Tuesday, May 15, 2012

The council approved 15 routine items on consent, including a $227,000 contract to renovate Burg Park playground equipment and a $1.47 million contract with an insurance company to handle worker injury claims.

Several major decisions were continued to future meetings, including hiring MP NexLevel to build the city's municipal internet network and asking voters to approve a 1-cent tax on each ounce of sugary drinks. The council also delayed voting on joining the Marin Energy Authority to create a community electricity program.

Among the approved contracts, the city authorized $98,000 for a new garbage truck to replace a Parks Division vehicle and $136,315 to replace lighting and scoreboard at North Richmond Ballfield. The council also approved $53,100 for software and services from New World Systems.

The council declared intent to create a Downtown Richmond Property and Business Improvement District and authorized the mayor to explore solar panels on city buildings. They also approved joining a regional association to access Clean Water grants for toxic PCB studies.