By Larry Sacks 

 

 

The 49ers had originally requested a "Committee of the Whole" meeting to review the proposed stadium design.  However they contacted the City Manager’s office to request postponing the meeting as they are currently in the midst of “ongoing conversations with Cedar Fair to help address their concerns and refine the stadium site plan.”  The 49ers requested postponing the presentation until after they have “developed additional clarity on the site layout and parking configuration.”  A new date for the “Committee of the Whole” presentation will be scheduled in the future. 

 

 

·         Recognition of Building Safety Week - May 5-11

During the week of May 5 – 11, building departments throughout the United States celebrated National Building Safety Week to raise public awareness of building safety and to promote the importance of code enforcement by building departments.  The City of Santa Clara Building Inspection office held free building code workshops.  This year’s event emphasized the significance of code compliance. 

 

·         Youth Commission Scholarships for 2008

The Santa Clara Youth Commission presented scholarships to three Santa Clara students.  Youth Commissioner Brian Mulligan who was introduced by Recreation Supervisor, Jennifer Herb, presented the scholarships.  The scholarship recipients were Samantha Peek, Katelyn McInerney and Vy Nguyen. 

 

·         Promotion of the opportunity to serve on the Board of Library Trustees

There are currently two (2) openings on the Board.  The Board typically meets on the 1st Monday of each month at 7pm in the Library Board Room of Central Park Library.  For more information or an application, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 408- 615-2220.   Applications are due by Wednesday, June 11by 5pm with interviews held on Tuesday, June 17 at 6pm.

 

·         Promotion of the opportunity to serve on the Cultural Advisory Commission

There are currently three (3) openings on the Commission.  The Commission generally meets on the 1st Monday of each month at 7:30pm in the Staff Conference Room at City Hall.  For more information or to obtain an application, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 408-615-2200 or attend the next Commission Meeting, Monday, June 2 at 7:30pm.

 

·         Dr. Thomas Shanks gave a presentation regarding an overview of the City's 2008 Campaign Ethics Program and Council of Trust - "Fostering Public Trust, Encouraging Honorable Campaigns” as well as a "Review of the Council of Trust"

 

According to the Staff Report by the Deputy City Manager, “November 4 is the City's General Election.  May 1 is the start of the City's Election cycle and is the date candidates may begin to receive and expend campaign contributions after signing the Declaration of Candidacy Statement indicating acceptance of rejection of the Campaign Expenditure Limit.

 

Santa Clara will continue its campaign ethics program for the 5th consecutive election cycle.  The City will also continue to offer pre- and post-election workshops for all candidates, volunteers and others on conducting ethical political campaigns, as well as offering related on-going support and problem solving.  This will be the 3rd consecutive election cycle in which the City has offered a component of the program geared towards citizens, the Vote Ethics campaign.  With the recommendation of the City’s Ethics Committee and support of the City Council, using a variety of communication tools, voters will be asked to include ethics as part of their decision-making process in selecting which candidates to support in the November election.”

 

In the next election, Council Seats 3, 4, 6 and 7, the City Clerk and Chief of Police will all be up for election. 

The following dates have been set for the upcoming election season:

·         August 21:  Conducting Ethical Political Campaigns

·         November 3:  Final Word Forum

·         December 1:  Post-election survey

·         January 15, 2009:  Post-Election Feedback

 

·         City Council, Redevelopment Agency and Sports and Open Space Authority Joint Study Session for review of the Capital Improvement Project Budget for Fiscal Year 2008-2009

A CIP study session will be held May 13 to discuss a summary of the CIP budget along with the Bayshore North Branch Library, South of Forest Neighborhood improvements, International Swim Center, capital financing options and to review the reserves replenishment policy.

 

The following dates have been set for future meetings:

May 19:  Presentation to the Citizens Advisory Committee

May 20:  Operating Budget Study Session and Presentations by Community Groups

June 10: 

·         Public Hearing/Budget Adoption

·         Water & Sewer Rate Hearing

·         Solid waste rate hearing

·         Convention Center Maintenance District

·         Urban Renewal Parking District (Franklin Square)

·         Municipal Fee Schedule Adoption