Tuesday, February 27, 2024

The council received a presentation on Chevron Richmond's air quality settlement with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District over environmental violations. Residents questioned Chevron's accountability and raised concerns about increased flaring reports compared to previous years. Four people spoke during public comment about corporate profits and regulatory consistency.

The council approved a neighborhood clean energy program that would help low-income residents transition from gas to electric appliances like stoves and heaters. The city will partner with PG&E to pilot this program in one neighborhood and hire a federal grant coordinator. Willis recused herself from the vote, while residents debated gas stove usage and health impacts during public comment.

The council approved 10 routine items on consent, including a $451,890 expansion of the Housing Consortium contract to help Castro encampment residents find permanent housing. Other notable items included increasing the Fehr & Peers transportation design contract by $450,000 to $900,000 total and extending the police car rental agreement with Enterprise for $180,000.

Staff presented a mid-year budget report showing the city needs to increase spending by $14.5 million, including $9.8 million for the General Fund. The city spent $99.9 million in the first six months of the fiscal year, slightly below expectations due to seasonal revenue timing. Residents requested funding for a full-time Historic Preservation Staff position.