Friday Update on December 11 2015

All,

 A couple items this week:

 ·         The Putah Creek Car Bridge is mostly open with two way traffic. They are still completing the railings on the west side of the bridge and will need to complete some of the wing walls at the entrances on both sides. This thing may be completed by Christmas! (I sure hope so!!)

·         A key project on my desk is finding an Interim Police Chief to serve during the period we will be recruiting for a full time person. We interviewed three candidates this week (all were awesome) and I have a tentative selection, pending background. This is a big deal and it will facilitate a nice transition as Chief Sergio Gutierrez goes into retirement at the end of the month. Look for a formal announcement sometime in the next few weeks. I expect the recruitment for a full time Chief will take until summer.

·         Items on this weeks City Council Agenda include Chromium 6, Recognition of Firefighters, Cell Tower Lease, Budget Adjustments for Water and Wastewater and Engineering Services. Click HERE for the packet.

·         PG&E has begun work on their site on Grant Ave. Click HERE for an update on their construction schedule and activities.

·         A reminder that City Hall will close from December 24 and reopen on January 4.

·         Winters Fire continues to accept gifts for the Toys for Tots Program. Donations can be dropped off at the Station.

 Finally, last weekend was absolutely epic with an incredible tractor parade, tree lighting (7,000 lights on the tree this year) and the annual piano drop (well done Bruce Guelden). It was incredible to see the thousands of people in Downtown enjoying the festivities and celebrating the holidays. A special thanks to the Chamber Board, especially Kathy Cowan, Sheri and Frank Neal, Megan Curry and all the participating businesses and farmers who brought their tractors.

 A very special shout out to both Wade and Kathy Cowan (and their family and crew) who have become an important dynamic duo for Winters. From hanging the 7,000 lights on the tree (not as easy as it looks), to the wooden candy canes throughout town, coordinating the tree lighting to facilitating the tractor parade, they are both real doers to making things high quality and fun for the town. They really define what it means to work hard for the benefit of others. They along with others have really moved things to that “next level” and it shows.

 Have a nice weekend! ~ John