Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Presiding: Mayor Thomas K. Butt · Called to order: 7:18 p.m. · 7 items · 30 votes · 16 public comments
What happened
- Approved 3-year employment agreement with new City Manager Laura Snideman 6-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Approved adding 4 new management positions to city staffing 4-1 (Martinez dissenting, Willis abstaining).
- Approved $750,000 increase to environmental consulting contract for Point Molate development 4-1 (Willis dissenting).
- Approved 20 routine items including $50 million state loan request for wastewater upgrades.
- Approved Point Molate development agreement with Winehaven Legacy LLC and voting district maps hearing.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Personnel(3 items)
Add 4 new management positions to city staffing structure
In Plain English
The city creates official job classifications for Deputy City Manager, Community Development Director, Library and Community Services Director, and Public Works Director. These positions establish formal management roles and salary ranges. The classifications allow the city to hire or promote employees into these leadership positions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Motion to adopt Resolution No. 120-19 amending Position Classification Plan
4 to 1
Set salaries for 4 new department head positions
In Plain English
The city created 4 new leadership roles but has not yet established their pay scales. This law sets the salary ranges for deputy city manager, community development director, library and community services director, and public works director. If approved, the city can begin hiring people for these positions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Motion for first reading of salary ordinance
4 to 0
Approve 3-year employment agreement with new City Manager Laura Snideman
In Plain English
The city needs a formal contract with its new top administrator. Laura Snideman will earn $255,000 per year as Richmond's City Manager. If approved, she leads all city departments and implements policies set by the council.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Motion to approve employment agreement with Laura Snideman
6 to 1
Contracts(2 items)
Increase environmental consulting contract by $750,000 for Point Molate development
In Plain English
The city hired Analytical Environmental Services to review environmental issues at Point Molate, the former naval fuel depot being developed into housing and retail. The original contract ran out of money faster than expected. If approved, the contract limit increases by $750,000 to continue environmental reviews required before construction can begin.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Motion to approve contract amendment with AES
4 to 1
Amend exclusive negotiating agreement with Winehaven Legacy LLC for Point Molate development
In Plain English
The city signed an exclusive agreement with Winehaven Legacy LLC to negotiate developing Point Molate into housing and commercial space. This amendment changes terms of that negotiating contract. Point Molate is a 270-acre former Navy fuel depot on Richmond's shoreline that has sat mostly empty since the 1990s.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Motion to approve First Amendment with direction for financial feasibility study 30 days prior to development agreement
7 to 0
Governance(2 items)
Hold fourth public hearing on proposed voting district maps
In Plain English
The city is switching from citywide elections to district-based elections where each council member represents one neighborhood. Four draft maps show different ways to divide the city into voting districts. This hearing lets residents comment on the proposed boundaries before the council makes a final decision.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Motion to continue matter to January 14, 2020 and direct additional outreach to Latinx community
7 to 0
Motion to focus discussion on draft maps 115b, 101, 103b, and 114
7 to 0
Amend city law governing pest control methods
In Plain English
The city currently has rules about how pest control companies and city staff can use pesticides on public property. The proposed changes update these regulations to reflect new state requirements and safer pest control practices. If approved, the updated law takes effect in 30 days.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Motion for first reading of pest management ordinance
7 to 0
Budget(1 item)
Approve debt payment schedule for former redevelopment agency
In Plain English
The city must pay debts left over from its former redevelopment agency, which was dissolved by the state in 2012. State law requires the city to submit an annual payment schedule showing how it will pay these obligations. This covers debts and contracts from July 2020 through June 2021.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Motion to adopt Resolution No. 19-4 approving ROPS 20-21
7 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.