Tuesday, February 4, 2014

The council voted down a proposal to rename a street or community center for Nelson Mandela by a 3-4 vote, with McLaughlin, Beckles, and Myrick opposing. The item would have directed staff to research potential locations and the renaming process.

The council approved giving county inspectors direct enforcement powers at Chevron Refinery to address chemical safety violations. The measure creates a new full-time inspector position specifically for Chevron and passed with only Bates abstaining.

A $15 million bond refinancing for Liberty Village Apartments was approved after a required public hearing. The California Statewide Communities Development Authority will issue the bonds to refinance the apartment complex.

The council approved policies to increase low-emission vehicle use in Richmond, including sharing electric vehicles between city operations and the Easy Go car-sharing program. Only Boozé voted against the environmental measure.

The council approved $69,626 in grants on consent for Richmond Public Library literacy programs and LEAP scholarships, plus appointed two residents to development commissions. Four items were continued to future meetings, including a $249,600 grant for employee shuttle service.