Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 5:15 p.m. · 5 items · 8 votes · 10 public comments
What happened
- Approved hiring law firm to defend lawsuit from Communities for a Better Environment 5-4 (Butt, McLaughlin, Rogers, Thurmond dissenting).
- Approved updated spending plan for North Richmond anti-dumping and blight cleanup fees.
- Approved regulation of official city seals and insignia use.
- Approved updated Master Fee Schedule and increased garbage collection rates based on inflation.
- Approved routine appointment of 3 people to youth baseball, development, and historic preservation boards.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Contracts(1 item)
Hire law firm to defend lawsuit from Communities for a Better Environment
In Plain English
Communities for a Better Environment has sued the city. Richmond needs outside legal help because this case requires specialized expertise. The law firm Shute, Mihaly and Weinberger will represent the city in court.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
seek services from a different attorney with expertise in CEQA and land use permits
approve a contract with the law firm of Shute, Mihaly and Weinberger LLP for representation of the City of Richmond in the action entitled Communities for a Better Environment vs. City of Richmond and a discussion at another meeting to identify additional firms to perform additional legal technical assistance in connection with Communities for a Better Environment vs. City of Richmond to assist in resolution of the matter, including exploring possible settlement
4 to 4
Governance(3 items)
Regulate use of official city seals and insignia
In Plain English
The city currently has no formal rules about who can use its official seal and logos. This law would set guidelines for when businesses, organizations, or individuals can display city symbols. If approved, unauthorized use of city seals becomes prohibited.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
said ordinance received first reading and was held over two weeks for second reading
9 to 0
Adopt updated Master Fee Schedule setting citywide service fees
In Plain English
The city charges fees for services like building permits, business licenses, and park rentals. The Master Fee Schedule lists all these fees in one document. This public hearing allows residents to comment before the council approves the updated fee amounts.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
close the public hearing
9 to 0
adopt Resolution No. 132-08 approving the Master Fee Schedule
9 to 0
Increase garbage collection rates based on inflation index
In Plain English
The city adjusts garbage collection rates annually based on the Consumer Price Index to account for inflation. Current rates have not kept pace with rising costs for waste management services. If approved, your monthly garbage bill increases to reflect current inflation levels.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
close the public hearing
9 to 0
increase the solid waste collection rates to reflect a change in the Consumer Price Index and direct staff to include information on the City of Richmond website regarding the free garbage days that are conducted for the citizens of Richmond by the Richmond Sanitary District and the City of Richmond
9 to 0
Environment(1 item)
Approve updated spending plan for North Richmond anti-dumping and blight cleanup fees
In Plain English
The city collects mitigation fees from the North Richmond Waste & Recovery facility to fight illegal dumping and blight in North Richmond neighborhoods. The original spending plan from 2008 needs updates to reflect current cleanup priorities. If approved, the revised plan directs how these facility fees get spent on community improvements and waste cleanup programs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
approve the Second Amended 2008/2009 North Richmond Waste & Recovery Mitigation Fee Expenditure Plan
9 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.