Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Presiding: Tom Butt · Called to order: 7:07 p.m. · 6 items · 30 votes · 15 public comments
What happened
- Rejected $47 million annual budget 4-3 (Bates, McLaughlin, Beckles dissenting).
- Rejected 45-day freeze on residential rent increases 4-3 (Butt, Pimplé, Bates dissenting).
- Approved federal Blue Lives Matter bill supporting police 4-3 (Bates, McLaughlin, Beckles dissenting).
- Approved 20 routine items including $52,000 law firm contract and solar panel financing programs.
- Approved medical marijuana rule changes and support for Cybertran rail system.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Budget(2 items)
Adopt $47 million annual budget and 5-year capital improvement plan
In Plain English
The city sets its spending plan for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2016. The operating budget covers daily services like police, parks, and street maintenance. The capital plan funds major projects like road repairs and building improvements over 5 years. If approved, this becomes the city's official spending authority for the next year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the budget and eliminate the Equipment Supervisor position, use funds from vacant position to eliminate one proposed lay-off; reduce city council budget by $11,500 by reducing each Councilmember's travel budget by $500; and elimination of City Council dinners
Approve the budget and re-institute the Finance and Public Safety Committees; and direct staff to begin Closed Session negotiations to discuss a graduated salary reduction
2 to 2
Approve the budget and that the graduated compensation and re-establishment of the committees be agendized on a future meeting and to reduce the City Council budget by $500 each
3 to 3
Discuss proposed litter tax measure
In Plain English
The city is considering a new tax specifically aimed at addressing litter problems. City council will give staff direction on how to move forward with this proposal. No specific tax amount or implementation details have been determined yet.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the tax for the higher amount
6 to 1
Governance(3 items)
Amend medical marijuana collective rules in city law
In Plain English
The city regulates medical marijuana dispensaries through local laws that set operating rules and requirements. This amendment changes those existing regulations. Without the staff report, the specific changes are unclear, but they could affect licensing, locations, or operating procedures for medical marijuana businesses.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Introduce said ordinance and lay over two weeks for adoption
7 to 0
Support federal 'Blue Lives Matter' bill targeting violence against police
In Plain English
Congress is considering H.R. 4760, which would make attacking police officers a federal hate crime. The city council wants to formally endorse this bill. If approved, Richmond sends a support letter to Congressman Ken Buck who sponsors the legislation.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Take out the words 'Blue Lives Matter' and replace them with we deeply mourn the loss of police officers killed in the line of duty
Revise the language of the resolution to read: Therefore, it is recommended that the Richmond City Council hereby acknowledge that Richmond Police Officers in the City of Richmond deserve our full support in view of the fact that they do continue to work, serve and protect the City of Richmond at large
3 to 3
Direct staff to draft letter supporting medical marijuana businesses
In Plain English
The city council wants to formally state that medical marijuana dispensaries, manufacturers, and growers are legitimate businesses. This letter would clarify the city's official position on these businesses. If approved, the city sends a clear message that it views these operations as valid commercial enterprises when they follow permit rules.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the item
7 to 0
Housing(1 item)
Freeze most residential rent increases for 45 days
In Plain English
Richmond voters will decide on a rent control ballot measure in the coming election. This emergency law blocks landlords from raising rents during the 45-day period while votes are counted and results certified. If approved, tenants get temporary protection from rent hikes until the ballot measure takes effect.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt the urgency ordinance
4 to 3
Infrastructure(1 item)
Support Cybertran ultra-light rail system and consider co-sponsoring regional meeting
In Plain English
Cybertran International has developed a new type of lightweight rail transit system. The company wants cities to formally endorse this technology before pursuing regional implementation. If approved, the city expresses support for this transit option and may help organize a public meeting to discuss bringing it to the region.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 56-16 without the monetary contribution for the use of the auditorium
7 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.