Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 7:17 p.m. · 7 items · 6 votes · 22 public comments
What happened
- Approved inspecting vacant commercial property near A Street for hazardous waste 5-2 (Beckles, Rogers dissenting).
- Approved moving RichmondBuild program into general fund as backup funding 6-1 (Boozé dissenting).
- Approved leasing 111-113 Macdonald Avenue to Saffron Strand for homeless services.
- Approved continuing review of reading Code of Ethics at meetings.
- Approved one consent item appointing two residents to city advisory boards.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Public Safety(1 item)
Inspect vacant commercial property near A Street and Barrett Avenue for hazardous waste
In Plain English
A vacant commercial building near A Street and Barrett Avenue may contain hazardous materials that could threaten public health. City staff will inspect the property within 90 days and report their findings to the council. If hazardous waste is found, the city may require the property owner to clean it up.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct the city manager to inspect the vacant commercial property near A Street and Barrett Avenue and give a progress report to the City Council in 90 days
End debate
4 to 2
Budget(3 items)
Move RichmondBuild program into general fund as backup funding
In Plain English
RichmondBuild is the city's job training program that teaches construction skills to local residents. The program currently operates with uncertain funding sources. Moving it to the general fund means the city budget would directly support the program if other funding falls through.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Allow the general fund as a backstop to reserve the program, at the city manager's discretion, should there be cuts in funding
Establish funding RichmondBuild as high priority should grant-funding disappear and return to the City Council with funding proposals from the general fund to the extent there was no grant-funding
6 to 1
Hold public hearing on amended plan for federal housing and community development grants
In Plain English
The city receives federal CDBG and HOME grants each year to fund affordable housing projects and community programs. The current spending plan needs changes to reflect new priorities or project updates. Residents can comment on how these federal dollars should be allocated in your neighborhoods.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Adopt Resolution No. 30-13
Hold public hearing on federal housing and community development spending plan
In Plain English
The city receives federal CDBG and HOME grants each year to fund affordable housing projects and community improvements. Federal law requires a public hearing before the city can finalize how to spend these funds in 2013-2014. Residents can comment on proposed projects like housing repairs, neighborhood improvements, and social services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Adopt Resolution No. 31-13
Contracts(2 items)
Purchase additional software modules for Source Control Program
In Plain English
The city uses Linko Data Systems software to track pollution sources that could contaminate local water supplies. Staff needs additional software modules to expand the program's capabilities. The purchase amount was not disclosed in public documents.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the purchase of additional functional modules of the Linko Data Systems software
Lease property at 111-113 Macdonald Avenue to Saffron Strand for homeless services
In Plain English
The city owns property at 111-113 Macdonald Avenue that currently sits unused. Saffron Strand Inc. wants to lease the building to provide job training and employment services for homeless residents. If approved, the city gets rental income while expanding services to help homeless people find work.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 27-13
6 to 0
Governance(1 item)
Review whether to continue reading Code of Ethics at meetings
In Plain English
The city council currently reads its Code of Ethics aloud at each meeting. Council members will discuss whether to keep this practice or change it. The Code of Ethics sets standards for how elected officials should conduct themselves in office.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct the city clerk to read the code of ethics during City Council Meetings
Cease reading the Code of Ethics
6 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.