Tuesday, March 4, 2014

The council rejected a lease proposal with Golden Solar Power Group for the General Warehouse at Point Potrero in a 5-0 vote. The solar company wanted to lease the warehouse space at the marine terminal and share parking with a neighboring auto company.

The council approved extending a $100,000 contract with Harris & Associates for pavement design work through June 2015. Boozé cast the lone no vote on the 12-month extension, which brings the total contract value to $600,000.

The council voted to invite Google to move its barge from Treasure Island to Richmond's port. The proposal passed with Boozé voting no and Bates abstaining, as the city hopes the tech giant's presence could bring economic benefits to the port.

A new program to rehabilitate blighted and vacant houses was approved in partnership with the Richmond Community Foundation. Boozé was the only dissenting vote on the initiative designed to improve neighborhood safety and property values.

The council approved $100,000 for legal services from Liebert Cassidy Whitmore to handle contract negotiations and employee training. The council also unanimously approved removing alcohol license restrictions for Point Richmond Market and Deli and agreed to discuss General Plan concerns from Hilltop District homeowners.