Tuesday, February 16, 2021

5 items · 17 votes · 64 public comments

What happened

  • Approved additional eviction protections for renters during COVID-19, passing 5-1 (Butt dissenting).
  • Approved directing staff to invite agencies to report on Chevron spill incident, passing 5-1 (Butt dissenting).
  • Approved changes to neighborhood parking regulations, passing 5-1 (Martinez dissenting).
  • Elected Councilmember Johnson III as Vice Mayor for 2021 unanimously.
  • Approved 9 routine items including $2.7 million sewer contract and $790,655 street intersection improvements.

Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records

View official: Agenda

Attendance

Demnlus Johnson III(Present)
Eduardo Martinez(Present)
Gayle McLaughlin(Present)
Melvin Willis(Present)
Claudia Jimenez(Absent)
Tom Butt(Present)
Nat Bates(Present)
6 substantive items · 9 consent · 1 procedural

Governance(2 items)

Elect Councilmember Johnson III as Vice Mayor for 2021

Vice Mayor Election

In Plain English

The city council chooses one of its members to serve as Vice Mayor each year. The Vice Mayor runs meetings when the Mayor is absent and represents the city at certain events. Johnson III would serve this ceremonial role for the calendar year.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

To elect Councilmember Johnson III as vice mayor of 2021

Moved by: Melvin WillisSeconded by: Eduardo Martinez
Passed

6 to 0

Thomas K. ButtAye
Nathaniel BatesAbsent
Claudia JimenezAye
Demnlus Johnson IIIAye
Eduardo MartinezAye
Gayle McLaughlinAye
Melvin WillisAye

Amend neighborhood parking regulations law

5-1Police & Community Safety

In Plain English

The city plans to update its parking rules for residential neighborhoods. Current regulations are in Richmond Municipal Code chapter 14.46. The proposed changes would modify how parking is managed on neighborhood streets, though specific details are not yet available.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

Substitute motion to postpone the matter for further discussion

Moved by: Eduardo Martinez
Failed

To receive the first reading of the ordinance

Moved by: Melvin WillisSeconded by: Gayle McLaughlin
Passed

5 to 1

Thomas K. ButtAye
Nathaniel BatesAbsent
Claudia JimenezAye
Gayle McLaughlinAye
Melvin WillisAye
Demnlus Johnson IIIAye
Eduardo MartinezNay

Housing(1 item)

Explore additional eviction protections for Richmond residential renters during COVID-19

5-1Police & Community Safety

In Plain English

The city council wants staff to research new ways to protect renters from eviction during the pandemic. Richmond currently follows state and federal eviction rules, but some residents may need stronger local protections. If approved, staff will study options like extended notice periods or rent payment assistance programs.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

Directing staff to draft eviction options based on Oakland ordinances for Council consideration as soon as possible

Moved by: Melvin WillisSeconded by: Gayle McLaughlin
Passed

5 to 1

Thomas K. ButtNay
Nathaniel BatesAbsent
Claudia JimenezAye
Eduardo MartinezAye
Gayle McLaughlinAye
Melvin WillisAye
Demnlus Johnson IIIAye

Environment(1 item)

Direct staff to invite agency representatives to report on Chevron spill incident

5-1Chevron & the Refinery

In Plain English

A Chevron spill incident recently occurred in the city. The council wants representatives from various agencies to attend the February 23 meeting. If approved, these officials will present reports about what happened and how it was handled.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

Motion to extend meeting to 11:30 p.m.

Moved by: Eduardo MartinezSeconded by: Gayle McLaughlin
Passed

5 to 1

Thomas K. ButtNay
Nathaniel BatesAbsent
Claudia JimenezAye
Eduardo MartinezAye
Gayle McLaughlinAye
Melvin WillisAye
Demnlus Johnson IIIAye

Directing staff to research case studies of other cities that have had transitions from the fossil fuel industry and to engage local partners in drafting recommendations for the Council's consideration on how to plan for a just transition

Moved by: Eduardo MartinezSeconded by: Claudia Jimenez
Passed

5 to 1

Thomas K. ButtNay
Nathaniel BatesAbsent
Claudia JimenezAye
Eduardo MartinezAye
Gayle McLaughlinAye
Melvin WillisAye
Demnlus Johnson IIIAye

Motion to suspend rules and extend meeting to complete discussion for item H-2

Moved by: Melvin WillisSeconded by: Gayle McLaughlin
Passed

5 to 1

Thomas K. ButtNay
Nathaniel BatesAbsent
Claudia JimenezAye
Eduardo MartinezAye
Gayle McLaughlinAye
Melvin WillisAye
Demnlus Johnson IIIAye

Budget(1 item)

Review mid-year city budget and approve spending adjustments

Mid-Year Budget Review

In Plain English

The city reviews its budget halfway through each fiscal year to track spending and revenue. City staff identified areas where departments spent more or less than expected. If approved, the adjustments move money between budget categories to match actual needs.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

To adopt Resolution No. 19-21

Moved by: Melvin WillisSeconded by: Demnlus Johnson III
Passed

6 to 0

Thomas K. ButtAye
Nathaniel BatesAbsent
Claudia JimenezAye
Eduardo MartinezAye
Gayle McLaughlinAye
Melvin WillisAye
Demnlus Johnson IIIAye

Miscellaneous(1 item)

Details

In Plain English

This agenda item lacks any description or details, making it impossible to explain what the city council will be discussing or deciding. Residents would need to contact the city clerk or attend the meeting to learn what this item involves.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Approved as a group without individual discussion.

H-11Meeting Minutes Approval