Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Presiding: Mayor Thomas K. Butt · Called to order: 7:10 p.m. · 4 items · 13 votes · 23 public comments
What happened
The council rejected staff's recommendation to abandon annexation of North Richmond, an unincorporated area that currently receives services from Contra Costa County. All 5 public speakers opposed the annexation process during public comment.
Appointments to the Citizens Police Review Commission drew the most public attention with 16 speakers, but the council recorded no vote on the three proposed members. Thirteen residents opposed the appointment of Catherine Montalbo, while 2 speakers supported her nomination, including Montalbo herself who responded to critics.
The council approved a gas-powered leaf blower ban citywide, allowing only electric models for landscaping work. The measure passed 6-1 with Nathaniel Bates voting no, citing concerns about noise and air pollution impacts on neighborhoods.
The council approved 8 routine items on consent, including a $620,000 contract for bike and pedestrian paths to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge and $300,000 for Telecom Law Firm to handle cell tower legal issues. The council also unanimously approved 5 new Arts and Culture Commission members and waived business license fees for 5 artists waiting for delayed 2019 public art grants.
Auto-summarized from official minutes and vote records
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Attendance
Approved as a group without individual discussion.
Biggest items: $620K Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Bicycle an... · $500K Fourth Amendment to DNV GL Contract · $300K Legal Services Agreement with Telecom...