2000-01-18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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280 ~i. Mr. Cox said there is no policy recommendation for transportation other than what staff are making and suggested that there should be a policy. Mr. Toscano said that historically Council tends to fiddle with staff recommendations. Ms. Richards said she appreciates what Mr. Cox is saying abotrt tram~portation as a policy matter. Ms. Richards said that Council needs to develop a comprehensive transportation plan, and said she would like to see in a retreat how to develop a plan, then have it reflected in the budget. Ms. Daugherty said she would consider adding transportation as a policy if the language was worked out. Ms. Daugherty said she feels housing strategies should be mentioned. Mr. Caravati said he would like m discuss a possible tax rate decrease. Mr. Caravati said Council needs to develop a transportation plan and said he is hesitant to support a transportation policy without a plan. Mr. Cox said he feels the generous funding of the schools shows a commitment to education. Mr. Cox said he would be happy to work with Ms. Richards or Mr. Caravati to develop a transportation statement or policy. Mr. Toscano said he agrees that a plan is needed before a statement. Ms. Richards said she likes the idea of a planning budget to get help, and that may be where we want to go this year, having tours, doing studies, and working with consultants. Mr. O'Connell said that staffhas been working on components of a transportation plan. Mr. Caravati said we have a de facto plan in transit. Ms. Daugherty asked if Council has any additions or questions. Ms. Richards asked about neighborhood needs and the new Comprehensive Plan process, and Mr. O'Connell said that needs to be addressed and is a major omission in the budget. Ms. Richards said she thinks we need a priority matrix to follow, and she th~s it would be excellent to put it in the budget. Mr. Cox noted that the college scholarship program has been suggested for funding, either with $250,000 or $500,000. Ms. Richards said she understands that a match has been proposed for the college scholarship program. Ms. Richards said she would like to have a public hearing on that proposal itself and about spending public funds in that way. Ms. Daugherty said she would like to add to the statement "and to improve the current housing stock." Ms. Richards said she would like to add "and increase homeownership." Ms. Richards said she would support funding for children and youth programs at a higher level; feels we neexl to fund child care sep¢ices at a b. igher level; and need to expand pre- school programs. Mr. O'Connell said the schools will be requesting funds to expand the pre-school programs in next year's budget cycle, not this year.