February 26, 2016
 
 
I am so excited...it's time to start working on the annual city budget for next year!  Yes, I am a total budget wonk, and unapologetic about it.  The 2016/2017 budget will represent the 26th annual budget in my career (yes, I actually counted them.  Call me a geek).  After the last six years of program cuts, employee furloughs, then fighting our way back to a more stable fiscal condition, we look forward to a more "normal" budget for the next few years.  However, the word "sustainable" certainly comes to mind; we must be prudent and be sure commitments we make today can be kept tomorrow.  

What's in the city budget?  Lots of things:  street maintenance, water supply and distribution, wastewater treatment, park maintenance, recreation programs, building inspection, law enforcement, and many other functions and services necessary to make it all happen.  Want to learn more?  Join us at the City Council meeting next Tuesday evening.  I'll even provide the slide rulers. 
On the Agenda...

Our next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Tuesday, March 1st at 6:30 PM.  See the full agenda here.  In addition to their regular business the City Council will be hearing a presentation by the Police Department highlighting their Annual Report for 2015.  Additionally, the Council will learn about the water supply assessment for the proposed Watson Ranch development.  Once approved by the City Council, the Water Supply Assessment report will become part of the Draft Environmental Impact Report scheduled to begin public review in April.  

Since our Last Update...

The City Council has met twice since our last Friday Update.  At their February 16th meeting the City Council approved the Canyon Estates Subdivision Map creating 35 lots for custom homes next to Vintage Ranch.  The Council also learned about the findings from the Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment conducted in 2015.  The report provides data and information to inform long term planning and will help this year with goal setting and budgeting. You can watch the video of the February 16th meeting here.

The City Council also held a workshop on February 23rd to review and receive input about the Broadway Corridor Specific Plan.  You can watch the video of the February 23rd meeting here.
Napa Junction III

Construction of Napa Junction III is in full swing.   Located north of WalMart at the intersection of Highway 29 and Napa Junction Road, the portions currently under construction include a retail center with three tenants, three of eight Canyon Ridge Apartment buildings and their Clubhouse.   The first occupancy is anticipated this summer or early fall. 
 
The new retail building will be home to a Dunkin Donuts, a Quickly Tea shop, and a yet-to-be named tenant.  The Dunkin Donuts store will have drive-thru service.  A free standing Tractor Supply store will be under construction soon and a drive-thru Taco Bell store is expected to be under construction following design permit approval.


What's next?  The retail center has room for two additional retail buildings.  One building will be located next to Highway 29, north of Napa Junction Road.  A second building will be located east of Tractor Supply.  A tenant or building design has not yet been decided for either building at this time.  Construction of Napa Junction III will bring widening and pavement improvements to Napa Junction Road, and a new recycled water pipeline that will serve this site and the rest of the Napa Junction shopping center landscape.  


Napa Junction III - Zero Water Footprint

Here's another picture of the apartments now under construction at Napa Junction phase III.  Note the pipes laying in front.  There are four different colors of pipe:  purple for recycled water, blue for potable water, green for wastewater and gray for storm drain.  Our policy not only requires developers of new projects to maximize the use of recycled water, but also to completely offset their demand for new potable water by reducing demand for potable water elsewhere in the city.
 
At Napa Junction III, the developer found several creative solutions to use recycled water. Canyon Ridge Apartments will be double-plumbed so the water coming out of the faucets is potable water but the water used in the residential toilets will be recycled water.  The developer will also be installing recycled water mains along Highway 29 from the existing recycled water line on the west side of the highway to the new construction sites and replace the potable water now used to irrigate Main Street Park. Napa Junction phase III will not increase our demands for potable water citywide.
 

Citizens Advisory Committee 
The Napa Valley Transportation Authority (NVTA) is creating a permanent Citizen Advisory Committee to focus on all issues related to all modes of transportation - automobiles, transit, biking and walking. The committee will help find creative solutions to the Valley's growing traffic congestion issues.  

Our City Council will select a member to represent American Canyon's interests.  Other representatives for the 19 member committee will come from each City, the wine industry, non-profits and underrepresented groups.  More information or to apply please check here.

Looking for Special Gardens

Is your garden inspiring and beautiful?  Does it include any bay-friendly qualities such as water wise plants and irrigation, rainwater harvesting, permeable walkways, lawn alternatives, creative use of natural and found materials, and more?

The Napa Valley Resource Conservation District and the Master Gardeners are putting together 12 gardens in American Canyon and Napa to showcase at their annual Bay-Friendly Garden Tour scheduled for Sunday, May 22nd.  To submit your garden for consideration, please visit their website.
Help with Taxes

The American Canyon Family Resource Center can help you prepare your taxes - for free!  If your 2015 household income was $54,000 or less, check it out here for English or here for Spanish.


A Real Restroom at Kimberly Park

Construction progress at Kimberly Park is impressive!  


This week a REAL restroom was delivered and installed at the park.  The pre-fabricated restroom comes in two pieces and is made almost entirely out of concrete.  The half hanging from this crane weighs 20 tons!  The restroom is definitely built to last! 

Construction is scheduled to be completed in mid-April but remember, the park will not be open to the public until the beginning of August to allow the turf a chance to grow in and be ready for soccer season. 
Can I Come to Your House?

I'm Sneaker.  I'd really love to have a nice cozy bed, a warm loving home, maybe a window perch to check out the world around me and a peaceful quiet atmosphere. I am a calming presence and don't require lots of attention, just some scratches behind the ears and kind words. Life is sweet! I may prefer to be an only kitty. Come visit me, and my friends, at the shelter at 942 Hartle Ct. in Napa, Monday - Saturdays 11:00 AM to 4:45 PM. Ask for me, Sneaker, #22557.  Learn more HERE.

Want to volunteer at the Shelter?

The next orientation for volunteers is Saturday March 5, 2016. If you are interested, read the volunteer manual and submit a volunteer application no later than Thursday March 3, 2016. Contact the shelter at 707-253-4382 for more information.

Support our Local Middle School on March 11th

It's time for the 3rd annual Casino Night Fundraiser at American Canyon Middle School.  This year sounds bigger and better than ever with silent auction prizes including Bottlerock tickets, Disneyland Park Hopper Passes and much more. Tickets are $30 per person or $50 for two people and include dinner and gaming chips.  For more information contact Blanca by email or call 363-1631.

Community Wide Yard Sale - Save the Date

Our annual community wide yard sale will be here before we know it!  This year Yard Sale Weekend in American Canyon will be June 3, 4 & 5.  This popular event just keeps growing - last year almost 100 sales were held in town and the City sponsored our first clean up event on Sunday to help recycle your items that didn't sell.  Forms will be available on our website soon. Sign up for FREE to participate 1,2 or all 3 days and we'll do the advertising.  For more information contact please email or call Deanna at 647-5305.  
Parks & Recreation News

Upcoming Events:

Spring is in the Air - City of American Canyon Spring Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 26th - 9:00 AM to  2:00 PM
Community Park II - 20 Benton Way

Have fun at our new and improved spring celebration!  Kick off the day with Colors of the Wind, fly high at Kite Corner, and take a stroll down Lady bug Lane.  You won't want to miss Toddler Town, jumpers, performances, and of course, the egg hunts with a visit from the Easter Bunny!

17th Annual Community Recognition Ball
Saturday, April 16th - 5:30 - 10:00 PM
Community Center Gym - 100 Benton Way

Help us celebrate American Canyon volunteers at our annual Recognition Ball.  We're currently accepting nomination forms for Certificates of Appreciation, Organizational Awards, Business of the Year, Youth of the Year and the prestigious Gateway Award.  Please submit your nominations by March 11th.  Tickets for the event are $35 per person (includes dinner), and are on sale now through Friday, April 8th.  See here for more information and for nomination forms.

Summer Activities Guide now Viewable Online!

You can view our new guide and get an early start planning your spring and summer activities, April - August.  Kids can explore with us at our Canyon Kids Adventures summer day camp and on our new Middle School outings.  Don't worry, we haven't forgotten about our active adults and are now offering new Adult Sports Leagues and other fitness classes!


Upcoming Activities:

ClassAges/Grades
Activity Date/Time
Cost
Location

Adult & Teen
Swim Lessons


13 & up

Saturdays - 3/12/16 - 4/30/16
11:15 AM
Resident:
$40/session
Non-Resident:
$50/session

Phillip West
Aquatic Center

Parent &
Pollywog


6 mo - 2

Saturdays - 3/12/16 - 4/30/16
11:15 AM

Resident:
$40/session
Non-Resident:
$50/session

Phillip West
Aquatic Center

Swim Lessons

Preschool 3-4

School Age 5-12


Saturdays - 3/12/16 - 4/30/16
11:45 AM or 12:15 PM
Resident:
$40/session
Non-Resident:
$50/session

Phillip West
Aquatic Center

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