Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Presiding: Mayor Tom Butt · Called to order: 7:24 p.m. · 7 items · 28 votes · 19 public comments
What happened
- Failed to appoint members to Rent Board and Police Review Commission with Butt voting no and three abstentions.
- Failed to approve $30,000 contract amendment with Vigilant Solutions LLC.
- Approved 21 routine items including $5.7 million cogeneration project with Veolia and $2 million construction contract.
- Approved 3% increases in landscaping fees for Hilltop neighborhood and Marina Bay property assessments.
- Received budget update and heard 46-unit housing development proposal at Central Avenue without voting.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Appointments(1 item)
Appoint members to Rent Board, Police Review Commission, and Planning Commission
In Plain English
The city fills vacant seats on 3 boards that make decisions affecting residents. The Rent Board handles landlord-tenant disputes and rent control. The Police Review Commission investigates complaints about officer conduct. The Planning Commission reviews new development projects and zoning changes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve all of the appointments and reappointments
6 to 0
To vote on the appointments and reappointments separately
3 to 1
Budget(3 items)
Receive update on proposed 2019-20 operating budget and 5-year capital projects plan
In Plain English
City staff presents the draft budget for next year's daily operations and a 5-year plan for major infrastructure projects like road repairs and building improvements. The operating budget covers routine expenses like staff salaries, utilities, and services. The capital plan outlines larger investments in city facilities and infrastructure through 2024.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve 3% increase in Hilltop neighborhood landscaping fees
In Plain English
Hilltop residents pay special assessments to maintain landscaping in their neighborhood. The city proposes raising these fees by 3% for the coming year. If approved, your annual assessment increases based on your property size and location within the district.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 54-19 and request staff submit monthly reports to City Council of revenues and expenditures, and maintain 11 city staff for district maintenance
7 to 0
Approve 3% increase in Marina Bay property assessments for landscaping and lighting
In Plain English
Marina Bay property owners currently pay special assessments to maintain landscaping and lighting in their neighborhood. The city proposes raising these assessments by 3% for the next year. If approved, your annual assessment increases based on your property's benefit from these services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 55-19
7 to 0
Governance(2 items)
Add new rules for septic tanks and wastewater systems to city law
In Plain English
Richmond currently lacks specific regulations for septic tanks and private wastewater systems. The new law establishes standards for installation, maintenance, and inspection of these systems. Property owners with septic tanks would need to follow new permit and safety requirements.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To give first reading and lay over one week for second reading
7 to 0
Require commissions to post meeting details and allow smaller quorums
In Plain English
City commissions currently must have a majority of all seats filled to hold meetings, even when some positions are vacant. The new rules require commissions to post agendas and minutes online for public access. If approved, commissions can meet with fewer members when positions remain unfilled.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To give first reading and lay over one week for second reading
7 to 0
Contracts(1 item)
Amend contract with Vigilant Solutions LLC for $30,000 through 2022
In Plain English
The city has an existing contract with Vigilant Solutions LLC that runs from July 2019 to June 2022. This amendment increases the contract value by up to $30,000. Without the staff report, the specific services this company provides to the city are unclear.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve the contract
Zoning(1 item)
Approve 46-unit housing development at 5620 Central Avenue
In Plain English
A developer wants to build 46 homes on Central Avenue where current zoning doesn't allow residential construction. The city completed an environmental review and found no major impacts. If approved, the property gets rezoned from commercial to residential use.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.