Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 7:18 p.m. · 14 items · 8 votes · 14 public comments
What happened
- Rejected changes to council meeting times and agenda format 3-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Approved contract with BKF Engineers for Shields Reid Park lighting system 5-1 (McLaughlin dissenting).
- Approved amending law firm contract to prosecute BNSF railroad for blocking crossings 5-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Approved reducing required city cash reserves from 15% to 7% of budget.
- Approved 10 other items including smoking ban in apartments and new pipeline permit rules.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(8 items)
Enforce updated state energy efficiency standards for new buildings
In Plain English
California updated its building energy rules in 2008 to require better insulation, windows, and heating systems. The city must formally adopt these state standards to legally enforce them during building inspections. If approved, contractors building new homes and businesses follow stricter energy requirements.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopted Resolution No. 68-09
6 to 0
Repeal sign rules and ban new permanent signs for 120 days
In Plain English
The city's current sign ordinance will be completely removed. No new permanent signs can be installed anywhere in the city for 4 months. If approved, the city operates without sign regulations during this period while staff develops new rules.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopted Ordinance No. 19-09
Amend zoning law to address biodiesel facilities and operations
In Plain English
Richmond's current zoning rules do not specifically address where biodiesel production, storage, or distribution can operate in the city. This update clarifies which zones allow biodiesel facilities and what requirements they must meet. The changes help the city regulate this growing industry while supporting renewable fuel development.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Ordinance received first reading and was laid over two weeks for second reading
Require employers with 10+ workers to offer commuter benefits
In Plain English
Richmond employers with 10 or more employees must provide transportation benefits to help workers pay for public transit, carpools, or bike commutes. Many Bay Area cities already have similar requirements. If approved, this affects your workplace benefits if you work for a larger Richmond employer.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Ordinance received first reading and was laid over two weeks for second reading
Direct staff to create new rules for pipeline company permits
In Plain English
Pipeline companies need city permits called franchises to run gas and oil lines under city streets. The city lacks formal rules for reviewing these permits and renewing them when they expire. If approved, staff creates an ordinance with clear standards and hires outside lawyers to handle complex franchise negotiations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved all three components of the item
Amend City Council Rules of Procedure to change meeting times and agenda format
In Plain English
The city council operates under formal rules that govern when meetings happen and how agenda items are organized. The proposed changes would alter meeting start times, rearrange the order of agenda items, reduce the number of meetings, and modify how routine items are handled. If approved, residents will see different meeting schedules and agenda structures when attending or watching council meetings.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the consolidation of City Council, Redevelopment Agency, and other meetings
Adjust the City Council meeting times from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
6 to 0
Approved the alteration of the order of business
Members of the public only be allowed to remove items from the consent calendar if they oppose it
3 to 1
Endorse state ballot initiative for publicly financing Secretary of State races
In Plain English
A ballot initiative aims to create public financing for California Secretary of State campaigns instead of relying on private donations. The city council considers formally endorsing this statewide measure. If approved, Richmond joins other cities supporting campaign finance reform at the state level.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved endorsement of the California Fair Elections Act Initiative
5 to 0
Create delegation to meet with federal officials about ARRA funding
In Plain English
ARRA refers to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, federal stimulus funding. The city wants to send representatives to Washington D.C. to meet with Congress members and federal agencies. If approved, staff will organize the trip to advocate for Richmond's funding priorities.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved creation of ARRA delegation
Contracts(2 items)
Hire BKF Engineers to design lighting system for Shields Reid Park
In Plain English
Shields Reid Park currently lacks adequate lighting around its perimeter. The city needs professional engineering plans before installing new lights. If approved, BKF Engineers creates detailed designs for where lights go and what type to install.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the contract with BKF Engineers
5 to 1
Amend law firm contract to prosecute BNSF railroad for blocking crossings
In Plain English
The city is pursuing legal action against BNSF Railway for blocking railroad crossings in Richmond. The city's prosecutor needs specialized legal advice for this case. If approved, the existing contract with Moscone, Emblidge & Quadra law firm expands to include this work.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the contract amendment
5 to 1
Housing(2 items)
Receive annual report on city programs that help residents avoid foreclosure
In Plain English
The city runs several programs to help homeowners facing foreclosure keep their homes. This annual report shows which programs are active and how many residents they helped. The report tracks services like financial counseling, loan modifications, and legal assistance for struggling homeowners.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Accept the report with the inclusion of the suggestions made by REDI
Referred the item to staff who will return to the Council with recommendations for implementation
4 to 1
Ban smoking in and around apartment buildings and condos
In Plain English
Richmond currently allows smoking in most multi-unit housing like apartments and condos. The new law prohibits smoking inside units and in shared areas like lobbies and patios. If approved, landlords must enforce the ban and can evict tenants who violate it repeatedly.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Ordinance received first reading and was laid over two weeks for second reading
Budget(1 item)
Reduce required cash reserves from 15% to 7% of city budget
In Plain English
The city currently requires keeping 15% of its budget as emergency cash reserves. This policy change lowers that requirement to 7%. If approved, the city can spend or invest about $8 million more from its savings account each year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the policies
Appointments(1 item)
Designate 2 delegates to represent Richmond at statewide cities conference
In Plain English
The League of California Cities holds an annual conference where member cities vote on statewide policy issues. Richmond needs to name one voting delegate and one backup delegate for the September conference. These representatives cast votes that influence state legislation affecting all California cities.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Vice Mayor Lopez will be the voting member and Councilmember Viramontes will be the alternate
Approved as a group without individual discussion.