Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:59 p.m. · 8 items · 10 votes · 17 public comments
What happened
- Approved 15 routine items including $1 million software contract for public safety systems and $80,000 for Iron Triangle planning.
- Approved ban on alcohol billboards near schools.
- Approved rezoning Fred Jackson Way parcels to allow duplexes and small apartments (McLaughlin abstaining).
- Approved renaming Western Drive to Stenmark Drive and reducing solar panel installation fees.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(3 items)
Ban alcohol billboards near schools
In Plain English
Richmond currently allows alcohol advertising on billboards throughout the city. This law creates buffer zones around schools where alcohol billboards cannot be placed. If approved, existing alcohol billboards near schools must be removed or changed to advertise other products.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 21-13 N.S. to ban alcohol billboards near schools
5 to 0
Rename Western Drive north of I-580 to Stenmark Drive
In Plain English
The city is considering changing the street name for the portion of Western Drive located north of Interstate 580. If approved, residents and businesses on this section would need to update their addresses. The city has not provided background on why this name change is being proposed or who Stenmark refers to.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close public hearing
Adopt Resolution No. 103-13 renaming Western Drive north of I-580 as 'Stenmark Drive' with understanding that issue may be revisited regarding Point Molate area
4 to 0
Reaffirm employee free speech rights under existing city law
In Plain English
Richmond Municipal Code already protects city employees' right to express personal opinions outside of work. The city council wants to formally restate this policy. This clarifies that city workers can speak publicly on issues without fear of job retaliation, as long as they don't claim to represent the city.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Reaffirm and enforce Section C of Richmond Municipal Code 2.40.030 and direct staff to come back with amended ordinance including language about personnel rules that still need to be adhered to
5 to 0
Infrastructure(2 items)
Receive monthly report on sewer system operations
In Plain English
The sewer district provides regular updates to the city council on system maintenance, repairs, and operations. This September report covers routine activities like pipe inspections, pump station maintenance, and any service issues. These monthly reports help track the performance of Richmond's wastewater infrastructure.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Receive monthly report on Richmond Municipal Sewer District for September 2013
5 to 0
Accept updated plan for managing the city's sewer system
In Plain English
State regulations require cities to maintain detailed plans for preventing sewer overflows and system failures. The city updates this plan every few years to comply with state oversight requirements. The plan covers maintenance schedules, emergency response procedures, and infrastructure monitoring across the entire sewer network.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 100-13 accepting revised Sewer System Management Plan
4 to 0
Zoning(1 item)
Rezone parcels on Fred Jackson Way to allow duplexes and small apartments
In Plain English
The city proposes changing zoning rules for properties between 1200-1300 Fred Jackson Way. Current rules allow only single-family homes on these parcels. If approved, property owners could build duplexes and small apartment buildings instead.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close public hearing
Ordinance rezoning parcels between 1200-1300 Fred Jackson Way from SFR-3 to MFR-2 received first reading and laid over two weeks for second reading
4 to 0
Environment(1 item)
Reduce fee for residential solar panel installation
In Plain English
The city currently charges homeowners a fee when they install solar panels on their houses. City council will discuss lowering this fee to make solar installations more affordable. If approved, residents would pay less to add solar panels to their homes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Reduce fees for residential solar panel installation
5 to 0
Miscellaneous(1 item)
Direct staff to create plan for free internet access for low-income residents
In Plain English
Many Richmond residents cannot afford home internet service, limiting access to jobs, healthcare, and education online. The city council will consider asking staff to develop a strategy using grant money to provide free internet to qualifying households. If approved, staff returns with a detailed plan and potential funding sources.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to prepare and submit grant-funded strategy to provide free Internet access for low income Richmond residents
5 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.