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City Council — 2021-03-23

City Council — 2021-03-23March 23, 2021

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BodyCity Council
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 March 23, 2021

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Meeting Summary

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Present: Stix, Weirick, Francina, Haney · Absent: Blatz

This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.

At a glance

Traffic Safety and Speed Limit Funding

  • Staff reported a 2016 grant and potential future federal infrastructure funding.
  • The City Attorney noted automatic speed cameras are currently prohibited by state law.
  • A motion to lower the Grand Avenue speed limit failed due to engineering survey concerns.
  • Council accepted recommendations for traffic calming measures and interim radar signs.

City Hall Campus and Pickleball Noise

  • Concerns were raised regarding noise pollution from pickleball courts near apartments.
  • Council passed a motion to explore an MOU with a volunteer to coordinate campus activities.
  • A noise mitigation wall is expected on-site by the first week of April.
  • Noise measurements will follow the wall installation for verification.

Staff and Council Reports

  • The City is officially reinstated as a Tree City USA with an event scheduled for April 22nd.
  • A Disaster Council meeting will discuss fire hardening homes and disaster preparedness.
  • Various project status updates included Topatopa permitting and an Animal Ordinance term sheet.
  • The April 13th agenda will cover alternative housing options and city vehicle electrification.

Full summary

  • Here is a summary of the City Council meeting proceedings:

Traffic Safety and Speed Limit Funding

  • Staff presented information regarding traffic safety funding, noting a grant of $250,000 received in 2016, with no funding since. Discussion included potential future federal infrastructure funding post-COVID, though it remains unidentified. While some council members expressed concern over the risk of losing funding, staff noted the risk is lower than expected. The City Attorney informed the council that automatic speed ticket cameras are currently outlawed in California, though pending legislation (AB 550 and SB 375) aims to authorize them in work zones and school zones for civil citations.
  • There was significant debate regarding lowering speed limits. Council Member Susan (Speaker_06) advocated for immediate action, prioritizing public safety over strict engineering surveys, noting that residents in areas like the Arbolada and Drown Avenue feel unsafe. She moved to lower the speed limit on Grand Avenue from 30 mph to 25 mph. However, Council Member Randy (Speaker_13) argued for methodical adherence to Vehicle Code requirements, warning against potential lawsuits without an engineering survey. Ultimately, the motion to immediately lower the limit on Grand Avenue did not receive a second and failed. The Council accepted the City Manager's recommendation to prioritize traffic calming measures in the upcoming budget process (CIP) and utilize radar feedback signs on Grand Avenue in the interim.

City Hall Campus and Pickleball Noise

  • A public comment was received from resident Karen Quimby regarding noise pollution from pickleball courts at the City Hall campus affecting nearby apartments. She requested noise barrier testing, limited playing hours, or an immediate halt to play until mitigation is verified. During discussion, the Council addressed the coordination of various campus committees (Climate Park, Community Garden). A motion was passed to ask the City Manager to explore a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with volunteer Tara Saylor to coordinate campus activities and information dispersal, working alongside existing Council members and staff.

Staff and Council Reports

  • Tree City USA: The City announced it is officially reinstated as a Tree City USA, with a celebratory event and tree planting scheduled for April 22nd at Libbey Park.
  • Disaster Council: A meeting is scheduled to discuss fire hardening homes and disaster preparedness.
  • Upcoming Agenda: The next meeting (April 13th) will cover alternative housing options (ADUs, tiny homes) and goal setting.
  • Other Business:
  • Pickupmitation: The noise mitigation wall for the pickleball courts is expected by the first week of April, followed by noise measurements.
  • Topatopa: Permitting for concrete work is being rushed through Caltrans due to safety concerns.
  • Animal Ordinance: A term sheet is expected by May for public comment.
  • Urban Forestry: Council members noted this resolution is over a year behind schedule.
  • Electric Vehicles: Electrification of city vehicles and the post office is scheduled for the April 13th agenda.
  • Community Energy Alliance: Discussion regarding liquid metal batteries versus lithium-ion technology.