HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-08-2013 results from community forumS
Section 5
Recommended City Goals
RESULTS FROM COMMUNITY FORUM
S
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Summary of Community Forum Results
170 members of the community participated at the Community Forum held on January 8 ,
2013 at the Ludwick Community Center . The members were provided three key way s
for participants to share their ideas with the Council and each other :
1.Public Comments .All participants were provided an opportunity to share with th e
Council what they were proposing, why it is important and how it ,might be
accomplished.
2.Voting with "Dots."Using the public comments recorded on flip charts and poste d
on the walls as the "ballot," participants were provided with 12 "dot stickers" (6
green and 6 orange) to place on the sheets to "vote" for ideas that they felt should b e
the top priorities for 2013-15 . The green dots indicate a vote for overall goa l
priorities and the orange dots indicate a vote for Measure Y priorities . Th e
information provided in this report reflects the number of dot "votes" received, no t
necessarily the number of individuals voting on the idea .
3.Supplemental Comments .Participants were also provided with half-page "stick y
notes" to provide supplemental comments to the public comments . This provided
community members uncomfortable with public speaking an opportunity for input .
RESULTS SUMMAR Y
The following pages summarize the results of each of these participation opportunities :
public comments ; "voting with dots ;" and supplemental comments . Wherever practical ,
staff added the votes per topic areas to provide a summary of the top priorities emergin g
from the forum to create the chart below .
Page 1
Summa of Communi Forum Results
PUBLIC COMMENT S
There were 54 speakers who presented their recommended goals, summarized by topic a s
follows :
¢oTC'-rv _.'~:x ^,_....•a .>
.,~:_-d
• Downtown Economic Development Issues 8
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Skatepark 7
• Open Space 6
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Fiscal Responsibility/Pension Reform 5
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Public Transportation/Bike Lanes 5
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Economic Development 5
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Neighborhood Wellness 5
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Homeless Services/Shelter 2
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Alcohol Outlets 2
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Performing Arts Center 1
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Community Partnerships & Suppor t
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Revenue Generation 1
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Annual Public Service Recognition Day 1
• Traffic Calming on Broad Between South & Orcutt 1
• Increased Parking Garage Revenue 1
• Freedom 1
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Tree Ordinance 1
General Government Improvements 1
Page 2
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Summa of Communit Forum Result s
"VOTING WITH DOTS"
Green Orange
Dots Dots
Page 3
FUNCTION : COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Topic Area : Neighborhood Wellness
33
•General Neighborhood Wellness
•Parking & traffic
▪Infrastructure Maintenanc e
•Street sweeping
.Reduce blight
•Neighborhood polic e
•Patrols
•Park Safety
•Rental inspection progra m
•Increase noise enforcement
•Enforce high occupancy housing limits
•Remove cars on street sweeping day s
•Parking management at Bishop Peak trailhea d
Topic Area :Downtown & Mission Plaza
9 5
•Analysis of bulb-out master plan
•Multi-modal transit facility
•Public relations/public education to address transient s
o Directed giving campaig n
o Move transients into service s
o Increase bike patrols
•Expanded bike police presenc e
•Live/work: Mixed us e
•Limit alcohol in downtow n
•Develop urban design elemen t
•Mission Plaza Plan & Enhancement s
o Bulbouts
o Circulation improvement s
o Street furniture
o Lighting
o Revitalization
o Public Improvement s
o Financing Pla n
o Revitalize Mission Plaza safety & beauty
•Downtown Concept Plan Implementation & Updat e
o Lighting
o Bridge repai r
o Public/Private partnership
•Downtown Centre Improvements
o Homeless
o Maintenanc e
o Taxi Stands
2 9
5
5
6
1
9
2
6
1
I
4
3
3
98
2
2
1 3
1
7
1 1
5
2 5
1 5
14
3
1 2
7
1 0
6
3 2
1 6
12
Summa of Communit Forum Result s
"VOTING WITH DOTS"
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Topic Area:Economic Developmen t
•Continue to foster entrepreneurial spiri t
•Encourage new businesses and existing businesse s
•Support & encourage locally-owned small businesse s
•Open for business
•Infrastructure financing progra m
•Use economic development to facilitate all of the other amenities suc h
as skatepark, Mission Plaza, etc .
•Implement Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP )
•Transportation & infrastructure support in EDS P
•Permit streamlining & coordination between departments
•EDSP tools should be used to encourage new thinking abou t
infrastructure needs
•Provide resources for EDSP implementatio n
o Broadban d
o Public private partnership s
Topic Area: Homeless Service s
•Relocate Homeless Services Cente r
o Purchase 40 Prado Rd . as an alternative
o Help fund capital campaig n
o Fund programs
Topic Area : Other
•Reduce permit processing tim e
•City/Cuesta/Cal Poly violation s
•Identify rental propertie s
FUNCTION : TRANSPORTATIO N
Topic Area : Bike & Pedestrian Path s
•Safe & accessible bike & pedestrian path s
•Accommodate all users, ages, and abilitie s
•Complete bike plan &facilities
•Safe routes to schoo l
•Complete Railroad Safety Trai l
•Bob Jones Trail completio n
•Complete Bike Blvds
•Restoring positions for cycling
•Southern City east-west bike connection i .e. Tank Farm Rd
improvements or Buckley Rd. Class I Path
Topic Area : Public Transportatio n
•Relocate downtown transit cente r
•Transit options for late-night riders (guaranteed ride home )
•Marketing plan to increase ridership
•Coordinated transit center
24
1 8
2
6
4
1 0
3
2
5
5
26 1 6
2
92 10 5
2
8
1 7
5
1 4
2 2
8
9
3
5
2 3
7
1 6
2 3
1 3
8
7 7
14 5
1
1
3
Page 4
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Summa of Communi Forum Result s
"VOTING WITH DOTS "
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Update short-range transit plan 2
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Accessible to all 1
Topic Area: Other
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Parking structure automated late hour pay station 4 5
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Promote & encourage citizens to explore other options than singl e
occupancy vehicles
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Traffic signal for Stoneridge residents at Broad or Lawrence 2 8
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Meadow Park signal to cross Broad 1 2
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South Broad Street Corridor plan improvement s
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Reduce traffic on LOVR 2 6
FUNCTION : LEISURE, CULTURAL,&SOCIAL SERVICE S
Topic Area:Open Space 69 66
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Increase Ranger staff 10 8
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CCCMB trails 10 1 2
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Promotion of Open Spac e
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Laguna Lake Plan & Maintenance 13 1 5
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Economic benefits/touris m
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Quality of life
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Walking & biking 1 1
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Trail connectivity 17 1 5
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Easements 4 3
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Acquisitions 6 8
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Education
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Care & maintenance 2 1
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Volunteers
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Establish Open Space Commission 5 2
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Continue ECOSLO partnership 1 1
Topic Area: SLO Skatepark 28 38
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Provide funding
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Modem current master plan for a scaled down park for less $
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Seek sponsorships for skate par k
Topic Area: Other
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Preserve happiness 1 1
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Plant and defend trees 1 2
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Support non profits in City 1 2
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Harness volunteer energy 1 1
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Annual Public Service Recognition Day (Care Fair)6 2
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City support for the Performing Arts Center 16 4
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Tourism and Economic Development 1
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BMX park 5 4
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Liaison position to reach out to community
Page 5
Summa of Communi Forum Result s
"VOTING WITH DOTS"
FUNCTION : GENERAL GOVERNMEN T
Topic Area: Fiscal Responsibility 27 1 6
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Maintain focus on fiscal responsibility and pension reform 12 6
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Fiscal sustainability for City budget 3
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Engage in planning process regarding renewal ofMeasure Y & create
a contingency budget (without Measure Y)7 7
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Get community input on solutions to high staffing costs and employe e
benefits 1
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Consider costs of benefits when hiring
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Institute defined benefit plan s
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Continue the trend to decrease personnel costs 2
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Reduce staff through attrition
FUNCTION : OTHER OPPORTUNITIE S
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Support disadvantaged citizens 1
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Privatize land overrun by transients
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HOA to hire private security and neighborhood clean-u p
companies
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Don 't invest in Wall Street – invest in our location her e
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Get out ofICLEI and Agenda 2 1
FUNCTION : PUBLIC SAFET Y
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Full bike patrols in the downtown 8 5
o
Increased patro l
o Services for "want t o
REVENUE GENERATION
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Ads, marketing in parking structures – elevators, stairwells 3 1
Page 6
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Summa of Communi Forum Result s
"POST-IT" COMMENTS/CONCERN S
FUNCTION : COMMUNITY DEVELOPMEN T
Consider encouraging walking, especially in student areas where students could walk t o
Cal Poly, by fixing sidewalks, or completing missing sidewalks, making these areas safe r
and more pleasant visually and otherwise and linking them to bus stops .
Laguna Lake needs to be maintained regularly, just like park lands, sports areas, and Cit y
streets, in order to make its waters attractive and accessible for our citizens to use . Please
support this unique City asset.
Dear Mayor, City Council ,
We, the community of San Luis Obispo, not just need of the community, but investmen t
into SLO . Not just the kids but to all in SLO ; from business to the City Council . We
thank you for the time to speak for a better SLO .
Extension and renovation of Mission Plaza . In order of priority : fix the bridge ; improve
the link from Court Street to the Plaza (i .e . close off that short portion of Monterey Street
between Morro & Chorro). Also Broad & Monterey Street near the Art Museum . "Le t
Downtown be a real agoura, meeting place" Traffic and pedestrian don't mix!!!
Reduce or charge more for restaurants using sidewalk space . Restaurant seating has take n
away sidewalks right of ways . For instance, walking around the seating at Louisa's while
navigating around trees and other pleasant obstacles plus all the pedestrians at this fun d
area of downtown is hazardous . If you continue to give this space to eateries, then charg e
a higher amount and enforce it . They are taking away our walking area while they ge t
great income from more seating .
Farmer's Market : Reduce or eliminatethe # of BBQs allowed . This City was the 1 st t o
eliminate smoking in bars and restaurant . Now this City Council has banned outdoo r
smoking in public areas. It is time to continue the trend of eliminating smoke fro m
impacting our health . PLEASE do not allow BBQs at our Thursday night Farmer's
Market .
Broad Street Issue s
We need a traffic light at some point along Broad to aid residents to access Broad safely .
We need multiple crossing points for pedestrians and bicyclists .
For all of us who live on the west side of Broad Street, it is dangerous to make left turn s
onto Broad . We need improvements to Broad Street !
Years of talk but NO action . Broad Street south to Orcutt .
1 . medians with turn lanes for auto and pedestrian safet y
a)autos not driving in turn lan e
b)pedestrians — so they can have a safe haven crossing the street .
2 . Traffic signal — needed for safe access to Broad Street businesses for neighborhood
side . Railroad bike path is not accessible to neighborhood .
Page 7
Summa of Communit Forum Result s
"POST-IT" COMMENTS/CONCERN S
Balance Downtown by bringing back some retail with necessity goods as well a s
residential mixed use .
Either enforce pedestrian laws where students cross Santa Rosa Ave or Hwy 1 at Boyse n
and Mustang Village/Stenner Glenn or build some kind of ped/bike overpass fro m
Boysen over the Hwy to allow safe crossing . It seems only a matter of time before
someone gets hurt or worse, killed . Students use it as a shortcut instead of crossing at
Highland or Foothill .
Neighborhood Wellbeing – Today a drug dealer in my neighborhood, across the stree t
from me, was arrested . This nuisance has put us at risk; it has caused unnecessary traffic ,
lack of parking, reduce peace of mind and safety . I have lived in my home since 1979 .
We need controlled parking, neighborhood watch . A Police department that responds .
Restrictions and monitoring on rest rentals, cars/unit, and illegal units .
Homeless Issue s
Need more temporary shelter . Figure out some sort of voucher system for those who liv e
in their RVs or cars to be able to stay at parks or campsites, rather than our streets .
(though do not ticket those who do .)
Re : proposed/approved homeless shelter:
Although resources for the exploration of an alternative site may be limite d
currently, investment in a more suitable location that is viable in the long-term .
The success of efforts to preserve open space should serve as an example for yo u
that long-term plan and vision can produce successful results in the face o f
seemingly insurmountable challenges .
Thoughts from SLO City resident on proposed homeless services campus . I don't like
public speaking I would like the plans from 2008 report by County and cities that wa s
"accepted" to be followed through on . The proposed location of the campus for CAPSL O
on South Higuera Street is acceptable . Now, please fund it as part of your commitment t o
end homelessness in the City and County . Please note that there is a difference betwee n
homelessness and transients .
I don't think the location on S . Higuera is the best place for a HSC . To be honest, I'm no t
sure why we have to offer such a place for those that do not want to improve thei r
situation . I don't think it will eliminate the homeless problem or people sleeping on thei r
vehicles or RVs . I'm all for enforcement of California laws and conserving the quality o f
life that SLO was known for . Since the influx of the transients and homeless (will not's /
cant's/ wont's) the sanctity of SLO has been compromised . If a shelter needs to be built,I
don't think it should be placed where it affects business owners or residents by its plac e
proximity . I'll be attending more of the meetings regarding this issue and hope to offe r
some helpful suggestions or alternatives .
Dear City Council of SLO
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Page 8
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Summa of Communi Forum Result s
"POST-IT" COMMENTS/CONCERN S
Thank you for this open forum . My concerns are with the plans to build the homeles s
campus building behind the DSS building on S . Higuera Street . As a local business owne r
since 1991 and building/property owners since 2004, I feel this property is NOT the righ t
location, nor should funds in the millions be put toward something this vital to ou r
community in the wrong location . The City needs to consider the right location — I fee l
and fund it, or be part of the funding along with community support . Beside there are
numerous issues facing the location behind DSS .The parking lot (possible location )
where do all the DSS workers' cars go? This is just an issue . I feel that any location o n
that side of town is OUT of question . I have spoken to numerous SLOPD,Fire etc . an d
most feel Kansas Ave has all needed including buildings and place .
Transient issues at parks, especially at Mitchell Park around the playground an d
restrooms .
Open Spac e
Open space connectivity and access by foot and bike .
Please continue your enlightened work of acquiring and maintaining open space aroun d
SLO .Please also consider increasing ranger staff for needed maintenance and patrol o f
SLO City trails and open space .
Ranger staffing / creek maintenance : I agree with Mr . Bettencourt . More Ranger staffin g
is needed for open space, park and facility needs . Help is needed in the creeks from othe r
departments . Police, not Rangers, should be keeping peace in the creeks . Public Works ,
not Rangers should be cleaning the creeks .
Open space acq . And protection of water supply . Purchase conservation easements fro m
ranchers and farmers upstream from water supply reservoirs . Use grants and othe r
funding options to offset City funding . Partner with other water users, such as other citie s
and communities, water districts, etc .
Neighborhood wellness and open space : support funding for SLO steward program .
Support ECOSLO contract to manage the SLO steward program . Support more trails i n
SLO Open Spaces.
I had suggested a volunteer corps commission particularly for open space . I am
rethinking the issue . Perhaps it should be a volunteer corps commission for all of SLO ,
encompassing the spirit of giving back by SLO residents to unmet SLO needs .
Fund Opens Space and trail s
Maintain Open Space — just keep it up . Thanks and keep up the good work .
FUNCTION : TRANSPORTATION
LOVR over-pass & Bob Jones trail under-pass
Page 9
Summa of Communi Forum Result s
"POST-IT" COMMENTS/CONCERN S
Safe Route to School : please look into non-car access to schools, so that children and
their parents can safely walk or bicycle to schools .
Provide more painted-in bike lanes like the one at Frank's Hotdogs on California ;
especially at major intersections . Pained-in bike lanes at multi-lane intersections lik e
LOVR from Madonna to Hwy 101, both north and south bound would make streets safe r
for bike riders .
Continue Froom Ranch Rd . from Costco/Home Depot past Dick's/Target to the Madonn a
Promenade or continue the frontage road Calle Joaquin from LOVR north to Embass y
Suites/Dalidio . This (these) road(s) will lessen traffic at Madonna/LOVR intersection an d
Madonna near the Promenade .
Continue funding the City to Sea class one bike path .
I had to leave, but biggest concern for the City is public transportation for the 3
generations of my family in SLO . Bikes, busses .
Dear City Council ,
I am so gun-ho about riding my bike to do all of my errands including commuting to th e
Cal Poly campus to grocery shopping at New Frontiers . I even purchased a trailer off o f
Craig's list to transport my groceries and take my 22 lb . cocker spaniel everywhere I go .
Please make safer bike lanes for myself, my pooch, and all of my neighbors to bik e
around town working hard and living a healthy lifestyle .
More buses, more often, to more places . Especially buses that run later into the evening .
A bus to the airport, please !
Bike paths . Connect Bob Jones to the short path off of Prado Road .
Had to leave early so please accept these comments in place of my dots .
- Bicycle infrastructure for commuters and recreational riders .
I do not own a car . I appreciate all the city has done to make this a bike-friendly City .
Improve it b y
- a continuous off-street bike path through the City and connecting to regiona l
trails
A bike lane and a sidewalk in the crossing overpass at LOVR and Higuera .
Continue support for the bicycle coalition staff. Continue investment in bicycl e
infrastructure . I should note I never bicycle commuted until I lived here . Bik e
infrastructure and community convinced me it was safe and effective and if implement s
the CAP .
Bike infrastructure and Bob Jones Trail .
Page 10
Summa of Communit Forum Result s
"POST-IT" COMMENTS/CONCERN S
LEISURE, CULTURAL, AND SOCIAL SERVICE S
Tennis Courts – There are a decent amount of tennis courts in south-east side of tovvn (2
near Marigold Center, 6 at Sinsheimer). However, there are no useable ones near th e
Laguna area . Those at Laguna Middle School are cracked and broken up . Thank you fo r
considering finding space for 2 – 4 courts on another side of town .
Increase funding for PCC Grants-in-Aid to provide support for cultural groups to brin g
tourism to SLO .
PCC and bed tax . Please consider increasing the priority of this support . Nonprofi t
organizations are a major employer in our City . They need continued funding in toug h
economic times to survive . Nonprofit arts organizations fuel the creative economy tha t
makes SLO unique . Please support them . They bring tourists to our community tha t
generates tax revenue .
Skatepark
Fund the skate park ; BMX park on the Chevron Tank Farm Propert y
Hi – I hope you make the best skate park now, to pub San Luis Obispo on the map ; as we
and you wait, it will cost more as we keep waiting . The best time is now . Thank you, Cit y
of San Luis Obispo .
We are ready to build, we just need funding .
SLO skate park funding .
SLO Council – Beautiful SLO and beautiful skate park = $ for the City .
Skate park funding – Cal Poly should be contributing $ to this effort ; significant amount s
for construction and maintenance .
Skate park – if the City follows through with the funding of the Santa Rosa skate park, i t
will provide a place for the "Central Coast Freeride Club" to host events and safet y
workshops for Cal Poly and Cuesta skate boarders . The "Central Coast Freeride Club" i s
a San Luis skate boarding organization for college students and locals in the area . Started
in 2011, now over 50 members strong .
The skate park is supported by many downtown and citywide businesses . If we had th e
park the we designed years ago, then business would increase for these skate shops an d
other businesses . I fear that if we are limited to the current skate park, then shops lik e
coalition will go out of business . I have personally seen the sales figures decline due t o
lack of support for the skateboarders . Coalition also acts as a venue that hosts events fo r
the art community, clubs, and entrepreneurial college students . Allowing a shop like thi s
to struggle against the lack of skateboarder support not only affects the skateboarding
Page 11
Summa of Communit Forum Result s
"POST-IT" COMMENTS/CONCERN S
community, but also the people in these groups . Support SLO skate park ; support small
business ; support the art community ; support clubs .
Less extravagant design — less expensive . Once built, it will provide a better, mor e
desirable area for kids to spend time out of trouble in a safe place . If the new park is built,
it will also make for a destination location for traveling skateboarders and families whic h
increases business in our City .
Skateboarding is a neglected form of physical activity in the City of San Luis Obispo .
Our current park acts only as a temporary facility that can no longer contain the need o f
the community . As a highly popular sport, skateboarding needs a fair share of Cit y
funding and promotions .
The Santa Rosa skate park would provide the community of San Luis Obispo with a saf e
place to go skateboarding . Rather than having to skate in other cities or on the streets, th e
park would provide a safe haven for people of all ages to go skate without having t o
worry about traffic or pedestrians . If the funding were to be allowed for the park,I
strongly believe (and I know I speak for many) that it would greatly enrich th e
community and get kids off the streets . The Central Coast Freeride Club would als o
provide the community with safety clinics and other events .
FUNCTION : GENERAL GOVERNMEN T
With all the talk of pension let's not start offering lower wages and pension to compet e
with the lifestyle in the third world . Our City staff should be able to live in the City and
raise a family . Look for other income .
Page 12
ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY BUDGET BULLETIN SURVEY RESPONSE S
January 17,201 3
For the Community Forum on January 8, 2013, we forwarded to Council the results of the communit y
survey for all submittals received by December 14, 2012 . Since that time, we continued to receiv e
survey submittals and this report serves as an update of the information provided .
SURVEY PARTICIPATION,
By December 14, 2012, we received 279 responses . By January 11, 2013, 151 additional submittal s
were received for a total of 430 surveys responses . For the second tally, we saw an increase of onlin e
submittals as it appears that many interest groups directed their members to the online tool .
ADDITIONAL RESPONSES RECEIVE D
Below is a summary chart for the top 10 priority themes based on the responses received sinc e
December 14, 2012 . All the surveys submitted provided input on priorities for consideration as the Cit y
Council develops the 2013-15 budget . Not all surveys addressed possible adjustments to programs, bu t
several themes emerged from those listing suggestions for consideration .
Though they did not enter the top 10 themes overall, Laguna Lake and the Santa Rosa Skatepark wer e
frequent topics found in the surveys during this time period .
TOP 10 THEMES : RESPONSES RECEIVED DEC 14 TH to JAN 11 TH
ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY BUDGET BULLETIN SURVEY RESPONSES
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TOP 10 THEMES : COMBINED RESULT S
Though the ranks of individual topics changed between the two data sets, the themes largely remaine d
the same . The chart below combines the information from both survey data sets .
RANKING COMPARISON BETWEEN THE DATA SET S
In order to provide an overview as to the changes within the ranking of the individual topics, below is a
ranking chart that compares the responses from the two survey dates with the topics emerging from th e
Community Forum .
Priority Survey
Rank
12/14/12
Survey
Rank
1/11/13
Communit y
Foru m
Homeless (Issues &
Care)
1 1 7
Infrastructure Maint .
Incl . Road Repairs
2 2 -
Fiscal Health /
Responsibility
3 3 6
Open Spac e
Preservation
4 5 3
Traffic Congestion 5 6 -
Increase Bike Paths 6 4 2
LOVR Overpass 7 10 -
Neighborhood Wellness 8 8 4
Downtown Preservation 9 9
Economic Development 10 7 8
Skate Park -14 5
Public Transportation --10
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ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY BUDGET BULLETIN SURVEY RESPONSE S
TOP 5 THEMES : ADJUSTMENTS COMPARED TO 12/14/1 2
The chart below includes proposed adjustments to City services in order to fund priorities as asked in th e
survey . Since fewer themes emerged from this survey element, we combined the data for response s
received December 1 4 th through January 11 `h and the total for both data sets . The five themes did no t
change since the first survey results, but topic two and three reversed ranking with the final tally .
37
11-Jan uCombine d31
22
9 9
Reduce Scale back Service
benefits non-essential Delivery
services Method
Public Transit Raise
Taxes/Fees
kDDIIIONAL CO,MINILNIIA BLUGF.I BULLETIN St RFta RESPONSES : PRIORITIE S
What should be the most important, highest priorit y
goals during 2013-15 ?
Responses are reproduced verbatim. Where a response is shown more than once, it was received in duplicate .
1 . Save Laguna Lak e
1 . We think the water bill has raised too much! We've tried so hard to save water usage ;
however, we've been charged too much! We want to dispute the charge to our water eac h
month .
1.Take care of what we already love !
2.Don't try to be like another town . Just be our "great" small town city home .
1.Long term fiscal health and preservation of city services .
2.Controlled economic growth .
3.Neighborhood wellness .
4.Traffic issues (i .e . LOVR and 101 )
5.Keeping infrastructure updated .
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ADDITION '11,('O~L~ICAIll RI DGE.T BI LLETIN Sl -RA'E1' RESPONSES : PRIORITIE S
1.Pavement—no potholes! Dangerous .
2.Housing for seniors who are not low income .
3.Homeless! Require those in shelters to maintain clean & fix things of the facility .
4.Senior Center in SLO needs good wholesome program for seniors . Need of newe r
computers and teachers to help teach classes for use of computers .
5.Need support of meals on wheels at Senior Center .
1.Balance the budget, cost cutting, reduction of staff including police and fire .
2.Establish a strict initiative to stop the increase in fees that city staff seem to think is quir e
acceptable . No more water/sewer rate increases! No more parking fine increases! We d o
not approve of the City's attempt to broaden its power to tax `modem' devices, i .e .
cellphones .
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1.Reduce traffic congestion on the LOVR Madonna Road 101 corridor .
2.Increase the number of shelter facilities available to the homeless .
1.Preserve our SLO growth . A) Helps the environment . B) Sometimes growth .
2.Dom something about aggressive, mean increased crime . Panhandling downtown . Not
good for business or tourism .
3.Better coordination or signals . Downtown has improved . Signal at Orcutt and Laure l
Lane needs work .
4.Why are H2O rates out of control?
:ADDITIONAL CO\IAIL NIT DUET BULLETIN St RVEl RESPONSES : PRIORITIES
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1.Affordable housing .
2.Encourage consumers downtown by providing more parking at reasonable fees .
3.More reasonable rents for small businesses .
1.Create all sorts of jobs that require various skill levels and pay various levels o f
income—low, moderate, high .
2.Encourage entrepreneurship or businesses to open, stay open, grow and hire .
3.Balanced budget for City—same priority as job and business creation .
4.Safe and clean bike paths to promote cycling as a means of transportation for shor t
commutes .
5.Clean, safe environment. Streets, neighborhoods, etc .
1.Balanced budget . Eliminated unnecessary perks . Promote tourism for outside income .
2.Fix roads .
1.Continue to develop on bicycle-pedestrian infrastructure .
2.Generate new revenue to support existing service/programs .
ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY BIDGEt BC I,LE FIN SLR YE) RESPONSES : PIZIOIZIfIE S
•1 .No or slower growth : why use every little empty space and lose our beautiful city an d
country side .
2 .Stop your greed spending!
1 . Homeless population/aggressive panhandling downtow n
2 . Excessive encouragement of commercial development that is not needed (i .e . the `Fresh
and Easy' place)—terribly under-utilized .
3 . Noise pollution . Absolutely no crackdown on excessive use of leaf blowers by a n
overabundance of `landscape management' firms .
1.Traffic congestion .
2.Keep new tracts of houses at a minimum .
.
3 . Streets maintained in good condition .
4 . Don't plant trees that shed so much (like the ones we have downtown already )
1.Maintain costs instead of increasing them .
2.Don't build bike paths when the adult bike group goes before you and say they won't us e
them . It's a waste of our money . If we are going to let bikers slow our traffic down b y
using traffic lanes (instead of crosswalks and bike lanes) then teach the child bikers to d o
this, too . Don't waste money .
1.Trimming City Gov t
2.Trimming City Gov t
3.Making CDD abide by the law !
4.Eliminating City employees .
ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY BUDGET BULLETIN SURVEY RESPONSES : PRIORITIE S
1.Homeless
2.Flood control
3.Bike trails and skate park=recreation and soccer fields .
4.Open space
5.Streets/traffic congestion .
1.Make sure family residents with more than 2 cars have place to park instead of allove r
our streets . Rentals .
2.Fix our streets . Roads . Lots of potholes . Don't just patch, dig deep and get old stuff .
3.Do more tree work along City streets in neighborhoods so people can walk over hangin g
branches .
4.Clean storm drains behind homes off fields that run on to City properties . Calle Lupita ,
Melva .
5.Clean sewers better . Build bigger lift stations to handle new building, you have t o
upgrade . Do more not less, need bigger lift on Margretto .
1.Complete green belt with more open space .
2.Smooth surfaces of the roads .
3.Replace dying trees downtown .
4.Continue SLO growth policy .
1.Better police action downtown . Get the homeless and transients off the streets and don't
all them to camp out in front of private businesses .
2.Pave the streets .
•
•
•
ADDITIONAL COM-1191 NI1 V BUDGET RI LLGfIN SERVE) RESPONSES : PRIORITIE S
1.Improved medical care . Need high quality primary care MDs . Most popular doctor s
aren't taking new patients . Also, many won't accept Medicare .
2.Dredge Laguna Lak e
3.Homeless population keeps shoppers away from downtown .
4.Reverse plastic bag ban or at least stop charging for paper bags . Way too man y
regulations in this city .
5.Improve business environment . Downtown parking fees are too high . People don't want
to go there to shop .
1.Improve city streets and infrastructure .
2.Locate a major department store (e .g. Macys, Dillards, etc .) in the downtown area—
possibly east of Santa Rosa—with underground and above ground parking .
3.Expand green space areas around city .
4.Economic developmen t
5.Neighborhood wellness .
1.Lower water costs/bill s
2.Dogs are off leashes on the trails and doggie bags are left filled with poop everywhere !
Dogs, all dogs, must be on leashes !
3.Please stop people asking for money on all parking lots .
UDITION .%I . COMMUNITY BU DGET BULLETIN' SI MT)RESPONSES : PRIORITIE S
1.Delay maintenance in other areas to improve existing corner .
2.There are sources to plant trees at no cost to City (805) 704-4387 for questions . Should
not be expensive, perhaps the county or state is at fault when street was repaired .
3.Sell advertising on the banners and possibly make a profit . Should not be expensive ,
perhaps posts and chains or ropes would be adequate .
4.Most of the suggestions can possibly prevent injuries and law suits against the City .
These may not be large budget items, but most of the items have been of concern from 5
to 20 years !
1.Replace the current City Manager and reduce the base salary and related benefits for th e
City Manager position .
2.Construct long deferred capital improvement projects, i .e . upgrading the sewer plant an d
construct fire station no . 5, etc .
1.Expanding services for the homeless : families, the mentally ill and addicted, an d
veterans .
2.Developing jobs that pay a family supporting rate, as well as similar jobs for individuals .
Don't know what the community can do about this, but housing priced increasingly fo r
the affluent .
3.Delete the ill-advised "wellness" project (handle things on a complaint basis withou t
patrols and leave folks to relax on their porches without having to stand up).
1 . There sure are a lot of bumpy streets around town . Gives poor impression to visitors wh o
come to town .
1.Residents : keeping our costs down so we don't have to leave and live elsewhere .
2.Getting homeless out of area by not providing so much care .
3.Reduce costs of parking meters—I don't shop downtown much .
•
ADDITION A I .CONt :lt NIT Y BL DUET REELETIN SHINTY RESPONSES : PRIORITIES
9
1.Transient population—too much loitering and harassing for money.
2.LOVR—worst traffic in town .
3.Downtown is filthy—the Downtown Association needs to clean the sidewalks—it would
bring more revenue .
1.Homeless population—cease imports from other cities! Close town to other towns .
2.Continue efforts for bike lanes improvements, such as LOVR—bike friendly SLO .
3.Increased bus service to Cuesta/Cal Poly from more places in town and later buses a t
night .
4.Parking validations from more businesses . Free parking options downtown, especiall y
Farmer's Market .
1.Economic development—promoting income-producing tourism and light industry .
2.Essential services—health, traffic, police and fire protection, public norms .
3.Development of a permanent shelter for homeless within the City .
4.Downtown improvement and promotion—keeping the City core vital .
5.Parks and recreation availability .
1 . Please protect the safety and health of our City and our citizens by fighting to shut dow n
the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant before 2020 and remove the plutonium from th e
Central Coast .
1 . Keep gangs and other low life scum out of the City! Too many tattooed assholes!
kDDIIIONAL COQAIAIEAIll BUDGET BULLETIN SIRV'EA RESPONSES :PRIORITIES
2.Why, when I pay much property tax, do I have to see much trash and refuse alon g
Loomis Street (near Cal Poly)? It's students (Not all are PIGS!)
3.Why can't Sinsheimer Pool have longer hours ?
4.Bicycle riders have more rights and privileges than auto owners!!
5.Too many god damned barking dogs, inconsiderate owners !
1.Economic Vitality of the small business "mom & pop" ventures in downtown SLO .
2.Furthering participation in the neighborhoods in the governance of the City .
3.Regulation of proliferation of bars in downtown SLO .
4.Furtherance of display of art in the downtown-in the street s
5.Better access to Avila Bay for bikes-extending of bike paths and mass transportation .
1.Homeless campus needs to be established-how long do we expect people to be kept i n
"pause" mode-as their hopes for a return to normalcy are slowly & painfully eroded .
2.Mental health access to professionals . Can you find another generous hero like Dr . Noo r
who can organize a system to reach so many in need of care, counseling, and prope r
medication .
3.Senior Center needs continued and even increased financial or City paid personnel t o
survive . These centers are also part of the solution to meeting mental health issues as the y
can prevent the isolation and depression that many feel in their last decades of life .
1 . BUILD A SKATE PARK FOR ALL THE YOUTH IN THE AREA TO ENJOY . WE
NEED A SAFE DESIGNATED AREA FOR SUCH A GREAT ACTIVITY . IF THE
KIDS DON'T HAVE THE SPACE, THEY WILL BE ON THE STREETS . WHAT
HAPPENS NEXT? TROUBLE . PLEASE, THE SKATEBOARDING CULTURE I S
CRYING FOR THIS . YOU SHOULDN'T UNDERESTIMATE THE POSITIV E
IMPACT SUCH A PLACE CAN HAVE .
1 . SLO Skatepark
•
ADDI"t10 .A :V .(O~UII Nrrl BI' UGF T I l LLETIN SI I t\ LI RESPONSES : PRIORITIE S
1 . Getting the new skatepark underway !
1 . Implementation of the Economic Development Strategic Pla n
1.Reigning in spending on police and fire (too much of our budget goes to these services )
2.Prioritize spending on capital improvement projects that encourage sustainable mobilit y
(biking & walking). These projects are inexpensive, and worth the planning time it take s
to encourage people to get out of their vehicles and enjoy the way they move about ou r
community .
3.Reducing parking minimums for projects . Our space is our most valuable asset, an d
removing its access by turning into a parking lot (especially downtown) is of long ter m
detriment to our city ."
•
1.Preservation of Essential Services and Fiscal Healt h
2.Neighborhood Wellnes s
3.Continue to increase the amount of accessible open space around and in the cit y
4.Continue to develop bicycle pathways/corridors and walking bicycling paths in and aroun d
the city and to outlying communities .
5.Economic Developmen t
1 . Continue efforts to preserve/enhance downtown infrastructure such as tree wells, mission-
stule sidewalks and newspaper racks . San Luis Obispo is a "special place ." This is no t
because we have car dealerships or the "large format" stores on LOVR and Madonna Roa d
(like Costco, Target and Best Buy) - although these are certainly important for the Cit y
fiscal health, and provide goods and services our community wants . And it's not our
neighborhoods per se either (Fresno has some nice neighborhoods - as do many othe r
uninteresting towns). Along with our wonderful natural environment (more on this below),
DDI I ION VI,(ONIMINITI Bt DGEI BI LLETIN St RN EA RESPONSES : PRIORI IIE S
it is our delightful, vibrant downtown that makes SLO a special place . Keeping SLO
special means making a continued commitment to the Downtown, as reflected b y
continuing investment in it . The "streetscape" is an important part of this . The recent
sidewalk/tree well/tree lighting improvements show what a difference this can make! I n
the case of the sidewalk/tree well improvements, these are important safety improvement s
as well .
2.Continue efforts to preserve open space and natural resources .
As noted above, along with downtown, our wonderful open spaces and natura l
environment is what makes SLO so special . We have seen amazing success in this area :
we need to continue our efforts here .
3.Preserve Laguna Lake . Few Cities have an amazing resource like this . There has been a s
lot of "study" done on this (engineering, Laguna Lake Master Plan EIR's, et al). We need
to develop and implement a financing plan for this, so the Lake can be blue once mor e
when the sky is ; and to prevent, in the not so distant future, Laguna Mudflats . In short, thi s
is an awesome community resource : let's keep it !
4.Renew Measure Y . This has been instrumental in preserving City service levels in th e
wake of the worst recession since the Great Depression . The proceeds to-date have bee n
used exactly as promised : to fund the highest priority services, as determined by the City's
goal-setting and budget process, that provides opportunities for meaningful communit y
participation . Measure Y funding has helped keep SLO special - and will be needed to d o
so in the future .
Stateky simply, Measure Y will be essential in accomplishing the top three goals above ,
while also assuring adequate resources to catch bad guys, put out fires, fill chuck hole s
and mow parks .
1 . Economic Development : Enhancing the City's status as a creative and cultural hub for th e
County through support for businesses, ideas and public participation projects that ca n
attract tourism and dollars from outside the area .
1 . Traffic congestion and infrastructure - Los Osos Valley Road :
#1 Widen LOVR/101 overpass, or build Prado Road overpass .
#2 LOVR congestion resulting from construction of Costco/Home Depot/Target/Dick's
Sporting Goods/Olive Garden/Old Navy/Petsmart/Mac Superstore/New Frontiers/Be v
Mo/auto dealers etc . etc . without proper traffic planning and infrastructure .
(LOVR/Froom Ranch Way and LOVR/Madonna Road).
ADDITIONAL COVIl1(NITA 13(-DGET 13Il .LETIN SERVES RESPONSES : PRIORI IIi S
•
1.Homeless shelter / low income housin g
2.Upgrade Downtown infrastructur e
1 . Better bicycle access in San Luis Obispo . More green bicycle lanes .
1.Public safety
2.Fiscal responsibilit y
3.Better traffic flo w
4.Community activities with good publicit y
1 . More targeted outreach to businesses we want to consider moving to SLO . Focus on th e
specific vs . the generic . Be more pro-active .
1 . Maintenance of existing investments in infrastructure (buildings, roads, utilities) and lon g
range planning and development of new facilities needed to support City in the future .
1.The transient and homeless population throughout the City, not just downtown .
2.Provide the local business a clean and comfortable environment to do business in withou t
the fear of harassment to our customers and employees .
1DDITIONAL CONIIIITITI BUDGET BULLETIN SURI EI RESPONSES : PRIORITIE S
1 . Continuing to acquire open space that allows access . People need places to get outside an d
enjoy our beautiful environment, and the beauty of our home is a major draw for tourism ,
especially accessible open space . Current space with access is hugely popular a s
evidenced by trail use at Johnson Ranch, San Luis Mountain and Bishop Peak .
1.Attracting head of household jobs to the city .
2.Developing infrastructure for city residents that encourages non-car transit, such a s
complete streets with viable sidewalks, bike lanes, bike boulevards, and safer route s
to/from school .
3.Do everything in the city's power to increase SLO's reputation as a green city, fro m
replacing fleet vehicles with hybrids/electrics, solarizing city buildings, and encouragin g
growth that is appropriately scaled and sustainable .
1.Completion of circulation plan with emphasis on connectivity of bikeways .
2.Maintenance and upgrades to our City Park s
3.Emphasis on treating our street trees as an urban forest and replanting trees that have bee n
removed or lost throughout the city (not just downtown).
4.Completion of the neighborhood identification program - involving our neighborhoods i n
the process .
1 . Economic development while maintaining integrity for history, culture, and natura l
resources .
1.Economic Development and implement the strategic plan initiative s
2.revitalization of Mission Plaz a
3.Long term fiscal health-pension reform and contingency budget for measure Y
ADDIIIONAI CO,AIAII .NIII 13l UGET BULLETIN SU'RV'EY RESPONSES : PRIORITIE S
1 . Implementing the Economic Development Strategic Plan .
1.New 101 LOVR interchang e
2.Finish railroad trail through entire Cit y
3.Discourage Mentally ill homeless from moving to our Cit y
1 . Skate Park !!
1 . The SLO skatepark project needs the city's full attention .
1 . The Santa Rosa Skate Park, should be the highest goal . It will draw many visitors an d
tourists to SLO every day . This in turn will provide massive amounts of income to th e
local businesses and restaurants in the area . I know many SLO locals that travel to Lo s
Osos, Cambria, Templeton Atascadero, Santa Maria, Cayucus, Solvang, and even Sant a
Barbara on the weekends to skate . If the city helps us and funds the planned Skatepark ,
locals would spend more money in SLO, as well as travelers near and far . Support th e
community and small business !
1 . SLO Skate Park
1.Financial restoration without raising fees, fines, and taxes .
2.Build a SKATE PLAZA and not the ridiculous cartoon skatepark that is being proposed .
3.Stop irresponsible spending, maybe hire a city manager that actually lives in SLO and no t
Beverly Hills half the time .
VDDIIION ;%L CONIAit NIT BUDGET BULLETIN SURV EI RESPONSES : PRIORITIES
1.Help in enforcing neighborhood codes, ie RVs parked in front of houses and in driveways ,
clutter
2.Laguna Lak e
3.Homelessnes s
1 . Laguna Lake and maintenance of lake . Looking at options to keep lake viable .
1.Finish City fiber optic network and expand availability to residences .
2.Support local schools .
3.Slow commercial development .
4.Relax Police presence .
5.Long term financial policy, ie save surplus if we foresee a future deficit ... pla n
conservatively for future costs ."
1.Clean and safe neighborhood s
2.Skateboard par k
3.Bob Jones trail completio n
4.Laguna Lake maintenanc e
1 . Continuing to acquire open space that allows access . People need places to get outside and
enjoy our beautiful environment, and the beauty of our home is a major draw for tourism ,
especially accessible open space . Current space with access is hugely popular a s
evidenced by trail use at Johnson Ranch, San Luis Mountain and Bishop Peak .
•
S
ADDITION A1 . COVIAlI NITY BE DGET BE I .EETIN SERVE) RESPONSES : PRIORITIE S
1.Attracting head of household jobs to the city .
2.Developing infrastructure for city residents that encourages non-car transit, such a s
complete streets with viable sidewalks, bike lanes, bike boulevards, and safer route s
to/from school .
3.Do everything in the city's power to increase SLO's reputation as a green city, fro m
replacing fleet vehicles with hybrids/electrics, solarizing city buildings, and encouragin g
growth that is appropriately scaled and sustainable .
1 . As part of efforts for economic development and downtown revitalization I think the Cit y
should consider adding an arts element or art district to its priorities . I recently noticed
that the City of Ventura includes the arts as a distinct element of their Downtown Specifi c
Plan going so far as to dub themselves California's New Art City -
http ://wwvv .cityofventura .net/downtown
1 . SKATEPARK!!!
1.Build a new skate park at the Santa Rosa par k
2.Improved infrastructure for bicycle traffic .
ADDITIONAL C011JI1 1111" 13l'DGE I nl'LLEEIN St RAEV RESPONSES : PROGRA M
ADJUSTMENTS
•
How might the City adjust other programs & services t o
accomplish these priorities ?
Responses are reproduced verbatim . Where a response is shown more than once, it was received in duplicate.
1.Teaching the homeless to find simple jobs and not be freeloaders only .
2.Help correct the high pensions people receive and retire early and then get jobs . Thei r
income is high .
3.Do not spend money on cosmetic causes .
1 . Support infrastructure maintenance rather than create new advisory groups, committees ,
etc . That is—take care of what is already built, regulated, etc . first .
1.Please fix the signal at Oceanaire and Madonna Rd . Traffic backs up on Madonna .
2.Can we get better computers for the Senior Center? They don't have to be new, but not b e
old . Watch spending .
1 . Establish a system to fill city positions with volunteers—we are blessed to have man y
talented `retired' citizens in this city that would jump at a chance to help out .
1.Continue policy of new growth paying for itself through upfront fees .
2.Stress growth and new development controls G .P . and all planning documents .
I . You tell me !
1 . Do not offer or continue to offer services/programs that invite homeless people to com e
live in the City . Help those who want to be helped to get off streets . Prioritize those wh o
want to be helped to get off streets . Prioritize those people. Ok to help those who are
•
ADDI I IOSCO~I,~IEAIII BIDGET BI I .I_E:7IN SlRN E\ RESPONSES : I'ROGRA,l
1D .JESTAIENT S
unable to help themselves due to e .g . mental illness, etc . but do not have the effect o f
inviting more vagrants .
1 . Cut the frills .
1.Spend less on Downtown improvement projects (i .e . replacing perfectly functiona l
sidewalks and trash cans on Higuera Street).
2.Spend less time and money on things like the trash can ordinance/code enforcement . That
program does not improve quality of life, etc .
•
1 . The City should reduce retirement benefits to ALL employees—former, current an d
future !
1 . Offer financial incentives to businesses using alternative energy sources or sustainabl e
usage .
1 . Presence of police officers .
1.Provide water consumers with ideas or products that reduce consumption, such as aut o
shut-off on showers, that are not near the shower . Grey water systems, alternatives to
water softener systems, etc. Be progressive, not punitive . People want to do the righ t
thing, help them . You'll get gratitude instead of resentment .
2.Eliminate manual reads on water meters . Saves labor costs .
:1DUrnOSnt, COJIAIL .APtl BUDGET BULLETIN SI R\ F1 RESPONSES :PROCRIV I
1D .~t StT lEN FS
•
1 . Do the work not just think about it . Lots of new people do not know what floods an d
what doesn't flood . Learn the area first hand not rely on maps, learn easements check ou t
storm drains, start finish . Floods do happen . Hate to sue again .
1.Tow the line on more buses, fire engines, etc . We have enough now .
2.Slow growth—especially in the Broad Street Corridor . You're not putting in long-ter m
housing—it's all high density, residential and commercial—not much desire for that now .
1 . Eliminate tree committee . Decrease regulations . Fees too high here .
1.Reduce tier 2 pension benefits to 2% at 60, if not already the case . 2 .3% at 57 for publi c
safety employees .
2.Reduce annual cost of living increases to 2% for all City retirees, including publi c
safety—if not already the case .
1 . High fines if a dog is off the leash! Or an owner leaves a doggie bag—isn't that littering ?
Makes SLO look terrible .
LION CO .Alll( NI I)I31 DGI T Rt LLEI IS St R\ E\ RESPONSES : I'ROC.R A V I
:~UJCSCAIESI S
1 . Lobby for county/state mental health services (with changed laws) to involuntar y
hospitalize several ill people for longer periods that the 72 hour revolving door . When I
first came to SLO in the 70s, it was possible to stabilize patients with 2,3,4 weeks in a
safe environment . The emptying of state hospitals in the 80s without $$ fo r
comprehensive local services in my opinion has also led to an ongoing population of th e
ill remaining on the streets
1 . Don't give allowances to developers . Make them pay their fair share . Look at LOV R
overpass . Target and Madonna should pay for this—not us . Don't build on Orcutt Rd .
Plan .
1.Stop approving so many liquor licenses and restaurants ; it's out of balance for a busines s
based community .
2.Charger higher water/sewer rates for out-of-area landlords .
3.Consider designating a building/center for youth/teen services and activities .
4.Hire a master-degree level social worker to help address and plan for community needs .
You need a clinician on board—not just administrators .
1 . Eliminate natural resources department .
1 . Nothing hardly gets down any way so I don't have any suggestions!! Happy New Year!!
PS—there's too many lawyers in this town!! They file too many bogus/bullshit lawsuits!!
•
ADDI ION 11 .(OMVIINEFA 131 :DGET HI IA 1IN SCRYEY RESPOASES :PROGRAV 1
AD.R MEN I S
1.I think the City and all cities should for one thing simplify the (lower the cost) of permits -
you end up with increased building resulting in property taxes which is the counties, cit y
(SLO) real bread and butte r
2.More informed public on how to sponsor and volunteer for this kind of human helpin g
hand endeavor .
1 . CUT EXPENDITURES, REVISE PREEXISTING PLANS FOR A MORE CONCIS E
DESIGN, ASK THE SKATEBOARDERS WHAT THEY WOULD NEED TO ENJO Y
THE FACILITY . IT WON'T BE VERY HARD, I SWEAR :)
1 . Reducing police & fire spending :
a.Do not upgrade fleet vehicles as ofte n
b.Increase traffic violation ticketing (i .e . texting, phone use, speeding) to enhanc e
public safet y
c.Reduce police involvement in noise violation s
2 . Capital improvement project spending :
d.Biking & walking facilities are a fraction of the cost of motor vehicle roadways &
require less maintenance in the long ter m
e.Health funding can be leveraged by these projects b/c of their health benefit s
f.Development fees towards sustainable mobility project s
3 . Reducing Parking Minimums :
g.Change existing policy for new project s
h.Reflect increasing % of people who are choosing other transportation options on a
daily basi s
i.Encourage the notion of not parking immediately outside of your business &
enjoying a walk to/from your car ... you will be more likely to pop in and make a
purchase at a local store this wa y
1 . I am unable to answer this, as I do not have enough familiarity with how the current Cit y
budgets its services .
1 . Sale of bonds for establishment of fund . On-going contributions by development entitie s
and grants/other sources .
ADD!I ION00 COAIA1I NI I A BE DOE F BI I 1 J I IN St RN EN RESPONSES : PROW(,1A I
AD.IESTAIL VI S
•2 .Look for efficiencies to eliminate City jobs . Fill where possible with contract personne l
or not at all .
1 .Evaluate public safety budgets to trim the fat .
1 .Take a larger global view of how other regions and cities successfully make this happe n
(in reference to a better transportation system).
1 . Streamline the processes that businesses and organizations who interact with the Cit y
must deal with . For the fees charged, less City staff/work may be in order .
1 .
1.Take a close look at the expanded neighborhood enforcement program implemented wit h
the 201-13 budget . Is it really making a positive difference commensurate with its cost ?
2.Renew Measure Y
1 . Instead of hoping desired businesses find out about us, we should identify specifi c
businesses within specific industries of interest to us and reach out to them individuall y
and personally . Similarly, we should look at more industry specific advertising an d
promotion media ...tech publications vs . WSJ, geographically-specific advertising &
promotion where desired businesses may be concentrated .
1 . Cut back on number of police positions, especially at management level .
~UDIIIOS,AL COAIAIISITV 13CDGET BULLETIN SCRV El RESPONSES : PROGRA M
;AD .IC5tAIi :NIS
•
1 . Diversify downtown businesses, add a 4th parking garag e
1 . Additional pension reform including cost of living increases for existing retires limited t o
no more than 2 per cent per year . I do support a defined benefit pension system for cit y
employees, however, the system for current Tier One employees (even after the 201 2
reforms) is still too rich .
1 . Our parks are in poor condition (with trip hazards and a lack of recycling opportunity a t
every park). This budget cycle needs to see an amount equal to the $700,000 .00 spent o n
downtown sidewalks last year spent on improving our residential neighborhoods an d
parks .
1 . 10% paycut to top earning City employees .
1 . The implementation of the Plan will only serve to enhance other priorities, programs an d
services . All are interconnected and related .
1 . Delete Park Rangers, use PD, Wildlife Biologists, Natural Resource Manager and othe r
positions that similar sized cities don't have . Utilize volunteer s
1 . The city has done an excellent job of preserving and maintaining the downtown core, bu t
it has been at the expense of other community services . The skating community does no t
have as strong voice as many other groups, but nonetheless represents multipl e
generations and families . Its time to share the wealth and give up some of the downtow n
dollars.
•
ADDI7IONA1 . (OAlAIL NIl A BEDGE r Bt 1 .EE.TIN SCRs ES RESPONSES : PROGRA M
MR S7 Al EN I S
1 . Please put full funding into this project (skate park )
1 . I don't see any need to spend money on revamping or re building the downtown area .
People love downtown as it is . Many made comments at the city council meeting abou t
funding downtown reconstruction, but the truth is that the grass is always greener . Why
should we spend more money on a place that people already love? If we do, will they al l
be happy with the changes in 5 years? 3 years ?
What makes sense is funding the skatepark . The current area designated for skating i s
insufficient and practically inoperable for the community that needs it . Once it is built the
city will not hear complaints at future meetings about how it could be better . That i s
absurd! We know what we want . We have the plans for what we want . All we need is th e
funding . The city can't win every battle that comes its way, but it can provid e
unfathomable amounts of joy to the many that have dedicated years and years of thei r
lives to the cause .
What is sad is that I see many of SLO's youth that were once involved and hopeful for th e
future of the skate park, starting to lose hope . What lesson does it teach these kids t o
ignore their dreams of the new skatepark? I assure the city that the crushed spirits of thes e
impressionable youth will only contribute to more harm . I fear that without a public plac e
for the youth to call home and be proud of, crime might go up in SLO . As a young chil d
the skateboarders in my area got in trouble for skating in places that they weren't mean t
to be, which only contributed to further disobedience and disrespect for the law .
The more kids that see themselves as criminals for skating, the more they will start t o
believe that they are criminals . Rather than raising another generation of troublemaker s
and lawbreaking youth, let's raise a generation that can participate in the growing spor t
legally . In short, building the skatepark . Will result in less crime, and more hopeful la w
abiding youth . And in three to five years when more complaints about why downtow n
isn't better come up, the city can utilize the influx of money that the skatepark wil l
provide to address those concerns .
1 . Accept the skatepark proposal
ADDITIONAL COAIAll NIT BUDGET BULLETIN St R%El RESPONSES : PROGRAA I
ADJ LSTAI ENI S
1 . An adjustment is what council members would need in my opinion if they thought of thi s
project any less than being a go, as in, now . If a back hoe and a bulldozer is not moving ,
rebar is not being layed, and concrete is not being poured it is the wrong answe r
1.I would try to avoid temporary financial mechanisms in favor of smaller, more stabl e
ones .
2.I would not spend money we know we're going to need in the near future .
3.I would reduce police spending .
4.I would allow cultural events/tourist attractions such as Mardi Gras ."
1 . Increase the fee of parking meters rather than changing them to credit card use, Sto p
buying ridiculous things like a double decker bus that didn't fit the garage, washin g
station and various city routes due to its size . Impose a sales tax on liquor and downtow n
bars as a source of revenue .
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1 . These priorities go hand in hand with the stated city goals of economic development an d
infrastructure rejuvenation . Don't build our city for cars . Build it for people .
1 . Maintain the 1/2% Measure Y program .
1 . Just spend time building it.
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ADDITION AL,(OAIJIPAIll BEDGEt Bl1 .1 .Ei IN SURVEY RESPONSES :PROGRA M
ADJIST1t1 :ATS
1 . Fund the new San Luis Obispo skateboard park and Amphitheater to keep kids busy an d
healthy, and also bring tourism . If kids have somewhere to skateboard then they won't
get into trouble skateboarding downtown and causing shenanigans! Its the right thing t o
do, hear our plea .
1 . Increase property tax .
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