Highlights from this week's "The Week in Review"

Police Department:
OTS Grant: The Police Department has received notice that the Office of Traffic Safety has awarded us a grant of $87,800. The grant includes $37,800 for a new DUI trailer, along with the lights and equipment needed for DUI checkpoints, plus $50,000 in overtime funding for DUI enforcement.

Dispatch Service: The Police Department is continuing to look at ways to cut costs to the General Fund. During its presentation to Council, the Budget Advisory Committee recommended that departments look at outsourcing service, when appropriate, in order to save money. To that end, the Police Department contacted the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department regarding the possibility of outsourcing Police dispatch service. The Police Chief met with the Sheriff and his staff on May 13 to discuss the proposal. The Sheriff’s offer to provide dispatch service exceeded the cost of the City continuing to operate the Dispatch Center ourselves. While this did not turn out to be an opportunity to save funds, it did illustrate that we are currently providing this service at an economical rate for the taxpayers. The department will continue to research other cost-saving measures.

Public Works:
Atherton Drive Landscaping: Several Council members have expressed concern about the condition of the landscaping along Atherton Drive, adjacent to the Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley. Specifically, the concern seemed to be centered around the irrigation along the north side of the street and the fact it was not adhering to City regulations. Public Works staff verified the situation and again notified the contractor of the need to correct the problem. Previously, along the south side of Atherton Drive, the combined efforts of Parks and Public Works were used to bring the turf strip to a more-acceptable state. In response to community input about appearance of the turf strip, staff is following an accelerated schedule of delivery for re-sodding the turf strip. The re-sodding was a planned element for completion of the Atherton Drive Improvements, which was to be undertaken after current landscape maintenance periods were completed. The request for quotes for the replacement of the sod will be released by the end of this week.

Relocation of Power Lines: Pacific Gas and Electric crews continue with the relocation of the transmission lines on Union Road, between State Route 120 and Woodward Avenue. The new poles are in place and new wires are currently being strung. The schedule calls for the new lines to be energized on May 27. Once the new system is energized, the existing poles and wires must be removed. Mid-June is the target date for the old system to be completely removed. The final phase of the Union Road improvements will begin at that time.

Parks and Recreation:
Shasta Park Playground: The installation of a recognition monument is expected to be completed this week. The playground was constructed with a combination of Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and approximately $20,000 of donated funds from neighborhood residents. The City also received a $99,998 grant from the California Integrated Waste Management Board for the installation of the rubberized safety surfacing. The playground will be named in honor of Art Rocha. Mr. Rocha was instrumental several years ago in preserving the character of the park when it was re-designed to accommodate a storm drainage basin. A dedication ceremony is scheduled at Shasta Park on Thursday, May 21, at 6:30 p.m.

You can access the entire "The Week in Review" from its link on the right side of this page.