Kris Casto wants letters. Lots of letters. The mayor of Los Altos and council members are planning their annual goal-setting session for 7 p.m. next Tuesday. And Casto invites folks to write.
"We want to hear from the public," she said. "The best way to influence our decision is with letters."
At the Tuesday meeting council will be reviewing the current list of goals that was created last January, went into effect July 1, 1997, and continues to July 1, 1999.
"The real intention is to stick with these goals," said Mayor pro tem Lou Becker. But he also sees the session as a chance to "acknowledge things completed" and for council members to speak up if they find "something we don't want to do."
Casto calls it an opportunity "for a reality check on what we're doing, an opportunity to brainstorm. We need a working session as a council, with two new members, to discuss these items."
And it's a chance for the council to hear what folks think should be a goal that currently may not on the list, like affordable housing and a review of city residential design guidelines.
These two issues have generated much concern during the past year and some have said they would like to see them as council goals.
The current list includes:
Complete the master plan for 401 Rosita.
Develop plans and traffic calming programs.
Expand teen/youth programs.
Continue to work with school districts on recreational facilities.
Improve parks' playground equipment.
Develop solutions to various downtown issues.
Complete an independent service review of the public works/engineering department.
Develop a long-term strategy for city properties at Main and First streets.
Develop a master plan for the city site at Edith and San Antonio.
Address issues of El Camino Real day laborer congregation.
Expand, combine community emergency preparedness and neighborhood watch.
Review downtown zoning as it pertains to contiguous retail.
Take more active role in use of Community Development Block Grant Funds for a housing project.
Once approved, the intent is that the council goals direct the allotment of staff time and the spending of city funds.
"This can't just be a wish list," Becker said. "It must be tied to the budget."
If you are interested in sending information, you may fax a letter to Los Altos City Hall, attention Mayor Casto, at 941-7419. Deadline to receive letters is noon next Tuesday.
The meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Room A, Hillview Center, 97 Hillview Ave.