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Health & Fitness

San Rafael Snapshot - May 30, 2013

Proposed Use of Park, Recreation and Open Space “Measure A” Funds
On Monday June 3, the City Council will hold a study session on the use of Measure A Funds, which the City will begin to receive this summer. This County measure was recently passed to maintain and improve parks, recreation and open space throughout Marin. The Council will hear issues related to wild land urban interface fire prevention, parks maintenance, and recreation facilities repair and renovation and discuss how to best allocate these new funds. The study session will take place Monday at 6 p.m. in the Community Development Conference Room on the third floor of City Hall.

Budget Update
Also on Monday night, the City Council will be reviewing the Proposed Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Operating Budget. For the first time in several years, staff has been able to bring forward an annual general fund budget that is constrained but does not require service reductions, staff reductions or other cost cutting actions in order to balance the budget. Although the City’s revenues remain below their peak of fiscal year 2007-2008, revenues have been in partial recovery for the past two years. The deterioration of revenues has caused a significant buildup of deferred maintenance and has delayed the implementation of new technology that the City is now beginning to re-address. While Fiscal Year 2013-2014 is very limited, it is good to see that we are starting to climb out of the negative recession years. The proposed budget includes provisions for two limited-term service level enhancements: our Homeless Initiative, as well as some limited funds for Downtown Beautification, which will address some of that area’s deferred maintenance. Click here for the staff report.

Homeless Action Plan
Due to the late hour, the Homeless Action Plan item at the last City Council meeting was postponed for discussion until the next Monday’s meeting. The Plan outlines short and long-term actions to address the various needs around the issue of homelessness in our community and specifically in the Downtown. Click here to read the staff report and action plan.

Coffee and Codes
The Community Development Department is hosting a short seminar to discuss the process of re-tenanting commercial spaces. Reuse can trigger a variety of issues including zoning use review, ADA upgrades, fire sprinkler installation, exiting upgrades, and other life-safety requirements. The discussion will outline the parameters and discuss triggering mechanisms. The talk takes place Thursday, June 6 from 9-10 a.m. in the City Council Chambers, coffee and pastries included. Click here for a flyer.

Sanitary District Rate Increase Proposed
The San Rafael Sanitation District is proposing increases in its charges to cover the cost of providing service needs, including collection, treatment and disposal. The current rate is $53.13 per month and the proposed amount is $57.91 for 2013-14 up to $71.72 by 2017-18. The Sanitation District will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, June 26 at 8 a.m. in the City Council Chambers where the Board of Directors will consider this increase. Protests must be submitted in writing. Click here for more information.

Fire Department Outfits Car with Solar Panels
Did you know that our fire trucks and ambulances have solar panels on them? The Fire Department has also just outfitted their first car with solar too. The solar keeps the batteries charged which are responsible for running the emergency lights, flood lights, mobile data computer, radios, exhaust fan, patient compartment Heater A/C, suction unit, portable radios and cellular phones. Gone are the days when a vehicle has to keep running in order to keep the batteries charged up. Modern fire equipment has tremendous electrical loads and the ability to be charging while it's not running is huge.

EVENTS
Impressionists on the Water
Did you know that 85% of Impressionists had sailor, yachtsman or boat designer on their résumé? This nautical background, not often explored, inspired the many water scenes celebrated in a new book and related exhibition. Docent Rita Dunlay, will give an illustrated lecture on June 5 at 1 p.m. in the Council Chambers tracing the history of light-infused water scenes within the social context of the latter nineteenth century. Docent Dunlay will highlight pieces in the exhibition and provide a context for viewing and enjoying it. This free event is sponsored by the Friends of the San Rafael Public Library. For more information, call 485-3321.

Go Time Marin Employer Commute Toolkit Kick-Off
This year’s San Rafael Chamber Leadership Institute Class has taken on the issue of employee commutes and put together a toolkit for Marin employers. The toolkit includes localized information about commute options, resources, and easy programs employers can provide their employees to reduce transportation costs and greenhouse gases as well as increase productivity and morale. The group is hosting a kick-off event on Thursday, June 13 from 5-7 p.m. at the Embassy Suites. At the event, you’ll hear from speakers and learn about commute options from Marin Transit, Marin County Bicycle Coalition, Transportation Authority of Marin, SMART, Golden Gate Transit, Enterprise Vanpool and 511 Rideshare. You can RSVP for the free event here: http://bit.ly/15c1jzX. Click here for the event flyer.

Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament
The Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament and BBQ at Marin Yacht Club on June 20. A portion of proceeds benefits the Community Action Marin C.A.R.E. Team, helping the homeless mentally ill find the resources they need. Click here to register.

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