Friday Update on June 22 2018
All,
A really big City Council Agenda, so I thought a Cliff’s Note Summary of some really important things which were covered is in order:
The consent calendar included:
- The final map for Phase I of the Winters Highlands (now called Stone’s Throw) was approved. This includes the lot and subdivision which is recorded with Yolo County. The project has a development agreement and some of the provisions were modified to reflect some modifications to the conditions of approval in relation to public improvements and the timing of a number of things. The developer is also required to provide an irrevocable offer of dedication for all the the public improvements which includes the property, streets and various improvements being installed.
- A contract with Vintage Paving was approved which will provide for street repairs to Edwards Street, East Main, Almond and Orchard Streets. The repairs will include spot repairs and paving.
- An authorization was given for repairs to the Carter Ranch Sewer Lift Station to fix issues with the impellers and pumps in the well.
- New salary ranges and revised job descriptions for City Employees were adopted.
The discussion agenda included five (5) public hearings and the City Budget.
The public hearings included and adopted the following:
- The Yolo Habitat Conservation Program (HCP) and the Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP) were adopted as part of the City’s participation in the Yolo Conservancy. In general, this is a 50 year plan to advance conservation of protected species and streamline mitigation programs for developers and the cities in Yolo County.
- The establishment of a utility undergrounding district for Newt’s Expressway in the Downtown to deal with power and utility lines.
- A hearing for all property owners to provide input in regards to weed abatement notices mailed within the past few weeks.
- A zoning text amendment which allows existing/non-conforming properties which may encroach into setbacks to expand structures already in the setback which does not increase the current encroachment. This issue relates to many properties along Dry Creek which encroach into the top of the bank setback. In many cases, property owners can expand their homes “up” but not into the setback area.
- The Callahan Estates Subdivision (now called “Heartland”) owned by Crowne Communities received approvals for their final map for Phase I, an amendment to the development agreement, an irrevocable offer of dedication for public improvements and the Public Improvement Agreement for the property. The amendment to the development agreement and the map involves turning one of three (3) small parcels designated as mini-parks into an additional buildable lot in exchange for a $90,000 toward park improvements.
Non-public hearing items included:
- A review and adoption of an update to the City’s Wastewater Treatment Facility Master Plan which covers the main processing facility for all wastewater. The City Council selected option 2A which will add a future 50 acre storage pond, increased recycling/re-use of water and the continuation of secondary level treatment. Part of the discussion included that the City consider addition recycling options which might include wetlands uses near the current facility.
- A review of increased rates for both water and sewer. The City Council was presented with three (3) options, and selected the lowest rate increase available which would provide for a $8.41 increase per month in the first year and an additional $1.99 in the second year for a total monthly increase of $10.41 per month over two years. The City will mail notices to all customer by July for a public hearing on the rates in August. The Council also authorized the refinancing of water and sewer bonds to take advantage of improved interest rates and lower the overall cost of debt on the monthly rates.
- The Fiscal Year 2018-19 and 2019-20 Budgets were adopted. These provide for General Fund Budgets of $5.6m and $5.9m in each of the fiscal years which go towards parks, public safety and general operations of the City. All funds including water, sewer, capital projects and the general fund will include spending of $11.9 in FY 2018-19 and $15.4m in 2019-20. The budget include capital projects for street repairs from SB 1 funds, the addition of an additional police officer in 2019-20 and the expansion of facilities at the wastewater treatment facility. Also included is funding toward the design of a new community center and a sports park which will be contingent on whether the WJUSD pursues an additional facilities bond in November 2018.
The Planning Commission has a number of items this week including site plan and design review for homes on Hemenway and Abbey Streets as well as consideration of the first five lots of the Olive Grove Subdivision. Also, brief updates on the food truck and Air BnB regulations will be presented.
Finally, the last official full City Council meeting for long time City Clerk and Director of Administrative Services Nanci Mills was on Tuesday. There are few in the history of Winters who have provided a steady and impactful influence on the administration of the City of Winters as Nanci has!
During her tenure, Nanci has worked with four (4) City Managers, almost 40 different City Council members and has attended more than 900 City Council Meetings. In her position of Director of Administrative Services, she has hired all City employees for the last 32 years, coordinated all labor relations, managed all recreation programs and facilities and overseen both risk management and the City’s records management system. In the absence of the City Manager, she has routinely served as the Acting City Manager. Her service to the City has been stellar!
Nanci has played a significant role in practically every major initiative of the City. The renovation of City Hall, revitalization of Downtown, the new library and swimming pool, major upgrades in water and wastewater utilities, the construction of bridges and the restoration of Putah Creek. Internally, Winters administration is as modern and professional as any in the area. Regionally, Nanci has served as the chairperson of the Yolo Public Risk Management Authority and is viewed and respected as a key leader in covering the liability and interests of the County of Yolo and the cities and special districts.
Most importantly, Nanci has served as a steady influence on the tone and demeanor of how the City organization works with our constituents. Her focus on helping folks and customer service has defined City Hall as an important resource in aiding those who come seeking assistance. Her ethics and moral compass has provided supervision and mentorship to many who have worked for the City over the past four decades. Without question, she has put Winters and our service before her own interests over the years.
Nanci is an irreplaceable member of our staff. I will share that those who will take some of her responsibilities come into a well run and professional operation that will continue the legacy of quality and thoroughness which defines Nanci.
As she moves into her “next phase”, Nanci will always remain a member of the City family and her influence will remain for years to come. She has a beautiful family and is a true friend to so many. While we will dearly miss her but we will quietly celebrate for her in retirement.
Have a nice weekend!
John W. Donlevy, Jr., City Manager