This message is being sent on behalf of Interim City Manager Shasa Curl

Hon. Mayor and Members of the City Council:

This is the report for the week ending January 7th, 2022.

• Meeting Notes

The next Regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 11th, 2022. Closed Session Begins at 5:00 PM, followed by the Regular Meeting of the Richmond City Council at 6:30 PM. The agenda may be found by clicking this link.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

The following information is an ongoing list of resources and significant updates regarding COVID-19. Please click on the images or visit the hyperlinks below for further information.

Impact to City Services and Facilities
Health Information and Community Resources

Contra Costa County Coronavirus Updates

California Department of Public Health

• Upcoming Events

Community Workshop #3- Potential Vacant Property Tax

The City of Richmond is analyzing a potential Vacant Property Tax to support City services for blight abatement, code compliance and general revenue enhancement. Your input is vital as it will help lead to more equitable, sustainable public decisions.

The City will be hosting a community workshop to receive feedback from stakeholders and community members. Spanish interpretation services are available by request when registering 24 hours prior to the workshop. Servicios de interpretación en español están disponibles por solicitud al registrarse 24 horas antes del taller.

• Community Workshop #3

Wednesday, January 12th at 6:00 PM
RSVP: tinyurl.com/59jdvk5y

Can't attend the workshop? Please send comments to PotentialVPT@ci.richmond.ca.us . For additional information please visit, Potential Vacant Property Tax | Richmond, CA - Official Website .

ClimbHire Tech Training Information Presentation

The City Manager’s Office, Economic Development, the Economic Development Working Group, and CoBiz Richmond are excited to announce upcoming informational events by ClimbHire, a technical career training company. ClimbHire trains diverse and determined talent to break into new careers through a 16–30-week online program focused on four distinct tech tracks: customer experience, financial services, Salesforce administration, and Google project management. Throughout each of the four learning tracks, Climbers build community, learn concrete skills, earn respected certification, develop soft skills, prepare for interviews, and successfully navigate a new career.
CoBiz Richmond is partnering with ClimbHire to present three free informational presentations about the ClimbHire experience and benefits. ClimbHire does not require a college degree, and Climbers pay $0 upfront. The information session will be held on January 13, from 6:00 PM- 7:00 PM at CoBiz Richmond (1503 Macdonald Avenue, Suite A, Richmond, CA). You can register for the free events at https://bit.ly/3GNMUQ3 or visit https://www.cobizrichmond.com/ .

American Red Cross and the City of Richmond

The American Red Cross and the City of Richmond are teaming up to sponsor four blood drives in 2022 and the first one will be on January 15 at the Veterans Memorial Hall located at 968 23rd Street.

Blood drives are always important but right now the nation is experiencing its worst blood shortage on record and blood donations are desperately needed. If you can donate, click on the link below and sign up for the January 15 event right here in Richmond. You will make a very real and meaningful life saving influence on somebody’s life.

Go to: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=VMHR

Reimagining Public Safety: Community Conversations

The Reimagining Public Safety Community Task Force presents Community Conversations to update the community on the status of implementation of the new programs approved by the City Council as recommended by the Task Force.

Upcoming topic and date:

• Wednesday, January 19, 2022, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Office of Neighborhood Safety

Each Community Conversation can be accessed by the same Zoom meeting link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86844995369?pwd=ejZsZ2lhV3N0SUo4bnlmbFEwV1lCQT09
Passcode: TASKFORCE
Or One tap mobile :
    US: +13462487799,,86844995369#  or +17207072699,,86844995369#
Or Telephone:
    Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
        US: +1 346 248 7799  or +1 720 707 2699  or +1 253 215 8782  or +1 312 626 6799  or +1 646 558 8656  or +1 301 715 8592
Webinar ID: 868 4499 5369
International numbers available: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdtDXEuLQO

For more information on the Reimagining Public Safety Community Task Force, visit the City webpage at: www.tinyurl.com/RPSCTF

Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano: Food Box Drive-Thru Distribution

The Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano in coordination with the Transportation Department is re-opening the Richmond Civic Center Drive-Thru Distribution. Each client will be able to pick up a box of non-perishable foods and fresh produce, all from within the safety of their car. These supplementary boxes include a balanced variety of proteins, vegetables, fruits, and milk.

Where: Civic Center-Barrett Avenue parking lot (located between 24th and 25th Street) 
Date: Thursday, January 27, 2022
Distribution time: 12:00PM – 1:00PM

Clients will enter the Barrett Avenue lot on 25th Street and follow the traffic cones. Clients will remain in their vehicles the entire time.

Each vehicle can pick up for TWO families max.

Please wear a mask when arriving on site.

Walk-ups are not encouraged, limited quantities available

For more food resources in Richmond, Click Here . Questions? Email gdinoso@foodbankccs.org or call Transportation Services at (510) 621-1718.

• City Manager’s Chronicles

I hope you were able to celebrate and welcome the New Year safely. Contra Costa County, like much of California, is seeing a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases. We are asking that you remain vigilant to the COVID-19 safe work practices and continue to do your part to lessen the spread of the virus.
Meetings and events of note in the past week included the following:

• Given the increases in COVID-19 cases, I convened an interdepartmental group to develop and review a weekly incident action plan that will help organize the City in emergency management and adapt to ever-changing circumstances
• The City changed vendors for City Council agenda management and this week, I worked with staff to review agenda items and adapt to the new format for the next City Council meeting scheduled on January 11, 2022.
• Attended the Richmond Housing Corporation and Easter Hill Corporation meetings to discuss RHAHC’s role and statuses on pending matters
• Participated in an internal staff meeting to discuss that status of the Richmond Housing Authority and identified next steps to complete items required in the Public Housing Assistance Recovery and Sustainability (PHARS) agreement, which allows the City to continue to preserve and renovate affordable housing
• Bi-Weekly meeting with Public Works Director Joe Leach, where we checked in with staff and conducted a walkthrough of the Maintenance Corporation Yard and the Parks Yard.
• Continued one-on-one weekly meetings with Members of the City Council, community members, and met with Department Heads in our bi-weekly Management Leadership Team meeting.

• City Clerk’s Office

City Of Richmond Redistricting

Visit: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/4099/Redistricting-Pre-2021-Census

Public Participation Map Kits are available under the "Draw Map" tab on the webpage. Blank paper maps are available in the lobby of the City Hall Building located at 450 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. Find your current district using the Interactive Mapping Tool

City of Richmond Redistricting Process

Every ten years, local governments use new census data to redraw their district lines to reflect how local populations have changed. Assembly Bill 849 (2019)  requires cities and counties to engage communities in the redistricting process by holding public hearings and/or workshops and doing public outreach, including to non-English-speaking communities.

What is redistricting?

Every ten years, districts must be redrawn so that each district is substantially equal in population. This process, called redistricting, is important in ensuring that each city councilmember represents about the same number of constituents. In Richmond, the City Council is responsible for drawing council districts. Redistricting is done using U.S. Census data, which is released around March 31, 2021. For the City of Richmond, the redistricting process must be completed by April 17, 2022.

Why does redistricting matter to me?

Redistricting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a district for purposes of electing a councilmember. 
The City Council will seek input in selecting the next district map for our City Council. You have an opportunity to share with the City Council how you think district boundaries should be drawn to best represent your community. 
You can contact the City Clerk via email to CityClerkDept@ci.richmond.ca.us or at (510) 620-6513 to find out more about how the process works.

What do the existing council districts look like?

You can find a map of the City’s current council districts here: Interactive Mapping Tool

What criteria will our City Council use when drawing district lines?

1.     Federal Laws 

• Equal Population (based on total population of residents as determined by the most recent federal decennial census and adjusted to reassign incarcerated persons to the last known place of residence)
• Federal Voting Rights Act
• No Racial Gerrymandering

2. California Criteria for Cities (to the extent practicable and in the following order of priority)

• Geographically contiguous (areas that meet only at the points of adjoining corners are not contiguous.  Areas that are separated by water and not connected by a bridge, tunnel, or ferry service are not contiguous.
• Undivided neighborhoods and “communities of interest” (Socio-economic geographic areas that should be kept together for purposes of its effective and fair representation)
• Easily identifiable boundaries
• Compact (Do not bypass one group of people to get to a more distant group of people)
• Prohibited: “Shall not favor or discriminate against a political party.”

How will our City Council notify the public about redistricting?

The City Council will reach out to local media to publicize the redistricting process. Also, we will make a good faith effort to notify community groups of various kinds about the redistricting process. Our public hearings or workshops will be provided in applicable languages if residents submit a request in advance. The City Council will notify the public about redistricting hearings or workshops, post maps online before adoption, and create a dedicated web page for all relevant information about the redistricting process.

How can I get involved?

The City Council will be holding hearings or workshops to receive public input on where district lines should be drawn. Those hearings or workshops will be held on:

• City Manager’s Office Economic Development

Holiday Tree Recycling and Disposal Options

The Environmental and Health Initiatives Division encourages residents to consider the several options below for disposing of Holiday Trees. Information about free treecycling, bulky item, and Household Hazardous Waste programs available to Richmond residents can be found by visiting www.richmondenvironment.org .

1. Curbside Collection:

On any of your regular organic waste collection days, cut your natural, unflocked tree to fit in your organic waste container. Trees must be 6” or less in diameter and cut to 3’ in length. Remove stand and all decorations. Artificial, flocked, ornament contaminated trees are not compostable. Cut or trim to fit in brown trash container and set out on any regular trash collection day.

IMPORTANT GUIDELINES FOR COMPOSTING CHRISTMAS TREES—PLEASE:

• Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, nails and stands.
• No flocked, painted, fireproofed, artificial or trees contaminated with decorations, stands, or plastic or cloth wrappings.

2. On-call Bulky Pick-up:

If you have not already used your allocated On-Call Curbside Bulky Clean-up(s), call Republic Services Customer Service office (510-262-7100) to arrange for no cost curbside pick-up. Trees 6’ tall or more must be cut in half.

3. For Fee Curbside Collection:

If you’re unable to cut/trim your compostable tree to fit in your organic waste container or non-compostable tree (artificial, flocked, contaminated with ornaments, stands, plastic, cloth wrapped) in the brown container, call Republic Services Customer Service office to arrange “For Fee” curbside collection approximately $20.44 / tree. On-Call and “For Fee” pick-ups must be scheduled in advance—call 510.262.7100.

4. Self-haul (Drop-off):

With proof of residency (driver’s license or CA ID), Republic Services customers can take Christmas Trees to Golden Bear Transfer (#1 Parr Blvd, Richmond M-F, 7am-5pm; Sat-Sun, 9am-5pm) thru the 1st weekend in February at no cost for compostable trees; approximately $13.13 (subject to change) disposal fee for non-compostable trees, or no proof of residency.

5. Donating to local Organizations:

In addition to the above services, some local Boy Scout troops and youth organizations in Richmond collect Christmas Trees in exchange for a donation.

To learn more, call Republic Services: 510.262.7100

Sign Up for GRID Alternatives No-Cost Solar: Office Hours

The City of Richmond, City Manager’s Office, Economic Development, Environmental and Health Initiatives Division in partnership with GRID Alternatives is hosting both virtual and in-person office hours for the no-cost home solar program. The office hours will be held throughout the month of January 2022.

This program provides no-cost solar systems and electric vehicle charging infrastructure assistance to qualifying Richmond and North Richmond homeowners. Learn if you are eligible by watching the workshop held on June 10, 2021. Para determinar si está elegible, vea el taller el 10 de junio 2021.

To view Spanish subtitles, select Settings --> Subtitles/CC -> Spanish (United States). Para ver subtítulos en español, seleccione Settings --> Subtitles/CC --> Spanish.

In the upcoming weeks, eligible Richmond residents will receive a letter in the mail containing more information about the free solar program. The office hours are an opportunity for residents to learn more about the program, ask questions, sign-up, and turn in the required paperwork to check their qualification.  To schedule a one-on-one appointment, call 1-866-921-4696 or visit, tinyurl.com/gridsolar . For more information about the program, visit www.richmondenvironment.org .

Spark the Inspiration for Nevin Plaza’s Public Art

With the renovation of 2400 Nevin Ave, EAH Housing along with SLATE Art Consulting are looking for community input and engagement to help inspire the development, curation, and delivery of public art at Nevin Plaza.

To participate, take a short survey and/or submit your images!

Survey:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkQRHdvkhjP-_hCSLNwEjbj-0dwwfHa0SCKhvc1SCMVa_OOA/viewform
Image Submission: https://www.slateartconsulting.com/nevin-plaza-call-for-images
Project Website: http://www.eahhousing.org/nevinplaza/

For questions or more information, contact Karen Eichler at karen@slateart.net or 510-652-4085.

Ayude Con La Inspiración Para El Arte Público del Edificio Nevin Plaza

EAH Housing junto con SLATE Art Consulting están buscando el aporte y la ayuda de la comunidad para inspirar el desarrollo, la curaduría y la entrega del arte público en la Plaza Nevin después de su renovación.

¡Para participar, complete una breve encuesta y/o envíe sus imágenes!

Encuesta: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkQRHdvkhjP-_hCSLNwEjbj-0dwwfHa0SCKhvc1SCMVa_OOA/viewform
Envío de imágenes: https://www.slateartconsulting.com/nevin-plaza-call-for-images
Sitio web del proyecto: http://www.eahhousing.org/nevinplaza/

Si tiene preguntas o desea más información, contacte a karen@slateart.net o 510-652-4085 y pregunte por Karen Eichler

Caltrans Reporting Form

The City Manager’s Office, Economic Development encourages residents to use the Caltrans Customer Service reporting form to notify Caltrans of blight or dumping on State Freeways and roads. Please use the map to report the location of your concern. To set the marker on the site of your concern within the California State Highway System, click anywhere on the map or drag it. To submit a report visit, https://csr.dot.ca.gov/  or call 916-654-2852. 

Fiscal Year 2022-2023 ECIA Grant Program Applications are Available!

In 2014, the Richmond City Council approved the Chevron Environmental and Community Investment Agreement (ECIA), which invests $90 million dollars into the Richmond community over 10-years. $6 million of those dollars have been set aside for a competitive grant program, designed for non-profits who serve Richmond in the areas of community, youth, and youth sports. The ECIA has grant awards that range from $5,000, up to $50,000.

To kick-off this opportunity, the City will be scheduling two (2) Information Workshops in January 2022 to be held virtually via Zoom. To make sure you are notified of these and other capacity-building training dates, please subscribe to the ECIA Competitive Grant E-News Sign-up!

The ECIA Grant Application is due on Sunday, February 13, 2022, at 11:59 PM.

All grant applications must be submitted online at www.ci.richmond.ca.us/ECIAapplication . This process is aimed to increase ease of use and minimize risk related to COVID-19.

To access the ECIA Grant Application, Guidelines, and more check out the ECIA Grants webpage: www.ci.richmond.ca.us/eciagrants

• Department of Children and Youth

Richmond Fund for Children and Youth FY 2021-24 Request for Proposals and Grant Application Now Available!

On June 5, 2018, Richmond voters approved Measures E and K, known as the Richmond Kids First Initiative, which approved a City of Richmond Charter amendment (Article 15) to require that a portion of the General Fund be set aside to fund youth programs and services. The total projected amount available for second round FY 2022-2023 grant awards is approximately $1.6 million.

To access the RFCY Request for Proposals and grant application, please visit the RFCY Grants webpage at www.ci.richmond.ca.us/RFCYGrants . To learn more, Department staff will be scheduling pre-proposal meetings to be held virtually on the following dates:

• Monday, January 10, 2021: 6:00 PM. to 8:00 PM.
• Tuesday, January 11, 2021: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

To make sure you are notified of these meetings and additional updates, please subscribe to our Richmond Fund for Children and Youth E-News Sign-up . Should any questions arise, please contact youth@ci.richmond.ca.us   or (510) 620-6523.

• Internal Services

Information Technology

Website Statistics

KCRT Datanet For The Week

KCRT TV Channel 28

New Segment / Series Episode: 

• Returning: “Highlights of Women’s Day 2021” – reconverted to HD
• New episodes of “The Jet Set,” “Eat Well Be Happy,” “Classic Movies,” “Colour in Your Life,” and “Creature Features”
• Multiple new episodes of “Sidewalks Entertainment” during the week
• New PSAs in HD added to the station’s lineup
  

Recent Segments:

• “NewsBytes” Segments: Transgender Flag Raising, Fire Chief Swearing-In Ceremony, Clean Air Day, National Night Out 2021, Ookwe Park Celebration, Yellow Brick Road, Transit Re-Grand Opening and BOLT Bike Sharing
• ”Your Future, Your Choice: Life after High School,” six short presentations that cover options and resources for four-year colleges, community colleges, and the building trades (video courtesy of Library and Doug Harris).
• Revised edition of GRIP Alternatives No-Cost Solar Workshop
• Hacienda Groundbreaking
• Diversity Flag Raising

You may find the full schedule at http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3176/Schedule

• Library and Community Services

Community Services (Recreation)

Senior Chess Club

Join us for a round of chess on Fridays, from 10:00 AM. to 2:00 PM. at the Richmond Senior Center. We accept all types of players!

Call A.J. at 510-932-2072 to sign up today!

Upcoming Sports Programs for 2022

Register today online at here or visit us in-person at our registration office! Questions? Call 510-620-6793.

Little Splashers

Little Splashers is a Parent-Tot Aquatics class with a new session beginning this January. Parents or caregivers can bring children to a fun learning experience at an indoor pool under the guidance of an instructor who leads songs and dances with a focus on water safety. Registration is open now for sessions available at either the Richmond Plunge (Thursdays) or Richmond Swim Center (Mondays). Maximum of 6 children per class.

*Proof of Vaccination (with ID) required for parents/caregivers
Advanced registration required - No drop-ins
Late registration accepted if space available (no prorated fees)

Register online at here . Questions? Email paula_cooper-tipton@ci.richmond.ca.us

We’re Hiring Tennis Instructors

Join the City of Richmond family! This position is housed in the Community Services Department, Recreation Division. More details and application are available at here .

City of Richmond Awarded Two $100,000 Grants from PG&E Corporation Foundation and PG&E

The City of Richmond received two $100,000 grants from PG&E Corporation Foundation’s Better Together Resilient Communities program and PG&E’s Resilience Hubs program. The program supports local initiatives to build community resilience and capacity to withstand climate-related hazards. Richmond is one of four recipients of the Better Together award and one of seven recipients of the Resilience Hubs, with efforts focused on addressing extreme heat events.

The PG&E Better Together Resilient Communities grant award will fund the creation of temporary shade and cooling structures with misting nozzles to be in Nevin Park and Shields-Reid Park during extreme heat events. In addition to being adjacent to community centers, these parks are in areas designated as high priority heat vulnerability areas by Contra Costa County and the state. The structures will offer relief to residents from the adverse effects of extreme heat.

The PG&E Resilience Hubs grant award will amplify the project by funding storage for the cooling structures as well as backup energy supply at the Nevin Community Center and Shields-Reid Community Center. Together, both grant awards will allow the Nevin and Shields-Reid Park and facilities to function as resilience hubs in times of climate-related disasters.
              
City of Richmond, Dirt World Awarded $9.17 Million of California State Parks Grant Funds to Renovate Two Parks

The City of Richmond was awarded two California State Parks Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization grants totaling $9.17 million to revitalize Shields-Reid Park and Dirt World Bike Park.

The Shields-Reid Park Renovation includes the construction of a new children’s play area, bike pump track, stage and performance area, fitness zone, public art, habitat garden, tree shade area throughout the park, and lighting and fencing throughout the park.

Shields-Reid Park, located in the heart of North Richmond in the Shields-Reid neighborhood, was selected based on community priorities to improve safety, activate the park, and preserve cultural history. Through a series of seven in-person and online meetings held in 2020, over 200 North Richmond residents and stakeholders envisioned their dream park.

The Dirt World Bike Park Renovation will establish a new city park by constructing a recreational facility for bikes and accessible park infrastructure for bike programs, improved safety, and enjoyment. The Prop 68 grant scope of work includes: reconstruction and improvement of the BMX tracks and bike terrain features for multiple skill levels; renovation of a 2-block long segment of the multi-use Class I Richmond Greenway Trail; low-maintenance landscaping; murals, signage, fencing, and other park amenities.

The $1,170,000 budget for the Dirt World Bike Park Project is coordinated with adjacent urban greening and stormwater projects resulting in over two acres of sustainable green space, improving park access and equity in the City of Richmond.

Library

OverDrive Improves Low-vision Reader Experience

Richmond Public Library patrons with visual impairments have new options when accessing reading materials online.  Libby, an app for the OverDrive digital reading platform, has announced improvements to its screen reader support.  Low-vision users can use screen readers to enhance their experience when browsing, borrowing, reading or listening to ebooks, magazines and audiobooks.  A screen reader can be used to have the text of an ebook or magazine read aloud.  Libby users will also find improvements to adjustable text size, lighting options and audiobook playback speed.  Patrons can look forward to more improvements in 2022.  For more information please contact a Librarian at 510-620-6561, via text at 510-621-7346 or send us an email at rpl_reference@ci.richmond.ca.us .

Transportation

Try the new GoEzy app to help Contra Costa drivers avoid traffic and earn rewards for improving their commute!

To support the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Smartphone Travel Incentive Study, GoEzy announced today that it is officially launching its free multi-modal navigation app services in West Contra Costa.  For the launch, GoEzy is partnering with the City of Richmond Transportation Department and 511 Contra Costa to pilot a carpool feature, which will be available to City employees and the community to help them find ridesharing matches for their commute.

The GoEzy app helps drivers avoid traffic and spend less time behind the wheel, and as part of the study thousands of West Contra Costa’s drivers will be offered valuable rewards for trying out GoEzy’s suggestions to improve their commute over the next several weeks. 

West Contra Costa drivers will receive special offers to make changes to their routine travel, such as leaving a little earlier for a trip than normal, carpooling or biking to work, or trying out a convenient County Connection route to school. Through another partnership, 511 Contra Costa is funding incentives for commuters to earn rewards, like gift cards, from Visa, Amazon, Starbucks and more for giving those suggestions a try. 

As drivers use the GoEzy app, the Smartphone Travel Incentive study will develop a deeper understanding of traveler behavior, how incentives influence travel choices, and how these findings can help shape transportation policy in the future.

GoEzy will continue to improve daily drives long after the study is over, but to potentially join the thousands of West Contra Costa drivers earning rewards while improving their commute, here’s what to do:

• Download the free GoEzy app from the Apple App Store or Google Play
• Start using the GoEzy app for navigation when travelling around town
• Within 1-2 weeks, the app will start presenting you with personalized suggestions (and possibly rewards!) for upcoming trips

Want to learn more? Visit www.Metropia.com/Smartphone-Rewards or call the Richmond Transportation Department at (510) 621-1718.

• Public Works

Building Maintenance

Stationary Engineers performed daily pool maintenance, daily Civic Center Plaza boiler inspections, replaced a water cutout switch on the boiler and repaired the pressure gauge on the boiler in 440 Civic Center Plaza, repaired a pipe leak and rebuilt the chemical feed pump on a boiler in the Main Library, performed preventative maintenance on the tankless water heater at the Plunge, installed an exhaust fan at the Park’s office, replaced the recirculating pump at the Nevin Community Center, fixed the toilet in the childcare area at the Recreation Complex and repaired the manifolds pressure sensor on the steam boilers in the Civic Center.

Gauge Replacement

Utility Workers assisted the Housing Authority with maintenance in the women’s restroom of the Port, installed bulbs at Fire Station #62, moved items from City Hall to the Port, removed e-waste, sanitized various locations, disinfected common areas and maintained 27 City owned buildings.

Sanitizing at City Hall

Engineering

37th Street Traffic Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements Project

The contractor W.R. Forde is completing the final sidewalk work at 37th Street and Barrett Avenue. They have completed the installation of new electrical wiring and signal poles, as well as the sidewalk repairs associated with the installation. The subcontractor, Mike Brown Electric, has “pulled” new wiring for the new signals and removed the old signal pole.

Next week, W.R. Forde will complete the final curb ramps and all new signal lighting will be in place.

Pole Installation

Via Verdi Landslide Project

This week crews installed fencing around the skylights to the new culvert. The skylights were installed to assist with the passage of wildlife through the culvert. Next week crews will begin with the installation of new telecommunication conduits and lines. Lines for the Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) gas and electrical lines will also be installed.

The project is scheduled to be completed in March of 2022.

Construction questions can be directed to the Construction Manager, Tony Fuentes of mack5, at tfuentes@mack5.com or (510) 595-4725.

Yellow Brick Road Project

Last week Ghilotti Bros, Inc. (GBI) was onsite for gas line testing by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E). This week Ghilotti Bros. is fine grading and compacting the base rock as well as laying and installing formwork for the American Disability Act (ADA) curb ramps on the corners of Barret Avenue and 8th Street as weather permits. The contractor is also performing site maintenance and clean up from the recent rains. The electrical sub-contractor is continuing to locate utility lines in preparation for electrical conduit installation.

ADA Curb Formwork

Parks and Landscaping

General fund crews removed trash from the 23rd Street Underpass sidewalks, removed debris from the Greenway, performed maintenance on sound walls, weed abated medians along Cutting Boulevard from South 23rd Street to Carlson Boulevard, maintenance at the Monterey Playground, assisted tree crew with storm patrol, cleared drains at Mira Vista Park, removed debris from the Plunge and throughout Point Richmond, cleaned city lots along Macdonald Avenue and repaired fencing at the Fire Training Center.

Parking Lot Maintenance

The tree crew cut or trimmed trees on/at: Carlson Boulevard, Fran Way and at Booker T. Anderson Park. Crews also responded to fallen trees and branches due to weather conditions.

Marina Districtcrews removed debris from parks, replaced dog waste bags, removed graffiti throughout, repaired a sign, removed fallen branches at Marina Bay Park, cleared drains, abated weeds at Barbara J. Vincent Park, removed weeds from medians, completed repairs at Shimada Park due to vandalism and installed new soap stations at the Shimada Park restrooms.

Hilltop District crews performed maintenance throughout, weed abated at Bay Vista Park, began weed abatement at Country Club Vista Park, continued with irrigation repairs at Vista Del Mar Park and removed poison oak from Hilltop Lake Park.

Street Maintenance

Paving crews performed hot mix patching in multiple locations and filled potholes from the outstanding list.

Asphalt Repair

Sweeping crews swept in the following neighborhood council areas on the first Monday through Friday in:  Parchester Village, Hilltop Bayview, Hilltop Green, Fairmede/Hilltop, 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 as weather permitted.

Signs and Lines crews fabricated 18 new signs, installed 8 new signs and repaired 8 signs.

Sign Repair

Water Resource Recovery Division

Wastewater Treatment Plant – Fats, Oils, & Grease (FOG)

PLEASE! DO NOT PUT GREASE DOWN THE DRAIN! Heavy grease has been reported at Richmond's sewer treatment plant. Grease clogs pipes and can be detrimental to the function of the plant.

For more information about Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG), please call 510-620-6594.

Planta de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales – Aceites y Grasas (FOG)

¡POR FAVOR! ¡NO PONGA GRASA POR EL DRENAJE! Se ha reportado grasa pesada en la planta de tratamiento de alcantarillado de Richmond. La grasa obstruye las tuberías y puede ser perjudicial para la función de la planta.

Para obtener más información sobre aceites y grasas (FOG), llame al 510-620-6594.

Sewer Lateral Grant Program

The City of Richmond’s Water Resource Recovery Division administers the Sewer Lateral Grant Program. The program reimburses eligible homeowners in the Richmond Municipal Sewer District (RMSD No. 1) for some of the cost to replace their sewer lateral.

The program is open and accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 for sewer lateral work completed between 7/1/2021-6/30/2022.

For more information about the Sewer Lateral Grant Program, please visit www.ci.richmond.ca.us/2130/Sewer-Lateral-Grant-Program or call 510-620-6594.

High Priority Critical Improvements Projects

The City of Richmond and Veolia Water (Veolia) are implementing High Priority Critical Improvements Projects at the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), which is managed and operated by Veolia. The purpose of the projects is to replace aging and unreliable infrastructure, improve treatment operating efficiency, comply with future discharge regulations and improve the functionality of the existing WWTP. The improvements were identified through previous planning efforts, including the 2010 WWTP Master Plan and the 2016 WWTP Facility Plan, to construct the following elements of the WWTP Critical Improvements Projects: (1) New screening and grit removal facilities; (2) Aeration upgrades; and (3) Demolition of existing facilities and site clearing in preparation for future WWTP Facilities. The projects are expected to take approximately 2 ½ years to complete.

Shimmick began the week before Christmas with the controlled low-strength material (CLSM) pour at the Pista Grit excavation (see below). They continued by working on the pipe chase 4 removal, dismantling the shoring towers and pressure washing the walls of the aeration basin.

Early morning CLSM (controlled low-strength material) pour in the Pista Grit excavation at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Looking east at the CLSM pour. Two trucks dumping CLSM into the pumping system to deliver and distribute the material to the excavation.

Shimmick is working on the Pipe Chase 4 line removal. The excavator on the back of the picture is “pulling” out the abandoned sludge lines, while the worker in the front of the picture cuts the lines into smaller segments.

Shimmick is grading the CLSM and starting to excavate the sump and the trenches for the drain lines under the footing.

Shimmick is dismantling the shoring towers that were used to support the concrete structures in the aeration basins prior demolition.

Aeration basin 3. Shimmick is pressure washing the walls of the basin, while the operator is using the bobcat with the hammer attachment to demolish the concrete pyramid at the bottom.

First Street Relief Sewer Project

The First Street Relief Sewer and Pipeline Rehabilitation Project is the final of four design projects from the comprehensive 2016 Collection System Design Project, which also included the construction of the Cutting/Carlson and Hoffman Project (originally two projects), and the Macdonald and Virginia Wet Weather Improvement Project. The Project consists of approximately 3,743 lineal feet of open cut replacement of existing 6-inch sewer, approximately 1,696 lineal feet of open cut replacement of existing 8-inch sewer, approximately 631 lineal feet of open cut replacement of existing 10-inch sewer, and approximately 125 lineal feet of open cut replacement of existing 18-in sewer. This project began in July 2021 and is expected to be completed ahead of the Baykeeper due date of July 2023.

To date, D’Arcy & Harty Construction have completed replacement of the entire 6,195 total lineal feet of sewer main line piping included in the project scope. Pipe replacement work was completed 12/10/21; the final segment was First Street between Nevin and MacDonald. Currently, the Contractor and Veolia CPM are coordinating final street restoration with the City of Richmond Public Works Department.

High Priority Sewer Line Replacement Project

The High Priority Sewer Line Replacement Project replaces (8) pipelines with a combined length of around 2,700 lineal feet. Scope of work includes reconnection of existing laterals at mains, connection to existing manholes and hardscape and pavement restorations. On June 28, 2021, the City posted the Request for Bids on Bids Online. Veolia conducted a mandatory job walk with (11) participants on July 8, 2021. Two bids were received on August 5, 2021 from W.R. Forde Associates, Inc. in the amount of $1,179,000 and from D'Arcy & Harty Construction Inc. in the amount of $680,000. Veolia evaluated both these bids and found both of them to be responsive and complete and recommended awarding the contract to the low bidder, D'Arcy and Harty Construction Inc.

To Date, D’Arcy & Harty Construction have completed sewer main replacement installations at Potrero and 41st as well as 12277 San Pablo Ave and 1903 Garvin Avenue. “Pipe bursting” methods were utilized to minimize disruption to driveways, sidewalks and other hardscape above the sewer lines. Their most recent installation was 311 to 341 E Richmond completing full line replacement of the failing sewer main, reconnection of lateral lines and surface restoration.

D’Arcy & Harty replaced pipe at E Richmond Avenue utilizing pneumatic “Pipe Bursting” methods.

2021 Grade 5 RAA Line Replacement Project

The 2021 Grade 5 RAA (Risk Assessment Analysis) Replacement Project replaces seven sewer pipelines with an approximate combined length of 760 lineal feet. The work includes replacement of deteriorated sewer pipe segments within the collection system using pipe bursting or open cut methods. This project was competitively bid to be performed on a "design-build" basis: the Contractor is responsible for engaging the services of an engineering firm to issue design drawings for lines with utility conflicts and other constructability issues and also prepare final, as-built drawings. On June 28, 2021, the City posted the Request for Bids on Bids Online. Veolia conducted a mandatory job walk with (8) participants. Two bids were received on August 5, 2021: WR Forde Associates, Inc. in the amount of $317,000 and D'Arcy & Harty Construction Inc. in the amount of $472,150. Veolia evaluated the bids and found both of them to be responsive and complete and recommended awarding the contract to the low bidder, W.R. Forde Associates.

Forde has completed installations at 21st Street and Potrero; Rheem and 23rd Street; 4925 Macdonald (“Planet Fitness”); Virginia and 22nd Streets and 1600 Chanslor. The most recent installation completed is 21st Street between Bissell and Cutting, replacing the failed sewer main line at the AC Transit.

W.R. Forde crews backfill new sewer main line pipes down 21st Street between Bissell and Carlson.

Trenches are carefully shored and constantly dewatered to maintain safe conditions for workers installing new sewer mains down 21st Street.

New sanitary sewer manhole installation in process at Bissell and 21st Street.

New manhole and sewer main piping installation adjacent to AC Transit at 21st and Bissell.

Sludge Thickener Project

The purpose of the Richmond WWTP Sludge Thickener Project is to remove and replace the aging and unreliable dissolved air flotation thickener (DAFT) with efficient, reliable sludge thickener facilities compatible with the WWTP’s current and future treatment processes. The City and Veolia decided to bid the project in two phases; (1) Phase I as a design/build project with the plan that the selected design build entity (DBE) would be responsible for the design, construction, testing, and start‐up of the new thickener facilities. (2) Phase II construction will be bid at a later date. The project bid specifications were sent to DBE entities in September 2020. Two bids were received and reviewed by the City of Richmond Public Works and Veolia staff, and the lowest responsive bidder was determined to be Myers & Sons out of Sacramento.

Project is under design - Basis of Design Report is complete and 30% design is underway.

Thank you for keeping up with the activities in the City of Richmond.  Feel free to contact the City Manager’s Office if you have any questions or comments about these or any other items of interest to you.

Thank You!
Shasa Curl
Interim 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

Irene Lozano
Executive Assistant to the City Manager
City Manager’s Office
450 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA  94804
Email: Irene_Lozano@ci.richmond.ca.us
Direct: 510-621-1264
Main: 510-620-6512