HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/1/2021 Item 6a, Shoresman
Wilbanks, Megan
From:Michelle <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:CIP Funding in 21-23 Budget and Financial Plan
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Good evening Councilmembers and Mayor Harmon,
In advance of your upcoming meeting, at which you will presumably adopt a resolution approving the 21-23
Financial Plan and FY 21-22 Budget, I would like to ask your consideration of the following two issues:
1) In April, the City's Planning Commission reviewed the Capital Improvement Project list for the coming two
year period. In it, there is $2.45 million set aside for the Anholm Greenway, all in the 21-22 Fiscal Year. After
including this funding in the CIP for 21-22, the City obtained a $1.7 million grant to pay for part of this
project. At that April Planning Commission meeting, and in correspondence following, staff have been asked
what will happen to the $2.45 million set aside for this project now that $1.7 million in grant funding has been
obtained to support this project. They have implied that these funds will still be set aside for active
transportation projects. However, I have seen nothing in writing, that verifies that intent. I therefore
respectfully request that your council codify the intent to use any remaining funds (of the $2.45 million
originally set aside for the Anholm Greenway) in FY 21-22 that are no longer needed for this project, to other
projects prioritized in the Active Transportation Plan. This can be documented in the Financial Plan or budget
how you see most appropriate.
2) Another item on the CIP list is $1.45 million over the next two years for solar lighting on the LOVR to Prado
section of the Bob Jones Bike Trail. While this is listed under the category of "Active Transportation, Open
Space and Climate Change" on the CIP list, the upgrade is not listed in the Active Transporation Plan nor will
improvement likely impact climate change as this section of Bob Jones Trail is not currently attached to any
other section of trail and is therefore not frequently used at night nor does it actively increase ridership.
Instead, I respectfully request that these funds be re-allocated to other more highly prioritized projects in the
Active Transportation Plan. This lighting should be added at a future date when more sections of the trail are
completed and bike traffic studies have indicated increased evening and night time use, or potential use, of
the trail.
After so many years in planning of the Anholm Greenway (almost 10 years in the making!) and Active
Transportation Plan, it is exciting to see some real funds dedicated to these projects. I appreciate the Council
and City Staff's dedication to bringing climate change goals to life and keeping mode shift goals forefront in
our financial and other planning documents.
Thank you for your consideration.
Michelle Shoresman
SLO City Planning Commissioner and Resident
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