City Council sets goals for 2008
With impending state budget cuts, new projects not likely, mayor says
By Eliav Appelbaum eliav@theacorn.com

The Camarillo City Council last week discussed the city's ongoing and future goals for the next fiscal year.

Although California's budget forecast remains murky, the council had plenty to talk about, focusing on a plethora of projects including Dizdar Park, the Old Courthouse and Ventura Boulevard renovations.

"I don't know how realistic (new projects) are in light of where our budget sits," a cautious Mayor Charlotte Craven said before the meeting. "What we've done in the past is we've just had to cut back on our expenditures."

City Manager Jerry Bankston was optimistic about converting the old fire station, next to Dizdar Park on Ventura Boulevard, into a restaurant in the near future.

According to Craven, the city is negotiating with the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District for possession of Dizdar Park. Camarillo bought the old firehouse from the county in 1996. There isn't enough space in the front for a twoway driveway, so the city wants to purchase the park, or at least a strip of it, so it can pave a proper driveway in the rear.

"We can't have cars going in and never coming out," Craven said with a laugh.

Councilmember Jan McDonald wasn't sure a restaurant is appropriate at the old fire station. McDonald said that in the three years since the last study session, three new restaurants have opened up on the boulevard and a lot has changed in the neighborhood.

Today, the firehouse sits empty, dilapidated from weather and years of neglect.

Graffiti vandalism crimes have also climbed. According to Bankston's report on Camarillo's progress for the 2007-08 fiscal year, there were 78 reports of felony graffiti vandalism in 2007, compared with 56 crimes the previous year. The police department made 158 arrests for felonies and misdemeanors last year, but only 118 felony and misdemeanor arrests in 2006.

"Crimes went up, but arrests went up too, which I think is good news," Bankston said.

Councilmember Don Waunch suggested the use of more cameras or even hiring an extra police deputy.

"We need to do something," Craven said. "I have been hot after graffiti vandals since 1989 or 1990. To me, it shows a lack of respect for other people's property, both public and private. . . . Every year we talk about graffiti vandalism and what to do about it."

McDonald wanted to get a progress report on the new library, which will have been open one year at the end of March.

"I want to know, how's it operating?" McDonald said. "Do they do background screens on volunteers? I think there needs to be better communication (between the city and library)."

In other projects, the City Council would like to complete the third phase of the revamping of Camarillo Old Town, continue nurturing its relationship with California State University Channel Islands and examine how to make Camarillo a greener, more environmentally conscious city.

Councilmember Mike Morgan suggested the city look into using more solar energy. Waunch wanted to start a partnership with SolarWorld California, a business located in Camarillo. McDonald recommended planting trees that help air quality.

Councilmember Kevin Kildee wanted to know how and what Camarillo can do to keep businesses in town.

According to Bankston, city hall's current facility must be expanded in three to five years, or whenever new hires must be made to accommodate a growing city.

"Staff has not grown significantly, but we can add no more staff," Bankston said. "We (recently) had two interns and no place to put them. We're already maxed out."

The Old Camarillo Courthouse continues to be a quagmire. After purchasing the old courthouse for $1.14 million in 2006, the city is still trying to decide what to do with the site.

"I want to get everything done right now," Craven said.