Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Presiding: Mayor Thomas K. Butt · Called to order: 6:31 p.m. · 6 items · 37 votes · 15 public comments
What happened
- Approved raising minimum wage to $13.41 in 2018 and $15.00 in 2019.
- Approved requiring developers to include public art or pay into city art fund.
- Heard presentation on annexing North Richmond area but took no vote.
- Approved 30 routine items including $796,000 engineering contract for Yellow Brick Road project.
- Approved renewing Downtown Richmond Property and Business Improvement District for another term.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(4 items)
Renew Downtown Richmond Property and Business Improvement District for another term
In Plain English
Property owners in downtown Richmond pay special fees to fund extra services like cleaning, security, and marketing. The current district expires and needs renewal to continue operating. If approved, downtown property owners continue paying annual assessments based on their property value to maintain these enhanced services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 84-17
6 to 0
Authorize special assessments on properties with unpaid city fines
In Plain English
Some property owners owe the city money for code violations, nuisance cleanup costs, and foreclosure-related fines. The city can add these unpaid bills as liens on the properties, similar to unpaid taxes. If approved, the city collects the money when properties are sold or refinanced.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 85-17
7 to 0
Require developers to include public art or pay into city art fund
In Plain English
New developments worth $500,000 or more would need to include public art on-site. Residential projects with 10 or more units face the same requirement. Developers can pay into a city fund instead if they prefer not to install art directly.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
First reading of ordinance
7 to 0
Raise minimum wage to $13.41 in 2018 and $15.00 in 2019
In Plain English
The city currently has a minimum wage law with certain worker exemptions and a gradual increase schedule. The new law removes some exemptions so more workers qualify for higher pay. If approved, minimum wage jumps to $13.41 next month and $15.00 a year later.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
First reading of ordinance
7 to 0
Zoning(1 item)
Rule on T-Mobile's appeal of planning approval for cell tower project
In Plain English
T-Mobile appealed the Planning Commission's decision to approve changes to an existing cell tower permit. The company wants the city council to overturn that approval and change some requirements. The council delayed this decision from June and will now vote on whether to side with T-Mobile or uphold the planning commission's original approval.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Contracts(1 item)
Approve contract with Maze and Associates for annual audit services
In Plain English
The city needs an independent auditor to review its financial records each year as required by law. This contract covers only the current fiscal year for up to $350,310. If approved, Maze and Associates conducts the annual audit and reports findings directly to the city council.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve a one-year contract with Maze and Associates to provide annual audit services to the City and its related entities for FY 2016-17
7 to 0
Miscellaneous(1 item)
Receive presentation on annexing North Richmond area to the city
In Plain English
North Richmond is currently an unincorporated area managed by Contra Costa County, not the city. The city hired consultants to study whether adding this area would be financially beneficial and what services the city would need to provide. The presentation covers costs, revenues, and required city services if annexation moves forward.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.