While specific discussions in the past regarding certain projects have brought in crowds overflowing the Council Chambers, this RDA workshop barely drew enough people to fill all the seats. The discussion did bring in new faces, including youth football players, and public participants.
The RDA funding of the THS stadium renovation project commanded the most speakers, for and against.
Mayor John Lazar excused himself from the Joe Debely Stadium discussion after he notified the public that he requested a finding from the California Fair Political Practices Commission on a potential conflict of interest because he owns property within 500 feet of the stadium. The FPPC found that he did have a conflict.
The Turlock City Council Members, seated as the Redevelopment Agency, agreed to keep all current projects, the recently proposed additional projects, and about 5 more projects that just came forward at the workshop.
Vice Mayor Ted Howze and Councilman Kurt Spycher reminded everyone that they were still focused on projects that would not require ongoing maintenance and operation costs.
A Youth Center, Westside Bike & Skate Park, Recreation Center (Aquatics, Bowling, Teen Center, Gym, etc), Bus Stimulus Programs, and improvements to the Golf + Golden State intersection were all added to an all inclusive RDA projects list Tuesday night.
Input from the RDA Board and community will help staff as they prepare for a scheduled November 10, 2009 public hearing for the Turlock RDA at 7:00pm.
The RDA project list is included in the state mandated Five-year Implementation and Housing Production Plan that Turlock must adopt and submit by December 31, 2009.
A subcommittee including Vice Mayor Ted Howze and Councilwoman Amy Bublak was created to oversee RDA expenditures.
Here are all the projects that will make up the new RDA Projects list once Council votes to adopt it officially on November 10, 2009.
From Adopted Budget:
Construction of Public Safety Facility – In Redevelopment Area, Yes
(Majority likely to be funded from new bond proceeds)
Infrastructure Improvements in the Westside Industrial Area – In Redevelopment Area, Portions
Columbia Pool and Park Improvements – In Redevelopment Area, Yes
Columbia Park Water Feature – In Redevelopment Area, Yes
Carnegie Rebuild – In Redevelopment Area, Yes
Downtown Property Acquisition and Parking – In Redevelopment Area, Yes
Joe Debely Field Improvements – In Redevelopment Area, No
Proposed Projects:
Downtown Property Acquisition – In Redevelopment Area, Yes
Gateway Improvements – In Redevelopment Area, Portions
Renovations to War Memorial Building – In Redevelopment Area, Yes
Renovations to Existing Fire Station #2 – In Redevelopment Area, No
Renovations to Police/Fire Training Facility – In Redevelopment Area, No
Development of a Downtown Square @ Main/Broadway – In Redevelopment Area, Yes
Improvements to Pedretti Park – In Redevelopment Area, No
Improvements to Regional Sports Complex – In Redevelopment Area, No
Improvements to Fulkerth Interchange – In Redevelopment Area, No
Additional Projects:
Youth Center
Westside Bike & Skate Park
Recreation Center (Aquatics, Bowling, Teen Center, Gym, etc)
Bus Stimulus Programs
Golf + Golden State Intersection