Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 5:09 p.m. · 8 items · 5 votes · 11 public comments
What happened
- Approved increased public funding for candidates running for city office 5-2 (Bates, Butt dissenting).
- Approved discussing school district proposals to close several Richmond schools 5-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Approved changes to Navy agreement for Point Molate fuel depot redevelopment on consent calendar.
- Heard $50,000 contract amendment with ADT to install cameras at Nevin Park with no vote.
- Approved changing quorum rules to match smaller council size and tobacco advertising enforcement measures.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(4 items)
Change quorum rules to match smaller city council size
In Plain English
Richmond recently reduced its city council from 7 to 5 members. Current law still requires 4 council members present to hold meetings and make decisions. If approved, only 3 members need to be present for the council to conduct business.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Receive first reading and lay over two weeks for second reading
Increase public funding for candidates running for city office
In Plain English
Richmond currently provides public money to help candidates pay for their campaigns. The city wants to raise the amount of funding available to people running for mayor or city council. If approved, candidates who qualify receive more taxpayer money for campaign expenses like advertising and mailers.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Add amendment that matching funds will only be available for donations that were $250 or less
3 to 4
Table the item
2 to 5
Approve the same ordinance that was passed at the previous meeting
Eliminate the last disbursement of matching funds for a maximum of $25,000
4 to 2
Discuss school district's proposals to close several Richmond schools
In Plain English
The West Contra Costa Unified School District wants to close multiple schools in Richmond. The city council will discuss these closure proposals and decide what position the city should take. If schools close, it affects neighborhood property values, student commutes, and community gathering spaces.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Continue to go forward with all nine conditions and move with the caveat that if the State Surplus Bill is not successful, the City will make the pledge to the State Trustee for the $1.5 million dollars for fiscal year 2011, and with the understanding that all schools in Richmond are removed from school closure during the period of the Municipal Services Agreement
5 to 1
Prioritize tobacco advertising enforcement and pause new tobacco retailer licenses for 120 days
In Plain English
The city has laws restricting tobacco advertising and requiring licenses for tobacco retailers. City staff currently spend time processing new retailer licenses while tobacco advertising violations may go unenforced. If approved, staff focus on catching advertising violations and stop issuing new licenses for 4 months while reviewing both laws.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the item
Proclamation(1 item)
Support renaming Contra Costa County Superior Courthouse to George D. Carroll Courthouse
In Plain English
The city wants to formally support renaming Richmond's main courthouse after George D. Carroll. The county makes the final decision on courthouse names. This resolution expresses the city's opinion but does not commit any city funds or change city operations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 7-09
Contracts(1 item)
Approve $50,000 contract amendment with ADT to install cameras at Nevin Park
In Plain English
The city already has a contract with ADT Security Services for security equipment. Nevin Park is being rebuilt and needs new security cameras as part of the reconstruction. If approved, the city pays ADT an additional $50,000 to install the camera system.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Budget(1 item)
Review mid-year budget forecast and approve spending adjustments
In Plain English
The city checks its budget halfway through the fiscal year to see if spending matches predictions. City staff present updated revenue and expense projections for 2008-2009. If approved, the adjustments keep the city on track financially for the rest of the year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Environment(1 item)
Direct staff on pushing Union Pacific to clean up graffiti and dumped concrete
In Plain English
Union Pacific has graffiti problems on the east side of Interstate 580 and concrete dumping on the west side. The city council will decide what actions staff should take to force the railroad company to clean up these issues on their property.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.