Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Presiding: Mayor Irma L. Anderson · Called to order: 8:08 p.m. · 17 items · 11 votes · 3 public comments
What happened
- Rejected ballot measure to add more police and anti-violence programs 6-3.
- Failed biodiesel study for city vehicles and port operations 4-3 with 2 abstentions.
- Approved business license tax measure for November 2006 ballot 6-3 (Anderson, Griffin, Rogers dissenting).
- Approved new Senior Assistant to Mayor position with $81,456 salary 7-1-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Approved 13 other items including Bay Trail extension and new council staff position.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Environment(1 item)
Study feasibility of using biodiesel fuel for city vehicles and port operations
In Plain English
The city currently uses regular diesel fuel for trucks, buses, and equipment. This study would examine whether switching to biodiesel made from vegetable oils or animal fats could work for city and port vehicles. Biodiesel typically costs more but produces fewer emissions than regular diesel.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to study the feasibility and use of biodiesel and biodiesel blends
4 to 3
Budget(4 items)
Issue bonds to refinance existing wastewater system debt
In Plain English
The city wants to refinance bonds that originally paid for wastewater infrastructure improvements. Refinancing typically lowers interest rates, reducing annual debt payments. If approved, the city saves money on existing debt without taking on new projects or raising rates.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Authorized the issuance of Wastewater Revenue and Refunding Bonds and related document as to form
Receive annual report on city's financial control systems
In Plain English
The city's independent auditor prepared this report reviewing Richmond's internal financial controls for the 2006 fiscal year. These controls prevent fraud and ensure accurate financial reporting. The city receives this type of audit report annually as part of standard government accounting practices.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved receipt of the Memorandum on Internal Control Structure
8 to 0
Set storm and sewer fees for fiscal year 2006-07
In Plain English
The city engineer has prepared a report recommending how much residents and businesses should pay for storm drain and sewer services next year. The city holds a public hearing each year to review these utility fees before setting the final rates. If approved, the new fees take effect July 1, 2006.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Adopted Resolution No. 93-06 accepting the report of the City Engineer for collection of Storm and Sewer Fees for Fiscal year 2006-07
8 to 0
Put business license tax measure on November 2006 ballot
In Plain English
The city wants voters to decide on a business license tax in the upcoming November election. Currently, Richmond businesses may not pay a municipal license tax, or the existing tax structure needs voter approval. If approved by voters, the tax generates revenue for city services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopted Resolution No. 94-06 approving submittal of the Business License Tax to the voters at the November 7, 2006, General Election
6 to 3
Governance(4 items)
Apply for federal Preserve America Community historic designation
In Plain English
This federal program recognizes cities that protect historic sites and promote heritage tourism. Richmond would join over 900 communities nationwide with this designation. If approved, the city gains access to federal preservation grants and can use the Preserve America logo for marketing.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopted Resolution No. 91-06
Amend city law governing private sewer line connections
In Plain English
The city regulates how private properties connect to the public sewer system through individual lateral lines. Current rules in the municipal code need updates to address connection standards, inspection requirements, or repair responsibilities. If approved, property owners may face new requirements when connecting or repairing their private sewer laterals.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopted Ordinance No. 51-06 N.S.
8 to 0
Expand council authority to negotiate Civic Center development contracts
In Plain English
The city plans a major redevelopment of the Civic Center area but current law limits how council can negotiate with developers. This change gives council more flexibility to competitively bid and negotiate contracts for the project. If approved, council gains streamlined authority to move forward with development deals.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopted Ordinance No. 54-06 N.S.
8 to 0
Support ballot measure to add more police and anti-violence programs
In Plain English
The council will decide whether to put a measure called SAFE STREETS NOW! on the November ballot. This measure would fund additional police officers and violence prevention programs. If approved by council, voters decide in November whether to implement these public safety changes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Support the recommendation to place SAFE STREETS NOW! on the November ballot
3 to 6
Personnel(2 items)
Create new Staff Assistant position for City Council with $60,000-$72,000 salary
In Plain English
The City Council currently lacks dedicated administrative support staff. This creates a new job classification specifically to assist council members with scheduling, research, and office tasks. If approved, the position pays between $4,986 and $6,035 per month.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopted Ordinance No. 46-06 N.S.
Create new Senior Assistant to the Mayor position with salary up to $81,456
In Plain English
The city proposes adding a new staff position to support the mayor's office. The role would pay between $67,356 and $81,456 per year. If approved, this creates a permanent job classification that future mayors can fill.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopted Ordinance No. 48-06 N.S.
7 to 1
Infrastructure(1 item)
Extend Bay Trail to western side of Brickyard Landing development
In Plain English
The developer of Brickyard Landing must build a Bay Trail extension to the western side of their project as part of their approved development plan. The city is discussing whether to allow residents to move in before this trail section is completed. The Bay Trail is a planned 500-mile walking and biking path around San Francisco Bay.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Authorize and strongly suggest that the City Manager meet with Toll Brothers' staff to resolve this matter but, in the meantime, all occupancy permits be withheld until there is compliance
Direct the city manager to work with Toll Brothers and Bruce Bayaert to work out a solution and, if there is no resolution, bring the matter back in early September, and the city manager is to use whatever leverage necessary
8 to 1
Contracts(3 items)
Purchase specialized sports and fitness equipment for 9 community centers
In Plain English
The city plans to buy new exercise and sports equipment for community centers across town. The purchase includes 3 different types of fitness components that will be distributed among the facilities. Community center users will have access to updated equipment for recreational activities and workouts.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the purchase of specialized sports and fitness equipment
Purchase chairs and tables for 9 community centers
In Plain English
The city plans to buy new furniture to replace or add seating at community centers across town. These centers host neighborhood meetings, senior programs, and public events. The agenda does not specify which centers or the total cost.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the purchase
Sign agreement with transportation authority to study Richmond Parkway upgrades
In Plain English
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority wants to study how to upgrade Richmond Parkway to meet state highway standards. The city needs to sign a cooperative agreement to participate in this planning process. If approved, the study identifies what improvements are needed and how much they would cost.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the agreement
Appointments(2 items)
Appoint Robert Peters-Slaughter to Youth Commission
In Plain English
The Youth Commission advises the city council on issues affecting young residents. This volunteer position helps ensure youth voices are heard in city decisions. The commission meets monthly to discuss topics like recreation programs and youth services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the recommendation
8 to 0
League of California Cities Annual Conference delegates
Official Agenda Text
Votes
Appointed Mayor Anderson as Voting Delegate and Vice Mayor Viramontes as Alternate
Public Safety(1 item)
Develop proposal for Richmond to lead West Contra Costa County fire services
In Plain English
West Contra Costa County currently uses multiple fire departments to respond to emergencies across different cities. Richmond would become the primary fire agency coordinating all fire and emergency medical services in the region. If approved, this could change response times and service levels in your area.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Directed staff to develop a proposal for Richmond to be the lead fire agency in West Contra Costa County