Tuesday, November 13, 2012

The council approved $2 million financing for Family Justice Center renovations at 256 24th Street to serve victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The center will provide comprehensive services in one location.

The council voted to hire a law firm to defend a federal lawsuit challenging Richmond's beverage tax, approved 4-2 with Bates and Boozé voting no. The city needs specialized federal litigation experience for this case.

Council members reduced the meeting quorum from 5 to 4 members, allowing meetings to proceed when one councilmember is absent. The change passed unanimously among present members.

The council approved 11 routine items on consent, including applications for $400,000 and $1 million EPA grants for soil contamination testing and cleanup in South Shoreline. Other items included $93,344 for tree planting and park improvements.

Several contracts were approved including AJW Construction for school safety improvements, Aramark for a 5-year uniform service contract, and City Data Services for federal housing grant monitoring. The council also accepted a $47,092 federal grant for youth mentoring programs.

Three items including renewable energy partnerships and street light repairs were continued to a future meeting.