Tuesday, July 20, 2010
JointPresiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 5:10 p.m. · 10 items · 19 votes · 19 public comments
What happened
- Rejected medical marijuana dispensaries from applying for permits in Richmond with only 3 yes votes.
- Approved ballot measure asking voters about Point Molate casino project 5-1 (Rogers dissenting).
- Approved requiring historic evaluation before demolishing buildings over 50 years old 4-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Approved 12 routine items including $400,000 extension with Valley Oil Company and $1.1 million Central Richmond Greenway completion.
- Approved allowing restaurants to serve food on sidewalks with permits and removing bingo game limits.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(7 items)
Place advisory ballot measure asking voters about Point Molate casino project
In Plain English
The city is considering whether to ask Richmond voters their opinion on a proposed casino development at Point Molate. This would be a non-binding advisory measure on the November 2010 ballot. If approved, the measure gives the city council guidance on whether residents support or oppose the casino project, but does not legally require any specific action.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 90-10
5 to 1
Remove limit on how many days per week organizations can hold bingo games
In Plain English
Current city law restricts how often nonprofit organizations can host bingo fundraisers each week. The proposed change eliminates this restriction entirely. Organizations could then hold bingo games any number of days they choose.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
First reading and lay over two weeks for second reading
6 to 0
Allow restaurants to serve food on public sidewalks with permits
In Plain English
Restaurants currently cannot set up tables and chairs on city sidewalks. This law change creates a permit process for outdoor dining on public sidewalks. If approved, restaurants pay fees for encroachment and conditional use permits to serve customers outside.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
First reading and lay over two weeks for second reading
6 to 0
Allow medical marijuana dispensaries to apply for permits in Richmond
In Plain English
Richmond currently has no legal framework for medical marijuana dispensaries to operate in the city. This law creates a permit process that lets dispensaries apply to open locations. If approved, patients with medical marijuana cards can access dispensaries locally instead of traveling to other cities.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Accept ordinance with amendments: no limit on dispensaries; allow in any commercial zone; remove 1,000 feet limit from schools/parks; no heavy police presence; City Manager issues licenses; collectives only possess marijuana cultivated by management members or at documented/inspected locations
4 to 3
Dispensaries in C-3 zoning only; certified/trained dispensers; quality control room; separate intake room; different security levels; limit to three dispensaries for one year; offer 2-3 other services; one ounce limit; allow Public Safety Committee chair to call special meeting for appeals; 500 feet from library/community center/park; only one dispensary permitted
3 to 0
Require historic evaluation before demolishing buildings over 50 years old
In Plain English
Currently, property owners can demolish older buildings without checking if they have historic value. If approved, owners must get a historic evaluation before tearing down any structure built before 1974. The law also renames the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee to Historic Preservation Commission.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
First reading and lay over two weeks for second reading
4 to 1
Oppose Proposition 23 to keep state climate pollution standards
In Plain English
Proposition 23 would suspend California's 2006 law requiring companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The state law sets pollution limits and requires cleaner energy sources. If Proposition 23 passes, these environmental protections would be put on hold indefinitely.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 88-10
Designate Perennial Purple Tree Collard as Richmond's official green
In Plain English
Richmond currently has no official city green vegetable. The Perennial Purple Tree Collard is a leafy vegetable that grows well in local climate conditions. If approved, this becomes Richmond's symbolic representative green, similar to how other cities have official flowers or trees.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 89-10
Budget(2 items)
Increase annual fees for Hilltop neighborhood landscape maintenance
In Plain English
Property owners in the Hilltop area pay annual assessments to maintain landscaping in their neighborhood. The city proposes raising these fees for the 2010-2011 budget year. If approved, homeowners in this district pay higher annual assessments to cover rising maintenance costs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Adopt Resolution No. 86-10
Set annual property assessments for Marina Bay landscaping and lighting district
In Plain English
Property owners in Marina Bay pay special assessments to maintain landscaping and lighting in their neighborhood. The city sets these annual rates to cover maintenance costs like tree trimming, irrigation, and streetlight repairs. If approved, property owners receive bills based on their lot size and location within the district.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Adopt Resolution No. 87-10
Contracts(1 item)
Purchase safety and operation equipment for Richmond Plunge pool
In Plain English
The city needs new safety and operational equipment for the Richmond Plunge public pool facility. Lincoln Aquatics will provide the equipment for up to $50,500. The purchase ensures the pool meets safety standards and continues operating properly for swimmers.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the purchase
7 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.