Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Presiding: Mayor Butt · Called to order: 6:35 p.m. · 3 items · 21 votes · 23 public comments
What happened
- Rejected preparing tax ballot measures for November 2016 election 4-2 (Butt, Pimplé dissenting).
- Rejected directing staff to prepare reports on 2 proposed ballot measures 5-2 (Butt, Pimplé dissenting).
- Heard presentation on city's pesticide ban and weed control practices.
- Approved 15 routine items including $233,743 for 23rd Street sewer design and police literacy grant.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(2 items)
Direct staff to prepare reports on 2 proposed ballot measures
In Plain English
Two citizen-led ballot measures could appear on Richmond's next election. One would require voter approval before the city gives subsidies to developers or takes on new debt. The other would change how city council members get elected. If approved, staff will research these proposals and report back on their legal and financial impacts.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to prepare the reports
2 to 4
Direct staff to prepare 3 tax ballot measures for November 2016 election
In Plain English
The city council will discuss putting 3 new taxes on the November ballot for voters to decide. The proposed measures include a tax on sugary drinks, a tax on litter, and an increase to the real estate transfer tax paid when properties are sold. If approved by council, these measures go to voters who decide whether to adopt the new taxes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to prepare ballot measures for the Litter Tax and the Real Estate Documentary Transfer Tax
5 to 2
Direct staff to prepare a ballot measure for the soda tax
4 to 2
Contracts(1 item)
Approve $95,000 contract with Advance Peace to help run neighborhood safety programs
In Plain English
The city's Office of Neighborhood Safety needs outside help with daily operations, program evaluation, and fundraising. Advance Peace would provide consulting services from April through December 2016. The 9-month contract costs $95,000 and covers core functions like communications and quality control.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Environment(1 item)
Receive presentation on city's pesticide ban and weed control practices
In Plain English
Richmond banned pesticides for weed control in 2015 and requires integrated pest management citywide. Staff presented updates on how the city maintains parks and roads without chemical herbicides. The mayor plans a public symposium on natural weed control methods and plant strategies.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.