Friday, May 13, 2011

Finance Committee - May 16 at 5:30 -- Apply now for a position

There are two important items regarding the Finance Committee:
  • Next meeting is on Monday, May 16 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall on the lower level.
  • There are 5 vacancies on the committee to be filled.  Apply by Friday, June 3.
The finance committee has consisted of Nora Davis and myself since I was elected a year and a half ago.  During the budget hearings last year, I often heard public comments offering input into the financial decisions of the city.  As a result, I asked for the city council to consider some changes for the finance committee.  They agreed.

First, the meeting time has been made regular, with a quarterly meeting on the third Monday of May, August, November and February at 5:30 p.m.  Additional meetings may be called as needed.  The early evening start time means that employees, residents and business members are more likely to be able to attend.

Secondly, like other advisory committees we are opening up membership of the committee to allow 5 new positions: 2 residents, 2 business representatives and one labor representative.  The decisions of this committee will be recommendations sent on for final city council decision, but this expanded membership of the committee means that there is greater opportunity for input from interested stakeholders.

I encourage you to consider applying for a position on the Finance Committee.  Applications can be found here, on the city website.  Please remember to include a statement as to why you would like to be appointed, and I strongly recommend that you attend the meeting on Monday, May 16 as well.

Bike Ped Plan Community Workshop, Sat., May 21 at 10:00am, Doyle and 61st.

Emeryville is updating its Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan!  As part of that process, we are seeking community input at a workshop on Saturday, May 21, from 10-12 at 1275 61st. St. (the former Middle School Site).  At the workshop you can learn about recommendations for improving walking and biking in town.  Safety around schools is an important issue, and parents and students are welcome to weigh in with suggestions.

The cover of the plan is looking for fabulous photos of folks walking and biking in Emeryville.  Consider submitting your best photo online at emeryvillepedbikeplan.org.

Community Meeting about the Escuela Bilingue Internacional School, Saturday, May 14 at 12:30, Senior Center

On Saturday, May 14, at 12:30 at the Senior Center, there will be a meeting of the community to discuss the school locating in Emeryville.  On March 24, 2011, the Planning Commission approved the conditional use permit for Escuela Bilingue Internacional to locate at 4550 San Pablo Ave.  Some neighbors appealed that decision to the City Council.  The City Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, May 19, at 6:00 pm.  In advance of that public hearing, there is a community meeting scheduled to discuss the project.  Please attend if you are interested in this topic.

The neighbors have listed these items as their concerns: noise, traffic, a new pedestrian pathway connecting 45th St. and 47th St. on the east side of the property (required by the city, as it is in our General Plan), design, trees, landscaping, and parking.

There will be a link to the staff report for the public hearing on 5/19 on the City of Emeryville website after Friday afternoon.