Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 7:02 p.m. · 12 items · 5 votes · 6 public comments
What happened
- Approved changing city council meeting times and agenda order 6-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Heard discussion about developing unused land around Richmond BART station but took no action.
- Approved contract with North Star consulting firm to create new city logo and branding.
- Approved prohibiting tenant evictions during foreclosure proceedings (Bates abstaining).
- Approved 8 other items including extending DP Security's park restroom monitoring contract.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(5 items)
Change city council meeting times, agenda order, and consolidate redevelopment meetings
In Plain English
The city council currently follows rules that set specific meeting times and agenda structure. The proposed changes would adjust when meetings start and end, rearrange the order of agenda items, and combine separate city council and redevelopment agency meetings into single sessions. If approved, residents attending meetings would experience different timing and format.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Continue this item to June 16, 2009
0 to 1
Direct staff to draft letter supporting Coronado Elementary for school bond funds
In Plain English
The West Contra Costa Unified School District plans to select schools for its next bond program that funds major repairs and improvements. Coronado Elementary in Richmond may not be included in the current proposal. The city wants to formally ask the school board to include Coronado Elementary when they vote on June 3rd.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the item
Create new tax district for Marina Bay landscaping and lighting maintenance
In Plain English
The city wants to form a special district that charges Marina Bay property owners extra fees to maintain landscaping and streetlights in their neighborhood. Property owners in the district pay these assessments on top of regular property taxes. The fees fund services like tree trimming, flower planting, and light repairs that the city's general budget doesn't cover.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Hold a special meeting on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, to hold a public hearing, ballot count, and ratification of the resolutions with this being the only item on the agenda
Direct staff to draft resolution supporting state bill for Real ID-compliant driver licenses
In Plain English
Senate Bill 60 would require California's DMV to issue driver licenses that meet federal Real ID standards. These enhanced licenses allow holders to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport. The city wants to formally support this legislation through a resolution.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Directed the city manager to draft a letter to the chair of the transportation committee and a copy to Senator Cedillo in support of Senate Bill 60
Simplify appeals process for disputing city taxes and fees
In Plain English
The city currently has 29 separate chapters governing how residents can challenge taxes and fees. This law consolidates all appeal procedures into one chapter. If approved, residents get a single, streamlined process for disputing any city tax or fee instead of navigating different rules for each type.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Said ordinance received first reading and was laid over two weeks for second reading
Contracts(3 items)
Extend contract with DP Security to monitor restroom facilities at 7 parks
In Plain English
The city currently uses DP Security to monitor and secure restrooms at Nevin, Nicholl, M.L. King, J.F. Kennedy, La Moine, Shields-Reid, and Booker T. Anderson Parks. This amendment extends their existing contract. The security monitoring helps prevent vandalism and ensures restrooms remain clean and safe for park visitors.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extend the contract to August 30, 2009, and direct staff to return to the Council for further instructions after the investigation is complete
Hire North Star consulting firm to create new city logo and branding
In Plain English
The city wants to develop a new brand identity including a logo, slogan, and messaging guidelines. North Star will run community meetings to gather input on what makes Richmond unique. If approved, the contract costs up to $87,000 and produces graphic standards for city communications.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the agreement
4 to 0
Install solar-powered circulation system at Hilltop Lake to reduce algae
In Plain English
Hilltop Lake currently has algae problems that affect water quality. The city plans to hire Pond Solutions to install a solar-powered system that circulates water to prevent algae growth. The system runs on solar energy instead of city electricity.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract with the understanding that staff would inform the Council on the type of water there actually was at Hill Top
Zoning(1 item)
Discuss ways to develop unused land around Richmond BART station
In Plain English
Large areas near Richmond BART remain empty or underused despite the location's transit access. City council will explore strategies to encourage housing, retail, or other development on these parcels. Better land use around transit stations can reduce car dependency and increase city revenue.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Budget(1 item)
Receive report on 2009-2010 budget checklist items from May council meeting
In Plain English
The city council created a checklist of budget items to track during their May 19, 2009 meeting. Staff compiled a report showing progress on those items. The council reviews the status and gives staff direction on next steps.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Received a report on the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 operating budget and directed staff to prepare a balanced budget to be placed on the Consent Calendar of the June 16, 2009, City Council Agenda for Council approval
Environment(1 item)
Send letters supporting 3 state bills to reduce plastic waste
In Plain English
The city council will decide whether to formally support 3 California bills targeting plastic pollution. AB1358 would ban polystyrene takeout containers statewide. AB68 and AB87 both aim to reduce single-use plastic bags. If approved, Richmond joins other cities backing these environmental measures.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the item
0 to 0
Housing(1 item)
Prohibit evicting tenants from rental units during foreclosure proceedings
In Plain English
Banks and new property owners often evict tenants immediately after foreclosing on rental properties. This law would protect tenants by preventing evictions while a foreclosure is happening. If approved, tenants can stay in their homes during the foreclosure process instead of facing immediate displacement.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the item with additional suggestions and amendments
6 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.