My 12.16.25 Meeting Summary

Last night there was one signficant item on the agenda and that was the annual reorganization of the Mayor and Vice Mayor positions.

The Council selected myself for the Mayorship and Rich Enea for Vice Mayor.  Congratulations to Vice Mayor Enea.

I want to recognize the tremendous work and progress that Councilmember Trupiano shepherded during her time serving as Mayor.  Under her leadership, the City has advanced across the board, from governance, to finances, to staffing, etc.  The City had many goals in 2025 and we were able to complete or make signficant progress on most if not all.

As we move forward, there remains significant work ahead.  I look forward to working together with the Council, City staff, and the community to advance the goals of fiscal sustainability, and strengthening City staff, along with the ongoing projects the City is working on.  More to come as we move forward.

Upcoming Meeting 12.16.25

At our next meeting there is only one signficant action item on the agenda.  That will be the annual reorganization of the Council Mayor and Vice Mayor positions.

Please let me know if you have thoughts or questions on the above.

My 12.2.25 Meeting Summary

Last night the Council met and discussed a couple of significant items:

- We continued discussion on the adoption of a City flag.  The Council felt it could be a worthwhile effort in order to bring together community.  Ultimately the cost should be minimal, and it would be an opportunity to encourage civic engagement.  Various ideas were discussed, including involving residents in both the creation and selection process, with specific mention of including our local high school and other students.  The process could include holding a contest, providing various themes, inviting artists, etc.  The Council formed an Ad-Hoc Committee (5-0) consisting of Mayor Trupiano and Councilmember Diaz.  The Ad-Hoc Committee will work together to formulate an overall process and bring it back to the Council for discussion.

- We had our fourth session on future revenue options.  There was a report out from the Financial Sustainability Committee regarding their recommendations.  The Committee recommended that the City pursue a renewal of the assessment for the Landscape Maintenance District (LMD) on the November 2026 ballot, include a small market adjustment to the base rate, and preserve the 10 year sunset.  The Committee also recommended that the City consider a 1% sales tax on the November 2026 ballot as well.  This idea was advanced in order to preserve the City's ability to levy this tax should the the County or State attempt to preempt this in the future.  Clayton has the lowest sales tax rate in the County, including being lower than our Concord neighbors.  Assuming market conditions hold, a sales tax would shore up the projected budget shortfalls in the future.

The Council gave direction (5-0) to staff to pursue both the renewal of the LMD, and the 1% sales tax.  The specifics of each will be discussed and solidified at a future meeting.

Upcoming Meeting 12.2.25

At our next meeting, we will be discussiong a couple significant items:

- We will have further discussion on creating a City flag.

- We will continue discussing future revenue options for the LMD and General Fund and provide direciton to staff.

If you have any thoughts or questions on the above, please let me know.