Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:44 p.m. · 14 items · 21 votes · 6 public comments
What happened
- Approved $1.9 million budget adjustment for Civic Center project 5-2 (Butt, Lopez dissenting).
- Approved $100,000 increase in legal contract for Point Molate Navy transfer 5-2 (Butt, McLaughlin dissenting).
- Approved adding movable bulkhead to Richmond Natatorium renovation project 5-2 (Bates, McLaughlin dissenting).
- Approved 230-unit Miraflores housing development with creek restoration 6-1 (McLaughlin dissenting).
- Approved 16 routine items including $2.6 million contract with school district for police officers.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Budget(1 item)
Return $1.9 million construction reserve and reimburse $5 million in unforeseen costs for Civic Center project
In Plain English
The city completed Phase 1 of the Civic Center Revitalization Project using Redevelopment Agency funds. The project had $1.9 million left over from its construction reserve that the city plans to return. The Redevelopment Agency also spent $5 million more than expected on unforeseen costs during construction and wants reimbursement.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
1) authorize the City Manager to return $1.9 million to the Redevelopment Agency upon close of the Civic Center project; 2) allocate $350,000 to the General Fund Capital Improvement Project budget, (CIP), for purchase of the bulkhead for the Richmond Natatorium; 3) return one lump sum loan payment to the Redevelopment Agency in the amount of $5 million for use in completion of the Macdonald Avenue project
Only return $1.9 million to the Redevelopment Agency
Defer this matter for discussion at the Mid-Year Budget Review
4 to 2
Contracts(3 items)
Increase legal contract by $100,000 for Point Molate Navy transfer documents
In Plain English
The city hired Paul Hastings law firm to handle legal work for the Navy's transfer of Point Molate land to Richmond. The original contract has grown from $470,000 to $570,000 through multiple amendments. If approved, the firm prepares additional required documents to speed up the land transfer process.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the fourth amendment to legal services agreement
5 to 2
Extend construction management contract with Harris & Associates through 2010
In Plain English
The city hired Harris & Associates in a previous contract to manage construction projects and update engineering policies. The current contract limit is $1.91 million. If approved, the payment limit increases by $250,000 to $2.16 million total and extends the contract through December 2010.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Hire resort design experts to review Point Molate casino development plans
In Plain English
The city needs specialized expertise to evaluate the proposed casino resort at Point Molate. The development involves converting historic naval buildings into a destination resort with gaming facilities. If approved, the city hires consultants to help planning boards assess whether the design meets city standards.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Infrastructure(2 items)
Receive report on Paratransit Program for disabled and elderly residents
In Plain English
The city manager will present an update on the Paratransit Program, which provides door-to-door transportation for residents who cannot use regular public buses due to disabilities or age. The program serves people who need wheelchair-accessible vehicles or cannot walk to bus stops. This is an informational report with no action required from the council.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Reconsider adding movable bulkhead to Richmond Natatorium renovation project
In Plain English
The city council previously voted on whether to include a movable bulkhead in the Plunge renovation plans. Council members now want to revisit that decision and potentially change their vote. The movable bulkhead would allow the pool to be divided into sections for different activities.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Suspend rules to reconsider vote
Approve the allocation of $350,000 for movable bulkhead
5 to 2
Zoning(2 items)
Approve 230-unit Miraflores housing development with creek restoration
In Plain English
The project would build 80 affordable senior apartments and 150 single-family homes on contaminated land near Baxter Creek. Developers must clean up soil pollution and restore part of the buried creek to daylight. The development may include a small commercial space up to 3,600 square feet.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Adopt Resolution No. 140-09
6 to 1
Receive status report on revised Draft General Plan
In Plain English
The city has been updating its master development plan that guides all future construction and zoning decisions. Staff revised the draft based on feedback from the Planning Commission and residents. The city council will review progress and set the timeline for final approval in early 2010.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Hold over to a future study session
Governance(4 items)
Support federal Energy Security Through Transparency Act
In Plain English
The proposed federal law would require oil companies to publicly report payments made to foreign governments. Richmond has significant refining operations that could be affected by this transparency requirement. The resolution also expresses support for environmental justice efforts in Nigeria's Niger Delta region.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 141-09
Ban new tobacco shop permits for 45 days while city reviews regulations
In Plain English
The city currently allows tobacco shops to open with standard business permits. This emergency measure stops all new tobacco shop applications for 45 days. The city can use this time to study whether current rules need changes before more shops open.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Ban medical marijuana dispensaries citywide
In Plain English
Richmond currently allows medical marijuana dispensaries in some areas under state law. This law change prohibits all marijuana clubs, dispensaries and cooperatives from operating anywhere in the city. If approved, existing dispensaries must close and no new ones can open.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extend the meeting 30 minutes
Approve the City Manager's suggestion for community outreach and extending the moratorium
Create new law governing alcohol sales with window and inspection requirements
In Plain English
The city currently regulates alcohol sales through existing permits and zoning rules. This new law adds requirements for businesses that sell alcohol to have storefront windows and submit to city inspections. The law also creates a "deemed approved" process for certain alcohol sales applications.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Introduce ordinance and lay over two weeks for second reading
Appointments(2 items)
Appoint Mayor McLaughlin as liaison to Community Development Commission
In Plain English
The Community Development Commission oversees affordable housing and neighborhood improvement programs in Richmond. City Council needs a member to serve as the official communication link between the two bodies. Mayor McLaughlin would attend commission meetings and report back to council on housing and development issues.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Appoint 5 residents to city commissions for 1-2 year terms
In Plain English
The city fills vacant seats on 4 different commissions that advise the council on housing, police oversight, community development, and human rights issues. These volunteer positions help residents shape city policy in their neighborhoods. The appointments include 3 new members and 2 reappointments of current commissioners.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve appointments and re-appointments
6 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.