Tom Butt
 
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  Compare Bates and Butt Voting Record for the Last Four Years
November 1, 2014
 
 

Campaign rhetoric, slick mailers and media blitzes are all for show. For the real substance, you need to look at voting records. This is the history of a candidate’s politics and the best predictor of where they will be on future public policy issues.

Most City Council votes are on consent calendar items or on routine business that is non-controversial. If you want to see the real differences between candidates, look at the records of votes where the Council was divided. What follows is a summary and then a detailed history of all votes taken in the last four years where Nat Bates and I voted the opposite way.

Public Safety

There is little difference between Nat Bates and me with respect to crime prevention and public safety. We both have consistently supported full funding of the Police Department, community policing, funding of the Office of Neighborhood Safety and the new re-entry programs, and technologies such as Shot Spotter, video surveillance of crime hot spots and license plate readers.

On the other hand, Bates has typically joined with Corky Booze in criticizing and trying to de-fund Code Enforcement, a critical function of the Police Department.

Both Police Chief Chris Magnus and City Manager Bill Lindsay have defended Code Enforcement. Lindsay wrote:

In my mind, Code Enforcement is a critical part of the city's public safety mission. Deeper reductions to the Code Enforcement unit would adversely impact the city's response in dealing with blight ... (and) blight begets more blight.

Chief Magnus wrote:

Especially during tough budget times, it may be tempting for some to look at Code Enforcement efforts as an easy place to make major cutbacks, but as you can see from the article below, even cities much larger than Richmond are figuring out how critical code enforcement/blight abatement efforts are to rebuild property values, increase resident satisfaction with their neighborhoods, and help reduce crime.  Richmond is way ahead of many cities with its Code Enforcement Unit, that is part of the Police Department.  We are already using many of the strategies other cities are just starting to implement to reduce blight—with considerable success.  This is a good article, which merits a quick read . . .

In July of 2014, the City Council voted 4-2, with Bates and Booze dissenting, approving a $175,000 contract to retain Trisha Aljoe to continue her work with the Police Department and code enforcement officials, mostly pursuing legal abatement proceedings against blighted properties and drug houses. "(Aljoe) is a very important member of our department, and she comes at an extremely low cost," police Chief Chris Magnus said. "She gives us a range of services, and we get lot of value out of her."

Infrastructure

Both Nat Bates and I supported placing Measure U, a half-cent sales tax, on the November ballot, which is intended largely to address street repair and maintenance. On a day-to-day basis, however, Bates has consistently voted against projects and contracts to improve and maintain the City’s infrastructure, mostly funded by grants, including the Dornan Drive Tunnel repair, improvements for Marina Bay and Point Molate Park, improvements on Barrett Avenue and Via Verde sinkhole repair. Bates voted against assessments for the Marina Bay Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District and the Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District, even though there was no opposition from  those being assessed. Bates voted against requiring a monthly report on the Richmond Municipal Sewer District operations, even though the City Council acts as the district’s governing board.

Bates continues to voice his animosity towards street improvements that include bicycle lanes, even though these are now Caltrans requirements in California. Bates has called bike lanes “radical” and “socialism.” Bates  said "I don't see the volume of bicycle traffic to justify this; It's just a waste of money."

Voting Record 2011-2014

Public Facilities Issues

 

Bates

Butt

Approve Dornan Drive Tunnel contract

No

Yes

Allocate funds for improvements at Point Molate Park and Marina Bay

No

Yes

Required monthly report on Richmond Municipal Sewer District managed by Veolia

No

Yes

Grant funded construction contract for Barrett Ave bicycle lanes

No

Yes

Contract for grant funded bike lanes on Barrett

No

Yes

Approve contract for Via Verde repair project

No

Yes

Adopt assessments for Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District

No

Yes

Adopt assessments for Marina bay Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District

No

Yes

Environmental and Public Health Issues

The biggest split between Nat and me is in environmental and public health issues.  This is not about tree hugging; it’s about serious public health and quality of life issues. Nat can be counted on to always support Chevron’s interests regardless of the issue. He has consistently opposed Richmond’s involvement in Marin Clean Energy (MCE) even though it delivers electricity to Richmond residents that is twice as green as PG&E and cheaper.  He voted against ending the use of toxic pesticides in parks, even though the parks superintendent supported it. Nat voted against the single use plastic bag ordinance, even though such ordinances are so popular, it is now state law. Nat has said more than once that Richmond has too many parks.

Voting Record 2011-2014

Environmental Issues

 

Bates

Butt

Oppose Point Molate Casino

No

Yes

For Protecting Coastal Prairie at Richmond Field Station

No

Yes

Contract for grant funded bike lanes on Barrett

No

Yes

Single use bag ordinance

No (1st Reading)
Abstain (2nd Reading)

Yes
Yes

Oppose AB 2145

No

Yes

Prepare Revised EIR for Chevron Modernization

No

Yes

Extend contract for legal representation for Chevron EIR

No

Yes

Reaffirm City Council committee for Chevron affairs

No

Yes

Retain legal counsel for civil action against Chevron (2012 fire)

No

Yes

Amend Industrial Safety Ordinance

No

Yes

Approve petition supporting Community Choice Aggregation in CPUC

No

Yes

Approve MCE Joint Powers Agreement

No

Yes

Begin implementation of Community Choice Aggregation program

No

Yes

Amend RMC to provide Integrated Pest Management

No

Yes

Approve grant-funded contract for design of Barrett Avenue bicycle lanes

No

Yes

Contract with Solar Richmond for energy program marketing services

No

Yes

Authorize West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority to develop a single use plastic bag ordinance

No

Yes

Consider an ordinance for GMO food labeling

No

Yes

Adopt position opposed to AB 880 (CEQA review)

No

Yes

Health Issues

 

Bates

Butt

Place sugar sweetened beverage tax on ballot

No

Yes

Amend Multi-unit Smoking Ordinance

No

Yes

Regulatory and Planning Issues

Showing his libertarian streak, Nat Bates has always been suspicious of any kind of regulation. Most regulations begin with a public outcry to reign in some kind of nuisance to improve their quality of life or to make government more accountable. Most astounding is Bates’ vote against the General Plan 2030, which resulted from five years of work, including innumerable meetings with thousands of Richmond residents and businesses. It has been widely recognized for being both pro-growth and sustainable. It had the first Health Element of any general plan in California.

Several years ago, I discovered that all pipeline franchises, mostly gas and petroleum products, in Richmond had expired, and that we were vulnerable to catastrophic events. We were also not realizing the full revenue potential. It took City staff several years to update our pipeline ordinance and re-establish franchises, but Bates voted against it.

 

Voting Record 2011-2014

Regulatory and Planning Issues

 

Bates

Butt

For Revocation hearing on electronic billboard

No

Yes

Regulate Second Hand Dealers “Cash for Gold” businesses

No

Yes

Amend RMC to change requirements for campaign

No

Yes

Amend RMC to change requirements for conflicts of interest

No

Yes

Resolution to support removing commercial properties from Proposition 13

No

Yes

Resolution to provide for public safety in Chevron for rebuilding

No

Yes

Amend RMC to regulate wrecked, dismantled or inoperable vehicles

No

Yes

Amend RMC to regulate amount of matching funds for campaigns

No

Yes

Amend RMC to change animal “owner: to “guardian”

No

Yes

Reduce public financing budget for elections

No

Yes

Amend RMC to set limits on contributions eligible for matching funds

No

Yes

Approve General Plan 2013 and certify EIR

No

Yes

Policy to ensure all interested people can testify on General Plan proposals

No

Yes

Open space designation for North Shoreline

No

Recuse (conflict of interest)

Adopt Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan

No

Yes

Establish application and fees for pipeline franchises

No

Yes

City Council as a whole to approve marijuana dispensaries

No

Yes

Personnel Issues

Nat Bates does not care for our city attorney, Bruce Goodmiller, largely because of the prosecution of Corky Booze for violating zoning and nuisance ordinances related to his junkyards. Bates votes against a policy that outlawed workplace harassment.

Personnel Issues

 

 

Bates

Butt

 

For Workplace Harassment Policy

No

Yes

 

Approve contract with City Attorney Bruce Goodmiller

No

Yes

 

 

Housing Issues

Nat Bates embraces the support of developers, Wall Street and the real estate industry when it comes to housing. I believe that a healthy and sustainable city requires a full  range of housing options for everyone, and that stable neighborhoods and home ownership are to be encouraged.

Housing

 

 

Bates

Butt

 

Prepare study for affordable rental housing

No

Yes

 

Hear report on CARES and continue working with MRP on eminent domain mortgage relief

No

Yes

 

 

Economic Development Issues

I believe that the City should encourage economic development by developing a “brand” and marketing the city to potential developers and prospective businesses. Nat Bates voted against this. He also voted against measures required to implement a Business Improvement District in downtown Richmond, a critical component for bringing economic life back to Richmond’s traditional “main street.”

I led the effort to rehabilitate and lease out the unused and deteriorating the historic buildings in Richmond’s historic Shipyard 3 (now Point Potrero Marine Terminal), but Nat Bates opposed all these efforts. All but one building is now leased and producing revenue for the City. A lease for a winery to occupy the Riggers Loft is expected to be signed next month.

Economic Development

 

 

Bates

Butt

 

For Leasing General Warehouse at Point Potrero Marine Terminal

No

Yes

 

Begin process for marketing and branding study

Abstain

Yes

 

Appropriation for Richmond Main Street Initiative to establish a Business Improvement District

No

Yes

 

Allow neighborhoods to prohibit formula restaurants

No

Yes

 

 

Historic Preservation Issues

Richmond has effectively used its rich inventory of historic sites as economic development and job creating tools, that have brought millions of dollars in grants and tens of millions of dollars in investment to Richmond , including the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park. Nat Bates has opposed almost every  city action or policy that encourages preservation and rehabilitation of these priceless assets. On the other hand, I have been a leader in historic preservation in Richmond since long before I was elected to the City Council.

At one time or another, Nat Bates advocated tearing down the Ford Assembly Building (now known as the “Craneway”), the Santa Fe Trainmaster/Reading Room Building (now Mechanics Bank in Point Richmond) and the Richmond Civic Center. All are now rehabilitated and providing hundreds of jobs.

Historic Preservation Issues

 

 

Bates

Butt

 

Leave the Red Oak Victory in place

No

Yes

 

Proceed with Riggers Loft rehabilitation

No

Yes

 

Reject bids for OSC at Terminal 3 and study alternatives, including Riggers Loft

No

Yes

 

Approve contract to evaluate Riggers Loft structural and geotechnical issues

No

Yes

 

Appropriation for Richmond Main Street Initiative to establish a Business Improvement District

No

Yes

 

Contract for building stabilization at Point Molate

No

Yes

 

 

City Operations

Nat Bates has consistently opposed numerous routine measures placed on the agenda by the city manager to efficiently operate the city.

City Operations

 

 

Bates

Butt

 

Extend contract for state and federal advocacy services

No

Yes

 

Receive monthly report on wastewater operations

No

Yes

 

For Restroom Cleaning at Parks

No

Yes

 

For servicing portable toilets in parks

No

Yes

 

Continue contract with Trish Aljoe for code enforcement legal services

No

Yes

 

Adopt 2013-14 budget

No

Yes

 

Amend City Council Rules and Procedures

No

Yes

 

Appoint Jael Myrick to City Council

Abstain

Yes

 

Retain legal counsel to defend City from lawsuit attacking beverage tax ballot issue

No

Yes

 

No intervention in investigation of alleged assault against Booze at 2012 Candidates Forum at Brickyard Cove

No

Yes

 

Approve city manager’s response to Grand Jury report “Financial Transparency with Meaning.”

No

Yes

 

Study ways to improve City services for non-English speakers

No

Yes

 

Policy for chief of police to evaluate request for mutual aid

No

Yes

 

Receive report on potential termination of Veolia contract

No

Yes

 

Continue Point Molate legal representation

No

Yes

 

 

Details of Actual Voting Record – Bates and Butt Since 2011

Take a look at Bates and Booze’s joint voting record from the time Booze took office until the latest published Minutes from June 14, 2014:

  • June 14, 2014: The matter to adopt a resolution directing staff to present a study session within 120 days on prospective policies to assist with maintaining affordable rental housing was presented. Bates and Booze – No.
  • May 14, 2014: The matter to approve a two - year contract with D.M.G. Janitorial Services for restroom cleaning services at Jay and Barbara Vincent Park, Shimada Park, Lucretia Edwards Park, Nevin Park, Nicholl Park, Martin Luther King Jr. Park (MLK), Booker T. Anderson Park (BTA) and the North Richmond Ballfield. Bates and Booze – No.
  • May 14, 2014: The matter to approve a two-year contract with Bernardini Enterprises Inc. to provide and service portable toilets on an as-needed basis for special events, and at various City parks that have no permanent facilities.. Bates and Booze – No.
  • May 13, 2014, Resolution 38-14. The matter to adopt a resolution to refer to the Planning Commission Consideration of Revocation for an electronic sign at Pacific East Mall, and direct the Planning Commission to conduct a revocation hearing for the previous approval of the electronic billboard LED sign at Pacific East Mall. Noes: Councilmember Bates, Boozé, and Myrick.
  • May 13, 2014: The matter to adopt a resolution amending Richmond's Policy Against Workplace Harassment to: specify time frame for initiating and concluding investigations, and provide for notification to all involved parties… Bates and Booze – No.
  • May 13, 2014: The matter to adopt a resolution to protect the Coastal Prairie at the Richmond Field Station… Bates and Booze – No.
  • April 22, 2014: The matter to adopt a resolution and send to state legislature in opposition of Assembly Bill 2145. Bates and Booze – No.
  • April 22, 2014: The matter to hear the status of staff's response to requests for extending the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Chevron Modernization Project comment period, and discuss and consider directing staff, if necessary, on a possible extension The originals motion by Councilmember Rogers, seconded by Mayor McLaughlin to extend the comment period by 15 day and schedule a City Council Meeting for August 5, 2014, failed by the following vote: Bates and Booze – No
  • March 4, 2104: The matter to approve a master lease agreement with Golden Solar Power Group (GSPG) for the General Warehouse and amend the neighboring Auto Warehousing Company's lease Exhibit A to reflect the shared employee parking lot condition located at the Point Potrero Marine Terminal. Bates and Booze – No
  • February 18, 2014: The introduction of an ordinance regulating the operation of Second Hand Dealers, including but not limited to "Cash for Gold" businesses, and restricting their location to C-2, General Commercial and C-3, Regional Commercial, zoning districts within the City… Bates and Booze – No
  • January 14, 2014: In the matter to approve an amendment to the existing contract with Holland & Knight LLP for legal representation in connection with the Revised Environmental Impact Report for the Chevron Refinery Modernization Project… Bates and Booze – No
  • January 14, 2014: In the matter to approve an amendment to the existing contract with ENVIRON for preparation of a Revised Environmental Impact Report for the Chevron Refinery Modernization Project… Bates and Booze – No
  • January 14, 2014: The matter to approve a second amendment to the contract with Holland & Knight LLP for the continuation of federal and state advocacy services… Bates and Booze – No
  • November 19, 2013: The matter to receive a monthly report on the Richmond Municipal Sewer District for October 2013 and receive direction from the City Council regarding organizational structure, duties, and compensation of the West County Agency… Bates and Booze – No
  • November 5, 2013: The matter to discuss and direct the city attorney to draft an ordinance requiring labeling of food sold at retail grocery establishments in Richmond that contains genetically modified organisms… Bates and Booze – No
  • September 10, 2013: In the matter to approve the following appointments and re-appointments: …Point Molate Community Advisory Committee: Eduardo Martinez, incumbent, Bates and Booze – No
  • September 10, 2013: The matter to hear a report from staff on Richmond CARES -the Local Principal Reduction Program, and direct staff to: (1) to work to set up a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) together with other interested municipalities, as a next step forward in the development of this program; (2) to confirm that no loans will be acquired by the City through eminent domain before coming back to the full City Council for a vote; and (3)to continue working with MRP to resolve any remaining legal issues was presented by Mayor McLaughlin , Rogers, Bates and Booze – No
  • July 30, 2013: Approved a grant-funded construction contract with Chrisp Company for construction of the Barrett Avenue Bike Lanes - Garrard Boulevard to San Pablo Avenue. Bates voted No. 
  • July 16, 2013: The matter to adopt a single-use bag ordinance for second reading… Bates and Booze – No
  • July 2, 2013: The matter to approve a legal services agreement with Trisha A. Aljoe in the amount of $175,000 to provide continued legal services with respect to the Police Department in connection with Code Enforcement activities, drug house abatement matters, and general legal matters.. Bates and Booze – No
  • June 25, 2013: The matter to consider reaffirming the two-person City Council committee in regard to Chevron-related issues of the City of Richmond, and reapprove the appointment of Mayor McLaughlin and Councilmember Butt … Bates and Booze – No
  • June 25, 2013: A motion by Councilmember Butt, seconded by Councilmember Beckles, to adopt the budget as proposed and direct the city manager to return to the city council with a detailed report regarding options for funding street repairs; and that any adjustments can be made after the July 1st,if necessary… Bates and Booze – No
  • June 18, 2013: The matter to adopt an amended resolution, pertaining to City Council Rules and Procedures… Bates and Booze – No
  • June 18, 2013: The matter to A. Introduce a single-use bag ordinance that will: (1) prohibit the distribution of single-use plastic bags at point of sale by retail establishments and (2) require retail establishments to charge all customers a fee of 5-10 cents for each paper bag distributed at point of sale to the customer; and B. introduce amendments to the food ware ordinance that will: (1) prohibit the retail sale of polystyrene foam products; (2) revise allowable food ware; (3) provide for the issuance of an administrative citation immediately following a violation of this chapter; and (4) include other technical revisions was presented by Sustainability Analyst, Jennifer Ly. Bates – Abstain.
  • May 21, 2013: The matter to approve the following appointments and reappointments:… Planning Commission: Eduardo Martinez.. Bates and Booze – No
  • May 21, 2013: The matter to approve a legal services agreement with Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP,to prosecute a civil action on a contingent-fee basis as directed in closed session.. Bates and Booze – No
  • May 21, 2013: The matter to adopta resolution supporting the campaign to remove commercial properties from Proposition 13.. Bates and Booze – No
  • May 7, 2013: The matter to adopt a resolution declaring it a policy of the City of Richmond to not invest in fossil fuel companies, and urging the board and management of the City's pension funds to divest from publicly-traded fossil fuel companies… Bates and Booze – No
  • March 19, 2013: The matter to authorize the city manager to solicit proposals and begin the planning process for a branding, marketing and implementation study for Richmond. .Bates and Booze Abstained.
  • February 4, 2013: A motion by Councilmember Butt, seconded by Councilmember Rogers, to appoint Jael Myrick, passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Beckles, Butt, Rogers, and Mayor McLaughlin. Noes: Vice Mayor Boozé. Abstain: Councilmember Bates. Absent: None.
  • December 4, 2012: Councilmember Bates voted No on the appointment of Andres Soto to the Planning Commission
  • The matter to adopt a resolution directing city staff to create an ordinance allowing Point Richmond and any other C-1 district whose residents are in favor of such a policy to prohibit additional formula restaurants.. Bates and Booze voted No.
  • November 20, 2012: The matter to approve a resolution to provide for public safety in the Chevron Refinery rebuildingBates and Booze –No.
  • November 13, 2012: The matter to approve a legal services agreement with Renne Sloan Holtzman Sakai, LLP for legal representation in the federal court lawsuit Community Coalition Against Beverage Taxes, et al vs. City of Richmond…Bates and Booze – No.
  • November 13, 2012: The matter to approve signing the Marin Energy Authority petition pertaining to the California Public Utility Commission on issues that affect Community Choice Aggregators and Marin Energy Authority.. Bates and Booze – No.
  • October 16, 2012: The matter to approve a construction contract with TPA Construction Inc., for the Dornan Drive Tunnel Repair Project…Bates abstained.
  • October 2, 2012: -A motion by Councilmember Bates, seconded by Councilmember Boozé, to add an emergency item regarding the assault on Councilmember Boozé. A substitute motion was made by Mayor McLaughlin, seconded by Councilmember Beckles to not consider adding the emergency item and not intervene with the investigation.. Bates and Booze – No.
  • October 2, 2012: The matter to approve the city manager's response to Grand Jury Report No. 1213 entitled, "Financial Transparency With Meaning?...Bates and Booze – No.
  • October 2, 2012: The matter to appoint Mayor McLaughlin as an alternate to the Marin Energy Authority Board was presented. …Bates and Booze – No.
  • September 18, 2012: The matter to adopt an ordinance to: (1) amend Section 2.42.075 of the Richmond Municipal Code to specify the information that must be included on a mass mailing in support of, or in opposition to, a candidate for Richmond elective office, or a Richmond City ballot measure, and to specify which types of political committees are subject to these requirements; and (2) amend Section 2.42.080 of the Richmond Municipal Code to repeal the provision of that section imposing criminal penalties for violations of Chapter 2.42 of the Richmond Municipal Code.. Bates and Booze – No.
  • September 11, 2012: A substitute motion was made by Mayor McLaughlin, seconded by Councilmember Beckles to keep the July31, 2012, City Council action allocatingthe$669,000 from the Cosco Busan Oil Spill settlement($235,000 to the Shipyard 3/Brickyard Cove Bay Trail Gap Closure, $254,000 Plunge Gap; and $154,000 for Point Molate Beach Park Operation, and $26,000 to add a safety railing at Point Molate) with the exception to take $24,000 away from Point Molate Beach Park Operation reducing the allocation to $130,000;taking away the$26,000 for the safety railing at Point Molate, adding$50,000 from Eddie Orton, and $100,000 from the LED Lighting Project for a total allocation of $200,000 for the Marina Bay Trail Rehabilitation Project. Mayor McLaughlin amended her motion to further reduce the Point Molate Beach Park Operation allocation to $115,000 and increasing the Marina Bay Trail Rehabilitation Project to $215,000.Vice Mayor Rogers offered a friendly amendment to bring back the allocation of$50,000from Eddie Orton at a future City Council Meeting and declare the City Council’s intent to use the $50,000towards Marina Bay Trail Rehabilitation Project. The friendly amendment was accepted. Bates and Booze – No.
  • September 11, 2012: The matter to discuss and consider amendments to the Industrial Safety Ordinance relative to safety operations and assessments.. Bates and Booze – No.
  • July 31, 2012: The matter to adopt an ordinance amending the Richmond Municipal Code by adding Chapter 2.39 thereto to regulate contributions by parties and participants to entitlement proceedings, and to require that the Mayor and City Councilmembers disqualify themselves from participating in such proceedings where they have received more than $250 from parties and participants to the proceeding in the previous twelve months… Bates and Booze – No.
  • July 31, 2012: The matter to introduce an ordinance amending Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 11.76 (Vehicle Abatement) relating to abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperable vehicles… Bates and Booze – No.
  • July 10, 2012: The matter to introduce an ordinance for  first reading amending Richmond Municipal Code Chapter2.43 entitled “Matching Public Funding of Richmond Election Campaigns” to limit to $40,000 the total amount of contributions a candidate may accept if that candidate receives public matching funds from the City of Richmond ..Bates and Booze – No.
  • July 10, 2012: The matter to direct staff to provide a report on the Red Oak Victory at Terminal One, including, but not limited to, the legality of collecting rent from 1999through the duration of the ship being berthed at Terminal One. A motion made by Councilmember Boozé, seconded by Councilmember Bates to direct staff to evaluation the possibility of relocating the Red Oak Victory and come back to the City Council with a recommendation failed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Bates and Boozé. Noes: Councilmembers Beckles, Butt, Ritterman, Vice Mayor Rogers, and Mayor McLaughlin. Abstentions: None. Absent: None.
  • June 19, 2012: In the matter to adopt an ordinance for second reading approving the Marin Energy Authority Joint Powers Agreement and authorizing the Implementation of a Community Choice Aggregation Program…Bates and Booze – No.
  • June 19, 2012: The matter to introduce an ordinance for first reading amending Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 9.24 entitled "Animals" such that the term "guardian" is used in lieu of "owner" to more accurately describe the relationship between a person and an animal ..Bates and Booze – No.
  • June 19, 2012: A motion made by Vice Mayor Rogers, seconded by Councilmember Ritterman to direct staff to reduce the budget for public financing from $220,000to $175,000..Bates – No.
  • June 19, 2012: The matter to direct staff to revise Ordinance No. 3-09 to set limits on campaign contribution receipts to be eligible for matching funds was presented by Mayor McLaughlin. Mayor McLaughlin proposed to:(a) set a limit of the amount a candidate can take in to $40,000; (b) disallow any matching funds for corporate or corporate pack contributions. …Bates and Booze – No.
  • June 19, 2012: In the matter to adopt an ordinance for second reading approving the Marin Energy Authority Joint Powers Agreement and authorizing the Implementation of a Community Choice Aggregation Program. Bates and Booze – No.
  • June 5, 2012: The matter to introduce an ordinance for first reading requiring the City of Richmond to manage pests sing Integrated Pest Management principles and techniques at City-maintained properties and facilities. Bates and Booze – No.
  • June 5, 2012: A motion was made by Vice Mayor Rogers, seconded by Councilmember Beckles to proceed with Alternative 2 (Riggers Loft) and direct the city manager to come back to the City Council with a report on how to attempt to negotiate a contract with Alten Construction for Alternative 1in the event the Riggers Loft doesn’t work the city may try to move forward with the development of the OSC at 1411Harbour Way South to avoid losing the grant. A substitute motion was made by Councilmember Boozé, seconded by Councilmember Bates to accept staff’s recommendation for Alternative 1 and identify funds to proceed with renovating the Rigger’s Loft. The substitute motion failed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Bates and Boozé. Noes: Councilmembers Beckles, Butt, Vice Mayor Rogers, and Mayor McLaughlin. Abstentions: None. Absent: Councilmember Ritterman. Councilmember Butt offered a friendly amendment to the original motion to exclude rejecting all bids and explore a feasible concurrent way to keep the development of the OSC at1411 Harbour Way South alive should the Riggers Loft fail. The amendment was accepted. The motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers  Beckles, Butt, Vice Mayor Rogers, and Mayor McLaughlin. Noes: Councilmembers Bates and Boozé. Abstentions: None. Absent: Councilmember Ritterman.
  • May 15, 2012: The matter to adopt a resolution that submits to the voters at the November 6, 2012, general municipal election to approve an ordinance imposing a license fee of one (1) cent per ounce of sugar-sweetened beverage served, provided, or traded by businesses within the City of Richmond and the matter to adopt a resolution calling, giving notice of and requesting consolidation of an advisory election on November 6, 2012, that asks the voters if they prefer to use the proceeds of any business license fee for sugar-sweetened beverages to fund efforts to prevent childhood obesity were presented. Bates and Booze – No.
  • May 15, 2012: The matter to adopt a resolution requesting membership in the Marin Energy Authority and introduce an ordinance approving the Marin Energy Authority Joint Powers Agreement and Authorizing the Implementation of a Community Choice Aggregation Program was presented. Bates and Booze – No.
  • May 1, 2012: In the matter to consider alternatives relating to development of an Operations and Security Center(OSC) at the Port of Richmond and direct staff to reject all bids received on February 23, 2012, to construct the OSC at 1411 Harbour Way South, and revise the design of the OSC at 1411 Harbour Way South consistent with the remaining grant funds and reissue for bid… Following discussion, a motion was made by Councilmember Butt, seconded by Councilmember Ritterman to approve Alternative Two: direct staff to continue gathering information about both sites, Riggers Loft located in the Point Potrero Marine Terminal, reject all bids received on February 23, 2012,to construct the OSC at 1411 Harbour Way South, and verify with the grantor that relocating the OSC is acceptable and verifying the financial implications of this decision, and submit a report to the City Council to determine the best site for the OSC. Vice Mayor Rogers offered a friendly amendment to the original motion to exclude directing staff to reject all bids.  Bates and Booze – No.
  • April 24, 2012: The matter to study and provide direction to staff on ways to improve City services for residents who do not speak English as their primary language, including giving public speakers at Council meetings who use a translator extra time. Bates and Booze – No.
  • April 24, 2012: The deputy city clerk announced that it was time in pursuant to public notice to hold a public hearing to adopt resolutions certifying the General Plan Environmental Impact Report and adopting the August2011 Draft Richmond General Plan 2030 document with the specific amendments to various Richmond General Plan 2030 policies and implementing actions as recommended by the Planning Commission. Bates and Booze – No.
  • April 17, 2012: The matter to authorize a contract with Wiss, Janney, Elsner Associates, Inc. (WJE) to provide additional structural and geotechnical evaluation to verify use of the Riggers Loft as essential services facility to accommodate the Port Security and Operations Center. Bates and Booze – No.
  • March 20, 2012: In the matter to adopt a resolution approving  a grant-funded contract amendment with AN West, Inc., expanding the scope of work to finalize design and engineering of a Class II and III bicycle facility along Barrett Avenue from Garrard Boulevard east to San Pablo Avenue. Bates – No. Booze – Absent.
  • March 20, 2012: In the matter to adopt a resolution approving the final mitigated negative declaration and approve a contract with Bay Cities Paving and Grading, the lowest responsive bidder, for the Via Verdi Repair Project San Pablo Creek Culvert Replacement. Bates and Booze – No.
  • March 20, 2012: The matter to approve a contract with the newly-appointed City Attorney Bruce Goodmiller that will provide for a three-year term. Bates – Abstain, Booze – No.
  • February 28, 2012: The matter to authorize the city manager and the port director to negotiate and execute all required contractual documents with the General Services Administration (GSA) on behalf of the National Park Services for the lease of the General Warehouse. Bates and Booze – No.
  • January 17, 2012: The matter to adopt a resolution directing the Chief of Police to carefully evaluate all requests for Mutual Aid that involve responding to civil unrest, and empowering the Chief to decline to respond to Mutual Aid requests under certain circumstances. Bates and Booze – No.
  • January 17, 2012: The matter to direct staff regarding possible policy changes in the procedure to ensure that all interested people can testify to the Planning Commission on all General Plan proposals. Bates and Booze – No.
  • January 10, 2012: The matter to direct staff to apply one of the following land use designations to privately-owned property within draft General Plan Change Area 12 (Northshore): Open Space; Business/Light Industrial; or a blend of the two designations that allows business/light industrial uses but limits building height and maximum lot coverage as provided in the Open Space Designation. Bates – No.
  • November 1, 2011: The matter to adopt a resolution adopting the Mitigated Negative declaration for the City of Richmond Bicycle Master Plan, City of Richmond Pedestrian Plan, Harbour Way Project and Carlson. Boulevard Project.  Bates and Booze  - No
  • September 13, 2011: The matter to receive a report from staff regarding existing bases for terminating Veolia's contract with the City and either: 1) Terminate the City's contract with Veolia; or 2) Direct staff to present a report at the December 6, 2011, Council meeting regarding Veolia's performance, an update on Veolia's compliance with legal requirements, and determine at that time whether to terminate the Veolia contract. Bates – No.
  • July 19, 2011: City Clerk, Diane Holmes announced that it was time pursuant to public notice to hold a public hearing in the matter to adopt a resolution for the proposed increase in annual assessments for the Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District for the 2011-2012Fiscal Year. Bates – No.
  • June 21, 2011: Adopted Resolution No.48-11establishingapplication fees and other payments for pipeline franchises as authorized by Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 13.47. Bates – No.
  • June 21, 2011: n the matter to approve the second amendment to the Agreement for Legal Services with Holland &Knight to provide continued legal representation for the Revised Environmental Impact Report for the Revised Chevron Renewal Project. Bates – No.
  • June 21, 2011: In the matter to approve a sole-source contract with the Richmond Main Street Initiative (RMSI) in the amount of $200,000 for a term of July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012, including the cost of initiating a Business Improvement District for the Main Street area of Downtown Richmond. Bates and Booze – No.
  • June 21, 2011: In the matter to adopt a resolution authorizing the transfer of cash from various funds to the General Fund and Capital Funds. Bates – No.
  • June 21, 2011: In the matter to adopt a resolution approving a contract with Solar Richmond for the energy program marketing services in an amount not to exceed $45,000with a term ending December 31, 2012. Bates and Booze – No.
  • Jun 21, 2011: City Clerk Diane Holmes announced that it was time, pursuant to public notice, to hold a public hearing to consider adopting a resolution for the proposed increase in annual assessments for the Marina Bay Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District. Bates – No.
  • June 21, 2011: In the matter to introduce an ordinance, for first reading, amending the Multi-unit Smoking Ordinance(Chapter 9.57 of Richmond Municipal Code) to clarify definitions, legal and evidentiary provisions, and strengthen legal and administrative remedies. Bates – No.
  • June 7, 2011: -Approved a legal services agreement with Morrison & Foerster, LLP to provide continued legal representation relating to Point Molate in an amount not to exceed $250,000. Bates – No.
  • June 7, 2011: In the matter to adopt a resolution encouraging the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority (WCCIWMA) to complete a single-use bag ordinance initial study and to fund a regional Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Bates – No.
  • May 3, 2011: A proposal to approve the following appointments to the Point Molate Community Advisory Committee... Bates – No.
  • May 3, 2011: motion was made by Mayor McLaughlin, seconded Councilmember Ritterman to hold public hearings, at which applications for the three permitted medical marijuana collectives will be approved, before the City Council as a whole. Bates and Booze – No.
  • April 26, 2011: The matter to discuss and direct staff to send a letter to Assemblymember Wes Chesbro, Chair of the California Assembly Natural Resources Committee, with copies to Assemblymember Nancy Skinner, Senator Lonnie Hancock, Senator Mark DeSaulnier and the California League of Cities, stating that the Richmond City Council has taken a position opposing AB 880 (V. Manuel Pérez)Environmental quality: CEQA: expedited environmental review. Bates – No.
  • March 22, 2011: The City Council reviewed options for a Southern District Substation, provide direction to staff regarding a preferred location, and consider approving the proposed source of funding to move forward with this project. Bates – No.
  • January 18, 2011: A proposed design-build services contract with Plant Construction Company L.P. for the emergency structural stabilization of Winehaven National Register Historic District, Point Molate. Bates – No.

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