Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:45 p.m. · 7 items · 19 votes · 14 public comments
What happened
- Rejected expanding 'Ban the Box' hiring policy to city contractors 4-0 (Butt, McLaughlin, Ritterman, Rogers opposing).
- Failed to adopt formal decision on Chevron Refinery safety during rebuilding 3-0 (Bates, Boozé, Rogers opposing).
- Approved electrical boxes and covers for street light project 4-1 (Boozé dissenting).
- Approved 10 routine items including $178,000 homeland security grant and $13,964 illegal dumping cameras.
- Approved reducing council meeting quorum requirement from 5 to 4 members.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Contracts(2 items)
Purchase electrical boxes and covers for street light wire replacement project
In Plain English
The city is replacing old electrical wiring for street lights along West Cutting Boulevard. This purchase covers the specialized electrical boxes and diamond plate covers needed to complete the project. The new wiring will improve street lighting reliability in this area.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve purchase of Christy boxes and galvanized diamond plate lids from Alameda Electric Supply Inc.
4 to 1
Extend 6-month deadline for Solar Richmond building project agreement
In Plain English
The city signed a letter of intent with Solar Richmond to install solar panels on city buildings. The original deadline to finalize the full agreement is approaching. If approved, the city gets 6 more months to work out contract details before the solar project moves forward.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve six-month time extension of Letter of Intent with Solar Richmond
5 to 0
Public Safety(1 item)
Adopt formal decision on Chevron Refinery safety during rebuilding after 2012 fire
In Plain English
The Chevron Richmond Refinery caught fire on August 6, 2012, sending thousands of residents to hospitals and prompting a major rebuilding project. The city wants to establish formal safety requirements for the reconstruction work. If approved, this creates official city policy on how Chevron must protect public safety during the rebuilding process.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt the resolution
5 to 1
Call for the question to end debate
0 to 3
Governance(2 items)
Expand 'Ban the Box' hiring policy to cover city contractors and vendors
In Plain English
Richmond currently prohibits city departments from asking job applicants about criminal history on initial applications. This policy helps people with past convictions get fair consideration for jobs. If approved, private companies that contract with the city must follow the same rule when hiring.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct city attorney to draft ordinance to expand 'Ban the Box' policy to include contractors and vendors
5 to 1
Include the business community in the process of drafting the ordinance
6 to 0
Call for the question
0 to 4
Reduce council meeting quorum requirement from 5 to 4 members
In Plain English
The city currently requires 5 of 7 council members present to hold official meetings. This change allows meetings to proceed with only 4 members present. If approved, fewer council absences can cancel meetings and delay city business.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 14-12
4 to 0
Environment(1 item)
Receive staff report on Marin Clean Energy program
In Plain English
Marin Clean Energy provides electricity to residents and businesses as an alternative to PG&E. The program lets the city buy cleaner power sources while PG&E still delivers electricity and handles billing. Staff will update the council on program performance and any changes affecting local customers.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Infrastructure(1 item)
Explore grant funding for new playground equipment at John F. Kennedy Park
In Plain English
The city wants to replace or upgrade playground equipment at John F. Kennedy Park on Cutting Boulevard. Staff will research available grants to pay for new play structures. The park currently serves families in the Iron Triangle neighborhood.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to explore grant funding opportunities for play structure at John F. Kennedy Park
5 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.