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).