This week at City Council we discussed these items -
ORDINANCES
We have the 2nd reading of the “Transitory Lodging” and the “Granny Unit” ordinances. I asked the City Manager to create a webpage on the city website where new ordinances will be posted so people know what’s going on.
AWARD CONTRACTS
As noted on the agenda, contracts for Median Parkway and Slope Landscape Maintenance, Tree Management, City Hall lease, and Graffiti Removal and Steam Maintenance Services were approved.
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AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR VETERANS
As discussed previously, interested affordable housing non-profit organizations and/or for-profit developers are encouraged to complete a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) outlining proposed projects and the organization’s experience with affordable housing projects. Statements of Qualifications are due to the City by Wednesday, July 19, 2017.
Staff indicated that we were reaching out to more than 30 different organizations. Councilman Hamilton asked that we be as broad as possible in looking at applicants.
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ADOPTION OF BUDGET
The City’s General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2017-18 consists of revenues of $46.9 million, expenditures of $46.3 million, and net transfers in of $0.1 million resulting in a $0.6 million surplus. It was approved.
ADOPTION OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET
Adoption of the Proposed Capital Improvement Projects Budget 2017-19 results in capital expenditures of $64.7 million in Fiscal Year 2017-18 and $25.9 million in Fiscal Year 2018-19. It was approved with a change in the use of synthetic turf and a change to the current turf renovation program.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
During Council comments I asked that we agendize at a future meeting two issues –
• Rename and refocus Village Pond Park as Veterans Park, honoring veterans from Lake Forest.
• Refocus Heroes Park to actively recognize the contributions from Police, Fire fighters, and others whose acts of heroism enriched out community.
The meeting went past 11:30 pm.
Our next meeting was scheduled for July 5 however Council changed the date to July 11. 7 pm start time. That meeting will focus on items concerning meetings (e.g., how to move agenda items around to be more responsive to residents) as well as the Council (e.g., how to replace a Council member)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Jim Gardner is on the City Council for Lake Forest. You can check him out on LinkedIn and/or Facebook and you can share your thoughts about the City at Lake Forest Town Square on Facebook. His comments are not meant to reflect official City Policy.
Dr. Gardner has office hours every Tuesday from 4 pm to 6 pm at the City Hall. In addition, he holds a mini town meeting every month. The next meeting will be on Sept 9 at 2 pm at the Foothill Ranch Public Library.
