TO: MAYOR AND COUNCIL
FROM: KRISTINA MILLER, CITY MANAGER
DATE: April 1, 2022
CITY MANAGER:
Water Shut-Offs are Coming Soon!:
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. The process for water-shut offs is beginning. If a customer applies for the Utility Payment Assistance Grant Program, water will not be shut-off while the application is being processed.
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
- Submit a letter from a primary health provider that discontinuation of water would pose a serious threat;
- Must be on public assistance as described; and
- 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.
Capital Improvement Plan and Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Budget:
The Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Capital Improvement Plan and Budget are being developed.
Meeting with 3CORE:
I met with representatives of 3 CORE about economic development initiatives in Corning and about details regarding the Downtown Corning Awning Grant Program. A formal proposal to manage the Grant Program is being provided by 3CORE.
PUBLIC WORKS:
Community Event/Street Impact: Corning Tuesday Night Market:
- The first of 4 Corning Tuesday Night markets will be occurring on Tuesday April 5, 2022 starting at 5:00pm and going until 8:00pm. Solano Street will be closed between 3rd Street and 6th Street for the event. Solano Street closure will begin approximately 4:00pm to prepare for the event and will re-open once the event has finished.
Water Main/Service Repairs:
- The fire hydrant at the intersection of 1st Street and Blackburn Avenue is leaking. Staff has turned off the water supply to the hydrant and will be repairing the hydrant as staff is available.
- A water leak has been found on Fig Lane, a USA has been called in and work will proceed once the USA has been cleared.
PLANNING/RECREATION:
PLANNING:
Municipal Services Review:
Staff has received a draft copy of the Municipal Services Review (MSR) and has distributed it out to the department heads for review. Once the final draft has been completed Staff will prepare it for presentation to the City Council for adoption.
Annual Housing Element:
Christina Meeds has completed the annual Housing Element Report for HCD (Housing and Community Development) and OPR (Office of Planning and Research) annual reporting, both are due on April 1st. They are available in the office if you would like to review them.
RECREATION:
April 5th Tuesday Night Market:
We currently have a total of 42 vendors for the April 5th Tuesday Night Market; 13 of them are food vendors and the remainder are informational and or retail. Plan to spend your evening with us at this fun family event on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 from 5 to 8pm on Solano St. between 3rd & 6th Streets. The Easter Bunny will be present and other attractions/activities available will be:
- A double slide scheduled for the bounce house;
- An Easter craft planned at the recreation table;
- A raffle at the Chamber table;
- Beer and Wine Garden in Rogers Theater; and
- The Ballet Folkloric group from the Corning Union High School will be performing along with so much more.
Lifeguard Interviews:
Lifeguard interviews are scheduled for Monday April 4.
Recreation Classes:
Spring recreation class registrations opened Monday. It’s a little slow right now but I think there are a lot of kids playing Baseball and Soccer.
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
Patrol:
In addition to responding to 160 calls for service, a total of 23 officer reports were taken and there were 107 officer-initiated incidents, including 51 traffic stops. Officers made 10 misdemeanor and 3 felony arrests. Officers issued 10 citations, of which; 10 were misdemeanors during the period of March 23, 2022, through March 30, 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.
“You can do anything you set your mind to.”
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
Corning Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) Call Volume:
The Corning Volunteer Fire Department responded to 16 calls for service last week, they consisted of: 12 medicals, 1 traffic collision, 1 fire, 1 agency assist with TCSO, and 1 public service.
The Orland, Artois, and Butte City Volunteer Fire Department Call Volumes:
The Orland, Artois, and Butte City Volunteer Fire Departments were dispatched to a combined total of 13 calls for service last week, they consisted of: 8 medicals, 4 fires, and 1 public service.
Chief’s Message:
Grass and weeds are growing. Please be a good neighbor and take care of your properties.