Tuesday, July 30, 2013
SpecialPresiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 5:13 p.m. · 12 items · 10 votes · 34 public comments
What happened
- Approved medical marijuana permit transfer to South 2nd Street 5-2 (Boozé, Rogers dissenting).
- Approved ban on criminal background checks by city contractors 6-1 (Butt dissenting).
- Heard staff direction to investigate hazardous conditions at Chevron refinery.
- Approved 7 routine items including $2 million increase for Point Molate cleanup work.
- Approved $50,000 in grants to 11 local nonprofits and shuttle contract with TransMetro Inc.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Zoning(1 item)
Transfer medical marijuana permit to new location on South 2nd Street
In Plain English
Richmond Compassionate Care wants to move their medical marijuana collective from one commercial zone to another. The business would relocate to 425 South 2nd Street in a C-2 commercial zone. If approved, the permit transfers to the new address with the same operating conditions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Reopen public hearing
Close public hearing
Send issue back to neighborhood councils for discussion and recommendations
Deny the transfer from C-3 zone to C-2 zone
4 to 2
Governance(2 items)
Ban criminal background checks by city contractors during hiring
In Plain English
City contractors currently can ask job applicants about criminal convictions before making hiring decisions. This law would prohibit contractors from asking about criminal history until after they make a conditional job offer. The change aims to give people with past convictions a better chance at employment on city projects.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Substitute final screening with updated enforcement guidance from EEOC
Adopt the ordinance as presented
6 to 1
Ban new Cash for Gold businesses for 45 days
In Plain English
The city wants to temporarily stop new Cash for Gold shops from opening while officials study whether stronger regulations are needed. The 45-day pause gives the city council time to review current rules and consider changes. Existing Cash for Gold businesses can continue operating normally during this period.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 15-13
7 to 0
Contracts(6 items)
Award $50,000 in grants to 11 local nonprofits
In Plain English
The city receives funds from Veolia Environmental Services to support community organizations. This money gets distributed as grants to 11 different nonprofits that serve Richmond residents. The awards help these groups fund their programs and services throughout the year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the recommendations of the Community and Information Panel
7 to 0
Accept $300,000 grant and expand shuttle service contract with TransMetro Inc.
In Plain English
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District offered the city $300,000 to improve public transit options. The city runs shuttle services through TransMetro Inc. to connect residents to regional transit. If approved, the grant money expands current shuttle routes or adds new ones to reduce car trips and air pollution.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 83-13 and approve amendment to contract with TransMetro Inc.
7 to 0
Extend Du-All Safety contract for workplace safety compliance services
In Plain English
The city hired Du-All Safety to help meet workplace safety requirements. The original contract was set to expire but needs more time to complete the work. If approved, the contract continues through the 2013-2014 fiscal year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve second amendment to three-year contract with Du-All Safety, LLC
6 to 0
Hire Vallier Design Associates for Miraflores community greenbelt design
In Plain English
The city plans to create a greenbelt in the Miraflores neighborhood as part of a sustainable community project. Vallier Design Associates would provide professional design services for this green space. The greenbelt aims to add parks and natural areas to improve the neighborhood's environmental sustainability.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 85-13
7 to 0
Purchase prefab restroom building for Booker T. Anderson Park
In Plain English
The city plans to buy a ready-made restroom building from CXT Inc. and hire McNabb Construction to install it. Booker T. Anderson Park currently lacks public restroom facilities. If approved, the park gets permanent restrooms for visitors.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the purchase of pre-fabricated restroom building from CXT Inc. Precast Products
7 to 0
Build park activation project on Richmond Greenway from 8th Street to Harbour Way
In Plain English
The Trust for Public Land will construct improvements along a section of the Richmond Greenway trail. The project aims to make this stretch more active and engaging for residents. The greenway is a former railroad line converted into a walking and biking path that connects neighborhoods across the city.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve an agreement with the Trust for Public Land
7 to 0
Budget(2 items)
Adopt annual plan for federal housing and community development funds
In Plain English
The city receives federal grants each year for affordable housing, neighborhood improvements, and community programs. This plan outlines spending priorities for Community Development Block Grant, HOME, and Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds. If approved, the plan guides how the city distributes these federal dollars to local organizations and projects.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close public hearing
Adopt Resolution No. 87-13
Set sewer service charges for fiscal year 2013-2014
In Plain English
The city must formally approve annual sewer fees before they can be added to property tax bills. This public hearing allows residents to comment on the proposed rates. If approved, the charges appear on your property tax statement and fund sewer system operations and maintenance.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close public hearing
Adopt Resolution No. 88-13
Public Safety(1 item)
Direct staff to investigate hazardous conditions at Chevron refinery
In Plain English
The city council has concerns about safety conditions at the Chevron Richmond refinery. If approved, city staff will conduct an investigation into these hazardous conditions. The refinery is a major industrial facility in Richmond that has faced safety issues in the past.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.