Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Presiding: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin · Called to order: 7:12 p.m. · 15 items · 26 votes · 12 public comments
What happened
- Failed to develop comprehensive city policy to combat global warming.
- Approved mayor's salary increase by 25% from $37,200 to $46,500 (Bates dissenting).
- Approved directing staff to draft laws requiring stolen gun reports and banning assault weapon ammunition.
- Approved contract with Ki Research Institute for educational services and extending Toll Brothers deadline for Point Richmond Shores.
- Approved 13 routine items including $386,100 in software contracts and playground renovations totaling $609,000.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Personnel(1 item)
Increase mayor's salary by 25% from $37,200 to $46,500
In Plain English
The mayor currently earns $37,200 per year for leading city council meetings and representing the city at events. If approved, the salary increases to $46,500 annually. This represents a $9,300 raise and costs taxpayers an additional $775 per month.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Ordinance No. 32-07 N.S.
6 to 1
Governance(6 items)
Set May deadline for submitting city's annual budget to council
In Plain English
The city currently has no formal deadline for when staff must present the annual budget to council. This law would require staff to submit the budget by the first Tuesday in May each year. Council must then adopt the final budget by June 30, giving them about 8 weeks to review and make changes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to draft an ordinance
7 to 0
Direct staff to coordinate with school district on alternate continuation school sites
In Plain English
The West Contra Costa school district is considering new locations for continuation schools that serve students with academic or behavioral challenges. The city wants to ensure Richmond residents and neighborhoods have input in these discussions. If approved, city staff will formally participate in the school district's site selection process.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct the city manager and city attorney to compose a letter to the School Board, for the Mayor's signature, requesting a written commitment to comply with the City's Land Use Ordinances
7 to 0
Study Session naming convention
Official Agenda Text
Votes
Authorize the city clerk to title Study Sessions as follows: (1) information items will be titled Study Sessions and (2) direction to staff will be titled Study and Direction to Staff Sessions
7 to 0
Designate Civic Center area as official historic district
In Plain English
The city wants to formally recognize the Civic Center area as a historic district. This designation protects historic buildings from demolition or major changes without review. Property owners in the district would need approval before making exterior modifications to maintain the area's historic character.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Adopt Resolution No. 99-07
7 to 0
Declare policy to maximize economic benefit from underused Port of Richmond land
In Plain English
The Port of Richmond owns waterfront land and buildings that generate little revenue. The city wants to formally commit to finding better uses for these properties. If approved, the city prioritizes developing or leasing port real estate to boost local economic activity.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt the resolution
7 to 0
Direct staff to draft laws requiring stolen gun reports and banning assault weapon ammunition
In Plain English
The city council will discuss 2 potential new gun laws aimed at reducing street shootings. The first would require residents to report stolen firearms to police. The second would ban possession of ammunition designed for assault-style weapons. If approved, staff will write the actual laws for a future council vote.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to begin reviewing the draft of the ordinances
7 to 0
Contracts(3 items)
Approve contract amendment with Ki Research Institute for educational services
In Plain English
Ki Research Institute currently provides educational programs at city community centers. The amendment expands their services to include conflict resolution, health education, literacy programs, and wellness activities. If approved, residents gain access to additional classes and workshops at neighborhood community centers.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
7 to 0
Award contract to Ross Recreation Equipment for Elm Street Playlot renovation
In Plain English
The city plans to renovate playground equipment at Elm Street Playlot. Ross Recreation Equipment Co. submitted the winning bid for the project. If approved, the company will replace or repair playground structures to meet current safety standards.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
7 to 0
Award contract to ekpass for heavy equipment operator training
In Plain English
The city needs to train employees to operate heavy machinery like bulldozers and excavators. This contract with ekpass will provide that specialized training. If approved, city workers gain certification to safely operate equipment used for road repairs and construction projects.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve the contract
8 to 0
Zoning(2 items)
Extend Toll Brothers deadline to acquire property rights for Point Richmond Shores redesign
In Plain English
Toll Brothers needs more time to buy land and secure permits for their Point Richmond Shores housing development. The original deadline expires soon, but the company requested an extension until November 2007. If approved, this gives both the city and developer additional months to complete property acquisitions needed for the project's redesigned layout.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve extending the time for the City and Toll Brothers to acquire all necessary property rights
7 to 0
Deny General Plan amendment and rezoning request for 327 South 4th Street
In Plain English
A property owner asked the city to change zoning rules and the General Plan for this address. The request likely sought to allow different types of development than currently permitted. If denied, the property remains under existing zoning restrictions and development rules.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Budget(1 item)
Authorize annual collection of $25,000 license fee from Veolia Environmental Services
In Plain English
Veolia Environmental Services operates a hazardous waste facility in the city and pays $25,000 annually for a required license. The city collects this fee each year to regulate the facility. If approved, the city formally authorizes spending this money as part of its annual budget process.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 97-07
8 to 0
Environment(1 item)
Develop comprehensive city policy to combat global warming
In Plain English
The city currently lacks a unified approach to addressing climate change across all departments and operations. Council wants staff to create a policy that makes Richmond a leader in environmental action. If approved, the city would establish specific goals and strategies for reducing emissions from city buildings, vehicles, and services.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Direct staff to develop a comprehensive city policy to creatively and aggressively lead by example in the fight to end global warming
Infrastructure(1 item)
Close portion of 1st Street permanently
In Plain English
The city plans to abandon a section of 1st Street and remove it from the public road system. Street vacations typically happen when the road is no longer needed for traffic or when adjacent property owners request closure. If approved, the city transfers ownership of that land to adjacent property owners or uses it for other purposes.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
Adopt Resolution of Vacation No. 897
Miscellaneous(1 item)
Accept annual report from Historic Preservation Advisory Committee
In Plain English
The Historic Preservation Advisory Committee submits a yearly report to the city council about their activities and recommendations. The committee reviews proposals for changes to historic buildings and advises on preservation policies. This routine presentation updates council members on the committee's work over the past year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.