Tuesday, May 3, 2005
Presiding: Mayor Irma L. Anderson · Called to order: 8:01 p.m. · 10 items · 5 votes · 33 public comments
What happened
- Denied changing Historic Preservation Advisory Committee to a board with design review powers.
- Approved purchasing dynometer equipment for smog inspections 4-1 (McLaughlin dissenting).
- Approved 8 routine consent items including $4.5 million BART parking fund transfer.
- Approved selling 6 vacant city properties on 2nd Street and joining Mills Act Program.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Contracts(3 items)
Sell 6 city-owned vacant properties on 2nd Street
In Plain English
The city owns 6 empty lots that it no longer needs for municipal purposes. One property sits at 682 2nd Street, while the other 5 are clustered on South 2nd Street. If approved, the city sells these surplus properties to private buyers and deposits the proceeds into the general fund.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the disposition of the surplus properties and directed staff to negotiate and execute disposition agreements with the recommended bidders
Lease property to house youth leaving foster care system
In Plain English
The city plans to rent housing for young people aging out of foster care. The lease runs from May through September 2005 and costs up to $13,200. If approved, the city provides temporary housing support during a critical transition period when foster youth often become homeless.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the contract
5 to 0
Purchase dynometer equipment for state-required smog inspections
In Plain English
California requires cities to use specific equipment for smog certification inspections under the BAR 97-ASM program. The city needs this dynometer machine to comply with state regulations. If approved, the one-time cost is $23,659.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the purchase
4 to 1
Governance(4 items)
Join Mills Act Program to offer property tax breaks for historic preservation
In Plain English
The Mills Act allows cities to offer property tax reductions to owners who maintain historic buildings according to preservation standards. Richmond currently does not participate in this state program. If approved, qualifying property owners could receive significant tax savings in exchange for preserving their building's historic character.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Directed staff to draft an ordinance for the City of Richmond to become a participant in the Mills Act Program
Authorize Public Services Director to create disabled parking spaces
In Plain English
The city currently lacks a formal policy for creating new disabled parking spaces. This resolution gives the Public Services Director authority to designate these spaces without requiring individual city council approval. If approved, disabled parking requests can be processed faster through city staff rather than waiting for council meetings.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopted Resolution No. 63-05
Review city charter with $25,000 consultant study
In Plain English
The city charter is the foundational legal document that establishes how Richmond operates and governs itself. City staff propose hiring consultants to review the current charter and identify potential updates or improvements. The initial phase covers basic analysis and recommendations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the proposed plan
Change Historic Preservation Advisory Committee to a board with design review powers
In Plain English
The city currently has a Historic Preservation Advisory Committee that provides input on historic buildings. This change renames it to a board and gives it formal authority to review and comment on proposed changes to historic structures. If approved, property owners seeking to modify historic buildings receive official feedback from this group during the design review process.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Leave the name as a committee and incorporate the changes
Appointments(1 item)
Appoint Charlotte McIntire to Commission On Aging
In Plain English
The Commission On Aging advises the city council on programs and services for senior residents. Mayor Anderson recommends Charlotte McIntire for a seat with a term ending May 2007. The commission helps shape policies on senior housing, transportation, and health services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the appointment
Zoning(1 item)
Approve plan to update the city's master development blueprint
In Plain English
The city's General Plan guides all future development decisions like housing, parks, and business districts. The current plan needs updating to reflect modern needs. If approved, the city hires consultants and forms a committee to rewrite this blueprint over 3 years.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the scope of work, selection process, and establishment of a General Plan Committee
Personnel(1 item)
Request state permission for Acting Police Chief to work beyond retirement limits
In Plain English
California limits how many hours retired public employees can work if rehired by the same agency. Acting Police Chief Terry Hudson is a retired officer who hit the 960-hour annual cap. The city needs state approval to let him continue working while searching for a permanent chief.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopted Resolution No. 59-05
5 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.