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Council Watch
Glen stands to receive some payoff in mayor's new budget
Fiscalini and Diquisto bring home 'the other white meat'
By Jessica Lyons
Asking for money never hurt anyone, and in some cases, it bears fruitful results. Case in point: Willow Glen's two councilmembers, Frank Fiscalini and John Diquisto. The councilmembers asked Mayor Ron Gonzales for extra funds to improve the Glen, and they didn't leave empty-handed. Gonzales issues his 99/00 Budget redirect statement, recommending funding for different areas of the city, on June 15. After reviewing the mayor's recommendations, the City Council is expected to approve the budget requests on June 21. Here are some areas where funding will improve Willow Glen.
* Pedestrian street lighting ($30,000)
The spotlight's on safety--and Lincoln Avenue--as Frank Fiscalini asked the city for $30,000 to install motion-sensor lights on each of the avenue's crosswalks.
"Our theory is if it means that one driver stops and doesn't hit somebody, that's well worth it," says Michelle McGurk, chief aide for Willow Glen's councilmember.
Since 1989, 23 people have been hit crossing the avenue.
The project would install one downward-facing spot light on each of the eight archways across Lincoln Avenue. Supporters say the lights will make pedestrians easier to spot at night as they step into the crosswalks along the busy neighborhood business district.
"We finally feel that somebody cares about Lincoln Avenue businesses and we appreciate the efforts from Frank [Fiscalini]'s office," says Demetri Rizos, manager of the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association. "It is an issue and something we want to deal with now before someone gets hurt."
* Fire Station 6
Retired firefighter John Diquisto's battle paid off. After an impassioned fight by the councilmember to save Hose Wagon 6 and one local firefighter, the mayor is recommending both the wagon and the staff position stay put.
"I applaud the mayor for giving the issue due diligence and coming up with the right decision," says Randy Sekany, president of San Jose Firefighters. "The reality is that this is an area we can't cut."
Gonzales further recommends hiring 12 new firefighters for the new Station 31 in the Evergreen neighborhood of San Jose. Previous budget proposals recommended staffing Station 31 with exiting fire-fighting positions, including one from Willow' Glen's firehouse.
* Increase in sidewalk repairs ($2 million)
Glenites may no longer need to worry about stepping on a crack in Willow Glen. Following up on his State-of-the City promise to expand the city's sidewalk repair program, Mayor Gonzales is recommending allocating funds to bring the city's total to $2 million in one-time funds for the first year. Gonzales also recommends that the city provide staff and equipment in the amount of $400,000 to grind and/or patch sidewalk problems.
* Soundwall installation ($200,000)
Meridian Avenue neighbors will sleep better after hearing--or not hearing--the results of this budget recommendation. Traffic noise from the busy avenue has been a long-time concern of area residents.
"We received a call from the community in regards to a very old issue, so we said we'd help," says Diquisto's aide Dawn Wright. So Diquisto's office asked for $159,000 to install a soundwall to block noise along Meridian Ave. The mayor in turn is recommending an excess of $41,000 to fund planting and design enhancements along the soundwall. He says the beautification will reduce the likelihood of graffiti.
* New heating and air conditioning system at Kirk Community Center ($258,200)
When the cost estimate to redo the Kirk Center's entire heat and air system came in higher than expected, John Diquisto's office asked the city for help. They got their wish. These funds will be specifically targeted for the heating and air conditioning systems in the multi-purpose room and the staff offices, Wright says.
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
