Tuesday, May 24, 2022

19 items · 4 votes · 7 public comments

What happened

The council approved a redesigned housing project with 76 homes near Miller Knox Regional Shoreline in a 4-2 vote, with Martinez and Butt voting no. The Quarry site has sat vacant for years after previous development plans stalled, and the new design reduces density while adding parks and trails.

The council voted 5-2 to block the Point Molate land sale to Winehaven Legacy LLC, with Bates and Butt dissenting. Winehaven failed to provide required financial plans and guarantor bonds for the $45 million sale that would have given Richmond $22.5 million.

The council unanimously reaffirmed Richmond's climate emergency declaration and formally opposed new fossil fuel projects like refineries or pipelines. This strengthens the city's 2018 climate emergency commitment by officially rejecting fossil fuel infrastructure.

Residents raised concerns about animal services during public comment as the county presented a $100,000 annual fee increase for services currently costing $755,000 per year. Speakers criticized vague service standards, rising per capita fees, and the lack of essential programs like pet retention and adoption services.

The council received budget presentations from multiple departments as part of preparing the July 2022-June 2023 budget. Staff also presented ideas to improve employee morale and discussed releasing a completed pay study that has been withheld since December 2020.

Auto-summarized from official minutes and vote records

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Attendance

Claudia Jimenez(Present)
Demnlus Johnson III(Present)
Gayle McLaughlin(Present)
Melvin Willis(Present)
Eduardo Martinez(Present)
Tom Butt(Present)
Nat Bates(Absent)
19 items
TopReceive presentation on Contra Costa County animal services fee increase
3 speakersAnimal Services Contract
Receive presentation on ideas to improve city employee morale and communication
1 speakerLabor & City Workers
Direct city manager to release completed employee pay study
1 speakerLabor & City Workers
Receive budget presentations from City Manager, Police and Fire departments
1 speakerPolice & Community Safety
Receive budget presentations from Community Development and Community Services departments
1 speakerPolice & Community Safety
Block Point Molate land sale to Winehaven Legacy LLC for missing closing requirements
Failed 3-4Point Molate
Approve redesigned housing project with 76 homes near Miller Knox Regional Shoreline
Passed 4-2Environmental Justice
Discuss 2 liability claims against the city in closed session
Legal Claims
Reaffirm climate emergency and formally oppose new fossil fuel projects
Passed 7-0Political Statements
Declare first Friday in June as Gun Violence Awareness Day
Police & Community Safety
Approve $100,200 severance package for departing Finance Director Belinda Brown
Finance Director Severance
Announce 19 board vacancies and ask residents to apply
Labor & City Workers
Receive poetry readings from city's poet laureates for National Poetry Month
Poetry Month Recognition
Add street sweeping signs and enforcement to all Richmond neighborhoods
Police & Community Safety
Honor children's book and proclaim it citywide reading book
City-Wide Reading Book
Receive legal opinion on staff transferring city property without council approval
Private Landowner Encroachments
Receive report on county's non-police mental health crisis response program
A3 Miles Hall Crisis Hub
Present draft plan to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries citywide
Local Roadway Safety Plan
Receive update on refinancing $130 million pension obligation bonds
Labor & City Workers