Tuesday, June 3, 2014

The council urged the Planning Commission to vote on Chevron's refinery modernization project by June 25. The measure passed 4-3, with Bates, Boozé, and Butt voting no. The commission has been reviewing Chevron's environmental impact plans for months.

The council directed staff to study policies for maintaining affordable rental housing within 120 days. The research passed 5-2, with Bates and Boozé dissenting. Staff will present policy options at a future meeting.

A new law to raise Richmond's minimum wage above California's $16 per hour was introduced and passed. The council also approved an appeal review for a 2,820 square-foot house at 70 Belvedere Avenue, with Butt and McLaughlin abstaining.

The council approved 5 routine items on consent, including a $3,300 increase to the Recreation Department budget for tennis programs. The consent calendar also included accepting Chevron funding for an environmental impact study.

Discussion of a 2.45% property assessment increase for Hilltop neighborhood landscaping was continued to a future meeting. A proposal to transfer certain development decisions from city council to planning commission received no recorded vote.