Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:51 p.m. · 12 items · 11 votes · 8 public comments
What happened
- Approved directing staff to get board input on Point Molate casino project 5-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Approved banning urinating and defecating in public spaces.
- Approved banning open alcohol containers on streets and sidewalks with Mayor McLaughlin abstaining.
- Approved contract with Malachi Construction for concrete repairs.
- Approved consent item supporting Senate Bill 406 on land use.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Zoning(2 items)
Hold public hearing on appeal of lot subdivision approval at 367 Western Drive
In Plain English
The Planning Commission approved splitting one residential lot into multiple parcels at 367 Western Drive. Matt Anacker appealed this decision to the city council. The council will hear arguments from both sides and decide whether to uphold or overturn the Planning Commission's approval.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Direct staff to get Design Review Board and Planning Commission input on Point Molate casino project
In Plain English
The city council wants more feedback from 2 advisory boards before making final decisions on the proposed Point Molate resort and casino. The Design Review Board reviews building appearances and the Planning Commission reviews land use impacts. If approved, staff schedules formal meetings with both boards to gather their recommendations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct the Design Review Board to review the design documents in December, and the Planning Commission to review the final EIR by December 31, 2009, at the earliest. If a further extension is needed, the item must come back to the Council for consideration
5 to 1
Governance(6 items)
Ban urinating and defecating in public spaces
In Plain English
Richmond currently lacks a specific law against public urination and defecation. The new law would make these acts illegal throughout the city. If approved, police can cite violators with fines or other penalties.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 32-09 N.S.
6 to 0
Ban open alcohol containers on streets and sidewalks
In Plain English
The city currently allows people to carry open beer, wine, and liquor containers on public streets and sidewalks. If approved, police can cite anyone drinking alcohol in these areas. The law targets public drinking that creates safety concerns and neighborhood complaints.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt the ordinance, with direction to Chief Magnus to address recycling and private property issues in the administrative policy
5 to 0
Set maximum fares that taxicab companies can charge passengers
In Plain English
Richmond currently has no limit on what taxi companies can charge riders. The city wants to establish maximum rates to protect passengers from price gouging. If approved, taxi companies cannot charge more than the city-set limits for rides within Richmond.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 111-09
6 to 0
Establish 45-day ban on new tobacco shop permits
In Plain English
The city currently accepts applications for new tobacco stores and vape shops. If approved, no new tobacco retailers can get permits for 45 days. This emergency measure gives the city time to study tobacco retail rules before more shops open.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Update law restricting evictions during home foreclosures
In Plain English
Richmond has rules protecting tenants from eviction when their rental property enters foreclosure. State and federal foreclosure laws have changed since the city wrote its rules. The updates ensure Richmond's tenant protections match current state and federal requirements.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Give ordinance first reading and lay over two weeks for second reading
6 to 0
Designate voting delegate for National League of Cities Annual Business Meeting
In Plain English
The city must send a representative to vote on national municipal policy issues at the league's annual meeting. Richmond belongs to this nationwide organization of cities that advocates for local government interests. The delegate votes on resolutions that guide the league's policy positions on federal legislation affecting cities.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Nominate Councilmember Bates as voting delegate
6 to 0
Contracts(2 items)
Contract with Malachi Construction for miscellaneous concrete repairs
In Plain English
The city needs to fix damaged concrete around town including sidewalks, curbs, and other surfaces. Malachi Construction would handle these repairs over the next 2 years. The contract covers routine maintenance that keeps walkways safe and prevents bigger problems later.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
6 to 0
Hire consultant to create strategic action plan for Recreation Department
In Plain English
The Recreation Department wants to develop a comprehensive strategic plan to guide its operations and programs. The city would hire Brent Ives of BHI Management Consulting for 6 months to analyze current services and create an action plan. If approved, this helps the department set priorities and improve recreation programs for residents.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
6 to 0
Personnel(1 item)
Grant 2 additional years of retirement credit for city employees
In Plain English
City employees can earn 2 extra years toward their CalPERS retirement benefits during a designated time period. This early retirement program helps employees retire sooner with full benefits. The city previously offered this program and is now extending the eligibility window.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 110-09
6 to 0
Miscellaneous(1 item)
Discuss poor Super Shuttle and AT&T service in some Richmond neighborhoods
In Plain English
Some Richmond residents cannot get Super Shuttle airport transportation because the company refuses to serve the 94804 zip code. AT&T also provides inadequate service in certain city areas. The council will discuss these service gaps and consider potential solutions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct the city attorney and city manager to meet with AT&T and Super Shuttle to find out what the issues are and what the City needs to do to resolve them; if the City is not satisfied, direct staff to come back to the Council with recommendations for filing complaints against these companies
6 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.