Community Engagement Survey
We want to hear from you! During the month of May we are conducting a community survey to better understand how we can engage with our residents and promote the type of community-city dialogue we all want. Please take 3 minutes to complete the survey and spread the word. The survey is available in English and Spanish. Hard copies are available in the City Manager’s Office at City Hall as well as the Downtown and Pickleweed Libraries. Deadline is May 31. This survey is a vital first step towards better communication, we appreciate your help.
Study Session on Enforcement of Massage Ordinance
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On Monday at 5 p.m., the City Council will hold a special study session on the enforcement of the Massage Ordinance. The presentation will include information about process, business regulations, inspection practices, and the status of the pilot program budget. The meeting will take place in the Community Development Conference Room on the third floor of City Hall.
The Fiscal Year Ahead
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On Monday evening the City Council will review and consider several items relating to the next fiscal year. First they will receive a report on goals and objectives which sets the stage for the community’s needs and priorities. The City Council will also review a preliminary report on the 2014-15 budget. I am recommending that we prudently continue to add money to our reserves as well as address our most severe capacity deficiencies which include additional money for technology improvements, facility maintenance, and if feasible, additional staffing and contractual services.
In addition, the City Council will also review and consider two items that fold into the big picture: the Capital Improvement Plan and a workplan for Measure A funds. The annual update to the City’s 5-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) outlines needed infrastructure improvements throughout the community, such as street improvements, bike and pedestrian pathways, and preparing for the SMART train. The workplan for spending Measure A funds allocates approximately $420,000 in funds from the countywide tax for the 2014-15 fiscal year towards vegetation management, park maintenance, community center equipment replacement, and open space rangers.
Lastly, the City Council will consider an ordinance setting the Paramedic Services Special Tax. This tax ensures much needed paramedic services in our community. This is an annual routine matter and residents will not see any rate change.
H Street Drainage Repair
On Monday evening the City Council will hear a short presentation about drainage repair and street rehabilitation work on H Street. This complex and important project will bring much needed improvements to a deteriorating street that many people use to access the Fairhills and Sun Valley neighborhoods. In addition the Department of Public Works is coordinating this repair project with several different utilities to improve their systems within the roadway. MMWD and PG&E will be performing significant improvements to their facilities prior to the City’s project commencing. We anticipate starting the construction phase of this project which is a combination of sanitary, road way drainage repairs and roadway reconstruction following the completion of the utility work which is expected in the late summer and early fall of 2014. Click here for the staff report.
Small Business Week
Small businesses make up a large portion of our economy and are vital to our community. They provide local jobs, needed services, retail opportunities, and taxes that we all rely on. Join the City Council, the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Improvement District on Monday at the 7 p.m. City Council meeting in recognizing the contribution and importance of small businesses in our community by supporting small businesses.
SMART Community Meeting
As part of the ongoing construction project in preparation for passenger rail service, SMART will start work soon on the railroad right-of-way in the area between the Civic Center Drive and Third Street in San Rafael, to improve tracks, grade crossings, drainage, tunnel and systems. They will hold a Community Meeting to provide an overview of construction activities and answer your questions on construction topics on Thursday, May 15 at 7 p.m. at the San Rafael Community Center at 618 B Street. A Spanish-language translator will be available at the meeting. Click here for specific information and ongoing updates on when work is scheduled in your neighborhood.
EVENTS
May Safety Day
Join the Fire, Police, and Community Service Departments at the Terra Linda Community Center on Saturday, May 3 for a free Swimming and Water Safety day and pancake breakfast! From 8 – 11 a.m. the fun will include a bounce house, a coloring contest, pool games, and Josh the Otter! For more information, call the Terra Linda Community Center at 485-3345.
Art Talk - Skepticism is a Virtue
Docent Marsha Holm will give an illustrated lecture using images from the permanent collection at the de Young, to invite you to consider and discuss “What is art?”, “Why is a particular piece of art in the museum?”, “Will it be there in 50 to 100 years?” First Wednesday Art Talks are sponsored by the Friends of the San Rafael Public Library. The lecture is Wednesday, May 7 in the Council Chambers at San Rafael City Hall beginning promptly at 1:00 p.m. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Seating is limited and admission is free.
Homebuyer Readiness Workshops
Habitat for Humanity will host a free financial boot camp this May to help people strengthen their personal finances. Topics include: Understanding Credit, Debt Management, and Money and Savings. The series runs on 5/7, 5/14, and 5/21 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the San Rafael Community Center at 618 B Street. Call 625-1011 or visit www.habitatgsf.org to sign up.
Bike to Work with a Famous Movie Icon
Join the City of San Rafael for Bike to Work Day, May 8! The City will host its annual Energizer Station at the Downtown City Plaza on Fourth Street across from San Rafael Joe’s with awesome snacks, prizes, and… a Throwback Thursday opportunity to meet and have your picture taken with a famous movie icon! Come give us your best Fay Wray or Bruce Cabot impression (hint), or just grab some ape-food and tell us why you bike to work or school. Energizer Station will be open from 6:30 – 9 a.m. at the Downtown City Plaza on Fourth Street.
