Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 7:18 p.m. · 8 items · 15 votes · 8 public comments
What happened
- Rejected plan to move Point Richmond library to vacant business space 5-2 (Lopez, Sandhu, Thurmond, Viramontes opposing).
- Approved $121,000 increase for Glen Price Group grant writing contract 6-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Approved tree removal and pruning contract at JFK Park 6-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Approved contract with Larry Winston for Richmond BUILD construction training program.
- Approved hiring recruitment firm to find new City Attorney.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Contracts(6 items)
Contract with Larry Winston for Richmond BUILD construction training program
In Plain English
The city runs a pre-apprenticeship program called Richmond BUILD that trains residents for construction jobs. This contract hires Larry Winston to develop curriculum and teach construction skills. The program helps local residents qualify for apprenticeships with union contractors and building trades.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve contract with Larry Winston for amount not to exceed $60,000
7 to 0
Raise contract limit with Cooperative Personnel Services to $13,795
In Plain English
The city has a contract with Cooperative Personnel Services that currently caps spending at $10,000. The city needs to spend an additional $3,795 beyond this limit. If approved, the contract ceiling rises to $13,795 to cover the extra costs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Authorize city manager to execute amendment
7 to 0
Hire recruitment firm to find new City Attorney
In Plain English
The city needs a new City Attorney to handle legal matters and advise the council. Avery Associates specializes in recruiting municipal lawyers. If approved, the firm conducts interviews and background checks to find qualified candidates.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Authorize city manager to execute contract with Avery Associates for amount not to exceed $25,400
7 to 0
Increase contract with Glen Price Group by $121,000 for grant writing services
In Plain English
The city hired Glen Price Group to write grant applications and seek funding opportunities. The original contract was worth $110,000. If approved, the total contract value rises to $231,000 to continue these services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve amendment to extend term 16 months through June 2008
6 to 1
Hire contractor to remove 8 dead trees and prune 1 tree at JFK Park
In Plain English
Eight pine trees at JFK Park have died or are dying and pose safety risks. The city needs to remove these trees and prune 1 healthy Monterey pine. If approved, State Tree Experts handles the work to make the park safer for visitors.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to come back with replanting plan including cost for removal and replacement of trees
6 to 1
Receive progress report and approve contract amendment for General Plan Update
In Plain English
The city hired Moore Iacofano Goltsman consulting firm to update Richmond's General Plan, which guides all future development and zoning decisions. The consultants will present their progress so far. City staff also requests approval to modify the existing contract terms, though specific changes are not detailed in available materials.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the amendment to the contract
8 to 0
Infrastructure(1 item)
Consider relocating Point Richmond branch library to vacant business district space
In Plain English
The city is exploring moving the Westside branch library from its current location to an empty storefront in Point Richmond's business district. The relocation would place the library closer to shops and restaurants where more residents might visit. City staff will study whether the move makes financial sense and improves library access.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve support of AB 1261
8 to 0
Have staff come up with a recommended plan
Approve item as is with understanding that City Attorney includes language specifying persons being replaced as new members are appointed
6 to 2
Have formal presentation made to Point Richmond Neighborhood Council within 30 days and direct staff to continue working toward this conceptual project
Accept report as submitted and have job description reviewed by Finance Committee, return to Finance Committee to work out details and bring back to Council for final approval
Refer to city manager to come back in two weeks with analysis of costs and have formal presentation made to Point Richmond Neighborhood Council
7 to 1
Authorize person up for reappointment to stay on for additional month if person is not appointed
2 to 3
Direct city manager to open West Side Branch Library as soon as possible
2 to 4
Proclamation(1 item)
Declare May 1st as Mother Novelean Harris Day and engrave bench message
In Plain English
The city wants to honor Mother Novelean Harris by naming a day after her. A bench will receive an engraved message recognizing her service. The proclamation creates an official city recognition but does not involve ongoing costs or policy changes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve declaring May 1st as Mother Novelean Harris Day and authorize message to be engraved on bench in front of North Richmond Baptist Church
8 to 0
Have staff come back with report identifying best practices to promote solar installation and alternatives for reducing fees for July 1, 2007/2008 budget
8 to 0
Public Safety(1 item)
Receive presentation from youth group on tobacco advertisement enforcement
In Plain English
The city passed a law in 2006 requiring tobacco retailers to get licenses. Local youth from Empowerment Through Action will present their findings on how well the city enforces rules about tobacco advertising. The presentation focuses on whether stores follow advertising restrictions near schools and youth areas.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct officers to enforce the Tobacco Retail License adopted in 2006
8 to 0