Tuesday, November 22, 2011
SpecialPresiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:45 p.m. · 5 items · 9 votes · 25 public comments
What happened
- Rejected discussing odor complaints from Veolia wastewater treatment plant 4-3 (Boozé, Rogers, Bates, Butt dissenting).
- Rejected master plan for upgrading city's sewer system.
- Approved supporting statewide ban on criminal history questions in job applications 6-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Heard proposals on police mutual aid authority and removing criminal history from city job applications.
- Approved 4 routine items including $2.9 million radio equipment lease for police and fire departments.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Environment(1 item)
Discuss odor complaints from Veolia wastewater treatment plant
In Plain English
Residents have been reporting bad smells coming from the city's wastewater treatment facility operated by Veolia. The plant treats sewage from homes and businesses before releasing clean water. City council will discuss what steps to take to address the odor problems affecting nearby neighborhoods.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Add emergency item to discuss odor issues at the Veolia Wastewater Plant to the agenda
Move the emergency item to be heard directly after Item I-1
5 to 2
Move items I-2 and I-3 before Item I-1
3 to 4
Governance(1 item)
Support statewide ban on criminal history questions in job applications
In Plain English
The city wants to formally support removing criminal history questions from initial job applications across California. This practice, called 'ban the box,' lets people with past convictions get considered for jobs based on their qualifications first. If approved, Richmond joins other cities backing this statewide policy change.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extend the meeting for 10 minutes
5 to 2
Extend the meeting for 15 minutes
6 to 1
Adopt Resolution No. 110-11 in support of 'banning the box'
6 to 1
Personnel(1 item)
Remove criminal history question from city job applications
In Plain English
The city currently asks job applicants if they have ever been convicted of a crime on Question 14 of employment applications. This change removes that question entirely from the application process. The policy aims to give people with criminal records a fair chance to be considered for city jobs based on their qualifications first.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Infrastructure(1 item)
Accept master plan for upgrading city's sewer system
In Plain English
The city completed a comprehensive study of its aging sewer infrastructure to identify needed repairs and upgrades. The master plan maps out which pipes, pumps, and treatment facilities need replacement over the next 20 years. If approved, the city formally adopts this roadmap to guide future sewer projects and spending decisions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt a resolution accepting the master plan
Public Safety(1 item)
Give police chief authority to decline mutual aid requests during civil unrest
In Plain English
Currently, the police department responds to mutual aid requests from other cities when they need backup officers. This resolution gives the police chief discretion to refuse requests involving civil unrest situations. If approved, the chief must carefully evaluate each request before deciding whether Richmond officers should assist other jurisdictions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.