HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-10-20 City Council (37)City of Palo Alto
C ty Manager’s Report
TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER
AGENDA DATE: OCTOBER 20, 1997 CMR: 438:97
SUBJECT:CONFIRMATION OF COUNCIL PRIORITIES FOR FISCAL YEARS
1998-99 AND 1999-2000
REQUEST
Council is requested to confirm the selection of Council priorities for Fiscal Years 1998-99 and
1999-2000. The priorities were identified as the consensus of the Council as a result of the
discussion at the study session on September 29, 1997.
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that the Council 1) confirm the selection of the following three priorities for
Fiscal Years 1998-99 and 1999-2000: Traffic Management and Safety; the Infrastructure Plan; and
Implementation of the Comprehensive Plan; 2) approve the scope prepared for each priority; and
3) direct staffto incorporate these priorities into the deveibpment of the budget. .,
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
The Council’s priorities denote issues which warrant an intensified effort during the coming fiscal
years. By designating a priority, Council sends a message to the City organization, and the
community as well, that heightened attention and resources are to be directed toward the issue. In
doing so, the Council Members commit their own personal involvement also.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Based upon the discussion at the study session, staff has produced a refined scope for each of the
priorities, as follows:
Traffic Management and Safety_,
Continue this priority in Fiscal Year 1998-2000 with an emphasis on traffic safety, especially in the
downtown area. Reduce risk to pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers due to increased incidents of
speeding and other traffic violations. Address issues of speed, traffic safety, congestion, and
parking by means such as enhanced enforcement, driver education, and physical changes to the street
environment such as traffic calming devices. Evaluate transportation alternatives, for commuter and
non-commuter alike, including the provision of a Palo Alto shuttle bus system, as a way to lessen
traffic volumes. Continue to work cooperatively with the school district in dealing with school
commute safety.
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Infrastructure Plan
Continue the development of the long-range integrated plan for the restoration mid maintenance of
the City’s public infrastructure including buildings, parks and open space, streets, sidewalks and
other public paths and bikeways. The infrastructure implementation plan should accommodate
attention to aesthetics as well as function. In Fiscal Years 1998-2000, focus on developing a
methodology for prioritizing the various elements of the Infrastructure Plan; and on developing a
strategy for financing that may include debt financing (e.g., general obligation bonds, assessment
districts, certificates of participation); use of the Infrastructure Reserve; pay-as-you-go; .and any
other appropriate financing mechanisms.
Implementation of the Comprehensive ,Plan
Following completion and adoption of the Comprehensive Plan, focus effort in Fiscal Years 1998-
2000 on implementation of the Plan. Through implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, the
planning guideline for the future of Palo Alto, address significant City issues, such as traffic, safety,
housing, historic preservation, and community design. Determine the manner in which the Plan’s
goals, policie.s and programs will be implemented, establish priorities, review financing alternatives
and prepare a schedule for implementation. In accord with that schedule; undertake the ordinance
changes essential for implementation of the Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT
The purpose of selecting priorities at thi~ time of the year is to incorporate them into the preparation
of the two-year budget for Fiscal Years 1998-99 and 1999-2000.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Setting of Council priorities is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA).
PRI~. PARED BY: Ja~reeland,
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: k.Jj ~
/J-m~TIeming
(~Manager
Analyst
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