Tuesday, April 18, 2023

The council rejected proposals for an independent audit of the Port of Richmond operations. The audit would have reviewed management and performance of the port's 4 marine terminals on 200 acres. The measure failed 2-4, with Jimenez, Robinson, Martinez, and McLaughlin voting no.

The council approved 24 routine items on consent, including $41,129 for concrete barriers and screens for a temporary Bay Trail detour around a homeless encampment. Other notable items included adopting new Form-Based Code zoning rules and increasing the police shooting range rental budget to $75,000.

Several significant financial matters received no votes and will likely return at future meetings. These included paying $211,000 in unpaid bills to close a security contract at Nevin Plaza and approving a plan to charge the Housing Authority for city services.

The council also heard presentations about wildfire prevention from the West Contra Costa Fire Safe Council and discussed a $3 million state grant for youth workforce training through the police activities league. Discussion of opposing Senate Bill 423, which would bypass local review for apartment developments, was also continued.