March 24, 2017
   

Dana asked me to fill in for her on this special edition Friday Update. I've been out the last two weeks unexpectedly and I appreciate the well-wishes I've received from so many of you. I won't go into detail, but let me recommend you don't move heavy furniture wearing flip-flops!

What did I miss? Well, apparently a lot.

The traffic lights on the highway keep going in red-flash mode - especially when it rains. I spoke with the Caltrans electrical supervisor for the North Bay. The problem is the old wires sometimes get flooded and then short-circuit. They can't fully fix it until it stops raining. They know it causes major problems and they are doing their best, but I was surprised to learn he has a crew of only three electricians to maintain all the Caltrans signals in Marin, Sonoma, Napa and parts of Solano counties! That seems like an impossible task to me and this is something I'll be talking with Caltrans management about over the coming months.

And in other news, both the Register and Eagle  have reported on the Napa Valley Transportation Agency board meeting last week. At the meeting, NVTA staff expressed concern and doubt about the City's plans to widen Highway 29 through American Canyon to six lanes as part of our Broadway District Specific Plan. I don't know about you, but my parents taught me "where there's a will, there's a way!" Ever since I first started working here, we've been working hard to solve all manner of traffic problems in American Canyon - problems that are simply symptoms of a successful economy in a region that has been unable to keep up with infrastructure needs. Each day you put up with problems on the highway and commuters cutting through your neighborhoods. There are solutions, we just have to persevere. We've recently implemented a few successes and have a others on tap this summer and into next year. But there still remains great challenges ahead. We can't do it alone and we mustn't shy away from the challenge. Please join me Tuesday night, March 28th, at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers for a special workshop to talk about Highway 29, Devlin Road, Newell Drive extension, and all things traffic. Want to know more? See the full agenda here .

Jason Holley, P.E.
Public Works Director

Water Reclamation Facility Receives California WateReuse Award
 
The City's Water Reclamation Facility has been selected to receive the award for "Recycled Water Agency of the Year - Small Agency" by California WateReuse.  California WateReuse is the California Chapter of the National Professional Association for all things recycled water (WaterReuse).  Staff received the award during the luncheon at the California WateReuse 2017 Annual Conference on Monday, March 20th.
 
The award is in recognition of the City's leadership in recycled water programs and policy - especially as it relates to implementation of the Zero Water Footprint Policy and the adoption of the 2016 Recycled Water Master Plan. The awards committee was especially impressed with the City's proactive response to the drought by converting almost all of our parks and landscape medians to recycled water and our innovative use of dual plumbing (ie. recycled water for toilet flushing) on new development.  Our residential recycled water fill station and other public outreach tools were also well-received.  Click here for more information.  

Citywide Water Main and Hydrant Flushing Starting Monday, March 27th 

Beginning Monday, March 27th, Public Works crews will be flushing main water lines citywide. During the flushing process the crews will open hydrants and run water at high pressure to remove the sediment that has naturally collected in the lines over time. During the flushing process, water may temporarily appear brown from the dislodged sediment. The water is safe to drink but it may stain clothing, so it is advisable to avoid doing laundry. It is best to limit your water use as much as possible while the lines are flushed in your neighborhood. Click here for more information and the schedule.
The abandoned homes on Donaldson Way near the highway are finally coming down! The property owner has no immediate plans to develop this site, but may in the future. 
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