Tuesday, July 17, 2018

The council approved a Point Molate development timeline and hired Kosmont Companies as financial advisor for $150,000. The 270-acre former Navy fuel depot site overlooking San Francisco Bay will move forward with development planning. The vote passed 4-2 with Martinez and Beckles voting no, and Willis abstaining.

The council approved 19 routine items on consent, including a $741,400 contract increase with Nichols Consulting Engineers for landslide monitoring and $224,000 for seven used police vehicles. Other notable items included a $150,000 grant to the East Bay Center for Performing Arts and adding Ricoh to the vendor list for up to $250,000 yearly in technology purchases.

A ban on menthol cigarettes and all flavored tobacco products passed unanimously, with Myrick abstaining. The new law prohibits stores from selling fruit-flavored cigars, menthol cigarettes, and other flavored tobacco products. Existing tobacco stores have 18 months to comply with the ban.

The council modified rules for collecting residential rental housing fees, allowing the Rent Board to create its own collection rules and late payment penalties. The change passed 6-1 with Mayor Butt voting no. The council also revised employee disciplinary hearing rules to prevent department heads from overseeing hearings for their own staff, passing 6-1 with Butt dissenting.

Four new stop signs were approved for intersections citywide, including four-way stops at Barrett Avenue/Key Boulevard and Macdonald Avenue/Key Boulevard. The council also created income-based payment plans for parking tickets, allowing low-income residents to pay fines over time instead of requiring full upfront payment.