Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Presiding: Mayor Thomas K. Butt · Called to order: 6:41 p.m. · 5 items · 21 votes · 27 public comments
What happened
- Heard proposals for new drone regulations and MIG, Inc. contract for Point Molate outreach planning.
- Approved resolution supporting Congressional investigation into Trump impeachment.
- Opposed $70 million grant for county jail expansion in Richmond.
- Directed city manager to find contractor to restore electricity at Point Molate.
- Approved 16 routine items including $610,080 contract for hydrogen sulfide monitoring equipment and energy efficiency rebate program.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(3 items)
Adopt resolution supporting Congressional investigation into Trump impeachment
In Plain English
The city council will formally express support for Congress to investigate whether President Trump should be impeached. This resolution carries no legal weight and does not commit city resources. If approved, Richmond joins other cities that have taken similar symbolic positions on federal politics.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt Resolution No. 12-17 in support of a Congressional investigation regarding the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump
7 to 0
Create new law regulating drone use in Richmond
In Plain English
The city currently has no specific rules governing where and how drones can be flown within city limits. This new law would establish regulations for drone operators, including residents and businesses who use unmanned aircraft systems. If approved, drone users must follow city rules in addition to existing federal aviation requirements.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Oppose $70 million grant for county jail expansion in Richmond
In Plain English
The Contra Costa Sheriff's Office has applied for a $70 million state grant to expand the West County Detention Facility located in Richmond. The city manager would write a formal letter to state officials opposing this funding request. If approved, the council's opposition becomes Richmond's official position on the jail expansion project.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To direct the city manager to draft a letter opposing the $70 million grant proposal for the West County Detention Facility expansion
7 to 0
Contracts(3 items)
Hire law firm to help with Northshore neighborhood development planning
In Plain English
The city is updating its development rules for the Northshore area. City staff needs legal help to navigate the complex process of changing the General Plan. The law firm Burke Williams & Sorensen will provide specialized expertise on zoning and development regulations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve the Legal Services Agreement with Burke Williams & Sorensen and Thomas Brown
6 to 0
Hire MIG, Inc. to lead community outreach for Point Molate land use planning
In Plain English
The city needs public input on how to develop the 270-acre Point Molate site, a former Navy fuel depot on San Francisco Bay. MIG specializes in community engagement for large development projects. If approved, the firm hosts public meetings and surveys to gather resident opinions on housing, parks, and commercial uses for the waterfront property.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Direct city manager to find contractor to restore electricity at Point Molate
In Plain English
The city-owned Point Molate property currently has no electrical service. The city manager will seek proposals from contractors to reconnect power to the site. If approved, this starts the bidding process but does not commit to any specific contractor or cost.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To direct the city manager to initiate a procurement process for re-establishing electrical service at Point Molate
7 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.