RNCC Meeting Minutes, January 12, 2015

1.  The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm by President Don Woodrow.

2.  MSP approval of the Minutes from  November 10, 2014

3.  Representatives from the following (15) neighborhoods introduced themselves and some gave reports: Belding-Woods, Fairmede/Hilltop, Greenbriar, Hilltop Village, Marina Bay, May Valley, North & East, Parchester Village, Park Plaza, Pt. Richmond, Pullman, Richmond Annex, Richmond Heights, Richmond Village/Metropolitan Square, and Santa Fe.

4.  City Department Heads/City Official Reports:

Public Works: Yader Bermudez handed out his paving schedule and talked about the road work being done. They are also working on ADA improvements around the City.

Engineering Services: No Report.

City Manager/Community Coordinator: Rochelle Monk presented the RNCC with a certificate of Appreciation regarding Measure U. There is a $75,000 Bechtel grant for youth services. Neighborhood Councils will be asked to outline their individual youth services needs. There are discussions ongoing regarding the City and private insurance for neighborhood council events. The City will need to know in advance about neighborhood events. NUSA will be May 20th thru the 23rd and it is in Houston, Texas. Applications need to be received in three weeks.

Mayor’s office: No Report.

Police Department: Chief Magnus spoke about a 30% reduction in crime from last year. There is an increase in street robberies and they seem to be spontaneous. They are happening at Richmond BART, Hilltop, and 23rd Street. They have implemented the body cameras and have been making changes in training and new paradigms.They are also making progress on the human trafficking in Richmond.

Code Enforcement: Tim Higares talked about a $4,000,000 social improvement bond and how it would work. They would purchase chosen properties and move families in, then work with the tax assessors to get the taxes waived or lowered. They have had a 68% increase in ticket revenue and they have a newer high-tech ticket processing system.

Environmental Manager: No Report.

Planning Department: Richard Mitchell talked about the approximately 1800 residential units to be built in Richmond. There will also be retail and commercial buildings as well. The locations for these buildings are: Terminal 1, Nevin Ave, Bay Walk, Hilltop, Central Ave, Garrity Way, Brickyard Cove, Marina Bay, Mira Flores, Greenway, and Atlas and Giant Rds. The Chevron modernization project is getting closer, still clearing lawsuits before it can begin. The Planning department anticipates freeing up the ex-redevelopment property.

Fire Department: Terry Harris told us about four RPD representatives that went to a one week training in Colorado on how to handle Railcar derailments and Bakken Crude. The fire extinguisher training is still ongoing so make sure your nc has signed up. There was a rescue of a man from a burning building. The new Richmond Fire Chief Sheppard was introduced. He spoke about Richmond being a great community and having a great fire department. He spoke about the need for community based fire service and he has an open door policy so stop by and visit with him. He will look into an efficient public notification system for when Chevron has flaring.

5.  Announcements from RNCC PIO: Garland Ellis announced that the Red Oak Victory is having a crab feed on January 21st price $40, City Council to discuss the Sign ordinance next week.

6.  Presentations: 1) Tyler Hester from Teach for America told us about their program and how it works here in the West County district. They have unlimited potential for each child to have a teacher that has been trained by Teach for America. The program supports 135 educators in the WCCUSD. They support providing excellent education regardless of wealth or background and they find people to be the educators then support them in their first few years of teaching.

7.  Old Business: None

8.  New Business: None

9.  Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned by President Don Woodrow at 8:52PM

Respectfully submitted by,
Jan Mignone Recording Secretary

Thank you to Point Richmond and Santa Fe Neighborhood Councils for tonights refreshments!