January 15, 2016
 
 
Some of you have already been subject to my sermon about the importance of bringing up the next generation of community- and public policy-aware citizens.  It's a soap-box I stand on whenever someone shows signs of being willing to listen!  The high school kids of today are your business leaders of tomorrow - but more importantly they are your government and community leaders of tomorrow, too.  Someday, one of them will replace me as City Manager, so I consider it important to partner with the High School and other government folks to be sure our graduates know a thing or two about their community and issues that challenge us.  In the last few years, we have partnered with the high school to make presentations, host Senior Shadow Day, and more.  But in the last month or so, new partnerships have emerged in several places that will make our programs even better.  I'm really looking forward to it.

Dana
 
PS:  Speaking of ACHS, I just have to share this article that recently appeared in California Educator magazine.  It's a must read.  We are proud of you ACHS!
City offices will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 18th. 
On the Agenda...

The next City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 19th at 6:30 PM.  The full agenda is available here.  In addition to their regular business, the Council will discuss how to allocate the Community Grant Funds in this fiscal year.  These grants help community groups with projects and programs that benefit the community. The City Council will also consider entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association (PCFMA) to manage and operate our new American Canyon Farmers Market.  PCFMA is a leader in the Bay Area, managing more than sixty farmer's markets. Our market is scheduled to open in May.  Also on the agenda are an Ordinance to prohibit the establishment of cigarette retailers and similar busineses; an Ordinance increasing park land dedication requirements for new residential development; and engineering contracts for the Green Island Road Reconstruction and Widening Project. Staff reports for these items are available here.

The City Council will also meet on Tuesday, January 26th at 6:30 PM to kick-off development of the updated Urban Water Management Plan. This is a critical planning document that addresses long term water supply and uses. 
State of the Union City
 
The American Canyon Chamber of Commerce will host the annual State of the City breakfast on February 4 at the DoubleTree by Hilton.  This important annual event is a great opportunity to hear about the City's accomplishments in 2015 and projects for 2016.  We will talk about water, parks, streets, jails, and more.  Many of your city and county leaders will be there and you will have the chance to ask questions.  Registration is available here.  Cost is $20 per person.
Construction Updates

Kimberly Park Project
The parking lot is looking great.  The contractor is currently laying the base rock and, if the weather cooperates, it will be paved by the end of January.  We do have quite a bit of mud at the site and at some point these "duck ponds" will be replaced with sports fields.  We need the rain but it certainly slows down construction projects.
Kimberly Park Improvement Project
Kimberly Park Improvement Project


14-inch Water Main Replacement Project
The project to replace the water main along Highway 29 continues to make progress. 6,000 linear feet is completely connected and water started running through it this week.  1,000 feet to go!  
Water Efficient Median Work Continues
The work to reduce water consumption in LLAD Zone 2 in Vintage Ranch continues.  Over the holiday break our contractor made good progress replacing turf in the median on Newell Drive and next week the replanting of water tolerant plans will be complete.  The work along American Canyon Road East is scheduled for January 19th - February 5th.  Slow-down in the cone zone to keep everyone safe!

Flosden Road Resurfaced
The end of the year brought a new smooth surface to the southbound lanes of Flosden Road.  The two day resurfacing project went well and the surface should last for several years.
Flosden Road- During Project
Flosden Road Resurfaced
Drone Use

As of December 21, 2015, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all owners of small unmanned aircraft weighing between .55 and 55 pounds, to register their UAS (unmanned aircraft system) on-line. If the craft weighs more than 55 pounds, you still must register, but can't do it on-line. The registration is good for three years and costs $5. If a person owned their UAS prior to December 21, they have until February 19th to register. All others must register prior to flying.  Once registered, the owner must attach the registration number to the UAS. Failure to register may result in fines up to $250,000 or up to 3 years in jail. Click here for more information on how to register.
Volunteer Opportunities

Donaldson Way Spring Fling
The Donaldson Way PTA will once again be hosting their annual Open House & Spring Fling on May 18th.  This is a community event to celebrate spring and raise funds for programs at Donaldson Way Elementary School.  There will be games & prizes, a DJ, a bevy of multicultural food as well as performances by our students and other local community groups. Also, look for a wine raffle, a premium/micro beer raffle, and a cake decorating contest for our bake sale. The PTA is looking for gift basket donations as well as sponsors for this special event.  If you can help, please contact PTA President Rich Peterson at (707) 853-0797.  

ACHS Logo
High School Volunteering
The Wolf Pack invites you to get actively involved in their school. Please contact Principal Damon Wright if you would be willing to share your expertise with American Canyon High School students or help judge student presentations. Click here for more info. 


Canyon Oaks Participating in The Great Kindness Challenge
Canyon Oaks Elementary School will be participating in The Great Kindness Challenge to become Kindness Certified. The Great Kindness Challenge is a positive and proactive bully-prevention initiative for grades pre-K through 12. Their first project is the Kind Coins for Kenya campaign. Coin donations will be accepted in the school office to support the students' challenge during the week of January 25-29. 


Welcome Center Volunteer Workshop
The American Canyon Welcome Center will be holding free informational workshops for anyone interested in volunteering to help welcome visitors to our city. Click here for more information.
Sales Tax Update


View the quarterly sales tax report for the second quarter of 2015 here .
Parks & Recreation News

Needs Assessment Plan Final Report

We are happy to announce that the Parks and Recreation Department Needs Assessment final report has been completed and is posted online for review.  After collecting and analyzing the data from resident surveys, we have been able to get a detailed look at the needs of American Canyon residents, to give us areas to focus on for the future.  Please click here and take some time to review the report, which will be going to City Council for discussion soon.  We appreciate everyone who participated and look forward to the next steps in the process.  A quick snapshot at programming and facility priorities is below (click here to visit our webpage for more info).

Click here to view our Fall/Winter Activities Guide with all the classes and events happening in September 2015 through March 2016.

Upcoming Activities:

Group Swim Lessons
Ages 6 months - 12 years (various skill levels)
Tues/Thurs Session
Feb 2nd - 25th
Res: $40/session
Non: $50/session
Phillip West Aquatic Center
Registration Deadline 2/1/16		Kidz Love Soccer
Ages 2-10
Sundays (Time varies by ages)
Jan 24th - Mar 13th
Res: $102/session
Non: $107/session
Community Center Gym		Senior Trip - Graton Casino
18+
Friday, Jan 22nd
9 AM - 4 PM
$20 (transportation only)



For more information contact us at: (707) 648-7275

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