School trustees OK developer fee hikes
Morgan Hill – Despite a request for a continuance from two of Morgan Hill’s prominent developers, Morgan Hill School Board trustees voted to raise housing developer fees.
There are three levels of developer fees, but only two that can be set by the school district. Level I fees are set by the state. Level II fees, which the board voted to increase from $3.09 to $4.95 per square foot of residential construction, are determined by a needs analysis study. Level III fees are not levied unless the state does not have construction fees available; if levied, these fees are equal to twice the Level II fees.
Trustees voted 5-1 to increase Level II developer fees, with Trustee Julia Hover-Smoot voting against the increase. Trustee Peter Mandel was absent.
“I have been a significant developer in Morgan Hill for over 25 years, and along with Mr. (Rocke) Garcia behind me, we’ve been supportive of the school district over the years,” developer Dick Oliver said. “But I’ve had a feeling the fees we paid in the past haven’t been used as wisely as they could have been. Now, you are proposing a fee increase of almost 50 percent. That is very significant. I had no idea that you were going to discuss this. I did not receive a notice of any preliminary hearings going on.”
Oliver said the fee increase would have a significant impact on area developers.
“I’ve written you a letter, not in a way of being adversarial; the success of students and the success of schools is important to us. And we can’t sell homes if our schools are successful … But this could cost us half a million dollars. I’m asking for a continuance, for a chance to talk with a consultant. I’ve outlined several areas of concern,” Oliver said.
MH plans new railroad crossing
Morgan Hill – City Council approved a $137,000 plan to improve the railroad crossing at Monterey Road and Tilton Avenue
The plan is to raise the west side of Monterey Road on a 500-foot stretch by Tilton Avenue, eliminating grade differentials. The work will also include reconfiguring traffic lanes to city standards, installing new railroad crossing arms, relocating utility poles and upgrading the Union Pacific Rail Road signal warning system, among other things.
Morgan Hill city officials are tired of taking chances at the steep crossing at Tilton Avenue, where the train tracks are much higher than Monterey Road. The distance between the tracks and the intersection is so short that a harsh slope is unavoidable.
The new crossing is expected to be completed in August 2007. Meanwhile, design and environmental studies are now getting under way.
Adult literacy tutors needed
Gilroy – Vision Literacy needs tutor volunteers to help adults build their literacy skills. Vision Literacy is conducting tutor volunteer orientation on Sept. 25 or Sept. 26 at the Vision Literacy Gilroy Office, 42 Martin St. at 6pm.
Details: 262-1349 or e-mail in**@************cy.org
Event benefits Gilroy Foundation
Gilroy – The Gilroy Foundation is hosting its annual fundraiser “A Day In The Country” at Fortino Winery Saturday, Sept. 30 at 5pm. The evening begins with hors d’oeuvres, wine tasting and a silent auction, with music provided by “Open Invitation.”
Dinner and a live auction conducted by Sean O’Callaghan, Bay Area radio and television personality will follow. All proceeds benefit the Gilroy Foundation, a community organization that serves the needs of local nonprofits through yearly grants.
The Gilroy Foundation was established in 1980 to help meet the growing needs of our community in the areas of health, education, recreation, culture and civic services.
Fortino Winery is located at 4525 Pacheco Pass Highway in Gilroy. Tickets for the event are $100 per person and may be purchased by calling 408-842-3727.
Details: www.gilroyfoundation.org.
Practice skills at Bicycle Rodeo
Gilroy – Join the Gilroy Police Department’s bicycle patrol officers, the California Highway Patrol and the Gilroy Fire Department for the annual Bicycle Rodeo, from 11am to 2pm Saturday, Sept. 30.
Children of all ages can bring their bicycles and complete the “Safe Moves City” safety course, that includes the correct method of crossing intersections, railroad crossings, and what to do near school buses and emergency vehicles, and many other skills related to bicycle safety.
There also will be free license registration and bicycle inspection
The day includes free hot dogs and drinks to all participants.
The event takes place at Eliot Elementary School, 475 Old Gilroy St., corner of Chestnut and E. Seventh Street.
Stay in touch at MySpace seminar
Gilroy – The public is invited to attend a free seminar staged by Mount Madonna School titled “Raising a Moral Child in the MySpace Era,” from 7 to 8pm Oct. 26, in the Gilroy Library.
Sarada Diffenbaugh, Mount Madonna principal and educator, will lead the discussion and talk about the key principles needed to raise an ethical child.
As a principal at the private school, Diffenbaugh has helped many parents struggle through these question. Diffenbaugh encourages parents to look deeply underneath the noisy chatter of their everyday lives and use the culture – books, movies, even daily interactions with friends and others – as a reflection and starting point for the discussion.
The Gilroy Library is located at 7387 Rosanna St.
Bonfante Home and Garden Show
Gilroy – The event will take place Oct. 6 through 8 at Bonfante Gardens. The show runs from 3 to 8pm, with Gourmet Garden Gala $15 admission. The show is included with general admission to Bonfante Gardens and continues Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
Details: www.svshows.com or 682-4700
Enjoy wines at Passport Weekend
Gilroy – Wineries of the Santa Clara Valley present Passport Weekend. Oct. 7 and 8, 11am to 5pm. Food, music, wine, barrel tasting and more, $25 per person.
Details: Gilroy Visitors Bureau 842-6436 or www.gilroyvisitor.org
SV symphony kicks off season
Gilroy – The South Valley Symphony will kick off their 33rd season opening concert at 7:30pm, Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Gavilan College Theater.
Maestro Anthony Quartuccio has announced his intention of featuring local talented musicians appearing as soloists with the orchestra in this year’s series of concerts.
The opening concert will feature Greg Chambers performing the Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra by Alexander Glazunov and Matt Thornton performing Weber’s Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra.
Give at community blood drive
Gilroy – Thursday, Oct. 12, 1:30 to 6:30pm, First Baptist Church Hall, 8455 Wren Ave.
Details: 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or www.BeADonor.com (code: GILROY)
Event raises funds for youth sports
Gilroy – The Bonfante Harvest Ride will return to Bonfante Gardens in Gilroy Saturday, Oct. 21, and will offer 50K to 100K and 100 mile recreational rides for serious cyclists.
The Ride attracts cyclists from all over the state and includes exhibits, a meal and swap meet at Bonfante Gardens base camp.
Proceeds from the event benefit sports and recreational groups including sports programs at Gilroy High and Gilroy’s Parks and Recreation Department.
Fees for the Ride vary by distance and include discounted admission to Bonfante Gardens.
Details: www.bonfanteride.com or 682-4700.
Send news items to City Editor Robert Airoldi. FAX to 842-2206, mail to Gilroy Dispatch, 6400 Monterey Road, Gilroy, CA 95020, or e-mail ed****@****ic.com.
