Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 7:08 p.m. · 14 items · 7 votes · 14 public comments
What happened
- Rejected eminent domain withdrawal from underwater mortgage buyback program 5-2 (Bates, Boozé dissenting).
- Rejected requiring MRP to provide insurance for eminent domain lawsuits 5-2 (Myrick, Rogers dissenting).
- Approved continuing Richmond CARES housing program negotiations 4-3 (Bates, Boozé, Rogers dissenting).
- Approved 10 routine items including $60,000 police motorcycle maintenance contract and fire union agreement.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(7 items)
Update stormwater management law to control pollution and runoff
In Plain English
The city's current stormwater rules need updating to meet modern environmental standards. Richmond must control pollution that flows from streets and buildings into storm drains during rain. If approved, new requirements help protect San Francisco Bay water quality and prevent flooding in neighborhoods.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To introduce ordinance for first reading and lay over to September 17, 2013 for second reading
Direct city representatives to support flexible withdrawal from RecycleMore recycling partnership
In Plain English
Richmond belongs to RecycleMore, a joint partnership that handles recycling services for multiple cities. The current agreement makes it difficult for cities to leave the partnership. If approved, Richmond's representatives will vote to change the rules so cities can withdraw more easily in the future.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To direct Richmond City Councilmembers on RecycleMore Board to place amendment on agenda and vote in support
Receive county grand jury report on city financial risk assessment
In Plain English
The county grand jury investigated the city's financial management and issued findings about potential risks. City staff prepared a formal response addressing the grand jury's recommendations. The council must publicly receive both documents as required by state law.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Ban alcohol billboards within 1,000 feet of schools
In Plain English
The city currently allows alcohol advertising on billboards throughout Richmond. This new law creates alcohol-free zones around schools to reduce youth exposure to drinking promotions. If approved, existing alcohol billboards near schools must be removed or changed to different products.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Withdraw eminent domain offers to buy underwater mortgages
In Plain English
The city previously made offers to buy underwater mortgages from banks using eminent domain powers through a partnership with Mortgage Resolution Partners (MRP). This action ends that program and withdraws all pending purchase offers. Homeowners with underwater mortgages will no longer have this potential path to loan modifications.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To end debate
4 to 3
To direct city manager to withdraw mortgage purchase offers and permanently end eminent domain option with MRP
2 to 5
Direct staff to continue Richmond CARES housing program negotiations
In Plain English
The Richmond CARES program involves partnerships to address housing issues in the city. Staff needs direction on creating a joint powers agreement with other agencies. The city council wants to ensure no property can be seized through eminent domain without a council vote.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To direct staff to set up JPA, confirm no eminent domain without Council vote, continue working with MRP, issue monthly reports, and return in 30 days
4 to 3
Oppose appeals to modify alcohol license conditions for 2 local markets
In Plain English
Val Mar Market and Family Market want to remove or change conditions on their alcohol licenses. The city previously placed restrictions on these licenses, likely due to past violations or community concerns. If the city's opposition succeeds, the current conditions remain in place.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To overturn the mayor's decision to hear from staff after the public speaks
Litigation(1 item)
Require MRP to provide insurance for eminent domain lawsuits
In Plain English
MRP is the developer working on Point Molate, a major waterfront development project. The city faces potential lawsuits if it uses eminent domain to acquire private property for the project. If approved, MRP must buy insurance to cover the city's legal costs and damages from these lawsuits.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To end debate
4 to 3
To inform MRP that if they cannot provide proof of financial responsibility, the City will reconsider this agreement
2 to 5
Contracts(4 items)
Amend contract with TPA Construction for Dornan Drive Tunnel Project completion
In Plain English
The city needs to modify its existing contract with TPA Construction to finish the Dornan Drive Tunnel Project. Contract amendments typically happen when projects need more time, money, or scope changes. The tunnel project affects traffic flow and connectivity in the Dornan Drive area.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve GPS tracking contract with Networkfleet for city vehicles
In Plain English
The city wants to install GPS tracking systems in its vehicle fleet. Networkfleet provides the tracking equipment and software to monitor vehicle locations and usage. If approved, the city can track where its vehicles go and how they are used.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hire AAA Fence Company to repair chain link fences at 2 parks
In Plain English
Chain link fences at Belding-Garcia Park and Lucas Park need repairs. The city selected AAA Fence Company for the work. The contract covers fixing damaged sections to keep the parks secure and safe for visitors.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Reject all bids for stormwater treatment upgrades and seek new contractors
In Plain English
The city received bids to install new systems that filter pollution from street runoff before it reaches the bay. All submitted bids were rejected, likely due to high costs or other issues. The city will now restart the bidding process to find qualified contractors for this environmental project.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Appointments(1 item)
Appoint residents to serve on city commissions
In Plain English
The city council fills vacant seats on boards that advise on issues like planning, parks, and public safety. Commission members are volunteers who review proposals and make recommendations to the council. These appointments ensure residents have a voice in city decisions that affect their neighborhoods.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve the appointments and reappointments
5 to 0
Budget(1 item)
Authorize city manager to change franchise fees for waste collection
In Plain English
The city collects franchise fees from waste companies that operate in Richmond. These fees help fund city services and are often passed to residents through garbage bills. If approved, the city manager can adjust these fees without returning to council for approval.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt resolution with friendly amendment requiring City Council approval
Housing(1 item)
Approve annual report on federal housing and community development spending
In Plain English
Federal law requires cities to file an annual report showing how they spent housing and community development grants. The city received federal funds in 2012-2013 for programs like affordable housing, homeless services, and neighborhood improvements. If approved, Richmond submits this required report to maintain eligibility for future federal grants.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.