Friday, September 30, 2011

City of Pittsburg: Community Advisory Commission Meeting


Community Advisory Commission Meeting
Date: 10/5/2011 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Council Chambers
65 Civic Avenue
Pittsburg, California 94565


Please click here for the agenda and supporting information.


To change your eSubscriptions preferences, click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f

To unsubscribe from all City of Pittsburg eSubscriptions, please click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f&unsubscribe=1

City of Pittsburg: Around East County: Pittsburg steel firm workers to walk again for diabetes cure


Around East County: Pittsburg steel firm workers to walk again for diabetes cure
Posted Date: 9/30/2011


By Trine Gallegos
Contra Costa Times
Updated: 09/29/2011 09:44:43 PM PDT




It's year No. 20, and USS-POSCO employees are getting ready to walk the walk.
Literally.
About 70 workers from the Pittsburg plant will join thousands of others for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation annual Walk to Cure Diabetes. The walks are held in October in four Bay Area locations.
Since 1991, the employee-driven fundraising has collected more than $1.5 million for diabetes research.
This year's goal for the local steel manufacturing company is $125,000.
Company president and team leader Bob Smith was inspired to support the diabetes research foundation 20 years ago because of the nonprofit's "strong commitment to find a cure for diabetes."
"We know the money we raise will be used well, and that it will make an important difference in the lives of people with type 1 diabetes," he said in a news release.
To achieve this year's goal, the team went on a major letter-writing campaign, sending hundreds of requests to all they know.
To keep up the fundraising spirit, the company offers incentives, such as T-shirts and awards.
Smith and the employees are grateful for the "many charitable individuals and organizations who share our support of JDRF. It's a real tribute to the generous nature of our employees and business partners."
One of the other important aspects for the USS-POSCO team is that the walk serves as a bond for the participating employees.
"As we organize carwashes, barbecues, golf tournaments (and the like), there is definitely a sense of teamwork and camaraderie," Smith said.
So dedicated are the Pittsburg workers that the company has been the highest-producing corporate Bay Area walk team for the past seven years.
"We remain motivated because this is a cause we believe in. Many of us have friends or relatives who are affected by type 1 diabetes, and we know of the difficult challenges they face. It is gratifying to be part of that effort," Smith said.
The Pittsburg company employs nearly 1,000 people and converts hot rolled steel coils into three main product lines: cold rolled sheet, galvanized sheet and tin plate.
The walk is held at family-friendly venues that feature entertainment, food and children's activities. The locations and dates are: Oct. 9 in Santa Clara; Oct. 16 at the Oakland Zoo; Oct. 23 in Monterey; and Oct. 30 in San Francisco. For more information, go to www.jdrfbayarea.org/walk.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Wow -- 1,600 pounds of food. That's a lot of groceries.
That's exactly how much Antioch's Dhyanyoga Center recently donated to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.
Jan Handel, the center's administrator, said it decided to help because "we believe it is our responsibility to help those who are suffering as best we can," adding that it's grateful to be able "to serve our community in this way."
About 35 folks gathered from the nonprofit educational and spiritual center to get donations and buy the food to give away.
In addition to the gift of food, Handel says the center provides "a safe and peaceful place for individuals to go within, to heal their hurts, to stretch, to grow and to connect with their own divine nature. ... No small thing in these challenging times."
The center, which opened in 2008, focuses on "serving as a vehicle for emotional, physical and spiritual well-being."
Located on Contra Loma Boulevard, it offers a variety of classes and workshops pertaining to the broad subject of yoga, including yoga postures, stress reduction, meditation, creativity, vegetarian cooking and yoga philosophy. For more information, call 925-779-9660.
Contact Trine Gallegos at trineg@att.net, or East County Editor Craig Lazzeretti at clazzeretti@bayareanewsgroup.com.




To change your eSubscriptions preferences, click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f

To unsubscribe from all City of Pittsburg eSubscriptions, please click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f&unsubscribe=1

City of Pittsburg: Community Emergency Response Team Training


Community Emergency Response Team Training
Date: 10/3/2011 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Cost: FREE
Location: Delta Hawaii Community Room
875 Stoneman Avenue
Pittsburg, California 94565
CERT Training Fall 2011




To change your eSubscriptions preferences, click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f

To unsubscribe from all City of Pittsburg eSubscriptions, please click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f&unsubscribe=1

City of Pittsburg: Pittsburg overpass dedicated to fallen police officer


Pittsburg overpass dedicated to fallen police officer
Posted Date: 9/30/2011


By Rick Radin
Contra Costa Times
Updated: 09/30/2011 06:44:54 AM PDT




The Pittsburg Police Department and state, county and city officials on Thursday dedicated the Harbor Street overpass over Highway 4 to Officer Larry Lasater, who was shot and killed while trying to catch two robbery suspects in 2005.
State Sen. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord, sponsored the legislation for the dedication. Lasater, who was 35 when he was killed, was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps before joining the police department, said Pittsburg police Lt. Brian Addington.
"He was an outstanding police officer and represented everything the police department stands for," Addington said.



Tuesday, September 27, 2011

City of Pittsburg: Spare the Air Day!


Spare the Air Day!
Date: 9/28/2011 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Location:
Wednesday, September 28, 2011 is a Spare the Air Day in the San Francisco Bay Area. Concentrations of ground-level ozone pollution are forecast to be unhealthy on this day. Hot temperatures and light winds will combine to produce poor air quality for the Bay Area.
To help prevent smog, please:
 -  Carpool or vanpool with friends or co-workers
 - Take public transportation
 - Telecommute -- work from home instead of driving to work
 -  Link necessary trips and postpone errands if possible
To plan your commute online, visit 511.org.
To monitor current air quality conditions, visit http://www.sparetheair.org
Visit the Apple App Store to download the FREE Spare the Air iPhone application for alert notifications, local air quality forecasts, podcasts and several tools to help reduce air pollution!
This AirAlert is provided by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Thank you for doing your part to Spare the Air!



To change your eSubscriptions preferences, click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f

To unsubscribe from all City of Pittsburg eSubscriptions, please click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f&unsubscribe=1

City of Pittsburg: City Council Meeting


City Council Meeting
Date: 10/3/2011 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: Council Chambers
65 Civic Avenue
Pittsburg, California 94565
Click here to view the agenda


To change your eSubscriptions preferences, click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f

To unsubscribe from all City of Pittsburg eSubscriptions, please click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f&unsubscribe=1

City of Pittsburg: Operation Write Home


Operation Write Home
Date: 10/1/2011 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Steeltown Coffee & Tea
695 Railroad Avenue
Pittsburg, California 94565



"OPERATION WRITE HOME" FOR TROOPS IN OLD TOWN SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011.
Visit Old Town Pittsburg For This FREE Card Making Event For Our Troops For "Operation Write Home" On October 1, World Card Making Day, 1pm - 4pm.

Pittsburg, CA - September 26, 2011
- Local resident Mary Burks is working to bring some joy to our Service Members and their families this year by bringing "Operation Write Home" to Pittsburg. On World Card Day, October 1, 2011, Burks is providing the opportunity for visitors to Old Town Pittsburg to participate in this rewarding event that provides blank, homemade greeting cards for Service Members to send home to their loved ones.
"Until I read my Stampin' Up! magazine last week I did not know about Operation Write Home.  Since reading that article I am so excited to be bringing this opportunity to the people of Pittsburg and letting them make a card to send to troops all over the world who can then send that card back home to their family or friends", says Burks. "Many of us send thank you cards to our heroes but they don't have any blank cards to send home when they want. This organization allows them to pick the perfect card to send home when they want to", she adds."Mary approached me about hosting the event at my coffeehouse and I immediately jumped at the chance to participate and champion this cause", says Adrian Badger, owner of Steeltown Coffee & Tea in Old Town Pittsburg. "This is such a novel way of supporting the troops that I just couldn't say no", Badger adds. "So visit downtown on Saturday afternoon, make cards for this special cause and support our heroes. Let's show our Service Members how much appreciation Pittsburg has for the work they do."Event Details:
WHAT
: World Card Making Day and Operation Write HomeWHEN: Saturday, October 1, 2011. 1pm - 4pm.WHERE: Steeltown Coffee & Tea, Old Town Pittsburg
More information about these events can be found online at:Operation Write Home: http://operationwritehome.org/mission.html
About Mary BurksMary Burks has been a Pittsburg resident since 1980. Her children went through Pittsburg schools and have always been a part of the community. Mary has been a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and Creative Coach for about 3 1/2 years and enjoys sharing this craft of card making with the community.About Steeltown Coffee & TeaSteeltown Coffee and Tea (http://www.steeltowncoffee.com) is East Contra Costa County's only independent, third-wave coffeehouse specializing in top-quality espresso, coffee and tea beverages while being dedicated to social responsibility and minimizing its global footprint.  Steeltown Coffee & Tea is open Monday - Thursday 7am - 7pm, Friday & Saturday 7am - 10pm, and Sunday 8am - 7pm.  Live music is common on Friday & Saturday evenings, and a Karaoke night is scheduled monthly.

Steeltown Coffee & Tea
Adrian Badger
695 Railroad Avenue
Pittsburg, CA 94565
p 925-246-5840
m 925-325-9394
adrian@steeltowncoffee.com

www.steeltowncoffee.com

Mary Burks
p 925-427-7225
marymarg47@yahoo.com
marybstampin.stampinup.net
 


Tags: "For the Troops,"" Military"

City of Pittsburg: Neighborhood Meetings


Neighborhood Meetings
Date: 10/1/2011 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Location: Hillsdale Park
Daffodil Drive
Pittsburg, California 94565


The City of Pittsburg's Neighborhood Team is hosting a series of Neighborhood Meetings.  The City wants to bring City Hall to the neighborhoods to talk to you about City projects, neighborhood projects, and local issues. 

Neighborhood meetings will be held:

Date Neighborhood Location Time
September 17         D Senior Center,
300 Presidio Lane
10:00 a.m. to Noon
September 17     F Senior Center,
300 Presidio Lane
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
October 1     H Oakhills Park,
Southwood Drive
10:00 a.m. to Noon
October 1     G Hillsdale Park,
Daffodil Drive
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
October 15     A Americana Park,
Parkview Drive
10:00 a.m. to Noon
October 15     C Pittsburg High School,
Campus Quad
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
November 5     B Marina Vista Elementary School,
50 E. 8th Street
10:00 a.m. to Noon
November 5     E Highlands Ranch Park,
Rangewood Drive
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For more information about the neighborhood meetings, including information about which neighborhood you are in, please click HERE for the Neighborhood Improvement Team's website page, or call (925) 252-6975.

To have a specific issued addressed at a neighborhood meeting, please email the City prior to the meeting date at NeighborhoodTeam@ci.pittsburg.ca.us

Check out our Facebook at Pittsburg.CA Neighborhood Program




To change your eSubscriptions preferences, click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f

To unsubscribe from all City of Pittsburg eSubscriptions, please click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f&unsubscribe=1

City of Pittsburg: Neighborhood Meetings


Neighborhood Meetings
Date: 10/1/2011 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Location: Oakhills Park
Southwood Drive
Pittsburg, California 94565


The City of Pittsburg's Neighborhood Team is hosting a series of Neighborhood Meetings.  The City wants to bring City Hall to the neighborhoods to talk to you about City projects, neighborhood projects, and local issues. 

Neighborhood meetings will be held:

Date Neighborhood Location Time
September 17         D Senior Center,
300 Presidio Lane
10:00 a.m. to Noon
September 17     F Senior Center,
300 Presidio Lane
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
October 1     H Oakhills Park,
Southwood Drive
10:00 a.m. to Noon
October 1     G Hillsdale Park,
Daffodil Drive
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
October 15     A Americana Park,
Parkview Drive
10:00 a.m. to Noon
October 15     C Pittsburg High School,
Campus Quad
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
November 5     B Marina Vista Elementary School,
50 E. 8th Street
10:00 a.m. to Noon
November 5     E Highlands Ranch Park,
Rangewood Drive
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For more information about the neighborhood meetings, including information about which neighborhood you are in, please click HERE for the Neighborhood Improvement Team's website page, or call (925) 252-6975.

To have a specific issued addressed at a neighborhood meeting, please email the City prior to the meeting date at NeighborhoodTeam@ci.pittsburg.ca.us

Check out our Facebook at Pittsburg.CA Neighborhood Program




To change your eSubscriptions preferences, click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f

To unsubscribe from all City of Pittsburg eSubscriptions, please click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f&unsubscribe=1

Monday, September 26, 2011

City of Pittsburg: Pittsburg making new push on James Donlon extension


Pittsburg making new push on James Donlon extension
Posted Date: 9/26/2011


By Rick Radin
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 09/23/2011 12:00:00 AM PDT
Updated: 09/24/2011 05:50:59 PM PDT


After years of delays and clashes with regional transportation leaders, Pittsburg is looking to speed ahead with building a long-awaited road to alleviate traffic bottlenecks. However, the barriers to completing the project may be as steep as the terrain through which it would run.

The City Council recently committed $685,000 out of the $1.5 million in its newly created road-building fund to an environmental impact report for the James Donlon Boulevard Extension, a road it has coveted for years, according to City Manager Joe Sbranti.

The total cost of the road is estimated at $47.5 million, according to Paul Reinders, Pittsburg's chief civil engineer on the project.

The thoroughfare would connect Somersville Road in Antioch with Kirker Pass Road south of Pittsburg and relieve extensive congestion on Buchanan Road during the morning and afternoon commutes, Sbranti said.

"I've been working on this project for 20 years," he said. "It's astounding that it has taken so long to build a little 2-mile section of road."

The wait is far from over. After assessing the environmental challenges and figuring out how to pay for the project, Pittsburg must acquire the land from an owner who doesn't want to sell and work with the Contra Costa Local Agency Formation Commission to annex it into the city.

Further clouding the picture is a lawsuit by the East Contra Costa Regional Fee and Financing Authority, which Pittsburg abandoned last year because of a dispute over funding for the project. The fee-collection agency is trying to force Pittsburg to rejoin it.

The 471-acre parcel through which most of the extension would run is owned by Tina Thomas, widow of Wayne Thomas, a member of a pioneering Contra Costa County family who died in 2007.

Thomas operates a cattle ranch on the property and has for years been warily watching the city's moves, including an earlier environmental impact report.

"The road would basically bisect my property," she said. "I'm sure you can imagine my feelings about it are negative, to say the least."

Thomas doesn't know whether she could continue ranching on the property if the city acquired the right of way through eminent domain, but she said she's seen the effect of development along the western edge of her property, which borders Kirker Pass Road.

"The first EIR found that if the road went in, it would lead to fires, hazardous waste spills, litter, noise and the need for additional fencing and drainage," Thomas said. "That road would completely devastate this property."

Pittsburg must annex the land between the road and its city limit from the county because the project has never been a part of the county's general plan, Reinders said.

Annexation would require approval of the local formation agency, which reviewed an earlier environmental report for the project in 2007.

Pittsburg would need to purchase 16.8 acres of Thomas' land for the right of way and gain 52.8 acres of easement for the slopes bordering the road, Reinders said.

Seth Adams, of Save Mount Diablo, the environmental group dedicated to preserving the East Bay hills, thinks the project "relocates bottlenecks while inducing growth."

The main barrier to its completion will probably be cost, given the terrain involved, he added.

The road won't be a straight line but will wind through the hills with changes in elevation.

"There will be huge cuts and fills involved and a much larger grading footprint than has been suggested in the past," Adams said.




To change your eSubscriptions preferences, click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f

To unsubscribe from all City of Pittsburg eSubscriptions, please click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f&unsubscribe=1

City of Pittsburg: Pittsburg takes first step to 'pay to play' on redevelopment


Pittsburg takes first step to 'pay to play' on redevelopment
Posted Date: 9/26/2011


By Rick Radin
Contra Costa Times
Updated: 09/23/2011 05:30:36 PM PDT




Pittsburg has taken the first step toward adopting the state's "pay to play" rules for keeping its redevelopment agency alive and preserving the agency's assets.
Under the new rules, city and county agencies must opt in by paying a fee, which would be used to offset state budget deficits, to allow their agencies to continue operating.
Pittsburg's buy-in is $6.5 million for fiscal year 2011-12 and about $1.5 million in subsequent years.
The state Supreme Court has delayed implementation of the law while it considers a challenge filed by the California Redevelopment Association.
The City Council tentatively approved opting into the new revelopment rules this week. It could move ahead quickly to officially pass an ordinance agreeing to the rules if the state wins, said City Manager Joe Sbranti.
If the law is upheld, opting out could result in turning redevelopment assets over to an oversight committee consisting of the county, school districts, fire districts and other agencies that could sell the assets and spend the money themselves, Sbranti said.
Pittsburg's agency, one of the largest per-capita in the state, has about $24 million in assets, in the form of property, leases and loans in various forms, he said.
"Reducing crime and blight aren't necessarily the goals of the school district and the fire district; they're the goals of the city," Sbranti said. "If we were to lose all that property, there would no longer be a focus on the big picture Pittsburg has been working toward."
The city would pay the buy-in fee by scaling back or canceling projects it has already committed to build, Sbranti said.
Turning over the money would seriously limit what Pittsburg's agency could do, he said.
"About half of that will be housing money," Sbranti said. "So our agency would be paying $3.2 million to balance Gov. Brown's budget rather than building affordable housing."
The Pittsburg Planning Commission has dropped consideration of a second phase of the La Almenara housing project from its Tuesday agenda because of uncertainties over redevelopment funding.
The opening of the first phase of the project, a joint venture between the redevelopment agency and San Francisco-based Domus Development, is scheduled in about two weeks, Sbranti said.
Contact Rick Radin at 925-779-7166.



To change your eSubscriptions preferences, click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f

To unsubscribe from all City of Pittsburg eSubscriptions, please click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f&unsubscribe=1

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

City of Pittsburg: Community Emergency Response Team Training


Community Emergency Response Team Training
Date: 9/26/2011 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Cost: FREE
Location: Delta Hawaii Community Room
875 Stoneman Avenue
Pittsburg, California 94565
CERT Training Fall 2011




To change your eSubscriptions preferences, click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f

To unsubscribe from all City of Pittsburg eSubscriptions, please click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f&unsubscribe=1

City of Pittsburg: African-American Health Empowerment Expo


African-American Health Empowerment Expo
Date: 9/24/2011 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Pittsburg High School
1750 Harbor Street
Pittsburg, California



Health Expo: A call to action to African-American families


WHAT:
African-American Health Empowerment Expo

WHEN:
Sept. 24, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE:
Pittsburg Senior High School
1750 Harbor St., Pittsburg, CA

WHY:
African Americans in Contra Costa County have poorer health outcomes than other racial or ethnic groups in almost all categories. They have higher death rates in heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, homicide and unintentional injuries. This situation is largely preventable and needs to change. Change begins with the individual.

WHO: Members of the East County African-American community and county health advocates have banded together to give African-American families the tools and information to take individual and collective action in regards to their community physical, emotional and spiritual life well-being.

INFORMATION: Itika Greene, AAHEE chair, 925-957-5439 (Expo hotline) or via email at: aahee@sbcglobal.net
REPORT: Contra Costa Community Health Indicators http://www.cchealth.org/health_data/hospital_council/









To change your eSubscriptions preferences, click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f

To unsubscribe from all City of Pittsburg eSubscriptions, please click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f&unsubscribe=1

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

City Council Meeting Agenda - Monday Sep 19, 2011 7:00 PM



 

 

 


CITY OF PITTSBURG

AGENDA

 

September 19, 2011


CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
65 CIVIC AVENUE, PITTSBURG, CA

CLOSED SESSION
5:45 P.M.

REGULAR MEETINGS
7:00 P.M.

CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING AUTHORITY
PITTSBURG ARTS AND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
PITTSBURG POWER COMPANY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

PRESIDING
Will Casey, Mayor/Chair
Ben Johnson, Vice-Mayor/Vice-Chair

Nancy Parent, Council Member/Board Member

Salvatore Evola, Council Member/Board Member
Dwaine “Pete” Longmire, Council Member/Board Member

FOR HOUSING AUTHORITY:
Dana Leatherwood, Housing Authority Member
Joanne Alvergue, Housing Authority Member

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pittsburg City Council meetings are held the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:00 p.m.  The Housing Authority meets in conjunction with the City Council on the third Monday of each month. The Pittsburg City Council meets regularly in the Council Chamber at 65 Civic Avenue, unless otherwise noted above.  The City Council also sits as the Board of Directors of several other City agencies.  All other Agencies meet on an as needed basis and will be listed above if applicable.  Copies of the open session agenda packets, which are distributed to the City Council, are on file in the office of the City Clerk, 65 Civic Avenue, Pittsburg, California, and are available for public inspection, beginning 72 hours in advance, during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except from noon to 1:00 p.m. and City holidays).  The Pittsburg Library is also provided a full agenda packet for your convenience.  As a courtesy, the agenda and reports are also located on the City’s website at www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us.  Additionally, if any reports or documents, which are public records, are distributed to the City Council less than 72 hours before the meeting, those reports and documents will also be available for public inspection in the City Clerk’s Office and on the day of the meeting in the Council Chamber at the public counter area below the dais. 
NOTICE TO PUBLIC



The Audience Remarks period is for the public to comment on any items scheduled to be heard during the Closed Session portion of the meeting, if applicable.
















Fall Prevention Awareness Week


Council Members may make brief announcements or informal comments at this time.  Council members may ask questions for clarification from City staff, and make a report on their activities, including reports on committee assignments (see attached list of ad hoc committees and other public agencies in which Council members participate).  (No Action Required)




The City Manager may make brief announcements or informal comments at this time and brief the Council on items of interest.  (No Action Required)


Members of the audience who wish to address the City Council or Agency Boards on issues that are not scheduled for the agenda and on any items listed as part of the Consent Calendar should complete a Speaker's Card available at the dais.  Please read the card carefully in order to fill out the card properly.   Submit the completed card to the City Clerk before the item is called, preferably before the meeting begins.  Individuals will be given three minutes to address the Council unless additional time is allowed as provided for spokespersons.  Prior to speaking, each member of the public shall state their name and business and City of residence in a clear and audible tone of voice.  (No Action Required)









On August 5, 2011, the City of Pittsburg Housing Authority received notification of a funding award of $238,881 to provide twenty-five (25) additional Vouchers to homeless veterans participating in the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Program.





The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires the City Council to review and approve the 2010-2011 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). This report provides a summary on the activities approved by the City Council in the 2010-2011 Annual Action Plan and undertaken in the period from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011.




The 2011-2012 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan was approved on May 16, 2011 by Resolution No. 11-11620. This plan included the CDBG funding recommendations for the 2011-2012 program year.  California Network was awarded twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) for the program year 2011-2012.  After further discussion with the subrecipient the grant funds will be recaptured  and the funds will be reallocated amongst the remaining subrecipients, thus requiring the substantial amendment.


Staff is recommending amending Title 13 “Waters and Sewers” of the Pittsburg Municipal Code to require property owners to be responsible for establishing water service accounts and the payment of all water related charges for the property.  If adopted, the change would only be applied to accounts established after the effective date of the ordinance.  Also, staff is recommending changes to Title 13 that would enable the City to record unpaid water bills as a lien on the property served.  Additional miscellaneous minor changes are recommended to sections of Chapter 13.12, Chapter 13.14 and Chapter 13.24 that will extend the period of payment of bills by (5) five days and update or clarify language.


The Redevelopment Agency of the City of Pittsburg (the “Agency”) has actively operated as a redevelopment agency since 1958.  During this time, the Agency has assisted in various types of redevelopment projects throughout the Los Medanos Community Development Project Area.  On June 29, 2011, the Governor signed into law ABx1 26 (“Dissolution Act”), which automatically suspended redevelopment activities as of the effective date of the bill and subsequently dissolves the Agency and ABx1 27 (the Voluntary Payment Act”) (collectively, the “Legislation”), which provides that the suspension and dissolution provisions of the legislation will not apply to the Agency if the City of Pittsburg (the “City”) adopts an ordinance committing to pay specified amounts for distribution to schools and other taxing entities.
Under the Legislation, the deadline to opt-in to the Voluntary Payment Act is November 1, 2011.  If the City does not choose to participate in the AB 27 payment program, the Agency would be dissolved as of October 1, 2011.  In such case, an oversight board would direct the disposition of Agency assets with proceeds to be transferred to the Contra Costa County Auditor-Controller for distribution to local school districts and other taxing entities.
In July 2011, the California Redevelopment Association (the “CRA”) filed a suit (the “CRA Suit”) challenging the validity of the Dissolution Act and the ability of the State legislature to enact the Voluntary Payment Act.  In response to the CRA Suit, the California Supreme Court ordered a stay on most of the Dissolution Act, excluding the provisions that require suspension of redevelopment activities, and a stay of all of the Voluntary Payment Act, pending a determination of the CRA Suit.  Consequently, dissolution of the Agency as of October 1, 2011 is currently stayed, and the adoption of this Ordinance is contingent on a determination by the California Supreme Court that the Voluntary Payment Act is in full force and effect.







The Pittsburg Power Company (“PPC”), doing business on Mare Island as Island Energy, currently procures electric power for resale from the Western Area Power Administration (“Western”) under Full Load Service (FLS) Contract 04-SNR-00688 as amended on October 2, 2007, which is scheduled to terminate on September 30, 2015. In order for Western to purchase long-term supplemental power for periods extending beyond the FLS Contract termination date, Western amended the FLS contract to extend the service term to September 30, 2020.


This is the adoption of an ordinance introduced on August 15, 2011, to: 1) amend Pittsburg Municipal Code (PMC) Title 18 to rezone certain properties around the existing Pittsburg/Bay Point BART Station from M (Mixed Use) District to M-P (Mixed Use with a Master Plan Overlay) District; 2) adopt a Master Plan containing a land use, circulation and development standards for the M-P District; and, 3) amend PMC Chapter 18.53 (Mixed Use District) and Chapter 18.78 (Off-Street Parking and Loading) to be consistent with the Master Plan.


On August 15, 2011 the City Council adopted a Resolution of Intention providing notice that the City of Pittsburg intended to amend its contract with the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide a lesser pension formula of “3% at 55” to safety employees hired after October 29, 2011.  Also on August 15, 2011 the City Council introduced, waived further reading, and passed to second reading an ordinance to amend its CalPERS contract.  The proposed actions finalize the City’s adoption of the lesser pension formula for safety employees hired after October 29, 2011.


The Pittsburg Arts and Community Foundation, Inc. (Foundation) is requesting that the Board of Directors (Board) amend the adopted Operating Budget for FY 2011-2012. The amendments would require the use of an additional $105,136 in Foundation start-up funds if plans for additional revenue generation do not come to fruition.


The City of Pittsburg Public Works Department maintains a fleet with a replacement value of over $6 million.  The Department has requested, and received, a price quote for replacement for one (1) street sweeper that is past its useful life, and which has a lower reliability and higher maintenance requirements.  The bid exceeds the $150,000 threshold that requires approval of the City Council.


Pittsburg Power Company (PPC) has contracted legal services from Mr. Russell H. Townsend to handle legal matters for Pittsburg Power Company and Island Energy. The existing Agreement for Attorney Services with Russell Townsend expired on June 30, 2011. The Pittsburg Power Company intends to retain his legal services for Pittsburg Power Company and Island Energy for the next two fiscal years, from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2013.


The Pittsburg Power Company (“PPC”), doing business as Island Energy on Mare Island, modifies its Electric and Gas Tariff Schedules as needed to provide better guidelines to its utility operation on Mare Island. In a continuing effort to improve operational efficiency, clarify utility, customer and application responsibilities and to comply with changes in Federal and State laws and regulations, staff is proposing certain changes to the Island Energy Electric and Gas Tariff Schedules.


Contract 2011-06, Civic Center Improvement Project, Phase 4B (the “Project”) is for the construction of various improvements in the Civic Center including the completion of the Power Avenue closure at Davi Avenue, way finding signs to the courthouse, city hall and library, pedestrian pathways and parking improvements at the library and overflow courthouse lot.  Adoption of this Resolution will accept the plans and specifications for the Project, and award a construction contract to James Breneman, for the base bid amount of $201,462.37.


Contract 2010-18, Kirker Creek Mitigation Project, (the “Project”) was awarded to Park West Landscaping of Dublin, California, for the installation of irrigation, trees, and shrubs along the south bank of Kirker Creek as mitigation for the California Avenue Widening Project.  This Resolution will accept construction as complete and authorize the City Engineer to file a Notice of Completion for the Project.


Contract 2010-29, Herb White Way Safe Routes to School Safety Improvement Project (the “Project”) consists of constructing pedestrian safety improvements on Herb White Way.  This includes constructing a traffic circle at West Eighth Street, bulb-outs, and other traffic calming and pedestrian safety measures on Herb White Way from West Tenth Street to Marina Boulevard.  On August 31, 2011, bids were opened for construction of the Project.  Bids received were higher than the amount of funds available.  If approved, this resolution will reject all bids and not authorize award of a construction contract for the Project.


Contract 2009-28, Railroad Avenue Pavement Rehabilitation Project (the “Project”) is for the rehabilitation of the pavement on Railroad Avenue from Linscheid Drive to the southern City limits.  This project would benefit from beginning construction as soon as possible before the rainy season.  Pre-authorizing award of a construction contract for this project will allow it to start construction approximately three weeks earlier than through the standard contract award process. If approved, this resolution will accept the plans and specifications for the Project and authorize the City Manager to award a construction contract to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder up to $1,215,000.


The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) is reportedly considering new rules regarding melting of metal in industrial operations. Staff recommends a letter to the District in support of a balance between environmental regulation and the ability of local businesses to remain competitive in a tough economy.


The City of Pittsburg (the “City’) currently utilizes the Federal guidelines provided by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program as the governing document for the overall management of the CDBG program.  The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has recommended the City establish an internal written policy and procedural guideline describing its management of the CDBG program.  The guidelines have been established and are being presented to the City Council for approval.


The City of Pittsburg (the “City”) and Blue Delta Inc., a California corporation, doing business as MOMO Restaurant (“Blue Delta”) will enter into a reimbursement agreement of funds for construction of certain tenant improvements (the “Agreement”).  The tenant improvements are those consistent with a restaurant space with outdoor dining (the “Project”) located at 610 and 630 Railroad Avenue (the “Premises”).  Blue Delta has leased the Premises from Pittsburg Arts and Community Foundation (“PACF”), the master leaseholder.


The plans and specification for Contract 2009-32, Coffee Shop/Library Expansion Project (the “Project”) are complete and the Project is currently out to bid.  This project would benefit from beginning construction as soon as possible before the rainy season.  Pre-authorizing award of a construction contract for this project will allow it to start construction approximately three weeks earlier than through the standard contract award process. If approved, this resolution will accept the plans and specifications for the project and authorize the City Manager to award a construction contracts to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder up to $1,405,000.  This Resolution will also authorize the re-allocation of unexpended funds from other project accounts into the Project budget.


The James Donlon Boulevard Extension Project, previously known as the Buchanan Road Bypass Project, is currently in the environmental phase of project development. In order to continue development of this project, staff recommends the City Council allocate $685,000 for the environmental phase of the James Donlon Boulevard Extension Project from the Pittsburg Regional Transportation Development Impact Mitigation Program funds, for a total current project budget of $710,000.


Request for adoption of a Foundation Board (“Foundation”) resolution approving a sublease agreement (“Agreement”) between the Foundation and Lincoln Child Center (“LCC”) for certain real property located at Suite D & E (“Premises”) of 51 Marina Boulevard (“Property”), more commonly known as the Plaza Marina Building. Under the proposed Agreement, the Premises would be subleased to LCC.


The State of California recommends that the Chief Fiscal Officer submit a comprehensive report to the legislative body containing detailed information on all securities, investments, and funds under the management and oversight of a public agency. The City of Pittsburg’s policy is to submit quarterly investment reports to the City Council. Pursuant to that policy, this is the FY 2010-11 fourth quarter investment report.