On Thursday, June 2 the Rules Committee of the Oakland City Council removed consideration of the FY 11-13 budget (including the determination of the fate of the Oakland libraries) from the City Council’s June 7 agenda.  Instead, the budget and library’s future will be on the June 21 agenda.

While a decision on the fate of Oakland library closures is being postponed by the budget process, the Oakland City Council will be considering a 5% increase in the voter approved library service parcel tax, Measure Q on  June 7.   The terms of Measure Q allow the Council to increase the tax by up to 5% each year without a vote of taxpayers.

From Victorian cottages to turreted mansions, this leisurely stroll in central Piedmont will focus on homes in the historic heart of the city.   Ann Swift, currently president of the Cameron Stanford house, will draw on her extensive background in Piedmont to share architectural information of early Piedmont as well as stories of the families who moved here after the San Francisco Earthquake in 1906.  See where Frank Havens lived when he moved to Piedmont, visit the sea captain’s house with a tragic past, and learn why there is a Duck House in Piedmont.  Please call Mary Ann Benson (510-595-4015) to reserve a space.

When: Saturday, June 11, at 10 a.m.
Where: In front of Piedmont City Hall
What: Walk in historic Piedmont of Centennial Homes
Cost: Free, however the book Cottages and Castles will be available for purchase.

It’s a fact of life that not many people have time to attend public meetings. This is not unique to Piedmont.  Despite interest, busy schedules and other commitments often take precedence.

So, how can Piedmont residents learn what’s going on at City Hall? Most major meetings, including those of the School Board, the City Council, and various Commissions, are held in the Council Chambers at City Hall.  These are televised on KCOM, live streamed on the city’s website, and videotaped for City archives. Occasionally, other meetings, such as League of Women Voters forums are held in the Chambers and broadcast on KCOM.

Piedmonters have access to many online sources to keep informed and participate in civic issues:

• Review City and Board of Education Agendas & Meeting Materials
• Receive notices from the City and Schools
• Watch KCOM video of meetings during or after a meeting
• Search the online archive of City Minutes and Staff Reports
• The Piedmont Civic Association – check the PCA website or receive email updates of new articles

Piedmont’s future library service relationship remains unsettled as the Oakland City Council considers drastic library reductions and the elimination of their Library Department. Even as Oakland’s library services shrink, the City has continued to demand increased library contributions from Piedmont and Emeryville.  Reports of Oakland’s demands have varied.  Reportedly, Oakland City Council member Libby Schaff proposes that Piedmont pay $497,722.22 and Emeryville pay $470,332.80  per year for Oakland library services. Piedmont City Administrator, Geoff Grote has previously reported an Oakland demand of $596,000.  The basis of the numbers has not been defined.  On a per capita basis, Piedmont’s population has diminished since the 2000 census, while Emeryville’s has increased.

Meanwhile, library systems throughout California are making tough decisions in light of anticipated State budget cuts to library funding.  Beginning July 1, 2011, the Santa Clara County Library (SCCL) District will charge an annual $80 card fee to non-residents of the SCCL District to use online services or borrow books and other materials.  Click to read more »

A resident’s response to Piedmont Soccer Club President Mark Landheer’s letter in the Piedmont Post:

Piedmont Post Editor,

I am relieved by PSC President Mark Landheer’s May 25 Post letter stating, “Kids at Blair Park will not cross Moraga Avenue.” The unsafe traffic mitigation proposed by ELS will no longer be necessary. Click to read more »

Piedmont’s proposed FY 2011-12 budget includes an increase of $275,000 for street resurfacing, compared to $175,000 last year. Piedmont has always been proud of its well maintained roadways, but heavy winter rains have caused cracks to enlarge and pot holes to develop. Sidewalks and gutters also require ongoing attention.

If residents notice problems such as cracks, unsafe conditions, holes in the public right-of-way, they may contact the Public Works Department at cnakahara@ci.piedmont.ca.us or (510) 420-3050. When City Hall is closed, call the Police non-emergency number:  (510) 420-3000.

Roadway damage on Moraga Avenue Click to read more »

Capital Improvement Projects Recommendation Highlights:

• $1.1 million for artificial turf and lights at Coaches Playfield (85% of available funding)

• $200,000 split among 4 other projects.

• Public input on use of remaining half of church building – 801 Magnolia

Click to read more »

Mid-year cuts or additional deferrals to the Piedmont Unified School District (PUSD) budget may be necessary if state-wide tax extensions are not passed, the PUSD administration advised the Board of Education at its May 25 meeting.   Current State funding levels will require the PUSD to address a $1 million shortfall in its 3-year budget plan. Click to read more »

A Report from the Chair of the 2011 Municipal Tax Review Committee,  Michael Rancer

At its May 25 meeting, the Municipal Tax Review Committee began examining possible revenue and expenditure growth trends for the next 5 to 7 years.  The committee has determined, based on data from the past 30 years, that revenue changes from year to year can be very volatile and therefore unpredictable, though longer term trends tend to even out the year to year fluctuation somewhat.  Still, it is not possible to precisely predict most of the city’s revenues sources from one year to the next.

Expenditure trends are much more predictable, and also more under city control.  Click to read more »

The Letterman Trip

by Larry Kelley

Located on 54^th and Broadway in Manhattan, Dave Letterman’s Late Nite Show emanates from the former home of the Ed Sullivan Theater. When I was the age of today’s Piedmont bird callers, most American families gathered around their television sets on Sunday nights wanting to Click to read more »