Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:53 p.m. · 6 items · 7 votes · 9 public comments
What happened
- Denied changing rules for public testimony on General Plan proposals 3-2 (Boozé, Bates dissenting).
- Approved directing police chief to evaluate mutual aid requests for civil unrest response 5-2 (Boozé, Bates dissenting).
- Approved posting city ethics code in chambers and having youth recite it 5-1 (Boozé dissenting).
- Approved $313,036 grant and extended shuttle service contract unanimously.
- Approved 3 routine items including $150,000 KCRT equipment upgrades and $25,000 BNSF Railway legal brief.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(5 items)
Raise garbage collection rates by 3.17% to match inflation
In Plain English
The city adjusts garbage rates annually based on inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index. This year's 3.17% increase reflects higher costs for waste collection services. If approved, your monthly garbage bill rises by the inflation amount to cover increased operating expenses.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 01-12 N.S.
6 to 0
Direct police chief to evaluate mutual aid requests for civil unrest response
In Plain English
The city currently sends officers to help other cities during protests and civil unrest when requested. This policy gives the police chief authority to decline these requests based on local needs and circumstances. If approved, the chief evaluates each request rather than automatically responding.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 3-12
5 to 2
Post city ethics code in chambers and have youth recite it at meetings
In Plain English
The Human Rights Commission wants the city's ethics rules displayed around council chambers and read aloud at each meeting. Currently these ethics standards exist but aren't prominently featured during public meetings. If approved, a young person or elder reads the code before each council session starts.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to place the Code of Ethics plaques in various places; have a senior or youth recite the Code of Ethics at the beginning of each City Council meeting; and leave up to each individual councilmember the decision to access the resources of a conflict mediation trainer
5 to 1
Change rules for public testimony on General Plan proposals at Planning Commission
In Plain English
The city wants to ensure all residents can speak at Planning Commission meetings about General Plan changes. Current procedures may limit who can testify on these major zoning and development proposals. If approved, the council directs staff to revise testimony rules to guarantee broader public input on plans that shape the city's future growth.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Accept the proposed policy changes and add that the process not be allowed to be reopened for this General Plan, except by way of City Council direction
3 to 2
Motion to overrule Mayor's decision to refer items to Human Rights Commission
Official Agenda Text
Votes
Motion to overrule the Mayor's decision to refer the items to the Human Rights and Human Relations Commission
3 to 4
Contracts(1 item)
Accept $313,036 grant and extend shuttle service contract
In Plain English
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District awarded the city $313,036 to fund shuttle services that reduce air pollution. The city operates shuttles through a contract with TransMetro Inc. If approved, the grant pays for extending this shuttle contract beyond its current end date.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Accept grant funds and approve contract extension
6 to 0
Public Safety(1 item)
Approve police purchase of non-lethal tactical equipment using grant funds
In Plain English
The police department received grant money to buy non-lethal weapons and equipment from Adamson Police Products. These tools give officers alternatives to firearms during confrontations. If approved, the city pays nothing since grants cover the full cost.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the grant funded Police Department purchase and request the written use of force policy be provided to the City Council
Approved as a group without individual discussion.