Three Important Issues Facing Ross

By Carla Small

1) Flood control/emergency preparedness: I would continue to support a regional approach being developed by Flood Control District 9 and to apply pressure where possible to encourage the timely implementation of the Army Corps of Engineer's removal and replacement of the fish ladder in Unit 4. Locally, I fully support the adoption of the proposed Stormwater Management Ordinance that would reduce new development from creating any additional run off. I would support the Town moving forward on a hydrology and hydraulics feasibility study for reducing street and residential flooding along Bolinas Avenue. I would also like to see a permanent Tree Committee established that would monitor tree canopy preservation, maintenance and replacement as stated in the General Plan. Significant benefits would include the absorption of excess storm water runoff, a critical need for flood control in our community.
With the formation of DISCO (Disaster Council) the town is moving towards a more organized emergency preparedness plan based on self-reliance and neighborhood support. Ross Public Safety staff is limited and can be pulled in only so many directions in a major disaster. It is important that neighbors have an organized plan to handle some emergencies on their own. I support the direction of the Disaster Council and would back it with any needed support from the Town of Ross.

2) Traffic Safety/Parking: Parking continues to be problematic for downtown merchants and residents picking up their mail. Low cost solutions are available and can be implemented before the start of school in fall 2010. Due to the major projects on Sir Francis Drake and the replacement of the Lagunitas Bridge, traffic safety will be an issue this summer on Bolinas, Shady Lane, Ross Common, Poplar Ave and Laurel Grove Avenue. A traffic plan needs to be put in place and monitored for adjustments if needed.
The general plan calls for a Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan to be completed and to continue to maintain consistent enforcement of traffic safety laws for both bicyclists and motorists. A traffic study on the intersection of Sir Francis Drake and Winship Avenue is warranted. This intersection may be considered for a traffic light and crosswalk. Benefits would include traffic speed reduction and better accessibility for Winship Park residents to downtown and Ross School.

3) Budgetary Fiscal Management: At the March council meeting, Councilman Scot Hunter presented a CalPERS Pension Liability Review which outlined the possibility of paying part or all of Ross' pension liability. At the time, Ross had $1.9 million in the General Reserve Fund, $1.5 million in the Emergency Fund and $1.4 million in the Facilities Fund. It was suggested that the liability could be paid from these funds. It is important to gather as much public input as possible before proceeding with this proposal. A separate public meeting needs to be scheduled to discuss the issue.
Our current Police and Fire Station facilities are in less than satisfactory condition. I would like to establish a Steering Committee of local residents to study the facilities' needs and subsequently provide options to the community.
A quarterly update on Town expenditures versus the budget at monthly council meeting would contribute to a more transparent government. Our town administration costs have doubled in the last eight years, so it is critical that we ensure our residents that the Council is being fiscally responsible.