Tuesday, February 2, 2010

The council approved 9 routine items on consent, including contracts with RGA Environmental for asbestos management ($20,000) and SC IV Construction for the YouthBuild Program ($65,000). The largest consent item was $1.066 million in agreements with Contra Costa County for hazardous materials programs over two years.

The council recognized 350 parts per million CO2 as the safe climate limit in a 5-1 vote, with Bates dissenting. Current atmospheric CO2 levels exceed 420 parts per million, well above what scientists consider safe for preventing extreme climate impacts.

A $365,000 purchase of street maintenance equipment was approved unanimously. The city will replace aging asphalt paver, roller, and skid steer loader used to repair streets and potholes with equipment from two vendors.

The council unanimously approved an agreement with the state for railroad crossing safety improvements on Wharf Street. The California Public Utilities Commission will upgrade safety features where trains cross the street.

Two governance items passed unanimously on first reading. The council updated the wireless telecommunications law with technical amendments and revised the local business opportunity law that requires contractors to hire local businesses for portions of their work.