Natural Resources Commission Meeting Monday, January 23, 2023, 6:00pm Via Zoom Join Zoom Meeting
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City Manager’s Update (pdf)
January 13, 2023
Greetings, all. More rain has begun as the next atmospheric river hits northern California this weekend. Saturday will have moderate to heavy rain. Avoid leaving town if you can and be careful out there if you do. It looks as if we have a dry patch beginning on Tuesday. Yay! The forecast is here.
City Hall Tidbits
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COVID-19
There is a new variant of concern, among the many sub-variants of the Omicron strain. XBB.1.5 is rapidly gaining dominance, and per usual more infectious than the previous. It has better sticking properties to latch on. The screen shot below is from Monday’s health briefing showing the rapid increase of COVID concentrations in wastewater, particularly in Davis. While flu and RSV appear to be on the decline, it is still a good time to make sure vaccinations and boosters are up to date, and to not go to work or in public if you are sick. Health officials are also strongly recommending mask wearing indoors.Upcoming Council Meeting – January 17 – Hybrid!
Council meets next Tuesday, remote and in person. We continue to work on the system and will replace the clerk computer; however, we should be able to get through Tuesday with some adjustments. The packet is available here. It’s a very small agenda: a resolution establishing administrative citation fines and a local emergency declaration related to winters storms that will allow us to recover storm-response expenses. The federal emergency declaration for the initial 17 counties was extended to Yolo County this week, allowing county jurisdictions to apply for reimbursement of eligible expenses. The local emergency declaration is the first step in that process.
Woot Woot!
A big shout out to all the first responders, public works employees, Emergency Operations teams, regular people and supportive groups who have assisted with responding to the onslaught of winter storms. While the City of Winters has fared relatively well, so many areas have been devasted by flooding, wind damage, and power outages. So many people have pulled together to help those in need. A huge thank you for everyone’s contributions, big and small, far and wide.
On a related note, about mutual aid to others, at Wednesday’s senior commission, the group discussed concerns for elderly living on their own who might have a medical event or fall unbeknownst to others. Being left unattended for days could have devastating results for that person. If you live next door to someone who might need an extra hand or appreciate being checked on, please reach out to them. Establish a signal that all is ok, so when the blinds don’t open or some other private code doesn’t change, the neighbor can pop over to check.
The Winters community ethos of service to others / service to community runs strong here. These individual bonds and connections weave the fabric that make Winters the truly magical village it has been and continues to be.
City Manager’s Update (pdf)
January 6, 2023
Greetings, all, and welcome to 2023! From all of us at the City of Winters, we wish you a healthy, happy and joyous New Year. And it’s starting off to a be a wet one.
So far the town has handled the weather relatively well aside from the usual Road 89 ditch overflowing, ponding in low spots, and plugged drains due to leaves and debris. The soil is so saturated, please help monitor trees closely for signs of uplift, unusual leaning, etc. We did have one tree topple during the New Year’s storm and the news is certainly showing plenty of flooding, downed trees and lines, and other sorts of damage. Three more atmospheric bomb storms are headed are way so during the break, unplug drains and gutters before the next wave hits beginning tomorrow…Forecast is here. Thank you, PG&E, for hardening our utility service!
To report safety concerns on public property or in the right of way:
• For non-emergency items (no immediate threat), please call City Hall at 530-795-4910.
• For critical items that need to be addressed in a timely fashion, during business hours, please call City Hall. After 5 p.m. please call dispatch at 530-795-4561.
• For emergencies (immediate threat to life or property), call 911.
As a reminder, City Hall is open Monday – Thursday and every other Friday. We are closed today as a point of reference. The 2023 schedule will be posted shortly on the City’s website.
Sand bags are available outside the Public Works Corp yard at the north end of East Street, next to the Yolo Federal Credit Union.
Don’t Miss Out!
◊ The Winters Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the Toast of Winters! Annual awards include Citizen of the Year, Chamber Business of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, and a recipient for the Theodore Winters Award. For more information or to nominate someone, please contact the Chamber directly by emailing director@winterschamberofcommerce.com or calling 530-795-2329. The deadline is this weekend so don’t hesitate to contact the Chamber.
◊ The City issued a community survey last month to gather input on downtown visioning related to trash management, outdoor dining and gathering spaces, the community center, and parking. We’ve received over 130 responses. The survey closes Sunday night so please complete a survey if you haven’t already. More information is here. The survey is available in English and Spanish.
◊ The Yolo Fire Safe Council has launched its own website at www.yolofiresafe.org. The draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) has been posted here. The Council welcomes public comments on the draft by Monday, January 9.
◊ The Winters History Museum has a new exhibit, “The Wide World of Winters Sports,” showcasing local phenom athletes. The Museum is a treasure, and is open Thursday – Sunday, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at 13 Russell Street. It’s well worth a visit.
◊ CalFire has recently updated its Fire Hazard Severity Maps and has scheduled 57 public hearings throughout the state. The current revision to the maps is only for unincorporated, rural areas, which are referred to State Responsibility Areas or SRAs. More information is at Fire Hazard Severity Zones (ca.gov). CalFire is accepting public comment on the proposed revisions through February 3rd. The public hearing in Solano County is January 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the Solano County Event Center, 601 Texas Street in Fairfield. Local Contact Person: Marshall Turbeville (707) 877-1770 marshall.turbeville@fire.ca.gov. Updates to the hazard maps for incorporated areas will be released later this year.
Please Note:
◊ Monday’s Climate Action Commission has been cancelled due to a lack of quorum. Two seats are vacant on this commission so if you have an interest in climate change, please contact cityclerk@cityofwinters.org for more information and an application.
◊ Monday’s special meeting of the Natural Resources Commission meeting has also been cancelled and rescheduled to January 23rd.
◊ The City also has vacancies on the Planning Commission and Senior Commission on Aging. If you have an interest, please let us know and watch for more information. Recruitments will be posted soon.
◊ Yolo County has appointed a new County Librarian. Diana Lopez hails from the City of Richmond where she is currently the Deputy Director of Community Services for the Library. She has 20 years’ experience serving diverse populations and is a highly skilled librarian. She begins on January 30. Welcome, Diana, to Yolo County!
◊ Three Oaks Park has finally entered its 90-day maintenance period, beginning mid-December. If all goes well, we anticipate opening the park to the public mid-March. The developer has also provided a $10,000 deposit to fund the replacement of any newly planted trees through June 30. During the maintenance period, the developer’s contractor is responsible for maintaining the park in a satisfactory condition. Provided it meets standards, it will be turned over to the City in March.
Upcoming Council Meeting – January 10, In Person Only
The next regular Council meeting is January 10, beginning at 6:30 p.m. This meeting is in-person only while we address software interface issues with our hybrid platform. The packet has been posted here. The consent calendar includes appointing Mark Rowan to the Senior Commission on Aging; Rich Marovich, Melanie Ellison, and Eric Jepsen to the Natural Resources Commission; and a proclamation recognizing our sister city Almogía, Spain. Discussion items include a rate increase by Waste Management to pass through an 8.44% increase in County tipping fees at the central landfill, and councilmember appointments to various local and regional committees, commissions, and boards.
City Manager’s Update (pdf)
December 9, 2022
Greetings, all. Last weekend’s holiday festivities were wonderful, and the tractor parade was phenomenal! Thank you to all involved!
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Please Note:
English - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WintersDowntownVision
Spanish - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EncuestaComunitariaWinters
Upcoming Council Meeting
Next Tuesday, December 13, the City Council will reorganize as the new council is seated. This will be the last meeting of 2022. The new Council will have its first meeting on January 10, 2023 (a special meeting since the January 3rd meeting is cancelled due to the holiday closure).
Woot Woot!
The Fire Department’s Gift for Kids program will support over 90 needy families in Winters this holiday season. A huge heartfelt thank you to the Fire Department staff and volunteers, their families and everyone who contributed funds and toys to help bring some added cheer to local families this holiday season. The Fire Department runs the program with the help of their own families to wrap all the gifts and coordinate with the families. One of the outstanding traits of the Winters community is how much and how often the people step up to support others.
SEE FULL CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE IN ATTACHED PDF
City Manager’s Update (pdf)
November 18, 2022
Greetings, all. We have a new basketball league! Please check out the information below.
And we have holiday weekend updates below. Please monitor social media, the Winter Express, Friday Updates and www.winterstractorparade.com for more information about December 2nd and 3rd activities, and please click on the website tabs for more detailed information about entertainment, parade participants, etc.
This year we have added more activities to the holiday weekend to help fund event costs and to encourage visitors to come earlier and stay later in order to help manage traffic in and out of the city. We’ve also hired a coordinator since the event has grown beyond the ability of volunteers and staff to coordinate on our own. Steven Restivo of Bay Area Pop Up Events and his team have taken the lead. Please see information at the bottom of the Update for more detailed route maps, and street closure times. Click here for entertainment information. Notices will be delivered to businesses and residences along street closures on November 30. Check your front doors, please.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2ND TREE LIGHTING
New this year is a holiday marketplace in Rotary Park (2 – 9 p.m.) with different activities, music, and holiday gifts. The downtown businesses are also coordinating a hot coco crawl and elf hunt (4 - 7 p.m.) AND we will have bouncy houses and a petting zoo on the 100 Block of Main Street. Caroling at the gazebo with middle and high school students is scheduled from 5:00 – 5:45 p.m. The tree lighting is 6 p.m. Have your picture taken with Santa until 9 p.m.
Main Street will be closed from 12 noon from the Rotary Park Driveway to Second Street until 10 p.m. HOWEVER, the Railroad & Main Street intersection will be closed beginning at 3:30 p.m. and reopen as soon as it is safe for pedestrians to cross safety unassisted.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3RD TRACTOR PARADE
Saturday will be busy with lots of options! The Winters Friends of the Library have returned with their Family Holiday Festival at the Community Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The holiday marketplace in Rotary Park resumes at 10 a.m. Children’s activities (jump houses and petting zoo) open at 2 p.m. at City Park.
Street closures will begin at noon in the downtown core and radiate out to accommodate tractor staging and pedestrian traffic. Food trucks, vendors and portapotties will be located along side streets to help serve parade watchers along the entire route from Haven to Morgan.
Property owners along Main Street: Please do not tape off the street in front of your property for your exclusive use. Everyone is welcome to set out chairs to reserve a spot along the public street. Please do not block sidewalks.
Main Street Pergolas: The City is renting pergolas on Main Street to help fund event costs. If you are interested in having your name entered into a drawing to rent a pergola for $1,500, please email cityclerk@cityofwinters.org by noon on November 23. Renters will likely need to bring tables and chairs for their use since the furniture in most of the pergolas are owned and maintained by adjacent businesses.
Please Note:
Council Meetings & Election Update
The next meeting is December 6, which will include business items. Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, December 13 to thank Wade Cowan, Pierre Neu and Harold Anderson for their years of service on the City Council and congratulations to three new councilmembers who will be seated that night. December 13 will be primarily ceremonial as part of the council reorganization. The new council will select their mayor and mayor pro tem. Cake and punch will follow the council meeting, so come on by to congratulate everyone. The December 20 meeting has been cancelled. Happy Holidays, all!
The election results are still not final. Please click here for updates from the Yolo County Elections Office. As of Tuesday evening, there were still 15,729 ballots left to process. The next posted election update will be Friday at 4:30 p.m. This reminds me of the old Heinz ketchup ads “anticipation.”
WINTERS 183 PROJECT LOCATION IN RED BOX BELOW
City Manager’s Update (pdf)
November 11, 2022
Greetings, all. A heartfelt thank you to all the veterans, servicemembers, and their families today, and a special recognition for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Please see below for an exhibit sponsored by
the Friends of Yolo County Archives in honor of those who died in WWI. Semper Fi.
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weekend events is going before Council next Tuesday, November 15. See below for packet information / link. Please note, the events have expanded to help spread out traffic (we backed up I-505 last year…) and generate revenue to cover costs. Please watch for more information in the Winters Express and at the event website.Please Note:
had been counted. The majority of ballots have yet to be reported. The next update will be Tuesday, November 15 at 5:00 p.m. The Council race is too close to call.
is at https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/AreaCodes. Stay tuned for more information.COVID-19 +
Upcoming Council Meeting – November 15
The meeting is hybrid, in person and via Zoom. The consent calendar includes a request to schedule a special meeting on December 13 to seat the new Council and cancel the December 20 meeting as well as a contract to replace the pool heater (and an update on other needed repairs at the pool). Discussion items include a $5,000 contribution toward the Yolo Roadmap to the Future project, an extension for the NeighborWork Tentative Subdivision Map, street closures for the December 2-3 holiday weekend (tree lighting and tractor parade), and a basketball league recreation services agreement with National Association of Athletics. The packet is here.
Woot Woot!
The Chamber’s tractor and tree decorating contest is back! Help make Winters the merriest place to be this season. Purchase a tractor or trailer cut out from the Chamber by calling 530-
795-2329 and pull those holiday decorations out. A huge shout out to everyone, including the staff at City Hall, who decorate for the seasons. It is you all, and these efforts plus so many more that have helped make Winters one of the most charming small towns in California!
City Manager’s Update (pdf)
November 4, 2022
Greetings, all. Last weekend’s Harvest Festival was outstanding by all accounts! Thank you, downtown Winters, the track boosters, and everyone involved in a phenomenal weekend. Don’t forget the Salmon Festival
tomorrow beginning at 11 a.m. in Rotary Park. And if you were lucky enough to get tickets, the shrimp feed at the Fire Department is tomorrow evening.
Speaking of salmon, catching salmon during spawning is not allowed under State regulations. Let’s let them procreate in the creek and admire them without harm. Want to learn more about our salmon, click here.
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DON’T FORGET TO VOTE! Tuesday, November 8 is election day. You may vote in person at the Public Safety Facility EOC training room from Saturday, November 5th through the 7th: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on Tuesday, November 8th: 7:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. Polls close at 8 p.m. You may drop off your ballot at the Public Safety Facility or at Lorenzo’s Market from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. through the 7th or until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. More information is here.Please Note:
They provide critical support to families who have experienced an unexpected loss. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Police Department at (530) 795-2261. And thank you to our volunteers.
will be provided for children three years of age and older to facilitate your ability to participate. These training sessions will be held at Shirley Rominger Intermediate School. These sessions will be presented in both English and Spanish and materials will be in both languages. Click here to find a list of the training dates along with the topics to be presented at each of these sessions.Upcoming Council Meeting
The next meeting is November 15. Tentatively scheduled items include a recreation contract for a youth basketball league, street closures related to Tractor Parade weekend (12/2 & 3), and the extension of the NeighborWorks self-help housing tentative subdivision map. We will also request that the Council schedule a special meeting on December 13 to seat the new City Council and cancel the regularly scheduled meeting for December 20.
Woot Woot!
Congratulations to our WHS Ag Sales Team who competed at the National FFA convention. As a team they placed Silver in their competition, which put them in the middle of the pack of 37 teams. One team member, Allison Aguiar, placed first in the country in the individual competition! Amazing job by all these students. Way to represent Winters and California!
