Public Works Director Clint Quilter reported on Friday’s
state-governed regional water board meeting in Salinas. The city
was on the agenda, as the board was set to hear a report on
Hollister’s progress with wastewater issues during the past year.
But the city, being last on the board’s agenda, did not reach the
podium until about 6 p.m.
No report was given, while the board did compliment Hollister
for keeping up with its construction milestones, according to
officials in attendance.
Public Works Director Clint Quilter reported on Friday’s state-governed regional water board meeting in Salinas. The city was on the agenda, as the board was set to hear a report on Hollister’s progress with wastewater issues during the past year. But the city, being last on the board’s agenda, did not reach the podium until about 6 p.m.
No report was given, while the board did compliment Hollister for keeping up with its construction milestones, according to officials in attendance.
Following the city’s 15-million gallon sewer spill in May 2002, the same water board issued a cease-and-desist order halting issuance of construction permits until October 2005. As part of the board’s penalties, the city was mandated to stay on schedule with a slate of planned sewer system improvements, as well as construction of a new wastewater plant.
“They also indicated they remain very serious about city’s wastewater issues,” City Manager Dale Shaddox said. “It was a clear signal to us: We will continue to be scrutinized.”
“They told us to keep up the good work, or else,” Quilter said.
– The Council authorized the city to request bids for construction of Fire Station 2, which, under current plans, will be located at the corner of Union Road and just east of Airline Highway. Construction was projected to cost $2.65 million, which will come from the Redevelopment Agency and Fire Impact funds.
Hollister officials are currently in negotiations with the landowner of the plot, Richard Hall, who disagrees with the city’s appraisal for the property of $730,000. The project will go out to bid for 60 days, and afterward the city has 48 days to decide whether to award a contract.
– The Council reviewed possible plans for a long-awaited RDA program to paint and refurbish the appearance of many downtown businesses. The RDA has already allocated $100,000 to the project for the 2003-04 budget.
Businesses must apply for an array of potential improvements that include storefront enhancement, better signs and paint jobs. Applications will be available Oct. 1.
– The Council terminated contracts related to the $15 million Civic Center project, which has been postponed because of the city’s budget constraints. Designs for the project had been 60 percent complete. The two firms were construction manager Harris and Associates and architect Christina Perez. Overall, the city has spent more than $2 million in contractual agreements on the project, according to city engineer Luis Aguilar.
– The Council voted 4-1 to oppose Proposition 54, which, if passed at the next election in October or March, would disallow government agencies from classifying individuals by race, ethnicity, color or national origin for reasons related to public education, public contracting or public employment.
The proposition would reportedly restrict enforcement of anti-discrimination laws, according to a Council report.
Councilman Tony Bruscia voted no on the resolution, while Council members Pauline Valdivia, Robert Scattini, Tony LoBue and Mayor Brian Conroy voted yes.
