Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 5:06 p.m. · 10 items · 29 votes · 8 public comments
What happened
- Approved expanding railroad quiet zones to south Richmond 6-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Approved 22 routine items including $400,000 to Harris & Associates and $158,000 to Crosby Group.
- Appointed 5 new Police Commission members and 5 new Design Review Board members.
- Heard proposal for July 3rd laser light show instead of fireworks.
- Approved requiring public necessity findings before new liquor stores in oversaturated areas.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Infrastructure(2 items)
Expand railroad quiet zones to south Richmond and study crossing improvements
In Plain English
Richmond currently has quiet zones where trains don't blow horns at crossings. The city wants to expand these zones to cover all BNSF tracks in south Richmond. Officials also want to study what safety improvements are needed at railroad crossings and how much they would cost.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve the item
6 to 1
Receive status report on Macdonald Avenue street improvements
In Plain English
City staff will update the council on progress of street work along Macdonald Avenue. The project likely includes repaving, sidewalk repairs, or utility upgrades. This report helps residents track when construction will be complete and how it affects traffic.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Governance(6 items)
Host laser light show on July 3rd instead of fireworks
In Plain English
The city traditionally holds fireworks at the Marina for July 3rd celebrations. Fireworks disturb endangered Brown Pelicans nesting on nearby Brooks Island. The laser show at Civic Center Plaza protects the birds and costs less than fireworks.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Oppose county cuts to healthcare for undocumented adults
In Plain English
Contra Costa County plans to cut primary care and health services for undocumented adults. The city has no direct role in providing these services but wants to formally oppose the cuts. If approved, Richmond joins other cities asking the county to maintain current healthcare access.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt Resolution No. 21-09
7 to 0
Require public necessity findings before approving new liquor stores in oversaturated areas
In Plain English
The city currently approves new liquor stores and bars through conditional use permits without considering neighborhood saturation. This law adds a requirement that the city must find a public need before approving alcohol retailers in areas that already have too many. If approved, new liquor stores face stricter review in neighborhoods with high concentrations of existing alcohol outlets.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To give first reading to the ordinance
7 to 0
Require environmental review before demolishing buildings that stored toxic substances
In Plain English
The city currently issues demolition permits without checking if buildings contained hazardous materials. The proposed law requires environmental studies before tearing down any structure that stored or used toxic substances. This protects workers and neighbors from exposure to contaminated dust or soil during demolition.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Apply for EPA technical help planning environmentally-friendly development
In Plain English
The city wants free expert advice from the EPA on how to plan eco-friendly development projects called Greenprint. This federal program helps cities design neighborhoods that reduce car dependence and protect natural areas. If approved, EPA consultants work with Richmond at no cost to the city.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To direct staff to apply for the program
7 to 0
Direct staff to oppose High Occupancy Toll lanes on Interstate 80
In Plain English
The state is considering adding toll lanes to Interstate 80 that would charge drivers to use faster-moving carpool lanes. The city council wants to formally oppose this plan. If approved, staff will write letters and attend meetings to argue against the tolls on behalf of Richmond residents.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To direct staff to oppose the action and send letters of opposition to legislators
7 to 0
Environment(2 items)
Introduce law requiring green building standards for new construction and renovations
In Plain English
Richmond currently has no green building requirements for construction projects. The proposed law would set environmental standards for new commercial and residential buildings plus major renovations. If approved, developers must meet energy efficiency and sustainability requirements when building in Richmond.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Discuss strategies for new Green Commute Program
In Plain English
The city is exploring ways to encourage residents to use alternatives to driving alone to work. Staff will present possible program options like bike incentives, carpooling support, or transit subsidies. The council will decide which strategies to develop further.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Appointments(1 item)
Appoint 5 new Police Commission members and 5 new Design Review Board members
In Plain English
The Police Commission oversees police policies and investigates misconduct complaints from residents. The Design Review Board approves building designs and ensures new construction fits neighborhood character. These volunteer positions typically serve 4-year terms and meet monthly.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve the appointments
6 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.