Tuesday, March 8, 2011
SpecialPresiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 5:06 p.m. · 4 items · 10 votes
What happened
- Approved environmental review for Point Molate casino and resort project 4-1 (McLaughlin dissenting).
- Approved creating 0.5% sales tax increase for June 2011 voter approval.
- Approved scheduling advisory election asking voters how to spend new sales tax revenue.
- Declared fiscal emergency to put sales tax increase on June ballot.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Zoning(1 item)
Certify environmental review for Point Molate casino and resort project
In Plain English
The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria want to build a casino, hotel, and shopping complex at Point Molate near the Richmond Bridge. State law requires cities to complete environmental studies before approving major developments. If approved, this certification means the environmental review meets legal requirements and the project can move to the next approval phase.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Certified the FEIR with inclusion of Version A Errata Items 1,2,4,5,6,7, and 8
6 to 0
Include Errata Version B-3, Traffic Impacts, in the Errata to the FEIR
5 to 0
Include Errata Version B-9, Environmental Tobacco Smoke, into the Errata to the FEIR
6 to 0
Include Errata Version B-10, Biological Resources, into the Errata to the FEIR
6 to 0
Include Errata Version A, Item 11, Wastewater Treatment, and included the words "fair share" in the Errata to the FEIR, which were excluded in error
6 to 0
Extend the meeting until all items left on the agenda were completed
0 to 1
Include Errata Version B-12, Bay Trail, in the Errata to the FEIR
Use Version A-12, Bay Trail, in the Errata to the FEIR and include "fair share" language
4 to 2
Certify the FEIR with all Errata Version A Items 1 – 12, disregard any previous Version B approvals
4 to 1
Governance(1 item)
Schedule advisory election asking voters how to spend new sales tax revenue
In Plain English
The city wants to ask voters how to divide revenue from a proposed new sales tax. Half would restore city services for low-income residents that were cut due to state budget reductions. The other half would restore school programs also eliminated by state funding cuts. This advisory vote provides guidance but does not legally bind the city or school district.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 17-11 calling for, giving notice of, and requesting consolidation of an advisory election for Tuesday, June 7, 2011
5 to 0
Budget(2 items)
Introduce law creating 0.5% sales tax for June 2011 voter approval
In Plain English
The city wants to add a half-cent sales tax on purchases made within city limits. State officials would collect the tax alongside existing sales tax. Voters must approve this tax increase at a special election in June 2011 before it takes effect.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Said ordinance received first reading and was laid over two weeks for second reading
6 to 0
Declare fiscal emergency to put sales tax increase on June ballot
In Plain English
The city faces a budget crisis requiring immediate action. Declaring a fiscal emergency allows the city to fast-track a ballot measure for the June 7, 2011 election. If approved by voters, a new 0.5% sales tax generates revenue to address the financial shortfall.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 18-11 declaring a fiscal emergency and calling and providing for the submission to the voters at the June 7, 2011, election of an ordinance