City tightens belt for future goal setting

"Envision the Future" is an idea Doherty brought up when elected mayor. Doherty wants a series of discussions and action plans surrounding city sustainability.

Grocott sits on the process subcommittee with Councilman Mike King. During a special meeting with Doherty Monday night, she suggested trimming back MIG's use until it is little more than an objective facilitator. Councilmembers themselves could create lists of goals and massage the ideas in community workshops. Experts on specific topics such as traffic, water or housing can be culled from the city or surrounding communities rather than importing them.

"If we bring in people that know about these things it won't cost much money if at all. For example, whenever we call for commissioners I'm always amazed at the people we have in San Carlos. They have knowledge about so many things," Grocott said.

The subcommittee directed city staff to figure out just how much money might be saved that way, Grocott said.

He and King are scheduled to update the council at Monday night's meeting but, with the subcommittee not scheduled to meet until the first week of May, he said there is little action to report outside of their support.

"Both of us see some usefulness in going through this sort of process but we both don't want to spend a lot of money," Grocott said.

Pinching pennies is especially important after the heat generated by the $50,000 special SCOOT election and with ongoing discussions about just how long the library's carpet can last.

Once a plan is set, Doherty wants the council's retreat within 45 days followed by community workshops. At Monday's special meeting, some residents questioned the necessity of the process when three council seats - Grocott, King and Councilman Don Eaton - up for grabs.

Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 104. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.