Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:49 p.m. · 12 items · 14 votes · 41 public comments
What happened
- Rejected request for city clerk to reconsider accepting late Personnel Board ballots 4-2-1 (McLaughlin, Ritterman, Rogers, Beckles dissenting).
- Approved new graffiti law with updated rules for property owners 4-2 (McLaughlin, Ritterman dissenting).
- Approved $1.3 million grant application to close gap in Richmond/Ohlone Greenway.
- Approved 14 routine items including $575,000 mobile communications unit for Police Department and $99,991 playground equipment.
- Approved $250,000 increase for building plan review consulting contract.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(2 items)
Replace city's graffiti law with updated rules for property owners
In Plain English
Richmond's current graffiti law is outdated and unclear about enforcement. The new law clarifies that property owners must remove graffiti from their buildings within a set timeframe. If approved, the city gains stronger tools to require cleanup of tagged walls and fences throughout Richmond.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve ordinance for first reading
Hold item over for 30 days to allow Council to get clarification
4 to 2
Request city clerk reconsider accepting late Personnel Board ballots
In Plain English
The union SEIU 1021 submitted ballots after the deadline for Personnel Board appointments. The city clerk initially rejected these late ballots. The council is asking the clerk to reverse this decision and count the union's ballots for the board that handles city employee issues.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Urge city clerk to accept ballots cast by SEIU 1021
3 to 1
Table the matter
2 to 4
Contracts(7 items)
Purchase replacement landscape loader, backhoe loader, and utility trailer
In Plain English
The city needs to replace 3 pieces of equipment that Public Works uses to maintain parks, roads, and city facilities. The landscape loader moves dirt and materials, the backhoe loader digs and lifts heavy items, and the utility trailer transports equipment between job sites. The city will buy all 3 from Pape Machinery in Newark.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve purchase of replacement landscape loader, backhoe loader, and utility trailer from Pape Machinery
5 to 0
Increase consulting contract for building plan reviews by $250,000
In Plain English
The city hired A-N West engineering firm to review building plans when city staff is overwhelmed. The original contract allowed spending up to $95,000. If approved, the city can spend up to $345,000 total on these consulting services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve amendment to contract with A-N West, Inc. Consulting Engineers
4 to 0
Allow school district to build temporary campus on demolished community center site
In Plain English
West Contra Costa Unified School District needs a temporary location for Nystrom Elementary School students. The city will let the district use the former Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center site, which was recently demolished. If approved, the district builds a temporary school campus on city property until a permanent solution is found.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve Right-of-Entry Agreement between City and District
4 to 0
Purchase replacement stencil paint truck for street marking crew
In Plain English
The city's Signs and Lines Division needs a new truck to paint crosswalks, lane markings, and other street signs. The current truck has reached the end of its useful life. The replacement truck comes from Roadline Products in Downey, California.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve purchase of replacement stencil paint truck from Roadline Products Inc.
5 to 0
Hire 3 companies for building repair and maintenance services
In Plain English
The city needs contractors to fix heating, air conditioning, and other mechanical systems in city buildings when they break down. These contracts let the city call any of the 3 companies for repairs without going through a lengthy bidding process each time. If approved, the city can hire Bay City Mechanical, Valley Facilities Management, or Legacy Mechanical as needed.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hire Farwest Safety to provide traffic control services on Richmond Parkway
In Plain English
The city needs traffic control services for construction zones and special events on Richmond Parkway and other major streets. Farwest Safety will provide flaggers, temporary signs, and safety equipment when needed. The contract allows the city to call for services as projects require them.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve contract with Farwest Safety, Inc.
6 to 0
Waive $82,000 in building permit fees for Maritime Child Care Center renovations
In Plain English
The city requires building permits for major renovations, which typically cost property owners thousands of dollars in fees. The Maritime Child Care Center needs significant renovations to continue operating in its historic building. If approved, the city forgoes $82,000 in permit fee revenue to help fund the project.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Increase City's financial contribution by authorizing waiver of building permit fees with modification to come up with creative funding options including working with Rosie Trust to possibly structure long-term loan
6 to 0
Budget(1 item)
Approve spending $234,655 in state gang prevention grant funds
In Plain English
The city received a CalGRIP IV state grant to fund gang violence prevention programs. The money pays for police services, youth programs through Omega Boys Club, housing assistance, and prisoner reentry support. These contracts distribute the grant funds to local organizations that work directly with at-risk residents.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve expenditures associated with CalGRIP IV Grant
6 to 0
Personnel(1 item)
Create new Senior Human Resources Administrator position with set wages
In Plain English
The city wants to add a new management role in the Human Resources department. This creates a promotional opportunity for current HR staff. The position comes with specific wage levels that require city council approval.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 89-11 and ordinance establishing wages for Senior Human Resources Administrator
4 to 0
Infrastructure(1 item)
Apply for $1.3 million grant to close gap in Richmond/Ohlone Greenway
In Plain English
The Richmond/Ohlone Greenway currently has a gap where cyclists and walkers cannot pass through. The city wants grant money to close this gap and restore Baxter Creek in the same area. If approved, the project connects the existing trail segments into one continuous path.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 93-11 supporting grant application for Richmond/Ohlone Greenway Gap Closure project
6 to 0
Environment(1 item)
Urge EPA and President Obama to enforce Clean Air Act more strictly
In Plain English
The city wants federal officials to use existing Clean Air Act powers to cut atmospheric carbon to 350 parts per million. Current carbon levels exceed 400 parts per million and contribute to climate change. This formal request has no direct cost to the city but signals Richmond's position on environmental policy.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 94-11 urging EPA and President Obama on Clean Air Act enforcement
6 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.