Tuesday, October 22, 2013

The council received a presentation on Chevron's property tax settlement details from the city's special attorney, though no vote was recorded. The settlement resolves legal disputes over property taxes owed by Chevron, which operates Richmond's large refinery.

The council unanimously approved investigating better coordination between the city and county for residential mold issues. Current mold complaints are handled by multiple departments that don't work together effectively, and the county health department also responds separately.

The council unanimously approved discussing a response to racist comments made by Leo Battaglia, who serves on the West County Wastewater District board. Battaglia is not a Richmond city official but his statements prompted council discussion.

The council unanimously approved receiving updates on 5 ongoing city audit reports covering the library, housing programs, and other department operations. The city undergoes multiple audits each year to check financial records.

The council approved 1 routine item on consent, including discussing greenhouse gas reduction requirements for Chevron's refinery upgrade project. Two items were continued to future meetings: requiring grocery stores to label genetically modified foods and creating Urban Agriculture Incentive Zones.