City Manager's Weekly Report | 09.25.15

1. Caltrans audit team that was in City Hall for Tauhindauli Restoration project viewing platform grant has notified City that its findings will be published in the next two weeks.
2. Public Works Supervisor reports painting of streets is done for this year; removed sprayer from unit 402; removed many pickup truck loads of brush and debris from airport; attended the FAA inspector meeting at Mott airport; prep work done for asphalt repairs at 4119 Caldwell; repaired sweeper; frontage road maintenance underway; repaired tie downs at airport and sprayed herbicide on weeds; pothole repairs; continued cleaning out storm drains; swept streets and airport; cut down tree on Dunsmuir Avenue; assisted with replacement of worn out water heater at city rental; planted more trout as part of Big Fish/Trophy Trout program; and repaired vandalized concrete cap on top of outside walls of Belnap fountain.  Anticipating increased loads of garbage in City dumpster as fall hits and leaves fall on streets.
3. Community Services Officer reports responded to several requests for service; assisted public works in clearing cut debris and feeding chipper; arranged for towing of truck with no license plates from parking lot across from Council Chambers; marked car in cemetery parking lot in preparation for towing; and mailed 5 letters requesting compliance with different code sections.
4. Newest final MOU for Law Enforcement Service for 2015-16 has been received and is being reviewed by Interim City Manager, City Attorney, and SCORE program administrator.  It will be presented and discussed by Public Safety Committee at their next meeting on October 7.
5. Grant reconciliation documents were forwarded to Shasta Regional Community Foundation to close out $10,500 grant received some time ago by Garden Club which City agreed to administer in late 2014. Once this grant is closed out, new grant moneys may be requested for maintenance and operation of Tauhindauli restoration project and Park.  Hopefully permanent bathroom preliminary work can be started soon.
6. Some of the 30 years leases for hangars at City of Dunsmuir Mott airport are reaching end of lease period.  Two pilots have already requested 10 years extensions on their leases which is provided for in leases.
7. Fire Chief reports that there were 9 dispatches, 2 vegetation fires, 3 public assists, 3 EMS responses, 1 automatic aid to Mt. Shasta response for commercial fire alarm this week.  40 total dispatches to date for this month.  Meeting held with Julie Titus from Dunsmuir Fire Safe Council to discuss current and future fuel reduction, fuel breaks, and thinning projects in the Dunsmuir Wildland Interface area.  Weekly training topic was “Truck Company Operations”.  Unit S-840 had “low pressure sensors” replaced that were found to be defective.
8. Public Works Supervisor reports another split was found in water main in Butterfly Avenue.  This is one of the sections that will be replaced by CDBG grant project that will start on Monday.  Major water service leak was also repaired on Edyth St.  Water meters were read Weds through Fri and reads given to City Hall.  Water leak discovered on Sacramento Avenue and hole drilled though pavement to let water out and not damage the roadway.  Final repairs will be done on Tuesday of next week.  Assisted contractor in locating water and sewer lines in Butterfly Ave and on property where new house to be constructed.

City Manager's Weekly Report | 8.31.15 - 9.3.15

1. Staff has received final draft of 2013-14 audit.  It will be presented to City Council at your September 17 or 24 meeting.  Finance Consultant and Auditor are scheduling start of 14-15 audit.
2. Central Federal Lands, Caltrans, and Interim City Manager teleconferenced on Tuesday regarding next steps for Butterfly Bridge improvement project.  A Statement of Work has been prepared by Central Federal Lands and will be presented to City Council at your September 17 or 24 meeting.  If executed, CFL can apply for funds in November to begin feasibility studies that will lead to determination of actual work needing to be done on Butterfly Bridge.  Hopefully in early 2016 applications for remainder of any needed funding for this work can be submitted and approved in August 2016.  Any construction could be started in mid to late 2016 or spring 2017.
3. Public Works Supervisor reports paint sprayer fixed and work continues on pavement markings throughout downtown; Mott airport is being swept regularly on runways, taxi ways and tie down areas; began work on airport outside obstruction light where support arm failed; estimates for crack sealing of paved areas at airport being requested; trout were picked up and delivered as part of Big Fish/Trophy Trout program; repaired water problem at Belnap fountain; prepared report recommending designation of surplus for truck taken out of service some time ago; capped faucets at Tauhindauli and City park; continuing weed eating and trimming of trees, bushes, etc. from public rights of way.  Met with member of airport committee and developed list of other needed projects to comply with FAA compliance letter dated September 2014.  On Friday, spraying of weeds along runway and taxi ways will be done.
4. Airport committee agendized to meet September 8 at 12 noon in Council Chambers.  Solid Waste committee agendized to meet September 9 at 3:30 pm in Council Chambers.  Water Ad Hoc committee agendized to meet September 15 at 5:30 pm in Council Chambers.
5. Paperwork is being processed and it looks like construction by RA Martin on CDBG water main replacement project will start either September 16 or 21.  Preconstruction meeting will be in Redding (PACE Office) on September 15.
6. Public Utilities Supervisor reports that rebuilt roof has been reinstalled on water pump building at airport; replaced water meter that had stopped working on Sacramento Avenue and ordered new concrete box as current box is broken; repaired water leak on Vista Street; poured concrete around meter box on Cedar Street and around sewer clean out at end of Wells Avenue; painted fire hydrants red on Elinore and Beverly Way; finished installation of new service in Shasta Retreat; completed monthly reports to be sent to State Water Quality Control Board; and completed plant maintenance items like mowing lawns, weed eating, and routine daily testing.
7. Blue Bag recycling program is no longer taking tin cans.
8. Wednesday, web master for City’s web page conducted training of staff on placement of text items on the web page.
9. Community Services Officer reports had vehicle towed from public right of way that had registration over six months out of date; posted agendas and notices on city bulletin boards; provided traffic control after vehicle left roadway on Sacramento Avenue; continuing talks with residents regarding accumulation of discarded items; and removed several dead squirrels.
10. On Monday, September 7 City Hall will be closed to celebrate Labor Day.

City Manager's Weekly Report | 8.23.15 - 8.28.15

1. State HCD has approved all expenditures for CDBG grants and Revolving Loan Fund to move forward. Bills incurred to date on community center improvements, water master plan, water rate study, and water main replacement projects will be processed as soon as possible.  Some of water main replacement project bills have been paid from program income set aside for that project.
2. State auditor representative visited City Hall on Tuesday to review files and complete annually required Streets and Roads report.  He worked with Pam Russell to acquire the information needed.
3. AGT, the City’s auditors, again confirmed that 2013-14 audit report will be completed by them in the next couple weeks.
4. Paul Reuter has been given updated budget numbers to include in water rate study report.  Another meeting of Water Ad Hoc Committee is scheduled for September 15 to review the updated report.
5. Some members of the airport committee met on Tuesday as a committee of the whole to continue discussions on airport business.  The next scheduled regular meeting is Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at noon in the Council Chambers.
6. Cathy Emerson of Chico State University presented information on Fiber Optics to the Economic Development and Tourism Committee. Unfortunately a quorum was not available but good exchange of information was provided. Greg Metzer also attended.
7. Dave Fabrinni requested a deposit agreement so he can work with City Engineer and City Planner to determine requirements for constructing house in subdivision south of Shasta Retreat.
8. Community Services Officer reports continuing patrols for code issues.  On Wednesday it was noticed a yellow lab was limping while out for walk with its owner.  It was noticed that the dog had bone sticking through paw.  The dog was surrendered to City and transported to Mt. Shasta animal hospital.  Based on evaluation of medical staff the dog was euthanized.  The owner has been reported for investigation of animal cruelty. On Thursday two contractors were observed working in Dunsmuir and found not to have business licenses.  They obtained business licenses.  House on Sacramento Ave and house on Elinore remain under observation for violations of city codes.
9. Finance committee met on Wednesday and received update report on 2013-14 audit and preliminary presentation of 2015-16 budget.

City Manager's Weekly Report | 08.17.15 - 08.21.15

1. Stakeholders group arranging for appraisal of Shasta Springs property reports appraiser toured property on Monday and will prepare cost proposal for consideration in next two weeks.  Hopefully appraisal can be completed in the next two months and then presented to Saint Germain Foundation for their consideration, and hopefully lead to Mossbrae Falls trail.
2. Water Ad Hoc Committee on Water Master Plan update and Water Rates Study received final report from consulting engineer and recommended minor changes and four alternative rate increase proposals.  Engineer will present final reports to the City Council at your September 3 regular meeting.  It is hoped adoption of Master Plan update and final recommendation on water rates can be reached at your September 17 meeting.
3. Interim City Manager attended Dunsmuir Recreation District Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday evening.  Board directed staff to forward report to City on Bent Rail Park proposal as reviewed by staff and facilities committee.
4. Interim City Manager met with Bruce Ross, District Director for Assemblyman Brian Dahle on Wednesday.  Mossbrae Falls proposed trail and other projects were discussed.
5. Public Works Supervisor reports his division is working on replacing broken light pole that was located just south of 800’ bridge, no information on how it was damaged; continued painting of street markings until paint sprayer broke and had to be transported to Redding for repairs; assisted in water repair work on Florence Loop; repaired access road to fishing area off Prospect Ave; general weed eating along public rights of way, and cut back brush along Florence Loop.  Planted fish for Big Fish/Trophy Trout program.
6. Finance consultant and Interim City Manager presented rough draft 2015-16 budget to staff at Wednesday meeting.
7. Community Service Officer reports several property owners or renters have been asked to clean up or remove debris or cast offs from their properties and are agreeing to do so.  Some have responded there are out of the area but will comply when they return.  Several dead wild animals have been picked up in town and disposed of.  This week one dog was picked up at Library and stored at City kennel until out of town owners could pick it up on Friday.
8. Councilman Deutsch and Interim City Manager met with Peter Engdahl regarding fiber optics in Dunsmuir on Friday.  Earlier in the week Councilman Deutsch had met with Fire Chief and others who worked for or work for AT&T and got orientation about where existing lines are buried and who owns what.
9. On Thursday, CDBG Consultant Jim Cook received verbal promise from HCD staff that letter will be forwarded to City next Tuesday authorizing moving program income moneys to business revolving loan fund and additionally allowing remaining program income to be spent on existing CDBG grant programs, community center, water master plan update, and water rate study.  After remaining program income is spent, City may request reimbursement of costs for these projects from CDBG grant.
10. Public Utilities assisted in repair of 2” water main broken in the lower park; disconnected several services for non-payment; finished rebuilding the roof for the airport well house; removed sludge from the drying beds and poured a new load; started meter reading which will continue into next week; and performed maintenance work at the WWTP.

Upcoming Meetings

City Manager's Weekly Report | August 14, 2015

Weekly Report for prior week

1. Public Works Supervisor reports continuing painting of street markings on Dunsmuir Avenue, tear down and replacement of painter filters, took truck 410 to Redding for ECM recalibration, continuing to try to get costs for repair of Veterans’ fountain, removing downed trees at Hedge Creek falls trail, swept airport, repaired irrigation systems at Hedge Creek and Tauhindauli parks, swept streets in town, continuing weed eating and bush clipping in public rights of way.
2. Opened bids on Tuesday for CDBG funded water main replacements.  Nine bids were received and low bidder documents are being “qualified” by PACE Engineering.  If all acceptable there will be sufficient moneys to complete base bid package and both additive bids (Oak Street and Butterfly).  The award of bid is scheduled for your August 27 adjourned meeting.
3. Tom Hesseldenz, Paul Reuter (PACE) and Interim City Manager met at Tauhindauli Park to review options for permanent bathrooms.  Tom will provide original plans for park and as built plans that he has to PACE.
4. Julie and Randy met with Siskiyou County Recycling Coordinator and representative from CalRecycle (State Agency) on Wednesday to review Dunsmuir efforts to meet recycling and waste diversion goals.  Several possible future projects were discussed.
5. Cassie Hansen of FireWhat, City Planner and Interim City Manager met on Thursday regarding possible mapping project that FireWhat could provide for City.
6. Fire Chief and Interim City Manager met regarding altering employment status of Fire Chief.
7. Finance consultant and Interim City Manager are spending all available time to complete 2015-16 budget.  Airport budget portion presented to airport committee on Thursday.  Entire budget will be presented to Finance committee August 25.  Entire budget will be presented to City Council at study session requested for August 27.  Shooting for adoption on September 3.
8. Auditors are still shooting for end of August to complete 2013-14 audit.
9. Public Utilities crew reports Supervisor on vacation; repaired leaking services on Prospect, Oak and Branstetter; worked on doors to springs 1 and 2; continued spraying of herbicides at WWTP; started rebuilding roof for airport well; repaired sink hole in public right of way adjacent to Yaks; met with property owner of lot adjacent to Shasta Springs and discussed current location of water and sewer services in that area.
10. Interim City Manager met with Charles Anderson, Regional Affairs Manager of the Sacramento Valley Division of the League of California Cities.
11. Community Services Officer reports complaint about loud and obnoxious chickens that will be followed up, supported utilities department by hanging shut off notices on doors, requested Sheriff assistance to stop four individuals from stealing materials from the former Best Choice Inn, marked tires on boat in 5900 block of Dunsmuir Avenue and was told by owner it will be moved to an appropriate parking spot.
12. Artist arranged for by Beautification Committee to repaint sign over Belnap Fountain has judged that wood material on carved/painted sign is beyond repair.  It is warped, dried out and split in two places.  She will look for alternative to restore a sign to the fountain.
13. Special thanks to Administrative Assistant Iskra who facilitated submittal of grant application to UP for children’s lunch program.  The grant application will be reviewed and rated in January and announcement of award in February.  The grant application is for the summer of 2016.  UP also funded this year’s summer lunch program.

Update on 2015 State Water Mandates

Update on 2015 State Water Mandates (PDF)

City Manager's Weekly Report | 7.27.15 - 7.31.15

1. Office staff report that utility billing completed and went out this week.  Included in billing are annual consumer confidence report and drought/conservation information flyer.  Starting this month City is providing separate monthly statement for those with outstanding CDBG or EDBG loans.
2. Public Works Supervisor reports continuing to paint street markings after stopping to service paint sprayer, Native Grounds finished first stage of meadow maintenance at Tauhindauli Park, continuing roadside maintenance, brush cutting and weed eating south side of 800’ bridge to Florence Loop overcrossing (west side), swept streets on 24th and 27th, picked up new DR trimmer on 29th, repairs to water system at cemetery and installed new system timer.
3. Public Utilities Supervisor reports entire utilities crew, Interim City Manager, Jim Cook, Leslie Adams, and several from 3 engineers from PACE attended pre-bid conference for CDBG funded water main replacements project.  12 sets of bid documents had been taken out and 8 representatives of contractors attended the pre-bid meeting.  After review of bid documents much of the project areas were walked and discussed.  Bid opening is scheduled for August 11.
4. On Tuesday representatives from Hunter Communications requested encroachment forms for them to connect fiber optics to business in north Dunsmuir.
5. Community Services Officer reports that there have been several calls complaining about people dumping on vacant properties.  Neighbors knew who dumped and they were contacted.  Dumped materials were voluntarily removed and disposed of.  There are continuing loose dog issues, most resulting in dogs being returned to owners who pay $5 fee plus relicensing fee if appropriate.  One brindle pitbull has been on the loose for days and several complaints were received.  It was finally captured with the help of homeowners.  After several days in kennel it was euthanized.  After notice, vehicle voluntarily towed from south side of 800 foot bridge.  Still asking property owners to abate weeds from vacant properties, side yards, and other areas not well maintained.
6. Next week Interim City Manager, Public Utilities Supervisor, Finance Consultant will be out of the office on vacation.  Would have made Julie acting City Manager but at the last minute she wanted Monday off.
7. Tomorrow Interim City Manager has MRIs on both knees.  Need for knee replacements to be determined.  Julie is making arrangements for knee replacement in November.  There may be a need to quarantine the office.

Paul Martin Appointed to Planning Commission

On July 16th, the city council appointed Paul Martin to the Planning Commission. Paul has lived in and around Dunsmuir for his entire life and volunteers for many local organizations. The PC welcomes Paul and looks forward to working with him.

City Council / City Treasurer Applications

The city is accepting applications for a position on the City Council as well as the position of City Treasurer. See application below. Deadline is June 1, 2015.

Application.pdf