Meeting shines light on public's opinions

Residents were given the chance to vote on what kind of city they wanted to have. They were given three options: minimal - limited services and the city would stay where it is but not decline further; good - would restore many services, maintain and improve infrastructure back to where Millbrae was or; model - providing expanded services, maintaining buildings at a quality condition and a goal of becoming one of the nicer cities in the Peninsula. The good option would require a continuation of the fire assessment plan and an additional $1 million. The model plan would also require a continuation of the fire assessment plan but would require an additional $2 million.

Of those who voted at both of the meetings 41 people voted for model, 27 for good and 2 for minimal.

Jaeck said it was very encouraging to see that people want quality services.

Those in attendance were also given a glimpse into the ways Jaeck proposes these things be paid for. People voted on which of those options they would be willing to take on to pay for the increased services.

Of the eight options given to citizens, the three most popular were the creation of a parking tax, continuation of the fire assessment district and to charge a property transfer tax upon sale.

"Obviously people care very much about the community," Jaeck said.

The next step is to put these findings into a summary which will be presented to the city council in October.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.