Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Presiding: Mayor Tom Butt (departed at 11:27 p.m., Vice Mayor Myrick took over) · Called to order: 6:30 p.m. · 10 items · 42 votes · 15 public comments
What happened
- Approved rent control with eviction protections 4-1 (Bates dissenting) over mediation-only option.
- Approved hiring Holland & Knight law firm for federal advocacy 4-2 (Martinez, Bates dissenting).
- Approved 27 routine items including $4.2 million contract with Granite Rock for street paving.
- Heard proposals for 45-day rent increase ban and rent review process but took no votes.
- Approved 6.8% annual wastewater rate increases through 2020.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Contracts(2 items)
Hire Holland & Knight law firm for 3-month federal and state advocacy contract
In Plain English
The city needs representation in Sacramento and Washington DC to advocate for Richmond's interests on legislation and funding. Holland & Knight specializes in government relations and lobbying services. If approved, the firm represents the city's positions to state legislators and federal agencies for 3 months.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve a three-month contract with Holland & Knight LLP for federal and state advocacy services for a cost of $36,000 and term through October 22, 2015
4 to 2
Select lobbying firm to represent city interests in Sacramento and Washington
In Plain English
The city needs professional advocates to track legislation and communicate with elected officials at state and federal levels. Many cities hire specialized firms to monitor bills that could affect local budgets or regulations. Staff seeks direction on which firm to choose for these advocacy services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to negotiate a contract and execution date with The Federal Advocates and return to City Council at the first meeting in September 2015
5 to 1
Housing(4 items)
Establish 45-day ban on rent increases while city develops rent control policy
In Plain English
The city currently has no limits on how much landlords can raise rent. This emergency law blocks all rent increases for 45 days. If approved, the city uses this time to create permanent rules about rent increases.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Choose between rent mediation board or full rent control with eviction protections
In Plain English
The city council must pick one of two approaches to address rental housing issues. Option C creates a mediation board to help resolve disputes between tenants and landlords. Option D implements full rent control that limits how much landlords can raise rent, plus requires landlords to show just cause before evicting tenants.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Substitute motion to hear all speakers with regular two-minute time limit and continue the three rent control agenda items to a special meeting later in the week
3 to 4
Motion to suspend procedural rules and limit each public speaker's time to one-minute
4 to 3
Point of order and motion to end debate by 11:28 p.m. and vote on item K-2
4 to 3
To approve first reading of ordinance for Option D (Rent Control plus Just Cause for Eviction) with specified amendments including CPI rate up to 100%, appointed interim rent board of 5 members, pass-through costs provision, base rent start July 21, 2015, and program implementation December 1, 2015
4 to 1
Create rent review process with Housing Advisory Commission as review board
In Plain English
Richmond currently has no formal process for tenants to challenge rent increases they believe are excessive. The new law creates a system where tenants can request review of proposed rent hikes. If approved, the Housing Advisory Commission hears these cases and can recommend whether increases are reasonable.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Research effectiveness of rent control
In Plain English
The city council wants to study whether rent control policies actually help renters. Staff will research how rent control works in other cities and what effects it has on housing costs and availability. If approved, city staff prepares a report with findings for a future council meeting.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Budget(4 items)
Set wastewater rates with 6.8% annual increases through 2020
In Plain English
The city proposes raising sewer bills by 6.8% each year for the next 5 years. Current wastewater rates have not been specified. If approved, your sewer portion of utility bills increases annually starting in fiscal year 2015-16.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close public hearing
6 to 0
Ordinance received first reading and laid over to July 28, 2015 for second reading
5 to 0
Increase property assessments for Hilltop neighborhood landscaping by 2.53%
In Plain English
Property owners in the Hilltop area pay annual assessments to maintain landscaping in their neighborhood. The city proposes raising these fees by 2.53% for the 2015-2016 budget year. If approved, your assessment increases based on your property's size and location within the district.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close public hearing
5 to 0
Adopt Resolution No. 79-15
5 to 0
Approve 3% increase to Marina Bay property assessments for landscaping and lighting
In Plain English
Marina Bay property owners pay annual assessments to fund landscaping and lighting maintenance in their neighborhood. The current assessments cover costs like tree trimming, lawn care, and streetlight repairs. If approved, your annual assessment increases by 3% starting in the 2015-2016 budget year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close public hearing
5 to 0
Adopt Resolution No. 80-15
5 to 0
Approve spending $851,401 in leftover federal housing grants from 2011-2013
In Plain English
The city has $851,401 in unspent Community Development Block Grant funds from over a decade ago. These federal grants help low-income residents with housing, public services, and neighborhood improvements. If approved, the city allocates this money to specific programs serving residents who need assistance.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close public hearing
6 to 0
Adopt Resolution No. 81-15
6 to 0
Governance(1 item)
Review whether eliminating 2 city council committees was effective
In Plain English
The city previously disbanded its Public Safety/Services Committee and Finance/Economic Development Committee. Council members will discuss whether eliminating these committees improved how the city operates. The review examines if council business now moves faster or if important issues get less attention without dedicated committees.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.