Tuesday, June 19, 2012

The council approved 16 routine items on consent, including a $565,264 contract for new directional signs in the Hilltop neighborhood and $478,718 for LED street light replacement by Amland Corporation.

A $7,000 contribution to the North Richmond Blues Festival was voted down 2-3, with McLaughlin and Rogers opposing the funding. The council also rejected an application for free electric vehicle charging stations from NRG.

The council approved joining a regional energy program with Marin County to offer residents alternative electricity options, passing 5-2 with Bates and Boozé voting no. They also awarded a medical marijuana collective permit to GDP Collective on Hilltop Mall Road.

Two campaign finance changes were approved despite opposition. The council directed staff to prepare amendments limiting campaign contribution disclosure rules, passing 4-3 with Bates, Boozé, and Rogers dissenting. They also set limits on campaign contribution receipts to qualify for matching funds.

The council approved changing the word 'owner' to 'guardian' in both city and county animal laws, reflecting a shift toward recognizing animals as companions rather than property. Both measures passed 6-1 with Bates voting no."}