Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:48 p.m. · 11 items · 10 votes · 26 public comments
What happened
- Rejected ban on employers asking job applicants about criminal history on 4-2 vote (Boozé, Butt dissenting).
- Approved plastic bag ban and paper bag fees on 5-2 vote (Bates, Boozé dissenting).
- Failed to rename Western Drive north of I-580 to Stenmark Drive.
- Approved $3.4 million state grant application for street and road repairs.
- Approved 11 routine items including $1.8 million contract changes for Eagle Environmental Construction.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(6 items)
Ban plastic bags and require fees for paper bags at stores
In Plain English
Richmond stores currently provide free plastic and paper bags to customers. If approved, stores must stop giving out plastic bags entirely and charge 5-10 cents for each paper bag. The fee encourages customers to bring reusable bags and reduces waste in the city.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 11-13 N.S. single-use bag ordinance and Ordinance No. 12-13 N.S. amendments to the food ware ordinance
5 to 2
Levy special property assessments for unpaid city fines and cleanup costs
In Plain English
Some property owners owe the city money for code violations, cleanup costs after nuisances, and foreclosure-related fines. When owners don't pay these bills, the city can add the debt to their property tax bill as a special assessment. If approved, these unpaid amounts become a lien on the property until paid.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Adopt Resolution No. 73-13
Plan coordination retreat for Richmond City Council members
In Plain English
The city council wants to organize a retreat where all members can meet together outside regular meetings. Staff will present options for timing, location, and topics to discuss. If approved, the retreat helps council members coordinate better on city issues and set priorities for the year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Continue Item K-1 to July 23, 2013, directly after Presentation, Proclamations, and Commendations
Support state designation of Willow Avenue bridge as Joe Eddy McDonald Memorial Overcrossing
In Plain English
The state legislature is considering naming the Willow Avenue bridge over Highway 4 after Joe Eddy McDonald. The city council's support helps advance this memorial designation. If approved by the state, new signs will identify the bridge by this memorial name.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 74-13
6 to 0
Rename Western Drive north of I-580 to Stenmark Drive
In Plain English
The city wants to honor Captain J. O. Stenmark by renaming part of Western Drive after him. Only the section north of Interstate 580 would get the new name. A public hearing on July 30 will let residents share their thoughts before the city makes a final decision.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution of Intention No. 908 and set a public hearing for July 30, 2013, to allow the Park and Recreation Commission time to review
5 to 0
Refer the item to the Recreation and Parks Commission to review and bring forward a recommendation for honoring Captain J. O. Stenmark
Ban employers from asking job applicants about criminal history
In Plain English
The city wants to require all contractors, subcontractors, and anyone receiving city money to stop asking job applicants about past criminal convictions. This policy aims to give people with criminal records a fair chance at employment. If approved, these employers must wait until later in the hiring process to discuss criminal history.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Suspend the rules and extend the meeting to complete the current item and Items G-8 and G-9
4 to 2
Litigation(1 item)
Gather expert data to assess city costs from 2012 Chevron refinery fire
In Plain English
The August 2012 Chevron refinery fire sent thousands of residents to hospitals and triggered widespread evacuations. The city never completed a comprehensive study of total costs including emergency response, health impacts, and economic losses. If approved, Richmond hires experts to calculate these expenses more than a decade after the incident.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extend the meeting to 11:30 p.m.
0 to 2
Approve the item as presented
Table the item
2 to 0
Schedule a closed session with Attorney Cotchett to discuss the case
4 to 0
Budget(2 items)
Accept $75,000 state grant for alcohol law enforcement
In Plain English
The state offers cities grants to help enforce alcohol laws and reduce underage drinking. This grant covers enforcement activities like checking stores that sell alcohol and investigating violations. If approved, the city receives $75,000 in state funding for these programs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 69-13
6 to 0
Hold public hearing on $8.5 million tax-exempt bond for Making Waves Foundation
In Plain English
Making Waves Foundation wants to borrow $8.5 million through tax-exempt bonds issued by a state authority. The city must hold this public hearing as a legal requirement before the bonds can be issued. The foundation would use the money for their programs, and bondholders would not pay federal taxes on interest earned.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Adopt Resolution No. 70-13
Infrastructure(1 item)
Apply for $3.4 million state grant to repair local streets and roads
In Plain English
The city plans to seek regional funding to fix deteriorating neighborhood streets and roads. One Bay Area Grant money comes from bridge tolls and goes specifically toward pavement repairs and street maintenance. If approved, Richmond receives $3.4 million over multiple years for road work throughout the city.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 68-13
6 to 0
Housing(1 item)
Hold public hearing on $40 million tax-exempt bonds for Westridge Apartments renovation
In Plain English
The California Municipal Finance Authority wants to issue up to $40 million in tax-exempt bonds to buy and renovate Westridge Apartments. Tax-exempt bonds allow lower interest rates, reducing costs for affordable housing projects. The public hearing lets residents comment before the city formally approves the bond issuance.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Adopt Resolution No. 71-13
Contracts(1 item)
Finance $5 million street light system upgrade through equipment lease
In Plain English
The city plans to upgrade its street light system but lacks upfront cash. Bank of America Merrill Lynch will lease equipment to the city for up to $5 million. If approved, the city makes lease payments over time instead of paying the full cost immediately.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 72-13
Approved as a group without individual discussion.