Tuesday, June 4, 2013

The council approved increasing legal fees by $300,000 for the ongoing Chevron property tax lawsuit, bringing total costs to $800,000. The case involves Kronick Moskovitz law firm fighting Chevron's challenge to its property tax assessment, with Bates abstaining from the vote.

The council approved 7 routine items on consent, including hiring an accountant to audit the Marina Lease Agreement for $19,920 and purchasing 18 ballistic helmets for police officers for $18,000.

The council unanimously approved purchasing carbine rifles for the police department from Adamson Police Supply. These long-range firearms will be carried in patrol cars for situations requiring more accuracy than handguns.

Property assessment increases were approved for two neighborhoods. Hilltop residents will see a 2.45% increase for landscaping maintenance, while Marina Bay property owners face a 3% increase for landscaping and lighting services.

The council declared a 45-day freeze on new permits for second-hand dealers and cash-for-gold businesses. This emergency measure gives city staff time to review current regulations for these types of businesses.