Memorandum – May 22, 2009
City of Willits
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 22, 2009
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Paul Cayler, City Manager
Subject: Administrative Progress Report
The following developments may be of interest to you and the community-at-large. Please contact me at (707) 459-4601, if you have any questions.
LAKE LEVELS
Total reservoir storage as measured on May 20, 2009 is 1,320 acre feet. This is 143 acre feet greater water storage than last year at the same time. It is important for City water users to use good water conservation techniques and be water conscience. However at this time, there are no water restrictions in place for City of Willits water system users.
NEW SEWER TREATMENT PLANT HEADWORKS ON-LINE
The new Willits Sewer Treatment Plant Headwork started operation this week. The $3.9 million project is a high capacity lift station for all waste water in-flow from the Willits sewer system. The new Headworks includes new high efficiency pumps, new in-flow metering, new screens and grit removal system, and a new automated control system. The Headworks is the first phase improvement to the sewer treatment plant. The next phase, which includes installation of new clarifiers, disinfectant system, extended wetlands storage pond and discharge structure, is under final development at this time. The preliminary sewer rate setting study for the next phase of the sewer treatment plant improvement project is scheduled for the May 27, 2009, City Council meeting.
BANK ROBBER ARRESTED IS SUSPECT IN CHASE BANK ROBBERY
This week a bank robbery suspect taken into custody after a bank robbery in Hopland is linked to a bank robbery in Ukiah, as well as is strongly suspected to be the robber of the Chase Bank that occurred on March 31, 2009, in Willits.
BUDGET
The City Council met for a Budget Workshop on Thursday, May 21, 2009. The projected budget deficit is $2.852 million with a $373,858 deficit in the General Fund. The City Council took action to authorize the City Manager to open negotiations with the collective bargaining units over wage and benefit adjustments. The Council authorized offering a two-year health insurance payment as an incentive for employees to retire. In addition, the Council set the goal of reducing Fiscal Year 2009-2010 General Fund appropriations by $600,000. Other budget matters, such as Council Member and City Treasurer benefit reductions and Redevelopment Agency budget cuts, will be taken up at the City Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 2009.
WEST COMMERCIAL STREET REHABILITATION PROJECT DESIGN REVIEW
A design review before the City Council of the West Commercial Street Rehabilitation Project is scheduled for the June 10, 2009, Council Meeting. This design review is being conducted to resolve a number of issues related to traffic calming, sidewalks and parking prior to the final construction plans being approved for bidding.
Agenda for May 27, 2009
AGENDA
WILLITS CITY COUNCIL
111 EAST COMMERCIAL STREET
WILLITS, CALIFORNIA
* * * * * * * *
May 27, 2009* * * * 6:00 p.m.
1. OPENING MATTERS -
a) Call to order;
b) Pledge to flag;
c) Roll Call
2. PUBLIC MATTERS
A. Introduce Ashley Rosenquist, Swim Pool Manager for 2009 Summer
B. Presentation, Discussion and Possible Action on the Sewer Rate Setting Study as Prepared by Bartle Wells
C. PUBLIC HEARING: Discussion and Possible Action to Adopt Resolution Approving Changes in Certain City Fees and Charges Effective July 1, 2009 except Fees for Use of the Willits Center for the Arts Building and Swim Pool Fees Effective June 1, 2009
3. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS – Council welcomes participation in its meetings. Comments shall be limited to five minutes per person so that everyone may be given an opportunity to be heard. To expedite matters and avoid repetition, whenever any group of persons wishes to address the Council on the same subject matter, the Mayor may request that a spokesperson be chosen by the group. This item is limited to matters under the jurisdiction of the City Council which are not on the posted agenda. Public criticism of the City Council, Commission, Boards and Agencies will not be prohibited. No action shall be taken.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR – Matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion.
ACTION RECOMMENDED
A. City Council Minutes of 5/13/09 ——————Approve
B. Warrants #12601 – 12788 = $141,544.30——————–Approve
5. RIGHT TO APPEAL – Persons who are dissatisfied with the decisions of the City Council may have the right to a review of that decision by a court. The City has adopted Section 1094.6 of the Code of Civil Procedure which generally limits to 90 days the time within which the decisions of the City boards and agencies may be judicially challenged.
6. COMMISSIONS, AGENCIES AND AUTHORITIES
None
7. OLD BUSINESS
A. Review, Consideration and Possible Action on an Agreement for Possession and Use Between the City of Willits and the California State Department of Transportation for City Owned Property at the Wastewater Treatment Plan for the Construction of the State Highway Route 101 Bypass Project
8. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve Contract Change Order with Capability Brown Landscaping for Rain Catchment and Storage System at Brookside Farm
B. Discussion and Possible Action to Adopt Resolution Finding a Severe Fiscal Hardship Will Exist if Additional City Property Tax Funds are Seized and Additional Unfunded Mandates are Adopted by the State of California
C. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve Letter Requesting Mendocino County Air Quality Management District Board Members Direct Air District Staff to Provide Alternatives for City Representative on Air Board and Appoint Dan Gjerde to the Regional Water Board Committee
D. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve Contract Amendment #4 with SHN Engineering for the Wastewater Treatment Project
E. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve Contract Change Order with Capability Brown Landscaping for Rain Catchment and Storage System at the Willits Integrated Services Center
F. Other Reports – Oral/No Action
9. DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Police Chief
B.City Planner
C. City Attorney
D. Public Works Director
E. City Engineer
F. Finance Director
10. CITY COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. MCOG
B. LAFCO
C. MTA
D. REVIT-ED COMMITTEE
E. MSWMA-JPA
F. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & FINANCING CORP. (EDFC)
G. LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES
H. WATER RESOURCES COMMITTEE
I. SEWER SYSTEM COMMITTEE
J. CALTRANS AD HOC COMMITTEE
K. OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS
11. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
12. ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCES
A. Next Ordinance: 2009-03
B. Next Resolution: 2009-13
C. Next Planning Commission Resolution: 2009-01
D. Next Community Development Agency Resolution: 2009-02
13. GOOD & WELFARE
14. CLOSED SESSION NOTICE
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(b): One Claim
B. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE EMPLOYMENT EVALUATION / EMPLOYMENT PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957(b)(1) Title: City Manager
C. CONFERENCE WITH AGENCY LABOR NEGOTIATORS, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6:City of Willits Negotiator: Paul Cayler, City Manager
Employee Organization: Willits Police Officers AssociationCity of Willits Negotiator: Paul Cayler, City Manager
Employee Organization: International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers, Local 1275City of Willits Negotiator: Paul Cayler, City Manager
Employee Organization: Unrepresented Employees
15. ADJOURNMENT
NOTE: The meeting room is wheelchair accessible and disabled parking is available. If you are a person with a disability and you need disability-related modifications or accommodations to participate in this meeting, please contact Marilyn Harden at (707) 459-7120 or FAX (707) 459-1562. Requests for such modifications or accommodations must be made at least two full business days before the start of the meeting.
NOTE: Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the Willits City Council/ Planning Commission/Community Development Agency after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at City Clerk’s office at 111 E. Commercial Street, Willits during normal business hours.
New Press Releases
City Standards Press Release (doc format)
City Standards Press Release (pdf format)
Evaluations for Safer Routes for School (doc format)
Evaluations for Safer Routes for School (pdf format)
View Forms Here
City Hall Forms
Planning and Building Forms
Building Permit Application
Public Works Forms
Sewer Department Forms
Sewer Hookup Application
Claims Form
Public Records
Special Agenda for May 21, 2009
SPECIAL MEETING
AGENDA
WILLITS CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
111 EAST COMMERCIAL STREET
WILLITS, CALIFORNIA
* * * * * * * *
May 21, 2009* * * * 4:00 p.m.
1. OPENING MATTERS –
a) Call to order;
b) Roll Call
2. BUDGET WORKSHOP ON THE PROPOSED 2009-2010 CITY OF WILLITS AND COMMUNITYY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY BUDGETS
3. CLOSED SESSION NOTICE
A. CONFERENCE WITH AGENCY LABOR NEGOTIATORS, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6:
City of Willits Negotiator: Paul Cayler, City Manager
Employee Organization: Willits Police Officers AssociationCity of Willits Negotiator: Paul Cayler, City Manager
Employee Organization: International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers, Local 1275City of Willits Negotiator: Paul Cayler, City Manager
Employee Organization: Unrepresented Employees
4. ADJOURNMENT
NOTE: The meeting room is wheelchair accessible and disabled parking is available. If you are a person with a disability and you need disability-related modifications or accommodations to participate in this meeting, please contact Marilyn Harden at (707) 459-7120 or FAX (707) 459-1562. Requests for such modifications or accommodations must be made at least two full business days before the start of the meeting.
NOTE: Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the Willits City Council/ Planning Commission/Community Development Agency after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at City Clerk’s office at 111 E. Commercial Street, Willits during normal business hours.
Agenda for May 13, 2009
AGENDA
WILLITS CITY COUNCIL
111 EAST COMMERCIAL STREET
WILLITS, CALIFORNIA
* * * * * * * *
May 13, 2009* * * * 6:00 p.m.
1. OPENING MATTERS –
a) Call to order;
b) Pledge to flag;
c) Roll Call
2. PUBLIC MATTERS
A. PUBLIC HEARING: Discussion and Possible Action Authorizing Submittal of a Grant Application to the Recovery Act: Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Formula Program
B. Presentation and Discussion of the Preliminary Sewer Rate Setting Study Information from Bartle Wells Associates, and Possible Action to Set a Public Workshop
3. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS – Council welcomes participation in its meetings. Comments shall be limited to five minutes per person so that everyone may be given an opportunity to be heard. To expedite matters and avoid repetition, whenever any group of persons wishes to address the Council on the same subject matter, the Mayor may request that a spokesperson be chosen by the group. This item is limited to matters under the jurisdiction of the City Council which are not on the posted agenda. Public criticism of the City Council, Commission, Boards and Agencies will not be prohibited. No action shall be taken.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR - Matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion.
ACTION RECOMMENDED
A. City Council Minutes of 4/21/09 and 4/22/09——————Approve
B. Warrants # 12553 – 12690 = $442,289.28 ——————–Approve
C. RESOLUTION 2009-11 of the Willits City Council and ———-Approve
RESOLUTION 2009-01 of the Willits Community
Redevelopment Agency Adopting an Identity Theft
Program Pursuant to the Fair and Accurate Credit
Transactions Act and the Federal Trade Commission’s
Red Flag Rules
D. Award Contract to EBA Technologies for Quarterly Monitoring—–Approve
at the City of Willits Corporation Yard, 380 E. Commercial Street
E. Award Contract to Shaw Environmental for Monitoring at———Approve
the Willits Landfill
5. RIGHT TO APPEAL – Persons who are dissatisfied with the decisions of the City Council may have the right to a review of that decision by a court. The City has adopted Section 1094.6 of the Code of Civil Procedure which generally limits to 90 days the time within which the decisions of the City boards and agencies may be judicially challenged.
6. COMMISSIONS, AGENCIES AND AUTHORITIES
A. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
1. Approval of Community Development Agency Minutes of 4/22/09
2. Discussion and Possible Approval of a Façade Grant Application Submitted by Rodney Usher for 358 South Main Street
7. OLD BUSINESS
None
8. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Discussion and Possible Action to Authorize the Extension of Water Service for a Second Living Unit at an Existing Water Connection Outside the Willits City Limits Located at 22060 Pepperwood Way
B. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding a Proposal by Da Grand Poobah to Conduct Three Concerts at Recreation Grove Park
C. Review, Consideration and Possible Action on an Agreement for Possession and Use Between the City of Willits and the California State Department of Transportation for City Owned Property at the Wastewater Treatment Plan for the Construction of the State Highway Route 101 Bypass Project
D. Discussion and Possible Action Supporting Propositions 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E and 1F
E. Discussion and Possible Action Adopting a California State Legislative Position Related to AB 1121 (Davis) Regarding Use of Ranked Voting
F. Discussion and Possible Action to Adopt Resolution Regarding Reimbursement for the Willits Wastewater Treatment Plant Project as Financed by the State Water Resources Control Board
G. Discussion and Possible Action Supporting AB 1364 (Evans) Regarding the Authority to Renegotiate State Grant Deadlines Due to Suspension of Pooled Money Investment Board Payments
H. Discussion and Possible Action Opposing AB 128 (Coto) Regarding Extending Time Frame for Filing Workers’ Compensation Cancer Claims Presumed to be Work-Caused
I. Other Reports – Oral/No Action
9. DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Police Chief
B. City Planner
C. City Attorney
D. Public Works Director
E. City Engineer
F. Finance Director
10. CITY COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. MCOG
B. LAFCO
C. MTA
D. REVIT-ED COMMITTEE
E. MSWMA-JPA
F. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & FINANCING CORP. (EDFC)
G. LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES
H. WATER RESOURCES COMMITTEE
I. SEWER SYSTEM COMMITTEE
J. SHERWOOD VALLEY RANCHERIA CASINO PROJECT AD HOC COMMITTEE
K CALTRANS AD HOC COMMITTEE
L OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS
11. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
12. ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCES
A. Next Ordinance: 2009-03
B. Next Resolution: 2009-12
C. Next Planning Commission Resolution: 2009-01
D. Next Community Development Agency Resolution: 2009-02
13. GOOD & WELFARE
14. CLOSED SESSION NOTICE
15. ADJOURNMENT
NOTE: The meeting room is wheelchair accessible and disabled parking is available. If you are a person with a disability and you need disability-related modifications or accommodations to participate in this meeting, please contact Marilyn Harden at (707) 459-7120 or FAX (707) 459-1562. Requests for such modifications or accommodations must be made at least two full business days before the start of the meeting.
NOTE: Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the Willits City Council/ Planning Commission/Community Development Agency after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at City Clerk’s office at 111 E. Commercial Street, Willits during normal business hours.
Memorandum – May 8, 2009
City of Willits
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 8, 2009
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Paul Cayler, City Manager
Subject: Administrative Progress Report
The following developments may be of interest to you and the community-at-large. Please contact me at (707) 459-4601, if you have any questions.
LAKE LEVELS
The spring rains this past week were a very welcome event. Morris and Centennial Reservoirs are spilling over the top. In fact, Morris Reservoir overflow was measured at four inches on May 7th. Total capacity is greater than 1,300 acre feet. This is an excellent position to be in going toward the summer dry season. It is important for City water users to use good water conservation techniques and be water conscience. However at this time, there are no water restrictions in place for City of Willits water system users.
FROZEN STATE GRANTS FUNDS TO BE DISBURSED
The City has received notification that the freeze for projects funded through the Pooled Money Investment Board (PMIB) has been lifted, and the City can expected disbursement payments soon. The most critical payments are for grant projects through the California State Department of Parks and Recreation. The freezing of grant payments lead to the City suspending further work on the Kids Club project. City staff anticipates that payment should come in July 2009. Until such time as disbursement payments arrives, the Kids Club project will remain suspended. The City and the project contractor are in discussions how to restart the project. Also, the City is closely following the progress of AB 1364 (Evans) which will grant authority to State Agencies to renegotiate grant project deadlines due to the PMIB freeze. City Manager is recommending that the City Council take a “support” position on AB 1364 at the May 13, 2009, City Council Meeting.
SPECIAL ELECTION
A Statewide Special Election will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2009. This election is to resolve a number of critical issues related to the State Budget Crisis. Absentee ballots have been mailed. Registered voters should now be reviewing the issues and exercising the franchise. On Election Day, City Hall (111 East Commercial) will be a polling place.
CENTRAL STREET PROJECT PUBLIC WORKSHOP
There will be a public workshop to discuss the development of the Center Street Rehabilitation Project on Tuesday May 12, 2009, at 6:00pm in City Hall (111 East Commercial). People interested in reviewing preliminary drawings, or having questions and concerns on the project are invited to attend. This project will be paid from the City ½ cent sales tax measure.
SUCCESSFUL REDEVELOPMENT LAWSUIT
On April 30, Sacramento Superior Court Judge Lloyd Connelly ruled in favor of redevelopment agencies statewide and found unconstitutional a provision in the current state budget, which would have required redevelopment agencies statewide to transfer $350 million to be used to fund State obligations. A judgment was signed by the Court on May 7, 2009, forbidding any of the defendants from taking any actions to carry out or enforce any of the payment requirements in Health and Safety Code Sections 33685 through 33689. The City of Willits will not be sending the estimated $76,850 ERAF payment to the Mendocino County Auditor. It is expected that this lawsuit will be appealed, so please standby.
BUDGET
The City Council Finance Committee and City Department Heads and Staff spent Wednesday May 6, 2009 and Thursday May 7, 2009, going through the draft Fiscal Year 2009-2010 budget in detail. The projected budget deficit is $2,881 million with a $410,003 deficit in the General Fund.
The major themes of the draft budget are: 1) Sales tax revenue is down, which is the largest single source of General Fund revenue; 2) Expenses are up in most categories; 3) The Redevelopment Agency is nearing the end of its project life, and will not be available to support projects and programs that eliminate blight and improve economic development; 4) The City is deeply involved in a number of State Parks and Recreation Department grant funded projects for which disbursements are yet to be received. In some good news, it appears that the State grant funding freeze may be lifted. See item above for more info.
The Finance Committee recommended that the City Council take action to authorize the City Manager to open negotiations with the collective bargaining units over contractual pay raises scheduled to begin on July 1, 2009, and offering a two year health insurance payment as an incentive for employees to retire. These issues as well as other budget matters will be taken up at a City Council Budget Workshop scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2009.
Jim Lance’s Brown Act Basics
Pop Quiz:
During “Public Comment” a person wishes to
speak but refuses to sign the sign-in sheet,
state his name or give his address. Does he
have the right to speak?
Find the answer by downloading Jim Lance’s Brown Act Basics.
Download the PDF by clicking here. (731KB)
Intent of the Brown Act:
- To ensure that deliberations and actions of local legislative bodies are open and public.
- To ensure meaningful public access to local agency decisions.
- Meetings must be open to the public, held on a regular schedule, and follow a noticed agenda.
- No secret ballots.
Central St. Rehab Notice
Attention City of Willits Residents:
The City of Willits is pleased to announce that Central St. has been chosen for
street/pavement rehabilitation. The City invites you to a Q & A session, to discuss the
project and its possible impacts.
The Q& A Session is schedule for:
Date: May 12, 2009
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: City Council Chambers
111 E. Commercial St.
Willits, CA 95490