Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Presiding: Mayor Tom Butt · Called to order: 7:13 p.m. · 9 items · 31 votes · 16 public comments
What happened
- Rejected contract extension for medical exams for hazmat firefighters.
- Approved expanding Richmond Promise college scholarships to charter schools 6-1 (Pimplé dissenting).
- Approved memorial plaques for Edward Hall and Gene Calhoun Sr. at 55th and Creely park 6-1 (Pimplé dissenting).
- Approved 23 routine items including $2 million rental inspection contracts and $945,000 for sewer trucks.
- Approved banning mobile marijuana dispensaries while allowing cultivation in three additional zoning districts.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Contracts(2 items)
Modify Richmond Promise college scholarship program and expand to charter schools
In Plain English
Richmond Promise provides college scholarships to local high school graduates. The city currently administers this program through an agreement with Chevron. If approved, charter school and private school students become eligible for scholarships alongside public school students. The changes also let the city manager adjust other program requirements.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
6 to 1
Extend medical exam contract for hazmat firefighters
In Plain English
The city requires annual physical exams for firefighters who handle hazardous materials like chemical spills. The current contract with Kaiser Permanente covers these specialized health screenings. If approved, the contract continues with the same medical provider for another year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Motion to approve the item
Proclamation(1 item)
Install memorial plaques for Edward Hall and Gene Calhoun Sr. at 55th and Creely park
In Plain English
The city plans to honor two community members with permanent memorial plaques at the small park on South 55th and Creely Streets. Each plaque will be engraved and mounted on a freestanding base. The plaques recognize Edward Hall and Gene Calhoun Sr. for their contributions to the community.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve installation of memorial plaques
6 to 1
Zoning(3 items)
Consider appeal of planning approval for Canyon Oaks housing development
In Plain English
The Planning Commission approved extending the deadline for Canyon Oaks housing project's map approval. Someone appealed this decision to the city council. The council will hear arguments from both sides and decide whether to uphold or overturn the commission's approval of the time extension.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Withdraw from agenda
Consider appeal of Design Review Permit for Hilltop Mall mixed-use project
In Plain English
A developer received city approval to build apartments and retail space at the corner of Hilltop Mall Road and Garrity Way. Someone has challenged this approval through the formal appeal process. The city council will decide whether to uphold or overturn the original permit decision.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Allow medical marijuana cultivation in 3 additional zoning districts
In Plain English
Medical marijuana collectives can currently grow only in limited areas. This law change adds 3 more zoning districts where permitted collectives can cultivate: M-2 heavy manufacturing, M-3 industrial, and C-2 neighborhood commercial areas. If approved, collectives have more locations to choose from for growing operations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to prepare ordinance after consultation with stakeholders to regulate cultivation commercially, limited to three dispensaries, for Planning Commission approval
7 to 0
Governance(2 items)
Call on state regulators to lower exit fees for Community Choice energy customers
In Plain English
Richmond residents who buy electricity through East Bay Community Energy pay extra exit fees to PG&E when they leave the utility. These fees have increased sharply and now add significant costs to energy bills. The city wants state regulators to review whether these fees are fair to Community Choice customers.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
7 to 0
Ban mobile marijuana dispensaries and delivery services
In Plain English
The city currently allows medical marijuana businesses to operate mobile dispensaries and make deliveries to patients. This law change prohibits both mobile dispensaries and delivery services. If approved, patients must visit fixed dispensary locations to purchase medical marijuana.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Accept staff's recommendation
First reading and lay over to January 12, 2016 for second reading
7 to 0
Personnel(1 item)
Report on ballot measure limiting city manager pay to 5 times median income
In Plain English
A local ballot initiative would cap the city manager's salary at 5 times Richmond's median household income and require public disclosure of all compensation. The city manager currently earns significantly more than this proposed limit. If the initiative passes, Richmond would need to restructure the position's pay package and publicly report all benefits.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Order special election to be submitted to voters at June 7, 2016 Presidential Primary Election
7 to 0
Housing(1 item)
Direct staff to publicize tenant rights resources in English and Spanish
In Plain English
The city already has resources to help renters learn their rights and resolve disputes with landlords. Staff will now promote these existing services more widely. If approved, renters get better access to information about tenant protections and conflict resolution support.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the item with friendly amendment to provide information useful to landlords and tenants
7 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.