Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Presiding: Mayor Thomas K. Butt · Called to order: 7:24 p.m. · 6 items · 23 votes · 11 public comments
What happened
- Approved ban on electronic cigarettes without FDA approval 6-1 (Bates dissenting, Myrick abstaining).
- Approved ban on gas-powered leaf blowers citywide.
- Approved new fee to fund litter cleanup programs 6-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Approved 46-unit housing development at 5620 Central Avenue.
- Approved 18 routine items including $450,000 sewer inspection contract and $240,000 annual cannabis warehouse lease.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(2 items)
Oppose state bill affecting public employee retirement benefits
In Plain English
Senate Bill 266 would change how the state manages retirement benefits for city workers like police officers and firefighters. The city wants to formally register its opposition to this proposed state law. If the bill passes, it could affect retirement costs or benefits for Richmond's public employees.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Substitute motion (content not specified)
To take no position on the matter
5 to 1
Ban sale of electronic cigarettes without FDA approval
In Plain English
The city currently allows retailers to sell all types of electronic cigarettes and vaping products. This law would require that e-cigarettes have FDA premarket approval before stores can sell them. Most vaping products currently sold lack this federal approval and would become illegal to sell in Richmond.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Introduce ordinance for first reading
5 to 1
Environment(2 items)
Set new fee to fund litter cleanup and prevention programs
In Plain English
The city wants to create a new fee that property owners would pay to fund litter cleanup and prevention efforts. The money would support the Environmental Quality Fund and the I Heart Richmond anti-litter campaign. If approved, the city manager can sign agreements to launch these programs in 2020.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Accept the staff recommendation
6 to 1
Ban gas-powered leaf blowers citywide
In Plain English
The city currently uses 4 gas-powered leaf blowers for park and street maintenance. Staff wants direction on whether to ban these machines completely due to noise and air pollution concerns. If approved, city crews switch to electric or battery-powered equipment for all leaf removal work.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Accept the report and direct staff to include noise and weed cutters in the study for finding alternative methods
6 to 1
Receive the report and accept the staff recommendation as presented
Budget(1 item)
Set sewer service charges for the 2019-2020 budget year
In Plain English
The city must formally approve how much residents pay for sewer service each year. This resolution sets the rates that appear on your utility bill from July 2019 through June 2020. Without this approval, the city cannot legally collect sewer fees from customers.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 77-19
Zoning(1 item)
Approve 46-unit housing development at 5620 Central Avenue
In Plain English
A developer wants to build 46 homes on vacant land at 5620 Central Avenue. The city completed an environmental review that found no major impacts. If approved, the property gets rezoned from its current use to allow residential development.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Accept the staff recommendation
Approved as a group without individual discussion.