Tuesday, May 16, 2006

The council rejected a proposal requiring permits for large developments and stores over 100,000 square feet, voting it down 5-4 with Anderson, Bates, Griffin, and Rogers voting no. The measure would have required major projects and superstores to get special city review through Conditional Use Permits.

A $7 million street repaving project was also voted down, blocking the city's annual pavement program to repair deteriorating roads across town. The council approved 10 routine items on consent, including a $152,950 contract with Omega Group for police crime analysis software and a $100,000 increase for budget system upgrades.

The council approved hiring investigator Don Casimere for confidential workplace investigations, passing 6-2 with McLaughlin and Viramontes voting no. The city will use Casimere to handle sensitive complaints about harassment, discrimination, and policy violations.

Councilmembers voted to extend health insurance coverage to their domestic partners, passing 7-1 with only Rogers opposing. City employees already had this benefit, but councilmembers previously could not add registered domestic partners to city health plans.

The council approved several contracts, including CCG Systems for new fleet management software and a $16,628 increase to Bay Hawk's concrete repair contract for emergency irrigation fixes. They also expanded MuniFinancial's consulting contract to study development and user fees.