Friday Update on May 19, 2017
All,
Just back from a short trip with some really good news and some project updates:
· Our sordid nightmare regarding Chromium 6 may be over!! The judge in oversight of the Chromium 6 regulation issued an order rejecting the attempts of the State Department of Drinking Water to impose new maximum contaminant levels 90% lower than the Federal standard and essentially eliminating the need for the City to implement a massive water treatment program which would have cost the City upwards of $47 million. For Winters customers, we were looking at increases of up to $200 per month in water rates. Literally our prayers are answered! A big thanks to Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar Curry and Senator Bill Dodd for their support on this issue. We have been dealing with this for almost 4 years and it has been refreshing to have elected officials with common sense working to defend the very real interests of ordinary people!
· Kudo’s to our Winters team lead by Carol Scianna for their work on the CR6 mess. I cannot say enough about their stewardship of our water funds, dealing with State Regulators and a very common sense approach to things. We all played a role in this issue and we know we had an influence on the judge.
· The Downtown Alley Improvements along Newt’s Expressway and behind the North side of Main Street begin next week. The improvements will include the replacement of water and storm drain lines. This is a much needed project and will be huge benefit to the entire downtown.
· Look for the West Main/Grant Traffic Signal Project to start coming online within the next few weeks. For those living in West Winters, it will add some much needed traffic control.
· We opened bids for the Grant Ave/Walnult Lane Roundabout yesterday and the bid came in within the budget. This item will go to the City Council on June 6.
· The Roundabout will be a significant project for Grant Ave and will result in daytime closure for a significant portion of the project. The plan includes daytime work hours (8-4) with the roadway closed and detours on Baker Street and Morgan. The roadway will reopen for peak traffic periods from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily. Some items are subject to change, so look for more information as the project gets ready to begin.
· Soccer Registration for Winters AYSO is this Saturday, May 20 from 10-2 at City Hall or online at www.Wintersayso.org
This weekend get to attend the graduation of my son from Chico State University! I am thrilled not only for Sam, but for many of his Winters classmates who will also be graduating this weekend. It is amazing how fast they grow and mature.
Have a nice weekend.
John W. Donlevy, Jr., City Manager