Windstorm Building Permit Fees, UUT on Agenda

The Sierra Madre City Council will meet tonight at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 32 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. The meeting will be broadcast live on channel 3 and on the KGEM-TV website.

What's on the Agenda?

Reduction of Permit Fees Related to Windstorm Damage

During the recent wind storm, 36 structures were reported damaged in Sierra Madre. It's possible other residents and businesses received damage, too. The City Council will discuss whether or not to establish a permit fee reduction for residents who need to repair their wind-damaged property.

The Utility Users Tax

The council will continue its weeks-long discussion over the Utility Users Tax Increase Extension. The council has agreed to put the increase extension on the April 2012 ballot, but has not yet come to an agreement over what the measure will say. Some council members want to cap the UUT at 10%, while others want to cap it at 12%.

More Details:

UUT Oversight Committee

The City Council will be asked to appoint members to a Utility Users Tax Oversight Committee.

Filling Vacant Council Seats

The recent resignation of City Councilmember Joe Mosca left the Council and many residents wondering how to fill his vacant seat. The Council had the choice of appointing a new Councilmember themselves, or opening up the decision to residents via election. They were also faced with whether the new Councilmember would serve a four-year term or if they would finish out the remainder of Mosca's term. The Council will consider Tuesday ballot measures pertaining to City Council term limits and filling seat vacancies.

Related:

• Election to be Held for Vacant Council Seat

Vacant Land Donated by Sierra Madre Mountains Conservancy

The Sierra Madre Mountains Conservancy has offered to donate land to the city. City staff has recommended that the Council accept the land and that Mayor John Buchanan and the City Manager sign the transfer documents.

Youth Activity Center Programs

City staff has recommended that the council authorize the City Manager to engage the Pasadena YMCA to operate Sierra Madre's Youth Activity Center Programs. This would cost the city $15,000 per year.

Strategic Plan

The council will hear an update on the Strategic Plan retreat that happened in September.

General Plan

City staff has recommended that General Plan meetings be televised. The Council will be asked to approve this.

For the full agenda, see the city website.

The meeting will be archived on KGEM-TV's site and re-aired Wednesday at 7 p.m. and next Tuesday at 10 a.m. on channel 3.