Yolo County / State of CALocal Weather Alerts
There are currently no active weather alerts.

Need Volunteers to Certify as Lifeguards

  • 27
    Jan 20
  • -

Need Volunteers to Certify as Lifeguards

The City is interested in having a group of regular lap swimmers (around 5 individuals) to certify as volunteer lifeguards.  For the upcoming swim season, the City’s  goal is to always have two certified guards available during lap swim sessions.  There will  always be a paid guard on duty who is primarily responsible for guarding .  The volunteer guard simply needs to be at the pool site for the entire two hour shift, however, the volunteer guard could swim during this time.  The volunteer guard would be a backup only if something were to happen and the paid guard needed assistance to rescue an injured swimmer from the pool.

The City of Vacaville is holding its next Lifeguard Training Session during President’s Day Weekend.  It is a comprehensive in-water course:

  • Saturday, Feb 15 (12-4)
  • Sunday, Feb 16 (9-5)
  • Monday, Feb 17 (9-5)

Participants must first complete an American Red Cross online course (approximately 7 hours).  The cost for the Vacaville Course is $160.  You can sign up online (although it appears that their website has been compromised) or in person at the main office on Alamo (near the Graham Aquatic Center).

https://secure.rec1.com/CA/vacaville-ca/catalog/index/0338bfed904c6d5741f237a26fee36d7?filter=c2VhcmNoPSZsb2NhdGlvbiU1QjEyMzQzJTVEPTE=

City Manager Donlevy has offered that there will be some type or reciprocal deal, whereby the volunteer guards will get free swims in lieu of doing shifts – details to follow.  Volunteer lifeguards will also have to be Live Scanned, but the City has agreed to cover the cost of this.

  • 24
    Jan 20
  • -

Friday Update on January 24 2020

All,

Just a few items today, but look for a very expanded update next week:

  • One of the biggest issues facing the City is the consideration by the State Water Control Board on a new drinking water standard for Hexavalent Chromium (CR6). This issue is beginning to raise its head again and it could have a massive impact on Winters and our drinking water rates. I am scheduled over the next few weeks to be a part of a group meeting with Water Board Members on this topic to talk about the projected impacts on our community. Of things which are a really big deal, this would be one of the biggest deals for us.
  • Overall a good meeting on the Community Engagement. Our expansion into streaming on Facebook Live and Youtube Live brought the meeting to more than triple the attendance at City Hall. The survey tool we used gave us some really good input which we will condense and start to weave into a draft strategy which we will take before the City Council in February. The most entertaining part of the responses was to the question of incentives to get people to be involved, and the top two responses were beer and wine!
  • Next Thursday (January 30th) is Don Saylor’s Annual Soup’s On event.  In the past 16 years this event had raised funds for various local non-profits.  This year 100% of the funds will benefit Acme Theatre company, a youth development program cleverly disguised as a theatre arts program.  The event features delicious food and beverages from throughout Yolo County.  The City of Winters is well represented with clam chowder from Councilman Wade Cowan, soup from Buckhorn Grill and Carboni’s Restaurant, and wine from Turkovich. Join this fun event and help raise funds for a good cause.

Don Saylor’s Soup’s On Event: Thursday, January 30, 2020
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
NEW LOCATION: Veterans’ Memorial Center
203 E. 14th Street, Davis
Ticket Info: https://soupsonacme.brownpapertickets.com/

Finally, Saturday night is the Winters Chamber of Commerce’s Year in Review which recognizes the Citizens of the Year, Business of the Year, Senior Citizens of the Year and the recipient of the Theodore Winters Award for recent service to the City.

Citizens of the Year are Barb and Terry Karlen. The reality is that their 35 years with Winters Fire has impacted this community in a manner which should beatify them into sainthood as they represent the many men and women who have saved lives and property in our community. From coordinating explorers to running on fires and medical emergencies, Barb and Terry’s dedication to the community continues day in and day out. One of their most important contributions was the time that they drove the Winters Ambulance. Because of their efforts, we now have paramedic level services in our town. The fraternity which are the Citizens of the Year is an amazing group and Terry and Barb will be amongst the top for their service.

Business of the Year is Turkovich Wines. Without question, Chris and Luciana have put Winters on the California wine map, but in reality they have brought so much more. Their entire team has set the bar for excellence in advancing the “Winters” brand, promoting our town to writers from throughout the world and making Winters the destination it has become. From www.Visit128.com to leadership within the Downtown on key issues and in the region, the generosity of time and commitment to raising the vitality of the business community puts them as one of the City’s biggest assets.

The Theodore Winters Award is going to Gino Mediati, the Manager of Pacific Ace Hardware. Gino does not know how to say “no” and has quietly been one of the number one benefactors to many community organizations from Project Playground to Winters High School. Gino and the entire team were honored a few years ago as a very deserving “Business of the Year”. Truthfully, it takes leadership and will at the top of the store and Gino is that guy!

Senior Citizens of the Year goes to the “Gorilla Gardener’s” who will be represented by Ellie Yeatman and Nikki Chapman. The best way to describe the Gorilla Gardener’s is that they are the ones committed to making Downtown Winters look really good. From planting flowers to just trimming everything up, they are constantly giving their time to keeping out town beautiful.

The Year in Review is really a special tradition for Winters in recognizing those who are unselfishly giving of themselves and making a positive difference in our town. Cheers to those being honored!

Have a nice weekend.

John

  • 24
    Jan 20
  • -

Winters Senior Commission on Aging – accepting applications

We are accepting applications to fill an alternate position on the Board of Winters Senior Commission on Aging.

The Application of Appointment to City Board and Commissions and the Resolution of the Winters City Council establishing the Winters Senior Commission on Aging can be found on the City of Winters website at http://www.cityofwinters.org/winters-senior-commission-on-aging/.    Prospective applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a Winters address.  Please email completed Applications of Interest in Appointed Positions to tracy.jensen@cityofwinters.org.  You may also drop completed applications off or mail to City of Winters, Attn: Tracy Jensen, City Clerk, 318 First Street, Winters, CA  95694.

For more information, call 530-794-6702.

  • 17
    Jan 20
  • -

Friday Update on January 17 2020

All,

An update on some key items:

City Council:

Discussion Item:

  • Joint Workshop with the Planning Commission on Community Engagement (Discussion Item)

Consent Calendar:

  • Memorandums of Understanding- Police and Fire
  • Drainage Impact Fee and Accessory Dwelling Unit Fees Consulting Agreement
  • Amendment to Teacher/Public Safety Mortgage Loan Program
  • Public Improvement Agreement- Fairfield Inn
  • Emergency Generator and Lighting Project- El Rio Villa

A couple other updates:

  • Congratulations to Winters Police Sergeants Kelly McCoy and Jose Hermosillo on achieving milestones in service. Jose hit the 6 year service mark!
  • The construction team for the Blue Mountain Terrace Apartments are beginning their move in on the site. They will utilize the future Senior Center property as a staging area for the construction of the project.
  • Staff is working on the draft of the RFP for the 2021-29 Housing Element. The plan is to put the Request for Proposals out in February and have someone on board by April.
  • The State Department of Housing and Community Development has notified staff of a preliminary approval of our SB2 Planning Grant. The next stage is they are moving it up the chain to the next level. We will see!
  • Staff met with the architect team for first two phases of Three Oaks Park. This is the 11 acre linear park to be constructed in the Stones Throw subdivision. The first phases will include picnic areas, playgrounds, a combination basketball/futsal court and two dog (small and large dog) dog parks. Look for construction to occur over the summer with a goal of completion by September or October.
  • Overall housing production in the City was below projections for 2019. Original estimates were 78 units but actual certificates of occupancy were 44, about half of the projection.
  • Congratulations to the Hotel Winters on an amazing “Grand Opening”. Extremely well done and a celebration worth waiting for, the hotel is beautiful!
  • Look for Carboni’s Restaurant to open toward the end of January/start of February. They are hiring and need staff. Go here for job opportunities https://www.olshotels.com/careers?fbclid=IwAR2XDpgZtrdH174IO4GU6MnxsrXNBvD3rQP1UkS83XdpvQT4w5XrTAhAuDE . Navigate to page 9 of the opportunities and the Winters jobs come up.

Workshop on How to do Community Engagement- Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.

In 2020 and 2021, we will be working on a number of key planning effforts including the City’s Housing Element, SB 2 funded projects, the development of a Climate Action Plan and a City limits specific plan. The goal of the January 21 workshop is to begin the development of a community outreach and engagement strategy to help facilitate a broad crossection of community input into these important subjects.

This Joint Workshop of the City Council and the Planning Commission is to focus on the development of a Community Engagement Stratgy for the City of Winters. The workshop will NOT include or focus on any specific issues or topics other than community engagement.

We will be covering many issues over the next few years including our Housing Element, Climate Action Plan, SB 2 Planning Topics and a City Limits Specific Plan. THIS IS NOT THAT MEETING! This is an opportunity for us to get input on outreach and engagement before we begin anything specific on any topics. This is foundational and a chance for us to begin the groundwork for how we will get input on the bigger issues. How we outreach and communicate is a critical component, so we are starting now by trying to get input up front on the how we do it.

Some specifics on the goals of the meeting:

  • Why and the purpose of this meeting: To gain input on key questions which will contribute to the development of an overall community engagement plan for the City of Winters.
  • Tasks Planned: A facilitated list of questions which will allow participants to provide input on aspects of the plan.
  • Who is invited and How can people participation: Any interested persons are invited and people can participate either in person, on Facebook Live or through a Google Docs Form which will be posted both before and after the meeting.
  • Translation: All questions will be in english and spanish in person on the Facebook Live feed and on the Google Docs Form.
  • Input: This is a workshop and we will be summarizing and consolidating responses as best we can. Similar will be counted as same in some instances.

The workshop will include the following elements:

  • A series of questions posed to participants and attendees to gain input on elements of the strategy.
  • A smart phone polling feature which will allow people to submit responses to the posed questions. For those who do not wish to use the smart phone, 3X5 cards will be available.
  • Streaming on Facebook Live to allow people to watch the workshop and submit responses to the same questions.
  • A Google Docs Form will be developed and pushed on social media for responses from persons not at the meeting.

To watch the City Council Meeting on our Youtube Channel, go here: http://www.cityofwinters.org/live-city-council-meetings/

To join the meeting on Facebook Live, go here: https://www.facebook.com/City-of-Winters-CA-106291445827/

  • 16
    Jan 20
  • -

January 21, 2020 City Council Meeting

01/21/2020 City Council Meeting (PDF): Agenda / Packet

  • 14
    Jan 20
  • -

Job Openings

  • 13
    Jan 20
  • -

Winters Putah Creek Committee Meeting 01/13/2020

01/13/2020 Agenda

  • 10
    Jan 20
  • -

Friday Update on January 10, 2020- Leadership Edition

All,

A busy first work week for 2020. A couple items of interest and then a little bit about some exemplary leadership occurring from the Winters Community.

A couple items of interest:

  • The Hotel Winters has their ribbon cutting on Saturday at 3:00. It’s going to be GREAT!
  • On Tuesday, a groundbreaking was held for the 73 Room Marriot Fairfield Inn which will be constructed on Matsumoto Lane just off Grant Ave. This is a really important project and will provide needed lodging for the PG&E Gas Academy and travelers. Look for a construction timeline of about 10 months.
  • The contractor for the Blue Mountain Terrace Senior Apartments picked up the approved plans and we expect a groundbreaking and construction to commence soon.
  • 2020 brings many new laws into effect which bring new requirements for our organization. Police have significant changes regarding use of force, documentation regarding contacts with the public and many new “annual reports”.  Lots of administrative burdens which just seem to be piling up.

For this update, I thought it would be nice to share a perspective on community leadership and people who have and are impacting Winters and our influence. As I sifted through my mail this week, signed various documents and attended both regional and State-wide meetings, it is apparent that Winters is influencing in ways beyond our “weight class”. Without question, we have folks demonstrating leadership which comes from within many of the values and efforts which make our community strong, vibrant and moving forward. The only way to describe it is we are defining what people call leadership:

  • Leadership is opening Comstock’s Magazine and seeing an article titled “A Cut Above” about John and Melanie Pickerel and the success of the Buckhorn Restaurant. The Buckhorn represents a level of excellence which is ingrained in how they do business every single day. They represent a level of quality which permeates their operations which sets them apart from their competition. Ironically, the magazine came out the day of the passing of Bob Taylor who served as a member of the Buckhorn Team and was a critical mentor to people like John Pickerel, Joe the Butcher, Leon Bajakian and the next generation types like Silverio Artega who now runs the Buckhorn food trucks. Joe told me that is was Bob who showed him the “steakhouse skills” which help makes him one of our nations’ top in house butchers. Silverio told me how Bob taught him how to “do things the right way” and how “not to cut corners or quality”. The quality and excellence which is the Buckhorn, Joe’s skills and Silverio’s commitment to always do things the right way is a testament to a legacy which Bob leaves us all. When people think of Winters they always bring up the Buckhorn and the reputation for simply being the best.
  • Leadership is opening Western City Magazine (the main publication for city governments) and seeing a picture of our former Mayor and now Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar Curry being recognized by the League of California Cities as the “Legislator of the Year” for her support of issues and as a champion for communities throughout our State. Who is Cecilia, she was a single mom who raised two beautiful and successful daughters working multiple jobs and juggling work and family. She was a soccer coach and active community member. On the planning commission she became an unyielding voice for universal design in construction for Winters projects. On our City Council, she got Winters “to the table” within the region and brought representation to western Yolo County. She spearheaded the Hispanic Advisory Committee, the Festival de La Communidad/Carnitas Festival. Cecilia brings inclusion and pulls people into the process and empowers them to step up and make things happen. If you are around her, she gives you a job, holds you accountable and celebrates your victory and success. Its actually pretty cool seeing a local person being recognized as the top champion for cities who you know works incredibly hard to get things done. Few care more or work harder.
  • Leadership is seeing a picture of Councilmember Jesse Loren in the same Western City Magazine being recognized for being a member of the Torch Leadership Program for the League of Cities. Jesse has brought leadership as a member of the Leagues Executive Board representing all “rural cities” in the State. She chairs the Rural Caucus, is a member of both the Women’s and Latino Caucuses and sits on key policy committees for community development and environmental quality. Winters influence on policy and legislation for key issues and support for rural and small communities is extremely high because of these efforts.
  • Leadership is Robert Duvall, the Winters Police Department Chaplain who along with K-9 “Kepi” were recently recognized by the Kaiser Foundation as “First Responders of the Year” for the Napa/Solano/Yolo Region. Robert is a “hero amongst the hero’s”, providing support to victims, families and his fellow public safety personnel in some of the toughest situations of peoples lives. In 2019, he provided over 2,000 hours of volunteer services, serving over 80 death notifications and responding to the regions biggest incidents. Robert supports our residents and public safety personnel by helping them deal with the sometimes unimaginable of tragedies. For many, Robert is the rock in the worst moments of their lives, providing strength and support to deal with the grief but also to begin the healing. He is 100% volunteer and wears a shirt that says Winters on it.
  • Leadership is Chris Kelsch, Leticia Quirarte, Irene Tweet (and the entire team) from Winters Healthcare who are taking our healthcare to a new level. The new campus, their programming and their services will lead our community to a new horizon from a livability and quality of life stand point. To walk into their new facility will give you euphoria with how nice it is. Winters is going to be healthier because of the work and leadership of these individuals who bring old fashion community values to making their home a better place.
  • Leadership is what I like to refer to as the “millennial” entrepreneurs who are creating businesses and opportunity I have never seen in my 18 years in Winters. Businesses like Flatland Construction, Josh Colter Painting, Ample Electric, Aleco, Winters Concrete, Winters Plumbing and others are hiring locally with good paying jobs, training and growing themselves to lead Winters into the future. At City Hall and throughout the community, you see these hard working, home grown entrepreneurs building their base, doing the work and supporting local families with sustainable wages. They are growing their businesses and more importantly, hiring locally to compete against the “big companies” from outside our town. To say we are proud of these businesses is an understatement. They are role models who are bringing a vitality not seen in Winters for decades!
  • Leadership is the quality which permeates the “Winters Brand” through the products which people know us for. Turkovich Wines (Chris and Luciana), Buckhorn Trucks (Silverio and Moy), Berryessa Gap Wines (Nicole and Rosendo), Steady Eddies Coffee (Karla and Mel), Pure Honey (Doniece) and Berryessa Brewing (Chris and Lori) exude that same excellence which is how Winters is viewed. These are all perfectionists who are at the top of their respective classes who settle for nothing but the best product as a reflection of themselves but also the Winters Community. Some people settle for good. Not these folks! Every drop, sip and bite are important to them as a reflection of who they are, what they stand for and a local culture which says we are going to simply be the best. They are our reputation  and they know it. You always want people who have high expectations and pride driving your reputation and nobody can doubt we have that we these folks.

Finally, Leadership are those who have taken the chances to build, resurrect and advance the Winters community to where it is today. Downtown Winters is important and represents a celebrated renaissance. In reality, Downtown essentially died in the 1970’s and 80’s when the train left and area cities blossomed. It became mostly abandoned with boarded buildings and empty storefronts. Leadership are people like Charley Wallace, John and Melanie Pickerel, Joe and Karen Ogando, Elliot Landes, Mike and Janet Kimes and John and Liz Siracusa. These are the people who did not let it die and have led the resurrection. These are people who literally have given their all, mortgaged properties and kept Winters viable during the toughest of times so that we can enjoy the best of times. These folks are “all in” for this community both emotionally and financially. In my career and life, I have never met people like them and feel privileged to know them.

I have included a photo which is probably one of my most cherished Winters memories. It was taken in 2008 at 2:00 a.m. in front of the Buckhorn during the Downtown construction Phase I project. Restaurants all over the region were closing, the economy was crashing and we decided we would dig a hole and cut off the access to the front door of the Buckhorn. John Pickerel stood eerily in shock and my only consoling words I could think of were “I hope this works?” In many ways, I think we can argue that it has.

Leadership is about many things which include motivation, discipline, taking risks, pride, making people successful and sometimes dealing with disruption (like a big hole). To quote Huell Howser, “Winters is amazing” and I think it accrues to our culture of excellence, commitment, giving and to moving forward in our quest to simply be the best.

Have a nice weekend.

John

  • 09
    Jan 20
  • -

Utility Bills – Technical Difficulties 1/15/20

We apologize for the delay in mailing out the Utility Bills due to some technical difficulties. Upon receiving your bill, please disregard the printed due date of 1/15/20. Due to the delay, payments will be due on 1/25/20.Thank you for your understanding. We apologize for any inconvenience.

-City of Winters Finance Dept

  • 06
    Jan 20
  • -

02/09/2020 Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee Meeting

01/09/2020 Meeting Agenda

  • 06
    Jan 20
  • -

01/08/2020 Winters Senior Commission on Aging Meeting

01/08/2020 Agenda / Packet

  • 03
    Jan 20
  • -

Friday Update on January 3, 2020

All,

Happy 2020. According to my notes, everything was supposed to be solved by 2020, but in our case, there are still a few loose ends to pick up.

The January 7 City Council Meeting will cover the following:

  • Annual Report on AB 1600 Impact Fees
  • Review of the Active Projects list
  • Second Reading of the PD Overlay for the LDS Church Subdivision
  • Transit Board Appointment
  • 2 claims against the City.

As we move into 2020, I will be presenting to the City Council an overview of our current projects. Things are really busy, so here are some of the highlights of what is being worked on:

  • Two important projects will break ground and begin construction. The Blue Mountain Terrace Senior Affordable Apartments is a 63 unit complex on East Baker Street behind the new Winters Healthcare Campus and Yolo Credit Union. The Fairfield Inn will be a 73 room hotel on Matsumoto Lane and will hold their groundbreaking on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at 3:30. Both of these projects have been in the works for more than 8 years!
  • Housing will be working on affordable housing requirements for the current subdivisions, Blue Mountain Terrace, a 26 Unit “self help” project in the Stone’s Throw subdivision, and the LDS Subdivision.
  • Engineering will be working on subdivision capital improvements for the Stones Throw, Heartland, Farmstead, Walnut 10 and Olive Grove.
  • Capital Projects to look for in 2020 will be Three Oaks Park, a City Hall Accessibility Remodel (former police station), planning applications for the I505 Overcrossing in support of Yolo County, the Paseo Park (Downtown) connecting the Hotel Winters and Main Street, the Putah Creek Trail Extension and Phase II of the Influent Screen Project at our Wastewater Treatment Facility. Also look for street slurry seal projects at locations throughout the City.
  • The City will submit grant applications for a new Senior Center, Fire Personnel, sewer treatment facilities and roadway improvements.
  • The Fire Department will be working on overall operational planning, volunteer recruitment, fire prevention and equipment replacement.
  • Police will be adding a Police Commander position, participating in the Yolo Crime Task Force, deploying new technology to assist officers, code enforcement and continuing investigations on crimes within the community. The addition of a detective resulted in a 95 year conviction for a child molester in 2019. A major issue with public safety in Winters has been the lack of staffing to follow up on reports and criminal behavior.
  • Public Safety in general will be working with our Yolo 911 on the deployment of records management systems to enhance data management of emergency data. This will be a major initiative on a State-wide basis in 2020.
  • The City Council represents the City on more than 20 different Boards, Committees and Commission within the region and throughout the State. ALL are tremendously busy and will tackle huge issues from homelessness, housing,  groundwater sustainability, regional transportation, energy, habitat and State-wide legislation.
  • There will be lots of “planning” in 2020. The City will be developing its updated Housing Element, a “City Limits” Specific Plan will be developed, revisions to the City’s General Plan and key policies.
  • A “Climate Action Plan” will be a priority project for the beginning of 2020.
  • Economic Development efforts will be on hold from the City standpoint, pending the outcome of certain community discussions.
  • The Building Department will be busy with inspections for both new and existing residential, commercial projects including the Fairfield Inn, Blue Mountain Terrace and the never ending Chevron Project. Building will also be implementing a new building permitting software system which will allow online project submittal and permitting.
  • A major initiative for Building will be advancing a seismic retrofit ordinance which will affect properties in our Downtown.

For the full list, check out pages 69-97 of the City Council agenda packet: http://www.cityofwinters.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2020_0107CityCouncilPacket.pdf

One of the biggest issues facing the City organization will be the departure of key personnel in our planning, housing and public works. The success which we have achieved over the years has been rooted in the continuity and long term commitment to seeing big things through. Anyone in business can tell you that long term employees are tremendous assets in achieving the most difficult and challenging projects.

A reality for a community like Winters is that gaining investment confidence with folks is not easily done. In fact, it can take years for what some communities see as simple projects. Our size, limited business climate, location and land use constraints make us a really high risk for those with money and getting some projects to fruition can take years and decades. We genuinely need business leadership to help advance the Winters economy, create jobs and vitality.

I think 2020 is going to be an interesting year!

Thanks,

John

  • 02
    Jan 20
  • -

01/07/2020 City Council Meeting

01/07/2020 City Council Meeting (PDF): Agenda / Packet

  • 02
    Jan 20
  • -

Winters CAP Development Board – Selection Process

Applicants Sought for Winters Climate Action Plan Development Board (pdf):

Applications are now being accepted for the City of Winters Climate Action Plan (CAP) Development Board.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through Monday, February 3rd, 2020.  The Application of Interest in Appointed Positions/Appointment to City Board and Commissions (pdf) is available here, at City Hall or on the City of Winters website at http://www.cityofwinters.org/administrative-services-forms.  The CAP Development Board was established to complete development of a climate action plan for the City, hold public meeting and forums centered around climate issues, and recommend CAP implementation strategies.

Prospective applicants must have a Winters address, or reside within a reasonable proximity to the City of Winters (i.e. nearby unincorporated/county areas, but not other municipalities).  The City Council shall endeavor to appoint a membership that represents the diversity of the City of Winters by race, age, and gender.

The service term is six (6) months, poised to begin in late February 2020.  The Winters City Council will review the submitted applications and select a limited number of applicants to be interviewed.  Selected applicants will be contacted and scheduled for their interviews.

Please email completed applications or submit questions concerning the CAP Development Board to christopher.flores@cityofwinters.org.  Applications may also be submitted in person or mailed to City of Winters, Attn: Christopher Flores, 318 First Street, Winters, CA 95694.

  • 20
    Dec 19
  • -

Friday Update on December 20 2019

All,

A couple items to wrap the 2019 calendar year.

  • The final closing documents have been signed and the escrow is expected to close today toward the construction of the Blue Mountain Terrace Senior Affordable Apartments. Construction authorization is expected to be issued Monday and look for activity to begin as the new year begins. This is a tremendous milestone and represents a very important project for seniors in our community. This has not been an easy project to get to this point and there are many who are due credit including many City Councilmembers and key staff including Dan Maguire, Shelly Gunby and a key team member, Lisa Baker the Executive Director of Yolo Housing.
  • The Third Street Storm Drain Project is completed and water is flowing. Kudo’s to the Public Works Staff for a tremendous project!
  • Public Works found a massive water leak on Third Street which we estimate was losing close to 24 million gallons of water a year. Leaks are really tough to find and this is a big deal for our public works group.

As we end 2019, some amazing projects and people have impacted the City of Winters which will make a difference for years to come. Some of the highlights include:

  • On December 19, 2019, the Winters Healthcare Foundation opened their new medical campus on Grant Ave. It cannot be understated what an important and impressive facility this is for our community. Without question, this is one of the most important facilities to ever open in Winters. It represents one of the most positive long term signs on the health of our community. Congratulations to the entire WHF team, their contractors and those who brought the vision on making this happen.
  • The Hotel Winters has been completed and represents an important catalyst project toward the long term vision for Downtown Winters. They say that patience will bring good things and the Hotel Winters is they type of lodging Winters deserves. Kudos to the entire team who made this a reality.
  • Winters has local contractors who truly represent the future of our town. They are entrepreneurs who are hiring apprentices and journey workers, paying good wages and doing the type of business to business which brings prosperity to our community. The locals include Flatline Construction, MB Construction, Neu for You, Peter Foster, Winters Concrete, Terry Smaystrala, Sira Contractors, Tim’s Custom Building Ample Electric, Wades Construction, Aleco Electric, Pearce Heating and Air, Winters Plumbing and T&K Roofing. These are our neighbors and friends who are getting things done and hiring the next generation to work locally and contribute to our community.
  • The City’s Hispanic Advisory Committee has become one of the very important groups within the City organization. Their advancement of programs and representation of the Hispanic community makes them a critical leadership forum. They were recently recognized by the Mexican Concilio for their efforts in advancing education within our community. They put on the Festival de La Communidad which is one of the top family events in Winters. I cannot say enough about this group, truly amazing people!
  • The Winters Senior Foundation is making the difference in the lives of many and will continue to do so! Their collaboration with the Winters Seniors in working toward services for residents and representing on various City and County committees is impressive. The are exceptionally well organized and there is an incredible energy and synergy with what the do. Look for really good things from these folks in the coming year.
  • The Volunteers who make the things happen in Winters from our youth organizations, schools, foundations and events all deserve medals for making Winters the community it is! For those involved, you can appreciate that pulling off the volunteer driven events is not easy!

Projects for 2020 which should be on everyone’s list:

  • Fairfield Inn- 73 hotel rooms located on Matsumoto Lane.
  • Blue Mountain Terrace Senior Affordable Apartments
  • Three Oaks Park Phase I which will become the City’s largest park!
  • Putah Creek Trail Extension
  • Hopefully the start of construction for the Senior Center on Baker Street.

Have a very merry Christmas!

John

  • 20
    Dec 19
  • -

AB1600 Annual Report – Development Impact Fees

AB1600 Annual Report (pdf)
Development Impact Fees
Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2019
Government Code Section 66006 requires local agencies to submit an annual report detailing the status of development impact fees. The annual report must be made available to the public within 180 days of the close of the fiscal year and be presented to the public agency (City Council) at a regularly scheduled public meeting no sooner than 15 days after the report is made available to the public.

  • 18
    Dec 19
  • -

Finance Department RFP

Department of Financial Management
Request for Proposal (RFP)
Water and Sewer Utility Rate Study
Issued on December 18, 2019
(pdf)

RFPS Due:
January 27, 2020 at 3:00 PM
Late Proposals will not be accepted

Contact:
Shelly Gunby, Director of Financial Management
530-794-6704
shelly.gunby@cityofwinters.org

Finance-RFP

  • 13
    Dec 19
  • -

Friday Update for Friday the 13th of December 2019

To all, a happy Triskaidekaphobia! A couple items as we move closer to Christmas and the New Year.

The City Council Agenda for December 17 will be a holiday themed dress, so break out your best or worst sweater or holiday outfit and wear it to the meeting:

  • Public Hearing on CDBG Projects- Mostly for the Senior Center Proposal.
  • Proposed subdivision map for the LDS Property on Anderson Street
  • Water and Sewer Rate Study
  • Energy Upgrade Program Agreement for the Community Center and City Hall
  • Establishment of a Climate Action Plan Development Board
  • Animal Services Agreement with Yolo County
  • Resolution amending the City’s Pension and OPEB Policy on investment
  • Amendment to Master Plan engineering with Wood Rodgers for Flood Hazard Evaluation
  • Claim Against the City for a fall

A little insight into the item on the Climate Action Plan Development Board. This group will have two key assignments including the work on the development and recommendation of a Climate Action Plan for the City, which is a big deal. The second will be to make recommendations on the eventual make up and duties of a permanent Climate Action Commission to implement the overall plan. The interim Board will be for a pretty intensive six month period to work with staff and consultants on the development of the CAP. The Commission will be a much longer term appointment.

A couple items being worked on:

  • Working on recruitments for a Planning/Economic Development Manager, Environmental Services Manager (internal recruitment) and a Fire Engineer. Look for these to start after the first of the year.
  • Planning Commission approved the design review for the LDS subdivision project. The homes will be “affordable by design” with fewer of the façade upgrades and internal amenities. The developer has committed that these will be extremely affordable in Winters!
  • The Blue Mountain Terrace Senior Affordable Apartments are scheduled to close escrow within the next couple days. This is big news and the community should see the project begin construction right after the first of the year.
  • The Senior Commission on Aging met on Wednesday night. A really good group with a focus on organizing themselves before jumping into the many issues they will cover. A very positive meeting with the next scheduled for 5:30 pm on January 8, 2019.
  • The tractor parade had decent weather, incredible tractors and an impressive Christmas Tree. Many thanks to Chris and Sue at the Chamber, Kathy and Wade Cowan and Jose Diaz and the entire team from Ample Electric who hung all the lights on the tree. The event had a number of volunteers from Travis AFB and community members who did an outstanding job!

Finally, lots of frustration with the media, social media and some rumor mongering in regards to an incident between two students at Winters High School this week. The Winters PD and WJUSD did full investigations on the incident which were not picked up very well by the broadcast media and social media folks which was unfortunate.

Without questions, the WJUSD and Winters Police have the safety of our students and community as a number one priority. In this instance, they took measured and appropriate actions based on the reports, did investigations and opened lines of communication which resulted in a very proper response to what occurred at the school. The School and District Administration acted quickly and decisively within the context of what occurred. The Winters Police responded, did a number of interviews and contacted all parties to the incident. The City and District have a solid relationship in regard to all of this and we are confident that what happened was done correctly.

The reports from the broadcast media were just wrong, with Channel 13 not even contacting the Winters Police before their report. Social media reports were also wrong with a very counter productive result in trying sensationalize some aspects which were just not true. Unfortunately, the social media venues give a big megaphone for some folks to give opinion as fact. People need to consider the sources of information and cross check with credible venues before believing what is said in many of these forums.

The Winters Museum will host the Friday the 13th party beginning at 5.

Have a nice weekend!

John

  • 12
    Dec 19
  • -

City of Winters Holiday Schedule

City Hall is closed 12/23 – 12/27 and on 1/1/2020.

City Hall is open from 8am-12pm on 12/30, 12/31, closed all day on 1/1/2020, and open from 8am-12pm on 1/2/2020 and 1/3/2020.

We’ll be back on our regular schedule on Monday, January 6th.

  • 12
    Dec 19
  • -

12/17/2019 City Council Meeting

12/17/19 City Council Meeting (PDF): Agenda / Packet

123›»

Search

Latest News:

Need Volunteers to Certify as ...
Friday Update on January 24 20...
Winters Senior Commission on A...
Friday Update on January 17 20...
January 21, 2020 City Council ...
Job Openings
Winters Putah Creek Committee ...

Department Links:

-City Clerk

-City Council

-City Council Agendas

-City Manager

-City Manager's Update

-Economic Advisory Committee*

-Future Leaders*

-Hispanic Advisory Committee*

-Personnel

-Planning Commission

-Putah Creek Committee

-Administrative Forms and Reports

-Website Posting Requirements


Note: to view online City documents, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader software installed on your computer. Click to visit Adobe's download page (external website).

Home ⋅ Contact ⋅ Links · Personnel · City Council Meetings · Building Forms · WJUSD School Fee Resolution (pdf) · Recreation Programs · Most Recent Info

318 1st St.  Winters, CA  95694

Copyright 2019 City of Winters 

resize
Contrast