HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/5/2018 Item 19, Lopes
912 Bluebell Way
San Luis Obispo, California 93401
May 31, 2018
City Council
City of San Luis Obispo
RE: Requests for Budget Increases in Supplemental Budget
Dear Mayor Harmon and Council Members:
I am asking that you have staff increase the budgets of the City Arborist and the
Police Department, as follows:
City Arborist: To advance the Climate Action Plan and the city’s resiliency to
climate change, the “urban forest” needs to be diligently maintained and expanded.
Now is the time to increase the budget of the City Arborist budget significantly.
Maintenance of the city’s trees has declined dramatically. They are not watered or
trimmed often enough to hardly survive in many cases. In fact, in the 1980’s the City
Arborist had a staff of seven. Now, only two full time and two part-time staff, or four
total staff are employed! It is beyond comprehension how a reknowned “Tree City”
like San Luis Obispo has reduced the resource service to the urban forest.
Police Department: The Police budget should be increased to hire at least three
Traffic Patrol officers, to reduce general traffic speeds and to restrain wild and
dangerous driving. Police staff numbers have declined enough that traffic patrols are
not as frequent as in earlier years. However, traffic volumes on city streets have
escalated almost exponentially; it would be wise to compare current traffic counts
and other data with just a few years ago. Another phenomenon is the recent fads to
drive fast and furious, usually in large pickups, although compact street racers have
made a recent appearance. The city staff previously engaged in public education to
drive safely and slower in San Luis Obispo. A similar campaign should be funded as
well for the next year at least.
Funds for these requests could be provided by reductions in the Promotional
Coordinating Committee budget and other promotional contributions which the City
may make.
We all want San Luis Obispo to retain and regain its safer, quieter and slower
lifestyle. It will take your financial commitments to do so. Please make these budget
increases. Thank you.
Sincerely,
James Lopes
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