Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 7:10 p.m. · 18 items · 13 votes · 37 public comments
What happened
- Approved second contract change to finish environmental review of Chevron hydrogen project 6-2 (Butt, McLaughlin dissenting).
- Approved increasing city council member salaries from $13,464 to $16,830, with Rogers dissenting and Butt, Thurmond abstaining.
- Approved hiring outside experts to review Chevron hydrogen plant environmental study 8-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Approved confidentiality agreement with Chevron for utility tax audit 6-1 (Bates dissenting, Butt abstaining).
- Approved 14 other items including creating new Neighborhood Safety Director position and redeeming $1.75 million from developer.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Contracts(8 items)
Join regional agreement for emergency radio system interoperability
In Plain English
The city wants to join a regional authority that helps police, fire, and emergency services communicate across different cities. Currently, Richmond's emergency responders may have trouble talking to neighboring agencies during major incidents. If approved, the city gains access to shared radio systems that work across East Bay communities.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No.81-07
Increase contract with Oakland Private Industry Council by $214,000 to $325,192 total
In Plain English
The city contracts with Oakland Private Industry Council to process Individual Training Accounts, which help residents pay for job training programs. The original contract amount proved insufficient. If approved, the total contract value rises from $111,192 to $325,192 to cover remaining processing work.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the amendment to the contract
Renew technology contracts for up to $150,000 per vendor annually
In Plain English
The city buys computers, software, and tech services from multiple vendors throughout the year. These standing contracts let staff purchase equipment and services quickly without separate council approval for each purchase. If approved, each vendor can sell up to $150,000 worth of technology goods per year to the city.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 88-07
Redeem $1.75 million cash settlement from Pinole Point Properties developer
In Plain English
The city holds letters of credit from Pinole Point Properties as financial guarantees for a development project. The developer now wants to convert these guarantees into a $1.75 million cash payment to the city. If approved, the city receives the money upfront instead of holding the credit promises.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 90-07
Approve second contract change to finish environmental review of Chevron hydrogen project
In Plain English
The city hired Environmental Science Associates to study environmental impacts of Chevron's proposed hydrogen facility. The contractor needs a second contract change to complete this required review. If approved, the city can finish the environmental impact report and decide whether to permit the project.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve second contract amendment with Environmental Science Associates
6 to 2
Hire outside experts to review Chevron hydrogen plant environmental study
In Plain English
Chevron wants to build a hydrogen production facility in Richmond. The company must submit an environmental impact report showing how the project affects air quality, traffic, and neighborhoods. The city needs independent experts to review Chevron's study and verify its conclusions before deciding whether to approve the project.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Have specific experts to review ESA work and authorize staff to come back with additional costs and vendor list
7 to 1
Approve contract amendment with Overaa Construction for 2 library construction projects
In Plain English
The city is building new Bayview and West Side branch libraries. Overaa Construction holds the original construction contract for both projects. The company now requests changes to the existing agreement, though the specific modifications are not detailed in available documents.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve a contract
Approve confidentiality agreement with Chevron for utility tax audit
In Plain English
The city wants to audit how much Chevron pays in utility user taxes. Chevron requires a confidentiality agreement before sharing its financial records with city auditors. If approved, the city can review Chevron's tax payments while keeping the company's financial information private.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Accept staff's recommendation
Extend the meeting until 12:20 a.m.
Approve the Confidentiality Agreement
8 to 1
Accept the first step to $54,000 and staff come back with more information on second step
4 to 1
Refer to staff to incorporate comments and come back to first meeting in September 2007
Direct the city attorney to disclose information to the public that was decided in closed session
4 to 3
Have the City Council appoint a citizens advisory group to take up the issue of the Mayor's salary and the process for making a final decision
4 to 0
Extend the meeting 10 minutes
7 to 1
Approve five percent per year for five years, bringing the Mayor's salary to $46,500
6 to 1
Personnel(3 items)
Increase city council member salaries from $13,464 to $16,830
In Plain English
Council members currently earn $13,464 per year for their elected positions. The proposed law raises their annual pay to $16,830, an increase of $3,366 per member. If approved, the higher salaries take effect in fiscal year 2007-2008.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve item as recommended by staff and have those who vote no or abstain make a public statement when they want the money
Accept staff's recommendation
6 to 2
Have the Finance Director announce publicly those Councilmembers who have accepted the increase
6 to 1
Implement new salary plan for city managers over 3 years
In Plain English
The city plans to restructure pay for exempt and confidential management employees. This group includes department heads and senior staff who are not part of union contracts. If approved, the new salary structure rolls out over 3 years starting next fiscal year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 25-07 N.S.
Create new Neighborhood Safety Director position with $71,400-$132,600 salary
In Plain English
The city plans to hire a new director to oversee neighborhood safety programs. This position does not currently exist in city government. If approved, the director earns between $71,400 and $132,600 per year depending on experience.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 29-07 N.S.
Zoning(1 item)
Extend public comment period for Forest Green Estates environmental review
In Plain English
The city prepared a draft environmental impact report for the proposed Forest Green Estates development. The current public comment deadline approaches soon. If approved, residents get more time to review the environmental analysis and submit feedback before the city makes final decisions on the project.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extend the comment period to a maximum of 90 days
8 to 1
Governance(2 items)
Review policy for paying vendors and require explanations for late payments
In Plain English
The city currently has a policy governing how it pays businesses and contractors for services. City council will examine this policy and decide whether to require staff to provide written reasons whenever payments are made late. This review could lead to changes in how the city manages its bills and vendor relationships.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve staff recommendation
Review cell tower policy after proposed installation at 260 Water Street
In Plain English
A cell tower company wants to install equipment at 260 Water Street. The city currently has no specific rules governing where cell towers can be placed. Council will discuss creating new placement policies and possibly pausing all tower installations until rules are established.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
1. Appoint a Council adhoc committee, 2. Have a community committee made of stakeholders, and 3. Put a six month moratorium on any approval
Budget(1 item)
Set storm and sanitary sewer fees for next fiscal year
In Plain English
The city collects annual fees from property owners to maintain storm drains and sewer systems. These fees appear as a separate line item on your property tax bill. The city engineer has calculated the fees needed for the 2007-08 fiscal year based on maintenance costs and system improvements.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Adopt Resolution No. 92-07
Infrastructure(1 item)
Authorize feasibility study to make wastewater treatment plant more environmentally friendly
In Plain English
The city wants to explore upgrading its wastewater treatment plant with greener technology. A feasibility study would examine options like solar power, energy-efficient equipment, or natural treatment methods. If approved, the city engineer begins research to determine costs and benefits of environmental improvements.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Authorize the city engineer to conduct a feasibility study
9 to 0
Appointments(1 item)
League of California Cities Delegates
Official Agenda Text
Votes
Elect Councilmember Marquez as voting delegate, and Councilmember Sandhu and Lopez as alternates
Environment(1 item)
Temporarily suspend permit and inspection fees for residential solar installations
In Plain English
The city currently charges fees when residents install solar panels on their homes. These fees cover permits and required safety inspections. If approved, residents pay nothing for these services during the suspension period, making solar installations cheaper for homeowners.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the item
Housing(1 item)
Direct staff to encourage aging in place care for Richmond seniors
In Plain English
The city council will discuss ways to help Richmond seniors stay in their homes as they age rather than moving to care facilities. Staff would develop programs or policies to support seniors who want to remain in their current homes. This could include home modification assistance, in-home care coordination, or partnerships with local service providers.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Refer this item to the Commission on Aging and staff come back with a recommendation