Vice Mayor McBain describes Council accomplishments.

I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Piedmont City Council for the past four years.These years are marked by significant achievements. I’m seeking reelection to continue to build on the constructive steps that we have taken to improve Piedmont. I believe that my experience and leadership have helped produce strong results for our community. As an incumbent, I’m proud to run on both my record and my commitment to continue to offer open-minded, collegial and productive leadership.

• Since 2012 the Council has taken actions that strengthened City’s finances, controlled costs and addressed long-term liabilities.   For instance, the city will save almost $1 million annually from restructured employee benefits. The CALPERS side-fund–an expensive pension obligation—was refinanced and will ultimately save the City more than $1 million. Further, council adopted the strong advice of the 2007 and 2011 Municipal Tax Review Committees and the 2015 Budget Advisory and Financial Planning Committee that recommended, given volatile real estate-related taxes, the City council must budget conservatively and establish strong reserves. Council has taken those steps and funded facilities maintenance, equipment replacement and long-term pension and health care obligations. And we have taken major steps to address deferred maintenance and our obsolete and unreliable technology. The City’s financial condition has improved materially during the past four years.
• In 2012, citizens were anxious about city projects and the associated unplanned expenses. Council adopted risk management policies to ensure projects are well-planned and fiscally sound.
• In 2012 and early 2013, crime increased significantly. Council responded by bringing in a talented chief, Ricki Goede; we supported her efforts to fully staff, train and equip a responsive and professional public safety organization. In that context Council provided resources to improve technology, such as the highly effective License Plate Readers.  Council supported the Public Safety Committee and the Fire Department in establishing updated community-wide Emergency Preparedness programs.
• Four years ago, no one anticipated that most of the City’s senior staff would retire.  In response, the Council hired experienced, talented professionals to replace retiring City staff. The commitment to provide a high level of professional service continues across the City departments.
• The Council finalized an EPA settlement and restarted the sewer replacement project without increasing sewer taxes. This is a major step environmentally and also puts the City on a fiscally sound and aggressive path to meet it legal obligations.
• Finally, the Council initiated several important community projects; Hampton Field Renovation, Linda/Kingston Triangle, Ramona/Ronada Triangle and refurbished Community Center. These projects all benefit the entire community.

I was liaison to the Planning, Park and Recreation Commissions and Police and Fire Pension Board.  Previously, I was Chairman of the Recreation Commission, member of the Municipal Tax Review Committee, Board member of the Piedmont Education Foundation and held leadership positions in numerous school and youth sports organizations. My wife and I have lived in Piedmont for 27 years and raised three children here. My career in finance and management along with my broad community experience allows me to provide constructive leadership and listen to all viewpoints. I look forward to another four years of service and building on the strong results of the past four years.

Sincerely,

Bob McBain

Vice Mayor, City of Piedmont

Please visit my website for more information and endorsers.  http://www.mcbaincitycouncil.com/

Editors Note:  While welcoming candidate information, the Piedmont Civic Association does not support or oppose candidates for public office. 

The Facilities Steering Committee: A Step in the Journey from Context to Form. 

The ultimate object of design is form. To design is to fit a form to a context. The context includes all the constraints into which the form has to fit. The context reduces the set of possible forms. In some way, design is simple: understand the context, and then apply the appropriate set of engineering disciplines and trade arts to shape a form that fits. There is plenty of room for creativity and outstanding solutions provided they are grounded in the context. 

In the 2015 summer, the District launched a process to develop a plan to upgrade our secondary school facilities. Our superintendent leveraged internal expertise and an external consultant to assess the state of the facilities. In parallel he organized a number of meetings with parents, teachers, students, and the community at large to shape the broad parameters of the educational needs, another essential part of the context, with the goal of looking ahead:

How should we educate our students to best prepare them to function in our 21st century economy? What facilities do we need to support these evolving methods? These efforts were completed in January 2016 and resulted in two documents published on the PUSD website and presented to the Board of Education: the DRAFT Facility Site Assessment Report and a DRAFT Educational Specifications Report. 

It became clear that the context is very constraining and that the cost of meeting all the needs far exceeds the District maximum bonding capacity under a single measure. So choices have to be made. 

Tasked to make a recommendation on how to proceed, the Superintendent invited a number of Piedmont residents to join him, his senior staff, and a couple of Board members to form a Facilities Steering Committee and help shape that recommendation. I accepted to serve. From my experience in industry, reflection among a small committee was what was needed at this step in the process. 

The committee was disbanded in May having performed its functions. Its composition was very diverse with Piedmont residents from different professional backgrounds and perspectives. Our central focus was what would best serve our students. We functioned as a sounding board for the Superintendent and his staff in assessing the context and in helping generate, evaluate, and criticize potential forms that would fit. We were pressed by the Superintendent to help him set priorities so that forms could be designed to fit the financial constraint. Each one of us reached out to our friends in the community for help. My point of view was biased towards enhancing facilities to support a first class high school STEAM curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics): our Bay Area economy is driven by creativity and creativity is rooted in these disciplines. Others emphasized the poor state of our Magnolia facilities, the substandard classroom sizes, the importance of fundamentals (we are a High School, not a College), the comforts of our teachers and students (better noise insulation, air conditioning, …)… 

Most meetings were shaped by the presentation of conceptual plans with cost estimates worked out by the District Facilities Manager that reflected changes in priorities argued in previous discussions. We worked out two major forms with options. Our final report to the Board “Recommending a $65 Million Bond Measure” is available on the school website (attachment to the May 25 School Board Meeting agenda) and includes the following main points: 

● The Board should not seek to “do the minimum” by only repairing buildings or replacing failing systems at the middle and high schools. This would not meet the most urgent of the educational needs, and in the medium term would be money wasted as major renovations will have to be eventually made to an aged campus. 

● The Board  should seek voter approval to issue school bonds at its available bonding capacity to address the bulk of the educational needs. 

● Confirming that it is not possible to address all of the needs within the bonding capacity, the Committee suggested a specific list of priorities. 

● The final form should be shaped through an open public process and flexibility be built into the bond measure. More community input is needed to review and make the final trade­offs. 

● A specific design is not recommended, as the die is far from being cast. The work is not lost, as the District Facilities Manager retains the designs done for future elaboration. 

I stand by the work done by the committee. As a former active opponent to the 2014 Measure H, I support Measure H1 put by the Board on the November ballot. The District has done its homework. But much more needs to be done: for example, we did not have time to research what other peer districts have done when faced with similar issues, and how well their projects have worked out. 

As a member of our vibrant community, you need to make up your mind on the Measure and select the board members which will implement an open transparent process and ensure accountability, both paramount given the flexibility built into the Measure. I urge the local professional expertise and educational/executive talent to get involved and bring new perspectives that will maximize the value obtained from our taxes and lead to such a compelling form that the entire community will say: “This is the obvious thing to do for our students; let us work out all the problems to make it happen”. 

 Bernard Pech, Piedmont Resident

Editors Note:  Opinions expressed are those of the author. The Piedmont Civic Association does not support or oppose ballot measures.

School Board Members Respond to Piedmont Post’s Claims about the District Administration

 As a board, we all agree that the press plays an important role in providing information to the community, but it can be harmful when inaccurate claims are made, whatever the cause of such mistakes. Although School Board members (all volunteers) cannot respond to all inaccuracies in the Piedmont Post, we think it important to respond to the Post’s recent article, “School District’s Top-Heavy Administration.”

The District administration provides management, guidance and support for 502 District employees who teach, serve, support and provide a variety of programs to 2701 students.  The administration consists of a Superintendent (Randy Booker), an Assistant Superintendent and Chief Business Officer (Song Chin-Bendib), a Director of Curriculum & Instruction (Cheryl Wozniak), a Director of Instructional Technology (Stephanie Griffith), a Director of Adult and Alternative Education, who also manages the Wellness Center (Michael Brady), a Director of Special Education (Julie Valdez), a Director of Facilities (Pete Palmer), a Director of Fiscal Services (Michelle Nguyen), and a Director of Athletics (Vic Acuna).  Each of these dedicated individuals provides valuable and necessary services to the District.

The Post article does not challenge that such administrators are needed and that they do an excellent job for our children.  Instead, the Post implies that the Board has failed to provide oversight, the public has had no chance to comment, and that there are too many administrators.  The facts are otherwise.

•       The Post asserts that administration “changes appear to have occurred with limited oversight or input from members of the Piedmont School Board.”  Not true.  Not only are such staffing changes found in the public agendas (which every Board member reads), but Board members were and are aware of proposed administration staffing before staffing changes are made through frequent individual meetings with the Superintendent, which often address staffing and morale, and confidential performance reviews,  including the Superintendent’s management and plans for the administration.  Board members can and do email or call the Superintendent frequently about District issues, and that has included administration organization and staffing.

•       The Post asserts that “only one of the four new contracts was subject to board approval and open to public discussion.”  Not true, as admitted later in the article.  Each contract was presented in the Board’s public agenda as a consent item.  Routine matters not expected to be of public interest often are placed on the consent agenda.  A member of the public may ask to speak regarding consent items, and any Board member may ask to remove an item from the consent agenda for discussion.  No such request or public comment was made.

•       The Post asserts that the District’s Chief Business Officer (and Assistant Superintendent) “is now being paid over $217,000  a year in base salary.”  Not true.  Ms. Chin-Bendib started at an annual salary of $165,871 for 205 workdays, and now receives a base salary of $178,750 for 215 workdays.  The Board is aware of competitive salaries for CBOs in the Bay Area, and is pleased to have Ms. Chin-Bendib serving as our CBO.

•       With full support of the Board, Superintendent Booker has reorganized administrative roles and responsibilities in the District office to meet evolving educational and administrative needs.  Mr. Booker has flattened the organization structure by not replacing a second Assistant Superintendent and, instead, having Directors that mostly report directly to him.  The Directors provide the expertise to properly serve our student population, including: managing changes in curricula and programs; supporting the approximately 15% of District students who require special education services; developing and supporting technology infrastructure and services; managing maintenance and construction at the schools where our children learn; and providing the operational expertise to keep the District in compliance with federal and state requirements, as well as to meet the high expectations of the Board and the community.

Our community, parents, students and Board members expect a lot from our schools.  We expect them to be well-managed, and to serve the many and varied educational needs of our children.  Contrary to the assertion in the Post, the administration is not “top-heavy,” it is right-sized.  The excellent performance of our students and the support provided to our educational community show it.

Rick Raushenbush
Amal Smith
School Board Members

Editors Note:  Opinions expressed are those of the authors.

 Five Candidates for School Board and Four Candidates for City Council are invited to describe their qualifications and respond to questions. Also, pro and con presentations on Piedmont Ballot Measure Measure H1, the School Facilities Improvement Bond will be made. 

The League of Women Voters of Piedmont will host an Election Forum in the Council Chambers at Piedmont City Hall.

Piedmont City Council Chambers, 7:00 p.m., Tuesday,  September 20, 2016

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

The Forum will feature candidates running for City Council and School Board, and  presentations of pros and cons for Measure H1, the Piedmont Unified School District facilities improvement bond.

The community is cordially invited to attend this event.  The Election Forum will be  simulcast on KCOM­TV, channel 27.

The League of Women Voters promotes active and informed democratic participation.  Visit www.lwvpiedmont.org for more information.

Editors Note:  The Piedmont Civic Association does not support or oppose candidates for public office or specific ballot measures. 

East Bay Times Editorial states:

“After voters soundly rejected the district’s 2014 bond plan, they now face one four times as large. This $66 million proposal is a vast overreach.

“Piedmont’s existing special school taxes — added to the base 1 percent property tax — dwarf others in the East Bay.

“Measure H1 would drive that annual cost to $4,260. Even for wealthy Piedmont, this is off the charts. The district must inject fiscal reality into its plans.”

Read the full editorial > http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_30318811/editorial-school-bonds-arent-free-money-east-bay

Editors Note: Opinions expressed are those of the author.  PCA does not support or oppose specific ballot measures. 

The Piedmont Unified School District is hosting additional facilities tours throughout September and October. 

The purpose of these tours is to help the community learn more about the Facilities Master Plan and answer any questions about the current state of our high school and middle school educational facilities. 

Please join school representatives at the flagpole in front of Piedmont High School on the following dates:

Tuesday, September 13th at 6pm
Thursday, September 29th at 4pm
Monday, October 3rd at 4pm
Tuesday, October 18th at 6pm

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Pete Palmer, Director of Facilities at PPalmer@piedmont.k12.ca.us

Lengthy explanations and community input at the August 10, 2016 School Board meeting –

Superintendent Randall Booker calmly and intricately explained the selection process, funding, and need for a full time Athletic Director (AD) for the high schools.

Speaking in support of the selection, need, responsibilities and funding of the position were parents and Booster Club members: Eric Sullivan, Lisa Reynolds, Allison Elvekrog, Barbara Love, Glyn Burge, Steve Kalmbach and Wendy Fitzgerald.

They provided examples of previously unmet needs and their personal experiences. The selection process was extensively detailed.  The funding contributions by the Booster Club of $50,000 and Education Foundation of $10,000 augment the funding provided by the District for a part-time Athletic Director.  Parents emphasized the complexity of the position and the problematic turnover in the position. The AD is responsible for scheduling facility space both for the schools and external organizations, while overseeing 49 teams and 175 coaches.  A timely filing of the position was a primary consideration.

Speaking against the proposed position and selection process were: Ralph Catalano, UC professor and parent, Neil Rothenberg, former Soccer and Tennis Coach, and Burt Curtin, resident. Concern was expressed on the emphasis on athletics and a potential detrimental impact to the overall academic needs of the District. The specific chosen Athletic Director presented concern to some.  It was noted that the significantly increased compensation for a full time AD had not been announced during the recruitment process.

Questions not discussed were:

• If the position is continued in future years, will the position be partially funded by outside sources or will the funding responsibility be absorbed within the District budget?

• Will payment for retirement benefits be based on the approximate $125,000 compensation for the full time Athletic Director and funded by the District?

Below is  a letter to the Piedmont Unified School District Families from Superintendent Booker and Principal Daniels explaining their choice and rationale:

Dear PUSD Families,

As the new school year approaches, and many high school athletes are already preparing for Fall sports, we’re writing to share some important information about the Piedmont Unified School District’s administration of student athletics.

PUSD is proud of its student-athletes and successful athletic program.  With over 500 athletes (65%+ of PHS and MHS students), 175 coaches, and 49 varsity, junior varsity, and frosh teams, high school athletics in PUSD is a robust and vital component of the student experience.

In past years, PUSD’s Athletics Director position was a part-time position filled by a teacher at PHS.  As discussed below, this model is no longer sustainable or appropriate.  Given the increase in scope and responsibilities of this position, and the administrative nature of the job, PUSD now requires a full-time Director of Athletics with specific administrative experience.

PUSD Requires A Full-Time Director of Athletics
Over the past 12 years, there has been a marked increase in the scope and responsibilities of the Athletics Director position.  This is due in part to the increase in the number of athletes and coaches, and the range of travel opportunities for our teams.  Given these changes, the responsibilities of the Athletics Director can no longer be fulfilled on a part-time basis.

Over this 12-year period, PUSD has had six different teachers serve this role. This turnover, due to both the growing demands and increasingly administrative nature of the job, has led to inconsistency in leadership and had a detrimental effect on our athletic program as reported by coaches, student-athletes, and families.  By recognizing the full-time nature of the position, PUSD can foster steady and consistent leadership of the athletic program.

The Director of Athletics Position is Administrative in Nature
The Director of Athletics position requires administrative duties that include responsibility for: recruiting, hiring, supervising, and evaluating coaches; development and oversight of the Athletic Department budget; monitoring student eligibility; serving as the school representative of the Western Alameda County Conference; partnering with the PHS Athletic Boosters; and coordinating team schedules, transportation, equipment, and supplies.  By recognizing the administrative nature of the position and hiring staff with relevant administrative experience, PUSD can provide a more effective athletics program that is more responsive to student needs.

The Director of Athletics Must Provide Leadership on Core PUSD Principles
PUSD believes that its athletics program can and should instill life lessons concerning sportsmanship, hard work, teamwork, and integrity, among other issues.  Although coaches can play a critical role in this, the reality is that coaches are now more transient than in the past.  Of our 175 coaches, only two serve as PUSD teachers, and many coaches are affiliated with PUSD for only one or two years.  For these reasons, the Director of Athletics must provide leadership for the coaching staff, guiding and cultivating the social and emotional curriculum for high school athletics, and setting expectations for coaches as well as athletes.  By hiring an experienced Director of Athletics, PUSD can more consistently promote these core values across all sports.

Creation of the New Athletics Director Position
Following the resignation of the former part-time Athletics Director in December of 2015, the District advertised the position to recruit an Interim Athletics Director on a contract basis for January through June of 2016.  The District received 22 applications.  An interview committee, consisting of administrators, coaches, and parents, interviewed five candidates.  Mr. Victor Acuña was selected for the interim position due to his extensive experience and positive recommendations.

Throughout the Spring of 2016, the PHS Administrative Team and the Athletic Booster’s continued discussing the need for increased athletic leadership. Recognizing the District’s limited budget, the PHS Athletic Boosters donated $50,000 for the 2016-17 school year to support a full-time Director of Athletics. The Piedmont Education Foundation also contributed $10,000 to help fund this position for the 2016-17 school year.

With this funding secured, and working in close collaboration with the PHS Athletic Boosters, PUSD created the Director of Athletics position for the 2016-17 school year.  The Director of Athletics will be included in the salary schedule of the Association of Piedmont School Administrators (APSA). The position has a base salary range of $74,068 – $103,048 (ranging from 1 to 22 years of experience), plus health and statutory benefits.

Selection of New Athletics Director
After working with Mr. Acuña during the Spring of 2016, Principal Daniels recommended that PUSD hire Mr. Acuña for the new position.  With support from the PHS Administrative Team, Athletic Booster’s leadership, and a variety of coaches, the Superintendent interviewed and appointed Mr. Acuña as the Director of Athletics.

Mr. Acuña is a graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies.  For 12 years, he was a high school Athletics Director in Tucson, Arizona at the Gregory School and the Green Fields Country Day School.  He has extensive experience in coordinating interscholastic athletic programs.  His strengths lie in working collaboratively with principals, teachers, coaches, student-athletes, and parents to create a supportive and successful athletic program.  He is knowledgeable in developing interscholastic schedules, supervising utilization of athletic facilities, coordinating athletic uses of training and weight rooms, monitoring student eligibility, and the recruitment, hiring, and evaluating of coaches.  Mr. Acuña has direct experience developing stable athletic operating budgets and supervising team accounts.  In addition, he was an associate scout for Major League Baseball.

The selection of Mr. Acuña has drawn considerable praise from those who worked closely with him this past Spring.  Principal Daniels said, “I am enthusiastic and excited for Vic and am thrilled with his positive energy, experience, and leadership qualities.  He is focused and driven to ensure that PHS offers an exceptional educational athletics program.”  PHS Athletic Booster’s President Beth Barrett added, “PHS Boosters is proud to partner with PUSD in supporting a full-time Director of Athletics. As interim Director of Athletics, Vic Acuña has proven a very capable leader who cares deeply about youth sports and will help create a healthy, positive and safe experience for all our student athletes.”

Please let us know if you have any questions or comments about the Director of Athletics position, and please don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Acuña directly about high school athletics at vacuna@piedmont.k12.ca.us

Sincerely,

Randall Booker, Superintendent Piedmont Unified School District

Brent Daniels, Principal Piedmont High School

After taking public testimony and considering the staff report, Board members present gave full and enthusiastic support to the ratification of a full time AD compensation, plus the appointment of Mr. Victor Acuna.

Board members expressed concern over the negative comments in the press regarding the applicant and the apparent lack of information on the selection process and District needs. The Board emphasized the important role athletics and other student activities play in benefiting students now and for their futures. The three affirming School Board members voting at the meeting were Doug Ireland, President Andrea Swenson, and Amal Smith. Board members Rick Raushenbush and Sarah Pearson were absent.

The  AD position is approved for one year and will be re-evaluated prior to continuation in the following year.

The Agenda for August 10, 2016 School Board meeting includes ratification of the newly appointed full time Director of Athletics for Piedmont High School. The matter is agenda item VI.A. “Ratify the appointment of the Piedmont High School Director of Athletics.” It is scheduled for approximately 7:30 p.m.  The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers and broadcast on Cable 27 and on the City website. 

Some residents and parents have questioned  the emphasis on athletics while science, math, technology, and the arts are trimmed.

On July 13, 2016, the Piedmont Unified School District announced the appointment of Mr. Victor Acuna as a full time Director of Athletics for Piedmont High School, effective July 13, 2016.  The Piedmont High School Boosters and the Piedmont Education Foundation are supplementing Acuna’s compensation. In prior years, the position of Athletic Director was not a full time position.

The endlessly cash strapped District has trimmed programs while continuing to heavily rely on community donations and support for schools. To augment funding for school operations, every Piedmont property owner is annually charged an approximate $2,600.  The $2,600 tax is due regardless of the size of one’s property or, unlike certain surrounding districts, any exclusion for senior citizens.

Background: Position Development and Funding
Following the resignation of the former Athletic Director in December of 2015, the District advertised the position to recruit an Interim Athletic Director on a contract basis for January through June of 2016. The District received 22 applications and the interview committee (administrators, coaches, parents) interviewed five candidates. Mr. Victor Acuña was selected for the position due to his extensive experience and positive recommendations.

Throughout the Spring of 2016, the PHS Administrative Team and the Athletic Booster’s continued discussing the need for increased athletic leadership. While the District was in favor of increasing the position from part-time to full-time, the budget would not support a full-time Athletic Director. Over the years, the District has budgeted approximately $60,000 annually toward this position and would not allocate any additional funds.

Recognizing the District’s limited budget and the need for a full-time Director of Athletics, the Athletic Booster’s Board approved a donation of $50,000 for the 2016-17 school year to support a full-time Director of Athletics. The Piedmont Education Foundation (now merged with the Parent Clubs) also recognized these needs and voted to support a full- time Director of Athletics position by contributing $10,000.

With this funding secured, the Superintendent, in collaboration with the PHS Administrative Team and the Athletic Boosters Organization, created the Director of Athletics position for the 2016-17 school year. High school students, coaches, and families will benefit from having a full-time Director of Athletics without any increase in expenditures from the General Fund.

Candidate Selection
After working closely with Mr. Acuña during the second semester, Principal Daniels recommended that the Superintendent hire Mr. Acuña for the new position. With support from the PHS Administrative Team, Athletic Booster’s Leadership, and a variety of coaches, the Superintendent interviewed and appointed Mr. Acuña as the PHS Director of Athletics.

Mr. Acuña is a graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies. For 12 years, Mr. Acuña was a high school Athletic Director in Tucson, Arizona at the Gregory School and the Green Fields Country Day School. He has extensive experience in coordinating interscholastic athletic programs. His strengths lie in working collaboratively with principals, teachers, coaches, student-athletes, and parents to create a supportive and successful athletic program. He is knowledgeable in developing interscholastic schedules, supervising utilization of athletic facilities, coordinating athletic uses of training and weight rooms, monitoring student eligibility, and the recruitment, hiring, and evaluating of coaches. Mr. Acuña has direct experience developing stable athletic operating budgets and supervising team accounts. In addition, he was an associate scout for Major League Baseball.

Below is the July 13, 2016 Press Release provided by the District when announcing Mr. Acuna selection.

“A graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies, Mr. Acuna is an associate scout for Major League Baseball. Mr. Acuna served as the interim Athletic Director for Piedmont High School since January 2016.

“Over the past 12 years, Mr. Acuna was a high school Athletic Director in Tucson, Arizona. He has extensive experience in coordinating interscholastic athletic programs. His strengths lie in working collaboratively with principals, teachers, coaches, student-athletes, and parents to create a supportive and successful athletic program. He is knowledgeable in developing interscholastic schedules, supervising utilization of athletic facilities, coordinating athletic uses of training and weight rooms, monitoring student eligibility, and the recruitment, hiring, and evaluating of coaches. Additionally, Mr. Acuna has direct experience in developing a solvent athletic operating budget and supervising team accounts.

“Piedmont High School Principal Brent Daniels worked closely with Mr. Acuna in the spring, saying “I am enthusiastic and excited with Vic Acuna as our new Director of Athletics and am thrilled with his positive energy, experience, and leadership qualities. He is focused and driven to ensure that PHS offers an exceptional educational athletics program.”

“Piedmont High School Athletic Booster’s President, Beth Barrett commented, “PHS Boosters is proud to partner with PUSD in supporting a full-time Director of Athletics. As interim Director of Athletics, Vic Acuna has proven a very capable leader who cares deeply about youth sports and will help create a healthy, positive and safe experience for all our student athletes.”

Mr. Acuna begins on July 13. His responsibilities include the development and oversight of the PHS Athletic Department Budget, recruiting and evaluating coaches, monitoring student eligibility, serving as the school representative of the Western Alameda Country Conference, partnering with the PHS Athletic Boosters, and coordinating team schedules, transportation, equipment, and supplies. Mr. Acuna’s email address is VAcuna@piedmont.k12.ca.us

“PUSD thanks the PHS Athletic Boosters and the Piedmont Education Foundation for their support. ”

Randall Booker, Superintendent of Piedmont Unified School District

Editors’ Note: Opinions expressed are those of the author.

Read the full agenda > here.

Agenda for Monday,  August 1, 7:30 p.m.  Council meeting includes the following: (Click on each underlined item below to read the staff report.)

08/01/16 – Approval of a Revised Resolution Dedicating Sewer Revenue for Repayment of State Loans for Sewer Rehabilitation

City Charter states:

“SECTION 4.13 TEMPORARY LOANS Money may be borrowed in anticipation of the receipts from taxes during any fiscal year, by the issue of notes, certificates of indebtedness or revenue bonds; but the aggregate amount of such loans at any time outstanding shall not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the receipts from all taxes during the preceding fiscal year; and all such loans shall be paid out of the receipts from taxes for the fiscal year in which they are issued.”

08/01/16 – Approval of a Renewed Facility Use Agreement with the Piedmont Swim Team until August 14, 2018

08/01/16 – Approval of the Reclassification of the Support Services Commander and Human Resources Administrator Positions as Recommended by the Civil Service Commission at its Meeting of July 22, 2016 as well as Approval of Updated Employment Resolutions Reflecting Changes Made to the Classifications

08/01/16 – Approval of the Second Amendment to the Employment Agreement between the City of Piedmont and Paul Benoit

Base Salary: The annual salary for the position of City Administrator shall be Two Hundred Twelve Thousand One Hundred and Eighty Dollars ($212,180.00) effective July 1, 2016. The City Administrator shall be paid at the same intervals and in the same manner as regular City employees. The City shall not at any time during the term of this Agreement reduce the base salary, compensation or other financial benefits of the City Administrator, unless as part of a general City management salary reduction, and then in no greater percentage than the average reduction of all City department heads.

08/01/16 – Approval of the Purchase of a New Vehicle for the Fire Chief

08/01/16 – Approval of a Renewed Agreement to Provide Animal Control Services to the City of Emeryville in the Amount of $93,421 Per Year

08/01/16 – Appoint Councilmember Levine as Liaison to the Planning Commission

08/01/16 – Consideration of the Installation of All Way Stop Signs at Various Intersections to Increase Traffic and Pedestrian Safety (con’t from 07/18/16)

08/01/16 – Consideration of Authorization to Issue an RFP for IT Support Services

08/01/16 – 2nd Reading of Ord. 723 N.S. Approving the First Amendment to the Lease Agreement with Piedmont Center for the Arts at 801 Magnolia Avenue

The meeting will be broadcast live. If you have questions about this material, call the City Clerk’s office at (510) 420-3040.

Read the full August 1 Council > agenda.