By Gina Harden
MOORPARK | The Moorpark City Council enjoyed a relatively quiet meeting Wednesday night with few community members in attendance and zero public comments despite noteworthy items on the Sept. 4 agenda.
Following a presentation by Planning Manager Doug Spondello, the Council unanimously approved a resolution to amend the budget and authorized staff to circulate a request for proposals for the General Plan update and Environmental Impact Report. The Council appropriated an additional $450,000 for the Plan, while City Manager Troy Brown warned “it is likely that this budget will go up” as this will take a “monumentous effort.”
Councilmember Mikos, who commonly brings a historic perspective to discussions, noted that this will only be Moorpark’s second General Plan in its history and “will set the tone for next 25 years.” Stakeholders will make up a technical advisory committee approved by the Council and Mikos wants to “encourage people to participate.” She also remarked, “I’m a big fan of having something on environmental justice.” According to Brown, Environmental Justice purports to help disadvantaged communities access to government services.
According to Spondello’s report, “The General Plan serves as the principal policy document for guiding community growth and the provision of public services” and State law requires regular updates. Councilmember Simons said that this is “long overdue” and “we’ll be listening” during community outreach expected to begin in January. The process could take more than two years.
Another historic resolution was passed allowing permits for limited use of alcohol at Arroyo Vista Park for certain events held by Moorpark non profits or government agencies. Alcohol sales will not be permitted, but Moorpark residents may bring their own alcoholic beverages to the Concert in the Park, October 6.
The Council reported on their recent activities and Moorpark news. Councilmember David Pollock will attend the Southern California Assocation of Governments (SCAG) Regional Council meeting Thursday, Sept. 5, 12:15pm in Los Angeles. Pollock is one of 81 regional council members. Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks is running for 2nd Vice President in Thursday’s SCAG election.
Mayor Parvin’s meetings included the Clean Power Alliance (CPA) and Ventura Council of Governments (VCOG).
CA Assemblymember Jacki Irwin named Carrara Pastries 2019 small business of the year.
John & Molly Chester presented their film “The Biggest Little Farm” during Moorpark’s first film festival Friday evening.
Mayor Parvin introduced new Finance Director, Kambiz Borhani. The Council unanimously passed a resolution updating Moorpark City Transit’s Title VI Program in compliance with federal regulatory requirements and the Mayor appointed two city representatives to serve as commissioners to the Area Housing Authority.
Other announcements and upcoming events include:
- September 8, 3-7pm, Moorpark Education Foundation’s 6th annual food truck meetup at Moorpark High School. The event includes games and live music.
- Registration is open for Fall Recreation classes
- Sept. 16, 8:30am, Moorpark 2019 Golf Classic Benefiting the Boys & Girls Club at Moorpark Country Club
- Sept. 21, 9am – 12pm California Coastal Cleanup Day
- Sept. 21, 5-8pm Skate Night at Arroyo Vista Community Park
- Oct. 5 – Country Days
- Oct. 6 – Mammoth Run
- Oct. 6, 3pm – Moorpark’s 1st Concert in the Park
September is library card sign up month. The library is offering either a tote bag or card holder as well as free replacement cards.
The next regular Council meeting will be September 18th, 6:30pm.
Gina Harden resides in Ventura County. You can follow her @libertygrows on FB, Youtube.
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