Tuesday, January 25, 2022

The council approved homeless services updates despite significant public criticism, with Tom Butt casting the lone no vote. 13 residents commented, raising concerns about HCEB contract accountability and transparency, deteriorating conditions at the Rydin Road encampment, and the need for service contract restructuring. Many speakers called for breaking services into specialized contracts for case management and security.

A proposal to create a special tax district for Point Molate development infrastructure failed in a close vote. The measure was rejected 3-2, with Martinez and McLaughlin voting no and Jimenez abstaining. The district would have allowed property owners to pay extra taxes to fund roads and utilities.

The council approved a healthy checkout ordinance requiring large stores to stock healthier items near checkout counters instead of just candy and chips. The measure passed with Bates abstaining, after 3 residents submitted written support citing healthy food access and public health data.

The council approved a revised Richmond Housing Authority budget that reduces the city subsidy by $371,456. The adjustment brings the city's required contribution down to $770,372 from $1.1 million. The council also approved applying for a state grant to improve bike and walking paths between the ferry terminal and Richmond Bridge."}