Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Presiding: Mayor Thomas K. Butt · Called to order: 7:16 p.m. · 6 items · 26 votes · 11 public comments
What happened
- Approved 22 routine items including $669,700 for Via Verdi landslide repair design.
- Approved resolution supporting LGBTQ civil rights protections under Title IX.
- Approved new zoning rules for school locations and design standards.
- Received presentation on North Richmond annexation process with no vote taken.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(4 items)
Adopt resolution supporting LGBTQ civil rights protections under Title IX
In Plain English
The city formally declares its support for federal protections that prevent discrimination against LGBTQ students and employees in schools and workplaces. Title IX currently prohibits sex-based discrimination in education and employment. If approved, Richmond goes on record supporting expanded interpretations that also protect people based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 87-18 in support of protecting the civil rights of the LGBTQ community under Title IX
5 to 0
Amend wireless communications facilities law for federal compliance
In Plain English
The city's current rules for cell towers and wireless equipment need updates to match federal regulations. Federal law changed requirements for small wireless facilities like 5G equipment on utility poles. If approved, the revised law clarifies approval processes and ensures Richmond stays compliant with federal standards.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Exempt wastewater and stormwater projects from city design rules
In Plain English
The city currently requires all construction projects to follow local design and bidding rules. This law would allow wastewater and sewer projects to instead follow state regulations under Senate Bill 785. If approved, these projects can use design-build contracts where one company handles both design and construction.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Introduce ordinance (first reading) and lay over to the November 20, 2018, City Council Meeting for the second reading
5 to 0
Receive presentation on North Richmond annexation process status
In Plain English
City staff will update the council on efforts to potentially add North Richmond to the city of Richmond. North Richmond is currently an unincorporated area of Contra Costa County with about 3,500 residents. If annexation moves forward, Richmond would provide city services like police and parks to this neighboring community.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Zoning(3 items)
Update zoning rules to match the city's General Plan
In Plain English
The city's zoning rules currently conflict with its General Plan in some areas. State law requires these documents to be consistent with each other. The proposed changes also fix technical errors and clarify confusing language in the zoning code.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Modify zoning rules for where schools can be built and add design standards
In Plain English
Current city zoning laws limit where schools can be built in Richmond. The proposed changes would allow schools in more areas and create new design requirements for school buildings. If approved, developers would have more flexibility in school locations but must meet specific architectural standards.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Introduce ordinance (first reading) with the exclusion of zones CM-1 and CM-2 and lay over to the November 20, 2018, Council Meeting for the second reading
5 to 0
Rezone Northshore area to allow new types of development
In Plain English
The city wants to change zoning rules for the Northshore neighborhood to permit different kinds of buildings or land uses. The changes require an environmental review and updates to the city's master development plan. If approved, property owners in this area can build projects that current zoning doesn't allow.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.