Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Presiding: Mayor Tom Butt · Called to order: 6:38 p.m. · 6 items · 23 votes · 34 public comments
What happened
- Approved sanctuary city contracting policy 6-1 (Butt dissenting) restricting city deals based on values.
- Approved rental housing inspection fees of $207, $100, and $50 per unit 6-1 (Butt dissenting).
- Approved $30,000 to hire lawyers for affordable housing law updates 5-1 (Martinez dissenting).
- Approved 18 routine items including $112,500 Advance Peace contract and plastic straw ban.
- Heard budget review, Anaviv project appeal, and Fire Chief no-confidence proposal without votes.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Budget(3 items)
Review proposed city operating budget for fiscal year 2018-19
In Plain English
Department heads presented their spending plans for the upcoming fiscal year to city council. The operating budget covers day-to-day city services like police, fire, parks, and road maintenance. City council will use these presentations to decide which programs to fund and at what levels.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Set annual fees for rental housing inspection program at $207, $100, and $50 per unit
In Plain English
The city charges landlords annual fees to fund rental housing inspections and tenant protection programs. Fees vary by unit type, with controlled rental units paying $207, partially covered units paying $100, and subsidized units paying $50. Landlords typically pass these costs to tenants through rent increases.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 32-18 establishing the Fiscal Year 2018-19 Residential Rental Housing Fees
6 to 1
Spend $30,000 in housing fees to hire lawyers for affordable housing law updates
In Plain English
Developers pay the city fees when they build market-rate housing instead of including affordable units. The city has collected these fees but needs legal help updating its affordable housing requirements. If approved, lawyers will draft changes to rules that require new developments to include affordable housing or pay fees.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the appropriation of $30,000 in housing in-lieu fees for legal services
5 to 1
Governance(1 item)
Adopt policy restricting city contracts and investments based on sanctuary city values
In Plain English
Richmond would create new rules about which companies can receive city contracts or hold city investments. The policy would align spending with the city's sanctuary city status, which protects undocumented residents from federal immigration enforcement. If approved, the city reviews existing contracts and investments to ensure they meet these standards.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 33-18 and approve first reading of the ordinance establishing Sanctuary City Contracting and Investment Policy
6 to 1
Contracts(1 item)
Approve agreement with Lyft to provide subsidized rides for seniors and disabled residents
In Plain English
The city wants to partner with Lyft to offer discounted transportation to seniors and people with disabilities who qualify for paratransit services. Measure J funding would pay for the ride subsidies. If approved, eligible residents get easier access to rideshare transportation instead of relying only on traditional paratransit buses.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the agreement with Lyft, Inc.
7 to 0
Zoning(1 item)
Review appeal of Anaviv project's conditional approval
In Plain English
The Planning Commission gave conditional approval to modify an existing project called Anaviv. Someone appealed that decision to the city council. The council will hold a public hearing to decide whether to uphold or overturn the Planning Commission's approval.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Personnel(1 item)
Cast no confidence vote in Fire Chief serving as Fire Marshal
In Plain English
The council will vote on whether they have confidence in the current Fire Chief who also serves as Fire Marshal. This item was delayed from a previous meeting. If the vote passes, it signals the council wants leadership changes in fire department management.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.