Tuesday, May 6, 2008

The council voted down a $50,000 contract amendment to expand environmental review of Chevron's energy project by consultant Ranajit Sahu. The amendment failed 4-3 with Sandhu, Rogers, Lopez, and Viramontes voting no, while Marquez and Bates abstained.

The council approved 15 routine items on consent, including a $3.9 million construction contract for Phase 1 of the Richmond Natatorium renovation and accepting a $3.4 million state grant for port security improvements. Other notable consent items included $178,860 for fire engine equipment and a $40,000 increase to defend a CEQA lawsuit.

The council approved hiring Gordon Rees law firm for up to $125,000 to review the city's wastewater operations and identify potential legal issues. The vote passed 7-2 with Sandhu and Bates opposing.

The council voted to ask UC Regents to reject environmental reports for the Berkeley Lab expansion project, citing concerns about impacts on Richmond. The measure passed 7-2 with McLaughlin and Thurmond voting no.

Other approved items included purchasing 32 Ford trucks and vans for $1 million, a $155,000 contract with Opportunity West for family case management services, and $70,000 for emergency fountain repairs at Hilltop Lake."}