City Council Preview: Land Development, Finances and Chamber of Commerce Awards

The City Council has a whole slew of issues to tackle during its 6 p.m. meeting Monday night. A breakdown of some agenda items are detailed below.

Public Hearings

• During the public hearings portion of the meeting, the council will hear an appeal by the Planning Commission regarding PSI Development. During the Planning Commission's Sept. 8 meeting, members denied the firm's request of an architectural and site review. PSI Development wants to divide almost two acres of land on Kern Avenue into 13 single-family homes and 12 other dwellings. The commission is recommending that the council continue to deny the project requests by PSI Development because of concerns commission members have about parking issues and the like. More information is available starting on page 71 of the first agenda packet. 
• There will be a public hearing regarding the revision of rates and charges for Municipal Wastewater Services that are slated to go into effect in early March.

Unfinished Business:

• The city will revisit the Election Focused Ethics Program, which is an ordinance  created to regulate municipal elections. The council had voted to hear additional enforcement measures at a later date during its . The ordinance would set campaign contribution limits, set a voluntary expenditure ceiling for candidates and controlled committees, establish additional campaign disclosure requirements and enforcement procedures, among other things.

Introduction of New Business

• The council will motion to introduce an ordinance that would impose registration and maintenance requirements for ground-floor windows in vacant commercial space in Gilroy's downtown historic district and other areas. The ordinance is part of a Problem-Oriented Policing (POP) project created by Gilroy police, Gilroy Downtown Business Association members and other stakeholders, who develop and test methods designed to improve the safety of the community. (pages 17-26 of agenda packet)

Other Highlights

• There will be a presentation of the city's basic financial statements for the Fiscal Year 2010/2011. The presentation will include an overview of funds and projects. Refer to page 60 of the agenda packet more more info.
• Outgoing board, commission and committee members will receive certificates of appreciation for their work with the city. 
• Under the Consent Calendar, there will be proclamations recognizing the recipients of the 2011 Chamber of Commerce Awards.
• Under presentations to the council, the Downtown Merchants Association and Personnel Commission will give their annual presentations to the council.

For more information about agenda items, refer to packet one and packet two on the City of Gilroy website. City Council meetings are held in the Council Chambers at 7351 Rosanna Street.