Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:58 p.m. · 4 items · 8 votes · 11 public comments
What happened
- Rejected campaign finance law amendment to add public matching funds for candidates 4-3 (Boozé, McLaughlin, Beckles, Bates dissenting).
- Approved 3-year contract with Navex Global for harassment prevention training.
- Approved federal grant for second year of youth mentoring program.
- Heard discussion on which city jobs can ask about criminal history on applications.
- Approved writing off $60,000 in unpaid loan interest owed by Police Activities League.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(2 items)
Amend campaign finance law to add public matching funds for candidates
In Plain English
Richmond currently regulates how much money candidates can receive from donors during elections. The proposed changes would create a new public matching funds program where the city gives candidates taxpayer money to match private donations. If approved, qualifying candidates receive city funds to help pay for their campaigns.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to implement urban agriculture incentive zones
6 to 0
Direct the city attorney to draft an ordinance requiring GMO labeling
5 to 2
Approve the revised Fiscal Year 2013-15 Operating Budget
6 to 1
Introduce ordinance changing contribution limit to $60,000 instead of $75,000
3 to 4
Change reporting requirement from 'disqualification' to 'disclosure only' for contributions over $250
3 to 4
Define which city jobs can still ask about criminal history on applications
In Plain English
Richmond passed a 'ban the box' law preventing the city from asking job applicants about criminal convictions upfront. The law allows exceptions for 'sensitive positions' but didn't define what those are. This resolution creates that definition so the city knows which jobs can still ask about criminal history during the application process.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Contracts(2 items)
Hire Navex Global for 3-year harassment prevention training contract
In Plain English
Federal and state laws require the city to train all supervisors on preventing workplace harassment. The city currently lacks a comprehensive training program. If approved, Navex Global provides online courses and materials for all supervisory staff over 3 years.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve contract with Navex Global for harassment prevention training
6 to 0
Accept federal grant for year 2 of youth mentoring program
In Plain English
The Office of Neighborhood Safety received a federal grant to run a mentoring program for at-risk youth. The program pairs young people with adult mentors to reduce involvement in crime and delinquency. If approved, the city accepts funding for the second year of this demonstration project.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Accept grant funds and approve expenditures for OJJDP mentoring project
6 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.