Tuesday, July 29, 2008

The council voted down a proposal to eliminate the Design Review Board and transfer its duties to the Planning Commission. The change would have consolidated Richmond's two separate boards that review building designs and development projects.

The council approved an agreement with the Navy for early transfer of remaining Point Molate land unanimously. The Navy still owns part of the former naval fuel depot on Richmond's waterfront, and this agreement lets the city take control before the Navy completes its full cleanup.

A temporary ban on new cell phone towers and wireless facilities was extended through September 2008, approved unanimously. The city currently blocks all new wireless towers and equipment while developing permanent rules for these installations.

The council approved three councilmembers to serve on the Richmond Community Fund Advisory Committee in a 5-3 vote, with Butt, Rogers, and Thurmond voting no. The committee decides how to spend community benefit money from Chevron under the city's agreement with the oil company.

The council also approved research into flexible work schedules including 4-day weeks and remote work for city employees, with Viramontes abstaining. City staff will explore new schedule options with employee unions.

The council approved 2 routine items on consent, including an amended agreement to reimburse Auto Warehousing Company for pre-development costs and a letter of intent with Honda for car distribution at Richmond Port.