Calipatria opposes SB 649, plans street upgrades
CALIPATRIA — Joining other California cities, the city council voted to oppose Senate Bill 649 again on Tuesday at their regular meeting. The vote was 5-0 in favor and was a reaffirmation of a vote of opposition in August.
But this time, Calipatria added their no vote with several other cities recently adding a no vote. Currently, more than 215 oppose SB 649 that would allow the state legislature to decide where cell phone towers and associated equipment can be placed on public property and is no longer limited to small cells, but does include macro-towers.
The bill is sponsored by Sen. Ben Hueso (D-San Diego) and already passed state Senate approval. It recently passed an initial Assembly committee, but awaits a full Assembly vote. Mayors of the state’s six largest cities signed a letter of opposition addressed to Hueso.
City Manager Rom Medina noted the principle argument against SB 649, is the city would lose local control of vital city decisions.
The council also passed by a 5-0 vote to approve Resolution 17-40 for local transportation authority funds to be paid for by Measure D. That was a ballot initiative passed several years ago that raised the sales tax one half cent aimed to improve streets. It requires the council to reaffirm approval on an annual basis.
“It was a 40-year plan and we have to submit a list every year of the eligible streets that can be restored using Measure D funds,” said Medina.
Medina also informed the council about the Planning Commission efforts to renovate North Brown Avenue. The road will see street reconstruction from East Main Street, north to Hernandez Park, about five blocks. Sidewalks and gutters will also be improved. It will cost about $1 million with support from the state’s Regional Transportation funding. It is in the design phase now and anticipates a complete set of plans ready within 60 days, though it must be approved by the council first.
Medina also informed the council, the city is in property negotiations to provide residential housing. It will comprise 25 lots of single family detached houses. It is planned for the southwest portion of the city, but no further decisions have been made about the potential development, Medina remarked.