Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:36 p.m. · 8 items · 15 votes · 11 public comments
What happened
- Rejected $30 million tax anticipation notes borrowing plan.
- Approved seven routine items including $1.9 million Veolia settlement and $256,172 Sobrante Glen road contract.
- Approved limits on tobacco sales businesses (Viramontes abstained, Bates absent).
- Approved higher property assessments for Hilltop and Marina Bay landscaping services.
- Heard reports on budget items and wastewater rate increases.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Budget(4 items)
Receive report on 2010-2011 budget checklist items and provide staff direction
In Plain English
The city council previously identified specific budget items to review during their May 18 meeting. City staff prepared a report showing progress on those checklist items along with recommended budget additions from the city manager and finance director. The council will review this information and give staff guidance on how to proceed with the budget.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve higher property assessments for Hilltop landscaping services
In Plain English
Property owners in the Hilltop area pay special assessments to maintain landscaping in their neighborhood. The city wants to increase these annual fees based on an engineering study. If approved, residents will see higher charges on their property tax bills starting next year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 62-10, contingent upon the correct report being attached and determination from the City Attorney whether any further public noticing is required
6 to 0
Increase annual assessment for Marina Bay landscaping and lighting maintenance
In Plain English
The Marina Bay area has a special district that charges property owners extra fees to maintain landscaping and lighting beyond basic city services. The city wants to raise these annual assessments for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. A public hearing on July 20 will allow Marina Bay residents to comment before the council votes on the increase.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 63-10
6 to 0
Authorize borrowing up to $30 million through tax anticipation notes
In Plain English
The city collects most property taxes in December and April but pays expenses year-round. These short-term loans bridge the gap between when the city spends money and when tax revenue arrives. If approved, the city borrows against expected tax collections to maintain cash flow.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Authorize the $30 million Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note
5 to 0
Authorize only $15 million
Governance(4 items)
Limit which businesses can sell tobacco products
In Plain English
The city wants to restrict where tobacco can be sold by changing zoning rules. Current law allows tobacco sales in many business types across Richmond. If approved, fewer stores would qualify to sell cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 19-10
4 to 0
Support education about smart meters and urge halt to new installations
In Plain English
The city wants Pacific Gas & Electric to better educate residents about smart meters before installing them. Some residents face unexpected power shutoffs because they don't understand how the new meters work. If approved, Richmond asks state regulators to pause new smart meter installations until they finish investigating customer complaints.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 68-10 to possibly schedule a local meeting as well as meet with advocacy group TURN
6 to 0
Revise solid waste law to exclude recyclables and allow biweekly food waste collection
In Plain English
The city's current waste law defines recyclables as solid waste, creating confusion. The revised law clarifies that recyclables are separate from garbage. Residents could get biweekly pickup of food scraps mixed with yard waste for composting instead of throwing food in regular trash.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
First reading and laid over two weeks for second reading, with the inclusion of the amended page provided at the meeting
6 to 0
Clarify which government signs are exempt from city sign rules
In Plain English
Richmond's sign law currently has unclear language about which government signs don't need permits. The proposed change specifies that official notices, traffic signs, and danger signs are exempt from normal sign regulations. This clarifies existing policy rather than creating new exemptions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
First reading and laid over two weeks for second reading
6 to 0
Infrastructure(1 item)
Hold public hearing on proposed wastewater rate increase
In Plain English
The city council postponed this hearing from May 4 to gather more public input on raising wastewater rates. Residents can speak for or against the proposed increase. The city has not yet announced the specific rate amounts or effective date.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.