Politics & Government

Land Purchase, New Digs for MSJC Top Temecula City Council Actions

Council actions taken Tuesday include a $1.43 million land deal, a new Temecula location for MSJC classes and a grassroots citizens committee.

The Temecula City Council met Tuesday night, tackling several issues including but not limited to a land purchase for the Overland Drive extension to Diaz Road, an agreement with Mt. San Jacinto College and the formation of a grassroots citizen committee.

Below is a summary of these items. The entire meeting may be viewed on the city's website.

$1.43 Million Seals Deal for Overland Drive Bridge

The purchase of land where Ranch Muffler is located on Commerce Center Drive was unanimously approved. The deal will allow the planned extension of Overland Drive, to include a bridge over Murrieta Creek that connects the roadway with Diaz Road to west.

The agreement gives Ranch Muffler owners Jim and Terri McGill relocation costs and allows them to lease back the facility for $1 until the close of escrow in December, $2,500 in January 2014 and $5,300 in February 2014.

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There was no Council discussion Tuesday regarding the matter.

MSJC Moving Into Former Temecula City Hall

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Mt. San Jacinto College will lease the second floor of the former Temecula City Hall, 43200 Business Park Drive, for $1 a year plus utilities under a three-year renewable agreement approved Tuesday.

The college plans to retrofit the space in order to begin offering classes there, some in partnership with California State University San Marcos, said MSJC President Roger Schultz.

“This is a higher education partnership with CSUSM that will create some great synergy,” Schultz said.

The move came recommended by Mayor Mike Naggar and Councilman Chuck Washington, who serve on the City’s Higher Education Subcommittee.

“To the degree that we can alleviate (the cost of attending college) we are doing that with these municipal agreements,” Naggar said.

After consulting with city legal staff, Mayor Pro Tem Maryann Edwards recused herself from the vote because her husband works next to the facility.

Other Council members voted 4-0 in favor of the agreement.

Council Action Committee for Health and Family Safety

The formation of a grassroots committee of citizen volunteers gained unanimous support from Council. Described as a group comprised of clergy, students, PTA members and others from the community, the committee would be charged with spreading information gained from Council’s participation in the Regional Youth, Family and Health Task Force.

Since its kick-off meeting in April, the regional group has held seminars on issues facing today’s youth and families such as video gaming addictions, youth violence and cyber safety.

Applications to serve on this new committee will be advertised and accepted through the Community Services Department before Council members are asked to appoint two task force members each.

“...We need people out there preaching, letting people know this is not tolerated in our city,” said Councilman Ron Roberts.

Other Council Business

Additional items approved Tuesday such as a contract to update the City’s Multi-Use Trails and Bikeways Master Plan, a citywide cement contract, and the approval of a November benefit concert featuring Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band will be reported in upcoming Patch articles.


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