Tuesday, March 16, 2010

The council voted down penalties for violating Fair Elections Ordinance rules in a 4-3 split vote, with Rogers, Ritterman, Butt, and Mayor McLaughlin voting no. The proposed penalties would have updated enforcement of the city's campaign finance rules.

A contract amendment to speed up the Navy's transfer of the final 41 acres at Point Molate was also rejected. Butt and Rogers voted against the legal contract change, while Ritterman abstained.

The council approved a new appeals board to review building code decisions, giving property owners a formal way to challenge permits and fines. They also voted down green building standards that would have required eco-friendly construction methods for some new projects.

Several contracts were approved, including partnerships with Greater Richmond Interfaith Program for job training and Bass Electric for emergency port electrical repairs. The council also awarded a construction contract to Ashbury Homes Inc. for the first phase of Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

The council approved one routine item on consent, appointing two residents to city commissions for $29,950. Discussion of requiring demolition permits for buildings was continued to a future meeting.