Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Presiding: Mayor Butt · Called to order: 7:16 p.m. · 9 items · 4 votes · 8 public comments
What happened
- Rejected study results on annexing the North Richmond neighborhood.
- Approved spending plan for North Richmond waste facility mitigation fees.
- Received presentations on police service delivery, housing crisis impacts, and wastewater treatment plans.
- Approved youth tobacco marketing impact presentation and appointed members to regional committees for 2017.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(2 items)
Receive study results on annexing North Richmond neighborhood
In Plain English
North Richmond is currently an unincorporated area run by Contra Costa County, not the City of Richmond. A consultant studied whether the city should take over governing this neighborhood. If approved, the city begins the formal process to annex North Richmond and provide city services there.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
instruct staff to move forward with the process
Update policy on mayor and councilmember travel expenses and reimbursements
In Plain English
The city currently has rules about what travel costs and other expenses the mayor and councilmembers can claim for reimbursement. Staff wants to update these spending guidelines and is asking the council for feedback on proposed changes. If approved, the new policy would set different limits or rules for when taxpayers cover official travel and other council-related expenses.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Public Safety(1 item)
Receive presentation on police department service delivery and community policing approach
In Plain English
Police leadership presented their current approach to delivering services and how they incorporate community policing principles. The presentation covered accountability measures and constitutional policing standards. This was an informational item with no action required from the city council.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Housing(2 items)
Receive presentation from Staying Power fellowship on housing crisis impacts
In Plain English
The Staying Power fellowship studies how Richmond's housing crisis affects local residents. Several fellowship members shared their research and findings with the city council. The presentation helps inform city leaders about housing challenges facing the community.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Review progress on Fair Chance housing law for people with criminal records
In Plain English
Richmond passed a Fair Chance law to help people with criminal records access affordable housing by limiting background check discrimination. City staff will report on implementation challenges and propose solutions. The law aims to reduce housing barriers for formerly incarcerated residents seeking apartments.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Proclamation(1 item)
Declare October as Chess Month in Richmond
In Plain English
The city recognizes October as Chess Month to promote the strategic board game. Richmond hosts a Chess Festival on October 21 where residents can participate in tournaments and learn from experienced players. The proclamation encourages more people to discover chess and join the local chess community.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Infrastructure(1 item)
Review plan for wastewater treatment plant waste and energy use
In Plain English
The city operates a wastewater treatment plant that processes sewage from homes and businesses. Plant operations create biosolids (treated sewage sludge) that must be disposed of safely. The director presented options for handling this waste and reducing the plant's energy costs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Environment(1 item)
Receive presentation on youth tobacco marketing impacts
In Plain English
A youth advocacy group will present research on how flavored cigarettes target young people. The presentation aims to educate the council about tobacco marketing tactics affecting local youth. Council members may give staff direction on potential policy responses after the presentation.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
direct city staff to draft an ordinance that bans menthol, small packs, and flavored tobaccos in the City of Richmond
7 to 0
Appointments(1 item)
Appoint mayor and councilmembers to regional committees for 2017
In Plain English
Several regional committees that address issues affecting multiple cities have vacant positions. These committees work on topics like transportation, housing, and environmental issues that cross city boundaries. The council needs to decide which mayor and councilmembers will represent Richmond on these committees through December 2017.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
approved the appointments
7 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.