Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Presiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:30 p.m. · 7 items · 7 votes · 15 public comments
What happened
- Approved Port of Richmond's Clean Air Action Plan to reduce pollution 6-1 (Butt dissenting).
- Approved 11 routine items including $60,000 Nichols Consulting contract for Point Molate cleanup.
- Approved new laws governing pipeline companies and allowing medical marijuana collectives in Richmond.
- Approved $25 million in wastewater revenue bonds to fund sewer system improvements.
- Received status report on Greenprint Transportation Program to reduce emissions.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Environment(2 items)
Approve Port of Richmond's Clean Air Action Plan to reduce pollution
In Plain English
The port must create this pollution reduction plan as part of environmental requirements for the Honda import facility. The plan outlines specific steps to reduce air pollution from port operations. If approved, the port can move forward with implementing pollution controls required by the Honda project's environmental review.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the plan and direct staff to accept inclusion of a feasibility plan
5 to 1
Receive status report on Greenprint Transportation Program to reduce emissions
In Plain English
The city runs a Greenprint Transportation Program aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and transit. Staff will present an update on the program's progress and current activities. The report covers what transportation initiatives the city has implemented and how effective they have been at reducing emissions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Governance(3 items)
Send letter to President Obama about Castro Cove water quality settlement
In Plain English
The city wants to ask President Obama to intervene in a water quality dispute at Castro Cove. Castro Cove has ongoing pollution problems that apparently involve federal oversight or settlement negotiations. The letter would request presidential action to resolve water quality issues affecting this local waterway.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the item
7 to 0
Create new law governing pipeline companies operating in Richmond
In Plain English
Richmond currently lacks a comprehensive system for regulating pipeline companies that want to operate in the city. The new law establishes rules for how companies apply for permits, what fees they pay, and how the city oversees their operations. Pipeline companies would need city approval before installing or maintaining gas, oil, or other pipelines on public property.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 27-10 N.S.
7 to 0
Create new law allowing medical marijuana collectives to operate in Richmond
In Plain English
Richmond currently has no specific rules governing medical marijuana collectives. The new law would establish where these businesses can locate, how they must operate, and what permits they need. If approved, patients could access medical marijuana through regulated collectives within city limits.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt ordinance and direct city attorney to return October 5, 2010 with amendments: (1) investigate FTB exempt status requirement, (2) clarify Collective definition for different nonprofit forms, (3) make technical amendments to streamline permit program
7 to 0
Budget(1 item)
Issue $25 million in wastewater revenue bonds to fund sewer system improvements
In Plain English
The city needs to borrow money to upgrade aging sewer infrastructure and treatment facilities. Revenue bonds let the city borrow against future wastewater bill payments rather than using tax money. If approved, the city issues new bonds and signs contracts with lenders and bond buyers.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 108-10
7 to 0
Contracts(1 item)
Approve contract with Bay Cities Paving to build temporary channel on Via Verdi
In Plain English
The city needs to construct a temporary water channel on Via Verdi street. Bay Cities Paving and Grading will handle the construction work. The contract amount was not disclosed in the agenda materials.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve contract with Bay Cities
7 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.