January 9
The City Council discussed modifications to the six areas of emphasis in the Five-Year Strategic Goals for the city. The six areas are Asset Management, Business Communities, Community Safety, Environmental Sustainability, Housing, and Neighborhood Safety Infrastructure.
Modifications of note are:
- Business Communities – This goal was changed to include business support in housing element project deliberations.
- Community Safety – This goal must pay attention to the Complete Streets Master Plan and also address vehicle circulation safety in cooperation with the schools in the city.
- Neighborhood Safety Infrastructure – This goal will include an assessment to restore the police headquarters and two fire stations.
The changes to all strategies will be brought back to the next meeting to be confirmed by resolution.
January 23
The City Council confirmed the modified Five-Year Strategic Goals discussed at the January 9 meeting.
The City Council adopted an In-Lieu Fee to be used when developers cannot or will not in certain circumstances build the requisite number of below market rate (BMR) units in mixed-use and multi-dwelling development projects. Including below market rate units for a development is termed Inclusionary Housing and is designed to promote construction of affordable housing.
The City Council discussed the amendments, first introduced in November 2023, for the city’s Tree Protection Regulations. The amendments and additions to the regulations remain in alignment with the tree policies of neighboring cities: preserve the City's vibrant tree canopy and help meet climate adaptation goals.
To protect more trees that already exist in the city, staff recommended that all trees of small trunk diameter, heritage, and native trees be protected. Natives require less care, have a better chance of survival, provide food and shelter for local wildlife, and can withstand California’s drought conditions.
Applicants for removing a tree will be required to work with an arborist to determine an appropriate tree replacement plan. Dead or diseased trees, invasive species, and trees hazardous to properties will not need a permit to be removed or replaced. When no tree is replaced on-site, the applicant will be required to pay an fee in an amount set by the Council. The increase in fees will help to recover the City’s costs to complete removals when needed.
Claire Noonan, Observer