Sent on behalf of City Manager Carlos Martinez
 
Hon. Mayor and Members of the City Council:
This is the report for the week ending December 21st, 2018.
1. Meeting Notes
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 15th, 2019. Enjoy the upcoming weeks off!
2. Upcoming Events
Richmond Promise Early Scholarship Application Deadline is TODAY, December 21st!
The 2019 Richmond Promise Scholarship application is now available to complete at the Richmond Promise website, richmondpromise.org. To be eligible for the Richmond Promise Scholarship, a student must:
· Be a resident of Richmond or North Richmond (i.e. have a Richmond home
address)
· Have graduated from an eligible High School within the West Contra Costa Unified School District boundary area or received your General Educational Development/High School equivalency between June 2018-19
· Have attended an eligible High School at least 9th-12th grade consecutively
· Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid/Dream Act by the March 2nd, 2019 California Grant deadline.
All students who submit their application by the early deadline on December 21st, will be entered into a raffle to win FREE PRIZES! These include either Apple Air Pods or Beats Headphones.
Once again, the application can be found on the Richmond Promise website:
https://richmondpromise.org/the-scholarship-application/
Please share this opportunity with eligible students in your life!
The FAFSA application for financial aid can be found at https://fafsa.ed.gov/, and
Dream Act application can be found at https://dream.csac.ca.gov/.
Community Services Department Mini-Grant Program Now Open!
Grants of up to $5,000 are available up to provide support for organizations that serve the needs of community, youth, and youth sports. The Mini-Grant program is designed to support organizations that are Richmond-serving and that partner with and/or consistently utilize facilities managed by the Community Services Department.
The grant applications and all relevant attachments for the 2018-2019 fiscal year is must be submitted electronically to recreation@ci.richmond.ca.us by 5:00 PM on December 31, 2018, with attention to Guadalupe Morales at the Community Services Department.
Find more information on how to apply available on the Community Services website.
Rent Program Community Workshops: Rights and Responsibilities for Richmond Tenants and Landlords
City of Richmond Rent Program Community Workshops are held one Saturday each month to inform community members about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Rent, Just Cause for Eviction, and Homeowner Protection Ordinance. The full schedule of 2019 Community Workshops may be accessed at www.richmondrent.org.
The next workshops will take place on January 12, 2019, and February 23, 2019:
Tenant-Oriented Workshop: Landlord-Oriented Workshop
Saturday, January 12, 2019 Saturday, February 23, 2019
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
City Council Chambers City Council Chambers
440 Civic Center Plaza 440 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804 Richmond, CA 94804
Topics for discussion will include:
· Overview of the Rent Ordinance
· Properties subject to the Rent Ordinance
· Rent Control overview
· Just Cause for Eviction Requirements
· The Rent Adjustment Process
· Overview of Important California Civil Codes
Space is limited - RSVP today: https://rentprogram.eventbrite.com
Lifeguard Training
Plan now for a summer (or year-round) job as a Lifeguard! Registration is now open for the next Lifeguarding class offered by the City of Richmond. The class will be held the weekends of February 8th-16th, 2019 at the Richmond Swim Center. Those who pass the class receive an American Red Cross Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid & AED certificate, making them eligible to apply for a Lifeguard job. Precourse information and advanced registration is required to be sure all participants are qualified to take the Lifeguard course. For more information, please call (510) 620-6654 or email the Aquatics Coordinator at paula_cooper-tipton@ci.richmond.ca.us.
3. City Manager’s Office
Recycling and Bulky Item Disposal Options during the Holiday Season
As the holiday season approaches, the City Manager’s Office Community Development, Environmental and Health Initiatives Division encourage residents to consider the options below for disposing of bulky items, bagged items, and
household hazardous waste (HHW). Information regarding all of the programs can be found by visiting, www.richmondenvironment.org. Thank you for taking the time to properly dispose of bulky items, HHW, and other materials in an environmentally responsible manner.
Richmond Bulky Item Pick-up
Richmond Single-family, Duplex and Multi-Family (3-19 units) residents can receive a free Bulky Item pick-up. A limited number of items can be collected.
Please contact Republic Services, (510) 262-7100, at least one week in advance to reserve your Clean-up day. Multi-family property owners or managers must call to schedule a collection. Due to space limitations of our waste collection vehicles, Clean-up day scheduling will be on a first-come, first-serve basis
Household Hazardous Waste
Richmond residents have two locations for disposing of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) conveniently and for free. Please bring proof of residency. For more information on acceptable items, visit http://www.recyclemore.com/content/local-hazardous-waste-collection-facility or call (888) 412-9277.
1) West Contra Costa County Household Hazardous Waste Facility
101 Pittsburg Avenue, Richmond, CA 94801
Open Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Closed: Noon - 12:30 PM)
(888) 412-9277
2) El Cerrito Recycling Center
7501 Schmidt Lane, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Open every Tuesday for HHW Disposal
8:00 AM - 5:45 PM
(510) 215-4350
Holiday Tree Disposal and Recycling Options:
Visit http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/1722/Bulky-Items to view the options for properly disposing of holiday trees. For more information please contact Republic Services at (510) 262-7100.
4. 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 organizations deals routinely.
Meetings and events of note during the past week included:
· Along with Mayor Tom Butt, Economic Development Manager Janet Johnson, Facilities Maintenance Superintendent Mario Vaz, Richmond Main Street Initiative Exec. Dir. Amanda Elliott, and Mayor Butt’s Chief of Staff Alex Knox, I visited the Richmond BART Visitor’s Center to discuss the proposed plans for the space and the production of an upcoming Request for Proposals to develop a Richmond Theme Retail Store at the site.
· I received a tour of the Chevron Refinery with Brian Hubinger and was provided with updates on their civic engagement efforts, ongoing collaboration with our Fire Department, and additional items of mutual interest.
· Met with Shawn Moberg and Bielle Moore from Republic Services and discussed the partnership between the city and their agency.
· Along with staff from the City Manager’s Office, participated in meetings with Management Partners to discuss and strategize the upcoming City Council retreat that will take place in early 2019.
· Discussed with City staff ongoing updates and proposed policy recommendations regarding the Richmond Housing Authority.
- Participated in recurring meetings with the executive directors of the Engineering and Capital Improvements Department and Human Resources Department to receive updates related to their staff, current projects, and provided direction for future implementation of their assigned responsibilities.
- Introduced myself to Ric Ambrose, Executive Director of the Richmond Art Center, and received a tour of the Art Center’s space as well was an overview of their programming and community engagement.
- Met with members of the Richmond Police Officers Association, Human Resources Staff and the Police Department Executive Leadership to discuss ways to continue improving the Department’s Promotional Exam process.
5. City Clerk’s Office
Apply for Your U.S. Passport at Richmond City Hall!
The City of Richmond City Clerk’s Office is accepting passport applications on behalf of the United States Department of State. United States citizens planning international travel may apply for their passport at 450 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 300, during the following hours by appointment only:
Monday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
(Closed 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM – days of operation only)
Please recognize that the area is an operational executive office, and a quiet zone. No drop in service for same day appointments or scheduling future appointments is available at this time; you must call (510) 620-6786 to schedule all appointments.
For application forms, information on documentation required, fees, and a wealth of other passport and international travel information, visit the only official website for passport information – travel.state.gov.
For more information about the City of Richmond Passport Acceptance Facility, please visit http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/passports.
6. Community Services Department
Snow Ball 2018
The City of Richmond Community Services hosted its 66th annual high school Snow Ball on Saturday, December 8th. This gala event targeted young high school students from schools in West Contra Costa Unified School District.
Since its inception in 1952, the Snowball has become a winter tradition for high school students from the West Contra Costa Unified School District. The first Snow Ball was held at a recreation center on 10th and Virginia Streets, and although the Richmond Convention Center has been the site for most of the dances, the Snow Ball was once held at Hilltop Mall. The Ball has grown into a spectacular winter prom which has entertained tens of thousands of young adults as different high schools join together for one dance.
Now, as it enters its 66th year, the Snow Ball has come to signify elegance and grace through the traditional Snow Ball King & Queen ceremony and procession. The Snow Ball King & Queen title is an honor awarded to students who embody academic and scholastic achievement. The Kings and Queens are the recipient of the Snow Ball scholarship which assists the young people in their goal of a higher education. Past Kings & Queens are now in attendance at the University of California, Berkeley, Davis, and the University of the Pacific, the University of Southern California, and New York University.
We highly encourage the district, as well businesses in West Contra Costa County, to make an investment in our young adult’s future by maintaining the continuity of this year’s annual Snow Ball. A donation towards this event will guarantee that The Snow Ball will continue its long and glamorous history well into this 21st century.
 
Senior Winter Ball
On Saturday, December 15th, the Commission on Aging, along with the Community Services Department, presented the 21st Annual Senior Winter Ball at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium. The seniors and (not so seniors) enjoyed an evening of dancing, dining, and outstanding entertainment featuring Top Shelf Review. The Top Shelf musical singers and dancers have been dazzling the music scene for years. The Senior Winter Ball affords seniors an opportunity to “dress up” in their finest, be served dinner at their tables, meet old friends, make new friends, and just enjoy themselves. The Ball was very well attended this year with over 450 seniors in attendance.
 
Park Plaza Hosts Second Sunday Clean-up
On Sunday, December 9th, Park Plaza Neighborhood Council hosted their first Second Sunday Block Clean-up. Six volunteers picked up trash on the north side of Cutting Boulevard heading west from S. 50th Street. The Second Sunday Block Clean-up is a resident-led effort to keep the Park Plaza neighborhood clean, safe, and beautiful. Blocks for each month are chosen by neighborhood council representatives and residents.
Interested in getting involved? Contact Richmond Love Your Block at stephanie_ny@ci.richmond.ca.us or (510) 620-6563.
 
7. Engineering & Capital Improvement Department (ECIP)
Streets Division:
Paving crews made a base repair on Sacramento Avenue and San Mateo Street, and refreshed a street curb on the 1100 block of Wright Avenue. In addition, crews installed bicycle racks at 1402 Harbour Way South, removed “Street Sweeping” signs on the east side of Harbour Way South and replaced them with new “No Parking” signs, and worked from the outstanding pothole list in various locations around the City.
 
 
Base Repair on Sacramento Street
Curb Refresh on Wright Avenue
 
Bicycle Rack Installation at 1402 Harbour Way South
 
Pothole Patching
Street sweeping staff performed residential sweeping services for the third Monday through Friday in North Richmond, Iron Triangle, North Belding Woods, Atchison Village, South Belding Woods, Santa Fe, Coronado, Marina Bay, and Point Richmond neighborhood council areas.
Signs and Lines installed 16 new signs and poles, and installed 34’ of thermoplastic for pavement messaging.
Electrical Division:
Crews installed street light poles at Carlson and Cutting Boulevards, repaired street lights at 37th Street and Carlson Boulevard and at the Booker T. Anderson Community Center, and installed a park light at Shimada Park and Marina Bay.
 
Street Light Pole Installation at Carlson Boulevard
Street Light Repair at 37th Street
Street Light Repair at Booker T. Anderson Community Center
Park Light Installation at Shimada Park
8. Fire Department
Holiday Safety Message from Richmond Fire Prevention
With fall in full swing and winter on the way, temperatures will drop. Using appliances such as ovens as heaters is dangerous. Firefighters have responded to numerous fires caused by people using ovens and hair dryers to keep themselves warm. If you will be using a space heater, please take note of the following reminders, as space heaters are responsible for 79% of deaths in fires involving heating equipment inside homes (source: National Fire Protection Association).
· Do not leave your space heater unattended, or fall asleep with it on.
· Inspect your space heater for cracked or damaged cords and broken plugs. Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip.
Place portable space heaters on a solid, flat surface and at least three feet from anything that can burn, including paper materials, clothes, curtains, etc.
Lastly, always remember to make sure all the smoke detectors and fire alarms in your home function properly.
Greetings and Happy Holidays from Fire Marshal Govan
As we enter the holiday season, the Fire Prevention Division wants to ensure yours is joyous and safe. Your family and loved ones can enjoy the season by safeguarding against hazards. For many, decorating the tree with lights and ornaments is a family tradition. Festive items associated with the holiday season such as trees, lights, and candles can present fire risks that can turn this festive time of year into a devastating one.
Here are some recommendations to prevent fire risks in your home:
Throw away light strands with frayed or pinched wires.
Always unplug your Christmas tree lights before going to bed or leaving your home.
Water your Christmas tree every day. Keep your Christmas tree at least 3 feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles, and heat vents.
9. Information Technology
Facebook Statistics for the week ending December 21, 2018
ü Total Video Views increased by 100%
Website Statistics for the week of December 21, 2018
KCRT DATANET FOR THE WEEK
KCRT History Photos of the Week
10. Infrastructure Maintenance and Operations (DIMO)
Abatement
Abatement crews abated underpass walkways, abated homeless encampments from public view, abated watersheds, removed weeds, and removed trash and graffiti throughout the City and various locations.
 
 
Underpass/Walkways
 
Watershed Clean-Up
 
Weed abatement
 
 
 
Illegal Dumping
 
 
Graffiti Removal
Code Enforcement
Code Enforcement staff received numerous complaints about a residential home with overgrown vegetation. Staff sent a Notice of Violation to the property owner and the property was brought into compliance.
 
Before and After
Facilities Maintenance
Stationary Engineers performed daily pool maintenance and boiler inspections, replaced the fan motor of the condensing unit of the air conditioner in the server room in 450 Civic Center Plaza, fixed a garage door at the Corporation Yard, assembled and delivered ergonomic chairs to the Police Department, replaced a faucet on the sink in the break room of the Finance Department, repaired the flushometer at the Richmond Police Activities League (RPAL) men’s room, fixed the fan damper on the air conditioner at 450 Civic Center Plaza, assembled and installed ergonomic table in the City Attorney’s office, and patched the room at the American Indian building.
Air Conditioner Repair at 450 Civic Center
Utility Workers continued with weed abatement around Civic Center Plaza, cleaned the area where homeless persons were sleeping in the parking garage on 12th Street, cleaned the parking area at the BART Station, replaced light fixtures at Fire Station #64, moved pool table from the Nevin Community Center to Shields Reid Community Center, set-up tables for meetings, and maintained 29 City-owned facilities.
Pool Table Relocation
Parks and Landscaping
General Maintenance crews trimmed shrubs in Civic Center Plaza, removed graffiti from the Humphrey Playlot, weeded bus stops on San Pablo Avenue, trimmed shrubs at Tiller Park, performed maintenance at the sitting area on South 55th Street and Creely Avenue, removed debris from multiple areas, cut weeds along paths and lanes, installed three new barbeque pits, prepared Booker T. Anderson Community Center parking lot, removed shrubs from the rear of Nicholl Park, and cleared weeds at State Court Playground.
Barbeque Pit Installation
Tree crews trimmed or cut trees on: Gately Avenue, Marina Way Parkway, Willard Avenue, and at Marina Bay Park.
Trimming in Marina Bay
Hilltop District crewscontinued general maintenance around the business area, restarted weed abatement at Country Club and Bay Vista Parks, completed mulch installation on medians at Hilltop Drive and Hilltop Mall Road, and continued weed abatement on Atlas Road.
Bay Vista Park Maintenance
Marina District crews continued with the Esplanade Landscape Project, trimmed trees in Big Green Park, cleaned the Bayside median strips, and removed fallen leaves from hardscapes.
Tree Trimming
11. Library and Cultural Services
Pt. Sheridan Public Art Takes Shape
Jennifer Madden shaping the concrete to resemble sands in the tide
Reed Madden Designs, creators of the public art next to the new Ferry Terminal at Pt. Sheridan at the end of Harbour Way South, are readying the site for the installation of seven 22’ tall sculptures. The foundations are in, the concrete slab is being poured, and the sculptures are being polished. Opening Day for the new ferry terminal is scheduled for January 10th, and “Changing Tide” - as the public art is called - will be installed for Opening Day.
12. Police Department
Holiday Food Basket Packing
Thousands of pounds of groceries were loaded up in food baskets for needy families for the Fire and Police Toy Program by awesome volunteers. Big thanks to all who came to help.
   
Officers in Action
Sergeant Loucas was patrolling near 7th Street and Hensley Street after a shooting in the central district earlier in the evening. Sergeant Loucas observed a red sedan traveling through the intersection at a high rate of speed, failing to stop at the stop signs. A traffic enforcement stop was conducted and three occupants were located in the vehicle.
The driver did not have a license and marijuana was observed in plain view. As the rear occupant of the vehicle was being removed from the vehicle, Sergeant Loucas felt a metal object which he recognized to be a firearm. The firearm was removed from the occupant.
Upon further inspection, the firearm was a loaded Glock 19 with a high capacity magazine. The firearm had been reported stolen. The department is relieved that nobody was hurt in this incident and a firearm was taken off of the street.
Be our crime prevention partner. If you see suspicious persons, cars or anyone in possession of a firearm illegally or any suspicious items, please report it. You choose, you may remain anonymous. For any emergencies, please dial 911.
 
RPD Holiday Potluck
RPD got a surprise visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus at the annual RPD potluck. It was an event filled with great food and great folks getting into the spirit of giving for the holidays.
  
Annual Shop with a Cop
Alongside RPAL and ‘The Shops at Hilltop’, RPD joined in on some holiday fun with a great kids for our annual “Shop With A Cop” event. Everyone was in high spirits as RPD officers had the honor of taking kids out for some early holiday shopping. Even Santa made an appearance!
 
13. Richmond Promise
Richmond Promise is Hiring 2 Americorps VISTAs!! Start Date - February 19th!
Are you passionate about supporting the college success of students from Richmond? Are you responsible, hard-working, and organized? You could be a Richmond Promise Americorps VISTA Fellow!
The Richmond Promise is seeking two (2) awesome individuals who are passionate about the mission of the Richmond Promise and equitable access to higher education to join our team as Americorps VISTA Fellows February 2019 – January 2020. The two roles are:
· College Success Coordinator
· Scholarship Operations & Data Coordinator
Learn more here. The ideal candidate for this role is someone who believes deeply in doing whatever it takes to help our students succeed, has relentless and rigorous attention to detail, enjoys efficiency and improvement of systems, and is excited about supporting a college going and graduating culture in Richmond, CA! S/he should thrive in a fast-paced and multifaceted environment, have experience and demonstrated success in balancing multiple priorities, enjoy building relationships with students and adults, and proactively solving challenges. Please share widely!
HOW TO APPLY
1. Applications are due January 11th
2. Visit the VISTA homepage:
https://www.nationalservice.gov/…/americorps/americorpsvista
3. From there, click the red Apply Now button.
4. Click the My.AmeriCorps.Gov link and search "Richmond Promise."
5. Questions? Email jessie.stewart@richmondpromise.org
14. Water Resource Recovery
Cutting/Carlson & Hoffman Wet Weather Improvement Projects
On October 1, 2018, construction began on the pipeline replacement projects at Cutting/Carlson & Hoffman Boulevards in the City of Richmond. These $8.8 million projects will replace 4.5 miles of aging and damaged sewer pipe and are expected to be completed in September 2019.
Segment replacement between 9th/20th on Hoffman
28th and Virigina line replacement
Welcome Avenue between 23rd and 24th Streets.
The Contractor is using a laser leveler to level the replaced pipe.
This project replaces collector sewer pipelines in neighborhoods upstream of the Cutting Blvd., First Street, and 23rd Street Interceptors, in order to reduce inflow and infiltration and associated surcharging and sanitary sewer overflows (SSO’s). The Contractor, WR Forde, has three crews going to accomplish this work.
For additional information on any capital projects, please contact the Veolia Capital Program Management team at (510) 412-2001, ext. 33106.
Draft Wastewater Discharge Permit Now Scheduled for Adoption at the February 13, 2019 Board Meeting
The City’s wastewater system is allowed to operate under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, which expired on June 30 earlier this year. City and Veolia staff have been working with the Water Board on the permit reissuance since late 2017, and a draft permit (“Tentative Order”), originally scheduled for the January 16 meeting, is now scheduled to be adopted at the February 13, 2019, Board meeting. For more details, please visit the Department’s web page here.
Thank you for keeping up with the activities in the City of Richmond. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments about these or any other items of interest to you.
Thank You!
Carlos Martinez
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
See below to see options for connecting with the City of Richmond.
Connecting with the City of Richmond
To contact us by phone:
The City’s website (http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/) provides a department and staff directory at http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/Directory.aspx.
If you’re not sure which department you need to contact, we encourage you to phone the City Manager’s office at (510) 620-6512.
Using the CORConnect Application on the City’s Website:
You can use the CORConnect button on the City’s website (http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/) to report any comments, questions or concerns regarding the work being done by City staff. The CORConnect issues go directly to the responsible department, and the city manager reviews reported issues on a regular basis to determine if City staff members are responding appropriately. If you do not feel that you have received a satisfactory response, please contact the City Manager’s Office at (510) 620-6512.
To access CORConnect select the CORConnect button on the homepage of the City website.
Alternatively, you can select the COR Connect button on any other webpage on the left hand side of the page.
On the next screen under Report an Issue select Report Issue/Concern to create a report or Search Issue/Concerns to look up a previously reported issue. You can also look up previously submitted issues to check on the current status if you provided you name, phone number or email when you submitted it.
On the page, you can also look up information on a parcel, see permits issued and look up business license information. If you have a current business license you can pay to renew it online with a credit card.
The recommended browsers are: Microsoft Edge, or Microsoft Internet Explorer version 11 using the compatibility mode. It can be found in the upper right corner of Internet Explorer: click on the "gear" icon and select Compatibility View Settings, then add the site to the list and click "Close".
The City of Richmond is looking forward to feedback from the community on CORConnect. We welcome your comments at webservices@ci.richmond.ca.us
Using the City of Richmond Mobile Application:
The 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. The City of Richmond’s mobile phone app is available on the Apple App store and Google Play store.
We welcome your comments at webservices@ci.richmond.ca.us
Carlos Martinez
City Manager
450 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 300
Richmond, CA 94804
Phone: (510) 620-6976
Fax: (510) 620-6542 |
