HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-12-19 REOC Agenda PacketCity of San Luis Obispo, Agenda, Planning Commission
Agenda
REVENUE ENHANCEMENT OVERSIGHT COMMISSION
Thursday, December 12, 2019
5:30 p.m. REGULAR MEETING Council Hearing Room
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
CALL TO ORDER Chair Chris Coates
ROLL CALL: Commissioners Jeannette McClure, Vice-Chair Ken Kienow, and Michael
Multari
PUBLIC COMMENT: At this time, people may address the Committee about items not on the
agenda. Persons wishing to speak should come forward and state their name and address.
Comments are limited to three minutes per person. Items raised at this time are generally referred
to staff and, if action by the Committee is necessary, may be scheduled for a future meeting.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
1. Draft Minutes of the Revenue Enhancement Oversight Commission of April 4, 2019
BUSINESS ITEMS
2. Review Purpose of the Revenue Enhancement Oversight Commission and Elect Officers.
Recommendation: Review the purpose and scope of the Revenue Enhancement Oversight
Commission and elect a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson to serve for a one-year term.
(Ryan Betz)
3. Budget Reallocation of the Police Department Facility Parking Lot Maintenance
Project.
Recommendation: Review and recommend to the City Council the reallocation of Local
Revenue Measure funding for the Police Station Parking Lot Maintenance project to other
Revenue Enhancement Oversight Commission Agenda for 12/12/19 Page 2
ongoing City Facility Parking Lot Maintenance projects identified in the 2019-21 Financial
Plan. (Brian Nelson)
4. 2018-19 Annual Community Report and Citizen Oversight Meeting.
Recommendation: Discuss concepts and provide direction for the 2018-19 Annual
Community Report and appoint two Commissioners to serve on a subcommittee to assist in
the development of the report. Discuss concepts for the 2018-19 Annual Citizen Oversight
meeting. (Ryan Betz)
5. Resident Focus Group and Survey Results Regarding Funding Priorities.
Recommendation: Review the resident focus group and survey results and discuss potential
roles to support and participate in public engagement and outreach efforts. (Derek Johnson)
COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
5. Staff Updates
6. Commission Communications
ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Meeting of the Revenue Enhancement Oversight Commission is to be
determined.
The City of San Luis Obispo wishes to make all of its public meetings accessible to the
public. Upon request, this agenda will be made available in appropriate alternative formats to
persons with disabilities. Any person with a disability who requires a modification or
accommodation in order to participate in a meeting should direct such request to the City Clerk’s
Office at (805) 781-7100 at least 48 hours before the meeting, if possible. Telecommunications
Device for the Deaf (805) 781-7107.
Meeting audio recordings can be found at the following web address:
http://opengov.slocity.org/weblink/1/fol/61028/Row1.aspx
DRAFT Minutes – Revenue Enhancement Oversight Commission Meeting of April 4, 2019 Page 1
Minutes - DRAFT
REVENUE ENHANCEMENT OVERSIGHT COMMISSION
Thursday April 4, 2019
Continued Regular Meeting
Revenue Enhancement Oversight Commission
CALL TO ORDER
A Continued Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Revenue Enhancement Oversight
Commission was called to order on Thursday, April 4, 2019, at 5:36 p.m. in the Council Hearing
Room, located at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, by Chair Coates.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Jeannette McClure, Michael Multari, Winston Newland,
and Chair Chris Coates
Absent: Vice Chair Ken Kienow
Staff: Assistant to the City Manager Ryan Betz, Finance Director Brigitte Elke, Deputy City
Manager Greg Hermann, Interim Deputy Director Bob Hill, Deputy Director of
Public Works and City Engineer Matt Horn, Interim Deputy Director of Public Works
Jake Hudson, and Deputy City Clerk Kevin Christian
PUBLIC COMMENT ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None
--End of Public Comment--
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Consideration of Minutes of the Regular Revenue Enhancement Oversight Commission
Meeting of March 26, 2019:
ACTION: UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MCCLURE, SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER MULTARI, CARRIED 4-0-1 (VICE CHAIR KIENOW ABSENT), to
approve the March 26, 2019 Minutes of the Revenue Enhancement Oversight Commission
Meeting, as presented.
DRAFT Minutes – Revenue Enhancement Oversight Commission Meeting April 4, 2019 Page 2
BUSINESS ITEMS
2. Continued Item from March 26, 2019 - Proposed 2019-21 Local Revenue Measure
Expenditures
Assistant to the City Manager Betz presented a review of the March 26, 2019 meeting report
and introduced staff. Commissioners discussed the various funding areas, report changes made
in response to Commission input at the last meeting, specific project funding, and directed
questions toward staff for project and report clarification. The Commission directed staff to
ensure that terminology used in final project descriptions be crafted in layman terms.
Public Comment
None.
--End of Public Comment--
ACTION: UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MULTARI, SECONDED BY CHAIR
COATES, CARRIED 4-0-1 (VICE CHAIR KIENOW ABSENT), to recommend to the City
Council the use of Local Revenue Measure funds for the capital and operating expenditures as
referenced in the presented report.
COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
3. Staff Updates
None
4. Commission Communications
None.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:18 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Revenue
Enhancement Oversight Commission will be determined following the April 16, 2019 City
Council meeting.
APPROVED BY THE REVENUE ENHANCEMENT OVERSIGHT COMMISSION: XX/XX/2019
Revenue Enhancement Oversight Commission
Agenda Report Meeting Date: 12/12/19
Item Number: 2
DATE: December 12, 2019
FROM: Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager
Prepared By: Ryan Betz, Assistant to the City Manager
SUBJECT: REVIEW PURPOSE OF THE REVENUE ENHANCEMENT OVERSIGHT
COMMISSION AND ELECT OFFICERS
RECOMMENDATION
1. Review the purpose and scope of the Revenue Enhancement Oversight Commission (REOC); and
2. Elect a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson to serve for a one-year term.
DISCUSSION
Background
On July 15th, 2014, Council adopted an ordinance establishing the Citizens’ Revenue Enhancement
Oversight Commission (REOC), to review the half-percent sales tax revenues and expenditures, report
on the City’s stewardship of this general purpose tax, and provide recommendations directly to the City
Council regarding expenditures of these tax revenues as an integral part of the budget process. The
establishment of the REOC became effective following the passage of an extension to the Essential
Services Transaction (Sales) and Use Tax (Attachment 1, REOC Ordinance) during the November
general election. The REOC is to consist of five members who must be residents of the City.
The November 4th, 2014 general election results indicated that 70 percent of voters in the City of San
Luis Obispo approved Ballot Measure G that stated:
To protect and maintain essential services and facilities – such as open space preservation; bike lanes
and sidewalks; public safety; neighborhood street paving and code enforcement; flood protection; senior
programs; and other vital services and capital improvement projects – shall the City’s Municipal Code
be amended to extend the current one-half percent local sales tax for eight years, with independent annual
audits, public goal-setting and budgeting, and a Citizens’ Oversight Commission?
Following certification of the election results, the Council and the People of the City of San Luis Obispo
adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 3.15 of the Municipal Code to extend the existing Essential
Services Transactions (Sales) and Use Tax (Attachment 2, Sales Tax Ordinance). This ordinance details
the full text of amended Chapter 3.15, which includes specific citizen oversight and fiscal accountability
provisions:
A. Revenue Enhancement Oversight Commission. A citizen's commission will be established to
provide transparency and maximize City accountability. The Commission will be responsible for
reviewing and making budget recommendations directly to the City Council regarding expenditures
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
from the essential services transactions (sales) and use tax, and reporting annually to the community
on the City's use of these tax revenues.
B. Accounting and Tracking Expenditures. The funds collected through the City of San Luis Obispo
essential services transactions (sales) and use tax ordinance shall be accounted for and tracked by the
City Treasurer separately to facilitate citizen oversight.
C. Independent Annual Financial Audit. The amount generated by this general-purpose revenue
source and how it was used shall be included in the annual audit of the city's financial operations by
an independent certified public accountant.
D. Integration of the Use of Funds into the City's Budget and Goal-Setting Process. The estimated
revenue and proposed use of funds generated by this measure shall be an integral part of the city's
budget and goal- setting process, and significant opportunities will be provided for meaningful
participation by citizens in determining priority uses of these funds.
E. Annual Community Report. A written report shall be reviewed at a public hearing by the Revenue
Enhancement Oversight Commission, and a summary will be provided annually to every household
in the community detailing how much revenue is being generated by the measure and how funds are
being spent.
F. Annual Citizen Oversight Meeting. An invitation will be extended each year to the entire
community inviting them to participate in a forum to review and discuss the use of the revenue
generated by this measure. City staff will also be available to meet with any group that requests a
specific briefing with their members to discuss and answer questions about the revenues generated
by the measure and their uses.
Purpose and Scope of the REOC
The codified charge of the REOC is to review, report and provide recommendations. The REOC is an
advisory body to the Council that will provide important citizen oversight of local sales tax revenues and
expenditures. The REOC will not be making final decisions on City spending. REOC meetings will be
open to the public and serve as a venue for citizen engagement on local sales tax revenues and
expenditures. The REOC will also aid in community education and outreach about how much local sales
tax is received and where that revenue is being expended.
REOC Bylaws
The REOC bylaws contain the Commission’s purpose, and policies on conduct, membership, terms,
officers, meetings, attendance, quorum, voting, subcommittees, public records and other rules and
procedures (Attachment 1, REOC Bylaws).
These bylaws state that the REOC shall select a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson from among its
members to serve for a one-year term.
ATTACHMENTS
1. REOC Bylaws
Citizens’ Revenue Enhancement Oversight Commission
The Citizens’ Revenue Enhancement Oversight Commission (REOC) has five members.
Members must be residents and registered voters of the City. When recruiting members, the
City seeks members that have experience with finance, budgeting, or municipal accounting,
though this is not a requirement of membership.
ARTICLE 1. MEETINGS
A. The REOC shall meet a minimum of four times per year to conduct its business.
B. REOC regular meetings will follow the diagram below and be integrated into the City’s
budget processes for the two‐year financial plan, fiscal year‐end, and financial plan
supplement. Meeting dates may change from year to year according to the actual
budget schedule.
REOC Bylaws Page 2
C. Agenda items shall be completed by 9:00 p.m. unless the consent of a majority of
commissioners agree to extend the meeting.
D. Regular meetings shall be held in the Council Hearing Room, City Hall, 990 Palm Street,
San Luis Obispo, California.
E. Special meetings may be called by a majority of the REOC, or by City staff in consultation
with the Chairperson, if additional meetings are necessary to accomplish the purpose
and duties of the Commission.
F. In the event that the REOC desires to hold all or any portion of a regular meeting at a
place other than the Council Hearing Room, then the place of such meeting shall be
posted on at the doors of the Council Hearing Room prior to the time designated for the
meeting in accordance with law.
ARTICLE 2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
A. The commission shall select a Chairperson and Vice‐Chairperson from among its
members to serve for a one‐year term beginning with the first meeting following the
start of each fiscal year (July 1).
B. Commissioners shall serve as Chairperson or Vice‐Chairperson at the discretion of the
Commission.
C. The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the commission. The Vice‐Chairperson is
Chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson or in case of inability of the Chairperson
to act.
ARTICLE 3. CONDUCT OF MEETINGS
A. Commissioners should address questions through the chairperson.
B. Members of the audience should address commissioners or other persons present
through the chairperson.
C. Procedure for reviewing public hearing items:
After roll call the Chairperson shall announce to the public the procedures to be followed to
consider the items listed on the agenda and then proceed as follows:
1.The Chairperson shall introduce the items and ask for oral staff reports, as
appropriate.
2.The staff report previously submitted to the REOC shall be placed into the record
with all communications received regarding the item. Staff reports shall be
submitted for all public hearing items in a form acceptable to the Commission.
3.Members of the public wishing to speak on the topic of the agenda item shall be
invited to make a presentation. Public comment shall be accepted for agenda
items that are listed as presentations, business items, or public hearings.
4.Following public testimony on an agenda item, the public hearing or public
testimony portion of the meeting shall be closed to the public and discussion
confined to members of the commission; provided that the commission may
reopen the public hearing or invite additional testimony at any time prior to a
decision on an item on an affirmative vote of the majority of those members
present.
REOC Bylaws Page 3
5.The Commission, upon formal motion, shall take action on the item or
recommendation.
ARTICLE 4. QUORUM
A. Three members of the commission constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.
B. No action of the commission shall become effective without receiving the affirmative
vote of a majority of the members present.
ARTICLE 5. VOTING
A. Except as otherwise provided in the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code and state law, no
motion or any other action shall be passed or become effective without receiving the
affirmative vote of at least a majority of members present.
B. Failure to receive such an affirmative vote shall result in failure or denial, as appropriate,
of the motion or other action.
C. Except as allowed under the Political Reform Action of 1974, any member abstaining
due to a declared conflict of interest shall not participate in the discussion of the items
or otherwise influence or attempt to influence in any manner the decision on the item.
D. All members, when present, must vote except when refraining from participating due to
actual or potential conflict of interest.
E. Commissioners not supporting a motion for action shall summarize the reason for their
vote.
ARTICLE 6. PUBLIC RECORDS
A. Records of all public hearings shall be made available to the public in the office of the
City Clerk.
B. Secretary – Duties: The secretary shall be a representative of the City Clerk’s Office, and
shall keep minutes of each meeting and shall record the official actions taken. The
records of all proceedings shall be available to the council and to the public.
ARTICLE 7. ATTENDANCE
A. Any member of the REOC who fails, for any reason, to attend three (3) regular,
adjourned regular, or specially‐scheduled meetings, within any 12 month period, shall
be reviewed by the Chairperson for possible referral to the City Council.
ARTICLE 8. FILLING VACANCIES AND REMOVAL OF MEMBERS.
A. Vacancies shall be filled for unexpired terms. The council, by majority action, may
remove any commissioner as provided in the City Charter.
ARTICLE 9. RULES, REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES.
A. The Commission may adopt rules, regulations and procedures as required for the
transaction of its business. These rules shall become effective upon approval of the
council.
May 22, 2018
Revenue Enhancement Oversight Commission
Agenda Report Meeting Date: 12/12/19
Item Number: 3
DATE: December 12th, 2019
FROM: Brian Nelson, Supervising Civil Engineer
SUBJECT: BUDGET REALLOCATION OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FACILITY
PARKING LOT MAINTENANCE PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION
Review and recommend to the City Council the reallocation of Local Revenue Measure funding
for the Police Station Parking Lot Maintenance project to other ongoing City Facility Parking Lot
Maintenance projects identified in the 19-21 Financial Plan.
DISCUSSION
Background
As part of the 2017-19 Financial Plan, several Capital Improvement Plan Projects received local
revenue measure funds to address the aging Police Department station. Those projects included
addressing:
1. Operational space needs;
2. The evidence storage building;
3. Exterior painting of the Police Department;
4. The boiler;
5. A study and conceptual design of the eventual replacement of the Police Station; and,
6. The parking lot maintenance project
At the December 6th , 2018 Revenue Enhancement Oversight Commission (REOC) meeting, the
commission approved a recommendation to the City Council to cancel five maintenance related
projects for the Police Station and to reallocate the funding to support the ongoing design efforts
for the Police Station Replacement, which includes development of a completely new site facility
layout impacting the entirety of the property, including the parking lot.
At the time of the above referenced meeting, the design of the parking lot improvements was still
underway and the project remained in the work plan; however, as design work progressed to the
final stage in early 2019, it was determined that the repair would need to be more extensive than
first realized, requiring a full reconstruct and partial regrading of the parking lot. With the
preliminary design for the Police Department Replacement underway and the potential for a
completely reconstructed facility, the Police Department determined that the most prudent course
of action would be to cancel the project.
This specific project was identified within the City’s Parking Lot Maintenance Annual Asset
Maintenance project account. By canceling the PD Parking Lot Maintenance project, Staff
recommends the funding remain within the Annual Asset Maintenance Account to support FY 19-
Staff Report – Budget Allocation for Police Department Station Replacement Project Page 2
21 Parking Lot Maintenance projects, which are currently in the design stage. These parking lot
projects include French Park and Emerson Park. Additionally, funding remaining in the asset
maintenance account can be utilized to support minor spot repairs and pothole repairs within the
existing Police facility parking lot so that the parking lot remains in usable condition.
FISCAL IMPACT
The following table shows the Local Revenue Measure funding for the projects recommended for
cancellation and funding reallocation to the City Facility Parking Lot Maintenance Annual Asset
Maintenance Account. As outlined in the City’s Municipal Code1, the REOC is responsible for
reviewing and making budget recommendations directly to the City Council regarding
expenditures from the Local Revenue Measure. Since capital projects can only be canceled by the
City Council, projects funded by the Local Revenue Measure are first presented to the REOC for
their consideration and a recommendation to the City Council.
Approved Funding
Project FY 2017-18 FY 2018-19 Total
Parking Lot Improvements $ $120,000 $120,000
Recommended Reallocation
Parking Lot Annual Asset
Maintenance
- $120,000 -
Total Change $0 $0 $0
CONCERENCES
This recommendation has the concurrence of the Police Department.
1 Chapter 3.15 ‐ The Commission will be responsible for reviewing and making budget recommendations directly
to the City Council regarding expenditures from the essential services transactions (sales) and use tax and
reporting annually to the community on the City's use of these tax revenues.
Revenue Enhancement Oversight Commission
Agenda Report Meeting Date: 12/12/19
Item Number: 4
DATE: December 12, 2019
FROM: Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager
Prepared By: Ryan Betz, Assistant to the City Manager
SUBJECT: 2018-19 ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT AND CITIZEN OVERSIGHT
MEETING
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Discuss concepts and provide direction for the 2018-19 Annual Community Report; and
2. Appoint two Commissioners to serve on a subcommittee to assist in the development of the
report;
3. Discuss concepts of the Community Forum and the 2018-19 Annual Citizen Oversight Meeting.
DISCUSSION
Chapter 3.15 of the Municipal Code (the Essential Services Transactions [Sales] and Use Tax) includes
specific citizen oversight and fiscal accountability provisions. These provisions include an annual
community report and annual citizen oversight meeting:
Annual Community Report. A written report shall be reviewed at a public hearing by the Revenue
Enhancement Oversight Commission, and a summary will be provided annually to every household
in the community detailing how much revenue is being generated by the measure and how funds are
being spent (MC 3.15.040.E).
Annual Citizen Oversight Meeting. An invitation will be extended each year to the entire
community inviting them to participate in a forum to review and discuss the use of the revenue
generated by this measure. City staff will also be available to meet with any group that requests a
specific briefing with their members to discuss and answer questions about the revenues generated
by the measure and their uses (MC 3.15.040.F).
Annual Community Report
The community report is produced annually based on revenues and expenditures from the previous fiscal
year. The most recent report was published for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-18 (Attachment 1). This report
included:
1. Background of the sales tax measure
2. Current and historical detail on Local Revenue Measure funding
3. How Local Revenue Measure funds were used including Project Spotlight descriptions and
photography
4. Planned Local Revenue Measure uses for the following year
5. Detailed Local Revenue Measure funding schedule
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
6. REOC members
The REOC could consider concepts and provide any direction on ways to enhance this report for the
public. Some previous improvements included:
1. Adding more storytelling spotlights including project photography
2. Translating some of the “government jargon” into meaningful and simple terms
3. Replacing some of the narrative with infographics
4. Revising the look and feel to align with City style guide standards
5. Switching to a landscape format to allow for easy reading on a computer.
Recommendations for the 2018-19 report are:
1. Maintain styling from the new & improved 2017-18 report – easy to read, in line with City
branding, will help develop consistency, received positive feedback
2. Use design cost savings for additional photography to highlight 2018-19 projects
3. Include timeline of initiatives/projects pipeline – add dates, additional projects
4. Photos and names of REOC members
5. Utilize the same LRM logo in lockup with SLO City logo on cover and back page
The City will be using AMF Media Group (AMF) to design the report. AMF is a San Luis Obispo-based
public relations and marketing firm and currently provides a variety of City-wide communications
support services.
The Annual Community Report in Brief will be included in City utility bills in March 2020 and discussed
at the Annual Citizen Oversight Meeting in April 2020.
Annual Citizen Oversight Meeting
The Annual Citizen Oversight Meeting is intended to provide an opportunity for the public to learn about
how funds generated from the Local Revenue Measure were spent and provide feedback. The meeting
meets the obligations identified in City’s Municipal Code related to the Local Revenue Measure (MC
3.15.040.F).
The Annual Citizen Oversight Meeting is intended to provide an opportunity for the public to learn about
how funds generated from the Local Revenue Measure were spent and provide feedback. When the
Annual Citizen Oversight Meeting occurs in the same year as the development of the City’s two-year
financial plan, the meeting is included as a part of the biennial Community Forum associated with the
financial plan development process. That was the case for last year’s Annual Citizen Oversight Meeting
in developing the 2019-21 Financial Plan.
When the meeting occurs outside of the financial plan development a separate meeting is held. This was
done two years ago, in 2018. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers and included an overview
presentation of Local Revenue Measure uses in the previous year as well as the opportunity for public
comment. The notification for the meeting was included in utility bills, but there was very limited public
attendance.
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
The commission should discuss and provide direction for the date, time, venue, outreach and other
logistics for the meeting.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2017-18 Annual Community Report
2. 2017-18 Annual Community Report in Brief
LOCAL REVENUE MEASURE
ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT
Fiscal Year 2017–18
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
HOW DID WE SPEND REVENUES?
PAGE 5
Read about how Local Revenue Measure funds
were spent in 2017–18.
CITY/COUNTY LIBRARY RENOVATIONS
PAGE 7
Learn more about how the City worked with the County to
improve the public library in Downtown San Luis Obispo.
1
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Neighborhood Paving
The Madonna and Los Osos Valley Road project
included neighborhood repaving, new striping, bike lane
improvements, pedestrian crosswalk and ADA upgrades.
The project used recycled pavement materials.
2
The Local Revenue Measure – also known as Measure G – is a
one-half percent local sales tax approved by City voters in November
2006. It protects and maintains essential services and facilities, such
as open space preservation, bike lanes and sidewalks, public safety,
neighborhood street paving and code enforcement, flood protection,
senior programs, and other vital services and capital improvement projects.
The Local Revenue Measure is subject to voter extension in 2023.
The Local Revenue Measure is a general-purpose measure and, as such,
the proceeds are not restricted to specific purposes. This provides the
Council with flexibility to respond to new circumstances and challenges.
The voter-approved ballot language provides guidance to use local
sales tax revenue to protect and maintain essential services and
facilities and identifies examples of services and projects that achieve
this objective. These community spending priorities help guide the
Citizen’s Revenue Enhancement Oversight Commission (REOC) when
making recommendations to the Council about Local Revenue Measure
uses. The Council uses the REOC’s input, and additional public
feedback, to prioritize the use of Local Revenue Measure funding as
part of the City’s two-year financial planning process.
WHAT IS THE LOCAL REVENUE MEASURE?
The Mission Plaza Railing project is part of ongoing
upgrades to ensure one of our most used public spaces
is safe and the area surrounding the creek can be
enjoyed by all.
3
To protect and maintain essential services and facilities – such as
open space preservation; bike lanes and sidewalks; public safety;
neighborhood street paving and code enforcement; flood protection;
senior programs; and other vital services and capital improvement
projects – shall the City’s Municipal Code be amended to extend
the current one-half percent local sales tax for eight years, with
independent annual audits, public goal-setting and budgeting, and a
Citizens’ Oversight Commission?
LOCAL REVENUE MEASURE BALLOT LANGUAGE (MEASURE G)
FISCAL YEAR
In 2018 the City’s open space team focused on major improvements at Johnson
Ranch and Reservoir Canyon trailheads, including the installation of this 60-foot
pedestrian bridge above the waterfall at Reservoir Canyon.
4
Local one-half percent sales tax revenue totaled $7.5 million in 2017-18, which adds approximately 12 percent to the general fund.
The Local Revenue Measure has generated more than $71 million since its original adoption in November 2006.
REVENUES
Dana Street was repaved with an asphalt
overlay and ADA compliant pedestrian
improvements and curb corner ramps
were created at all crossings.
FISCAL YEAR
$5M
$6M
$7M
$8M
2010–11 2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18
$5,616,300
$6,237,500
$6,493,800
$6,774,365
$7,136,300 $7,178,200 $7,376,500
$7,504,500
ANNUAL RE V E NUE S
5USES 2017–18
2017-18 Local Revenue Measure funds were used on the following Council-adopted priorities:
7%
PARKS AND RECREATION/
SENIOR PROGRAMS AND
FACILITIES
$481,000
8%
OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION
$539,000
9%
FLOOD PROTECTION
$667,000
5%
BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN
IMPROVEMENTS
$383,000
6%
TRAFFIC CONGESTION
RELIEF/SAFETY
IMPROVEMENTS
$466,000
4%
CODE ENFORCEMENT
$313,000
1%
OTHER VITAL SERVICES
AND CAPITAL PROJECTS
$54,000
41%
NEIGHBORHOOD STREET PAVING
(INCLUDES IMPROVEMENTS TO BIKE LANES)
$2.9 million
19%
PUBLIC SAFETY
$1.4 million
City/County Library renovations
& improvements
6USES 2017–18
Funds were used to pay for police
officer positions and to replace
emergency response vehicles for both
the Police and Fire Departments.
For every
$1 of revenue
generated by the
Local Revenue Measure,
$.72 is paid by visitors
and
$.28 is paid
by City residents
(2014 Retail Sales Analysis)
Operating Uses ($2.5M) // 34%
Capital Uses ($4.8M) // 66%
To fund positions that provide services
Examples of these costs include funding for positions such as police officers and flood control staff.
To fund construction and investment in equipment
The largest capital expenditures funded by the Local Revenue Measure in 2017-18 were
neighborhood street paving projects (including bike lane improvements); public safety equipment,
and open space preservation.
Local Revenue Measure uses fall into two categories: operating expenses and capital expenses.
7PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
In partnership with the County, the Library in the heart of Downtown
San Luis Obispo saw major maintenance upgrades to the roof,
windows, and paint throughout. The elevator was modernized and
improved, as well as renovated for ADA compliance and accessibility.
The project also included a new HVAC system throughout the facility.
Each year the San Luis Obispo Library sees about 163,000 visitors,
and the upgrades have enhanced the space for people of all ages.
City/County Library Remodel, Major Maintenance and ADA Compliance
8
There are many exciting projects to look forward to in 2018-19 and several have already been completed. For a complete listing of projects
funded by the Local Revenue Measure, see the summary table at the end of the report.
PLANNED LOCAL REVENUE MEASURE USES
LAUREL LANE
COMPLETE STREETS
AUGUST 2018
MEADOW PARK
PATHWAY
MAINTENANCE AND
PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
REPLACEMENT
SPRING 2019
STORM DRAIN
REPLACEMENTS
SUMMER 2019
STREET
LIGHTING
MAY 2019
REPLACEMENT
EMERGENCY
RESPONSE VEHICLES
4 REPLACED BY END OF YEAR
SINSHEIMER
STADIUM BACKSTOP
REPLACEMENT
DECEMBER 2018
Permanent protection of the 266 acres in the Miossi Open Space will provide recovery benefits to
a variety of rare plants, as well as habitat and migration corridors for steelhead trout, mountain
lions, and the California black bear. The land will also link existing trails connecting Poly Canyon
to the West Cuesta Ridge area, where you can see outstanding views of the Pacific Ocean.
9
OPERATING PROGRAMS CAPITAL PROJECTS
PROJECT TITLE 2017–18
(BUDGET)
2017–18
(ACTUAL)
2017–18
(BUDGET &
CARRYOVER*)
2017–18
(ACTUAL)
Laguna Lake Dredging 92,323 60,789
Open Space and Tree Maintenance 306,943 235,602
Open Space Protection 560,857 112,073
Open Space Wildfire Fuel Reduction 5,000 -
Ranger Services (Ranger Staffing: FTE= 2) 139,685 130,818
Subtotal 144,685 130,818 960,123 408,464
Bicycle Facility Improvements 127,993 64,919
Sidewalk Repairs 157,529 51,585
Bob Jones Trail Octagon Barn Connection 42,531 -
Pedestrian and Bike Pathway Maintenance 98,409 7,093
Downtown Renewal 196,000 -
Street Marking Replacement 5,753 5,753
Bicycle Transportation Plan Implementation 194,745 21,363
Railroad Safety Trail - Bike Bridge at Phillips Lane 250,000 25,398
Safe Routes To School 44,594 -
Octagon Barn Facility 184,754 -
Active Transport Plan 40,000 -
Sidewalk Replacement 5,000 -
Railroad District Sidewalk Replacement 5,000 -
Sidewalk Access Improvements 45,000 17,396
Transportation Planning and Engineering (Engineers, Bike Coordinator, FTE = 1.6) 189,099 189,099
Subtotal 189,099 189,099 1,397,308 193,506
OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION
BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO // LOCAL REVENUE MEASURE SUMMARY // FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2018
10CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO // LOCAL REVENUE MEASURE SUMMARY // FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2018
OPERATING PROGRAMS CAPITAL PROJECTS
Traffic Safety Report 63,000 5,450
Traffic Operations Report Implementation 10,909 1,713
Traffic Sign Maintenance 25,000 2,070
Traffic Safety & Operations Improvements 30,000 436
Monterey and Osos Traffic Signal 252,628 252,869
Parking Structure Assessment 8,333 -
Traffic Signal Truck 91,133 91,133
Neighborhood Traffic Improvements 75,352 1,779
Signal and Light Maintenance (Technician; FTE = 1) 111,001 110,254
Subtotal 111,001 110,254 556,355 355,450
TRAFFIC CONGESTION RELIEF / SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
OPERATING PROGRAMS CAPITAL PROJECTS
PROJECT TITLE 2017–18
(BUDGET)
2017–18
(ACTUAL)
2017–18
(BUDGET &
CARRYOVER)
2017–18
(ACTUAL)
Laurel Lane complete streets
provides improved bicycle lanes
and crossings used by school
children, the neighborhood, and
visitors to Sinsheimer Park
11CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO // LOCAL REVENUE MEASURE SUMMARY // FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2018
Police Traffic Motorcycle Replacements (2) 71,154 70,196
Police Patrol Vehicle Replacements (4) 207,086 92,586
Police Station Replacement Study 80,000 32,903
Fire Records Management System Replacement 16,730 -
Police Dispatch Hardware Replacement 40,826 -
911 Phone System 207,768 -
Fire Vehicle Replacement (Command Vehicle, Emergency Response, Truck) 208,474 186,195
Fire Stations and Emergency Dispatch Building Maintenance and Improvements 132,200 14,720
Fire Station #4 Backup Generator 7,000 -
Police Station Building Maintenance and Improvements 35,000 -
Pest Control for Police and Fire Stations 28,000 -
Police Handheld and Vehicle Radio Replacement 180,000 -
South Hills Radio Upgrade 250,000 11,546
Facility Security Cameras 26,500 17,404
Police Digital Storage Equipment Replacement 80,000 80,000
Street Lighting 20,000 -
PulsePoint CPR Software 8,000 8,000
Patrol Services (Officers, Sergeant; FTE = 4) 884,388 884,388
Subtotal 892,388 892,388 1,590,738 505,549
OPERATING PROGRAMS CAPITAL PROJECTS
PROJECT TITLE 2017–18
(BUDGET)
2017–18
(ACTUAL)
2017–18
(BUDGET &
CARRYOVER)
2017–18
(ACTUAL)
PUBLIC SAFETY
Street Reconstruction and Resurfacing 373,649 192,614
Concrete Streets (Toro & Palm, Toro & Johnson, Nipomo & Dana) 575,160 105,992
Streets Asphalt Grinder and 3/4 Ton Pickup Truck 91,828 91,828
Madonna & LOVR Street Resurfacing 2,148,916 2,148,916
Corp. Yard Building Maintenance 9,500 9,500
Streets Crack Sealant Machine 48,199 48,199
Streets Skip/Drag Loader 133,000 122,406
Fleet Electric Forklift 35,000 35,000
Streets Maintenance Medium Duty Truck 120,000 -
Streets and Sidewalk Maintenance and Engineering (Maintenance Worker,
Project Engineer; FTE =2)
214,594 210,649
Subtotal 214,594 210,649 3,535,252 2,754,455
12CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO // LOCAL REVENUE MEASURE SUMMARY // FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2018
OPERATING PROGRAMS CAPITAL PROJECTS
PROJECT TITLE 2017–18
(BUDGET)
2017–18
(ACTUAL)
2017–18
(BUDGET &
CARRYOVER)
2017–18
(ACTUAL)
NEIGHBORHOOD STREET PAVING INCLUDES IMPROVEMENTS TO BIKE LANES
Dana Street paving
13
Bridge Replacement (Marsh Street Bridge Repair) 725,869 780
Storm Drain System Replacement 665,623 57,408
Broad/Leff Streets Culvert 10,000 -
Creek and Flood Protection (Collection System Personnel; FTE = 6) 641,742 608,578
Subtotal 641,742 608,578 1,401,492 58,188
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO // LOCAL REVENUE MEASURE SUMMARY // FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2018
OPERATING PROGRAMS CAPITAL PROJECTS
PROJECT TITLE 2017–18
(BUDGET)
2017–18
(ACTUAL)
2017–18
(BUDGET &
CARRYOVER)
2017–18
(ACTUAL)
FLOOD PROTECTION
PARKS AND RECREATION / SENIOR PROGRAMS AND FACILITIES
CODE ENFORCEMENT
Mission Plaza Railing 139,875 59,875
Building and Safety (Code Enforcement Officer and Technicians; FTE = 3) 252,729 252,729
Subtotal 252,729 252,729 139,875 59,875
Park Major Maintenance and Repairs 496,151 20,734
French & Islay Tennis Court Resurfacing 2,630 -
Sinsheimer Park Baseball Backstop Replacement 98,500 2,385
City/County Library Remodel, Major Maintenance and ADA Compliance 408,900 262,024
Parks & Recreation Building HVAC Replacement 7,200 4,764
Swim Center Filter Control 18,500 8,022
Ludwick Center Gym Lights 15,500 -
Parks Maintenance Vehicle Replacement (Pickup Truck, Tractor, Utility Cart) 99,672 99,672
Parks and Landscape Maintenance (Maintenance Worker; FTE = 1) 83,520 83,520
Subtotal 83,520 83,520 1,147,053 397,601
14
City Hall Chiller Replacement 227,400 14,476
Multi-Site Energy Management Software 24,000 15,400
City Hall Building Maintenance 24,500 24,018
Completed Projects (Available funding for LRM project needs) 66,997 -
Subtotal - - 342,897 53,894
TOTAL LOCAL REVENUE MEASURE USES 2,529,758 2,478,035 11,071,093 4,786,982
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO // LOCAL REVENUE MEASURE SUMMARY // FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2018
OPERATING PROGRAMS CAPITAL PROJECTS
PROJECT TITLE 2017–18
(BUDGET)
2017–18
(ACTUAL)
2017–18
(BUDGET &
CARRYOVER)
2017–18
(ACTUAL)
OTHER VITAL SERVICES AND CAPITAL PROJECTS
* Budget & Carryover includes unspent funds for planned but not yet completed projects
Road Paving
The Madonna and Los Osos Valley Road
project included neighborhood repaving, new
striping, bike lane improvements, pedestrian
crosswalk and ADA upgrades. The project
was built using recycled pavement materials.
15
Open Space Preservation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements, Traffic Congestion Relief/Safety Improvements, Public Safety, Neighborhood Street
Paving, Code Enforcement, Flood Protection, Parks and Recreation/Senior Programs and Facilities, other Vital Services and Capital Projects.
PRIORITIES SET BY THE CITY COUNCIL FOR FY 2017–18 INCLUDE:
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
For more information, please visit: www.slocity.org/budget
Photography:
Content & Design: AMF Media Group
Kelly Donohue Photography
Owen Main Photography
City of San Luis Obispo
The concrete intersections at Palm/Johnson and Palm/Toro were
reconstructed and ADA compliant pedestrian improvements were
made at all curb corner ramps and crossings.
Winston Newland
Commissioner
Chris Coates
Chair
CITIZENS’ REVENUE ENHANCEMENT
OVERSIGHT COMMISSION
Volunteer Residents Serve on the
Commission
The Revenue Enhancement Oversight
Commission (REOC) reviews, reports, and
makes recommendations directly to the
City Council regarding the revenue and
expenditures of the City’s general purpose,
half-percent sales tax. The REOC consists
of five members, who must be residents and
registered voters of the City.
Michael Multari
Commissioner
Ken Kienow
Vice Chair
Jeannette McClure
Commissioner
WHAT IS THE LOCAL REVENUE MEASURE?
ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT IN BRIEF
Fiscal Year 2017–18
19%PUBLIC SAFETY
$1.4 million
41%NEIGHBORHOOD STREET PAVING (INCLUDES IMPROVEMENTS TO BIKE LANES)
$2.9 million
7%PARKS AND RECREATION/ SENIOR PROGRAMS AND FACILITIES
$481,000
8%OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION
$539,000
9%FLOOD PROTECTION
$667,000
5%BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS
$383,000
6%TRAFFIC CONGESTION RELIEF/SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
$466,000
4%CODE ENFORCEMENT
$313,000
1%OTHER VITAL SERVICES AND CAPITAL PROJECTS
$54,000
2017-18 Local Revenue Measure funds were used on the following Council-adopted priorities:
HOW IS YOUR 1/2 PERCENT SALES TAX SPENT?
Neighborhood Paving
The concrete intersections at Palm/Johnson and Palm/Toro were
reconstructed and ADA compliant pedestrian improvements were made
at all curb corner ramps and crossings. Dana Street was repaved and also
received new crossings, and Madonna/LOVR was repaved and new bike
lanes were implemented creating safer routes for cyclists.
Public Safety
The Local Revenue Measure supports the City’s Police Department by
providing funding for officer positions. Funds were also used to purchase
emergency response vehicles for both the Police and Fire Departments.
Open Space
The City’s Conservation Plan for the Reservoir Canyon Natural
Reserve identified the need to provide increased trail access and
creek crossings to allow safer passage, particularly during winter
storms when the creek often floods parts of the trail. The installation
of a new 60-foot span bridge crossing is complete.
Flood Protection
Flood protection included annual replacement of failing corrugated
metal storm drain pipes throughout the City. Planned future projects
include replacement of storm drain pipes on Bullock, Buchon, at Santa
Rosa, Broad at Leff culvert, Old Garden Creek, Broad Street, Ellen Way,
Lakeview, and Woodbridge.
SPENDING HIGHLIGHTS
The Local Revenue Measure – also known as Measure G – is a one-half percent local sales tax
approved by City voters in November 2006. It protects and maintains essential services and facilities,
such as open space preservation, bike lanes and sidewalks, public safety, neighborhood street
paving and code enforcement, flood protection, senior programs, and other vital services and capital
improvement projects. The Local Revenue Measure is subject to voter extension by March 31, 2023.
These community spending priorities help guide the Citizens’ Revenue Enhancement Oversight Commission (REOC)
when making recommendations to the Council about Local Revenue Measure uses. The Council uses the REOC’s
input, and additional public feedback, to prioritize use of the Local Revenue Measure funding as part of the City’s
two-year financial planning process.
Local one-half-percent sales tax revenue totaled $7.5 million in 2017-18, which adds
approximately 12 percent to the general fund. The Local Revenue Measure has generated
more than $71 million since its original adoption in November 2006.
REVENUES
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO // For a complete list of 2017–18 Local Revenue Measure uses, view the full report at slocity.org/budget
$7.5M
City/County Library Remodel, Major Maintenance and ADA Compliance
The City/County Library in the heart of Downtown San Luis Obispo saw many upgrades over the summer of 2018.
In partnership with the County, the facility saw major maintenance upgrades to the roof, windows, and paint throughout.
The elevator was modernized and improved, as well as renovated for ADA compliance and accessibility. The project
also included a new Heating, Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC) system throughout the facility.
Each year the San Luis Obispo Library sees approximately 163,000 visitors, and the upgrades have enhanced the
space for people of all ages.
For every $1 of revenue generated by the Local Revenue Measure, $.72 is paid by visitors
and $.28 is paid by City residents. (2014 Retail Sales Analysis)
PROJECT HIGHLIGHT
Operating Uses ($2.5M) // 34% – Funds positions that provide services
Examples of these costs include funding for positions such as police officers and flood control staff.
Capital Uses ($4.8M) // 66% – Funds construction and investment in equipment
The largest capital expenditures funded by the Local Revenue Measure is 2017-18 were neighborhood street paving
projects, public safety equipment, and open space preservation.
Neighborhood Paving
The Madonna and Los Osos Valley Road project
included neighborhood repaving, new striping,
bike lane improvements, pedestrian crosswalk
and ADA upgrades. The project used recycled
pavement materials.
Revenue Enhancement Oversight Commission
Agenda Report Meeting Date: 12/12/19
Item Number: 5
DATE: December 12, 2019
FROM: Derek Johnson, City Manager
Prepared By: Ryan Betz, Assistant to the City Manager
SUBJECT: RESIDENT FOCUS GROUPS AND SURVEY RESULTS REGARDING FUNDING
PRIORITIES.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Receive a report on the results of two resident focus groups, a statistically relevant survey of residents
and a plan for continued public engagement and outreach; and
2. Discuss potential roles to support and participate in public engagement and outreach efforts.
DISCUSSION
Background
On March 8, 2018, a presentation titled Funding the Future was presented to the Revenue Enhancement
Oversight Commission (REOC). That initiative is a long-term view of the City’s infrastructure needs
that have been identified by the community through various adopted plans, including the 1) City’s
General Plan, 2) Bicycle Transportation Plan, 3) Downtown Concept Plan and 4) Mission Plaza Concept
Plan that will help to maintain the City’s character and qualit y of life for future generations. The feedback
from the Commission, together with feedback from other City advisory bodies and the community, were
presented to the City Council on April 17, 2018. The Council directed staff to return to the Council as
part of the 2019-21 Financial Plan with an outreach and engagement plan, a prioritized project list, and
recommendations to fund capital projects. In January, 2019, the Council received a report on the
outreach and engagement plan, approved the selection of Vice Mayor Pease and Council Member
Stewart to serve on an Ad Hoc Subcommittee (subcommittee) and to direct staff to hire an independent
survey and research firm to conduct focus groups and statistically valid suvey to explore a variety of
issues related to the community’s feedback and to evaluate the potential community interest of renewing
or amending the existing, voter approved Local Revenue Measure (LRM). On December 3, 2019, the
Council received an update on those efforts, including the results of two focus groups and a statistically
valid survey of registered voters in the city (survey), directed staff to continue public engagement efforts
and to discuss potential roles with the REOC on supporting and participating in public engagement and
outreach efforts.
Focus Group Results
Staff retained an independent survey and research firm, FM3, through a Request for Proposal (RFP)
process to assist in these efforts. In consultation with the subcommittee, FM3 conducted two focus
groups on June 19, 2019. The participants were almost evenly split on gender and generally reflected the
demographic and geographic composition of the City’s electorate. The objective was to examine the
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
knowledge and perceptions about City-related services from voters who live in San Luis Obispo.
Specifically, the discussions were focused on the City’s need for services, maintenance and infrastructure
upgrades and the participants’ priority for the use of City funds. It should be noted that focus groups are
qualitative in nature and provide a valuable opportunity to have an in-depth discussion on various issues
facing the City and understand the reasons behind opinions that are held. This work was then used to
help inform the survey to determine the preferences and opinions held by the broader population.
The results of the Focus Groups showed several general, broad themes:
1) General View of the City
a) Overall, most had favorable opinions of living in the City.
b) Like many California cities, concerns about maintaining the City’s character and quality of life
into the future.
2) Perceived Additional Funding Needs and Support for a Proposed Measure
a) There is a general sense that the City has a need for additional funds.
b) A general-purpose measure that could fund City services as well as infrastructure projects was
principally supported in the groups.
c) Participants primarily focused on the need for additional locally controlled revenue for City
services and some infrastructure projects.
d) Support for a 1-cent general purpose, simple majority sales tax was slightly lower than support
for a 1 ½-cent sales tax. This may be attributed to the 1-cent sales tax focusing on infrastructure
upgrades while the 1 ½ cent sales tax includes services, maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.
e) Most participants agreed that the City did need to ensure there was enough funding to provide
the services, maintenance and infrastructure upgrades they value and rely on.
3) Perceived Funding Priorities
a) Maintaining the City’s quality of life, character and the need for road improvements, safety
upgrades and cross-town connections were the leading reasons the participants would consider
additional, locally controlled funding.
The results from the focus groups provided helpful insight to the subcommittee on the importance of
services, maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. This insight helped draft the statistically relevant
survey and specific areas of priority.
Survey Results
The survey of registered voters took place between September 15 and 22, 2019, and included 442
individual responses with an overall margin of error of +/- 4.9%. For the survey, FM3 used a dual-mode
approach (telephone and online) to produce an all-inclusive, representative sample of the registered
voters in the City. Similar surveys have been conducted in the past and have helped inform the Council
on decisions to place measures on an upcoming ballot. The survey built upon the feedback received in
the focus groups and asked residents’ preferences on a variety of topics including services, maintenance
of existing infrastructure, replacement/upgrades of infrastructure and overall spending priorities. The
survey asked participants to respond to a sample ballot measure that renewed the existing LRM at a 1 ½
cent rate that focused on maintenance, essential services and infrastructure. The sample ballot measure
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
language was based upon the input from the focus groups. The following is a summary of the survey
results:
Need for Additional Funds for Services and Infrastructure
o Almost six in ten survey respondents perceive the City needs additional funds to provide the level
of services and infrastructure residents need and want, though only about two in ten indicate there
is a great need.
o A majority of survey respondents initially support a conceptual local ballot measure at 63 percent.
This is an increase from a previous survey conducted in April 2018 which had an initial support
of 57 percent. The language in the 2018 survey focused solely on upgrades to infrastructure.
Based upon the input from the focus groups regarding the importance of services and
maintenance of infrastructure, the 2019 survey was broadened to include City services,
maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
o The survey asked respondents if they would support the potential ballot measure at a 1-cent rate.
The results show there is no statistical difference in support between an extension of the current
voter approved LRM at a 1½-cent rate or at a 1-cent rate. 63 percent of respondents would vote
yes on an LRM at a 1 ½-cent rate while 60 percent of respondents would vote yes on a 1-cent
rate.
o
o
o
o
o The more a survey respondent perceived a need for additional funds for City services, the more
one is likely to vote yes in support of a ballot measure. This suggests that additional public
education and outreach will help inform residents about the City’s needs for additional services,
maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
2) Voter Priorities
a) Voters continue to rate with greater importance maintaining (68 percent) rather than improving
(42 percent) essential City services. This is consistent with the 2018 survey, when voters rated
maintaining (64 percent) rather than improving (42 percent) essential City services.
b) The same can be said of maintaining rather than improving City infrastructure, with 61 percent
ranking maintaining City infrastructure as extremely/very important rather than 48 percent
ranking improving City infrastructure.
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
c) Voters rated requiring all funds used locally; protecting creeks from pollution; addressing
homelessness; and maintaining police, fire/emergency response as the most important features
of a possible measure.
Rating by Extremely/Very Important
Requiring all funds used locally 79%
Protecting creeks from pollution 73%
Addressing Homelessness 71%
Maintaining police, fire/emergency response 71%
Keeping public areas safe and clean 67%
Helping ensure children have safe places to play 67%
Preserving open space and natural areas 66%
Requiring all funds to benefit the community 66%
Protecting long-term fiscal stability 65%
Preparing for wildfires and other natural disasters 62%
Repairing streets and potholes 62%
Increasing affordable housing supplies 59%
Replacing fire stations that have been determined by structural
engineers to not meet current seismic earthquake standards 59%
Retaining and attracting local businesses 55%
Maintaining and improving parks 55%
Expanding open space and natural areas 54%
Public Engagement and Outreach
Additional public engagement and outreach is recommended to both inform the community of the needs
for the City and receive additional feedback on services, maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. This
effort will fall into the following overall approach:
Informing and consulting residents/stakeholders on the services, maintenance and infrastructure
upgrades needed to help maintain the City’s character and quality of life into the future.
The public engagement and outreach plan is intended to educate residents, businesses and other
community stakeholders about the need for maintaining/improving services and infrastructure, assist in
identifying priorities, and the funding options to support them. The information collected from the
community will help inform Council on the community’s receptivity of potentially placing a measure on
the November 2020 ballot. The strategy involves a multi-channel communications outreach approach
with community feedback opportunities. Examples include presentations to community organizations,
neighborhood groups, advisory bodies, City staff, an online survey (Open City Hall) and facility
tours/information sessions. Public engagement and outreach will continue into the spring.
Potential Role for the REOC to Support and Participate in Public Engagement and Outreach
Efforts
Due to the REOC’s role of reviewing the existing half-cent sales tax revenues and expenditures, reporting
on use of those funds to the community, and providing recommendations directly to the City Council
regarding expenditures of these tax revenues as an integral part of the budget process, the City Council
has requested the REOC consider supporting and participating in public engagement and outreach
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
efforts. Below are several options for the REOC to consider, though there may be other options that the
REOC would like to discuss:
1) Incorporate the SLO Forward community presentation & feedback opportunity into the
Annual Citizen Oversight meeting.
2) Attend presentations to the community, neighborhood groups or City advisory body meetings
to listen to the community feedback about their priorities.
3) Attend Informational Sessions and Facility Tours
4) Review the community feedback prior to presenting it to the City Council.