Tuesday, May 17, 2016

The council approved 18 routine items on consent, including a $374,000 contract expansion with Groundwork Richmond for tree planting and community outreach. Other notable consent items included $188,975 for domestic violence services and $100,000 for Zumba classes at recreation centers.

The council unanimously approved allowing medical marijuana businesses to operate in Richmond and set cultivation standards. The new law creates rules for where these businesses can locate and what safety requirements they must follow.

The council also unanimously directed the planning commission to draft rules for junior accessory dwelling units. These smaller units would be created inside existing homes by converting rooms or adding kitchens, expanding housing options beyond the regular backyard cottages already allowed.

Several items received no votes, including an appeal of the Mechanics Bank renovation project at Hilltop Plaza and proposed changes to medical marijuana cultivation laws. Discussion of a Blue Lives Matter support letter, Environmental and Community Investment Agreement updates, and street naming processes were all continued to future meetings.