Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:40 p.m. · 11 items · 20 votes · 31 public comments
What happened
- Rejected 3-year contract for City Attorney Bruce Goodmiller at $16,786 monthly by 3-2 vote (McLaughlin, Ritterman, Rogers dissenting).
- Approved allowing up to 6 medical marijuana dispensary permits 4-1 (McLaughlin dissenting, Beckles abstaining).
- Approved 7 routine items including $373,813 fire department grant and designating Standard Oil Building as historic landmark.
- Approved construction contracts with Sesco Electrical for pool lighting and Precision Concrete Cutting for sidewalk repairs.
- Approved placing advisory ballot measure about corporate campaign spending limits.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Contracts(7 items)
Pay annual fee for recreation class registration system maintenance
In Plain English
The city uses the CLASS System to let residents register for recreation programs online and by phone. The annual maintenance fee keeps the system running and provides technical support. If approved, residents can continue using the current registration process for parks and recreation classes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Contract with Catalog Choice to help residents stop junk mail
In Plain English
Residents currently have no easy way to stop unwanted catalogs and phone books from arriving at their homes. The city contracts with Catalog Choice, a service that contacts companies on behalf of residents to remove them from mailing lists. Residents can sign up online and request removal from specific catalogs or all junk mail.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Accept $312,775 grant for Fire Department hazmat training and administration
In Plain English
The Fire Department received a federal grant to fund its hazardous materials response program. The money covers specialized training for firefighters who handle chemical spills, gas leaks, and other dangerous substance emergencies. If approved, the city gets this funding at no local cost to taxpayers.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Award construction contract to renovate Solano Play Lot playground
In Plain English
The city plans to hire a contractor to renovate the playground at Solano Play Lot. The current playground equipment needs updating for safety and accessibility. If approved, construction begins soon to provide families with improved play facilities.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve contract with Community Playgrounds
5 to 0
Approve 3-year contract for City Attorney Bruce Goodmiller at $16,786 monthly
In Plain English
The city needs to formalize employment terms for its chief legal officer. The contract sets Goodmiller's base pay at $201,432 annually for 3 years. If approved, the city secures consistent legal leadership through 2027.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve contract with goal-setting meeting with City Attorney Bruce Goodmiller
3 to 2
Continue item to give Councilmembers Bates and Butt opportunity to informally interview Bruce Goodmiller
2 to 3
Overturn Mayor McLaughlin's decision to continue item
2 to 3
Contract with Sesco Electrical for pool lighting maintenance at Natatorium
In Plain English
The city pool at 1 East Richmond Avenue needs regular maintenance for its overhead lighting system. Sesco Electrical will handle repairs and upkeep to keep the lights working properly. This ensures safe swimming conditions and proper visibility for pool users.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve contract with Sesco Electrical
5 to 0
Contract with Precision Concrete Cutting for sidewalk repairs
In Plain English
The city needs to fix uneven sidewalks that create tripping hazards for pedestrians. Precision Concrete Cutting will cut and level concrete sections to make walkways safer. If approved, the company handles routine sidewalk maintenance citywide.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve one-year contract in amount not to exceed $40,000
5 to 0
Governance(2 items)
Place advisory measure on ballot about corporate campaign spending limits
In Plain English
Richmond voters would see a non-binding question on the November 2012 ballot asking their opinion on a constitutional amendment. The measure addresses corporate rights in elections and limits on campaign spending. If approved, the ballot question has no legal force but shows voter sentiment on this national issue.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 27-12a
6 to 0
Allow up to 6 medical marijuana dispensary permits and location changes
In Plain English
Current city law limits medical marijuana dispensaries but doesn't specify how many permits the city can issue. The amendment sets a clear limit of 6 permits total. It also creates a formal process for existing dispensaries to move to new locations if needed.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Continue item until there was a full Council
2 to 3
Approve the item
3 to 2
Follow direction of Public Safety Committee to move item forward
4 to 1
Budget(1 item)
Accept $379,720 county grant for hazardous materials response
In Plain English
Contra Costa County offers Richmond this grant to improve the city's ability to respond to chemical spills, toxic leaks, and other hazardous material emergencies. The grant requires no city matching funds. If approved, Richmond receives specialized equipment and training for first responders.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Litigation(1 item)
Direct city attorney to petition state for Supreme Court review of refinery tax case
In Plain English
A recent court ruling could reduce property taxes that refineries pay to the city. The Western States Petroleum Association won a case that may lower how refineries are taxed statewide. If approved, Richmond's attorney asks the State Board of Equalization to appeal this decision to the California Supreme Court.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct city attorney to urge State Board of Equalization to seek Supreme Court review
5 to 0
Miscellaneous(1 item)
Receive report on Richmond Rockets basketball team
In Plain English
The city manager and a special council committee will present an update about the Richmond Rockets basketball team. The report covers the team's current status and relationship with the city. No staff report details are available about what specific topics the presentation will address.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve city sign-on to letter
6 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.