Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:44 p.m. · 5 items · 15 votes · 16 public comments
What happened
- Approved wayside horns at 34th Street railroad crossing 6-1 (Boozé dissenting).
- Approved 4 routine items including $75,000 contract with Gordon & Rees for wastewater legal services.
- Approved $425,000 addition to security contract for 2 city buildings.
- Approved rehabilitation and historical designation discussion for International Hotel.
- Approved updated law on removing abandoned vehicles and statement on school absenteeism.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Zoning(1 item)
Discuss rehabilitation and historical designation of International Hotel
In Plain English
The International Hotel is a historic building in Richmond that needs repairs and may qualify for official historic status. City staff wants council direction on whether to pursue renovation and seek historical designation. Historic designation can provide tax benefits and preserve the building's character, but also limits future changes to the structure.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 112-12
7 to 0
End debate
Endorse the West Contra Costa Unified School District bond proposition, Measure E, authorizing the district to borrow $360 million on a 10-year repayment plan
7 to 0
Endorse parcel tax, Measure G, authorizing the school district to extend its current parcel tax beyond the scheduled expiration of 2014 (November 2012)
7 to 0
End debate
6 to 1
Direct staff to come back to the City Council in 60-days with a specific plan
7 to 0
Said ordinance received first reading and was laid over two weeks for the second reading
7 to 0
Adopt Ordinance No. 11-12 N.S.
5 to 2
Infrastructure(1 item)
Install wayside horns at 34th Street railroad crossing
In Plain English
Trains currently blow loud horns when approaching the 34th Street crossing near Regatta Boulevard. The new wayside horns direct sound downward at the tracks instead of in all directions. Richmond Pacific Railroad contributes $37,500 and the city matches that amount to cover installation costs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
End discussion with Councilmember Bates Abstaining and Councilmember Boozé voting Noe
Approve the project
6 to 1
Governance(2 items)
Update law on removing abandoned and wrecked vehicles from city property
In Plain English
The city's current rules for dealing with abandoned cars haven't been updated in years. The new law clarifies how the city identifies problem vehicles and removes them from streets and public areas. If approved, code enforcement gets clearer authority to tow abandoned cars that create safety hazards or eyesores.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 10-12 N.S.
7 to 0
Adopt formal statement calling for action to reduce chronic school absenteeism
In Plain English
This resolution expresses the city's position on a national education issue but creates no local programs or spending. The statement would add Richmond's voice to efforts addressing students who miss 10% or more of school days. If approved, the city formally supports reducing chronic absenteeism nationwide.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 111-12
7 to 0
Contracts(1 item)
Add $425,000 to security contract for 2 city buildings
In Plain English
The city hired DP Security to guard 440 and 450 Civic Center Plaza. The original contract did not include enough money to cover security costs through June 2013. If approved, the city adds up to $425,000 to keep security guards at both buildings.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract with DP Security
7 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.