Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:40 p.m. · 4 items · 19 votes · 21 public comments
What happened
- Approved 5-2 ballot measure asking voters to approve 1-cent tax on sugary drinks (Bates, Boozé dissenting).
- Approved 5-2 joining Marin Energy Authority for community electricity program (Bates, Boozé dissenting).
- Approved 5-2 advisory vote on how to spend soda tax revenue (Bates, Boozé dissenting).
- Approved 15 routine items including $227,000 Burg Park playground renovation and $98,000 garbage truck.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Budget(1 item)
Ask voters to approve 1-cent tax on each ounce of sugary drinks
In Plain English
The city wants to create a new business license fee for stores that sell soda, energy drinks, and other beverages with added sugar. If voters approve in November, businesses pay 1 cent for every ounce they sell. A 20-ounce Coke would generate 20 cents in city revenue.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve Resolution No. 65-12
5 to 2
Governance(1 item)
Hold advisory vote on how to spend soda tax revenue
In Plain English
The city collects fees from businesses that sell sugary drinks like soda and energy drinks. This advisory vote asks residents whether they want that money spent on childhood obesity prevention programs. The vote is non-binding, meaning the city council can still choose how to spend the funds regardless of the outcome.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 66-12
5 to 2
Environment(1 item)
Join Marin Energy Authority to create community electricity program
In Plain English
The city wants to join a regional partnership that lets local governments buy electricity directly for residents. This Community Choice Aggregation program could offer cleaner energy options and potentially lower rates than PG&E. If approved, the city signs a joint agreement with other Marin County cities to participate in the shared program.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 67-12, introduce ordinance, and direct City's representative on energy board advocate having PCIA exit fee to C.A.R.E. customers offset by additional revenues to Marin Energy Authority
5 to 2
Contracts(1 item)
Hire MP NexLevel to build city's municipal internet network
In Plain English
The city plans to build its own internet network infrastructure. MP NexLevel will handle construction according to city specifications. If approved, Richmond residents and businesses could eventually access city-provided internet service instead of relying solely on private companies.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 62-12
7 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.