Tuesday, July 26, 2011

The council voted down $24,000 in funding for the Richmond Half Steppers track team to travel to national championships in New Orleans. The team qualified for the AAU Junior Olympic National Championships, but the proposal failed with McLaughlin, Butt, Beckles, and Rogers voting no.

The council approved hiring Ghilotti Brothers for a $2.1 million street repair project to rehabilitate deteriorating pavement across multiple neighborhoods. Boozé cast the lone no vote on the contract for resurfacing streets and filling potholes.

The council unanimously approved a partnership with CyberTran International to explore an ultra light rail transit system using automated rail cars on elevated tracks. The council also increased the Bay Cities Paving contract by $132,066 for additional water channel improvements along Via Verdi street.

The council approved increasing the Employment and Training Department budget by $1.2 million to match additional grant funding received during the fiscal year. Two other financial measures passed unanimously: allowing sewer fees to be collected on property tax bills and authorizing borrowing up to $15 million through tax anticipation notes.

The council approved 1 routine item on consent, including a $24,000 amendment to laws governing sewer system discharges.