Policy Watch: Your weekly tip sheet to what’s going on in your community

County of Santa Clara

 Annual budget hearings; approval of $6.1B budget for FY 2016-17

 The County Executive’s Fiscal Year 2017 Recommended Budget represents a $6.1 billion spending plan (all funds) for the County of Santa Clara for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2016.

Since the analysis of major revenues was performed in March 2016 for the FY 2016-17 Recommended Budget, the Administration has identified ongoing net revenue increases of $15.5 million, primarily due to increased property tax revenues.

In addition, an additional $13,000,000 in Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Fund Balance is projected to be available after final accounting for the fiscal year, due an unanticipated payment from Anthem Blue Cross to Valley Medical Center (VMC).

Among the notable budget recommendations are an additional $626,000 added to existing grants for legal assistance and related services for unaccompanied immigrant children; $200,000 for a “New Americans Fellowship” pilot to employ 10 DACA youth; $120,000 to add an additional staff position to the Office of Immigrant Relations; $200,000 to contract with two community-based organizations to provide voter registration services; and $500,000 to Sacred Heart, PPMA, SIREN, and Teenforce for projects formerly funded by Measure A funds..

Where: Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors

When:   June 13, 2016, 1:30 pm; June 14, 1:30 pm; June 15, 1:30 pm

Link to agenda (June 13): http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=7826

Link to agenda (June 14): http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=7827

Link to agenda (June 15): http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=7828

Link to agenda (June 17): http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=7829

 

 City of San Jose

 Council to review analysis of Opportunity To Work, adopt ordinance or place on Nov. ballot

Council will revisit the Opportunity to Work Initiative, including reviewing the report analyzing the ordinance (report has not yet been released). Council can adopt the resolution, place it on the ballot in Nov., or direct staff to return on June 28th to take one of those two actions.

 

Where:    San Jose City Council

When:  June 21, 2016, 1:30p

Link to item: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2141&meta_id=579272

http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2141&meta_id=579274

Link to agenda: http://sanjose.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?event_id=6368eb1e-be97-4483-a400-d5126a8012e5

 

Discussion of recommendation on potential ballot measure to modernize the Business Tax

Council will discuss and provide direction on staff’s recommendations and options for a Nov. 8, 2016 ballot measure to update and modernize the current Business Tax.

 

Where:    San Jose City Council

When:  June 21, 2016, 1:30p

Link to item: N/A

Link to agenda: http://sanjose.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?event_id=6368eb1e-be97-4483-a400-d5126a8012e5

 

Mayor’s budget message includes allocation of newly voter-approved Measure B revenue to public safety, rehousing homeless

Supplemental Memo: This supplemental memo has been submitted in light of the success of Measure B. Liccardo recommends approval of MBA #14 – “Sales Tax Ballot Measure: 2016-2017 Provisional Budget and Ongoing Spending Priorities Plan” with a modification to include restoration of an additional two-person squad to enhance emergency medical response in the Fire Department. This combination of proposals focuses 93% of the new revenue generated by Measure B on public safety and roads, consistent with the highest priorities of residents, in addition to a $2M allocation for rapid rehousing of San Jose’s homeless.

 

Where:    San Jose City Council

When:  June 14, 2016, 1:30p

Link to item: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2140&meta_id=577567

http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2140&meta_id=577647

http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2140&meta_id=577571

http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2140&meta_id=577657

http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2140&meta_id=577659

http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2140&meta_id=577661

http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2140&meta_id=577573

Link to Supplemental Memo: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2140&meta_id=578642
Link to agenda
: http://sanjose.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?event_id=cda9083c-4c28-40dd-80de-ab008d6296e9

 

Council member T. Nguyen raises concerns re safety of neighborhoods, calls for new restrictions on supportive housing

Memo from Council Member T. Nguyen: recommending that the Council:

  • Adopt a resolution to appeal the Planning Commission’s approval of a conditional use permit to construct a 162-unit Residential Service Facility
  • Require future supportive housing projects to adopt the medical marijuana dispensary policy to safeguard neighborhood safety and harmony
    • This policy would require project conditions similar to those included in the Medical Marijuana Dispensary policy, that:
      • Remain at an agreed upon distance from schools, churches, liquor stores, health facilities, and other sensitive receptors
      • Do not create an overconcentration of supportive housing or support services
      • Establish a mediation process for nearby residents, the facility, and businesses to come together to resolve any issues
      • Consider abatement and remedies for parking control, noise, litter and graffiti, and other issues that may arise
      • Provide a 24/7 point of contact either with the project or elsewhere to handle complaints from nearby residents and businesses
      • Include any other agreed upon conditions that were developed through the Good Neighbor Agreement process

Nguyen has concerns related to the development of affordable housing to address the homelessness crisis in San Jose, specifically pertaining to neighborhood safety. He proposes the establishment of Good Neighbor Agreements, as used in Portland, OR, that includes community outreach and agreements to ensure safety. He presents a number of unanswered questions he has about measures to insure the safety of residents in the neighborhoods where these affordable housing projects would be developed.

 

Where:    San Jose City Council

When:  June 14, 2016, 1:30p

Memo from Council Member T Nguyen: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2140&meta_id=579413

Link to agenda: http://sanjose.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?event_id=cda9083c-4c28-40dd-80de-ab008d6296e9

 

San Jose Police Department opposes Oliverio’s recommendation for City to augment police with outside law enforcement

In December 2015, Council Member Oliverio submitted a memo recommending that the City Manager negotiate an agreement with both the CHP and the SCCSO to augment the San Jose Police Department (SJPD). The recommended augmented services were to focus on guarding against unsafe driving practices in residential neighborhoods; Prostitution Enforcement on the 1st Street/Monterey Road Corridor; and proactive patrols in neighborhoods to deter burglaries, particularly in areas that have high rates of property crime. It also included a suggestion that the budget for this initiative come from the budgeted funds currently earmarked for the (then) 174 vacant officer positions within the Department.

The SJPD recommends against entering into a policing augmentation agreement that exceeds what is already in place as part of the Santa Clara County Mutual Aid Protocol.

Stakeholder Input

In accordance with the Santa Clara County Mutual Aid Protocol, the first request for the augmentation of services would be made to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, which has the ability to provide support to SJPD for limited and specific operational needs. Any request for longer term supplemental patrol services would be weighed against the SCCSO’s own current needs.

The San Jose Office of the CHP would require that the SJPD first request mutual aid from the County before it would consider offering assistance.

Financial Impacts

A similar agreement was entered into by the Oakland PD and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office in 2013. The agreement covered a 90-day period and cost the City of Oakland approx. $268,000 at the time.

Impact to Community Policing and Recruiting Efforts

Many of the SJPD’s policies are reflective of community expectations. Any non-SJPD personnel would be bound by their own agency’s policies. Accordingly, any alleged misconduct would be investigated by the respective outside agency. This shift in accountability may be incongruent with many community members’ expectations.

There is also concern that augmentation of SJPD services would have a detrimental effect on morale within the SJPD as well as the Department’s current recruiting efforts.

 

Where: Public Safety, Finance, and Strategic Support Committee

When:  June 16, 2016, 1:30p

Link to item: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?meta_id=578863

Link to agenda: http://sanjoseca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/57438

 

Selling Hayes Mansion property to AREI Hospitality for $47M (Item moved to Financing Authority)

Item moved to San Jose Financing Authority:

Council will adopt a resolution authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with Asha Companies for the sale of the Hayes Mansion hotel and conference center for $47M. The sales proceeds will be used to retire approx. $36M of long-term bond indebtedness related to the Hayes Mansion and pay contractually obligated close out expenses attributed to the Mansion. The balance of funds shall be used to reduce other City bonded indebtedness related to other assets.

Unfortunately, the Hayes Mansion has not generated sufficient revenue to fund both annual operating expenses and debt service. As a result, the City has subsidized the asset of an ongoing basis through the General Fund, ranging from approx. $2M to $6M per year since 2003. In early 2016, an unsolicited LOI offering to purchase the property led to a number of interested parties that would maintain the current use of the property. After several weeks of engaging with prospective buyers, the best and highest offer was received by AREI (Asha Real Estate Investments) Hospitality. The terms of the offer include maintaining the Mansion’s current use as a hotel and conference center, and that Asha does not intend to retain Dolce management company beyond the short term.

 

Where:    San Jose City Council

When:  June 14, 2016, 1:30p

Link to item: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2140&meta_id=577801

Link to agenda: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2140&meta_id=577875

 

Removing the sunset date on incentive for downtown high-rise development

In October 2014, Council increased the unit limit of the City’s Downtown High-Rise Development Incentive Parkland In-Lieu Fee Reduction Program. In anticipation of the three pipeline high-rise projects that were nearest construction, Council approved an extension of 64 units bringing the total number of eligible units to 2,564 under the program and instituted a program end or “Sunset Date” of June 30, 2016.

The three anticipated projects were: Silvery Towers, Parkview Towers, and Post and San Pedro. To date, Silvery Towers has begun construction and locked in the parkland in-lieu fee reduction, while the remaining two projects must now compete with an additional project at North San Pedro Tower 2. There are currently 400 remaining high-rise credits under the existing high-rise incentive program, and 735 units approved for construction in the remaining three projects.

Staff recommends Council amend the Resolution to remove the program sunset date. It should be noted there are insufficient remaining units to fully cover each project. Staff anticipates that the first project to begin construction will receive full credit and the remaining two may utilize the remaining balance at their discretion.

 

Where:    San Jose City Council

When:  June 21, 2016, 1:30p

Link to item: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2141&meta_id=579296

http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2141&meta_id=579216

Link to agenda: http://sanjose.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?event_id=6368eb1e-be97-4483-a400-d5126a8012e5

 

Michelle Yesney, Shiloh Ballard to be interviewed for reappointment to Planning Commission; 2 additional seats remain vacant

There are two applicants for the Planning Commission: Michelle Yesney and Shiloh Ballard. Yesney is an incumbent who was appointed on Oct. 6, 2015 to a term expiring June 30, 2016. Ballard is also an incumbent, appointed Feb. 24, 2015 to a term expiring June 30, 2016. There are currently 4 vacancies for an unexpired term ending on June 30, 2020. 11 applications were submitted to the Council, and two applicants received interest from 4 or more Councilmembers and were invited to interview. No additional candidates received enough interest from the Mayor or Council to be interviewed.

 

Where:    San Jose City Council

When:  June 21, 2016, 1:30p

Link to item: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2141&meta_id=579334

http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2141&meta_id=579336

http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2141&meta_id=579338

Link to agenda: http://sanjose.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?event_id=6368eb1e-be97-4483-a400-d5126a8012e5

 

Selling RDA-owned San Jose Hilton property to the County for $96,000

Recommendation that the Successor Agency Board approve the purchase and sale agreement between the City of San Jose (seller) and the County of Santa Clara (buyer) to sell the property under the Hilton on South Almaden Blvd.

The property is encumbered by a long-term ground lease which was originally executed in 1991 and has subsequently been amended. The current tenant under the ground lease is West Hotel Partners. The lease provides for a first class hotel with ground rent of $1/year. The initial lease term is 55 years, to expire in 2046. The appraiser retained by the County appraised the land at $96,000. In January 2016, Dinapoli Capital, on behalf of the owners of the San Jose Hilton, offered to purchase the land for $150,000. The following day, in January 2016, the County Board of Supervisors approved a delegation of authority to the County Executive for the purchase of the property.

Successor Agency and City staff had some concerns that the appraisal prepared by the County’s appraiser was not reflective of the fair market value of the property. Given such concerns regarding value, Successor Agency staff recommended that the Oversight Board either put the property out for bid through an open solicitation process, or obtain a second appraisal. The Oversight Board Agenda also provided the Oversight Board the option of approving the sale of the property to the County at the appraised value of $96,000. At their meeting in May 2016, the Oversight Board approved, on a 5-2 vote, the sale of the property to the County for the appraised value of $96,000.

 

Where:    San Jose City Council

When:  June 14, 2016, 1:30p

Link to item: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2140&meta_id=579457

Link to agenda: http://sanjose.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?event_id=cda9083c-4c28-40dd-80de-ab008d6296e9

 

City of Sunnyvale

Public Lands for Public Use” initiative requiring voter approval of City-owned land transaction to be placed on Nov. ballot

In August 2015, Council took action to submit an initiative ordinance, without alteration, to the voters at the next general election in Nov. 2016. This initiative would require voter approval for any sale, lease, lease extension, lease renewal, land swap, or transfer of property owned, leased, or used by the City as a public park or community service amenity (the “Public Lands for Public Use Act”).

Council will adopt a resolution to place this initiative on the Nov. general election ballot. If Council takes this action at this meeting, the period for filing arguments will start immediately and the deadline to file will be June 28, 2016. If no action is taken, Council has until August 12, 2016 to place this initiative on the ballot in Nov.

 

Where:    Sunnyvale City Council

When:  June 14, 2016, 7:00p

Link to item: https://sunnyvaleca.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2747882&GUID=EA189490-EB4B-4A01-BADF-D69022339EC7

Link to agenda: https://sunnyvaleca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=455184&GUID=FBC5A24A-E1CC-4292-A607-125B182A2776

 

Gavilan Community College District

 Appointing Kathleen Rose as new Superintendent & Ratification of Employment Contract

In January 2016, Gavilan conducted a nationwide search for a new Superintendent /President. Three finalists were recommended.  The Board has selected Dr. Kathleen Rose, who is currently the Executive VP & Chief Instructional Office of the District.

It is recommended that the Board approve the appointment of Dr. Rose effective July 1, 2016, with a base salary of $239,000, to be reviewed annually by the Board.

 

Where:   Gavilan Community College District

When:  Tuesday, June 14 2016 7:00 PM

Link to full packet: http://www.gavilan.edu/board/meetings/2016/GC-BoardMeeting-20160614c.pdf

Link to agenda: http://www.gavilan.edu/board/meetings/2016/GC-BoardMeeting-20160614a.pdf

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