Tuesday, December 20, 2016

The council approved 2 repayment agreements with the federal housing agency to pay back money spent on ineligible costs, passing 5-1 with Mayor Butt voting no. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development found the city had used federal grant money on costs that don't qualify under program rules.

Mayor Butt cast the lone dissenting vote on four other major items that all passed 5-1. The council approved environmental review for wastewater treatment plant upgrades, requested the county to build a horse boarding facility at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline Park, and voted to consider withdrawing from the regional waste management partnership with other West Contra Costa cities.

The council set 2016 rent increase limits and required relocation payments for displaced tenants, passing 5-1 with Mayor Butt voting no and Pimplé abstaining. The city's rent control law from 2015 requires annual updates to set maximum rent increases and creates a budget for the Rent Board.

A proposed Carlson Boulevard bike and walking path improvement project was voted down after the city had already received grant funding for better sidewalks and bike lanes. The council unanimously approved a reimbursement agreement for Terminal One site environmental cleanup with Terminal One Development.

The council approved 24 routine items on consent, including a $285,000 street sweeper from Atlantic Machinery and a $31,765 contract to repair tennis court fences at Nicholl Park.