City Council Meeting Overview

The South Pasadena City Council will hold a public meeting tonight in the Council Chambers on Mission Street at 7:30 p.m. Here's a look at some of the main topics that will be discussed this evening. 

Approval of an additional Community Development Block Grant project for Fiscal Year 2010-2011 and discussion of the Library Community Room ADA ramp project:

The city needs to draw more than $90,000 from its Community Development Block Grant account, or run the risk of losing block grant funding for the coming year. According to Assistant City Manager Sergio Gonzalez, the city is not allowed to carry a large balance in the account from year to year, so it needs to get to work on block grant projects as soon as possible.

City Council member Philip Putnam suggested that the funds could be used to complete an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramp at the entrance of the . However, Gonzalez said that the city would have to pursue other options given the ramp project's timeline. Gonzalez will present those other options, including sidewalk improvements on Statford Avenue, Diamond Avenue, Lydon Street and Adelaine Avenue, to the committee for approval tonight. 

Discussion of a Q&A document to inform the public about the city's official viewpoint on the 710 Freeway extension:

The council will review a document prepared by Transportation Director Dennis Woods which addresses many frequently asked questions regarding the 710 freeway extension. The document answers questions about why the city opposes the extension and why the city believes the project should not be listed by Caltrans and L.A. Metro under Measure R funded projects.

According to Gonzalez, the city believes it will be helpful to have a standardized document listing its position, especially for addressing questions from the media. 

Extend time limits for zoning approvals:

This amendment to the city's Zoning Code would extend the entitlements for approved projects from 12 to 36 months. "The CRC feels it would be advantageous to change zoning code to allow entitlements to last more than 12 months," Gonzalez said. "Instead of having to go back year after year, this would extend the timeline to 36 months. It would allow more flexibility."

Gonzalez pointed to the Downtown Revitalization Project as one such project that would benefit from having the entitlement period extended to 36 months. "The city already owns the properties and has the entitlements, this would prevent the CRC from having to go back to the planning commission to get another extension."

Establishment and possible funding for a city-run Industry/Business Resource Center:

The establishment of an industry/business resource center was one of three major recommendations made by Allan D. Kotin & Associates after conducting a retail analysis and land use study last summer. Gonzalez said the resource center would provide guidance to existing small business in the city and could also draw in new businesses. Possible sources of funding include a Business Improvement Tax funds or a $294,000 earmark set aside by Congressman Adam Schiff.

Increase parking citation fines by $3:

According to Gonzalez, the state has mandated municipalities that issue parking citations to pass along $3 to the state for every ticket they hand out. The added $3 per fine would allow the city to comply with the mandate without losing money. 

Library Report on Sculpture Restoration (held from last meeting):
The South Pasadena Library has prepared a report that describes the upcoming restoration of a stone sculpture, "The Children's Hour," created by well-known sculptor Merrell Gage. 

To read the agenda for tonight's meeting, click on the pdf document in the photo box above. Click here for the full agenda packet.