Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Presiding: Mayor Thomas K. Butt · Called to order: 6:30 p.m. · 5 items · 26 votes · 25 public comments
What happened
- Approved 18 routine items including $175,000 EPA grant for contaminated property cleanup.
- Approved studying an RV park for homeless residents 6-1 (Butt dissenting).
- Approved honoring police brutality victim and supporting state anti-brutality legislation 5-2 (Choi, Butt dissenting).
- Approved ordinance banning coal and petroleum coke storage and transport.
- Approved changing zoning rules for Northshore neighborhood development.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(2 items)
Draft support letter for Contra Costa College Coalition
In Plain English
The college coalition is a group working on issues affecting local community colleges. City staff will write a formal letter endorsing their efforts. If approved, the letter goes to the college president and governing board to show Richmond's support.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve direction to staff to draft letter in support of Contra Costa College Coalition
5 to 1
Amend Citizens Police Review Commission law to comply with state transparency rules
In Plain English
State laws now require police departments to release more records about officer misconduct and use of force. The city's current Citizens Police Review Commission rules don't match these new requirements. If approved, the commission gains clearer authority to access and review police records that must now be made public.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Ordinance received first reading and laid over for second reading; direct staff to continue working with CPRC on further revisions to maximize transparency and change name of CPRC for Council consideration by end of February 2019
5 to 1
Proclamation(1 item)
Honor Kishana Harley and call for state anti-police brutality legislation
In Plain English
The city recognizes Kishana Harley through a formal statement. The resolution also asks California lawmakers to pass new laws addressing racial injustice and police violence. This creates no binding policy changes but establishes the city's official position on these issues.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt resolution with revision to include reference to AB 931 and direct staff to send resolution to Assemblymember Buffy Wicks and Senator Nancy Skinner
5 to 2
Housing(1 item)
Study creating an RV park for homeless residents
In Plain English
Richmond currently has no designated places for homeless people living in RVs to park legally. The city wants to research whether creating a pilot RV park would help address homelessness. If approved, staff will study locations, costs, and regulations for a temporary RV parking area with basic services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved direction to staff to study feasibility of developing pilot RV park for homeless
5 to 1
Zoning(1 item)
Change zoning rules for Northshore neighborhood development
In Plain English
The city updated its General Plan in recent years with specific changes planned for different neighborhoods. Area 12 covers the Northshore district near the waterfront. If approved, new zoning rules take effect that could allow different types of housing or businesses than currently permitted in this area.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt Resolution No. 102-18 and introduce ordinance for first reading
6 to 0
Environment(1 item)
Draft ordinance to ban coal and petroleum coke storage and transport
In Plain English
The city wants to protect residents from health risks posed by coal dust and petroleum coke particles. Council directs staff to write a strong law restricting these materials within city limits. If approved, the ordinance would limit industrial facilities from storing or moving these coal-related products through Richmond.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved direction to staff to review draft ordinance and craft ordinance for first reading to protect community from coal and petroleum coke
7 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.