10/22/2021 City Manager’s Update

City Manager’s Update (pdf)
October 22, 2021

Greetings, all. We’re kicking off this week’s update with an exciting…

Woot Woot!

A huge shout out and thank you to the people who located, donated, and moved our new tractor to its proud new home at the Putah Creek vehicle bridge. Charley Wallace was determined to find another iconic tractor; the Cuberos family graciously donated the tractor; and the City’s Public Work team helped deliver it to its new home. Please thank them when you see them around town.

In Other News:

• The City’s municipal pool heater continues to give us trouble and the water temperature is hovering around 72 degrees. The equipment is about 15 years old and has required significant repairs this season. Unfortunately, we’ve decided to cancel lap swim for the rest of the month, rather than October 30, since we cannot maintain a more comfortable water temperature. We apologize for the shortened season and will refund October passes. Thank you for understanding.
• The new EV charging stations at the Community Center will be programmed with an “occupancy charge” of $2.50 per 30 minutes for people who leave their cars parked more than 30 minutes aftertheir vehicle is done charging. The new system alerts drivers that their car is done charging. The occupancy charge will begin after a 30 minute grace period following the alert. Staff will bring an updated citation ordinance to Council allowing for citations for people who park in EV spaces when not charging. The goal is to allow as many EV drivers as possible charge up.
• The City Council approved several upcoming special events! Watch for more information.
  • December 4, Holiday Tree Lighting, Rotary Park. There will be lots of children’s activities.
  • December 5, Tractor Parade! Main Street from City Park to Rotary Park. Feel free to spread out along the route!
  • December 11, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Main Street, Railroad to 2^nd, Holiday Bazaar. Mark your calendars! Over 65 vendors will sell their wares, including our local businesses. Just in time for last minute shopping! More info here.
• The Yolo County Fire Safe County is holding its next meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, October 27 from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. They will provide an update on the Community Wildfire Risk Assessment among other projects. ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84001393368?pwd=TlZCWnpOZzR6dWV3Kzg5QnpmbVJxdz09   Meeting ID: 840 0139 3368 Passcode: 579931

Don’t Miss Out!

• The Chamber of Commerce’s first Community EXPO is next Friday, October 29, at City Park from 1 – 5 p.m. The event will include business, government and non-profit booths, live music, demonstrations, and activities for all ages. Come on out, meet your neighbors and get to know our local businesses. There are so many good ones!
• Free flu shots will be available at the Winters Community Center on November 2, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., 201 Railroad Avenue. Please call (530) 312-5858 to reserve an appointment. Walk ins are also welcome. A limited number of first dose COVID vaccines will also be available.

Did You Know?

• Love the outdoors? Want to get involved and help protect our natural resources? The Putah Creek Council hosts a number of different activities from creek clean ups to docent tours. On Saturday, October 23^rd, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., volunteers will be at Lake Solano doing tree care and maintenance. For more information related to Saturday’s event, click here. Visit putahcreekcouncil.org to learn how to help support Putah Creek as a treasured community resource.

Please Note…

• The street-side brush collection service is intended for shrub and tree branches smaller than 6 inches in diameter and less than 5 feet long. Grass clippings are not allowed ~ please use the green waste container instead. Please note that palm fronds are not allowed in either brush collection or green waste because the stems are too hard for the equipment at the landfill to process. Palm fronds should be brought separately to the landfill for disposal or cut into pieces to fit into the garbage can.

On a related note, the amount of brush left out on the street has exceeded what WM can collect on their standard route. They will add a second route for this service at no additional cost at this time. However, it is operationally more efficient if people used their green waste cans for smaller quantities. Please help us manage potential rate increases by using the cans whenever possible and help keep the City streets clean.

Waste Management’s weekly leaf collection program begins November 1 and ends January 30. For small piles, please use your green waste can. Leaf piles must be less than 5 feet long and not contain large branches or stumps.

For more information about Waste Management’s service, please click here.