Tuesday, July 24, 2012

The council rejected 5-2 a proposed law that would limit campaign donations from developers seeking project approval. Bates and Boozé voted yes, while Beckles, Butt, McLaughlin, Ritterman, and Rogers voted no. The measure aimed to prevent conflicts of interest by restricting donations over $250 from project applicants.

The council approved 4-3 limiting campaign contributions to $40,000 for candidates who receive public matching funds. Beckles, Butt, McLaughlin, and Ritterman voted yes, while Bates, Boozé, and Rogers voted no. Previously, candidates accepting public funds faced no limits on private donations.

The council approved 2 routine items on consent, including hiring a consultant for $50,000 to create promotional tests for police positions. They also approved leasing a city building to the county for $1 per year for child care services.

The council unanimously passed several measures, including requiring the city to use eco-friendly pest control methods and setting sanitary and storm sewer fees for collection on property tax bills. They also repealed a law banning solicitation of vehicle occupants and opposed a ballot measure limiting union political activity.

Discussion of directing $669,000 from an oil spill settlement toward 2 bay trail projects was continued to a future meeting. The council also received presentations on port operations and Barrett Avenue paving projects.