January 15, 2014:
Deteriorating streets and sewers were topics of much discussion during last year’s City Council campaign and election. At the January 14th Council meeting, a staff presentation summarized additional revenue needs of $141 Million for infrastructure repairs, resulting from years of deferred maintenance: $44M for streets, $43M for sewers, $41M for storm drains, and $13M for parks and other facilities. Finance Director Fil pointed out that these funds are needed simply to bring these facilities up to a working standard.
As background, Fil explained that Council had previously directed staff to identify funding sources for these repairs, and that staff was proposing to hire opinion research firm to gauge the feasibility of passing a revenue measure for infrastructure repairs. Fil pointed out the 2013-14 budget includes $25,000 for a survey, which would fund a standard poll of 300-400 residents, and he asked for an additional $5000 to conduct a more in-depth poll. The purpose of the poll would be to assess public opinion of the City’s infrastructure, public understanding of the budget, and level of support for a new infrastructure tax or fee.
Council appointed an Infrastructure Repair Ad-Hoc Committee comprised of Councilmen Stone and Reed, and Finance Commissioners Ashby and McCune to guide both the survey, and the campaign to pass a ballot measure. Director Fil pointed out that efforts to pass a ballot measure would require extensive additional expense, and Council discussion focused on strategy for a successful ballot initiative. Council did not discuss what infrastructure needs should be targeted, nor was there any discussion of funding such repairs through current city revenues.
View the video starting at 1:49:00:00
February 15, 2014: Infrastructure Repair Ad-Hoc Committee Holds First Meeting
The Councils newly created Infrastructure Repair Ad-Hoc Committee met yesterday, attended by appointees Councilmen Reed and Stone, and Finance Commissioners McCune and Ashby (via telephone).
Finance Director Fil opened the meeting, stating that the committee had been “formed by Council to guide a survey of public opinion”, and “the objective of this meeting is to select a firm to do the survey”. He described the anticipated survey as a telephone survey of about 18 minutes, with questions structured to gauge level of public concern over infrastructure, reveal what influences voters decisions, and gauge receptivity to an additional tax for infrastructure. The survey will target likely voters, not the general public.
Under public comments, one resident expressed interest in agenda item 5; Discussion Regarding Ad-Hoc Committee Objectives. Committee members Reed and McCune expressed a desire to establish a purpose statement, but Stone explained that the intent of the initial survey would be to learn what the community prioritizes. Director Fil pointed out it may require multiple surveys, depending on what the consultant recommends, and that the consultant will help select what election to put forth a tax initiative. Discussion of the specific committee role was thus dismissed.
Three opinion research firms were recommended by staff; Godby Research, EMC, and FM3 Research. Stone and Reed expressed preference for Godby based on the familiarity with the community, and their successful passage of local school tax initiatives. City Treasurer Violet noted that Godby was the most expensive but also offered the most transparent proposal. Ashby expressed interest in FM3 because they are larger and also have bay area experience. Director Fil noted that a League of Cities representative had endorsed FM3. The committee decided to invite all three to come give presentations and interview.
Minutes will not be kept so residents who wish to follow this process should attend meetings. The agenda for the February 20th meeting is posted on the City website under Committee Agendas
