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.