Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Presiding: Mayor Irma L. Anderson · Called to order: 7:00 p.m. · 11 items · 18 votes · 9 public comments
What happened
- Approved building variance appeal at 301 Pacific Avenue despite split 5-4 vote (Bates, Griffin, Rogers, Thurmond dissenting).
- Approved settlement ending Point Molate development lawsuit with unanimous support.
- Created Anti-Violence Program Coordinator position with 8-1 approval (Bates dissenting).
- Approved 11 routine items including $600,000 Dell computer lease and $350,000 Harris & Associates street design contract.
- Adopted new rules for Chevron Refinery construction permits and required annual tobacco store licenses.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Zoning(2 items)
Close 1,500 square feet of unnamed street between 200 Bishop Avenue and 180 Bishop Alley
In Plain English
The city owns a small strip of public street that runs between two Bishop Avenue properties. No one uses this unnamed right-of-way for access or utilities. If approved, the city transfers ownership to the adjacent property owners and removes it from public use.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Adopt Order of Vacation No. 892
Hold public hearing on appeal of building variance at 301 Pacific Avenue
In Plain English
The Planning Commission approved a variance allowing construction of a single-family home at 301 Pacific Avenue. Neighbors Rod Stare and Bonnie Stare Daley appealed this decision to the city council. If the appeal succeeds, the variance gets denied and the project cannot proceed as planned.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Uphold the Planning Commission conditional approval of VDR 1102-129 subject to the Planning Commission six conditions
Continue the matter for one week until Tuesday, January 17, 2006, to encourage the appellant and the applicant to attempt to negotiate and resolve their differences
5 to 4
Personnel(3 items)
Create new Anti-Violence Program Coordinator position in City Manager's Office
In Plain English
The city currently lacks a dedicated staff person to coordinate anti-violence programs across departments. This new position would oversee violence prevention initiatives and community safety programs. The coordinator would report directly to the City Manager's Office.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the staff request
8 to 1
Set salary range for new Labor Relations Manager position
In Plain English
The city created a new job classification to handle union negotiations and employee relations. This law establishes the pay scale for the position. If approved, the city can begin recruiting for the role.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Give first reading and lay over one week for second reading
Set salary range for new Modernization Programs Specialist position
In Plain English
The city created a new job classification called Modernization Programs Specialist but has not yet established how much this position pays. This ordinance sets the official salary range for anyone hired into this role. The city must legally define wages before posting job openings or making hires.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Give first reading and lay over one week for second reading
Governance(4 items)
Adopt new rules for approving Chevron Refinery construction permits
In Plain English
The city currently follows standard permitting procedures when Chevron wants to build or modify equipment at its Richmond refinery. New rules would create a faster approval process for certain refinery improvements. If approved, Chevron gets permits more quickly for projects the city deems beneficial.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the procedure
Discuss creating internal audit program to review city operations
In Plain English
Richmond currently has no internal audit function to independently review city spending and operations. An internal audit program would examine departments for waste, fraud, and inefficiency. If approved, the city would hire auditors to report problems directly to the city council.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the Alternative Program Procedure for implementing the Internal Audit Program
Amend law governing Richmond Tourism Business Improvement District
In Plain English
The city created a special district that collects fees from hotels and similar businesses to fund tourism promotion. This law change updates how the district operates. If approved, the amended rules take effect immediately.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 2-06 N.S.
8 to 0
Require annual licenses for stores that sell tobacco products
In Plain English
Currently, any store can sell cigarettes and other tobacco products without city oversight. This law creates a licensing system where tobacco retailers must apply annually and pay fees. If approved, the city gains authority to inspect stores and revoke licenses for violations like selling to minors.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Give first reading and lay over one week for second reading
8 to 0
Litigation(1 item)
Approve settlement agreement ending Point Molate development lawsuit
In Plain English
The city has been in legal disputes over the failed Point Molate casino and housing development project. This settlement involves the developer, the state attorney general, East Bay Regional Park District, and community groups. If approved, the agreement resolves all pending lawsuits and determines the future of the 270-acre waterfront site.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Accept the Settlement Agreement resolving the lawsuit
8 to 0
Miscellaneous(1 item)
Discuss proposal to train at-risk residents for construction jobs
In Plain English
The city is considering creating a program that would provide construction training to Richmond residents who face barriers to employment. The program would teach job skills and help connect participants with construction industry employers. If approved, this could create new career pathways for residents struggling to find stable work.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct the City Manager to bring back the matter as part of a larger comprehensive plan to reduce violence in the City
8 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.