Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Presiding: Vice Mayor Viramontes · Called to order: 5:11 p.m. · 5 items · 8 votes · 12 public comments
What happened
- Approved Point Richmond Shores housing development appeal 5-3 (Butt, McLaughlin, Rogers dissenting).
- Approved restricting city staff from serving on political organization boards 6-1 (Griffin dissenting).
- Approved emergency $120,000 contract to repair damaged Terminal 2 dock 7-1 (Butt dissenting).
- Approved $2.6 million purchase of 5 fire trucks unanimously.
- Approved 24 routine items including $552,000 Safeway IT training contract and $250,000 police recruitment campaign.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Zoning(1 item)
Decide appeal of rejected Point Richmond Shores housing development
In Plain English
Developer Toll Brothers wants to build homes at Point Richmond Shores but the Planning Commission rejected their environmental impact report. The commission found problems with how the project would affect traffic, wildlife, or other environmental concerns. If the appeal succeeds, the housing project moves forward with city approval.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Both parties negotiate in good faith and go through a charette with appropriate mediation and return to the Council in 45 days with the results
3 to 4
Uphold the appeal, certify the EIR and approve related applications for the project with amendments including storm drain assessment, Bay Trail completion, pier assessment, and holdover approval of tentative subdivision map and design review permit until completion of charette by March 10, 2007
5 to 3
Contracts(3 items)
Approve emergency $120,000 contract to repair damaged dock at Terminal 2
In Plain English
The fender piling system at Terminal 2 suffered damage and needs immediate repair. These pilings protect boats and the dock structure when vessels tie up. If approved, CS Marine Constructors handles the emergency repairs for up to $120,000.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the emergency contract with CS Marine Constructor
7 to 1
Purchase 5 fire trucks for $2.6 million
In Plain English
The city needs to replace aging fire trucks in its fleet. The 5 new trucks cost $2.6 million total, or about $519,000 each. If approved, the city gains newer equipment that should reduce maintenance costs and improve emergency response times.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the purchase of five fire trucks
8 to 0
Hire marketing firm for $250,000 police recruitment campaign
In Plain English
The Richmond Police Department wants to contract with Crossover Creative Group to attract new officer candidates. The campaign costs up to $250,000 and includes comprehensive marketing strategies. If approved, the city hopes to fill vacant police positions through improved recruitment efforts.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
8 to 0
Governance(2 items)
Restrict city staff from serving on political organization boards
In Plain English
City employees currently can serve on boards of groups that endorse candidates or ballot measures in Richmond elections. This creates potential conflicts when staff advise the council on policies those same organizations support or oppose. If approved, staff must resign from political boards or recuse themselves from related city business.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
The City cease being actively involved in the Chamber of Commerce and the Council of Industries until these or any other organizations the City may be a member of demonstrate that they will not be involved in political issues, and request that the City be reimbursed for its membership fees
6 to 1
Ban public urination and related acts in city limits
In Plain English
The city currently has no specific law against public urination. This new law makes it illegal to urinate, defecate, or expose private parts in public spaces. If approved, violators face fines or other penalties determined by the municipal court.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Give first reading to the ordinance and lay over one week for second reading
8 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.