Tuesday, March 28, 2023
SpecialPresiding: Mayor Eduardo Martinez · Called to order: 3:31 p.m. · 4 items · 5 votes · 24 public comments
What happened
- Approved contract with Safe Organized Spaces to provide homeless encampment services after hearing 4 public comments.
- Approved appointing Rachel Lorber to Community Police Review Commission with Zepeda abstaining after 3 public comments.
- Received $40+ million state grant agreements for Metrowalk Phase 2 affordable housing project without voting.
- Approved mid-year budget showing $8.5 million more revenue than expected.
- Approved $91,122 increase in city subsidy to Richmond Housing Authority.
Attendance
Contracts(2 items)
Authorize $40+ million state grant agreements for Metrowalk Phase 2 affordable housing project
In Plain English
The city partners with BART, Pacific West Communities, and AC Transit to apply for state funding for affordable housing near Richmond BART station. The grant would pay for new apartments, transit improvements, and bike paths with no city money required. If approved, Richmond receives up to $5 million for transit upgrades while partners get $40+ million total.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Contract with Safe Organized Spaces to provide homeless encampment services
In Plain English
The city lacks organized services for people living in encampments around Richmond. Safe Organized Spaces will provide cleanup, sanitation, and job training directly at encampment sites. If approved, the city pays up to $739,000 through June 2024, with possible extension through 2025.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To accept the staff recommendation with a change of contract expiration date to March 31, 2024, along with the inclusion of unincorporated areas of El Sobrante within the service area jurisdiction, and direction that staff return to Council on April 18, 2023, with an amendment for additional funds for a SOS grant writer.
7 to 0
Budget(2 items)
Review city's mid-year budget with $8.5 million more revenue than expected
In Plain English
The city collected $8.5 million more revenue than budgeted through December 2022. Staff wants to spend $7.9 million of this extra money on city operations. If approved, the city keeps a surplus of about $534,000 for the current fiscal year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To support Option B with changes that of the proposed $850,000 for risk reserve, $750,000 should instead go towards Carlson Crosstown Connection, $100,000 towards storm related costs and direction that staff implement a five-year plan, starting in Fiscal Year 2023-2024, to increase unfunded liabilities. With the addition that $50,000 of the $3.1 million in Option B could be used for fire access in District 4 unless it could be acquired through Measure X funding.
7 to 0
Approve $91,122 increase in city subsidy to Richmond Housing Authority
In Plain English
The Richmond Housing Authority needs more money to balance its budget for the fiscal year ending in June. The authority's expenses exceed its revenue by $91,122. If approved, the city covers this shortfall with additional general fund money.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To accept the staff recommendation
7 to 0
Appointments(1 item)
Appoint Rachel Lorber to Community Police Review Commission
In Plain English
The Community Police Review Commission investigates complaints about police conduct and recommends policy changes. Rachel Lorber is a public defender with a law degree and criminal justice background. If approved, she fills an open seat through November 2024.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve the staff recommendation
5 to 0