Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 5:17 p.m. · 11 items · 26 votes · 7 public comments
What happened
- Denied new rules for special event permits and fees.
- Approved 2008 community benefits agreement for Richmond development project 5-3 (Butt, McLaughlin, Rogers dissenting).
- Approved Point Molate development site cleanup agreement 5-2 (Butt, McLaughlin dissenting).
- Extended 6-month ban on new cell towers and wireless facilities.
- Approved 9 routine items including $15,000 for Nichols Engineering contract and $19,500 for recruiting firm.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Personnel(2 items)
Set salary range for new Neighborhood Change Agent job classification
In Plain English
The city created a new job called Neighborhood Change Agent but never established how much to pay people in this role. This ordinance sets the official salary range so the city can hire and compensate employees for this position. The job likely involves community outreach and neighborhood improvement work.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 100-08
5 to 0
Add new Neighborhood Change Agent job classification to city positions
In Plain English
The city wants to create a new type of employee position called Neighborhood Change Agent. This role does not currently exist in the city's official job categories. Adding it to the classification plan allows the city to hire people for this position and set their pay grade.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extend the meeting for 10 minutes
0 to 1
Adopt Resolution No. 100-08
5 to 0
Governance(6 items)
Accept public access easements along waterfront properties
In Plain English
Property owners are giving the city permanent rights to public walkways along the shoreline. These easements create or maintain public access to waterfront areas that might otherwise be private. The city gains legal authority to keep these paths open for residents and visitors.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 96-08 and Resolution No. 97-08
7 to 0
Approve 2008 community benefits agreement for Richmond development project
In Plain English
The city signed this agreement in 2008 to ensure a major development project provides specific benefits to Richmond residents. Community benefits agreements typically require developers to hire local workers, fund affordable housing, or support community programs. The council must formally approve this 16-year-old agreement to make it legally binding.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the item with corrections presented
5 to 3
Direct staff to research Oakland's youth program for possible Richmond version
In Plain English
Oakland runs a special fund that provides money for children and youth programs throughout the city. Richmond staff would study how Oakland's program works and whether Richmond could create something similar. If approved, staff returns with findings about costs, funding sources, and potential benefits for Richmond families.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to gather information about Oakland Fund for Children and Youth and San Francisco Department of Children, Youth and Family Program for future Study Session
8 to 0
Update special event permit rules and fees
In Plain English
The city currently uses outdated rules for permits required for festivals, parades, and other public events. The new process creates clearer application guidelines and establishes updated fees. Event organizers will follow standardized steps when requesting permits for street closures or park use.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Table the item
Proceed with first reading with exemption of non-profit organizations and small groups
Create permit requirements for structures built on city sidewalks and streets
In Plain English
The city currently has no formal process for businesses or residents who want to place structures like outdoor dining, signs, or landscaping on public sidewalks and streets. This law creates a permit system requiring approval before anyone can use public right-of-way space. If approved, violators face fines and must remove unauthorized structures.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
First reading and lay over two weeks for second reading
7 to 0
Extend 6-month ban on new cell towers and wireless facilities
In Plain English
The city currently blocks new wireless towers and facilities under an emergency law that expires soon. This extension continues that ban through March 2009. The city uses this time to develop permanent rules for where wireless companies can build towers and how they must look.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 20-08 N.S.
7 to 0
Contracts(1 item)
Approve cleanup agreement for Point Molate development site
In Plain English
Point Molate is a former Navy fuel depot that requires environmental cleanup before development can proceed. The city previously signed agreements with Upstream Point Molate LLC to develop the 270-acre waterfront site. If approved, this updates those agreements to clarify who pays for soil and groundwater remediation.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve Point Molate Remediation Agreement and second amendment to Land Disposition Agreement
Hold the item over for two weeks
Approve expanded remediation agreement and hold LDA over for two weeks (bifurcated)
Not hold the item over
5 to 2
Approve original motion with amendment that cost overruns for maintenance and security will be burden of builder
5 to 2
Zoning(1 item)
Clarify boundaries of Transition/Buffer Zone in Knox Freeway area
In Plain English
The city's zoning map has unclear boundaries for a special transition zone near Knox Freeway and Cutting Boulevard. This zone acts as a buffer between different types of development. If approved, the zoning law gets updated with clearer boundary descriptions so property owners and developers know exactly which rules apply to their land.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 18-08 N.S.
7 to 0
Appointments(1 item)
Reconsider appointments to Richmond Community Fund Advisory Committee
In Plain English
The city council previously voted to appoint people to this committee that helps decide how community fund money gets distributed. The council now wants to reverse that decision and potentially choose different people. The committee advises on grants and funding for local nonprofits and community programs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Set up mechanisms to be brought to Council with friendly amendment to direct staff to initiate funding process
8 to 0
Rescind the vote taken at July 29, 2008 meeting appointing Bates, Sandhu, Lopez and Marquez as alternate to RCFAC
8 to 0
Budget(1 item)
Approve $10,000 emergency funding for Latina Center
In Plain English
The city created an emergency fund to help nonprofits facing unexpected financial challenges. The Latina Center has requested $10,000 from this program. If approved, the funding comes from the city's existing nonprofit emergency fund budget.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the request
9 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.