Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Presiding: Mayor Tom Butt · Called to order: 6:41 p.m. · 12 items · 25 votes · 32 public comments
What happened
- Failed to appoint members to Rent Board, Police Review Commission, and Planning Commission.
- Approved annual rental housing fees of $212 and $112 per unit with Butt dissenting.
- Approved $45 million wastewater revenue bonds for system improvements and refinancing.
- Approved opposing BNSF Railway plan to reactivate trains through Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline Park.
- Approved 19 routine items including $1.4 million solar panel contract for low-income households.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Appointments(1 item)
Appoint members to Rent Board, Police Review Commission, and Planning Commission
In Plain English
The city fills vacant seats on 3 boards that advise the council. The Rent Board handles landlord-tenant disputes and sets rent increase limits. The Police Review Commission investigates complaints against officers. The Planning Commission reviews new development projects and zoning changes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve all appointments
Approve only the appointments to the Citizens Police Review Commission
Overrule the mayor's withdrawal of the item
4 to 1
Approve all appointments except for Alana Grice Conner
Adjourn the meeting
Housing(1 item)
Establish annual fees of $212 and $112 for rental housing units
In Plain English
The city wants to charge landlords annual fees based on rent control status. Landlords with rent-controlled units pay $212 per unit while those with partially regulated units pay $112 per unit. If approved, these fees help fund rental housing programs and enforcement.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 40-19
5 to 1
Governance(8 items)
Support 3 state bills to increase regulation of charter schools
In Plain English
The city council will vote on whether to formally support 3 Assembly bills that would create new state regulations for charter schools. These bills would change how charter schools operate in California. The council's vote sends a message to state lawmakers but does not directly affect Richmond schools.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 36-19
Support California bill to allow cities to create public banks
In Plain English
California currently prohibits cities from operating their own banks. Assembly Bill 857 would change state law to let cities create public banks that could offer loans and banking services. If the city council approves this support, Richmond joins other cities backing the legislation.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 37-19
Master Fee Schedule ordinance introduction
Official Agenda Text
Votes
Give ordinance first reading and lay over for two weeks for second reading
6 to 0
Oppose BNSF Railway plan to reactivate trains through Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline Park
In Plain English
BNSF Railway wants to start running trains again through Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline Park. The railroad tracks currently exist but are not in active use. If the railway reactivates this route, trains would run through the popular waterfront park where residents walk, bike, and enjoy bay views.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 39-19
6 to 0
Public Records Act fee ordinance
Official Agenda Text
Change quorum rules for Citizens Police Review Commission
In Plain English
The Citizens Police Review Commission currently has unclear rules about how many members must attend meetings to conduct business. The city wants to update the law to base quorum on how many commissioners are actually appointed rather than total possible seats. This ensures the commission can meet and review police matters even when some positions are vacant.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Reestablish coordination committee with West Contra Costa school district
In Plain English
The city previously had a joint committee with the school district to discuss shared issues like traffic around schools and after-school programs. This committee was dissolved at some point. If approved, city representatives will again meet regularly with school board members to coordinate on issues affecting both organizations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Add invasive species list to tree removal rules
In Plain English
Richmond currently regulates when residents can remove trees from their property. The updated law adds a specific list of invasive tree species that damage local ecosystems. If approved, property owners can more easily remove these harmful trees while other tree protections remain in place.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Budget(2 items)
Receive update on draft city budget for next year and 5-year capital projects
In Plain English
City staff presents the draft operating budget for fiscal year 2019-20 and the 5-year capital improvement plan through 2024. The operating budget covers day-to-day expenses like staff salaries, utilities, and services. The capital plan outlines major projects like road repairs, park improvements, and building upgrades.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Issue $45 million in wastewater revenue bonds for system improvements and refinancing
In Plain English
The city plans to sell bonds to fund wastewater system upgrades and replace existing debt with lower interest rates. Revenue bonds use sewer fees, not taxes, to pay back investors. If approved, the city can borrow money for infrastructure repairs and potentially reduce annual debt payments.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 38-19
6 to 0
Proclamation(1 item)
Recognize Peace Officers' Memorial Day and National Police Week
In Plain English
The city formally honors fallen police officers during National Police Week, which runs May 12-18. This annual recognition commemorates officers who died in the line of duty. The proclamation shows community support for law enforcement and remembrance of their sacrifices.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.