Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:57 p.m. · 16 items · 39 votes · 23 public comments
What happened
- Approved new medical marijuana collective permit rules 4-3 (McLaughlin, Beckles, Butt dissenting).
- Approved international travel to Japan and China for 4 city officials 6-1 (Beckles dissenting).
- Approved policy to explore banning investments in tax-avoiding corporations 5-1 (Boozé dissenting).
- Approved 22 routine items including $1.75 million Chevron environmental contract and $170,000 Bay Trail grant.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(3 items)
Ask Chevron to drop property tax appeals
In Plain English
Chevron has filed appeals challenging its property tax assessments, which could reduce the company's tax payments to the city. The city receives significant revenue from Chevron's property taxes for essential services. If approved, the council formally requests Chevron withdraw these appeals to protect city funding.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopted Resolution No. 106-11
6 to 0
Explore policy to ban city investments in corporations that avoid income taxes
In Plain English
The city currently invests public funds in various corporations through its investment portfolio. This proposal would create a new rule preventing the city from investing in any company that has not paid federal income taxes. If approved, the city would also need to sell off any existing investments in tax-avoiding corporations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Motion to limit debate
2 to 5
Directed staff to explore adoption of policy prohibiting City from investing in corporations that have not paid income tax, and requiring City to divest any City funds invested in those corporations
5 to 1
Discuss new rules for medical marijuana collective permits after court decision
In Plain English
A recent California court ruling changed how cities can regulate medical marijuana collectives. The city needs new guidelines for handling permit applications. Staff seeks direction on what rules to create for businesses wanting to operate medical marijuana collectives in Richmond.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Suspend current permit application review process and prohibit medical marijuana collectives until further direction from California courts
Continue with the current permitting process
4 to 3
Personnel(1 item)
Authorize international travel to Japan and China for 4 city officials
In Plain English
Councilmembers Bates and Boozé, City Manager Bill Lindsay, and Port Director Jim Matzorkis plan to visit sister cities Shimada, Japan and Zhoushan, China in December 2011. The city maintains sister city relationships to promote trade and cultural exchange. If approved, taxpayers cover travel costs for the 4-person delegation.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Authorized international travel in December 2011 by Councilmembers Bates and Boozé, City Manager Bill Lindsay, and Port Director Jim Matzorkis to Shimada, Japan
6 to 1
Contracts(10 items)
Extend National Institute for Art and Disabilities contract through June 2012
In Plain English
The city's current contract with NIAD was set to expire earlier than planned. The extension adds 6 months and $60,000 in additional funding. If approved, the total contract value reaches $120,000 to continue arts programming for people with disabilities.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved amendment to contract with National Institute for Art and Disabilities
6 to 0
Accept completed emergency repairs to historic buildings at Point Molate
In Plain English
Plant Construction Company finished emergency structural work on historic buildings in the Winehaven district at Point Molate. The buildings needed immediate repairs to prevent further deterioration. If approved, the city formally accepts the completed work and can proceed with final project closure.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Accepted the work completed by Plant Construction Company L.P.
6 to 0
Support joint procurement for waste collection services with neighboring cities
In Plain English
The city currently handles waste collection contract negotiations independently. Richmond would join with other West Contra Costa cities to negotiate better rates and services from waste companies. If approved, the collaboration could reduce costs and improve recycling programs across the region.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopted Resolution No. 100-11
6 to 0
Extend contract with Meyers Nave law firm for 2 ongoing lawsuits
In Plain English
The city faces 2 active lawsuits filed by residents named Booker and Jenkins. Richmond has used Meyers Nave law firm to defend these cases since they began. If approved, this marks the 5th contract extension for the same legal representation.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved fifth amendment to contract with Law Firm of Meyers, Nave, Riback, Silver & Wilson
6 to 0
Purchase 2 replacement police pursuit cars from Bay City Chevrolet
In Plain English
The Police Department needs to replace 2 patrol cars that have reached the end of their service life. Bay City Chevrolet submitted the winning bid for the new pursuit vehicles. The purchase keeps the police fleet operational for emergency response and daily patrols.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the purchase of two replacement police pursuit cars
6 to 0
Buy replacement police recruit vehicle from Bay City Chevrolet
In Plain English
The Police Department's current recruiting vehicle needs replacement. The new vehicle helps officers travel to job fairs and community events to recruit new police candidates. Bay City Chevrolet will provide the replacement vehicle.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the purchase of replacement police recruit vehicle
6 to 0
Award 3-year contract for automatic garage door and gate repairs
In Plain English
The city maintains automatic garage doors and gates at fire stations, public works yards, and other municipal buildings. R&S Erection of Richmond will handle all service calls, repairs, and replacements when needed. The contract runs for 3 years with no guaranteed spending amount.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the three-year contract with R&S Erection
5 to 0
Purchase 4 replacement pickup trucks for city maintenance crews
In Plain English
The city needs to replace aging pickup trucks used by crews who maintain buildings, parks, and recreation facilities. The trucks will be purchased from Michael Stead's Hilltop Ford. These vehicles help staff respond to maintenance calls and transport equipment to job sites across the city.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the purchase of four replacement pickups
5 to 0
Approve new tow service contract and raise tow fees
In Plain English
The city needs a new contract with a towing company to remove illegally parked and abandoned vehicles. The proposal also increases current tow fees to cover higher costs. If approved, residents who get their cars towed pay more to retrieve them.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the contract with modification to charge minimum $30 fee for first day and adopted Resolution No. 105-11
6 to 0
Award contracts to 3 companies for major mechanical repairs at city buildings
In Plain English
The city needs contractors ready to handle emergency repairs and major maintenance at facilities like city hall, fire stations, and community centers. These contracts let the city quickly hire qualified companies when heating, air conditioning, or other building systems break down. The city can call on any of the 3 contractors as needed throughout the year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopted Resolution No. 98-11
6 to 0
Zoning(1 item)
Relocate house at 720 Elm Avenue to expand Elm Play Lot playground
In Plain English
The city owns a house at 720 Elm Avenue that sits on land needed to expand the nearby Elm Play Lot playground. State law requires cities to create formal relocation plans before moving residential properties. If approved, the city can proceed with relocating the house and expanding playground space for neighborhood children.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the final relocation plan
5 to 0
Proclamation(1 item)
Honor 2 city employees with annual recognition awards
In Plain English
The city gives annual awards to recognize outstanding staff performance. Leveron Bryant is nominated for Manager of the Year and Demitrea Foster for Employee of the Year. If approved, both employees receive formal recognition for their contributions to city operations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved memorial recognition of long-time employees Leveron Bryant as Manager of The Year and Demitrea Foster as Employee of The Year
7 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.