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ViewPoint

City Council Briefs

April 2008

A Summary of City Council Activity from Recent Meetings

Council Endorses Staff Recommendations on Traffic Upgrades.

The Council voted 3-2 to accept a series of recommendations from City staff on a variety of transportation and traffic changes related to four major development projects the City is now evaluating. The staff recommendations were a synthesis of two consultants’ studies recommending a variety of transportation measures impacting car, bicycle, pedestrian and bus options. The seven options recommended by staff are:

• Continue planning efforts for the four major development projects.

• Work with WRT to develop a comprehensive streetscape design for the Powell/Christie/Shellmound loop area as an adjunct to their recently completed Shellmound Streetscape Design.

• Complete the Alternative Transportation Study by Nelson\ Nygaard.

• Complete the parking study by Wilbur Smith.

• Consider the draft “Framework” of the General Plan Update, including citywide transportation policies and plans.

• Develop a citywide Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program as part of General Plan and Zoning Update.

• Update the Traffic Impact Fee to include identified roadway changes.

John Fricke and Ruth Atkin were the two ‘no’ votes. The Council’s action does NOT constitute approval of the four major development projects, nor does it direct staff to begin actual work on the various options.

Council Opposes Light Brown Apple Moth Spraying.

The Council voted 5-0 to oppose the CA Dept. of Food and Agriculture’s proposed spraying of a pesticide to kill the Light Brown Apple Moth. Several speakers, some from Emeryville and others representing various organizations, spoke against the spraying, claiming the pesticide to be used has been known to cause coughing, rashes, and other adverse health impacts.

The resolution approved by the Council includes notifying the Governor of the City’s opposition and joining with other local cities to oppose the spraying, which has already begun in Monterey and the Santa Clara area.

Early Release of Draft Reports.

The Council voted 3-2 to adopt a policy prohibiting the release of draft consultant reports. Nora Davis and John Fricke voted ‘no.’ The motion was made by Dick Kassis, who introduced the item, and seconded by Ruth Atkin.

Copies of all City Council agendas and staff reports are available on the City’s website, www.ci.emeryville.ca.us.