Tuesday, October 16, 2012

The council rejected a $745,753 contract to repair the Dornan Drive tunnel, voting it down 4-3 with Beckles, Butt, McLaughlin, and Ritterman opposing. The contract included $74,575 in contingency funds for unexpected construction costs.

The council approved an assault policy for elected officials and city staff by a 4-3 vote, with Bates, Boozé, and Rogers dissenting. The policy will address prevention and response procedures when council members or employees face physical attacks.

The council unanimously approved applying for a $3 million state loan to upgrade city streetlights to LED bulbs. The loan will be repaid using savings from reduced electricity costs from the more efficient lighting.

Researching solar lights for the Richmond Parkway was approved after four residents spoke about lighting needs during public comment. The council also unanimously approved hiring Conflo Services for emergency asbestos removal at the city auditorium after discovering health risks in air handling and boiler rooms.

The council approved 8 routine items on consent, including extending a legal contract with Holland & Knight for $750,000 in Chevron lawsuit costs and awarding a $321,635 contract for Carlson Boulevard landscaping improvements.