What happened
- Rejected hiring polling company to test support for bond measure for public safety building and library expansion.
- Approved 69 routine items including $23.8 million for roads and sewers, $525,000 homeless services contract, and anti-nepotism law.
- Approved instant runoff voting ballot measure for November 2024 election.
- Approved fees and fines for sidewalk vending permits.
- Approved collection of sewer fees on property tax bills.
Attendance
Place instant runoff voting ballot measure on November 2024 election
In Plain English
Richmond currently elects mayors and councilmembers using plurality voting, where candidates win with the most votes even if under 50%. This ballot measure would let voters rank candidates in order of preference. If approved, instant runoff voting takes effect once the county gets proper technology and council sets specific procedures.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt said resolution and authorize the City Attorney's Office and staff to finalize any necessary documents related to the ballot measure making sure that some change of language in terms of the question posed to the voters occurred and also in the Initiative Text (Exhibit A) it was made more clear in the last sentence of Section 3 (Instant Runoff Voting) as follows, 'At each round of counting, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and the votes given to the second choice are given to that candidate, and those voters who have had their first choice eliminated would have their votes go to their second choice candidate, which is then considered the operative vote, and continues in subsequent rounds if needed'
5 to 0
Hire polling company to test support for bond measure funding public safety building and library expansion
In Plain English
The city currently pays $3 million per year to lease the police station building. Fire stations are deteriorating and the library needs expansion. If approved, the city spends $50,000 to poll residents about a November bond measure that would fund a new public safety building, fire station upgrades, library expansion, and community center improvements.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To move forward with the recommended action, especially the poll; and if the poll comes back in favor, proceed with the other steps
Set fees and fines for sidewalk vending permits
In Plain English
The city recently created a new sidewalk vending program requiring permits for street vendors. This sets the permit fee at $104 per year and establishes fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 for violations. Vendors without permits face higher fines than those with valid permits.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To accept the proposed fees but not operationalize them until the following have been operationalized: a clear vendor outreach plan so vendors know that a permit is required and the rules to abide by; a clear protocol for tracking interactions and demographics to ensure and prevent selective enforcement; a clear way to submit and track complaints, locations, and vendors; and create at least a pilot of the Mobile Vendor Program that outlines ways people can get support capacity building the financial hardship program
5 to 0
Review 4 liability claims against the city in closed session
In Plain English
The city council will discuss potential lawsuits or damage claims filed by 4 residents in a private meeting. State law requires these discussions happen behind closed doors to protect legal strategy. The city faces potential financial liability if any claims are valid.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve $280,000 spending plan for public housing maintenance supplies through 2026
In Plain English
The Richmond Housing Authority manages 100 public housing units at Nystrom Village. The authority needs supplies for routine maintenance and preparing vacant units for new tenants. If approved, the city spends up to $140,000 per year on materials like plumbing fixtures and paint through HD Supply.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Report on new city employees hired recently
In Plain English
The city regularly updates the council on new hires across all departments. This routine personnel report lists recently hired employees and their positions. The report helps track staffing levels and hiring activity throughout city government.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve collection of sewer fees on property tax bills
In Plain English
The city collects $32.7 million in wastewater fees and $2 million in stormwater fees annually to operate its sewer system. Single-family homes pay $1,121 per year for sewer service plus $32 for stormwater drainage. If approved, these fees appear as separate line items on your 2024-25 property tax bill.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt said a resolution
5 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.