2014-02-22 Special - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

• Develop youth programs and internships; • Creative solutions such as providing indoor soccer fields; • Focus on large revenue generators such as Auto Mall and Main Place Mall and revitalization of South Main Street corridor; • Library services continue to be a priority, community centers to offer mobile libraries; • Address homeless issue; • Fixed Guide -Way Project will be transformative project; and • City Council to consider all goals and balance interests. Mayor Pro Tern Tinajero • City making strides in area of open and transparent government; • Agreed with colleagues on need for dignified housing; and technology improvements; and educational opportunities; • Important to consider all areas and needs of the community; and • Long-term planning essential, street repair program to be considered. PUBLIC COMMENTS • Carlos Melendez, member of SACReD, urged City Council to provide housing opportunities for the very low income wage earners; substandard housing and blight to be addressed. • Apolonio Cortes, opined that economic development should be Citywide effort; contractors to hire city residents; suggest extra tax on sugared drinks and tobacco; balance needs of day and night -life businesses. • Bud Warrick, concerned that 4-page suggestions provided at previous meeting condensed to a couple of sentences; staff asked to review proposal. • Alfredo Amezcua, thanked the City Council for efforts in bringing forth a Strategic Plan; suggest measurable goals and timeframe; community offered opportunity to review progress; also proposed strategic review committee; safety and community policing continue to be top priorities. • Sharon Barlow, representing South Main Street Merchants Association, request South Main Street business needs and area be included in Plan; investment in corridor will expand youth and education programs and allow for overall economic growth. • Octavio Pina, member of South Main Street Merchants Association, noted that South Main Street area covers 40,000 community members; economic development plan should include corridor along with other areas. • Jose Rea, Madison Park Neighborhood Association, thanked Councilmembers Martinez and Sarmiento for their health and education initiatives; also thanked Executive Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services Gerardo Mouet for the GREEN (Getting Residents Engaged in Exercise and Nutrition) Project, at Madison Park which aims to reduce overweight and obesity rates; investment in youth through parks programs important. • Zuleyma Valera, member of SACReD, spoke of restorative justice philosophy as a means of conflict resolution. • Miriam Lopez, member of SACReD, thanked the City Council for including youth as a goal in the Strategic Plan; need to continue providing youth programs. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 9 FEBRUARY 22, 2014