Tuesday, October 16, 2007

The council approved partnering with Urban ReLeaf to plant up to 600 trees per year on city property including parks and street medians. The partnership was approved unanimously along with eight other items.

The council voted to hire Bouchard McElroy Communications Group for up to $25,000 to research potential ballot measures for upcoming elections. They also directed staff to put a utility tax extension on the February 2008 ballot to continue collecting taxes from telecommunication companies.

The council approved permanently closing portions of four streets to through traffic: 42nd Street, 44th Street, Macdonald Avenue, and Bissell Avenue. The street vacation means the city gives up ownership of these road segments.

The council increased the Richmond Improvement Association contract by $100,000, raising the maximum payment from $200,000 to $300,000 and extending it through January. They also approved new regulations for self-storage facilities and voted to install gun-free school zone signs around participating schools.

The council supported Senate Bill 840, which would create a single-payer health care system covering all California residents. They also clarified that all taxpayers face penalties for tax evasion, not just property tax evaders.