Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:43 p.m. · 10 items · 10 votes · 10 public comments
What happened
- Approved new fees for inspecting alcohol and tobacco businesses 5-2 (Bates, Viramontes dissenting).
- Approved technical changes to food ware law 5-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Approved 12 routine items including $300,000 school district contract and gun magazine ban repeal.
- Approved 45-day freezes on new medical marijuana dispensary and tobacco shop applications.
- Approved exploring Haiti earthquake relief support and $100,000 grant for bicycle plan.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(8 items)
Elect vice mayor for 2010
In Plain English
The city council chooses one of its members to serve as vice mayor for the year. The vice mayor runs meetings when the mayor is absent and represents the city at certain events. This is a routine annual decision that rotates among council members.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Nominate Councilmember Ritterman as Vice Mayor
Elect Councilmember Ritterman as Vice Mayor
6 to 0
Amend food ware law with technical revisions
In Plain English
The city has rules about what types of containers, cups, and utensils restaurants and food trucks can use. These changes fix technical problems in the current law without changing the main requirements. The revisions clarify language and close loopholes that made enforcement difficult.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
First reading and lay over two weeks for second reading
5 to 1
Establish 45-day freeze on new medical marijuana dispensary applications
In Plain English
The city currently accepts applications for new medical marijuana dispensaries. This emergency law stops all new applications for 45 days while the city develops permanent rules. Existing dispensaries continue operating normally during this period.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 4-10 N.S.
6 to 0
Establish 45-day ban on new tobacco shop permit applications
In Plain English
The city wants to temporarily stop accepting applications for new tobacco shops and smokeshops. This 45-day pause gives the city council time to review current rules and potentially create stricter regulations. If approved, no new tobacco retailers can apply for permits during this period.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 5-10 N.S.
6 to 0
Update stormwater permit rules and fees
In Plain English
The city requires permits for construction projects that could affect stormwater runoff to prevent flooding and pollution. Current rules need updating to meet new state requirements. If approved, permit fees may change for developers and property owners doing major renovations or new construction.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
First reading and lay over two weeks for second reading
6 to 0
Set new fees for inspecting businesses that sell alcohol and tobacco
In Plain English
The city currently has no formal fee structure for inspecting stores, bars, and restaurants that sell alcohol or tobacco products. This law creates a fee schedule to cover the cost of required health and safety inspections. If approved, businesses pay inspection fees based on their license type and size.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Support full inspection every two years and direct staff to give annual report; if effective in reducing violations, Council would consider modifying ordinance
4 to 2
Join state program offering property owners low-cost loans for solar panels and energy upgrades
In Plain English
The California FIRST program lets property owners borrow money for solar panels, insulation, and other energy improvements. Property owners repay the loans through their annual property tax bills over 5 to 25 years. If approved, Richmond residents and businesses gain access to this financing option.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Adopt Resolution No. 5-10 and Resolution No. 6-10
Oppose closure of Station A Post Office on Broadway Avenue
In Plain English
The U.S. Postal Service plans to close the Station A Post Office on Broadway Avenue. The city has no legal power to stop federal postal closures but can formally register opposition. If approved, Richmond joins other cities asking the postal service to reconsider this decision.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the resolution and direct staff to include language about proximity to new civic center
Contracts(2 items)
Accept $100,000 grant and hire consultant to create citywide bicycle plan
In Plain English
The city received $100,000 in state transportation funds to develop its first comprehensive bicycle plan. Fehr & Peers will study current bike infrastructure and recommend new bike lanes, paths, and safety improvements. If approved, the plan guides future cycling investments across the city.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 8-10
6 to 0
Hire Williams Group to provide computer and entrepreneurship training for gang intervention program
In Plain English
The Office of Neighborhood Safety runs a state-funded program to help people leave gangs and avoid violence. The city wants to add computer skills and business training to help participants find jobs. If approved, Williams Group provides these classes as part of the existing intervention services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
6 to 0
Miscellaneous(1 item)
Explore sending emergency relief support to Haiti after earthquake
In Plain English
Haiti recently suffered a devastating earthquake that destroyed homes and infrastructure. The city council wants to discuss what kind of emergency aid Richmond could provide. Options might include collecting donations, sending supplies, or partnering with relief organizations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Use available channels to send goods to Haiti and send letter to President Obama and congressional representatives encouraging use of helicopters for rapid response
6 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.