Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 7:00 p.m. · 8 items · 38 votes · 41 public comments
What happened
- Approved updated rules for cell tower placement 6-1 with Bates dissenting.
- Approved 35 routine items including $456,470 audit contract with Maze & Associates and $245,000 for police cars.
- Approved request for $800,000 state grant to study closing Ohlone Greenway gaps.
- Approved hiring Design, Community and Environment to design Wendell Neighborhood Park improvements.
- Approved changes to Youth Commission law to make it more inclusive and effective.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(3 items)
Approve city manager's response to grand jury report on travel spending policies
In Plain English
The Contra Costa County Grand Jury reviewed the city's travel and spending policies and made recommendations for changes. The city manager prepared a formal response addressing each recommendation. If approved, this response gets submitted to the grand jury as required by law.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve the city manager's response to the Grand Jury Report 0909 recommendations regarding City Travel and Expenditure Policies and submittal of a letter to the Contra Costa County Grand Jury and directed staff to refer the current policy to the Finance Committee for further alterations
6 to 0
Update city rules for cell towers and wireless equipment placement
In Plain English
Richmond's current wireless facility rules are outdated and don't address modern equipment like small cells and 5G infrastructure. The new rules streamline the approval process for wireless companies while maintaining design standards. If approved, the city can better regulate where cell towers and antennas go while complying with federal telecommunications law.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To continue this matter to allow the parties to resolve differences and come back to the Council with a program that the Council can support
Said ordinance, with recommended changes, received first reading and was laid over two weeks for second reading and Council adopted Resolution No. 88-09A
6 to 1
Amend law creating citywide Youth Commission to be more inclusive and effective
In Plain English
Richmond currently has a Youth Commission established under city law. The proposed changes would modify how the commission operates to better include diverse youth voices and improve its effectiveness. If approved, the updated rules take effect immediately and could change how young residents participate in city government.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Said ordinance received first reading and was laid over two weeks for the second reading
Contracts(2 items)
Remove pedestrian safety design contract from routine approval list
In Plain English
The city planned to hire Vallier Design Associates to design sidewalk and crossing improvements along Nevin Avenue between 19th and 27th Streets. City council moved this contract from the consent agenda to regular discussion. This means council members want to debate the project instead of approving it automatically with other routine items.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt Resolution No. 30-09
Hire Design, Community and Environment to design Wendell Neighborhood Park improvements
In Plain English
The city plans $149,282 in design work for upgrades at Wendell Neighborhood Park. The contract runs from July 2009 to June 2010. If approved, DC&E will create plans for new playground equipment, landscaping, or other park features before construction begins.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve the contract
Budget(2 items)
Approve annual landscaping fees for Hilltop neighborhood properties
In Plain English
The Hilltop district pays special fees on top of regular property taxes to maintain landscaping in their neighborhood. The city holds this required annual hearing to set the fee amounts for the next fiscal year. Property owners in this area see these charges on their tax bills.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To close the public hearing
To adopt Resolution No. 79-09 and requested staff send a thank you letter to the community group that worked on the Hilltop Landscape Maintenance Assessment District
Allow sewer fees to be collected through property tax bills
In Plain English
The city currently bills residents separately for sewer services. This change lets the city add sewer fees directly to your annual property tax bill instead. Property owners would see sewer charges alongside their regular property taxes starting in 2009-2010.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To close the public hearing
To accept the report and adopt Resolution No. 88-09
Infrastructure(1 item)
Request $800,000 state grant for Ohlone Greenway gap closure studies
In Plain English
The Ohlone Greenway currently has a gap that prevents continuous bike and pedestrian travel. The city wants to study closing this gap and needs state approval to access Regional Measure 2 bridge toll funds. If approved, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission provides money for environmental studies and preliminary engineering work.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt Resolution No. 73-09
Environment(1 item)
Apply for federal Climate Showcase Communities Grant
In Plain English
The Environmental Protection Agency offers grants to help cities demonstrate climate solutions. The grant amount and specific projects are not yet defined. If approved, staff will develop and submit an application for federal funding.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve the item and direct staff to apply for the Climate Showcase Communities Grant
Approved as a group without individual discussion.