Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 7:01 p.m. · 6 items · 5 votes · 24 public comments
What happened
- Rejected talks with Bay Area cities to rebuild East Bay Public Safety Corridor Partnership.
- Rejected purchase of 2 prefabricated concrete restrooms for city parks.
- Approved recording 2008 council decision for mixed-use development at 3601-3627 Cutting Boulevard 8-1 (Viramontes dissenting).
- Approved seeking foundation grants for Solano and Elm playground renovations.
- Approved extending cell tower ban until April 25, 2008.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Zoning(3 items)
Record 2008 council decision approving mixed-use development at 3601-3627 Cutting Boulevard
In Plain English
The city council approved a mixed-use project on Cutting Boulevard in 2008 after someone appealed the planning commission's decision. This resolution formally documents that 2008 approval and directs staff to update density bonus rules. The project included special permits for extra housing units and design changes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
adopt Resolution No. 23-08
7 to 1
Review appeal of approved plan to split property at 125-127 Western Drive into 3 lots
In Plain English
The Planning Commission approved a request to divide this single property into 3 separate residential lots. A neighbor appealed this decision to the city council. The council can uphold the original approval, modify the conditions, or reverse the decision and block the lot split.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
continue this item for two weeks and not reopen the public hearing
refer this item back to the city manager and return in two weeks with recommendations
City Council move forward with the possibility that the applicant can do a three-lot subdivision on the property, but continue to work with the staff over the next two weeks on the applicants decision to live with a range that is reflective of the 16 through 20 foot range for the first story and, if not, the applicants come back with an alternative plan without prejudice
reopen the public hearing
reopen the public hearing and allow only the applicant and appellant two minutes to address the Council
close the public hearing
Define mini-storage warehouses in zoning code and require special permits for them
In Plain English
The city's zoning code currently has no rules for mini-storage facilities like Public Storage or U-Haul warehouses. This change creates a formal definition for these businesses and requires them to get special approval before opening in industrial areas. If approved, new mini-storage companies must prove their projects won't harm nearby businesses or residents.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
close the public hearing
approve the zoning text changes
Governance(2 items)
Start talks with Bay Area cities to rebuild East Bay Public Safety Corridor Partnership
In Plain English
Richmond previously participated in a regional partnership where East Bay cities shared resources and coordinated on public safety issues. The partnership no longer exists. If approved, the city allocates $50,000 as startup funding to explore recreating this multi-city collaboration.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
approve the item as presented
9 to 0
adopt the resolution, and let the funding develop in the next fiscal year's budget as part of the Office of Neighborhood Service's budget
Extend ban on new cell towers until April 25, 2008
In Plain English
The city currently blocks all new cell phone towers and wireless equipment applications. This extension continues the ban for several more months. If approved, telecom companies cannot build new towers or modify existing ones until the moratorium ends.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 6-08 N.S.
9 to 0
Infrastructure(1 item)
Direct City Manager to seek foundation grants for Solano and Elm playground renovations
In Plain English
The city wants to renovate 2 neighborhood playgrounds using private foundation money instead of city funds. Public Works staff already created renovation plans with input from nearby residents and community groups. If approved, the City Manager begins applying for grants to cover construction costs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
adopt Resolution No. 26-08
9 to 0
Contracts(1 item)
Purchase 2 prefabricated concrete restrooms for city parks
In Plain English
The city plans to install new restrooms at Booker T. Anderson Park and John F. Kennedy Park. The concrete restrooms come pre-built and will be delivered ready to install. If approved, the city pays $224,877 to CXT Incorporated for both units.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
postpone this item to give staff two weeks to research if this item falls under the green building ordinance
approve this item as presented