Tuesday, February 17, 2009

The council approved 9 routine items on consent, including accepting $2.4 million from BNSF Railway for facility improvements supporting the Honda Project and $165,154 in state grants for police overtime costs.

The council approved 5-2 lowering the fundraising requirement for candidates to qualify for public campaign funding, with Bates voting no. The change reduces the minimum amount candidates must raise from individual donors before receiving public funds. A similar 5-2 vote approved directing staff to create incentives for environmentally friendly businesses, including faster permits and reduced fees, with Bates again dissenting.

Police technology upgrades were approved unanimously, including a ShotSpotter gunshot detection system that uses acoustic sensors to automatically locate shootings within seconds. The council also approved $129,260 for vehicle tracking software in patrol cars to help dispatchers send the closest officer to emergency calls.

Several consulting contracts were approved, including hiring MIG to create a 5-year strategic business plan and Sam Charles to continue RichmondBUILD job training through December 2009. The council also hired a law firm to help implement new business license requirements from Measure T.

The council adopted a policy to maximize economic benefits from underutilized Port of Richmond properties and approved applying for a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant to fund 3-year healthy living programs. Discussion of limiting expired Planning Commission terms was continued to a future meeting.