Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:08 p.m. · 9 items · 14 votes · 21 public comments
What happened
- Rejected creating a committee to review Richmond Housing Authority 4-3 (Bates, Beckles, Boozé, Butt dissenting).
- Rejected exploring renaming a street or center for Nelson Mandela 3-3 with Rogers abstaining.
- Approved policies to increase low-emission vehicle use 6-1 (Boozé dissenting).
- Approved giving county inspectors direct enforcement powers at Chevron Refinery 6-0 with Bates abstaining.
- Approved 5 routine items including $59,126 in grants for library literacy programs.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(2 items)
Request state and federal help to reduce train horn noise
In Plain English
The city faces excessive train horn noise that disrupts residents. Federal and state regulations conflict on when trains must sound horns. If approved, the city formally asks lawmakers to help resolve these regulatory conflicts and provide noise relief.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 8-14
6 to 0
Direct staff to explore renaming a street or community center for Nelson Mandela
In Plain English
A council member wants city staff to research renaming a major street or community facility to honor Nelson Mandela. Staff would identify potential locations and study the renaming process. If approved, staff returns with specific options and cost estimates for new signage and address changes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extend meeting 30 minutes
5 to 2
Direct staff to explore with community changing name of prominent street or community center in honor of Nelson Mandela and bring report to Parks and Recreation Commission within 60 days including process and cost analysis with their recommendation to City Council
6 to 0
Also consider naming prominent area in Richmond in honor of Martin Luther King
3 to 3
Housing(2 items)
Hold public hearing on $15 million refinancing for Liberty Village Apartments
In Plain English
The California Statewide Communities Development Authority wants to issue $15 million in bonds to refinance Liberty Village Apartments. State law requires a public hearing before the city can approve this type of bond financing. If approved, the refinancing could lower borrowing costs for the apartment complex.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close public hearing
Adopt Resolution No. 7-14 approving the proposed financing
Create committee to review Richmond Housing Authority and plan public outreach
In Plain English
The Richmond Housing Authority manages affordable housing for low-income residents in the city. City staff will prepare a report on how well the authority is working and what problems it faces. If approved, a 3-person committee of the mayor and 2 council members will help plan community meetings to get public input.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extend meeting 10 minutes
3 to 4
Public Safety(2 items)
Receive report on police priorities and training needs
In Plain English
The police department will present its current priorities and identify what training officers need. The report may include potential grant opportunities to fund new training programs. This gives residents insight into how the department plans to improve services and what resources it needs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Give county inspectors direct enforcement powers at Chevron Refinery
In Plain English
The county currently lacks direct authority to enforce chemical safety violations at the refinery. This creates a new full-time inspector position specifically for Chevron and allows county staff to issue citations directly. If approved, the county gains stronger oversight of refinery operations without waiting for state action.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
End debate
2 to 5
Request Contra Costa County's joint committee return with recommendation on adding full-time county chemical processing safety inspector position within one month, implement county direct enforcement authority, provide language that workers have authority to shut down plant if they perceive dangerous conditions
6 to 0
Environment(1 item)
Consider policies to increase low-emission vehicle use in Richmond
In Plain English
The city wants to explore ways to get more electric and clean vehicles on Richmond roads. Current ideas include sharing electric vehicles between city operations and the Easy Go car-sharing program. Richmond residents currently breathe air pollution from gas-powered cars and trucks throughout the city.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct City Manager to report back with plan to share EVs between city and Easy Go, analyze costs and environmental benefits, and devise program for major employers' employees to access cars as paying customers
6 to 1
Contracts(3 items)
License Nematode Holdings to store ferry magazine equipment at Point Molate
In Plain English
Nematode Holdings publishes Bay Crossings, a ferry publication that needs storage space. The company wants to store miscellaneous equipment at 2100 Western Drive in the Point Molate area. If approved, the city grants a 3-year license from March 2014 through February 2017.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Accept $249,600 grant to continue employee shuttle service
In Plain English
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District offers grants to reduce car trips and air pollution. Richmond currently runs shuttle service for city employees. If approved, the grant covers shuttle operations for another funding period without using city money.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Discuss funding that Holland and Knight law firm obtained for the city
In Plain English
Holland and Knight is a law firm that has worked for Richmond under contract. The firm apparently secured funding for the city during their work period. Council will discuss how much money the firm obtained and provide direction on this matter.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.