Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:50 p.m. · 5 items · 12 votes · 11 public comments
What happened
- Rejected San Pablo Avenue safety improvements presentation 3-2-1 (Boozé dissenting, Bates abstaining).
- Approved hiring 2 attorneys for city lawsuits 4-1 (McLaughlin dissenting).
- Approved $450,000 contract with Gonzales Architects for Miraflores greenbelt design 4-1 (McLaughlin dissenting).
- Approved mural installation on Senior Center wall 4-1-1 (Boozé dissenting, Bates abstaining).
- Approved $110,000 increase for Marina Bay pedestrian lighting project budget.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Zoning(1 item)
Approve mural installation on Senior Center exterior wall
In Plain English
The Richmond Arts and Culture Commission recommends installing a mural called 'Richmond Identities: Extraordinary Lives/Ordinary People' by artist Judy Baca. The artwork would go on the outside wall of the Senior Center on Macdonald Avenue. If approved, the city gains a new public art piece celebrating local community members.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
overturn Mayor McLaughlin's decision to deny moving Item J-4 to beginning of meeting
4 to 3
move Item J-4 directly following Presentations, Proclamations, and Commendations
4 to 3
finish the agenda (extending meeting time)
4 to 2
end debate
2 to 3
approve the recommendation by the Richmond Arts and Culture Commission to install the mural called 'Richmond Identities: Extraordinary Lives/Ordinary People'
4 to 1
Governance(1 item)
Receive presentation on proposed gun control policy initiatives
In Plain English
City staff will present possible new gun control policies for the council to consider. The council will decide which initiatives to pursue and give staff direction on next steps. No specific policies or costs have been announced yet.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
end debate
3 to 4
direct staff to research and draft initiatives in reference to gun control and come back to the council for review
6 to 1
Litigation(1 item)
Hire 2 attorneys to help with city lawsuits and court testimony
In Plain English
The city faces ongoing legal cases that require specialized expertise. Robyn Kain and Robert Larson would assist city lawyers with case preparation and testify in court on Richmond's behalf. If approved, these attorneys join the city's legal team for current and future litigation.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
approve Item H-3 only and allow the new city manager the opportunity to handle any risk management cases
2 to 0
approve both items
4 to 1
Infrastructure(1 item)
Receive presentation on San Pablo Avenue safety improvements project
In Plain English
Richmond and San Pablo are planning safety upgrades along San Pablo Avenue between Rivers Street and Hilltop Drive. The project aims to make the street safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers through design changes. The cities plan to apply for a joint grant to fund the work.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
approve the concept plan and submittal with the caveat that the traffic issue at Robert Miller Drive would be addressed
3 to 1
Contracts(1 item)
Hire Gonzales Architects for $450,000 to design Miraflores community greenbelt
In Plain English
The city plans to build a greenbelt as part of the new Miraflores housing development. Gonzales Architects will create detailed design plans for this green space. If approved, the contract runs through June 2015 and costs up to $450,000.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
deny the sole-source contract and go back out to bid
4 to 1
Approved as a group without individual discussion.