Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Presiding: Mayor Tom Butt · Called to order: 6:02 p.m. · 4 items · 20 votes · 26 public comments
What happened
- Approved 14 routine items including $79,000 increase to Anovo Systems contract and $169,833 debt write-off.
- Elected new Vice Mayor for 2016 with one abstention (Pimplé abstaining).
- Approved formal statement opposing violence, hate crimes, and discrimination.
- Approved employee donation program to support Richmond Promise scholarships.
- Heard review of metal recycling facility's land use permit without voting.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(2 items)
Elect new Vice Mayor for 2016
In Plain English
The city council chooses one of its members to serve as Vice Mayor for the year. The Vice Mayor fills in when the Mayor is absent and helps with ceremonial duties. This is an annual tradition that rotates among council members.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Motion to appoint Councilmember Bates as Vice Mayor
2 to 3
Motion to nominate Councilmember Martinez as the new Vice Mayor
6 to 0
Create employee donation program and request business support for Richmond Promise scholarships
In Plain English
Richmond Promise provides college scholarships to local high school graduates. The city wants to raise more money through voluntary employee donations and by asking businesses and the school district to contribute. If approved, city workers can donate through payroll deductions starting with the next United Way campaign.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Motion to establish a voluntary employee contribution program through the United Way Charitable Giving Campaign and direct the City Manager to write a letter to the West Contra Costa Unified District Board of Trustees requesting the same action
6 to 0
Proclamation(1 item)
Adopt formal statement opposing violence, hate crimes, and discrimination
In Plain English
The city council plans to pass a formal resolution condemning violence and discrimination against all groups, including acts targeting Muslims. This type of resolution expresses the city's official position but does not create new laws or spending. If approved, the statement becomes part of the city's public record.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Motion to adopt Resolution No. 7-16, with direction to staff to send letters to nearby municipalities including Hercules, Pinole, El Cerrito, and San Pablo, and to write a letter to District Attorney Mark Peterson to prosecute the case to the fullest extent of the law
6 to 0
Zoning(1 item)
Review metal recycling facility's land use permit at Planning Commission hearing
In Plain English
Sims Metal Management operates a metal recycling facility at 600 South 4th Street under a conditional use permit. The city wants the Planning Commission to examine this permit in a public hearing. If changes result, the facility's operations or hours could be modified.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Appointments(1 item)
Appoint council members to regional committees and liaison roles for 2016
In Plain English
The city council assigns members to serve on various regional boards and committees each year. These appointments connect Richmond to regional planning groups, transportation authorities, and other multi-city partnerships. Council members represent Richmond's interests in regional decisions about housing, transit, and economic development.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Motion to approve appointments and updates with correction (removing Councilmember Myrick as liaison to the Planning Commission and adding Vice Mayor Martinez as Planning Commission liaison)
6 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.