Water tops busy council agenda

The Claremont City Council will meet to discuss the price and terms of the city’s desired water system purchase in a private conference this Tuesday, February 26 at 5:115 p.m. before the regular city council session begins.

The city offered $54 million for the purchase of the water system last November. Negotiations between Claremont and Golden State Water Company began on February 15 with a meeting held at Best, Best and Krieger’s Riverside office. Administrators on both sides have kept details regarding the conference private, only stating that it was positive. Those who would like to make a public comment on the water discussion may do so before the city council at 5:15 p.m. before council members recess into their private meeting.

Health care reform will be on the agenda when the council returns to open forum at 6:30 p.m. Councilmembers will evaluate adding the city’s support to Claremont Graduate University’s Affordable Health Care Reform outreach and education program. Through the proposed free service, administrators with CGU’s School of Community and Global Health would help assist locals in finding affordable health care options, according to a letter drafted by Dean Gerstein, CGU’s vice provost and director of research. The program represents a collaboration with the local graduate school and Pomona Valley Hospital along with a handful of local school districts: Claremont, Chino, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, La Verne, Montclair, Ontario, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, San Dimas and Upland.

CGU hopes to fund the outreach program with financial support from the Covered California Outreach and Education grant program, which is offering $43 million in aid for public awareness activities taking place from May 2013 through December 2014. University officials hope the city will draft a letter in support of their pursuits as such an outreach program is “consistent with the city’s goals of supporting youth, families and all residents alike to access health care and to improve quality of life,” according to a report submitted by Kathleen Trepa, the city’s community and human services director. The program plans to reach out to 120,000 households throughout Claremont and surrounding areas.

The council will also receive the Claremont Tourism Business Improvement District’s annual report. The CTBID was adopted in November 2009 to promote local tourism. Since its formation, the Tourism BID has introduced a series of new programs under its marketing plan “Discover Claremont” in an effort to market the local community to the masses. The council is also slated to approve 50-Fifty Asian Fusion and Bardot Restaurant’s applications to participate in the CDBG Job Creation and Business Incentive Program, as well as direct staff to move forward with preparations for the 2013-2014 Landscape and Lighting District annual report.

The Claremont City Council meets the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, located to the side of City Hall at 225 W. Second St. View Tuesday night’s full agenda at www.ci.claremont.ca.us.