On Saturday, March 12, the City Council will hold a Goal Setting Program at the Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The purpose of the program is to review the accomplishments made on the 2009 to 2011 Council Principles and Priorities, as well as to identify on-going efforts initiated in that timeframe and to establish, reaffirm and update their Principles and Priorities for 2011 to 2013.
The agenda includes an introduction of newly elected and appointed Council Members; an overview of major City accomplishments for the Council Principles and Priorities for 2009-2011 with a focus on continuing programs and projects and City challenges and opportunities (see list below); comments and presentations from community attendees, with a time limit of one minute per person; working collaboratively and establishing priorities; presentations by individual council members along with a vision for the City and priority goals for 2011-2013; a discussion and priority setting. The conclusion of the meeting will have the City Council adjourn to a closed session scheduled for Tuesday, March 15 at 6 p.m.
The main topics and status of the 2009 – 2011 Council Principles and Priorities include:
Demonstrating Environmental Leadership
- Proactively extend recycle water project using economic stimulus grants and other resources – substantially complete
- Develop Master Plan to expand creek trails in City – partially complete
- Complete San Tomas Aquino/Saratoga Creek Trail – substantially complete
- Study pedestrian/bicycle access to Central Park – partially complete
- Focus on solar energy partnership options including assessment of Plasma Arc Technology & solar roofs revolving fund – partially complete
Exceptional Services & Fiscal Responsibility
- Complete General Plan for 2010-2035, including Housing Element, General Plan, Zoning & related Council policies – substantially complete
- Actively pursue economic recovery stimulus grants to maintain & improve City’s infrastructure & provide Capital Improvement funding opportunities – on going
- Continue to focus on fiscal responsibility & balanced budget – on going
- Replenish City’s General Fund Emergency Reserves – on going
- Maintain lowest combined electric, water & sewer rates in the nine Bay Area counties with emphasis on reliability and excellent customer services – on going
Connect with Community
- Expand recognition programs including “Those Who Inspire” to acknowledge individuals’ long term commitment to the City – complete
- Re-emphasize volunteer program “Volunteer Santa Clara” – complete
- Review options for Internet outreach for community input to Council decision making; and review options for enhanced communication with residents – partially complete
- Conduct senior needs assessment through collaboration with Senior Advisory Commission & non-profit agencies – substantially complete
- Consider additional Sister Cities and/or Friendship Cities to create more opportunities for international good will & cultural, educational opportunities – substantially complete
Pro-active Economic Development & Entertainment
- Develop sports & leisure program strategy – partially complete
- Complete next milestones for stadium proposal, including completion of EIR, ballot measure to voters and Disposition & Development Agreement – substantially complete
- Create Citywide retail strategy, with special focus on supermarkets – on going
- Work with Chamber of Commerce to promote small business development & retain existing businesses & attract new businesses – partially complete
- Re-visit Downtown Revitalization Master Plan & develop schedule to re-initiate efforts to move forward – partially complete
