Tuesday, June 7, 2016

The council approved 11 routine items on consent, including calling the November 8, 2016 municipal election and accepting a $20,000 grant for Office of Neighborhood Safety programs.

The council approved creating a ballot initiative to raise property transfer taxes on sales above $400,000. The measure passed 5-2, with Bates and Pimplé voting no. Currently all property sales face the same 1% transfer tax rate, but the initiative would create two rates: 1% for properties at $400,000 or less and 1.5% for higher-priced sales.

A new 5-member committee to oversee electric vehicle and transportation programs was approved 5-2, with Butt and Pimplé voting no. The committee will provide oversight of the city's programs aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions through transportation improvements.

The council approved temporary zoning rules while the city updates its main zoning code. The interim rules passed 6-1, with Martinez voting no. The temporary rules will fill gaps and address immediate zoning issues during the multi-year code rewrite process.

The council unanimously approved updates to city sign laws by combining 4 separate chapters into one. Property assessment increases were also approved unanimously: a 3.02% increase for the Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District and a 3% increase for Marina Bay landscaping and lighting assessments.