Tuesday, September 15, 2009
JointPresiding: Mayor/Chairperson Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:34 p.m. · 13 items · 16 votes · 10 public comments
What happened
- Approved $50,000 increase to Downey Brand law firm contract 6-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Approved $325,000 wastewater legal services contract amendment 6-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Heard nonprofit proposal to create $264,000 pedestrian safety plan with no vote taken.
- Approved $4 million Carlson Boulevard construction contract and $2.9 million Richmond Natatorium renovation addition.
- Approved routine items including $97,845 ShotSpotter expansion and public urination/drinking bans.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Contracts(7 items)
Allow transfer of 249 2nd Street development project to new developer
In Plain English
The city originally gave Community Housing Development Corporation the rights to develop 249 2nd Street for affordable housing. CHDC now wants to assign this project to another developer who has secured most of the financing. If approved, the property transfers once the new developer confirms 95% of funding is committed.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 09-34
7 to 0
Increase Downey Brand law firm contract by $50,000 for Baykeeper settlement legal work
In Plain English
The city hired Downey Brand law firm to handle legal requirements from a settlement agreement with San Francisco Baykeeper. The original contract was $75,000 but legal work is taking longer than expected. If approved, the contract increases to $125,000 total to cover reviews of cleanup orders from state water quality agencies.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
5 to 1
Approve $325,000 contract amendment for wastewater legal services
In Plain English
The city hired Gordon and Rees law firm to handle legal issues with wastewater operations. The original contract has now grown to $825,000 total. If approved, the city spends an additional $325,000 on these legal services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
5 to 1
Contract with nonprofit to create $264,000 pedestrian safety plan
In Plain English
The city received a state grant to develop a plan for safer walking conditions throughout Richmond. The Local Government Commission will lead community meetings to identify dangerous intersections and missing sidewalks. If approved, the state pays the full $264,000 cost with no city funds required.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Pay railroad $60,819 for traffic signal equipment on Ohio Avenue
In Plain English
The city is installing special railroad warning signals on Ohio Avenue where trains cross the street. These signals give drivers consistent advance warning when trains approach. The city has already paid the railroad company $144,067 for this project. If approved, total project cost reaches $204,886.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
6 to 1
Award $4 million construction contract for Carlson Boulevard improvements
In Plain English
The city plans to hire Gallagher & Burk construction company to upgrade Carlson Boulevard. The main contract costs $3.5 million with an additional $446,000 set aside for unexpected expenses. If approved, total project cost reaches nearly $4 million.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
7 to 0
Add $2.9 million to Richmond Natatorium renovation contract for phase 2 construction
In Plain English
The city signed a contract with West Bay Builders to renovate the Richmond Natatorium swimming facility. Phase 1 cost $3.99 million and is already underway. If approved, the total project cost rises to $6.89 million and construction finishes by December 2009.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extend the meeting 10 minutes to 11:14 p.m.
7 to 0
Extend the meeting for 15 minutes to 11:33 p.m.
5 to 2
Approve Contract Amendment No. 1 with West Bay Builders, Inc.
7 to 0
Housing(1 item)
Support creation of Richmond Community Land Trust
In Plain English
A community land trust is a nonprofit that buys land and sells homes to families while keeping the land permanently affordable. Richmond currently has limited options for first-time homebuyers as housing prices rise. If approved, the city formally endorses creating this trust to help residents buy homes they can actually afford.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 105-09
6 to 1
Governance(4 items)
Ban urinating and defecating in public places
In Plain English
The city currently has no specific law against public urination and defecation. This new law makes these acts illegal in all public areas including streets, parks, and sidewalks. If approved, police can issue citations or make arrests for violations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
First reading and lay over two weeks for second reading
7 to 0
Ban open containers of alcohol on streets and sidewalks
In Plain English
The city currently allows people to carry open alcoholic beverages on public streets and sidewalks. This law changes the city code to prohibit open containers in these areas. If approved, police can cite people for drinking alcohol on streets and sidewalks throughout the city.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
First reading and lay over two weeks for second reading
7 to 0
Create law preventing excavation of newly paved streets
In Plain English
The city wants to protect fresh street repairs from utility work that damages the pavement. Currently, utility companies can dig up roads shortly after the city repaves them. If approved, excavation would be banned for a set period after street resurfacing to preserve the investment.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
First reading and lay over two weeks for second reading
7 to 0
Support state bill allowing special districts to finance green energy projects
In Plain English
Senate Bill 279 would let cities create special districts that can issue bonds to fund solar panels, energy efficiency upgrades, and water conservation projects. Property owners in these districts would repay the bonds through their property tax bills over 10-20 years. If approved, Richmond could offer residents a way to finance home improvements without upfront costs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 104-09
7 to 0
Zoning(1 item)
Repeal construction ban on permanent signs and adopt new sign standards
In Plain English
The city currently bans all new permanent sign construction and major changes to existing signs. The new law would end this moratorium and create specific rules for sign size, placement, and design. If approved, businesses could again install new signs following the updated standards.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
First reading, adopt corresponding negative declaration, and lay over two weeks for second reading
7 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.