Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 7:16 p.m. · 8 items · 35 votes · 13 public comments
What happened
- Rejected contract with Bay Area Fireworks for July 3rd fireworks show at Marina Bay Park.
- Approved hiring law firm Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy for lawsuit 5-2 (Myrick, Rogers dissenting).
- Approved supporting campaign to remove commercial properties from Proposition 13 4-2 (Bates, Boozé dissenting).
- Approved refinancing up to $45 million in city bonds to reduce interest costs.
- Approved 24 routine items including $175,000 for North Richmond Ballfield lighting and $413,000 tunnel grant.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Contracts(4 items)
Approve 3-year lease with Native American Health Center for city property
In Plain English
The Native American Health Center wants to lease city-owned property at 2566 Macdonald Avenue. The city currently owns this building but the health center would operate services there. If approved, the lease runs for 3 years and brings the property into active use.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the agreement
7 to 0
Hire BioMax Environmental Services to monitor hydrogen sulfide gas levels
In Plain English
The city needs a contractor available to test for hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas that smells like rotten eggs and can be dangerous in high concentrations. BioMax would provide monitoring services when called upon. The contract ensures the city can quickly respond to gas complaints or safety concerns.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
7 to 0
Approve contract with Bay Area Fireworks for July 3rd show at Marina Bay Park
In Plain English
The city plans to host a fireworks display on July 3rd at Marina Bay Park. Bay Area Fireworks would provide and operate the fireworks show. The contract amount was not specified in the agenda materials.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract for $26,000 for 2013, 2014, and 2015
6 to 0
Substitute motion that the amounts for 2014 and 2015 not be approved
Hire law firm Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy to file lawsuit on contingent-fee basis
In Plain English
The city plans to file a civil lawsuit but has not disclosed the target or claims. Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy will handle the case and only get paid if the city wins or settles. If approved, the city pays no upfront legal fees but gives the firm a percentage of any money recovered.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Hold Item G-37 over for 30 days
2 to 5
Approve the agreement
Engage Chevron in mediation with understanding that if settlement not reached litigation will be filed, and contract approval take place 30 days from today if no settlement reached
5 to 2
Second substitute motion to hire the firm on a contingency basis and continue the mediation process
3 to 3
End debate
5 to 2
Governance(1 item)
Adopt formal decision supporting campaign to remove commercial properties from Proposition 13
In Plain English
Proposition 13 limits property tax increases on all properties to 2% per year, even when market values rise much higher. This keeps commercial property taxes artificially low compared to residential properties. The city council would formally support a statewide campaign to change this law for businesses only.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extend the meeting for one hour
Complete the current item and adjourn the meeting
Extend the meeting to 11:30 p.m.
Adopt Resolution No. 47-13
4 to 2
Budget(2 items)
Refinance up to $45 million in city bonds to reduce interest costs
In Plain English
The city wants to refinance existing bonds, similar to refinancing a mortgage when rates drop. This could lower the city's annual debt payments and free up money for other services. The $45 million represents the maximum amount they could refinance, not new debt.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 44-13
6 to 0
Transfer $10,000 from insurance money for Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center design plans
In Plain English
The city received insurance money after damage to the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. Officials want to use $10,000 of those funds to hire architects for initial design concepts. If approved, the city moves forward with planning repairs or renovations to the community center.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the transfer and appropriation
7 to 0
Appointments(1 item)
Appoint and reappoint members to 4 city committees
In Plain English
The city fills vacant seats on committees that advise the council on housing, planning, aging services, and Point Molate development. These volunteer positions help shape city policies in their areas. Committee members typically serve 2-year terms and meet monthly to review proposals and make recommendations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Vote on each appointment individually
Approve the appointments and reappointments
6 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.