Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Presiding: Mayor Thomas K. Butt · Called to order: 6:35 p.m. · 10 items · 1 votes · 14 public comments
What happened
- Approved the city's annual budget and 5-year infrastructure plan.
- Approved new city fees and adjusted existing fee amounts.
- Approved exploring a new community emergency warning system for residents.
- Approved banning single-serve alcohol sales citywide.
- Received reports on fire prevention services, economic development, and employee appeals.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(3 items)
Adopt revised policy for city cash reserves
In Plain English
The city maintains cash reserves as emergency funds for unexpected expenses or revenue shortfalls. The current policy needed updates to reflect best practices for how much money to keep in reserves and when to use it. If approved, the revised policy provides clearer guidelines for protecting the city's financial stability during economic downturns or emergencies.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 53-18 approving the revised Cash Reserves Policy
Adopt new city fees and adjust existing fee amounts
In Plain English
The city maintains a master list of all fees it charges for permits, licenses, and services. This ordinance creates new fee categories and changes the dollar amounts for current fees. The specific fee amounts are set in a separate resolution passed at the same meeting.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 16-18 N.S. and Resolution No. 55-18
Hear presentation on banning single-serve alcohol sales citywide
In Plain English
The AMPD Coalition will present data linking single-serve alcoholic beverages to increased crime and underage drinking. These products include small bottles of liquor and malt beverages sold individually at convenience stores. If approved, city staff develops a policy to ban retailers from selling these items in Richmond.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve direction to staff including the consideration of the recommendations outlined in the presentation and imposing CUPs with the ability to compel or impose merchant training
6 to 0
Budget(2 items)
Adopt city's annual budget and 5-year infrastructure plan
In Plain English
The city must approve its spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year and outline major infrastructure projects through 2023. The annual budget covers day-to-day operations like police, parks, and street maintenance. The capital plan identifies which roads, buildings, and facilities need repair or replacement over the next 5 years.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 51-18 and 52-18
Approve annual spending limit required by state law
In Plain English
California law requires cities to set a maximum spending limit each year based on inflation and population growth. The city calculated this year's limit according to the state formula. If approved, Richmond can spend up to this amount from tax revenues without voter approval.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 54-18 approving the fiscal year 2018-19 Appropriations Limit
Public Safety(2 items)
Review options for new community emergency warning system
In Plain English
The city currently lacks a comprehensive system to alert residents during emergencies like fires, floods, or other disasters. Fire department staff will present different warning system options that could include sirens, mobile alerts, or other notification methods. City council will decide which approach to pursue for keeping residents informed during emergencies.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to examine the ability for Richmond to activate or streamline activation of the existing Contra Costa CWS within affected area(s)
Receive presentation on fire prevention services
In Plain English
The fire department will present information about their prevention division to the city council. This division handles fire safety inspections, code enforcement, and education programs. The presentation likely covers current services, staffing levels, and future needs for fire prevention in Richmond.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Contracts(1 item)
Approve development agreement for city property on Macdonald Avenue
In Plain English
The city owns vacant land on Macdonald Avenue between 11th and 13th Streets. SAA-EVI Richmond Partners wants to buy and develop this property. If approved, the developer gets the land and agrees to specific construction terms and timelines.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Personnel(1 item)
Receive report on employee termination appeal process
In Plain English
City staff will explain how employees can challenge their firing through Skelly Hearings. These hearings give workers a chance to dispute termination decisions before they take effect. The report covers current procedures and may suggest improvements to the appeal process.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Miscellaneous(1 item)
Receive annual report from Economic Development Commission
In Plain English
The Economic Development Commission presents its yearly summary of activities and accomplishments. This volunteer board advises the city council on business attraction, job creation, and economic growth strategies. The report covers what the commission worked on this past year and their recommendations for future economic development priorities.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.