3 responses to “Monday’s Council Meeting”

1. Holy Roller

   November 15, 2008

   If it is possible, I would like the council to comment on the City of Burlingame employee layoffs slated for 2009.

2. Holy Roller

   November 15, 2008

   PS
   A good starting place would be the layoff of all part time workers at the Recreation center, and one full time coordinator.

3. Anonymous

   November 18, 2008

   Burlingame gets new mayor (by Heather Murtagh,
   Alex Shamis/Daily Journal)

   Ann Keighran was sworn in as mayor of Burlingame Monday night.

   It will be a year of basics not luxuries for Burlingame, which faces a tough financial future, new Mayor Ann Keighran said in some of her first words as mayor.

   Keighran, sworn in as mayor last night during the annual rotation, outlined a year focusing on finding new revenue, encouraging new business and exploring downtown expansion. Cathy Baylock was named vice mayor.

   We will meet adversity and multiple challenges over the coming year. … We are not completely immune to the economic problems other cities are facing,? Keighran said.

   Working together will be key to being successful in overcoming the challenges that are ahead, she said. No mayor, no matter how determined; no developer, no matter how well-financed; and no program, no matter how well-conceived can revitalize a city alone. Success will not be reached alone. It is important to remember partnerships. It is very important that the community is of the essence,? Keighran said.

   Burlingame faces a budget with a potential $1.79 million shortfall if it funds capital improvements this year as planned causing city officials to consider cuts, service reorganization and new revenue sources. If the city continues with the adopted budget for this year and next, it will face an estimated $5 million shortfall. A list totaling $200 million of unfunded capital improvements, rising employee benefits and decreasing revenue caused the City Council previously to direct department heads to consider potential reductions.

   Raising revenue is key in the year ahead. Passing a bond for storm drains is the first step, said Keighran. The city unsuccessfully placed a $39 million storm drainage assessment before voters in 2007. Such a measure is slated to be before voters again in May.

   Increasing hotel tax by 2 percent, for example, could mean an additional $2 million in city revenue. Keighran favors such ideas as a way to generate money for projects like sidewalks.

   Creating a more business-friendly atmosphere is also a priority for Keighran. The city is in the midst of its downtown specific plan. Aspects of that, such as a new Safeway store and opening businesses on Howard Avenue, are also high-priority projects individually, she said.

   Before stepping down from her fifth stint as mayor, Rosalie O’Mahony reminisced about her previous terms ending with the goals and progress of this last year. O’Mahony had placed a Safeway plan, downtown specific plan and creation of a project funding map atop that list. All are not finished but under way. I have great confidence in our new mayor, she cares about the global needs of the city. She will address them I’m sure with vigor. She will have my support in these endeavors,? said O’Mahony, who remains on the council.

   Keighran, 42, is a first-time mayor. She joined the council in 2005 after serving more than seven years on the Planning Commission. The mother of two daughters, Kerry, 13, and Kate Rose, 7, Keighran is a longtime Burlingame resident who became active in the community more than 10 years ago. She worked as a nurse at Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City and also taught at College of San Mateo and University of San Francisco. When Kerry was 2 years old Keighran took some time off but still wanted to be involved.

   She spent the past seven and a half years as a planning commissioner. Keighran is an avid reader who spent 17 years of her life competing in Celtic dancing, an interest she took on from her mother. It’s her involvement with the Irish community that introduced her to her husband Sean at a dance.

   ***

   Excellent speech by Ann as Burlingame moves forward under her mayorship.