Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:30 p.m. · 7 items · 8 votes · 27 public comments
What happened
- Rejected hiring Mortgage Resolution Partners to help reduce foreclosure crisis using eminent domain.
- Denied hiring project manager for Port of Richmond public art project.
- Approved contract amendment with Strongbuilt Construction for building repairs at 1350 Kelsey Street.
- Approved solar-powered streetlights report for Richmond Parkway and reappointed members to 5 city commissions.
- Approved supporting state bill banning criminal history questions on job applications and created Source Control Superintendent position.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Contracts(3 items)
Hire Mortgage Resolution Partners to help reduce foreclosure crisis using eminent domain
In Plain English
The city wants to hire a consulting firm to help address the local foreclosure crisis. The plan involves using eminent domain powers to acquire underwater mortgage loans from banks. If approved, the city could potentially help homeowners avoid foreclosure by restructuring their loans to match current home values.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve Advisory Services Agreement with Mortgage Resolution Partners, LLC
6 to 0
Hold the item over for 30 days to gather more information
Approve contract amendment with Strongbuilt Construction for building repairs at 1350 Kelsey Street
In Plain English
The city needs to modify an existing contract with Strongbuilt Construction Company. The repairs involve a city building located at 1350 Kelsey Street. No financial details were provided about the contract changes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve amendment to contract with Strongbuilt Construction Company
6 to 0
Hire project manager for Port of Richmond public art project
In Plain English
The city plans to create public art at the Port of Richmond. Regina Almaguer will manage the project for one year. If approved, she coordinates with artists, handles logistics, and oversees installation of new artwork at the port.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve one-year contract with Regina Almaguer, LLC for services as project manager of the Port of Richmond Public Art Project
5 to 1
Direct the Port Department to contribute the entire cost of $600,000 and contribute $225,000 to the Arts Advisory Committee and another $225,000 to finish the Bay Trail Project
Environment(1 item)
Receive report on solar-powered streetlights for Richmond Parkway
In Plain English
The city is considering installing solar-powered streetlights along Richmond Parkway instead of traditional electric ones. Staff will present findings on costs, feasibility, and timeline for the project. Solar lights could reduce ongoing electricity costs but require higher upfront investment.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Review the proposed Term Sheet and authorize staff to develop a proposed agreement with Republic Services
7 to 0
Refer to Public Safety Committee and form additional committee to discuss the issue
Direct city manager to prepare plan to publicize and assist residents with free or reduced cost Internet access programs, including seeking grants
7 to 0
Direct staff to submit feasibility study of solar powered streetlights
Personnel(1 item)
Create new job classification for Duplicating/Mail Specialist position
In Plain English
The city needs to establish official job duties and pay scale for a new position handling copying, printing, and mail services. This creates the formal job classification before the city can hire someone. The ordinance sets the wage range but does not authorize hiring anyone yet.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Appointments(1 item)
Reappoint members to 5 city commissions for new terms
In Plain English
Several volunteer commissioners who serve on boards that advise the city council have completed their current terms. The reappointments cover the Commission on Aging, Human Relations and Human Rights Commission, Point Molate Citizen Advisory Committee, Recreation and Parks Commission, and Economic Development Commission. These volunteers review issues and make recommendations on topics affecting their areas.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the reappointments to various commissions
7 to 0
Governance(1 item)
Support state bill to ban criminal history questions on job applications
In Plain English
Assembly Bill 218 would prohibit California state agencies from asking about criminal history on initial job applications. The city currently has its own 'Ban the Box' policy for city jobs. This resolution expresses the city's support for extending the same rule to all state government positions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 26-13 in support of AB 218
7 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.