Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 7:42 p.m. · 9 items · 26 votes · 11 public comments
What happened
- Rejected law defining how to fill empty City Council seats 3-2 (Rogers, Sandhu dissenting).
- Denied rezoning Terminal One property for Point Richmond Shores condos 4-2 (Bates, Viramontes dissenting).
- Approved planning and design review law changes and commissioner stipends 7-1 (McLaughlin dissenting).
- Retained master developer for Civic Center Project unanimously.
- Approved 9 routine items including $1/month lease to Touchable Stories for art facility.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(4 items)
Create law defining how to fill empty City Council seats
In Plain English
The city currently has no formal process for replacing council members who resign or leave office early. This would establish standard procedures for interviewing and selecting replacement candidates. If approved, the city creates clear rules for future council vacancies instead of deciding the process each time one occurs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to develop an ordinance pertaining to how to select candidates to fill vacancies on the City Council
8 to 1
Send suggested processes to select candidates to the charter review consultant and each Councilmember would have an opportunity to appoint someone to the proposed blue ribbon committee
3 to 2
Amend planning and design review laws and authorize commissioner stipends
In Plain English
The city wants to change how it reviews new construction and development projects. Current planning laws may need updates to streamline the approval process. If approved, planning commissioners receive payment for their volunteer work reviewing projects.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Obtain a final product deadline for the completion of the already approved citywide Design and Review Standards from the City Manager
9 to 0
Request that staff return with a recommendation for an administrative and exempt process for review of small projects that would include residential, industrial, commercial, office, and retail and return to the City Council in April 2007
9 to 0
Include funding for training for Planning Design Commission in the Planning Department budget for 2007-2008
9 to 0
Amend the ordinance to allow for more meetings as needed and establish a stipend of $50 per meeting attended with a maximum compensation of $200 per month for each Commissioner
5 to 3
Amend the ordinances regulating the Design and Review Board and the Planning Commission by merging the functions into one cohesive governing body for Planning Design Commission by August 1, 2007, with nine members
7 to 1
Establish commission to claim federal matching funds for at-risk youth programs
In Plain English
The federal government matches local spending on programs for at-risk children and families through Title IV Part E. The city currently does not claim these matching funds. If approved, a new commission develops the process to claim federal reimbursements for eligible city programs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the item and include a directive to have grant writer, Glen Price assist in this matter
8 to 0
Exempt train warning devices from city noise rules
In Plain English
Richmond's current noise law doesn't clearly address train horns, bells, and whistles. The city wants to clarify that these warning sounds are allowed when required by state and federal railroad safety laws. This prevents conflicts between local noise rules and mandatory train safety requirements.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 5-07 N.S.
7 to 0
Zoning(1 item)
Rezone Terminal One property for Point Richmond Shores condos
In Plain English
The city plans to change zoning rules at Terminal One to allow a new condominium project called Point Richmond Shores. Current zoning prevents residential development at this location. If approved, developers can build condominiums where they currently cannot.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the ordinance
5 to 3
Hold this matter over until the charette process concludes
4 to 2
Contracts(4 items)
Retain master developer for Civic Center Project
In Plain English
The city wants to hire a private company to lead development of the Civic Center area. A master developer would design, finance, and build the entire project rather than the city managing it directly. City council will discuss whether to move forward with this approach and give staff direction on next steps.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct the City Manager to return to the City Council within two to four weeks with a recommendation for a master developer
9 to 0
Contract with Elation Systems for labor compliance software
In Plain English
The city needs software to track whether businesses follow Richmond's labor laws and wage requirements. This 2-year contract costs $40,000 per year for web-based monitoring tools and technical support. If approved, the city can better enforce local employment rules.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract with Elation Systems
8 to 0
Join county agreement for $69,000 in San Pablo Dam Road improvements
In Plain English
Contra Costa County will repair road surfaces and curb ramps on 3 sections of San Pablo Dam Road that lie within Richmond city limits. The county covers construction costs while Richmond pays up to $69,000 for its portion. If approved, drivers get smoother pavement and pedestrians get updated wheelchair-accessible ramps.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the agreement
8 to 0
Hire law firm to defend Auto Warehousing Company lawsuit
In Plain English
Auto Warehousing Company filed a lawsuit against the city. The city needs specialized legal representation beyond its regular city attorney staff. If approved, the city pays up to $25,000 for outside lawyers to handle the defense.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
8 to 0
Personnel(1 item)
Add Financial Analyst job classification to city personnel system
In Plain English
The city wants to create a new job category called Financial Analyst. This classification does not currently exist in Richmond's personnel system. If approved, the city can hire people for this role to help with budget analysis and financial planning.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 19-07
9 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.