Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 5:10 p.m. · 6 items · 11 votes · 9 public comments
What happened
- Denied policy for selecting vice mayor 5-4 (Bates dissenting, 4 abstentions).
- Denied partnership with county district attorney for community prosecution program.
- Approved $125,000 funding for 2008 Home Front Festival 7-1 (McLaughlin dissenting, Bates abstaining).
- Approved 7 routine items including $355,514 hazardous materials contract and $1/year Hilltop Mall police lease.
- Received update on city violence reduction programs with no vote taken.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(2 items)
Create policy for selecting vice mayor
In Plain English
The city currently has no formal process for choosing who serves as vice mayor. City council members want to establish clear rules about how this position gets filled. If approved, the policy would set criteria and procedures for future vice mayor selections.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Recommend a policy for selection of the vice mayor - 'Councilmembers that have served without having served as vice mayor will be appointed as vice mayor unless that Councilmember has served as vice mayor within four years of the date the vote for vice mayor'
4 to 1
Discuss ways to schedule council meetings to increase public participation
In Plain English
The city council wants to find better ways to organize their meeting agendas so more residents can attend and speak up. Current meeting times or agenda ordering may make it hard for working people or families to participate. The council will explore options like moving certain items earlier in meetings or changing when meetings happen.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Reorder the City Council agenda as listed in Staff Report dated February 5, 2008: (1) have presentations, proclamations, and commendations be made at the final meeting of the month starting at 7:00 p.m. with no prior scheduled meetings with 5-minute time limit; (2) reorder items as presented in staff report; (3) on the last meeting of the month, when urgently needed at staff's discretion, a Closed Session may precede the 7:00 p.m. meeting for presentations, proclamations, and commendations. Effective February 19, 2008.
8 to 1
Budget(1 item)
Provide $125,000 in city funding for 2008 Home Front Festival
In Plain English
The Finance Committee recommended the city contribute $125,000 to support the annual Home Front Festival. This community event celebrates Richmond's World War II history and shipyard heritage. If approved, the funding covers event production costs including entertainment, vendors, and logistics.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve providing $125,000 to the 2008 Homefront Festival with the understanding that a budget be submitted by next week and that the funds will be included in the 2008/2009 budget
7 to 1
Contracts(2 items)
Award construction contract to repair Water Street retaining wall in Point Richmond
In Plain English
A retaining wall on Water Street in Point Richmond needs repairs to maintain structural integrity. The city selected Ghilotti Bros construction company to perform the work. The repairs will help prevent potential wall failure that could affect nearby properties and street access.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract with Ghilotti Bros., with the understanding that they are meeting the requirements for local hiring and that they have also added additional local Richmond businesses in the contract
Partner with county district attorney for community-based prosecution program
In Plain English
The city will work with Contra Costa County's district attorney to bring prosecutors directly into neighborhoods. Community-based prosecution focuses on local quality-of-life issues like vandalism, drug activity, and code violations. If approved, prosecutors work with residents and police to address crime patterns in specific areas rather than only handling cases in court.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the agreement
Public Safety(1 item)
Receive update on city violence reduction programs and future plans
In Plain English
The Office of Neighborhood Safety runs programs to reduce gun violence and street crime in Richmond. Staff will present their current work and upcoming initiatives. This office typically focuses on working directly with people at highest risk of violence involvement.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Miscellaneous(1 item)
Research adding security cameras to small business loan programs
In Plain English
The city offers facade improvement and revolving loans to small businesses in redevelopment areas. Council wants staff to study whether security cameras could be included as an eligible expense. If approved, businesses could use loan money to install cameras alongside storefront improvements and other upgrades.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to research the feasibility of including security cameras as part of the Facade and the Revolving Loan Programs for small businesses in the Redevelopment Areas within 30 days and have recommendations presented to the Public Safety Committee
Approved as a group without individual discussion.