Tuesday, April 20, 2010

The council approved one routine item on consent, including revising a local hiring law requiring contractors to employ Richmond residents for $135,000.

The council approved making it illegal for students to be in public places during school hours. The new law allows police to cite students found hanging out in parks, restaurants, or streets when they should be attending school.

The council approved purchasing two pickup trucks for the Fire Department for $57,000 and a $15,000 pickup truck for code enforcement officers. Fire crews will use the trucks to transport equipment, while code enforcement officers currently lack a dedicated vehicle to inspect properties.

The council approved applying for a state grant to create a city-wide Urban Greening Plan that would expand trees, parks, and green spaces throughout Richmond. The council also approved holding a public hearing on a proposed wastewater rate increase to gather resident input before making a final decision.

The council approved placing liens on properties with unpaid garbage collection bills. Property owners who haven't paid their garbage fees will have those amounts added to their property tax bills so the county can collect them.