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City View
A round-up of Palo Alto government action this week

Public Art Commission (June 17)

Greg Brown mural: The commission voted to budget $500 for repairs to the mural at 281 University Ave. and for the painting of a new border around the mural. Yes: Acebo-Davis, Coleman, DeMarzo, Richter, Smit. Absent: Huo, Usich

Collection inspection: The commission voted to budget $300 to purchase a software upgrade from FileMaker Pro 8 to FileMaker Pro 10. Yes: Acebo-Davis, Coleman, DeMarzo, Richter, Smit Absent: Huo, Usich

Other business: The commission discussed the condition of the Digital DNA artwork, the status of proposals for artwork for the future Mitchell Park Library and Community Center, a proposal for artwork on the Palo Alto Shuttle buses, and the Main Library review of schematic design. Action: None

City Council (June 21)

2011 budget: The council discussed the fiscal year 2011 budget and heard comments from the public on the proposed $139 million budget. The council is scheduled to continue its discussion and adopt the budget on June 28. Action: None

805 Los Trancos Road: The council approved the construction of an 11,184-square-foot house at 805 Los Trancos Road in the Palo Alto foothills. Yes: Unanimous

Board of Education (June 22)

2010-11 operating budget: The board approved a 2010-11 operating budget of $154.5 million in expenditures. With $151 million in projected income, a $3.5 million deficit will be plugged with district reserve funds. Yes: Unanimous

Policy and Services Committee (June 22)

Emergency preparedness: The committee discussed the City Council's 2010 workplan as it relates to Emergency Preparedness and the city's collaboration with neighborhood groups and Stanford University. Action: None

Social media: The committee reviewed the city's policies for social-media websites Facebook, Twitter and Youtube. Action: None

Parks and Recreation Commission (June 22)

San Francisquito Creek: The commission heard a presentation from Len Materman, executive director of the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority, on the status of capital improvements along San Francisquito Creek. Action: None

El Camino Park: The commission discussed the pending construction of an emergency water supply tank under El Camino Park. Action: None

City Council (June 23)

High-speed rail: The council discussed the city's comments on the Draft Alternatives Analysis for the San Francisco-to-San Jose segment of the proposed high-speed rail line. These include the city's preference for an underground design and the city's skepticism of the California High-Speed Rail Authority's ridership numbers. Action: None

Comprehensive Plan: The council discussed the city's planned Caltrain Corridor study. The council is scheduled to vote on whether to perform the study at its July 12 meeting. Action: None