Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 7:03 p.m. · 8 items · 10 votes · 33 public comments
What happened
- Denied requirement for medical marijuana collectives to use only solar power or outdoor growing (McLaughlin, Ritterman, Butt supporting).
- Failed to decide on terminating Veolia's city contract.
- Approved appeal to continue medical marijuana permit review for Greenleaf Natural Wellness 4-3 (McLaughlin, Beckles, Butt dissenting).
- Banned all fireworks possession and use within city limits.
- Approved consent items including $103,581 police grant and $13,328 D.M.G. Janitorial contract for park restrooms.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(2 items)
Ban possession and use of all fireworks within city limits
In Plain English
Richmond currently allows some types of fireworks under state law. This new law would make it illegal to possess or set off any fireworks in the city. If approved, violators could face fines or other penalties.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Introduce the ordinance and lay over two weeks for second reading
6 to 0
Require medical marijuana collectives to use only solar-powered or outdoor growing
In Plain English
The city currently allows medical marijuana collectives to operate with any growing methods. This law change requires collectives to buy only from growers who use outdoor cultivation or indoor solar power. The change aims to reduce electricity usage from artificial lighting in marijuana production.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Introduce the ordinance
3 to 1
Zoning(1 item)
Consider appeal to continue medical marijuana permit review for Greenleaf Natural Wellness Collective
In Plain English
William Harrison and Larry Flick want to open a medical marijuana dispensary called Greenleaf Natural Wellness Collective. The city previously stopped reviewing their permit application. The founders are asking the council to let them continue the review process to potentially get approved.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Deny the appeal
Grant the appeal and accept the $16,000 fee from the Greenleaf Collective, which will be due by 5 p.m., Thursday, September 15, 2011
4 to 3
Contracts(3 items)
Approve grant-funded travel to World Health Organization meeting in South Africa
In Plain English
The Director of the Office of Neighborhood Safety will speak at a World Health Organization conference in Cape Town from September 2-12, 2011. Three additional staff members will attend as participants. A grant covers all travel costs, so the city pays nothing for the 11-day trip.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the travel
6 to 0
Buy $18,780 software license to track pawn shop transactions online
In Plain English
Police currently retrieve pawn shop records manually when investigating stolen items. The software creates an online database where pawn shops upload transaction details and police search for stolen goods. If approved, the 2-year license costs $18,780 and helps officers quickly identify recovered stolen property.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the purchase
6 to 0
Decide whether to terminate Veolia's city contract
In Plain English
Staff will present options for ending the city's contract with Veolia, a company that provides city services. The council can either terminate the contract immediately or request a detailed performance report first. If approved, this decision affects how the city delivers services currently handled by Veolia.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Staff will present a report to the City Council on December 6, 2011 on whether to terminate the Veolia contract
6 to 1
Staff present a report at the December 6, 2011, Council meeting regarding Veolia's performance, an update on Veolia's compliance with legal requirements, and determines at that time whether to terminate the Veolia contract and delete the threat of termination
Appointments(1 item)
Appoint residents to 8 city boards and commissions
In Plain English
The city fills volunteer positions on boards that advise the council on topics like arts funding, building design, and park programs. These unpaid residents review proposals and make recommendations on city decisions. If approved, new members serve multi-year terms helping guide city policy in their areas.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the appointments
6 to 0
Environment(1 item)
Receive presentation on new water pollution permit requirements and funding options
In Plain English
The federal government requires cities to get permits before discharging stormwater into waterways. New permit rules will cost Richmond more money to comply with stricter pollution controls. The county's Clean Water Program has proposed a joint approach to meet these requirements more affordably.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to support the countywide initiative
5 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.