Tuesday, December 6, 2005
Presiding: Mayor Irma L. Anderson · Called to order: 7:02 p.m. · 16 items · 11 votes · 13 public comments
What happened
- Approved city director salaries 6-1 with McLaughlin dissenting.
- Approved clemency request for Stanley Williams 5-1-1 with Viramontes dissenting and Marquez abstaining.
- Approved $200,000 housing loan to new Police Chief Magnus.
- Heard discussions on anti-violence programs, police foot patrols, and surveillance technology without voting.
- Approved 11 routine items including $159,066 debt software purchase from Sympro.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(5 items)
Plan checking policy
Official Agenda Text
Require tobacco retailers to get annual city licenses
In Plain English
Currently any business can sell tobacco products without city oversight. The new law requires all tobacco sellers to register with the city each year. If approved, the city gains authority to track retailers and revoke licenses for violations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Discuss creating internal audit program to review city operations
In Plain English
The city currently lacks an internal audit program to review spending and operations for problems. Most cities this size have auditors who independently check departments and report findings to the council. If approved, Richmond would hire staff or contractors to conduct regular audits of city finances and programs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Ban new wood-burning fireplaces and stoves in most situations
In Plain English
The city wants to reduce air pollution by restricting when residents can install wood-burning fireplaces and stoves. Current rules allow these appliances in most homes. If approved, new installations face stricter limits to improve air quality.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
6 to 0
Ordinance receive first reading and be laid over for second reading with change to delete Section 9.55.030(a) and instruct staff to come back with substitute approach
6 to 0
Urge governor to grant clemency to Stanley Williams
In Plain English
Stanley Williams was sentenced to death for murders committed in 1979. While on death row, he wrote children's books against gang violence and was nominated for Nobel Peace Prize. The city council wants Governor Schwarzenegger to reduce his sentence to life in prison.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 170-05 and direct City Manager to fax copy to Governor Schwarzenegger
5 to 1
Personnel(3 items)
Set salaries for 5 city director positions
In Plain English
The city needs to formally establish pay rates for 5 department head roles: Library and Community Services, Planning and Building Services, Information Technology, Public Works Operations, and City Engineer. This is the second required vote on the salary ordinance. If approved, the city can fill these leadership positions with clear compensation structures.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 47-05, N.S.
6 to 1
Set salary range for Police Chief position at $83,784 to $155,504 annually
In Plain English
The city is updating its official pay scale for the Police Chief job. The proposed range starts at $83,784 per year and goes up to $155,504 per year. This replaces the current salary structure that was set in a 2005 law.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Ordinance receive first reading and be held over two weeks for second reading
7 to 0
Approve $200,000 loan to new Police Chief Magnus for housing
In Plain English
The city's newly hired Police Chief Christopher Magnus needs financial help to buy a house in Richmond while selling his current home in Fargo. The city offers a $50,000 bridge loan for the Richmond purchase plus $150,000 secured by his Fargo property. If approved, the city becomes Magnus's lender until he completes both transactions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 169-05
7 to 0
Public Safety(4 items)
Discuss anti-violence programs and give staff direction on next steps
In Plain English
City council will review existing programs that aim to reduce violence in Richmond. Staff will present current anti-violence efforts across different city departments. Council will then provide guidance on which programs to expand, modify, or create.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Discuss expanding police foot patrols as community policing strategy
In Plain English
The police department wants to increase officers walking beats in neighborhoods instead of only driving patrol cars. This approach aims to build relationships between officers and residents while reducing violence. The council will discuss how and where to implement more foot patrols throughout the city.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Receive presentation on network surveillance technology and costs
In Plain English
A technology consultant will present information about network surveillance systems and their costs to the city council. This is a continuation of a presentation that began in November 2005. The city is exploring surveillance technology options but has not committed to purchasing any system yet.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Discuss approaches for resolving dog shooting complaint
In Plain English
A resident has filed a complaint about a dog shooting incident. The city council will discuss different options for how to handle and resolve this complaint. Without more details available, the discussion will likely cover investigation procedures and potential next steps.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Contracts(2 items)
Lease rooftop space at convention center to Cingular Wireless for cell tower
In Plain English
Cingular Wireless wants to install a cell phone facility on the Richmond Memorial Convention Center. The city would earn approximately $30,000 per year from this lease agreement. If approved, the convention center gets a new revenue source while improving cell coverage in the area.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Expand Iron Triangle Police Substation by leasing 645 more square feet
In Plain English
The city wants to make the Iron Triangle Police Substation larger by renting additional space from Bridge Housing. The lease costs $1 per year for 645 square feet of extra room. If approved, officers get more space for equipment, meetings, or community programs in this neighborhood facility.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the amendment
7 to 0
Zoning(1 item)
Change zoning rules to allow apartment building on Huntington Avenue
In Plain English
Two properties at 5124 and 5110 Huntington Avenue are currently zoned for retail shops. The city wants to rezone them for medium-density housing instead. If approved, developers can build apartments or condos on these lots rather than commercial buildings.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
7 to 0
Adopt the Negative Declaration and approve General Plan Amendment
7 to 0
Miscellaneous(1 item)
Extend Disabled People's Recreation Center program and negotiate vendor agreement
In Plain English
The city runs a recreation center serving people with disabilities. Staff recommends continuing the program on a month-to-month basis while negotiating a formal agreement with the Regional Center of East Bay. If approved, the Regional Center would become a vendor for afternoon programs at the facility.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Accept the status report
7 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.