Ross council approves $85,000 to fund analysis of firehouse ballot initiative

The Ross Town Council voted 3-2 on Oct. 6 to adopt Resolution No. 2542 ordering the preparation of a California Election Code section 9212 report to evaluate the Friends of Ross Firehouse ballot initiative and authorizing the town manager to negotiate and execute agreements with consultants including RSG Inc., CityGate Associates and Mary McGrath Architects and other experts, with up to $85,000 appropriated from the towns undesignated operating fund to cover consultant costs.

Town Manager Krista Johnson told the council the petition seeking to place the measure on the ballot was submitted June 30 and that the town clerk will forward signatures to the county election officer, who has up to 30 days to verify them. Johnson said a council-directed section 9212 report would analyze fiscal impacts, land-use consistency with the general plan and housing element, operational feasibility and related issues. "The item before you this evening is a resolution that orders the preparation of an election code 9 2 1 2 report," Johnson said.

The measure, as described in council documents, would amend the Ross Municipal…