Fiona Epps

This strategic plan outlines the City of Pinole's vision, mission, goals, and strategies for a five-year period. It focuses on four key areas: ensuring a safe and resilient community, maintaining financial stability, fostering a vibrant and beautiful environment, and building a high-performing organization. The overarching aim is to establish Pinole as a safe, vibrant, and innovative community characterized by small-town charm and a high quality of life, achieved through efficient, ethical, and effective service delivery.

The Pinole Planning Commission held a meeting to discuss the recommendation of a general plan amendment to adopt the revised 2023 to 2031 housing element. The commission reviewed and considered revisions to address feedback received from the California Department of Housing and Community Development, with the goal of receiving HCD certification for the housing element. The meeting included discussion of community surveys, workshops, and interviews conducted to gather input for the plan.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The board approved the election of board directors for the fiscal year 2023-24. There was an authorization for the general manager to proceed with the purchase of 10 Class G low-floor cutaway vehicles. The board also discussed and approved the adoption of the 2021 Metropolitan Transportation Commission multi-jurisdictional Hazard mitigation plan, which allows the agency to apply for FEMA grants.

The Pinole Planning Commission meeting included discussions on public comments regarding issues such as the Uptown yard and traffic light timing on Peno Valley Road. The meeting also addressed the approval of meeting minutes from December 11th, 2023, with specific edits noted for page 6 and page 8. A public hearing was held for the conditionally use permit cup 23-4, concerning alcohol sales at the anabi Shell station, with a review of crime statistics along the feral Drive corridor.

The committee discussed traffic and pedestrian safety issues, including updates on Wright Avenue and Carrol Street with a new lit stop sign installed, and the completion of a trip hazard repair at Creekside pedestrian bridge. The Active Transportation Plan (ATP) was a significant topic, with a workshop scheduled to gather public input. Concerns were raised about public engagement, the availability of a draft plan, and virtual access to the workshop. Additional discussion included grant opportunities for the Pinole Valley Road project and available resources such as the traffic calming policy and public works maintenance request email.