Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 5:09 p.m. · 12 items · 14 votes · 14 public comments
What happened
- Rejected revoking cellular antenna permit at 260 Water Street 5-4 (McLaughlin, Sandhu, Rogers, Thurmond dissenting).
- Approved 3-year fuel contract with Valley Oil Company for $500,000 annually.
- Approved reviewing 3 alternative citywide development plans 8-1 (Butt dissenting).
- Approved nominating delegate for National League of Cities meeting 6-2 (Marquez, Viramontes dissenting).
- Approved routine consent calendar item appointing 6 residents to city boards for $31,359.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Zoning(3 items)
Close unused alley between South 13th Street and Marina Way South
In Plain English
The city plans to permanently close a public alley off Wright Avenue that connects South 13th Street and Marina Way South. Once closed, the city can sell or transfer the land to adjacent property owners. This removes the city's responsibility to maintain the alleyway.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Adopted Resolution No. 899
Review 3 alternative land use plans for citywide development
In Plain English
The city is updating its General Plan, which guides where housing, businesses, and parks can be built over the next 20 years. Staff developed 3 different scenarios based on community input sessions. Council will pick which approach to pursue and give staff next steps for finalizing the plan.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extend the meeting 45 minutes to complete the current item followed by Item I-1
8 to 1
Extend the meeting until 1:15 a.m.
8 to 1
Coordinate with the calendar of the General Plan Advisory Committee's (GPAC), GPAC to make final recommendations on maps and the 20 change areas, and recommendations be given to the City Council to discuss and review at a retreat in January or February 2008
Schedule a dedicated meeting to make a decision on the CEQA ranges
Extend the meeting for 10 minutes
8 to 1
Consider revoking cellular antenna permit at 260 Water Street
In Plain English
The city issued a permit for someone to install a cellular antenna at 260 Water Street. Now the city is considering whether to cancel that permit. If approved, the Planning Commission holds a public hearing to decide whether the permit should be revoked.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Authorize the city attorney to continue negotiations and if the matter is not resolved by December 1, 2007, staff is directed to place this item on the Planning Commission's Agenda for a revocation hearing
8 to 0
Direct staff to refer this item to the Planning Commission for a revocation hearing
4 to 4
Appointments(1 item)
Nominate voting delegate for National League of Cities annual meeting
In Plain English
Richmond belongs to the National League of Cities, which represents local governments nationwide. The city needs someone to cast its votes at the organization's annual business meeting. This routine appointment ensures Richmond has a voice in decisions that affect member cities.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Selected Councilmember Sandhu as voting delegate and Councilmember Marquez as the alternate
8 to 0
Extend the meeting for 5 minutes
6 to 2
Contracts(4 items)
Approve 3-year fuel contract with Valley Oil Company for $500,000 annually
In Plain English
The city needs fuel for police cars, fire trucks, and other city vehicles. Valley Oil Company submitted the lowest bid to supply this fuel. If approved, the city pays $500,000 per year with options to extend the contract for 2 additional years.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved a one year contract, with two one year options, with Valley Oil Company
8 to 0
Approve $200,000 contract for asphalt and pavement repair materials
In Plain English
The city needs asphalt and related materials for ongoing street maintenance and pothole repairs. This contract with Hanson Aggregate Mid-Pacific provides $200,000 worth of materials for the public works department. If approved, the city can purchase asphalt as needed throughout the year for street repairs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved a contract with Hanson Aggregate Mid-Pacific, Inc.
8 to 0
Increase investigative services contract limit from $10,000 to $30,000
In Plain English
The city hired Armistead Investigative Services for an ongoing investigation with a $10,000 spending limit. The investigation requires more work than originally expected. If approved, the city can spend up to $30,000 total on this case.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved a contract amendment with Armistead Investigative Services
8 to 0
Direct staff to negotiate with county for new community health center in Richmond
In Plain English
Richmond currently lacks a community health center that provides medical care to low-income residents. The county is looking for a location to build one within city limits. If approved, city staff begins formal talks about using city-owned land for the project.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to initiate negotiations with Contra Costa County and other third parties on the site located at 23rd and Bissell
8 to 0
Public Safety(2 items)
Approve Fire Chief's responses to county Grand Jury fire protection report
In Plain English
The county Grand Jury investigated West County fire protection services and made findings about problems or recommendations for improvement. The Fire Chief has written official responses explaining what the city agrees with and what actions it will take. State law requires the city council to formally approve these responses within 90 days.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the responses given by the Fire Chief
8 to 0
Receive update on violence reduction programs from Office of Neighborhood Safety
In Plain English
The Office of Neighborhood Safety runs programs to prevent gun violence and support at-risk residents. Staff will report on current efforts and ask for direction on future initiatives. The council will discuss what programs are working and what changes might be needed.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Budget(1 item)
Hold special election to revise telecommunications and video users' tax
In Plain English
The city collects a tax on phone, internet, and cable TV services. City leaders want to make changes to this tax structure. A special election lets Richmond voters decide whether to approve the revisions.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopted Resolution No. 115-07 declaring the existence of an emergency necessitating the submission to the voters of the City of Richmond an ordinance adding chapter 13.54 to the City of Richmond Municipal Code; adopted Resolution No. 116-07 calling and giving notice of the holding of a special municipal election to submit to the voters of the City of Richmond an ordinance adding chapter 13.54; and, adopted Resolution No. 117-07 requesting the Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County consolidate a special municipal election to be held on February 5, 2008, with the Statewide Presidential Primary Election
Governance(1 item)
Adopt resolution opposing U.S. military involvement in Iraq and Iran
In Plain English
The city council will vote on a formal statement opposing American military action in Iraq and Iran. This resolution expresses Richmond's position on foreign policy but does not change any city services or spending. Local resolutions like this allow cities to voice opinions on national issues.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt a resolution
Add 'be it further resolved that the Richmond City Council appreciates and supports the men and women in uniform for serving our country'
8 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.