Claremont City Council has called 2 special meetings Thursday night despite its summer recess in order to meet an August 29th state deadline regarding redevelopment agencies.

On June 28, Governor Brown signed a 2-bill budget package to eliminate California’s redevelopment agency. ABX1 26 eliminates the powers of the redevelopment agency with the exception of paying off remaining indebtedness and performance of existing contractual obligations. ABX1 27 states that the city can reinstate the power of the redevelopment agency by enacting an ordinance to participate in an alternative redevelopment program, but must make annual payments to the state.

At the last city council meeting on Tuesday, July 26, the council voted to adopt a resolution declaring its intent to participate in the voluntary redevelopment program, which gave the city time to evaluate its plan before moving forward. The decision on whether or not to keep Claremont’s redevelopment agency is slated for discussion when the council reconvenes in September, but the city has until November to make an official decision.

At Thursday’s meeting, city officials will calculate the number of outstanding obligations the city has with the redevelopment agency.

“It is my understanding that this is just another step in the process,” Mayor Pro Tem Larry Schroeder said. “It’s to certify the amount of debt that we have and send that in to the state so they can begin to determine how much money needs to be set aside.”

The council will hold a closed meeting beginning at 5 p.m., followed by open session at 6:30 p.m. in the council chamber, 225 W. Second St.  Those wishing to make public comment should arrive promptly at 5 p.m.

The meeting agenda is available for viewing on the city’s website at www.ci.claremont.ca.us. The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 13th at 6:30 p.m.