02/19/2021 City Manager’s Update

City Manager’s Update (pdf)
February 19, 2021

Greetings, all. In today’s headline news, our COVID metrics are trending in the right direction and Yolo County might return to the Red Tier next week! Red would allow limited indoor dining, gyms, and movie theaters to re-open. Just in time for a beautiful week, weather wise. More information will be available on Tuesday, 2/23.

As always, public health guidance recommends and regulations require mask wearing inside (except when eating and drinking), when in the presence of others not within our household bubbles, and to maintain social distancing when at all possible. These basic mitigation measures are effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19

• Yolo County has expanded access to the COVID vaccines, even though supplies are still extremely limited. In addition to those 65 years and older, all frontline workers are eligible, including people who work in education, childcare, emergency services and food and agriculture. Please continue to check the County's Vaccination Webpage for information and at https://www.yolocounty.org/coronavirus-vaccine.
• Yolo County is implementing the State of California’s MyTurn platform for people to register their interest in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. This system was tested in Los Angeles and San Diego Counties and is being expanded to other areas. The MyTurn website is currently available in English and Spanish, with an additional six languages coming mid-February. Californians who do not have internet access can call 1-833-422-4255 to connect with an operator directly in English or Spanish and 254 additional languages via a third-party operator. All residents are encouraged to register with MyTurn at myturn.ca.gov.

Please Note:

• Next week the City of Winters will launch a virtual / pre-recorded workshop related to the City’s update to the General Plan’s Housing Element, which is required by the State of California. The video presentation on the Housing Element and a community survey will be available in English and Spanish on the City’s website. We very much would like to hear from residents and community members about housing availability, priorities, programs and obstacles, so please check out the video and participate in the survey, which will be open for one month. The input will be compiled and a draft, updated Housing Element document circulated for public and State review and comment In April.

Don’t Miss Out!

• Businesses in the Solano County side of the Winters’ community can apply for interest free microloans through the nonprofit Mission Asset Fund. 0% interest loans up to $2,500 are available for LED lights, air purifiers, outdoor heaters, refrigerators, and other Energy Star rated appliances and equipment. Other energy saving measures may be eligible as well. Please visit missionassetfund.org/bayren for more information. Application are due February 23 at 10 a.m.

The Chamber of Commerce is selling tickets for $50 to win a trip for two to New Orleans! For more information, visit www.winterschamber.com. The Chamber helps support our business community and the lucky winner gets to visit New Orleans in 2021 or 2022, winner’s preference since the arrangements are not booked.

Council Meeting Update

• At last Tuesday’s Council meeting, the City Council discussed whether to consider developing regulations to allow commercial cannabis activity within the City of Winters. 11 people provided written input that was benched and summarized as part of public comment, while others shared their thoughts during the meeting. The majority of those who provided input supported exploring regulations or allowing cannabis businesses in town. Council directed staff to develop a survey to engage more community input, and prepare a Request for Proposal to obtain consulting assistance so that more accurate costs for developing these regulations could be discussed before next year’s budget is finalized in June. Stay tuned for more information on this important community topic.

Woot Woot!

Watch for improvements at Valley Oak Park. Public Works will begin installing pads for exercise equipment that will be installed along the perimeter trail. The equipment will provide a fun, free opportunity to exercise outdoors and is designed in particular with senior fitness in mind. The equipment was purchased with grant funds.