Our Waterfalls and the Public

It's no secret that Dunsmuir is home to two beautiful waterfalls in Siskiyou County and we pride ourselves on the fact that our waterfalls showcase The Best Water on Earth! However, only one of our waterfalls is open to the public.

Open year round, Hedge Creek Falls is a short walk from Interstate 5, Dunsmuir Avenue and other public roads. We encourage all to visit and see the beautiful cave that allows viewers to walk behind the cascading water.
 

Our second waterfall is our treasured Mossbrae Falls that currently is closed to the public. Approximately 50 feet tall, and 175 feet wide it is fed by the same source of water that the City of Dunsmuir receives from a spring above the falls. Mossbrae Falls remains closed for two reasons; currently the only access is by trespassing on private property that does not belong to the City of Dunsmuir and finally the safety concerns of Union Pacific, and people walking along side active railways.

Currently, the only way to visit the falls is by trespassing on Union Pacific Property or by trespassing on Saint Germain Foundation Property. Both parties along side with the City of Dunsmuir have expressed their extreme discouragement of visitors on either properties to access Mossbrae Falls. 

But there is hope! The City of Dunsmuir is working actively to secure properties, easements, and other legal agreements to give the public access. Headed previously by numerous City Officials, and currently by Vice Mayor Craig and Mayor Spurlock, they are working with the Mount Shasta Trail Association to give access to the public. Visitors that continue to disregard the request of the Union Pacific, and Saint Germain Foundation only cause more delays with negotiations.

Another topic that is of particular interest of hikers is the Mossbrae Falls water source which also feeds the City of Dunsmuir. Rumored to be home of Lemurians, or other protectors of Mount Shasta are the most common misconceptions of the spring. Our response is a lot simpler, and strait forward; It is an access to the water source is which provides water to our water fountains, restaurants, businesses, residents and for the Union Pacific. Because it plays an important part in delivering water, and providing sustainability, it is in the City's best interest to limit who has access to it. 

In the previous year, trespassers broke into the springs and put the entire water system at risk of contamination which would cost thousands of dollars to cleanse, and test our water system to make sure the quality of water remains Home of the Best Water on Earth. As a result, new gates have been constructed adding an additional level of security. 

The City of Dunsmuir takes pride in our water and protecting our customers water quality. The Public Works Department and the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Department regularly monitor and patrol surrounding areas to report and prosecute any trespassers.

We are hopeful that soon we can open Mossbrae Falls to the public for all to enjoy it's beauties. Until then, we ask that no one trespass on private property to access either Mossbrae Falls, or our water source.

If you would like to know more about our waterfalls, please feel free to contact us, or visit the Chamber of Commerce. For questions regarding the water system, or springs please contact City Hall.

Citywide Cleanup date moved

Due to unforeseen circumstances the Citywide Cleanup Day has been moved from May 21, 2016 to June 18, 2016.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.  More information to follow.

Weekly Report April 1, 2016

Weekly Report from Staff April 1, 2016

City Manager

-Attended Big Fish, met with Mike Rodriguez on the Community Center remodel project.

-Worked on Economic Development and City Council agenda items.

-Responded to several inquiries and questions from the public.

-Met with Mayor and council members but not at the same time to discuss various topics.

-Received resignation email from the City Clerk.

-Left early on Tuesday as I wasn’t feeling well and half day on Wednesday (afternoon).

-Worked from noon until Economic Development meeting at 6:00 pm on Thursday.

-Attended SCORE training for Blood Borne Pathogen

Public Works

-Continue pothole repairs around town

-Turn on water at fountains

-Mowed lawns

-Load metal – oil, to dump for recycling

-Start paperwork (863) for roadside maintenance project on Frontage Road. Bottling plant north to City Limits (CDF crew).  Roughly ¾ mile of work on South bound and north bound sides. We will do a 6 to 8 foot clearance on the south bound side.

-Contact Verdin clock about repairing our downtown clock. We should have an estimate back in 3 to 5 days for cost.

-Working with Hansen Electric at Florence Loop Street pole base replacement. Hopefully start date of 4/9/16.

-Request permission for striping parking lot across from 5819 Sacramento Ave. We are leasing it and probably should get it done right.  It will have 25 parking stalls including 3 handicap (2 van accessible, 1 reg) U.P. signs will have to be removed from poles in regards to U.P. parking only. Estimate 10 gallons white paint ($125), 4 gallons handicap blue.  I would also like to do the Amtrak parking lot at the same time. All labor-in house.

-Remove snow plows from 410 and 403

Order valve stack parts for grader, order triplex segmented circle paint for airport.

-Install (2) new “Fido” house’s.

Utilities

-Worked on 8” main valve on Pine and Castle but were unable to make repair so we are going to remove the valve and put on an end plate.  Valve is no longer needed. Parts are on order.

-Replace service valve at 5856 River Ave. New meter box also installed.

-Went to herbicide spray safety class so we can spray weed killer. Locate and dug up main valve on Hazel Street that has covered over. New valve box installed.

-R.A.Martin Construction called and would like to start the water line replacement on Bush St. on April 11. We will be installing a 2” bypass line so they can replace the main line in the present trench.

-Attended blood borne pathogen safety meeting at city hall.

- Work on state reports for wastewater treatment plant.

-Weekly check on lift stations, pump station and springs and all are in good shape.

-Daily testing at plant done and plant maintenance as well.

Community Services Officer

Covered graffiti.

Cars are being monitored in the Historical District for the three hour parking.

Sent registered letter and the landowner has called me. This is regarding a six foot fence that is out of compliance.

Certified letter was sent and received on Branstetter.

Fire Department

Illegal campfire

Electrical Hazamat

Traffic collision

5 – Medical calls

Training – apparatus maintenance

Weekly Report from City Staff March 25, 2016

City Manager

Created a facebook and twitter account for the City.  Updated the website; City Manager profile, placed several items in the news section. 

Attended a community engagement workshop in Weed, March 23rd from 3 – 8 pm.

Worked on budget, finalizing job descriptions, responded to Leslie Wilde’s public records request, reviewing Program Income Reuse Plan, submitted authorization for Mike Martin to forward Housing Element to HCD for review, discussed with SCORE a claim submitted by a resident, worked on Code Enforcement issues, rode around the community with SGT Rees, March 24th 6 – 8 pm, working on asbestos removal funding (contacting railroad and EPA)

Met with Mike Rodriguez and Tim Holt and discussed the sales tax for the Library and Recreation District.

Spoke with Mayor Spurlock and Council members Keisler and Deutch on various issues separately.

Holding a meet and confer with Union representative Art Frolli and Dennis Della Bona to discuss the new job descriptions and pay scale.

Looked at the Water Rights file.  We have documents dating back to 1911 and the city does own the water rights.

Worked on council agenda items from the March 17th council meeting; Water rights, committee meeting dates.  Worked on several issues for the April 7th council meeting.

Working on a very detailed spreadsheet details for water, wastewater and solid waste on revenue and expenditures (where the money went) 2010 to 2015.

Public Works

Sweep town, garbage, Clean Tauhendauli, continue sign replacement and mow lawns,

Clean/repair drainage problem on River Ave.

Repair plumbing at Amtrak Station (sink)

Talked to Melissa Cummings (Siskiyou County Transportation) about current stage bus stops.  Will meet with her at 8:00 am April 20 and discuss new possible locations for stops.

Clean drainage/limb branches trees on Hart & Gill.

Install Pine Street sign, install “Fido” house at cemetery, install new “fido” house at Hedge Cr. Falls.

863 read meters 3/24 and 3/25.

Attempted to contact CALTRANS about property on Freeway Ave, no reply yet. (drainage issues)

Talked with CED (Rich Friebel) about Florence Loop light.  We will have to have a new base put in estimated cost $1,500.  Will set date as soon as I hear back from contractor.

Continue to work on budget.

Utilities

Finished budget project list for 2016-17 budget.

Purged all wells in prep for Thursday 1st Quarter test cycle.

Trees were cut on Pine St. and Castle Ave just above the water leak location. Trees were cut for crew safety because we need to dig into the hillside below them to make repairs.

Water meter reading was done, Wed. Thur. and Fri.

Thursday was large testing day for treatment plant. River samples, effluent monthly, effluent 1st quarter and well 1st quarter samples were all taken.

All lift stations and pump station were checked and cleaned.

Springs were checked and are fine.

All routine plant testing and maintenance was also done.

Community Services Officer

Made copies for a public records request.

Security check was done on the Airport along with replacing the envelope box.

Code enforcement was done on a vehicle on Branstetter St.

Working on nuisance abatement properties.

Found a dog at large and was adopted out.

Fire Department

2 – medical responses

1 – traffic collision

1 – flue fire

Joint training with Mt. Shasta Ambulance – use of new gurney

City Manager Weekly Update 3/18/2016

Weekly Report from Staff March 18, 2016

City Manager

Met with Monte Mendenhall – Pacific Power, Community and Economic Development Manager; Mr. Lewy Dewey, Jim Cook, Leslie Wilde, Jose and Angeline of Castle Rock Water; Vince Reinig of Northalnd and others.

Met with entire staff on 3/16; attended Rotary, Dunsmuir Professional Network, Chamber of Commerce mixer meetings.

Worked on several issues; Code Enforcement, rode around with Code Enforcement Officer, City Council agenda items, Butterfly bridge project, job descriptions, Water Rights License annual report, City-wide clean-up day looks like it will be May 21st at the Community Center, budget 2016-17, trying to locate funding for the asbestos abatement, and others.

Responded to several requests.

Public Works

Normal maintenance, clean drains, rod pipes that had “plug” issues

Minor damage issue on Simpson Ave. – repaired

Contacted Jeff at Dunsmuir HS about small hillside slides in their parking area.  Looks like possibly some drainage issues above where slides occurred.  They will be having an engineer take a look at it.

Contacted John Poston (Diversified Electric) about Florence Loop street light. One of the pedestal base bolts has been broken during attempted installation. Entire concrete base will now have to be removed and replaced with new concrete base and support bolts. John will be sending us a new price proposal, this may eventually have to go out to bid.

Contracted Phil Miller (FAA) about sending us a simplified version of the “7:1” transitional approach for tree removal project west of Mott Airport (for inclusion in bid packets).

Working on locating a “Valve stack” for our 1980 J.D. grader dealer is currently trying to locate thru a “vintage” parts outlet.

Cleaned out South City Hall parking lot, mowed lawns (863)

Began replacing street signs around that are faded, damaged or no longer meet “reflectivity” standards (state).

Swept airport

Contacted cut above tree service, they will be doing some work for the Water Dept. next week and will be back the week of 3/28 to resume tree removal project.

863 Water Dept. assist on 3/17

Utilities

Plant effluent being discharged to river discharge site due to heavy rainfall and ponds being full.

Had problems over the weekend due to equipment failure at plant. Issues were resolved.

#2 Filter effluent pump was not working for unknown reasons, so we ended up pulling the pump and found impeller was seized for some reason, but we were able to free it and pump ran fine.  It has been running for two days with no problems.

Met with Jim Elkins from PACE engineering in regards to the new Fire Hydrants needed for Dollar General Store and Hydrants will be as they are on the set of plans. The City will replace the old hydrant to the south of the store location. That hydrant has been on our current replacement list.

Repaired road on Grover St. where we repaired a service leak. Concrete sidewalk will be repaired as weather permits to pour concrete.

Still working on Hazardous Material Business plan for Shasta County as time allows.

Relocate Composite Machine to River discharge effluent samples.

Prepping for end of month and end of quarter effluent, plant wells and river locations sites for next Tuesday.

Weekly inspection of springs, pump station, storage tanks and lift stations were done and all are OK.

All daily plant testing and maintenance was done.

As time allows have been working towards Budget preparation.

Community Services Officer

Made several patrols of the city, one with the City Manager.  Picked up trash, and new abatement issues.

Met with the City Manager and discussed what he expects for the abatement process.

Finalizing packet for abatement at 6117 Elinor Ave.

Found a dog at large with no identity chip and complaint of a stray cat that was caught with the animal trap.  Cat will have a new home today.

Fire Department

Responded to 10 dispatches: 2 EMS calls, 1 Structure fire, 4 Traffic accidents, 1-Public assists and 2 Haz Mat.

Weekly training consisted of medical physical evaluations.

All equipment and apparatus are in good working order.

Reviewed and entered run reports into computer.

Met with Julie Titus and Dunsmuir Fire Safety Council to review Community Wildfire Plan Program (CWPP). The group met to review a working map of existing fuels treatments to ensure past projects are included and accurate in their locations. We also did some collaborative draft-work for future vegetation work; building upon existing treatment and identifying potentially effective new areas as proposals for the action plan.

Met with PACE engineering to review Dollar General Plans

Attended City staff meeting.

Power Outage

Pacific Power is planning a service outage due to substation maintenance on April 2nd, 2016 from 7AM to 4PM. The outage will affect 569 customers from the I-5 River crossing, north to the Mott Airport.

Any questions you can contact Pacific Power at 888-221-7070.

City Council Vacancy

The council has decided to appoint someone to fill the city council vacancy. The appointment will be made at the April 7th city council meeting. The application form is below. Applications are due by April 6th at 12pm at City Hall.

Embracing Social Media

This is the first message of many more to follow beginning the initiative of Dunsmuir, CA City Hall being as transparent as possible. Transparency in government is very important.  The more transparent a government agency is the more the people will be of trusting that agency.  The less transparent a government agency is the less trusting the people will be of that agency. 

City Hall in Dunsmuir, CA will do its utmost to ensure transparency practiced each and every day.  There are issues that require confidentiality, especially personnel matters, negotiations and litigation. If there is something going on at City Hall you will probably hear it first here on this Facebook page.

The City Manager of Dunsmuir, CA, heard at the March 17, 2016 City Council meeting that the people want to know where the money went for the Water and Wastewater rate hikes went.  We are working on that request and hope to have it ready for the City Council meeting in the near future.

Water Rate Comparison

Below is a breakdown of some common rate usage scenarios and how water bills will be affected by the proposed new rates for year one. This comparison assumes a 5/8 inch meter, which is what 96% of users have.

Note: 1 Unit = 750 gallons

Current Rates

• Base Rate = $26
• Allocation = 10 Units
• Structure: Declining tiers with units 11-40 costing $2.92 per unit.

Proposed New Rates - Year 1

• Base Rate = $28.80
• Allocation = 5 Units
• Structure: Flat rate with all units above 5 costing $2.10 per unit.

---

Scenario One: 5 Unit User

A user uses 5 units of water in a month. Under the current rates, this user would pay a $26 base rate plus 0 units at $2.92 per unit for a total water bill of $26. Under the new proposed rate structure this user would pay the base rate of $28.80 plus 0 units at $2.10 per unit for a total water bill of $28.80. For this user, moving to the new rates would produce a $2.80 per month.

CURRENT RATES

Total Water Bill = $26

PROPOSED NEW RATES - YEAR 1

Total Water Bill = $28.80

---

Scenario Two: 10 Unit User

A user uses 10 units of water in a month. Under the current rates, this user would pay a $26 base rate plus 0 units at $2.92 per unit for a total water bill of $26. Under the new proposed rate structure this user would pay the base rate of $28.80 plus 5 units at $2.10 per unit for a total water bill of $39.30. For this user, moving to the new rates would produce a $13.30 per month increase.

Current Rates

Total Water Bill = $26

Proposed New Rates - Year 1

Total Water Bill = $39.30

---

Scenario Three: 15 Unit User

A user uses 15 units of water in a month. Under the current rates, this user would pay a $26 base rate plus 5 units at $2.92 per unit for a total water bill of $40.60. Under the new proposed rate structure this user would pay the base rate of $28.80 plus 10 units at $2.10 per unit for a total water bill of $49.80. For this user, moving to the new rates would produce a $9.20 per month increase.

Current Rates

Total Water Bill for 15 units = $40.60

Proposed New Rates - Year 1

Total Water Bill for 15 units = $49.80

---

Scenario Four: 20 Unit User

A user uses 20 units (15,000 gallons) of water in a month. Under the current rates, this user would pay a $26 base rate plus 10 units at $2.92 per unit for a total water bill of $55.20. Under the new proposed rate structure this user would pay the base rate of $28.80 plus 15 units at $2.10 per unit for a total water bill of $60.30. For this user, moving to the new rates would produce a $5.10 per month increase.

CURRENT RATES

Total Water Bill for 20 units = $55.20

PROPOSED NEW RATES - YEAR 1

Total Water Bill for 20 units = $60.30

---

Scenario Five: 40 Unit User

A user uses 40 units (30,000 gallons) of water in a month. Under the current rates, this user would pay a $26 base rate plus 30 units at $2.92 per unit for a total water bill of $113.60. Under the new proposed rate structure this user would pay the base rate of $28.80 plus 35 units at $2.10 per unit for a total water bill of $102.30. For this user, moving to the new rates would produce a $11.30 per month decrease.

CURRENT RATES

Total Water Bill for 40 units = $113.60

PROPOSED NEW RATES - YEAR 1

Total Water Bill for 40 units = $102.30

---

All 5 Scenarios - Full 5 Year Plan

5 Unit User

Year One: $26 to $28.80
Year Two: $28.80 to $31.60
Year Three: $31.60 to $34.40
Year Four: $34.40 to $37.20
Year Five: $37.20 to $40.00

10 Unit User

Year One - $26 to $39.30
Year Two - $39.30 to $42.60
Year Three - $42.60 to $45.90
Year Four - $45.90 to $49.20
Year Five - $49.20 to $52.50

15 Unit User

Year One: $40.60 to $49.80
Year Two: $49.80 to $53.60
Year Three: $53.60 to $57.40
Year Four: $57.40 to $61.20
Year Five: $61.20 to $65

---

20 Unit User

Year One - $55.20 to $60.30
Year Two - $60.30 to $64.60
Year Three - $64.60 to $68.90
Year Four - $68.90 to $73.20
Year Five - $73.20 to $77.50

40 Unit User

Year One - $113.60 to $102.30
Year Two - $102.30 to $108.60
Year Three - $108.60 to $114.90
Year Four - $114.90 to $121.20
Year Five - $121.20 to $127.50

Water Rate Study Town Hall Video

Refernece Documents

2015 Rate Study (PDF)
2015 Water Master Plan Update

Advertisement for Bids

Separate sealed bids for the constriction of the South Dunsmuir Water Main Replacement Project will be received at the office of Dunsmuir City Hall, 5915 Dunsmuir Ave., Dunsmuir, California until 2:00PM local time of February 8th, 2016 at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read.

Please see our Advertisement for Bids by clicking HERE.

City Manager's Weekly Report | 12.18.2015

1. Community Services Officer reports still calling dog owners where license has not been renewed; still assisting Public Works clearing storm drains, this week on Simpson Ave.; still training to operate public works mobile equipment if needed.
2. All ordinances through 550 have been forwarded to Municipal Code Corporation with request to provide cost estimate to bring Dunsmuir City Code books current and update version on webpage.
3. All office staff continue to work on parcel and customer lists for proposed Proposition 218 elections on water and solid waste rates.  Interim City Manager has completed drafts of public hearing notices and forwarded for review by City Attorney.
4. Water shut offs were completed this week and customers have come in to make payments and have water turned back on.  This is the last billing cycle where partial payments will be allowed.
5. It is asked that all remember that with snows here and more expected, snow plowing of streets will be done and those parked in the no parking areas when snow plowing starts will have vehicles towed.
6. Public Works Supervisor reports crew continues to rod storm drains most recently on Dunsmuir Ave, Rose Ave, Grover St. and Hemlock; culverts were cleared on Clark St and north of Elementary School; streets were swept and broken limbs and branches picked up; apple tree trimmed out of public right of way at Siskiyou and Dunsmuir Ave; trees were trimmed, brush cleared and gutters cleaned on Vernie St; finished clearing Shasta Retreat drainage on Wednesday; had A Cut Above cut down Oak tree near theatre and next to veteran’s fountain, and also trimmed and removed dead branches from trees adjacent to the City rental at City Park; submitted first draft snow removal protocols for City Manager review; submitted first draft protocols for NOTAMS that may be needed for Mott airport when there is snow or other contamination on runway; finished servicing backhoe (#421); checked school routes, bridges and cindered as needed.
7. Candace Miller and Arlene Dinges have agreed to work with Interim City Manager and Public Works Supervisor to develop a Street Tree program for the downtown.  Research has begun and hopefully some form of report will be available in the near future.  Some troublesome trees are being removed now and more are scheduled in the request for tree removal and trimming that has been sent out to bid.  A list of appropriate trees is needed for replacements.
8. Fire Chief reports department responded to 13 dispatches between 10th and 17th:  7 EMS calls; 1 traffic accident; 1 haz-mat; 1 public assist; 1 fire; 2 other type calls.  Weekly training consisted of Emergency Vehicle operations; all equipment and apparatus were found to be in good working order; all run reports have been entered into computer; continued review and updating of City’s Emergency Operations plan; and conducted one commercial building inspection.
9. Public Utilities Supervisor reports crew shut off water service line to UP and removed and repaired packing gland and installed new packing and retainer bolts and turned service back on; repaired Rose St. roadway where water leak fixed last week including base rock, backfill, blacktop and pressure washing the area to remove mud from roadway and gutter; there were 33 water shut offs and then turn ons when bills were then paid; took required samples from treatment plant to Basic Lab in Redding including monthly effluent sample, 4th quarter effluent sample, 4th quarter monitoring wells at plant samples, French drain and subsurface drain from plant sample, above the plant river hardness sample, and four drinking water samples to be tested for coliform; all lift stations were checked and cleaned; sewer manholes were checked; all routine plant testing and maintenance was completed.

City Manager's Weekly Report | 12.11.2015

1. Public Works Supervisor reports crew provided snow removal on the 6th and at the airport on the 7th; set out cones and detour signs for Chamber event on the 5th; serviced pickup #400 and backhoe #421; repaired plow on #400, continued drainage clearing along Simpson Ave; street sweeping; cleaned out drop inlets along Dunsmuir Ave from Florence Loop to Cemetery; placed orders for base rock, sand and cinders; mailed request for proposals to remove and trim trees in the public right of way on the 10th.
2. Interim City Manager obtained information on notifications needed at airport when snow or other obstacles are present; met with Lt. Hauffman from Sheriff’s Department and Assistant City Attorney regarding issues with Law Enforcement MOU; attended Planning Commission meeting on 9th; met with Assistant City Attorney to discuss possible sale of portion of Spruce Street no longer used as street and lease terms for Engine House; received confirmation from Shasta Community Foundation that check for $53,087 for improvements to Tauhindauli park is in the mail.
3. Fire Chief reports department responded to 14 dispatches between the 3rd and 10th:  5 EMS calls; 1 traffic accident; 1 Haz-Mat; 2 fires; 5 other.  Weekly training was on CPR recertification.  All equipment and apparatus are in good working order.  Reviewing and updating the City’s Emergency Operations Plan.
4. Public Utilities Supervisor reports crew worked on broken 4” water main on Rose Street last Saturday evening; assisted with snow plowing; installed City radio in truck; reviewing draft construction plans for replacement of water mains in North and South Dunsmuir for project to be funded by IRWM grant; painting the inside of the aerobic digester pump building; flushed dead ends in water main lines; checked and cleaned all lift stations; completed weekly checks of sewer manholes; completed all sewer plant testing and performed some plant maintenance.
5. Interim City Manager, City Attorney and City Engineer are reviewing first drafts of complete notice and ballot for Proposition 218 election on proposed increases in water rates, and notice and ballot for proposed decreases in solid waste rates.
6. Interim City Manager, Finance Director and office staff are collecting documents and preparing response to Public Records Act request.

City Manager's Weekly Report | 11.25.2015

1. Public Works Supervisor reports continuing drainage and drain maintenance and cleaning; continued work on hangar supports at airport; contacted person who works on hangar doors at county airports and he will inspect doors at Mott airport around December 1; met with mason about fountain repairs and he will be forwarding bids fountain repair and sidewalk/curb repairs; installed plow framework on trucks 400, 401 and 404; three tree cutting companies called and requested to provide bids for removal of trees in the public right of way; unit 420 scheduled for hydraulic system service today; repaired light at City Hall; Clemens Waste Removal began removing remaining items from Engine House and should be completed later this week; received permission to use Spruce and Dunsmuir lot for snow storage; meter reading done on 23rd; Bryan will be on call beginning today and through midnight Dec 1.
2. Official notice receive that Shasta Community Foundation has approved Dunsmuir grant request for $53,087 for work at Tauhindauli Park.
3. Community Services Officer reports deer was found injured on City property south of Manfredi’s and put down by Sheriff Deputy.  Deer was disposed of.  Continued notifying all that cars need to be moved to allow for snow plowing.  If still on roads when snow plowing occurs, tickets and possibly towing will follow.
4. Interim City Manager attended airport committee meeting at which Carol Ford, new consultant for airport, was introduced.  She reported she is working on grant application due by end of December for updating planning documents for Mott airport.  Committee members are still working on getting trees on property to the west topped to meet FAA standards.

City Manager Recruitment

Dunsmuir is searching for it's next city manager. For more information view the official press release below. 

City Manager's Weekly Report | 10.23.2015

1. Hunter Communications has requested encroachment permit to install fiber optics cable from Siskiyou Avenue to Florence Loop.  Their application is under review by City Engineer.
2. Dunsmuir Association of Ratepayers and Taxpayers (DART) filed lawsuit against the City of Dunsmuir on October 15, served notice on October 16 and then requested new filing.  New filing was done on October 21 and served on City October 21.  New filing requests hearing in Superior Court on October 26.  DART is asking Court to stop City of Dunsmuir from charging garbage rates adopted in 2004 and still being charged today.
3. Fire Chief reports department responded to 8 dispatches: 2 traffic collisions; 1 structure fire; 2 EMS calls; 1 public assist; and 2 others.  Weekly training was “confined space awareness” which is required course from California State Fire Marshall’s Office.  Chief attended “Community Wide Wildfire Protection Plan” meeting sponsored by Dunsmuir Fire Safe Council on October 22.
4. Finance consultant reports Department of Transportation for Airport maintenance has provided $10,000 for each of 2013/14 and 2014/15 fiscal years, another allotment will be received in spring for 2015/16 fiscal year.  Work continues to final 2015/16 fiscal year budget.  Auditors will start work on 2014/15 fiscal year report next Monday.
5. Interim City Manager reports $53,087 has been requested for work at Tauhindauli Park.  These moneys are administered by Shasta Community Foundation and are the interest proceeds from Cantara spill settlement.  These moneys are also used to maintain the park.  Next major project at park is installation of permanent bathroom facility.  
6. Administrative Secretary Julie Iskra has been seen in City Hall a few hours almost daily this week.  She has helped out in several areas where her institutional memory has saved many hours of research.  She is recovering well from knee replacement.
7. Public Works Supervisor reports continuing efforts to clean out all storm drains, ditches and culverts.  UP has cooperated by cleaning out both ends of culverts under tracks between Sacramento and Scherrer.  Public Works crew supplemented by Community Services Officer are removing vegetation and accumulation of debris and silt where possible along Alder Creek. In addition, Public Works crew chipped brush piles at Tauhindauli Park, ordered new street light for damaged pole on Florence Loop, finished cutting new drainage at airport and grading safety areas, swept airport, started grinding lips on broken sidewalks in the downtown, arranged for County using their equipment to paint center line on Dunsmuir Ave, removed graffiti from Pine Street planter and garbage can lids, inventoried sandbags (over 2,000 plastic) and ordered a quantity of burlap sandbags, and determined sand stockpile to be adequate for winter.

City Manager's Report | 10.16.2015

1. Fire Chief reports the department responded to 11 dispatches (1 traffic collision, 1 vegetation fire, 4 EMS calls, 2 public assist, and 3 others); weekly training consisted of station maintenance and equipment inventory; attended CSA#3 meeting (no new business to report); Fire Chief conducted two “Fire Safety Presentations at the local elementary school on Wednesday as part of fire prevention week.  All equipment and apparatus in good working order.
2. Public Works Supervisor reports street sweeping continues; all former occupants of Engine House contacted and asked to remove their property, what remaining will be removed by Clemens and taken to dump; met with Siskiyou County Public Works employee about needed painting at Mott airport; met with Native Grounds who removed vegetation from drainage system at Tauhindauli restoration project (park); graded drainage ditches at Mott airport; moved furniture out of Sheriff’s office so new carpeting could be installed; met with railroad representatives about cleaning out storm drain culverts under tracks to allow for water flows from Sacramento Street to Scherrer to river; continued removal of stored surplus items at shop.
3. The majority of ditches and culverts have been cleared at Tauhindauli restoration project (park).  This work was done by Native Grounds on Tuesday and Wednesday.  The cut vegetation will be removed from the site by Public Works crew next week.
4. Public Utilities Supervisor reports continuing work with contractor replacing water mains on Butterfly Avenue.  New line was filled with water and pressure tested and passed.  Line was then disinfected for 24 hours and then flushed and tested twice for coliform.  The water main in this area will be shut off on Friday and new main connected and old service disconnected.  All customers were notified in advance of the shutdown.  Contractor also excavated the 12” main on Shasta Ave and Willow Street and determined correct size of gaskets to be replaced.  Digging has also been done at Castle and Willow, and Shasta Terrace and Willow, to determine pipe depth for tie in.  Water will be turned off on Shasta Avenue on Monday the 19thso the new tee and three new 12” valves can be installed.  All customers have been notified that water will be turned off for approximately 5 hours from Spring Street and Shasta Avenue to Pine Street and Shasta Avenue.  The sleeve under the Scherrer Avenue track crossing was also located on both sides of the track.  All wastewater plant testing and operations were done on schedule and the plant is doing well.  62 water disconnects were done due to lack of payment.  Those who then paid were turned back on.
5. Community Services Officer reports he helped remove furniture from Sheriff’s substation to allow for installation of new carpet; provided security check at airport and surveyed the city; assisted water main replacement project by notifying property owners and tenants along Shasta Avenue of water shut offs that will occur; and later assisted in returning furniture to Sheriff’s substation after carpet installed.
6. Consultant Finance Director arranged for Accounts Receivable module to be installed in Fund Balance bookkeeping system this week.  This will allow for bills to be produced outside of utility billing module.  There are several billings the City has been doing each month that can now be done automatically by computer.  Both Pam and Elaine have been trained in the module and Julie will be trained when she returns.  Starting next week Finance Director will be employing majority of work time to prepare reports needed for 2014-15 audit that will begin shortly.
7. Airport committee has requested proposal from Ford Aviation Consulting for assistance in preparing grant applications and administering grants for work at Mott airport.  City of Dunsmuir as airport “sponsor” is eligible for at least $150,000 a year.

City Manager's Weekly Report | 10.09.2015

1. Shasta Community Foundation has accepted accounting for $10,500 grant previously received by Garden Club and closed that grant.  Dunsmuir is advised that it can apply for just over $53,000 for further work at the restoration project, which amount should provide for maintenance and preliminary work on the permanent restroom.
2. New carpeting will be installed next week in former Police area of Council Chambers building.  It has been determined that monitor heaters cannot be repaired so new heaters will need to be installed.
3. Public Works Supervisor is expecting bids to replace missing light near Florence Loop; beginning work for airport grading and drainage repairs; NOTAM issued for work adjacent to airport runway beginning 8am October 7 through October 23 at 5 pm; County will paint center line stripes October 9; leaves removed from Sacramento Ave; cut branches from tree overlooking City Hall parking lot; assisted Caltrans with bridge inspections; continued shoulder maintenance at Mott Rd; Siskiyou overcrossing deck rehab continuing.
4. Fire Chief reports department responded to 7 dispatches: 2 traffic collisions, 1 vegetation fire, 2 EMS calls, and 2 other type fires.  Total dispatches this year to date are 405.  Conducted weekly training on low angle rope rescues, part 2.  All apparatus inspected and in good working order.  Attended public safety committee meeting, met with Mike Wilson Siskiyou County new OES Coordinator.  Reviewed and entered run reports into computer.
5. Public Utilities Supervisor reports crew worked with contractor putting in replacement water mains on Butterfly Ave.  Digging near existing main exposed several leaks previously undetected.  Rocks, rocks and more rocks where forced to dig.  All new 8” main is installed and new services were installed and one of the three tie in’s were done.  New main charged on Friday for pressure testing.  Bac-t testing will be done before it can go into service and old main turned off.  Final tie in’s will be next week.  On Monday, contractor will begin digging on Shasta Ave and Willow Streets to get correct size of the 12” main so parts can be delivered for that tie in.  The 12” water main on Shasta Ave., from Spring Street to Pine Street will be shut down some time in the next week to make that connection and every customer that will be out of service will be notified a few days in advance.  Additionally crew was able to assist Public Works in taking down limb from large tree overhanging City Hall parking lot.  Quarterly monitory well samples were taken at the Wastewater Treatment Plant as well as Quarterly Effluent and monthly Effluent samples.  Daily routine plant testing and plant maintenance is also being done.
6. Community Services Officer reports a towed RV was released to the owner after all fees paid to the City; requesting residential property owners repair broken sidewalks in front of houses; assisted Public Works with tree limb chipping and debris removal from City Hall parking lot.
7. Interim City Manager met on Thursday with stakeholders group regarding Mossbrae Trail.  Another letter to Saint Germain Foundation is being prepared.

Water Ad Hoc Committee Progress Update

Paul Reuter of PACE Engineering presented at the Oct. 1, 2015 City Council meeting the progress update from the Ad Hoc Committee and made his initial recommendations. Notes from the committee meeting are below.

The recommendation was only presented to the council at the Oct. 1 meeting, No decisions we made and no action was taken. The issue of water rates was asked to be on the next city council agenda on Oct. 15, 2015, and every meeting thereafter until the council makes a decision.

City Manager's Weekly Report | October 2, 2015

1. Fire Chief reports department responded to 3 dispatches, 2 traffic collisions, 1 false alarm; conducted weekly training on “low angle rope rescues”; worked with Mt. Shasta fleet mechanic to schedule warranty work on ladder truck 820 air conditioner cooling fan (factory recall); entered information and forwarded 3rd quarter reports to California State Fire Marshall’s office.
2. Community Services Officer reports a fifth wheel was ticketed on Needham St. and appears to be abandoned; assisted public works with chipping of pre cut debris north of Hedge Creek falls; assisted with rehanging of restored signs on Belnap fountain; conducted security check at airport; and assisted with planting of fish for the Big Fish/Trophy Trout program.
3. Interim City Manager met with Sheriff’s representative about 2015-16 MOU for law enforcement services, special enforcement to reduce speeding on Dunsmuir Ave,  and reported issue with person at downtown business.
4. Sara Anna filled in for Julie Iskra who is recovering from knee replacement.  Sara was also drafted to attend Council meeting and take minutes.  It was found that maps a part of General Plan on web page were not scanned correctly and they were replaced with the assistance of Councilman Craig.
5. Public Works Supervisor was on vacation all week.  Crew was able to rehang signs on Belnap fountain after cleaning them up; chipped brush from Mott Road; placed barricades and signs at Library to allow painting; placed barricades for temporary bridge closures; attended bridge inspections with Caltrans inspector (Shasta Retreat and Butterfly); loaded dumpster with ivy and blackberry bush cuttings from Tauhindauli Park.  Last planting of trout for Big Fish/Trophy Trout program completed on Thursday.