It's not exactly the Justice League, but it comes close.
On Tuesday night, the Turlock City Council will consider establishing the Mayor's Economic Development Team, a specialized task force with the goal to create and sustain economic development in the Turlock community.
The purpose of the team will be to identify strategies to make Turlock a stronger economic competitor.
According to a city staff report, some of the team's responsibilities will include: monitoring economic trends, fostering relationships with local businesses, attracting jobs for local residents, bolstering the sports tournaments industry, advertising viable land, streamlining the permitting process, offering economic incentives and holding regular meetings with Turlock businesses.
The team comes in light of the changing dynamic of Turlock's economy, which has shifted from its traditional roots in agriculture to more local government, retail, manufacturing and health related industries.
According to city staff, the development of the team will be "sending a clear message of support for sustainable job creating and improved quality of life for all residents."
The proposed task force will consist of 15-20 community members including citizens, economists and local business owners and one council member.
If approved, applications to be appointed to the task force will be due in the city clerk's office by 5 p.m. on Aug. 16. Appointments are expected to be made on Aug. 27 and the first meeting will be in September.
On Tuesday, the council will also:
• Consider approving diagrams, assessments and reports, and levying assessments for
Fiscal Year 2013-14 for all Lighting, Landscaping and Street Maintenance Benefit areas
within the City of Turlock. The proposed assessments will be imposed on 192 districts and generate $2.5 million for city fund 246, "Landscape Assessment District Maintenance."
• Accept AB109 Realignment Funds in the amount of $85,985.77 and
appropriate the funds for "Police Services Grants."
• Consider authorizing staff to enter into an agreement with lobbying firm Townsend
Public Affairs for issues, concerns, and opportunities regarding sewer, storm, and
recycled water treatment, or other legislative, regulatory, or financial prospects, that
could be of benefit to the City of Turlock, for a total annual expense not to exceed
$60,000 from Enterprise Funds.
• Consider authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to approve the temporary
closure of public streets, alleys, or other public rights-of-way and waive all general
liability insurance requirements listed in Turlock Municipal Code.
The Turlock City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Yosemite Room of Turlock City Hall, 156 S. Broadway.
