Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Presiding: Mayor Tom Butt · Called to order: 6:30 p.m. · 4 items · 6 votes · 9 public comments

What happened

  • Approved extending the ban on new school construction in commercial areas until December 2018.
  • Heard planning concepts for Northshore neighborhood development without taking action.
  • Received report on moving ID card program operations into existing city department.
  • Approved guidelines for Environmental and Community Investment Agreement grant program.
  • Approved routine appointments of Demnlus Johnson III and Mindy Pines to city commissions.

Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records

View official: Minutes

Attendance

Jovanka Beckles(Present)
Ben Choi(Present)
Eduardo Martinez(Present)
Ada Recinos(Present)
Melvin Willis(Present)
Tom Butt(Present)
Jael Myrick(Absent)
5 substantive items · 2 consent · 1 procedural

Governance(3 items)

Amend tobacco retailer license law to change store permit rules

Police & Community Safety

In Plain English

The city requires stores to get permits before selling cigarettes and tobacco products. City staff identified potential changes to these rules and wants council feedback. If approved, the updated law could affect how many stores can sell tobacco and where they can operate.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Explore moving ID card program operations into existing city department

Municipal ID Program

In Plain English

Richmond runs a municipal ID card program that helps residents access city services and benefits. City staff will study whether to transfer the program's intake and marketing functions from their current location into an established city department. This could streamline operations and potentially reduce costs.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

Approved the item

Moved by: Councilmember BecklesSeconded by: Vice Mayor Willis
Passed

6 to 0

Jovanka BecklesAye
Ben ChoiAye
Eduardo MartinezAye
Ada RecinosAye
Melvin WillisAye
Tom ButtAye

Approve guidelines for Environmental and Community Investment Agreement grant program

Environmental Justice

In Plain English

The Environmental and Community Investment Agreement creates a competitive grant program for local projects. The city council must approve the application process and guidelines before organizations can apply for funding. If approved, community groups and nonprofits can submit proposals for environmental and community improvement projects.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

Approved the item

Moved by: Vice Mayor WillisSeconded by: Councilmember Martinez
Passed

5 to 0

Ben ChoiAye
Eduardo MartinezAye
Ada RecinosAye
Melvin WillisAye
Tom ButtAye
Jovanka BecklesAbsent
Jael MyrickAbsent

Zoning(2 items)

Extend ban on new school construction in commercial areas until December 2018

Police & Community Safety

In Plain English

Richmond currently blocks new schools from being built in certain commercial and mixed-use neighborhoods. The temporary ban was set to expire soon. If approved, developers cannot apply to build schools in these zones for 8 more months while the city studies zoning rules.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

Adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 03-18 N.S.

Moved by: Councilmember BecklesSeconded by: Vice Mayor Willis
Passed

6 to 0

Jovanka BecklesAye
Ben ChoiAye
Eduardo MartinezAye
Ada RecinosAye
Melvin WillisAye
Tom ButtAye

Review planning concepts for Northshore neighborhood development

Northshore General Plan

In Plain English

The city is updating its long-term development plan for the Northshore area near the bay. Staff will present new ideas for housing, businesses, and infrastructure in this neighborhood. The city council provides feedback before creating the final plan that guides future construction and zoning decisions.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Approved as a group without individual discussion.

I-3Meeting minutes approval