Tuesday, December 11, 2007
SpecialPresiding: Vice Mayor Bates · Called to order: 7:03 p.m. · 13 items · 6 votes · 4 public comments
What happened
- Rejected $300,000 contract with Psomas Dodson for stormwater scope study.
- Approved Canyon Oaks II development appeal 5-3 (Butt, McLaughlin, Thurmond dissenting).
- Approved hiring Renne Sloan Holtzman & Sakai as City Attorney 7-1 (Butt dissenting).
- Approved 11 routine items including $481,379 from county for North Richmond projects.
- Approved liquor license transfer and closed Joy Avenue and alley behind 618 South 8th Street.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Zoning(5 items)
Direct city staff to help Toll Brothers acquire property rights for Point Richmond Shores development
In Plain English
Toll Brothers needs additional property rights to meet a required condition for their Point Richmond Shores housing project. The city council is directing staff to work with the developer to secure these rights. If approved, this removes a barrier that could delay or block the residential development.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Consider appeal of denied liquor license transfer between 2 Harbour Way locations
In Plain English
The Planning Commission rejected a request to move a liquor license from 564 Harbour Way to 544 Harbour Way. The business owner appealed this denial to the city council. The council can either uphold the commission's rejection or approve the license transfer.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Uphold the Planning Commission's decision to deny the Type 20 Alcohol Beverage License
8 to 0
Decide appeal of approved 'Canyon Oaks II' development project
In Plain English
The Planning Commission approved a development called Canyon Oaks II, but someone filed an appeal asking the city council to reverse that decision. The council must choose whether to keep the commission's approval or overturn it. If the appeal succeeds, the development cannot move forward as planned.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Follow staff's recommendations, concur with the Planning Commissions findings, as outlined in the November 1, 2007, staff report, thereby denying the appeal and reaffirming the Planning Commission's approval of CU1102306, a Conditional Use Permit
5 to 3
Close Joy Avenue between Factory Street and Essex Avenue
In Plain English
The city plans to permanently close this street segment to through traffic. Property owners along Joy Avenue requested the closure. If approved, the street becomes private property and the city no longer maintains it.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Adopt Resolution of Vacation No. 900
Close unused alleyway behind 618 South 8th Street off Hoffman Boulevard
In Plain English
The city plans to permanently close a small alleyway that runs behind 618 South 8th Street. When the city vacates an alleyway, it transfers ownership to adjacent property owners. The alleyway appears to be unused and no longer needed for public access.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
7 to 0
Adopt Resolution of Vacation No. 901
7 to 0
Contracts(4 items)
Increase payment limit to North Richmond housing nonprofit by $72,131
In Plain English
The city currently contracts with Community Housing Development Corporation to provide housing services in North Richmond. The original 2008 contract had a payment limit of $146,145. If approved, the city can pay up to $218,276 total this year, an increase of $72,131.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract amendment
Hire law firm Renne Sloan Holtzman & Sakai as City Attorney for 2 years
In Plain English
The city needs legal services to handle lawsuits, review contracts, and advise council on city business. This contract replaces the current City Attorney arrangement. If approved, the city pays $38,500 per month or $924,000 total over 2 years.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
7 to 1
Accept easement from Target for sewer, storm drain, and bike path access
In Plain English
Target Corporation owns property south of Macdonald Avenue near the freeway. The company is giving the city permanent rights to use portions of this land for underground sewer pipes, storm drains, and a bike path. If approved, the city gains infrastructure access without paying for the land.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 129-07
Hire Psomas Dodson for $300,000 stormwater scope study
In Plain English
The city needs to study its stormwater management systems and infrastructure. Psomas Dodson would conduct this assessment to identify problems and recommend improvements. If approved, the contract costs up to $300,000 and helps the city plan future stormwater projects.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
Moved to assume the contract of Psomas Dodson with the clarification of the language on the contract with Veolia and be certain that it meets the deadline so we allow for a sole source in order to meet the legal judgment that we've been given by the courts
Have staff and Veolia discuss and come back to the Council on December 18, 2007, with recommendations
Governance(2 items)
Extend Youth Baseball Advisory Board member terms from 2 to 3 maximum
In Plain English
Current board members can serve only 2 consecutive terms before rotating off. The proposed change allows members to serve up to 3 terms instead. This gives the city more flexibility to keep experienced volunteers who want to continue serving.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to amend the Richmond Youth Baseball Advisory Board Ordinance to extend the terms to a maximum of three terms
Approve updated list of city fees for permits, licenses, and services
In Plain English
The city charges fees for services like building permits, business licenses, and park rentals. State law requires the city council to formally approve this fee schedule each year. The fees help cover the cost of providing these services to residents and businesses.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Housing(1 item)
Research workforce housing program for police, firefighters, and teachers
In Plain English
City staff will study whether Richmond can create a program to help public safety workers and teachers afford housing locally. Many cities struggle to recruit and retain these essential employees because housing costs exceed their salaries. If approved, staff will report back with options like down payment assistance or deed-restricted affordable units.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Consolidate this item with a similar item that is scheduled to go before the Public Safety Committee on Thursday, December 20, 2007, to bring forward a workforce housing program that meets the interest of the City of Richmond
Litigation(1 item)
Hire law firm to represent city in Barra lawsuit
In Plain English
The city faces a lawsuit filed by someone named Barra against the city, city council, and city clerk. The city needs specialized legal help beyond what its regular attorneys can provide. If approved, outside lawyers will handle the city's defense in this case.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
7 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.