Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 7:05 p.m. · 11 items · 16 votes · 15 public comments
What happened
- Failed to appoint someone to fill vacant city council seat after five members abstained.
- Approved appeal for building variances at 759 Wilson Avenue 6-1 (Rogers dissenting).
- Approved $55 million in bonds to finance Crescent Park Apartments housing project.
- Approved directing city manager to demand Chevron present disaster plan to council.
- Approved contract with National Research Center to survey residents about spending priorities.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Zoning(2 items)
Rezone Terminal One property for Point Richmond Shores condominiums
In Plain English
The city plans to change zoning rules for the Terminal One site to allow a new residential condominium project called Point Richmond Shores. Current zoning does not permit this type of housing development. If approved, developers can build condominiums on the property under special planned development rules.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Allow Ben Helber, Toll Brothers, to make comments
8 to 0
Review appeal of denied variances for side yard and front yard setbacks at 759 Wilson Avenue
In Plain English
Mike Stanley wants to build closer to his property lines than city zoning rules allow at 759 Wilson Avenue. The Planning Commission already rejected his request for these variances. Stanley is now asking the city council to overturn that decision and approve the reduced setbacks.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
7 to 0
Deny the appeal without prejudice
6 to 1
Governance(4 items)
Research creating local law to enforce train Quiet Zone violations
In Plain English
Federal law creates Quiet Zones where trains cannot blow horns except for emergencies, but gives cities limited enforcement tools. The city wants to explore writing its own law with stronger penalties for train companies that violate horn restrictions. If approved, staff will research what local enforcement powers are legally possible.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve preparation of an ordinance
8 to 0
Direct city manager to demand Chevron present disaster plan to council
In Plain English
The city wants Chevron to appear before council within 45 days to explain their emergency response plan. The city will also ask Contra Costa County to discuss problems with the current warning system that alerts residents during industrial accidents. This follows concerns about how the community receives emergency notifications during refinery incidents.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direction was given that a letter be executed by the City Manager to Chevron within one week, asking Chevron to appear before the City Council to present their Disaster Mitigation Plan and that a letter also be sent to Contra Costa County asking that they discuss problems with the warning/communication system at a special city council meeting within 45 days
8 to 0
Adopt new rules for how city council meetings run
In Plain English
The city council currently operates under existing meeting procedures. The new rules would change how meetings are conducted, including when evening sessions start and end. Councilmember Bates requested specific changes to meeting times. If approved, residents attending council meetings will experience different scheduling.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 2-07, inclusive of the requested changes, that during public hearings, technical questions to staff can be made after the public hearing has closed, however the public may not provide comments after the hearing is closed and that evening sessions of the Council shall begin at 7:00 p.m. or as otherwise posted or designated
8 to 0
Add new Comprehensive Planning Fee to recover costs of updating city plans
In Plain English
The city currently absorbs the costs of maintaining its General Plan, neighborhood-specific plans, and zoning rules through the general budget. The new fee charges developers and property owners who request planning services to help cover these ongoing costs. If approved, anyone seeking permits or plan changes pays this additional fee on top of existing charges.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Said ordinance received first reading and was laid over one week for second reading
8 to 0
Contracts(3 items)
Contract with National Research Center to survey residents about spending priorities
In Plain English
The city plans to ask residents what services matter most to them before setting the 2007/08 budget. The survey helps council members decide how to spend tax dollars and improve city services. Results will guide decisions on everything from parks to public safety funding.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the contract and directed staff to submit another draft with Council's suggestions and comments at the January 23rd Council meeting
8 to 0
Create agreement for Employment Department to monitor redevelopment projects for wage and hiring compliance
In Plain English
The city's Employment and Training Department will oversee redevelopment projects to ensure they follow local hiring rules, living wage requirements, and business opportunity laws. Currently, no formal system exists to monitor whether these projects comply with city employment standards. If approved, the department gains authority to investigate violations and enforce penalties.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the Memorandum of Understanding
8 to 0
Contract with Contra Costa County for building inspections during staff absence
In Plain English
The city's Building Official is temporarily unavailable to oversee permits and inspections. Contra Costa County will provide backup building inspection services on an as-needed basis. If approved, the city pays up to $99,000 for these temporary services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
8 to 0
Appointments(1 item)
Appoint someone to fill vacant city council seat
In Plain English
The city council has a vacant seat that needs to be filled. Three candidates applied: Corky Booze, Harpreet Sandhu, and Whitney Dotson. The council will interview and select one person to serve until the next election.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Appoint Harpreet Sandhu to the City Council
5 to 0
Appoint Corky Booze to the City Council
3 to 0
Housing(1 item)
Issue $55 million in bonds to finance Crescent Park Apartments housing project
In Plain English
The city plans to issue municipal bonds to help finance construction of the Crescent Park Apartments development. These bonds allow the city to borrow money at lower interest rates and pass those savings to the developer. The bond debt belongs to the developer, not the city, so taxpayers face no financial risk if the project fails.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
8 to 0
Adopt Resolution No. 7-07 declaring the City's intent to undertake the financing of a multifamily housing project and Resolution No. 8-07 authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $55,000 in multifamily housing mortgage revenue bonds for the Crescent Park Apartments
8 to 0
Proclamation(1 item)
Create annual Martin Luther King Jr. community service award
In Plain English
The city wants to establish a new yearly award honoring residents who show outstanding community leadership and service. The award would be presented each January to recognize people who embody Dr. King's values. This creates a formal way for Richmond to celebrate local heroes who make a difference in their neighborhoods.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 1-07 establishing an annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Richmond Community Leadership and Service Award
8 to 0