Council Approves Financial Study, Talks Tobacco

Thursdays at Capitola City Hall have become wild nights of late. With so many issues causing heated discussion, whether over , , or , city council meetings (believe it or not) have actually been entertaining and enthralling affairs.

This week's meeting broke that mold. But just because the contention wasn't in the air doesn't mean important matters weren't discussed.

See the top five moments of the meeting below:

1. The council heard an extensive report from the Finance Advisory Committee on how to responsibly use the city's financial resources. The committee recommended that the council approve a benchmark study comparing Capitola to other similar cities, to find out how those cities manage their budgets. The committee mentioned possible benchmark cities for the study, including Pismo Beach, Del Mar and Solano Beach. The council voted 5-0 to move forward with the study, which will not cost the city any extra money, as it has already been budgeted for through an existing contract. 

2. Councilmember Stephanie Harlan reported on a meeting that she and Mayor Termini attended with the Santa Cruz County Tobacco Education Coalition to discuss the and Santa Cruz County. According to Harlan, studies have shown that 20 percent of minors are able to buy tobacco in Capitola. Harlan mentioned a possible tax on local tobacco sellers, which would go toward funding further tobacco awareness and sting operations to ensure sound tobacco policies in Capitola. The issue will be revisited in the summer. 

3. Interim Finance Director Bill Statler recommended that the council be more judicious in choosing the items that end up on meeting agendas, as there is often extensive work that goes into agendizing an issue with little to no pay off come meeting time. 

4. In the public comment section, three citizens remarked on their disappointment with the council for its decision not to reinstate a moratorium on SmartMeters at the meeting two weeks ago.

5. Mayor Termini appointed Derek Van Alstine to the Architecture and Site Review Committee. Termini called Van Alstine's homes "some of the most attractive in Capitola."

Are you concerned with the financial state of Capitola? Do you think the benchmark study is a good idea? Tell us in the comments!

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