Tuesday, September 10, 2013

The council voted down a controversial underwater mortgage program, rejecting by 5-2 a proposal to withdraw eminent domain offers to buy distressed home loans from banks. Councilmembers Bates and Boozé were the only supporters of ending the partnership with Mortgage Resolution Partners. A related measure requiring MRP to provide insurance for potential lawsuits also failed by the same 5-2 margin, with Myrick and Rogers voting yes.

The council approved continuing negotiations for the Richmond CARES housing program in a 4-3 vote, with Bates, Boozé, and Rogers dissenting. Staff will work on creating a joint powers agreement with other agencies to address housing issues. The council also passed updates to stormwater management laws to control pollution and runoff from reaching storm drains.

Several resident appointments to city commissions were approved, though most council members voted against appointing Martinez to a board position. The council also directed city representatives to support more flexible withdrawal terms from the RecycleMore recycling partnership and authorized the city manager to adjust franchise fees for waste collection companies.

The council approved 11 routine items on consent, including a $60,000 contract for police motorcycle maintenance and a $32,030 partnership with Rubicon Programs for adult literacy classes. Other notable approvals included a $25,000 grant for Richmond High School writing support and a $24,500 mobile trailer for the Fire Marine Response Program.