Memorandum – October 23, 2009
City of Willits
MEMORANDUM
Date: October 23, 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.
WATER
Two moderate rain storms in two weeks and the situation is looking good. I am thankful to Mother Nature for what appears to be an early arrival of seasonal rains. The recent rains did not yet significantly impact reservoir levels. The trend line on reservoir capacity continues downward. Be that as it may, it is estimated that there is 714 acre feet of water in storage in the City reservoirs as of October 15, 2009. The City is well above the November 1st Phase One Water Emergency trigger point, which is set at 500 acre feet.
I am hopeful that moderate seasonal rains continue in order that conditions may be favorable for a distribution system flush project. Staff is beginning the process for planning a water main flush project with execution being targeted for February or March 2010. Steve Anderson, Water Operator 2, is in charge of flush project planning. Due to the drought conditions, it has been at least three years since the last time sediment was flushed from the water system pipes.
MEASURE B
Measure B is a special election called by the Willits City Council for the purpose of asking City voters to permit the City Clerk and City Treasurer positions to be appointed rather than elected. The concept behind Measure B is to streamline and save money in City bureaucracy by eliminating two separate elected positions. The Willits News published a good analysis regarding Measure B written by Linda Williams on October 14, 2009. I encourage City voters to educate themselves on Measure B, and exercise their franchise on or before Election Day (November 3, 2009).
WILLITS KIDS CLUB SNEAK PEEK OPEN HOUSE
On Wednesday, October 28, 2009 from 4pm to 7pm, there will be a “Sneak Peek Open House at the newly completed Kids Club Building at 1265 Blosser Lane. I am really looking forward to seeing the building occupied by the children and staff. This is a dream that is now being realized.
RETIREMENT PARTY PLANS FOR NOVEMBER 21ST DEVELOPING
As reported in my previous reports, the BIG retirement party is set for November 21, 2009, in the Community Center to honor Leah Oberdorf, Denny Caine, David Madrigal, Kristi Yde, Marilyn Harden and Joe Mondo. Catered dinner will be served sit down style at 7:00pm. On the menu is a choice of meat or veggie lasagna. The cost is $13 per person. Cash contributions for each retiree are being collected. Anyone interested in dinner reservation cards or retiree contribution cards should contact Cathy Sanders at 459-4601.
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING ON NOVEMBER 12TH
Typically the Willits City Council only meets once per month in November and December. The City Council meeting in November will be a special meeting on November 12, 2009, because the regular meeting date, which is November 11th, is a National Holiday (Veterans’ Day).
Agenda for October 25, 2009
AGENDA
WILLITS CITY COUNCIL
111 EAST COMMERCIAL STREET
WILLITS, CALIFORNIA
* * * * * * * *
October 25, 2009* * * * 6:00 p.m.
1. OPENING MATTERS -
a) Call to order;
b) Pledge to flag;
c) Roll Call
2. PUBLIC MATTERS
A. Presentation by Kathy Rosenow of RSG Regarding Opportunities and Alternatives for the Future of the Willits Redevelopment Agency
B. Discussion and Possible Action to Rescind or Amend Previous City Council Action to Revoke the Revocable License for Use of City Property Located near 284 Redwood Avenue
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 a single motion and roll call vote by the City Council. Items may be removed from the Consent Calendar upon request of a Councilmember and acted upon separately by the City Council.
ACTION RECOMMENDED
A. City Council Minutes of 10/14/09_________________________ Approve
B. Warrants #14042 – 14137 = $212,938.13__________________Approve
C. RESOLUTION 2009-35 Exempting City Vehicles From_________Approve
Overnight Parking Restrictions in City-Owned Parking
Lots
D. RESOLUTION 2009-36 Accepting Construction of the________Approve
Willits Kids Club Project and Authorize Filing Notice of
Completion
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
The City of Willits City Council meets concurrently as the City of Willits Community Development Agency and Planning Commission.
None
7. OLD BUSINESS
None
8. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Discussion and Possible Action to Adopt Resolution Approving the Form of and Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of a Purchase and Sale Agreement and Related Documents with Respect to the Sale of the Seller’s Proposition 1A Receivable from the State; and Directing and Authorizing Certain Other Actions in Connection Therewith
B. Discussion and Possible Action Approving Amendment No. Five to the Contract between the City of Willits and SHN consulting Engineers for Engineering Services for Upgrades and Improvements to the City of Willits Wastewater Treatment Facilities Dated September 5, 2007
C. 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. Discussion and Possible Action to Introduce Ordinance Deleting Title 14 and Enacting a New Title 14 “Water Service” of the Willits Municipal Code
Next Ordinance: 2009-03
Next Resolution: 2009-37
Next Planning Commission Resolution: 2009-02
Next Community Development Agency Resolution: 2009-03
13. GOOD & WELFARE
14. CLOSED SESSION NOTICE
A. CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957(b)(1): Public Employee Recruitment: Deputy City Clerk/Human Resources Director and Public Works Director
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.
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing agenda was posted on the bulletin board at the main entrance of the City of Willits City Hall, located at 111 East Commercial Street, Willits, California, not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting set forth on this agenda.
Dated this 23rd day of October, 2009.
Marilyn J. Harden, City Clerk
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
NOTICE OF JOB OPENING
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
MONTHLY SALARY: $5,343-$6,494/Monthly
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, January 4, 2010 at 5:00 p.m.
POSITION: Plans, supervises and directs the operation, maintenance, modification and improvements of the City’s Utilities and Field Operations activities and equipment; plans, supervises and directs the financial and budgetary information for the City=s Utilities and Field Operations facilities and equipment including grant applications and grant management relative to Utilities and Field Operations; plans, supervises and directs the operation maintenance, modification and improvements to the Willits airport including grant applications and grant management; provides technical assistance and liaison with City staff, developers and other agencies, and participates in the development and management of Utilities and Field Operations and airport projects. This is an “at will” position.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The representative duties listed below include, but are not limited to, essential functions.
Plans, supervises and directs the operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant facilities, sewer collection system, lift station, personnel and equipment.
Plans, supervises and directs the operation and maintenance of the water treatment plant facilities, watershed, pumps, water tank, personnel and equipment.
Plans, supervises and directs the operation and maintenance of field operations that include sewer and water repairs, City parks, storm drains, traffic safety and streets, personnel and equipment.
Plans, supervises and directs the operations and maintenance of the Willits airport and equipment.
Researches and prepares grant applications relative to Utilities and Field Operations activities and operations.
Responsible for the preparation and administration of FAA and State grants for the airport.
Provides management oversight relative to Utilities and Field Operations and airport activities.
Reviews recommendations for improvements and construction of wastewater treatment, water treatment facilities and public works projects; reviews specifications, plans and blueprints, and inspects project work to assure conformance with specifications.
Prepares a variety of activity reports required by other government agencies; assures compliance with reporting requirements of regulatory agencies.
Maintains files and records of Utilities and Field Operations and Airport projects.
Attends various meetings and keeps abreast of changes in regulations relating to Utilities and Field Operations and Airport operations; provides input and comment at meetings of the Technical Advisory Committee.
Explains City=s Utilities and Field Operations facilities and practices to interested persons.
Prepares annual budgets for Utilities and Field Operations and Airport by collecting financial data, forecasting improvement and maintenance expenditures and determining needs for work to be performed under contract.
Responsible for implementation for overseeing Safety Program for Utilities and Field Operations and Airport.
Staffs and prepares agendas for the Airport Commission meetings.
Participates in the selection, training, development and performance evaluation of Utilities and Field Operations Department employees.
Assists with the development, presentation, and recommendation of long range capital facility and infrastructure plans.
DESIRABLE SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of: Principles, practices and theories of utility and field operations; Municipal public works planning, design, maintenance and construction; Applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations pertaining to utilities and field operations functions; Operating principles of valves, pumps, motors, and a wide variety of electronic and computerized control systems; Principles and methods of bacteriological and chemical wastewater and water analysis; Applied chemistry and mathematics as used in the analysis of wastewater and water sampling.; Effects and problems of industrial waste in wastewater treatment processes; Principles of supervision, training, and employee development; Principles of budget preparation and expenditure control; and safe work practices.
Ability to: Communicate concisely and effectively, orally and in writing; Have high level of analytical skills in order to provide effective leadership to subordinate personnel as well as to develop cooperative working relations with employees, senior management, elected officials and vendors supplying goods or services to the jurisdiction; Develop and implement department mission, goals and procedures, determine needs for capital expenditure, personnel and operations, and prepare special reports or analyses for jurisdiction and outside agencies; Diagnose operating problems and direct effective correction procedures; Read and interpret construction plans and specifications; Prepare required reports and maintain complete record keeping procedures; Select, supervise, train and evaluate employees; Work cooperatively with others; Deal effectively and courteously with the public, contractors, vendors, and representatives of regulatory agencies.
DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:
Any combination of education, training and/or experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be five or more years of progressively responsible experience in administering public works and/or engineering functions. Experience in the operation and maintenance of wastewater and water systems is desirable.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a valid California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.
Possession of a Water Distribution 2 Certification and Sewer Collection 2 Certification is desirable.
IMMIGRATION REFORM AND CONTROL ACT:
To comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, all new employees will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States on their first day of employment.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
In accordance with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), if special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the examination process, please provide the Human Resources Department with advance notice and every attempt will be made to consider your request.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The City of Willits provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes, but may not be limited to:
Vacation: Vacation is earned at the rate of two weeks per year for the first three years of employment with increases after longevity.
Sick Leave: Sick Leave is earned at the rate of one day a month, no maximum accrual.
Management Leave: Nine (9) days per year.
Holidays: Eleven (11) days plus three floating holidays per year.
Health Insurance: City offers Blue Cross of California (Prudent Buyer) for all regular employees and dependents effective on the first day of employment.
Dental Insurance: City currently pays dental insurance (includes limited orthodontia) for all regular employees and dependents effective on the first day of employment.
Vision: City currently pays vision care benefits for all regular employees and dependents effective on the first day of employment.
Life Insurance: City currently pays group life insurance for all regular employees.
Retirement: Employees are members of the California Public Employees Retirement System (2.7% @ 55).
Longevity Pay: $750 per year after completion of ten years of service; $1,500 per year after 20 years of service; $3,000 per year after 25 years of service.
125 Plan, ICMA and ITT Hartford Deferred Compensation Plans: Available to all employees.
DISCLAIMER
No warranty. Although great care has been taken to accurately describe your benefits, there has been no warranty of complete benefit summary intended. Naturally, all information provided must be subject to the actual terms of the legal documents that control your benefit programs.
City Council Minutes of September 23, 2009 -click here-
Memorandum – October 9, 2009
City of Willits
MEMORANDUM
Date: October 9, 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.
WILLITS BRANCH COURT CLOSURE
The Mendocino Superior Court officially announced last week that the Willits Branch Court will be closing effective December 31, 2009, due to severe funding reductions from the State of California. I have spoken to County and Superior Court leaders to express the Willits community’s disappointment and dissatisfaction with this decision. The Willits Branch Court closure is going to lead to inconvenience and expense for City operations, especially in the Police Department. In addition, I believe that the community at large will be inconvenienced by having to travel to Ukiah for judicial services, whether civil or criminal.
WATER
I have been reviewing City water usage data which compares the amount of water “shipped” to the City from the treatment plant at Morris Reservoir for the past three years in the month of September. It appears that City water usage is down by 16.8% when comparing September 2007 to September 2009. Please see the following table:
Gallons of Water “Shipped” in September the Past Three Years
September 2007
38.54 million gallons
September 2008
34.41 million gallons
September 2009
32.06 million gallons
This information indicates that citizen water conservation efforts in combination with an emphasis on leak repair are paying off. If you want more information on water conservation, please contact Quinton Rowland at 459-7125.
H1N1 FLU COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
According to Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency, there have been 17 H1N1 related hospitalization and two deaths in Mendocino County as of October 5, 2009. Public health experts are expecting to see increased H1N1 cases as the seasonal flu season arrives. Mendocino County Community Health Services (CHS) will be conducting a community workshop in Willits on Tuesday, October 13, 2009, at 5:30pm the Willits City Council Chambers (111 East Commercial Street). Public Health Officer Dr. Marvin Trotter will be giving a presentation on H1N1 symptoms, high risk categories and vaccination. There will be time for community question and answer. Anyone with questions on the workshop should contact Theresa McNerlin at 472-2794. This is an issue that the Police Chief Gerry Gonzalez and I have been following closely, and I plan to attend the meeting on October 13th.
BIG RETIREMENT PARTY IS SET FOR NOVEMBER 21ST
As I reported in my last blog, there is going to be a large group of City employees retiring before the end of 2009. This is definitely a “sweet and sour” event. Of course, I am happy to be celebrating this group of long time dedicated City employees, however I am sad that their combined experience will be exiting the scene all at once. So what does a City Manager do? Let’s have a BIG retirement party! Please mark your calendar for the evening of Saturday, November 21, 2009. So please save the date and start recalling your favorite anecdote to share at the party. Cathy Sanders is in charge of party planning. If you want more information, contact Cathy at 459-4601
MENDOCINO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING AT BROOKTRAILS ON OCTOBER 20TH
I received notification that the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors will be meeting at the Brooktrails Community Center on October 20th. It looks like the meeting will start at 9:30am. The Board of Supervisors has been “taking their show on the road” for the past several years. In my opinion, this is a very valuable program and demonstrates the Board of Supervisors’ interest in reaching out to many outlying communities in Mendocino County. Vice Mayor Bruce Burton and I are planning to be at the meeting to welcome the BOS to the Willits area. People interested in more information on this meeting should contact the Clerk of the Board’s Office at 463-4221.
PG&E ANNOUNCES PLANNED POWER OUTAGE ON OCTOBER 24-25, 2009
Pacific Gas and Electric transmitted notices that there will be a planned power outage in Willits starting on October 24, 2009 at 10:00pm and ending on October 25, 2009 at 8:00am. The purpose of the outage is to replace substation equipment at the Willits Substation. There will be a follow up planned power outage on November 14, 2009, in order to complete substation work.
CONVERSATION WITH CALTRANS ON BYPASS PROJECT
I received a telephone call from Dave Kelley at Caltrans earlier this week. Dave said a few important things that may interest the City Council and community: 1) The Willits Bypass Project must be delivered for California Transportation Commission approval before June 30, 2010; 2) Caltrans management is committed to making the project go and is reassigning personnel to work on it; 3) There is as of yet no resolution on the project’s environmental mitigation plan, however Caltrans has conceptual concurrence from both Federal and State resource agencies on the plan being developed; 4) Caltrans is continuing to purchase right-of-way and mitigation property necessary for the project; and 5) Caltrans wants to continue relinquishment agreement talks with the City of Willits and resolve all issues by June 30, 2010, however there is no requirement that an agreement be approved in order for the bypass project to proceed.
Agenda for October 14, 2009
AGENDA
WILLITS CITY COUNCIL
111 EAST COMMERCIAL STREET
WILLITS, CALIFORNIA
* * * * * * * *
October 14, 2009* * * * 6:00 p.m.
1. OPENING MATTERS –
a) Call to order;
b) Pledge to flag;
c) Roll Call
2. PUBLIC MATTERS
A. Public Service Awards to Past Cultural Arts Commissioners
B. PUBLIC HEARING: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Implementation of Citizens Option for Public Safety (C.O.P.S.) Program to Provide Front Line Law Enforcement Services
C. Discussion and Possible Action Adopting Resolution Accepting the 100% Draft City Standards
D. PUBLIC HEARING: Discussion and Possible Action Approving Changes in Sewer Rates and Fees to be Effective July 1, 2010
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 a single motion and roll call vote by the City Council. Items may be removed from the Consent Calendar upon request of a Councilmember and acted upon separately by the City Council.
ACTION RECOMMENDED
A. City Council Minutes of 9/23/09__________________Approve
B. Warrants #13961-14044 = $119,332.20_____________________Approve
C. Building Inspection Activity Report – September 2009__________Accept
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
The City of Willits City Council meets concurrently as the City of Willits Community Development Agency and Planning Commission.
None
7. OLD BUSINESS
None
8. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding a Proposal to Conduct a 2009 Holiday Furlough
B. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the City of Willits’ Organization Chart
C. Discussion and Possible Action Approving Design for West Commercial Street Rehabilitation Project
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. Discussion and Possible Action to Introduce Ordinance Deleting Title 14 and Enacting a New Title 14 “Water Service” of the Willits Municipal Code
Next Ordinance: 2009-03
Next Resolution: 2009-35
Next Planning Commission Resolution: 2009-02
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.
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing agenda was posted on the bulletin board at the main entrance of the City of Willits City Hall, located at 111 East Commercial Street, Willits, California, not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting set forth on this agenda.
Dated this 9th day of October, 2009.
Marilyn J. Harden, City Clerk