Council Returns After Summer Hiatus – New City manager and recreational Marijuana Biggest Items

By Robert Haugh

The City Council returns from “summer break” tomorrow (Tuesday, August 22) after a month-long hiatus.

While we would expect a jam-packed agenda after the long recess, the meeting agenda is pretty light. Among the biggest items on the agenda include appointing a new City Manager and a study session on marijuana use.

Many controversial items (stadium curfew, stadium audit) will be tackled at the Thursday, August 24 Stadium Authority meeting – the first dedicated Stadium Authority meeting.

New City Manager

At their August 1 special closed session Council meeting, the Council voted to appoint a new City Manager. Annual salary is set at $372,886.00, plus medical and insurance benefits, a housing allowance of $3,750/month and an auto allowance of $550/month.

The new City Manager will start in October. Our sources tell us that the new City Manager will also be responsible for improving stadium oversight. That was lacking with the last two City Managers. That alone may justify the salary.

Recreational Marijuana

A study session on recreational marijuana use will be held in response to Prop 64 (November 2016 election), which decriminalized recreational marijuana use in California. Police, Fire, the interim City Manager and City Attorney will address the subject. Among the topics will be safety concerns, possible revenue sources, information from other states and jurisdictions, and possible regulation methods.

Other Items:

• The minimum wage ordinance will be adopted.
• 2018 Council meeting dates will be approved.
• The Central Park Lawn Bowl Club’s needs will be addressed. It is slated to be included in a “Central Park Master Plan.”