Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Presiding: Mayor Tom Butt · Called to order: 6:30 p.m. · 6 items · 25 votes · 29 public comments
What happened
- Approved increasing minimum cash reserves from 7% to 15% of annual spending 6-1 (Butt dissenting).
- Approved requiring landlords to pay moving costs for displaced tenants 6-1 (Butt dissenting).
- Approved updated law banning plastic straws and regulating disposable food containers.
- Approved 21 routine items including $369,000 contract with artist for Officer Moody Memorial Underpass public art.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Budget(1 item)
Increase minimum cash reserves from 7% to 15% of annual spending
In Plain English
The city currently requires keeping 7% of its annual budget in cash reserves for emergencies. The new policy more than doubles this requirement to 15%. If approved, the city must set aside millions more in savings instead of spending on current programs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Hold this matter over for discussion by June 30, 2018, after the budget was approved
6 to 1
Housing(1 item)
Amend law requiring landlords to pay moving costs for displaced tenants
In Plain English
Richmond requires landlords to pay relocation assistance when they force tenants to move for renovations or other reasons. The city is updating these tenant protection rules. If approved, the changes affect when and how much landlords must pay displaced renters.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved first reading and adopted Resolution No. 28-18
6 to 1
Governance(2 items)
Update law banning plastic straws and regulating disposable food containers
In Plain English
Richmond currently has rules about disposable plates, cups, and utensils that restaurants must follow. The updated law adds plastic straws and stirrers to the banned items. If approved, restaurants and food businesses must switch to paper, bamboo, or other non-plastic alternatives for straws and stirrers.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved first reading of the ordinance and deleted paragraph B under section 9.17.040
7 to 0
Review proposed laws limiting city contracts and investments with certain companies
In Plain English
The city council will examine draft rules that could restrict which companies can receive city contracts or hold city investments. These sanctuary city policies typically target firms involved in immigration enforcement, detention facilities, or other controversial activities. If approved, the rules would require the city to screen potential contractors and investment partners before doing business with them.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the item
7 to 0
Contracts(1 item)
Authorize Port to lease Terminal 4 property to Pio Trucking Company
In Plain English
The Port wants to rent out Terminal 4 space to a trucking company for cargo operations. The lease runs for 1 year with options to extend up to 4 additional years. This generates rental income for the city and keeps port facilities in active use.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Zoning(1 item)
Consider appeal of Anaviv conditional use permit amendment approval
In Plain English
The Planning Commission conditionally approved changes to Anaviv's conditional use permit. Someone has appealed that decision to the city council. The council will hold a public hearing to decide whether to uphold or overturn the Planning Commission's approval.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.