• City Council Meeting April 2016

Interesting meeting, different than usual in that there weren't any of the traditional agenda items (such as future housing developments).  

It opened with an update from city attorney Thomas Jex in regards to the Walmart project.

The report there is that the judge recently, in that case (against the Wildomar Walmart), granted a motion to have the case dismissed. So that matter has been dismissed. The parties are working on preparing the judgment document. once that judgement is entered, which should be in the next couple of weeks, the plaintiff will have 60 days to file an appeal. 

Again, when it comes to sue happy litigants, they have no common sense and though CREED-21 (the one(s) in question here) has no case, I wouldn't be surprised to see this get appealed. We shall see.

Next up was an Eagle Scout proclamation for Elvin Schlanger from Troop 2011. 

From left to right, from Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez's office Mario Herrera, from Congressman Ken Calvert's office Brenda Dennstedt, Eagle Scout Elvin Schlanger, from State Senator Jeff Stone's office Megan Locke and Wildomar Mayor Bridgette Moore.

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We met two girls from David A. Brown middle school who were being recognized for their quick action.

"Early afternoon on Friday March 4th a call came over the school radio about kids and a truck and 911. Kylee Soliman and Jordan Rodriguez had reported to their PE coaches that a neighbor of the school was in trouble."

A person was stuck under a truck. While working on the transmission it got put into reverse and came off the jack stands and pinned him.

They each received a certificate of commendation for "quick heroic actions that helped save the life of a man, and being a shining star in Wildomar."

Upfront are Kylee Soliman and Jordan Rodriguez.
They are flanked by members of the David A. Brown staff and Mayor Bridgette Moore.

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• Lisa Almilli, from RTA, discussed Veterans Express Transit System (VETS) which assists vets in transportation to the VA hospital in Loma Linda.

• Wildomar's new Fire Chief, Todd Phillips, was introduced —though he's actually been a member of the community for many years... having graduated from EHS back in 1988.

Public Comments 
• Ken Mayes requested that a Sheriff's report be (re)added to the regular city council agenda.

• George Cambero mentioned that he's having a community coffee at the west side Starbucks, at 6:00pm next Friday, April 22nd. If you have questions about water, he'll be there to answer them.

Item 1.9 of the consent calendar came as a surprise to me. Planning commissioner Gary Brown has resigned and there will be advertisements for a replacement. 

If you think you'd like to be part of the planning commission, give city hall a call and ask for an application. 

Though this commissioner vacancy is the seat tied to Councilmember Marsha Swanson, you do NOT have to be from her district to apply. Planning commissioners are still selected on an at-large basis. 

There were no public hearings this week (2.0 on the agenda).

The rest of the meeting dealt with things that had been discussed at the parks subcommittee meeting, and all three items passed 4-0 with Councilmember Bob Cashman absent.

3.1 Health and Fitness Fair
A local couple is spearheading the efforts to put on a 5K run, with hopes of having it turn into an annual event. It will be part of the planned Community Health and Fitness Fair on June 4, 2016. 

The 5k is named ONE RUN FOR LIFE.

With all proceeds going to the ALS One Foundation. More information and testimonials about their efforts can be found at www.alsone.org.

I spoke to them, Erin and Ken Hartley, as they were leaving the meeting with their three youngsters. We exchanged contact info and I hope to put together a blog in regards to the coming 5k.

It's a big undertaking, and though I'm the one that taught Thomas how to doubt, I'm hoping they can make it a big success.

3.2 Community Meeting Room 
Not really much here. Just affirming that the rental rate is $30 for the first hour, and $8 for the second hour.

The only discussion was if the rates should remain at that level for non-profit orgs too. 

Councilmember Cashman had discussed with Mayor Moore that he would like to see a lower fee for non-profits, if any fee at all. 

Since the fees are to offset the costs, which include a city employee being on hand to make sure the facility is secure, Cashman wondered if the rate could be lowered if a Councilmember were to take that responsibility.

Like Councilmember Swanson said, that would just end up being an additional demand on Mayor Moore's time. 

Maybe if Cashman would volunteer to take on that task, they can revisit the issue. (insert suppressed giggle here)

Below you'll see comparisons to costs in other cities. I heard that to rent the private room up at the plateau is a C note per hour.

My only question would be 'why isn't there a break for Wildomar residents?', or more properly, 'an increase for out-of-towners?'

3.2 All Wildomar 2017 Calendar-Photograph Contest
This topic will get it's own blog coverage shortly. All you need to know is that there will be a city calendar and that you're being asked to participate. 

It's not a true contest because there are no prizes to be won. Just a chance to have an image you've made used in a 2017 calendar that will be given out at the State of the City address in October.

If you like to take pictures, and are interested in participating, keep watch for the details of the contest once they are available. Well, actually they are already available, just not in a very user friendly way yet. They are part of the agenda packet (LINK) and can be found beginning on page 236.

City Manager Report 
The new sign/wrap coming to the Marna O'Brien park water tower is set to be installed Thursday, April 14th.

Future Agenda Items
Councilmember Swanson would like to see breweries allowed in commercial areas in addition to industrial areas. 

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The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.

— Helen Keller

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