Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:49 p.m. · 13 items · 13 votes · 15 public comments
What happened
- Approved wastewater rates with 5% annual increases through 2014, 6-1 (Viramontes dissenting).
- Approved resolution urging county to end immigration enforcement partnership with federal government, 6-1 (Viramontes dissenting).
- Heard appeal of denied taco truck permit for Macdonald Avenue with no vote taken.
- Approved 17 routine items including $300,000 contract with Pakpour Consulting Group for engineering reviews.
- Adopted city and redevelopment agency budgets for fiscal year 2010-11.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(4 items)
Direct staff to draft law regulating sidewalk dining areas
In Plain English
The city council will give staff instructions on creating rules for restaurants that want to use sidewalks for outdoor dining. Currently no specific regulations exist for how businesses can set up tables and chairs on public walkways. If approved, staff will return with a proposed law covering permits, fees, and safety requirements.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to draft an outdoor dining ordinance
7 to 0
Set wastewater rates with 5% annual increases through 2014
In Plain English
The city needs to raise wastewater treatment rates by 5% each year for the next 4 years. Your sewer bill increases annually starting in 2011. The rate hikes help cover rising costs for wastewater processing and infrastructure maintenance.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close public hearing
7 to 0
Delay wet weather peak flow storage project and Keller Beach Pipeline project totaling $16 million to reduce rate increase
First reading of wastewater rate ordinance
6 to 1
Urge county to end immigration enforcement partnership with federal government
In Plain English
The Secure Communities program allows federal immigration agents to access county jail records to identify and deport undocumented immigrants. Richmond wants Contra Costa County to withdraw from this agreement. If the county agrees, fewer undocumented residents would face deportation after minor arrests.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 74-10 with Viramontes amendment
6 to 1
Pass formal statement condemning Israeli attack on Gaza aid flotilla
In Plain English
The UN Security Council previously condemned Israel's attack on ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. Richmond would join other cities in formally supporting that UN position. The resolution expresses the city's stance on international affairs but creates no local policy changes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Budget(2 items)
Adopt city and redevelopment agency budgets for fiscal year 2010-11
In Plain English
The city must formally approve its annual spending plan by July 1 to fund basic services like police, fire, parks, and road maintenance. The budget also covers the redevelopment agency, which focuses on affordable housing and economic development projects. If approved, both budgets take effect immediately for the new fiscal year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Continue matter to June 22, 2010 City Council meeting
7 to 0
Approve updated spending plan for North Richmond waste facility fees
In Plain English
The city collects fees from the North Richmond waste facility to fund community improvements in that area. This updated plan decides how to spend those mitigation fees. The original plan was created in 2010 and amended in 2011 to address impacts from the waste facility on nearby residents.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Place item back on Consent Calendar and approve Expenditure Plan
7 to 0
Contracts(5 items)
Hire Maze & Associates to audit city finances for 2010-2012
In Plain English
The city needs an independent accounting firm to review its financial records and spending for 3 past fiscal years. External audits help ensure the city followed proper procedures and spent taxpayer money correctly. If approved, Maze & Associates examines city books and reports any problems to the council.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve contract with Maze & Associates for external audits
7 to 0
Hire attorney Maggie Stern for police gang injunction and code enforcement cases
In Plain English
The Police Department needs specialized legal help with civil gang injunctions and code enforcement cases. These cases require expertise beyond what the city attorney's office typically handles. If approved, Stern provides dedicated legal support for police operations targeting gang activity and property violations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve contract with Maggie W. Stern for legal services
7 to 0
Hire Psomas for construction management on Greenway Phase II modifications
In Plain English
The city needs professional oversight for upcoming construction work on the second phase of the Greenway project. Psomas would manage contractors, inspect work quality, and ensure the project stays on schedule. If approved, the city pays for construction management expertise rather than handling oversight internally.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve contract with Psomas for Greenway construction management
7 to 0
Amend GradeTech contract for Greenway Phase II modifications
In Plain English
The city previously hired GradeTech to work on Phase II of the Greenway project. Changes to the original scope now require a contract amendment. The modifications likely involve adjustments to construction plans or additional work requirements.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve contract amendment with GradeTech
7 to 0
Amend contract with attorney Trisha Aljoe for police legal services
In Plain English
The city has an existing contract with attorney Trisha Aljoe to provide legal services to the Police Department. The proposed amendment changes the terms of this contract. Without the staff report, the specific modifications and financial impact are not detailed in the available information.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve contract amendment with Trisha A. Aljoe
5 to 0
Personnel(1 item)
Extend labor agreement with SEIU Local 1021 union
In Plain English
The city's current labor agreement with SEIU Local 1021 expires soon. This union represents many city employees including office workers and maintenance staff. If approved, the agreement continues with the same terms for wages, benefits, and working conditions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Place item back on Consent Calendar and adopt Resolution No.70-10 authorizing MOU extension
7 to 0
Zoning(1 item)
Review appeal of denied taco truck permit for Macdonald Avenue
In Plain English
Maria Arechiga wants to operate a food truck at 3700 Macdonald Avenue. The Planning Commission rejected her application for a conditional use permit. She is asking the city council to overturn that decision and approve her permit.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.