|
Redwood City E-News
Building a Great Community Together
Issue #30 ~ February, 2006
(Back to index of all issues)
IN THIS ISSUE:
**************************
Apply for the Community Task Force on Tree Policies
The City Council of Redwood City is forming a Community Task Force on Tree Policies, and seeks applicants for appointment to this important new committee.
An estimated 17 to 23 community members will be appointed to the Task Force by the City Council and will meet twice a month starting in March, continuing for an estimated six months. Any Redwood City resident interested in this issue is encouraged to apply by going to the website for an application and further information. An application packet can also be requested by calling 780-7220. The application deadline is 5:00 pm, February 13th 2006.
The Task Force will consist solely of community members, aided by a professional facilitator and a tree consultant of their choosing, and will be charged with reviewing and making recommendations to the City Council on a variety of issues related to how the City and the community lives with and maintains the urban forest. Among the issues the Task Force is expected to review are:
- the existing street tree preservation measures;
- conflicts between the preservation of street trees and the removal/repair/installation of sidewalks;
- tree planting objectives and policies, including species selection;
- possible changes to existing City ordinances for regulation/protection of trees on private property;
- the City’s tree requirements and standards for new development.
More information and the application for the Community Task Force for Tree Policies is available at http://www.redwoodcity.org/treetaskforce, or by calling 780-7464.
**************************
Be a Part of Redwood City PACT!
Applications are now available for the Spring, 2006 session of PACT ( Partnership Academy for Community Teamwork). The deadline to submit an application is 5:00 pm, March 7, 2005. Applications are available from the City Manager’s office, located in City Hall at 1017 Middlefield Road, or by calling 650-780-7300. The application is also available online at www.redwoodcity.org/pact. Enrollment is limited to 40 participants. Middle school and high school students are encouraged to apply (waiver must be signed by parent or guardian).
This nine-week citizens’ academy will provide participants with a hands-on overview of the management and governance of Redwood City, while helping to build relationships that will strengthen our entire community. The Spring 2006 program takes place each Thursday evening from March 30 th through May 25 th and engages in dynamic and interesting activities illustrating how the City functions.
The sessions cover subjects from Public Works to the Police Department, from the City Council to Finance, from the Fire Department to the Library, and more. This is a great opportunity for interested community members to get an insider’s view of where the City is going, become experts on how the City operates, and help to build a great community, together.
The objectives of PACT are to involve and engage people in learning about and understanding the operation of City government, and to improve communication between the City and those that live and work here in order to strengthen and enhance the entire community. Participants will learn how decisions are made, how City funds are allocated, and how City departments operate with each other, and get an opportunity to sit down with City Council members for frank discussions of issues, projects, politics, and plans for shaping the future of our community.
**************************
City Hosts Workshop on Preserving Historic Character of Homes
The Redwood City Historic Resources Advisory Committee has scheduled an informational / training workshop providing helpful ideas, effective approaches, and useful guidelines for restoring or improving older or potentially-historic houses. The workshop will focus on the Mezesville / Centennial neighborhood, an area under consideration for Historic District designation, and where there are numerous examples of older homes.
This interesting and informative homeowners’ workshop is scheduled for:
- Monday, February 13, 2006 ~ 6:30 pm
Orion School ~ multi-purpose room
815 Allerton Avenue, Redwood City
Using specific photographic examples of properties located in the Mezesville / Centennial neighborhood, staff and consultants will illustrate the techniques and standards that can ensure the appropriate treatment of structures within a proposed district, and which greatly help to maintain neighborhood character and enhance property values.
The workshop will be particularly useful to those that live or own property in the proposed Historic District area, generally bounded by Arguello, Whipple Avenue, Winslow Street, and Brewster Avenue.
Final decisions on the potential Historic Designation will ultimately be made by the City Council following additional public participation in the process through the Planning Commission. For information call 650-780-7239.
**************************
Downtown “Wayfinding” Subject of Community Input Workshop
To make it easy for people to find their way into and around Downtown, Redwood City has embarked on a Wayfinding project. With distinctive, strategically-placed signs and maps, and an elegant graphic image, this program will provide an attractive appearance and character that will be unique to Redwood City.
The Wayfinding program will become part of the Downtown identity, so it’s crucially important for the community to be involved. The City is inviting all interested members of the public to join a lively discussion on refining and incorporating Downtown Wayfinding signage and image elements, scheduled for:
- Thursday, February 9, 2006 ~ 7 pm – 8:30 pm
Downtown Library, Community Room (upstairs)
1044 Middlefield Road, Redwood City
More information is available by calling 780-7263.
**************************
City Seeking Applicants for Boards, Commissions, and Committees
This is your chance to apply for a Redwood City Board, Commission, or Committee seat and play a role in helping to build a great community!
These appointed advisory bodies are an important and valued part of City government, where public involvement is actively encouraged and supported. Members of these boards, commissions, and committees represent Redwood City’s diverse community and bring new ideas to the City Council and staff, helping them to make the best, most informed decisions possible for the benefit of everyone living and working in Redwood City.
The City is currently seeking applicants for the following boards, commissions, and committees:
- Architectural Review Committee
- Board of Building Review
- Civic Cultural Commission
- Historic Resources Advisory Committee
- Home Improvement Loan Committee
- Housing and Human Concerns Committee
- Library Board
- Park and Recreation Commission
- Planning Commission
- Senior Affairs Commission
Basic requirements are that applicants have an interest in civic and community improvement, are 18 years of age or older, are a United States citizen, and are a resident of incorporated Redwood City (some board or commission positions may have additional requirements or preferred areas of expertise).The deadline for submitting applications is March 17, 2006.
Further information and applications are available by calling the City Clerk’s office at 650-780-7220, on our website, or by visiting the City Clerk’s office at City Hall, 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City.
**************************
Small Grants Available for Neighborhood Improvement Projects
Grants of up to $300 are available for community engagement projects, beautification, neighborhood participation activities, or other projects that bring people together and build community.
The purpose of this grant program is to help people to implement their own creative ideas for making their street, block, neighborhood, or community a better place to live and work. Eligible projects will have a positive impact and will offer an opportunity for neighbors to get to know one another and work together toward a common goal of community improvement and engagement. This program is one way the City is helping people to strengthen the foundation of the entire community.
More information and applications are available on the City’s website, at the Office of the City Manager at 1017 Middlefield Road, or by emailing or calling the City Manager's office (ctuifua@redwoodcity.org; 650-780-7300). Applications will be reviewed once a month and applicants can expect to hear from the City within 45 days of receipt of the application.
This grant program is for small projects - but many small projects together can offer big, positive changes for our community. Anyone with an idea for a community-building neighborhood project is urged to apply for a Redwood City Community Improvement Grant.
|
