Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:36 p.m. · 8 items · 37 votes · 24 public comments
What happened
- Rejected new rules for business signs and advertising displays 5-2 (Beckles, Myrick dissenting).
- Approved 60-unit housing development on Seacliff Drive 4-2 (Beckles, McLaughlin dissenting).
- Approved policy to use half of surplus money for retiree health costs 5-1 (Boozé dissenting).
- Approved 27 routine items including $500,000 emergency oil cleanup contract with Cal Inc.
- Approved expanded rental inspections for all city rental properties.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Zoning(2 items)
Approve 60-unit housing development on Seacliff Drive
In Plain English
A developer wants to build 60 new homes on Seacliff Drive. The project requires changing the zoning rules and land use plan for this area. If approved, the city accepts that construction will cause some environmental impacts that cannot be avoided.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To close the public hearing
To send the item back to the Planning Commission to review project alternatives that comply and respect the general plan
2 to 4
To approve the item adopting resolutions certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report, adopting Statement of Overriding Considerations and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program with recommended revisions; approve General Plan Text Amendment, Vesting Tentative Map and Design Review Permit for 60 unit development at Seacliff Drive with removal of Condition 15-n; introduce ordinance amending Zoning Map to Planned Area District, including additional conditions in Exhibit A-15 and requesting list of actual addresses of units to be compensated: Seacliff Drive 500, 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, and 512
4 to 2
Update city laws governing business signs and advertising displays
In Plain English
The city's current sign rules date back several years and need updating. The proposed changes would modify how businesses can display signs, potentially affecting size limits, placement rules, or permit requirements. If approved, local businesses may need to adjust their signage to comply with new standards.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To leave Item J-1 on the agenda
2 to 5
Budget(1 item)
Create policy to use half of surplus money for retiree health costs
In Plain English
The city owes money for retired employee health benefits but has not set aside enough to cover these costs. This policy would automatically put half of any unexpected revenue or leftover budget money toward reducing this debt. If approved, the city builds a dedicated fund to pay future retiree health costs instead of using general funds.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt a policy of placing into trust half of any one time revenues and half of any year-end surplus in excess of the City's minimum reserve policy (7%) in paying down the City's unfunded liability for retired employee health costs (OPEB obligations)
5 to 1
Governance(2 items)
Support Doctors Medical Center's plan to restore emergency services
In Plain English
Doctors Medical Center currently lacks emergency department services, leaving Richmond residents without a nearby hospital for emergencies. The hospital's '5 by 8 Shared Commitment Plan' aims to reopen emergency services and maintain healthcare access. If approved, the city formally endorses this community effort to restore critical medical services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt a resolution in support of Doctors Medical Center's (DMC's) proposed "5 by 8 Shared Commitment Plan" to keep DMC open
4 to 0
Adopt formal statement supporting federal investigation of Ferguson Police Department
In Plain English
The city council will vote on a resolution backing the U.S. Justice Department's civil rights investigation into Ferguson police practices and the Michael Brown shooting. This is a symbolic statement of support that does not commit city funds or change local policies. The resolution expresses Richmond's position on a national policing issue.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt Resolution No. 112-14 in support of the United States Justice Department's continued civil rights investigations into the policing practices of the Ferguson Police Department in Missouri and the shooting of Michael Brown by Officer Darren Wilson
6 to 0
Proclamation(1 item)
Continue Annual International Women's Day celebration and move funding to City Council budget
In Plain English
The city currently holds an Annual International Women's Day celebration funded through the Mayor's Office. This resolution moves the funding responsibility from the Mayor's Office to the City Council budget. The celebration will continue as usual with the same activities and scope.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt a resolution to continue the City of Richmond Annual International Women's Day celebration and move funding from the Mayor's Office budget to the City Council budget
6 to 0
Contracts(1 item)
Approve 20-year lease with Riggers Loft Wine Company for winery operations
In Plain English
The Port of Richmond owns the Riggers Loft building and seeks a tenant for part of the space. Riggers Loft Wine Company would operate a winery there under this agreement. The company pays $100,800 per year in rent, with options to extend the lease twice for 5 additional years each.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve a lease agreement between the Port of Richmond and the Riggers Loft Wine Company for use of a portion of the Riggers Loft as a winery
4 to 0
Housing(1 item)
Expand rental inspection program to cover all rental properties in the city
In Plain English
The city currently inspects only some rental properties for safety and maintenance issues. This law would require all residential rental properties to undergo regular city inspections. If approved, more rental units get safety checks, but landlords face additional inspection requirements and fees.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To introduce said ordinance for first reading and lay over until January 20, 2015, for second reading
6 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.