Tuesday, March 15, 2011
JointPresiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 8:03 p.m. · 14 items · 16 votes · 19 public comments
What happened
- Approved contract with BKF Engineers for new pedestrian bridge at Booker T. Anderson Park 6-1 (Boozé dissenting).
- Approved contract with United Site Services for portable toilet services at 2 parks 6-1 (Boozé dissenting).
- Approved 0.5% sales tax increase subject to voter approval in June election.
- Approved $10,000 trip to China for port director and councilmember.
- Approved 7 routine items including $50,000 Downey Brand contract and $60,000 ShotSpotter maintenance.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Contracts(3 items)
Hire BKF Engineers to design new pedestrian bridge at Booker T. Anderson Park
In Plain English
The current pedestrian bridge at Booker T. Anderson Park is damaged and needs replacement. The city plans to install a prefabricated bridge instead of repairing the existing one. BKF Engineers will create the design plans for the new bridge.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract with BKF Engineers
6 to 1
Contract with United Site Services for portable toilet services at 2 parks
In Plain English
The city needs portable toilets at John F. Kennedy Park and Booker T. Anderson Park. The contract runs from March 2011 through June 2012 and costs up to $11,000. If approved, United Site Services provides and maintains the facilities at both locations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract with United Site Services
5 to 1
Contract with Packet Fusion for Shore Tel telephone system maintenance
In Plain English
The city needs annual maintenance for its Shore Tel phone system that handles calls to all city departments. Packet Fusion provides technical support and repairs to keep the system running. If approved, the company maintains phone service for city offices and emergency services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract with Packet Fusion
6 to 0
Governance(7 items)
Amend city law Chapter 3.59
In Plain English
The city proposes changes to Chapter 3.59 of Richmond's municipal code. Without the staff report, the specific changes and reasons are unclear. This is the first reading, so no final vote occurs today.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
First reading and laid over for two weeks for the second reading
6 to 0
Extend ban on new outdoor vendor permits until February 2012
In Plain English
The city currently blocks all new outdoor vendor applications while updating its rules. This extension continues the freeze until February 2012 or until new vendor regulations take effect. Without this extension, the city would have to accept new vendor applications before finishing its rule changes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 10-11
6 to 0
Extend ban on new cell towers and wireless facilities until May 2011
In Plain English
The city currently blocks all new cell tower and wireless facility applications while developing permanent rules. This extension continues the freeze until the city passes new zoning laws or until May 2011, whichever comes first. Without this extension, companies could immediately apply for permits under the old rules.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 11-11
6 to 0
Amend law governing cell tower and wireless facility installations
In Plain English
The city's current wireless facility rules don't adequately address how new cell towers and equipment should look or protect public safety. The revised law adds stricter requirements for reviewing wireless installations and modifications. If approved, telecom companies face additional aesthetic and safety standards when installing equipment in Richmond.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
First reading and laid over for two weeks for the second reading
6 to 0
Rename portion of Filbert Street to Fred Jackson Way
In Plain English
The city proposes renaming the section of Filbert Street between Vernon Avenue and Chesley Avenue. This honors Fred Jackson, though the staff report does not specify his contributions to the community. Property owners on this block would need to update their addresses with banks, utilities, and other services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution of Intention No. 906
6 to 0
Pass resolution supporting Wisconsin workers' collective bargaining rights
In Plain English
This formal statement expresses the city's support for union workers in Wisconsin who are facing restrictions on their bargaining rights. The resolution has no direct impact on Richmond residents or city operations. It serves as a symbolic gesture of solidarity with workers in another state.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 21-11
6 to 0
Ask Congress to expand city authority over cell tower placement
In Plain English
The city currently has limited power to control where wireless companies place cell towers and equipment. Federal law restricts cities from considering health concerns when reviewing placement applications. If approved, Richmond formally asks Congress to give cities more authority to regulate wireless facilities for community health and safety.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 22-11
6 to 0
Infrastructure(2 items)
Review options to restore Via Verdi road after recent damage
In Plain English
Via Verdi suffered damage that requires restoration work. Staff will present different repair options and costs to fix the road. The city applied for emergency funding from the state to help pay for repairs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt staff's recommended Alternative 6
6 to 0
Direct staff to explore wastewater treatment options for city sewer district
In Plain English
The city wants to look at different ways to handle wastewater treatment for Richmond's sewer system. Staff will research what options are legally allowed and report back to the council. This could lead to changes in how the city processes sewage from homes and businesses.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct Chad Davisson to return to a future City Council meeting with various options for the wastewater treatment plant
6 to 0
Environment(1 item)
Direct staff to keep wastewater plant digesters closed until safety proven
In Plain English
The city's wastewater treatment plant has digesters that are currently shut down due to safety concerns for nearby residents. Staff wanted to restart these operations, but this direction requires them to first prove the facility can run safely without creating community hazards. If approved, the digesters stay closed until safety standards are met.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
The digester at the wastewater treatment plant will not be in operation until it is deemed that it will be reliably operating without posing hazards
6 to 0
Budget(1 item)
Enact 0.5% sales tax increase subject to voter approval in June election
In Plain English
The city proposes adding half a percent to the local sales tax rate. Residents would vote on this tax increase in a June 7, 2011 special election. If approved by voters, the state would collect the additional tax on purchases made in the city.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 9-11
6 to 0
Miscellaneous(1 item)
Approve $10,000 trip to China for port director and councilmember
In Plain English
The Port of Richmond recently renovated its car import facility and wants to attract Chinese auto manufacturers. Port Executive Director and Councilmember Bates plan to visit Richmond's sister city Zhoushan to pitch using Richmond as their entry point to U.S. markets. The trip costs about $10,000 and builds on an existing business development partnership.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the request for travel
6 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.