Tuesday, April 20, 2010
JointPresiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 5:14 p.m. · 6 items · 7 votes · 21 public comments
What happened
- Approved making it illegal for students to be in public places during school hours.
- Approved holding public hearing on proposed wastewater rate increase.
- Approved purchasing $57,000 in pickup trucks for Fire Department and code enforcement.
- Approved placing liens on properties with unpaid garbage collection bills.
- Approved applying for state grant to create city-wide Urban Greening Plan.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Contracts(3 items)
Apply for state grant to create city-wide Urban Greening Plan
In Plain English
The city wants to develop a comprehensive plan for expanding trees, parks, and green spaces throughout Richmond. The state offers grants through a 2006 environmental bond program to help cities create these plans. If approved, Richmond can apply for funding to map current green areas and identify where new trees and parks are most needed.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 44-10 authorizing applications for grant funds for development of an Urban Greening Plan for the City of Richmond
Purchase $15,000 pickup truck for code enforcement officers
In Plain English
Code enforcement officers currently lack a dedicated vehicle to inspect properties and respond to violations. The new truck allows officers to transport equipment and reach problem sites more efficiently. If approved, the city buys the vehicle from Hilltop Ford for up to $15,000.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the purchase of a small pickup truck from Michael Stead's Hilltop Ford, for use in enforcing code enforcement regulations, in an amount not to exceed $15,000
6 to 0
Purchase 2 pickup trucks for Fire Department for $57,000
In Plain English
The Fire Department needs 2 new three-quarter-ton pickup trucks to replace aging vehicles. The trucks cost up to $57,000 total from a local Ford dealer. Fire crews use these trucks to transport equipment and respond to calls where full fire engines aren't needed.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the purchase of two ¾-ton pickup trucks from Michael Stead's Hilltop Ford, for use by the Fire Department, in an amount not to exceed $57,000
6 to 0
Governance(2 items)
Make it illegal for students to be in public places during school hours
In Plain English
Students under 18 must attend school by state law. This new law makes it illegal for students to hang out in parks, restaurants, or streets during school hours. Police can cite students found in public places from 30 minutes after school starts until 30 minutes before it ends.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 16-10 N.S. making it unlawful for minors subject to compulsory education to be in public areas during school hours with certain exceptions
6 to 0
Place liens on properties with unpaid garbage collection bills
In Plain English
Some property owners have not paid their garbage collection fees to the city. The city wants to add these unpaid amounts to property tax bills so the county can collect them. If approved, unpaid garbage fees become part of annual property tax statements.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 43-10 authorizing placement of liens and special assessments for unpaid garbage collection service fees on County property tax records
6 to 0
Infrastructure(1 item)
Hold public hearing on proposed wastewater rate increase
In Plain English
The city is considering raising wastewater rates and wants public input before deciding. This hearing lets residents ask questions and share concerns about the proposed increase. The city has not yet announced how much rates would go up or when changes would take effect.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Authorize the city manager to enter into a contract for the demolition of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center to mitigate damage due to recent major copper theft and flooding; and direct staff to incorporate the replacement of the center into the Nystrom United Revitalization Effort (NURVE) plans
6 to 0
Direct staff to request inclusion in grant applications to help develop urban field studies programs for Richmond students
6 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.