Tuesday, September 15, 2020

6 items · 14 votes · 15 public comments

What happened

  • Approved final zoning rules for Point Molate project 5-2 with Martinez and Willis dissenting after 6 public comments.
  • Approved 3-year City Attorney contract at $235,680 salary with Bates dissenting.
  • Received update on police reform process and hiring consultant with no vote taken.
  • Approved $25 million in bonds to refinance old redevelopment debt.
  • Approved 10 consent items including $150,000 Point Molate legal contract and $78,000 ADA improvements.

Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records

View official: Agenda

Attendance

Ben Choi(Present)
Demnlus Johnson III(Present)
Eduardo Martinez(Present)
Melvin Willis(Present)
Jael Myrick(Absent)
Tom Butt(Present)
Nat Bates(Present)
7 substantive items · 10 consent · 1 procedural

Zoning(3 items)

Approve final zoning and development rules for Point Molate project

4-2Point Molate

In Plain English

The city is finalizing special zoning rules for a major development at Point Molate, a former Navy fuel depot on the bay. The new zoning allows mixed-use development while protecting the historic Winehaven buildings. If approved, this completes the legal framework needed for the developer to build housing, retail, and other facilities on the 270-acre waterfront site.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

Not to approve item H-7

Moved by: Councilmember WillisSeconded by: Councilmember Martinez
Failed

Adopt Ordinance No. 22-20 N.S. and Ordinance No. 23-20 N.S.

Moved by: Vice Mayor BatesSeconded by: Councilmember Choi
Passed

4 to 2

Thomas K. ButtAye
Nathaniel BatesAye
Ben ChoiAye
Demnlus Johnson IIIAye
Eduardo MartinezNay
Melvin WillisNay
Jael MyrickAbsent

Amend city laws governing accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units

Police & Community Safety

In Plain English

The city is updating its rules for accessory dwelling units (small secondary homes on residential properties) and junior accessory dwelling units (converted spaces within existing homes). Current regulations may be outdated or unclear for property owners wanting to build these units. If approved, the changes could make it easier or harder to add rental units to residential properties.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Update zoning code to fix technical errors and clarify regulations

Police & Community Safety

In Plain English

The city's zoning code contains outdated references and unclear language that can confuse property owners and developers. These cleanup amendments fix technical errors without changing what you can build on your property. If approved, the updated code makes it easier to understand zoning rules and speeds up the permit process.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Personnel(1 item)

Approve 3-year employment contract for new City Attorney at $235,680 salary

5-1City Attorney Contract

In Plain English

The city needs to hire Ms. Stricker as the new City Attorney starting November 9, 2020. Her contract runs for 3 years with an annual salary of $235,680. If approved, she handles all legal matters for the city including lawsuits, contracts, and advice to the council.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

Approve employment contract with Ms. Stricker appointing her as City Attorney, providing for a three-year term commencing November 9, 2020, at a base salary of $235,680 annually, and other specified employment terms

Moved by: Councilmember JohnsonSeconded by: Councilmember Martinez
Passed

5 to 1

Thomas K. ButtAye
Nathaniel BatesNay
Ben ChoiAye
Demnlus Johnson IIIAye
Eduardo MartinezAye
Melvin WillisAye
Jael MyrickAbsent

Budget(1 item)

Authorize up to $25 million in bonds to refinance old redevelopment debt

Police & Community Safety

In Plain English

The city's former redevelopment agency still owes money on old bonds from past projects. Richmond can issue new bonds at today's interest rates to pay off the old, higher-rate debt. If approved, this refinancing could save taxpayers money over time, similar to refinancing a mortgage.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

Adopt Resolution No. 20-1

Moved by: Councilmember MartinezSeconded by: Councilmember Choi
Passed

5 to 0

Thomas K. ButtAye
Nathaniel BatesAye
Ben ChoiAye
Demnlus Johnson IIIAye
Eduardo MartinezAye
Jael MyrickAbsent
Melvin WillisAbsent

Public Safety(1 item)

Receive update on police reform process and consider hiring consultant

Police & Community Safety

In Plain English

The city launched a community process to reform policing and public safety practices. Staff will update the council on progress and seek feedback on potentially hiring CircleUp Education as a consultant. The council will also discuss how to select members for a 21-person task force to guide the reform efforts.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Miscellaneous(1 item)

Details

In Plain English

This agenda item has no description or details provided, making it impossible to explain what the council will be discussing or deciding. Residents would need to contact the city clerk or attend the meeting to learn what this item covers.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Approved as a group without individual discussion.

H-11Meeting minutes approval