Agoura Hills sets 25th anniversary goals
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

The city of Agoura Hills set lofty goals for the coming year during a recent workshop with City Council members and other officials.

Projects, community services, government mandates and various objectives were discussed and prioritized at the March 28 meeting, a first step toward formulating a budget for 2007-08.

City officials said they would place council and planning commission meetings live on the Internet. Web streaming technology will allow citizens to view meetings on their home computers rather than attending the actual sessions. Web streaming also offers viewers the benefit of picking and choosing only those portions of the agenda they wish to see.

"It's a great information access for the public," City Manager Greg Ramirez said. The meetings will be archived so viewers can view past meetings at any time, he said.

The hardware technology is already in place, but the city must choose a service provider, Ramirez said.

One-time costs for setting up equipment and storage systems for web streaming is expected to cost $30,000. Annual maintenance costs are estimated at $22,000.

Public works projects include widening the Reyes Adobe Bridge, sidewalk repairs, pavement projects, signal synchronization and other goals.

The city also must meet the Storm Water Quality Compliance Mandate, a law that requires cities to curb urban runoff and reduce pollution in local creeks.

Roxanne Peters, a storm water consultant, recommended the city set aside funds for the cleanup effort. She called the mandate a "moving target."

Community service projects focusing on the city's 25th anniversary brought cheer to officials who are planning several events.

Amy Brink, director of community services, said the city's "Silver Celebration" party is scheduled for Dec. 8 at The Canyon club. In addition to dinner and dancing, Brink said headliner entertainment is planned.

And plans for the third annual Reyes Adobe Days are already underway. This year, the entire threeday event will be conducted at the historic adobe rancho, Brink said.

A "Healthy Cities" program is also being considered by Agoura Hills. For a city to be designated a California Healthy City, it must meet specific criteria established by the League of California Cities and the Center for Participation.

"The goal of becoming a California Healthy City is to create a program that highlights areas of concern for our community and to educate community members on areas that can improve their quality of life," said Nathan Hamburger, assistant city manager.

Programs might include creation of a community garden, or a volunteer program through which teens provide services to senior groups.

Brink also discussed the long term goal of building a new Community Services Center. She said the first step would be a feasibility study; 95,000 people currently participate in programs at Agoura Hills Recreation Center, and an average of 250 visit the center daily.

Brink gave an overview of possible offerings at the new center, including gymnasium, basketball court, dance room, full kitchen, banquet hall and classes for tots, teens, adults and seniors. She said she was most excited about the possibility of a preschool room and "tot lot."

The new center might be located at a park or school. Brink said a feasibility study will be done during the next fiscal year.

The planning department outlined its list of goals. Phase three of the General Plan update is in the works, and affordable housing issues will be tackled by the staff. The Agoura Village facilitation plan will also be a focus during the year.

Mayor Dan Kuperberg called for a study to limit development on Ladyface Mountain and stricter laws to protect local creeks. Kuperberg wants to post signs at creeks to identify them and promote public awareness.

Councilmember Denis Weber said he would like to see additional sheriff's patrols in the city.

Councilmember Harry Schwarz recommended using the Healthy Cities program to help small businesses in the community. Schwarz would like to offer classes in business planning and marketing and other training for business owners. He recommended surveying the business community to determine their needs.

Councilmember John Edelston called for studies on health issues, from smoking ordinances to possible better enforcement of laws governing alcohol service at entertainment venues.

Compatibility of signs throughout the city, beautification of Kanan Road medians and the camouflaging of the power station at the corner of Kanan Road and Canwood Street were also addressed.