Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Presiding: Mayor Tom Butt · Called to order: 6:30 p.m. · 5 items · 7 votes · 12 public comments
What happened
- Approved expanding street paving using Measure U funds 5-1 (McLaughlin dissenting).
- Approved 15 routine items including $314,832 contract with Environmental Science Associates for climate plan.
- Approved zoning changes to allow homeless shelters and transitional housing.
- Approved forming new tourism district and dissolving existing business improvement district.
- Approved 5-year housing plan for federal funding from 2015-2020.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Infrastructure(1 item)
Review options to expand street paving program using Measure U funds
In Plain English
The city council will consider different ways to use Measure U tax revenue for additional street repairs beyond the regular paving budget. Measure U is a local sales tax that voters approved to fund city services. If approved, more streets could get repaired each year using this dedicated funding source.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Continue Item H-2 to the May 19, 2015, City Council Meeting
5 to 1
Zoning(1 item)
Amend city zoning rules for homeless shelters and transitional housing
In Plain English
State laws SB 2 and SB 745 require cities to update their zoning codes to allow more homeless shelters and transitional housing. Richmond's current rules don't match these requirements. If approved, the city changes its land use regulations to comply with state law and avoid potential penalties.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
5 to 0
Ordinance received first reading and was laid over two weeks for second reading
5 to 0
Governance(1 item)
Form new tourism marketing district and dissolve existing business improvement district
In Plain English
The city currently operates a Tourism Business Improvement District that collects fees from hotels to fund marketing. The new Tourism Marketing District would replace this system with updated rules and potentially different fee structures. If approved, hotels may see changes in how much they pay for tourism promotion efforts.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
5 to 0
Adopt Resolution No. 44-15
5 to 0
Housing(1 item)
Adopt 5-year housing plan for federal funding from 2015-2020
In Plain English
Federal law requires cities to create a 5-year plan showing how they will spend housing grants. Richmond receives federal money each year for affordable housing programs and homeless services. If approved, the city can submit this plan to qualify for continued federal funding through 2020.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Close the public hearing
5 to 0
Adopt Resolution No. 45-15
5 to 0
Miscellaneous(1 item)
Receive monthly update from school district coordination committee
In Plain English
The city formed a committee to improve coordination with West Contra Costa Unified School District. Committee members will report on their first month of work. The committee addresses shared issues like student safety, facilities use, and community programs that involve both the city and school district.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approved as a group without individual discussion.