Tuesday, May 20, 2008

The council approved the city's budget for fiscal year 2008-2009 unanimously. City Manager Bill Lindsay and Finance Director Jim Goins presented the annual budget overview covering all city spending from July 2008 through June 2009.

The council unanimously opposed Initiative 1326, a statewide ballot measure that would increase criminal justice penalties. The initiative would add $500 million annually for criminal justice programs, increase drug penalties, and make it easier to prosecute youth as adults.

Several contracts were approved unanimously, including $54,000 to expand recruiting services with Bob Murray & Associates for three engineering positions. The council also approved $50,000 for Solar Richmond to coordinate solar training in the city's RichmondBUILD job program and increased Patricia Elliot's contract from $10,000 to $25,000 for confidential investigations.

The council selected John Wehrle to create a new mural at City Hall's entrance, following a recommendation from the Arts & Culture Commission. The council approved 7 routine items on consent, including $23,000 for two new mowers and $20,000 for a law firm to handle Terminal 4 cleanup compliance.