Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Presiding: Mayor Tom Butt · Called to order: 6:30 p.m. · 5 items · 19 votes · 5 public comments
What happened
- Rejected appointment of Bea Roberson to Personnel Board as public safety union representative.
- Rejected adopting formal position opposing ballot measures N and O.
- Approved 2016-17 city budget and 5-year capital plan 4-3 (McLaughlin, Beckles, Butt dissenting).
- Approved research into creating tiny house village for homeless residents.
- Approved 15 routine items including $275,000 contract with Cypress Mandela Training Center.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(2 items)
Adopt formal position opposing ballot measures N and O
In Plain English
Measure N would allow a housing development in the Richmond Riviera area. Measure O would change how the city manager and elected officials get paid. The city council wants to officially oppose both measures before the election.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
for the City Council to take action on each measure separately
to adopt said resolution
3 to 2
to table the item
Amend city law to allow medical marijuana businesses and set operating standards
In Plain English
Richmond currently prohibits medical marijuana businesses from operating in the city. The proposed law change creates minimum standards for cultivation facilities and dispensaries. If approved, medical marijuana companies could apply for permits to open in Richmond.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Budget(1 item)
Acknowledge receipt of draft 2016-17 city budget and 5-year capital plan
In Plain English
The city manager has delivered draft budget documents for the upcoming fiscal year and a 5-year plan for major projects like roads and buildings. This is a routine procedural step before council begins reviewing and modifying the proposed spending plans. The council will hold public hearings and make changes before adopting the final budget.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
extended the meeting to 11:30 p.m.
4 to 3
Appointments(1 item)
Appoint Bea Roberson to Personnel Board as public safety union representative
In Plain English
The Personnel Board handles employee disputes and policy issues for city workers. Public safety unions nominated Roberson to represent police and fire department employees on this board. If approved, she joins other board members who review workplace grievances and personnel policies.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
to approve the appointment in accordance with the city charter
Contracts(1 item)
Award sole-source contract to Linear Systems for digital records system upgrade
In Plain English
The city uses a Digital Information Management System to store and organize electronic records and documents. Linear Systems built the current system and is the only vendor who can upgrade it. The upgrade improves how city staff access and manage digital files across all departments.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Housing(1 item)
Research creating tiny house village for homeless residents
In Plain English
City council interns studied tiny house villages as a potential housing solution for homeless residents. The city currently operates traditional shelters and transitional housing programs. If approved, the city manager will study whether Richmond could build and operate its own tiny house village.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
directed the City Manager to conduct research on tiny house villages
7 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.