Tuesday, November 27, 2007
SpecialPresiding: Mayor McLaughlin · Called to order: 5:07 p.m. · 11 items · 20 votes · 9 public comments
What happened
- Rejected 45-day ban on new self-storage facilities 4-2 (McLaughlin, Butt dissenting).
- Approved appeal of storage facility design at 300 West Ohio Street 4-2 (McLaughlin, Butt dissenting).
- Approved solar panel property tax payment program 4-1 (Bates dissenting, Marquez abstaining).
- Approved 12 routine items including $650,000 property purchase and $80,000 DP Security contract.
- Received updates on violence reduction programs and directed staff to investigate railroad blight issues.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Zoning(3 items)
Consider appeal of approved storage facility design at 300 West Ohio Street
In Plain English
The Design Review Board already approved architectural plans for a new storage facility on West Ohio Street. Someone appealed that decision to the city council. The council can either uphold the board's approval or reverse it and reject the design plans.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Reopen the public hearing
Deny the appeal on the four legal grounds of the challenge: traffic, noise and impact, questions of landscaping, and the project construction of all phases, including all 18 items supported by the Design Review Board plus item 19 (resolution approved by staff of the easement area) and 20 (monitoring of wetland mitigation with report back to Council after development is complete)
4 to 2
Review permit for home at 1241 South 55th Street for possible revocation
In Plain English
The city is reviewing a construction permit for a house at 1241 South 55th Street. City council may ask the Planning Commission to cancel or change the permit. This could affect whether the homeowner can complete construction or must make changes to comply with city rules.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extend the meeting 15 minutes
Refer these items to the Planning Commission
Refer these items to the Planning Commission if not resolved by the first meeting in January 2008
Refer the items to the city manager to report back to the City Council by the first meeting in January 2008, and if the items are not resolved by the first meeting in January 2008, then they will go to the Planning Commission
5 to 1
Consider revoking or changing home renovation permit for 6101 Panama Avenue
In Plain English
The city issued a permit for home alterations at this address, but problems have emerged with the project. The Planning Commission would hold a public hearing to decide whether to cancel the permit entirely or require changes. If the permit is revoked, the homeowner must stop work and potentially undo completed renovations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extend the meeting five minutes
Governance(3 items)
Ban new self-storage facilities for 45 days
In Plain English
The city wants to temporarily stop accepting applications for new self-storage warehouses. This freeze lasts 45 days while the city studies zoning rules. If approved, no new self-storage projects can move forward during this period.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Approve staff's recommendation
4 to 0
Not approve a moratorium, direct staff to bring the issue back to the City Council when they can, with recommendations for where it is most appropriate for the City to locate this type of business, and what kind of conditions they think the City needs
2 to 4
Direct staff to investigate Union Pacific Railroad for blight violations
In Plain English
Residents have complained that Union Pacific Railroad properties in Richmond violate the city's blight laws. The city council wants staff to formally investigate these allegations. If violations are found, the railroad could face fines or orders to clean up their properties.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Direct Union Pacific Railroad to clean graffiti on property near I-580 entrance
In Plain English
Graffiti covers railroad property visible to drivers entering Richmond from Interstate 580. The city wants Union Pacific to take responsibility for cleaning up tags and graffiti on their land. If approved, staff will develop a formal policy requiring the railroad company to maintain their property.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Environment(1 item)
Research program to let property owners pay for solar panels through property taxes
In Plain English
The city would study creating a program where residents and businesses can install solar panels without upfront costs. Property owners would repay the installation cost through their property tax bills over 20 years. If approved, this research helps determine whether such a program is financially viable for the city.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to research the feasibility of a 'Solar Security' program, work with Earth Share to utilize their expertise, include other types of home energy improvements, receive staff input and then forward this item to the Financing Committee, and have private funding sources be the priority funding rather than a cost to the public
4 to 1
Contracts(2 items)
Accept $294,677 grant for fire department hazardous materials training program
In Plain English
Contra Costa County Health Services offers the city $294,677 to train firefighters on handling dangerous chemical spills and toxic materials. The 2-year contract requires the city to use this money specifically for hazmat training equipment and courses. If approved, Richmond firefighters gain specialized skills to respond safely to chemical emergencies and industrial accidents.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 123-07 with consideration for studying healthy inexpensive alternatives to current standard practices, i.e., mushroom remediation, for training
5 to 0
Hire Boyles and Associates to help remove graffiti citywide
In Plain English
The city currently handles graffiti removal with existing staff and resources. City leaders want to bring in a contractor to help speed up graffiti cleanup across Richmond. If approved, Boyles and Associates would work alongside city crews to remove graffiti from public and private properties.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to prepare a contract for approval by the City Council
6 to 0
Public Safety(2 items)
Ratify emergency declaration for 2007 San Francisco Bay oil spill response
In Plain English
A container ship hit the Bay Bridge in November 2007, spilling 58,000 gallons of fuel oil into San Francisco Bay. The city declared a local emergency to coordinate cleanup efforts and access state funding. This formal approval confirms the emergency declaration already made by city officials.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt the local state of emergency and direct the Office of Emergency Services to return in six months with a final report of recommendations on what the City needs to do for volunteer training, supplies, the M.O.U.s needed with related agencies, and emergency funding
6 to 0
Receive update on city's violence reduction programs and strategies
In Plain English
The Office of Neighborhood Safety reports on current programs aimed at reducing violent crime in Richmond. City council will hear about what's working, what needs improvement, and potential new approaches. Council may give staff new direction on future violence prevention efforts.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.