Discuss county grant application for mental health treatment facility at West County jail
In Plain English
Contra Costa County Sheriff wants to apply for a grant to build a new mental health and reentry facility at the existing West County jail site. The facility would help inmates transition back into the community and receive mental health treatment. Richmond must weigh in because the jail is located within city limits.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Motion · Official minutes
Motion to present the questions and then determine if the City will support the project
4 aye · 3 nay
Why This Vote Matters
Richmond City Council voted 4-3 to support Contra Costa County Sheriff's application for a grant to build a mental health and reentry facility at the West County jail site. The facility would provide mental health treatment and help inmates transition back into the community after release. Council members Bates, Martinez, Pimplé, and Butt supported the motion, while Beckles, McLaughlin, and Myrick opposed it. The city's input was required because the jail is located within Richmond's city limits, though no city funds are involved in the grant application.
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Substitute motion · Official minutes
Substitute motion to use the questions to propose a better use of the grant; for reentry programs build the beds outside the walls, and that services are provided by non-profits
3 aye · 2 nay · 2 abstain
Why This Vote Matters
A substitute motion to redirect a county jail grant toward community-based reentry programs failed in a divided 3-2 vote, with two abstentions. Council members Martinez, Beckles, and McLaughlin wanted the county to use the grant money to build reentry beds outside the jail walls and have nonprofits provide services, rather than expanding facilities at the existing West County jail site. The motion failed because it needed four votes to pass, leaving the original county proposal to move forward. This decision affects Richmond because the jail sits within city limits, giving the council a say in how the facility develops.
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Substitute motion · Official minutes
Second substitute motion to send a letter to the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office that the City opposed the project if the grant can only be used on a capitol project that includes expansion of the jail
3 aye · 2 nay · 2 abstain
Why This Vote Matters
Richmond's city council rejected a proposal to oppose the county sheriff's grant application for a mental health and reentry facility at the West County jail. In a divided 3-2 vote with two abstentions, the council failed to send a letter opposing the project if the grant money could only be used to expand the existing jail facility. The proposed facility would help inmates receive mental health treatment and transition back into the community, but some council members were concerned it might lead to jail expansion. Council members Beckles, Martinez, and McLaughlin supported opposing the grant under those conditions, while Butt and Pimplé voted against the opposition, and Bates and Myrick abstained.
Auto-generated context based on official minutes.
Related agenda records
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Opposition to West County Detention Facility Expansion Grant
Presentation by the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office regarding plans to expand the West County Detention Facility
Presentation by Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office regarding expansion of West County Detention Facility
Approved an interagency agreement with the Contra Costa County Health Services Department to provide mental health outreach services from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021; and accepted and appropriated $153,175 in AB109 Realignment funds
Memorandum of understanding with the Contra Costa County Health Services Department