Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Presiding: Mayor Thomas K. Butt · Called to order: 6:35 p.m. · 6 items · 20 votes · 15 public comments
What happened
- Approved law requiring landlords to offer tenants first chance to buy 6-1 (Butt dissenting).
- Approved international travel to Japan for 3 councilmembers and 1 staff member.
- Heard T-Mobile appeal for cell tower on Grant Avenue with no vote taken.
- Approved $2 million contract for wastewater plant computer control system upgrade.
- Approved 13 routine items including $235,000 state grant to combat impaired driving.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Housing(1 item)
Draft law requiring landlords to offer tenants first chance to buy before selling
In Plain English
City council wants staff to create a new law for rental properties. If approved, landlords must offer tenants the chance to buy their building before selling to anyone else or tearing it down. The law would also apply before landlords stop renting units out.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve direction to staff
6 to 1
Contracts(3 items)
Approve 8 engineering contracts for water system design work
In Plain English
The city needs engineering firms on standby to design water infrastructure projects like pipe repairs and facility upgrades. This creates contracts with 8 firms that the city can call when projects arise. Each firm can receive up to $600,000 per year for 3 years, with possible 2-year extensions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 82-19
7 to 0
Approve 6 water engineering contracts for design services up to $600,000 each annually
In Plain English
The city uses outside engineering firms to design water system improvements like pipe replacements and treatment upgrades. These contracts let the city quickly hire any of 6 pre-approved firms for projects as needed. If approved, each firm can receive up to $600,000 per year for the next 3 years.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 84-19
7 to 0
Award $2 million contract for wastewater plant computer control system upgrade
In Plain English
The city's wastewater treatment plant currently uses outdated control systems to monitor pumps, flows, and equipment. The new system allows remote monitoring and automated control from a central location. If approved, Calcon Systems installs modern computer controls at the treatment plant and 4 lift stations for $2,036,565.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 85-19
7 to 0
Personnel(1 item)
Approve international travel to Japan for 3 councilmembers and 1 staff member
In Plain English
Councilmembers Bates, Johnson, Martinez, and staff liaison Jackson want to attend the Obi Matsuri Festival in Shimada, Japan from October 11-14, 2019. The city must formally approve international travel for elected officials. If approved, taxpayers likely cover travel expenses though the exact cost is not specified.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve international travel requests
4 to 0
Infrastructure(1 item)
Award $278,116 in emergency contracts to repair Valley View sinkhole
In Plain English
A sinkhole opened on Valley View that requires immediate repairs to protect public safety. The city needs to hire 3 contractors for the emergency work since regular bidding takes too long. If approved, the city adds $317,395 to its stormwater repair budget to cover the contracts and related costs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 83-19 and approve emergency justification for Veolia Water subcontracts
7 to 0
Zoning(1 item)
Deny T-Mobile appeal for cell tower on Grant Avenue
In Plain English
T-Mobile wants to install a small cell tower on a pole near 2100 Grant Avenue. The planning department already rejected this application. T-Mobile appealed that decision to the city council. If the council denies this appeal, the cell tower cannot be built at this location.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.