Tuesday, June 17, 2014

The council voted down draft rules for handling disruptions during city council meetings by a vote of 5-2, with only Bates and Boozé supporting the measure. The city currently has no formal policy for managing audience disruptions during council meetings.

The council approved expanding Planning Commission authority and setting Chevron project transition rules by a 5-2 vote, with Beckles and McLaughlin voting no. The commission will gain broader decision-making power on development projects under the new rules.

New safety rules for Chevron Refinery with more inspectors and stricter standards passed 6-1, with only Boozé dissenting. The refinery will be required to reduce risks to the lowest possible level and face increased safety inspections.

The council approved a 2.45% increase in property assessments for Hilltop neighborhood landscaping unanimously. Residents pay special assessments on their property tax bills to maintain landscaping in their neighborhood.

Support for electric vehicle usage and seeking grants for the Electri-City pilot project was approved unanimously. Discussion of requiring oil refineries to fully offset pollution increases from dirtier crude oil was continued to a future meeting."}