Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 7:50 p.m. · 22 items · 21 votes · 26 public comments
What happened
- Approved $300,000 increase in legal spending for Chevron property tax lawsuit (Bates abstaining).
- Approved 7 routine items including $30,000 for Proposition 218 revenue advice and police equipment purchases.
- Approved carbine rifles for police department and hydrogen sulfide monitoring contract with Hadronex.
- Approved 3% property assessment increases for Marina Bay and 2.45% for Hilltop landscaping.
- Heard multiple items without votes including street light poles and medical marijuana permit transfer.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(9 items)
Rename 15th Street to Village Lane between Nevin Plaza and Macdonald Avenue
In Plain English
The city plans to change the street name for a 2-block section of 15th Street. The new name would be Village Lane. If approved, residents and businesses on this stretch need to update their addresses with banks, employers, and delivery services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Support state bills protecting reproductive health services
In Plain English
The city council will formally back California Senate bills known as Life Act legislation. These bills aim to protect and expand access to reproductive health services statewide. If approved, the city manager sends a support letter to state lawmakers and the governor expressing Richmond's position.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Overturn Mayor McLaughlin's ruling to end debate
3 to 3
Send letter of support to legislature that city desires a full vetting of each of the bills
3 to 1
Motion for reconsideration
6 to 0
Adopt Resolution No. 49-13 to send support letter to California legislature and Governor to address City's support for full vetting of Senate Life Act Bills
6 to 0
Declare 45-day freeze on new second-hand dealer and cash-for-gold business permits
In Plain English
The city stops accepting applications for new second-hand dealers and cash-for-gold shops for 45 days. This emergency measure gives city staff time to review current rules for these businesses. If approved, no new permits get processed during this period while the city studies potential changes to regulations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt urgency Ordinance No. 9-13
7 to 0
Ban alcohol billboards within certain distance of schools
In Plain English
Richmond currently allows alcohol advertising on billboards throughout the city, including near schools. The proposed ban creates restrictions on where these advertisements can be placed. If approved, alcohol companies cannot advertise on billboards within a specific distance of school properties.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct City Attorney to return with draft ordinance modeled after Oakland ordinance extending City of Richmond's current ban on alcohol billboards near schools from 500 to 1,000 feet
7 to 0
Discuss procedures for deciding what goes on city council agendas
In Plain English
The city council currently sets agendas through an informal process involving the mayor and city manager. Council members want to establish clear rules about who can add items and when. If approved, new procedures would standardize how residents and council members request agenda items for future meetings.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extend meeting 30 minutes
7 to 0
Suspend rules and extend meeting five minutes and approve Items G-3, G-8, and G-9
Substitute motion to extend meeting five minutes and approve Items G-3, G-6, G-8, G-9, and G-15
7 to 0
Direct staff on handling PG&E customer complaints about leaving Marin Clean Energy
In Plain English
Some PG&E customers are having trouble opting out of the Marin Clean Energy electricity program. The city council will give staff direction on how to handle these complaints. Marin Clean Energy is an alternative electricity provider that customers are automatically enrolled in unless they choose to stay with PG&E.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Plan upcoming City Council retreat meeting
In Plain English
The City Council holds annual retreat meetings to set priorities and discuss long-term planning away from regular meetings. Staff needs direction on scheduling, location, and topics for the next retreat. Council members will decide when and where to hold it.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Change council meeting format to improve timing and accessibility
In Plain English
The city wants to test timed agenda items for 3 months to keep meetings shorter. Advisory items would move to the third Tuesday of each month instead of regular meetings. Items that don't get discussed would have a special discussion period at the next meeting.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Support state TRUST Act and send letter to Governor Brown
In Plain English
The TRUST Act limits local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The city council wants to formally endorse this state legislation. If approved, the city clerk sends an official letter expressing the council's support to the governor.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Contracts(4 items)
Increase legal spending by $300,000 for Chevron property tax lawsuit
In Plain English
The city hired Kronick Moskovitz law firm to fight Chevron's appeal of its property taxes. The original contract was for $500,000 but legal costs have grown. If approved, total spending on this lawsuit reaches $800,000.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Purchase 14 street light poles for Richmond Parkway
In Plain English
The city needs 14 new 40-foot galvanized steel light poles along Richmond Parkway. Omega Pacific Electric Supply will provide the poles. The purchase improves street lighting and visibility for drivers and pedestrians using this major roadway.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Contract with Hadronex for hydrogen sulfide and sewer system monitoring
In Plain English
The city operates 10 monitoring devices that track dangerous hydrogen sulfide gas and sewer water levels across the system. This 2-year contract covers daily operation and maintenance of these safety monitors. If approved, Hadronex handles repairs, data collection, and alerts when gas reaches unsafe levels.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve two-year contract with Hadronex, Inc. for ongoing operation and support of monitors in amount not to exceed $70,000
7 to 0
Increase legal fees by $300,000 for Chevron property tax lawsuit
In Plain English
The city hired Kronick Moskovitz law firm to fight Chevron's challenge to its property tax assessment. Legal costs have reached $500,000 and the city needs another $300,000 to continue the case. If approved, total spending on this lawsuit reaches $800,000.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve Amendment No. 6 to Kronick Moskovitz legal services agreement increasing amount by $300,000 to total of $800,000
5 to 0
Personnel(3 items)
Create new Community Services Technician II job classification with set wages
In Plain English
The city wants to establish a new job category called Community Services Technician II. This position does not currently exist in the city's employment structure. The ordinance sets the official salary range and benefits for anyone hired into this role.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 8-13 N.S. establishing wages, salary, and compensation for new classification of Community Services Technician II
7 to 0
Create new job classification for CCTV and Wireless Systems Specialist
In Plain English
The city needs a specialist to maintain security cameras and wireless networks across city facilities. This creates a new job title with salary range of $6,734 to $8,185 per month. If approved, the city can hire someone with technical skills to keep surveillance and communication systems working properly.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 7-13 N.S. establishing wages, salary, and compensation for new classification of CCTV and Wireless Systems Specialist
7 to 0
Direct city manager to create plan reducing city cars for employees
In Plain English
The city currently provides cars to some employees for work use. Council wants a plan to drastically cut or eliminate this benefit. If approved, the city manager must present options for phasing out employee car assignments.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Appointments(2 items)
Appoint residents to city boards and commissions
In Plain English
The city council fills vacant seats on advisory boards that help guide city decisions. These volunteer positions typically involve monthly meetings to review topics like planning applications, budget priorities, or community programs. If approved, new members serve terms ranging from 2 to 4 years.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve appointments and re-appointments: Design Review Board: Brenda Munoz (incumbent, term expiring August 1, 2015); Point Molate Advisory Committee: Dorothy Gilbert (incumbent, term expiring May 30, 2015), Pam Stello (incumbent, term expiring May 30, 2015), Glenn Stephenson (new appointment, term expiring May 30, 2015); Police Commission: Yenny Velazquez (new appointment, term expiring November 1, 2016); Human Rights and Human Relations: Carole Johnson (new appointment, term expiring March 30, 2016)
7 to 0
Appoint residents to city boards and commissions
In Plain English
The city runs dozens of volunteer boards that advise the council on issues like planning, parks, and public safety. These boards need regular appointments as terms expire or members resign. The council fills vacant positions with residents who apply to serve their community.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve appointments and re-appointments: Point Molate Advisory Committee: Eileen Whitty (incumbent, term expiring May 30, 2015), Jeanne Kortz (incumbent, term expiring May 30, 2015); Economic Development Commission: Ann Roulac (new appointment, term expiring March 30, 2016)
7 to 0
Budget(2 items)
Raise property assessments 2.45% for Hilltop neighborhood landscaping
In Plain English
Property owners in the Hilltop area pay annual assessments to maintain landscaping in their neighborhood. The city proposes raising these fees by 2.45% to match inflation. If approved, your assessment increases based on the Consumer Price Index for the 2013-2014 fiscal year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close public hearing
5 to 0
Adopt Resolution No. 49-13a
5 to 0
Increase Marina Bay property assessments by 3% for landscaping and lighting
In Plain English
Marina Bay property owners pay special assessments to maintain landscaping and lighting in their neighborhood. The city adjusts these fees annually based on inflation. If approved, your assessment increases by 3% starting in the 2013-2014 fiscal year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close public hearing
5 to 0
Adopt Resolution No. 49-13b
5 to 0
Public Safety(1 item)
Purchase carbine rifles for police department
In Plain English
The police department wants to buy new carbine rifles from Adamson Police Supply. These are long-range firearms that officers carry in patrol cars for situations requiring more accuracy than handguns. The purchase would update or expand the department's current equipment.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve purchase of carbine rifles from Professional Police Supply Inc., dba Adamson Police Supply, in amount not to exceed $50,000
7 to 0
Zoning(1 item)
Transfer medical marijuana dispensary permit to new zoning category
In Plain English
Richmond Compassionate Care operates a medical marijuana dispensary at 425 South 2nd Street. The city recently rezoned this area from C-3 to C-2. The business needs to transfer its permit to match the new zoning rules and continue operating at the same location.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Infrastructure(1 item)
Direct city manager to create demolition plan for Petromark building
In Plain English
The city council will discuss whether to tear down the Petromark building. The city manager needs council direction before developing a specific demolition plan and identifying how to pay for it. If approved, staff returns with cost estimates and funding options at a future meeting.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.