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
The council approved 27 routine items on consent, including a $4.2 million contract with Granite Rock Company for street paving and $550,000 for solar installations to 130 low-income households.
The council voted to pursue rent mediation over full rent control to address housing issues. The measure passed 4-1, with Bates voting no. Several other rent-related items received no vote and were left unresolved.
Two controversial lobbying contracts were approved despite split votes. The council hired Holland & Knight for federal and state advocacy despite opposition from Martinez and Bates. A separate lobbying firm selection passed with only Pimplé voting no.
Property owners in Hilltop and Marina Bay neighborhoods will see their landscaping assessments increase by 2.53% and 3% respectively. The council also approved spending $851,401 in leftover federal housing grants from 2011-2013.
The meeting ran past midnight, with Mayor Butt departing at 11:27 p.m. and Vice Mayor Myrick taking over. Discussion of wastewater rate increases was continued to a future meeting.
Auto-summarized from official minutes and vote records
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Attendance
Approved as a group without individual discussion.
Biggest items: $4.2M Construction contract with Granite Ro... · $1.9M Loan documents with RHA Housing Corpo... · $1.1M Interagency agreement with Contra Cos...