12/10/15 Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee Meeting
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Dec 15
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Dec 15
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Dec 15
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Friday Update on December 4, 2015
All,
A couple items as we roll into the holidays.
- The Putah Creek Car Bridge will re-open to one way traffic on Monday. They will have one of those traffic lights to control traffic to allow both north and south traffic. The intersection of Russell Street and Railroad is now open.
- Salmon are back in Putah Creek and it is absolutely magical. The many restoration projects are beginning to show results and the estimates are that we have in excess of 400 at last count spawning west of the trestle bridge. Click HERE for a view of the salmon from above the water and click HERE for a video below the water. Both are my amateur attempts at cinematography so forgive the quality.
- Saturday is the Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting and this year has a lighted Tractor Parade. The Parade begins at 5:30 and the tree lighting will follow. Kudo’s to the Chamber for their efforts and to Councilmember Wade Cowan and Kathy Cowan (and crew) for putting the lights on the tree and the candy canes throughout the town. Things look GREAT!!
- With the upcoming retirement of our Police Chief Sergio Gutierrez, I will be assuming the City’s seat on the Yolo Emergency Communications Agency (YECA). They are the agency which provides 911 service to our community.
- Saturday, the 2015 Downtown Piano will host its last concert behind the Community Center beginning at 3:00. Music and fun for the entire family. Following the concert, the piano will be dropped off the Trestle Bridge on to a pile of rocks to make way for the 2016 piano. Click HERE for a video of last years’ final piano concert and drop.
- The Winters Fire Department’s Toys for Tots is going strong. They are seeking donations of new, unwrapped toys from the community. Drop off locations are around town and always at the Fire Station.
On a sobering and sad note this week is the terrorism which occurred in San Bernardino. Before coming to Winters, I lived and worked less than 5 minutes away from where this occurred. An absolutely senseless act which will affect hundreds of lives forever.
The San Bernardino first responders are no different than the staff we have working for the City of Winters in our public safety. Winters Police, Winters Fire, Yolo 911 and AMR Ambulance personnel are trained and operate no differently than those who responded in San Bernardino. They faced an unthinkable scenario on Wednesday and saved lives and potentially more bloodshed by acts of pure heroism. As a City Manager, the thoughts of these things happening on both large and small scales are what keep me awake nights. The task of keeping people safe and dealing with violence is a dangerous job and enough cannot be said for those who dedicate their lives to keeping all of us with a sense peace in our community.
Over the past 18 months, our Police personnel have been training in “active shooter” scenario’s and response. I can only pray that we will never have to use those skills for what is a horrific situation.
I feel privileged to know and work with the men and women who serve our public safety. We really count on them and they deserve our gratitude as they serve our communities.
Words are rather hollow, but the senseless acts of terrorists against innocent people throughout the world in numbing. Every reason why it is essential that we need to squeeze and love our families and friends a little more often, show kindness and appreciate the fact that we live in the greatest country in the world. Light a candle for the families and souls of those affected throughout the world by these senseless acts of violence and give thanks for those who have taken the challenge of protecting us. Most importantly, show more love and peace!
John
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Dec 15
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RFP ~ Chief of Police ~ City of Winters
RFP ~ Chief of Police ~ City of Winters (pdf)
GENERAL INFORMATION
The City of Winters (hereinafter referred to as City) invites your organization to submit a
written proposal to provide Executive Recruiting Services for the projected vacancies
resulting from retirement for the position of Police Chief. Proposals are solicited for
these services in accordance with the terms, conditions, and instructions as set forth in
this request for proposal.
Successful offerer will work directly with the City Manager and the Director of
Administrative Services for all activities involved with this project. Successful offerer
may be responsible for the following activities including, but not limited to: assisting with
the development of the position description/profile, testing, screening, development of
the search strategy, marketing, advertising and announcements, candidate assessment,
conduct candidate interviews, provide report of candidate assessment, and recommend
most qualified candidates for interviewing opportunities with city staff.
The City will receive proposals from firms having specific experience and qualifications
in providing executive recruitment services. For consideration, proposals for the
project/service must contain evidence of the offerer’s experience and abilities in the
specified area and other disciplines directly related to the proposed services. All offerers
shall provide profiles and resumes of the staff to be assigned to the program.
Proposal shall contain:
– Cover Letter
– Scope of Services
– Outline of Services and Proposed Time Line
– Cost Proposal Including Hourly Rates
– Resumes/Statement of Qualification for Individuals Conducting the Search
– Five copies of Proposal
The City intends to select one firm to provide this service.
The City reserves the right to waive any and all requirements for this proposal process.
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Dec 15
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Please Don’t Disturb or Poach the Salmon
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Please Don’t Disturb or Poach the Salmon
The amazing Chinook salmon run in Putah Creek this year caught by surprise! We are elated that an estimated 400 salmon have made it through the Yolo Bypass and up the creek to spawn over the past two weeks. We are even more thrilled that about 40 salmon have decided to build “nests” (called redds) in the gravels and riffles of Winters Putah Creek Park.
What we aren’t thrilled about is that folks have been observed trying to poach the salmon in recent days. It is illegal to fish for salmon in Putah Creek. This time of year, salmon aren’t eating so poachers try to snag them with a hook. Not only is it illegal, it’s unethical. The fish are trying to reproduce. California Department of Fish and Wildlife wardens have already been alerted, but if you observe people poaching salmon in the park or along the creek, please call CalTIP at 1-888-334-2258 to report it.
The best way to observe the salmon in Winters Putah Creek Park is from a distance through polarized sunglasses. Slowly approach the creek so that your shadow does not cross the water surface and be as still as possible. If the fish swim away to hide under the banks, they have seen you and been disturbed. They will return, but you should move away and let them use their limited energy to spawn.
This is a very sensitive time for these fish as they are expending much energy to dig redds and spawn. And once the eggs are laid and fertilized it is very important for people and dogs to stay out of the gravel beds and riffles so that the eggs and hatched fish don’t get trampled.
The City of Winters, in cooperation with the Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee, is putting up temporary fencing and informational signs to help protect the spawning salmon and educate park visitors. Thank you for helping to protect and enhance this wonderful salmon run in Putah Creek.
Carrie Shaw
Putah Creek Council Executive Director
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Nov 15
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Friday Update on Thursday November 19 2015
All,
This is the Thanksgiving Edition because I do not send one over the holiday.
Real brief points:
- PG&E GOTTC permit application is in.
- Downtown Hotel continues to grade and is looking good. We expect plans in the next few weeks.
- Winters Ranch has 21 permits and probably wants more. That project is looking really good!
- Yolo Credit Union plans for Grant Ave are in for plan check and permits!
- Putah Creek Car Bridge opening has been delayed until December 3. I made the call on this with the bridge team to simply allow for the project to get done quicker. Safety, quality and efficiency all played critical roles in the decision to just allow them to work on the project through the holiday.
- The brick work (most) and paving are completed on the car bridge and it looks great. They still have quite a bit of work to complete in front of the Community Center, but there is considerable progress.
- The City has updated our website. There are still a number of things to be added and corrected. The information is there, we just need to work out some bugs!
Key projects to watch in 2016:
- PG&E Gas Operations Technical Training Center
- Winters Ranch Subdivision
- Downtown Hotel.
- Yolo Credit Union
- Walnut Park
- Walnut Lane/Grant Ave Roundabout
- Freeway Projects
- Much much more…….
There is sooo much to be thankful for during this holiday season.
Mostly, I am grateful for the wonderful community we live in! Winters is a little dysfunctional sometimes and we fight like extended family, but the reality is that we are a safe, vibrant town with nice neighbors and a lot of kindness and good will. We are all truly blessed!
I wish you an incredible Thanksgiving. ~ John
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Nov 15
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Family Holiday Festival
Family Holiday Festival 2015
Saturday, December 5, 2015
10 am–2 pm
Winters Community Center
Admission Free!
• Music • Singing
• Children’s crafts
• Book fair
• Yummy food in Mrs. Claus’ Café
Sponsored by Winters Friends of the Library
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Nov 15
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City Manager Update ~ 11/13/15
All,
• Lots of activity in the Building and Planning Departments with permits and projects activities. Winters Ranch pulled 6 more permits (21 total now), the Downtown Hotel grading has begun and we had a team in to discuss projects out by the freeway.
• The Putah Creek Car Bridge hit an important milestone with the intersection at Railroad and Russell St being poured in preparation for the bricks. The railings are scheduled to be poured next week and the bridge will be opened shortly thereafter.
• Police Chief Sergio Gutierrez has announced his retirement from the Winters PD after 23 years of service. The Chief began his career as a school resources officer and has served many capacities in the Department, including key roles in two recent murder investigations. We will be appointing an interim chief by January and will begin a recruitment after the first of the year. The realistic start for a new chief will be in the summer 2016.
• To keep up to date and see all of our major projects happening in town, click HERE and get a view of some of the really cool things going on.
• So what is happening with the Downtown Hotel and why the big hole in the ground. The project is in the “grading” phase which means they need to essentially excavate the property and bring the soil back in layers in order to achieve the desired compaction to meet building standards. Basically, they have excavated half of the lot and will put it back then they will do the other half and put it back. Easy!!
• An easy City Council Meeting this week with a contract extension for the Walnut Park Design, a refinancing agreement for the Winters I Apartments, a Notice of Completion for work with Vaca Valley Construction and minutes.
• Do not forget to vote for Winters High School by going to www.celebratemydrive.com and voting. It is super easy and they are in the running for $100,000.
• Winters made one of those “Top 100” lists as one of the 100 most Redneck cities in California! Click HERE for the list. Coming in ahead of us were those super oakie towns of Sausalito, Marina del Rey, Woodside, Capitola, Tiburon, Westlake Village, Pismo Beach, Emeryville and the super cow town- Indian Wells. Too funny.
• Congratulations to our Winters High Varsity Football team who won the Sacramento Valley League championship with a perfect 5-0 league record. They also secured the #1 seed in the NSCIF Div. IV playoffs and will Play Esparto this tonight at Dr. Sellars Field at 7:00.
• Tonight is the Friday the 13th Party at the Winters Express, now on Russell Street. Tonight is also Newts retirement as the worlds oldest paper boy! Go on buy, have a beer on Charley and find out what Newt’s plans are after the Express.
Finally a salute to our Veterans! Our nation and the world is grateful to the men and women who advance the cause of freedom and human rights throughout the world. Our nation is the greatest on earth because the men and women of our armed forces sacrifice so that other may live free. A very genuine thanks to all as we honor your service.
Go Warriors!
John
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Nov 15
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11/17/15 City Council Special Meeting
-11/17/15 City Council Special Meeting Agenda / Packet (pdf)
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Nov 15
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the State Farm Insurance Celebrate My Drive
All,
Winters High is in the running for $100,000 in the State Farm Insurance Celebrate My Drive safe driving challenge. The past two years, they have won $50K. Let’s support WHS, so please take 30 seconds and vote.
It is easy, click HERE and enter your e-mail and you have voted.
Go Warriors!!
John
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Nov 15
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City Manager Update – 11/6/15
All,
This was an absolutely awesome week for Winters! Lots of ground breaking and ribbon cutting to help shape what is to come in 2016.
· The PG&E Gas Operations Technical Training Facility Groundbreaking on Monday was a momentous occasion. Click HERE to watch a video from PG&E. Just a very happy occasion after 2.5 years of hard work. Congratulations to all who participated in the process.
· The grading for the Downtown Hotel has begun! Look for a lot of activity to be happening for the next 16-18 months.
· On Thursday, the ribbon cutting occurred for the Winters Ranch Subdivision and the models are now open for view. The homes are beautiful and available for purchase. The homes will mostly likely sell quickly!! Click HERE for a link to the website on the project. The models will be open each weekend for public viewing.
· Monday marked a three week closure for the Putah Creek Car Bridge. Look for the bridge to re-open sometime around Thanksgiving.
This weekend is the Winters AYSO Regional Tournament. Come on out and see some awesome soccer all day Saturday.
Have a nice weekend. ~ John
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Nov 15
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November 2015 City of Winters Newsletter
Water Use Goes Down in September
Despite going up a little in August, we are still at an impressive 33.5 percent reduction over two years, exceeding the Governor’s call for extreme water use reduction. Homeowners have figured out the secret, and it shows up in yellow lawns and water-wise landscapes all over town, just like in many neighbor-ing communities throughout the area.
In September we used 22,794,552 gallons (30,474 units), down from 41,068,940 gallons (54,905 units) in September 2014. So far this year, we’ve used 264,257,872 gallons, down from 353,231,000 gallons during the same period in 2014. Your water bill is in units, with each unit being one hundred cubic feet, or 748 gallons.
November 2015 Newsletter (pdf)
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Nov 15
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PG&E Groundbreaking – Today
Everything is a go for the groundbreaking. The tent is up, the rain has stopped and things are looking really good.
A couple tips:
The shuttle will be available at the Community Center Parking Lot beginning at 9:30 and running until about 10:45. This is the best and easiest way to get out there.
Things will kick off at approximately 11:00 sharp! Everything is in an amazing tent. They have really gone the extra mile for this event.
The program begins at 11 and will end around 12. The food and celebration begins directly following.
See you there. ~ John
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Oct 15
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Oct 15
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Bridge Project – Road Closure
The Bridge Project crews are working on their last big push to complete the bridge and get the bridge open to traffic. In order to facilitate this process the bridge will be closed beginning Mon., 11/2, at 9 am, and will remain closed until approximately Sat., 11/21. Please use Putah Creek Road to Hwy 505 as a detour during this time.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation during these last few weeks as we work to complete the project before the rains begin. If you have any questions, please contact Carol Scianna, 530-794-6715, carol.scianna@cityofwinters.org
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Oct 15
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Dry Creek Citizens Group ~ petition for grants
With El Nino and fierce winters storms coming, residents along Dry Creek may experience erosion that needs to be addressed. Please watch for the Dry Creek Citizens Group, who will be circulating a petition through neighborhoods bordering Dry Creek in order to gain support to apply for grants funding to help people address the erosion issues they may face. Households who sign will receive booklets that help educate about the creek system and what restoration efforts might provide.
The group will be partnering with the City of Winters to devise a plan for the entire creek system and to provide planting and structures that will prevent erosion behind houses. By signing the petitions, citizens will show their support for grant applications that will be able to be reviewed by the public before being submitted to funders. Previous grants have already addressed severe erosion issues shared by some creek owners.
If any one would like to see actual restoration sites or if you would be interested in helping with the petition effort, please contact Valerie Whitworth (530-795-2009).
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Oct 15
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City Manager Update ~ 10/24/15
All,
First, a couple reminders of things happening:
· The City and Waste Management will be holding a bulky item/e-waste/Household Hazardous Waste drop off this Saturday October 24 from 9-1 at the City Corp Yard on East Baker Street. Bring a utility bill or a picture ID with your address along with all your junk. Click HERE for the details.
· Tonight is the last Fourth Friday Feast in Downtown! It should be a beautiful evening to celebrate what is really cool about Winters and support our local merchants.
· The WJUSD is hosting a Vision/Mission Workshop on Monday, October 26, 2015 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at the Margaret Parsons Community Room at the Winters Community Library. The Board and Interim Superintendent Todd Cutler have been working really hard to put together a positive direction for the District. This is a great opportunity to provide input into the future of our District.
· PG&E will be hosting the groundbreaking of the Gas Operations Technical Training Center on November 2 beginning at 11:00. Shuttle services will be available from the Community Center Parking Lot or you can drive out to the location at Grant Ave/505. It should be really good.
A couple more items:
· Construction (mostly earthwork) on the Downtown Hotel Winters will begin next week. The parking area across from City Hall will be Closed for most of the week. Look for this area to be mostly closed during the duration of the construction which will take the good part of 12-16 months. This is an infill project which needs a construction staging area and this is the most logical location.
· City Hall will be building an employee parking area in a lot adjacent to City Hall to take about 10 cars off of the street. Business employees are encouraged to park in either the Community Center, Railroad or along West Main Street near second street. In total, the walk from any of this parking adds up to about 1 city block to the furthest business. Try doing that in Sacramento, San Francisco or any larger city!
· The Putah Creek Car Bridge will see a two week closure from November 2-16 for the construction of the roadway. This will require detour via 505 as they install bricks and the roadway section.
· The Blue Mountain Terrace Senior Apartment Project cleared another financing hurdle this week and we are now looking for construction to begin in 2016.
· The Walnut Lane Roundabout actually got a response from Caltrans and we are now looking at a spring 2016 construction date. Because we are trying to work with Caltrans, who really knows!
Have a nice weekend. ~ John