Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 7:08 p.m. · 11 items · 17 votes · 31 public comments
What happened
- Approved 6 routine consent items including $750,000 contract with Environ for Chevron environmental review.
- Approved extending interim Library Director contract through July 2011, 6-1 (Beckles dissenting).
- Approved hiring Morrison & Foerster law firm for Point Molate legal work, 6-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Approved increasing Holland & Knight legal contract by $340,000 for Chevron project.
- Rejected all bids for street repaving project and directed staff to seek new proposals.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Contracts(3 items)
Extend contract with interim Library Director through July 2011
In Plain English
The city has been using Municipal Resource Group as interim Library and Cultural Services Director while searching for a permanent hire. The extension adds $15,250 to cover services through July, bringing the total contract to $134,125. The city continues recruiting for someone to permanently fill this leadership role.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the amendment
6 to 1
Hire Morrison & Foerster law firm for Point Molate legal work
In Plain English
The city faces ongoing lawsuits and legal issues related to the Point Molate development project. Morrison & Foerster has been representing the city in these cases. If approved, the firm continues this work through December 2012 for up to $250,000.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved legal services agreement with Morrison & Foerster, LLP
6 to 1
Increase Holland & Knight legal contract by $340,000 for Chevron project
In Plain English
The city hired Holland & Knight law firm to handle legal work on Chevron's proposed energy renewal project. The original contract limit was $10,000 but legal costs have grown much higher. If approved, the contract increases to $350,000 total. Chevron pays all legal bills directly.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the amendment
6 to 0
Infrastructure(2 items)
Reject all bids for street repaving project and seek new proposals
In Plain English
The city received bids to repave streets but found none acceptable. All current bids will be rejected and the city will start the bidding process over. This delays street repairs but ensures the city gets competitive pricing for the pavement work.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extended the meeting for 15 minutes or less
5 to 2
Rejected all bids
7 to 0
Support grant application for $246,500 to improve school walking and biking safety
In Plain English
The city plans to apply for a $246,500 grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to fund safety improvements around schools. The Safe Routes to School program typically pays for crosswalks, bike lanes, and sidewalk repairs near elementary and middle schools. If approved, the grant covers the full project cost with no city money required.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopted Resolution No. 43-11
7 to 0
Environment(1 item)
Encourage regional authority to study environmental impacts of single-use bag ban
In Plain English
The West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority oversees waste reduction for multiple cities including Richmond. Richmond wants this regional authority to study whether banning plastic bags would harm the environment. If approved, the authority conducts the study and pays for a detailed environmental report.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Go on record that the City of Richmond wants Recyclemore to fund a regional study based on Richmond's current work on the EIR and allow other West County agencies 60 days to join the City of Richmond's efforts; after 60 days the City of Richmond would go forward and request that Recyclemore pay for Richmond's study
6 to 1
Budget(3 items)
Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District assessment increase
Official Agenda Text
Marina Bay Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District assessment increase
Official Agenda Text
Receive report on budget checklist items identified by council in May
In Plain English
The city council created a checklist of budget items to review during their May 24 meeting. Staff prepared a report showing progress on these items. This is a routine check-in to ensure all budget priorities are being addressed.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Accept the checklist
7 to 0
Governance(2 items)
Direct staff to revise draft Municipal ID program and prepare final law
In Plain English
The city has drafted a law creating a municipal ID card program for residents. Staff needs to meet with community groups and make changes before bringing the final version back to council. These ID cards typically help residents who lack other forms of identification access city services and interact with local businesses.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopted Resolution No. 45-11
7 to 0
Direct staff to draft letter urging AC Transit to keep Division 3 Operating Yard open
In Plain English
AC Transit is considering closing its Division 3 Operating Yard, which serves local bus routes. The city wants to send a formal letter opposing this closure. If approved, staff writes to AC Transit's board asking them to keep the yard operating.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Directed staff to draft a letter to AC Transit urging the board of directors to keep an open and operating yard in Division 3, request AC Transit work with the City of Richmond on alternative sites for a maintenance yard, and request that AC Transit work with the City of Richmond on the disposition of the Division 3 Operating Yard
7 to 0
Zoning(1 item)
Review land-use options for Northshore area development plans
In Plain English
The city is studying different ways to develop the Northshore area, known as General Plan Change Area 12. City staff will present various land-use options like housing, commercial, or mixed-use development. The council postponed this discussion from an earlier meeting to July 5, 2011.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.