Tuesday, February 28, 2006

The council voted down a proposal to let the tax collector deny business licenses for illegal activity by a 5-2 margin, with only Rogers and Thurmond supporting the change. Currently, the city cannot withhold licenses from businesses breaking the law.

A $2.2 million contract for the first phase of the Central Richmond Greenway bike trail was approved 5-2, with Bates and Griffin voting no. Bay Cities Paving and Grading won the contract to build the bicycle and pedestrian path through central Richmond.

The council approved hiring Glen Price Group to find and write grant applications citywide, moving away from the current ad-hoc approach. The council also unanimously supported exploring ferry service on Ford Peninsula and directed staff to create an implementation plan.

The council approved 9 routine items on consent, including a $277,000 design contract for MLK Park and Community Center and claiming $474,433 in county funds for paratransit services. Other unanimous approvals included updating local mining laws to match state standards and awarding a $41,800 contract to Republic Electric for traffic signal work."}