City Council OKs Zoning Changes, Employee Contracts

The Piedmont City Council on Monday night:

—Approved a package of changes to the city's zoning code, including a controversial plan to allow mixed commercial-residential projects in the commercial zone.

—Approved employment resolutions and Memoranda of Understanding with several groups of city employees. Most included employees' first raises in four years, largely offset by higher employee contributions to medical and retirement medical benefits.

—Upheld the Piedmont Planning Commission's approval of the design of side-by-side two-car garages on neighboring properties at 77 and 79 Oakmont Ave. Several neighbors had appealed the commission's approval, citing the visual effect of the new, larger garages at or close to the front property line.

Monday's agenda and accompanying staff reports are available on the City of Piedmont website here.

QUOTES OF THE NIGHT

From ever-quotable Councilmember Jeff Wieler, during discussion of state mandates for cities to provide more housing for various income levels, and a proposal to allow mixed commercial-residential buildings in Piedmont's commercial zone: "I say to hell with the state. They're going to find themselves forced to the wall."

From City Administrator Geoffrey Grote, more or less in response: "Housing has always been allowed in the commercial zone. When it's time to make it a fight, make it a better one."

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