Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 8:12 p.m. · 6 items · 13 votes · 10 public comments
What happened
- Rejected new rules for handling meeting disruptions 5-2 (Bates, Boozé dissenting).
- Approved expanded Planning Commission authority and Chevron project transition rules 5-2 (Beckles, McLaughlin dissenting).
- Approved stronger Chevron Refinery safety rules with more inspectors 6-1 (Boozé dissenting).
- Heard proposal requiring refineries to offset pollution increases from dirtier crude oil.
- Approved $146,250 special election for half-cent sales tax increase and other routine items.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(4 items)
Strengthen safety rules for Chevron Refinery with more inspectors and stricter standards
In Plain English
The city wants to add more safety inspectors at Chevron Refinery and require the company to reduce risks to the lowest possible level. Current safety rules allow higher risk levels than this new standard would permit. If approved, Chevron must meet stricter safety requirements and face more frequent inspections.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Introduce ordinance and change phrase 'As Low as Reasonably Practicable' to 'to the greatest extent feasible'
6 to 1
Draft rules for handling disruptions during city council meetings
In Plain English
The city currently has no formal policy for managing audience disruptions during council meetings. City staff will create new rules defining what counts as disruptive behavior and how officials should respond. If approved, the rules will standardize how the city handles interruptions, outbursts, or other meeting disruptions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the item
7 to 0
Limit the matching fund amount to $2,500
2 to 5
Suspend the rules and extend the meeting to hear public speakers and call for the question and make a motion immediately after the speakers
3 to 4
Suspend matching funds
2 to 5
Suspend the rules and extend the meeting for 15 minutes
3 to 4
End the meeting
2 to 5
Require oil refineries to fully offset pollution increases from dirtier crude oil
In Plain English
Richmond's refineries sometimes process heavier, dirtier crude oil that creates more air pollution. The city wants to change its industrial safety law to require refineries to cut emissions elsewhere by the same amount when they switch to these dirtier oil sources. If approved, any pollution increase from processing lower-quality crude must be completely balanced by pollution reductions in other refinery operations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Expand Planning Commission authority and set Chevron project transition rules
In Plain English
The city wants to change what the Planning Commission can decide on development projects. The current law limits their authority in certain situations. If approved, the commission gains broader decision-making power and new procedures specifically for reviewing the Chevron refinery modernization project.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt the ordinance and that this matter be decided before the August recess
Adopt Ordinance No. 12-14 N.S. and adopt Resolution No. 58-14
5 to 2
Environment(1 item)
Support electric vehicle usage and seek grants for Electri-City pilot project
In Plain English
The city wants to encourage more residents to drive electric vehicles. Staff will apply for grants to fund a pilot program called Electri-City. The specific details of this program are not yet available, but it would likely include charging stations or incentives for electric car buyers.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 56-14
7 to 0
Adopt the resolution
6 to 1
Budget(1 item)
Raise property assessments for Hilltop neighborhood landscaping by 2.45%
In Plain English
Hilltop residents pay special assessments on their property tax bills to maintain landscaping in their neighborhood. The city adjusts these fees annually based on inflation. If approved, your assessment increases by 2.45% for the 2014-2015 fiscal year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
6 to 0
Adopt Resolution No. 55-14
7 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.