Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Presiding: Mayor Thomas K. Butt · Called to order: 6:40 p.m. · 6 items · 16 votes · 9 public comments

What happened

  • Approved new drone regulations 6-1 (Butt dissenting).
  • Approved 9 routine items including $500,000 urban greening grant and $42,000 RichmondBUILD increase.
  • Declared emergency for Rifle Range Road landslide damage.
  • Approved contract with Advance Peace for Office of Neighborhood Safety.
  • Supported state bill requiring warning labels on sugary drinks.

Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records

View official: Minutes

Attendance

Ben Choi(Present)
Eduardo Martinez(Present)
Gayle McLaughlin(Present)
Jael Myrick(Present)
Melvin Willis(Present)
Jovanka Beckles(Present)
Tom Butt(Present)
6 substantive items · 10 consent

Governance(3 items)

Support state bill requiring health warning labels on sugary drinks

Political Statements

In Plain English

California Senate Bill 300 would require warning labels on drinks with added sugar and 75+ calories per 12 ounces. The labels would appear on sodas, energy drinks, and sweetened teas sold in stores. If the state passes this law, beverage companies must add warnings about health risks from sugar consumption.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

Adopted Resolution No. 19-17

Moved by: Jovanka BecklesSeconded by: Melvin Willis
Passed

7 to 0

Thomas K. ButtAye
Ben ChoiAye
Eduardo MartinezAye
Gayle McLaughlinAye
Jael MyrickAye
Melvin WillisAye
Jovanka BecklesAye

Co-sponsor 'Know Your Rights' educational forum for undocumented immigrants

Police & Community Safety

In Plain English

The city plans to host an educational event at Richmond Auditorium on April 6, 2017. The forum will teach undocumented immigrants about their legal rights. Richmond will officially sponsor the event and provide the venue at no cost to organizers.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

Adopted Resolution No. 20-17

Moved by: Gayle McLaughlinSeconded by: Jael Myrick
Passed

7 to 0

Thomas K. ButtAye
Ben ChoiAye
Eduardo MartinezAye
Gayle McLaughlinAye
Jael MyrickAye
Melvin WillisAye
Jovanka BecklesAye

Establish new law regulating drone use in Richmond

6-1Police & Community Safety

In Plain English

Richmond currently has no specific rules for drone operations within city limits. The proposed law would create Chapter 11.46 in the city code to regulate where and how residents can fly unmanned aircraft. If approved, drone operators must follow new local restrictions beyond existing federal rules.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

Continue this matter to a future meeting to allow city staff, the community, and individuals from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to offer input and discuss concerns regarding this ordinance

Moved by: Melvin WillisSeconded by: Jael Myrick
Passed

6 to 1

Thomas K. ButtNay
Ben ChoiAye
Eduardo MartinezAye
Gayle McLaughlinAye
Jael MyrickAye
Melvin WillisAye
Jovanka BecklesAye

Public Safety(1 item)

Declare local emergency for landslide damage on Rifle Range Road

Rifle Range Road

In Plain English

A landslide damaged Rifle Range Road near the El Cerrito border. Declaring a local emergency allows the city to access state and federal disaster funds for repairs. The emergency declaration also speeds up contracting processes to fix the road damage quickly.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

Adopted Resolution No. 15-17

Moved by: Gayle McLaughlinSeconded by: Jovanka Beckles
Passed

7 to 0

Thomas K. ButtAye
Ben ChoiAye
Eduardo MartinezAye
Gayle McLaughlinAye
Jael MyrickAye
Melvin WillisAye
Jovanka BecklesAye

Contracts(1 item)

Contract with Advance Peace to help run Office of Neighborhood Safety

Police & Community Safety

In Plain English

The city operates an Office of Neighborhood Safety that works to reduce gun violence. This 6-month contract pays Advance Peace up to $62,280 to help with daily operations, program evaluation, and fundraising. The contract runs from January through June 2017.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

Approved the contract

Moved by: Jael MyrickSeconded by: Gayle McLaughlin
Passed

7 to 0

Thomas K. ButtAye
Ben ChoiAye
Eduardo MartinezAye
Gayle McLaughlinAye
Jael MyrickAye
Melvin WillisAye
Jovanka BecklesAye

Proclamation(1 item)

Adopt resolution celebrating local Tibetan Community Center and Tibetan Action Year

Political Statements

In Plain English

The city formally recognizes Richmond's Tibetan Community Center and declares support for 2017 as Tibetan Action Year. The resolution calls on China to engage in peaceful dialogue about Tibet. This ceremonial action shows the city's support for the local Tibetan community but creates no new programs or spending.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

Adopted Resolution No. 21-17

Moved by: Gayle McLaughlinSeconded by: Eduardo Martinez
Passed

7 to 0

Thomas K. ButtAye
Ben ChoiAye
Eduardo MartinezAye
Gayle McLaughlinAye
Jael MyrickAye
Melvin WillisAye
Jovanka BecklesAye

Approved as a group without individual discussion.