Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:35 p.m. · 4 items · 8 votes · 25 public comments
What happened
- Approved $40,000 campaign donation limit for publicly funded candidates 5-2 (Bates, Boozé dissenting).
- Approved changing city law to call pet owners 'guardians' instead of 'owners' 6-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Approved appointing 1 planning commissioner and 4 mitigation fund committee members 6-1 (Boozé dissenting).
- Approved 3 routine items including $78,000 annual lease to El Cerrito Honda for car storage.
- Approved reviewing Red Oak Victory ship rental payments collected since 1999.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(2 items)
Change city law to call pet owners 'guardians' instead of 'owners'
In Plain English
The city's animal control law currently uses the term 'owner' to describe people who have pets. This change updates the language to 'guardian' throughout the municipal code. The legal requirements for pet registration, licensing, and care remain exactly the same.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 5-12 N.S.
5 to 1
Limit campaign donations to $40,000 for candidates who receive public matching funds
In Plain English
Richmond offers public matching funds to help candidates run for office without relying heavily on large donors. Currently, candidates can receive unlimited contributions even while getting taxpayer money. If approved, candidates who take public matching funds cannot accept more than $40,000 total in private donations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
End debate
4 to 3
First reading and lay over two weeks for second reading
5 to 2
Miscellaneous(1 item)
Review Red Oak Victory ship rental payments collected since 1999
In Plain English
The city has been collecting rent from the Red Oak Victory historic ship at Terminal One for 25 years. Staff will report on whether these rental payments were legally authorized. The Red Oak Victory is a World War II cargo ship that serves as a floating museum.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
End debate
5 to 2
Direct staff to evaluate possibility of relocating Red Oak Victory and come back with recommendation
2 to 5
Provide policy direction to enter into agreement between City and Richmond Museum of History for long term free berthing in exchange for maintaining ship and public access
7 to 0
Appointments(1 item)
Appoint 1 planning commissioner and 4 mitigation fund committee members
In Plain English
The city needs to fill vacant positions on 2 boards that advise the city council. The Planning Commission reviews new development projects and zoning changes. The Veolia Mitigation Fund Committee distributes money from pollution settlements to help affected neighborhoods.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
End debate
Approve the appointments
6 to 1
Approved as a group without individual discussion.