Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 5:04 p.m. · 12 items · 11 votes · 7 public comments
What happened
- Rejected limiting expired board members to 90 days in office 4-3 (Rogers, Lopez, Viramontes, Bates dissenting).
- Approved changing rules for expired board members 5-2 (McLaughlin, Butt dissenting).
- Approved contract with Creative Education Consulting for nonprofit training 6-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Approved extending cell tower moratorium until September 2009 unanimously.
- Approved removing utility tax cap through ballot measure unanimously.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(5 items)
Extend moratorium blocking new cell towers until September 2009
In Plain English
The city currently bans all new cell phone towers and wireless equipment applications. This temporary freeze has been in place while officials work on new rules for where companies can build towers. If approved, the ban continues for several more months until permanent regulations are ready.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the item
7 to 0
Change rules for board and commission members whose terms have expired
In Plain English
The city currently has unclear rules about what happens when board and commission members' terms end. Some members continue serving past their official end dates while the city searches for replacements. If approved, new rules would clarify whether expired members can keep voting and participating.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
An incumbent commissioner serve on the board or commission pending their reappointment or a new appointment by the vote of the Council and if not replaced, they continue to serve. If they have served their maximum number of terms, they are removed after 90 days
4 to 2
Create plan for nonprofits to apply for Chevron and city grants together
In Plain English
Nonprofits currently apply separately for Chevron Community Benefits money and city Community Development Block Grant funds. The city wants to streamline this into one application process. If approved, nonprofits save time by filling out one form instead of two for both funding sources.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Limit expired board members to 90 days in office
In Plain English
Planning Commission and Design Review Board members can currently stay in office indefinitely after their terms expire. This law sets a 90-day limit for expired members to remain until replacements are found. The change ensures regular turnover and prevents positions from being held too long without reappointment.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt the ordinance
3 to 4
Endorse federal Employee Free Choice Act legislation
In Plain English
The Employee Free Choice Act is federal legislation that would make it easier for workers to form unions. The act allows workers to organize by signing cards instead of holding secret ballot elections. If approved, Richmond formally supports this congressional proposal but takes no local action.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 15-09
7 to 0
Contracts(1 item)
Contract with Creative Education Consulting for nonprofit training program
In Plain English
The city plans to hire Creative Education Consulting to train local nonprofits over 9 months. The program includes group workshops, peer support meetings, and individual coaching for organizations that work in Richmond. If approved, the contract costs up to $19,000.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the item
6 to 1
Environment(1 item)
Accept 2005 greenhouse gas emissions inventory as city's baseline
In Plain English
The city completed an inventory measuring all greenhouse gas emissions produced in Richmond during 2005. This baseline measurement will help the city track progress on climate goals and identify the biggest sources of emissions. If approved, the city uses this data to guide future environmental policies and programs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Accept the report
7 to 0
Housing(1 item)
Support 2009 Contra Costa County Homeless Connect Summit as co-sponsor
In Plain English
Contra Costa County organizes an annual summit connecting homeless individuals with housing, health care, and social services. The city joins as a co-sponsor to help promote the event and coordinate local resources. If approved, Richmond officially endorses the summit and directs staff to help with planning.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the item
7 to 0
Budget(2 items)
Remove cap on utility tax through ballot measure
In Plain English
The city currently caps how much it can collect from the utility tax that residents pay on gas and electric bills. Removing this cap allows the city to collect more revenue from utility bills. If approved, voters would decide whether to eliminate the spending limit and clarify which natural gas uses get taxed.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Have staff evaluate both options for ballot measures removing the cap and removing maximum tax payable, draft language of the proposed measure for the ballot, with a legal opinion on how this measure would be defended, if passed
6 to 0
Draft ballot language to eliminate utility tax cap for large users
In Plain English
Richmond currently caps utility tax payments for the city's largest utility users through a loophole. The proposed ballot measure removes this cap so large users pay the same tax rate as everyone else. If approved by voters in November, the city collects more utility tax revenue from major businesses and institutions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Have staff evaluate both options for ballot measures removing the cap and removing maximum tax payable, draft language of the proposed measure for the ballot, with a legal opinion on how this measure would be defended, if passed
6 to 0
Appointments(1 item)
Appoint 7 residents to planning and historic preservation committees
In Plain English
The city fills vacant volunteer positions on 2 advisory committees that review development projects and historic building changes. The Planning Commission reviews housing developments and business permits before they reach city council. The Historic Preservation Committee advises on changes to older buildings in designated historic areas.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the appointments
4 to 0
Personnel(1 item)
Receive update on research into 4-day work weeks and telecommuting for city employees
In Plain English
The city council asked staff in 2008 to explore alternative work schedules like 4-day weeks and remote work options. Staff worked with employee union representatives to research these changes. This update reports their findings on how flexible schedules might work for city departments.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Infrastructure(1 item)
Direct staff to find funding for bus shelter at Heritage Park Senior Apartments
In Plain English
Seniors at Heritage Park Senior Apartments currently lack a covered waiting area for public transit. The city council wants staff to research funding sources for a new bus shelter. If approved, staff will return with specific funding options and cost estimates.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.