Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 5:02 p.m. · 10 items · 15 votes · 12 public comments
What happened
- Approved increased public funding for city candidates 5-2 (Lopez, Viramontes dissenting).
- Approved allowing board members to serve 90 extra days after terms expire (Viramontes dissenting, Lopez abstaining).
- Elected vice mayor for 2025.
- Approved hiring Malcolm Pirnie for required storm water pollution study.
- Heard proposal to amend city rules for cell towers and wireless equipment.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(7 items)
Allow board and commission members to serve up to 90 extra days after terms expire
In Plain English
City board and commission members currently must stop serving immediately when their terms end. This change lets them continue for up to 90 additional days while the city finds replacements. The extension prevents boards from losing members mid-project when appointments get delayed.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopted Resolution No. 5-09
4 to 1
Set new policy direction for Design Review and Planning Commission functions
In Plain English
The city council will establish formal guidelines for how the Design Review Board and Planning Commission should operate. These bodies review new development projects and decide whether they meet city standards. The new policies will clarify their roles and procedures for evaluating building designs and land use proposals.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopted Resolution No. 4-09 as written and resolved to schedule a study session in the near future to get addition staff and community input
6 to 0
Elect vice mayor for 2025
In Plain English
The council chooses one member to serve as vice mayor for the year. The vice mayor runs meetings when the mayor is absent and represents the city at some events. This is typically a rotating position among council members.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Nominated Councilmember Lopez as Vice Mayor
6 to 0
Create new process for removing graffiti from public and private property
In Plain English
The city currently has graffiti removal rules but lacks a clear process for enforcement. This law would establish specific steps the city can take to remove graffiti from buildings and other surfaces. Property owners would get formal notice before the city removes graffiti and bills them for cleanup costs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopted Ordinance No. 2-09 N.S.
6 to 0
Amend city rules for cell towers and wireless equipment
In Plain English
The city is updating its laws that control where companies can install cell towers, antennas, and other wireless equipment. Current rules may be outdated as wireless technology rapidly changes. If approved, new regulations could affect where future cell towers appear in your neighborhood.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Repositioning of Open Forum for Public Comment on City Council Agenda
Official Agenda Text
Votes
Extended the meeting to 12:30 a.m.
5 to 1
Approve the item as presented for one year and return to current way the next year
Approve the item as presented
3 to 1
Move Open Forum forward only if there are 10 or fewer speakers
Approve the item as presented for one year and return to current way the next year
6 to 0
Increase public funding available to candidates running for city office
In Plain English
Richmond currently provides public money to help qualified candidates run for mayor and city council. The city wants to raise the amount each candidate can receive. If approved, more candidates may be able to afford running for office without relying heavily on private donations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve matching funds to a maximum of $30,000 which includes four $7,500 matches - the first at $5,000; the second at $10,000; the third at $15,000; and the fourth at $20,000
Keep existing system and add an additional $5,000 matching funds when the candidate reaches $10,000 for a maximum of $30,000
Lower the threshold from $15,000 to $10,000 for candidates to apply for matching funds
6 to 0
Add an additional $5,000 in matching funds when a candidates raises $15,000 to a maximum of $30,000
4 to 2
Contracts(1 item)
Hire Malcolm Pirnie to complete required storm water pollution study
In Plain English
The city must complete this study as part of a legal settlement with environmental group Baykeeper. Malcolm Pirnie will analyze storm water pollution sources and recommend solutions. The one-year contract covers the final 3 tasks of the required study.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved a one-year contract with Malcolm Pirnie in an amount not to exceed $250,000
6 to 0
Housing(1 item)
Receive status report on Greenprint Housing Development policy and implementation
In Plain English
The city council will review progress on the Greenprint Housing Development program. This initiative connects housing policy with environmental goals. Council members will discuss how the program is working and potential changes to improve implementation.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the item
5 to 0
Environment(1 item)
Create pilot rebate program for solar water heating systems
In Plain English
The city currently offers no local incentives for solar water heaters that use sunlight to heat household water. This pilot program would provide cash rebates to residents who install these systems. If approved, staff develops the program details including rebate amounts and eligibility requirements.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the item
6 to 0
Miscellaneous(1 item)
Develop 3-to-5 year plan to prevent Richmond school closures
In Plain English
Some Richmond schools face potential closure due to declining enrollment or budget issues. The city wants to create a multi-year support plan to keep these schools operating. If approved, the city manager can hire consultants and find funding sources to develop this intervention strategy.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve all nine conditions with the understanding that condition one uses the discussion for proceeds of sales surplus property, the city manager be authorized to have direct contact with the trustee and superintendant immediately, and that the superintendant of schools and the school board must understand that all schools in Richmond are removed from school closure during the period of the Municipal Services Agreement
6 to 0