Garbage, Sewage Fee Increases and Layoffs on City Council Agenda

Before the meeting begins, City Manager Gary Brown will hold a closed door meeting with management, the IB Firefighters Association, the Service Employees International Union Local 221 and other city employees for labor negotiations.

During the meeting, Brown will request council's approval to layoff city employees in order to remedy general fund shortfalls. This is agenda item 6.5.

The second reading of an ordinance that approves the creation of a commercial/recreation-ecotourism zone for the Bikeway Village. The project, which may be partially funded by City of IB redevelopment funds, would convert two warehouses into an area for shops and possibly a hostel.

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A seven percent increase in sewage fees will again be considered. Despite a surplus of more than $10 million in reserves, the city said it has insufficient funds to react if there should be a break in multiple sewer lines or a natural disaster.

Members of the public are invited to attend and share their two cents on the matter.

This is agenda items 4.1.

Staying on the topic of sewage, cameras were used to inspect pipes across the city, and particular repairs were recommended. These repairs, which are estimated to cost near $400,000, were given to the city by a contractor in December 2011. The results will be reviewed again at Wednesday's meeting, and as a result, the city's Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) plan may be changed.

This is agenda item 6.3.

Another increase in sewage maintenance CIP funds is proposed in agenda item 6.4.

A three percent increase in EDCO fees will also be on the agenda, and members of the public are invited to give their opinion on the matter.

This is agenda item 5.1.

Council will vote on whether or not to amend an ordinance passed last year that allows outdoor vending machines in commercial zones excluding Seacoast Drive.

This is agenda item 2.4.

An amendment to the city's Bicycle Transportation Plan (BTP) will also be discussed. Should proposed changes to the plan be accepted, people will be allowed to ride their bikes on certain sidewalks in Imperial Beach.

This is agenda item 3.1.

Kurt Roblek with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will give a presentation about a bayshore birding and walking trail project at the Tijuana Slough and San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuges.

This is agenda item 1.3.

Click here to view the agenda on the city's website.