Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 5:22 p.m. · 4 items · 2 votes · 6 public comments
What happened
- Approved Honda Port of Entry Project environmental review appeal 7-1 (McLaughlin dissenting).
- Rejected hiring law firm to defend lawsuit from Communities for a Better Environment.
- Approved directing staff to research creating a Sustainable Economic Zone.
- Approved updating Port operations fund law to secure debt payments.
- Heard proposal to install 5 speed bumps on Hartnett Avenue and Chanslor Avenue.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Zoning(1 item)
Consider appeal of Honda Port of Entry Project environmental review approval
In Plain English
The Design Review Board approved environmental studies and permits for Honda's proposed Port of Entry Project at Point Potrero. Fred Arm filed an appeal challenging this approval. The city council now decides whether to uphold or overturn the board's decision on the project's environmental clearance.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Accept into the record the detailed list of concerns regarding the EIR submitted by the appellant
Close the public hearing
Deny the appeal and affirm the DRB's decision
Deny the appeal and certify the EIR with the change in finding 11 and adopt the five amended conditions of approval that the applicant has agreed to which includes: train noise, grade crossing blockages, solar electricity generation, historic resources parking, and emissions
Deny the appeal and approve the staff recommendations and conditions of approval that the applicant has agreed to, modify finding 11 to reflect the latest projections provided by Finance Director Jim Goins
7 to 1
Governance(1 item)
Direct staff to research creating a Sustainable Economic Zone
In Plain English
The city wants to explore creating a special zone that would offer incentives to environmentally-friendly businesses. Staff would schedule a meeting with a climate expert and study whether this approach could work in Richmond. If approved, this research could lead to new programs that attract green businesses to the city.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the item
Contracts(1 item)
Hire law firm to defend lawsuit from Communities for a Better Environment
In Plain English
Communities for a Better Environment has sued the city over an unspecified issue. The city needs outside legal help because its regular city attorney cannot handle this case. If approved, Richmond pays up to $175,000 for specialized environmental law representation.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Continue this item to November 25, 2008
Search for a new lawyer
Infrastructure(1 item)
Install 5 speed bumps on Hartnett Avenue and Chanslor Avenue
In Plain English
The city plans to add 3 speed bumps on Hartnett Avenue and 2 on Chanslor Avenue near Fifth Street. These raised pavement sections force drivers to slow down in residential areas. The city uses existing contract funds, so no new spending is required.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Budget(1 item)
Update Port operations fund law to secure debt payments
In Plain English
The city created a special fund in 1999 to collect Port revenue and use it as collateral for Port-related loans. The current law needs updates to reflect changes in how the Port operates and borrows money. If approved, the city can continue using Port income to guarantee its debt payments.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Give first reading and hold over two weeks for second reading