Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Presiding: Mayor Thomas K. Butt · Called to order: 6:44 p.m. · 6 items · 28 votes · 18 public comments
What happened
- Approved China travel for councilmember and city liaison 4-1 (Butt dissenting).
- Approved new annual fees for rental property owners 4-1 (Butt dissenting).
- Approved pilot program allowing tiny houses on wheels for homeless housing.
- Heard proposal to add $450,000 to electrical contract for Point Molate power connection.
- Approved 23 routine items including $1.08 million North Richmond mitigation fee extension.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Housing(2 items)
Create new annual fees for rental property owners
In Plain English
Landlords must pay $47 per rental unit in 2017 and $98 per unit in 2018. The city can place liens on properties if owners don't pay. Late payments face penalties of 10% to 50% depending on how overdue they are.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Introduce ordinance for first reading and adopt Resolution No. 96-17 establishing Residential Housing Fees
4 to 1
Create pilot program allowing tiny houses on wheels for homeless housing
In Plain English
The city currently prohibits tiny houses on wheels as permanent housing under health codes. This pilot program would temporarily allow them as transitional housing for homeless residents. If approved, the city tests whether tiny houses work as a housing solution before making permanent policy changes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Introduce ordinance for first reading for tiny houses pilot project
Governance(1 item)
Authorize travel to China for councilmember and city liaison
In Plain English
The city has a partnership agreement with Zhoushan, China that needs updating. Councilmember Martinez and City Council Liaison Trina Jackson would attend an island tourism conference there. The port director and marketing manager withdrew from the trip.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Overrule the mayor's decision to continue Item I-20 and leave the item on the agenda
5 to 1
Approve travel for Councilmember Martinez and City Council Liaison Trina Jackson to Zhoushan, China to attend the third annual International Island Tourism Conference and to update the Mutual Agreement between Richmond and Zhoushan
4 to 1
Budget(1 item)
Set sewer service charges for 2017-18 and collect them through property tax bills
In Plain English
The city sets annual rates for sewer service and stormwater management that residents pay. These charges appear on your property tax bill alongside other city services. The public hearing allows residents to comment before the city finalizes the rates for the upcoming fiscal year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 94-17 approving sewer service charges for Fiscal Year 2017/18
Zoning(1 item)
Uphold T-Mobile appeal of Planning Commission cell tower permit decision
In Plain English
T-Mobile appealed the Planning Commission's approval of changes to an existing cell tower permit. The city council previously held public hearings on this case in June and July 2017. If approved, the council overturns the Planning Commission decision and modifies permit conditions in T-Mobile's favor.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 95-17 upholding T-Mobile appeal
5 to 0
Contracts(1 item)
Amend electrical contract to add $450,000 for Point Molate power connection
In Plain English
The city hired NEMA Construction in 2017 for on-call electrical work with a $200,000 budget. Point Molate now needs a major electrical upgrade that requires design and construction expertise. If approved, the contract grows to $650,000 to cover the new high-power connection project.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.