Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:59 p.m. · 10 items · 8 votes · 14 public comments
What happened
- Denied penalties for violating Fair Elections rules 4-3 (Butt, McLaughlin, Rogers, Ritterman dissenting).
- Rejected amending legal contract to speed Navy's Point Molate land transfer (Butt, Rogers dissenting).
- Failed to require green building standards for some new construction projects.
- Approved requiring permits for demolishing buildings 6-1 (McLaughlin dissenting).
- Approved routine items including emergency contract with Bass Electric for port repairs.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(4 items)
Create new appeals board to review building code decisions
In Plain English
The city currently has no formal way for property owners to challenge building department decisions or fines. This law creates a 5-member appeals board where residents can contest rulings about permits, violations, or penalties. If approved, property owners get an independent review process instead of only dealing directly with city staff.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Require permits for demolishing buildings in Richmond
In Plain English
Richmond currently allows property owners to tear down structures without city approval. This law would require demolition permits before any building can be demolished. The city could review plans and ensure proper safety procedures.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the ordinance
Continue the item to give Katrinka Ruk a chance to meet with Councilmember Butt
Approve the item
Continue to the next meeting
6 to 1
Set penalties for violating Fair Elections Ordinance rules
In Plain English
Richmond has a Fair Elections Ordinance that sets campaign finance rules, but the current penalty section needs updating. The city proposes replacing the existing penalty structure with new enforcement measures. If approved, candidates and campaign contributors who break election rules face clearer consequences.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
4 to 1
Bring back ordinance with changes: include candidate control committees and remove jail time
3 to 4
Require green building standards for some new construction projects
In Plain English
The city currently has no green building requirements for private development. This law would mandate eco-friendly construction methods for certain commercial and residential projects. If approved, developers must meet specific environmental standards when building new structures.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
6 to 0
Postpone approval of ordinance until state green building requirements were official
Contracts(5 items)
Contract with Greater Richmond Interfaith Program for job training through Office of Neighborhood Safety
In Plain English
The Office of Neighborhood Safety runs programs to help residents find jobs and build life skills. This contract brings in Greater Richmond Interfaith Program to provide the training services. The program focuses on community-based employment opportunities for participants.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve emergency contract with Bass Electric for port electrical repairs
In Plain English
High voltage electrical equipment at Port of Richmond Terminal Three needs immediate repairs. The city must hire Bass Electric under emergency procedures to fix the equipment quickly. Emergency contracts skip the usual competitive bidding process when delays could cause safety hazards or service disruptions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Award construction contract for Martin Luther King Jr. Park Area One Project
In Plain English
The city selected Ashbury Homes Inc. to build the first phase of Martin Luther King Jr. Park. This appears to be initial construction work on a new park development. The contract amount was not disclosed in available documents.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Amend legal contract to speed up Navy's transfer of final Point Molate land
In Plain English
The Navy still owns 41 acres of the Point Molate development site. This contract change helps the city's lawyers work with federal officials to transfer that land sooner. The city has already amended this legal contract 4 times for the Point Molate project.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Continue the legal services
Continue services only until April 20, 2010
5 to 1
Support staff recommendation to continue until June 30, 2010
3 to 2
Amend traffic engineering contract for Richmond/Ohlone Greenway Gap Closure project
In Plain English
The city hired Fehr & Peers in an existing contract to provide traffic engineering services when needed. This amendment adds work on the Richmond/Ohlone Greenway Gap Closure project to their current contract. The greenway currently has gaps that prevent continuous bicycle and pedestrian travel between Richmond and other East Bay cities.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
6 to 0
Budget(1 item)
Acknowledge receipt of city's annual financial report for 2009
In Plain English
The city received its official financial report covering all spending and revenue from July 2008 through June 2009. This comprehensive report shows the city's complete financial picture including budgets, debts, and assets. The council formally acknowledges receiving this required annual document.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved as a group without individual discussion.