Friday Update on November 9 2018
All,
A short recap of some key items from the City Council Meeting and how Winters is helping on the Camp Fire which has destroyed the Town of Paradise.
- The City Council approved an increase in the City’s Development Impact Fees which are charged to new development to offset the impacts toward new future facilities and as a “buy in” to facilities which are already constructed but the new development benefits from. The last impact fee increases were in 2003 and 2010. The main measure of comparable fees is medium density residential units, which will see an increase of approximately 382 per new residential unit over the fees from 2010 (which were drastically lowered because of the 2008 recession). The increases are main generated by the addition of two projects to the program which include a new Community Center and a 22 acre active sports park for new baseball/softball, soccer and other amenities. The fees will go into effect on January 1, 2019.
- The Council also included two amendments to the Waste Management contract, including an allowance for fines for contamination (trash) in the organics container, overages (too much trash set out beyond the capacity of the bins) and about a $1 increase because of adjustments at the County Landfill to cover tipping fees due to some upcoming capital projects and new environmental regulations.
- Parking Fees– the Council approved a resolution to increase parking fines to $30 from $15 which essentially covers our administrative costs. Our parking fines are about half of those in neighboring jurisdictions.
- The Circulation Master Plan was approved which provides for the roadway and traffic improvements all the way to build-out of the City. The plan essentially includes some widening of Grant Ave from the 505 to E. Main Street, future traffic signals at 505 and E. Main Street and future roundabouts at Morgan and Dutton Streets. Improvements are predicated on the total buildout of the City which is now estimated at 2036 and beyond. The overall goal of the program is to address both safety and the reduction of congestion through town.
Overall a pretty comprehensive meeting on really important items.
A reminder about the Winters Fire “All you can peel and eat” Shrimp Feed on Saturday, November 10 at the Fire Station with Cocktails starting at 5 and Dinner at 6. Proceeds go to the Toys for Kids Program.
Finally, our efforts to help the Town of Paradise.
Winters has sent both Police and Fire Personnel to what can only be described as a devastated area. As of Friday, they estimate 15,000 structures have been completely destroyed including the Town Hall, the commercial district, a hotel and a hospital. Reports from the City personnel are that the area is significantly impacted, mostly homes have been totally burned and the residents and businesses need our prayers. We were on the Santa Rosa Fire and they describe it in that context.
OES 333 is on the fire line with no relief, so they were asked to work another 24 today. They are a part of OES 4816A team and currently enroute to Magalia. Staff has said everyone is holding up, a little tired but they are on a mission and working hard is expected. Let’s just hope they get some rest tomorrow. The 4 that went on the strike team include Captain Matt Schechla, Driver Operator Victor Diaz, FF Junior Mederos, FF Alex Mercer.
The Sacramento Valley City Manager’s are mounting a relief effort to help the Town of Paradise with staff assistance for both short term relief and long term recovery in their EOC, field operations and administratively. The process of recovery is a difficult and significant maze which can be difficult to negotiate with State and Federal agencies. Its times like these that we need to combine talents and know how to help a community in need. The Town Manager of Paradise along with her staff are a small and mighty group, but many have been equally affected with their homes destroyed and families impacted.
For those wishing to help or donate toward aid for Camp Fire victims, the following has been forwarded to us https://www.nvcf.org/fund/camp-fire-evacuation-relief-fund/
Keep the communities in this area in your prayers.
John