Tuesday, June 8, 2021

The council voted down the proposed $67 million operating budget for 2021-2022 after hearing from 33 residents who provided input on spending priorities. The budget covered all city operations including police, fire, parks, and roads from July 2021 through June 2022.

The council unanimously approved adding $600,000 to contracts with Downey Brand law firm for Point Molate development lawsuits. Five residents raised concerns about the litigation costs during public comment, expressing worries about the amendments to the legal services agreement.

A community benefits policy was approved 5-1 with Butt voting no and Johnson abstaining. The policy will create rules for when developers must provide community benefits like affordable housing or parks, with staff gathering public input through outreach sessions.

The council approved 3% increases in landscape maintenance fees for both the Hilltop neighborhood (5-1 with Jimenez voting no and Willis abstaining) and Marina Bay (unanimously). Property owners in these districts pay annual assessments to maintain neighborhood landscaping and lighting.