Tuesday, July 19, 2011

The council rejected a neighborhood appeal to block a restaurant and convenience store at 925 Cutting Boulevard. The Santa Fe Neighborhood Council had challenged the Planning Commission's permit approval, but the council sided with the original decision.

The council approved 13 routine items on consent, including a $1.9 million contract to dredge Marina Bay Yacht Harbor and $95,000 contracts for building inspection services. Other major expenditures included $350,000 contracts with architectural firms and a $180,209 state grant for domestic violence victim services.

Council members approved creating a municipal ID card program for Richmond residents who may lack driver's licenses or state IDs. The cards will help residents access city services, open bank accounts, and prove residency.

The council voted to increase annual landscape maintenance fees for the Hilltop neighborhood, approved 6-1 with Nathaniel Bates voting no. Property owners in this special district pay extra assessments beyond basic city services.

Several contracts were approved including hiring Kaiser for hazmat team physical exams, W.R. Forde Company to build missing sidewalks on Stege Avenue, and consultants to analyze the city's electricity usage. The council also authorized adding unpaid code violation fines to property tax bills for non-paying property owners.