Tuesday, September 17, 2013

The council approved 14 routine items on consent, including a $800,000 increase for the Transit Village parking structure contract, bringing the total to $25.7 million. Other notable consent items included a $330,000 increase for the Dornan Drive Tunnel Project and a $272,500 consultant contract for a South Richmond transportation plan.

The council rejected all bids for stormwater treatment upgrades at 1st Street and Cutting Boulevard because they failed to meet city requirements or pricing expectations. The city will restart the bidding process to find qualified contractors.

A new law was approved banning alcohol billboards within 500 feet of schools. Existing billboards that violate the new rule will need to be removed or modified to comply with the restriction.

The council approved hiring Godbe Research for public opinion polling services to survey residents about city policies and programs. They also authorized the city to borrow money through short-term notes until tax revenue arrives later in the year.

The council formally responded to a county grand jury report on the city's financial risk assessment and opposed appeals by Val Mar Market and Family Market to modify conditions on their alcohol licenses. Discussion of renaming Western Drive to Stenmark Drive was continued to a future meeting.