Nat Bates and I were both elected to the City Council in 1995 (although Bates had served previously for 15 years from 1967 to 1983). In 1999, I compiled a voting record of all contested Richmond City Council decisions since November of 1995.  The vast majority of votes taken by the Richmond City Council are unanimous and involve perfunctory resolutions, ordinances, contracts and other actions required for the routine operation of city government. Consent calendar items are considered so routine that multiple items are passed with a single vote, unless an individual council member or member of the public request its removal. For those who believe that the Richmond City Council is hopelessly divisive, this would be an eye-opener and perhaps refreshing news.

The relatively few items that generate disagreement and debate among council members, and often conflicting testimony from the public, take up a disproportionate amount of time relative to their number. They are important, however, in providing indisputable insight into the core political values of the four mayoral candidates and the constituencies for whom they advocate.

The issues that tend to generate the most dissension include land use and design, capital project financing, City employee bargaining units, and issues involving special interests such as real estate developers and the City’s largest business, Chevron.

Some votes that are not unanimous have little impact on City policy or, being anomalies, offer no significant insight into the long-term political philosophy of councilmembers. These have generally been omitted from this summary or are so routine, like Nat Bates’ persistent opposition to assessments for vacant lot cleanups, that individual agenda items are not listed.

The following discussion is intended to illustrate voting patterns on representative contested issues and groups of similar issues by the mayoral candidates. There are, however, always inconsistencies, and this summary is not intended to be either comprehensive or exhaustive. Unless specifically used to avoid a legal conflict of interest, an abstention may be used by councilmembers to signal a lack of firm commitment to either side of an issue; however, an abstention usually has the same practical effect as a “no’” vote.

Here is what the record shows:

Butt Record

Butt has the best and most consistent voting record for supporting issues that affect the welfare and quality of life in Richmond, including:

• Funding and construction of municipal infrastructure
• Neighborhoods and neighborhood councils in land use appeals
• Environmental issues
• Conditions and restrictions on new liquor licenses
• Restricting and controlling El Sobrante development
• Historic preservation

Butt has the most consistent record of voting the same way Mayor Corbin voted on almost all of these same issues, has the best record on the City Council for supporting Planning Commission and Design Review Board decisions when they are appealed to the City Council and has the most consistent record of opposing issues that are supported by Darrell Reese.

Butt seldom opposes development projects outright; but generally proposes conditions to make them better. In many land use appeals, Butt has used his experience in architecture and planning to attempt to craft resolutions and compromises that leave both parties satisfied that their objectives have been achieved while avoiding win-lose results that would often mean starting the process all over again.

Bates Record

Bates has voted against virtually every initiative to fund and construct infrastructure since he was elected in 1995. He has routinely voted against all initiative to place measures on the ballot so that voters can decide what City policy should be. Bates routinely votes against any resolution or ordinance having to do with classifications and salary modifications for City employees (except Police and Fire) and against assessments of private property owners for lot clean-ups and boarding up abandoned buildings. Bates has voted against almost every issue involving historic preservation. In general, Bates’ voting record evidences substantial negativity and little initiative.

Bates routinely supports Darrell Reese-related issues, developers, liquor licensees and industry in land use issues and appeals. Bates has consistently voted to support most El Sobrante development projects and has supported developers when these issues have been appealed.

SUMMARY OF ISSUES AND VOTES

1. In 1995, A new General Plan was approved by the Planning Commission. A developer-friendly majority of the City Council changed portions of the General Plan to favor El Sobrante developers, and the City was sued by the El Sobrante Legal Defense Fund. When it was clear that the El Sobrante Legal Defense Fund would prevail, the City Council agreed to amend the General Plan to eliminate the developer-friendly changes it had previously adopted. The matter was heard at the February 5, 1996, City Council meeting. Speaking in support of the amendment were Martin Vitz of the EBRPD, Bill Bigley, Bob Sullivan, Vicki Winston and Eleanor Loynd. Speaking against the amendment, and representing property owners and prospective developers were Michael Rupprect, Douglas Carter, John Knox and Paul Wang. A motion was made by Evans and seconded by Bates to delay adoption of the amendment and appoint a committee to meet with the property owners. Supporting the delay were McIntosh, Evans, Marquez, Anderson, Bates, Powers and Griffin. Butt voted no and Corbin abstained. Several members of the City Council were miffed that they could not muster the required supermajority (6 votes) to overturn decisions of what they viewed as unacceptable Planning Commission decisions. On February 5, 1996, Bates moved and Powers seconded, a motion to lower the requirement to reverse Planning Commission decisions from six to five votes of the City Council. Ordinance 7-96 passed with McIntosh, Evans, Anderson, Bates, Powers and Griffin voting yes. Butt, Marquez and Corbin voted no.

2. On June 16, 1996, Ordinance 7-96 had a second reading. Bates moved and Anderson seconded approval. McIntosh, Evans, Anderson, Bates and Griffin voted yes, and Marquez and Corbin voted no. Butt abstained. Powers was absent.

3. In 1996, the Planning Commission refused to issue a conditional use permit to Hari Kalra to allow sale of alcoholic beverages at a service station (CUP 95-27). On March 4, 1996, Kalri appealed the decision to the City Council. Bates moved and McIntosh seconded a motion to grant the appeal and allow the liquor license. Resolution 27-96 was adopted with McIntosh, Evans, Marquez, Anderson, Bates and Griffin voting yes, and Butt, Powers and Corbin voting no.

4. On May 14, 1996, Hari Kalri came back to the City Council seeking a Letter of Public Convenience and Necessity to obtain a liquor license for 4251 Hilltop Drive. Against the advice of Police Chief Lansdowne who said there was a moratorium on new liquor licenses, Griffin moved and Anderson seconded a motion to grant the Letter of Public Convenience and Necessity. McIntosh, Evans, Marquez, Anderson, Bates and Griffin voted yes, and Butt, Powers and Corbin voted no.

5. On June 25, 1996, the City Council was asked to place on the November 1996 ballot a measure for the voters to determine of they wished to sell $60 million in bonds for capital improvements and infrastructure repair. Marquez moved and Mcntosh seconded a motion to place the matter on the ballot. Butt, McIntosh, Marquez and Corbin voted yes, and Evans, Anderson, Bates and Powers voted no. Griffin was absent.

6. On October 8, 1996, Butt and Corbin placed on the agenda a plan to appoint a committee of citizen experts to consider the options for retrofit, remodel or replacement of City Hall. Marquez moved and Evans seconded a motion to establish the committee. Butt, Evans, Marquez, Powers and Corbin voted yes, and McIntosh, Anderson and Griffin voted no.

7. On October 22, 1996, Griffin moved and Bates seconded a motion to approve annexation for property owned by Dame Construction Company on which a controversial project known as “Castro Ranch Road” had been previously approved. Resolution 160-96 was adopted with McIntosh, Evans, Anderson, Bates and Griffin voting yes and Butt, Marquez, Powers and Corbin voting no.

8. On November 19, 1996, Butt introduced an ordinance regulating lobbyists. Butt moved and Marquez seconded approval. The first reading passed with Butt, Evans, Marquez, Powers and Corbin voting yes, and McIntosh, Anderson and Griffin voting no. Bates was absent.

9. On December 17, 1996, the Lobbyist Ordinance received the second reading. Butt moved and Powers seconded approval. The second reading passed with Butt, Evans, Marquez, Powers and Corbin voting yes. McIntosh voted no, and Anderson, Bates and Griffin abstained. Powers left the meeting.

10. On February 4, 1997, the City Council considered whether to approve replacement of a sewer line serving several homes on Zara Avenue in order to stop recurring backups. The motion passed with Butt, Evans, Bates, Powers and Griffin voting yes, and McIntosh and Corbin voting no. Marquez and Anderson abstained.

11. On February 25, 1997, Butt introduced an ordinance amendment to the Fair Elections ordinance that establish voluntary expenditure limits. On motion by Evans, seconded by Griffin, the item was tabled with McIntosh, Evans, Anderson, Bates and Griffin voting in favor, and Butt, Marquez and Powers voting no. Corbin abstained.

12. On February 25, 1997, the City Council voted to determine how “Chevron USA Five-Point program” funds would be spent. Powers moved, and Griffin seconded, a motion to award $550,000 to the North Richmond Center for Health. The motion passed with Butt, Evans, Bates, Powers and Griffin voting yes, and Anderson and Corbin voting no.

13. On April 15, 1997, Butt proposed an ordinance amendment to modify the Certified Inspection Program so that the City would inspect construction at Chevron rather than Chevron inspecting itself. Marquez moved and Powers seconded a motion to approve first reading and refer to the Finance and Public Safety Committee for review. The motion passed with Butt, McIntosh, Evans, Marquez, Powers and Corbin voting yes, and Anderson, Bates and Griffin voting no.

14. Because some changes were requested by the Finance and Public Safety Committee, the amendment required a new first reading. The modified version was approved unanimously on May 13, 1997. On May 27, it received the second reading and was approved unanimously.

15. On July 22, 1997, Eleanor Loynd appealed lot split MS 752-97 based on insufficient notice to the neighborhood. A motion was made by Bates, seconded by Evans to deny the appeal. Evans, Marquez, Anderson, Bates Griffin and Corbin voted to deny; Butt abstained. Powers was absent.

16. On August 4, 1907, the City Council voted on whether to place on the ballot what became Measure H to establish Community Facilities District 1 that would sell $24 million in bonds to finance fire station improvements, seismic retrofitting of the City Hall and Hall of Justice, the Emergency Operations Center and communications system and rehabilitation of the Plunge. Voting in favor were Butt, Evans, Marquez, Powers and Corbin. Opposing were Anderson and Bates. McIntosh and Griffin abstained.

17. On September 23, 1997, the City Council was requested to approve a potential lease to Wickland Oil for construction of a pier, pumping station and pipeline at Point San Pablo. Marquez moved and McIntosh seconded a motion to direct the City Manager to enter into discussions for Alternative Two. McIntosh, Evans, Marquez, Anderson, Bates and Griffin Voted in favor; Butt and Corbin voted no. Powers was absent.

18. On October 21, 1007, Rev. Bernstine appealed Final Development Plan RZ88-5R for an office building at Marina Bay to be constructed by Penterra. Bernstine did not appear at he hearing, and it was understood that the appeal was a Darrell Reese orchestrated effort to punish Richard Poe. Evans moved and Powers seconded Resolution 150-97 to deny the appeal. Butt, McIntosh, Evans, Powers and Corbin voted yes; Marquez, Griffin and Bates voted no. Anderson abstained.

19. On October 21, 1997, Point Richmond R&D Associates (Wareham) appealed a decision by the Public Development Review Board requiring the fence at Tech Center II to be set back from the street as originally designed and approved. Evans moved and McIntosh seconded a motion to allow the fence to be placed along the sidewalk. McIntosh, Evans, Marquez, Anderson, Bates, Powers and Griffin voted in favor; Butt and Corbin opposed.

20. On October 21, 1997, the City Council considered hiring an outside consultant for an independent review of the 800 MHZ project. Powers moved and Butt seconded. Butt, McIntosh, Evans, Anderson, Powers, Griffin and Corbin voted yes; Marquez and Bates voted no.

21. On November 4, 1997, Evans moved and Griffin seconded a motion to adopt resoluton 164-97 annexing El Sobrante Estates development into the City of Richmond. McIntosh, Evans, Marquez, Anderson, Bates, Griffin and Corbin voted yes; Butt and Powers voted no.

22. On November 25, 1997, after the defeat of Measure H, Butt moved to direct the City Manager to implement “The Bates Plan,” a plan appearing in anti-Measure H campaign literature that proposed a method for financing various municipal improvements, including the Plunge rehabilitation. The motion died for lack of a second. Griffin then moved, and McIntosh seconded, a motion to table. McIntosh, Evans, Anderson, Bates, Griffin, and Corbin voted yes; Butt voted no. Marquez and Powers were absent.

23. On November 21, 1997, Griffin moved and Powers seconded Resolution 167-97 to not renew the contract with the city manager (Floyd Johnson). Butt, Evans, Bates, Powers and Griffin voted yes; Marquez voted no. McIntosh, Anderson and Corbin were absent.

24. On December 9, 1997, Bates moved and Griffin seconded a motion directing the City Attorney to pay for appraisals of two properties outside the city limits in El Sobrante owned by developers and that those developers must write he City expressing an interest in annexation. McIntosh, Marquez, Anderson, Bates and Griffin voted yes; Butt, Powers and Corbin voted no. Evans was absent.

25. On December 16, 1997, Bates moved and Evans seconded a motion to hire an outside firm to prepare  management audit using the $1 million provided to he City by Chevron to develop measures to improve City efficiency. Butt, Evans, Bates, Powers and Griffin voted yes; McIntosh, Marquez, Anderson and Corbin voted no.

26. On February 10, 1998, a motion was made by McIntosh, seconded by Marquez, to authorize negotiation of an agreement with Wareham, exchanging City land for an “enhanced and enlarged” wetland mitigation. McIntosh, Evans, Marquez, Powers, Griffin and Corbin voted yes; Butt voted no. Anderson and Bates were absent.

27. On February 24, 1998, Elnora Lee, the owner of a proposed development on Highland Avenue appealed Planning Commission decision MS 753-97 for a lot split. Marquez moved and Powers seconded a motion to grant the appeal. McIntosh, Evans, Marquez, Anderson, Bates and Powers voted yes; Corbin and Butt voted no. Griffin was absent.

28. On March 17, 1998, Eleanor Loynd appealed EIR decision EID96-4 for El Sobrante Estates. Bates moved Resolution 28-98 to grant the appeal, and Butt seconded. Butt, McIntosh, Evans, Bates and Corbin voted yes; Anderson, Powers and Griffin voted no. Marquez was absent.

29. On March 17, 1998, Jay Betts appealed Planning Commission denial of CU 97-35/CD 97-43. The Planning Commission had turned down a proposed additional duplex on the site and had required additional parking. Griffin moved and Anderson seconded Resolution 29-98 to grant the appeal. McIntosh, Evans, Anderson, Bates, Powers, Griffin and Corbin voted yes; Butt voted no. Marquez was absent.

30. On June 9, 1998, Bates moved and McIntosh seconded a motion to award a contract to Parsons Engineering Science, inc., to evaluate the condition of the Water pollution Control Plant. Butt, McIntosh, Evans, Anderson, Bates and Corbin voted yes. Marquez voted no. Powers and Griffin were absent.

31. On July 14, 1998, Marquez moved and Butt seconded a motion to construct a portion of a sound wall between the Richmond Parkway and Tara Hills neighborhood. Butt, Evans, Marquez, Griffin and Corbin voted yes; Bates voted no. Anderson abstained. McIntosh and Powers were absent.

32. On August 11, 1998, John Nasser appealed Planning Commission denial of Conditional Use Permit CU 92-50R, requesting rescission of conditions restricting hours of operation and prohibiting the sale of malt liquors and fortified wines. Powers moved and Butt seconded Resolution 123-98 to deny the appeal. Butt, McIntiosh, Marquez, Anderson, Powers, Griffin and Corbin voted yes; Evans and Bates voted no.

33. On August 11, 1998, Bates moved and Powers seconded a motion to approve a long-term lease with Point Richmond R&D Associates (Wareham) for wetlands remediation. McIntosh, Evans, Marquez, Anderson, Bates, Powers, Griffin, and Corbin voted yes; Butt voted no.

34. On August 11, 1998, Bates moved and Griffin seconded proceeding with the improvements to the City Council Chamber. McIntosh, Evans, Marquez, Anderson, Bates, Powers and Griffin voted yes; Butt voted no. Corbin Abstained.

35. On December 8, 1998, Edward Candiotti appealed Planning Commission denial of CD 98-34 for a house at 487 Western Drive where view blockage was an issue. Butt crafted a resolution acceptable to both the appellant and the neighbor and moved to grant the appeal, seconded by Bates. Butt, Evans, Bates, Griffin and Corbin voted yes; McIntosh, Marquez and Anderson voted no. Powers was absent.

36. On December 15, 1998, Helen Weaver, president of Park Plaza Neighborhood Council, appealed Plnnning Commission approval of CU 98-43 to establish a recovery facility for ten households at 4307 Wall Avenue. Powers moved and Evans seconded to deny the appeal. McIntosh, Evans, Marquez, Anderson, Powers and Corbin voted yes; Bates and Griffin voted no. Butt abstained.

37. On December 15, 1998, the issue of repealing the Lobbyist Ordinance, RMC Chapter 2.54, was on the agenda. McIntosh moved and Evans seconded tabling the matter. McIntosh, Evans, Marquez, Anderson, Bates and Griffin voted yes. Powers and Corbin voted no. Butt abstained.

38. On January 12, 1999, Butt moved and McIntosh seconded to put the Richmond Municipal Code on the Internet. Butt, McIntosh, Evans, Griffin and Corbin voted yes. Marquez and Anderson voted no. Bates abstained. Powers was absent.

39. On January 26, 1999, Robert Kish appealed the Environmental Assessment Panel’s approval of the Final Environmental Impact Report for the Brickyard Cove Commercial Project (Clausen). Butt moved and Powers seconded to deny the appeal with the condition that Gary Schafer’s letter dated December 17, 1998, will be incorporated as a certified addendum to the EIR. Resolution 6-99 was adopted with Butt, McIntosh, Marquez, Powers and Anderson voting yes. Bates and Griffin voted no. Evans and Corbin were absent.

40. On January 26, 1999, Butt moved and Powers seconded to support a proposed Coastal conservancy Grant to acquire shoreline property (Bray) for Miller-Knox Regional Park. Butt, McIntosh, Marquez, Anderson, and Powers voted yes. Bates voted no. Evans, Griffin and Corbin were absent.

41. On February 23, 1999, a public hearing was held for the first reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 15.04 and 16.06 (Zoning and Signs) to adopt a comprehensive Design Review Ordinance. Evans moved and Marquez seconded approval. McIntosh then added an amendment that two positions be potentially open to non-residents who work or own a business in the City of Richmond. But objected to non-residents being on the board. McIntosh, Evans, Marquez, Bates, Griffin and Corbin voted yes. Butt and Powers voted no. Anderson was absent. (On March 23, 1999, the ordinance and design guidelines were adopted by unanimous vote following a second reading, Ordinance 7-9 N.S. and Resolution 30-99)

42. On February 23, 1999, Corky Booze appealed a decision form the EIP requiring an EIR in connection with a request to rezone 22 Carlson from C-2 to M-2. Butt moved and McIntosh seconded to grant the appeal. The motion failed with Butt, McIntosh and Powers voting yes and Evans, Marquez, Bates, Griffin and Corbin voting no. Anderson was absent.

43. On April 6, 1999, Hermann Welm (Point Pinole Properties) appealed Planning Commission denial of RZ90-15 to revise a previously adopted Urban Design Strategy. A motion was made by Anderson, seconded by Griffin, to adopt Resolution 47-99 and grant the appeal. Evans, Anderson, Bates, Griffin and Corbin voted yes. Butt and Powers voted no. Marquez was absent.

44. On April 6, 1999, Powers moved and Anderson seconded, a motion to adopt resolution 49-99 approving the final map of Subdivision 8184, Canyon Oaks. Butt, Evans, Anderson, Griffin and Corbin voted yes; Bates voted no. Powers abstained, and Marquez was absent.

45. On April 6, 1999, Evans moved and Anderson seconded to accept the draft proposal by Kennedy/Jenks Consultants on “Evaluation of Sanitary Sewer System Service Charges for Fiscal Year 1999-2000 to 1999-2008, and set a public hearing. Butt, Evans, Anderson, Powers, and Corbin voted yes; Bates and Griffin voted no. Marquez was absent.

46. On June 1, 1999, Marquez moved and vans seconded to support AB 1475 establishing a “Safe Rotes to School Program.” Evans, Marquez, Bates, Powers, Griffin and Corbin voted yes; Anderson voted no. Butt was absent.

47. On June 29, 1999, a public hearing was held on the first reading of an ordinance to revise Sewer System Fees (RMC 12.20). Marquez moved and Powers seconded approval. Butt, Evans, Marquez, Anderson, Powers and Corbin voted yes. Bates and Griffin voted no.

48. On June 29, 1999, a public hearing was held on an appeal by Ezekiel Augman from Planning Commission denial of CU 99-7 for  bar and lounge with eight pool tables and dancing at 3024 Cutting Boulevard. The Planning Commission decision was based on inadequate parking. Bates moved and Marquez seconded resolution 107-99 granting the appeal. Evans, Marquez, Anderson, Bates, Powers and Griffin voted yes; Butt and Corbin voted no.

49. On June 29, 1999, a public hearing was held to consider the vacation of B Street between West Barrett and the Richmond Parkway. Evans moved and Marquez seconded. Evans, Marquez, Anderson and Corbin voted yes. Bates, Butt and Griffin voted no. Powers was absent.

50. On June 29, 1999, Marquez moved and Anderson seconded reappointment of Virginia Finlay to the Planning Commission. Butt, Evans, Marquez, Anderson, Griffin and Corbin voted yes; Bates voted no.

51. On June 29, 1999, Evans moved and Griffin seconded an agreement with Chevron for the City to participate in an “independent” review of the Reorganization of the Richmond Refinery. Evans, Anderson, Bates, Griffin and Corbin voted yes; Butt and Marquez voted no. Powers was absent.

52. On July 13, 1999, ordinance amending RMC 12.20, setting Sewer System Fees was moved by Marquez and seconded by Anderson. Butt, Evans, Marquez, Anderson, Powers and Corbin voted yes; Bates and Griffin voted no.

53. On June 29, 1999, a public hearing was held to consider amending the zoning designation from SFR-3 to MFR-1 at 45 1st Street to allow higher density. Evans moved, seconded by Anderson, to adopt Ordinance 33-9 N.S. Evans, Marquez, Anderson, Bates, Powers and Corbin voted yes. Butt and Griffin voted no.

54. On July 20, 1999, a public hearing was held on an appeal by Sally Cole from Planning Commission denial of CD 99-7/V 99-4 to construct new residential buildings at 434 Santa Fe Avenue. Anderson moved and Evans seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 119-99 granting the appeal. Evans, Anderson, Bates, Griffin and Corbin voted yes. Butt abstained. Marquez and Powers were absent.

55. On July 29, 1999, Marquez moved and Anderson seconded to approve Contract Amendment #2 with Kennedy/Jenks Consultants to provide services related to the evaluation and design of improvements to Richmond Municipal sewer District projects. Butt, Evans, Marquez, Anderson, Griffin and Corbin voted yes. Bates and Powers voted no.

56. On September 7, 1999, a public hearing was conducted to consider approval and adoption of the Public Service Director’s Report on Municipal Sewer District No. 1. Evans moved and Anderson seconded. Butt, Evans, Marquez, Anderson, Powers and Corbin voted yes. Bates voted no. Griffin abstained.

57. On September 14, 1999, Evans moved and Powers seconded adoption of Resolution 143-99 authorizing execution and delivery of Wastewater revenue Bonds for Municipal Sewer District No. 1. Butt, Evans, Marquez, Anderson, Powers and Corbin voted yes. Bates and Griffin voted no.

58. On September 14, 1999, Marquez moved and Butt seconded naming the Kennedy pool the “Richmond Swim Center and the Coach William Randolph Pool.” Butt, Evans, Marquez, Bates, Powers and Corbin voted yes. Anderson voted no. Griffin abstained.

59. On September 21, 1999, a public hearing was held to consider a first reading for rezoning RZ99-3 (Seacliff Estates) from a 191-unit project to a 150-unt project. Marquez expressed concern about the design. Powers moved and Griffin seconded approval. Butt, Evans, Anderson, Bates, Powers, Griffin and Corbin voted yes. Marquez abstained.

60. On September 28, 1999, a proposed ordinance adding Chapter 9.54b to the RMC banning camping was considered for first reading. Marquez moved and Evans seconded. Butt, Evans, Marquez, Anderson and Corbin voted yes. Bates, Powers and Griffin voted no.

61. On October 5, 1999, a public hearing was held to consider an appeal by Lucretia Edwards, Maurice Doherty and Marcus Peppard from Planning Commission approval of a proposal for tandem parking related to a new dwelling at Western Drive (APN 58-220-015). On motion by Evans, seconded by Griffin, Resolution 156-99 passed to deny the appeal. Evans, Marquez, Anderson, Bates, Griffin and Corbin voted yes. Butt voted no. Powers was absent.

62. On October 12, 1999, a proposed ordinance adding Chapter 9.54b to the RMC banning camping was considered for second reading. Powers moved and Bates seconded to table the item. Marquez, Bates, Powers, Griffin and Corbin voted yes. Butt and Evans voted no. Anderson abstained.

63. On October 19, 1999, second reading of Ordinance 45-99 adding Chapter 13.56, City of Richmond Wastewater Treatment Facilities Bond Law to the RMC relating to powers and procedures for issuing revenue bonds. Butt moved approval and Marquez seconded. Butt, Evans, Marquez, Anderson, Powers and Corbin voted yes. Bates and Griffin voted no.

64. On October 19, 1999, Evans moved and Marquez seconded adoption of Resolution 167-99 ratifying the issuance of not to exceed $40 million of Wastewater Revenue bonds. Butt, Evans, Marquez, Anderson, Powers and Corbin voted yes. Bates and Griffin voted no.

65. On December 7, 1999, Marquez moved and Penn seconded to table discussion of a budget for the Regla, Cuba, Friendship Relationship until a budget is adopted. Penn, Marquez, Anderson, Bell and Corbin voted yes. Butt, Bates and Griffin voted no. Evans abstained.

66. On December 14, 1999, Peter Hass, representing American Soil Products, Inc., appealed Design Review Board denial of DR 99-22 to establish retail landscape material ales yard at 2122 San Joaquin Avenue. On motion by Evans, seconded by Bates, Resolution 202-99 was passed to deny the appeal. Bates, Penn, Marquez, Bell, Evans, and Corbin voted yes. Butt and Griffin voted no. Anderson was absent.

67. On January 4, 2000, LAFCO was considering removing a parcel of unincorporated land from Richmond’s sphere of influence. Evans moved and But seconded a motion to send a letter of “no objection” to LAFCO. Marquez made a substitute motion, seconded by Bates, requesting continuance for one month. Bates, Penn, Marquez, Anderson, Bell and Griffin voted yes. Butt, Evans and Corbin voted no.

68. On January 25, 2000, Bates moved and Griffin seconded to recommend to LAFCO that a parcel of undeveloped property in El Sobrante remain in Richmond’s sphere of influence, that the urban limit line remain as is (inclusive of the property) and that the EBRPD be encouraged to purchase the property for a park. Bates, Penn, Marquez, Griffin, Bell and Anderson voted yes. Butt and Evans voted no. Corbin was absent.

69. On February 8, 2000, SunCal appealed Planning Commission denial of TM 7502R, a proposal by Seacliff Estates to subdivide a 33 acre parcel into 150 residential lots. Bates moved Resolution 21-00 to grant the appeal (the Minutes do not record a second). Bates, Penn, Griffin, Bell, Anderson and Evans voted yes. Butt and Marquez voted no. Corbin was absent.

70. On February 22, 2000, a motion by Butt, seconded by Bell, to adopt Robert’s Rules of Order failed. Butt, Bell, Evans and Griffin voted yes; Bates and Penn voted no; Marquez, Anderson and Corbin abstained. A motion by Bates, seconded by Bell, to table the item passed. Bates, Penn, Marquez, Bell and Anderson voted yes. Butt, Evans and Griffin voted no. Corbin abstained.

71. On March 21, 2000, Marcus Peppard appealed Planning Commission approval to construct a house on Pacific Avenue (Tiscornia). Butt moved and Marquez seconded to grant the appeal. Butt, Marquez, Griffin, Bell and Corbin voted yes. Bates, Anderson and Evans voted no.

72. On April 4, 2000, Corky Booze appealed Planning Commission approval CU 99-41 for a restaurant and dwelling at 3305 MacDonald Avenue. Marquez moved and Anderson seconded Resolution 53-00 denying the appeal. Bates, Penn, Marquez, Evans, Bell and Anderson voted yes. Griffin voted no. Butt abstained. Corbin was absent.

73. On April 4, 2000, Marquez offered Resolution 54-00 supporting fair union elections at Alan Ritchey, Inc. Butt, Penn, Marquez, Griffin, Evans and Anderson voted yes. Bates voted no. Corbin was absent.

74. On April 11, 2000, Griffin moved, seconded by Anderson, that staff proceed with an RFI to further explore and evaluate partnership alternatives for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Butt, Bates, Penn, Marquez, Griffin, Anderson and Corbin voted yes. Evans abstained. Bell was absent.

75. On May 2, 2000, the subject of Robert’s Rules of Order was taken off the table by Bell. Bell moved and Griffin seconded adoption. The motion failed with Butt, Bell, Evans, and Griffin voting yes; Bates, Penn, Marquez, Anderson and Corbin abstaining.

76. On May 30, 2000, Evans moved and Anderson seconded resolution 94-00 appropriating $30,000 for additional funds to study the Cutting Boulevard Grade Separation. Butt, Penn, Marquez, Anderson and Corbin voted yes. Bates, Griffin and Bell voted no.

77. On July 18, 2000, on motion by Griffin, seconded by Bell, the City Council unanimously accepted Resolution 139-00 accepting the Report of the Director of Public Services on Sewer Service Charges for Fiscal Year 2000/01.

78. On July 18, 2000, on motion by Marquez, seconded by Bell, the motion to establish Underground Utility District 2000-02 failed, with Marquez, Bell and Anderson voting yes, and Butt, Bates, Penn, Evans, and Corbin voting no.

79. On July 18, 2000, a public hearing was held to consider extending the tentative map for 7502R (SunCal Companies of Northern California and Bottoms Family Trust). On motion by Evans, seconded by Bates, the stay was approved with Bates, Penn, Griffin, Evans, Bell and Anderson voting yes, and Butt, Marquez and Corbin voting no.

80. On July 25, 2000, an agreement with Eisenhardt Group to evaluate improvement and service delivery options for wastewater services was approved by the City Council with Bates voting no.

81. On July 25, 2000, Resolution 120-00 was considered to authorize Allocation of Funds for the Rosie the Riveter Memorial dedication. Evans moved and Butt seconded approval. Butt, Bates, Penn, Marquez, Evans, Anderson and Corbin voted yes; Griffin and Bell voted no.

82. On October 10, 2000, Underground Utility District 2000-2 (Meeker avenue, South 19th Street and Wright Avenue) came back before the Council. Butt objected to the use of Rule 20 money to benefit primarily a private development. Griffin moved and Penn seconded the motion to adopt Resolution 178-00 to establish the district. Bates, Penn, Marquez, Griffin and Evans voted yes; Butt and Corbin voted no. Bell and Anderson were absent.

83. On October 10, 2000, a public hearing was held on the appeal by Marcus Peppard from Design Review Board approval of DR 00-48, 345 Pacific Avenue. Evans moved to deny the appeal; Bell seconded. The appeal was denied and Resolution 179-00 adopted, with Bates, Penn, Griffin, Evans and Bell voting yes; Butt and Corbin voting no, Marquez abstaining and Anderson absent.

84. On October 17, 2000, the City council considered directing staff to prepare the necessary documentation to issue a $25 million bond to fund streets, parks and building-related capital projects. Marquez moved and Butt seconded. Butt, Penn, Marquez, Anderson and Corbin voted yes; Bates, Griffin and Bell voted no. Evans was absent.

85. On October 31, 2000, a resolution was considered authorizing the City to acquire property located at 345 pacific Avenue for Tiscornia Open Space was considered. Bated moved and Bell seconded not to purchase the property and to issue Mr. And Mrs. Ralph Morgan an apology. The motion passed with Bates, Penn, Griffin, Bell, Anderson and Corbin voting yeas; Butt and Evans voting no. Marquez abstained.

86. On October 31, 2000, the Redevelopment Agency voted on Resolution 00-2 to issue Tax Allocation revenue Bonds, Series 2000A and 2000B. Evans moved and Butt seconded. Butt, Marquez, Evans, Anderson, and Corbin voted yes. Penn, Griffin and Bell voted no. Bates abstained.

87. On November 7, 2000, Butt moved and Bell seconded award of a contract for Pavement Management Systems. Butt, Bates, Griffin, Penn, Bell, Anderson and Corbin voted yes. Marquez abstained. Evans was absent.

88. On November 29, 2000, Marquez moved and Butt seconded to hire the Sports Mangement Group for consulting services for the Plunge. Anderson, Butt, Evans, Griffin, Marquez Penn and Corbin voted yes; Bell voted no, and Bates abstained.

89. On November 29, 2000, a public hearing was held on a appeal by Eleanor Loynd, representing El Sobrante Valley Planning and Zoning Committee, from Design review Board approval f DR 068 to construct a 48-unit apartment complex on Via Verde at Mozart Drive. Evans moved and Penn seconded denial of the appeal and passage of Resolution 204-00, adding the condition to grant an easement for a pedestrian bridge across San Pablo Creek. Anderson, Bell, Butt, Evans Griffin, Marquez, Penn and Corbin voted yes. Bates voted no.

90. On January 9, 2001, Resolution 4-01 was moved by Anderson, seconded by Bell, to suspend Chapter 2.50 of the Richmond Municipal Code Affirmative Action). Bates, Penn, Marquez, Griffin, Bell, Anderson and Corbin voted yes. Butt voted no.

91. On January 23, 2001, The Point Richmond History Association appealed Planning Commission approval of Variance V00-01 and Design Review Permit DR-105 to expand a non-conforming use and allow an addition at 519 Golden Gate Avenue. Belcher moved and Penn seconded Resolution 8-01 to deny the appeal. Penn, Marquez, Griffin, Belcher, Bell, Anderson and Bates voted yes. Butt voted no. Corbin abstained.

92. On January 23, 2001, Butt agendized an item to consider temporarily adjusting the percentage of utility tax due to rapidly increasing utility costs. Bates moved and Griffin seconded to table the motion. Bates, Griffin, Belcher, Bell, Anderson and Corbin voted yes. Butt voted no. Penn and Marquez were absent.

93. On January 23, 2001, Butt agendized an item to consider placing on the November 20001 ballot an amendment to Chapter 13.52, that would raise the maximum amount of the option to pay a fixed tax rather than a percentage tax (only Chevron is using his option). Bates moved and Griffin seconded to table the motion. Bates, Griffin, Belcher, Bell, Anderson and Corbin voted yes. Butt voted no. Penn and Marquez were absent.

94. On January 30, 2001, the City Council considered options for future operation of the Wastewater Treatment Facility. Anderson moved and Griffin seconded Option 1, managed competition/public-public/pubic private. The motion passed with Butt, Penn, Griffin, Belcher, Bell, Anderson and Corbin voting yes and Bates voting no. Marquez abstained.

95. On February 6, 2001, a public hearing was held to consider the appeal by Maurico Garcia of Planning Commission denial of Conditional Use Permit CU 00-40 to covert a garage into a second dwelling at 456 – 21st Street. Butt moved and Penn seconded Resolution 15-01 denying the appeal, with Butt, Penn, Griffin, Belcher, Bell, Anderson, Bates and Corbin voting yes and Marquez abstaining.

96. On February 13, 2001, Penn moved and Bell seconded acceptance of the El Sobrante Valley Parks Feasibility Study. Butt, Penn, Marquez, Griffin, Belcher, Bell and Anderson voted yes. Bates abstained, Corbin was absent.

97. On February 20, 2001, Belcher moved and Griffin seconded Ordinance 7-01 N.S. prohibiting vehicles over 3 ½ tons on Cutting Boulevard between I-80 and Harbour Way. Butt, Penn, Griffin, Belcher, Anderson and Bates voted yes. Marquez, Bell and Corbin abstained.

98. On March 27, 2001, Griffin moved and Anderson seconded approval for a Request for Qualifications, Request for Proposals, and Schedule for the Wastewater Treatment Facility. Butt, Penn, Marquez, Belcher, Bell, Anderson and Corbin voted yes. Bates voted no. Griffin was absent for the vote.

99. On April 3, 2001, Butt moved and Marquez seconded to table the request by Bates to have Concord councilwoman Helen M. Allen named to LAFCO. Butt, Penn, Marquez, Griffin, Bell, Anderson and Corbin voted yes. Bates voted no. Belcher Abstained.

100. On April 3, 2001, Bates requested that an item be placed on the April 17, 2001, Agenda to move forward with a contract to include 3% at 50. Bell moved and Anderson seconded to table the matter. Butt, Penn, Bell, Anderson and Corbin voted yes. Bates, Marquez, Griffin and Belcher voted no.

101. On May 1, 2001, Penn moved and Marquez seconded acceptance of Statements of Qualification from Earthtech, U.S. Filter, and East Bay Municipal utility District for the Wastewater design, build and operate RFP. Penn, Marquez, Griffin, Belcher, Bell, Anderson and Corbin voted yes. Bates voted no. Butt was absent.

102. On May 22, 2001, Marquez moved and Penn seconded approval of an agreement with somas to provide assistance to the Wastewater Treatment staff to prepare a proposal to design build and operate the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Butt, Penn, Marquez, Griffin, Belcher, Bell, Anderson and Corbin voted yes. Bates voted no.

103. On May 29, 2001, Marquez moved and Anderson seconded approval of a contract with Cal Sierra Construction, Inc., for sewer cleaning and video inspection. Butt, Penn, Marquez, Griffin, Belcher, Bell, Anderson and Corbin voted yes. Bates abstained.

104. On June 5, 2001, Belcher moved and Griffin seconded designation of Fire Station 67A as a historic resources to be listed on the Richmond Register. Butt, Penn, Marquez, Griffin, Belcher, Bell, Anderson and Corbin voted yes. Bates voted no.

105. On June 5, 2001, Belcher moved and Griffin seconded designation of the Maritime and Ruth C. Powers Child Care Centers as historic resources to be listed on the Richmond Register. Butt, Penn, Marquez, Griffin, Belcher, Bell, Anderson and Corbin voted yes. Bates voted no.

106. On June 19, 2001, Penn moved and Anderson seconded approval of contracts with six firms for towing. Bates, Penn, Marquez, Bell, Anderson and Corbin voted yes. Butt and Griffin voted no. Belcher was absent.

107. On June 19, 2001, Butt moved and Marquez seconded designation of the Kaiser Permanente Field Hospital as a historic resource to be listed on the Richmond Register. Butt, Bates, Marquez, Anderson and Corbin voted yes. Griffin and Bell voted no. Penn abstained. Belcher was absent.

108. On June 26, 2001, a public hearing was held on an appeal by Margaret Judkins and the City of San Pablo from Design Review Board approval of DR 00-23 (Pannatoni) on Collins Avenue at Giant Highway. Bates moved and Griffin seconded addendum to EID 00-01 concluding there is no significant impact. Bates, Penn, Griffin, Bell, Belcher and Anderson voted yes. Butt voted no. Marquez and Corbin abstained.

109. On June 26, 2001, a public hearing was held on an appeal by Gerald Rasmussen from Design Review Board approval of DR 00-127R for a Laundromat and commercial building at 1100 23rd Street. The appeal was upheld with Butt, Bates, Penn, Marquez, Griffin, Bell and Corbin voting yes; Belcher and Anderson voting no.

110. On July 10, 2001, a public hearing was held for an appeal by Mildred Carlton of Planning Commission approval of CU 01010, a conditional use permit to allow a sports bar at the Quality Inn, 916 West Cutting. The appellant maintained hat he City had the authority to impose conditions related to alcohol sales. Staff disagreed. Bates moved and Anderson seconded Resolution 95-01 denying the appeal. Bates, Penn, Marquez, Griffin, Belcher, Bell, Anderson and Corbin voted yes. Butt voted no.

111. On July 10, 2001, Resolution 96-01 was adopted to place on the November 2001 ballot a proposed amendment to the City Charter changing the dates of election to even numbered years. The City of Richmond is the only local jurisdiction with odd numbered year elections and has to bear the full cost. Marquez moved adoption and Penn seconded. Butt, Penn, Marquez, Griffin, Belcher, Bell, Anderson, and Corbin voted yes. Bates voted no.

112. On July 10, 2001, the City Council considered a resolution setting a Revocation Hearing for CD 99-9, 1150 and 1200 Brickyard Cove Road. Bates, seconded by Penn, moved to table. Bates, Penn, Belcher, Bell and Anderson voted yes. Butt, Marquez and Corbin voted no. Griffin abstained.

113. On July 17, 2001, Bates moved and Butt seconded to modify the previously approved schedule for submission of proposals for operation if the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Butt, Bates, Penn, Griffin, Bell, Anderson and Corbin voted yes. Marquez abstained. Belcher was absent.

114. On July 24, 2001, Resolution 108-01 to adopt the City of Richmond Capital Improvement Budget for 2001/2002 was moved by Belcher and seconded by Anderson. Butt, Bates, Penn, Marquez, Belcher, Anderson and Corbin voted yes. Bell abstained. Griffin was absent.