Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Presiding: Mayor Thomas K. Butt · Called to order: 6:38 p.m. · 3 items · 53 votes · 36 public comments
What happened
- Approved directing staff to prepare a temporary ban on new schools in certain zones after 10 public comments.
- Approved directing staff to plan public input process for Point Molate land use decisions after 9 public comments.
- Approved splitting Fire Chief/Fire Marshal into two separate positions 5-2 (Myrick, Butt dissenting).
- Approved 39 routine items including $2.1 million contract to restore Baxter Creek and oil pipe franchises for Chevron and Phillips 66.
- Approved $50,000 in environmental grants to seven local nonprofits and updated cannabis business zoning rules.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Personnel(1 item)
Split Fire Chief/Fire Marshal role into 2 separate positions
In Plain English
The city currently has one person serving as both Fire Chief and Fire Marshal. The council wants to create separate full-time positions for Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Marshal. If approved, the city fills both roles by promoting current employees rather than hiring from outside.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct the city manager to start the proper processes to fill the vacant Fire Marshal position and create the Deputy Fire Marshal position
Hold a study session on fire prevention
Direct the city manager as stated in Councilmember Willis' motion and to conduct a study session as stated in Councilmember Myrick's substitute motion
5 to 2
Zoning(2 items)
Consider directing staff to prepare a temporary ban on new schools in certain zones
In Plain English
The city is considering temporarily stopping approval of new schools in some areas while updating zoning rules. Current zoning laws may need changes, but the process takes time. If approved, staff prepares a formal moratorium that council would vote on later.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve said directive to staff
7 to 0
Direct staff to plan public input process for Point Molate land use decisions
In Plain English
The city must decide how Point Molate land can be used in the future. Staff will design a process for residents to give input on whether the area becomes housing, commercial space, or parks. The proposal will include costs and require final council approval.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve said directive to staff
7 to 0
Governance(1 item)
Update zoning rules for commercial cannabis businesses and pause new approvals
In Plain English
The city currently has no specific zoning rules for adult-use cannabis businesses like dispensaries and manufacturing facilities. This ordinance creates new standards for where these businesses can operate and what requirements they must meet. If approved, no new adult-use cannabis businesses can open until the city finalizes these regulations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To maintain the status-quo of existing practices and reach out to stakeholders regarding a timeline and crafting an ordinance to preferably be adopted by the end of year 2017
To not introduce said ordinance and work with stakeholders to draft an ordinance for adoption by the Planning Commission and City Council
To not introduce said ordinance and continue to develop policies best for the City of Richmond, develop language that protects the city and its three existing cannabis dispensary businesses, and allow temporary permits for those existing dispensaries
To introduce said ordinance as drafted with an amendment from the city attorney to grandfather in the City of Richmond's three existing cannabis dispensary businesses for adult-use
To introduce said ordinance as drafted with the following amendment to Section 2: 'Notwithstanding the foregoing, currently permitted dispensaries shall be permitted to sell adult-use cannabis under their existing permits consistent with state law and with the required state license(s) for a temporary period from January 1, 2018, until the City's regulations regarding adult-use cannabis businesses go into effect at which time they must comply with the new regulations', and lay said ordinance over for two weeks
7 to 0
Budget(1 item)
Award $50,000 in environmental grants to 7 local nonprofits
In Plain English
The city has $50,000 available from an Environmental Community Investment Agreement to support local environmental projects. A city council committee reviewed applications and recommends funding 7 Richmond nonprofits. If approved, these organizations receive grants to carry out environmental work in the community.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve said recommendation awarding grants to Richmond Main Street Initiative (RMSI) $10,000; Healing Circles $6,670; Saffron Strand $6,670; Men and Women of Purpose $6,670; New Life Movement $6,670; Richmond Steelers Youth Football and Cheer $6,670; and Rich City Rides $6,670
7 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.