City Council Minutes of September 9, 2009 -click here-
Memorandum – September 18, 2009
City of Willits
MEMORANDUM
Date: September 18, 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.
VOLUNTEERS HELP OUT AT THE SWIMMING POOL
A BIG thanks to Judy Donaldson and Silvia Welykholowa! Judy and Silvia lead a group of volunteers that painted and improved the swimming pool restrooms. The in-kind donation equaled $2,440. This is an excellent example of volunteers that making a difference in the Willits community. Again thanks Judy, Silvia and everyone that helped out and donated to the effort.
WATER
As the dry season enters the final stretch many people ask me how Willits is doing for water supply. I can report that the situation appears good. As of September 15, 2009, the total water storage capacity in Morris and Centennial Reservoirs is 800.5 acre feet. Water storage is approximately 309 acre feet greater than last year at the same time. Based on the present usage trends, the City of Willits water supply will be well above the November 1st Phase One Water Emergency trigger point, which is 500 acre feet.
I am hopeful that seasonal rains will arrive early this season and thus begin reservoir recharge, because the City very much wants to conduct a water main flush project this year. This is a project that has not been carried out in several years due to water shortage issues. The flush project uses a fair volume of water, however it is critical for the removal of sediment that accumulates in the water distribution pipelines.
RETIREMENTS
There are a number of retirements in the City staff that have been recently announced. Some of the familiar City employees that have recently announced that they will retire before the end of 2009 are City Clerk/Human Resource Director Marilyn Harden, Public Work Director David Madrigal, Water Plant Supervisor Denny Caine, Customer Relations Coordinator Leah Oberdorf, Sewer Operator I Joe Mondo, and Police Dispatcher Kristi Yde. Plans are underway for a big farewell for these experienced and dedicated public servants. These retirements are part of the City’s voluntary retirement incentive project.
PROP 1A SECURITIZATION FAILS TO BE ENACTED
On Friday, September 11, 2009, SB 67 failed to be enacted in the State Senate prior to the adjournment of the Legislature. SB 67 is critical because it allows financing of the State’s approximately $1.9 billion (statewide) borrowing of local government’s Proposition 1A revenue. The taking of Proposition 1A tax revenue from local government is an element of the State’s July budget agreement. SB67 provided for an accelerated schedule for securitize the Proposition 1A loan to the State, thus ensuring that local government will receive critical revenue on exactly the same schedule as property taxes would normally be distributed. The failure to pass SB67 is a critical setback for the cities throughout California. I am hopeful that reason will prevail in Sacramento, and that a solution can be found and enacted in the next few weeks. I contacted Assembly Member Wes Chesbro’s office to express concern on this matter. I was assured by Assembly Member Chesbro’s local representative that he supports SB 67, and he is actively lobbying his State Senate colleagues.
WALK TO SCHOOL DAY IS OCTOBER 7TH
International Walk to School Day is October 7, 2009. I received a notice from the Willits Walk to School Committee that they are planning events at every school in Willits that day, which promote walking and bicycling to school safely. Anyone interested in more information should call Alan Falleri at City Hall (459-7124).
SALES TAX REVENUE
The preliminary City of Willits sales tax revenue report from the 2nd Quarter of 2009 is in. The news is not encouraging for the City, region or state. The comparison of 2nd Quarter data from 2008 to 2009 indicates a decrease in the City of Willits of 20.9%. This downward trend for the 2nd quarter sales tax is the same for Mendocino County (-18.6), the North Coast Region (-21.5), and statewide (-20.8).
Agenda for September 23, 2009
AGENDA
WILLITS CITY COUNCIL
111 EAST COMMERCIAL STREET
WILLITS, CALIFORNIA
* * * * * * * *
September 23, 2009* * * * 6:00 p.m.
1. OPENING MATTERS –
a) Call to order;
b) Pledge to flag;
c) Roll Call
2. PUBLIC MATTERS
A. PROCLAMATION – Proclaiming Domestic Violence Awareness Month – October 2009
B. PROCLAMATION – Declaring October 2009 – Willits Walks for Wellness Month
C. Presentation by Sam Pierce, Tellus Applied Sciences, Inc., on the Draft City of Willits Greenhouse Gas Emissions Action Plan Analysis, and Possible Comments from the City Council for Completion of the Final Plan
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 9/9/09_________Approve
B. Warrants #13739-13950 = $350,964.17_____________Approve
C. Voluntary Early Resignation/Retirement Waiver and
Release Agreement for Leah Oberdorf___________________Approve
D. Voluntary Early Resignation/Retirement Waiver and
Release Agreement for Denny Caine____________________ Approve
E. Voluntary Early Resignation/Retirement Waiver and
Release Agreement for Marilyn Harden__________________Approve
F. Voluntary Early Resignation/Retirement Waiver and
Release Agreement for David Madrigal___________________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
None
8. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve Contract for Professional Services with Water Works Engineering for the Water Treatment Plant Improvement Project Design Plans
B. Discussion and Possible Action on License with Jason & Kristin Bradford for the Use of City Property
C. Discussion and Possible Action to Adopt Council Resolution Confirming the Code Enforcement Officer’s Report of the Amounts Owed and to Authorize the Collection of Fines, Fees and Charges Incurred in the Abatement of a Nuisance at 136 E. Oak Street, Willits, CA
D. 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. EXPLORATION OF POTENTIAL ENERGY SOURCES 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: 2009-34
C. Next Planning Commission Resolution: 2009-02
D. Next Community Development Agency Resolution: 2009-03
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.
Planning Commision Minutes 11/12/2008 – click here -
City Council Minutes of August 12, 2009 -click here-
City Council Minutes of July 22, 2009 -click here-
Agenda for September 9, 2009
AGENDA
WILLITS CITY COUNCIL
111 EAST COMMERCIAL STREET
WILLITS, CALIFORNIA
* * * * * * * *
September 9, 2009* * * * 6:00 p.m.
1. OPENING MATTERS –
a) Call to order;
b) Pledge to flag;
c) Roll Call
2. PUBLIC MATTERS
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 8/26/09 Approve
B. Warrants #13142-13626 = $52,938.10 Approve
C. Warrants #13701-13806 = $251,014.51 Approve
D. Voluntary Early Resignation/Retirement Waiver and Approve
Release Agreement with Joe Mondo
E. Voluntary Early Resignation/Retirement Waiver and Approve
Release Agreement with Kristi Yde
F. RESOLUTION 2009-32 Authorizing Staff to Transfer Funds Approve
Between the Local Agency Investment Fund and Bank of
Willits
G. Building Inspection Activity Report – August 2009 Accept
H. Warrants #13618, 13619 & 13627 = $30,770.08 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
None
8. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Discussion and Possible Action on a Resolution of the Willits City Council Approving a Resolution to Make a $113,000 Low Interest Loan to Advanced Manufacturing and Development (dba Metal F/x)
B. Discussion and Possible Action Approving Contract Amendment with Bartle Wells Associates to include Additional Work Required to Secure USDA Financing for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project
C. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve Purchase of Electric Vehicle and Related Accessories from Miles Electric Vehicle Company and Access Manufacturing
D. 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. EXPLORATION OF POTENTIAL ENERGY SOURCES 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: 2009-33
C. Next Planning Commission Resolution: 2009-02
D. Next Community Development Agency Resolution: 2009-03
13. GOOD & WELFARE
14. 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 Association
City of Willits Negotiator: Paul Cayler, City Manager
Employee Organization: International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers, Local 1275
City of Willits Negotiator: Paul Cayler, City Manager
Employee Organization: Unrepresented Employees
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(b): One case
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 – September 4, 2009
City of Willits
MEMORANDUM
Date: September 4, 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.
KIDS CLUB GRANT
The City of Willits recently received a letter from Ms. Patti Keating of the California State Parks and Recreation Department Office of Grants and Local Services. The letter stated that the “new liquidation date” for the Kids Club of Willits project is June 30, 2010. This is very good news, because it means that the City will be completely reimbursed within the terms of State grant for the Kids Club construction. The project was not completed by the grant’s original deadline date of June 30, 2009, due to the suspension of grant progress payments by the State of California. The construction of Kids Club is now proceeding well. It is anticipated that the building completion date will be October 1, 2009.
PERMITS FOR SEWER PLANT IMPROVEMENTS
The City received a letter from the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board that the Federal Clean Water Act Section 401 Permit application is complete. On August 26, 2009, the required public notice for comment was posted. The comment period is 21-days. The 401 permit is for activities related to building the next two phases of the improved wastewater treatment plant. Specifically, the 401 Permit addresses the construction of a series of enhanced wetlands, a new plant outfall structure, and pipeline and equipment creek crossings.
Last month, the City finalized the 1600 Permit with the California Department of Fish and Game. The 1600 Permit is another water quality permit needed for the construction of the new wastewater treatment plant. Specifically, the 1600 Permit addresses stream bed alterations needed in Outlet Creek.
Another water quality permit needed for the project is the 404 Permit issued by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. As of the writing of this report, the 404 Permit application has been deemed complete. The permit is undergoing what is known as Section 7 consultation with various resource agencies. It is my hope that the final 404 Permit will be forthcoming soon.
WATER
As of September 1, 2009, the total water storage capacity in Morris and Centennial Reservoirs is 853 acre feet. Water storage is approximately 301 acre feet greater than last year at the same time. The next important water capacity trigger point for declaring a potential Phase One Water Emergency is November 1st, wherein there must be greater than 500 acre feet in storage.
In regard to the water meter replacement project… As of the writing of this report, approximately 150 water meters have been swapped out.
CITY MANAGER’S BROWN BAG LUNCH
The City Manager’s Brown Bag Lunch is on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at Noon in the City Council Chambers. Just remember that the lunch is the same day as the regular City Council meeting. Some times the lunch is moved into the City Hall Conference Room because the chambers is busy. The twice per month Brown Bag Lunch was started six months ago. It is a way for City employees to have an opportunity to communicate directly with the City Manager in an informal setting. Employees bring their sack lunches from home and there is no set program or agenda at the lunch. The next Brown Bag Lunches will be on September 9th, September 23rd and October 14th.