Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Presiding: Mayor Tom Butt · Called to order: 6:38 p.m. · 8 items · 22 votes · 14 public comments
What happened
- Approved Terminal One development project with environmental review and zoning change 6-1 (Martinez dissenting).
- Approved support for countywide half-percent transportation sales tax with two abstentions (Bates, Pimplé).
- Approved 18 routine items including $140,000 Enterprise contract for police vehicles and $130,500 probation monitoring contract.
- Heard proposals for business litter tax, public campaign financing, and community grants without voting.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Zoning(2 items)
Consider appeal of Planning Commission's approval to divide property into 3 parcels
In Plain English
The Planning Commission approved splitting one property at 3701 Collins Avenue into 3 separate parcels. Neighbor Jay Fenton appealed this decision to the city council. If the council upholds the appeal, the property stays as one parcel.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve Terminal One development project with environmental review and zoning change
In Plain English
The city completed an environmental impact study for a new development called Terminal One. The project requires changing the zoning from commercial to planned development to allow construction. If approved, the developer can move forward with detailed construction plans.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Motion by Councilmember Myrick, seconded by Councilmember Pimplé, to extend the meeting 30 minutes
Approve the staff recommendations with modifications: 1) modified to read that a good faith effort will be made to work with East Bay Regional Park District to incorporate the roundabout, with the deletion of conditions 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 recommended by the Planning Commission; include recommendation 7) The applicant shall prepare a plan for increasing the number of electric vehicle chargers in podium as time goes on; include community benefits agreement of no less than $500,000; 3 foot landscape buffer be provided along the Bay Trail; requirement to work in good faith with East Bay Regional Park District to support and/or contribute funding and/or services towards park improvements at Miller-Knox Regional Shoreline; provision that requires an evaluation of the condition of the wharf to confirm its suitability for the proposed recreational use and improvements and a funding arrangement for the next 30-50 years; an indemnity and hold harmless clause for impacts related to sea-level rise and funding for adaptation measures; and the developer should not enter into a contract with a contractor who currently has a labor dispute
6 to 1
Governance(2 items)
Support countywide half-percent sales tax for transportation improvements
In Plain English
Contra Costa County wants to add a 0.5% sales tax to fund road repairs, public transit, and other transportation projects. If voters approve the measure, you pay an extra 50 cents on every $100 purchase. The city council formally endorsed this county ballot measure.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the resolution of support for countywide sales tax
5 to 0
Support state bill allowing city to create public campaign financing program
In Plain English
Senate Bill 1107 would let all California cities create programs where taxpayers fund local election campaigns instead of relying on private donations. Richmond currently has no public campaign financing system. If the state bill passes and the city later chooses to participate, candidates could receive public money for campaigns rather than depending solely on contributions from individuals or businesses.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Contracts(2 items)
Contract with American Guard Services for security at recreation facility rentals
In Plain English
The city needs security guards when people rent recreation facilities for events like parties and sports tournaments. American Guard Services will provide unarmed guards at various city recreation centers and parks. The 3-year contract helps ensure events run safely without disrupting other park users.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hire dedicated prosecutor from county district attorney's office
In Plain English
Richmond would get its own prosecutor assigned full-time to handle local cases. The deputy district attorney works for the county but focuses only on Richmond crimes and community issues. This creates faster case processing and stronger ties between prosecution and local police.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Budget(2 items)
Approve $X in grants to 14 community organizations through ECIA program
In Plain English
The Environment & Community Investment Agreement provides annual grants to local nonprofits and community groups. A review committee evaluated applications and recommends funding 14 organizations for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. If approved, these grants support environmental and community programs in Richmond.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Ask voters to approve new litter tax on businesses based on annual sales
In Plain English
The city wants to create a new tax on certain businesses to fund litter cleanup and prevention programs. The tax amount depends on how much money each business makes per year. If voters approve the measure, it will appear on an upcoming ballot for final decision.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Environment(1 item)
Support new Bay Area air quality rule targeting industrial emissions
In Plain English
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is considering Rule 12-16 to reduce harmful emissions from industrial facilities. Richmond wants to formally support this proposed regulation. If adopted by the air district, the rule creates stricter pollution controls for factories and refineries across the Bay Area.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 64-16
7 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.