Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 5:00 p.m. · 10 items · 26 votes · 15 public comments
What happened
- Approved 12 routine items including $124,332 for domestic violence advocates and $83,000 for firefighter protective gear.
- Approved opposing Chevron's proposed ballot measure on utility tax reform.
- Approved hiring Morrison & Foerster law firm for Point Molate development counsel.
- Approved accepting $43,300 from El Cerrito and BART for Greenway trail gap closure.
- Heard proposal to suspend $25,000 public matching funds for November 2010 candidates without voting.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(5 items)
Oppose Chevron's proposed ballot measure on utility tax reform
In Plain English
Chevron is collecting signatures to put a ballot measure before Richmond voters that would change how the city collects utility taxes. The company needs enough signatures to qualify the measure for an upcoming election. City Council is taking a formal position against this proposed tax reform before it potentially reaches voters.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Declare the distribution of the letter to all the registered voters of the City of Richmond regarding the ballot measure and how much revenue the city could lose as an emergency measure
6 to 0
Declare opposition, as a City Council, to Chevron's proposed 'City of Richmond Utility Users Tax Reform Act' and direct the city manager to send an informative letter to all the registered voters of the City of Richmond regarding the ballot measure with specific facts regarding revenue the city could lose
6 to 0
Suspend $25,000 public matching funds for November 2010 candidates
In Plain English
The city offers public matching funds to qualified candidates running for office. Each candidate can receive up to $25,000 in taxpayer money to help fund their campaigns. The council is considering whether to stop offering these funds for the upcoming November election.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Simplify permit process for multiple temporary signs
In Plain English
The city's current sign rules make it complicated for businesses and organizations to get permits when they need multiple temporary signs. The proposed changes streamline the application process. If approved, getting permits for events, sales, or campaigns with multiple signs becomes easier and faster.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the first reading and direct staff to include analysis of how the City of Richmond's fees compare to other cities in the county as well as incorporate into the ordinance what happens to signs that are taken down due to violations
6 to 0
Oppose Proposition 16 requiring two-thirds vote for public electricity providers
In Plain English
Proposition 16 appears on the June 8, 2010 statewide ballot. The measure would require a two-thirds voter approval for any city or county to start providing electricity service to residents. If approved, the resolution formally records Richmond's opposition to this ballot initiative.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 53-10
6 to 0
Oppose Arizona immigration law SB1070 and urge its repeal
In Plain English
The city council wants to take a formal stance against Arizona's controversial immigration enforcement law SB1070. This resolution expresses Richmond's opposition to the law and calls for its repeal. The action is symbolic and does not change any city policies or services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt the resolution with a correction in the first 'Whereas' changing 'will allow' to 'requires'
6 to 0
Contracts(2 items)
Authorize agreement with CalTrans for Richmond Greenway maintenance
In Plain English
The city needs a formal agreement with the state transportation department to maintain the Richmond Greenway walking and bike path. CalTrans owns the land but the city handles day-to-day upkeep including lighting repairs and pathway maintenance. If approved, this agreement clarifies each agency's responsibilities for the popular 2.5-mile trail.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 48-10
6 to 0
Hire Morrison & Foerster law firm for Point Molate development counsel
In Plain English
The city needs legal advice on cleaning up and developing the former Naval fuel depot at Point Molate. A 3-member council committee recommended hiring this specific law firm. If approved, the firm provides guidance on environmental remediation and development plans for the waterfront site.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
6 to 0
Infrastructure(1 item)
Accept $43,300 from El Cerrito and BART for Greenway trail gap closure
In Plain English
The city receives funding to close a gap in the Greenway trail near Ohlone Park. El Cerrito contributes $20,000 and BART provides $23,300 for the project. If approved, Richmond can move forward with connecting this missing section of the popular walking and biking trail.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 49-10
6 to 0
Zoning(1 item)
Permanently close portion of South 1st Street south of Maine Avenue
In Plain English
The city proposes to abandon public ownership of this street segment and transfer it to private ownership. Street vacations typically happen when the road is no longer needed for public use or when adjacent property owners request it for development. If approved, the public loses permanent access to this section of South 1st Street.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
6 to 0
Approve the street vacation and adopt Resolution No. 51-10
6 to 0
Housing(1 item)
Hold public hearing on 5-year housing plan and fair housing barriers study
In Plain English
The city must submit a plan to the federal government every 5 years to receive housing grants. This plan covers 2010-2015 and identifies barriers that prevent equal access to housing. The public hearing allows residents to comment before the city finalizes the plan and sends it to federal agencies.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
6 to 0
Adopt Resolution No. 52-10
6 to 0
Environment(1 item)
Reaffirm support for state climate laws AB 32 and SB 375
In Plain English
AB 32 requires California to cut greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. SB 375 requires regions to plan housing and transportation together to reduce car trips. The city previously supported AB 32 and now adds formal support for SB 375.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 54-10
6 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.