TO: MAYOR AND COUNCIL
FROM: KRISTINA MILLER, CITY MANAGER
DATE: March 25, 2022
CITY MANAGER:
Water Arrearage Grant Program:
As a reminder, it is critical for residents with back due amounts to come current, apply for the utility payment assistance detailed below, or apply for a payment program (if they qualify). Please see below.
Some City residential water users will receive a credit on their past due amounts for their water bill, as a result of funding the City received from the State of California Water Arrearage Grant program. Most will still owe back due amounts. A payment program will be offered per the City’s Administrative Policy for Utility Billing adopted by Resolution 01-14-2020-01 on January 14, 2020. To qualify for a payment plan you must 1. submit a letter from a primary health provider that discontinuation of water would pose a serious threat; 2. must be on public assistance as described; and 3. be willing to enter into an alternative payment schedule. Letters notifying those who received the credit along with options to pay the remaining amounts due have been sent. The process for water shut-offs will begin. This new process may be news to some, as this policy was approved at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. What was formerly known as “promissory notes to pay” will no longer be accepted.
Utility Payment Assistance Grant Program
Applications are starting to come in. If you were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and owe late payments for water, sewer, internet, or PG&E, please visit www.corning.org to check if you qualify and to access the application. You must live within Corning city limits to apply. First come first-served. Apply now!
Strategic Planning
A Strategic Planning Workshop will be held at 9 AM on April 2nd. During the workshop the City will develop a snapshot of the State of the City landscape with community input, and produce strategic directions, priorities and goals with metrics. I strongly encourage public participation in this workshop. A flyer will be distributed on social media promoting the workshop. The workshop will be facilitated by Scott Winter. Mr. Winter has facilitated strategic planning for the City of Chico, City of Live Oak, City of Wheatland, and Butte Community College.
Groundwater Commission Meeting
There will be s special Groundwater Commission meeting on March 30, 2022 at 8:30 AM. The agenda can be accessed at https://tehamacountyca.iqm2.com/. The meeting will be held at the Tehama County Board of Supervisors Chambers 727 Oak St. Red Bluff. I have a conflict and will not be in attendance.
PUBLIC WORKS:
Pool Manager & Assistant Manager Applications:
The Application submittal deadline has been extended for the Pool Manager and Assistant Pool Manager positions. Applications can be found on the City website.
Solano Street Audible Push Buttons:
Installation started this week at the intersection of Edith and Solano Streets. Staff will continue to work with Caltrans to complete the install of audible crossing push buttons at the remaining signalized intersections along Solano Street in the upcoming weeks.
Public Works Staffing:
We would like to welcome Wayne Spencer back to the Public Works Team! Wayne has returned to the part time landscaping position and will be maintaining City properties and Landscape and Lighting Districts. Wayne will be working full time hours for the next couple of months to help fill the staffing gaps and to assist the crew where needed.
PLANNING/RECREATION:
PLANNING:
Municipal Services Review:
Staff has received the draft copy of the Municipal Services Review (MSR) and distributed it to City Department Heads for final review. Upon completion of this final review, Staff will prepare the final document for presentation to the City Council.
Housing Element:
Staff is currently working on the annual Housing Element Report for HCD (Housing and Community Development) and OPR (Office of Planning and Research) annual reporting, both are due in April. Once completed, they will be available for review.
RECREATION:
Tuesday Night Market:
Corning Tuesday Night Market has quite the lineup scheduled, so mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 5th from 5-8PM. You are not going to want to miss out on the fun evening planned in downtown Corning.
Clark Park Holistic Playground:
The Holistic playground quote has been approved by Council and Staff will be working closely with Holistic Playgrounds and Park Planet on the remodel of the Tennis Courts at Clark Park.
City Pool Staff Interviews:
Interviews have been scheduled for the next two weeks.
Spring Recreation Class Registration:
Registration for Spring Recreation Classes will be opening next week with classes beginning the week of April 18th.
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
Patrol:
In addition to responding to 158 calls for service, a total of 31 officer reports were taken and there were 125 officer-initiated incidents, including 49 traffic stops. Officers made 12 misdemeanor and 4 felony arrests. Officers issued 15 citations, of which; 10 were misdemeanors, 2 were infractions, 3 were parking during the period of March 16, 2022 through March 23, 2022.
Training:
Officers continue to participate in POST Portal training and Lexipol Daily Training Bulletins. Other POST on-line training continues for Patrol and Dispatch personnel.
“When you’re feeling tired, keep going. That’s the only way to truly get stronger.”
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
Corning Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) Call Volume:
The Corning Volunteer Fire Department responded to 17 calls for service last week, they consisted of: 13 medicals, 2 fires, and 2 public service.
The Orland, Capay, Artois, Bayliss, Glenn Codora, Ord Bend, and Butte City Volunteer Fire Department Call Volumes:
The Orland, Capay, Artois, Bayliss, Glenn Codora, Ord Bend, and Butte City Volunteer Fire Departments were dispatched to a combined total of 23 calls for service last week, they consisted of: 13 medicals, 7 fires, 1 public service, and 2 investigations.