Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 9:00 p.m. · 10 items · 29 votes · 7 public comments
What happened
- Denied Bay Trail project as part of Long Wharf lease renewal.
- Approved Wingstop Restaurant's limited alcohol serving hours appeal 7-0 (Lopez, McLaughlin abstaining).
- Heard draft law to regulate hazardous materials transported by train through Richmond.
- Approved 24 routine items including $55,000 architect contract for Richmond Natatorium renovation.
- Approved $39,132 property owner charges for unpaid cleanup and $43,927 in unpaid fines.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(4 items)
Draft law to regulate hazardous materials transported by train through Richmond
In Plain English
The city currently has limited authority over dangerous chemicals that pass through Richmond on freight trains. Council is considering creating new rules to give the city maximum legal power to control how these materials are transported and stored. If approved, staff will research what regulations are legally possible and draft a formal law.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Discuss March 9 community forum on city permitting process
In Plain English
The city held a public forum where residents shared feedback about getting permits for home improvements and business projects. City council will review what residents said and decide how to improve the permitting process. If changes are approved, getting permits could become faster or easier for property owners.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Ban curb painting services without property owner permission
In Plain English
Companies have been painting address numbers on curbs and then demanding payment from homeowners who never requested the service. The city currently has no law preventing this practice. If approved, curb painters must get written permission from property owners before painting numbers on curbs in front of their homes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Said ordinance received first reading and was laid over two weeks for second reading
Charge property owners $39,132 for unpaid lot cleanup and building repairs
In Plain English
The city cleaned up overgrown lots and boarded up unsafe buildings but property owners haven't paid the bills. These unpaid costs total $39,132. If approved, the city adds these charges to property tax bills so owners must pay when taxes are due.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Give the persons who appeared to speak an opportunity to present their case to the appeals board and have their names removed from the list and proceed with the assessments for the people remaining on the list, and adopt Resolution No. 32-07
Zoning(2 items)
Receive progress report on Point Richmond Shores housing development
In Plain English
Toll Brothers held a design charrette to get community input on their proposed housing project in Point Richmond. The developer will now revise their subdivision map and design plans based on suggestions from that community meeting. The revised plans will return to city council for final approval.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
This matter should return to the City Council on April 24, 2007, in order to allow more time for staff and Toll brothers to work out final details regarding the design issues
This matter return to the May 1, 2007, Council meeting with the incorporated conceptual redesigns and directed staff and Toll Brothers to prepare a final design package that reflects the changes derived from the charrette process
Review appeal of Wingstop Restaurant's limited alcohol serving hours
In Plain English
The Planning Commission restricted Wingstop's alcohol sales to 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The restaurant owner appealed this decision and wants longer hours. If approved, the city council overturns the Planning Commission and allows extended alcohol service hours.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Uphold the appeal by modifying the Planning Commission's approved hours of alcoholic beverage service from 10:00 a.m. to midnight daily
7 to 0
Proclamation(1 item)
Co-sponsor NAACP Youth Council Teen Summit at middle school
In Plain English
The Richmond NAACP Youth Council plans a day-long summit for teenagers at LaVonya De Jean Middle School on March 31. The city provides official co-sponsorship but no money. If approved, Richmond's name appears as a partner on summit materials and communications.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the co-sponsorship
Public Safety(1 item)
Receive update on negotiations with railroad owner to clean up blighted areas
In Plain English
The city has been negotiating with a railroad property owner to clean up blighted areas east of Interstate 580. Staff will update the council on progress and ask for direction on next steps. The council will decide how to proceed with getting these areas cleaned up.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the matter
Budget(1 item)
Collect $43,927 in unpaid fines by adding them to property tax bills
In Plain English
The city issued administrative citations for code violations like overgrown weeds or illegal dumping. Property owners owe $43,927 in unpaid fines. If approved, these debts get added to property tax bills as special assessments, forcing payment when taxes are due.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Adopt Resolution No. 33-07
Infrastructure(1 item)
Support Bay Trail project as part of Long Wharf lease renewal
In Plain English
The city must renew its lease for Long Wharf, a waterfront facility. As part of the renewal process, the city proposes building or improving Bay Trail segments to offset environmental impacts. The Bay Trail is a planned 500-mile walking and biking path around San Francisco Bay.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the resolution
8 to 0
Hold this matter over until April 17, 2007, in order to determine whether the CSLC has the authority to force Chevron to make this land accessible for the Bay Trail
Miscellaneous(1 item)
Use of Richmond Auditorium for Coach Fred Harris funeral
Official Agenda Text
Votes
Add an emergency item to the agenda regarding the use of the Richmond Auditorium for funeral services for Coach Fred Harris
Approve the expenses for Coach Harris's funeral
Approved as a group without individual discussion.