Tuesday, June 7, 2016
SpecialPresiding: Tom Butt · Called to order: 5:54 p.m. · 7 items · 21 votes · 12 public comments
What happened
- Approved ballot initiative to raise property transfer taxes on sales above $400,000 (5-2, Bates and Pimplé dissenting).
- Approved 5-member committee to oversee electric vehicle and transportation programs (5-2, Butt and Pimplé dissenting).
- Approved temporary zoning rules while updating the main zoning code (6-1, Martinez dissenting).
- Received status update on draft city budget for next year.
- Approved 11 routine items including November election call and $20,000 Office of Neighborhood Safety grant.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Budget(4 items)
Receive status update on draft city budget for next year
In Plain English
The city manager presents progress on planning the 2016-17 operating budget and 2016-21 capital projects budget. These drafts outline how the city plans to spend money on daily operations like police and parks, plus major projects like road repairs and building upgrades. The council receives this update before making final budget decisions later this year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Create ballot initiative to raise property transfer taxes on sales above $400,000
In Plain English
Richmond currently charges the same transfer tax rate on all property sales regardless of price. The proposed initiative would create two rates: 1% for properties selling at $400,000 or less, and 1.5% for more expensive properties. If approved by voters, the higher rate on luxury properties would generate additional city revenue.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Do the two tier approach as staff recommended and use the median amount cut-off of $400,000. A property valued at $400,000 or less will be taxed 1%; and at $400,001 or more the tax will be 1.5%
5 to 2
Increase annual assessments for Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District by 3.02%
In Plain English
Property owners in the Hilltop area pay special assessments to maintain landscaping in their neighborhood. The city proposes raising these assessments by 3.02% for the 2016-2017 budget year. If approved, your assessment increases from the current amount to cover rising maintenance costs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Overturn Mayor Butt's decision on public hearing closure procedure
3 to 4
Adopt Resolution No. 39-16
7 to 0
Approve 3% increase in Marina Bay property assessments for landscaping and lighting
In Plain English
Property owners in Marina Bay currently pay annual assessments to maintain landscaping and lighting in their neighborhood. The maintenance district needs more money to cover rising costs for gardening, tree care, and street lighting. If approved, your annual assessment increases by 3% starting in July 2016.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 40-16
7 to 0
Governance(3 items)
Update city sign laws by combining 4 separate chapters into 1
In Plain English
The city currently regulates signs through 4 different chapters of city law, creating confusion for businesses and residents. This change combines all sign rules into a single chapter. If approved, anyone applying for sign permits deals with just one set of regulations instead of navigating multiple chapters.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve first reading of ordinance
7 to 0
Direct staff to create new process for naming streets and community centers
In Plain English
The city currently lacks formal rules for how streets and community centers get their names. Staff will develop guidelines within 60 days covering both new naming and renaming existing facilities. The process will include a specific recommendation for renaming a street after Nelson Mandela.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Create 5-member committee to oversee electric vehicle and transportation programs
In Plain English
The city runs several programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through electric vehicles and transportation improvements. A new committee would provide oversight of these programs and their budgets. The committee structure helps ensure community input on how the city spends money on environmental initiatives.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Conduct two workshops per year
Approve the procedure for establishing a five member advisory committee appointed by the City Council to oversee the Electric City, Easy Go, and transportation programs
5 to 2
Zoning(1 item)
Create temporary zoning rules while updating the city's main zoning code
In Plain English
The city is rewriting its entire zoning code, a process that takes several years. These interim rules fill gaps and address immediate zoning issues that arise during the update. If approved, the temporary regulations stay in effect until the new permanent zoning code is completed.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve first reading of ordinance with addition of revised language
6 to 1
Approved as a group without individual discussion.