RulesCommunications Highlights 2008 0501

Home

Rules and Communications Committee May 1, 2008 Page 2 Mr. Jermanis gave background on the formation and purpose of the two Redevelopment Advisory Committees (RACs). Mr. Jermanis commented that, while the work of the RACs was valuable in the early stages of the Redevelopment Project Areas, their work is now winding down, and several members have resigned their positions. As a result, RAC meetings are held less frequently, and are sometimes cancelled due to lack of business. While the RACs are much less active than they have been in the past, their meetings still require staff support. The idea has been introduced to consider consolidating the duties of the RACs with those of the Planning Commission, and to do away with the RACs. Mr. Jermanis noted that two of the RAC members, Tom Dlugosh and Dale Reed, are also Planning Commissioners. If the Committee recommends the dissolution of the RACs, the duties of the RACs would be reassigned to the Planning Commission, and the RAC members would be recognized for their many years of service and contributions to the City and Agency. Chair Santos inquired about the attendance of the RAC members. Community Development Director Luke Sims stated that overall the attendance of the remaining RAC members has been consistent. Committee Member Souza, while acknowledging that there are several vacancies on each RAC, stated that she is not in favor of reducing channels of communication, and she noted the different perspective provided by the RACs. She suggested that perhaps the membership of the RACs could be reduced. Committee Member Souza asked if the RAC members have terms. Assistant to the City Manager Cynthia Battenberg stated that the original term of the RAC members was three years, and expired in 2004. The terms have been renewed twice since then. Robert Battinich, a member of the Alameda County-City of San Leandro (JPA) RAC, was present, and Chair Santos asked Mr. Battinich for his opinion. Mr. Battinich stated that he has spoken with some of his fellow RAC members, and they agree that while serving on the RAC is time-consuming, they are very proud of their service and feel that they add value and a different perspective to the decision-making process. Mr. Battinich noted that Planning Commission members are political appointees, and would likely have a different perspective than RAC members, many of whom represent the business community. Mr. Battinich commented that in the eight years he has served on the JPA RAC, he can only remember five meetings being cancelled. Chair Santos suggested that if the RACs are retained, they may need to be reconstituted. He commented that the remaining RAC members may need to be polled to assess their interest in continuing to serve. Chair Santos asked whether Planning Commissioners and BZA members should also serve as RAC members. Mr. Jermanis indicated that we could do as Committee Member Souza suggests and reduce the number of members on each RAC. Chair Santos commented that we could also consider combining both RACs. He recalled that there was a Redevelopment Advisory Commission that existed many years ago.