Tuesday, July 26, 2016

The council approved a $9.5 million bond refinancing unanimously to reduce the city's debt payments and save taxpayer money over time. The refinancing will be handled through a joint financing authority to secure better interest rates.

The council passed the final Climate Action Plan and authorized $1.75 million in grants for clean energy projects. The plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with $30,000 allocated to finalize the plan and $1.5 million in state grants accepted for energy efficiency programs.

A new ordinance to help formerly incarcerated people access housing was approved, with Pimplé abstaining from the vote. The law will limit when landlords can reject tenants based on criminal history, addressing barriers that make it difficult for people leaving prison to find housing.

The council approved 19 routine items on consent, including granting Internet Archive a 30-year exclusive use agreement for 4 city fiber optic cable strands and accepting a $293,381 state grant for citywide transportation planning. Other notable items included subordinating the city's $4.5 million housing loan to a new $17.5 million bond.

The council also addressed the city's struggling paratransit program, which faces driver shortages and budget shortfalls while serving disabled and elderly residents. Additionally, they received an update on the city's 5-year budget outlook, with staff warning that current spending will drain reserves in coming years.