Concord City Council - Observer Report

Concord City Council - Observer Report

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City Council Meeting - 9/8/2020
City Council Meeting - 8/5/2020
City Council Meeting - 7/28/2020
City Council Meeting - 6/23/2020

City Council Meeting - 6/7/2020

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City Council Meeting - 9/8/2020

by Colleen Coll

On September 8, 2020 the Concord city Council convened for the first time since their annual August recess. All members were present.

Mayor Tim McGallian opened the public comment period. Three members of the public addressed the council regarding the homeless, rent protection and a neighborhood noise complaint.

The only item on the agenda that has had multiple hearings is the proposed Cannabis Micro business Ordinance.
  • The council considered increasing the micro business licenses from (4) to (6) storefronts with a retail component.
  • Staff endorsed amending the ordinance to allow two more micro business licenses.
  • The Mayor opened the public comment period and only one member of the public spoke and advocated for (2) more licenses to be authorized. The council deliberated and voted in favor of allowing two more licenses to be allowed. The vote was 4-1.
  • The dissenting voice raised the concern of allowing a Cannabis storefront near the Bart Stations.
  • The council will issue a Request for Proposals from certified Cannabis operators, in October. The council intends to select qualified operators, after public hearings have been conducted in March 2021.  

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City Council Meeting - 8/5/2020

by Colleen Coll, LWVDV Observer

All Council Members were present. Mayor McGallian opened the public comment period. Members of the public continue to ask Council to "Defund the Police." 

The item that generated the most interest was the CARE Act Funding expenditure plan. Concord will receive $1.6 million Federal funds to assist both residents and small businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

The Mayor appointed himself and Council member Obringer as an Ad Hoc Committee to make recommendations to the full council. The Committee instructed staff to reach out to Chamber of Commerce, Mount Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD), Shelter Inc., and other community non-profit organizations.

Based on their findings the Council recommended:

  • $450,000 be used to make the necessary structural changes to minimize risk of COVID-19 exposure to city employees and members of the public. Equipment is needed to be purchased to improve staff response to the public during the pandemic.
  • Shelter Inc. should be appropriated $375,000 to administer assistance to low-income families to pay rent due to COVID-19 impact.
  • $725,000 be administered by the Concord Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber will screen eligible small Concord businesses to receive a $5000 grant. The Chamber hopes to assist over 130 Concord businesses.
  • The Committee's final recommendation was to give $50,000 to MDUSD to improve low-income neighborhoods access to technology. The proposed CARE Act Investment Plan was thoroughly discussed, analyzed and adopted.

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City Council Meeting - 7/28/2020

by Colleen Coll, LWVDV Observer Team 

All members were present. During the public comment period several members called in asking Council to reallocate money from the Police department to local mental health organizations. Some callers asked the city to partner with the school district by offering city-owned facilities to be used as classrooms, allowing for social distancing. 

The consent calendar relating to the city’s response to the Grand Jury report stating that all Police Departments are underfunded has been pulled, since it was written and submitted prior to Mr. George Floyd’s death.

Members of the public asked the City Council to submit a letter to the Grand Jury referencing a national shift in the public's discussion regarding Police funding. The City Manager explained the city's legal options and time frame as it related to the Grand Jury's findings. The 2020 Grand Jury members have disbanded. Members of the public were encouraged to write a letter to a future Grand Jury. The City Manager educated the public on role and function of the Grand Jury.

The City Council agenda focused on two topics:

  • Cannabis Review Process: A Cannabis Review Process was presented by consultants who have extensive background in the Request for Proposal processes. The Council devised a merit-based process for applicants to apply. Due to the nature of the business, the Council is imposing conditions and assigning points for competition in multiple categories. The process is complex and has not been finalized. The public will continue to be part of the process.
  • Measure Q extension: The Concord City Council voted to place a local revenue extension measure on the November 2020 ballot. The measure would extend the City’s existing Measure Q local funding at a one-cent rate to assure adequate funding for the delivery of general fund services. Godbe Research, a consulting firm, was hired to conduct a poll. The results of this poll demonstrated that the citizens of Concord support the sales tax increase. The poll prioritized using funding for 911 responses, infrastructure, roads, and gang prevention. Council members unanimously supported placing the measure on the ballot. Staff was directed to inform the County.

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City Council Meeting - 6/23/2020

by Colleen Coll, LWVDV Observer Team

The Concord City Council meeting commenced @ 7:00, June 23, 220. The following members were present: Mayor Tim McGallian, Vice Mayor Dominic Aliano, Edi Birsan, Carlyn Obringer. Laura Hoffmeister was absent.

Closed Session: Council discussed all City labor negotiations.
  • Employee organizations with Teamster unions: continue
  • Report out: Police Officer Representatives and Managerial Unit volunteer to freeze salaries and not continue three-year agreement signed in 2019, due to financial constraints.

Mayor Tim McGallian opens virtual meeting:

Public comments period commences:
  • City Clerk announces individuals who have submitted letters to be read aloud and other comments. Request that City Clerk call individuals.
  • Comments: Topics came from Tenant Groups advocating rent control and requests to extend Eviction Tenant Protection. All letters requesting reduction of Concord's Police Department budget were diverted to item related to Police Department expenditure request.
Consent Calendar: 
  • Item regarding Police Vehicle Replacement costing $640,498.88 was pulled for discussion:
    • Staff: Director of Public Works gave presentation. In May 2020, the Council went out to bid to replace (16) worn out Police Vehicles. The issue is to ensure safety, according to the Director of Public Works.
    • City Clerk read aloud letters, stating that the money should instead be allotted to mental health programs, housing assistance, park and youth programs.
    • Action: Item was continued to July 15th Council meeting which will exclusively discuss Police department budget, which constitutes 57% of Concord Budget, and includes 17% of pensions.
  • Public Hearing: 
    • Item: (8) Police Management and front-line Officers voluntarily request that Council freeze their salaries. In 2019, Council and Police Units signed a binding three-year contract. Police asked that salaries be frozen and in exchange that none of their personnel be cut.
    • Action: Council accepted Police Negotiators request: (4-0).
  • Budget discussions will be continued. Staff is recommending 13 million cuts. 35 vacant positions will remain vacant. Five employees have elected to retire and all contract (nonunion) positions will be eliminated. Discussions will be continued to July 15th to discuss Police Reforms.

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City Council Meeting - 6/7/2020

by Colleen Coll, LWVDV Observer Team

All members were present.

Public comment period opened. Topics raised were:

  • Health and safety of Concord's homeless.
  • The National issue of Defunding Concord's Police department's budget and transferring some portion to schools, parks and mental health agencies.

Concord Council members received an update on status of affordable housing bills in the pipeline in Sacramento. All cities are struggling to address the critical housing needs in their communities.

Council focused on the main topic, Housing Advocacy. Extension of the Governor's Eviction Moratorium, which could expire September 30th, depending on spread of virus. Both sides of "Just Cause Evictions," were raised. Landlords raised increases of their utilities, water, sewage, PG&E. which must be paid. Rent Control was strongly advocated by Renter non-profit representatives and opposed by Landlord representatives.

Council members struggled to work with both opposing entities. Council supports extension of the Governor's Eviction Moratorium through 2020, due to virus. Council moved to establish an Apartment Registry to establish accurate data to drive future Apartment/Landlord policies. Some members of the Council stated that Concord's rents are the lowest in County. Another stated that Concord is the only city discussing rental issues and trying to openly and fairly resolve Landlord/Renters issues.

This article is related to which committees: 
LWV Diablo Valley Observer Corps
League to which this content belongs: 
Diablo Valley