City Manager's Update, March 4, 2012

: The mayor’s 2012 state of-the-city address was a sold-out event hosted by the . The mayor highlighted the City Council’s vision for this fiscal year with the council’s current six urgent strategic priorities, which are 59 percent completed, and gave a glimpse of the council’s next six urgent strategic priorities for the next two fiscal years, starting in July 2012. They include:

Current Urgent Strategic Priorities

• Staff reorganization/pension reform/new employee contracts.

• The Ground Water Recovery Plant at designed maximum capacity of 5.14 MGD.

• East and Northwest Open Space resources to best use.

• Finish the .

• Improve Entitlement Process/Business Friendly Environment.

• Get our fiscal house in order.

Fiscal years 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 Urgent Strategic Priorities

• Economic development/business friendly environment.

• Organization optimization – continue.

• Open space – Optimize revenues within bond constraints/create maintenance strategy.

• Continue to build a strong financial foundation in the city.

• Implement Historic Town Center Master Plan.

• Create plan for and implement infrastructure improvements that benefit the residents.

VACANCY: The City Council declared a vacancy on the Open Space, Trails, and Equestrian Commission. The commission consists of seven members and its duties include reviewing and advising the City Council and/or Planning Commission with regards to the City's open space. Applications are due to the City Clerk by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 30, 2012. Applications are available at the City Clerk’s Office or on the City’s website.

TAX SEMINARS: The AARP free senior tax preparation program is underway and is available by appointment every Tuesday at the Community Center through April 10. Call (949) 493-5911 for an appointment.

MARRIOTT RESIDENCE INN: The was conducted at the site, including tours, on Feb. 28.

SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC: The staff made recommendations to the mayor on the Aesthetic Team membership and has prepared a draft letter pursuant to the . SDG&E has now submitted a plan requesting potholing in 67 locations.

: The applicant is moving forward with tenant improvements at this time to include a new roof, ADA restroom, and painting and signs in order to open for the Swallow’s Day parade. The architectural control application to expand the building is still being pursued through the Design Review Committee on March 15 and the Planning Commission.

: Staff has inspected the Swanner House with two and expects proposals this week. Orange County Arts contacted the city and indicated that they will be submitting a proposal as well. The item was reviewed by the Cultural Heritage Commission on Feb. 28 and will be reviewed by the Open Space, Trails & Equestrian Commission on March 5.

TREE REMOVAL REQUESTS: The city staff has inspected the property with the Mission staff to ascertain potentially hazardous trees and will streamline the permit process within the code parameters.

SUN RANCH CREEK PROJECT: The city has completed preliminary plans to construct drainage improvements within the its drainage easement, which is situated west of the Sun Ranch development, located off Del Obispo Street south of Calle Aspero. The proposed project consists of the installation of approximately 1,500 linear feet of buried, 48-inch diameter, reinforced concrete pipe storm drain pipeline along the overgrown drainage course. The improvements within the easement will also include construction of an all-weather access road along the south edge of the easement, establishment of a restored drainage channel that will be vegetated with native wetland and riparian habitat, and additional landscaping, retaining walls and fencing. The improvement will provide storm protection to neighboring properties while providing a natural cleaned-up ravine and water course.

GREENSAND FILTER REHABILITATION PROJECT: On Feb. 21, 2012, the City Council authorized staff to purchase the necessary greensand filter media and other proprietary parts to rehabilitate the greensand filters at the city’s Groundwater Recovery Plant. Staff is ordering the necessary parts for the Tonka greensand filter vessels. The tentative delivery date is for about four weeks out. The award of the maintenance contract to rehabilitate the filters is tentatively scheduled for City Council approval on March 20, 2012. The projected completion date for the rehabilitation project is May 11, 2011. Once the greensand filters are rehabilitated, the GWRP will be able to attain its planned maximum capacity of 5.14 MGD. The Utilities Department projects production from the GWRP will be 3,800 acre feet for this fiscal year.