Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Presiding: Mayor Thomas K. Butt · Called to order: 6:40 p.m. · 4 items · 16 votes · 7 public comments

What happened

  • Approved 45-day freeze on new development in Northshore area.
  • Approved allowing medical marijuana cultivation in agricultural areas with special permits.
  • Approved resolution opposing closure of Nevin Avenue post office.
  • Approved 5-year strategic business plan for 2017-2021.
  • Approved 9 routine items including $200,969 federal grant for port security and $86,066 contract with Community Violence Solutions.

Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records

View official: Minutes

Attendance

Jovanka Beckles(Present)
Ben Choi(Present)
Eduardo Martinez(Present)
Gayle McLaughlin(Present)
Jael Myrick(Present)
Melvin Willis(Present)
Tom Butt(Present)
5 substantive items · 9 consent · 1 procedural

Governance(1 item)

Adopt resolution opposing closure of Nevin Avenue post office

Political Statements

In Plain English

The US Postal Service plans to close the post office at 1025 Nevin Avenue. The city wants to formally oppose this closure and send a letter to postal officials. If approved, Richmond officially asks the postal service to keep the facility open.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

to adopt Resolution No. 10-17

Moved by: Councilmember MartinezSeconded by: Councilmember Myrick
Passed

7 to 0

Thomas K. ButtAye
Jovanka BecklesAye
Ben ChoiAye
Eduardo MartinezAye
Gayle McLaughlinAye
Jael MyrickAye
Melvin WillisAye

Zoning(2 items)

Freeze new development in Northshore area for 45 days

Northshore Development

In Plain English

The city is considering changes to its long-term development plan for the Northshore neighborhood. This temporary freeze prevents new construction or land use permits that might conflict with those planned changes. If approved, no new development can start in this area until March 24.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

allowed speakers that submitted speaker cards late to give comments

Moved by: Councilmember McLaughlinSeconded by: Councilmember Choi
Passed

6 to 0

Thomas K. ButtAbsent
Ben ChoiAye
Eduardo MartinezAye
Gayle McLaughlinAye
Jael MyrickAye
Melvin WillisAye
Jovanka BecklesAye

to adopt the urgency ordinance as proposed

Moved by: Councilmember McLaughlinSeconded by: Councilmember Martinez
Passed

6 to 0

Thomas K. ButtAbsent
Ben ChoiAye
Eduardo MartinezAye
Gayle McLaughlinAye
Jael MyrickAye
Melvin WillisAye
Jovanka BecklesAye

Allow medical marijuana cultivation in agricultural areas with special permits

Cannabis

In Plain English

The city currently bans medical marijuana cultivation everywhere within city limits. This change lets farmers grow medical marijuana on agricultural land if they get special permits from the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission will first review the proposed zoning rules before the city council makes a final decision.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

to allow medical marijuana in green houses and approve the staff recommendation

Moved by: Councilmember McLaughlinSeconded by: Councilmember Martinez
Passed

6 to 0

Thomas K. ButtAbsent
Ben ChoiAye
Eduardo MartinezAye
Gayle McLaughlinAye
Jael MyrickAye
Melvin WillisAye
Jovanka BecklesAye

Budget(1 item)

Approve 5-year strategic business plan for 2017-2021

Strategic Business Plan

In Plain English

The city created a roadmap outlining its priorities and goals for the next 5 years. The plan guides how the city spends money and focuses staff efforts. If approved, city departments use this framework to make budget decisions and set annual work priorities.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

to approve said plan with the comments made from the dais and the public

Moved by: Councilmember McLaughlinSeconded by: Councilmember Myrick
Passed

7 to 0

Thomas K. ButtAye
Jovanka BecklesAye
Ben ChoiAye
Eduardo MartinezAye
Gayle McLaughlinAye
Jael MyrickAye
Melvin WillisAye

Appointments(1 item)

Appoint mayor and councilmembers to regional committees and liaison positions for 2017

Police & Community Safety

In Plain English

Richmond participates in dozens of regional committees that coordinate policies across Bay Area cities. The city also creates temporary committees to study specific local issues. These annual appointments determine which elected officials represent Richmond's interests and vote on regional decisions that affect local residents.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

approved said appointments and two liaison positions added during discussion

Moved by: Vice Mayor BecklesSeconded by: Councilmember Choi
Passed

7 to 0

Thomas K. ButtAye
Jovanka BecklesAye
Ben ChoiAye
Eduardo MartinezAye
Gayle McLaughlinAye
Jael MyrickAye
Melvin WillisAye

Approved as a group without individual discussion.

H-10Meeting minutes approval