Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:50 p.m. · 7 items · 13 votes · 42 public comments
What happened
- Approved consent calendar with 5 routine items including $58,000 trencher purchase and rejecting $6.7 million road repair bids.
- Heard presentation on sidewalk safety repairs contract with Precision Concrete Cutting but took no vote.
- Approved energy upgrade loan agreements with PG&E for city buildings and streetlights.
- Approved resolution welcoming Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to Richmond and opposing harmful rodent poisons.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(3 items)
Send letter supporting local school district's request for state independence
In Plain English
The West Contra Costa Unified School District asked the state to end oversight and return local control to the district. The state took control of WCCUSD several years ago due to financial and academic problems. If approved, Richmond sends a formal letter backing the district's request to manage its own schools again.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to send a letter to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson and a copy to the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD)
7 to 0
Place advisory ballot question asking voters to support overturning Citizens United
In Plain English
Citizens United is a 2010 Supreme Court case that allows corporations and unions to spend unlimited money on political campaigns. The city cannot change federal law, but this ballot question would let Richmond voters express their opinion on whether Congress should pass a constitutional amendment reversing the decision. If approved, the question appears on the next election ballot.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to prepare an advisory ballot initiative urging a Constitutional amendment to overturn the Citizens United case
7 to 0
Ideas for reducing City Council meeting length
Official Agenda Text
Votes
Adjourn the meeting at 11:05 p.m.
7 to 0
Environment(1 item)
Oppose sale of rat and mouse poisons that harm children, pets, and wildlife
In Plain English
The city wants to take a formal stance against certain toxic rodent poisons sold in Richmond. These poisons can accidentally poison children who find them, kill pets that eat poisoned rats, and harm wildlife like hawks and owls. The resolution does not ban these products but asks stores to stop selling the most dangerous types.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 25-12
7 to 0
Contracts(2 items)
Contract with Precision Concrete Cutting for sidewalk safety repairs
In Plain English
The city needs to fix sidewalk cracks and raised sections that cause people to trip and fall. Precision Concrete Cutting will cut and level uneven sidewalks throughout the city. If approved, the contractor handles emergency repairs and routine maintenance to keep walkways safe.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Authorize loan agreements with PG&E for city building and streetlight energy upgrades
In Plain English
The city wants to upgrade energy systems in city buildings and streetlights to reduce electricity costs. PG&E offers special financing where the city repays the loan through monthly utility bills instead of upfront payments. If approved, the city can borrow money for these improvements and pay it back over time through lower energy bills.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 23-12
6 to 0
Proclamation(1 item)
Welcome Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to Richmond with formal resolution
In Plain English
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory recently decided to establish operations in Richmond. The city wants to formally welcome the lab and create a commemorative gift for the announcement ceremony. The lab's presence could bring high-paying jobs and research opportunities to the community.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 24-12
7 to 0
Budget(1 item)
Allocate $5,000 from city budget for 3rd annual Native American Pow Wow
In Plain English
The city plans to give $5,000 to support the annual Native American Pow Wow happening June 23, 2012. This marks the third year the city has funded this cultural event. The money comes from the general fund budget that covers basic city operations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve an allocation equal to the Juneteenth and Cinco de Mayo festivals from the Fiscal Year 2011-2012 General Fund
Approve the originally requested $5,000 allocation for the 3rd annual Richmond Native American Pow Wow
7 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.