Tuesday, December 18, 2012

The council approved a $27 million housing bond for St. John's Partners development after holding a public hearing. This tax-exempt bond will finance a multifamily housing project, as required by federal law.

The council voted 5-2 to appoint 4 new members to city planning and parks commissions, with Bates and Boozé voting no. The appointments fill vacant volunteer positions on advisory boards that review development projects and park programs.

The council approved 13 routine items on consent, including increasing the legal budget by $200,000 for the Chevron property tax lawsuit and applying for a $207,121 state grant for domestic violence services. The consent calendar also included a $30,000 contract for a National Citizen Survey Program to gather resident feedback.

The council increased the armed guard contract at Shields Reid Community Center by $20,000, bringing the total to $109,000 with SCV and Associates. The council also approved hiring an accountant to audit the Richmond Library and Cultural Services Department.

The council urged the state to require complete cleanup of the Zeneca contaminated property to allow future housing development. The council also supported the school district's request for a state waiver to exceed normal borrowing limits for bonds."}