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Friday Update on December 21 2018

  • 21
    Dec 18
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Friday Update on December 21 2018

All,

A short update and a reason to count our blessings and evaluate our options on giving!

Today, I along with a group of Sacramento Valley City Manager’s met with the Town Manager of Paradise to discuss assistance to them in addressing the situation from the Camp Fire which destroyed almost 95% of the homes in community. An absolutely untenable situation!

The challenges are massive and the demands are very serious. In many respects, they will be working towards the creation of an entirely new town while most who called it home will be living elsewhere for the foreseeable future. The generosity of so many people has been amazing but nothing can replace the fact that many will be spending these holidays without their home.

Our City Manager’s Group will be working with the Town to bring expertise to some of the really big subject areas (Fiscal, Legislative, Legal, Operational) which they will be facing. The cities have been generous and the desire to bring aid is commendable.

Finally, a very sincere wishing of Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. We are truly blessed to live and work in an amazing community like Winters!

Thanks,

John

  • 20
    Dec 18
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Happy Holidays – hours

Winters City Hall will be closed

12-24-18 through 1-1-19.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

  • 20
    Dec 18
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2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)

2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) (pdf)

  • 12
    Dec 18
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12/18/18 City Council Meeting

  • 10
    Dec 18
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Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee Meeting

  • 07
    Dec 18
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Friday Update on December 7 2018

All,

As an FYI, I do not send a Friday Update the week of Thanksgiving and the week following. This is because the email goes to LOTS of people and the email server and my email gets literally flooded with “Out of Office” replies which takes an effort to clear. Thus no update!

Strategic Planning Workshops

The City of Winters is holding a series of Strategic Planning Workshops which are open to all members of the Winters Community to attend and participate. The workshops are topical and include working to establish priorities on key issues which will fold into an overall Strategic Plan for the City to focus on.

The dates and topics are as follows:

  • November 14, 2018- Infrastructure (Water, Wastewater, Streets, etc)- This discussion centered on current and future infrastructure needs and impending demands. This workshop included discussions on streets, water wells, wastewater expansion and the threat of enhanced discharge requirements, ADA improvements and the potential work needed for the former City landfill site.
  • December  12, 2018- Public Safety (Fire, Police, Animal Services)- This coming Wednesday will focus on presentations from both Police and Fire regarding current and future issues in public safety. The discussion will surround staffing, the realities of new laws and expectations along with the needs of a future Winters. The session will also include an update on Animal Services.
  • January 23, 2019- Planning and Economic Development- This session will focus on the release of the recommendations from the Economic Development Advisory Committee along with a discussion on the planning of the north area of the City’s current general plan.
  • February 6, 2019- Community Facilities and Services (parks, facilities and services)- This will be the workshop to be a chance to begin establishing priorities for parks and future community facilities and services. From Seniors to youth, parks to theatres, this will be an opportunity to begin formulating those big picture wants and needs for the City.
  • February 27, 2019- City Organization and Structure (succession planning)- This session will focus what the City organization will look like in the near and longer term future. As the City plans its future, it will need to determine what the overall organization will look like to provide and maintain services to the community.
  • March 22-23, 2019- Two all day Strategic Planning Workshop (9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)- This will be the culmination of the workshops. Day 1 will invite all of the previous participants and groups to a day long session to discuss and help strategize on the highest priorities of the City moving forward. Day 2 will be a chance for the City Council to provide direction to City Staff on the formulation of an action plan to move things forward.

The culmination of the work will be a facilitated workshop on March 22-23 which will help take the many issues and help develop the overall Strategic Plan which will be for the next 10-20 years.

All workshops will be held at the Winters Public Safety Facility (700 Main Street) in the EOC Training Room from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact John.Donlevy@cityofwinters.org

  • 07
    Dec 18
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12/11/18 Special Planning Commission Meeting

  • 12/11/18 Special Planning Commission Meeting (Agenda / Packet) (pdf)
  • 05
    Dec 18
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Camp Fire Community Fundraising Event, Sunday Dec. 9, 2018, Woodland, CA

Click for pdfCamp Fire Aid Fundraiser

  • 29
    Nov 18
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12/04/18 City Council Meeting

  • 29
    Nov 18
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City of Winters ~ Seniors:

City of Winters Seniors ~ Reports and Resources (pdf):
Winters Senior Resource Guide (Eng)
Winters Senior Resource Guide (Span)
City of Winters Senior Program Project 2017-18

  • 27
    Nov 18
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Yolo Operational Area Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan

  • 16
    Nov 18
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Text to 911 Now Available in Yolo County

Text to 911 Now Available in Yolo County
Call If You Can, Text if You Can’t

Yolo County residents needing emergency services are now able to text their situation to emergency dispatchers.
Text-to-911 is intended primarily for use in specific emergency scenarios:

  • for an individual who is speech, or hearing, impaired;
  • for a person who is unable to call 911 due to a medical emergency that renders them unable to speak;
  • in the event of a crime such as a home invasion where speaking might give away the location of a person hiding, or in an abduction situation; or,
  • in domestic violence situations where it’s not safe to make a voice call.

When determining whether to make voice call or send a text keep the following in mind:

  • Callers should text 911 only when calling is not an option
  • Texting is not always instantaneous, which means it may take slightly longer to dispatch emergency services in a text-to-911 situation
  • Providing location information and nature of the emergency in the first text message is imperative, since
  • Yolo County 911 may not receive location information and will not be able to speak with the person sending the text. Text abbreviations or slang should never be used to that the intent of the message can be as clear as possible.
  • Those who use the system must have a cell phone that is activated and capable of sending text messages in order to reach 911 via text. There is no charge to the customer for sending a text to 911.

How to text 911 in an emergency:

  • Enter the numbers “911” in the “To” field;
  • The first text message to 911 should be brief and contain the location of the emergency and the type of help needed;
  • Push the “Send” button.
  • Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 call taker.
  • Text in simple words – do not use abbreviations or emojis.
  • Do not send pictures or attachments
  • Keep text messages brief and concise.

We encourage anyone who has any further questions to please contact our dispatch center. We would be happy to provide further education on these services including a test scenario from your phone at a scheduled time.

  • 09
    Nov 18
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Friday Update on November 9 2018

All,

A short recap of some key items from the City Council Meeting and how Winters is helping on the Camp Fire which has destroyed the Town of Paradise.

  • The City Council approved an increase in the City’s Development Impact Fees which are charged to new development to offset the impacts toward new future facilities and as a “buy in” to facilities which are already constructed but the new development benefits from. The last impact fee increases were in 2003 and 2010. The main measure of comparable fees is medium density residential units, which will see an increase of approximately 382 per new residential unit over the fees from 2010 (which were drastically lowered because of the 2008 recession). The increases are main generated by the addition of two projects to the program which include a new Community Center and a 22 acre active sports park for new baseball/softball, soccer and other amenities. The fees will go into effect on January 1, 2019.
  • The Council also included two amendments to the Waste Management contract, including an allowance for fines for contamination (trash) in the organics container, overages (too much trash set out beyond the capacity of the bins) and about a $1 increase because of adjustments at the County Landfill to cover tipping fees due to some upcoming capital projects and new environmental regulations.
  • Parking Fees– the Council approved a resolution to increase parking fines to $30 from $15 which essentially covers our administrative costs. Our parking fines are about half of those in neighboring jurisdictions.
  • The Circulation Master Plan was approved which provides for the roadway and traffic improvements all the way to build-out of the City. The plan essentially includes some widening of Grant Ave from the 505 to E. Main Street, future traffic signals at 505 and E. Main Street and future roundabouts at Morgan and Dutton Streets. Improvements are predicated on the total buildout of the City which is now estimated at 2036 and beyond. The overall goal of the program is to address both safety and the reduction of congestion through town.

Overall a pretty comprehensive meeting on really important items.

A reminder about the Winters Fire “All you can peel and eat” Shrimp Feed on Saturday, November 10 at the Fire Station with Cocktails starting at 5 and Dinner at 6. Proceeds go to the Toys for Kids Program.

Finally, our efforts to help the Town of Paradise.

Winters has sent both Police and Fire Personnel to what can only be described as a devastated area. As of Friday, they estimate 15,000 structures have been completely destroyed including the Town Hall, the commercial district, a hotel and a hospital. Reports from the City personnel are that the area is significantly impacted, mostly homes have been totally burned and the residents and businesses need our prayers. We were on the Santa Rosa Fire and they describe it in that context.

OES 333 is on the fire line with no relief, so they were asked to work another 24 today. They are a part of OES 4816A team and currently enroute to Magalia. Staff has said everyone is holding up, a little tired but they are on a mission and working hard is expected. Let’s just hope they get some rest tomorrow.  The 4 that went on the strike team include Captain Matt Schechla, Driver Operator Victor Diaz, FF Junior Mederos, FF Alex Mercer.

The Sacramento Valley City Manager’s are mounting a relief effort to help the Town of Paradise with staff assistance for both short term relief and long term recovery in their EOC, field operations and administratively. The process of recovery is a difficult and significant maze which can be difficult to negotiate with State and Federal agencies. Its times like these that we need to combine talents and know how to help a community in need. The Town Manager of Paradise along with her staff are a small and mighty group, but many have been equally affected with their homes destroyed and families impacted.

For those wishing to help or donate toward aid for Camp Fire victims, the following has been forwarded to us https://www.nvcf.org/fund/camp-fire-evacuation-relief-fund/

Keep the communities in this area in your prayers.

 

John

  • 09
    Nov 18
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Planning Commission Meeting 11/13/18

  • 08
    Nov 18
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Strategic Planning Workshops Scheduled- City of Winters

Strategic Planning Workshops Scheduled- City of Winters

The City of Winters will be holding a series of Strategic Planning Workshops which are open to all members of the Winters Community to attend and participate. The workshops will be topical and include working to establish priorities on key issues which will fold into an overall Strategic Plan for the City to focus on.

The dates and topics are as follows:

  • November 14, 2018- Infrastructure (Water, Wastewater, Streets, etc)
  • December  12, 2018- Public Safety (Fire, Police, Animal Services)
  • January 23, 2019- Planning and Economic Development
  • February 6, 2019- Community Facilities and Services (parks, facilities and services)
  • February 27, 2019- City Organization and Structure (succession planning)
  • March 22-23, 2019- Two all day Strategic Planning Workshop (9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)

The culmination of the work will be a facilitated workshop on March 22-23 which will help take the many issues and help develop the overall Strategic Plan which will be for the next 10-20 years.

All workshops will be held at the Winters Public Safety Facility (700 Main Street) in the EOC Training Room from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact John.Donlevy@cityofwinters.org

  • 05
    Nov 18
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Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee Meeting 11/08/18

  • 05
    Nov 18
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City of Winters’ November Newsletter

  • 01
    Nov 18
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Friday Update on November 1 2018

All,

A day early so you can plan your weekend!

City Council Agenda:

  • Amendment to Waste Management Contract for Contamination and Overage Charges
  • Yolo Mosquito and Vector Update
  • Budget Adjustments for Recycling Funds
  • HOME Program Subcontractor- Blue Mountain Terrace Senior Apartments
  • Claim Against the City
  • Fire Department Records Management System
  • Utility Easement- Olive Grove Subdivision
  • Public Improvements Dedication- Callahan Estates
  • Parcel Coneyance- Senior Center property.

Discussion Items:

  • Development Impact Fee Public Hearing
  • Circulation Master Plan
  • Waste Management Rate Increase- Tipping Fees
  • Parking Fines and Adjudication.

Events:

  • A Dia de los Muertos Celebration will be held at the Winters Cemetery on Friday November 2, 2018 starting at 4:00. This is sponsored by the Hispanic Advisory Committee and will be followed by a screening of the movie “Coco” at the Winters Middle School.
  • The 3rd Annual Salmon Festival– 2018 will be on Saturday, November 3 from 11:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Rotary Park. Displays, food and creek tours with a chance of seeing some salmon coming up the creek. Fun for the entire family!

A couple items of interest:

  • A signing ceremony for the Yolo Conservancy Habitat Conservation Program was held in West Sacramento. This was a big day for both Yolo and the environment. The ceremony was the culmination of over 25 years of effort and collaboration to streamline the mitigation process of government while helping in the preservation and sustainability of hawks, owls, snakes and invertibrates. Kudos to the many who have participated in an important program.
  • Permit issuance on the freeway hotel is looking imminent. Staff went through our checklists and are about to notify the developer to come in a pick up the permit.
  • On Monday, November 5 at the City of Davis, Staff and Mayor Pro Tem Wade Cowan will be attending a critical meeting on Animal Services for Yolo County. This will be the first of two meetings in November where the formation of a new governance structure will be discussed to improve overall animal services for all of Yolo County.
  • Follow the adventures of Woody and Rebecca Fridae as they travel across Europe in their blog. This week they are in Romania, but you can catch up on France, Belgium, Germany and soon to be in Greece. Go to https://fridae.blog/ .

Finally, file this under  “damned if you do damned don’t” in regards to the City of Winters App. Since going to the City Council for approval, social media and email has brought lots of comments which shows that there are lots of opinions on lots of things! The goal of the App is to put in place an avenue available to folks to dynamically report issues and gain information from the City. Apps have become a common avenue for these types of functions in the modern era and something many cities are turning to as one of the tools to achieve a higher level of responsiveness.

A key reason Staff looked into the App was to quell the issues and answer folks on social media who don’t report issues to the City but can broadcast issues over the various social media platforms instead of calling City Hall to report the problem. An easy link via Facebook or our website for active folks to quickly access the app, report the need and facilitate a response was seen as a means to an end! Uh, not so easy. Part of the budget was to print signs to include in key City locations for easy download and access to the App, including for visitors in the Downtown and future hotels.

An interesting phenomenon are the comments and emails from tech folks who all seem to essentially attack the tech option. The comments on “assessment of citizen engagement needs” from the tech folks essentially recommends steering off the tech option and “exploring” other alternatives than the City App OR waiting for something new to come along. Some experts suggest we assign people to monitor the numerous social media platforms, which is simply not going to happen.

We are working on an implementation plan for the App. If in the end, we can establish another tool for our residents and visitors to communicate issues to us, we will call it a success. We currently have phone, email, snail mail and our City website. One more options should not hurt.

So, damned if we do, damned if we don’t!

Have a nice weekend.

John

  • 01
    Nov 18
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11/06/18 City Council Meeting

  • 26
    Oct 18
  • -

Friday Update on October 26 2018

All,

Next week is a fifth week of the month, so no City Council meeting. A couple items being worked on by City Staff:

  • This weeks Planning Commission had a couple items including an update of the City’s Circulation Master Plan and revisions to the Municipal Code in regards to food trucks. Both were recommended to the City Council with the Circulation Master Plan being reviewed at the November 6 meeting and the Food Truck on December 4.
  • The Food Truck Ordinance is a pretty dynamic issue. The State just enacted SB 946 which essentially allows “sidewalk vending” to occur almost anywhere within a City. In the case of food trucks, the City has limited them to only commercially zoned areas and on private property but the vending carts can go almost anywhere on sidewalks and the public right of way within the parameters that they are licensed.  My sense is that the future of vending will be pretty interesting since the establishment of the vending carts can occur in residential areas and they can sell practically anything except alcohol and tobacco. Stay tuned.
  • Staff is actively working on the striping of Downtown for parking. We are currently evaluating locations for additional diagonal spaces (versus parallel) along Abbey Street as well as location on East Main Street. Once we have a plan we need to grind some markings off the pavement and begin a process of repainting which will include practically every space in the Downtown area.
  • Parking fines and a process for adjudication will be on the November 6 City Council Agenda. We expect to have everything in place for an active parking enforcement program for just after the first of the year.
  • Folks with motor homes and fifth wheels need to move them off the street and back to storage! The Police Department gave everyone a late summer reprieve as people finished off those late summer trips. It is now time for people to get their recreational vehicles and trailers back into storage or get a ticket. We did an entire summer of warnings but the reality is tickets will be next on the list.
  • The Rotary Club of Winters was at both Waggoner and Shirley Rominger Schools on Thursday reading poems and giving away books to kids. Check out these Rotarians in action by clicking HERE.
  • Tonight is the Downtown Harvest Festival beginning at 5:30. Great food, wine and music to entertain and start the weekend off right!
  • The 7-0 WHS Warriors are in Durham for a League game. Go Warriors!

Have a nice weekend.

John

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