Marshall Allen
LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE -- The City Council will set its course for the
coming year in upcoming meetings discussing goals and objectives.
The meetings, which will take place in the coming weeks, kick off the
annual budget process, City Manager Jerry Fulwood said.
"If they have a clear idea of goals and objectives, we can allocate
those funds to be sure those are followed through by staff," Fulwood
said.
The process doesn't typically have surprises as it involves revisiting
previously established goals and objectives and tweaking them if
necessary, Councilman Steve Del Guercio said.
"It shares the vision and what's going on in the minds of the council
members, both individually and collectively," Del Guercio said.
The process also lets residents know what the council is thinking
about, so they can give input, Del Guercio added.
Until three years ago, the City Council didn't set specific goals and
objectives, Councilman Jerry Martin said. The reason they're important is
because they define and implement the vision for the city, he said.
The goals and objectives for the coming year will likely be in line
with the projects that were identified as high priorities during the
development of the Strategic Plan. The goal is to implement the projects
in a "fiscally sound manner," Del Guercio said.
Improving traffic and safety in the city is one objective Del Guercio
mentioned as a priority in the coming year. This would fall in line with
the council's goal of "providing a safe, healthy environment for the
families and youth of our community," Fulwood said.
Implementing sewers, if they are approved by voters, and the Downtown
Village Specific Plan -- in the form of the new Sport Chalet and Vons
commercial complexes -- were other objectives mentioned by Del Guercio.
Councilwoman Deborah Orlik declined to comment on her goals and
objectives.
