Tuesday, December 16, 2014

The council approved a 60-unit housing development on Seacliff Drive in a 4-2 vote, with Beckles and McLaughlin voting no. The project requires changing zoning rules and the land use plan for the area.

The council approved 28 routine items on consent, including a $3 million loan to RHA Housing Corporation for affordable housing and a $500,000 emergency agreement with Cal Inc. for oil cleanup. Other notable items included $396,472 in federal grants for youth mentoring programs and $657,862 in contracts for Unity Park pre-construction work.

A new policy was approved 5-1 to automatically use half of surplus money for retiree health costs, with Boozé voting no and Beckles abstaining. The city owes money for retired employee health benefits but has not set aside enough to cover these costs.

The council approved a 20-year lease with Riggers Loft Wine Company for winery operations at the Port of Richmond building, paying $100,800 per year. The council also expanded the rental inspection program to cover all rental properties in the city, requiring regular safety and maintenance inspections.

The council passed resolutions supporting Doctors Medical Center's plan to restore emergency services and backing the federal investigation of the Ferguson Police Department. Discussion of updating city laws governing business signs was continued to a future meeting.