March 17, 2015
Mid-year Financial Report includes $1.9 million into reserves: The Finance Department presented its mid-year report to the City council, which compares the budget to the current financial status for the General Fund, Measure T Fund, and the Enterprise Funds. Council approved appropriating funds for body cameras and a server, and depositing a remaining surplus of $1.9 million into the Emergency Reserve Fund to bring reserves to $7.6 million. In addition, Council approved appropriating $50,000 from the Wastewater Trunk Line Construction Fund for trunk line repairs at the intersection of Giddings and Riggin. To view the staff report, click here.
State-funded resiliency program seeks Valley communities: A voluntary 18-month program, Sustainable Energy Roadmap (SER) will hold an informational webinar at 11 am Tuesday, March 24, to help local communities set and pursue goals related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and transportation and land use while enhancing the role of environmental justice communities in the public planning process. To register for the webinar, go to www.sustainableenergyroadmap.com. The City of Visalia is participating in the SER program as a lead pilot municipality. "We see the program as an opportunity to shed a spotlight on and strengthen a number of our climate and energy action programs," said Natural Resource Conservation Manager Kim Loeb.
Enjoy Donuts & Discussion with Vice Mayor Warren Gubler. Police Chief Jason Salazar: Join them at Maverick's Roasting Co., from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18 at 238 E. Caldwell Ave. This informal gathering allows any citizen to address their concerns or ask questions one-on-one with Vice Mayor Gubler. Police Chief Jason Salazar will be available to answer questions related to public safety. Vice Mayor Gubler can also be reached through 713-4400, then enter 3313, or by email at [email protected].
Stage 4 water regulations continue for all City residents on Spring schedule: The City Council indicated at the March 16 meeting that they would adopt a resolution to continue Stage 4 regulations for another year. A modification to the ordinance will come back to Council on April 6 which includes no watering in December. During March and April, there is one watering day: Saturday for odd addresses and Sunday for even addresses. The watering times remain the same throughout the year: water before 10 am or after 8 pm on your designated water day. There is an exception to the schedule for hand-watering shrubs, trees, or vegetables. These can be watered any time with a watering can or with a hose with a positive shut-off nozzle. The hose cannot be left unattended and watering of lawns outside of the watering schedule is prohibited. Washing down sidewalks, driveways, etc., is also not allowed. For more tips on how to conserve water, go to www.gogreenvisalia.com.
Office Hours with Council Member Amy Shuklian: Councilmember Amy Shuklian will hold her monthly office hours on Wednesday, April 1, for Visalia residents to discuss issues of concern. Walk-ins are welcome from 5 to 5:45 p.m. in the conference room at City Hall, at 707 W. Acequia Ave. Appointments from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. can be scheduled in advance by contacting Lauri Aguilar at 713-4322. Council Member Shuklian also can be reached through 713-4400, then enter 8313, or by email at [email protected].
Dump On Us for Free on April 11: The City of Visalia will hold a Dump On Us event from 7 am to noon Saturday, April 11 at the Corporation Yard at 333 N. Cain. The event is free for all Visalia residents to rid property of any garbage, electronic, green and household hazardous waste items. A commercial shredding service will be available. Call 855-203-1315 or go to www.dumponus.org. Please note that the next Dump On Us will be held Saturday, June 6.
Earth/Arbor Day celebrations on April 25: Join in the activities, community cleanup projects, workshops and walking tours from 10 am to 2 pm at St. Johns Riverwalk, at St. Johns River and Ben Maddox Way. Take the Visalia Transit free to the event. For more information, go to www.gogreenvisalia.com or call 713-4531.