Tuesday, October 20, 2009
JointPresiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 7:05 p.m. · 13 items · 26 votes · 6 public comments
What happened
- Approved travel expenses for Mayor's delegation to sister city Regla, Cuba (Bates dissenting).
- Approved ban on tobacco sales in pharmacies (Bates dissenting).
- Approved requirement for restaurants and city facilities to use compostable plates and cups (Bates dissenting).
- Approved $417,900 contract with Western Roofing Services to re-roof 2 fire stations.
- Approved 12 routine items including $400,000 law firm contract and $301,000 apartment rehabilitation loan.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Environment(1 item)
Require restaurants and city facilities to use compostable plates and cups
In Plain English
All Richmond restaurants, food trucks, and city offices must switch from plastic and styrofoam containers to biodegradable alternatives. The city also commits to creating food waste pickup programs for homes and businesses. If approved, businesses have time to use up existing supplies before the requirement takes effect.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extend the meeting for one hour
0 to 1
Adopt a resolution; City of Richmond set up a bulk purchase program to reduce the cost; City staff, on an ongoing basis, shop the market for deals; and implement a San Francisco style exemption based on increased costs that businesses may apply for
6 to 1
Extend the meeting until 12:30 a.m.
0 to 1
Zoning(1 item)
Decide appeal of Planning Commission's approval for house on substandard lot
In Plain English
The Planning Commission approved a house project at Vine and Terrace Avenues despite the lot being smaller than city rules normally allow. Someone appealed this decision to the city council. If the council upholds the appeal, the house project gets blocked.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extend the meeting for 15 minutes from 12:36 to 12:51 a.m.
0 to 1
Deny the appeal and approve the original design approved by the Design Review Board and Planning Commission
Approve staff's recommendation
Grant the appeal and deny the development plan and variance without discrimination
Extend the meeting
0 to 1
Support staff's recommendation or start the process from the beginning
4 to 1
Contracts(5 items)
Hire engineering firm and accept $2.7 million in county funding for Marina Bay railroad overpass
In Plain English
The city plans to build an overpass so Marina Bay Parkway crosses over the railroad tracks instead of at street level. BKF Engineers will design the project for $2.7 million. Contra Costa County provides matching funding through Measure J transportation tax. If approved, the overpass eliminates train delays for drivers and improves safety.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Joint Resolution No. 117-09 and 09-37 and City Council Resolution No. 118-09 authorizing execution of contract with BKF and Master Cooperative Agreement with Contra Costa Transportation Authority
5 to 0
Contract with Western Roofing Services to re-roof 2 fire stations for $417,900
In Plain English
Fire Stations 62 and 64 need new roofs to maintain safe operations. The city selected Western Roofing Services through a competitive bidding process. If approved, the company replaces both roofs for a total cost of $417,900.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
6 to 0
Approve travel expenses for Mayor's delegation to sister city Regla, Cuba
In Plain English
Richmond has a sister city partnership with Regla, Cuba that involves cultural and diplomatic exchanges. The Mayor plans to lead a delegation of city officials and staff to visit Regla. If approved, the city pays for airfare, hotels, and other travel costs for the group.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the travel expenses
4 to 1
Reject all bids for 2009 road repair project and restart bidding process
In Plain English
The city received bids to repair roads but none of the contractors met Richmond's requirements for hiring local workers or minority-owned businesses. All bids get thrown out and the city starts over with new bidding. This delays road repairs but ensures contractors follow the city's employment rules.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the item
6 to 0
Hire Phoenix Electric Co. to improve lighting at 3 city parks
In Plain English
The city plans to upgrade lighting at Nicholl Park, Kern Play Lot, and Atchison Park. Phoenix Electric Co. would handle the installation work between October 2009 and June 2010. If approved, the project costs up to $47,500 and improves safety and visibility at these neighborhood parks.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
6 to 0
Governance(2 items)
Ban tobacco sales in pharmacies
In Plain English
Richmond pharmacies can currently sell cigarettes and other tobacco products alongside prescription medications. This new law prohibits all tobacco sales in pharmacies. If approved, customers must buy tobacco products at other retail locations like convenience stores or gas stations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Call for the question
Approve the ordinance for first reading
6 to 1
Review community center rental policies and free programming schedule
In Plain English
The city operates community centers that residents can rent for events and that offer free programs like fitness classes or youth activities. City council will examine current rental fees, booking rules, and which programs the city provides at no cost. This review could lead to changes in what you pay to rent space or what free activities are available.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Proclamation(1 item)
Pass formal resolution supporting teachers and students in local school district
In Plain English
The Human Relations and Human Rights Commission asked the city council to formally back teachers and students in West Contra Costa Unified School District. The resolution expresses the city's position but has no financial impact. Richmond residents attend schools in this district.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 122-09
Housing(1 item)
Amend city law on evicting tenants from foreclosed properties
In Plain English
Current city rules about evicting tenants from foreclosed homes conflict with state and federal laws. The updated law ensures Richmond's eviction restrictions match higher-level requirements. This protects tenants' rights while keeping the city compliant with legal standards.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 34-09 N.S.
6 to 0
Infrastructure(1 item)
Accept completed $3.9 million street repaving project by Bay Cities Paving
In Plain English
Bay Cities Paving finished repaving city streets under a 2008 contract. The company completed the work for $3.9 million. City council must formally accept the finished project before final payment.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Accept the work completed
6 to 0
Budget(1 item)
Amend housing spending plan for 2007-2008 and 2009-2010 budgets
In Plain English
The city creates annual plans detailing how it spends federal housing grants on affordable housing, homelessness programs, and neighborhood improvements. This amendment changes how the city allocated money in those two budget years. The public hearing allows residents to comment before the council votes on the changes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Adopt City Council Resolution No. 121-09 approving the amendment to the Plan and Agency Board Resolution No. 09-38 to authorize the Agency to administer the Plan as amended
Approved as a group without individual discussion.