Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:48 p.m. · 13 items · 29 votes · 21 public comments
What happened
- Denied $7,000 contribution to North Richmond Blues Festival with McLaughlin and Rogers voting no.
- Approved campaign finance changes limiting disclosure rules 4-3 (Bates, Boozé, Rogers dissenting).
- Approved medical marijuana permit for GDP Collective on Hilltop Mall Road 4-2 (Beckles, McLaughlin dissenting).
- Approved 16 routine items including $596,335 contract for Park View street light wiring replacement.
- Approved joining regional energy program to offer residents alternative electricity options 5-2 (Bates, Boozé dissenting).
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(8 items)
Direct staff to prepare amendment limiting campaign contribution disclosure rules
In Plain English
The city currently requires disclosure of campaign contributions over $250 under local law. City Council wants staff to draft changes to these disclosure and acceptance rules. If approved, the amendment could alter how much candidates must report or what types of contributions they can accept.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to prepare an amendment for City Council consideration of Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 2.38 regarding acceptance and disclosure of certain contributions of more than $250 to incorporate the requirements of California Government Code Section 84308
4 to 3
Amend the City Council's Code of Conduct rules
In Plain English
The City Council operates under written conduct rules that govern how members behave during meetings and in their official duties. The current code may need updates to address new situations or clarify existing standards. If approved, changes would set new expectations for council member behavior and interactions with staff and the public.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Set limits on campaign contribution receipts to qualify for matching funds
In Plain English
The city currently provides matching funds to candidates but has no limits on contribution size. This law would cap how much donors can give to candidates who want city matching funds. Candidates accepting larger donations would not qualify for taxpayer-funded campaign support.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Set a limit of the amount a candidate can receive to $40,000; disallow any matching funds for corporate or corporate pack contributions
Provide no matching funds for the next two years
Adopt part (a) of the original motion and not part (b)
5 to 2
Join regional energy program to offer residents alternative electricity options
In Plain English
The city would partner with Marin County and other cities to create a community energy program. This joint authority would buy electricity for residents and businesses, offering an alternative to the current utility company. If approved, residents could choose between the new program or staying with their existing provider.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 3-12 N.S.
5 to 2
Create rental policy for Council Chamber use by outside groups
In Plain English
The city currently has no formal rules about who can rent the Council Chamber or how much to charge. This policy would establish guidelines for outside groups wanting to use the space for meetings or events. The rules would cover rental fees, scheduling requirements, and what activities are allowed in the chamber.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve a Use and Rental Policy
5 to 0
Award medical marijuana collective permit to GDP Collective on Hilltop Mall Road
In Plain English
GDP Collective wants to open a medical marijuana dispensary at 2924 Hilltop Mall Road. The city requires permits for all medical marijuana businesses. If approved, patients with valid medical marijuana cards can buy cannabis products at this location.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Authorize the final permit subject to relocation of the medical marijuana collective to be verified by the Richmond Police Department and the City Attorney's Office
3 to 3
Award a medical marijuana collective permit to Granddaddy Purp Collective dba GDP Collective to operate a medical marijuana collective at 2924 Hilltop Mall Road subject to the condition that it does not violate the ordinance
4 to 2
Urge county to replace 'owner' with 'guardian' in animal laws
In Plain English
The city wants Contra Costa County to change its animal code language from calling people pet 'owners' to pet 'guardians.' This formal request reflects a growing movement to recognize the relationship between people and animals as guardianship rather than ownership. The change affects only terminology in county law, not actual legal responsibilities.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 80-12
6 to 1
Replace 'owner' with 'guardian' in city animal laws
In Plain English
Richmond's current animal laws use the term 'owner' to describe people who have pets. The proposed change updates all references to use 'guardian' instead. This reflects a shift toward recognizing animals as companions rather than property, though it doesn't change any actual rules about pet care or responsibilities.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Said ordinance received first reading and was laid over one week for second reading
6 to 1
Contracts(3 items)
Contribute $7,000 toward the North Richmond Blues Festival
In Plain English
The city is considering providing financial support for a local music festival in North Richmond. If approved, the city contributes $7,000 from its budget to help fund the event. This supports community programming and local arts in the North Richmond area.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve a contribution of $7,000
2 to 2
Approve agreement for prosecutor to work inside police department
In Plain English
The city partners with the county district attorney to station a prosecutor full-time at Richmond Police Department. This prosecutor works directly with police on cases and charges decisions. The current agreement expires and needs renewal to continue the program.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hire attorney for police code enforcement and drug house cases
In Plain English
The Police Department needs legal help with code enforcement violations and shutting down drug houses. The city currently handles these cases without dedicated legal support. If approved, attorney Trisha Aljoe provides specialized legal services for $175,000.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Budget(1 item)
Receive report on budget checklist items from 2012-13 fiscal year
In Plain English
The city council created a checklist of budget items to track during the 2012-13 fiscal year. Staff will present their report on how those items were handled. The council will then give staff direction on any follow-up actions needed.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to discuss the minor two percent salary reduction for executive management with senior staff and then discuss the other salary reductions with the various unions; all festivals receive $5,000 only and no festival funds would be disbursed in 2012/2013 until a full accounting from the previous year was received; make sure no part-time library staff hours are reduced
5 to 2
Direct staff to reduce the budget for public financing from $220,000 to $175,000
5 to 1
Environment(1 item)
Apply for free electric vehicle charging stations from NRG
In Plain English
NRG offers free electric vehicle charging stations to cities through an application program. The city currently has limited public charging options for electric car owners. If approved, staff submits an application that could bring free charging infrastructure to Richmond without cost to taxpayers.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Instruct staff to apply to NRG for free electric vehicle charging stations when funding was available through grants
6 to 1
Table the item
Appointments(1 item)
Appoint Councilmember Tom Butt to Marin Energy Authority Board
In Plain English
The Marin Energy Authority provides electricity to Richmond residents as an alternative to PG&E. Richmond needs a representative on the authority's governing board. If approved, Butt can advocate for subsidizing fees that some customers pay when switching energy providers.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.