Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:44 p.m. · 16 items · 24 votes · 25 public comments
What happened
- Approved 4 new planning and parks commission appointments 5-2 (Bates, Boozé dissenting).
- Approved 13 routine items including $200,000 for Chevron lawsuit and $207,121 domestic violence grant.
- Approved $27 million housing bond for St. John's Partners development after public hearing.
- Received reports on city ID cards, LED street lights, and housing plan updates.
- Approved $20,000 increase for armed guards at Shields Reid Community Center.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Appointments(1 item)
Appoint 4 new members to city planning and parks commissions
In Plain English
The city fills vacant volunteer positions on 3 advisory boards that review development projects and park programs. Planning Commission gets 2 members including 1 returning member. Historic Preservation and Recreation commissions each get 1 new member. These unpaid volunteers serve 1-2 year terms and advise the city council on local issues.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve appointments and re-appointments to various commissions
4 to 2
Governance(3 items)
Support school district's request for state waiver on bond capacity limits
In Plain English
West Contra Costa school district wants to borrow more money than state law normally allows. The district needs state permission to exceed these borrowing limits. If approved, the city formally backs the district's waiver request to help fund school projects.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 134-12
6 to 0
Update industrial safety law to improve workplace protections
In Plain English
The city's current industrial safety law needs updates to better protect workers and residents near industrial facilities. The proposed changes clarify safety requirements and add new protections. If approved, businesses must meet stricter safety standards to prevent accidents and chemical releases.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve introduction of ordinance
5 to 1
Follow County's ordinance and bring Chevron into discussions
Call for question to end debate
Receive update on Richmond Health Equity Partnership and direct health policy development
In Plain English
The Richmond Health Equity Partnership works to address health disparities across the city. Council will hear progress updates and decide whether to create a formal Health in All Policies strategy. If approved, this strategy would require city departments to consider health impacts when making decisions about housing, transportation, and other services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Infrastructure(2 items)
Receive status report on LED street light upgrades and solar feasibility study
In Plain English
The city is converting old street lights to energy-efficient LED bulbs citywide. Staff will update the council on progress and report whether solar-powered LED lights could work along Richmond Parkway. LED lights use less electricity and last longer than traditional bulbs, reducing maintenance costs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Receive presentation on I-80 interchange modifications at 3 locations
In Plain English
Contra Costa Transportation Authority will present plans for major changes to 3 I-80 interchanges in Richmond. The modifications affect San Pablo Dam Road, McBryde Avenue, and El Portal Drive connections to the freeway. These changes could impact your daily commute and traffic patterns in surrounding neighborhoods.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Housing(2 items)
Hold public hearing on $27 million housing bond for St. John's Partners development
In Plain English
Federal law requires cities to hold public hearings before tax-exempt bonds finance private housing projects. St. John's Partners wants to use $27 million in bonds for a multifamily housing development. If approved after the hearing, the developer gets lower interest rates and residents get more affordable housing units.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close public hearing
6 to 0
Adopt Resolution No. 133-12
6 to 0
Receive presentation on city's housing plan update
In Plain English
Richmond must update its Housing Element every 8 years to comply with state law. This plan identifies sites for new housing and strategies to meet the city's share of regional housing needs. Staff will present progress on the update and seek council feedback before submitting to the state.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Contracts(6 items)
Increase armed guard contract at Shields Reid Community Center by $20,000
In Plain English
The city currently pays SCV and Associates $89,000 for armed security at Shields Reid Community Center. This amendment adds $20,000 to expand guard services at the facility. If approved, the total contract value reaches $109,000.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve amendment to existing contract with SCV and Associates
6 to 0
Approve 3-year street paving equipment rental contract for up to $100,000 annually
In Plain English
The city needs to rent specialized paving equipment like rollers and compactors for street repairs. O.C. Jones & Sons will provide equipment for up to $100,000 per year. If approved, the city can extend the contract for 2 additional years beyond the initial 3-year term.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Buy holiday lights for Macdonald and Nevin Avenues without competitive bidding
In Plain English
The city wants to purchase holiday decorations for 2 downtown streets to coordinate with Main Street District celebrations. Using sole-source purchasing means the city can buy from a specific vendor without getting competing bids from other companies.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve sole-source purchase of holiday light decorations
6 to 0
Approve $60,000 contract with National Institute for Art and Disabilities for arts programs
In Plain English
The city plans to hire NIAD to run arts programs for residents with disabilities. NIAD is a nonprofit organization that provides art education and creative opportunities. If approved, the city pays up to $60,000 for these services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Contract with East Bay Center for Performing Arts for $60,000
In Plain English
The city plans to pay up to $60,000 to support performing arts programs run by the East Bay Center for Performing Arts. This funding helps maintain theater, music, and dance programs that serve Richmond residents. If approved, the contract continues the city's partnership with this local arts organization.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hire accountant to audit Richmond Library and Cultural Services Department
In Plain English
The city contracts with outside accountants to review how departments handle money and follow procedures. This audit examines the library system's financial practices and operations. If approved, Kevin Harper will investigate whether the department properly manages its budget and follows city policies.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve contract with Mr. Kevin W. Harper, CPA to conduct internal audit
6 to 0
Environment(1 item)
Urge state to require complete cleanup of Zeneca contaminated property
In Plain English
The Zeneca property contains toxic contamination that currently limits how the land can be used. The city wants state regulators to require a full cleanup that would allow any future use, including homes or schools. Complete cleanup costs more but removes all health risks for residents.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 135-12
6 to 0
Personnel(1 item)
Appoint Robyn Kain as interim risk manager starting January 2013
In Plain English
The city needs someone to temporarily handle insurance claims, workplace safety, and liability issues while recruiting for a permanent risk manager. Robyn Kain fills this role on an interim basis. Risk managers protect the city from lawsuits and manage employee safety programs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 136-12
6 to 0
Miscellaneous(1 item)
Accept status report on city ID card program
In Plain English
Richmond offers residents ID cards that work like debit cards for city services. The program helps people without traditional identification access city programs and pay fees. Staff will update the council on how many cards the city has issued and how residents use them.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.