Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 6:36 p.m. · 13 items · 37 votes · 28 public comments
What happened
- Rejected 6 applications for medical marijuana collective permits 4-3 (McLaughlin, Rogers, Ritterman dissenting).
- Rejected ending Veolia wastewater contract to hire engineers for treatment evaluation 4-2-1 (McLaughlin, Beckles, Ritterman dissenting).
- Approved preparing ballot measures on sugary drinks for November 2012 election 3-1-2 (Boozé dissenting).
- Approved 11 routine items including $275,000 increase for Oakland Private Industry Council job training.
- Approved 3% garbage collection rate increase and 5% pension cost-of-living increase.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Contracts(7 items)
Extend City Attorney contract with Renne, Sloan, Holtzman & Sakai through March 10, 2012
In Plain English
The city's current legal services contract expires January 10, 2012. This law firm has been serving as the city's attorney since 2012. If approved, the contract extends for 2 additional months to handle ongoing legal matters.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the amendment
4 to 0
Extend contract for monitoring toxic gas at wastewater treatment plant
In Plain English
The city monitors hydrogen sulfide gas levels at its wastewater treatment plant because this toxic gas can harm nearby residents and workers. The current monitoring contract expires soon. If approved, BioMax Environmental Services continues providing on-call gas detection services to ensure public safety.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the amendment
4 to 0
Award 3-year contract to supply pool chemicals to city swim facilities
In Plain English
The city operates 2 public pools that require regular chemical treatments to stay safe and clean. The current chemical supply contract is expiring. If approved, Lincoln Equipment will provide chlorine and other pool chemicals for the next 3 years to Richmond Swim Center and Municipal Natatorium.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
4 to 0
Extend contract with Holland and Knight for federal and state lobbying services
In Plain English
The city hired Holland and Knight law firm in January 2012 to lobby federal and state governments on Richmond's behalf. The original 6-month contract runs through June 2012. If approved, the city can extend lobbying services for another year through June 2013.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
4 to 0
Authorize 4 contractors for city electrical repairs and upgrades
In Plain English
The city needs contractors available for emergency electrical repairs and major upgrades to city buildings and facilities. This creates agreements with 4 electrical companies so the city can quickly hire them when needed. If approved, the city calls these contractors for high-voltage work instead of going through lengthy bidding each time.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 113-11
4 to 0
Purchase 650 Dell desktop computers to replace aging city equipment
In Plain English
The city plans to buy 650 new Dell desktop computers to replace older machines used by city employees. This technology refresh ensures staff can continue providing services efficiently. The purchase amount was not specified in the agenda materials.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the purchase
4 to 0
End contract with Veolia and hire engineers to evaluate wastewater treatment options
In Plain English
The city plans to separate from Veolia, the current wastewater treatment contractor. Carollo Engineering will evaluate the city's treatment system and recommend future options. City council will discuss these options at a February 7 meeting to decide the best path forward.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Authorize staff to enter into negotiations with Veolia over separation agreement terms; approve contract with Carollo Engineering up to $80,000 to evaluate wastewater treatment system options; agendize session at February 7, 2012 meeting to discuss Carollo's recommendations; consider final action on Veolia contract on or after February 7, 2012
4 to 3
City does not hire a consultant; instruct staff to move forward to evaluate various options regarding Veolia as soon as possible, such as attempting to move capital projects forward
3 to 3
Zoning(1 item)
Consider 6 applications for medical marijuana collective permits
In Plain English
Six businesses have applied to open medical marijuana collectives in Richmond. The city can approve up to 4 permits total. If approved, these collectives would sell medical marijuana to patients with valid recommendations from doctors.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Extend the meeting until all items are discussed
4 to 1
Close the public hearing
Limit each councilmember's comments to 1 ½ minutes each
5 to 2
Accept the ranked order that staff gave the six dispensaries and approve the top four. If a dispensary drops out then the next in line will be approved
Approve the top four dispensaries as listed by staff
Vote on each dispensary individually
Approve 7 Stars Holistic Healing Center
3 to 1
Approve Greenleaf Natural Wellness
5 to 0
Approve Green Remedy Collective
5 to 0
Approve Grandaddypurp Collective
Approve Richmond Compassionate Care Collective dba Greenheart
5 to 0
Approve Holistic Healing
3 to 0
Overturn the Mayor's decision to not hold this matter over and consider approving a fourth applicant at a future meeting
3 to 3
Conditionally approve 7-Stars Holistic Healing Center until such time that the revised ordinance is adopted
2 to 2
Approve Holistic Healing Collective
3 to 3
Governance(3 items)
Increase garbage collection rates by 3.17% based on inflation adjustment
In Plain English
The city's garbage collection contract with Richmond Sanitary Service includes automatic annual rate increases tied to inflation. This year's Consumer Price Index rose 3.17%, triggering the rate adjustment. If approved, your monthly garbage bill increases by this percentage starting next billing cycle.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct the City Manager to continue to work with Richmond Sanitary Service on identifying and resolving contractually obligated service issues and introduce said ordinance
6 to 0
Direct staff to prepare ballot measures on sugary drinks for November 2012 election
In Plain English
The city council will receive a report linking sugary beverages to childhood obesity. If approved, city staff will draft ballot measures for voters to consider restrictions or taxes on sugary drinks. The November 2012 election would let residents decide whether to regulate these beverages in the city.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 115-11
3 to 1
Direct staff to address Caltrans highway detour plans and potential lawsuit
In Plain English
Caltrans plans to detour traffic through Richmond during Interstate 580 construction work. The city may need to file a lawsuit under environmental law if the detour creates unacceptable impacts. If approved, staff schedules a private meeting to discuss legal strategy.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the item
4 to 0
Infrastructure(1 item)
Accept master plan for citywide sewer system upgrades
In Plain English
The city completed a comprehensive study of its sewer pipes and pumping stations to identify needed repairs and improvements. The master plan maps out which parts of the system need fixing first and estimates costs. If approved, the city uses this roadmap to prioritize sewer projects over the next 10-20 years.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 111-11
4 to 0
Personnel(1 item)
Approve 5% cost-of-living increase for city pension recipients
In Plain English
Current city retirees receive a 2% minimum annual increase in their pension payments. This proposal adds an extra 3% on top of that minimum. If approved, retired city employees see their monthly pension checks rise by 5% total this year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 112-11
4 to 0
Budget(1 item)
Approve spending plan for North Richmond waste facility mitigation fees
In Plain English
The city collects fees from the North Richmond waste facility to offset impacts on the surrounding community. This plan outlines how the city will spend those mitigation fees during the first 6 months of 2012-2013. The fees typically fund community improvements, environmental monitoring, or health programs in North Richmond.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
4 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.