Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 7:15 p.m. · 10 items · 13 votes · 13 public comments
What happened
- Approved partnering with Urban ReLeaf to plant up to 600 trees per year.
- Approved hiring a communications firm to explore potential ballot measures.
- Approved putting utility tax extension on February 2008 ballot.
- Approved increasing Richmond Improvement Association contract by $100,000.
- Approved 7 other items including street closures and gun-free school zone signs.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Contracts(3 items)
Partner with Urban ReLeaf to plant up to 600 trees per year
In Plain English
The city wants to create a formal partnership with Urban ReLeaf, a nonprofit organization. If approved, Urban ReLeaf plants up to 600 trees annually on city property including parks and street medians. This adds more shade and greenery throughout Richmond at no direct cost to the city.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the MOU
6 to 0
Hire communications firm to explore potential ballot measures
In Plain English
The city wants to study whether to put certain issues before voters in upcoming elections. Bouchard McElroy Communications Group would research and analyze potential ballot measures for up to $25,000. If approved, the firm helps determine which topics might work as voter initiatives.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Award the contract
6 to 0
Increase Richmond Improvement Association contract by $100,000
In Plain English
The city currently pays the Richmond Improvement Association up to $200,000 under an existing contract. If approved, the maximum payment increases to $300,000 and the contract extends through January 2008. The Richmond Improvement Association works on community development projects throughout the city.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve amendment to existing contract for 60 days
6 to 0
Governance(3 items)
Hold public hearing on citywide fee schedule
In Plain English
The city reviews all fees charged to residents and businesses annually. These include permits, licenses, and service charges across all departments. The public hearing allows community input before the city council votes on any fee changes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Continue hearing to November 6, 2007 and direct staff to invite Chamber of Commerce, local industry, Neighborhood Councils, and others
6 to 0
Support state bill to create universal health care in California
In Plain English
Senate Bill 840 would create a single-payer health care system covering all California residents. The bill aims to replace private insurance with state-run coverage funded by taxes. If approved, Richmond formally endorses this legislation before the state considers it.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 110-07
6 to 0
Clarify that all taxpayers face penalties for tax evasion
In Plain English
Current city law only specifies penalties for property tax evasion. This creates confusion about whether business taxes, utility taxes, and other city taxes carry the same penalties. If approved, the law applies tax evasion penalties equally to all city taxes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to prepare an ordinance
6 to 0
Zoning(3 items)
Close portions of 4 streets permanently to through traffic
In Plain English
The city plans to permanently close sections of 42nd Street, 44th Street, Macdonald Avenue, and Bissell Avenue. Street vacation means the city gives up its ownership of these road segments. If approved, the land becomes available for adjacent property owners to purchase or for other development uses.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
6 to 0
Adopt Resolution of Vacation
6 to 0
Review appeal of approved plan to split property into 3 lots on Western Drive
In Plain English
The Planning Commission approved a plan to divide property at 125-127 Western Drive into 3 separate lots for development. Someone appealed this decision to the city council. The council will hear arguments from both sides and decide whether to uphold or overturn the Planning Commission's approval.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Continue to October 30, 2007
6 to 0
Discuss new rules for self-storage facilities in the city
In Plain English
The city council will review regulations for self-storage businesses like U-Haul storage units. Current zoning rules may not clearly address where these facilities can operate. The discussion will help staff draft new rules about locations, sizes, and design requirements for future storage facilities.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to come back to City Council on November 6, 2007 with language to ask for a moratorium on any more self storage facilities
6 to 0
Budget(1 item)
Direct staff to put utility tax extension on February 2008 ballot
In Plain English
The city collects a utility user's tax from telecommunication companies like phone and internet providers. This tax may expire soon without voter approval. The council needs to decide whether to ask voters in February 2008 to continue collecting this tax revenue.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to come back to City Council on October 30, 2007 with recommendations
6 to 0
Public Safety(1 item)
Install gun-free school zone signs around willing schools
In Plain English
Federal law already prohibits guns within 1,000 feet of schools, but many people don't know this rule exists. The city wants to post signs around schools that agree to participate. These signs remind the public that carrying firearms near schools is illegal under federal law.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to create and install signs around willing schools and notify the public of gun free zones
6 to 0