The city's best and less-than-best for 2011
Best and less-than-best of 2011:
Most significant City Council decision: Naming 14 sites for a possible 1,027 units of higher-density, multi-family housing paved the way for balloting in 2012 on 11 of the sites in the second-ever Measure B vote on allowing densities above 10 units per acre.
Best City Council decision: Transfer of the city’s east-side sewers to the Yorba Linda Water District without money changing hands is a refreshing example of collaboration between tax- and fee-funded jurisdictions with separately elected governing bodies.
Second-best City Council decision: Seeking formal bids on the law enforcement contract held by Brea since 1970 is fiscally sound and will answer long-held questions about costs
Least “open” decision-making process: The posted Nov. 1 council agenda didn’t state a vote to end the pact in 18 months might take place. The controversial 3-2 vote could have occurred after better public notice.
Best example of leadership: The retiring schools Superintendent Dennis Smith’s 12 years of effective management included two successful bond issues, an unprecedented building and renovation program and earnest attention to achievement and new technology.
Most disappointing déjà vu moments: Current council members who were once called “naysayers” by members of a past council now often label opponents as “contrarians.”
Most unflappable city official: City Manager Steve Rudometkin calmly steers municipal business through swirling political waters stirred by personal and agenda-driven disputes. If he retires (again), here’s hoping the long-time resident will seek a council seat.
Longest campaign in city history: Principals in the 2010 council election persist in berating each other, taking time from city business to focus instead on old grudges.
Loneliest council voice: Three-term Councilman Jim Winder leaves office next year due to the city’s term limit law without serving as mayor or mayor pro-tem since 2008, as the majority of council members continue to depart from a once-traditional “rotation” policy.
Most unpleasant City Council option: Paying $4.9 million out of $21.4 million property tax income to school and special district funds to keep the Redevelopment Agency alive.
Best reform: A “whistleblower” policy, effective since Feb. 17, outlines a procedure for city employees to report improper actions, with a relief process against retaliatory measures.
Best Old Town votes: Council decisions to eliminate a pedestrian bridge and parking structure as Town Center projects were wise, but nixing a cultural arts venue arguable.
Most frugal campaigner: This year’s financial filings showed Tom Lindsey as the only council member without campaign debt, spending $1 less than $25,283 in contributions. The others still have unpaid, self-made loans, hoping for payback from future donations.
Most prudent City Council decisions: Rejecting a Friends Christian High School request to buy the now-leased 32-acre site or add an option-to-purchase and eliminating the five-acre Vista del Verde “tank farm” site as a potential equestrian facility.
Next week: predictions for 2012.
Most significant City Council decision: Naming 14 sites for a possible 1,027 units of higher-density, multi-family housing paved the way for balloting in 2012 on 11 of the sites in the second-ever Measure B vote on allowing densities above 10 units per acre.
Best City Council decision: Transfer of the city’s east-side sewers to the Yorba Linda Water District without money changing hands is a refreshing example of collaboration between tax- and fee-funded jurisdictions with separately elected governing bodies.
Second-best City Council decision: Seeking formal bids on the law enforcement contract held by Brea since 1970 is fiscally sound and will answer long-held questions about costs
Least “open” decision-making process: The posted Nov. 1 council agenda didn’t state a vote to end the pact in 18 months might take place. The controversial 3-2 vote could have occurred after better public notice.
Best example of leadership: The retiring schools Superintendent Dennis Smith’s 12 years of effective management included two successful bond issues, an unprecedented building and renovation program and earnest attention to achievement and new technology.
Most disappointing déjà vu moments: Current council members who were once called “naysayers” by members of a past council now often label opponents as “contrarians.”
Most unflappable city official: City Manager Steve Rudometkin calmly steers municipal business through swirling political waters stirred by personal and agenda-driven disputes. If he retires (again), here’s hoping the long-time resident will seek a council seat.
Longest campaign in city history: Principals in the 2010 council election persist in berating each other, taking time from city business to focus instead on old grudges.
Loneliest council voice: Three-term Councilman Jim Winder leaves office next year due to the city’s term limit law without serving as mayor or mayor pro-tem since 2008, as the majority of council members continue to depart from a once-traditional “rotation” policy.
Most unpleasant City Council option: Paying $4.9 million out of $21.4 million property tax income to school and special district funds to keep the Redevelopment Agency alive.
Best reform: A “whistleblower” policy, effective since Feb. 17, outlines a procedure for city employees to report improper actions, with a relief process against retaliatory measures.
Best Old Town votes: Council decisions to eliminate a pedestrian bridge and parking structure as Town Center projects were wise, but nixing a cultural arts venue arguable.
Most frugal campaigner: This year’s financial filings showed Tom Lindsey as the only council member without campaign debt, spending $1 less than $25,283 in contributions. The others still have unpaid, self-made loans, hoping for payback from future donations.
Most prudent City Council decisions: Rejecting a Friends Christian High School request to buy the now-leased 32-acre site or add an option-to-purchase and eliminating the five-acre Vista del Verde “tank farm” site as a potential equestrian facility.
Next week: predictions for 2012.
posted by Jim Drummond at 12:00 AM
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