Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Presiding: Mayor Irma L. Anderson · Called to order: 7:15 p.m. · 12 items · 26 votes · 10 public comments
What happened
- Approved seeking legal cost reimbursement from Swinerton lawsuit 5-3 (Griffin, Anderson, Marquez dissenting).
- Approved new policy requiring agenda placement before code violation investigations 5-2 (Rogers, Butt dissenting).
- Approved new council meeting rules and procedures 7-1 (McLaughlin dissenting).
- Approved $200,000 funding for Black on Black Crime Summit recommendations.
- Approved 16 routine items including $750,000 in construction contracts and police trainee pay raise.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(5 items)
Revise City Council Expenditure Policy governing council spending
In Plain English
The city council previously discussed changes to rules that govern how council members can spend city money. The Rules and Procedures Committee already reviewed proposed revisions. If approved, the updated policy sets new limits or procedures for council expenses like travel, meals, or office supplies.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Adopt policy requiring agenda placement before council can request code violation investigations
In Plain English
Currently, individual council members can ask city staff to investigate potential code violations at any time. The proposed policy requires these investigation requests to be discussed and approved during public council meetings. This ensures transparency but may slow response to urgent violations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Table the matter
6 to 2
Adopt new rules and procedures for city council meetings
In Plain English
A standing committee reviewed how council meetings currently work and recommended changes. The new rules would establish official protocols for public comment, meeting format, and council procedures. If approved, residents may see different meeting structures when they attend or watch council sessions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Accept recommendations as presented by Rules and Procedures Standing Committee as submitted
3 to 4
Support recommendations of Rules and Procedures Standing Committee with friendly amendment that each speaker be allowed TWO (2) minutes to address City Council on non-Public Hearing items
7 to 1
Amend city laws to strengthen code enforcement penalties
In Plain English
The city wants to update its code enforcement rules to give officials more tools when property owners violate city laws. Current penalties may not be strong enough to encourage compliance. If approved, the city gains both civil fines and criminal prosecution options for violations like unpermitted construction or property maintenance problems.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Give first reading and lay over two weeks for second reading
Amend city law on vicious dogs and dangerous animals
In Plain English
The city wants to update its current rules about dogs that have attacked people or other animals. The existing law from Section 9.24.080 needs changes to better protect residents from dangerous pets. If approved, the city gets stronger tools to handle problem animals and keep neighborhoods safer.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Give first reading and lay over two weeks for second reading
8 to 0
Public Safety(2 items)
Receive status report on Violence Prevention Coordinator position
In Plain English
The city hired a Violence Prevention Coordinator to develop anti-violence programs citywide. This coordinator works in the City Manager's office to oversee these efforts. City staff will update the council on how this position is working and what programs are underway.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Support staff recommendation to establish Violence Prevention Coordinator
Consider $200,000 funding for Black on Black Crime Summit recommendations
In Plain English
The Richmond Improvement Association presented recommendations from a community summit focused on reducing violence in Black neighborhoods. The group requests $200,000 to implement their proposed solutions. If approved, the city funds community-led anti-violence programs based on summit findings.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extend meeting until 12:15 a.m.
Continue Council's decision and allow Council to move expeditiously with City Manager to establish funding goal for 2006/2007
4 to 4
Accept recommendations from Richmond Improvement Association and direct City Manager to report back with recommendation regarding source of funds for $200,000 and program budget
5 to 0
Litigation(1 item)
Seek reimbursement for legal costs from Swinerton lawsuit defense
In Plain English
The city spent money defending itself against a lawsuit filed by Swinerton construction company. City staff wants council direction on whether to pursue getting those legal fees paid back by Swinerton. If approved, the city would take legal action to recover its defense costs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Table the matter
4 to 5
Direct City Attorney to send demand letter to Swinerton, and if Swinerton does not pay file lawsuit within reasonable time period
5 to 3
Contracts(2 items)
Explore creating program to help local contractors win more city projects
In Plain English
Richmond contractors currently struggle to compete for city construction and service contracts. City staff would research programs that teach local businesses how to write better bids and meet city requirements. If approved, more city contract dollars could stay with Richmond companies instead of going to outside firms.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to use any and all local resources to support local businesses
Direct staff to negotiate security contract for Point Molate property
In Plain English
The city wants to hire private security to patrol Point Molate and stop trespassing, theft, and vandalism. The former Navy fuel depot sits mostly empty on Richmond's shoreline. City council will give staff direction on what to include in the security contract negotiations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Continue sole source contract for additional year with DP Security
Recognize bidding process from October 2004 approved January 2005, enter contract with DP Security with 30-day termination clause, clarify status of Bajan Security
7 to 0
Zoning(1 item)
Update local density bonus law to match new state requirements
In Plain English
California recently changed its statewide density bonus law, which allows developers to build more housing units than normally permitted in exchange for including affordable units. Richmond's current local rules don't match the updated state law. If approved, the city's regulations align with state requirements for these housing incentives.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close public hearing
Give first reading and lay over two weeks for second reading
Environment(1 item)
Support Solar Richmond Initiative to encourage 5 megawatts of solar energy by 2010
In Plain English
The city wants to formally back a local program that promotes solar panels on homes, businesses, and government buildings. Solar Richmond aims to install enough panels to generate 5 megawatts of electricity and create 100 new jobs by 2010. If approved, the city shows official support but does not commit funding.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 25-06
Proclamation(1 item)
Recognize Richmond Improvement Association's community efforts
In Plain English
The Richmond Improvement Association works on neighborhood projects and community development throughout the city. This formal recognition celebrates their volunteer work and shows city support for their ongoing efforts. The resolution has no financial impact on the city budget.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 26-06
Approved as a group without individual discussion.