Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 5:06 p.m. · 10 items · 16 votes · 14 public comments
What happened
- Approved 14 routine items including $153,000 contract with Bellecci & Associates for city parks master plan.
- Approved new green building standards law for construction projects.
- Approved supporting state bill creating universal health care system in California.
- Approved formal decision supporting Cuban Five prisoners' rights.
- Approved strengthening restrictions on alcoholic beverage advertising.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Budget(1 item)
Acknowledge receipt of city's 2008 annual financial report
In Plain English
The city received its official financial report covering all spending and revenue from July 2007 through June 2008. This annual report shows residents how tax dollars were used and the city's overall financial health. City council formally acknowledges receiving the document as part of standard financial oversight.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To acknowledge receipt of the report
Governance(5 items)
Support state bill creating universal health care system in California
In Plain English
Senate Bill 810 would create a single-payer health care system covering all California residents. The state would provide health insurance instead of private companies. If approved, Richmond formally endorses this statewide proposal but takes no local action.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt Resolution No. 24-09
Pass formal decision supporting Cuban Five prisoners' rights
In Plain English
The Cuban Five are Cuban intelligence agents convicted in US federal court in 2001 for conspiracy and espionage. They received long prison sentences that human rights groups call excessive. If approved, Richmond formally supports fair legal treatment and family visitation rights for these prisoners.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt Resolution No. 25-09
Approve management plan for Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park
In Plain English
The National Park Service created a 20-year plan for managing Rosie the Riveter Park in Richmond. The plan guides how the park operates, what programs it offers, and how it preserves historical sites. City approval helps coordinate local and federal park management.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve Alternative B as the preferred alternative and adopt Resolution No. 26-09
Strengthen restrictions on alcoholic beverage advertising
In Plain English
The city currently allows alcoholic beverage advertising with some limits under existing law. The proposed changes would add new restrictions on where and how alcohol can be advertised in Richmond. If approved, businesses face stricter rules about displaying beer, wine, and liquor advertisements.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To give first reading and lay over two weeks for second reading
Create new green building standards law for construction projects
In Plain English
Richmond currently has no specific green building requirements for new construction or major renovations. The new law would set environmental standards for buildings like energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials. Property developers would need to meet these requirements when applying for building permits.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To give first reading to the ordinance with amendments to the definition of conditioned space to be consistent with the 2008 California Energy Commission Building Energy Efficiency Standards, points be allowed for process loads, but will not be required, and these amendments will be placed within the ordinance and shared with the Chamber of Commerce and the Council of Industries for discussion prior to the second reading
Contracts(3 items)
Amend contract with Todd Jersey Architecture for natatorium renovation Phase II
In Plain English
The city is modifying its existing contract with Todd Jersey Architecture for the second phase of renovating the Richmond Natatorium. This is the third amendment to the original contract. The natatorium is the city's public swimming facility that requires ongoing renovation work to remain operational for residents.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve the item with the condition that there is a community meeting to hear comments from the public on the bulkhead option for the natatorium
Accept federal grant for 7 new paratransit vehicles
In Plain English
The city applies for Federal Transit Administration funding to replace aging paratransit vehicles that serve disabled residents and seniors. These specialized vehicles provide door-to-door transportation for people who cannot use regular bus service. If approved, the federal government covers most vehicle costs while the city pays a small matching portion.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To close the public hearing
To authorize staff to complete and submit an application for the FTA 5310 Grant and adopt Resolution No. 23-09
Direct staff to find funding options for East Bay Center's Winters Building restoration
In Plain English
The East Bay Center for Performing Arts needs money to restore the historic Winters Building. The center has asked the city for help securing additional funding sources. If approved, city staff will research grants, partnerships, and other ways Richmond can assist with the restoration project.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To direct staff to seek options for additional funding of the Winters Building
Appointments(1 item)
Appoint new members to 3 city commissions
In Plain English
The city council fills vacant seats on boards that advise on arts programs, housing policy, and library services. These volunteer commissioners review city plans and make recommendations on spending and programs. The appointments typically last 2-4 years depending on the commission.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve the appointments separately
Housing(1 item)
Receive update on city's foreclosure prevention programs
In Plain English
City staff will present a report on current programs that help residents avoid losing their homes to foreclosure. The report covers what services the city provides and plans for expanding these efforts. No funding decisions are being made at this meeting.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
That the City move forward with a $1,000 fine ordinance and implementation plan for 2009-2010 that may include an increase in attorney assistance and Code Enforcement and increase community access to legal services and conclude the legal land trust. Also include a moratorium on eviction of renters, and mandated mediation before foreclosure with lenders and homeowners
6 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.