What happened
The council approved a $4.6 million settlement with PG&E that increases utility franchise fees the company pays for using city streets. The settlement resolves a five-year dispute over fees PG&E pays for running power and gas lines through Richmond.
The council approved 3 new Rent Board members by a 5-1 vote, with Bana voting no. The new members are Sara Cantor, Tomasa Espinoza, and Karina Guadalupe, who will serve until March 2025. Four residents spoke during public comment about the Rent Board appointments.
The council rejected a proposal to oppose SB 423, a state law that would force Richmond to approve housing projects without public input. The measure failed with Jimenez voting no and Robinson and McLaughlin abstaining. The law would make permanent requirements that currently expire in 2026.
The council approved launching competitive bidding for a new garbage and recycling contract to replace the current deal with Republic Services that expires in June 2025. Zepeda cast the lone no vote on the 6-1 decision. The existing contract has lasted 40 years.
Eight residents spoke in support of SB 567, a state bill to strengthen renter protections and prevent homelessness. The council took no vote on supporting the legislation. California homelessness rose 30% from 2017 to 2022, with visible increases in Richmond encampments.
Auto-summarized from official minutes and vote records
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