Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Presiding: Mayor Tom Butt · Called to order: 6:30 p.m. · 5 items · 8 votes · 11 public comments
What happened
- Approved hiring Federal Advocates for lobbying services at $144,000 annually with one abstention.
- Approved using federal housing grants to pay off $851,401 in old city loans.
- Approved 9 routine items including $108,000 for four used police vehicles and gang prevention donations.
- Received Richmond Promise committee recommendations for college scholarship program.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Budget(2 items)
Use federal housing grants to pay off $851,401 in old city loans
In Plain English
The city borrowed money in 1999 through a federal loan program to fund housing projects. Richmond now wants to pay off these loans early using unused federal Community Development Block Grant funds from 2011-2014. If approved, the city eliminates ongoing loan payments and frees up future budget capacity.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close public hearing
7 to 0
Adopt Resolution No. 94-15
7 to 0
Submit annual housing report to federal government
In Plain English
The city receives federal funding each year for housing and community development programs. Federal law requires cities to file an annual report documenting how they spent this money and what results they achieved. This report covers the 2014-2015 budget year and goes to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close public hearing
7 to 0
Adopt Resolution No. 95-15
7 to 0
Governance(2 items)
Receive Richmond Promise committee recommendations for college scholarship program
In Plain English
The Richmond Promise provides college scholarships to local high school graduates. An ad hoc committee studied the program and developed recommendations for improvements. City council will review these suggestions and ask staff to create a detailed report by September 29th with specific policy options.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to return to City Council on September 29, 2015 with inclusion of report based on guidelines of Minority Report distributed by Richmond Promise Ad Hoc Committee member Mike Parker and postpone vote by City Council until October 6, 2015
Follow staff recommendations and direct staff to prepare comprehensive report on policy options for presentation at September 29, 2015 City Council meeting
7 to 0
Direct staff to prepare report on 2 ballot measure petitions
In Plain English
Two groups submitted ballot measure petitions for the November election. One petition targets the city manager's compensation. The other concerns the proposed Richmond Riviera Housing Development. If approved, city staff will research both petitions and report back on their legal and financial implications.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to prepare report on ballot measure petitions
6 to 0
Contracts(1 item)
Hire Federal Advocates for lobbying services at $144,000 annually
In Plain English
The city needs professional help tracking legislation and finding grants from state and federal governments. Federal Advocates would monitor bills that affect the city, identify funding opportunities, and maintain relationships with elected officials. If approved, the city pays $12,000 per month through September 2016.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve contract with Federal Advocates
6 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.