Tuesday, March 1, 2011
JointPresiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:34 p.m. · 12 items · 22 votes · 19 public comments
What happened
- Approved 5 routine items including $19,500 contract amendment for RichmondBUILD graphics services.
- Approved $340,000 to purchase 15 police cars from Hoblit Motors.
- Approved $200,000 engineering contract to rehabilitate historic Riggers Loft building.
- Approved 3-year contract with WESCO Graphics to print recreation activity guides.
- Approved 6 hydrogen sulfide monitors for Point Richmond neighborhood air quality monitoring.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Contracts(5 items)
Approve 3-year contract with WESCO Graphics to print recreation activity guides
In Plain English
The Recreation Department publishes guides listing classes, camps, and programs for residents. The city originally planned a 3-year deal for 6 editions but modified it to print just 1 edition. If approved, the city will rebid the contract for future guides.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve contract for the printing of only one of the Recreation Department's Activities Guide in the amount of $7,288.67 and rebid the contract with more outreach to include more City of Richmond businesses
6 to 0
Contract with ERA Construction for citywide concrete repairs
In Plain English
The city needs ongoing repairs for cracked sidewalks, curbs, and other concrete infrastructure throughout town. This 2-year contract allows the city to call ERA Construction for repairs as needed. If approved, the city spends up to $456,190 using leftover funds from previous projects.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
6 to 0
Purchase 15 police cars from Hoblit Motors for up to $340,000
In Plain English
The police department needs new patrol vehicles to replace aging cars in its fleet. Each new car costs about $22,700 on average. If approved, the city buys from Hoblit Motors in Woodland, California.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the purchase
6 to 0
Purchase 6 hydrogen sulfide monitors for Point Richmond neighborhood
In Plain English
The city plans to install air quality monitors near the wastewater treatment plant and Washington Elementary School. These devices detect hydrogen sulfide, the gas that creates sewage odors. If approved, the city spends up to $310,000 to monitor air quality in this neighborhood.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extend the meeting to complete the final items
5 to 1
Approve the purchase of six permanent hydrogen sulfide monitors from Hadronex, Inc. with warranty and direct staff to seek recovery from Veolia through the contract
6 to 0
Hire engineering firm for $200,000 to rehabilitate historic Riggers Loft building
In Plain English
The city wants to restore the Riggers Loft, a historic building at Point Potrero Marine Terminal. Wiss Janney Elstner Associates would create construction plans and oversee the renovation work. If approved, the city pays up to $200,000 for these services without seeking competitive bids.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 16-11
6 to 0
Governance(3 items)
Authorize liens on properties with unpaid garbage collection fees
In Plain English
The city can place liens on properties when residents don't pay their garbage bills. These liens appear on county property tax records and must be paid when the property is sold. If approved, the city uses this legal tool to collect overdue waste management fees.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 12-11
6 to 0
Adopt resolution calling for democracy free from corporate control
In Plain English
Mayor McLaughlin and Councilmember Beckles propose a formal statement opposing corporate influence in elections and government. The resolution expresses the city's position on campaign finance and lobbying issues. If approved, Richmond joins other cities making symbolic statements about money in politics.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 14-11
6 to 0
Direct staff to pressure Union Pacific to clean graffiti near Interstate 580
In Plain English
Union Pacific owns property on the east side of Interstate 580 that has accumulated graffiti. The city wants the railroad company to remove it but needs to decide what actions to take. Councilmember Rogers asked staff to return next month with options for forcing cleanup.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Receive the report
6 to 0
Personnel(1 item)
Review actuarial report on city retiree healthcare costs
In Plain English
The city provides healthcare benefits to retired employees and must regularly assess future costs. An independent actuary studied the city's financial obligations for retiree health benefits as of July 2009. The report helps the city plan how much money to set aside each year to cover these growing expenses.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Zoning(3 items)
Hold public hearing on appeal to open Subway restaurant on Tewksbury Avenue
In Plain English
The Planning Commission rejected a permit for a Subway restaurant at 217 Tewksbury Avenue in Point Richmond. The property owner appealed that decision to the city council. If approved, the restaurant can open in the neighborhood commercial district.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
5 to 0
Deny the appeal based on the esthetics and character of the neighborhood
5 to 0
Close portion of Atlas Road right-of-way at Point Pinole Business Park
In Plain English
The city owns a 40-foot strip of Atlas Road southwest of the business park that is no longer needed for public access. Closing this easement removes the city's responsibility to maintain it. The land returns to the adjacent property owner's control.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
6 to 0
Adopt Order of Vacation No. 904
6 to 0
Vacate 40-foot strip of Giant Highway right-of-way at Point Pinole Business Park
In Plain English
The city owns a 40-foot wide easement for Giant Highway that runs through Point Pinole Business Park. The easement is no longer needed for public use. If approved, the city gives up its rights to this land strip and returns control to the property owner.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
6 to 0
Adopt Order of Vacation No. 905
6 to 0
Environment(1 item)
Encourage Chevron to apply for Richmond Refinery renewal project
In Plain English
Vice Mayor Butt and Mayor McLaughlin want the city to formally encourage Chevron to move forward with their refinery renewal project application. The resolution gives the city manager authority to communicate this support to the company. Chevron has not yet submitted their application for the project.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 15-11
6 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.