Activist takes another swipe at city's CIP

  Jack Kretzer is making another effort to circulate a petition in opposition to the city's 10-year Capital Improvement Program the council approved on June 4.

  On Thursday, Kretzer submitted an application to the city clerk's office for an initiative petition serial number. His petition will call for rescinding Resolution R2008-44, which is the city's 2009-2018 CIP.

  Kretzer said the petition will "create an opportunity for people who are angry about what the city is doing." In particular, he said, he hopes to provide residents an opportunity to stop the planned improvements to 12th Street between Avenue A and B.

  He said he also feels the city's use of revenue from the 2 percent hospitality tax for CIP projects without voter approval is a violation of the city charter.

  This is Kretzer's second effort to rescind the CIP. His first petition drive died on July 7 because he failed to meet the deadline to file a petition, according to Greg Hyland, city spokesman.

  The CIP is a 10-year planning document for upcoming capital investment projects such as roadway improvements, upgrades to the water and sewer systems and new park facilities. Only the current fiscal year is funded each year.