Tuesday, June 30, 2020

The council approved final budget projections for 2020-21 operations and five-year capital projects in a 5-2 vote, with Martinez and Bates voting no. Residents raised concerns about police budget reallocation during public comment, with some requesting $14 million in cuts from the police department. Others opposed cuts to libraries, parks, and code enforcement services.

The council directed staff to create a plan for a new policing model with fewer officers, approved 5-2 with Bates and Butt voting no. This replaces Richmond's current community policing approach that requires more officers to work closely with neighborhoods. The city currently has fewer police officers than before.

The council approved 11 routine items on consent, including a $1.6 million contract with POGO Park for Harbour 8 Park expansion. Other major items included $450,000 contracts to six engineering firms for transportation projects and extending a law firm contract for labor negotiations through June 2022 for $115,000.

The council awarded contracts to three firms for construction management and inspection services to oversee projects like road repairs and building renovations. They also set the legal spending limit for the 2020-21 budget year, which California law requires to prevent government spending from growing faster than population and inflation.