Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Presiding: Mayor Thomas K. Butt · Called to order: 6:48 p.m. · 11 items · 5 votes · 18 public comments
What happened
- Approved $513,000 in community grants to 20 organizations 6-1 (Butt dissenting).
- Approved the city's annual spending plan and 5-year infrastructure improvement schedule.
- Received presentation on environmental risks of lead cables in city infrastructure.
- Heard updates on sidewalk repair policies and water utility rate increases.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Miscellaneous(4 items)
Approve $513,000 in community grants to 20 organizations
In Plain English
The city awards annual grants through the Environment and Community Investment Agreement program. A review committee selected 20 organizations to receive funding this year. If approved, organizations can receive up to 50% of their grant money upfront instead of the current 25% limit.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
requesting the ECIA committee to re-evaluate the recommended grant awardees, ignoring criteria related to financial and organization capacities, and ability to access and leverage other funds; utilize criteria more in terms of what was missing such as North Richmond and re-entry organizations; and return with a revised list of recommended grant awardees for the Council to consider by the end of July 2017
6 to 1
Receive update on city job training programs and initiatives
In Plain English
The Employment and Training Director will report on current programs that help residents find work and learn new skills. Some programs receive funding from the Environmental and Community Investment Agreement, which provides money for community benefits. The update covers what training is available and how many people are participating.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Consider joining partnership to improve neighborhoods around Lovonya DeJean Middle School
In Plain English
The California Emerging Technology Fund will present a report on a multi-agency partnership focused on the neighborhoods surrounding Lovonya DeJean Middle School. The partnership aims to coordinate services and investments to improve quality of life for residents in that area. The city council will decide whether Richmond should join this collaborative effort with other agencies.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Receive presentation on small business support program
In Plain English
Inner City Capital Connections will present their program designed to help small businesses grow and stay financially stable. The organization focuses on providing resources and support to small business owners. This is an informational presentation with no city funding or policy decisions involved.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Budget(3 items)
Approve administrative budget for successor redevelopment agency
In Plain English
California dissolved all redevelopment agencies in 2012 but required cities to create successor agencies to wind down existing projects and pay off debts. Richmond's successor agency handles remaining redevelopment obligations like property management and debt payments. State law requires the city council to approve the agency's administrative budget each year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
adopt Resolution No. 17-2
6 to 0
Adopt city's annual spending plan and 5-year infrastructure improvement schedule
In Plain English
The city must approve its budget each year to authorize spending on services like police, parks, and road repairs. This budget covers July 2017 through June 2018 operations. The 5-year plan outlines major infrastructure projects like street rebuilds and building repairs through 2022.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
adopt Resolution No. 73-17 approving said operating budget and Resolution No. 74-17 approving said capital improvement plan
6 to 0
Set legal spending limits for city budget years 2015-16, 2016-17, and 2017-18
In Plain English
California law requires cities to calculate maximum spending limits each year based on population and inflation. The city must formally approve these limits even though Richmond typically spends well below them. The limits help ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance with state constitutional requirements.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
adopt Resolution No. 75-17
6 to 0
Public Safety(1 item)
Receive presentation on mosquito and pest control efforts countywide
In Plain English
The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District will present their work controlling mosquitoes, rats, and other disease-carrying pests throughout the county. The district operates year-round programs to prevent West Nile virus and other health threats. Richmond residents benefit from these services through property tax funding.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Infrastructure(2 items)
Receive annual presentation from water utility on rate increases and infrastructure
In Plain English
East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) provides water service to Richmond residents. The utility gives an annual update to the city council about upcoming rate changes and infrastructure projects. This presentation helps council members stay informed about water costs and system improvements that affect residents.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Review sidewalk inspection and repair policies
In Plain English
The city currently handles sidewalk maintenance and repairs through existing policies that may need updates. Staff will present options for new procedures to better manage cracked or damaged sidewalks. If approved, changes could affect how quickly the city fixes sidewalk problems and who pays for repairs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Environment(1 item)
Receive presentation on environmental risks of lead cables in city infrastructure
In Plain English
The city has lead-wrapped cables in its infrastructure that may pose environmental hazards. Green Planet 21 will present findings about these risks and recommend how to remove the cables. City council will decide what steps to take next based on the presentation.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
compose a letter to telecommunication companies from the Council regarding the existence, locations, and removal of lead sheathed cables in Richmond
7 to 0