Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Presiding: Mayor Thomas K. Butt · Called to order: 6:33 p.m. · 9 items · 17 votes · 18 public comments
What happened
- Rejected ban on new coal and petroleum coke storage facilities 4-3 (Choi, Johnson, Bates, Butt dissenting).
- Heard proposal requiring landlords to accept third-party tenant screening reports without voting.
- Approved 11 routine items including $470,250 grant acceptance and Oakland Private Industry Council job training contract.
- Received reports on four new executive positions and funding options for Kids First programs.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Environment(1 item)
Ban new coal and petroleum coke storage facilities, phase out existing ones
In Plain English
The city wants to prohibit companies from building new facilities that store coal or petroleum coke within city limits. Existing facilities would need to shut down over time. This targets industrial operations that handle these fossil fuel materials, which can create air quality and health concerns for nearby residents.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extend meeting for thirty minutes
6 to 0
Suspend rules and extend meeting to complete Item I-2
7 to 0
Overrule the mayor's decision and complete the item
3 to 4
Governance(3 items)
Amend city building code regulations
In Plain English
The city council postponed this item from an earlier meeting to December 17, 2019. This represents the second reading of proposed changes to Richmond's building regulations. The specific amendments are not detailed in the available information.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hold public hearing on draft voting district boundary maps
In Plain English
The city is switching from at-large elections where all voters choose all council members to district elections where you only vote for your neighborhood representative. Draft maps divide the city into voting districts with roughly equal populations. Residents can review the proposed boundaries and suggest changes before the council makes a final decision.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Amend city law governing pest control methods
In Plain English
The city has rules about how pest control companies and city staff can handle insects, rodents, and weeds on public property. The proposed changes would update these requirements, potentially restricting certain chemicals or adding new approval processes. This item was delayed from an earlier meeting and requires two separate council votes before taking effect.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Personnel(2 items)
Set salaries for new department director jobs
In Plain English
The city created new director positions but has not yet determined how much these jobs will pay. This law would establish the salary ranges and benefits for these management roles. If approved, the city can begin recruiting candidates for the open director positions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Add 4 new executive job classifications to city organization chart
In Plain English
The city wants to create 4 new leadership positions: Deputy City Manager, Community Development Director, Library and Community Services Director, and Public Works Director. These classifications establish official job categories and salary ranges. The city can then hire people into these roles or promote existing staff.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Housing(2 items)
Require landlords to accept third-party tenant screening reports
In Plain English
Currently landlords can require each prospective tenant to pay for a new background check, even if they already have a recent report. This law requires landlords to accept screening reports from other approved companies within the past 30 days. If approved, tenants save money by reusing reports when applying to multiple rental properties.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Prohibit landlords from rejecting tenants based on income source
In Plain English
Some landlords refuse to rent to people who receive government assistance like Section 8 vouchers or disability benefits. This proposed law makes such discrimination illegal in the city. If approved, landlords must consider all applicants equally regardless of whether their income comes from jobs, benefits, or other legal sources.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Budget(1 item)
Explore funding options to support Kids First programs
In Plain English
Kids First provides after-school and summer programs for Richmond children. The city needs new revenue sources to maintain these services. Staff will research options including asking voters to approve new taxes or fees specifically for youth programs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Contracts(1 item)
Increase environmental consulting contract by $500,000
In Plain English
The city has an existing contract with Analytical Environmental Services for environmental consulting work. Staff wants to add $500,000 to this contract to continue or expand these services. The item was delayed from an earlier meeting and will be decided on December 17.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.