Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Presiding: Mayor Tom Butt · Called to order: 6:30 p.m. · 5 items · 19 votes · 11 public comments
What happened
- Approved polystyrene foam ban at restaurants and food businesses 5-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Approved 14 routine items including $300,000 transit consultant contract and $58,574 Fire Station 66 roof replacement.
- Opposed Sutter Health's plan to close Berkeley hospital emergency services.
- Endorsed Measure T school parcel tax renewal for November ballot.
- Reactivated Richmond Youth Council with new structure.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(4 items)
Oppose Sutter Health's plan to close Berkeley hospital emergency and acute care services
In Plain English
Sutter Health Corporation plans to stop providing emergency room and hospital services at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Berkeley. The closure would eliminate critical medical services for Berkeley and surrounding communities. If approved, the city formally asks Sutter to reconsider and may lobby state officials to block the closure.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopted Resolution No. 88-16 and directed staff to send a cover letter with the certified resolution to the Chief Executive Officer of Alta Bates
6 to 0
Reactivate and restructure the Richmond Youth Council
In Plain English
Richmond previously had a Youth Council that is no longer active. The city wants to bring it back with a new structure to give young residents a voice in local government. If approved, the council provides a formal way for youth to advise city leaders on issues affecting them.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopted Resolution No. 89-16
6 to 0
Endorse Measure T school parcel tax renewal for November ballot
In Plain English
West Contra Costa Unified School District asks voters to renew an existing parcel tax in November. The district serves Richmond students and uses parcel tax revenue to fund school programs. If approved by the city council, Richmond formally supports the renewal measure.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopted Resolution No. 90-16
6 to 0
Ban polystyrene foam containers at restaurants and food businesses
In Plain English
The city currently allows restaurants to use styrofoam takeout containers and cups. Richmond passed a food packaging law in 2019 but left gaps around foam products. If approved, businesses must switch to paper or other alternatives within 6 months.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Directed staff to take the City Council's comments into consideration and draft said ordinance amendment
5 to 1
Zoning(1 item)
Integrate form-based zoning rules into citywide zoning update
In Plain English
The city has been working on new zoning rules that focus on building design and neighborhood character rather than just land use. Staff created a draft form-based code with specific standards for building height, setbacks, and street-facing features. If approved, these design rules become part of the broader zoning overhaul currently underway.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopted Resolution No. 91-16
6 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.