Tuesday, April 2, 2013

The council rejected a controversial plan to hire Mortgage Resolution Partners to help reduce the foreclosure crisis using eminent domain powers. The proposal would have allowed the city to acquire underwater mortgage loans from banks to help homeowners.

The council also voted down hiring a project manager for a Port of Richmond public art project. Regina Almaguer would have managed the one-year project coordinating with artists and overseeing installations.

The council approved unanimously a contract amendment with Strongbuilt Construction for building repairs at 1350 Kelsey Street. No financial details were provided for the modification to the existing contract.

The council received a report on solar-powered streetlights for Richmond Parkway as an alternative to traditional electric lighting. Staff presented findings on costs, feasibility, and project timeline.

The council approved unanimously reappointing members to 5 city commissions for new terms, covering boards including the Commission on Aging and Human Relations. They also approved supporting a state bill to ban criminal history questions on initial job applications.

The council approved 1 routine item on consent, including creating a new Source Control Superintendent job classification with a $6,000 annual salary.