Tuesday, July 25, 2006

The council voted down a Safe Streets Now! ballot measure that would have funded additional police officers and anti-violence programs, rejecting it 6-3 with Bates, Marquez, McLaughlin, Rogers, Thurmond, and Viramontes voting no. The council also rejected a study on switching city vehicles to biodiesel fuel by a 4-3 vote, with Anderson, Griffin, and Rogers opposed.

The council approved placing a business license tax measure on the November 2006 ballot by a 6-3 vote, with Anderson, Griffin, and Rogers dissenting. This measure would establish a municipal license tax structure for Richmond businesses.

Two new city positions were approved: a Senior Assistant to the Mayor with salary up to $81,456 annually, and a Staff Assistant for City Council earning $60,000-$72,000. The mayor's assistant position passed with only Bates voting no, while the council assistant position passed unanimously.

The council approved extending the Bay Trail to the western side of Brickyard Landing development, with only McLaughlin dissenting. They also approved agreements to study Richmond Parkway upgrades with the transportation authority and authorized Richmond to develop a proposal for leading West Contra Costa County fire services.

Several routine items passed unanimously, including purchasing sports equipment and furniture for 9 community centers, setting storm and sewer fees for fiscal year 2006-07, and appointing Robert Peters-Slaughter to the Youth Commission.