January 11, 2008

From the Mayor’s Desk

Mayor Burr looks at year ahead for Campbell

By Mayor Donald R. Burr
Special to the Times

I’m pleased to be serving as your mayor again this year as there are many new things happening in Campbell. In 2008, we’re looking forward to some important projects to maintain, improve or preserve the city’s infrastructure:

Civic Center East Master Plan: After a Needs Assessment indicated a new library of 42,000 square feet was needed for the city, we have begun a master planning process to look at how a new library, enhanced Museum services, additional parking, and a possible Heritage Orchard might fit on the east side of the Civic Center. Options and ideas should be presented by next summer, but funding is not yet identified.

Orchard City Banquet Hall/ Community Center Improvements: We have a capital project on the books to improve the Orchard City Banquet Hall, which was the cafeteria of the old Campbell High School. A consultant is doing schematic design work on it, as well as options to renovate two Community Center buildings to enhance adult and recreation services.

Design Options for Improving Hacienda Avenue: This street is in terrible shape and while we do not yet have funding identified for a complete make-over, we are going to begin design work to explore some alternatives and get cost estimates for them.

Winchester Boule-vard Master Plan: Draft design guidelines have been prepared and will be looked at with ideas for public infrastructure such as the streetscape. A consultant has been hired to facilitate the process and solicit community input.

Union Avenue Park: The city purchased, at less than half its value, a property on Union Avenue for the purpose of creating a public park. Design work will begin next fall and community input will be sought.

San Tomas Creek: The city was awarded a grant from the Water District to develop a trail along San Tomas Creek from around Budd Avenue to Westmont Avenue. City staff is working with the district on technical issues and will do community outreach at a later date.

Community Notification System [reverse 9-1-1]: City staff is exploring options for purchasing and installing a “reverse 9-1-1” system that can automatically call residences in the case of an emergency.

And last, but unfortunately not least:

Budget/Fire contract/Revenue Enhancements: Despite two years of deep cuts, the city continues to face financial strains. We simply do not have sufficient funds to maintain the level of service the community has been accustomed to or to improve services. At the same time, our contract with County Fire is expiring and we expect a significant increase in the cost. As a result, we need to explore new revenue options and a consultant will be helping us with that in the coming months.