HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-21-2017 Item 1, LopesCOUNCIL MEETING: 1-1 ;t RECEMM
ITEM NO.: FEB 21 2017
From: James Lopes[
Sent: Monday, February 20, 2017 9:11 PM
To: E-mail Council Website <emailcounci(@sIocity.org>
Subject: Council Agenda 2-21-17 - Item 1
Please place with agenda correspondence.
RE: Appeal Fees - Agenda Packet Page 18
Dear Mayor Harmon and Council Members:
I support leaving the current $281 appeal fee alone or only increasing it by the cost of living allowance
percentage since 2009. At that time, the current fee was adopted as the first fee of any kind for appeals of
development -related San Luis Obispo projects. The earlier concept of free appeals for the community was a
product of a more benign, community -oriented and supportive city government than we are experiencing
now. We have a stronger economy now than in 2009; let the community participate without the burden of
raising money in the very short time during the 10 -day appeal period. The current fee does discourage frivolous
appeals, and gives our residents a reasonable opportunity to seek correction or resolution of approved projects
by your Council.
The concept of cost recovery for appeals is a corporate -derived notion for city governments. However,
community service is a broad concept which includes the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Let
our city be known as one that supports its residents first, by making civic engagement affordable and feasible
for anyone. Consider also the expenses which the City makes in highly questionable activity: What amount
does the City pay the Chamber of Commerce per year, and what promotion budget do we fund? Both activities
have very obvious impacts on our housing prices and shortage through the collaboration with special interest
organizations to increase jobs and tax revenues. Cutting back on those expenses would make funds available
for subsidizing appeals directly or indirectly.
I am sorry to miss this hearing but hope that my input will have some positive impacts.
Sincerely,
Jamie Lopes
James Lopes
San Luis Obispo, CA