What happened
- Approved ban on new coal and petroleum storage facilities with phase-out of existing ones, 5-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Approved 13 routine items including $400,000 contracts with three firms for project management services.
- Approved wildfire protection plan, voting district map hearing, and street closure on Meeker Avenue.
- Approved extending Steven Falk's contract as interim city manager.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: AgendaAttendance
Governance(3 items)
Adopt policy allowing city manager to create demonstration partnership agreements
In Plain English
The city currently has no formal policy for demonstration partnerships with outside organizations. This new policy would establish rules and procedures for these agreements. If approved, the city manager can sign partnership deals without returning to council for each one.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hold 5th public hearing on new voting district maps
In Plain English
The city is switching from at-large elections where all voters choose all council members to district-based elections where you only vote for your neighborhood representative. Officials have drawn draft maps dividing the city into districts. This hearing lets residents comment on the proposed boundaries before council makes a final decision.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Select map 115b to establish voting district boundaries
5 to 0
Set the election sequence to 1, 4, and 3
Set the election sequence to 1, 5, and 6
4 to 0
Introduce and adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 03-20 N.S. and direct staff to place an item on a future City Council meeting agenda to establish an independent voting districts committee
6 to 0
Said ordinance received the first reading and was laid over to January 21, 2020, for the second reading
6 to 0
Ban new coal and petroleum coke storage facilities and phase out existing ones
In Plain English
Richmond currently allows companies to store coal and petroleum coke within city limits. This law would prohibit any new storage facilities from opening. Existing facilities would need to shut down their coal and petroleum coke operations over time.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Said ordinance received the first reading and was laid over to January 21, 2020, for the second reading
5 to 1
Personnel(2 items)
Create new Communications Dispatcher III job classification
In Plain English
The city wants to add a higher-level dispatcher position to its official job categories. Richmond currently has Communications Dispatcher I and II roles for emergency call operators. If approved, the city can hire or promote dispatchers to this senior level with additional responsibilities and higher pay.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Create new Communications Dispatcher III job classification with set salary range
In Plain English
The city currently has Communications Dispatcher I and II positions but lacks a senior-level role. This creates a third dispatcher level for experienced staff who handle complex calls and train new hires. If approved, the city establishes official pay grades for this new position.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Environment(1 item)
Adopt Richmond Community Wildfire Protection Plan
In Plain English
The city lacks a formal wildfire safety plan despite having fire-prone hills and open spaces. This plan identifies high-risk areas and sets emergency response procedures. If approved, Richmond joins countywide coordination with other cities for wildfire prevention and response.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt said resolution
6 to 0
Contracts(1 item)
Amend contract with Steven Falk to continue as Interim City Manager
In Plain English
Steven Falk currently serves as Richmond's temporary city manager under a standard contract. The city needs to modify his agreement to extend or adjust the terms of his interim role. The city manager oversees all city departments and implements council decisions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved a contract amendment with Interim City Manager Steven Falk extending the term to January 30, 2020, with no additional consulting services
6 to 0
Zoning(1 item)
Close unbuilt section of Meeker Avenue between South 17th and South 19th Streets
In Plain English
The city owns an unbuilt portion of Meeker Avenue that was planned but never constructed between South 17th and South 19th Streets. Closing this section removes it from the official street map. The land becomes available for other uses or sale to adjacent property owners.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Order of Vacation No. 917
6 to 0
Miscellaneous(1 item)
Details
In Plain English
This agenda item lacks sufficient information to explain what the city council will be discussing or deciding. The item is listed only as "Details" with no description, department, or financial information provided. Residents should check with the city clerk's office or attend the meeting to learn what this agenda item actually covers.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.