Tuesday, October 4, 2005
Presiding: Mayor Irma L. Anderson · Called to order: 7:14 p.m. · 10 items · 18 votes · 13 public comments
What happened
- Rejected plans to rezone 11-acre Marina Bay lot for 208 townhouses.
- Approved new zoning rules banning most ground-floor businesses except retail in shopping areas 7-2 (Butt, McLaughlin dissenting).
- Approved requiring special permits for large retail stores and major developments 8-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Approved $962,000 to replace sewers and repave streets at Easter Hill housing project.
- Approved 4 routine items including $111,192 job training agreement and $65,000 school district youth programs.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Zoning(3 items)
Require special permits for large retail stores and major developments
In Plain English
The city currently allows large retail stores and major developments to open without special review. This proposed law requires developers to get conditional use permits before building superstores or other major projects. If approved, the city gains more control over where large retailers locate and can review their impact on traffic and local businesses.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To refer the matter to the Planning Commission
8 to 1
Ban most ground-floor businesses except retail in 3 shopping areas
In Plain English
The city wants to limit what types of businesses can occupy ground-floor spaces along Macdonald Avenue, 23rd Street, and near Hilltop Mall. Only certain retail stores would be allowed in these areas. If approved, other business types like offices or services must locate on upper floors or elsewhere.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt the urgency ordinance
7 to 2
To receive first reading of said ordinance
6 to 2
Rezone 11-acre vacant lot at Marina Bay for 208 townhouses
In Plain English
The city owns an empty 11-acre lot at 1689 Regatta Boulevard near Marina Bay. Current zoning doesn't allow residential development there. If approved, the developer can build 208 townhouses on the site.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and reverse the Planning Commissions' recommendation to deny the requested General Plan Amendment and rezoning application to allow development of 208 town homes at 1689 Regatta Boulevard
4 to 4
To approve the project, delete the $1.75 million dollar contribution to a temporary bypass road, and add a condition for a contribution of $5 million dollars towards an overpass
2 to 7
To approve the project and double the amount of the contribution by the applicant to $3.5 million toward the acquisition and/or construction of an overpass road; the developer will establish at least a four-crossing quiet zone at Marina Bay. The Developer has offered $250,000 for the quiet zone; and any money left over would go towards the overpass; the developer agrees to eliminate the Marina Bay exit unless it can be shown that it does not interfere with the grade separation project
3 to 2
To concur with the decision of the Planning Commission
4 to 5
To adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and concur with the recommended decision of the Planning Commission to deny the General Plan Amendment and Rezoning application to allow development of 208 town homes at 1689 Regatta Boulevard based on the Commission's findings as stated in Planning Commission Resolution 05-10
Governance(2 items)
Extend Business Opportunity Ordinance through April 2006
In Plain English
The city's Business Opportunity Ordinance expired in October 2005. This law requires certain businesses to provide equal opportunities in hiring and contracting. If approved, the ordinance continues until April 30, 2006.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To receive first reading and lay over two weeks for second reading
7 to 1
Extend local hiring requirement law through April 2006
In Plain English
The city's law requiring contractors to hire local residents expires in October 2005. The law applies to construction projects and other city contracts. If approved, the requirement continues for 6 more months while the city decides on permanent changes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To receive first reading and lay over two weeks for second reading
7 to 1
Infrastructure(2 items)
Install stop signs, crosswalks, and speed bumps on Chanslor Avenue at 8th Street
In Plain English
The city plans to add traffic safety features at this intersection. The improvements include new stop signs to control traffic flow, marked crosswalks for pedestrian safety, and speed bumps to slow down vehicles. These changes aim to make the area safer for both drivers and people walking.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To authorize the City Manager to direct the Engineering staff to complete installation of stop signs, crosswalks, and speed undulations on Chanslor Avenue at 8th Street
8 to 0
Allocate $962,000 to replace sewers and repave streets at Easter Hill housing project
In Plain English
The city plans to spend $867,000 from 1999 sewer bonds to replace aging sewer lines at the Easter Hill public housing site. An additional $95,000 in gas tax money covers repaving portions of 29th and 30th Streets. If approved, the Public Works Department manages both infrastructure upgrades as part of the federal HOPE VI housing redevelopment program.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt Resolution No. 137-05 regarding the sewer bond funds and the gas tax funds and Resolution No. 138-05 regarding deferral of the permit fees
8 to 0
Contracts(1 item)
Award sole source contract for Central Richmond Greenway bike trail construction management
In Plain English
The city needs a project manager to oversee bidding and construction of the western segment of the Central Richmond Greenway bike trail. Only one company, Vali Cooper and Associates, can provide these specialized services. If approved, they will manage contractors and ensure the project stays on schedule and budget.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve the contract
7 to 0
Budget(1 item)
Amend 2004-2006 housing and business assistance spending plans
In Plain English
The city created multi-year plans in 2004 to spend federal grants on affordable housing, street repairs, and help for women-owned businesses. These amendments adjust how the remaining money gets allocated. The changes help the city finish projects that were delayed or cost more than expected.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt Resolution Nos. 134-05 and 135-05
8 to 0
Personnel(1 item)
Extend employee benefits to unrepresented management staff
In Plain English
Some city managers currently receive different benefits than union workers. The city wants to give all managers the same benefits that union employees already have. This ensures equal treatment across all city staff during Richmond's financial recovery.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt Resolution No. 136-05
8 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.