Tuesday, January 23, 2007

The council approved new penalties for chemical plant accidents that trigger emergency sirens, though the vote was split 5-3 with McLaughlin, Rogers, and Thurmond voting no. Companies currently face no city consequences when their releases force residents to shelter in place.

A $461,677 grant from Contra Costa County was accepted for North Richmond waste cleanup projects. The money comes from mitigation fees the county collected from waste facility operations since 2006.

The council elected a new Vice Mayor to replace outgoing Vice Mayor Viramontes, though four members abstained from the vote. The Vice Mayor runs meetings when the mayor is absent and represents the city at regional events.

The council approved 3 routine items on consent, including a $300,000 loan to the Police Activities League for youth center expansion. A community survey was also approved for distribution to gather resident feedback on city services.

New planning fees were approved to cover costs of updating city development documents like the General Plan. The fees will shift these expenses from the general budget to developers and property owners requesting plan changes.