Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:38 p.m. · 13 items · 22 votes · 60 public comments
What happened
- Denied permits for 2 medical marijuana dispensaries 4-3 (Beckles, Butt, McLaughlin dissenting).
- Failed to pass vote of confidence in city manager and port officials.
- Approved safer pest control methods on city property 4-2 (Bates, Boozé dissenting).
- Approved $65,000 in mini-grants for neighborhood public art projects.
- Approved 6 routine consent items including $52,000 for fire department radios.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Zoning(2 items)
Award medical marijuana collective permits to 2 dispensaries
In Plain English
The city will decide whether to grant permits for 2 medical marijuana dispensaries. 7-Stars Healing Center wants to operate at 3288 Pierce Street. Granddaddy Purp Collective wants to operate at 2924 Hilltop Mall Road. If approved, Richmond gets 2 new legal medical marijuana businesses.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close public hearing
6 to 0
Table the item
3 to 3
Award medical marijuana collective permit to 7-Stars Healing Center
4 to 1
Continue the item to June 19, 2012, with public hearing closed
3 to 3
Review development options for Port operations center and historic Riggers Loft building
In Plain English
The Port must decide where to build a new operations and security center. The city can either develop it at Terminal 3 or at Point Potrero Marine Terminal near the historic Riggers Loft building. The Riggers Loft is a waterfront structure that needs decisions about its future use and preservation.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
End debate
2 to 3
End debate
4 to 2
Accept staff's recommendation for Alternative 1 and identify funds to proceed with renovating Rigger's Loft
2 to 4
Proceed with Alternative 2 (Riggers Loft) and direct city manager to report on negotiating contract with Alten Construction for Alternative 1 as backup
4 to 2
Governance(3 items)
Require city to use safer pest control methods on all city property
In Plain English
The city currently has no formal policy governing how it controls pests like rodents, insects, and weeds at parks, buildings, and other facilities. This law establishes Integrated Pest Management, which prioritizes non-toxic methods before using pesticides. If approved, the city must try physical removal, habitat changes, and natural predators before applying chemicals.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Give ordinance first reading and lay over for second reading
4 to 2
Update law requiring disclosure on campaign mass mailings
In Plain English
Current city law requires campaigns to include disclosure information on mass mailings but the language is unclear. The updated law clarifies exactly what information must be printed and where it should appear. If approved, campaigns face clearer rules for upcoming elections.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Give ordinance first reading and lay over for second reading
4 to 1
Cast vote of confidence in Port Operations, City Manager, Port Director, and Finance Director
In Plain English
The city council plans to formally express support for 4 key leadership positions. This symbolic vote typically happens during periods of public criticism or controversy. The resolution has no legal effect but signals the council's backing of these administrators' performance and decisions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Cast vote of confidence in support of Port Operations, City Manager, Port Director, and Finance Director
2 to 0
Contracts(6 items)
Award $65,000 in mini-grants for neighborhood public art projects
In Plain English
The city will distribute grants to 3 organizations to create public art in neighborhoods. Richmond Art Center receives $8,000, while Husser Education Consulting gets $27,870 and Higher Gliffs Inc. receives $29,130. These grants fund community-led art projects like murals and sculptures in local neighborhoods.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve two contracts totaling $37,130: Richmond Art Center ($8,000) and Higher Gliffs Inc./Community Rejuvenation Project ($29,130)
5 to 0
Approve city manager and port officials' trip to China for economic conference
In Plain English
The city manager and 2 port officials would attend an annual economic conference and meet with officials from Zhoushan City, Richmond's sister city. China covers most travel costs, but Richmond pays about $2,000 for port expenses. If approved, the trip strengthens business relationships that could bring trade and investment opportunities to Richmond's port.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve travel by City Manager, Port Executive Director and Port Marketing/Operations Manager to China
5 to 0
Add $400,000 to law firm contract for 2 ongoing lawsuits
In Plain English
The city faces 2 active lawsuits called Booker vs. City of Richmond and Jenkins vs. City of Richmond. The current contract with Meyers Nave law firm needs more money to continue the city's defense. If approved, the contract increases by $400,000 and runs through June 2013.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve sixth amendment to contract with Meyers, Nave, Riback, Silver and Wilson
5 to 0
Loan Richmond Art Center $161,200 for operations and program transition
In Plain English
The Richmond Art Center at 2540 Barrett Avenue needs $161,200 to cover year-end costs and shift to community-based education programs. The city operated the center but wants to transition it to community control. If approved, the loan helps the center continue serving residents during this change.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve loan agreement for $161,200 with Richmond Art Center
5 to 0
Lease port property to Pio's Trucking Company for $54,000 per year
In Plain English
The city owns property at Port of Richmond Terminal 4 that currently generates no revenue. Pio's Trucking Company wants to lease this space for their operations. If approved, the city receives $54,000 in annual lease income from previously unused port property.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve one-year lease agreement with Pio's Trucking Company
5 to 0
Approve emergency contract for abandoned tugboat security at Point Potrero Marine Terminal
In Plain English
Two abandoned tugboats called Lion and Tiger sit at the city's Point Potrero Marine Terminal. The city needs immediate security and technical care to prevent environmental or safety problems. If approved, Global Diving handles this work for up to $84,327 until a permanent solution is found.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve emergency contract with Global Diving, Inc.
5 to 0
Budget(2 items)
Set property tax rates for Hilltop neighborhood landscaping services
In Plain English
Property owners in the Hilltop area pay special assessments to fund landscaping and maintenance in their neighborhood. The city must formally approve these assessment rates each year. If approved, residents continue paying the same rates as last year for services like tree trimming and lawn care in common areas.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close public hearing
6 to 0
Adopt Resolution No. 74-12
6 to 0
Set annual property taxes for Marina Bay landscaping and lighting maintenance
In Plain English
Marina Bay property owners pay special assessments each year to fund landscaping and lighting in their neighborhood. The city holds this required public hearing annually to approve the tax amounts. If approved, property owners continue paying the same rates they have paid in previous years.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close public hearing
6 to 0
Adopt Resolution No. 75-12
6 to 0
Appointments(1 item)
Appoint 6 people to 4 city advisory boards
In Plain English
The city relies on volunteer residents to serve on boards that advise the council on housing, aging services, community development, and economic issues. These appointments fill vacant seats and renew expiring terms. Board members review policies and make recommendations but cannot make final decisions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve appointments to boards and commissions
5 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.