Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Presiding: Mayor Thomas K. Butt · Called to order: 6:41 p.m. · 7 items · 24 votes · 33 public comments
What happened
- Rejected Catherine Montalbo's appointment to Citizens Police Review Commission 5-2 (Bates, Butt dissenting).
- Approved two T-Mobile cell tower appeals at Downer Avenue and Garvin Avenue locations.
- Approved changing Citizens Police Review Commission name to Community Police Review Commission.
- Approved urging Congress to pass national carbon fee and dividend law.
- Approved 19 routine items including $333,000 playground equipment and $68,000 Ford trucks.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Appointments(1 item)
Appoint Catherine Montalbo to Citizens Police Review Commission
In Plain English
The Citizens Police Review Commission investigates complaints against police officers and reviews use-of-force incidents. This appointment fills seat #5 on the 7-member commission. Commission members serve 2-year volunteer terms and meet monthly to provide civilian oversight of police conduct.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve appointment of Catherine Montalbo with understanding that next City Council meeting would include other two CPRC nominees (Christopher Whitmore and Armond Lee)
2 to 5
Governance(3 items)
Urge Congress to pass national carbon fee and dividend law
In Plain English
The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act would put a fee on fossil fuels and return the money to Americans as monthly payments. The law aims to reduce carbon emissions by making clean energy cheaper than fossil fuels. Richmond joins other cities asking Congress to pass this national climate policy.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Update garbage collection rates and contamination fees
In Plain English
The city sets rates that garbage companies can charge residents for weekly pickup service. Current rates were last updated several years ago. If approved, new rates will include higher fees when residents put wrong items in recycling or yard waste bins.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve first reading of ordinance and lay over for two weeks for second reading
7 to 0
Change Citizens Police Review Commission name to Community Police Review Commission
In Plain English
The city wants to rename the board that reviews police complaints and investigations. The Citizens Police Review Commission would become the Community Police Review Commission. This is the first of two required votes to make the name change official.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve first reading of ordinance and lay over for two weeks for second reading
7 to 0
Zoning(3 items)
Deny T-Mobile appeal to install small cell tower at 2100 Grant Avenue
In Plain English
T-Mobile wants to install a small wireless antenna on Grant Avenue but the planning commission rejected their permit application. The company appealed that decision to the city council. If the council upholds the planning commission's decision, T-Mobile cannot build the cell tower at this location.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Decide appeal of approved T-Mobile cell tower at 2732 Downer Avenue
In Plain English
The city planning department already approved T-Mobile's request to install a small cell tower at 2732 Downer Avenue. Someone appealed that decision to the city council. If the council upholds the appeal, T-Mobile cannot build the tower.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Uphold the Planning Commission's decision and deny said application (PLN18-128)
5 to 0
Decide appeal of T-Mobile cell tower permit at 2901 Garvin Avenue
In Plain English
T-Mobile wants to install a small cell tower at 2901 Garvin Avenue but someone appealed the planning approval. The city planning department already approved the permit for the wireless equipment. The council now decides whether to uphold the appeal and block the tower or reject the appeal and let T-Mobile proceed.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Uphold the Planning Commission's decision and deny said application (PLN18-130)
6 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.