Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Presiding: Mayor Butt · Called to order: 6:30 p.m. · 10 items · 21 votes · 23 public comments
What happened
- Approved relaxing rules for building second homes to follow state law, 6-1 (Pimplé dissenting).
- Approved 16 routine items including $6.8 million grant application for affordable housing and $370,000 for senior center restrooms.
- Approved reducing medical marijuana permits from 6 to 3 and creating 3 manufacturing permits.
- Approved opposing coal and petroleum transport through Richmond waterways.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(2 items)
Reduce medical marijuana collective permits from 6 to 3 and create 3 manufacturing permits
In Plain English
Richmond currently allows 6 medical marijuana collectives to operate in the city. The new law cuts that number in half to 3 collectives. It also creates 3 new permits specifically for businesses that manufacture medical marijuana products like edibles and oils.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt said ordinance on first reading with changes to come back at the April 21, 2015, meeting
Relax restrictions on building second dwelling units to comply with state law
In Plain English
California requires cities to make it easier for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units like granny flats or garage apartments. Richmond's current rules are stricter than state law allows. The city must update its housing code within 60 days to match state requirements and streamline the approval process.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the item
6 to 1
Contracts(4 items)
Contract with nonprofit to wash police vehicles using workers with disabilities
In Plain English
The city plans to hire Commercial Support Services, which employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These workers will wash Richmond Police Department vehicles. The contract supports job opportunities for people with disabilities while handling routine vehicle maintenance.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve contract for period November 1, 2014, to June 30, 2016, in an amount not to exceed $25,000
Hire contractor for ADA restroom improvements at Richmond Senior Center
In Plain English
The Richmond Senior Center's restrooms need upgrades to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Alex Kushner General Contractor will install wider doors, grab bars, and accessible fixtures. If approved, seniors and visitors with mobility challenges gain better access to facilities.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract in an amount not to exceed $370,000
Contribute $10,000 to market study for Point Molate development options
In Plain English
The Trust for Public Land hired consultant Lynn Sedway to study the best commercial uses for Point Molate, the former naval fuel depot on Richmond's waterfront. The city would contribute $10,000 toward this market analysis. If approved, the study helps determine what types of businesses or developments would be most successful at this large undeveloped site.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contribution
Approve 4 contracts for Nevin Avenue bike and pedestrian improvements from 19th to 27th Street
In Plain English
The city plans to add bike lanes and sidewalk improvements along Nevin Avenue between 19th and 27th Streets. The project requires separate contracts for construction, project management, design work, and miscellaneous costs. If approved, O.C. Jones & Sons handles construction while 2 other firms manage the project and finalize designs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolutions 15-4, 15-5, 15-6, and 15-7
6 to 0
Zoning(2 items)
Vacate South Hampton Court south of Lancaster Drive
In Plain English
The city would permanently close this short street segment in the Westridge Apartments area. Once vacated, the land becomes private property and the city stops maintaining it. This typically happens when developers need to reconfigure roads or when a street serves no public purpose.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Order of Vacation No. 909
Approve permit change for Green Remedy Collective to move to different commercial zone
In Plain English
Green Remedy Collective wants to relocate their cannabis dispensary from one commercial zone to another. The city previously approved their permit for a C-2 zone location. If approved, they can operate in a C-3 zone instead, which typically allows more intensive commercial uses.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Approve the modification of the permit to a C-3 zone changing the permit location
Approve the modification of the permit to a C-3 zone changing the permit location
6 to 0
Housing(1 item)
Apply for $5.1 million state grant for Miraflores affordable senior housing project
In Plain English
The city wants to build affordable housing for seniors at the Miraflores site. The State Strategic Growth Council offers grants through its Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program. If approved, the city submits an application for $5.1 million in state funding to help pay for construction costs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Successor Agency Resolution No. 15-3, and City Council Resolution No. 28-15
Environment(1 item)
Oppose transportation of coal and petroleum coke through Richmond waterways
In Plain English
The city wants to formally object to shipping hazardous fossil fuel materials like coal and petroleum coke along California waterways that pass through Richmond. This resolution expresses the city's environmental and safety concerns about transporting these materials near residential areas. If approved, Richmond joins other cities taking a public stance against fossil fuel shipping routes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Continue for two weeks
Infrastructure(1 item)
Extend 23rd Street parking restrictions to 24 hours, 7 days a week
In Plain English
The city currently limits parking on 23rd Street between Bissell Avenue and Maricopa Avenue during certain hours. If approved, parking restrictions apply around the clock every day of the week. This means parking enforcement happens at all times instead of just during current restricted hours.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Parking enforcement be until midnight, seven days a week, and that this matter be reviewed in 6 months, and adopt Resolution No. 36-15
6 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.