Tuesday, March 28, 2023

The council approved a contract with Safe Organized Spaces to provide homeless encampment services throughout the city. Four residents spoke about the contract, discussing service effectiveness and community impact. The company will provide cleanup, sanitation, and job training directly at encampment sites.

The council reviewed the city's mid-year budget showing $8.5 million more revenue than expected through December 2022. Staff received approval to spend $7.9 million of the surplus on city operations. Both budget items passed unanimously.

The council approved Rachel Lorber's appointment to the Community Police Review Commission with Zepeda abstaining and Bana absent. Three residents commented on the appointment, with one raising concerns about conflict of interest and appointee qualifications related to Lorber's work as a public defender.

The council approved a $91,122 increase in the city's subsidy to the Richmond Housing Authority to help balance their budget. Discussion of $40+ million state grant agreements for the Metrowalk Phase 2 affordable housing project was continued to a future meeting.