Hercules Celebrates Nepali New Year With Diplomatic Guests, Updates Insurance Pact

The Hercules City Council turned its April 14 meeting into a cross-cultural milestone, formally proclaiming Nepali New Year 2083 alongside Nepal's newly arrived consul general, a county supervisor and state and congressional representatives — then pivoted to quietly modernize the city's 21-year-old risk-pooling insurance agreement. The session also surfaced early signals on two policy fronts: a looming review of the city's traffic safety subcommittee and a separate push to address sidewalk liability.

• Nepali New Year 2083 proclaimed with Nepal's Consul General, county Supervisor and state and federal representatives in attendance

• City's insurance agreement updated for the first time since 2005, approved 5-0

• Mosaic Public Partners selected to lead recruitment for Hercules's next city manager

• Council Member Bailey appointed chair of MCE's technical committee, overseeing regional clean-energy purchasing

• Traffic safety subcommittee review headed to a future agenda after council members flag differing views on its role

Hercules Marks Nepali New Year With Consul General, Supervisor

Mayor Christine Kelley read a proclamation recognizing April 14, 2026, as Nepali New Year 2083 — known as Bikram Sambat — in the city of Hercules, drawing remarks from every council member, Nepal's consul general and elected officials representing the county, state Legislature and Congress.

Why it matters: Hercules is home to one of California's highest concentrations of Nepalese residents, and this year's celebration carried added weight: the Nepal Consulate General in San Francisco opened just months ago, giving the Bay Area's Nepali diaspora a direct diplomatic link for the first time.

Where things stand: Councilmember Dilli Bhattarai, described as the first elected official of Nepali origin in California, delivered personal remarks tying the proclamation to the broader immigrant experience.

"This moment is deeply personal and profoundly meaningful. It reflects not only my journey, but the journey of millions Nepalese and immigrant families who have brought their dreams, hard work and values to this land," said Bhattarai.

Consul General Lakshuman Khanal accepted the proclamation on behalf of the newly established San Francisco consulate.

"We are just a few months in operation now, and it's a great honor for me to be a part of this very important occasion for the city and for the Nepali community," he said, expressing eagerness to collaborate with Hercules and the wider Bay Area Nepali community.

Vice Mayor Alex Walker-Griffin called the moment historic:

"This is living history. So thank you everyone and Happy New Year."

Councilmember Dion Bailey recalled working with Bhattarai on the first such proclamation in 2022. Councilmember Tiffany Grimsley celebrated the city's diversity.

The ceremony extended beyond city limits. Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, representing Contra Costa County's District 5, presented a separate county proclamation recognizing April 14 as Nepal Day within her district. Gabe Sandoval, representing State Senator Jesse Arreguin and Congressman John Garamendi, presented certificates of recognition to community members including Pritesh Karki, Richet Pudel and Dr. Ahmad Pokhrel, among others.

Council Adopts First MPA Insurance Update in 21 Years

The basics: The Municipal Pooling Authority is a joint powers authority of 21 cities that pools risk for workers' compensation, general liability, property, cyber liability, employee benefits and wellness programs. Hercules has been a member since 1977. The JPA agreement governing the arrangement had not been updated since 2005.

Why it matters: The MPA is the backbone of Hercules's insurance coverage. Workers' comp claims up to $500,000 are covered by the pool, with excess coverage through PRISM. General liability covers up to $1 million above the city's $10,000 self-insured retention, with an additional $9 million through CARMA and further coverage up to $24.5 million. Keeping the governing agreement current ensures the framework reflects current law and operations.

Where things stand: HR Manager Kristi Carter presented the update, emphasizing its administrative nature.

"The Joint Powers Authority Agreement has not been updated since 2005. So we are well overdue for an update to this document," she said.

Carter noted the amendment went through a year-long review including committee and board review and a formal member comment period. She added that the MPA has maintained a CAJAPA Accreditation of Excellence for over 20 years.

The discussion took an unexpected turn when Councilmember Dilli Bhattarai asked about risk transfer for sidewalk-related liabilities — a policy question adjacent to, but separate from, the JPA amendment. City Manager Patrick Tang drew a clear line:

"I believe your question goes to whether the city should take action to adopt a sidewalk liability ordinance as many other cities have done in Contra Costa County, as a way to mitigate risk. I don't think these amendments need to be held up for any discussion on that point."

He noted that Pinole is the only other Contra Costa city without such an ordinance, signaling the issue may return on a future agenda.

Decisions: The resolution passed 5-0 (For: Walker-Griffin, Grimsley, Bhattarai, Bailey, Kelley; Against: none; Absent: none).

What's next: The sidewalk liability ordinance discussion is expected to return as a separate policy item at a future meeting.

Bailey Takes MCE Chair; Traffic Subcommittee Review Coming

Council member reports surfaced two items with broader policy implications for Hercules residents.

Clean Energy Seat at the Table

Councilmember Dion Bailey reported he was appointed chair of MCE's technical committee, which oversees power purchasing for the community choice energy provider.

"Hopefully that will help us be able to present to our residents more of the benefits and features of what MCE is and the options that we have both with PG&E as well as with MCE here in our city," he said.

The appointment gives Hercules a direct leadership role in regional clean-energy procurement decisions.

Bailey also reported the WestCat board retained its general manager with a final contract extension, with a full contract negotiation expected next time and a 2030 future vision study forthcoming.

Traffic Safety Subcommittee Under Review

Bailey requested — and all council members agreed to add — a future agenda discussion on the traffic safety subcommittee.

"There's been some different interpretation of how that should work going forward. And just so that the whole council can hear it," he said.

The subcommittee previously guided projects such as the Hercules Avenue traffic calming effort; the review could reshape or dissolve the body.

Mayor Christine Kelley closed out reports by noting the finance commission would begin reviewing the city budget the following night and urged council members to review materials ahead of the upcoming budget workshop. She also shared regional updates: Richmond Ferry ridership is increasing, and San Pablo Bridge construction is estimated at $27–$32 million, potentially beginning in 2028.

Minor Items

• City manager search firm selected. Council chose Mosaic Public Partners during an April 7 special closed session to lead recruitment for Hercules's next city manager. No other reportable action was taken.

• Falcon Way pavement project pulled. Item 13:1, acceptance of the Falcon Way pavement rehabilitation project, was removed from the agenda due to a change order issue. It will return at a future meeting.

• Consent calendar approved 5-0 (motion by Vice Mayor Walker-Griffin, second by Councilmember Bhattarai). Five items were adopted. Mayor Kelley noted Kimley-Horn was listed twice on the prequalified vendor list and suggested adding Fehr & Peers for traffic calming services.

• Community events ahead. The city manager announced preschool registration, an American Red Cross blood drive at Samara Terrace, spring swim lessons and a community cleanup day on May 2. Mayor Kelley noted the Friends of the Library book sale and the upcoming Cal Cities Leaders Summit.

• Mayor Kelley reported attending a reception for new Caltrans Director Dinah L. Tawansi and an East Bay EDA award acceptance for Bio-Rad.