Tuesday, October 30, 2007
SpecialPresiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 5:14 p.m. · 6 items · 1 votes
What happened
- Approved challenging a secret state settlement that allows West County landfill operations, with Sandhu dissenting.
- Approved directing staff to prepare a ballot measure updating utility tax law language.
- Approved extending the ban on new cell tower permits from 45 days to 6 months.
- Continued an item to the November 27, 2007 meeting without voting.
- Heard an appeal of an approved parcel map for 125-127 Western Drive.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Governance(4 items)
Direct staff to prepare ballot measure updating utility tax law language
In Plain English
The city's utility tax law uses outdated language that references old federal tax rules for phone services. Staff needs direction to create a ballot measure that updates these terms and definitions. If approved by voters, the changes would modernize the law without changing tax rates.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
direct staff to come back with two recommendations for consideration at the November 6, 2007, Council meeting: 1) a half percent decrease in tax, and 2) payment of the same Utility Users Tax as before and also declaring an emergency for putting the measure on the February 2008 ballot. Language should express that a loss of six million dollars would have a serious impact on the City of Richmond's ability to stop the crime in our City
direct staff to come back to the City Council with solid recommendations of the direction the City Council should go. Staff is also directed to communicate with the business community for their support
Schedule for City Council meetings for November, December, and January 2008
Official Agenda Text
Votes
schedule City Council Meeting for November 6 and 27, 2007, December 4, 11, and 18, 2007, and January 8, 22, and 29, 2008
Direct staff to challenge secret state settlement allowing West County landfill operations
In Plain English
The state Department of Toxic Substances Control reached a private settlement with Republic Services that affects how the West County landfill operates. The city was not involved in these negotiations and wants to fight the agreement. If approved, staff will file legal challenges and ask the governor to cancel the settlement.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
direct staff to contact state representatives to seek legislation to prevent a repeat of this settlement between DTSC/Republic Services and mitigation measure/fees be directed to the areas most affected within Richmond
1) include the original motion and also request that the state legislator work with federal agencies concerning settlements that could potentially mirror the above referenced, 2) Request that Governor Schwarzenegger to ask state agencies to send back money, specifically $325,000 and Richmond be considered a priority for clean-ups, and 3) direct the city manager to create a plan to work to prevent settlements, similar to DTSC/Republic Services settlement, from happening again
5 to 1
Extend ban on new cell tower permits from 45 days to 6 months
In Plain English
The city currently blocks all new cell tower and wireless facility applications under a temporary 45-day ban. This extends that moratorium to 6 months, meaning no one can apply for permits to build or modify cell towers anywhere in Richmond. The city likely needs more time to update its wireless facility rules.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
adopt Ordinance No. 45-07 N.S.
Zoning(1 item)
Review appeal of approved parcel map for 125-127 Western Drive
In Plain English
The Planning Commission approved a plan to divide property at 125-127 Western Drive into separate parcels. A resident or neighbor appealed this decision to the city council. The council will hold a public hearing to decide whether to uphold or overturn the Planning Commission's approval.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Miscellaneous(1 item)
Continue Item F-2 to November 27, 2007 meeting
In Plain English
The city council postponed discussing Item F-2 until their next meeting on November 27, 2007. This is a routine scheduling change that happens when councils need more time to review items or when meetings run long.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.