CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
Brian Dossey, City Manager
A couple of weeks ago you may have received an important message from PG&E (see insert). Given the growing threat of extreme weather, PG&E wants all of their customers to be prepared for potential power outages. If extreme fire danger conditions threaten a portion of the electric system serving the Town, it may be necessary for PG&E to turn off electricity in the interest of public safety. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff. To learn more about how to stay safe and about Public Safety Power Shutoffs, including details on upcoming regional open houses and informational webinars, please visit pge.com/wildfiresafety.
Staff presented the Town’s FY2019-20 budget to the City Council at the April 10, 2019 Council meeting and received positive feedback and recommended changes for the next study session on the Budget. Staff will bring the budget back to the City Council for further study on May 8, 2019, and we would like to hear your input and feedback on the budget. Please join us at the May 8, 2019 City Council meeting as staff presents the second budget study session which will include Council’s feedback and recommendations from the April 10 meeting. The Town will have the Fiscal Year 2019-20 Budget Public Hearing at the June 12 meeting where the Council will consider the Budget for adoption.
With the transition from winter to spring, what better way to celebrate this beautiful weather than by going for a bicycle ride? May 9 is Bike to Work Day and the Town will be staffing an Energizer Station for the seventh year in a row! Also, if needed we have our bicycle fix-it station available on Hillside Boulevard in front of the Community Center. Participating bike riders can stop by for encouragement and refreshments. If riding your bike to work is an option, give it a try. You may register to win prizes at commute.org. It is really fun and really good for you and our planet! If riding your bike to work is not feasible, consider using two wheels instead of four when doing your weekend chores. It will become a habit before you know it.
Finally, join in the community fun and sign up for our Town Wide Clean Up Day. The Town Wide Clean Up Day, held this year on May 18 from 9 am to 2 pm, is your opportunity to take pride in Colma by helping fellow residents and staff in cleaning up the streets of this wonderful Town, including areas around the Colma Creek. All participants will receive a giveaway and an awesome BBQ lunch. Volunteers need to register for the Town Wide Clean Up Day at the Colma Community Center by May 16, 2019.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Michael Laughlin, City Planner
The Planning Department would like to let you know about some current projects and initiatives within the Town:
Residential Smoking Ordinance: On March 13, 2019, the City Council adopted an ordinance that creates a smoke free buffer zone within 20 feet of the main entrance to any unit in a multi-unit residential building. This can include apartment buildings or townhouses. It does not include single-family residences or single-family residences with an accessory dwelling unit. The intent of the ordinance is to allow for smoke-free access for residents to the front door of their units. The ordinance became effective on April 13, 2019. Residents are encouraged to talk with their neighbors and/or landlord if there are situations where violations of this policy occurs. The San Mateo County Tobacco Education Coalition (TEC) can also assist with education and resources either by phone 650-573-3777 or through their website: www.smchealth.org/general-information/smoke-free-housing. Residents can also contact the San Mateo County Tobacco Prevention Program (tobaccoprevention@smcgov.org or 650-573-3777) anonymously if there is a need to report a multi-unit housing smoking violation. If a request for a neighbor to cease smoking escalates or if threats are made in retaliation, please contact the Colma Police Department at (650) 997-8321, or, if there is an immediate danger, call 911.
Building Permit Fee Increase: The City Council recently approved an increase to Planning, Building and Public Works fees to be
recover costs for requested services. However, the City Council purposely chose to keep fees low (less than full cost recovery) for items that are considered basic property upkeep – such as for roofs, water heaters, minor plumbing, minor electrical, new windows and
improvements/repairs of up to $25,000 in value. Residents are always encouraged to ask the building department if a permit is
required for the work they are doing.
New Shopping Center Tenants: Residents can look forward to House of Bagels and Yifang Taiwan Tea later this summer in the Serra Center. Golftec will be opening at the 280 Metro Center this summer.
El Camino Real Bicycle and Pedestrian Study. The Town was fortunate to receive a grant from Cal Trans to study future
improvements on El Camino Real. This effort is just starting and will continue through 2019 and 2020. Look for opportunities to share your ideas with us.
Colma Veteran’s Village on Mission Road: The Town looks forward to welcoming residents of the new 66-unit project at the end of May.
As always, please feel free to contact the Planning Department at (650)757-8888 if you have questions about upcoming projects in the Town.