Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:52 p.m. · 10 items · 9 votes · 24 public comments
What happened
- Terminated advisory agreement with Mortgage Resolution Partners 4-3 (Beckles, McLaughlin, Myrick dissenting).
- Approved $15 million bond for Harbour View Apartments 5-2 (Boozé, Rogers dissenting).
- Failed to require refineries to fully offset emission increases from dirtier feedstocks.
- Failed to repeal campaign contribution limits for development applicants.
- Approved 8 routine items including $3 million increase for Chevron refinery environmental consulting.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Budget(3 items)
Authorize borrowing up to $35 million through short-term notes
In Plain English
Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes let cities borrow money early in the fiscal year when property tax and other revenue hasn't arrived yet. Richmond uses this temporary financing to pay bills and employee salaries during cash flow gaps. If approved, the city can borrow up to $35 million and repays the loan when tax revenue comes in later in the year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 41-14 authorizing Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes
7 to 0
Discuss legal limits on educating voters about half-cent sales tax measure
In Plain English
A half-cent sales tax increase will appear on the November ballot to fund street repairs and maintenance. The city council needs to clarify what information they can legally share with residents about this measure. California law restricts how cities can communicate about ballot measures using taxpayer money.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Have the City Council go on record in support of the ½ cent sales tax ballot measure in the upcoming November 4, 2014, election, and direct staff to prepare the necessary language for adoption at the June 17, 2014, City Council Meeting
5 to 1
Schedule special meeting to review budget adjustments for next fiscal year
In Plain English
The city council needs extra time to review proposed changes to the 2014-15 budget before finalizing it. The special meeting would happen on June 18 at 6:30 p.m. If approved, residents can attend this additional meeting to hear budget discussions that affect city services and spending.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Hold a meeting to look at the possibility of cuts in the City's budget, June 18, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers with the understanding that the city manager may prefer a different date
6 to 1
Contracts(2 items)
Discuss how much funding Holland and Knight secured for Richmond
In Plain English
Holland and Knight is a lobbying firm that the city hired to secure grants and funding from state and federal sources. The council will review how much money the firm actually brought in during their contract period. This discussion helps determine whether the lobbying contract provided good value for taxpayers.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Terminate advisory agreement with Mortgage Resolution Partners after 1 year
In Plain English
The city hired Mortgage Resolution Partners last year to provide advisory services. The initial contract runs for 1 year and is now ending. If approved, the city ends this partnership and will not renew the agreement.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt a resolution to terminate the Advisory Service Agreement with Mortgage Resolution Partners, LLC
Continue the item for 30 days
4 to 3
Housing(1 item)
Hold public hearing on $15 million bond for Harbour View Apartments
In Plain English
The California Statewide Communities Development Authority wants to issue $15 million in bonds to finance the Harbour View Apartments development. State law requires a public hearing before these bonds can be issued. This is not city money, but residents can comment on whether the project should receive this financing.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Adopt a resolution to approve the proposed financing by the CSCDA
6 to 1
End debate
4 to 2
Governance(1 item)
Repeal campaign contribution limits for development applicants and change election spending limits
In Plain English
The city currently restricts campaign donations from people or companies seeking development permits. This law also sets spending limits for candidates who receive public matching funds for their campaigns. The proposal eliminates the development-related donation restrictions and modifies the public funding spending caps.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt an ordinance to repeal Chapter 2.39 and change Chapter 2.43
6 to 1
Rescind matching funds
Infrastructure(1 item)
Receive monthly report on Richmond Municipal Sewer District operations
In Plain English
The Engineering Services Department presents routine updates on sewer system performance, maintenance activities, and operational issues. These monthly reports track system health and identify problems before they affect residents. The April 2014 report covers recent repairs, inspections, and ongoing projects throughout the city's sewer network.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Receive monthly report on the Richmond Municipal Sewer District for April 2014
6 to 0
Appointments(1 item)
Request mayor to schedule Housing Authority Commission appointments
In Plain English
The Housing Authority Commission oversees affordable housing programs and tenant services in the city. The commission currently has vacant seats that need to be filled. The council is asking the mayor to formally schedule the appointment process at a future meeting.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Overturn the Charter and appoint Wesley Ellis, representing the NAACP, to the Housing Authority Commission
Environment(1 item)
Require refineries to fully offset any emission increases from dirtier feedstocks
In Plain English
Richmond refineries currently can increase dangerous emissions when they process dirtier oil types. The proposed law change requires refineries to cut emissions elsewhere by an equal amount whenever they use more problematic feedstocks. If approved, refineries cannot increase total emissions even when switching to heavier or more toxic oil sources.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Miscellaneous(1 item)
Receive update on committee addressing Country Club Vista homeowner concerns
In Plain English
Country Club Vista homeowners have raised concerns that require coordination through a committee. City staff will provide an update on efforts to organize this committee. The presentation covers progress made and next steps for addressing resident issues in this neighborhood.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.