Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Presiding: Mayor Tom Butt · Called to order: 6:30 p.m. · 8 items · 9 votes · 18 public comments
What happened
- Approved new city sign and billboard laws 4-3 (Myrick, Beckles, Bates dissenting).
- Approved supporting state bill for police misconduct transparency 6-1 (Bates dissenting).
- Heard appeal of El Campesino restaurant's alcohol license upgrade with no decision.
- Approved final $389,660 payment to complete Richmond Parkway lighting renovation.
- Approved 11 routine items including $615,000 San Pablo Avenue bike redesign agreement.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Zoning(2 items)
Update city laws governing business signs and billboards
In Plain English
The city's current sign rules were written years ago and need updates. The proposed changes affect Section 15.06 of the Sign Ordinance and Chapter 4.04 of the Sign Code. If approved, businesses may face new restrictions or permissions for storefront signs, digital displays, and outdoor advertising.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt the zoning text amendments and include that the billboard placement is competitive and available to companies that don't currently have billboards in the city
To adopt the Planning Commission's recommendations
4 to 3
Review appeal of El Campesino restaurant's alcohol license upgrade
In Plain English
Residents appealed the Planning Commission's decision to let El Campesino restaurant at 232 23rd Street upgrade from beer and wine to full liquor sales. The restaurant also wants to extend its hours of operation. The city council will decide whether to uphold or overturn the Planning Commission's approval.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Governance(2 items)
Support state bill requiring more transparency in police misconduct cases
In Plain English
California Senate Bill 203 would require police departments to release more information about officer misconduct investigations to the public. The city wants to formally support this transparency legislation. If approved, Richmond sends its support letter to 3 state lawmakers who represent the area.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt Resolution No. 25-15 supporting California Senate Bill 203
6 to 1
Schedule joint meeting with school board to discuss bond measure and finances
In Plain English
The city council wants to meet with the West Contra Costa Unified School Board to learn about a school bond measure and the district's current financial situation. Joint meetings between the city and school district are uncommon but allow both bodies to coordinate on issues affecting Richmond residents. If approved, city staff schedules this informational meeting.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To direct the City Manager to schedule a joint meeting with focus on the bond measure, as well as other general items
7 to 0
Personnel(3 items)
Raise Crime Analysis Assistant salary range to $4,588-$5,413 per month
In Plain English
The city employs Crime Analysis Assistants who help police track crime patterns and statistics. Their current salary range is below market rates for this specialized work. If approved, the new monthly salary range becomes $4,588 to $5,413, helping the city recruit and retain qualified analysts.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt the ordinance for second reading
7 to 0
Set Fire Chief salary range at $11,800 to $18,417 per month
In Plain English
The city currently lacks a formal salary range for the Fire Chief position. This law establishes the monthly pay between $11,800 and $18,417 annually. If approved after a second reading, the city can hire or promote someone to this role within that range.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To introduce the ordinance for first reading
7 to 0
Add Deputy Fire Chief position to city's job classification system
In Plain English
The fire department currently has no deputy chief position between the fire chief and lower-ranking officers. This creates a new job title that would serve as second-in-command. If approved, the city can hire someone for this role to help manage daily operations.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To adopt Resolution No. 22-15
7 to 0
Contracts(1 item)
Approve final $389,660 payment to complete Richmond Parkway lighting renovation
In Plain English
The city hired NEMA Construction to upgrade lighting along Richmond Parkway for $680,000. Construction required additional work that wasn't included in the original contract. If approved, the city pays an extra $389,660 to finish the project, bringing total cost to $1,069,660.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To approve the contract amendment with NEMA Construction
7 to 0
Budget(1 item)
Adjust city budget for fiscal year 2014-15 at mid-year review
In Plain English
The city reviews its annual budget halfway through each fiscal year to account for changing conditions. This mid-year adjustment allows the city to shift money between departments or projects based on actual spending patterns. If approved, the changes take effect immediately for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To review the Fiscal Year 2014-15 Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets and adopt Resolution No. 24-15 approving the proposed FY2014-15 budget adjustments
7 to 0
Approved as a group without individual discussion.