Tuesday, September 18, 2007

The council voted down a ballot measure that would have taxed employers who hire few Richmond residents. The measure failed with Butt and Rogers voting no, while four members abstained and only McLaughlin and Thurmond supported it.

Two gun control ordinances passed with only Bates dissenting on both measures. The council approved banning large-capacity magazines and requiring gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms to police. Both are first readings that need a second vote to become law.

The council unanimously approved $50,000 for sports field lighting at Gilman Street and emergency funding for the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program to continue homeless services. A pavement repair contract was awarded to Top Grade Construction for Area A streets.

All new cell tower and wireless facility applications will be paused while the city updates its rules. The council also set formal May and June deadlines for the city's annual budget process and revised pay scales for city engineers.

Three items were continued to future meetings, including pavement repairs for Area B and a General Plan amendment for South 4th Street. The council approved one routine item on consent, appointing new Youth Commission members.