Claremont Council to decide fate of 'Club' pines

A notable item was conspicuously absent from the agenda for Tuesday, March 26’s meeting of the Claremont City Council: gun control.

On March 15 the council listened to nearly 2 hours of back-and-forth debate on whether or not the city should adopt a stance on Dianne Feinstein’s proposed Assault Weapons Ban of 2013. The council opted to hold off on a decision because Councilmember Sam Pedroza was absent. The vote was expected to take place on March 26.

But the council’s decision was made for them when Ms. Feinstein’s ban died in the Senate on March 18. As Ms. Feinstein’s legislation fizzled, so did that of the Claremont City Council.

The council will instead be tasked with a long list of other decisions, including awarding a bid for banking services. Staff is recommending the council approve a 5-year contract with Bank of the West.

City officials initiated their request for a new banking institution in December after given direction from the council in April. A long list of banking institution requirements were drawn up including input from members of Occupy Claremont. Among requirements was at least a satisfactory ranking as determined by the California Reinvestment Act, which encourages banks to help meet the needs of low income borrowers and to reduce discriminatory lending practices.

Of the 11 banks that responded to the city’s request for bids, Bank of the West “most completely meets the requirements,” according to the staff report. 

The council will also be tasked with determining the fate of 59 trees in and around the Claremont Club neighborhood. Staff is proposing the council allow the city’s arborist replace the trees should it prove the roots are causing damage to infrastructure. In addition, the council will review a proposed Hardscape Repair and Tree Replacement program, to approve the removal of trees proving to causing damage as determined by an arborist.

The meeting takes place at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, 225 W. Second St. View the night’s full agenda atwww.ci.claremont.ca.us.