Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Presiding: Mayor Thomas K. Butt · Called to order: 7:15 p.m. · 4 items · 8 votes · 16 public comments
What happened
- Rejected reinstatement of finance and public safety committees 2-4 (Choi, Butt dissenting; Johnson, Myrick abstaining).
- Approved exclusive negotiation rights to SunCal for Point Molate development 5-1 (Martinez dissenting).
- Approved ban on coal and petroleum coke storage citywide (Bates abstaining).
- Approved 4 routine items including $300,000 for Point Molate legal negotiations and tiny house extension.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(1 item)
Reinstate 2 standing committees for finance and public safety
In Plain English
The city council previously had 2 permanent committees that met regularly to review budget issues and public safety matters before full council votes. These committees were dissolved at some point. If approved, council members would again serve on specialized committees to examine financial decisions and safety policies in more detail.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to return to the Council within one month with a recommendation on this matter
2 to 4
Reinstate said committees
2 to 2
Contracts(1 item)
Grant exclusive negotiation rights to SunCal for Point Molate development
In Plain English
The city would give SunCal's subsidiary exclusive rights to negotiate developing the 270-acre Point Molate site. This prevents other developers from bidding during negotiations. If approved, only SunCal can discuss terms for housing, retail, and other uses on the former Navy fuel depot property.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Accept the staff recommendation including the amendments to the ERN read into the record by the city manager
5 to 1
Public Safety(1 item)
Receive update on Office of Neighborhood Safety anti-violence programs
In Plain English
The Office of Neighborhood Safety works to eliminate gun violence and help Richmond achieve zero homicides for a full year. Staff will present their current programs and role in reducing violent crime. The presentation covers their mission and ongoing work in the community.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Zoning(1 item)
Remove coal and petroleum coke storage from allowable city uses
In Plain English
The city currently allows companies to store coal and petroleum coke with special permits. This proposal bans these materials entirely from Richmond. The Planning Commission will review the zoning changes before the council votes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Accept the staff recommendation including the last paragraph in the letter from Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia, dated April 23, 2019, as follows: (1) direct that the City continue to move forward with its previous direction to develop an ordinance to phase out existing operations, and (2) clarify that even after the zoning change, there needs to be further review of the City's permit records before making a final determination that the existing coal/coke facility is a 'legal non-conforming use'
5 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.