The City Council will discuss joining other American cities
Wednesday in objecting to Bush administration plans that would
drastically reducing the cities
’ abilities to assist local social service agencies in helping
the disabled, seniors, at-risk youth, battered women and low-income
residents.
The City Council will discuss joining other American cities Wednesday in objecting to Bush administration plans that would drastically reducing the cities’ abilities to assist local social service agencies in helping the disabled, seniors, at-risk youth, battered women and low-income residents.
The administration plans to combine the federally funded CDBG program (Community Development Block Grant), now funded at $4.355 billion, with 17 other grant programs for a future total of $3.71 billion.
Local agencies are fearful that, if the administration gets its way, the result will mean less money for their work with needy residents.
In 2004 the city handed out $172,200 in grants including a $4,996 grant to transport youth to the city’s new Aquatic Center.
It was CDBG money that gave some financial backing to the new Dayworker Center on Depot Street at East Main.
Live Oak Adult Day Services and El Toro Youth Center received some grant money; capital improvement funds went to renovating the Friendly Inn, expanding El Toro Youth Center, upgrading parks to comply with the American Disability Act and improving the Sobrato Transitional Housing project.
Also on the council agenda are a proposed area transportation program and news that extra space in the police department building has finally been leased.
Staff from Valley Transportation Authority will brief council on the agency’s draft long-term capital investment program for the next 30 years.
The city had always hoped to rent the extra 6,080-square-feet in the new police building that was too large for the department’s needs. Solara Energy, a provider of renewable power generation systems, plans to relocate its operations from Gilroy.
The Coliseum Recreation Group submitted the only proposal for a potential public-private partnership to develop and operate the proposed outdoor sports complex on Condit Road. March 15 was the deadline.
The Coliseum Group proposes a sports activity facility adjacent to the city’s complex near the Aquatic Center. The group is backed by Morgan Hill resident Doug Payne and his management team, along with a group of San Jose-based investors.
City staff will evaluate the proposal and return to council with a recommendation within 30 days.
The Public Safety and Community Services Subcommittee meets Wednesday also, at 5pm, and will address discussions city staff has had with the South Valley YMCA and YMCA/Mt. Madonna. The agencies have said they would submit proposals to provide aerobics and fitness services in the new indoor recreation center on West Edmundson Avenue.
The subcommittee will also discuss the $1 million the city may contribute to the new regional soccer complex next to Sobrato High School and funding a school resource officer.
City Council and/or the Redevelopment Agency meets at 7 p.m. most Wednesdays in City Hall Chambers, 17555 Peak Ave. Details: www.morganhill.ca.gov or 779-7271. Council meetings are broadcast live on cable access channel 17.
