Council to Hear Update on Plan for Local Shops

The  tonight will receive an update from city staff on "the local community-serving businesses discussion." The update is expected to include details from last week's meeting at  that included representatives of the Preserve Malibu Group, local shopping center owners and land use consultant/.

Preservation of local businesses in Malibu became a hot topic last spring when  and Sea Lily were threatened with eviction by the owners of the Trancas Country Market. The eviction was later rescinded, but the issue expanded to a discussion about the health of local shops and restaurants throughout Malibu.

At tonight's meeting, the council will consider a proposal for the city to put $1,500 toward the funding of a community seminar hosted by the American Independent Business Alliance. This money would be combined with $1,000 the council had allocated in October for the formation of an "Independent Business Alliance." City staff has recommended the alliance not be formed at this time, and instead the total $2,500 be used to fund the seminar called Strength in Numbers.

"The community seminar would cover a wide range of opportunities to enhance local community-serving businesses in Malibu," the staff report states. "Following, it could be determined by the group involved if there is any direction to be taken. The city has invited the  to be an integral part of the workshop."

Also on the agenda is  proposal that the city spend  of the . The entire council earlier this month OK'd the expenditure in concept, but since the proposal was not on the agenda at the time, it needed to be brought back for formal approval.

Sibert has never publicly stated he supports the project, which has the backing of all the major local environmental groups, but also has a number of critics. However, those opposed to the plan have focused on Sibert when criticizing the council for not taking an official position in opposition to the project, which is scheduled to start in June.

Several people have alleged that it is not a coincidence Sibert has recommended the study .

Also on the council agenda:

• Direction for city staff to issue a Request for Proposals for  that will cost an estimated $40,000
• Public Safety Commission's recommendation that the city pursue the 

The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at , which is located at 23825 Stuart Ranch Road.