Friday Update on October 5 2018
All,
A couple items this week:
- Staff met with Caltrans at the annual Yolo/Caltrans Annual Update Meeting. Many big projects in circulation including the I80 widening project, the “World Class Bikeway” between Davis and Sacramento, the Metropolitan Transportation Plan and the purported impacts which may result from the repeal of the Statewide Gas Tax should Proposition 6 pass.
- For Winters, I provided an update on the roundabout, a pending application to install Automated License Plate Readers on Grant Ave traffic signals and our recent planning project to widen the I505 overpass and to implement the last parts of the City’s Complete Street Program along Grant Ave. Caltrans was receptive to all elements fo the work we have been discussing. Overall a really good meeting. I would describe the overall customer service sense for Caltrans as very good with a strong amount of leadership from the top driving collaboration and the need to get projects done.
- Under projects done with Federal Transportation Dollars (the roundabout project was done), there is an incentive for the State with rebates as a result of “project delivery”. For the past fiscal year, Caltrans received almost $400m from the Feds as a result of project delivery. This is really good news for localities as the money is then deposited into the SHOPP funding program which is then eligible for additional local projects.
- The biggest takeaway are the ramifications for the entire State should Proposition 6 pass. In total, over 6,500 improvement projects in practically every community will be affected including streets, sidewalks, road safety and bridges along with the impacts on public transit. According to SACOG, the regional transportation plans will essentially need to be completely redone, which will jeopardize federal finding, including the I505 Overpass Project in Winters. The City has an adopted plan for spending these gas tax funds which I will forward in next weeks update.
- A review of legislation passed by the State Legislature and being signed by the Governorwill bring many changes to society. Food carts can basically set up shop anywhere in town (including parks), streamlined permitting is upon us which will impact the City’s ability to plan and work with developers is drastically limited; and anyone below the age of 16 years of age cannot be tried as an adult which is retroactive and will most likely free a horrific Davis murderer in just a few years and many other murderers. Crazy what is happening!
- Staff will be participating in a webinar next week regarding SB35 which was passed along with 15 other housing bills. The legislation requires a streamlined subdivision permitting process for communities which have not met their Regional Housing Needs Allocation, which is practically every city in California. The wording essentially gives a green light to developers to move forward with project with minimal public review and input. For Winters, it could be significant!
- Staff has received a very affordable proposal for a Winters APP which will allow residents and visitors to access a litany of information about the City. Key features include the ability to report maintenance issues, graffiti, abandoned cars, a community calendar, locate businesses and much more. Look for this on the October 16City Council Agenda.
- October 6 is the Public Safety Faire at the Public Safety Facility, 500 Main Street from 10-2. Lots of displays from police, fire, fish and wildlife and much more. This has become an incredible event for kids and adults alike.
- Good news on a number of fronts for both the Downtown Hotel and the Fairfield Inn along the I505! Look for plenty of lodging in 2019!
- A HUGE congratulations to the Winters Healthcare Foundation on the start of construction for their new campus on Grant Ave. This is a major project for our community and kudos need to go to the visionary leadership of many on their Board and Staff. Well done.
Our Winters Warriors have a bye this week, so come Downtown and enjoy a great evening on what is supposed to be a windy weekend.
John