Tuesday, January 14, 2014

The council approved a $1.5 million increase to the ENVIRON contract for environmental studies of Chevron's refinery upgrades, bringing the total to $8 million. The council also approved another $1.5 million increase to the Holland & Knight law firm contract for Chevron-related legal work. Both contracts passed 5-2, with Bates and Boozé voting no.

The council approved 7 routine items on consent, including a $355,340 county grant for emergency medical services and hiring Nichols Consulting Engineers for $187,500 to oversee Point Molate cleanup. The consent calendar also accepted a $100,774 federal grant for disability and senior transportation services.

The council unanimously elected Jovanka Beckles as Vice Mayor for 2014. The council also approved 2014 appointments to city committees and regional boards, and updated the city's conflict of interest rules for officials and employees.

Two new regulations were approved: a ban on electronic cigarettes in all places where smoking is already prohibited, and directing staff to draft 3 minimum wage ballot measures for the November election. The council also approved a $600,000 agreement to fund Police Activities League programs and accepted a $37,400 state grant for sobriety checkpoints.