Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Presiding: Mayor Tom Butt · Called to order: 7:01 p.m. · 5 items · 5 votes · 14 public comments
What happened
- Approved changes to Police Commission law 5-1-1 with Pimplé dissenting and Bates abstaining after 7 public comments.
- Approved requiring Police Commission to investigate police killings 4-3 with Bates, Pimplé, and Butt dissenting.
- Approved directing Police Commission to investigate 2014 Richard Perez killing with Pimplé and Butt dissenting.
- Heard update on federal police grant and Hilltop Apartments appeal but took no votes.
- Approved 10 routine items including $690,928 for 13th Street sewer design and $252,960 for Mathieu Court repairs.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(2 items)
Amend law that created the Richmond Police Commission
In Plain English
The city established the Police Commission in 2020 to provide civilian oversight of the police department. The commission reviews complaints against officers and makes policy recommendations. The proposed changes would modify how the commission operates, though specific details are not yet available.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Include the following items: 1) 3.54.080, sub section b, #3: Extend the number of days for which a complaint against a police officer shall be accepted from 45 days to 120 days from the date of the alleged misconduct; 2). 3.54.080, sub section b: Automatically initiate a Police Commission investigation on all officer involved shootings which result in a fatality; 3) 3.54.080, sub section b, # 3: Amend the ordinance to state the Police Commission will make the final determination if a late complaint will be accepted due to mistake or excusable neglect; 4) change the name of the Police Commission to the Citizens Police Review Commission; 5) 3.54.080, sub section b & subsection c: replace 'excessive or unnecessary force' with 'unreasonable force' wherever it appears in the ordinance. Commissioner Roberson made the motion; 6) Each complaint should be forwarded to the Chief of Police, CIAO and each member of the Police Commission
Approve all of the items recommended except item 2
5 to 1
Require Police Commission investigation of police killings or serious injuries
In Plain English
The Police Commission currently has discretionary authority over investigating police use of force incidents. This proposal mandates investigations whenever police kill or seriously injure someone. If approved, the commission must determine whether excessive force or racial bias occurred and publicly report findings to the city council.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extend the meeting to finish this item
5 to 2
Approve the item
4 to 3
Public Safety(1 item)
Direct Police Commission to investigate 2014 killing of Richard Perez
In Plain English
Richard Perez was killed by police on September 14, 2014. The city has not yet conducted a Police Commission investigation into whether officers used excessive force. If approved, the investigation begins once the city hires a new investigative officer.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the item
4 to 2
Budget(1 item)
Accept $625,000 federal grant to hire additional police officers
In Plain English
The U.S. Department of Justice awarded Richmond this grant through its Community Oriented Policing Services program. The city must provide $2.1 million in matching funds over 3 years to receive the federal money. If approved, the total $2.7 million funds new officer positions beyond current staffing levels.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Housing(1 item)
Hear update on efforts to help nonprofits buy foreclosed homes before speculators
In Plain English
Federal agencies and banks currently sell bundles of foreclosed loans to whoever bids highest, often speculators who flip houses for profit. The city wants these agencies to prioritize nonprofit organizations that would keep homes affordable for Richmond residents. If approved, city staff writes letters requesting lists of foreclosed properties in Richmond so nonprofits can compete for them.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Heard the update and directed staff to write letters to the agencies
Zoning(1 item)
Consider appeal of design permit for Hilltop Apartments mixed-use development
In Plain English
A resident group called Richmond Residents for Responsible Development has appealed the city's approval of a design permit for new apartments and commercial space. The project would be built at the northwest corner of Hilltop Mall Road and Garrity Way. If the council rejects the appeal, construction can proceed as planned.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.