Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Presiding: Mayor Irma L. Anderson · Called to order: 7:40 p.m. · 4 items · 3 votes · 4 public comments

What happened

  • Heard proposal to change law letting the council negotiate development contracts for city-owned land.
  • Approved hiring law firm to sue Mare Island Sales for $25,000.
  • Approved abandoning 6,600 square feet of South 13th Street near Wright Avenue.
  • Approved funding local match for Maritime Child Care Facility restoration grant (Butt abstaining).
  • Heard grade crossing agreement with San Pablo.

Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records

View official: Minutes

Attendance

Tom Butt(Present)
Irma Anderson(Present)
Tony Thurmond(Present)
Nat Bates(Present)
Gayle McLaughlin(Present)
Jim Rogers(Present)
Maria Viramontes(Present)
John Marquez(Absent)
Richard Griffin(Present)
5 substantive items · 1 procedural

Governance(3 items)

Approve grade crossing agreement with San Pablo

Labor & City Workers

In Plain English

Richmond and San Pablo share responsibility for maintaining railroad crossings at their city border. This agreement formalizes how the two cities split costs and coordinate repairs. The arrangement clarifies which city handles specific crossings and ensures consistent maintenance standards.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Change law to let city council negotiate development contracts for city-owned land

Development Contracts

In Plain English

The city currently lacks clear authority to negotiate development deals for properties it owns. This law change gives the city council specific power to competitively select developers for major projects on city land. If approved, the city can move forward with large-scale development partnerships without legal uncertainty.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Commit to funding local match for Maritime Child Care Facility restoration grant

Terminal 1 & the Port

In Plain English

The city received a state grant to restore the Maritime Child Care Facility but must provide matching funds. The city plans to partner with Contra Costa County, West Contra Costa schools, and Richmond Children's Foundation to cover the local match requirement. If approved, the facility restoration moves forward with shared funding from multiple agencies.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

Adopted Resolution No. 68-06

Moved by: Councilmember BatesSeconded by: Vice Mayor Viramontes
Passed

7 to 0

ThurmondAye
Irma L. AndersonAye
Tom ButtAbstain
McLaughlinAye
BatesAye
RogersAye
ViramontesAye
MarquezAbsent
GriffinAye

Contracts(1 item)

Hire law firm to sue Mare Island Sales for $25,000

Mare Island Sales Lawsuit

In Plain English

The city plans to take legal action against Mare Island Sales but needs outside lawyers to handle the case. The current city attorney's office cannot represent the city in this matter. If approved, Walter & Pistole law firm receives up to $25,000 to pursue the lawsuit.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

Approved the contract

Moved by: Councilmember GriffinSeconded by: Councilmember Bates
Passed

Zoning(1 item)

Abandon 6,600 square feet of South 13th Street near Wright Avenue

Police & Community Safety

In Plain English

The city plans to give up ownership of a section of South 13th Street south of Wright Avenue. This 6,600 square foot area would no longer be a public street. If approved, the land becomes private property that can be sold or developed.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

Close the public hearing

Moved by: Vice Mayor ViramontesSeconded by: Councilmember Thurmond
Passed

Proposed Order of Vacation received first reading and was laid over two weeks for second reading

Moved by: Vice Mayor ViramontesSeconded by: Councilmember Griffin
Passed

7 to 0

Tom ButtAye
ThurmondAye
Irma L. AndersonAye
McLaughlinAbstain
BatesAye
RogersAye
ViramontesAye
MarquezAbsent
GriffinAye
*Meeting minutes approval