What happened
- Approved hiring security guards for Castro Encampment following a death and shooting incident.
- Approved revised Terminal One housing development and community benefits agreement.
- Approved updated state building codes with local changes effective for Richmond.
- Received report on Richmond Rapid Response Fund's community impact and future plans.
- Heard presentations on electric vehicle fleet transition and cannabis dispensary decisions without voting.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: AgendaAttendance
Litigation(1 item)
Discuss workers' compensation claim from fire department employee in closed session
In Plain English
A fire department employee filed a workers' compensation claim against the city. The city council meets privately with lawyers to discuss the claim and potential legal strategy. These closed sessions are required by state law when cities face workers' compensation disputes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Miscellaneous(1 item)
Receive report on Richmond Rapid Response Fund's community impact and future plans
In Plain English
The Richmond Rapid Response Fund has provided $518,000 in direct cash grants to over 1,000 families and $385,000 in rent assistance since March 2020. The city allocated $600,000 in federal pandemic relief funds to the program in 2022. The report covers how many residents received help and plans for guaranteed income pilot programs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To allow the rent relief program flexibility in the dollar amount disbursed to applicants as well as requesting that quarterly reports be made in regards to the progress with the first report being made in February or March 2023
6 to 0
Governance(3 items)
Adopt updated building codes with local changes effective January 2023
In Plain English
The city uses state building codes to regulate construction safety and standards. California updated its codes in 2022 with new energy efficiency and safety requirements. If approved, Richmond adopts these updated standards with some local modifications for city-specific needs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Adopt updated state building codes with local changes
In Plain English
California requires cities to update building codes every 3 years for safety and energy efficiency. The new 2022 codes require more solar panels on certain buildings, better fire protection, and improved ventilation systems. If approved, builders must follow these stricter rules starting January 1, 2023.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve consent calendar
7 to 0
Decide whether to allow a 4th cannabis dispensary in Richmond
In Plain English
Richmond currently allows only 3 cannabis dispensaries to operate. A former license holder that lost its permit in 2015 recently won a $15 million lawsuit against existing dispensaries for blocking competition. If approved, the city would change its law to allow this company to open a 4th dispensary.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Contracts(1 item)
Hire security guards for Castro Encampment after death and shooting
In Plain English
The Castro Encampment at Hensley and Castro Streets houses 80 people in 60 vehicles and has seen criminal activity including a suspicious death in October and a shooting that left someone critically injured. The city will pay up to $200,000 from a state homelessness grant to hire 3 guards working around the clock through January. If approved, guards start immediately while the city prepares a longer-term security contract.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve said contract
6 to 0
Zoning(1 item)
Approve revised Terminal One housing development and community benefits
In Plain English
Richmond signed a 2014 agreement to sell 10 acres at 1500 Dornan Drive for 323 condos and townhomes. The original project became financially unfeasible due to high construction costs. If approved, the city gets $10 million in sale proceeds plus $5 million more when all units sell, while the developer builds community benefits worth up to $20 million including an accessible wharf, park, and hazardous soil cleanup.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve the resolution that includes the Terms of Amendment to Land Disposition Agreement for Terminal One Project with Developer; authorize the city manager and city attorney to finalize the Amendment incorporating the approved terms; and declare Terminal One Property Exempt From Surplus Land Act
6 to 0
Environment(1 item)
Receive presentation on transitioning city fleet to electric vehicles
In Plain English
Richmond's vehicle fleet is down by more than 12 vehicles that need repair or replacement. The city has already requested over $900,000 in state rebates to help buy electric replacements. MOTIV PS will present information about electric vehicle benefits to help the council decide whether to go all-electric for future purchases.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Infrastructure(1 item)
Present strategy for prioritizing traffic safety improvement requests from residents
In Plain English
Richmond receives many resident requests for traffic safety improvements like crosswalks and speed bumps throughout the city. The city hired consultants to create a system for tracking, evaluating and prioritizing these requests based on factors like crash data and community equity. Staff will present this new strategy and ask for council direction on how to move forward with a $750,000 budget.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve the seventeen projects recommended by staff and add the Barrett Avenue and Key Boulevard intersection as the eighteenth project; and add to the $750,000 the funds that were in the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) budget for $300,000, and the $150,000 that was allocated in the CIP budget for the American Rescue Plan Act needs assessment that was no longer needed, for a total of $1.2 million for staff to start working on the plan
6 to 0