Tuesday, October 3, 2023
SpecialPresiding: Mayor Eduardo Martinez · Called to order: 4:30 p.m. · 3 items · 10 votes · 19 public comments
What happened
- Approved staff directive to analyze city budget without oil industry revenue after 2 public comments.
- Approved 6 routine items including $10.7 million climate grants to Urban Tilth and Rich City Rides.
- Approved declaring city land surplus and amending Metrowalk Phase 2 development agreement.
- Approved contract amendment for engineering services during Winehaven roof repairs.
Attendance
Contracts(2 items)
Declare city land exempt surplus and amend development agreement for Metrowalk Phase 2
In Plain English
The city owns land needed for the next phase of the Metrowalk development project. Declaring it exempt surplus allows the city to sell or transfer the property directly to the developer without a public bidding process. The 12th amendment updates the original development agreement terms for this phase of construction.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve the item on the Consent Calendar
7 to 0
Amend contract for engineering services during Winehaven roof repairs
In Plain English
The city hired Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates to design roof repairs at the historic Winehaven buildings on Point Richmond. The original contract covered design work only. If approved, the firm continues providing engineering oversight during actual construction to ensure repairs meet historic preservation standards.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To direct staff to negotiate and finalize said contract amendment as recommended and utilize Scope 2
7 to 0
Budget(1 item)
Direct staff to finalize request for analysis of city budget without oil industry revenue
In Plain English
Richmond relies heavily on petroleum industry taxes and related business revenue to fund city services. The Chevron tax settlement alone provides $4 million annually but expires in 2025. If approved, the city hires consultants to study how much total oil revenue the city receives and develop backup funding strategies as the industry declines.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To direct the Mayor's Office staff to work with the City Attorney's Office to finalize the Request for Proposal (RFP) with a scope of work that includes: (a) to complete a Long-Term Financial Analysis of the city's budget considering the three scenarios presented regarding the petroleum industry; (b) to propose revenue-generating measures that can be deployed in the near term in order to shore up the city's finances in anticipation of any budget shortfall; and direct staff to move the RFP with the following calendar, beginning of December contract with the consultant and bring the analysis to the City Council in April of 2024
7 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.