Monrovia Council: Hire PR for Lawsuit, Money for Strategic Plan, Oppose Defense Cuts, SG Valley Council of Governments

At its 7:30 p.m. meeting on October 2 (agenda: http://goo.gl/VDKsm ), the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Paying $8,000 a month for the rest of the year to Cerrell Associates, Inc., to provide public relations in the Station Square Transit Village development lawsuit. "[I]t is critically important to embark on a public outreach campaign that will inform Monrovia residents and our community the facts of the lawsuit, as well as provide litigation support.

~ Spending up to $65,450 "to develop a new City-wide Strategic Plan to guide the City's programs and services in this time of budgetary constraints."

~ A proposal to oppose federal government "sequestration" cuts that would affect defense. This is relevant to Monrovia because Monrovia companies Roncelli Plastics, AeroVironment, and Ducommun Aerostructures could suffer layoffs. Interesting stats: Roncelli's business is 30% defense related; AeroVironment 80%; and Ducommun Aerostructures 49%.

~ Spending $16,000 to be a member of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments.

- Brad Haugaard