Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:41 p.m. · 6 items · 14 votes · 15 public comments
What happened
- Approved 4 routine items including joining regional emergency radio system for $934,725 and purchasing 2 fire trucks for $540,000.
- Approved fees for medical marijuana collective applications and hired consultant to review city service rates.
- Approved temporary bans on new chain restaurants in Point Richmond and cell towers citywide until 2011-2012.
- Approved resolution supporting UC Berkeley Lab's second campus proposal and appointed residents to city boards.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Contracts(1 item)
Hire consultant to review city service fees and set marijuana collective rates
In Plain English
The city charges fees for services like building permits, sewer connections, and code enforcement inspections. NBS Government Finance Group will analyze whether current fees cover actual costs. The consultant will also establish new fees for medical marijuana collectives operating in the city.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve contract with NBS Government Finance Group in amount not to exceed $25,000
7 to 0
Governance(1 item)
Adopt resolution supporting UC Berkeley Lab's second campus proposal
In Plain English
UC Berkeley's National Laboratory is seeking locations for a second campus and has issued a request for proposals. The city wants to formally express interest in hosting this facility. If approved, Richmond submits an official response supporting the lab's expansion to the city.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Authorize city manager to respond to UC Berkeley Lab RFQ, adopt Resolution No. 10-11 in support, and appoint committee to make presentation to Board of Regents
7 to 0
Zoning(2 items)
Ban new chain restaurants in Point Richmond until 2012
In Plain English
The city wants to temporarily stop new chain restaurants from opening in Point Richmond's business district. This moratorium lasts until January 2012 or until the city creates permanent zoning rules. Local businesses currently compete with potential chain restaurants for customers and storefront space.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extend meeting to 11:15 p.m.
6 to 0
Extend meeting to 11:30 p.m.
6 to 0
Adopt Ordinance No. 5-11
6 to 0
Ban new cell towers and wireless facilities until March 2011
In Plain English
The city wants to temporarily stop approving new cell phone towers, antennas, and other wireless equipment while it updates its regulations. Current rules may not address newer technologies or community concerns about placement. If approved, no new wireless facilities can be built for several months while the city rewrites the rules.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 6-11
7 to 0
Budget(1 item)
Set fees for medical marijuana collective applications and operations
In Plain English
Richmond allows medical marijuana collectives to operate under city law but has not established what fees they must pay. This resolution creates a formal fee structure for businesses applying to open collectives and for their ongoing operations. The fees help cover city costs for reviewing applications and monitoring these businesses.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 9-11
7 to 0
Appointments(1 item)
Appoint residents to 5 city boards and commissions
In Plain English
The city council fills open seats on volunteer boards that advise on arts funding, housing policy, historic buildings, community development, and parks. These residents review proposals and make recommendations to the city council. Board members typically serve 2-4 year terms and meet monthly.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve appointments and re-appointments: Phillip Mehas (Arts and Culture), Jessica Montiel (Community Development), Robin Cawelti (Historic Preservation), Anntheia Yvonne Farr (Housing Advisory), Eduardo Martinez, Yvonne Nair, Mark Torres (Recreation and Parks)
7 to 0
Infrastructure(1 item)
Receive presentation on Via Verdi sinkhole restoration options
In Plain English
A sinkhole has formed on Via Verdi street. City engineers will present different repair options to fix the damage. The city council will decide which approach to pursue for the restoration work.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to do more research and come back to Council with recommendations within 30 days and provide report on Richmond resident hiring for project
7 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.