2010-02-16 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 REPORT : BELMONT ISSUES Mr. Jim Tolbert, Director of Neighborhood Development Services, said staff has met with the Belmont neighborhood several times and three major issues have been identified: noise; zoning changes to make it more of a neighborhood commercial zone, including the definition of restaurants (the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on these proposed changes in March); and physical changes regarding traffic. Ms. Szakos asked if plantings will be addressed in the physical changes, and Mr. Tolbert said he has a note to do that along with drainage issues. Mr. Huja asked if there were discussions about undergrounding utilities, and Mr. Tolbert said it is cost prohibitive and the neighborhood did not ask for it. Ms. Edwards said she went on a ride along with the police in Belmont recently and was struck by the level of activity between midnight and 3:00 a.m. She said we need to figure out a balance in that neighborhood. REPORT : NEIGHBORHOOD ADVOCACY Ms. Szakos clarified that this is a report, not an action item. Mr. Tolbert said this is the beginning of a conversation we want to have. He said other communities were researched after the issue was raised by a couple of Councilors. He said the goal is to strength the voice and participation of neighborhoods. He said the position could be under the City Manager’s office, working with the Assistant City Manager, put in Neighborhood Development Services, or the position of Clerk could be recreated to provide the service. Mr. Maurice Jones, Assistant City Manager, said more neighborhood-based Council meetings are also being looked at. He said we need to look at unique ways to bring people to the table. Mr. Tolbert said the cost with benefits for such a position would be between $50,000 and $75,000. He said a position in NDS will not be filled until a decision is made. Mr. Jones said the next step is to get feedback from neighborhood associations. Dr. Brown said issues related to density and noise will increase in neighborhoods. He expressed concern about the budget and whether an existing position could be used. He suggested that if we decide to fill the position that the new City Manager help shape it. Ms. Szakos said she and Mr. Norris met with a lot of people about this issue. Ms. Edwards said we need to look at balancing advocacy and accountability. Ms. Szakos said she would love to see us go forward and not wait for the new City Manager to start. She suggested that the issue come back to Council in a few months and that public forums be held. Ms. Edwards suggested developing a tracking sheet for calls. REPORT : RFP FOR RAISING EXISTING LOWER RAGGED MOUNTAIN DAM Ms. Lauren Hildebrand, Director of Utilities, gave a brief overview of the proposed RFP regarding the feasibility of raising the dam by 13 feet. She also suggested additions to the RFP provided to Council.