Tuesday, June 23, 2015
SpecialPresiding: Mayor Tom Butt · Called to order: 6:01 p.m. · 5 items · 4 votes
What happened
- Approved Just Cause for Eviction policy presentation 5-2 (Butt, Pimplé dissenting, Bates abstaining).
- Heard presentations on lobbying firm selection, water shortage issues, and 2015-16 budget.
- Approved Richmond Promise Ad Hoc Committee appointments unanimously.
- Approved 2 routine items including health policy report and commercial tax amendment support.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Housing(1 item)
Receive presentation on Just Cause for Eviction policy options
In Plain English
Staff will present different ways the city could require landlords to have valid reasons before evicting tenants. Currently, landlords can end month-to-month leases without stating a reason. Just cause laws typically require specific grounds like nonpayment of rent or lease violations. The council will discuss whether to pursue such protections for renters.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Directing staff to return to City Council during the month of July with draft ordinances for Option C (Rent Mediation Board plus Enhanced Monitoring and Community Education) and Option D (Rent Control ordinance plus Enhanced Monitoring and Community Education plus a Just Cause for Eviction ordinance)
4 to 2
Contracts(1 item)
Choose lobbying firm to help secure federal and state funding
In Plain English
The city uses professional lobbyists to help win grants and funding from Congress and the state legislature. The current contract with Holland & Knight is ending. Council must choose between renewing with Holland & Knight, switching to Federal Advocates or FTI Consulting, or splitting federal and state lobbying between different firms.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Budget(1 item)
Review proposed city budget for fiscal year 2015-16
In Plain English
The city council examines next year's proposed spending plan for operations and major projects. This review helps council members understand budget priorities before the final vote scheduled for June 30. The budget sets funding levels for police, fire, parks, roads, and all city services that affect residents daily.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Appointments(1 item)
Appoint members to Richmond Promise Ad Hoc Committee
In Plain English
The Richmond Promise provides college scholarships and support services to local high school graduates. The city council creates this temporary committee to oversee the program's operations. If approved, new committee members will help guide scholarship decisions and program policies.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve appointments to the Richmond Promise Ad Hoc Committee
7 to 0
Miscellaneous(1 item)
Receive presentation on East Bay water shortage and supply issues
In Plain English
East Bay Municipal Utility District will update the council on current water shortage conditions and supply challenges. The district serves Richmond and surrounding cities with water from Sierra Nevada reservoirs. This briefing helps council understand regional water issues that could affect local policies and residents.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.