February 18th, 2009 City Council meeting

February 18th, 2008 Council meeting.
Council’s first item was to discuss how to approach the Cypress Knolls re-bid. As the original developer is no longer with us, we must decide on how best to proceed. Mayor Delgado was in favor of holding a design charet which could cost the city $20,000 to $30,000, and councilman McCall was in favor of holding a public study session which would cost less than $100. With the approval of Councilman McCall’s motion the city will start with a study session and if no clear direction can be reached then a feasibility study will be held to inform council the potential costs for exceeding the EIR and land entitlements in which over one million dollars has been invested.
The next item was placed on the agenda, by Councilman McCall, to discuss at a future council meeting, the policy and procedures used to appoint members of the public to commissions. As there have been questions raised by the public as to the politics involved.
Council approved a contract to complete the Bicycle and Pedestrian master plan at a cost of $18,000 .
Council approved an agreement with HDL and Associates for examine sales and tax records to verify Marina is being paid all owed taxes from the County and from the State. This will not be a cost to the city, as the agency shares in the monies collected.
The City received grant money to purchase and install 7 exhaust extraction systems for the fire trucks. This allows the trucks to idle in the station while being worked on.
Council approved repairing the fire extinguishing system at the Marina Airport at a cost of $22,000.
Council released 3 million dollars in bonds to Marina Heights for infrastructure work completed.
Council received a presentation on the United Nations Environmental Accord. Only 4% of the city agencies in the U.S. have signed the Accord and it is unknown how many have signed outside the U.S. The U.N. Accord appears to have the potential to cost the City over $100K per year.
Councilman McCall has been asking for several months now, to have a ad-hoc committee investigate the need for a temporary sign ordinance, or a relief from over stringent regulations during this time of economic uncertainty. To assist business local business owners who provide jobs, shopping opportunities for citizens, and the much needed revenue to the City. Council appointed Mayor Delgado and Councilman Ford.
Council also appointed McCall and Gray to another Ad-Hoc committee to review the current uses of public parkland of which the equestrian center also uses.