Barktoberfest Brings Pints and Pups to White Park
The Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center fundraiser is about as good as it gets.
In person meetings are back, City Council and the public will meet for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic to go over line items ranging from updates on parking rates, police department budget for new and used vehicles, adjustments to speed limits and renewing a reward offer.
The Public Works Department asks that City Council receive and file the community engagement plan for the development of an amended parking rates and hours schedule. The program was first changed on February 15, 2022. Businesses voiced their concerns about the change, prompting council to reinstate the prior parking program on July 19th. Council gave the staff three to seven months to return with an alternative parking program. The staff has prepared an update for the council stating that they are in the process of purchasing a license for the “Balancing Act” software which will allow members to see the breakdown of the budget and see how the software comes up with the ideal balanced budget. This will be made available to the public on a parking webpage and during meeting to gather community feedback.
The 2021 City Spirit Award will be presented to Lynn Heatley by Mayor Lock Dawson. The award is acknowledgement of Heatley’s, “extraordinary deeds, community spirit, citizenship and dedication to enhancing the quality of life in the City of Riverside.”
The City Attorney’s office asks Mayor Lock Dawson and council to reconsider the circumstances of the state of emergency due to the COVID pandemic. If the circumstances have been found to have changed social distancing measures could be lifted.
The Finance Department asks council to approve the services agreement with MainStreet Communication for citywide printing services. The total contract amount of $4,653,600 would cover the initial one-year term costing $930,720 and four one-year extension options. This amount was calculated by looking at the average amount the city spends on printing services which came out to $692,000 and the five percent increase on paper products in the last fiscal year. MainStreet Communications pricing while not the lowest were the most qualified, according to the staff report, given the combination weight factor for pricing and higher scores in qualifications and experience.
The General Services Department asks council to waive the formal procurement process that authorizes the purchase of new and used police vehicles including motorcycles. The estimated cost per vehicle is $65,000 for a total-not-to exceed amount of $1,700,000 annually. Between February 22 and June 30, 2022, the police department purchased 20 vehicles for a total amount of $700,887.54
Due to continued vehicle shortages in the automotive market the General Services Department asks council to continuously waive the process and authorize the purchase of new and used vehicles. Five affirmative votes are needed.
The Library Department asks council to approve the Memorandum of understanding that states that donors of the Foundations Literacy Legacy Program have naming rights to Riverside Library spaces, innovation centers, facilities and buildings. The goal is to raise $10 million over a five-year period. Funds are intended to augment the library’s annual General Fund budget.
The Riverside City Police Department asks council to renew the offer of a $10,000 reward for information leading to the identification and apprehension of the person or persons responsible for the May 10,15 and 17 2022 home invasions. The invasions took place at the 14100 block of Ashton Lane, 18400 block of Moss Road and 1500 block of Kyle Court. The first offer was made on June 23,2022.
The Public Works department asks council to adopt an ordinance that will designate the prima facie speed limits. The streets affected will be Jurupa Avenue in the Arlanza Neighborhood from Rutland Avenue to Crest Avenue with a new speed limit of 35 MPH and Mobley Avenue in the La Sierra Neighborhood from Hole Avenue to Cook Avenue with a new speed limit of 30 MPH.
The projects will be funded by Senate Bill 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. On April 28, 2017, the Governor of California signed the bill to address the basic road maintenance, rehabilitation and critical safety needs of both state highways and local street networks. This bill is funded by fuel excise taxes, diesel fuel sales taxes and vehicle registration fees. The projects waiting for approval include maintenance and rehabilitation improvements to eight miles on three arterial streets, one collector street and 23 local streets, the reconstruction of eight alleys and traffic safety improvements to seven intersections.
The City’s Marketing Department offers options to expand language access for limited English proficiency persons through Spanish translation of City Council and Committee meeting broadcasts and agendas
The Inclusiveness, Community Engagement, and Governmental Processes Committee continues to discuss the City Council Rules of Procedure and Order of Business regarding number and role of Boards and Commissions and consider the introduction of a Model Deaf Community Commission.
Public Works Department recommends the conduct two annual Transportation Board Meetings (January and July) dedicated primarily to the review of Downtown parking items and have two annual reports before a City Council Standing Committee for review of Downtown Parking items.
The City’s Finance Department recommends that the Budget Engagement Commission review the current Measure Z spending plan with a comprehensive Measure Z life-to-date spending plan update. They will discuss the approved 2022-2024 City Budget which includes an annual drawdown of Measure Z funds for ten items including new Police Headquarters, annual deferred maintenance of existing City facilities, road and street pavement improvements, tree trimming, Public Safety & Engagement Team Program- Urban staff expansion. Office of Homeless Solutions staff expansion, Public Safety & Engagement Team Program – Wildlands staff expansion, Public Safety Enterprise Communication System, establishment of the Office of Sustainability, and sidewalk repair.
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