Water district reps send the wrong message

”
Hello Red Phone, I heard the Water District commission did not
cut their wages for meetings. I would like to see a breakdown of
the board’s votes and who voted which way.
”
“Hello Red Phone, I heard the Water District commission did not cut their wages for meetings. I would like to see a breakdown of the board’s votes and who voted which way.”

Red Phone: Dear Not Trimming Away The Excess, The Santa Clara Valley Water District’s board of directors voted 4-3 during their meeting Aug. 23 to keep the current stipend of $286.03 per meeting rather than reducing to the 2009 rate of $260.03. 

Board members who voted against the decrease were Tony Estremera, Joe Judge, Patrick Kwok and Richard Santos. Those who voted for the decrease were Board Chair Don Gage, Linda LeZotte and Brian Schmidt. 

Hats off to members like Gage who voted for the decrease. While the total amount saved would have been a drop in the bucket compared to the $312.6 million operating budget for fiscal year 2011-12, it would be a symbolic move and a step in the right direction.

There have been about 30 board meetings this year. To pay the seven board members the current rate has cost about $60,000 so far. If they would have been paid the lower rate, the district would have spent just $54,000. 

Eyesore on Condit has been cleared

“Red Phone, the old Golden Oak restaurant has not been touched by maintenance personnel for almost a full year. It is being used as a dump by folks unknown. It is directly across the street from the Outdoor Sports Center which is, and should be, a jewel in the city’s crown. However, seeing the old restaurant in its dilapidated condition is discouraging to our out-of-town visitors.”

Red Phone: Dear Get it Cleaned, Red Phone contacted John Amos, code enforcement officer for the city, who said he is aware of the concerns about the condition of this property and has an open code enforcement case.

“However, I will be closing the case because the violations were corrected earlier this week,” he said.

Good caller, it’s taken care of and the area is once again inviting to our out-of-town visitors and locals alike.