HomeMy WebLinkAbout3A - Public CommentFrom:David Feltman
To:City Clerk
Cc:Teresa Gallavan
Subject:Letter to Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and Council and Interim City Manager
Date:Friday, January 13, 2023 12:42:05 PM
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Dear Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and Council,
I am writing to follow up on my suggestion that the Council create an Ad Hoc Committee for
the oversight of Capital Projects and Public Works.
I was pleased to hear the response of the Assistant City Manager to Councilmember Holstege's
request for an update on Capital Projects. While this is an important step, I will respectfully
point out that based on the late February timing for a "mid-year budget review" this will
actually be at the end of the eight month of the fiscal year. 2/3 of the year will have passed.
This makes it extremely difficult for Council or staff to course correct in any meaningful
way.
I hope moving forward the Council will create a mechanism for ongoing, substantive review
of the CIP funds which I noted last night reflects $88 million of spending-- a not
insignificant amount of taxpayer and other funds.
I believe that an Ad Hoc committee that meets every two months will lead to greater insight
on project progress and transparency for the public on the state of play on Capital projects.
While it is always helpful to hear about projects that are moving forward, I think it is
particularly important to explain to the public why certain projects are falling behind schedule
or have not been started and how and why those decisions were made. I would note that this
requires an assessment of Quimby, Measure J and General Fund revenues which are
sometimes combined to fund particular projects.
I will cross my fingers that one member of the Council will propose the creation of this
important Ad Hoc committee and that a 2nd member will volunteer to join.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
David Feltman
01/12/2023
Public Comment
Item 3A