, and Target. The project is in partnership with KaBOOM!, the national nonprofit dedicated to giving kids the childhood they deserve by bringing play to those who need it most.

The playground build begins early in the morning with volunteers arriving at an empty site. Within hours, KaBOOM! leads volunteers to transform the space into a vibrant neighborhood-gathering place. Come witness the transformation yourself! You can join as a community volunteer for the entire day, or you can visit as an observer during any part of the day. Refreshments will be provided.

You can volunteer on Build Day or join us for the prep days. Join us on the big day or help us prep on the 14th, 15th, or 16th for the big reveal. Sign up to volunteer here: https://www.tfaforms.com/4600466

8:30 AM – 3:00 PM, Friday, March 17, 2017
Wendell Park 2424 Wendell Ave
Richmond, CA 94804

For more info:
Guadalupe Morales
(510) 620-6553
guadalupe_morales@ci.richmond.ca.us

• 4. Financial Aid and Richmond Promise Deadline Next Friday, March 10!

The Richmond Promise scholarship deadline is this Friday, March 10.  The Promise  team will be hosting workshops this week on March 7, 9, and 10 to assist high school seniors and families complete applications!

Richmond Promise Scholarship Workshops

Student & Family Workshops:

• Dates: Tuesday, March 7th; Thursday, March 9th; Friday, March 10th
• Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Location: 450 Civic Center Plaza

Events are free, and no RSVP is required.

Please encourage the eligible high school seniors in your life to apply!

The application can be found at www.richmondpromise.org.

Questions? Contact us at info@richmondpromise.org or 510-761-7231.

• 5. 3rd Annual NIAD Art Installation – March 10th

You're invited to the 3rd Annual NIAD Art Installation open house on March 10th from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Office of Mayor Butt.  Join us as we view new art pieces featured in the office, hang out with NIAD Art Center artists, and enjoy refreshments. Contact the Mayor’s Office at (510) 620-6503 for more information.

• 6. FY2016-17 Mid-Year Budget Review

An important part of evaluating the City’s budget performance is by completing a thorough mid-year budget review.  In completing this review, staff conducts a comparison of actual results to budget estimates to determine whether revenues and expenditures are on target or need to be adjusted.

Last week, the City Council reviewed and approved the fiscal year (FY) 2016-17 Mid-Year Review Budget that was presented by Finance Department staff.  In brief, the budget remains balanced, with adjustments to both operating revenues and expenditures resulting in an estimated ending surplus of $1,890.

The FY 2016-17 Mid-Year Budget Report can be found on the City’s Finance Department webpage: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/41864.

• 7. June 30, 2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

On February 27th, 2016, the City of Richmond issued its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the Year Ended June 30, 2016 with an unqualified opinion from the City’s external auditors, Maze & Associates. The CAFR presents the financial position and results of the City’s operations, as well as cash flows of its proprietary funds for the fiscal year that ended. In conjunction with the issuance of the CAFR, the City’s application for the Excellence in Financial Reporting Award will be submitted to the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).  This certificate of achievement, which the City has received in each of the past nine years, is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. 

The CAFR was completed by members of the Finance Department and staff from other City departments, and I very much appreciate their efforts.

The City’s CAFRs, dating back to Fiscal Year 2001-2002, are all available online at the following link: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=1000.

• 8. Sales Tax Receipts Analysis for 3rd Quarter 2016

This past week, Finance Department staff met with the City’s sales tax consultant, MuniServices, to review sales tax figures for the 3rd Quarter of 2016.  Richmond experienced an increase of 2.9% in its Sales Tax Net Cash Receipts for the 3rd Quarter of 2016 compared to the same quarter in 2015.

Of significance, the Business To Business category, which had seen significant decreases the previous quarters, experienced an increase of 4% in this quarter, although still seeing a 16.7% decrease year over year. This category includes the segments of Energy Sales, Light Industry and Chemical Products. The previous decreases are attributed to the drop in oil prices.

Richmond’s tax base is led by the Transportation category, which currently makes up 30.0% of the sales tax revenue. The main segment within this category is new car sales. The second most important category is General Retail, which makes up 27.8% of the sales tax revenue. This category is driven, to a great extent, by large retailers such as Target, Costco and Wal-Mart.

The Finance Department will continue to closely monitor the actual revenue submitted by the State Board of Equalization, the local trends developing in Richmond and the projections provided by MuniServices.

• 9. City Manager Chronicles

 
I have listed below some of the topics for meetings that I attended during the past week in the hope that it provides an idea of the varied issues with which our organization deals routinely.

Meetings of note this past week included:

• Met with Stan Hakes and Kent Alm, Executive Director and Counsel, respectively, of the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Agency (RecycleMore), along with Administrative Chief Shasa Curl, Environmental Manager Adam Lenz, and Senior Deputy City Attorney  Everett Jenkins, to discuss participation by the City of Richmond in this solid waste joint powers authority;
• Participated in a phone call with PG&E Government Affaris Manager Treva Reid, along with Capital Improvements Program Manager Yader Bermudez, to discuss PG&E’s tower maintenance program;
• Met with a group of staff from various departments to discuss coordination of activities related to the implementation of the Rent Control ordinance;
• Met together with representatives from all of the various bargaining units, the Human Resources Department, and the Finance Department, to hear a presentation regarding alternative funding methods for retiree medical benefits;
• Attended my semi-monthly “check-in” with Richmond Promise Executive Director Jessie Stewart;
• Attended an interview, along with Administrative Chief Shasa Curl, and Management Analyst Gabino Arredondo, with a researcher that is doing work on “health in all policies” programs;
• Met with staff from several departments to discuss the process for preparing a Request for Proposals for electrical services at Pt. Molate;
• Met with City staff members involved in the implementation of the Rent Control ordinance, and consultants, to review the status of this project;
• Attended my monthly “check-in” meeting with the Chevron Refinery manager and staff;
• Met with several sponsors of youth development programs, and life skills programs in Richmond.

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.

• 10. ServiceWorks is Here in Richmond, Volunteer with Us!

ServiceWorks, powered by the City of Richmond Community Services Department in partnership with AmeriCorps, the Citi Foundation, and Points of Light, is a groundbreaking, national program that engages 16-24 year olds in Skill Building, Volunteering, and Success Coaching as strategies to help address barriers to youth economic opportunity within targeted communities in ten major cities throughout the country. Richmond was selected as one of these communities.

Through ServiceWorks, program participants -- also known as Service Scholars -- gain critical leadership and workplace skills, strengthen their networks and community connections, AND receive an opportunity to apply these skills by volunteering and leading their own community service projects.

There is a range of ways for volunteers to support ServiceWorks, and we are recruiting Success Coaches, Workshop Facilitators, and Recruiters to help. Whether you have just a day, a few hours a week, or a few hours to commit each month, you can help empower Service Scholars to articulate a vision for their futures, take steps to accomplish their goals, and leverage their networks to overcome any obstacles they may be facing in reaching their goals.

Come and volunteer with ServiceWorks to help youth become the leaders of tomorrow. Contact Vanessa Chau at (510) 620-6552 or email Vanessa_Chau@ci.richmond.ca.us for more information and to RSVP for a training session.

• 11. Richmond - ECIA Community Grant Program – Application Now Available

The Richmond – ECIA Competitive Grant Program is funded by the City of Richmond’s Environmental and Community Investment Agreement (ECIA) with the Chevron Refinery.  Governmental entities and non-profit organizations (with 501(c)(3) tax status) that provide services focused on the community, youth, and youth sports to Richmond residents are all eligible to apply. Grants will be awarded on an annual basis and awards will range from $2,500 to $50,000. 

The guidelines and application was released on Friday, February 3rd, and can be accessed at www.ci.richmond.ca.us/eciagrants. Applications are due on Monday, March 20, 2017 by 5:00 PM. For all questions or comments, please connect with us at eciagrants@ci.richmond.ca.us or (510) 620-6828.
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• 12. Share Your Ideas! Caltrans District 4 Bicycle Plan Survey for the Bay Area

Caltrans wants your input!  Please take a moment to complete a brief survey for the Caltrans District 4 Bicycle Plan.  Caltrans is developing a Bicycle Plan for the Bay Area to improve bicycling on and across the State-owned transportation network.  This Plan builds on the California State Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and complements regional and local planning efforts to help create a connected, comfortable, and safer bicycle network for the Bay Area.

This survey is one of the public’s opportunities to help shape the bicycle network in their local communities and the Bay Area region.  Caltrans wants to hear from as many residents as possible. The survey is available in English and Spanish.  Please visit the Caltrans website to learn more and to sign up for updates.

English and Spanish Survey link: http://bit.ly/d4bikeplan
Website link:  www.dot.ca.gov/d4/bikeplan/

For more information, please contact Sergio Ruiz, Pedestrian & Bicycle Coordinator/Branch Chief, Caltrans District 4 at (510) 622-5773.

• 13. Community Services Highlights

Black History Celebration

Approximately 165 community members attended the annual Black History Celebration on Saturday, February 25th, at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium. The East Bay Center for the Performing Arts treated guests to West African drumming and dancing. Professor Manu Ampim from Contra Costa College spoke on the theme “Crisis in Black Education”. Participants were also entertained by Richmond Diamonds and Nice GANGS from the Richmond Police Activities League. TyJohn Sykes from the RYSE Center delivered a spoken word titled “Old and New Slavery”, while the Richmond Black Diamonds entertained the crowd with spectacular cheerleading performances.

Former Councilmember Nathaniel Bates, Mr. Eli Williams, Ms. Myrtle Braxton, and Ms. Naomi Williams, were honored and recognized for their invaluable contributions to the community. The event ended with a brief “fashion show” and a raffle drawing.

Thank you to Ristorante Salute, Lilly’s New Orleans Café, Curbside Kitchen, and Berkeley Ironworks for their generous prize donations.

Commission on Aging

• 14. Information Technology

Website Statistics

For the week ending 03/03/2017

KCRT DATANET OF THE WEEK


City of Richmond Mobile APP UPDATE
The City of Richmond’s mobile phone app is available on the Apple App store and Google Play store. 
 

This City of Richmond mobile app provides Richmond’s community members with one-stop access to City services and information via mobile devices. The app allows quick and real-time reporting of neighborhood-related issues; viewing the City’s Events Calendar; finding addresses and phone numbers of local businesses, city departments and council members. Locating one of Richmond’s numerous parks, and welcoming libraries and community centers, including reserving rental space for that special occasion are all done with ease!

You may view the City’s mobile app on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i4W1wVvB9fw

The City of Richmond is looking forward to feedback from the community on this upgraded Mobile App. We welcome your comments at webservices@ci.richmond.ca.us

• 15. Engineering/CIP Departments

Engineering Division

Over the last week, there were numerous calls concerning Via Verdi road condition (see item [2], above). A large, noticeable dip and variations in the pavement and sidewalk caused staff to go the location and assess the road conditions. Upon inspection, it was discovered that there is a landslide up slope from Via Verdi, and utilities needed to be temporarily relocated above ground to avoid damage from the active slide.

Via Verdi Inspection

Streets Division
 
Paving crews worked from the outstanding pothole list in various locations around the City and cleared the mud from the slide on Santa Fe Avenue.

Mudslide on Santa Fe Avenue

Street sweeping staff performed commercial and residential sweeping services for the fourth Monday and Tuesday and the first Wednesday through Friday in the Santa Fe, Point Richmond, Marina Bay, Coronado, Metro Richmore Village, Pullman Cortez/Stege, Park Plaza, Laurel Park, City Center, 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 neighborhood council areas.

Signs and Lines staff repaired nine signs and poles, installed 29 new signs and poles, and fabricated 34 new signs.

• 16. Infrastructure Maintenance and Operations

Abatement Division

Abatement crews cleared vacant lots, cleaned a private property, repaired the fence at Terminal 1, and continued removing graffiti and illegal dumping throughout the City.

Terminal 1 Fence Repair

Abatement of Private Property

Illegal Dumping

Graffiti Removal

Code Enforcement

The property pictured below has been the source of many complaints and ongoing enforcement activity due to the lack of property maintenance. This past December, a complaint was lodged due to the large amount of debris accumulation in the front yard. Once inspected, it was determined that the property was again in violation of the Richmond Municipal Code – Storage within public view, after a previous notification within the year. Two months and two citations later, the property was brought into compliance.

Abated Property

Facilities Maintenance

Carpenters installed white boards in the Engineering Department, fixed bookcases in the Recreation complex, and secured the building next to the Bowling Green at Nicholl Park.

Painters completed two restrooms and one utility room at the Auditorium.

Utility Workers cleaned the carpet at Employment and Training and the Police buildings, cleaned the kitchen area at the May Valley Community Center, set up various rooms for events, and maintained 29 City-owned facilities.

Carpet Cleaning at the Police Department

Electricians repaired a traffic light at 23rd Street and Bissell Avenue, installed new lights for the Nicholl Park baseball field, and attended the forklift training class.

Lighting Installation at Nicholl Park

Stationary Engineers repaired the burner in boiler #5, replaced terperature gauge in hot water heater of 440 Civic Center Plaza, replaced rope on flag poles in Civic Center Plaza, fixed the furnace in Fire Station #64, installed the cross beam sensor in an apparatus door of Fire Station #64, unclogged sewer line at Fire Station #64, repaired plumbing issues at the Corporation Yard, replaced a sump pump in Pt. Molate, replaced the smoke detector in the 12th Street Parking Garage and performed maintenance in the kitchen of the Auditorium.

Parks and Landscaping Division:  
General maintenance crews repaired a fence on the Greenway, assisted with the installation of new lights at Nicholl Park, trimmed ivy at Wendell Park, picked up trash on the Greenway, and assisted the tree crew with downed trees.

Ivy Trimming at Wendell Park

The tree crew cut or trimmed trees on South 24th Street, Wiswall Drive, Dimm Street, near Hilltop Marriot, and on the Greenway next to Lincoln School.

Hilltop Districtcrews continued with weed abatement on Richmond Parkway, continued maintenance around Hilltop Mall business area, continued tree trimming on Hilltop Drive, and weed abated around Vista Del Mar Park.

Marina District crews renovated the playground at Barbara J. Vincent Park by removing the sand and placing fiber, continued weed abatement, mulched planter beds, and removed damaged tree next to Rosie the Riveter Memorial.

Barbara J. Vincent Park Renovations

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