Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 5:07 p.m. · 10 items · 25 votes · 7 public comments
What happened
- Approved permit appeal to raise Santa Fe Avenue house 34 inches, 5-2 (Butt, McLaughlin dissenting).
- Approved new council meeting rules for time limits and schedules, 5-2 (Butt, McLaughlin dissenting).
- Approved support for UC Berkeley expansion at Richmond Field Station, 5-2 (McLaughlin, Rogers dissenting).
- Approved 11 routine items including $150,000 for police vehicles and $102,000 yearly uniform contract with Aramark.
- Approved federal grant application for 100 free electric vehicles for city fleet.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(5 items)
Join regional partnership to build biosolids-to-energy facility in Bay Area
In Plain English
Richmond would partner with other Bay Area cities to build a facility that converts sewage sludge into renewable energy. The city currently pays to dispose of biosolids from its wastewater treatment plant. If approved, the partnership could reduce disposal costs and generate clean energy from waste.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the City of Richmond's participation in a joint exercise of powers agreement (JPA) to develop a sustainable regional biosolids to energy facility within the Bay Area
7 to 0
Allow businesses to ban trespassers for up to 1 year
In Plain English
Current city law limits how long businesses can keep unwanted people away from their property. The proposed change lets business owners issue 1-year bans to people who trespass or cause problems. If approved, police can arrest banned individuals who return during the restriction period.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Give first reading to ordinance and hold over two weeks for second reading
7 to 0
Pass 3 new laws restricting tobacco sales and smoking locations
In Plain English
The city proposes 3 separate tobacco laws. One bans free cigarette samples at stores and events. Another restricts smoking in more public places to reduce secondhand smoke exposure. The third requires tobacco retailers to get city licenses before selling cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Give first reading to all three ordinances and lay over two weeks for second reading
7 to 0
Amend City Council meeting rules for time limits and schedules
In Plain English
The City Council wants to change how long meetings run and when they start or end. Current rules may allow meetings to drag on too long or start at inconvenient times. If approved, new rules could set stricter time limits for speakers or establish firm ending times for meetings.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Limit the amount of time each Councilmember may speak to three to five minutes for framing the issue and other Councilmembers that want to comment would have 2 minutes
Accept the proposal for a 6:30 starting time and 11 p.m. ending time
4 to 2
Reaffirm support for UC Berkeley expansion at Richmond Field Station
In Plain English
The city council previously backed UC Berkeley's plan to expand its research facility at Richmond Field Station in 2008. City staff will now actively work to help make this expansion happen. The expanded facility could bring more jobs and research activity to Richmond.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the item with amendments to the resolution
5 to 2
Contracts(2 items)
Contract with Pyro Spectaculars North for July 3rd fireworks show at Marina Bay Park
In Plain English
The city plans to hold its annual fireworks celebration on July 3rd at Marina Bay Park. Pyro Spectaculars North would provide the fireworks display and professional services. The contract covers setup, safety coordination, and the actual fireworks show for residents to enjoy.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract with Pyro Spectaculars North, Inc. for the 2009 Fireworks Celebration
7 to 0
Accept $150,000 federal grant for Shipyard 3 Historic District preservation
In Plain English
The federal government awarded Richmond a Save America's Historic Treasures grant to preserve buildings in the Shipyard 3 Historic District. The city must provide matching funds to receive the $150,000 grant. If approved, the money helps maintain historic structures at the former shipyard site.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Refer back to staff and come back with an evaluation and analysis of two plans to retain the build and rehabilitate and the cost or demolish and revenue generating or a combination
4 to 2
Approve and drop the funds coming from the Honda Port of entry project
Approve the original motion with a grant limit of $50,000
4 to 0
Zoning(2 items)
Review appeal of permit to raise house on Santa Fe Avenue by 34 inches
In Plain English
Margaret Peterson is challenging the Design Review Board's decision to let her neighbor raise their house by 34 inches. The city planning board already gave conditional approval for the project. The city council will hear both sides and decide whether to uphold or overturn the board's decision.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
7 to 0
Continue the hearing in 30 days and direct city manager to designate staff to mediate with applicant and appellant
Uphold the decisions of all agencies that approved the permit and deny the appeal
4 to 2
Receive status report on General Plan Update progress
In Plain English
The General Plan is the city's master blueprint that guides all development and land use decisions for the next 20 years. Staff will update council on progress toward completing the new plan. Council may give new direction on priorities or timeline.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to include in the Study Session scheduled for May 26, 2009, a schedule for the City Council to adopt the final general plan before the end of the year 2009
5 to 0
Environment(2 items)
Join state program to offer property owners energy efficiency loans
In Plain English
The California Statewide Communities Development Authority runs a program that lets cities help property owners finance solar panels, insulation, and other energy upgrades. Property owners repay the loans through their property tax bills over 10-20 years. If approved, Richmond residents and businesses gain access to this financing option for home and building improvements.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the item to enter into the CSCDA Energy Efficiency Funding Program
7 to 0
Apply for federal grant to get 100 free electric vehicles for city fleet
In Plain English
The city currently uses gas-powered vehicles for police, public works, and other city operations. This federal grant covers 100 electric vehicles plus 3 years of free use. If approved, the city reduces fuel costs and emissions without upfront vehicle purchase costs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the item to apply for Department of Energy Grant for 100 electric vehicles
6 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.